Seven Threatened TeachingsThe Full Divinity of ChristHis
eternal, total divine nature is able to link us to God and empower us to
obey the divine law. THE DIVINITY OF CHRISTTHE
BIBLE
"In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God." John 1:1. "Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God." -Philippians 2:6. "Christ.
. who is over all, God blessed forever, Amen. "-Romans 9:5. "Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ."- Titus 2: 13. "And
we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding,
that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even
in His son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."-1
John 5:20. "For
unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government
shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
"-Isaiah 9:6. "And
without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest
in the flesh, justified in the Spirit."-1 Timothy 3:16. THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECYJesus
declared, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' In Christ is life,
original, unborrowed, underived. 'He that hath the Son hath life' (1 Jn
5: 12). The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal
life. "-Desire of Ages, 530. " 'In Him (Jesus] was life; and the life was the light of men.' It is not physical life that is here specified, but [immortality], the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the life-giver takes it again. . But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it down of Myself.' He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ."-5 Bible Commentary, 1130 THE
ETERNITY OF CHRIST
THE
BIBLE "But
thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of
Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler
in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting." -Micah 5:2. "In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. "-John 1: 1-2. And
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The
Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. "-Isaiah 9:6. "Who
is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the
power of an endless (Greek: indissoluble) life. "-Hebrews 7: 16. THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY"Christ
is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God . . In speaking of His
pre-existence. . Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He
assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close
fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then
listening had been with God as one brought up with
Him."-Evangelism, 615 (Signs, August 29, 1900). "The
Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union
and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the
covenant. . Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God,
and was God. . Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He
was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. The
Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a
distinct Person, yet one with the Father."-5 Review and Herald. 227
(1 Selected Messages, 247). "The
world was made by Him. 'and without Him was not any thing made that was
made' (Jn 1:3). If Christ made all things, He existed before all things.
The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be
left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He
was with God from all eternity. God over all, blessed forevermore.
"1 Selected Messages, 247. Over
a hundred outstanding Bible-Spirit of Prophecy statements will be found
in our book, The Truth about the Godhead (48 pp.. 8'/2 x11, $3.50 +
$1.50). The
Full Humanity of Christ
His
total, sinless humanity was able to obey God's law and, reaching down to
us, give us an example of obedience. THE BIBLE"For
verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the
seed of Abraham."-Hebrews 2:16. "Wherefore
in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He
might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."-Hebrews
2:17. "And
if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to
the promise." --Galatians 3:29. "Concerning
His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David
according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the
dead." -Romans 1:3-4. "I
Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and
morning star. "-Revelation 22: 16. "And
there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch
shall grow out of his roots." -Isaiah 11:1. "But
when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of
a woman, made under the law." Galatians 4:4. "For
what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God
sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh."-Romans 8:3. "Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself
likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy Him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil." -Hebrews 2:14. "For
we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of
our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin." -Hebrews 4: 15. "And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist. whereof ye have
heard that it should come: and even now already is it in the
world."-1 John 4:3. THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECYWhen
asked to prove the correct view of the nature of Christ from the Spirit
of Prophecy, all you need do is open a Desire of Ages to 49 and 117. It
is all there. Memorize those two numbers. You might add Desire of Ages,
71, 311-312, 363. "The
great work of redemption could be carried out only by the Redeemer
taking the place of fallen Adam . . He would take man's fallen nature.
"-Review. February 24. 1874. "Those
who claim that it was not possible for Christ to 'sin, cannot believe
that He really took upon Himself human nature. -Manuscript 16. 1890. "Though
He had all the strength of passion of humanity, never did He yield to
temptation to do one single act which was not pure and elevating and
ennobling." -In Heavenly Places, 155. "The
soul must purpose the sinful act before passion can dominate over reason
or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is
never an excuse for sin. -5 Testimonies, 177. "We
need not retain one sinful propensity. "-7 Bible Commentary. 943. "Christ
did not make-believe take human nature; He did verily take it. He did in
reality possess human nature. 'As the children are partakers of flesh
and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same.' He was the
Son of Mary; He was of the seed of David according to human descent.
"--5 Bible Commentary. 1130. "Think
of Christ's humiliation. He took upon Himself fallen, suffering human
nature, degraded and defiled by sin. He took our sorrows, bearing our
grief and shame. He endured all the temptations wherewith man Is beset.
He united humanity with divinity: a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of
flesh."-4 Bible Commentary, 1147. "Christ
rendered obedience to God, and overcame as humanity must overcome. We
are led to make wrong conclusions because of erroneous views of the
nature of our Lord. To attribute to His nature a power that it is not
possible for man to have in his conflicts with Satan, is to destroy the
obedience that is required of man. "Man
cannot overcome Satan's temptations except as divine power works through
humanity. The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what God in
His own divine person could do, but what He could do through humanity.
Through faith man is to be a partaker of the divine nature, and to
overcome every temptation where with he is beset. . "We
are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve Him as
those who have been redeemed by the Son of God. Through the
righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, as if we had
never sinned. "-Signs. April 10, 1893. "The
Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but
what a man could do, through faith in God's power to help in every
emergency. -3 Selected Messages, 140. NEW
BOOK! Excellent in-depth coverage: the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy, and
history of our denominational changeover, The Nature of Christ (84 pp.,
81/2 x11, $7.00 + $1.50). The
Full Divinity of the Holy Spirit
The
Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead; He has existed forever,
and is equal in divinity to the other two Persons of the Godhead. THE BIBLEFirst,
He has the attributes of divinity: He is Omniscient (1 Cor 2:10-12; 1
Cor 2:10; Rom 11:33). He is Omnipotent (Job 33:4; Genesis 1:2). He is
Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; In 14: 17). He is Eternal (Hebrews 9:14).
He is Holy (Matt 12:32). He is Love (Gal 5:22). He is Truth (In 14:17;
15:26). Second,
He does the works of divinity: The Creation (Gen 1:2; Ps 104:30; Job
26:13). The Birth of Christ (Matt 1:20). The Inspiration of God's Word
(2 Peter 1:21). The New Birth (Titus 3:5; In 3:6). Intercession (Rom
8:26) Ministry (John 14:16). THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECYThe
Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is His representative.
"-Messages to Young People, 55. We
need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is
a person, is walking through these grounds." -Manuscript 66, 1899
(Evangelism, 616). The
Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that
we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with
it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are
children of God. . The
Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our
spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must
also be a Divine Person, else He could not search out the secrets which
lie hidden in the mind of God. 'For what man knoweth the things of a
man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God
knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. -Manuscript 20, 1906
(Evangelism, 616-61 7). Those
who reject the Spirit of truth place themselves under the control of a
spirit that is opposed to the Word and work of God. For a time they may
continue to teach some phases of the truth, but their refusal to
accept all the light God sends will after a time place them where they
will do the work of a false watchman. . There will always be those who
are seeking for something new and who stretch and strain the Word of God
to make it support their ideas and theories." -Sermons and Talks,
Vol. I, 385, 387 (Manuscript 125, September 4, 1907). THE THREE PERSONS OF THE GODHEAD"The
Godhead was Stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of
redemption."-Counsels on Health. 222. The
three powers of the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, are
pledged to be their strength and their efficiency in their new life in
Christ Jesus. "-Australian Union Conference Record, October 7,
1907. We
are to co-operate with the three highest powers in heaven, -the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these powers will work through us,
making us workers together with God. "-Special Testimonies, Series
B. No. 7.51 (Evangelism, 617). When
we have accepted Christ, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit have pledged ourselves to serve God, the Father,
Christ, and the Holy Spirit -the three dignitaries and powers of heaven
pledge themselves that every facility shall be given to us if we carry
out our baptismal vows to "come out from among them, and be . .
separate. . and touch not the unclean thing." 6 Bible Commentary.
1075 (Manuscript 85. 1901). Our
sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
. Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus?
Then cooperate with the three great powers of heaven who are working in
your behalf. "-7 Bible Commentary. 908 (Manuscript 11. 1901). There
are three living Persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these
three great powers-The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit -those who
receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will
co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to
live the new life in Christ. -Special Testimonies, Series B, No.7. 63
(Evangelism, 615). The
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost supply the power that makes him
victorious in every conflict with the prince of darkness."-6
Manuscript Releases, 167 (Letter 200, December 15, 1902). "They
pledge themselves to devote their lives to God's service; and the three
great powers in heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, pledge
Themselves to cooperate with them, to work in and through
them."-6 Manuscript Releases, 166 (Manuscript 118, October 6.
1902). "As
a Christian submits to the solemn rite of baptism, the three highest
powers in the universe, -the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
-place Their approval on this act, pledging Themselves to exert Their
power in his behalf as he strives to honor God."-6 Manuscript
Releases, 26 (Letter 53, January 26. 1904; 4 Signs, 399. August 16.
1905), "Those
who submit to the solemn rite of baptism pledge themselves to devote
their lives to God's service; and the three great powers of heaven, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. pledge themselves to cooperate
with them, to work in and through them."-4 Signs. 282 (March 11.
1903). The
Full Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The
Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, is working to draw us to
God and save us. We should not deny His existence. THE BIBLEFirst,
He exhibits five attributes of a person: He has intellect--The Spirit
searches all things (1 Cor 2: 10). He has knowledge The Holy
Spirit understands the mind of God (1 Cor 2: 11). He has a mind--The
Father knows the mind of the Spirit (Rom 8:27). He has emotions--Grieve
not the Holy Spirit of God" (Eph 4:30). The Holy Spirit is grieved
when we lie (v. 25), are angry (v. 26), steal or are lazy (v. 28), or
speak unkind words (v. 29). He has a will (Acts 16:6). Second,
He does ten things, which a divine Person would do: He testifies--He
will bear witness of Me- (Jn 15:26). He helps--He is the
Comforter" (Jn 14:16). He teaches--He teaches us (In 14:26). He
guides--He guides us in our search for truth (Jn 16:13). He convinces
and convicts--He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
(Jn 16:8). He regenerates (Eze 36:25-27: Titus 3:5). He intercedes (Rom
8:26,34: Heb 7:25). He commands (Acts 13:2). He sends out (Acts 13:4).
He forbids and prohibits (Acts 8:29).. Third,
certain things can be done toward Him, which could not be done if He did
not have a personality; He can be obeyed--In Acts 10, the Lord told
Peter to go to the house of Cornelius. He obeyed the Holy Spirit and
went. He can be resisted--Stephen told the Jews, about to stone him,
that they were -stiff-necked . . always resisting the Holy Spirit"
(Acts 7:51). He can be grieved--The Holy Spirit is grieved when a
person sins (Eph 4:30: cf. lsa 63: 10). He can be blasphemed (Matt
12:32: Mk 3:29-30). He can be lied to (Acts 5:3). Fourth,
He is frequently referred to in the grammatical masculine (John 15:26.
John 16:13-14). THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY"Evil
had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and
resisted by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the
Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of
divine power. Another spirit must be met; for the essence of evil was
working in all ways, and the submission of man to this satanic captivity
was amazing."-Testimonies to Ministers. 392. "The
Holy Spirit unites with the powers of grace that God has provided to
turn souls to Christ. "-5 Review. 341. "The
prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of
God in the Third Person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit."-Special
Testimonies, Series A. No. 10,37 (Evangelism. 617). "By
the Spirit which searches all things, even the deep things of God, have
been revealed precious truths which cannot be described by pen or
voice." Sons and Daughters of God. 34. "The
Holy Spirit was eagerly sought for in the schools of the
prophets."-12 Manuscript Releases. 147 (Manuscript 69. June 19.
1908). "The
time (after Christ's ascension) had now come. The Spirit had been
waiting for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
For ten days the disciples offered their petitions for the outpouring of
the Spirit, and Christ in heaven added His intercession."-6 Bible
Commentary, 1055. "Cumbered
with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore
it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to
His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The
Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and
independent thereof. He [Christ] would represent Himself as present in
all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent."-14 Manuscript
Releases. 23 (Manuscript 5a. 1895; Desire of Ages. 669-670 is similar). "He
(Christ) would intercede for them, and would send them His own
representative, the Holy Spirit, who would attend them in their work.
This representative would not appear in human form, but by faith would
be seen and recognized by all who should believe in Christ."-3
Review. 511 (October 26, 1896). "Christ,
as Mediator, is the great Minister in the work of redemption. The Holy
Spirit is His representative in our world, to execute the divine purpose
of bringing to fallen man power from above, that he may be an overcomer.
-- 7 Bible Commentary, 922. The
Saviour promised that His presence would be always with them. Through
the Holy Spirit He would be even nearer to them than when He walked
visibly among men."-Ministry of Healing. 104. Jesus
had assured them that He would send the Comforter, as an equivalent for
His visible presence." -3 Spirit of Prophecy. 256. "Why
should we not expect the Holy Watcher to come into our
schools?"-Counsels to Teachers, 370. {The Holy Spirit as a Person
walking in our schools: 8T 62. the whole page; CT 68; 417-418.} The Full Inspiration of God's Word
The
Written Word of Godthe Bible and the Spirit of Prophecyis fully
inspired. We who know about the Spirit of Prophecy have a responsibility
to study it, obey it, and defend it. It is equal in in inspiration,
accuracy, and authority with the Bible. "If
you lose confidence in the Testimonies you will drift away from Bible
truth. I have been fearful
that many would take a questioning, doubting position, and in my
distress for your souls I would warn you. How many will heed the
warning? As you now hold the Testimonies, should one be given crossing
your track, correcting your errors, would you feel at perfect liberty to
accept or reject any part or the whole? That which you will be least
inclined to receive is the very part most needed." -5 Testimonies.
98. "It
is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the Testimonies.
Satan knows how to make his attacks. . The gifts are next questioned:
then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given
through vision is disregarded." -5 Testimonies. 672. "Next
follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the
pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures and then
the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once
believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will
not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them
into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in
destruction." --4 Testimonies. 211. "I
was shown that many had so little spirituality that they did not
understand the value of the Testimonies or their real object. They
talked flippantly of the Testimonies given by God for the benefit of His
people, and passed judgment upon them, giving their opinion and
criticizing this and that, when they would better have placed their
hands upon their lips, and prostrated themselves in the dust; for they
could not appreciate the spirit of the Testimonies, because they knew
so little of the Spirit of God." 5 Testimonies. 672-673. "God
sets no man to pronounce judgment on His Word, selecting some things as
inspired and discrediting others as uninspired. The testimonies have
been treated in the same way; but God is not in this." 1 Selected
Messages. 23. "There
are some in -- who have
never fully submitted to reproof. They have taken a course of their
own choosing. They have ever, to a greater or less degree, exerted an
influence against those who have stood up to defend the right and
reprove the wrong. The influence of these persons upon individuals who
come here and who are brought in contact with them . . is very bad. They
fill the minds of these newcomers with questionings and doubts in
regard to the Testimonies of the Spirit of God. They put false constructions
upon the Testimonies." 4 Testimonies, 513-514. "Some
express their views that the testimony of Sister White cannot be
reliable. This is all that many unconsecrated ones want. The testimonies
of reproof have checked their vanity and pride; but if they dared, they
would go to almost any length in fashion and pride. God will give all
such an opportunity to prove themselves and to develop their true
characters." 5 Testimonies. 673. "I
saw that the reason why visions had not been more frequent of late is,
they have not been appreciated by the church. The church have nearly
lost their spirituality and faith, and the reproofs and warnings have
had but little effect upon them. Many of those who have professed faith
in them have not heeded them." 1 Testimonies. 119. "I
have been shown that unbelief in the testimonies of warning.
encouragement, and reproof is shutting away the light from God's
people. Unbelief is closing their eyes so that they are ignorant of
their true condition." 5 Testimonies. 674. "If
you really believe that the voice of God has spoken to you, pointing
out your dangers, do you heed the counsels given? Do you keep these
testimonies of warning fresh in your minds by reading them often with
prayerful hearts? . . You will be held accountable for every one of
these appeals and warnings." 3 Testimonies. 362-363. "There
will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The
workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them,
for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his
deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and
reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded." 1 Selected
Messages. 48 "Satan
is . . constantly pressing in the spurious to lead away from the
truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect
the testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no vision, the
people perish' (Prov 29: 18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different
ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of
God's remnant people in the true testimony." 1 Selected Messages.
48 [see 2 SM 78 for context].
The
Full Acceptance of God's Word
For
Bible tests of the Spirit of Prophecy, see our book, Prophet of the End.
pp. 82-45, as well as the entire book. "In
ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In
these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was
never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He
instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have
them pursue."-4 Testimonies. 147-148. "The
plain, straight testimony must live in the church, or the curse of God
will rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient Israel
because of their sins."-3 Testimonies, 269. "Never
was there greater need of faithful warnings and reproofs. . than at
this very time. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his
time Is short. He is flooding the world with pleasing fables, and the
people of God love to have smooth things spoken to them . . I was shown
that God's people must make more firm, determined efforts to press back
the incoming darkness. The close work of the Spirit of God is needed now
as never before. "-3 Testimonies. 327-328. "My
brethren, beware of the evil heart of unbelief. The Word of God is plain
and close in its restrictions; it interferes with your selfish
indulgence; therefore you do not obey it. The Testimonies of His Spirit
call your attention to the Scriptures, point out your defects of
character, and rebuke your sins; therefore you do not heed them. And
to justify your carnal, ease-loving course you begin to doubt whether
the Testimonies are from God. If you would obey their teachings you
would be assured of their divine origin. Remember, your unbelief does
not affect their truthfulness. If they are from God they will
stand."-5 Testimonies. 234. "There
are some in these last days who will cry: 'Speak unto us smooth things,
prophesy deceits.' But this is not my work. God has set me as a reprover
of His people; and just so surely as He has laid upon me the heavy
burden. He will make those to whom this message is given responsible for
the manner in which they treat it. God will not be trifled with, and
those who despise His work will receive according to their deeds.
"-4 Testimonies. 231-232. "If
God has given me a message to bear to His people, those who would hinder
me in the work and lessen the faith of the people in its truth are not
fighting against the instrument, but against God." 5 Testimonies.
680. "It
is not the instrument whom you slight and insult, but God, who has
spoken to you in these warnings and reproofs. It is hardly possible for
men to offer a greater insult to God than to despise and reject the
instrumentalities that He has appointed to lead them."-5
Testimonies. 680. "One
stood by my side and said: 'God has raised you up and has given you
words to speak to the people and to reach hearts as He has given to no
other one. He has shaped your testimonies to meet cases that are in need
of help. You must be unmoved by scorn, derision, reproach, and censure.
In order to be God's Special instrument . . It is Satan's special object
to prevent this light from coming to the people of God, who so greatly
need it amid the perils of these last days."-2 Testimonies.
607-608. "The
volumes of Spirit of Prophecy should be in every family, and should be
read aloud in the family circle. . The Testimonies contain instruction
which meets the case of all, both parents and children. "-Sons and
Daughters of God. 178. "Parents,
your children are in danger of going contrary to the light given of
heaven, and you should both purchase and read the books, for they will
be a blessing to you and yours. You should lend Spirit of Prophecy to
your neighbors and prevail upon them to buy copies for themselves. .
Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His
people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and
knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings."-4 Testimonies. 391. "We
are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that
contradicts the special points of our faith." -Counsels to Writers
and Editors. 32. "The
track of truth lies close beside the track of error, and both tracks may
seem to be one to minds, which are not worked by the Holy
Spirit."-1 SM 202. "God
is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs and strengthening
their faith, or He is not. This work is of God, or it is not. God does
nothing in partnership with Satan. My work. . bears the stamp of God or
the stamp of the enemy. There is no halfway work in the matter.-5
Testimonies. 671. Dozens
of vital Spirit of Prophecy statements on this subject will be found in
our book, Do not Reject the Spirit of Prophecy (32 pp., 5!/z x 8!/z,
$2.00 + $1.50).
The
Authority of God and His Word
God's
people cannot find success in their personal lives or in their service
for God, until they are fully yielded to His authority and the authority
of His Inspired Writings. THE BIBLEFor
He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
"-Matthew 7:29. "And
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given
unto Me in heaven and on earth. "-Matthew 28: 18. THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY"The
Lord God of heaven ruleth. He alone is above all authority, over all
kings and rulers. "-Temperance, 53. "In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I beseech the people of God to
depend upon the Lord for strength. Beware how you place men where God
should be. We are not safe in taking men as our authority or our guide,
for they will surely disappoint us. Individually, we are to work out our
own salvation with fear and trembling, 'for it is God which worketh in
you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.' We have a high calling
in Christ Jesus; we are carrying forward a vast and holy work, and God
calls upon each one to uplift His standard in the sight of this world
and of the universe of heaven, by the power of the Lord Jehovah, in
whom is 'everlasting strength.' "-Testimonies to Ministers, 386. The
Word of our God shall stand forever.' 'All His commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and
uprightness.' Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 111:7-8. Whatever is built upon the authority
of man will be overthrown; but that which is founded upon the rock of
God's immutable Word' shall stand forever,"-Great Controversy, 288. The
opinions and customs of men are not to be received as of divine
authority, God has revealed in His Word what is the whole duty of man,
and we are not to be swayed from the great standard of righteousness .
. We must not be influenced from the truth as it is in Jesus, because
great and professedly good men urge their ideas above the plain
statements of the Word of God,"-Fundamentals of Education, 128. "But
when the world makes void the law of God, what will be the effect upon
the truly obedient and righteous? Will they be carried away by the
strong current of evil? Because so many rank themselves under the banner
of the prince of darkness, will God's commandment-keeping people
swerve from their allegiance? Never! Not one who is abiding in Christ
will fail or fall. His followers will bow in obedience to a higher
authority than that of any earthly potentate. While the contempt placed
upon God's commandments leads many to suppress the truth and show less
reverence for it, the faithful ones will with greater earnestness hold
aloft its distinguishing truths. We are not left to our own direction.
In all our ways we should acknowledge God, and He will direct our
paths. We should consult His Word with humble hearts, ask His counsel,
and give up our will to His. We can do nothing without God. -2
Selected Messages. 368-369. The
responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed
with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this Word as supreme
authority. We must obey God rather than men, God's Word must be
recognized as above all human legislation. A 'Thus saith the Lord' is
not to be set aside for a 'Thus saith the church' or a 'Thus saith the
state,' The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly
potentates. "-Acts of the Apostles. 69, The
principle we are to uphold at this time is the same that was maintained
by the adherents of the gospel in the great Reformation. When the
princes assembled at the Diet of Spires in 1529, it seemed that the hope
of the world was about to be crushed out. To this assembly was presented
the emperor's decree restricting religious liberty and prohibiting all
further dissemination of the reformed doctrines. Would the princes of
Germany accept the decree? Should the light of the gospel be shut out
from the multitudes that were still in darkness? Mighty issues for the
world were at stake. Those who had accepted the reformed faith met
together, and the unanimous decision was: 'Let us reject the decree. In
matters of conscience the majority has no power.' "The
banner of truth and religious liberty which these Reformers held aloft
has in this last conflict been committed to us. The responsibility for
this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge
of His Word. We are to receive God's Word as supreme authority, We must
accept its truths for ourselves. And we can appreciate these truths only
as we search them out by personal study. Then, as we make God's Word the
guide of our lives, for us is answered the prayer of Christ. . The
acknowledgment of the truth in word and deed is our confession of faith.
Only thus can others know that we believe the Bible. "Those
Reformers whose protest has given us the name Protestant felt that God
had called them to give the gospel to the world, and in doing this they
were ready to sacrifice their possessions, their liberty, and their
lives. Are we in this last conflict of the great controversy as faithful
to our trust as were the early Reformers to theirs? -6 Testimonies.
402-403.
What
is New Light?
We
are told in the Spirit of Prophecy to search for new light. But a
careful examination of the passages reveals several Important facts: 1
- The new light"
will be clearly found in God's Word; it will not be found In the
opinions and theories of men. Test: if the "new light" is not
directly given in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, reject it! 2
- The "new light" will be clearly stated in the Bible, and
especially the Spirit of Prophecy (which states inspired truth in far
greater detail). Test: if the "new light" is not plainly
stated in the Bible, and especially the Spirit of Prophecy, reject it! 3
- The "new light" is not about novel new things and startling
theories; it is generally about how to deepen your personal Christian
experience with God. Test: if the "new light" does not make
you a better person in daily life, it is not important! 4
- The "new light" will not contradict the light already given.
Test: if the "new light" does away with any truths already
given in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, reject it! New
light will not contradict light earlier given us in God's Word "We
are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that
contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass
of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories. This
has been done over and over again during the past fifty years."
-1 Selected Messages. 161. Thank
the Lord for the light we have in God's Word "Upon
us is shining the accumulated light of past ages. The record of Israel's
forgetfulness has been preserved for our enlightenment. In this age God
has set His hand to gather unto Himself a people from every nation,
kindred, and tongue. In the advent movement He has wrought for His
heritage, even as He wrought for the Israelites in leading them from
Egypt."-8 Testimonies. 115. Abundant
light in the Spirit of Prophecy "Abundant
light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my
life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will
go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in
the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have
been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the
people."-1 Selected Messages, 55. Cling
to God's Word "The
time has come when we cannot depend upon the doctrine which comes to our
ears. unless we see that it harmonizes with the Word of God. There are
dangerous heresies that Will be presented as Bible doctrines; and we are
to become acquainted with the Bible so that we may know how to meet
them. "-Evangelism, 590-591. Looking
to men instead of to God's Word
"When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible. he directs men to
other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those
who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power
of God's Holy Spirit. are inviting the control of demons. "-Evangelism.
592. Beware of false teachers "All should become familiar with God's Word; because Satan perverts and misquotes Scripture, and men follow his example by presenting part of God's Word to those whom they wish to lead in false paths, withholding the part which would spoil their plans. All have the privilege of becoming acquainted with a plain 'Thus saith the Lord.' There are false shepherds who will say and do perverse things. Children should be so instructed that they will be familiar with God's Word, and be able to know when part of a Scripture is read and part left unread in order to make a false impression." -Manuscript 153. 1899; Evangelism. 591. Be
careful about what is termed "new light"
"We are to pray for divine enlightenment, but at the same time
we should be careful how we receive everything termed new light. We
must beware lest, under cover of searching for new truth. Satan shall
divert our minds from Christ and the special truths for this time. I
have been shown that it is the device of the enemy to lead minds to
dwell upon some obscure or unimportant point, something that is not
fully revealed or is not essential to our salvation. This is made the
absorbing theme, the 'present truth.' when all their investigations
and suppositions only serve to make matters more obscure than before,
and to confuse the minds of some who ought to be seeking for oneness
through sanctification of the truth."-Letter 7. 1891; 1 Selected
Messages. 159. When
we venture on forbidden ground God
is displeased with us when we go to listen to error, without being
obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those meetings where error is
forced home to the people by the power of the will. He will not keep us.
The angels cease their watchful care over us. "-Early Writings.
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