Introduction

Paul admonishes us to “look unto Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) The importance of looking to Jesus and knowing God both intellectually and experimentally can never be overestimated. Our Saviour said: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

The true knowledge of God and His character was, to a large degree, covered up during the Dark Ages when the papacy was at its height. God raised up the Reformation to dispel this darkness. At first, the love of the truth permeated the hearts of the reformers. However, gradually the flame of love began to grow dim. Instead of continuing the Reformation which would have resulted in the purification of the church, the Protestants quit protesting! Friendship with the Roman Church, responsible for the blood of martyrs, became acceptable. Compromises were made by the successors of the reformers and the Reformation was checked.

The Advent movement was raised up by God to finish the Reformation that great leaders like John Huss and Martin Luther had begun. Huss, Luther, and others were given great light to share with the world. However, the brightness of all of God’s truths for the last days was too blinding for the darkness of the world during the 15th and 16th century. God’s plan was to continue shedding more light as the spiritual eyes of the people became opened and acclimated. From approximately 1844 to shortly after 1888, God granted special light to His people. However, the light which God in His mercy gave to the Advent people is today accounted as error by the spiritual successors of that movement! Yet, we were counseled, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” (Ellen G. White - Life Sketches, p. 196) The purpose of this work is to review the leading of the Lord in our past history and to biblically examine the foundation of our faith as delivered to the saints.

Without question, the Advent movement is at a crisis point in its history. Let us remember what the servant of the Lord has written: “If God abhors one sin above another, of which His people are guilty, it is doing nothing in case of an emergency. Indifference and neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 281)

God is restoring to Adventists the truths that founded the movement. Only as we accept this firm foundation can the increased light that God’s Word promises (Proverbs 4:18) be given. This light will never contradict old truths, but will make them shine with greater brilliance! In 1888, the beginning of the “loud cry” went forth. Now, over 100 years later, He is giving the beginning of the end of the “loud cry.” We can have a part in giving this message only as we accept it into our hearts.