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A Deep Laid Foundation The disciple Jude writes: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3) “The faith” which Jude refers to is the body of truths we hold concerning our Christian belief. Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8, 9) Both these writers encourage the believer to hold on to the faith. “The faith” is to be distinguished from the phrase “your faith.” “Your faith” refers to the believer’s personal experience: “the trial of your faith.” (1 Peter 1:7) “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” (2 Peter 1:5) Revelation 14:12 states: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” While much attention has been given to the phrase “they that keep the commandments of God,” it should be noted that those who receive the seal of God and avoid the mark of the beast also “keep... the faith of Jesus.” The phrase “the faith of Jesus” serves as an object of the verb “keep.” Thus, the remnant will be those who “earnestly contend for the faith.” (Jude 3) Within Adventism “the faith” includes not only the body of truths that were established early in the apostolic age, but also those special truths the Bible indicates would be revealed in the last days.1 These special truths are known within Adventism as the “three angels’ messages.” The first part of this study will cover the method with which these truths were established and give evidence for the following points concerning the three angels’ messages.
We will briefly note each point. The main doctrines and foundational points of our faith were established through much Bible study and with the aid of divine revelations given to Sister Ellen G. White. Secondly, these main foundational points were established early, by 1850. Thirdly, the Scriptures state: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) The Scriptures also teach that “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18) However, that “shining light” that grows brighter will not darken that which has been established as truth! Fourth, deviation from these truths brings apostasy, which if continued results in a city that was once faithful becoming a “harlot.” (See Isaiah 1:21) Let us begin by noting the method with which the apostolic faith was developed. The apostle Peter states: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:19-21) Peter tells us that “the faith” was revealed through the prophets as they were moved by the “the Holy Ghost,” or as he says in his first epistle, “the Spirit of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:11) Moses had prophesied concerning Christ: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18) The book of Revelation begins: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” (Revelation 1:1) Here we see that God communicates His will through the prophets. “The faith” is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” ( Ephesians 2:20) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11, 12) Doctrinal Development from Bible study and Revelation The beliefs of Christianity were delivered by the prophets, and the special aspects of our faith occurred in a similar manner. Sister White, writing of the development of our faith, stated: Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, “We can do nothing more,” the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me. (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, pp. 56, 57)2 Here we see the dual aspect of Bible study and revelation. The brethren would come together for study and prayer and would sometimes continue through the “entire night.” “Sometimes the sun would rise before they would give up.” (Sermons and Talks, p. 345) When they could go no further in their study, Sister White “would be taken off in vision, and instruction would be given.” (Ibid.) Note that it was not new scriptures, but “a clear explanation of the [Scriptural] passages” they had been studying that was given by revelation. Simply, she was given understanding on how to “rightly divide the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) As she could write later, “In the word of God we have found the truth that substantiates our faith.” (The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, p. 257) Yet, as Ellen White’s grandson Arthur White wrote, “... this is not the full story. The Lord manifested Himself in a manner that made it forever clear that what took place was beyond human manipulation. ” (The Early Years, p. 145) Sister White wrote: During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony with the Word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given. ( Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 207, 1904) In the early days of the message, when our numbers were few, we studied diligently to understand the meaning of many scriptures. At times it seemed as if no explanation could be given. My mind seemed to be locked to an understanding of the Word; but when our brethren who had assembled for study, came to a point where they could go no farther, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon me, and I would be taken off in vision, and be instructed in regard to the relation of scripture to scripture. (Review & Herald, June 14, 1906) Sister White states that during the time that our doctrines were being formulated she could not understand the Scriptures and be of help to the brethren in a normal manner. Her expression was that her “mind was locked.” However, when the brethren could do no more, she would be given an explanation of the meaning of the passages and this was done under such circumstances that it was beyond “human manipulation.” Thus, by both Bible study and revelation, “the faith” was established. Writing also in the Review article she noted: These experiences were repeated over and over and over again. Thus many truths of the third angel’s message were established, point by point. (Ibid.) The following statements point out the Divine help that was given in the establishing of “the faith.” The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. (1 SM, p. 201) This foundation was built by the Master Worker, and will stand storm and tempest. (Ibid., p. 204) We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? (Ibid., p. 205) The principles for which we fought in the early days .... were brought out in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Ibid., p. 206) Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. (Ibid., p. 208) The truths given us after the passing of the time in 1844 are just as certain and unchangeable as when the Lord gave them to us in answer to our urgent prayers. The visions that the Lord has given me are so remarkable that we know that what we have accepted is the truth. This was demonstrated by the Holy Spirit. Light, precious light from God, established the main points of our faith as we hold them today. (1 MR, p. 53 - Letter 50, 1906) We can confidently say, The truth that has come to us through the Holy Spirit’s working is not a lie. The evidences given for the last half century bear the evidence of the Spirit’s power. (The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, p. 257) Ever we are to keep the faith that has been substantiated by the Holy Spirit of God from the earlier events of our experience until the present time. (The Upward Look, p. 352 - Dec. 4, 1905) The precious light revealed to Sister White makes it clear that God was directly involved in helping the early pioneers to have a correct understanding of the major points of our faith. The result of this combination of Bible study and revelation is spoken of in the following language: “The leading points of our faith as we hold them today were firmly established. Point after point was clearly defined, and all the brethren came into harmony.” (3 MR, p. 413 - MS 135, 1903) Major Points Established Early The weight of evidence bears heavily that the main points of our faith were established early. In the early days of the message, when our numbers were few, we studied diligently to understand the meaning of many scriptures. At times it seemed as if no explanation could be given. My mind seemed to be locked to an understanding of the Word; but when our brethren who had assembled for study, came to a point where they could go no farther, and had recourse to earnest prayer, the Spirit of God would rest upon me, and I would be taken off in vision, and be instructed in regard to the relation of scripture to scripture. (Review & Herald, June 14, 1906) Writing later in 1903 she spoke of her mind being opened so that she could understand the Scriptures as an “open book.” For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to the Scriptures. . . . It was some time after my second son was born [July, 1849] that we were in great perplexity regarding certain points of doctrine. I was asking the Lord to unlock my mind, that I might understand His Word. Suddenly I seemed to be enshrouded in clear, beautiful light, and ever since, the Scriptures have been an open book to me. (3 MR, pp. 413, 414 —MS 135, 1903) For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. In the course of our labors, my husband and I visited Father Andrews, [December 1850] who was suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism. We prayed for him. I laid my hands on his head, and said, “Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee whole.” He was healed instantly. He got up, and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, “I never saw it on this wise before. Angels of God are in this room.” The glory of the Lord was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this I have been able to understand the Word of God. (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, pp. 57, 58 - 1904) I know and understand that we are to be established in the faith, in the light of the truth given us in our early experience. At that time one error after another pressed in upon us; ministers and doctors brought in new doctrines. We would search the Scriptures with much prayer, and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds. Sometimes whole nights would be devoted to searching the Scriptures, and earnestly asking God for guidance. Companies of devoted men and women assembled for this purpose. The power of God would come upon me, and I was enabled clearly to define what is truth and what is error. (8 MR - p. 319 — Letter 50, 1906) All these differently dated testimonies portray the same picture. The establishing of the main points of our faith occurred while Sister White’s mind was “locked.” Sister White says she was in this condition “until all the principal points of our faith were made clear.” (Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 207) She testifies that her mind was unlocked sometime after her second son was born which was July, 1849: specifically, by December of 1850, when she visited with Brother Andrews. Therefore, the main points of our faith were established by December of 1850. Thus we received as a people “A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God.” (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 57) The Leading of the Lord This line of truth was light which helped the pioneers “to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood.” (Ibid.) Further, we have been counseled: In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. 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. (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 196) This statement, first penned in 1892, was sent to the General Conference Sessions of 1893 and 1899.3 Later the statement was published in the Review and Herald of October 12, 1905, and in books such as Testimonies to Ministers and Selected Messages, bk. 3. The latter part of this statement deserves emphasis. It has two important points. We must remember first the way “the Lord has led us” and, second, “His teaching in our past history.” The statement, “His teaching in our past history” would refer especially to that time period before December of 1850 when the brethren came together for study and prayer. While we have nothing to fear for the future if we remember our past history, the contraposition would be equally true that if we don’t remember the past we would indeed have much to fear! This is much more than just historical knowledge; it is also a putting into action that system of beliefs. Foundation Points not to be Moved The foundation of a building is the most important feature of its construction. If the foundation is not set level and on a firm surface, the structure will have problems. God knew that in the establishment of the Advent Movement, the foundation was of the utmost importance. If the foundation was correct, then the light would be able to shine “more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18) New light will ever be revealed on the word of God to him who is in living connection with the Sun of Righteousness. Let no one come to the conclusion that there is no more truth to be revealed. The diligent, prayerful seeker for truth will find precious rays of light yet to shine forth from the word of God. Many gems are yet scattered that are to be gathered together to become the property of the remnant people of God. (Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 34 - Original source: The Sabbath School Worker, March 1892) Old truths will grow brighter and new truths will be discovered in God’s Word. Yet those new truths will never contradict the established truths already set. When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. (Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 161 - 1905) Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 59 - 1904) As a people we are to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth that has withstood test and trial. We are to hold to the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. (Ibid., p. 51) 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. And while the Scriptures are God’s word, and are to be respected, the application of them, if such application moves one pillar from the foundation that God has sustained these fifty years, is a great mistake. (Ibid.) No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the world. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 17) I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps,—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.” I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. (Early Writings, pp. 258, 259 - 1858) The Early Writings statement of 1858 carries quotation marks! Sister White is not writing down her impressions or thoughts alone, though they be inspired, but words straight from heaven! New light is to come without contradicting established light! New light will simply build upon the foundation as a carpenter builds upon the foundation that the mason has prepared. The foundation is not changed or altered, yet a more complete building arises. This very principle is explained by Sister White. The Lord has made his people the depositaries of sacred truth. He has set them on an elevated position, above the world. He declares of them: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” And again he says: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Upon every individual who has had the light of present truth devolves the duty of developing that truth on a higher scale than it has hitherto been developed. (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 21, 1897) This statement tells us that it is not some “new truth” in the sense of something totally different that we are to search for, but rather we have the “duty” to develop “that truth” which the Lord has already entrusted to us “on a higher scale than it has hitherto been developed.” God designs that the light from His throne is to shine with purity and clarity. He illustrated this with an object lesson to the children of Israel. God instructed Moses: “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” (Exodus 27:20) Not just any oil would be sufficient in the services of God. This pure olive oil “was prepared from unripe fruit, ‘beaten,’ or pounded in a mortar rather than crushed in a mill. As a result, it was clear and colorless and burned brightly, with little smoke.” (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 644) God desires that His truths shine “more and more unto the perfect day,” not flame as the “hellish torch of Satan.” (Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 409, 410) New light will come from a study of the Scriptures. “When a doctrine is presented that does not meet our minds, we should go to the word of God, seek the Lord in prayer, and give no place for the enemy to come in with suspicion and prejudice.” (Gospel Workers, p. 301) We are counseled that when discussing differences with the brethren, “The only right way would be to sit down as Christians, and investigate the position presented, in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error.” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, June 18, 1889) New light is not to be shunned for there are areas of study that need clarifying today. There are many topics that are not foundational points such as Daniel chapters 11 and 12 that should be fine tuned. However, the foundation which was delivered by study, prayer, and revelation stands sure. Stepping away from the Foundation results in Apostasy Apostasy is defined as “An abandonment of one’s religious faith.” (American Heritage Dictionary) The English word “apostasy,” while not translated as such in the Scriptures, is from the Greek apostasia (apostasia). Apostasia’s literal meaning is “to stand away from.” James told Paul that he had been accused of apostasy in Acts 21:21. There it states: “And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake (apostasia) Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.” Paul himself wrote about apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2:3: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away (apostasia) first.” To leave established truth is to step off the sure platform into the sinking sand of apostasy. The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth.—Manuscript 129, 1905. (Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 390) To “step off the foundation that God has established” is equated to entering into a “new organization.” This is defined as “apostasy from the truth.” In other words, as we move away or defect from the truth we form a “new organization.” Those who stand with the platform of truth that God established stand with the true organization that God established. During the early part of this century the Adventist Church experienced the “alpha of deadly heresies.”(Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 50) This apostasy concerning the nature of God was led by Dr. Kellogg and many of the leading physicians and ministers stood with Kellogg. (Jones, Waggoner, Sutherland, Magan, Paulson, etc.) Sister White had been instructed that she must “Meet it,” referring to the teachings of this movement. Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2 was written to physicians and ministers to help deal with this crisis. In meeting this apostasy she wrote: Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 55) Here we see what our response to apostasy should be: we are to “repudiate everything that is not in harmony” with the truth! We are to reject that which would try to destroy the foundation of our faith! Our next chapter will begin to examine the line of truth God has given us as it “regards Christ, His mission, and His priesthood.” (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 57) This study will highlight these: the nature of Christ before the incarnation, the nature of Christ in the incarnation, and the nature of the final atonement in heaven that Jesus ministers for us. |
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