Defacing the Image of God in the Human Race
All Clues Point to Rome ‑ Part 1
All Clues Point to Rome ‑ Part 2
Page 2: An Enigma Among the Remnant
Page 3: To the Law and to the Testimony
Principle 1: The Ten Commandments
Principle 2: The Firm Foundation Of Our Faith
Principle 4: The Origin of a Doctrine
Page 9: Words Of The Adventist Pioneers
Page 10: Pinpointing the Omega: Part 1
Page 11: Pinpointing the Omega: Part 2
Page 12: Epilogue
Page 6
Before we get into a study of the Seventh‑day Adventist foundational beliefs, I think it would be well for us to first understand how we came to believe what we do. In Ellen White's own words in Selected Messages, Book 1, pg. 206.4-208.2 (1904), she summarizes how the foundational doctrines of our church were established.
(Note: Because I will be referring to the following five paragraphs throughout this page, I have labeled them SM1-1 through SM1-5.)
SM1-1: 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 [Hiram] 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.
SM1-2: 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.
SM1-3: 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, [SEE NOTE ON PAGE 206.] 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.
SM1-4: What influence is it that would lead men at this stage of our history [1904] to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the foundation of our faith—the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the command, "Meet it!"...
SM1-5: ...We are God's commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. 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. (Selected Messages, Book 1, pg. 206.4-208.2, Ellen G. White) (1904)
Keep in mind, the preceding statements were penned in 1904, 60 years after 1844. The above Ellen White statements are critical in understanding how our foundational doctrines were established, and why they can never be changed.
As Mrs. White stated in SM1-1, the Adventist pioneers, (and she listed a few of them), would come together in what they called Bible conferences and spend days and nights searching and praying for truth. When they came to a conclusion on a given subject, or even a dead end, if the topic was important to know and understand, the Lord would usually give Mrs. White a vision to either confirm, reject or explain what they had just studied.
It was through this process that all the major points of our faith were discovered in the Bible. First there would be a thorough study of the Scriptures by the pioneers on a given subject/s, than a revelation from God was usually (but not always) given to Ellen White that either confirmed or rejected their conclusion, and/or an interpretation was given.
In SM1-1 and SM1-2 Mrs. White stated that the foundational doctrines of our church were established in the first two or three years after 1844. Then in SM1-4 (1904) she stated that they had been building upon that foundation for the past fifty years. Whatever Mrs. White considered the foundation of our faith, it is obvious, the foundation was laid within the first few years after 1844.
The whole purpose of the foundation is to support the building. Therefore, the Christian foundation comprises the most important Bible doctrines. In 1904 Mrs. White wrote of building on the foundation for fifty years. Pillars are erected on a foundation, and Mrs. White often wrote of the pillars of our faith. So, the foundation is to be built on, and the pillars are the supporting structure of the building.
It is also important to note that when Mrs. White refers to the "pioneers," she is referring to the men and women of the first few years after 1844 who were directly involved in establishing Seventh‑day Adventist Bible theology.
In SM1-1, she also stated, "A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me." Established truth can never be altered or abrogated. It is critical that you understand this concept because this is exactly what all false doctrines attempt to do.
In the latter few years of the nineteenth century, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg created a major crisis within the Seventh‑day Adventist Church by openly teaching a doctrine that was akin to pantheism. This crisis peaked around the end of 1903 or early 1904. Many church members and leaders got caught up in it and fell away, never to return. In SM1-4, when Mrs. White wrote about the underhanded men trying "to tear down the foundation of our faith—the foundation that was laid at the beginning," she was making reference to this crisis.
In describing the past fifty years of church history, Mrs. White recalled how point by point, truths were sought out by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation given to her by God. The truths that the Seventh‑day Adventist Church teaches would have never come about if one of these three elements had been missing from the equation.
It is important to understand that at the time the foundation was being laid, Mrs. White was not able to comprehend the reasoning of the brethren. For two or three years she comprehended very little of what the pioneers studied and did not understand all the revelations given to her by God.
A good example of this is when the brethren were studying the Bible Sabbath. Mrs. White was given a vision that confirmed the truth of the Sabbath. However, even though she related this vision to the brethren, she did not understand the importance of the Sabbath. She did not understand what difference a day made.
After 1844 the brethren were very skeptical of those claiming to have the gift of prophecy, including Mrs. White. One of the reasons the brethren accepted Mrs. White's visions as coming from God was because she usually did not understand what she was revealing to them. Because of this, the brethren knew that when she gave an explanation of their study, she was not just giving them her opinion. This is also one of the reasons why we can believe what she has written.
I think what is most important to understand about this process is that the pioneers were actually the ones who establish the bulk of the Seventh‑day Adventist theology. Mrs. White definitely played her part in this process. The visions given to her by God were the finial link in the process, and her writings take precedence over the pioneer's. But the pioneers were the ones that actually did the searching to discover the truth.
The reason this is important is because the pioneers have written many details about many Bible topics that will help fill in the voids that Mrs. White did not put on paper. The sanctuary message is a good example. While Mrs. White has written much about this subject, the pioneers have explained some details that Mrs. White has not written about. Peter says...
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)
Because the pre-advent judgment is so entailed, it takes a few hours of study to fully understand it. And when the Inquisition is re-instituted, (and it will be re-instituted) the judgment hour message is going to be high on the list of topics that Seventh‑day Adventists will be dragged into court to give a reason for the hope that is within them. If you don't understand this message, how can you give a reason for your hope? And how many people are willing to die for a message they don't understand?
If you want to know and understand what the pre-advent judgment is all about and the theology to support it, your only safe route is to bypass the contemporary authors and preachers and go directly to the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White and the pioneer's. What was true in their day is still true in ours.
I am not implying that every new revelation since the passing of Ellen White should be rejected. I know there are consecrated men and women at all levels of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church who believe and are teaching the unadulterated truth. However, I also know that every uncouth thing and every wind of false doctrine is now blowing in the Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
Therefore, the new revelations must harmonize with the old, and if you don't know or understand the old, how will you know if the new harmonize or not? When trying to ascertain what our foundational doctrines were, the pioneer writings are a much much safer route than the contemporary. In fact, the contemporary is down right dangerous. It has become a minefield.
The Lord has given insight to many men and women since the passing of Ellen White and you may want to investigate some of their works. Because every wind of doctrine is blowing today, you must thoroughly investigate the Bible, the writings of Ellen White, and the pioneers before venturing into the contemporary.
If you will first use the four eternal principles to determine if a doctrine is true or false, you can eliminate the false right up front; thus, saving yourself the time, trouble and hazard of studying suppositions. On the other hand, if a doctrine proves true, you are safe to thoroughly investigate.
As you can see, I am not encouraging you to venture into the contemporary, especially if you are new in the faith, or are not completely grounded in the truth. But if you believe the Lord is impressing you to venture, to be safe, you must first thoroughly understand what the Bible, Ellen White and the pioneers taught about a subject before venturing into the contemporary.
There is a line of truth extending from 1844 to the time when we shall enter the city of God. The foundation of our faith was laid at the beginning and we have been building upon that foundation for over a hundred fifty years. If any part of that foundation was faulty, our pioneers erected a building that cannot stand. On the other hand, if that foundation was solid, it will stand forever, it cannot be moved.
Because "The Firm Foundation Of Our Faith" is so important to know and understand, I have include quite a few references to this subject. This may seem redundant and possibly overkill, but I have included all of them so that no one can escape the facts.
The word of the Lord has guided our steps since the passing of the time in 1844. We have searched the Scriptures; we have built solidly; and we have not had to tear up our foundations and put in new timbers. There is always safety in presenting a "Thus saith the Lord." We must put our trust in a "Thus saith the Lord" and be well established in the faith. (To A. G. Daniells, Feb. 4, 1907.) (Manuscript Release 2, pg. 186.1, Ellen G. White)
Notice the year this letter was written—approximately 60 years after the foundation was laid. If the foundation was still solid 60 years after the foundation was laid, why have the Adventist leaders, over the past 100 years, been little by little replacing solid timbers with what they call present truth?
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. (Letter 50, 1906, p. 1 To W. W. Simpson, January 30) (Manuscript Release 8, pg. 245.1, Ellen G. White)
But since the General Conference of 1888, Satan has been working with special power through unconsecrated elements to weaken the confidence of God's people in the voice that has been appealing to them for these many years. [The Spirit of Prophecy] If he can succeed in this, then through misapplication of scripture he will lead many to cast away their confidence in the past work under the messages. Thus he would set them adrift, with no solid foundation for their faith, hoping to bring them fully under his power. LET THE ATTENTION OF OUR PEOPLE BE CALLED TO THE SPECIAL WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD AS IT HAS BEEN CONNECTED WITH THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE THREE MESSAGES, AND A BLESSING WILL RESULT TO THE WHOLE BODY. A REVIVAL OF FAITH AND INTEREST IN THE TESTIMONIES OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD WILL LEAD TO THE OBTAINING OF A HEALTHFUL EXPERIENCE IN THE THINGS OF GOD. (1888 - The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, pg. 803.3, Ellen G. White) (1890)
The work of weakening the confidence in the writings of Ellen White through unconsecrated elements is still going on today, only on a much larger scale and more accelerated pace. The Devil is relentless. He never gives up.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)
When the pantheism crisis arose in the Seventh‑day Adventist Church at the turn of the 20 century, had it not been for the counsel of Mrs. White, the church would have either been destroyed, or our doctrines would have been so radically changed that you would not be able to recognize the church as the Seventh‑day Adventist Church today. This is just how critically important Ellen White's counsel was at the beginning of the 20 century.
I cannot over emphasize this—if it wasn't for Ellen White and her testimonies, the Seventh‑day Adventist Church would probably not exist today. Those who reject or down-play the writings of Ellen White are making a fatal mistake.
Following, are some Bible verses about our firm foundation.
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. YE SHALL NOT ADD UNTO THE WORD WHICH I COMMAND YOU, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH AUGHT FROM IT, THAT YE MAY KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD WHICH I COMMAND YOU. (Deuteronomy 4:1-2)
Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: YE SHALL NOT TURN ASIDE TO THE RIGHT HAND OR TO THE LEFT. (Deuteronomy 5:32)
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. ADD THOU NOT UNTO HIS WORDS, LEST HE REPROVE THEE, AND THOU BE FOUND A LIAR. (Proverbs 30:5-6)
Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENSES CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH YE HAVE LEARNED; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED, AND BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, WHICH YE HAVE HEARD, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister. (Colossians 1:21-23)
BEWARE LEST ANY MAN SPOIL YOU THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT, AFTER THE TRADITION OF MEN, AFTER THE RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD, AND NOT AFTER CHRIST. (Colossians 2:8)
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (1 Timothy 6:20)
JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TO DAY, AND FOR EVER. (Hebrews 13:8)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING. (James 1:17)
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. (James 3:12)
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (2 Peter 2:21)
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 1:3)
Why should we contend for the faith?
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (Jude 1:4, 5)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK. (Revelation 22:18-19)
Mrs. White has written numerous statements about how our firm foundation can never be moved. Here are some of them
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. MEN WILL ARISE WITH INTERPRETATIONS OF SCRIPTURE WHICH ARE TO THEM TRUTH, BUT WHICH ARE NOT TRUTH. THE TRUTH FOR THIS TIME GOD HAS GIVEN US AS A FOUNDATION FOR OUR FAITH. HE HIMSELF HAS TAUGHT US WHAT IS TRUTH. ONE WILL ARISE, AND STILL ANOTHER, WITH NEW LIGHT, WHICH CONTRADICTS THE LIGHT THAT GOD HAS GIVEN UNDER THE DEMONSTRATION OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT. A few are still alive who passed through the experience gained in the establishment of this truth. God has graciously spared their lives to repeat, and repeat till the close of their lives, the experience through which they passed even as did John the apostle till the very close of his life. AND THE STANDARD BEARERS WHO HAVE FALLEN IN DEATH ARE TO SPEAK THROUGH THE REPRINTING OF THEIR WRITINGS. I AM INSTRUCTED THAT THUS THEIR VOICES ARE TO BE HEARD. THEY ARE TO BEAR THEIR TESTIMONY AS TO WHAT CONSTITUTES THE TRUTH FOR THIS TIME. (Selected Messages Book 1, pg. 161.1, Ellen G. White)
Mrs. White called this crisis "the alpha of heresies," and said the "omega" would follow. She also indicated that the omega would be greatly intensified above the alpha. Anyone who is familiar with Adventist history and has eyes to see, knows that we are now in the grips of the omega.
Read the last sentence of the previous EGW statement again! Mrs. White stated that what the pioneers taught "constitutes the truth for this time." She made this statement in a pamphlet entitled A Call to the Watchmen (1910), about 60 years after the foundation was laid. Basically what Mrs. White said was that what the pioneers taught in the early years of this movement constitutes present truth ("truth for this time").
If, in 1910, the voices of the standard bearers, (pioneers) were still "present truth," is there any reason to believe that what the pioneers taught then, does not also constitute "present truth" for today's SDAs?
In clear lines truth has been given us. Under the guidance of God, books have been prepared which state clearly the truth for this time. If you will not believe these evidences, neither would you believe if one rose from the dead. (Medical Ministry pg. 96.4, Ellen G. White)
IF WE ARE THE LORD'S APPOINTED MESSENGERS, WE SHALL NOT SPRING UP WITH NEW IDEAS AND THEORIES TO CONTRADICT THE MESSAGE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN THROUGH HIS SERVANTS SINCE 1844. At that time many sought the Lord with heart and soul and voice. The men whom God raised up were diligent searchers of the Scriptures. AND THOSE WHO TODAY CLAIM TO HAVE LIGHT, AND WHO CONTRADICT THE TEACHING OF GOD'S ORDAINED MESSENGERS WHO WERE WORKING UNDER THE HOLY SPIRIT'S GUIDANCE, THOSE WHO GET UP NEW THEORIES WHICH REMOVE THE PILLARS OF OUR FAITH, ARE NOT DOING THE WILL OF GOD, BUT ARE BRINGING IN FALLACIES OF THEIR OWN INVENTION, WHICH, IF RECEIVED, WILL CUT THE CHURCH AWAY FROM THE ANCHORAGE OF TRUTH AND SET THEM DRIFTING, DRIFTING, TO WHERE THEY WILL RECEIVE ANY SOPHISTRIES THAT MAY ARISE. These will be similar to that which Dr. J. H. Kellogg, under Satan's special guidance, has been working for years. (Manuscript Release 760, pg. 14.2, Ellen G. White) (1905)
I was shown that the truth once published now, will stand, FOR IT IS THE TRUTH FOR THE LAST DAYS; IT WILL LIVE, and less need be said upon it in future. Numberless words need not be put upon paper to justify what speaks for itself and shines in its clearness. TRUTH IS STRAIGHT, PLAIN, CLEAR, AND STANDS OUT BOLDLY IN ITS OWN DEFENSE; but it is not so with error. It is so winding and twisting that it needs a multitude of words to explain it in its crooked form. I saw that all the light they had received in some places had come from the paper; that souls had received the truth in this way, and then talked it to others; and that now in places where there are several, they had been raised up by this silent messenger. It was their only preacher. The cause of truth should not be hindered in its onward progress for want of means. (Early Writings, 96.1, Ellen G. White)
A wealth of moral influence has been brought to us in the last half century. Through his Holy Spirit the voice of God has come to us continually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers in the spirit of prophecy. Repeatedly the word has come, WRITE THE THINGS THAT I HAVE GIVEN YOU TO CONFIRM THE FAITH OF MY PEOPLE IN THE POSITION THEY HAVE TAKEN. TIME AND TRIAL HAVE NOT MADE VOID THE INSTRUCTION GIVEN, BUT THROUGH YEARS OF SUFFERING AND SELF-SACRIFICE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE TRUTH OF THE TESTIMONY GIVEN. THE INSTRUCTION THAT WAS GIVEN IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MESSAGE IS TO BE HELD AS SAFE INSTRUCTION TO FOLLOW IN THESE ITS CLOSING DAYS. Those who are indifferent to this light and instruction must not expect to escape the snares which we have been plainly told will cause the rejecters of light to stumble, and fall, and be snared, and be taken. If we study carefully the second chapter of Hebrews we shall learn how important it is that we hold steadfastly to every principle of truth that has been given. (Review and Herald, July 18, 1907 par. 13, Ellen G. White)
In the proclamation of the messages, every specification of prophecy has been fulfilled. Those who were privileged to act a part in proclaiming these messages have gained an experience which is of the highest value to them; and now when we are amid the perils of these last days, when voices will be heard on every side saying, "Here is Christ," "Here is truth," WHILE THE BURDEN OF MANY IS TO UNSETTLE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH WHICH HAS LED US FROM THE CHURCHES AND FROM THE WORLD TO STAND AS A PECULIAR PEOPLE IN THE WORLD, like John our testimony will be borne: (Selected Messages, Book 2, pg 387.3, Ellen G. White)
Those who have a hold of the truth theoretically, with their finger tips as it were, who have not brought its principles into the inner sanctuary of the soul, but have kept the vital truth in the outer court, WILL SEE NOTHING SACRED IN THE PAST HISTORY OF THIS PEOPLE WHICH HAS MADE THEM WHAT THEY ARE, and has established them as earnest, determined, missionary workers in the world. (Second Selected Messages 388, Ellen G. White)
The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. THEY WILL ACCEPT THAT WHICH PLEASES THEIR IDEAS, AND WILL BEGIN TO MANUFACTURE ANOTHER FOUNDATION THAN THAT WHICH IS LAID. THEY WILL FLATTER THEIR OWN VANITY AND ESTEEM, THINKING THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF REMOVING THE PILLARS OF OUR FAITH, AND REPLACING THEM WITH PILLARS THEY HAVE DEVISED. (Second Selected Messages 389.1, Ellen G. White)
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. (Selected Messages, Book 2, pg. 390.1, Ellen G. White)
I am filled with sorrow because statements made under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and designed by God to be a great blessing to His people, to guard them against the seducing sentiments of Satan, are woven in with spiritualistic views, and are thus made to testify to falsehoods of Satan's own creating. How can I say to our people, Harmonize with those who advocate these wrong sentiments? How can I hold my peace, and say, Unify? God gives me the message, BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DESTROYING THE FAITH OF Seventh‑day ADVENTISTS. There are those to whom I fear to write personally. GOD SAYS, BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THOSE WHO HAVE STEPPED OFF THE PLATFORM OF TRUTH. Those who use my writings, given me by God, to build themselves up in sophistry and deceptive theories, steal that which was given to establish souls in the sanctification of the truth, and use it to testify to theories against which I am bidden to warn our people. BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN THAT SOME WHO HAVE LOST THEIR CONNECTION WITH GOD WILL INTRODUCE, DECLARING THEIR THEORIES TO BE IN HARMONY WITH THAT WHICH SISTER WHITE HAS WRITTEN. (Manuscript Releases, Volume 10, pg. 48.1, Ellen G. White) 1905
Do any of the preceding Bible and Ellen White statements indicate that the truths our early Adventist pioneers established, and were confirmed by the Spirit of the Lord, are subject for removal or alteration?
All the landmark truths that were established prior to 1915 are off limits for alterations. And all the landmark rejections are also off limits for reversal.
To accept and promote doctrine that alters, reverses or negates the Seventh‑day Adventist Church's foundation is deadly error. It is in direct opposition to the above Bible and Ellen White testimonies. If the foundation modifiers have the right to alter just one foundational doctrine, why do they not have the rignt to modify all? If they have this right, we do not have a foundation!
If the new doctrines that have altered and/or negated the old are true, only confusion and uncertainly are in store for the Seventh‑day Adventist people. But, isn't this exactly what is happening to day?
Unity is desperately needed in the Seventh‑day Adventist Church, but we cannot unite with those who have stepped off the platform of eternal truth and are attempting to rebuild it with rotten timber.
If there are any more Bible truths God wants His people to uncover, He may give us new light upon the subject. But he is not going to rip out part of the eternal platform of truth and replace it with something that is completely opposite to what He previously built. If He did, this would be an open admission that He was wrong in what He formerly built. This being true, the landmark doctrines that the General Conference leaders and university theologians have changed, and are changing, are deadly heresies.
In effect, what the modifiers are saying with their changes is that Ellen White and the pioneers were wrong. If Ellen White's visions and dreams were wrong, she was a false prophet. If she was a false prophet, the pioneers were wrong in believing her. Therefore, none of the founders of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church can be trusted, and we need to distance ourselves from the Adventist Church as far as we can.
So which is it? Was Ellen White and the pioneers wrong, or are today's so-called theologians?
We must be decided on this subject; for the points that he [Elder G.] is trying to prove by Scripture, are not sound. They do not prove that the past experience of God's people was a fallacy. We had the truth; we were directed by the angels of God. It was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that the presentation of the sanctuary question was given. It is eloquence for every one to keep silent in regard to the features of our faith in which they acted no part. GOD NEVER CONTRADICTS HIMSELF. Scripture proofs are misapplied if forced to testify to that which is not true. Another and still another will arise and bring in supposedly great light, and make their assertions. BUT WE STAND BY THE OLD LANDMARKS. [1 John 1:1-10 quoted.] (Selected Messages, Book 1, pg. 161.4, Ellen G. White)
I have not been able to sleep since half past one o'clock. I was bearing to Brother T a message which the Lord had given me for him. The peculiar views he holds are a mixture of truth and error. If he had passed through the experiences of God's people as He has led them for the past forty years, he would be better prepared to make the correct application of Scripture. THE GREAT WAYMARKS OF TRUTH, SHOWING US OUR BEARINGS IN PROPHETIC HISTORY, ARE TO BE CAREFULLY GUARDED, LEST THEY BE TORN DOWN, AND REPLACED WITH THEORIES THAT WOULD BRING CONFUSION RATHER THAN GENUINE LIGHT. I have been cited to the very erroneous theories that have been presented over and over again. Those who advocated these theories presented Scripture quotations, but they misapplied and misinterpreted them. The theories supposed to be correct were incorrect, and yet many thought them the very theories to be brought before the people. The prophecies of Daniel and John are to be diligently studied. (Selected Messages, Book 2, pg. 101.2, Ellen G. White)
The burden of the warning now to come to the people of God, nigh and afar off, is the third angel's message. AND THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND THIS MESSAGE WILL NOT BE LED BY THE LORD TO MAKE AN APPLICATION OF THE WORD THAT WILL UNDERMINE THE FOUNDATION AND REMOVE THE PILLARS OF THE FAITH THAT HAS MADE Seventh‑day ADVENTISTS WHAT THEY ARE TODAY. THE TRUTHS THAT HAVE BEEN UNFOLDING IN THEIR ORDER, AS WE HAVE ADVANCED ALONG THE LINE OF PROPHECY REVEALED IN THE WORD OF GOD, ARE TRUTH, SACRED, ETERNAL TRUTH TODAY. Those who passed over the ground step by step in the past history of our experience, seeing the chain of truth in the prophecies, were prepared to accept and obey every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, digging for the truth as for hidden treasures, and the Holy Spirit, we know, was teaching and guiding us. Many theories were advanced, bearing a semblance of truth, but so mingled with misinterpreted and misapplied scriptures, that they led to dangerous errors. Very well do we know how every point of truth was established, and the seal set upon it by the Holy Spirit of God. And all the time voices were heard, "Here is the truth," "I have the truth; follow me." But the warnings came, "Go not ye after them. I have not sent them, but they ran. (See Jeremiah 23:21.) (Selected Messages, Book 2, pg. 103.1, Ellen G. White)
The leadings of the Lord were marked, and most wonderful were His revelations of what is truth. Point after point was established by the Lord God of heaven. THAT WHICH WAS TRUTH THEN, IS TRUTH TODAY. But the voices do not cease to be heard—"This is truth. I have new light." But these new lights in prophetic lines are manifest in misapplying the Word and setting the people of God adrift without an anchor to hold them. If the student of the Word would take the truths which God has revealed in the leadings of His people, and appropriate these truths, digest them, and bring them into their practical life, they would then be living channels of light. But those who have set themselves to study out new theories, have a mixture of truth and error combined, and after trying to make these things prominent, have demonstrated that they have not kindled their taper from the divine altar, and it has gone out in darkness. (Selected Messages, Book 2, pg. 104.1, (1906) Ellen G. White)
If there is any one statement we need to take note of it is "THAT WHICH WAS TRUTH THEN, IS TRUTH TODAY." This statement clearly crushes any philosophy that is attempting to alter any of our foundational doctrines. This statement is paramount—it is absolute.
THE GREAT APOSTASY, WHICH IS DEVELOPING AND INCREASING AND WAXING STRONGER, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL THE LORD SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT. WE ARE TO HOLD FAST THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF OUR DENOMINATED FAITH, AND GO FORWARD FROM STRENGTH TO INCREASED FAITH. 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. We need now larger breadth, and deeper, more earnest, unwavering faith in the leadings of the Holy Spirit. If we needed the manifest proof of the Holy Spirit's power to confirm truth in the beginning, after the passing of the time, we need today all the evidence in the confirmation of the truth, when souls are departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There must not be any languishing of soul now. (The Upward Look, pg. 352.2, (1905) Ellen G. White)
Just a side note: In the above paragraph Mrs. White stated an apostasy was developing, increasing and waxing stronger in her day. Notice, she did not say it would diminish or go away in the coming years. To the contrary, she said it would continue to increase until the coming of the Lord. This prophecy has been fulfilled as described.
In 1900 Mrs. White said that not one in 20 (95%) Seventh‑day Adventists were ready to meet the Lord. (paraphrased) Think on this; if the church has been steadily deteriorating since 1905 what are the odds today?
THERE IS TO BE NO CHANGE IN THE GENERAL FEATURES OF OUR WORK. It is to stand as clear and distinct as prophecy has made it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world, supposing that by so doing we could accomplish more. If any stand in the way, to hinder the advancement of the work in the lines that God has appointed, they will displease God. 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, Volume 6, pg. 17.2, Ellen G. White)
The word of God covers a period of history reaching from the creation to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. Yea, more; it carries the mind forward to the future life, and opens before it the glories of paradise restored. THROUGH ALL THESE CENTURIES THE TRUTH OF GOD HAS REMAINED THE SAME. THAT WHICH WAS TRUTH IN THE BEGINNING IS TRUTH NOW. Although new and important truths appropriate for succeeding generations have been opened to the understanding, THE PRESENT REVEALINGS DO NOT CONTRADICT THOSE OF THE PAST. EVERY NEW TRUTH UNDERSTOOD ONLY MAKES MORE SIGNIFICANT THE OLD. (The Advent Review and Herald, March 2, 1886 par. 6, Ellen G. White)
The above paragraph clearly condemns the modifications our leaders have made to our foundational and landmark doctrines!
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 HAD NOT LESSENED THEIR VALUE. (Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 51) (1904) (Counsels to Writers and Editors, pg. 52.2, Ellen G. White)
We are not to throw our arms about the men who are Satan's masterpieces for working out his will, as were the opposers on the campground at Adelaide. Truth is to be proclaimed in warnings that will make hearts tremble in contrition before God. The sharp, clean-cut testimony must be borne... MAKE NO COMPROMISE WITH THOSE WHO HAVE APOSTATIZED, but treat them kindly, giving no occasion for your good to be evil spoken of. (Manuscript Release 9, pg. 363, Ellen G. White)
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. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it. (Early Writings, pg. 258.3, Ellen G. White) (1858)
Our pioneers discovered that the scriptures do not teach the immortality of the soul, eternal torment in hell fire, Sunday sacredness, sprinkling as a mode of baptism, the trinity and many other fables. And the Holy Spirit confirmed these to be unscriptural through Ellen White. Therefore, all became landmark rejections of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
THE LORD WOULD HAVE US AT THIS TIME BRING IN THE TESTIMONY WRITTEN BY THOSE WHO ARE NOW DEAD, TO SPEAK IN BEHALF OF HEAVENLY THINGS. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS GIVEN INSTRUCTION FOR US IN THESE LAST DAYS. WE ARE TO REPEAT THE TESTIMONIES THAT GOD HAS GIVEN HIS PEOPLE, THE TESTIMONIES THAT PRESENT CLEAR CONCEPTIONS OF THE TRUTHS OF THE SANCTUARY AND THAT SHOW THE RELATION OF CHRIST TO THE TRUTHS OF THE SANCTUARY SO CLEARLY BROUGHT TO VIEW. (Manuscript Release 760, pg. 14.1, Ellen G. White)
I KNOW FROM THE LIGHT THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME THAT THERE SHOULD BE A REVIVAL OF THE MESSAGES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN THE PAST, BECAUSE MEN WILL SEEK TO BRING IN NEW THEORIES AND WILL TRY TO PROVE THAT THESE THEORIES ARE SCRIPTURAL, WHEREAS THEY ARE ERROR WHICH IF ALLOWED A PLACE WILL UNDERMINE FAITH IN THE TRUTH. WE ARE NOT TO ACCEPT THESE SUPPOSITIONS AND PASS THEM ALONG AS TRUTH. NO, NO. WE MUST NOT MOVE FROM THE PLATFORM OF TRUTH ON WHICH WE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED. (Manuscript Release 760, pg. 31.2, Ellen G. White)
(Note: Manuscript Release 760 consists of a group of Ellen G. White statements made in 1905, 1906, and 1907 regarding Elder A. F. Ballenger's false teachings about the sanctuary.)
Our people need to understand the reasons of our faith and our past experiences. How sad it is that so many of them apparently place unlimited confidence in men who present theories tending to uproot our past experiences and to remove the old landmarks! Those who can so easily be led by a false spirit show that they have been following the wrong captain for some time—so long that they do not discern that they are departing from the faith, or that they are not building upon the true foundation. We need to urge all to put on their spiritual eyeglasses, to have their eyes anointed that they may see clearly and discern the true pillars of the faith. Then they will know that "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2 Tim. 2:19). WE NEED TO REVIVE THE OLD EVIDENCES OF THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. (Selected Messages, Book 2; pg. 25.1, Ellen G. White)
I have had presentations regarding the deceptions that Satan is bringing in at this time. I have been instructed that we should make prominent the testimony of some of the old workers who are now dead. Let them continue to speak through their articles as found in the early numbers of our papers. These articles should now be reprinted, that there may be a living voice from the Lord's witnesses. THE HISTORY OF THE EARLY EXPERIENCES IN THE MESSAGE WILL BE A POWER TO WITHSTAND THE MASTERLY INGENUITY OF SATAN'S DECEPTIONS. This instruction has been repeated recently. I must present before the people the testimonies of Bible truth, and repeat the decided messages given years ago. I desire that my sermons given at camp meetings and in churches may live and do their appointed work. (Counsels to Writers and Editors, pg. 26.1, (1905) Ellen G. White)
Where can we find the writings of the pioneers? With the advent of the computer and Internet, we can find them in many places. Perhaps the best place to start would be The Complete Writings of Ellen G. White on DVD, or at the E. G. White Estate website. They contain many of the pioneer writings. There are also several websites that have republished many of the pioneer writings.
If what the pioneers taught and published was loaded with error, do you believe that during the pantheism crisis in the early twenty century, when every wind of doctrine was blowing in the church, Ellen White would encourage the SDA editors to reprint their articles? Just the opposite. It was because of every wind of doctrine was blowing that she encouraged the editors to reprint their articles. Instead of discarding their writings in our day, when every wind of doctrine is again blowing, their counsel "WILL BE A POWER TO WITHSTAND THE MASTERLY INGENUITY OF SATAN'S DECEPTIONS."
Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. PAST HISTORY WILL BE REPEATED; OLD CONTROVERSIES WILL AROUSE TO NEW LIFE, AND PERIL WILL BESET GOD'S PEOPLE ON EVERY SIDE. Intensity is taking hold of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth... (Maranatha, pg. 30.4, Ellen G. White)
In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. THOSE THINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN WILL BE REPEATED. OLD CONTROVERSIES WILL BE REVIVED, AND NEW THEORIES WILL BE CONTINUALLY ARISING. But God's people, who in their belief and fulfillment of prophecy have acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages, know where they stand. They have an experience that is more precious than fine gold. They are to stand firm as a rock, holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end. (Manuscript Release, Book 1, pg. 47.3, Ellen G. White)
As we have seen, Mrs. White is on record dozens of times stating in different ways that the conclusions our pioneers reached, coupled with the affirmations given to her by God, constitute the foundation and pillars of our faith, and they are to stand forever.
Yes, we should never take the pioneers word as to what the Bible teaches, except when God endorsed what they said and wrote by revealing it to His messenger Ellen White. This was the pattern all the way from shortly after the disappointment in 1844 until Ellen White died in 1915.
The pioneers would thoroughly study a subject and when they had gone as far as they could, God would usually confirm their conclusion, reject it, or give an interpretation through visions given to Ellen White. The doctrines that Mrs. White endorsed became the landmark doctrines of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church, and the ones she rejected were scrapped.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)