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Seventh-day Adventism and the Writings of Ellen G. White J. Mark Martin Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 Used by permission. ©Calvary Community Church 1997 all rights reserved 12612 N. Black Canyon Highway Phoenix, AZ 85029 voice 602-973-4768 fax 602-789-7165 Preface This survey of Seventh-day Adventism and the writings of Ellen G. White is written with the sincere hope that it will open the eyes of many to see the true foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventism is the reflection of Ellen White. She shaped it, and with the guidance of her writings, made the church what it is today. My prayer is that this examination of her writings opens doors of hope to many precious souls who love the Truth.
Dedication I am indebted to many who have supported me in this investigation by their prayers and words of encouragement, but in particular to two people who stood by me for over a decade. They encouraged me to press forward in my walk with the Lord and my search for Truth. With thanksgiving and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, I dedicate this book to these faithful soldiers of the Cross: Don and Vesta Muth
Contents
1.adventism—the reflection of ellen g. white An inspired commentary Not of human origin Seventh-day Adventists are uniquely fortunate Doctrinal authority Mrs. White’s writings are unquestionable 2.predictions of ellen g. white Jerusalem’s future She will be alive when Jesus returns England will attack the United States The Civil War is a sign that Jesus is about to return In the 1850's she said Jesus was about to return Adventists living in 1856 will be alive to see Jesus return She saw Enoch on Jupiter or Saturn A scriptural warning 3.Mrs. White contradicts the bible The Tower of Babel was built before the Flood God sent an angel to converse with Cain We should never say we are saved The seal of God is the Sabbath The Atonement was not finished at the Cross Satan bears our sins We can be sinless Christians’ sins not forgiven but are on record before God The Investigative Judgment Jesus does not intercede for non-Adventists In the last days people, to be saved, must leave non-Adventist churches Salvation: to be determined by a judgment of works Believers will enter into judgment for salvation The blood of Jesus does not cancel sin Salvation is designed to give man another trial Jesus is Michael the Archangel The Holy Spirit will leave the believer Christians will stand before God without Christ’s mediation The day and hour of Jesus’ return Jesus is a Levitical priest like Aaron Jesus did not ascend to the right hand of God The plan of salvation was devised after man’s Fall She broke the Sabbath for 11 years There was only one Herod Her writings never contradict the Bible 4.mrs. white’s scriptural additions Satan offered a pardon in Heaven Adam crowned king Eve wandered away from Adam’s side The serpent that deceived Eve had wings God held a council to decide what to do Angels would have died for man Abel’s sacrifice consumed by a light from Heaven Angels communicated with Adam after the Fall Adam kept the Sabbath God removed Eden and will return it to Earth Enoch’s concern regarding the dead Enoch’s face radiated light Some races are a mixture of man and beast Jesus died for the angels Christ restrained the demons It takes seven days to get to Heaven There are houses in Heaven with golden shelves Angels have golden cards A solemn warning 5.Mrs. White Contradicts Herself Deity did and did not sink and die God does not love children when they do wrong God loves children when they do wrong The door of salvation is forever shut She denies having a vision confirming the Shut Door What about lying prophets? Pork is a nourishing, strengthening food Pork should never be eaten There is consciousness after death There is no consciousness after death A council convenes to decide what to do to save man The plan of salvation dates from Adam’s Fall The plan of salvation existed from eternity The sacrifice of Christ was full and complete The Atonement is not complete 6.mrs. white: adventism’s message and her writings stand or fall together The scriptural warning She admits there are only two possible sources for her work A decision for you Are you sure of Heaven? God’s plan is so simple Don’t be surprised by opposition 7.THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS 8.EPILOGUE Appendix A: DID JESUS MOVE TO GOD’S RIGHT HAND IN 1844?
Note: All words in bold are used for emphasis. 1 ADVENTISM—The REFLECTION OF ELLEN G. WHITE Seventh-day Adventism is a reflection of its prophetess, Ellen G. White. It is inseparably united to her writings, which are considered to be an authoritative source of truth. The Adventist church recognizes that it is indebted to, and dependent upon, Mrs. White’s writing. Mrs. White’s writings are affectionately called, "The Spirit of Prophecy" by most Seventh-day Adventists. Within the Adventist church it is believed that her prophetic gift is one of the proofs that it is the "remnant" church which "keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus . . . . the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 12:17; 19:10). In the book, The White Truth, published by the Adventist church in 1981 as a response to the recent discovery of Mrs. White’s plagiarism, author John J. Robertson clearly sets forth the importance of Mrs. White’s writings in the Adventist community. Robertson states, "The influence of the spirit of prophecy [Mrs. White’s writings] is woven into the warp and woof of Adventist faith, life and organization. . . . What we are as a church is a reflection of our faith in the divine authority evident in the writings of Ellen G. White." The White Truth, p. 61. The same year The White Truth was offered as a public defense of Mrs. White’s writings, the church met in General Conference session and reworked its statement of beliefs. In what has come to be known as "The Dallas Statement," we see a clear expression of the extraordinary role Mrs. White’s writings have in the church: One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth and provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teachings and experience must be tested. Statement 17. An inspired commentary For years, Seventh-day Adventists have called Mrs. White’s writings "an inspired commentary on the Bible." In 1980 the church also published The Pillars, a book defending the denomination’s distinctive doctrines. In this book, popular Adventist pastor Morris L. Venden invites his readers to study 15 "facts" with him. Fact #14 is especially interesting: Fact #14. There is hope for every remnant believer today who sometimes feels confused at all the differing views taken by different scholars and commentaries. We have an inspired commentary that was given for the purpose of settling the disagreements among the uninspired commentaries. What do you do when the scholars disagree? Do you have to become a better scholar than the best in order to settle the disagreement in your own mind? No, let me repeat. God has given to our church an inspired commentary to settle the disagreements among the uninspired commentaries. And we can still be thankful for that today. The Pillars, p. 30. Not of human origin Mrs. White claimed that her writings were not of human origin: I am just as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as in having the vision. It is impossible for me to call up things which have been shown me unless the Lord brings them before me at the time that he is pleased to have me relate or write them. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, p. 293. 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. But will they profit by His teachings? Will they receive His reproofs and heed His warnings? Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 147-148. Sister Hall has just read me your letter to her. I am glad that you are having success in selling my books; for thus you are giving to the world the light that God has given me. These books contain clear, straight, unalterable truth and they should certainly be appreciated. The instruction they contain is not of human production. Letter H-339, December 26, 1904. Yet now when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 661. Those who are reproved by the Spirit of God should not rise up against the humble instrument. It is God, and not an erring mortal, who has spoken to save them from ruin. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 257. A statement in the official church paper, The Review and Herald, clearly shows the high position in which Ellen White is held in the Adventist church: Seventh-day Adventists hold that Ellen G. White performed the work of a true prophet during the seventy years of her public ministry. As Samuel was a prophet, as Jeremiah was a prophet, as John the Baptist, so we believe that Mrs. White was a prophet to the church of Christ today. October 4, 1928. Seventh-day Adventists are uniquely fortunate Arthur White, grandson of Ellen White, and for years the head of the Ellen G. White Estate, made the following claim: Seventh-day Adventists are uniquely fortunate in approaching the question of inspiration of the prophets. We are not left to find our way, drawing our conclusions from writings of two thousand years and more ago, that have come down to us through varied transcriptions and translations. With us it is an almost contemporary matter, for we had a prophet in our midst. It is generally granted by the careful student of her works that the experience of Ellen G. White was no different from that of the prophets of old. What is more, rather than having in our possession only relatively few chapters of a handful of letters as is the case of the extant records of the Bible prophets, we have the full range of Ellen G. White’s writings, penned through a period of 70 years. She wrote in the English language, so we are not confronted with the problems of translation. The Ellen G. White Writings, p. 15. Doctrinal authority The "landmarks" or "pillars" of Adventism have their roots in Ellen White. As these were being developed, Mrs. White had an unquestionably authoritative role in deciding what would be defined as truth and error. Mrs. White describes how Adventist doctrine was established: At that time [after the 1844 disappointment] one error after another pressed in upon us; ministers and doctors brought in new doctrines. We would search the Scripture with much prayer, and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds . . . . The power of God would come upon me, and I was enabled clearly to define what is truth and what is error. As the points of our faith were thus established, our feet were placed upon a solid foundation. We accepted the truth point by point, under the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. I would be taken off in vision, and explanations would be given me. I was given illustrations of heavenly things, and of the sanctuary, so that we were placed where light was shining on us in clear, distinct rays. Selected Messages, Bk. 3, pp. 31-32. Mrs. White’s writings are unquestionable Mrs. White believed that her writings (or testimonies) were inspired and therefore should never be questioned. To doubt her writings would be tantamount to doubting the Word of God. While men venture to criticize the Word of God, they venture on sacred, holy ground, and had better fear and tremble and hide their wisdom as foolishness. God sets no man to pronounce judgment on His word, selecting some things as inspired and discrediting others as uninspired. The Testimonies [Mrs. White’s writings] have been treated in the same way; but God is not in this. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 23. 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. Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 31.
2 Predictions of Ellen G. White Mrs. White claimed that future events were revealed to her: "As the Spirit of God has opened to my mind the great truths of His word, and the scenes of the past and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others that which has thus been revealed . . .". The Great Controversy, p. xi. She made the following predictions during her ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist church. They must be tested and honestly faced in the light of God’s Word. Jerusalem’s future An interesting prophecy of Mrs. White’s was that "Old Jerusalem never will be built up." In Early Writings, p. 75, she said, "I was pointed to some who are in the great error of believing that it is their duty to go to Old Jerusalem, and think they have a work to do there before the Lord comes. . . . I saw that Satan had greatly deceived some in this thing. . . . I also saw that Old Jerusalem never would be built up; and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead the minds of the children of the Lord into these things now, in the gathering time." This prophecy did not come true. Since the nation of Israel’s rebirth in 1948, "Old Jerusalem" has been greatly built up. She will be alive when Jesus returns Mrs. White predicted that she would be among the "living saints" when Jesus returned: Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. . . . Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, "Alleluia!" as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. Early Writings, pp. 15-16. Mrs. White died at her home near St. Helena, California on July 16, 1915. Eight days later she was buried beside her husband, James White, in Oak Hill Cemetery, in Battle Creek, Michigan. England will attack the United States In 1862 she predicted, "when England does declare war [against the North during the Civil War], all nations will have an interest of their own to serve, and there will be general war, general confusion." The result will be that "this nation [the United States] will . . . be humbled into the dust." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 259. American history clearly shows that England did not declare war against the United States during the Civil War, and the United States was not humbled into the dust. The Civil War is a sign that Jesus is about to return I saw a greater distress in the land than we have yet witnessed. I heard groans and cries of distress, and saw large companies in active battle. I heard the booming of the cannon, the clash of arms, the hand-to-hand fight, and the groans and prayers of the dying. . . . God’s people must take warning and discern the signs of the times. The signs of Christ’s coming are too plain to be doubted, and in view of these things everyone who professes the truth should be a living preacher. . . . All heaven is astir. The scenes of earth’s history are fast closing. We are amid the perils of the last days. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 260. In the 1850’s she said Jesus was about to return Some are looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued a few years longer than they expected; therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. . . . I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time can last but a little longer. Early Writings, p. 58. In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompanying angel said, "Time is almost finished." . . . Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready . . ." I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it. . . . Then I saw the seven last plagues were soon to be poured out upon those who have no shelter . . . Early Writings, p. 64. Mrs. White continues to relate her vision and makes a startling prediction that only a few months are left before the Lord will return: But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they ["they who of late have embraced the truth"] will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Early Writings, p. 67. Adventists living in 1856 will be alive to see Jesus return Over 135 years ago—in May of 1856—Mrs. White made another fascinating prophecy during a meeting in Battle Creek, Michigan. She declared that some of those who were in that meeting would die, and become "food for worms," and that some of them would live on and become "subjects of the seven last plagues," while still others would "remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 131-132. She saw Enoch on Jupiter or Saturn The Lord has given me a view of other worlds, wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. . . . I asked one of them why they were so much more lovely than those on the earth. . . . Then I was taken to a world which had seven moons. There I saw good old Enoch, who had been translated. Early Writings, pp. 39-40. Ellen’s husband, James White, verified her vision. He wrote, "At our conference in Topsham, Maine, last Nov., Ellen had a vision of the handy works of God. She was guided to the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and I think one more. After she came out of vision, she could give a clear description of their Moons, etc. It is well known, that she knew nothing of astronomy, and could not answer one question in relation to the planets, before she had this vision." A Word to the "Little Flock," p. 22. To date, excellent satellite pictures of Jupiter and Saturn have not revealed any life forms. A scriptural warning I want to close this chapter with a vital excerpt from God’s Word: But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, "How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?" When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
3 Mrs. white contradicts the bible This chapter contains statements by Mrs. White that clearly show her disregard for the Bible. In 1905 she proclaimed, "There is one straight chain of truth without one heretical sentence in that which I have written." Selected Messages, Bk 3, p. 52. The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it reads. It would be better for them not to have Bible instruction at all than to have the teaching of the Scriptures thus grossly misrepresented. The Great Controversy, p. 521. God never contradicts himself . . . Letter 329, 1905. Letter to Elder Burden. The Tower of Babel was built before the Flood As you read the following, understand that what Mrs. White wrote was later covered up in the 1870 edition of Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, p. 266: The Lord first established the system of sacrificial offerings with Adam after his fall, which he taught to his descendants. This system was corrupted before the flood by those who separated themselves from the faithful followers of God, and engaged in the building of the tower of Babel. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 301, 1864 edition. God sent an angel to converse with Cain God condescends to send an angel to Cain to converse with him. The angel inquires of him the reason of his anger, and informs him that if he does well, and follows the directions God has given, he will accept him and respect his offering. . . . The angel tells Cain that it was no injustice on the part of God, or partiality shown to Abel; . . . and if he would do well he would be accepted of God . . . Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, pp. 48-49. However, Mrs. White’s words contradict the biblical account, which states that the Lord, not an angel, spoke to Cain. THE BIBLE SAYS Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:6-7). We should never say we are saved In Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 155 (1900 edition), Mrs. White states: Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves. . . . Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion; should never be taught to say or feel that they are saved. This is misleading. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words ["I am saved"] till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God . . . As long as man is full of weakness—for of himself he cannot save his soul—he should never dare to say, "I am saved." Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 314. THE BIBLE SAYS And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). In addition, Acts 16:31 says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved . . ." Please also see John 6:37-47; Ephesians 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; and Philippians 1:6. The seal of God is the Sabbath The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord's memorial of creation. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 117. Too late they see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the seal of the living God. The Great Controversy, p. 640. THE BIBLE SAYS And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV). Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). The Atonement was not finished at the Cross Now while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. The Great Controversy, p. 623. . . . instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonement. The Great Controversy, p. 422. Instead of the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 referring to the purifying of the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement preparatory to His coming. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 58. THE BIBLE SAYS Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26). When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit (John 19:30). . . . but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). Satan bears our sins It was seen, also, that while the sin offering pointed to Christ as a sacrifice, and the high priest represented Christ as a mediator, the scapegoat typified Satan, the author of sin, upon whom the sins of the truly penitent will finally be placed. The Great Controversy, p. 422. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The Great Controversy, p. 485. Their sins are transferred to the originator of sin. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 475. THE BIBLE SAYS . . . and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed (1 Peter 2:24). The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). We can be sinless Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1118. In order to let Jesus into our hearts, we must stop sinning. Signs of the Times, March 3, 1898. To be redeemed means to cease from sin. Review & Herald, September 25, 1900. THE BIBLE SAYS If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us . . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). Christians’ sins not forgiven but are on record before God This doctrine is known as the Investigative Judgment. Mrs. White teaches that a believer’s sins are not yet blotted out or forgiven: they are merely pardoned. She teaches that Christians’ eternal destinies will ultimately be determined by the weighing their good and bad works when their names come up in the Investigative Judgment. All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. The Great Controversy, p. 483. Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God. The Great Controversy, p. 486. The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sin is to be accomplished before the second advent of our Lord. The Great Controversy, p. 485. Mrs. White states that no sin was blotted out before October 22, 1844: "At the time appointed for the judgment—the close of the 2300 days in 1844—began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins." Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 122. The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. . . . it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. . . . When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come . . . The Great Controversy, p. 485. When the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, then the sins of the repentant soul who has received the grace of Christ and has overcome through the blood of the Lamb, will be removed from the records of heaven, and will be placed upon Satan, the scapegoat, the originator of sin, and be remembered no more against him forever. Selected Messages, Bk. 3, pp. 355-356. THE BIBLE SAYS If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:19). When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high . . . (Hebrews 1:3b). I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake (1 John 2:12). Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you . . . (Acts 13:38). I, even I, am he who blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins (Isaiah 43:25 KJV). I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, like a cloud, thy sins; return to me for I have redeemed thee (Isaiah 44:22 KJV). Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39). . . . but now once and at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26). The Investigative Judgment This doctrine has never been taught by anyone else in the history of the Church. It has no support in the Bible, as has been shown by previous Scripture. This clearly indicates that believers do not enter into judgment concerning their salvation. However, noted Adventist historian and theologian, LeRoy E. Froom states that this doctrine, not found in the Bible, is the Seventh-day Adventist church’s only reason for existence: Indeed, if there is no actual Sanctuary in heaven, and no ministering Great High Priest serving therein; and if there is no Judgment Hour message to herald from God to mankind at this time, then we have no justifiable place in the religious world, no distinctive denominational mission and message, no excuse for functioning as a separate church entity today. Movement of Destiny, p. 542. Froom goes on to state that any deviation from this doctrine of the Investigative Judgment strikes at Adventism’s very integrity: Consequently any weakening or denial or submerging of the Sanctuary truth is not only a serious but a crucial matter. Any deviation or dereliction therefrom strikes at the heart of Adventism, and challenges its very integrity. Movement of Destiny, p. 542. Jesus does not intercede for non-Adventists I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages [of the Investigative Judgment], and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited [sic] by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself . . . Early Writings, p. 261. THE BIBLE SAYS I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word (John 17:20). Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him (1 John 5:1). Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). In the last days people, to be saved, must leave non-Adventist churches I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. . . . But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant. Early Writings, p. 261. THE BIBLE SAYS Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand (Romans 14:4). Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissentions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting (Romans 16:17-18). Salvation: to be determined by a judgment of works SALVATION IS BY WORKS At the time appointed for the judgment . . . . All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are to be judged "out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." The Great Controversy, p. 486. In order to let Jesus into our hearts, we must stop sinning. Signs of the Times, March 3, 1898. GRACE PLUS WORKS We grant that Mrs. White also makes statements that sound very evangelical and affirm some kind of belief in salvation by grace. Mrs. White taught the heresy theologians call semi-pelagianism. It is the teaching that salvation is partly by grace and partly by works. This is the doctrine of salvation taught by the Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. White’s description of how God determines a believer’s salvation, as found in The Great Controversy, pp. 480-482: So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period. The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment. Says the prophet Daniel: "The judgment was set, and the books were opened." "A book of remembrance" is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of "them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered in heaven. . . . In the book of God’s remembrance every deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded. . . . There is a record also of the sins of men. Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel. The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives of men will be tested in the judgment. Those who in the judgment are "accounted worthy" will have a part in the resurrection of the just. . . . The righteous dead will not be raised until after the judgment at which they are accounted worthy of "the resurrection of life." The Great Controversy, pp. 480-482. On April 9, 1893, Mrs. White wrote a letter to A. T. Jones, to correct his teaching that salvation was by grace through faith plus nothing: . . . In my dream you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no conditions. . . . I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly. There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning, but you leave a wrong impression upon many minds. While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 377. The judgment is to set [sic], the books are to be opened, and we are to be judged according to our deeds. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 100. All your good works cannot save you; but it is nevertheless impossible for you to be saved without good works. Selected Messages, Bk. 3, p. 147. THE BIBLE SAYS For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy . . . that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5, 7). . . . being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24). For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law (Romans 3:28). Believers will enter into judgment for salvation Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Early Writings, p. 280. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The Great Controversy, p. 480. As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth. . . . Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. The Great Controversy, p. 483. THE BIBLE SAYS Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life (John 5:24). He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The blood of Jesus does not cancel sin The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel sin. . . . It will stand in the sanctuary until the final atonement. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357. THE BIBLE SAYS In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7). . . . the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7b). Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him (Romans 5:9). Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate (Hebrews 13:12). Salvation is designed to give man another trial The plan of salvation was designed to redeem the fallen race, to give them another trial. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 250. THE BIBLE SAYS Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice . . . obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3-6a). And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Romans 5:11). For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Jesus is Michael the Archangel The early Adventist pioneers taught the heresy called Arianism, which asserts that Jesus is not God the Son, the second Person of the Trinity. Those who believe this false doctrine teach that Jesus is an exalted angel. Those, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, who promote this heresy today, teach that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. This early Adventist heresy appeared in several books and articles published by the church. It also manifested itself in the hymnology of the church. In the official Seventh-day Adventist hymnal—published from 1941 until its revision in 1985—the church changed the words of the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy from "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity" to "God overall who rules eternity." Evidence of this doctrinal pollution is found in these writings of Mrs. White: Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold the body, claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses and took him to heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God . . . but Christ did not rebuke His adversary . . . He meekly referred him to His Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." Early Writings, p. 164. When Jesus stands up; when his work is finished in the Most Holy, then there will be not another ray of light to be imparted to the sinner. . . . The light is made to reach far ahead, where all is total darkness. MICHAEL stands up. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, p. 276. As Christ and the angels approached the grave, Satan and his angels appeared at the grave, and were guarding the body of Moses, lest it should be removed. As Christ and his angels drew nigh, Satan resisted their approach, but was compelled, by the glory and power of Christ and his angels to fall back. Satan claimed the body of Moses, because of his one transgression; but Christ meekly referred him to his Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4a, p. 58. Just before going into the meeting, I had a revival of some interesting scenes which had passed before me in a vision. . . . It seemed to me that the angels were making a rift in the cloud and letting in the beams of light from heaven. The subject that was presented so strikingly was the case of Moses. . . . The angels buried him, but the Son of God soon came down and raised him from the dead and took him to heaven. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 659. As a people we must stand as did the world’s Redeemer. When in controversy with Satan, in regard to the body of Moses, Christ durst not bring against him a railing accusation. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 239. THE BIBLE SAYS For to which of the angels did He ever say, "Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee"? (Hebrews 1:5). But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever . . ." (Hebrews 1:8a). But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet"? Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit will leave the believer O my brethren, will you grieve the Holy Spirit, and cause it to depart? Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 126. THE BIBLE SAYS And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you can know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you (John 14:16-17). Christians will stand before God without Christ’s mediation Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. The Great Controversy, p. 425. When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 191. THE BIBLE SAYS Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). . . . I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). . . . He himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b). The day and hour of Jesus’ return Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. Early Writings, p. 15. I have not the slightest knowledge as to the time spoken by the voice of God. I heard the hour proclaimed, but had no remembrance of that hour after I came out of the vision. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 76. The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. The Great Controversy, p. 640. Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice . . ." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 59. THE BIBLE SAYS But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone (Matthew 24:36. See also Mark 13:32). He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority" (Acts 1:7). Jesus is a Levitical priest like Aaron The entire Adventist theory of an Investigative Judgment is based on a slavish dependency upon Old Testament typology to interpret New Testament truths. They insist that "as in the type, so in the anti-type." The Investigative Judgment theory hinges on Jesus being a priest after the order of Aaron, meticulously performing all of Aaron’s duties. The New Testament declares that Jesus is not like Aaron. Aaron’s work was incomplete, thus he could never sit down. Jesus is a priest, but He is superior to Aaron, and the New Testament contrasts Jesus’ perfect ministry with Aaron’s ineffective ministry. Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Mrs. White describes Jesus as being dressed like Aaron, the Levitical priest: Jesus then clothed Himself with precious garments. Around the bottom of His robe was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. A breastplate of curious work was suspended from His shoulders. As He moved, this glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written or engraved upon the breastplate. Upon His head was something which had the appearance of a crown. When fully attired, He was surrounded by angels, and in a flaming chariot He passed within the second veil. Early Writings, p. 251. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Early Writings, p. 55. As Jesus moved out of the most holy place, I heard the tinkling of the bells upon His garment . . ." Early Writings, p. 280. I was taken off in vision to the most holy place, where I saw Jesus still interceding for Israel. On the bottom of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate. . . . The wrath of God could not come until Jesus had finished His work in the most holy place, laid off His priestly attire, and clothed Himself with the garments of vengeance. Early Writings, p. 36. THE BIBLE SAYS So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, "Thou art My Son, today I have begotton Thee" just as He says also in another passage, "Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:5-6). Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also (Hebrews 7:11-12). And this is clearer still if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of Him, "Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:15-16). And every [Levitical] priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:11-12). Jesus did not ascend to the right hand of God Mrs. White teaches that Jesus did not go to the right hand of God until AD 1844. Thither the faith of Christ’s disciples followed Him as He ascended from their sight. . . . For eighteen centuries this work of ministration continued in the first apartment of the sanctuary. Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 98. This is the service which began when the 2300 days ended [in 1844]. At that time, as foretold by Daniel the prophet, our High Priest entered the most holy, to perform the last division of His solemn work—to cleanse the sanctuary. Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 98. I was shown what did take place in heaven at the close of the prophetic periods in 1844. As Jesus ended His ministration in the holy place and closed the door of that apartment . . . He passed within the second veil. . . . The veil was lifted, and I looked into the second apartment. . . . Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark, was exceedingly bright glory that I could not look upon; it appeared like the throne of God. Early Writings, p. 252-253. Mrs. White taught that not until October 22, 1844 did Jesus go to the right hand of God, the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. She says: . . . that was . . . to take place . . . in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts of His ministration in behalf of man—to perform the work of investigative judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits. The Great Controversy, p. 480. Note that the New Testament passages indicate that when Jesus ascended He went directly into the presence of God and sat down at His right hand. The work of salvation was finished. Levitical priests could never sit down because their work was never completed. Jesus did not move from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place in 1844. THE BIBLE SAYS When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3b). But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at my right hand . . ." (Hebrews 1:13). And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:11-12). . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:21). David himself said in the Holy Spirit, "The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand . . .’ " (Mark 12:36a). But being full of the Holy Spirit, he [Stephen] gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55-56). The plan of salvation was devised after man’s Fall Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost . . . I saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded His Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with the Father. . . . Three times He was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father, His person could be seen. . . . He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His life a ransom, to take the sentence of death upon Himself . . . Jesus bade the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that His Father had accepted. . . Early Writings, pp. 149-151. While Moses was shut in the mount with God, the plan of salvation, dating from the fall of Adam, was revealed to him in a most forcible manner. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 231-232. The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race. The Great Controversy, p. 347. THE BIBLE SAYS . . . just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him . . . (Ephesians 1:4). Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (1 Peter 1:20 KJV). And all who dwell on earth will worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain (Revelation 13:8). She broke the Sabbath for eleven years Though Mrs. White had many visions about the Sabbath, for eleven years she kept it from 6 P.M. Friday to 6 P.M. Saturday, instead of from sunset to sunset, as the Bible teaches in Leviticus 23:32. It was not until two days after J. N. Andrews presented a paper presenting the biblical reasons in favor of the sunset time that she had a vision to correct this sacrilege. See Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 713. There was only one Herod Mrs. White taught (Early Writings, pp. 185-186) that the Apostle James was executed by the same Herod who tried Christ. She says, "Herod’s heart had grown still harder; and when he heard that Christ had risen, he was not much troubled. He took the life of James . . ." Bible scholars know that it was Herod Antipas who participated in Jesus’ trial, and Herod Agrippa I who executed James the Apostle. It is interesting to note how the Adventist officials explain Mrs. White’s mistake. They claim that Mrs. White meant: "It was the same Herodian spirit" (Early Writings, p. 185). This appears to be the same kind of spiritual rationalization that the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses use to justify their false prophets’ mistakes. Her writings never contradict the Bible The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word. Selected Messages, Bk. 3, p. 32.
4 mrs. white’s scriptural additions The writings of Mrs. White point constantly to the Bible as the great source of all spiritual truth. They abound in Scriptural quotations, to which she gives no fanciful interpretation. Life and Teachings of Ellen G. White, p. 123. Satan offered a pardon in Heaven God in His great mercy bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels. Long was he retained in heaven. Again and again he was offered pardon on condition of repentance and submission. The Great Controversy, pp. 495-496. Adam crowned king Adam was crowned king in Eden. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7a, p. 1082. Eve wandered away from Adam’s side Eve wandered away from the side of her husband, and was gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration upon the fruit of the forbidden tree. Satan, in the form of a serpent, conversed with Eve. . . . She ate and was delighted with the fruit. She took the fruit and found her husband. . . . Adam regretted that Eve had left his side, but now the deed was done. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, pp. 39, 40, 42. Adam censured Eve’s folly in leaving his side, and being deceived by the serpent. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 44. The serpent that deceived Eve had wings The serpent was a very beautiful creature with wings; and while flying through the air his appearance was very bright, resembling the color of burnished gold. He did not go upon the ground, but went from place to place through the air, and ate fruit like man. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, pp. 39-40. God held a council to decide what to do The news of man’s fall spread through Heaven—every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. . . . A council was held to decide what must be done with the guilty pair. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 44. Angels would have died for man An angel told Mrs. White: Angels were so interested for man’s salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing man. Early Writings, p. 127. Abel’s sacrifice was consumed by a light from Heaven A light flashes from heaven and consumes the offering of Abel. Cain sees no manifestation that his is accepted. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 48. Angels communicated with Adam after the Fall Angels held communication with Adam after his fall, and informed him of the plan of salvation, and that the human race was not beyond redemption. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 52. Adam kept the Sabbath The Sabbath was observed before the fall. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, and ate of the forbidden fruit, they were expelled from Eden; but they observed the Sabbath after their fall. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 52. God removed Eden and will return it to Earth The pure and lovely garden of Eden, from which our first parents were driven, remained until God purposed to destroy the earth by a flood. God had planted that garden, and especially blessed it, and in his wonderful providence withdrew it from the earth, and will return it to the earth again, more gloriously adorned than before it was removed from the earth. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 55. Enoch’s concern regarding the dead Enoch was troubled in regard to the dead. It seemed to him that the righteous and the wicked would go to the dust together, and that would be their end. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 55. Enoch’s face radiated light Enoch continued to grow more heavenly while communing with God. His face was radiant with a holy light which would remain upon his countenance while instructing those who would hear his words of wisdom. His heavenly and dignified appearance struck the people with awe. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 57. Some races are a mixture of man and beast But if there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God, and caused confusion everywhere. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 64. Every species of animal which God had created were preserved in the ark. The confused species which God did not create, which were the result of amalgamation, were destroyed by the flood. Since the flood, there has been amalgamation of man and beast, as may be seen in the almost endless varieties of species of animals, and in certain races of men. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4, p. 75. Jesus died for the angels To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, "It is finished," had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory. The Desire of Ages, p. 758. Christ restrained the demons Commenting on the account of the healing of the demoniacs at Gadara, and the demon-possessed herd of swine that was swept into the sea, Mrs. White states: "Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners." The Great Controversy, p. 515. It takes seven days to get to Heaven We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads. Early Writings, p. 16. There are houses in Heaven with golden shelves There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. . . . In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf. Early Writings, p. 18. Angels have golden cards There is perfect order and harmony in the Holy City. All the angels that are commissioned to visit the earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city as they pass in and out. Early Writings, p. 39. A solemn warning I ask that you prayerfully read the following Scripture in light of this section: I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book (Revelation 22:18-19).
5 MRS. WHITE CONTRADICTS HERSELF The word "inspiration" means "God-breathed." The nature of God dictates the nature of inspiration. The Bible teaches that God does not change, "For I, the Lord, do not change" (Malachi 3:6). He is the same ". . . yesterday and today, yes and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). God’s Word never changes or contradicts itself. "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven," says Psalm 119:89. "The law [torah, or Scripture] of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalm 19:7-8). Any new revelation God gives will not contradict any previous light He has given. Deity did and did not sink and die Men need to understand that Deity suffered and sank under the agonies of Calvary. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 907. The Deity did not sink under the agonizing torture of Calvary, yet it is nonetheless true that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1129. God does not love children when they do wrong God loves honest-hearted children, but cannot love those who are dishonest. . . . The Lord loves those little children who try to do right, and He has promised that they shall be in His kingdom. But wicked children God does not love. . . . When you feel tempted to speak impatient and fretful [sic], remember the Lord sees you, and will not love you if you do wrong. An Appeal to Youth, Battle Creek Michigan. Steam Press, 1864, pp. 42, 62. God loves children when they do wrong Do not teach your children that God does not love them when they do wrong; teach them that He loves them so that it grieves His tender Spirit to see them in transgression. Signs of the Times, February 15, 1892. The door of salvation is forever shut Mrs. White taught that the door of salvation, or probation as she referred to it, had forever shut for the world in 1844. In a letter to Joseph Bates, Mrs. White refers to the fact that by recounting her vision to a group of Adventists, she persuaded them to believe that the door of mercy was shut: At the time I had the vision of the midnight cry I had given it up in the past and thought it future, as also most of the band had. . . . After I had the vision and God gave me light, he bade me deliver it to the band, but I shrank from it. I was young, and I thought they would not receive it from me. . . . The view about the Bridegroom’s coming I had about the middle of February, 1845, while in Exeter, Maine, in meeting with Israel Dammon, James, and many others. Many of them did not believe in a shut door. I suffered much at the commencement of the meeting. Unbelief seemed to be on every hand. . . . The Lord worked in mighty power, setting the truth home to their hearts. . . . Most of them received the vision, and were settled upon the shut door. Letter B-3, 1847: Letter to Joseph Bates, July 13, 1847, White Estate. In his 1847 publication, A Word to the "Little Flock," page 22, James White recounts this experience: When she received her first vision, Dec. 1844, she and all the band in Portland, Maine, (where her parents then resided) had given up the midnight-cry, and shut door, as being in the past. It was then that the Lord shew [sic] her in vision, the error into which she and the band in Portland had fallen. She then related her vision to the band, and about sixty confessed their error, and acknowledged their 7th month experience to be the work of God. On March 24, 1849, Mrs. White clearly states that her vision taught her that the door of salvation was shut. She warns the faithful not to allow their faith in the shut door to be shaken by the apparent conversion of sinners since 1844. I was shown that the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, relating to the shut door, could not be separated. . . . I saw that the mysterious signs and wonders and false reformations would increase and spread. The reformations that were shown me were not reformations from error to truth, but from bad to worse, for those who professed a change of heart had only wrapped about them a religious garb, which covered up the iniquity of a wicked heart. Some appeared to have been really converted, so as to deceive God’s people, but if their hearts could be seen they would appear as black as ever. My accompanying angel bade me look for the travail of soul for sinners as used to be. I looked, but could not see it, for the time for their salvation is past. Present Truth, pp. 21-22, August, 1849. She denies having a vision confirming the Shut Door For a time after the disappointment in 1844, I did hold, in common with the advent body, that the door of mercy was then forever closed to the world. This position was taken before my first vision was given me. It was the light given me of God that corrected our error, and enabled us to see the true position. Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 63. With my brethren and sisters, after the time passed in forty-four I did believe no more sinners would be converted. But I never had a vision that no more sinners would be converted. And am clear and free to state no one has ever heard me say or has read from my pen statements which will justify them in the charges they have made against me upon this point. Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 74. What about lying prophets? Mrs. White’s own testimony forces us to conclude that she is lying. The Lord has some very unpleasant things to say about lying prophets: They see falsehood and lying divination who are saying, "The Lord declares," when the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope for the fulfillment of their word. Did you not see a false vision and speak a lying divination when you said, "the Lord declares," but it is not I who have spoken? Therefore, thus says the Lord God, "Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you," declares the Lord God. "So my hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of my people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord God" (Ezekiel 13:6-9). While it has been proven that Mrs. White was actively involved in plagiarism—taking the words of other authors and using them as her own, without giving credit—she denied this: Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 37. The following excerpt is but one of many examples in which Mrs. White used material from a book in her library, giving the impression that she received it in a vision from God. This excerpt comes from, Philosophy of Health: Natural Principles of Health and Cure, by L. B. Coles (Boston: William D. Ticknor & Company. 1849, 1851, 1853, pp. 144-145): Parents are also under obligation to teach and oblige their children to conform to physical law for their own sakes. . . . How strange and unaccountable that mothers should love their children so tenderly as to indulge them in what they have occasion to know may injure their constitutions and impair their happiness for life. May many children be delivered from such mothers, and from such cruel kindness! . . . The managers and teachers of schools . . . Compare the previous statement with the following words by Mrs. White: I was shown that one great cause of the existing deplorable state of things is that parents do not feel under obligation to bring up their children to conform to physical law. Mothers love their children with an idolatrous love and indulge their appetite when they know that it will injure their health and thereby bring upon them disease and unhappiness. . . . They have sinned against Heaven and against their children, and God will hold them accountable. . . . The managers and teachers of schools . . . Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 141, 1872. Pork is a nourishing, strengthening food Those who labor with their hands must nourish their strength to perform this labor, and those also who labor in word and doctrine must nourish their strength; for Satan and his evil angels are warring against them to tear down their strength. They should seek rest of body and mind from wearing labor when they can, and should eat of nourishing, strengthening food to build up their strength . . . I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to abstain from swine’s flesh, He will convince them on the matter. He is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine’s flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 206-207. Pork should never be eaten Pork although one of the most common articles of diet, is one of the most injurious. . . . God never designed the swine to be eaten under any circumstances. The heathen used pork as an article of food, and American people have used pork freely as an important article of diet. Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p. 417. But God never designed the swine to be eaten under any circumstances. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4a, p. 124. The eating of pork has aroused and strengthened a most deadly humor which was in the system. . . . Never should one morsel of swine’s flesh be placed upon your table. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 94. There is consciousness after death I saw that some were quickly destroyed, while others suffered longer. They were punished according to the deeds done in the body. Some were many days consuming, and just as long as there was a portion of them unconsumed, all the sense of suffering remained. Said the angel, "The worm of life shall not die; their fire shall not be quenched as long as there is the least particle for it to prey upon." Early Writings, p. 294. This obviously contradicts Mrs. White’s other teachings about unconsciousness at death. Here she teaches that even if, for example, only a hip bone is left, and the brain and nerves have been already consumed, the person will still suffer and be in agony. Clearly she is teaching that people can suffer without their bodies. There is no consciousness after death Upon the fundamental error of natural immortality rests the doctrine of consciousness in death—a doctrine, like eternal torment, opposed to the teachings of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason, and to our feelings of humanity. The Great Controversy, p. 545. A council convenes to decide what to do to save man The news of man’s fall spread through heaven—every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. . . . A council was held to decide what must be done with the guilty pair. Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 44. The instant man accepted the temptations of Satan, and did the very things God had said he should not do, Christ, the Son of God, stood between the living and the dead, saying, "Let the punishment fall on Me." Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7a, p. 1085. The plan of salvation dates from Adam’s Fall While Moses was shut in the mount with God, the plan of salvation, dating from the fall of Adam, was revealed to him in a most forcible manner. Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 231-232. The plan of salvation existed from eternity The words, "Mine hour is not yet come," point to the fact that every act of Christ’s life on earth was in fulfillment of the plan that had existed from the days of eternity. The Desire of Ages, p. 147. The sacrifice of Christ was full and complete The sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. Acts of the Apostles, p. 29. To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, "It is finished," had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory. The Desire of Ages, p. 758. The Atonement is not complete Now while our great High Priest is making the final atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. The Great Controversy, p. 623.
6 MRS. WHITE: ADVENTISM’S MESSAGE AND HER WRITINGS STAND OR FALL TOGETHER It is interesting to note that in the August 14, 1883 Review & Herald, the following statement appears: "Our position on the Testimonies is like the keystone to the arch. Take that out, and there is no logical stopping place till all the special truths of the message are gone. . . . Nothing is surer than this, that this message and the visions belong together and stand or fall together." The scriptural warning But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24). Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). We have clearly shown just a few examples that prove Mrs. White does not fulfill the biblical tests of a prophet. A prophet needs only one false prophecy to be disqualified. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 gives us the rule by which we are to judge prophets: But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, "How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?" When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. She admits there are only two possible sources for her work 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 half-way work in the matter. The testimonies are of the Spirit of God or of the Devil. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 230. If the testimonies speak not according to this word of God, reject them. Christ and Belial cannot be united. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 691. The Lord warned Israel about being deceived by false prophets. He said that if what a prophet said came true, even if he worked a miracle, if he contradicted God’s Word, he was a false prophet. God knows if we love a prophet more than we love Him. If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after no other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). A decision for you You have seen evidence proving that Ellen G. White could not possibly be a true prophetess of God. She fails the biblical tests of a true prophet. Her visions and revelations contradict God’s previous revelations, and she also contradicts herself. Mrs. White made predictions which did not come to pass, and she has been caught lying. In light of this evidence, you are faced with a decision. It may be the most important decision of your life: a decision to follow the truth. Nothing is more important than following the truth, no matter what it may cost you. We are accountable for what we know, and no amount of rationalization will make Ellen White a true prophet. You have seen that the foundation of Adventism is flawed and cracked. It is not a movement of God. It was founded by a false prophet. Jesus said, ". . . you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). If you act on what you have learned, It may cost you your denominational job, your friends, even your family. The words of Jesus offer solemn encouragement: He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it (Matthew 10:37-39). I urge you to step out in faith and follow the truth, trusting Jesus Christ to lead you and care for you. Place your entire faith in Him. Trust Him and Him alone for your eternal salvation. He will accept you and save you if you will call upon Him. Romans 10:13 promises, "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Perhaps you have had a zeal for God, but you realize now that it has not been in accordance with the truth. The apostle Paul understood how you feel. He addressed this when he said that there were some in his day who, "not knowing about God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own . . . did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:3-4). Your eternal life is not contingent upon membership in the Seventh-day Adventist church or in any denomination. Eternal life comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me" (John 14:6). Are you sure of Heaven? If you were to die tonight, are you sure you would be saved? Do you know whether or not you have eternal life? God’s plan is so simple For years you may have thought you could never know for sure that you were going to Heaven, because you imagined it was really difficult to be saved. Perhaps you believe you must somehow change God’s mind about you, convincing Him that you are good enough to enter Heaven. Let me share some good news: salvation is not difficult. You don’t have to change God’s mind about you. He loves you just as you are! The Apostle Paul explains how God saves us in Romans 3:21-28 (Living Bible): But now God has shown us a different way to heaven—not by "being good enough" and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us "not guilty"—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us "not guilty" of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins. For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair, even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would come and take away those sins. And now in these days also he can receive sinners in this same way, because Jesus took away their sins. But isn’t this unfair for God to let criminals go free, and say that they are innocent? No, for he does it on the basis of their trust in Jesus who took away their sins. Then what can we boast about doing, to earn our salvation? Nothing at all. Why? Because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds; it is based on what Christ has done and our faith in him. So it is that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by the good things we do. The Bible says that, ". . . the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:11-13). I can personally testify that following the truth of the Lord Jesus can be costly, but the blessings far outweigh the cost! Jesus gave everything for you when He left Heaven to come to Earth to die. He loves you so much that no sacrifice was too much to purchase your salvation. He offers you His peace, His life, His joy, and His rest! Don’t be surprised by opposition When the man who was born blind was healed by Jesus, and could see things clearly for the first time, he immediately experienced persecution and tremendous opposition. Don’t be surprised if you are treated in the same way. But, remember, no one can rob you of the truth. You can say, with the man born blind, ". . . one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25).
7 THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS Many seeking Christians have been taught that the "testimony of Jesus" in Revelation 12:17 and 19:10 refers to a prophetic gift given to God’s only true remnant Church. What is the "testimony of Jesus?" It is true that this is the identifying mark of God’s Church? These questions come up with increasing frequency. It is important for us to lay aside our presuppositions and come to the Bible, seeking to discover what it teaches on this subject. Jesus’ testimony, or witness, is clearly an identifying mark of every child of God. In John 5:24 and 31, Jesus defines His testimony with an oath, swearing His witness to be true: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. . . . If I alone bear witness of Myself, My testimony is not true." Our Lord here indicates that His own testimony is the good news of the Gospel! This is the harmonious teaching of the New Testament. The message of the cross-event is the testimony of Jesus. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . but join with me in suffering for the gospel . . . (2 Timothy 1:8). Paul declared that the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed among the Corinthian believers (1 Corinthians 1:6). Further, in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, he states, "And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." The "testimony of Jesus" is the everlasting gospel, the message of the finished work of Christ upon the Cross of Calvary. This has been the dying testimony of every true believer (Revelation 6:9). It is the gospel testimony of the blood of the Lamb that causes the power of Satan to be broken, and true believers would rather die than give it up (Revelation 12:10-11). Jesus’ testimony, the gospel testimony, inspired John to write, "For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). When Jesus said, ". . . these are they that testify of Me" (John 5:39), He referred to the many times the prophets who—under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of prophecy—predicted the good news of His coming to Earth to bring salvation for mankind. The mark of the Church of Jesus Christ throughout all the ages has been a clear and confident testifying of the gospel of Jesus.
8 epilogue If you have more questions or you desire more information concerning new life in Christ, please feel free to write us. We would like to help. Listed below are related items you may wish to purchase in order to study this important issue in greater depth. Please call the church office, (602) 973-4768, for prices.
Appendix A
DID JESUS MOVE TO GOD’S RIGHT HAND IN 1844? Seventh-day Adventists teach that when Jesus ascended into Heaven He did not sit at God’s right hand until October 22, 1844. The clear teaching of the New Testament is that when Jesus ascended into Heaven, He immediately sat down at the right hand of God. He entered God’s presence (the Holy of Holies), and there lives to make intercession for us. The following scriptural excerpts—provided to clarify this important issue—are taken from the New International Version: Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided for purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven. Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Hebrews 8:1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven . . . Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 10:12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 1 Peter 3: 21b-22 . . . by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Hebrews 1:13 To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?" Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Acts 7:56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 2:32-33 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God . . . Matthew 22:44 " ‘The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." ’ " Mark 12:36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: "The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’ " Luke 20:42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: "The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand . . .’ "
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