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Evidence Against Unbelief

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When crisis develops among God’s people, sometimes it is necessary to talk about things that we would not otherwise discuss.

Let us begin with a statement from The Desire of Ages, 458. It says, “God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong. God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from the weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture.”

The fact that a decision must be made based on the weight of evidence means there is evidence to be considered on both sides of the argument. This also implies that you do not know everything. Because God does know everything, He does not need to make a decision based on the weight of evidence. The apostle Paul said, “We know in part, and we prophesy in part.” I Corinthians 13:9, NKJV.

In weighing the evidence, for what should we look? We are told in The Great Controversy, 595, that, “God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils [all church councils], as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support.”

It is very important to know what the word of God actually teaches and commands. Those who do not understand this principle can get misled on subjects, for example, the state of the dead.

We are living in interesting times. Ellen White said that the time would come when every wind of doctrine would be blowing. I cannot help but wonder if we are not living in that time now. There are many deceptive doctrines floating around today, and our only safety is to stand on the word of God.

There is a Scripture that has been confusing to many Seventh-day Adventists. It is something that we need to understand because we are facing a soon-coming Sunday law crisis, not just in the United States but worldwide, and this passage will be used against all Seventh-day Adventists. For this reason it needs to be understood. Many theologians who have written books believe that the Christian Sabbath has been changed to Sunday, and the passage of Scripture that we are going to study is one of their main proof texts.

To understand this text, attention must be given to the antecedents of the pronouns that are used. Many people get in trouble while reading their Bibles because of the use of pronouns. The apostle Paul is an expert at this, and careful attention must be given to what the pronoun refers or we can draw all kinds of conclusions to the text. We are going to look at the antecedent of the pronoun.

Reading Colossians 2:14 from the Greek New Testament, Paul talks about “wiping away the handwriting of the ordinances which was against us, which was contrary to us. And He took it out of the midst (out of the way), nailing it to the cross. And having stripped the rulers and the authorities, He made a display of them in public, boldly triumphing over them in Himself.”

Immediately you should know that the apostle Paul is not referring to the Ten Commandments here, as they were not handwritten. Moses, the prophets and the apostles all wrote by hand. The Bible is inspired, and handwritten, but the Ten Commandments were not handwritten.

It is recorded only three times in the Bible where God wrote something. Every time it says explicitly how He wrote—with His finger. One time He wrote in stone (Exodus 31:18). One time He wrote on a wall (Daniel 5:5), and one time He wrote on the ground (John 8:6). God doesn’t use handwriting; He writes with His finger.

Some may argue that your finger is on your hand, but your finger is not your hand. My late brother, while a teenager living on a farm, was involved in a tractor accident. His little finger was cut in such a way that it was just hanging by the skin. Though he was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to sew the finger back on and reattach the nerves, it had been too long since it was cut off, and the next day that finger was dead. So, he had to go to surgery again to have it cut off. Though my brother lost the end of that finger, he didn’t lose his hand. Your hand and your fingers are two different things.

Whatever the ordinance in Colossians 2:14 is referring to, it has been wiped away. The term wipe away means to be abolished, not existent anymore. Not only that, these are called ordinances which could also be translated as decrees. These ordinances, Paul says, were against us, contrary to us, and they were taken out of the midst. In other words, they were removed. They were nailed to the cross.

Are there ordinances that were nailed to the cross? Yes, that is what this Scripture says. These ordinances, Paul says, were against us, they were taken out of the midst, and they were blotted out or abolished. Because of this, the apostle Paul now is going to draw some conclusions. Notice what he says in verse 16: “Therefore [because of what I’ve told you already, this is the conclusion], do not let anyone judge you in food or in drink, or concerning a feast or a new moon or of sabbath days.”

Our Protestant friends get in trouble because they stop right there. We can get into trouble with documents if we just read to the middle of the sentence. Paul has mentioned five things: eating, drinking, feasts, new moons, and sabbaths, but that is just the first part of the sentence. The next part of the sentence, “which are shadows of things to come,” follows in verse 17. He is not condemning eating or drinking or feasts or new moons or sabbaths. What he is saying is, “Don’t let anybody judge you concerning these things which are shadows of things to come, but the body of Christ.” It could be translated, “but the body is of Christ.”

Let us stop there before we continue. In the Old Testament there were ordinances that had to do with eating. At certain times of the year it was forbidden to eat leavened bread. There were even food offerings. Paul told the Colossians not to let anybody judge them in regard to these things with eating, which were a shadow of things to come.

There were also ordinances in the Old Testament in regard to drinking and also feast days. (See Leviticus 23.) Some of these feast days were called sabbaths. There were also ordinances in regard to new moons. Paul says, “Don’t let anybody judge you in regard to these things which are a shadow of things to come.”

He continues, “Let no one pass judgment on you, wishing in humility and worshiping of angels which he has seen.” Verse 18. However, some manuscripts say, “worshiping of angels which he has not seen, pushing in vain, puffed up by his fleshly mind and not holding the Head from whom all the body through the joints and bands having been supplied and having been fitted together will grow with the growth of God. If then you died with Christ from the fundamental principles of the world, why, as living in the world, are you under ordinances?” Verses 18–20.

That’s a serious question. Christ was the fulfilling of these things. Paul is talking about the ordinances he has just mentioned, the ordinances that have to do with eating, drinking, feast days, new moons, and sabbath days which are a shadow of things to come. Then he makes a really strong statement. Do you remember back in the Garden of Eden what God told Adam and Eve about the forbidden fruit? I want to tell you, most Adventists have not come to grips with what we are going to read now in the Bible from verse 21. This is strong. I didn’t write it, but this is how it reads in the literal translation; “Do not touch, do not taste, do not finger.” In other words don’t even touch it with your fingertips. Some translations say: “Do not handle. Do not touch it. Do not taste it. Do not even put your finger on it, which things are all unto corruption in the using according to the injunctions and teachings of men.” Verses 21, 22.

In verse 23, the phrase “which things” is used. What are these things? Well, they are the ordinances that have been nailed to the cross. Paul says, “Don’t touch these things. Don’t taste them. Don’t even put your finger on it. They have a reputation, indeed of wisdom, in self-imposed worship.”

You see, when God hasn’t commanded something and you do it anyway, that is not of God; it is not divinely directed worship; it is self-imposed worship. “Which things have a reputation, indeed of wisdom, and self-imposed worship, in humility, and severe treatment of the body, not in any honor, but for the satisfaction of the flesh.” Verse 23.

These ordinances, that God gave to His people in the Old Testament, had been covered up with a mass of human tradition which made it almost impossible even for the Jews to keep. And then, there were teachers trying to get the Christians to keep all this tradition that the Jews had come up with over several hundred years since the captivity. Paul says not to have anything to do with it for it is man-made.

Many people confuse the moral law with the ceremonial law and use the same argument used by the Roman Catholic Church in their objection to Protestantism. Paul said, “Therefore, brothers, stand and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether through word or letter from us.” II Thessalonians 2:15.

The Roman Catholic Church believes there are two kinds of tradition—verbal and written. They believe that the oral tradition they have that was handed down from the apostles is even more important than the written tradition—the New Testament. There are Adventists today using this same argument, insisting that the feast days should still be kept; however, decisions cannot be based on apostolic tradition but on a “thus saith the Lord.”

Adventists sometimes have done the same thing with Ellen White. I have received material that asks, Did you know that Ellen White, at a certain date, drank some cocoa? The tradition of Ellen White is not the standard of what to believe or how to eat. I look to the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy to find those instructions.

I once read an account of a pope back in the Middle Ages, the Dark Ages. He had fathered a child by adultery and attempted to justify himself by claiming he was not more holy than David or Solomon who both made many mistakes and still wrote part of the Old Testament.

There are other texts that people misinterpret. Paul, giving a defense before a judge, said, “And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets.” Acts 24:12–14, NKJV. Those advocating keeping of the feasts believe that because the ordinances of feasts were written “in the law and in the prophets,” Paul still kept them. Paul understood what those ordinances pointed forward to, and he kept the ordinances in the antitype, not the type, because Christ had already died on the cross.

Every single one of the feasts has an antitype.

The Passover—This was the first feast of the year. The antitype of the Passover is found in I Corinthians 5, and this is one of the principle passages about which people are really confused. This is the story of a man who was living with his father’s wife. Though Paul was absent, he told them he was there in spirit and very clearly said that the man needed to be disfellowshiped because of his open sin. (See I Corinthians 5:1–5.) In this context he said, “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” The little leaven—this man’s sin in living with his father’s wife—would affect the whole lump, the whole church, so he must be removed. “Therefore purge out the old leaven [disfellowship this person] that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened.” A church that is unleavened is a church that does not allow a member to be living in open sin and remain a member of that church. “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast.” Verses 6–8, NKJV. Taken out of context, some believe this to mean that we are supposed to keep the feast days.

In The Desire of Ages, 652, when Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, Ellen White wrote: “Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. [One was the Passover and one was the Lord’s Supper.] He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.”

Paul speaks of the Lord’s Supper when he says that Christ is our sacrifice. “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Verse 8, NKJV.

“When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul which they could not prove, while he answered for himself, ‘Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.’ ” Acts 25:7, 8, NKJV. This is claimed as further proof that Paul continued to keep the feasts; however, it is not a clear “thus saith the Lord” and stretches the meaning of the verse like all other passages brought forth in this instance. The apostle Paul well understood what those feast days represented. The Passover represented the sacrifice on the cross.

The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost—This represented the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on God’s children that would occur 50 days after the first.

The Feast of Trumpets—This represented the prediction of prophecy of the worldwide awakening concerning the Second Advent movement that happened in the later part of the eighteenth and early part of the nineteenth centuries.

The Day of Atonement—We believe in keeping this festival in the antitype. We are at present living in the real Day of Atonement. A careful study of the Bible will reveal that we do not get involved in any other feast while in the Day of Atonement. The literal translation from the Greek New Testament of these texts says, “Neither in the law of the Jews, neither unto the temple or Caesar have I sinned anything at all.”

Sin is the transgression of the law—the Ten Commandments. If it was sin to break the ceremonial law, even Jesus Christ would have been a sinner, because in both the gospel and in the book The Desire of Ages He did not keep every aspect or specification of the ceremonial law at all times. For example, Jesus touched a leper, which was not in accordance with the ceremonial law that declared the leper unclean. (See Matthew 8:2, 3; Mark 1:40, 41.)

Another argument in favor of the feasts is Acts 28:17, NKJV, which says, “It came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: ‘Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.’ ”

Paul did not lie here if he did not keep the ceremonial law because he did continue to keep those ceremonies, but in the antitype. In Acts 18:21, it does read that Paul kept the ceremonial feast in Jerusalem. However, when I looked up that verse in my Greek New Testament, I was shocked to find the evidence is just not there. The footnote in the Greek New Testament reads that this statement didn’t even appear in any of the ancient manuscripts and is absent from several of the oldest translations.

Another so-called proof text is found in Acts 20:16 where Paul hurried to be in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. To be there was not a command to keep the feast. What if I said to somebody that I want to be in Atlanta for Thanksgiving? Is that a command to keep Thanksgiving as a holy day? Not at all. The Jewish Christians had planned the whole year around these different ceremonial feasts. Time was measured by them, and they would talk about before or after Passover, before or after the Feast of Trumpets, before or after the Atonement. The apostles could use that language and say they would be in such a place by this time. It certainly is not a command to keep these feast days as they were kept prior to their fulfillment at the cross of Calvary.

There are some who say they have evidence from the early Christian literature that the twelve apostles, not Paul but the others, kept the ceremonial law. In the book, Sketches from the Life of Paul by Ellen G. White, she says very clearly that among the Christians, the apostle Paul was thought to be a teacher of dangerous doctrines. She makes it very clear in that book, and also in The Acts of the Apostles, 199, that the apostle Paul had to stand alone amongst even the apostles.

The apostles of Jesus were very slow to understand the significance of what had happened when Jesus was crucified and, as such had fulfilled the ceremonial law, making it no longer in effect. There were many of the apostles that probably continued to keep the entire ceremonial law for the rest of their lives, which was a mistake on their part. Do you want to rest your faith on a mistake that somebody else made?

Ellen White says that the apostle Paul so desired to bring harmony and unity into the Christian church that at the end of his life he made a mistake. It is recorded in Acts 21:20–24 NKJV: “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, ‘You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law [ceremonial law]; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them.’ ” In other words, show respect for the ceremonial law so we can have peace. The apostle Paul did what the apostles suggested, and it was the reason he was taken prisoner, cutting short his ministry.

Ellen White says definitely over and over again that it was a mistake. Do you want to base your religion on a mistake that Paul made or on a mistake that the apostles made?

The apostles were human just like us, and they made mistakes. I would never make a decision whether or not to drink cocoa on the basis that Ellen White at one time was seen to drink a cup of cocoa, would you? That is a dangerous way to make a decision. The answer to the question is, “What does God say in His Inspired word?” That should be the only basis for decisions.

“The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.” The Desire of Ages, 36. This subject here is made clear in very strong language.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts quoted are literal translation.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Free Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Editor’s Letter – Jesus Only

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In the time of the apostles, what was it that produced primitive godliness in the church?

“ ‘Jesus only’—in these words is contained the secret of the life and power that marked the history of the early church.” The Acts of the Apostles, 64.

“The life of the true believer reveals an indwelling Saviour. … The pure doctrines of the gospel never degrade the receiver, never make him coarse, or rough, or uncourteous. The gospel refines, ennobles, and elevates, sanctifying the judgment and influencing the whole life.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 67.

“Those who are learning at the feet of Jesus will surely exemplify by their deportment and conversation the character of Christ. Their spiritual life is sustained in the closet, by secret communion with God. Their experience is marked less with bustle and excitement, than with a subdued and reverent joy. Their love for Christ is a quiet, peaceful, yet all-controlling power. The light and love of an indwelling Saviour are revealed in every word and every act. Outward troubles cannot reach that life which we live by faith on the Son of God. Its richest, purest joys are felt when Christ is the theme of thought and conversation.” The Review and Herald, May 30, 1882.

“The love existing between believers is to be similar to the love existing between the Father and the Son. And this love in the soul is the evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are to love God supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves. It is in the lack of this love that thousands fail, and are found transgressors of the law. Supreme love for God will lead to love for our fellow-men, and the commandment of Christ is, ‘Love one another as I have loved you,’ ‘By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another’ [John 13:34, 35]. We cannot have this love unless Jesus is abiding in the heart by living faith. The very unity of disciples, the love manifested one for another, will be evidence to the world that God has sent His Son into the world as its Redeemer. This unity and love will exist wherever the Spirit of the Lord abides; heart will be bound to heart, and works of righteousness will appear in the daily life.” The Signs of the Times, April 13, 1891.

“Keep close to Jesus. By beholding Him you will become changed into His likeness. … You may have a theoretical knowledge of the truth, but this will not save you. You must know by experience how sinful sin is and how much you need Jesus as a personal Saviour.” Medical Ministry, 217.

Bible Study Guides – Preparing for Eternity

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September 23, 2012 – September 29, 2012

Key Text

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48.

Study Help: Selected Messages, Book 3, 427.

Introduction

“If we would have health, we must live for it. If we perfect Christian character, we must live for it.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 241.

1 DIET REFORM, A PROGRESSIVE PLAN

  • During the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, what test would have been too early for Seventh-day Adventists? Why? Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Note: “My brother, you are not to make a test for the people of God upon the question of diet.” Medical Ministry, 288.

“We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet. …

We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship. …

The time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 159, 163.

  • What plan were God’s people instructed to follow concerning the diet reform? I Corinthians 10:31.

Note: “As we near the close of time we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 112.

“Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to prepare food without the use of milk or butter … because disease in animals is increasing. … The time is near when … the whole animal creation will groan under the diseases that curse our earth.” Ibid., vol. 7, 135.

2 IN THE EARLY 1900s

  • What caution was recommended in the early 1900s?

Note: “As I preach the gospel to the poor, I am instructed to tell them to eat that food which is most nourishing. I cannot say to them: ‘You must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream. You must use no butter in the preparation of food.’ The gospel must be preached to the poor, but the time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 163.

  • What appeal was made at the 1901 General Conference Session?

Note: “We want the pervading truth of God’s word to get hold of every one of our people before this conference is over. We want them to understand that the flesh of animals is not the proper food for them to eat. Such a diet cultivates the animal passions in them and their children. God wants us to educate our children in right habits of eating, dressing, and working. He wants us to do what we can to repair the broken-down machinery.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 12, 1901.

  • Because the health message was rejected by many in the leadership, what warning did God give to the church in 1903? What additional warning did the Lord send them?

Note: “God does not endorse the efforts put forth by different ones to make the work of Dr. Kellogg as hard as possible in order to build themselves up. God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it rejected God. One and another who knew better said that it all came from Dr. Kellogg, and they made war upon him.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903.

“If church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its place.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 339.

3 PREDICTED CHANGES

  • Name some prophecies of dietary changes for the remnant:

1884: “Use less and less meat, until it is not used at all. If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 407.

1890: “Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to his original design—that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it.” Counsels on Health, 450.

1898: “The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch or taste the flesh of dead animals. Then let not these things be prescribed by any physicians who have a knowledge of the truth for this time. There is no safety in the eating of the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cows will also be excluded from the diet of God’s commandment-keeping people.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 411.

1899: “The light given me is that it will not be very long before we shall have to give up using any animal food. Even milk will have to be discarded. Disease is accumulating rapidly. The curse of God is upon the earth, because man has cursed it. The habits and practices of men have brought the earth into such a condition that some other food than animal food must be substituted for the human family. We do not need flesh food at all. God can give us something else.” Ibid., 384, 385.

  • What standard must be reached by those who are preparing for the coming of Christ? Matthew 5:48; Philippians 3:14–16.

Note: “Do you imagine you can leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love the things that Christ loves.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 327.

“Holiness is the foundation of God’s throne; sin is the opposite of holiness; sin crucified the Son of God. If men could see how hateful sin is, they would not tolerate it, nor educate themselves in it. They would reform in life and character.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 145.

4 PROGRESSING TO PERFECTION

  • According to God’s plan for those who are preparing to be in His kingdom, for what reasons are they to do away with meat eating? Romans 8:22.

1884: “A positive injury is done to the system by continuous meat eating. There is no excuse for it but a depraved, perverted appetite. You may ask, Would you do away entirely with meat eating? I answer, It will eventually come to this, but we are not prepared for this step just now. Meat eating will eventually be done away. The flesh of animals will no longer compose a part of our diet; and we shall look upon a butcher’s shop with disgust.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 407.

1898: “We cannot now do as we have ventured to do in the past in regard to meat eating. It has always been a curse to the human family, but now it is made particularly so in the curse which God has pronounced upon the herds of the field, because of man’s transgression and sin. The disease upon animals is becoming more and more common, and our only safety is in leaving meat entirely alone.” Ibid., 412.

1902: “Those who claim to believe the truth are to guard carefully the powers of body and mind, so that God and His cause will not be in any way dishonored by their words or actions. The habits and practices are to be brought into subjection to the will of God. We are to give careful attention to our diet. It has been clearly presented to me that God’s people are to take a firm stand against meat eating.” Ibid., 383.

1902: “Those who use flesh meat disregard all the warnings that God has given concerning this question. They have no evidence that they are walking in safe paths. They have not the slightest excuse for eating the flesh of dead animals.” Ibid.

1905: “The moral evils of a flesh diet are not less marked than are the physical ills. Flesh food is injurious to health, and whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and the soul.” Ibid.

1905: “We shall soon reach a time when we must understand the meaning of a simple diet. The time is not far hence when we shall be obliged to adopt a diet very different from our present diet.” Medical Ministry, 281.

5 A PERFECTED PEOPLE

  • With whom must true reformation begin in the church? II Thessalonians 3:9; I Corinthians 9:27; 11:1.

Note: “The ministers must be converted before they can strengthen their brethren. They should not preach themselves, but Christ and His righteousness. A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. …

“One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform as it stands connected with the third angel’s message as part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 469, 470.

“Can we possibly have confidence in ministers who at tables where flesh is served join with others in eating it?” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 402.

“When the third angel’s message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 327.

  • How do we know that the required reformation must be completed before the coming of Christ? Acts 3:19–21; Philippians 1:6; II Peter 3:14.

Note: “Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh foods, tea and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 153, 154.

“Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light.” Testimonies to Ministers, 507.

“It is the Lord’s purpose that His people shall be a sanctified, purified people.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 47. …

Extra Reading

“The exhortation of the apostle is, ‘Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded’ [James 4:8]. It is by engaging in this work, and by exercising living faith in God that we are to perfect Christian character. The work of cleansing the soul temple and preparing for Christ’s appearing must be done while we are in this world of temptation. Just as Christ finds us in character when He comes, so we shall remain.

“We should make daily advancement in the work of character building. When we try to separate from us our sinful habits, it may at times seem that we are tearing ourselves all to pieces; but this is the very work that we must do if we would grow up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, if we would become fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. … After we have truly repented of our sins and done all that we can to overcome them, He would have us manifest a calm, unyielding trust in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour.

“If we make an entire surrender to Him, leave our life of sin and passion and pride, and cling to Christ and His merits, He will fulfill to us all that He has promised.” The Signs of the Times, September 29, 1887.

“There [in the earth made new] man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful. ‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. … They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain’ (Isaiah 11:6–9), saith the Lord.” The Review and Herald, July 1, 1915.

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Advancing and Growing in the Present Truth

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September 16, 2012 – September 22, 2012

Key Text

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” II Peter 1:12.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 169, 170.

Introduction

“Contemplating Christ and His righteousness leaves no room for self-righteousness, for the glorifying of self. … There is continual advancement in every stage of the knowledge of Christ.” Our High Calling, 60.

1 CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM: SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

  • How are the Abrahamic promises to be understood by believers who seriously seek to follow Christ and inherit the Promised Land? Romans 4:9, 13; Galatians 3:29; John 8:39.

Note: “The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham. Jesus told them that this claim could be established only by doing the works of Abraham. The true children of Abraham would live, as he did, a life of obedience to God. … A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual connection with him, which would be manifested in possessing the same spirit, and doing the same works, they were not his children.

“This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has long agitated the Christian world—the question of apostolic succession. Descent from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, but by likeness of character. So the apostolic succession rests not upon the transmission of ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what constitutes men the successors of the first teachers of the gospel.” The Desire of Ages, 466, 467.

2 THE LIGHT SHINES MORE AND MORE

  • In what sense should we be warned by the default of ancient Israel? Hebrews 3:19.

Note: “For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 69.

  • What characterizes the heirs of the new earth? Psalm 37:11; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2.
  • What truths must we accept today if we genuinely seek that better land? How is each generation privileged to be entrusted with greater light? II Peter 1:12; Jude 3, 20, 21.

Note: “Opposition is the lot of all whom God employs to present truths specially applicable to their time. There was a present truth in the days of Luther—a truth at that time of special importance; there is a present truth for the church today.” The Great Controversy, 143.

“Each will be judged by the light given him.” In Heavenly Places, 153.

  • In God’s plan to restore the truth to His people little by little, what special point of the “present truth” has He revealed to them in these last days? Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 58:12–14 (Isaiah 61:1–4).

Note: “Since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God’s people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question. …

“The present test on the Sabbath could not come until the mediation of Jesus in the holy place was finished and He had passed within the second veil.” Early Writings, 42.

3 ADVANCEMENT IN HEALTH REFORM

  • In 1858, how was swine’s flesh considered by the Advent believers, and what was Sister White’s message at that time?

Note: “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 convict 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. He will teach His church their duty.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 206, 207. [Emphasis author’s.]

  • How does a footnote written by James White aid us in understanding the context of the above statement? Romans 13:11, 12, 14.

Note: “This remarkable testimony was written October 21, 1858, nearly five years before the great vision of 1863, in which the light upon health reform was given. When the right time came, the subject was given in a manner to move all our people. How wonderful are the wisdom and goodness of God! It might be as wrong to crowd the milk, salt, and sugar question now, as the pork question in 1858.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 206. [James White, note to second edition.]

  • How does God lead His people progressively in the knowledge of the truth? John 16:13; Ephesians 4:11–15.

Note: “God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run ahead of the angels that are leading His people; but they have to retrace every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw that the angels of God would lead His people no faster than they could receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 207.

4 DISCERNING PRINCIPLES OF GOD’S WORD

  • How are we to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1)? Proverbs 4:18; II Peter 1:3–8.

Note: “The apostle [Peter] presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress, every step of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of which there is to be no standstill.” The Acts of the Apostles, 530.

  • What misunderstanding has entered the Christian world regarding unclean foods? Acts 10:10–16.
  • How did God reveal the real meaning of this vision? Acts 10:17–20, 28.

Note: “By the vision of the sheet and its contents, let down from heaven, Peter was to be divested of his settled prejudices against the Gentiles; to understand that, through Christ, heathen nations were made partakers of the blessings and privileges of the Jews, and were to be thus benefited equally with them. Some have urged that this vision was to signify that God had removed his prohibition from the use of the flesh of animals which he had formerly pronounced unclean; and that therefore swines’ flesh was fit for food. This is a very narrow and altogether erroneous interpretation, and is plainly contradicted in the Scriptural account of the vision and its consequences.

“The vision of all manner of live beasts, which the sheet contained, and of which Peter was commanded to kill and eat, being assured that what God had cleansed should not be called common or unclean by him, was simply an illustration presenting to his mind the true position of the Gentiles; that by the death of Christ they were made fellow heirs with the Israel of God. It conveyed to Peter both reproof and instruction. His labors had heretofore been confined entirely to the Jews; and he had looked upon the Gentiles as an unclean race, and excluded from the promises of God. His mind was now being led to comprehend the worldwide extent of the plan of God.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 327, 328.

5 A STEP TAKEN UPWARD

  • How did a more advanced, rediscovered biblical light inspire a change in the position of believers in the third angel’s message? Deuteronomy 14:8; Isaiah 65:3, 4; 66:17.

Note: “God has given you light and knowledge, which you have professed to believe came direct from Him, instructing you to deny appetite. You know that the use of swine’s flesh is contrary to His express command, given not because He wished to especially show His authority, but because it would be injurious to those who should eat it. Its use would cause the blood to become impure, so that scrofula and other humors would corrupt the system, and the whole organism would suffer. Especially would the fine, sensitive nerves of the brain become enfeebled and so beclouded that sacred things would not be discerned, but be placed upon the low level with common things. Light showing that disease is caused by using this gross article of food has come just as soon as God’s people could bear it. Have you heeded the light?” Testimonies, vol. 2, 96.

“The tissues of the swine swarm with parasites. Of the swine God said, ‘It is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.’ Deuteronomy 14:8. This command was given because swine’s flesh is unfit for food. Swine are scavengers, and this is the only use they were intended to serve. Never, under any circumstances, was their flesh to be eaten by human beings. It is impossible for the flesh of any living creature to be wholesome when filth is its natural element and when it feeds upon every detestable thing.” The Ministry of Healing, 313, 314.

  • Why do we need health reform in our preparation for the second coming of Christ? I Corinthians 6:19, 20; I Thessalonians 5:23; 11 Peter 3:14.

Note: “Our bodies are composed of what we eat; and by partaking of nourishing food, we have good blood, firm muscles, and vigorous health. … When the day dawns, the light is faint and subdued; but as the sun rises, its light increases and strengthens, until its rays reach the perfect day. This is the way in which the Christian’s light is to increase. We are to know more of Christ today than we knew yesterday; we are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour; we are to trust Him more in trial.” The Review and Herald, April 14, 1891.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1 Why has Christ’s second coming been so long delayed?

2 Do I really understand that the truth of God is progressive, advancing light—and that I need to reflect Abraham’s attitude of stepping forward by faith when brighter beams shine upon me?

3 How do we see the progress of advancing in greater light in regard to the eating of pork and all other unclean foods?

4 Why is light revealed in stages rather than all at once?

5 What is the only useful purpose for swine?

Extra Reading

“There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is ‘present truth’ that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock and sanctify the soul.” Early Writings, 63. [Emphasis author’s.]

“We should not measure ourselves by the world, nor by the opinions of men, nor by what we were before we embraced the truth. But our faith and position in the world, as they now are, must be compared with what they would have been if our course had been continually onward and upward since we professed to be followers of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 406.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. There is opened before us a path of continual advancement. We have an object to reach, a standard to gain, which includes everything good and pure and noble and elevated. There should be continual striving and constant progress onward and upward toward perfection of character. …

“This is the will of God concerning every human being, even your sanctification. In urging our way upward, heavenward, every faculty must be kept in the most healthy condition, to do the most faithful service. The powers with which God has endowed men are to be put to the stretch.” Special Testimonies on Education, 207.

“Let us plead with the Lord in the home and in the church, that we may be of good courage, and may go forward step by step, onward and upward toward heaven.” Reflecting Christ, 249.

“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 69.

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Identifying God’s People

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September 9, 2012 – September 15, 2012

Key Text

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” I Peter 2:9.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 1, 283–287; Ibid., vol. 4, 180.

Introduction

“What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure!” Patriarchs and Prophets, 289.

1 A PECULIAR PEOPLE

  • From all the world’s inhabitants, who are recognized as God’s true people? I Peter 2:9; Malachi 3:17, 18.
  • What makes God’s people peculiar, and how is this privilege blessed? Exodus 19:5, 6; Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:16–19. How do we know that this distinction encompasses our dietary choices? Exodus 15:26.

Note: “Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world. These are His peculiar people, zealous of good works. … In the case of Daniel and his three companions there are sermons upon health reform. God has spoken in the history of the children of Israel, from whom for their good He sought to withhold a flesh diet. He fed them with bread from heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 372.

“We shall soon reach a time when we must understand the meaning of a simple diet. The time is not far hence when we shall be obliged to adopt a diet very different from our present diet.” Medical Ministry, 281.

2 LEADING UP THE NARROW PATH

  • What relationship should exist between the leaders and the flock entrusted to their care? I Timothy 4:12; I Peter 5:2–4.

Note: “Let not any of our ministers set an evil example in the eating of flesh meat. Let them and their families live up to the light of health reform.” Medical Ministry, 281.

  • How does the knowledge of the truth, including health reform, affect our salvation and that of those who are watching us? I Timothy 4:16.

Note: “As we near the close of time we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but by our practice.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 112.

  • Where does obedience to God’s laws—including His natural laws—lead? Isaiah 1:19; I Peter 1:14–16.

Note: “[I Corinthians 6:19, 20 quoted.] Yes, we are God’s property, and the path of obedience to nature’s laws is the direct path to heaven. He who is converted from errors in eating, drinking, and dressing is being prepared to hear and receive the truth into a good and willing heart.” Counsels on Health, 222.

  • How does God purify His people? Isaiah 48:10; I Peter 1:22; John 16:13.
  • What calls did Joshua and Elijah make to ensure Israel’s faithfulness? Joshua 24:15; I Kings 18:21. How is it possible to make the same type of call for a temperance pledge?

Note: “The importance of caring for the health should be taught as a Bible requirement. Perfect obedience to God’s commands calls for conformity to the laws of the being. … No one can properly understand his obligations to God unless he understands clearly his obligations to himself as God’s property. He who remains in sinful ignorance of the laws of life and health, or who willfully violates these laws, sins against God.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 295.

3 PURIFICATION AND FINAL SEPARATION

  • What will happen to all who persist in evil habits? Hosea 4:17.

Note: “Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat eating will go from God’s people to walk no more with them.” Counsels on Diet and Foods (1902), 382.

  • What ultimately happens to the “candlestick” of a church that continues in wrongdoing? Revelation 2:5; 3:16.

Note: “God calls upon His ministers to carry forward a work of decided reform. He is seeking to lead His people to a higher plane of action. Let the church arise and shine. Let every family practice self-denial, doing all they can to improve their own condition. Those who are truly on the Lord’s side will be self-denying and self-sacrificing. They will eat and drink to the glory of God, refusing to corrupt soul and body by intemperance. Then the condition of the church will testify that her light has not been removed. But if church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its place. Those who refuse to receive and practice the light will be left in the background.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 339.

  • What kinds of people will be ready to see Christ? Ephesians 5:25–27.

Note: “If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 82.

“The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch or taste the flesh of dead animals. … There is no safety in the eating of the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cows will also be excluded from the diet of God’s commandment-keeping people. In a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation. Those who take God at His word, and obey His commandments with the whole heart, will be blessed. He will be their shield of protection. But the Lord will not be trifled with.” Ibid., 411.

4 SERIOUS PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY

  • Of the many Bible promises, which ones have brought special hope and courage during the difficult times of God’s church in all ages? II Peter 1:4; Matthew 5:5; II Peter 3:13.
  • What work is Jesus doing in the heavenly sanctuary in order for His people to spend eternity with Him? John 14:1–3; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.
  • What is included in our preparation to meet Christ? I John 3:3; II Corinthians 7:1.

Note: “In our work more attention should be given to the temperance reform. Every duty that calls for reform involves repentance, faith, and obedience. It means the uplifting of the soul to a new and nobler life. Thus every true reform has its place in the work of the third angel’s message. Especially does the temperance reform demand our attention and support. At our camp meetings we should call attention to this work and make it a living issue. We should present to the people the principles of true temperance and call for signers to the temperance pledge. Careful attention should be given to those who are enslaved by evil habits. We must lead them to the cross of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 110.

“Satan has laid every measure possible that nothing shall come among us as a people to reprove and rebuke us, and exhort us to put away our errors. But there is a people who will bear the ark of God. Some will go out from among us who will bear the ark no longer. But these cannot make walls to obstruct the truth; for it will go onward and upward to the end. In the past God has raised up men, and He still has men of opportunity waiting, prepared to do His bidding. … When God puts His Spirit upon men, they will work. They will proclaim the word of the Lord; they will lift up their voice like a trumpet. The truth will not be diminished or lose its power in their hands. They will show the people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 411.

5 LET US REDEEM THE TIME

  • Why has the return of Christ been delayed for so many years? II Peter 3:9; I Timothy 2:4.

Note: “It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But ‘they could not enter in because of unbelief.’ Hebrews 3:19. Because of their backsliding and apostasy they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning and find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 458.

“Why has the Lord so long delayed His coming? The whole host of heaven is waiting to fulfil the last work for this lost world, and yet the work waits. It is because the few who profess to have the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, have not become burning and shining lights in the world. It is because missionaries are few.” Maranatha, 55.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1 In what specific areas will God’s remnant be a peculiar people?

2 How should church officers take a leading role in health reform?

3 What will the presentation of the correct principles of health reform produce among the people?

4 When we understand the health message principles, what should we be ready to sign?

5 How does our diet relate to our preparation for the second coming of Jesus?

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – What Is Health Reform?

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September 2, 2012 – September 8, 2012

Key text

“Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!” Ecclesiastes 10:17.

Study Help: Medical Ministry, 259–284.

Introduction

“Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 17.

1 PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH REFORM

  • How far does our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being depend on our obedience to the principles of health reform? Deuteronomy 5:33; 6:5; 30:16, 19.

Note: “True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.

  • What is often associated with the removal of something bad (evil) in the system without proper replacement? II Peter 2:22. How is it possible to successfully separate from those things that are not good for us? Deuteronomy 11:22–28.

Note: “When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits that will be both nourishing and appetizing. This is especially necessary in the case of those who are weak or who are taxed with continuous labor. In some countries where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food. Under these circumstances the change will be made with greater difficulty; but it can be effected. We should, however, consider the situation of the people and the power of lifelong habit, and should be careful not to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged to make the change abruptly. The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome foods that are inexpensive. In this matter very much depends on the cook.” The Ministry of Healing, 316, 317.

2 NATURE’S ABUNDANT SUPPLY

  • Where was our first parents’ home? Genesis 2:8.

Note: “The home of our first parents was to be a pattern for other homes as their children should go forth to occupy the earth. That home, beautified by the hand of God Himself, was not a gorgeous palace. Men, in their pride, delight in magnificent and costly edifices and glory in the works of their own hands; but God placed Adam in a garden. This was his dwelling.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 49.

  • Why were Adam and Eve placed in such lovely, natural surroundings, and what were they to realize about it? Genesis 2:9; 1:29. What change took place after the Fall? Genesis 3:18, 19; Psalm 104:13–15.

Note: “Nature’s abundant supply of fruits, nuts, and grains is ample, and year by year the products of all lands are more generally distributed to all, by the increased facilities for transportation. As a result many articles of food which a few years ago were regarded as expensive luxuries are now within the reach of all as foods for everyday use. This is especially the case with dried and canned fruits.” The Ministry of Healing, 297.

“God is working in behalf of His people. He does not desire them to be without resources. He is bringing them back to the diet originally given to man. Their diet is to consist of the foods made from the materials He has provided.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 125.

“Spend less time over the cookstove, preparing food to tempt the appetite, and thus wearing out the strength given you of God to be used for a better purpose. A plain, nourishing diet will not require so great an amount of labor. We should devote more time to humble, earnest prayer to God for wisdom to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The health of the mind is dependent upon the health of the body. As Christian parents, we are bound to train our children in reference to the laws of life. We should instruct them, by precept and example, that we do not live to eat, but that we eat to live. We should encourage in our children a love for nobleness of mind and a pure, virtuous character. In order to strengthen in them the moral perceptions, the love of spiritual things, we must regulate the manner of our living, dispense with animal food, and use grains, vegetables, and fruits as articles of diet.” A Solemn Appeal, 66.

3 PITFALLS IN REFORMATION

  • As sinful creatures, agaist what tendency do we have to be continually on guard? Deuteronomy 5:32; Proverbs 4:27. How is this same tendency seen in regard to principles of health reform?

Note: “Careful attention should be given to the proper use of nut foods. Some kinds of nuts are not so wholesome as others. Do not reduce the bill of fare to a few articles composed largely of nut foods. These foods should not be used too freely. If they were used more sparingly by some, the results would be more satisfactory. As combined in large proportions with other articles in some of the recipes given, they make the food so rich that the system cannot properly assimilate it.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 364.

“Let us make intelligent advancement in simplifying our diet. In the providence of God, every country produces articles of food containing the nourishment necessary for the upbuilding of the system. These may be made into healthful, appetizing dishes.” Ibid., 94.

“There are many now under the shadow of death who have prepared to do a work for the Master, but who have not felt that a sacred obligation rested upon them to observe the laws of health. The laws of the physical system are indeed the laws of God, but this fact seems to have been forgotten. Some have limited themselves to a diet that cannot sustain them in health. They have not provided nourishing food to take the place of injurious articles; and they have not considered that tact and ingenuity must be exercised in preparing food in the most healthful manner. The system must be properly nourished in order to perform its work. It is contrary to health reform, after cutting off the great variety of unwholesome dishes, to go to the opposite extreme, reducing the quantity and quality of the food to a low standard. Instead of health reform this is health deform.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 373, 374.

  • What problem do those who are living in the Laodicea period face? Revelation 3:14, 15. What should we do about this?

Note: “Let all examine their own practices to see if they are not indulging in that which is a positive injury to them. Let them dispense with every unhealthful gratification in eating and drinking.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 371.

4 THE PROCESS OF REFORMATION

  • What basic principle of the Christian life applies also in regard to changes in dietary habits? Matthew 7:13, 14; Luke 13:23, 24; Philippians 2:12.

Note: “Only when we are intelligent in regard to the principles of health reform, can we be fully aroused to see the evils resulting from an improper diet. Those who, after seeing their mistakes, have courage to change their habits will find that the reformatory process requires a struggle and much perseverance. But when correct tastes are formed, they will realize that the use of food which they have formerly regarded as harmless was slowly but surely laying the foundation for dyspepsia and other diseases.” Medical Ministry, 273.

  • At times, what is necessary in this struggle to overcome the appetite? Matthew 16:24; 17:21.

Note: “Persons who have indulged their appetite to eat freely of meat, highly seasoned gravies, and various kinds of rich cakes and preserves, cannot immediately relish a plain, wholesome, and nutritious diet. Their taste is so perverted they have no appetite for a wholesome diet of fruits, plain bread, and vegetables. They need not expect to relish at first food so different from that which they have been indulging themselves to eat. If they cannot at first enjoy plain food, they should fast until they can. That fast will prove to them of greater benefit than medicine, for the abused stomach will find that rest which it has long needed, and real hunger can be satisfied with a plain diet. It will take time for the taste to recover from the abuses which it has received, and to gain its natural tone. But perseverance in a self-denying course of eating and drinking will soon make plain, wholesome food palatable. …

“All who feel their need for His Spirit to educate and discipline self and to properly train their children, will deny self, and take up the cross and follow Jesus.

“For certain things fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God. If our appetites clamor for the flesh of dead animals, it is a necessity to fast and pray for the Lord to give His grace to deny fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” Medical Ministry, 282, 283.

5 WISDOM TO CHANGE

  • When we consider the pitfalls and perseverance required in reforming our diet, how is it possible to achieve the right balance that leads to eternal life? Proverbs 2:6, 7; 4:7; James 1:5.

Note: “The Lord will teach many in all parts of the world to combine fruits, grains, and vegetables into foods that will sustain life and will not bring disease. Those who have never seen the recipes for making the health foods now on the market will work intelligently, experimenting with the food productions of the earth, and will be given light regarding the use of these productions. The Lord will show them what to do. He who gives skill and understanding to His people in one part of the world will give skill and understanding to His people in other parts of the world. It is His design that the food treasurers of each country shall be so prepared that they can be used in the countries for which they are suited. As God gave manna from heaven to sustain the children of Israel, so He will now give His people in different places skill and wisdom to use the productions of these countries in preparing foods to take the place of meat.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 124.

“The conscience must be aroused to the duty of practicing the principles of true reform. God requires that His people shall be temperate in all things. Unless they practice true temperance, they will not, they cannot, be susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the truth.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 451.

  • What kind of commitment is needed to maintain health? Philippians 4:13.

Note: “In our work more attention should be given to the temperance reform. Every duty that calls for reform involves repentance, faith, and obedience. It means the uplifting of the soul to a new and nobler life. Thus every true reform has its place in the work of the third angel’s message. Especially does the temperance reform demand our attention and support. At our camp meetings we should call attention to this work and make it a living issue. We should present to the people the principles of true temperance and call for signers to the temperance pledge. Careful attention should be given to those who are enslaved by evil habits. We must lead them to the cross of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 110.

  • What must we consider when struggling with lifestyle changes? Job 14:4; Romans 7:24, 25; I Corinthians 15:57.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1 How can we best describe the true principles of temperance?

2 What has God provided abundantly in nature to supply all our temporal needs?

3 Against what dangers do we need to be on guard, especially as we become zealous on the subject of health?

4 What are some steps we can successfully take in changing our diet and lifestyle in accordance with the plan God designed in the beginning?

5 What do we desperately need in order to fulfill God’s plan in diet as well as in other areas of our life?

Extra Reading

“The laws governing the physical nature are as truly divine in their origin and character as the law of the Ten Commandments. …

“A violation of these laws is a violation of the immutable law of God, and the penalty will surely follow.” Healthful Living, 21.

“To transgress His [God’s] law, physical, mental, or moral, is to place one’s self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin.” Education, 100.

“There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature, that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skillful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 301.

“The Lord plainly told His people that every blessing would come to them if they would keep His commandments, and be a peculiar people. He warned them through Moses in the wilderness, specifying that health would be the reward of obedience.” Ibid., 375.

“The light that God has given and will continue to give on the food question is to be to His people today what the manna was to the children of Israel. The manna fell from heaven, and the people were told to gather it and prepare it to be eaten. So in the different countries of the world, light will be given to the Lord’s people, and health foods suited to these countries will be prepared.” Medical Ministry, 267.

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Modern Pot of Manna

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August 26, 2012 – September 1, 2012

The People of the Ark

Key Text

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19.

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 311–317.

Introduction

“The light that God has given and will continue to give on the food question is to be to His people today what the manna was to the children of Israel.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 269.

1 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY

  • What is one of the first points of truth to be accepted near the beginning of one’s Christian experience? III John 2; Galatians 5:22, 23.

Note: “When the message comes to those who have not heard the truth for this time, they see that a great reformation must take place in their diet. They see that they must put away flesh food, because it creates an appetite for liquor, and fills the system with disease. By meat eating, the physical, mental, and moral powers are weakened.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 268, 269.

“Discard everything detrimental to health. Use simple, wholesome food. Fruit is excellent, and saves much cooking. Discard rich pastries, cakes, desserts, and the other dishes prepared to tempt the appetite. Eat fewer kinds of food at one meal, and eat with thanksgiving.” Medical Ministry, 274.

  • Why does health reform play such an active and important part in one’s life as a believer? I Corinthians 3:16, 17.

Note: “There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 488, 489.

2 THE ARK RESTORED TO GOD’S PEOPLE

  • What prophecy speaks about the ark of the covenant being restored once again to the true people of God? Where is this ark at the present time, and what is found inside it? Revelation 11:18, 19; Hebrews 9:3, 4, 23, 24.

Note: “The Lord gave me the following view in 1847. …

“In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward. Between the angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark, and as the saints’ prayers came up to Him, the incense in the censer would smoke, and He would offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense to His Father. In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book.” Early Writings, 32.

  • Once God entrusts the ark to a people, are they guaranteed to keep it forever no matter what they do? Romans 11:17–24.

Note: “It may be that erelong all prophesyings among us will be at an end, and the voice which has stirred the people may no longer disturb their carnal slumbers.

“When God shall work His strange work on the earth, when holy hands bear the ark no longer, woe will be upon the people. Oh, that thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace! Oh, that our people may, as did Nineveh, repent with all their might and believe with all their heart, that God may turn away His fierce anger from them.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 77, 78.

  • What promise can give us a constant assurance that God will always have a people to bear the ark? Romans 9:27; 11:1–5.

Note: “Satan has laid every measure possible that nothing shall come among us as a people to reprove and rebuke us, and exhort us to put away our errors. But there is a people who will bear the ark of God. Some will go out from among us who will bear the ark no longer. But these cannot make walls to obstruct the truth; for it will go onward and upward to the end.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 411.

3 DIET DURING THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

  • What day are we living in as we approach the close of time? Isaiah 22:12, 20, 22; Revelation 3:7.

Note: “None [those who had studied the subject of the sanctuary] could fail to see that if the earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly, the law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in heaven; and that an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved an acknowledgment of the claims of God’s law and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the bitter and determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of the Scriptures that revealed the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Men sought to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which He had closed. But ‘He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth,’ had declared: ‘Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ Revelation 3:7, 8. Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place.” The Great Controversy, 435.

  • What practice on that specific day provides insight on how to observe the antitypical day of atonement? Leviticus 23:28, 29.

Note: “The true fasting which should be recommended to all is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 90.

  • What will happen to those who, knowing the light, persist in eating flesh in the antitypical day of atonement? Isaiah 22:13, 14; (Leviticus 23:27–30; Psalm 106:14, 15).

Note: “It has been clearly presented to me that God’s people are to take a firm stand against meat eating. Would God for thirty years give His people the message that if they desire to have pure blood and clear minds, they must give up the use of flesh meat, if He did not want them to heed this message? By the use of flesh meats the animal nature is strengthened and the spiritual nature weakened.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 383.

4 REFORMATION IN THE MINISTRY

  • What kind of ministry do we need to prepare a people to face the final crisis of this world’s history? Ezekiel 44:23.

Note: “Only those who appreciate these principles, and have been trained to care for their bodies intelligently and in the fear of God, should be chosen to take responsibilities in this work. Those who have been long in the truth, yet who cannot distinguish between the pure principles of righteousness and the principles of evil, whose understanding in regard to justice, mercy, and the love of God is clouded, should be relieved of responsibilities. Every church needs a clear, sharp testimony, giving the trumpet a certain sound.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 375.

“God calls at this time for laborers whose interests are fully identified with His work and His cause. The ministers engaged in this work must be energized by the spirit and power of the truths they preach, and then they will have an influence. The people will seldom rise higher than their minister.” Ibid., vol. 2, 645.

“For every offense committed against the laws of health, the transgressor must pay the penalty in his own body.” Ibid., vol. 4, 409.

“We have been given the work of advancing health reform. …

“Beware how you place yourself in opposition to the work of health reform. It will go forward; for it is the Lord’s means of lessening the suffering in our world, and of purifying His people.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 38.

  • Is it possible to faithfully lead God’s people without leading by example? Leviticus 10:8–11; I Corinthians 11:1.

Note: “No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform unfits him to stand as the Lord’s messenger.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 378.

“A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. …

“One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform as it stands connected with the third angel’s message as part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.” Ibid., vol. 1, 469, 470.

5 PREPARATION FOR THE SECOND COMING

  • What type of dietary practices are needed by the faithful as a whole before the second coming of Jesus? I Corinthians 9:25–27.

Note: “Had they [the Israelites] been willing to deny appetite in obedience to His [God’s] restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been unknown among them. Their descendants would have possessed physical and mental strength. They would have had clear perceptions of truth and duty, keen discrimination, and sound judgment. But they were unwilling to submit to God’s requirements, and they failed to reach the standard He had set for them, and to receive the blessings that might have been theirs.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 378.

“Every careless action, any abuse put upon the wonderful mechanism by disregarding [God’s] specified laws of the human habitation is a violation of God’s law. This law embraces the treatment of the entire being.” Healthful Living, 20.

“Adam fell by the indulgence of appetite; Christ overcame by the denial of appetite. And our only hope of regaining Eden is through firm self-control.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 167.

“Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to His original design—that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it. I cannot think that in the practice of flesh eating we are in harmony with the light which God has been pleased to give us. All who are connected with our health institutions especially should be educating themselves to subsist on fruits, grains, and vegetables.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 119.

  • What type of character does this translation diet foster? Ephesians 5:26, 27.

Note: “It is impossible for those who indulge the appetite to attain to Christian perfection.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 400.

“Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink, of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 90.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1 What is the relationship between one’s diet and spirituality?

2 As the people of God have entered the final period of the Christian era, what has been preserved in heaven to guide them during this time?

3 What restriction was placed on Israel on the Day of Atonement? How are we to fulfill its antitype today?

4 In order for true reformation to succeed, where must it begin?

5 How does our diet prepare us for translation to our heavenly home?

Extra Reading

“The unbelief and murmurings of the children of Israel illustrate the people of God now upon the earth. Many look back to them, and marvel at their unbelief and continual murmurings, after the Lord had done so much for them, in giving them repeated evidences of His love and care for them. They think that they should not have proved ungrateful. But some who thus think, murmur and repine at things of less consequence. They do not know themselves. God frequently proves them, and tries their faith in small things; and they do not endure the trial any better than did ancient Israel.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 223.

“Those who indulge appetite … need to wake up and reason from cause to effect. They need to realize that they are disease producers because of their ignorance upon the subject of proper eating, drinking, and dressing.” Temperance, 196.

“Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshipped, even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store, and would remove sickness from the midst of them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 609.

“In the past God has raised up men, and He still has men of opportunity waiting, prepared to do His bidding—men who will go through restrictions which are only as walls daubed with untempered mortar. When God puts His Spirit upon men, they will work. They will proclaim the word of the Lord; they will lift up their voice like a trumpet. The truth will not be diminished or lose its power in their hands. They will show the people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 411.

“Our God is a jealous God, He will have a clean, pure and holy people.” The Review and Herald, June 12, 1855.

© 2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Glazed Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

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1 ¼ cups sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1/3 cup flour

1 pastry for 2-crust pie

2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut in 1 inch pieces

2 cups fresh strawberries

2 Tbsp. margarine

1 Tbsp. sugar

Combine 1 ¼ cups sugar, salt, and flour. Arrange half the strawberries and rhubarb in a pastry-lined 9 inch pie pan. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining fruit and sugar mixture. Dot with margarine. Install top crust and flute edges to make high-standing rim. Brush top of pie with cold water and sprinkle on 1 Tbsp. sugar. Cut steam vents in top crust. Bake in hot oven (425 F) 40-50 minutes or until rhubarb is tender and crust is browned.

Food – Rhubarb

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Rhubarb is a relative of buckwheat and has an earthy, sour flavor. Having originated in Western China, Tibet, Mongolia, Siberia and neighboring areas, the traditional role was medicinal—the dried root was a popular remedy for a wide range of illnesses. Its primary function was to induce vomiting, although rhubarb is also a mild astringent.

Beginning in the eighteenth century, rhubarb began to be consumed in foods. Botanically speaking, rhubarb is considered a vegetable, but is most often treated as a fruit. Just like fresh cranberries, rhubarb is almost unbearably tart on its own and needs the sweetness of sugar, honey, or fruit juice added to it to balance out the acidity. Commonly it is stewed with sugar or used in pies and desserts, but it can also be put into savory dishes, or pickled.

Never eat rhubarb leaves, cooked or raw. Eating the leaves can be poisonous because they contain oxalate. This toxin, plus another unknown toxin also found in the leaves, has been reported to cause poisoning when large quantities of raw or cooked leaves are ingested.

Rhubarb, now grown all over the world, is a perennial vegetable that grows as hardy as a weed. It is a very beautiful garden plant, with huge extravagant, lush green leaves and pink or red stalks. If you add rhubarb to your garden, it should be planted at the end of one side of the garden where it will not be disturbed since it may be productive for five years or more. A half-dozen plants will provide enough rhubarb for a family of four.

Harvesting of rhubarb generally begins in mid-June with a second harvest in August. The deeper the red, the more flavorful the stalks are likely to be. Medium-size stalks are generally more tender than large ones, which may be stringy. For storage, first trim and discard the leaves. The freshly harvested stalks can be kept in the refrigerator, unwashed and wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to three weeks.

Children’s Story – Mad Elephants and a Wicked King

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In ancient times Greece was the world power and was ruled under Alexander the Great up until the year 217 B.C.

Alexander had been a mighty conqueror, but died in a drunken stupor. His four generals divided up the kingdom, but they kept fighting and soon only two kingdoms were left, the north and the south each with its own king. Philopater was the king of the south part of the divided Greek Kingdom.

Philopater continued making war against the king of the north and conquered many provinces. On their return home to Egypt, as the army passed through each area that had been defeated, parades were held with much celebration.

The name Philopater means love father, but this king was a very evil man prone to indulging his depraved appetite, alcohol and lewd parties. His military success made him very proud, thinking he could do whatever he wanted.

One of the places he decided to have a parade and celebration was Jerusalem. In spite of the priests doing their best to stop him, he went into the temple and made blasphemous offerings to God on the altar. He boldly attempted to enter the Most Holy Place in the temple, which was out of bounds to everyone except the High Priest who could only enter there on one day of the year—the Day of Atonement. Though at that time, the Jews were mostly not obeying God as they ought, God still honoured His own name and smote the king.

The historian, Prideaux, describes it this way:

“He was smitten from God with such a terror and confusion of mind that he was carried out of the place in a manner half dead.” Humphrey Prideaux, An Historical Connection of the Old and New Testaments, William Tegg and Co., London, 76, 77.

The king did not learn the lesson that God was trying to teach him and added to his pride and wickedness anger against the Jews. He returned to Egypt and attempted to force all the Jews in his country to worship heathen idols. By force and threats he persuaded 300 of them to give up the God of heaven and perform idol worship, which caused them to be excommunicated by the Jewish leaders, thrown out of the Jewish church for breaking God’s commandments!

This action against his new idol worshiping converts made Philopater twice as angry. He ordered that the Jews be caught, chained and brought to Alexandria, his capital. They were placed in a large arena and it was announced that on a certain day there would be a big show performed for the people of his realm; everyone could come and see it.

Wild elephants were brought in that had been treated badly and were fierce and angry. Their drinking water was spiked with something that made them drunk. The day of the big event came to drive the drunken, mad elephants into the arena to kill the poor Jews that were captive there.

Among the captives were some who still loved and obeyed the God of heaven, and these cried to God praying for protection and help. They prayed continually until the terrible day arrived. The king and all his important officers, including many other people, gathered in the big arena to see the show, as if they were going to watch a circus or a hockey game.

The huge doors of the mad, wild elephants’ pen were opened, and the frantic, drunken and powerful beasts rushed out into the arena like an army tank. But something strange happened. Instead of rushing onto the helpless prisoners and stomping them to death, they turned around and began to destroy the arena and attack the people who had come to see the show! Great numbers were killed that day but not a single Jew was harmed.

At the same time, some scary pictures appeared in the air over the arena that really terrified the wicked king and his soldiers. He knew that God was protecting His people who had cried unto Him. Trembling with fear, he ordered the prisoners to be set free and restored them to all of their rights and privileges. It is not known what happened to the elephants.

Did this wicked king learn his lesson after seeing this mighty work of the God of Heaven? Sad to say, he did not. In 213 B.C., he turned on the Jews again and had 40,000 of them killed. Maybe this time there were not any true believers to cry to God, I don’t know. Throughout the rest of his life, Philopater became more and more disgusting until he died of drunkeness and his evil habits. How different his story might have been had he humbled his heart and worshiped the true God of Heaven!

Compiled by P.G. Temple, Adventure Stories from History, Harvestime Books, Altamont, Tennessee, 2008, 46–49.