The Time in Which We Live
“The contest will wax more and more fierce on the part of Satan; for he is moved by a power from beneath. As the work of God’s people moves forward with sanctified, resistless energy, planting the standard of Christ’s righteousness in the church, moved by a power from the throne of God, the great controversy will wax stronger and stronger, and will become more and more determined. Mind will be arrayed against mind, plans against plans, principles of heavenly origin against principles of Satan. Truth in its varied phases will be in conflict with error in its ever-varying, increasing forms, and which, if possible, will deceive the very elect.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 407
According to this quotation, error is ever changing and increasing its forms. The person whose mind is filled with truth from the throne of God will stand against the minds of those who have accepted these forms of error. The plans in the minds of God’s people will be in opposition to the plans of others in the church who have accepted the plans of the adversary. The principles of heavenly origin will be in opposition to the principles originating with Satan. All this is described as going on in the church as we approach the end.
Since the principles of error are constantly changing, they are not stable like the principles of truth. Those who accept them are not stable either, because they are constantly having to change what they believe. The truth accepted by Adventists does not change. It is like an unfolding flower—developing and revealing more and more in its eternal beauty as time passes.
Abandoning error to follow truth requires a change of mind and heart. But, if our minds are constantly changing, this is evidence that we are double-minded, and we will deceive others and become deceived ourselves. The Bible strictly warns about this. Let’s look at the symptoms of the problem.
Symptoms and Propositions
Symptom 1
The double-minded man is the man who is bent on having his own way, all the while professing to be doing the will of God. Not only does he deceive others, he eventually deceives himself. He will genuinely believe when following his own way he is actually doing the will of God. It took forty years of unlearning and learning anew to prepare Moses to overcome this problem.
“It was the experience gained during the years of toil and waiting in Midian—the spirit of humility and long-suffering there developed—that prepared Moses to meet with patience the unbelief and murmuring of the people and the pride and envy of those who should have been his unswerving helpers. Moses ‘was very meek, above all men which were upon the face of the earth,’ and this is why he was granted divine wisdom and guidance above all others. Says the scripture, ‘The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.’ Psalm 25:9. The meek are guided by the Lord, because they are teachable, willing to be instructed … God does not force the will of any; hence He cannot lead those who are too proud to be taught, who are bent upon having their own way. Of the double-minded man—he who seeks to follow his own will, while professing to do the will of God—it is written, ‘Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.’ James 1:7.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 384
Symptom 2
The double-minded man has two agendas in his mind. When people talk to him, sometimes he is on one agenda and sometimes on the other. Consequently, while everything he says might be absolutely the truth according to the agenda he is talking about, it actually is very deceptive. This deception eventually is manifest when the two agendas become known and are found often to be contradictory.
“They are men of two minds.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 531
Some years ago, a conference minister moved to the area of a Seventh-day Adventist church which was not recognized by the conference and was therefore an independent church seeking to become sanctified and spread the three angels’ messages to their community. He said he had come to help with the work in that church. However, he disclosed to another worker that the conference president had sent him to take control of the church. Why was the story so different? Because there were two agendas—one public and another hidden.
Over many years, Steps to Life Ministries has received many appeals from conference ministers to “Come back home.” These appeals would be most attractive to those who are mixed up about who and what the church really is. Just as in Jesus’ day, if you did not know who the church was, you most certainly would not be part of it, but would instead have been in that multitude demanding Jesus’ death. Sadly, we have learned by bitter experience that while they appear to be making a genuine invitation to welcome Steps to Life back into the “fold,” in reality, their objective was and continues to be to destroy this ministry, and others like it, over which they have no control. Thus, we see two distinct messages, extended by the same people, but in complete contradiction to one another—one public, the other hidden. This proposed destruction will be accomplished by the double-minded upon all others who are double minded:
Proposition 1: Offering a flattering appeal and attempting in every possible way to win them over. Many will be won by this method.
Proposition 2: If appeal and flattery do not work, then the power of the state is employed. While the Adventist organization extends loving appeals to Historic Adventist churches to return to the structure, it issues threats at the very same time. A double agenda—one public, one hidden.
Symptom 3
The double-minded man is unstable, constantly in the process of changing his mind, back and forth and up and down.
“To be double-minded is to be unstable.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 24, 1900
“They are unstable in all their ways, and cannot be depended upon.” Ibid., February 8, 1894
Examples of These Symptoms
- The Spirit of Prophecy made it very clear in 1893 that we were not to call the Seventh-day Adventist church Babylon. But, she also made it clear to the General Conference President in 1886 that we as a people could become part of Babylon (Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery and Divorce, 188). We see there have been several positions taken.
- The church has not become Babylon.
- We can become part of Babylon if we fulfill all the conditions laid down in the Spirit of Prophecy. However, we are not at the present time.
- That it is impossible for us as a people to ever become part of Babylon.
At Steps to Life, we are convinced that the second position is the correct one and have proclaimed this position for many years in publications and sermons. We believe the Spirit of Prophecy statement that we are on the track of Romanism (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 362) is more true now and that we are nearer the “city-limits” of Babylon than ever before.
An interesting thing has developed in Historic Adventism. Some, having taken position number one, are proclaiming all others as heretics. They are saying that everyone should have their names removed from the denominational rolls. Others, who used to do this same thing, have switched to position number three, stating that the organization they formerly called Babylon is really the true church. They are saying that everyone must belong to it or they are in danger of having their names stricken from the book of life in heaven, while claiming they are still not part of the structure church.
Whenever you see a “Babylon” like this, you can know that there is a problem with being double-minded.
- Where do you take your converts? Some know from experience that if you bring them into a conference church in your area, you may lose them. Others say that only baptisms into a conference church count. In plain language, we must know who and what is the church. The true church is one founded upon the Rock that cannot be moved and against whom the powers from beneath cannot prevail. If you keep changing your mind, obviously you are double-minded. If you say, we are going back to the conference (“church” “home”) but a few days later you say that you are not—is this not being double-minded?
More Symptoms and Devices
Symptom 4
The double-minded man professes one thing and does another. To be more specific, he, by profession, deplores the work of Satan and yet enters into his devices.
“Of what profit is it to say pleasant things, to deplore the works of Satan, and yet at the same time to enter into the fulfillment of all his devices? This is being double-minded.” Ibid., February 15, 1894
- What are some of Satan’s devices?
Blaming others and justifying ourselves.
“The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies; it was indulged by our first parents as soon as they yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessing their sins, they try to shield themselves by casting the blame upon others, upon circumstances, or upon God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 58
“The very thing that gained for Satan the sympathy of one-third of the angels in heaven, was this spirit of self-justification. The angels were deceived by Satan’s misrepresentations and by his artful power of accusing those who would not unite with him. Satan has kept up this work ever since his fall, and he has large numbers of men and women who follow in the very steps he has taken, until they fall from the truth, give up their steadfastness, and stand on Satan’s side, as accusers, criticizing others.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 324, 325
We are all in a world of temptation.“Let no one feel … that he makes no mistakes.” Counsels on Health, 244. The problem is not so much that we make mistakes, but rather when we do, we refuse to take responsibility. Instead we accuse others, trying to cast the blame on some other minister or worker or ministry or on “the constituency” or on the Historic Adventists worldwide or on some conference or the general conference or some other scapegoat.
Deception
In the effort to cause good to happen to ourselves by self-justification and blaming others, inevitably we will sooner or later be caught up in deception. We may have proclaimed to all that we are transparent in all our actions, but an attempt to justify self and blame others will always end up in a crooked course of action. And not only will others be deceived, but we will deceive ourselves by this course.
Symptom 5
Instead of going to God for unerring, stable counsel, the double-minded man seeks counsel from man. Therefore, he is controlled by men rather than God. Because of this, he is never comfortable unless there is a coalition of people working together. Consequently, it is only through human association and groups that he can feel safe and comfortable. If things do not work out in one group, he is forced to seek some other group to be a part of so that he feels safe, secure, and comfortable. If the home church is not big enough, he must go to some other church (often no matter what is being taught) because he is not comfortable except in a group.
“ ‘A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ God calls upon His people now to consecrate all their powers to His service. He would have every household become a home church … . None are to place themselves under the guidance of human beings; for God has not ordained this. He bids us look to One and depend upon One who understands our needs, and is able to supply them from His abundant fullness.” Australasian Union Conference Record, October 14, 1907
Symptom 6
The double-minded man has no spiritual foundation of his own, walking instead in the light of another’s torch. Why do you believe what you believe? Some people believe what they believe because that is what they were taught by their Bible teacher or by the evangelist they trained under or by some theologian. All these people may know the truth, but you must know the truth for yourself, not just what someone else believes and teaches, or you will not endure through the shaking.
“Many of those who profess the truth have received it because someone else did, and for their life they could not give the reason of their faith. This is why they are so unstable. Instead of weighing their motives in the light of eternity, instead of obtaining a practical knowledge of the principles underlying all their actions, instead of digging down to the bottom and building upon a right foundation for themselves, they are walking in the light of another’s torch, and will surely fail.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 196
Symptom 7
The double-minded man deals in man-made tests.
“Men will arise speaking perverse things … bringing sacred truth upon a level with common things … . The devisings of men’s minds will invent tests that are no tests at all, that when the true test shall be made prominent, it shall be considered on a par with the man-made tests that have been of no value.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1064
Popular Man-Made Tests
- You must have your name on the conference church roll or your name is not written in the Lamb’s book of life.
- You must address God by Hebrew names.
- You must profess faith in and give your tithe and all your financial support to the church organization or you are robbing God’s treasure house.
- “The Lord gave me this impression (or “sign”) and therefore, I know this is the Lord’s will.” Some people can tell you of many signs and impressions they have received and multitudes have followed these undependable tests. Some stupendous mistakes have been made by Adventists because they have depended on “signs” and “impressions.”
“Whenever I have been called to meet fanaticism in its varied forms, I have received clear, positive, and definite instruction to lift my voice against its influence. With some the evil has revealed itself in the form of man-made tests for ascertaining a knowledge of the will of God; and I was shown that this was a delusion which became an infatuation, and that it is contrary to the will of the Lord. If we follow such methods, we shall be found aiding the enemy’s plans. In times past certain among the believers had great faith in the setting of signs by which to decide their duty. Some had such confidence in these signs that men went so far as to exchange wives, thus bringing adultery into the church.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 28
“As God’s commandment-keeping people we have a most sacred work to do in making clear, simple, and plain the spiritual basis of our faith. All need to become familiar with the requirements of God for this time. Influences of various kinds and orders will come in to sway the people of God from the saving tests for this time. But there will be brought in a vast amount of man-made tests that have not the least bearing upon the work given us of God to prepare a people to stand with the whole equipment of the heavenly armor on, without leaving off one piece. The word of God and His down-trodden law are to be made prominent in so marked a manner that men and women, members of other churches, shall be brought face to face, mind to mind, heart to heart with truth. They will see its superiority over the multitudinous errors that are presented and are pushing their way into notice, to supplement if possible the truth for this solemn time. Every soul is taking sides. All are ranging themselves either under the banner of truth and righteousness or under the banner of the apostate powers that are contending for the supremacy.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, 92, 93
Symptom 8
The double-minded man speaks evil of his brethren who will not be turned from the truth to his present opinion. He will call them all sorts of names and epithets such as schismatic, “ignorant of theology or history,” divisive, back-biter, wishy-washy, filled with hatred against him—in short, he blames his troubles on his brethren who do not agree with him.
“Satan is at the head of fallen principalities and powers, and is the ruler of the darkness of this world. Day and night he is plotting against God and against those who are seeking to obey the truth. He transforms himself into an angel of light, and makes darkness appear as light, and light as darkness; and he seeks continually to lead unstable souls to unite with him in thinking evil and in speaking evil of those who will not be turned from the truth. He is described in the Scriptures as a liar, a destroyer, a tormentor, an accuser, a murderer, and it will not be difficult to discern on which side a soul is fighting, or under what leadership he is moving, if he is found accusing and condemning others. If men and women have been placed so that they have gained influence, and they use that influence to further Satan’s designs, they are uniting with the great adversary and apostate.” The Review and Herald, December 11, 1894
Symptom 9
The double-minded man says anything that comes into his mind. He strongly advocates something, then strongly advocates just the opposite, and then denies what he formerly advocated. One Sabbath he attends a home church and vilifies the church organization. A few Sabbaths later he states that your name must be on the conference roll or it probably will not be in the book of life. This is double-mindedness at work.
To a double-minded minister, Mrs. White wrote: “When a man gives evidence that he is sound in principle, when he is of good repute among those where he is best known, when his character is one whose influence will be Christlike, he should be admitted to fellowship and confidence without hesitancy. But he whose works show him to be unstable, who says one thing and does the very opposite, is careless of his words and influence, bringing out of his heart the evil things lurking there, such a one will profane both men and God. He will say anything that comes into his mind, whether he knows it to be falsehood or truth. There is a mixture of good and bad in his character, and he speaks just as he feels without studying the influence his words must have upon those who believe him to be a true minister of the gospel. They have heard him speak as Christ’s ambassador, and therefore, they will either regard his sins lightly or their confidence in him as a devoted servant of Christ will be destroyed. The minister of Christ should be circumspect, he should understand human nature.” Pamphlets #28 Elder Daniels and the Fresno Church
“One day you will stand in the pulpit and strongly advocate the testimonies which God has sent to His people; in a few days, if you feel like it, you do your best to unsettle faith in them, among those with whom you associate; and then in a day or two you are advocating the testimonies again. Now, my brother, are you anchored anywhere, or are you not more like the waves of the sea, tossed to and fro, unstable, unreliable, moved not by principle, but by emotion? Will not your work be of the same character? Will it not ravel out? Both you and your wife are under the reproof of God. What are you going to do about it? Will you draw nigh to God? Will you set your own house in order? Will you unitedly make earnest work for eternity? Or will you throw down the yoke of Jesus, refuse to lift His burdens, and choose to be independent, perverse, willful, uncontrollable? … You often deny what you have said or done.” Pamphlets #96 Testimonies on the Case of Elder E.P. Daniels
“Before the great trouble shall come upon the world such as has never been since there was a nation, those who have faltered and who would ignorantly lead in unsafe paths will reveal this before the real vital test, the last proving comes, so that whatsoever they may say will not be regarded as voicing the True Shepherd. The time of our educating will soon be over. We have no time to lose in walking through clouds of doubt and uncertainty because of uncertain voices.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1002
Pastor John J. Grosboll is the Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be reached by email at historic@stepstolife.org or by telephone at 316-788-5559.