Issue: 2017 June

Question & Answer – Was King Herod a Jew?

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Herod professed to be a proselyte of the Jewish faith.

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1, 2).

“Herod was professedly a proselyte to the Jewish faith, and apparently very zealous in perpetuating the ceremonies of the law. The government of Judea was in his hands, subject to Claudius, the Roman emperor; he also held the position of tetrarch of Galilee. Herod was anxious to obtain the favor of the Jews, hoping thus to make secure his offices and honors. He therefore proceeded to carry out the desires of the Jews in persecuting the church of Christ. He began his work by spoiling the houses and goods of the believers; he then began to imprison the leading ones. He seized upon James and cast him into prison, and there sent an executioner to kill him with a sword, as another Herod had caused the prophet John to be beheaded. He then became bolder, seeing that the Jews were well pleased with his acts, and imprisoned Peter. These cruelties were performed during the sacred occasion of the Passover.” The Story of Redemption, 292.

“It was during the Passover that these cruelties were practiced. While the Jews were celebrating their deliverance from Egypt and pretending great zeal for the law of God, they were at the same time transgressing every principle of that law by persecuting and murdering the believers in Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 144.

“The people applauded the act of Herod in causing the death of James, though some of them complained of the private manner in which it was accomplished, maintaining that a public execution would have had the effect to more thoroughly intimidate all believers and sympathizers. Herod therefore held Peter in custody for the purpose of gratifying the Jews by the public spectacle of his death. But it was suggested to the ruler that it would not be safe to bring the veteran apostle out for execution before all the people who were assembled in Jerusalem for the Passover. It was feared that his venerable appearance might excite their pity and respect; they also dreaded lest he should make one of those powerful appeals which had frequently roused the people to investigate the life and character of Jesus Christ, and which they, with all their artifice, were totally unable to controvert. In such case, the Jews apprehended that his release would be demanded at the hands of the king.” The Story of Redemption, 292.

Pen of Inspiration – To the “Little Flock”

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Dear Brethren: The Lord gave me a view, January 26, 1850, which I will relate. I saw that some of the people of God are stupid and dormant and but half awake; they do not realize the time we are now living in, and that the man with the “dirt brush” has entered, and that some are in danger of being swept away. I begged of Jesus to save them, to spare them a little longer, and let them see their awful danger, that they might get ready before it should be forever too late. The angel said, “Destruction is coming like a mighty whirlwind.” I begged of the angel to pity and to save those who loved this world, who were attached to their possessions and were not willing to cut loose from them and sacrifice to speed the messengers on their way to feed the hungry sheep who were perishing for want of spiritual food.

As I viewed poor souls dying for want of the present truth, and some who professed to believe the truth were letting them die by withholding the necessary means to carry forward the work of God, the sight was too painful, and I begged of the angel to remove it from me. I saw that when the cause of God called for some of their property, like the young man who came to Jesus (Matthew 19:16–22) they went away sorrowful, and that soon the overflowing scourge would pass over and sweep their possessions all away, and then it would be too late to sacrifice earthly goods, and lay up a treasure in heaven.

I then saw the glorious Redeemer, beautiful and lovely; that He left the realms of glory and came to this dark and lonely world to give His precious life and die, the just for the unjust. He bore the cruel mocking and scourging, wore the plaited crown of thorns, and sweat great drops of blood in the garden, while the burden of the sins of the whole world was upon Him. The angel asked, “What for?” Oh, I saw and knew that it was for us; for our sins He suffered all this, that by His precious blood He might redeem us unto God!

Then again was held up before me those who were not willing to dispose of this world’s goods to save perishing souls by sending them the truth while Jesus stands before the Father pleading His blood, His sufferings, and His death for them; and while God’s messengers are waiting, ready to carry them the saving truth that they might be sealed with the seal of the living God. It is hard for some who profess to believe the present truth to do even so little as to hand the messengers God’s own money that He has lent them to be stewards over.

The suffering Jesus, His love so deep as to lead Him to give His life for man, was again held up before me; also the lives of those who professed to be His followers, who had this world’s goods, but considered it so great a thing to help the cause of salvation. The angel said, “Can such enter heaven?” Another angel answered, “No, never, never, never. Those who are not interested in the cause of God on earth can never sing the song of redeeming love above.” I saw that the quick work that God was doing on the earth would soon be cut short in righteousness and that the messengers must speed swiftly on their way to search out the scattered flock. An angel said, “Are all messengers?” Another answered, “No, no; God’s messengers have a message.”

I saw that the cause of God had been hindered and dishonored by some traveling who had no message from God. Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have used in traveling where it was not their duty to go, because that money might have helped on the cause of God; and for the lack of the spiritual food that might have been given them by God’s called and chosen messengers, had they had the means, souls have starved and died. I saw that those who have strength to labor with their hands and help sustain the cause were as accountable for their strength as others were for their property.

The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause. The angel said, “Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No, no. It must be a freewill offering. It will take all to buy the field.” I cried to God to spare His people, some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw that the judgments of the Almighty were speedily coming, and I begged of the angel to speak in his language to the people. Said he, “All the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai would not move those who will not be moved by the plain truths of the word of God, neither would an angel’s message awake them.”

I then beheld the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. His robe was whiter than the whitest white. No language can describe His glory and exalted loveliness. All, all who keep the commandments of God, will enter in through the gates into the city and have right to the tree of life and ever be in the presence of the lovely Jesus, whose countenance shines brighter than the sun at noonday.

I was pointed to Adam and Eve in Eden. They partook of the forbidden tree and were driven from the garden, and then the flaming sword was placed around the tree of life, lest they should partake of its fruit and be immortal sinners. The tree of life was to perpetuate immortality. I heard an angel ask, “Who of the family of Adam have passed the flaming sword and have partaken of the tree of life?” I heard another angel answer, “Not one of Adam’s family has passed that flaming sword and partaken of that tree; therefore there is not an immortal sinner. The soul that sinneth it shall die an everlasting death—a death that will last forever, from which there will be no hope of a resurrection; and then the wrath of God will be appeased.

“The saints will rest in the Holy City and reign as kings and priests one thousand years; then Jesus will descend with the saints upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount will part asunder and become a mighty plain for the Paradise of God to rest upon. The rest of the earth will not be cleansed until the end of the one thousand years, when the wicked dead are raised, and gather up around the city. The feet of the wicked will never desecrate the earth made new. Fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour them—burn them up root and branch. Satan is the root, and his children are the branches. The same fire that will devour the wicked will purify the earth.”

Early Writings, 48–52.

Keys to the Storehouse – Examine Yourself

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All of us have, at one time or another, picked flaws in the motives and principles of others, thinking that we had good wisdom. Many have overlooked the Bible description of wisdom which says: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The very next verse states: “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Are you sowing peace or are you trespassing against your neighbor or your Heavenly Father? Another word for trespass is misbehavior or misconduct. It is conduct which does not represent your profession as children of the heavenly kingdom. Daniel felt bad and prayed because of the trespasses of God’s people (Daniel 9:7). In the Old Testament, the Israelites offered trespass offerings, but we rarely hear about these anymore. Is it because we do not think we are misbehaving or often consider whether our conduct meets with heavenly standards? We should examine ourselves to see if we have lost that connection with Jesus that so-called little sins or little misbehaviors seem OK and do not need to be repented of.

“We profess a great and holy faith; and our character must be in accordance with that faith, with God’s great moral standard. Let us shun every mean action, all dishonesty, all overreaching; and if any one is guilty of wrong in this respect, let him confess his sin, and make restitution to the one whom he has wronged, and in addition bring a trespass offering to God, that when the times of refreshing shall come, his sins may be blotted out, and his name retained in the book of life.” Gospel Workers, (1892), 432.

We want our names retained in the book of life! Identify all the sins in your life, repent and bring a trespass offering.

“It would be well to have a trespass-offering box in sight, and have all the household agreed that whosoever speaks unkindly of another or utters angry words, shall drop into the trespass-offering box a certain sum of money. This would put them upon their guard against the wicked words which work injury, not only to their brethren, but to themselves. No man of himself can tame the unruly member, the tongue; but God will do the work for him who comes unto Him with contrite heart in faith and with humble supplication. By the help of God, bridle your tongues; talk less, and pray more. …

“The converting power of God must come into your hearts and transform your characters before you can adorn the gospel of Christ with a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. Then there will be no evil-speaking, no evil surmising, no accusing of your brethren, no secret working to exalt self and disparage others. Christ will reign in your hearts by faith. Your eyes and your tongue will be sanctified, and your ears will refuse to listen to evil reports or suggestions from believers or unbelievers. Your senses, your appetites and passions, will all be under the control of the Spirit of God; they will not be given up to the control of Satan, that he may employ your members as instruments of unrighteousness.” The Review and Herald, March 12, 1895.

Heavenly Father: I have trespassed against you so many times without even considering it sin. I am so sorry to have become so slothful in my thoughts and actions. Please forgive me. Alert me to my danger. “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5). Cleanse my eyes, my ears and my tongue through Your word. I yield myself to Thy Holy Spirit’s control. Amen.

Current Events – Body Arts, Beauty or Mutilation?

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Modification of the body, whether permanent or semi-permanent, has been happening for many generations and is done for various reasons, such as ritual, supposed beautification or aesthetics, rites of passage, religious beliefs or to display group membership or affiliation. It is even done to create shock value or simply as self-expression. In general, voluntary changes are modifications, while involuntary changes are considered mutilations.

Young men and women in many African communities have their bodies modified to fulfill custom. Such rites have often required some form of change to the head, limbs or torso. These rites involve practices that range from a mere head and eyebrow shaving to cutting patterns on the face or body using a razor blade, and the chipping, or filing, or removal of incisor teeth. Other forms of modification have included the wearing of wooden plugs designed to stretch the earlobes. This has been a common practice among the Maasai and Turkana people of Kenya, who begin to wear wooden earplugs at 10 years of age, a practice that is considered by many to be a form of child abuse.

Mutilation Used as Punishment

In the early days of America, horse thieves were secured in stocks while they were whipped and their cheeks branded with H T to identify their crime. Slaves, considered property by their masters, were branded for identification from ancient times. Today, in some countries, amputation of the right hand is the punishment for those convicted of theft.

For centuries, the Chinese thought it attractive to bind the feet of the little girls so their feet would not grow bigger than around five inches. This inhumane practice, which has been outlawed since the early 1900s, crippled the women for life.

For many, the skin is a canvas in need of decoration. Some display marks for all to see while some are hidden and only known to the wearer. Modifications such as body piercing and tattooing have become very popular in recent times from simple markings to altering bone structure. Devotees of extreme body modification say that tattoos, piercings, and skin implants are beautiful and that the sometimes-painful procedures used to create them can be emotionally and even spiritually uplifting.

Looking over His creation, God saw that “indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Through Moses He gave explicit instructions to the Israelites that they were not to make any cuttings in their flesh for the dead or place any tattoo marks on themselves (Leviticus 19:28).

Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). And again, “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1, 2).

The only cutting to be done is the circumcision of the heart, the cutting away of sin from the life. It is a deception of the devil to believe that we can improve on what God has created by painting and mutilating our bodies which we have on loan in this life.

“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and to seek first the highest beauty—that which is imperishable. The choicest productions of human skill possess no beauty that can bear comparison with the that beauty of character which in His sight is of “great price.” Education, 249.

Children’s Story – Saved from a Panther

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Did you know that some wild beasts will not attack a person who is singing? That is really a fact, as you will find by reading this true story. The story tells how God heard the prayer of two little girls, and protected them from a panther when they were walking home through the woods one evening in Pennsylvania.

Near the summit of a mountain in Pennsylvania was a small place called Honeyville. It consisted of two log houses, two shanties, a rickety old barn, and a small shed, surrounded by a few acres of cleared land. In one of these houses lived a family of seven—father, mother, three boys, and two girls. The mother and her two little girls, Nina and Dot, were Christians, and their voices were often lifted in praise to God as they sang from an old hymn book which they dearly loved.

One morning in the late autumn, the mother sent Nina and Dot on an errand to their sister’s home three and one-half miles away. The first two miles took them through dense woods, while the rest of the way led past houses and through small clearings. She told them to start on their return home in time to arrive before dark, as many wild beasts—bears, catamounts [mountain lions/cougars], and sometimes even panthers—were prowling around. These animals were hungry at this time of the year, for they were getting ready to “hole up,” or lie down in some cozy cave or hole for their long winter’s nap.

The girls started off, merrily chasing each other along the way. They arrived at their sister’s in good time, and had a jolly romp with the baby. After dinner, the sister was so busy and the children were so happy in their play that the time passed unheeded until the clock struck four. Then the girls hurriedly started for home, in the hope that they might arrive there before it became very dark. The older sister watched until they disappeared up the road, anxiously wishing someone were there to go with them.

The girls made good time until they entered the long stretch of woods.

“Oh, I know where there is such a large patch of wintergreen berries, right by the road!” said Nina. “Let’s pick some for mamma.” So they climbed over a few stones and logs, and, sure enough, the berries were plentiful. They picked and talked, sometimes playing hide and seek among the bushes.

When they started on again, the sun was sinking low in the west, and the trees were casting long, heavy shadows over the road. When about half the distance was covered, Dot began to feel tired and afraid. Nina tried to cheer her.

“Over one more long hill, and we shall be home,” she said.

But now they could see the sun shining only on the tops of the trees on the hill, and in the woods it was already twilight. …

Suddenly a large panther stepped out of the bushes. He turned his head first one way and then another. Then, as if seeing the girls for the first time, he crouched down, and, crawling, sneaking along, like a cat after a bird, he moved toward them. The girls stopped and looked at each other. Then Dot began to cry.

“O Nina! Let’s run!” she said, in a half-smothered whisper.

But Nina thought of the long, dark, lonely road behind, and knew that running was useless. Then she thought of what she had heard her father say about showing fear.

“No, let’s pass it,” she said as she seized her little sister’s hand, “God will help us.” And she started up the road toward the panther.

When the children moved, the panther stopped, straightened himself up, then crouching again, he moved slowly, uneasily, toward them. When they had nearly reached him, and Nina, who was nearer, saw his body almost rising for the spring, there flashed through her mind the memory of hearing it said that a wild beast would not attack anyone who was singing. What should she sing? In vain she tried to recall some song. Her mind seemed a blank. In despair, she looked up and breathed a little prayer for help. Then she caught a glimpse of the last rays of the setting sun touching the tops of the trees on the hill, and she began to sing:

“There is sunlight on the hilltop,
There is sunlight on the sea.”

Her sister joined in. At last their voices were faint and trembling, but by the time the children were opposite the panther, the words of the song rang out sweet and clear on the evening air.

The panther stopped, and straightened himself to his full height. His tail, which had been lashing and switching, became quiet, as he seemed to listen. The girls passed on, hand in hand, never looking behind them.

“Oh, the sunlight! beautiful sunlight!
Oh, the sunlight in the heart!”

How sweet the words sounded as they echoed and reechoed through the woods. As the children neared the top of the hill, the rumbling of a wagon fell upon their ears, so they knew that help was near. But still they sang. When they had reached the top, there was the wagon. Then for the first time they turned and looked back just in time to catch a last glimpse of the panther as he disappeared into the woods.

The mother had looked often and anxiously down the road, and each time was disappointed in not seeing the children coming. Finally she could wait no longer, and started to meet them. When about halfway there, she heard the music:

“Oh, the sunlight! beautiful sunlight!
Oh, the sunlight in the heart!
Jesus’ smile can banish sadness;
It is sunlight in the heart.”

At first, a happy smile of relief passed over her face; but it faded as she listened. There was such an unearthly sweetness in the song, so strong and clear, that it seemed like the music of angels instead of her own little girls. The song stopped, and the children appeared over the hill. She saw their white faces, and hurried toward them. When they saw her, how their little feet flew! But it was some time before they could tell her what had happened.

What a joyful season of worship they had that night! and what a meaning that dear old hymn has had to them ever since!

The memory of that thrilling experience will never fade from the memory of the writer, who was one of the children.

True Education Reader, Fourth Grade, Nina Case Baierle (adapted), 281–286.

Unity Through Faith in Christ

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On the night of His betrayal, Christ made a very interesting statement, recorded in Luke 22:37: “For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” [Emphasis supplied.]

Christ was quoting from Isaiah 53, a chapter that so faithfully and clearly describes Himself as the Messiah that Jewish parents refuse to discuss the chapter with their children. Thankfully, we are not so blind to the mercies of God that we refuse to recognize His prophetic voice speaking in the message He gave Isaiah centuries ago.

What are the things concerning Christ that “have an end” that He was referring to in Luke 22:37? A careful reading of Isaiah 53 will answer that question. Much of what Isaiah described about Christ ended at the cross—being “numbered with the transgressors”—but the entirety of the assertion He made in Luke has yet to come fully to pass. Christ continues to experience the sinfulness of sin as He pleads His blood before the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary. And that ordeal will not end until the sanctuary is cleansed and He returns to this earth with the host of heaven to gather His saints.

Thus, we ponder if Christ’s statement that “the things concerning Me have an end” has a broader application. Indeed, many things concerning Him did have an end when He was crucified. But there is, in my opinion, another end yet to come, and that will occur when Christ returns to gather His saints and ends the misery that sin has brought upon this earth.

What must we do to cope with the trials of life until that glorious event occurs? Remember that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

Our hope lies not in this life, but in the life to come. Christ referred to that eternal life time and time again when He was on earth, though at the time few comprehended what He meant. The most famous reference, perhaps, is in John 3:16, a text that most professors of Christ learned at their parent’s knee.

The promise of eternal life, though, occurs over and over again in the record of Christ’s life as recorded in the gospels, and that promise is always based on the same condition—obedience—sometimes clearly stated and sometimes implied by the context of the statement.

In Matthew 19, we have this record: “Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments’ ” (Matthew 19:16, 17).

This is a rather amazing statement for a reason that might be easily overlooked. Clearly Christ is mindful here of His human nature and recognizes the inherent capacity for sin in the natural heart, which He assumed when He came to this earth to rescue man from the wages of sin. Mindful of this, of the potential sinfulness of humanity, He refused to accept the accolade offered by this rich young ruler: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” After that assertion, Christ clearly states the one and only condition for eternal life: “keep the commandments.”

The gospel writer who wrote most frequently of the reward of eternal life was the apostle John, usually in his record of Christ’s interactions with non-believers or in response to questions from His erstwhile followers.

John records an interesting exchange in the sixth chapter of his gospel narrative, where there is a comprehensive record of the feeding of the five thousand and the events that followed.

Perceiving the intent of the masses to “take Him by force to make Him king” (John 6:15), Jesus absented Himself from the scene and sought solitude. After reuniting with His disciples in a rather startling manner (verses 19, 20), He engaged in an extended conversation with the people about Himself as the bread of life.

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst’ ” (verse 35). A bit later, Christ made a less symbolic, more direct statement regarding eternal realities: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (verse 47). Unfortunately, there were not many who were willing to carry their belief in Him to complete fulfillment, as we see as this crisis in Galilee was building.

Christ’s statements that followed were unacceptable to the masses, for they failed to understand the symbolism in his assertion that “… unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (verse 53).

Christ clearly stated in no vague language, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (verse 63), “many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (verse 66).

In the following chapter, John records a conversation that again was so full of symbolism that few truly understood His meaning.

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ ” (John 7:37, 38).

The meaning of this statement that so puzzled His hearers is made clear in the Spirit of Prophecy:

“The flowing of the water from the rock in the desert was celebrated by the Israelites, after their establishment in Canaan, with demonstrations of great rejoicing. In the time of Christ this celebration had become a most impressive ceremony. It took place on the occasion of the Feast of Tabernacles, when the people from all the land were assembled at Jerusalem. On each of the seven days of the feast the priests went out with music and the choir of Levites to draw water in a golden vessel from the spring of Siloam. They were followed by multitudes of the worshipers, as many as could get near the stream drinking of it, while the jubilant strains arose, ‘With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation’ (Isaiah 12:3). Then the water drawn by the priests was borne to the temple amid the sounding of trumpets and the solemn chant, ‘Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122:2). The water was poured out upon the altar of burnt offering, while songs of praise rang out, the multitudes joining in triumphant chorus with musical instruments and deep-toned trumpets.

“The Saviour made use of this symbolic service to direct the minds of the people to the blessings that He had come to bring them. ‘In the last day, that great day of the feast,’ His voice was heard in tones that rang through the temple courts, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ ‘This,’ said John, ‘spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive’ (John 7:37–39). The refreshing water, welling up in a parched and barren land, causing the desert place to blossom, and flowing out to give life to the perishing, is an emblem of the divine grace which Christ alone can bestow, and which is as the living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul. He in whom Christ is abiding has within him a never-failing fountain of grace and strength. Jesus cheers the life and brightens the path of all who truly seek Him. His love, received into the heart, will spring up in good works unto eternal life. And not only does it bless the soul in which it springs, but the living stream will flow out in words and deeds of righteousness, to refresh the thirsting around him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 412.

In the eleventh chapter of John we have the record of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. After Christ and His disciples come to Bethany on the fourth day following Lazarus’ death, there is an interesting exchange between Martha and Jesus in which Martha’s understanding of the state of the dead is clearly revealed. “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day’ ” (John 11:23, 24).

In response, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? ’ ” (verses 25, 26).

Though Martha responded positively, her response indicated that she failed to fully comprehend what belief in Christ fully means.

“To the Saviour’s words, ‘Believest thou?’ Martha responded, ‘Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’ She did not comprehend in all their significance the words spoken by Christ, but she confessed her faith in His divinity, and her confidence that He was able to perform whatever it pleased Him to do.” The Desire of Ages, 530.

There are two other passages in John’s gospel that should bring great joy to the believer. In John 16:33, Christ provides a reason for the continuing hope that His followers should have: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

There is no greater peace, in the fullest meaning of the word, that one can have than is obtained in recognizing that Christ’s victory over the enemy of souls is our victory as well. Truly, “in the world” we “will have tribulation.” We have an enemy who is determined to drag humanity down into the same miserable pit of sin and degradation that he currently occupies. Nevertheless, by fully believing in Christ, by nurturing that measure of faith that each of us has been given, we can “be of good cheer” and “overcome the world.”

The final passage in the gospel of John that expresses the eternal life available to all who have faith in Christ is given in Christ’s prayer in John 17.

John 17:20–23: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

All who understand fully what “belief” in Christ entails will indeed be unified in the bonds of Christian brotherhood that John summarized succinctly but powerfully in his first missive: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

We cannot “walk in the light” unless we have complete faith in Christ as the Redeemer of mankind and fully believe that His blood cleanses us from all sin. Then that unity that Christ prayed so fervently for in John 17 will be a reality and we will indeed have true Christian fellowship with one another.

The gospel writers were not alone in their affirmation that obedience through faith in Christ imparts righteousness to the believer—that righteousness by faith that alone provides the spotless wedding garment to the saved. Paul alluded time and time again to the inseparable union of faith, righteousness, and eternal life.

One of his strongest statements occurs in Philippians 3:8, 9: “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”

As Paul’s long, final imprisonment began and his itinerate ministry was drawing to a close, he continued to bear faithfully the message that God had laid upon his heart. When arraigned before Felix, he took the opportunity to preach one of his most meaningful and memorable sermons.

For two years, “a ray of light from heaven had been permitted to shine upon Felix, when Paul reasoned with him concerning righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come. That was his heaven-sent opportunity to see and to forsake his sins. But he said to the messenger of God, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ He had slighted his last offer of mercy. Never was he to receive another call from God.” The Acts of the Apostles, 427.

Let us not be like Felix, who had at his disposal for two years one of the greatest expositors of the gospel, who apparently conversed with him at will, but who rejected this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to know more fully the way of salvation.

“And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24).

“The faith in Christ” … Felix rejected his opportunity to understand what that meant. Thankfully, by the grace and love of god, we have on record Paul’s explanation of what it means to be in Christ and to have faith in Christ, so that we are “without excuse” if we fail to grasp the full import of what that means.

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:21–26).

“… through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe …”

Unity through faith in Christ!

John Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. After retiring as chief financial officer for the Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon, Arizona, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, to join the Steps team. 

Sealed By Grace Through Faith

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Before Jesus can come the second time He must have a people on whose foreheads He can place the seal of the living God. What is this seal and how do we receive it? The scriptures teach us that God wants to write His law on our hearts. “I will put My law into their minds and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people” (Hebrews 8:10).

The prophet Isaiah tells us, “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples” (Isaiah 8:16). The law Isaiah is referring to is God’s ten commandments, the keeping of which Solomon taught was the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). What we see in Christianity today is a power that changed God’s moral law that was written by the finger of God on tables of stone. This anti-Christ power has boasted for hundreds of years that it had the authority and power to change this moral law. If you compare the teachings of the Catholic catechism with the ten commandments of the Bible you will find a world of difference. The order as well as the wording has been changed. The second commandment dealing with idolatry is conveniently missing and the fourth commandment became the third. To make up the ten laws, the tenth commandment has been divided into two.

Daniel prophesied that a power would arise after the apostolic church leaders died that would think to change times and laws (Daniel 7:25). The Protestant world has fallen into this delusion of Sunday worship that the Papal church has boastingly taught for centuries.

Uriah Smith wrote these words about the importance of the Sabbath commandment: “The author of this Sabbath law has declared who He is, the extent of His dominion, and His right to rule; for every created intelligent being must at once assent that He is the creator of all and has a right to demand obedience from all His creatures. Thus, with the fourth commandment in its place, this wonderful document among men that God only wrote with His own finger, has a signature, it has that which renders it intelligible and authentic, and it has a seal. But without the fourth commandment, the law is incomplete and unauthoritative.” Daniel and Revelation, 457.

This law of man’s devising in the Catholic catechism is not the law that God will write upon the hearts of His obedient children. His commandment-keeping people will offer the prayer of David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

The agency that writes the seal of God upon the heart is the Holy Spirit. “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Ellen White calls it “the pure mark of truth.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 267.

On another occasion, she wrote these solemn words: “Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot of stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of all defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” Ibid., vol. 5, 214. We are warned that “not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.” Ibid., 213. Our profession will be tested in the future if we do not have sufficient oil in our lamps (Matthew 25). The following statement gives one of the clearest definitions of the seal of God: “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so that they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come.” “Ellen G. White comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1161.

It appears from this statement that the shaking and the sealing are events that happen together. The fiery trial of our faith will only purify our characters. The straight testimony must be given in the spirit and power of the Holy Spirit to reveal who is really on the Lord’s side (see Early Writings, 270). This will be a terrible ordeal for the church to face, but the Lord will see us through it all (Isaiah 40; Zachariah 10:1). There is only one way of salvation found in Scripture, “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). “For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Likewise, we are sealed by faith in the great and precious promise of God’s word (2 Peter 1:4). His word to us today is: “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds (thunder clouds), and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field” (Zechariah 10:1). We will have to enter into this experience of receiving the latter rain alone.

Compare Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:23–25. The prophet Zechariah also describes how this will be accomplished. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem … . And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; … In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land … and the unclean spirit out of the land” (Zechariah 12:10–14, 13:1, 2).

The greatest victories for the church and for the individual Christian are not those victories gained by talent, education, wealth or the favor of man but those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power (see Patriarchs and Prophets, 203).

The destiny of the church is dependent upon heeding the counsel of the True Witness. Those within our church who are not willing to heed the counsel will rise up against it and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people (see Early Writings, 270).

What I understand from these statements as to the cause of the shaking is that the very positive message, calling for a revival, will cause a negative response by those who do not recognize their need of the Holy Spirit.

Ellen White describes the results of the shaking: “I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy.” Early Writings, 271.

She concludes this page with these words: “I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, ‘It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.’ ” Ibid.

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that seals and prepares us for translation as we cooperate by putting away our besetting sins of pride, selfishness, love of the world and every wrong word and action. We are sealing our destiny for translation. All glory belongs to the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, lived in such communion with God that God took him to Himself, denying Satan’s power over the human family that had been created in God’s image.

The apostle Paul commenting on the heroes of faith in the Old Testament briefly describes how Enoch was prepared for heaven in these words: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). How he pleased God we are told in the next verse. He pleased God because he exercised faith in the great and precious promises in God’s word (2 Peter 1:4). He also believed that “God was a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6) by prayer and Bible study.

Another powerful type of the last generation who will be sealed is demonstrated by Jacob’s experience in wrestling with the angel at the brook Jabbok. Separated and alone at the brook, he saw this person approach him and thinking he was the enemy caused him to wrestle all night for victory.

When the Angel of the Lord touched Jacob’s thigh and crippled him he recognized his assailant was Christ. Then Jacob would not release his hold on his Savior until he received the blessing of the forgiveness of sin, especially his sin against his brother Esau.

Commenting on this experience of Jacob, Ellen White writes: “Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.

We, like Jacob, must wrestle alone with God until we receive the power of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. As Jacob received a name change because of his persistent faith so also the faith of the 144,000 will be rewarded as the Israel of God, the saints of the Most High God. They have followed the Lamb of God on earth and will have special privileges in the kingdom of God in heaven (see Early Writings, 19).

Isaiah’s prophecy will then be fulfilled by the 144,000. “He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11).

We must plead and agonize for His wonderful blessing in proportion to the value of this wonderful gift that God has promised His church (see The Desire of Ages, 668). Also, we must learn to walk and wrestle with God today as did Enoch and Jacob and cling to our Saviour and never let go until the morning breaks into eternal day.

We serve a God who loves us individually (John 3:16). May we each individually receive a goodly seal on this anti-typical day of atonement is my prayer for all Israel.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me ever to adore Thee,
May I still Thy goodness prove,
While the hope of endless glory
Fills my heart with joy and love.

O, to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter,
Bind me closer still to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart – O, take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Robert Robinson, 1758 (1725–1790)

Government in the Church

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Among God’s people in the Christian church there must not only be love, but also order. Peter instructed the elders of the early church telling them: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2, 3).

The apostolic church over a relatively short period became highly organized. This was not possible without the blessing of the Holy Spirit which works through organized means. Within 25 or 30 years after the crucifixion of Christ, the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Colossae that the gospel had gone to every creature under heaven.

When God raised up the second advent movement, He taught them that His work today was also to be organized.

In the book, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 106, she wrote, “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

Many historic Seventh-day Adventists today seem to have forgotten what God has taught us in the past.

We are told: “Never since the creation of the world were such important interests at stake as now depend upon the action of men who believe and are giving the last message of warning to the world.” Ibid., 246. God does not change. His ways and principles do not change.

The apostle Paul told Timothy to train faithful men who can teach others. Years after Ellen White’s son William was born, she was shown in vision that God had raised up her son, on whom He would put the spirit of wisdom, to help her in her work when her husband could no longer help. William White lived until 1937. During the 1930s, he wrote articles that appeared in The Review and Herald, the official organ of the Seventh-day Adventist church, describing how the Adventist church had become organized as it is today.

If we forget how the Lord led us in the past, we will make the same mistakes that they made almost 150 years ago. In this article, we will review the principal points that William White enumerated as happening during the second advent movement.

After the great disappointment in 1844 when Jesus did not return, the great mass of the people (between 50 to 100 thousand in the United States alone), fell away. During Jesus’ ministry on earth He cleansed the temple twice, once at the beginning of His ministry and again at the end.

Ellen White is very clear that just as Jesus purified the temple twice, in the closing work, He will purify His people twice. At the beginning, when He purified the advent movement, the great mass of believers fell away. There was only a handful of people left that held on to their faith, and to them was revealed the Sabbath truth. The two great doctrines that were then preached were the Sabbath and the second coming of Christ.

However, there was no organized way to proclaim these things to the world, and there were very few Sabbath-keepers. If a person was convicted that he should preach, he would just go out at his own expenses and start preaching. Maybe somebody would give him some money to help him with his expenses as he went from place to place to proclaim the fact that Jesus was coming soon, and to be ready for His coming, and that we needed to keep His commandments.

There was no conception of a world-wide, organized effort. However, within a few years, people from different parts of the country were expressing an interest to learn about the Advent truth. There was a lack of preachers or ministers that could be sent to them, for most who preached present truth had to have a part-time job of some kind to support themselves while they were preaching. Hence there was a dearth of laborers.

In 1858 James White described it this way: “Repeated disappointments are saddening and discouraging our preachers. They have generally moved out expecting to be sustained by their brethren in their arduous work, but their brethren often failed to do their duty. They have looked on apparently unmoved and they have seen one after another of our preachers break down in health through over labor and deprivation for want of means while they have continued to hug their earthly treasures to their hearts. Disappointment has been the sad lot of our preachers and now several of them are sunken down under poverty, broken-down in health and discouragement.” The Review and Herald, April 8, 1858.

In January 1859, a church-meeting was held in Battle Creek. Those present were much burdened because of the lack of preachers. Among those present were J. N. Andrews from Iowa, James White, and J. B. Frisby. The three of them were asked at this meeting to prepare an address for the Adventist people about systematic benevolence, which they did.

In the paper that was subsequently published, they discussed the Scriptural basis of giving for the cause of the gospel and showed that such gifts should be bestowed willingly, equitably, liberally, regularly, and systematically. They wrote that God wants us to give as He has prospered us. The following proposals were published in The Review and Herald, February 3, 1859.

  1. “Let each brother from 18 to 60 years of age lay by him in store on the first day of the week from 5 to 25 cents.” (See 1 Corinthians 16:2.)
  2. “Each sister from 18 to 60 years of age, lay by her in store the first day of the week 2 to 10 cents.” On the average, a woman, even today, with the identical, same education as a man will make approximately 70 to 75% of what a man will make.
  3. “Let each brother and sister lay by him or her in store on the first day of each week, from 1 to 5 cents on each and every one hundred dollars of property that they possess.”

It is estimated at that time that the total property owned by the Seventh-day Adventists was between nine and ten thousand dollars. This was mostly in small houses and lots and with this small systematic giving the funds began to come in and ministers could be hired to preach.

Elder Loughborough reported: “It seems to me as far as means are concerned, this plan has been the salvation of the cause of present truth from bankruptcy. In places where before the adoption of this plan the brethren thought they could scarcely take care of themselves, and do comparatively nothing for the support of the cause, we see them now stating that their systematic benevolence amounts to over $100 a year.” The Review and Herald on June 18, 1861.

During this same time, James White began to propose to the brethren assembling in different areas that in each state where there are sufficient Seventh-day Adventists it would be a good thing to hold an annual meeting to come together to study and to pray for God’s work; where they might be more united in their work for the Lord. This proposal was accepted and yearly camp meetings began.

James White wrote, “We lack system. Many of our brethren are in a scattered state. They observe the Sabbath, read with some interest The Review, but obviously, they are doing little or nothing for want of some method of united action among them.” Ibid., July 21, 1859.

A push for local church organization began. Many problems needed to be solved because of the different local churches with no unified policy and no unified system of beliefs. W. C. White reported that conduct that might be permitted in some churches, would, in other places, furnish occasion for disfellowship.

He further reported, “We are aware that these suggestions will not meet the minds of all. Brother Overcautious will be frightened and will be ready to warn his brethren to be careful and not venture out too far; while Brother Confusion will cry out, ‘O, this looks just like Babylon, following the fallen church.’ Brother Dolittle will say, ‘the cause is the Lord’s, and we had better leave it in His hands. He will take care of it.’ ‘Amen,’ say Love of this World, Slothful, and Stingy, ‘If God calls men to preach, let them go out and preach. He will take care of them. And those who believe their message, while Korah, Dathan, and Abiram are ready to rebel against those who feel the weight of the cause, and who watch for souls as those that must give an account, and they raise the cry, You take too much upon you.’ ” Ibid.

This discussion on becoming organized was approaching a debate. Some Adventists believed that if you become organized you will become just like Babylon. We still have that same problem today.

James White later wrote, “It was too late to be afraid of gospel order merely because others have gone into the creed business, too late to run off the bridge on one side simply because the water roars on the other. There are two extremes to be shunned. One is for human wisdom alone to combine its feeble strength to carry on the work of God. The other is to leave with God what He has left for us, and sit down and wait for special providences before moving. If such move at all, it is independent of the views and feelings of others, each individual constituting an independent church.” Ibid.

James White was editor of The Review and Herald, which was located at Battle Creek, and they needed money. Sometimes they borrowed to carry on their work. One lady offered to loan $100 which would be like $5,000 today. Because it was a loan she wanted James White to personally sign a promissory note that they would pay it back. Being unable to be responsible for the debts that would be incurred by The Review and Herald office he refused and the loan was not accepted. The Review office buildings were not insured and if they burned down with fire they would be lost.

He wrote, “We hope, however, that the time is not far distant when this people will be in that position necessary to be able to get church property insured. I think it’s soon that we are going to be able to get our church property insured. … hold the meeting houses in a proper manner, that those persons making their wills and wishing to do so, can appropriate a portion to the publishing department. Till this can be brought around, we must do the best we can, but we wish it distinctly understood that we bear no individual responsibility in the matter.” Ibid., February 23, 1860.

James White proposed that the church come to a place where it could do certain things that they were not able to do then. He said that they needed to be in a position to get church property insured and that they needed to hold the meeting houses in proper manner. If a church building is owned by an individual and that individual becomes fanatical, he or she could control anything that happens in that building because that building is privately owned.

Some of the leading brethren were not prepared to accept such radical change of policy that would be involved in organizing according to the law as James White had promoted. He believed that matters must be arranged that the responsibility of debt not rest upon one individual. There was a lot of opposition.

James White believed that if it is acceptable for an individual to hold their own home property or other real estate legally, it is also acceptable for a church to legally hold property. Year after year he pressed the issue of the need to be a legal entity, able to hold property and insure its buildings. Then a person who wants to can leave a bequest to a church that is a legal entity.

In another letter, James White wrote to those who were opposed to becoming incorporated, saying, “There is danger of being so overzealous to keep out of Babylon, that we shall commit her most noted blunder, that of sticking a stake and refusing to pull it up and advance. When we cease to unlearn errors, we shall fall like those who have gone before us. We have learned much and no doubt there is much more for us to learn. It is the follow-on and the go-through that will finally land the remnant without fault on the heavenly Mount Zion. My conclusion is that we should give up no Scripture truth, but that our false applications and interpretations of Scripture and consequent false ideas of order and propriety should be given up as fast as possible.” Ibid., May 29, 1860.

As these ideas began to be promoted and affect the minds of the people, a church in Parkville, Michigan, apparently the first Seventh-day Adventist church, was finally legally organized. In a meeting in May 1860, J. N. Loughborough was present when they took legal steps toward organizing as a religious society, that they might hold property in a lawful manner. Trustees were elected and a certificate was made out and filed preparatory to recording in the county clerk’s office. No name had yet been decided for the Adventists and they had to choose a name for their church to legally own property. Tentatively, they called themselves, Parkville Church of Christ’s Second Advent.

The leaders then decided to group the churches together and organize. Eventually, the name Seventh-day Adventist was chosen. By May 3, 1861, the Review and Herald Association was incorporated by law.

Three months later after the church had become legally organized, Ellen White said, “I saw that the enemy would come in every way possible to dishearten the people of God and perplex and trouble them, and that they should move understandingly, and prepare themselves for the attacks of Satan. Matters pertaining to the church should not be left in an unsettled condition. Steps should be taken to secure church property for the cause of God, that the work may not be retarded in its progress, and that the means which persons wish to dedicate to God’s cause may not slip into the enemy’s ranks. I saw that God’s people should act wisely, and leave nothing undone on their part to place the business of the church in a secure state.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 210, 211.

Around that time in a vision, Ellen White was shown an advance move that many of the Adventists had not yet understood. God already had a plan in place thousands of years ago to solve the problem they were working on to have finances for their ministers – God’s people should follow the tithing and offering system. Ministers began to talk, not just about systematic benevolence, but about the Bible principle of supporting God’s cause with the tithes and offerings of believers.

James White was concerned that there was not a proper distribution of ministers, and wrote, “In our unorganized condition our preachers have not been properly distributed. Vermont and Michigan have more than their proportion, and five still have their headquarters at Battle Creek, while Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, the Canadas, and the Western Territories are almost destitute. All reflecting persons can conclude that there is a wrong in this somewhere.” The Review and Herald, April 28, 1863.

“Shall the General Conference correct the wrong by making a judicious distribution of preachers? We plead for system, and while ministers call for systematic benevolence, the people loudly call for systematic labor.” Ibid.

The need to look at the whole world field and help achieve a proper distribution of workers in different places was one of the main reasons a general conference was formed.

On April 7, 1863, The Review and Herald announced that there would be a general conference of the Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Michigan, to commence Wednesday, May 20, at 6 o’clock p.m. All delegates and letters must be sanctioned by some state conference or conference committee, or where there are no state conferences, some church or meeting of scattered brethren.

Twenty-one delegates from all the different state conferences assembled in Battle Creek. J. M. Aldrich was chosen chairman. Uriah Smith was chosen as secretary, and the first evening they had presentation of credentials and reports from delegates. The next morning, May 21, they adopted a constitution having nine articles, which established and defined the authority of Seventh-day Adventists. They also proposed general conference meetings once a year with the various state conferences being represented by delegates.

Officers were selected, a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of three. For several reasons, James White refused the offer to be the president. He had been one who had been most vocal in encouraging and promoting church organization and he did not want it to be thought that he was trying to get a position for himself. However, in addition to that, he was working as the editor of The Review and Herald as well as doing a lot of preaching at camp meetings and revival meetings. Though he was pressed, he still refused and John Byington was elected to be the first General Conference president.

Ellen White reflected upon what had happened, approximately 40 years later. Looking back at the events from 1858 to 1863, she said, “I was one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first … . As our members increased, it was evident that without some form of organization, there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.

“Yet, there was strong feeling against it among our people. The First-day Adventists were opposed to organization and most of the Seventh-day Adventists entertained the same ideas. We sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light was given by His Spirit, that there must be order and thorough discipline in the church, that organization was essential. System and order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God’s people on earth.

“We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstanding that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the opposition was strong, and it had to be met again and again. But we knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us, and guiding by His providence. We engaged in the work of organization, and marked prosperity attending this advance movement.” General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 29, 1893.

Today, some may say that we had to have it then, but now that we are more organized and have become world-wide, it is not as necessary. However, she said, “Let none entertain the thought, however, that we can dispense with organization. It has cost us much study, and many prayers for wisdom that we know God has answered, to erect this structure. It has been built up by His direction, through much sacrifice and conflict. Let none of our brethren be so deceived as to attempt to tear it down, for you will thus bring in a condition of things that you do not dream of.” Ibid.

“… let every one be exceedingly careful not to unsettle minds in regard to those things that God has ordained for our prosperity and success in advancing his cause.” Ibid.

A few years after that, she wrote again how the devil was going to try to deceive our people on this subject. In 1907, she said, “O how Satan would rejoice if he could succeed in his efforts to get in among this people, and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings, and to refute claims not endorsed by the word of God. We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of organization and order that has been built up by wise, careful labor. License must not be given to disorderly elements that desire to control the work at this time.

“Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religions organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together.” Gospel Workers, 487.

Here we see that as we approach the end of time, proper church organization is more important. And yet, as we near the close of time, the devil has fought more fiercely and bitterly than ever before, so that God’s people will not understand the importance of being organized. Many people are operating under their own impulses and their own feelings.

Ellen White wrote in a letter in 1892, “As we near the final crisis, instead of feeling there is less need of order and harmony of action, we should be more systematic than heretofore. All our work should be conducted according to well defined plans.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 107. That council was given by the Holy Spirit to the people in God’s remnant church.

In light of this history there are several questions that can be answered. For example, Should self-supporting work also be organized? Can God’s people become ready for the second coming of Christ without being organized?

Opposition to organization among the historic Adventists is as strong or stronger today than it was in the 1850s.

1 Peter 5 says that the church in the days of the apostles became highly organized. And it was through the blessing of the Holy Spirit and through church organization that they were able to take the gospel to the whole world in 25 to 30 years. There were no airplanes, trains, cars, radios, telephones, or televisions. Without the media available today, they were able to accomplish their task of evangelism to the then known world in a short time.

If God’s people, in any part of the world, could become properly organized in New Testament order and come into the spiritual condition necessary to receive the Holy Spirit, it would not take many years to finish God’s work in the world. We must be in a spiritual condition so that we can receive the Holy Spirit. Unless we are organized, the angels of heaven cannot work for us so that the gospel can be taken to all the world. Remember, order is the law of heaven, and we must be in harmony with the law of heaven for God’s work to be finished in this world.

God has led us in the past. We are to be organized in our families, in our local churches, and we are to be organized all over the world, wherever we work. We are to be working in an organized way so that God can continue to lead us.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. 

 

Editorial – The Supreme Object of Life

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In Proverbs 11:4, the wise man wrote that righteousness delivers from death. In Proverbs 12:28, he wrote that the way of righteousness is life and in its pathway there is no death. In Proverbs 21:21, he wrote that he who follows righteousness and mercy finds life. Isaiah wrote that the work of righteousness will be peace and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17).

But righteousness is something that we cannot generate. Righteousness is something that He [the Lord] gives to us. “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10 NKJV).

There is no human being of the descendants of Adam and Eve who is righteous (Romans 3:10). If we become righteous, we must receive it from somebody else and that somebody else must not only be a righteous person but he must be able to do two things: He must first of all be able to take away our unrighteousness through forgiveness of confessed sin and then, having done that, He must be able to give righteousness to that forgiven person.

The bondage of sin involves being compelled to sin, even against a person’s will, because of three things: 1) the power of inherited and acquired evil propensities and habits (called the flesh in Scripture); 2) because of the compelling power and influence of the world around us; and 3) because of the direct influence and power of evil spirits on the human mind.

Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound (Isaiah 61:1). In Jesus you can find relief from your restlessness. He is the strong tower into whom you can run and be safe (Psalm 18:10). He is that true city of refuge into which a sinner can run and find relief and healing.

In 1888 E. J. Waggoner summarized this righteousness which every person must have who is saved, teaching that only a transcendent Christ who is completely and intrinsically One of the constituent Persons of the eternal Godhead in the highest and fullest sense could be our all-sufficient Creator, Lawgiver, Atoning Sacrifice, Redeemer, Judge, Advocate, Justifier, Sanctifier, Glorifier, and Coming King. He believed that only such a One could constitute the sole and completely adequate Source of the Righteousness imperative for sinful man to stand fully transformed and panoplied in the presence of God’s immaculate holiness. This is all because it is Christ’s own Divine Righteousness—the Righteousness He wrought out while in the flesh on earth—the Righteousness of God Himself and that He provides for us. It is found and received only in Him. And it becomes ours by faith.