Issue: 2008 March

Jewelry—How Much is Too Much?

by

I am intrigued by clever oxymorons. An oxymoron is a statement or pairing of two words that contradict each other, such as “pretty ugly.” A few humorous personal favorites are “military intelligence” and “rap music” (the rap I have heard does not even slightly resemble music). Some oxymorons are more serious, like “little sin,” “innocent gossip,” and “safe premarital sex.”

A few years back while wandering through a Christian bookstore, I came upon a glass display case with a sign above it that read “Christian Jewelry.” I thought to myself, now there’s another clever oxymoron—something like “Christian rock.” The Bible clearly teaches that “Christian jewelry” is a conflict in terms.

The Fruit, Not the Root!

The power of the gospel begins on the inside, transforming the heart while unseen by human eyes. But then it will continue to flow and seep into every area of the life, producing obvious external changes. Just like a plant, the seed first comes to life below the earth. But if the root is healthy, the plant will soon become visible and bear fruit above ground. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20.

Notice that He did not say you will know them by their roots that grow underground. He said the fruit, not the root! Therefore, we are commanded to be aware of the external evidence of our faith.

When a person accepts Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit begins impressing that individual to make dramatic adjustments. There will often be changes in what appears on the table during dinner and on the television after supper. (It would be better if the television disappeared altogether.) From the bookshelf to the closet, Jesus will penetrate the whole life.

Even though the Scriptures plainly address the subject of a Christian’s external appearance and adornment, many churches are strangely silent on this subject. No doubt someone is thinking, “With all the problems in the church, why would you want to focus on something so insignificant and widely accepted?” Well, friends, remember that Jesus said, “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.

I believe there are unseen and subtle dangers connected with the wearing of jewelry. So if you are a converted Christian who seeks to know how to better reflect the Lord in these last days, please keep your mind open as we reason together from the Scriptures.

God’s Ambassadors

We, the Church, are the hands and feet, the eyes and mouth, and yes, even the ears of Jesus in the world today. We are the Body of Christ. Our Lord said, “As [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21.

We have been sent into the world to demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is like. Through the Holy Spirit we become His representatives—to reflect His image in everything from the way we talk and work to the way we eat and dress. In 11 Corinthians 3:18, the Scripture says that “we all . . . are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

A few years ago, scandals surrounded several popular television evangelists in North America. Those opposed to Christianity rejoiced, mocking the immorality and hypocrisy exhibited in the lives of these men and their wives who professed to speak for Jesus. During this tragic time, the secular media often made reference to their flamboyant dress and gaudy jewelry as proof that these professed Christians were not genuine. The television preachers even inspired one famous songwriter to write a popular ballad entitled, “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?” I am sure angels wept as Christian leaders, due to their immodest appearance, became a deserving target for the lost. It is a sad day indeed when Christians win the medal for opulent external adornment!

Wearing Our Wealth

Let us take a look at the origin of jewelry. God made all the gold, silver, and beautiful precious jewels in the world, and He intended for them to have a practical use. Since even small amounts of these minerals are so rare and valuable, long ago they began to be used as money.

Over time, people began wearing their money in order to impress others with their wealth. When shoppers went to the market to buy an expensive item, they would simply pull off one of their rings or bracelets to pay.

After Rebecca had watered the camels for Abraham’s servant, the Bible says that he paid her in this way: “And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten [shekels] weight of gold.” Genesis 24:22.

When the children of Israel brought an offering to the Lord to build the tabernacle, they used the jewels they had received from the Egyptians. It was their money. “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the Lord.” Exodus 35:22.

There is obviously nothing wrong with having money. But the question is, Does God want Christians to wear their money for all to see? “The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:10.

Remember, just because we see something done in the Bible does not mean that God approved of it or condoned it. The Scriptures simply record a faithful history of God’s people—including all their failures. Jesus did not come to lower the standard for Christians. He came to raise it!

Why Be a Stumbling Block?

One reason I do not drink any alcohol is because one person in seven who drinks later becomes an alcoholic. Even though I might be able to drink moderately, I do not want my bad example to cause another person’s downfall—especially for something so unnecessary as intoxicating beverages.

The same principle holds true for jewelry. We have all seen people who cover themselves with gold and precious jewels—gem-aholics, if you will. Most people who wear lots of jewelry do not sense their personal worth. They hope to feel more valuable by covering themselves with expensive articles. Others believe they are unattractive and hope to increase their perceived beauty by adorning themselves with beautiful gems. They cannot control themselves. They think that if one is good, then ten would be better. (Just for the record, I have never heard a man say, “Isn’t she beautiful? Just look at her jewelry!”) I am sure everyone would agree that there is a point when enough is enough!

Well, what is the point? If it is okay for women to wear earrings, then who is to say it is wrong for men? If one ring or earring is acceptable, then why not three or four? If the laymen can wear it, why not the clergy? If a ring in the ear is all right, then what is wrong with a bone in the nose?

Have you noticed the modern craze of body piercing—four earrings in one ear and rings in the nose with a chain between them? People are now piercing their flesh and wearing rings in their eyebrows, navels, and places we cannot mention in a Christian publication. Why would a Christian want to be a stumbling block for someone else and encourage this trend by wearing any jewelry? It is all unnecessary.

Speaking of people living in the time of the end, the prophet Ezekiel warns, “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.” Ezekiel 7:19.

Since it is a sin to covet, then why would you want to entice a brother or sister to covet your money by wearing it for all to see? What could possibly be the motive for a Christian to do this?

If I were to wear any jewelry, I would instantly open the floodgates of inconsistency by my example and cause many to stumble. If I really love my brother, why would I insist on taking that risk for something so unnecessary as jewelry?

Whenever you are unsure about which course to take on a spiritual issue, take the safe position. I know that on the judgment day, God will not condemn me for not wearing enough jewelry. So the safe thing is to not wear any.

Modesty and Humility

The original purpose for clothing was to cover the nakedness of our first parents. Adam and Eve never would have dreamed of hanging gold or silver on their bodies to accent their fig leaves! Clothing was for modesty and to protect them from the changing climate. Someday God will place a golden crown of victory on the brow of the overcomers, yet even the saved will remove their golden crowns in God’s presence. (Revelation 4:10, 11.)

Notice what God told the prophet Isaiah about jewelry and fancy clothing. “Moreover the Lord says: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton’ that is, seductive ‘eyes, Walking and mincing’ that is, swaying ‘[as] they go, . . .’ In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.” Isaiah 3:16, 18–23, NKJV. A woman in Bible prophecy symbolizes a church. In this prophecy, the women (churches) were to be severely judged because of their pride, which is directly connected with external adornment.

Because we wrestle with sin and temptation, now is not the right time to glorify our exteriors. The supreme goal of the Christian is to attract attention to Christ, not to self. Decorating our mortal bodies with glittering gems and minerals springs from pride and is diametrically opposed to the spirit and principles of Jesus.

The apostle Paul gave this counsel on the subject of adornment. “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NKJV.

And Jesus Himself commanded: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. God’s Word tells us to let our inner light (not our external jewels) shine that others might see our works (not our wealth) and glorify God (not ourselves).

Poor “Investments”

Christians are to be faithful stewards of the means God entrusts to their care. Some display gems on their bodies that, if sold, could build an entire church in the mission field. Our money should be spent to spread the gospel in a practical, effective way. (See Matthew 6:19–21.)

No doubt you will find glaring examples among church members (and in churches) where money has been squandered on some needless extravagance. I confess I too have been guilty of this. But one inconsistency never justifies another. God’s money should not be spent for parading diamonds and gold or even cheap costume jewelry. All the jewelry will melt when Jesus comes, and I would prefer not to be wearing any when that happens! Besides, in heaven the gold will be used for pavement and the diamonds for walls.

James 5:3 declares the folly of such “investments”: “Your gold and silver is cankered;” that is, corroded “and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” The only valuables going to heaven will be transformed people.

Little Idols

When I present the Bible truth regarding jewelry, I rarely hear complaints from those who are newly converted. But the folks who have been in the church for years will often pout and argue, “Doug, it is such a little thing.” Then why is it so hard for you to take it off? A little gold or silver can become a big idol.

Perhaps the most striking demonstration of this fact was the experience of the Israelites with the golden calf. The Bible records: “And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which [are] in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring [them] unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which [were] in their ears, and brought [them] unto Aaron. And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:2–4.

When the children of Israel passed the plate, they had enough jewelry to make a small calf. I fear if we were to pass the plate today in the churches of those who profess to follow God’s Word, we would have enough jewelry to make a whole golden buffalo!

After the golden calf experience, God commanded the people to remove their jewelry lest they be consumed. “For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.” Exodus 33:5, 6.

Notice the similar warning God gives to His people living in the last days: “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21.

Dressing for the Occasion

There was a time when God winked at the wearing of jewelry and other evils such as slavery and polygamy. It was not because He approved of these practices, but because His people had bigger problems to deal with at that point in time.

Acts 17:30, 31 tells us: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Why? “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.”

We are living in the days just before the coming of Jesus—a time in which the church is being judged. “For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God.” 1 Peter 4:17.

As an illustration of the judgment process, God gave to His people the Day of Atonement. It fell on the tenth day of the seventh month in the Jewish year and was a solemn day on which the Lord would sanctify and judge the children of Israel. In preparation, the people conducted a thorough personal examination. They were filled with an attitude of confession, repentance, and humility. “For it [is] the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people.” Leviticus 23:28, 29, NKJV.

Whenever the people of God were preparing to meet with their Maker, they were to clean and change their clothes and to separate themselves from all pagan influences. Here is one example from Genesis 35:1–4: “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.”

We can learn two very important lessons from this story. First, notice that the foreign gods and jewelry were classified and buried together. Pagan worship and jewelry have always enjoyed a close association. And in order for Jacob and his household to commune with God, they had to get rid of all such influences. Thus Jacob ordered not a temporary removal of these articles, but a permanent burial.

Secondly, the word Bethel means “House of God.” We are now living in the time of judgment and are preparing to meet with the Almighty. Now is not the time to adorn our mortal exteriors. If we look like the world when Jesus comes, there is a good chance we will share its fate! “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you.” 11 Corinthians 6:17.

We Are God’s Temple

The most beautiful building of antiquity was the temple of God built by King Solomon. Its exterior was covered with precious, pure white marble stones. The gold was on the inside of the temple. The Bible says that this is a good pattern for living temples, as well. “Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment—the braiding of the hair, or jewelery, or dress—but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4, NEB. Like Solomon’s temple of old, our gold should be on the inside!

Friend, your body was made by God in His image. To try to improve human appearance by poking holes in the ears or nose from which to dangle lifeless minerals would be like trying to improve on the perfect beauty of Solomon’s temple by releasing a street gang in the marble courtyard and telling them to express themselves with spray paint. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.” 11 Corinthians 6:16.

I believe angels turn away their faces and weep when professed Christians pierce, scar, chain, mutilate, and tattoo their bodies as a sacrifice to the gods of fad and fashion. Leviticus 21:5, 6 plainly says: “They shall not make . . . any cuttings in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God.” And if God says we should not cut our bodies, what makes us think that piercing the ears is somehow permissible?

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. In essence, you should not poke holes in priceless marble. Our bodies are to be holy—not full of holes.

First Appearances Do Count!

Two symbolic women appear in Revelation chapters 12 and 17. They represent the two great religious powers that are in conflict throughout church history. Although neither of them ever speaks, we know that one is true and one false. How? The primary way the Bible identifies who they are is by what they are wearing.

Revelation 12:1 says, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” The first woman, who represents God’s church, is wearing natural light. God made the sun, moon, and stars, and His church is clothed with the light that He made.

By contrast, the second woman, who represents an apostate church, is bedecked with jewelry and fine apparel. Her beauty is external and artificial. Revelation 17:4 says, “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.”

Obviously, these things are associated with an appearance of evil, and we are commanded to “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

Christ Is Our Example

At this point, someone may be wondering, “What about a wedding ring?”

Very simply, support for the wedding ring cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. It is strictly a tradition that springs from paganism and has since been embraced and “baptized” by many churches. “And he [Jesus] said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:9.

I have also been asked many times if wearing a cross would be okay. Well, Jesus never asked us to wear the cross. Taking up our cross and following Jesus is much more challenging than wearing a bumper sticker, tee shirt, or little golden cross as frivolous advertising. Jesus said that bearing the cross means a Christian will “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.

The example of Jesus in the Scriptures is consistently one of practical simplicity and modesty. When he was crucified, the Roman soldiers divided his garments among themselves. Notice that they did not cast lots for His jewelry. His most valuable piece of clothing was a modest, seamless tunic. (John 19:23, 24.)

Here is a message that bears repeating. When we love Jesus, we will want to follow His example. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6, NKJV.

Change of Ownership

In the small town where I used to live, there was a house that was well-known for its dilapidated appearance. Broken down trucks, garbage, and miscellaneous junk cluttered the whole yard. The peeling paint, broken windows, and hungry yard dogs were an embarrassment to the entire community. Then one day, after taking an extended trip, I drove back through town and was stunned by the dramatic change that had come over this infamous structure. The old, peeling paint had been stripped off, and a beautiful natural stain now covered the wood. Clean, new windows had replaced the broken ones, and all the junk and old vehicles were gone. The yard was clean and covered with new grass. I did not even have to ask what had caused the change. Instantly I knew that the house had a new owner.

All of us have at one time or another resembled that old, broken-down house. Sin reigned in our hearts, leaving us broken, filthy, and cluttered. But whenever a person allows Jesus to take over the heart, a cleansing process begins immediately. Jesus will remove those things that distract from the Christian’s inner beauty, and people will notice the improvement!

Jesus laid aside His heavenly throne and crown when He came to our world to save us. Then He surrendered His earthly garments when He died on the cross for our sins. Is He asking too much for us to lay aside our lifeless baubles and beads that we might better reflect His simple purity in this lost world?

As we have seen in this study, there are many good reasons for Christians to abstain from wearing jewelry. But if I had to pick two of the best, it would be these—love for God and love for our neighbors.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2.

Inside Report, Amazing Facts, Roseville, California, November 1996.

Doug Batchelor is President and Speaker of Amazing Facts Ministry, Roseville, California. He may be contacted by telephone at: 916-434-3880. This article is reprinted by permission.

Two Principles of Faith, Part II

by

In this article, we are looking at some basic principles of faith. These are not necessarily anything new, but it is good to review the basics. If we do not understand the basics, as we get farther down the line and start running into bigger problems, we will not have the skill to conquer them.

Ellen White wrote: “Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good.” Gospel Workers (1915), 259. The foundation of faith begins with these two basic principles—believing that God “loves us and knows what is for our best good.”

Character Perfection

We hear about character perfection, and we hear about obedience, which we should. We know that we must have character perfection to enter into heaven, but it seems that we can get into a self-centered attitude of character perfection. We focus on ourselves and take our eyes off Christ. We see the things that we need to change, and we focus on trying to change those things on our own; we end up trying to work out our own salvation instead of letting Christ do it.

A Bible verse that may help us to stay focused and not to get off on different things is John 17:3. It says, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

We can spend our whole lives focusing on different reforms and making sure that everything that we do is just so, but that is what the Pharisees did. We must go beyond that. We must keep our eyes focused on Christ and His character.

Our goal is to know Christ and the Father, and as we focus on this, everything else will come into perspective—we will not be seeking to save ourselves by works or to overcome sins for selfish reasons.

Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and he will do anything he can to keep us from coming to Christ, because he knows when we do, then his power will be broken, so he will throw everything he can at us to discourage us, to make us feel unworthy, or to keep us from coming to Christ.

Consider Joshua

Consider Joshua: “‘Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments.’ [Zechariah 3:3.] Thus sinners appear before the enemy who by his masterly, deceptive power has led them away from allegiance to God. With garments of sin and shame the enemy clothes those who have been overpowered by his temptations, and then he declares that it is unfair for Christ to be their Light, their Defender.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1178.

“The enemy works with all his energy to lead persons into sin. Then he pleads that on account of their past sins, he should be allowed to exercise his hellish cruelty on them as his own subjects.” Ibid.

When the devil comes to us, what has to be our response? We cannot plead anything on our own behalf; we have to claim the blood of Jesus, right? We must put our faith and trust in Christ. Satan first tries to snare us, and when that is unsuccessful, he presents our case before Christ. The good news is that Christ does not enter into a controversy with him. He just answers with, “The Lord rebuke you.” Jude 1:9.

Christ has paid the price for us, and if we come to Him, we have the assurance that our sins will be forgiven, and that is the answer for the devil. We cannot claim anything for ourselves, but Christ has died for us; therefore, we can put our confidence in that.

Promises to Claim

There are several promises that I have memorized and claimed as I have been struggling with discouragement or have felt unworthy to come to the Lord. I would like to share a few of them with you.

“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 28:29–31. What a wonderful invitation this is that Christ gives to us.

John 6:37 says, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Another promise we may claim is given in 1 John 2:1, 2: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.”

Surely we all know 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is a good Scripture to memorize and to put into our hearts and minds. Then, when the devil does come to discourage us, to try to keep us away from Christ, we have these words with which to fight against him.

As Little Children

Jesus told His disciples, unless you “become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. Think through what we can learn from a little child.

In Genesis 18, when the angel came to Abraham and told him that Sarah, his wife, was going to have a son, and Sarah overheard it, the Scripture says that she laughed. She said, “Shall I have a son when I am old, when I am beyond the childbearing age?” (Verse 13.)

Now, if an angel had come to a five-year-old child and told him or her that Sarah was going to have a child, would that have been a big stretch of the imagination to the five-year-old? No. Why was it so hard for Sarah to believe? It was hard for Sarah to believe because she was old. She was old enough to understand that a woman her age did not have children, so it went against what her experience told her. We are products of our environment; we are influenced by our surroundings.

If we are fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home, we are surrounded with right influences. There are teachings that influence us. “Faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. We filter any new information through all the things we know to be true, through the word of God, and then we choose whether or not we are going to accept the new information.

When our experiences go in opposition to what God’s word says, that tells us that God wants to give us another experience, and the only way He can give that to us is if we believe, if we put our trust in Him, and believe what He says. Sometimes we have to fight against our own natures; God seldom does things the way we expect Him to do them. Sometimes He leads us in ways we do not understand, but “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

No Regrets

A child does not have any regrets, does not have a history of mistakes with which to deal. One of the hardest things with which Christians must deal is their past. But our past should not dictate what our faith is. God says that if we come to Him, He will receive us. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us, and we must focus upon that and let go of the past.

Paul said, “This one thing I do; forgetting those things which are behind, … I press toward the mark.” Philippians 3:13, 14. So, through faith in Christ, we can let go of the past and trust in Him—that He has forgiven us—and we can move forward.

Quite often we take this passage in a negative context—“forgetting those things which are behind.” It is good that we can come to Christ; we can be forgiven, and we can put those things of the past behind us and move forward. But when Paul speaks about forgetting those things which are behind, he is not talking about his sins. He lists a number of good things. The devil will get us into one ditch or another. If he cannot get us discouraged, he will get us to look to ourselves in a way that we should not, thinking that we are better than we are.

Not only are we supposed to forget the things which are past—maybe our past sins, our past mistakes—but we are not to focus on our good works either. We need to put those behind us and keep focused on the mark, because we are easily led into self-righteousness. We must guard ourselves against that.

Our Best Good

We have concentrated mostly on the first principle of faith, “believing that God loves us.” The most fundamental thing we can do in our Christian experience is to have faith that works by love. “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. If we do not understand that God loves us, then we cannot really love Him as we should, and we will not accept the fact that He “knows what is for our best good.”

Do we really believe that God is able to control our lives, that He is able to do things that are for our good? Do we really believe that? This may be a struggle. We have to lay aside our own plans, desires, and ambitions and trust the Lord that He is able to work things out for our best good.

Speaking of this unwilling spirit, Ellen White wrote: “Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 293, 294.

The apostle Paul said: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:11, 12.

How could he be content in all those things? Because he trusted in the Lord that He would do and was able to do that which was for his best good. This is the kind of faith the Lord wants to give to us—that we have perfect confidence and trust in His keeping and that we be content with whatever is our lot in life, whatever challenge we are called to experience.

“Faith in God’s love and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never-failing fountain of happiness. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best, and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression leads to misery and destruction; but wisdom’s ‘ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.’ Proverbs 3:17.” Ibid., 600.

“Our plans are not always God’s plans. …. In His loving care and interest for us, often He who understands us better than we understand ourselves refuses to permit us selfishly to seek the gratification of our own ambition. … Many things He asks us to yield to Him, but in doing this we are but giving up that which hinders us in the heavenward way. …

“In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings.” Conflict and Courage, 228.

The Lord has a blessing for each one of us. He has promised that if we put our faith and trust in Him and if we commit our way to Him, He will direct our paths, and He will lead us on that path that takes us to peace. We may be confident that if we are faithful, He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to finish it. (Philippians 1:6.) In that we can put our faith and trust.

Jim Stoeckert is a Steps to Life staff member. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his two sons. 

Receiving God’s Blessing, Part II

by

In a spiritual sense, the word blessing means God’s approval. How can we receive God’s blessing?

After wronging his brother, Jacob did everything he could to atone for the wrong. (Read Genesis 32:3–5, 13–21.) Jacob also realized that God had directed him thus far in his life and had led him to the point where he was. (Genesis 32:9.) He recognized that he was unworthy of God’s favor and mercies and that God had blessed him with property and possessions. (Genesis 32:10.) He thanked God for what He had done for him, and he asked God for deliverance from the situation and claimed God’s promises. (Genesis 32:11, 9, 12.)

“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” “What shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Genesis 32:28; Hebrews 11:32–34. Jacob’s strength was in God, not in himself.

“In surrendering ourselves to God, we reap great advantages; for if we have weaknesses of character, as we all have, we unite ourselves to One who is mighty to save. Our ignorance will be united to infinite wisdom, our frailty to enduring might, and, like Jacob, we may each become a prince with God. Connected with the Lord God of Israel, we shall have power from above which will enable us to be overcomers; and by the impartation of divine love, we shall find access to the hearts of men.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 232.

New Name and Blessing

As we read earlier in Genesis 32:28, Jacob received a new name. His name, Jacob, means heel grabber or supplanter. I dare say he did not appreciate the meaning of his name! The new name he was given represented that his character had now changed. He was no longer the same person that he had been.

The blessing Jacob, now known as Israel, received from God came after the conflict was past. (Genesis 32:29.) Peace comes after or through conflict.

“Jacob specified no particular thing for the Lord to bestow upon him; he sought only a blessing; he knew that the Lord would give him a blessing appropriate to meet the necessities of the case at that time. God blessed him then and there; and on the field of conflict he was made a prince among men. Thus will it be with the agonized ones who prevail with God in the time of Jacob’s trouble.” The Signs of the Times, November 27, 1879.

“Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 198.

“The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace.” The Great Controversy, 633.

“Peace comes when the conflict has been met and sustained, through the help and power obtained from Jesus Christ.” Review and Herald, September 11, 1888.

“In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 215.

After the conflict, God worked on behalf of Jacob and softened Esau’s heart to receive him. (Genesis 33:4.)

How to Receive

We need to ask daily for God’s blessing in our lives above what we wish for or want. God’s blessing in our lives is worth more than our way without His blessing. And just think, when we do not try to tell God what blessing we desire or want for that day, we leave ourselves open to His bountiful blessings—more than we could ever imagine!

Following are statements from the writings of Ellen White that tell us how to receive God’s blessing and what are some possible results from God’s blessing.

“The end of all things is at hand. Are we ready to meet Christ when He shall appear? Will He say to us, ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father; enter into the city’? [Matthew 25:34.] When we see the great reward that is in store for the faithful, how our hearts should reach out after others, that they may receive the light. You know not how many hearts are really thirsting for the waters of life, but here is the Bible to open before them. Will you do it? Will you act like men and women that expect the Lord to come? Will you have living faith, and pray as never before? Will you wrestle with God as Jacob wrestled with Him—‘I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me’? [Genesis 32:26.] And when His blessing rests upon you, you will be anxious to have others receive it.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 139.

“We can do nothing without the help of God. The Spirit of God must work with our efforts, and if God’s blessing attends us, we shall be channels of light. The Lord is willing to give us all an experience, which, if improved, will bring us from the lowlands of earth into close, heavenly relationship with God, and every fiber of selfishness will be uprooted from our natures.” Reflecting Christ, 205.

“The blessing of God is a precious gift, and it is to be counted of such worth that it will not be surrendered at any cost. The blessing of God maketh rich, and it addeth no sorrow.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 232.

“When difficulties and trials surround us, we should flee to God, and confidently expect help from Him who is mighty to save and strong to deliver. We must ask for God’s blessing if we would receive it. Prayer is a duty and a necessity; but do we not neglect praise? Should we not oftener render thanksgiving to the Giver of all our blessings? We need to cultivate gratitude. We should frequently contemplate and recount the mercies of God, and laud and glorify His holy name, even when we are passing through sorrow and affliction….

“The Lord’s merciful kindness is great toward us. He will never leave nor forsake those who trust in Him. If we would think and talk less of our trials, and more of the mercy and goodness of God, we would find ourselves raised above much of our gloom and perplexity. My brethren and sisters, you who feel that you are entering upon a dark path, and like the captives in Babylon must hang your harps upon the willows, let us make trial of cheerful song. You may say, How can I sing, with this dark prospect before me, with this burden of sorrow and bereavement upon my soul? But have earthly sorrows deprived us of the all-powerful Friend we have in Jesus? Should not the marvelous love of God in the gift of His dear Son be a theme of continual rejoicing? When we bring our petitions to the throne of grace, let us not forget to offer also anthems of thanksgiving. ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.’ Psalm 50:23. As long as our Saviour lives, we have cause for unceasing gratitude and praise.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 268, 269.

“Let us confess our sins, and let us be sure that we go to the bottom, and make thorough work for repentance. Will you do this? Will you prepare the way for God to bless you? Shall we not see of the salvation of God in this meeting? We may see it; we may have it. Let us not do anything that will hinder it from coming to us.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 2, 1903.

“A sense of the gratitude due to God will lead him to improve every opportunity for expressing thanksgiving, which will be accepted as a testimony of loyalty. Faithfulness toward God in the performance of good works will bring God’s blessing. As we show ourselves faithful in fulfilling our trust, our influence leads others to do likewise. They are filled with thanksgiving and praise to God as the one to whom praise is due. Those who are not with us in the faith are given a practical evidence of the power of the truth to sanctify the naturally selfish heart.” Review and Herald, September 19, 1899.

“If we desire to have God’s blessing, we must practice Christ’s self-denial and self-sacrifice. Study the Word of God. Walk and work as Christ walked and worked. Men must put away the ambitious schemes which have puffed them up and exalted them in their own estimation, when they should always keep humble. Let those who desire to follow a course of action which represents the life of Christ, hear His words, ‘He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.’ [Luke 9:23.]” Battle Creek Letters, 38.

“The deepest poverty, with God’s blessing, is better than houses and lands, and any amount of earthly treasure, without it. God’s blessing places value on everything we possess; but if we have the whole world without his blessing we are indeed as poor as the beggar, for we can take nothing with us into the next world.” The Signs of the Times, April 1, 1875.

“We have a wise, loving heavenly Father, who hears the prayers of His children. But He does not always give them what they desire. He withholds that which He sees would not be for their good. But He bestows on them all that they need. He gives them that which is necessary for growth in grace. When we pray, we should say, ‘Lord, if what I ask for is for my good, give it to me; but if it is not, withhold it, but give me Thy blessings.’ The Lord hears our petitions; He understands our situation, and He will supply the very thing we need. He will strengthen our faith and increase our spirituality. The Lord is good and merciful, perfect in understanding and infinite in wisdom.

“There are those who pray for temporal blessings which they think will bring them worldly prosperity. God sees that such blessings would spoil their spiritual life. He gives them an understanding mind, showing them that it is not best for them to have riches, and that they must be satisfied with His grace and peace and love.” The Upward Look, 369.

Above all things in this life is to have God’s blessing in our lives that we may do what is pleasing to Him.

[All emphasis added.]

A Network Engineer, Jana Grosboll lives near Derby, Kansas. She may be contacted by e-mail at: janawwjd@yahoo.com

Present Truth for Today—Are the Jewish Feast Days Included? Part II

by

There have always been some truths that are applicable in every age and are therefore to be preached and accepted by God’s children at all times—such as love, hope, repentance, obedience, thankfulness, and praise. Such truths are always in season.

But those who persist in keeping the feast days are denying that Christ came to earth and died at the appointed time in a.d. 31 and are not accepting what is given in God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy. How can any Seventh-day Adventist today, who claims to have the faith of Jesus as we read in Revelation 14:12, deny our precious Saviour by keeping feast days, which by their very purpose showed that Christ had not yet come the first time?

The Lord’s Supper

The Passover, with its feast of unleavened bread, was fulfilled; for we read in 1 Corinthians 5:7 that Jesus, our Passover, was crucified for us. The unleavened bread was the offering of Christ’s sinless life, for He said, “I am the Bread of life.” John 6:35. The slain lamb, the unleavened bread, the sheaf of the first fruits represented our Saviour’s death, His sinless life, and resurrection.

As Christians, we now celebrate the Lord’s Supper, which Christ instituted in the place of the Passover. Jesus said, “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26.

In the Review and Herald, May 31, 1898, we read: “In instituting the sacramental service to take the place of the Passover, Christ left for his church a memorial of his great sacrifice for man. ‘This do,’ he said, ‘in remembrance of me.’ [Luke 22:19.] This was the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. The one was to close forever; the other, which he had just established, was to take its place, and to continue through all time as the memorial of his death.”

“This ordinance [feet-washing] does not speak so largely to man’s intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. If His disciples had not needed this, it would not have been left for them as Christ’s last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper. It was Christ’s desire to leave to his disciples an ordinance that would do for them the very thing they needed,—that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah.” Ibid., June 14, 1898. Nothing could be spoken more clearly.

Other Fulfillments

Now, let us consider the Feast of Weeks called The Pentecost. This was fulfilled 50 days following the Last Supper. It was known as the celebration of the wheat harvest, made possible by the early rains, which provided the harvests at Pentecost. It was at this time that the Holy Spirit descended with mighty power upon the disciples.

Pentecost, called also the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest, was a time of gratitude to God for the harvest. “As an expression of gratitude for the grain prepared as food, two loaves baked with leaven were presented before God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 540. Pentecost occupied but one day, which was devoted to religious service. The feasts of the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Harvest or Pentecost occurred during the spring of the year. All these feasts pointed forward to events connected with the redemption provided by Christ at the time of the first advent.

After Pentecost came the Feast of Trumpets. This feast took place ten days before the Day of Atonement. The fall feasts represent events before and after the Second Advent. The three fall feasts were the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Day of Atonement

Next came the Day of Atonement. Its fulfillment is in progress today. To keep this feast day is to deny that Christ is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary making atonement for our sins. The keeping of this feast day would make it impossible for us to benefit from His work in the heavenly sanctuary. This is not the time to be concerned with Jewish feast days of the past.

Ellen White clearly emphasized that preparation for the atonement is the present truth of this hour:

“We are in the great day of atonement, and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time in the heavenly sanctuary should be our constant study. We should teach our children what the typical Day of Atonement signified and that it was a special season of great humiliation and confession of sins before God. The antitypical day of atonement is to be of the same character. Everyone who teaches the truth by precept and example will give the trumpet a certain sound. You need ever to cultivate spirituality, because it is not natural for you to be heavenly-minded. The great work is before us of leading the people away from worldly customs and practices, up higher and higher, to spirituality, piety, and earnest work for God. It is your work to proclaim the message of the third angel, to sound the last note of warning to the world.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 520.

“Will our churches humble themselves before the Lord in this day of atonement? Will they put away the sins which defile their garments of character, and separate them from God? The present is our day of visitation. Look not to a future, more convenient season, when the cross to be lifted will be less heavy, when the inclinations of the carnal heart will be subdued with less effort. ‘Today,’ saith the Spirit of God, ‘if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart.’ [Hebrews 3:7, 8.] Today go about the work, else you may be one day too late. The impression that you have now may not be as strong tomorrow. Satan’s snare may close about you. The candlestick may be moved out of its place, and you left in darkness. ‘See that you refuse not him that speaketh.’ [Hebrews 12:25.] Says the true Witness, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ [Revelation 3:20.] Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God, or through his delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world’s care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity beyond. The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstructions to bar his entrance. Jesus is knocking through the prosperity he gives you. He loads you with blessings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit your selfishness to triumph? Will you squander God’s talents, and lose your soul through idolatrous love of the blessings he has given?” Review and Herald, November 2, 1886.

“This is our washing and ironing time—the time when we are to cleanse our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb. John says, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). . . . Shall we not let our sin go? . . .

“I entreat you, brethren and sisters, to labor earnestly to secure the crown of everlasting life. The reward will be worth the conflict, worth the effort. . . . In the race in which we are running, everyone may receive the reward offered―a crown of everlasting life. I [Ellen White] want this crown; I mean by God’s help to have it. I mean to hold fast to the truth, that I may see the King in His beauty.” In Heavenly Places, 356.

Feast of Tabernacles

Let us consider the last feast of the Jewish year, which was called the Feast of Tabernacles. Here we must again ask a very important question: Have the prophetic requirements of this Feast of Tabernacles been fulfilled for God’s people today? The answer is, No.

The purpose of this feast for Israel of old was to bring to memory how God had delivered them from the Egyptian bondage and by His loving care had protected and brought them to the Promised Land. This is why they were commanded to go to Jerusalem, at the close of each Jewish year, and abide in temporary shelters made from the branches of trees. During this feast, they were to celebrate. The Day of Atonement had been completed; all of their past sins had been carried away out of the sanctuary into the wilderness by the scapegoat.

For us who are living in the end-time, we cannot celebrate this Feast of Tabernacles, for our Day of Atonement is still in progress. Our past sins have not been blotted out of the heavenly sanctuary, as of yet. Furthermore, we have not reached the Promised Land and entered into the heavenly New Jerusalem where we shall abide in temporary homes until we are finally restored to the earth made new, there to build houses and inhabit them. (Isaiah 65:21.)

Camp Meetings

In reference to these facts, the Spirit of Prophecy encourages the people of God today to hold and to attend camp meetings. At these gatherings, a rehearsing of how God has led in the development of His church is to be given. In addition, studies should be given, as the end draws near, on how to meet the final test and be ready to see Jesus. By such suggestions, Ellen White is not telling us to keep the feast days, but that our camp meetings should become presentations filled with glorious truths of the Second Coming of our Saviour that will bring to an end our wandering in this sin-cursed world.

She further states in the Review and Herald, January 9, 1883, “The opinion is widely held, that the sacrifices and offerings of the Hebrews possess no significance for Christians, and can be of no interest to them. This opinion is without foundation. It is true that the ceremonies of the Mosaic law are not now to be observed; but, when rightly understood, they are seen to be all aglow with sacred and important truths. These rites, appointed by Jehovah himself, were like so many beacons to light up the path of God’s ancient people, and to direct their minds to the great sacrifice to be offered for the sins of men. Viewed in the light of the cross, they contain most precious lessons for the people of God today.”

This is what Ellen White had in mind when she spoke of camp meetings in the Review and Herald, November 17, 1885. “Well would it be for us to have a feast of tabernacles, a joyous commemoration of the blessings of God to us as a people. As the children of Israel celebrated the deliverance that God wrought for their fathers, and his miraculous preservation of them during their journeyings from Egypt to the Promised Land, so should the people of God at the present time gratefully call to mind the various ways He has devised to bring them out from the world, out from the darkness of error, into the precious light of truth. . . . We should gratefully regard the old way-marks, and refresh our souls with memories of the loving-kindness of our gracious Benefactor.”

Several years later, Mrs. White wrote: “The forces of the enemies are strengthening, and as a people we are misrepresented; but shall we not gather our forces together, and come up to the feast of tabernacles? Let us not treat this matter as one of little importance, but let the army of the Lord be on the ground to represent the work and cause of God in Australia. Let no one plead an excuse at such a time. One of the reasons why we have appointed the camp meeting to be held at Melbourne, is that we desire the people of that vicinity to become acquainted with our doctrines and works. We want them to know what we are, and what we believe. Let everyone pray, and make God his trust. Those who are barricaded with prejudice must hear the warning message for this time. We must find our way to the hearts of the people. Therefore, come to the camp meeting, even though you have to make a sacrifice to do so, and the Lord will bless your efforts to honor his cause and advance his work.” The Bible Echo, December 8, 1893.

Present Truth

There is no doubt as to the conclusion as we read from Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 270: “Will you listen to the voice of Christ? Will you break away from self and respond, ‘We come, Lord, we come. With joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation’? Then shall your life henceforth be a continual Feast of Tabernacles, a continual thank offering for unnumbered and unmerited blessings.”

Finally, let us ever keep in mind,

“The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.” The Desire of Ages, 36.

So, let us fill our minds with present truth. May we not be ensnared by the great deceiver and become so involved with past Old Testament feast days that we shall fail to meet heaven’s requirements for the final atonement and to give the last warning message of present truth—the Three Angels’ Messages.

For over 60 years Pastor Lawrence Nelson served as an evangelist and minister for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Of that time, he served 13 years as the director of evangelism for youth at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Upon retirement from the General Conference, he continued to pastor, but when, as a result of his stand for truth, he was denied the opportunity to continue his pastorate, he started Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry, recording his sermons and making them available to individuals. Before his retirement from this ministry in 2004, over 18,000 audiotapes were being sent around the world each month.

Knowing the Shepherd’s Voice, Part II

by

As false winds of doctrine blow about with hurricane force, you better be ready to know what you believe from the Bible. You had better read the texts given in this article, know what they say, and know what they mean.

How are you going to survive? Well, the events of the last few years have shown to us very clearly that the majority of Seventh-day Adventists are not going to survive. John 10:1-5 will show you why they are not going to survive: “Truly, truly, I say to you, the one not entering through the door of the sheepfold of the sheep, but going up another way, that one is a thief and a robber. But the one entering through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To this one, the doorkeeper opens and the sheep hear his voice; and his own sheep he calls by name, and leads them out. And when his own he brings out, he himself goes before them. And his sheep follow him because they know his voice. And to a stranger, they will not at all follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Here is the sad fact. The majority of Seventh-day Adventists today cannot tell the difference between the True Shepherd’s voice and the voice of strangers. So when all these winds of doctrine start blowing all over the place, you find people going off after this one or going off after that one. What are you going to do about it? The winds of doctrine are already here. They are going to get stronger. You are going to hear more voices than you are hearing now. The winds of doctrine are going to gain hurricane strength. They are going to blow you off your feet unless you are anchored.

A Matter of Survival

Do you know the True Shepherd’s voice? I am sorry to have to tell you, but from my own observation, the majority of the Christian world, the majority of the Adventist world, cannot distinguish the True Shepherd’s voice from the voice of strangers. It is a terrible, terrible thing, but it is true.

You are not going to survive until the end, you will not be ready for the second coming of Christ unless you can discern the True Shepherd’s voice from every other voice. If you are one of His sheep, He says, “They will not at all follow a stranger. They will flee; they will run from the stranger, because they do not know his voice. But they know My voice.”

Do you know the True Shepherd’s voice? Can you distinguish the True Shepherd’s voice from all other voices? Can you?

A preacher of righteousnessshould be echoing the True Shepherd’s voice, but you should be checking out from your Bible whether or not your preacher is telling you the truth. You need to know for sure whether or not your preacher is echoing the voice of the True Shepherd. That is what the people did in Berea; Paul recommended it and commended them for it.

The question that you need to answer is, Can you discern the True Shepherd’s voice from all the other voices? There are many voices out there now, and the number is going to grow. If you cannot tell the difference, the devil is going to figure out what kind of voice is pleasing to you, and if you do not understand the True Shepherd’s voice from all the other voices, you are going to get snagged by something that will sound wonderful to you. You are going to think you are having a wonderful Christian experience. This will happen to the whole world.

So, I want to give you a few elementary principles about how to distinguish the True Shepherd’s voice from all the other voices.

In Harmony

Point No. 1: The True Shepherd’s voice will always be in harmony with the Law of God. The True Shepherd’s voice will never lead you to break any part of the Law of God. Regarding this, Ellen White wrote, in The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1895: “Those who have heard the voice of God proclaiming His holy law on Mount Sinai, in the hearing of the people, know His voice, and when men claiming to be led by Christ, and professing to be entirely sanctified, assert that the law of God is abolished, and ridicule and make light of the great moral standard, and set at naught the testimony of prophets and apostles, we can confidently say that we hear not in their teachings the voice of the True Shepherd. The True Shepherd’s voice has been heard, bearing a different testimony. Jesus says, ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ [Matthew 5:17–19.]”

Mrs. White is here quoting from Matthew 5, and if you look up the context of this quote, Jesus is giving a sermon about the Law of God, the Ten Commandments. He refers to them by name, and talks about the sixth commandment and the seventh commandment and so forth.

If you are able to recognize the True Shepherd’s voice, you will know immediately that any voice that teaches you to be careless about any part of the Law of God is not the True Shepherd’s voice, and you had better run from it. You better not listen to the sermons; you better not read the books; you better not listen to the tapes; you better run, or you will be deceived; you will be hypnotized by the devil’s snares.

A Special Messenger

Point No. 2: Because God knew how dangerous the end times would be with every wind of doctrine blowing, He promised, in Malachi 4:5, that before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, He would send Elijah, a prophet, a special messenger.

God has sent such a messenger, something He would not do unless a special messenger, a prophet, is needed. Have you ever thought that through? Does God send His people a prophet if they do not need it? No, God knew that every wind of doctrine would be blowing, so He sent to us a special messenger. You need to be reading what that special messenger wrote, because if you do not, you are going to get snagged. But if you are reading the Spirit of Prophecy every day, you will hear the voice of the True Shepherd, and when the other voices come, you will know it is time to run. But you must be reading for yourself; the preachers cannot present it all in church.

While in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ellen White encountered a situation that brought her to write the following: “One brother thinks that Sister White doesn’t understand her own testimonies. Heard that in Minneapolis. Why? Because the brethren did not agree with them. Well, there are some things that I understand. I understand enough to acknowledge the Spirit of God and to follow the voice of the Shepherd. I understand that much.” Sermons and Talks, 149. That was her response to her critics. She understood the voice of the Shepherd, and knew the difference between His voice and the other voices.

Reading Ellen White’s writings will help you recognize the voice of the True Shepherd. There are numerous critics condemning the Spirit of Prophecy, but the most powerful evidence for these writings is that when you read Mrs. White’s books, you hear the voice of the True Shepherd. Those who do not like it do not like the rebuke given from the True Shepherd for their sins.

Be a Berean

Point No. 3: “When errors arise and are taught as Bible truth, those who have a connection with Christ will not trust to what the minister says, but like the noble Bereans, they will search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so. When they discover what is the word of the Lord, they will take their stand on the side of the truth. They will hear the voice of the True Shepherd saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it.’ [Isaiah 30:21.] Thus you will be educated to make the Bible the man of your counsel, and the voice of a stranger you will neither hear nor follow.” Faith and Works, 86.

You can be assured that you will not listen to the voice of a stranger, if you are listening to the voice of the True Shepherd, if you are studying the Book—the Old and New Testaments. You must be on a Bible study program of your own. From what is written in the Spirit of Prophecy, it is absolutely guaranteed that you will be misled if you are not doing these things, because if you are not studying, you will not recognize the voice of the True Shepherd from all the other voices. (See Testimonies, vol. 5, 703–711; The Great Controversy, 625.) But if you are studying the Book, you will recognize when something does not ring True to the Book—it will have a different sound, and you will not listen.

Miracles

Point No. 4: This is a negative point. Watch out for miracles. Miracles do not prove, in the last days, that the performer of the miracles is the True Shepherd. Of this Ellen White wrote:

“ ‘The voice of a stranger’ is the voice of one who neither respects nor obeys God’s holy, just, and good law. Many make great pretensions to holiness, and boast of the wonders they perform in healing the sick, when they do not regard this great standard of righteousness. But through whose power are these cures wrought?

“If those through whom cures are performed are disposed, on account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the law of God, and continue in disobedience, though they have power to any and every extent, it does not follow that they have the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-working power of the great deceiver. He is a transgressor of the moral law, and employs every device that he can master to blind men to its true character. We are warned that in the last days he will work with signs and lying wonders. And he will continue these wonders until the close of probation, that he may point to them as evidence that he is an angel of light and not of darkness.” Ye Shall Receive Power, 202.

Miracles do not prove that it is the voice of the True Shepherd. Not at all!

Fasting and Praying

Point No. 5: Are you spending any time these days fasting and praying? Ellen White wrote concerning some people who were content with their knowledge. She wrote: “The children of God must know the voice of the True Shepherd. Is not this a time when it would be highly proper to fast and pray before God? We are in danger of variance, in danger of taking sides on a controverted point; and should we not seek God in earnestness, with humiliation of soul, that we may know what is truth?” Selected Messages, Book 1, 413.

That prediction has already been fulfilled. There is variance on controverted points all over the world. The time to fast and pray is now, so we know the voice of the True Shepherd.

Correct Mistake

Point No. 6: If, when you fast and pray and study God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy, you find out that you really are mistaken in something, then action must be taken. If a minister learns that he is mistaken in something he has taught and preached, he must go to those whom he has taught and to whom he has preached and tell them. Even if it was just a private opinion, he must still confess and repent to God. This is where it gets tough, because a number of people for one reason or another cannot acknowledge that they have made a mistake.

If you are in that condition, you will never make it to the kingdom of heaven. All the people who go to heaven must confess their sins and repent.

Ellen White wrote this: “With these warnings [referring to warnings in the Bible against heresies in the last days], why is it that the church does not distinguish the false from the genuine? Those who have in any way been thus misled need to humble themselves before God, and sincerely repent, because they have so easily been led astray. They have not distinguished the voice of the True Shepherd from that of a stranger. Let all such review this chapter of their experience.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 393.

She, at the time, was writing to people who were neglecting personal study and were saying they did not believe what the Spirit of Prophecy said. They were among the critics in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who did not believe that Ellen White knew what she was talking about. She cautioned them to repent, saying that if they did not do so, they would lose their way. The same is true today.

Walk In The Light

Point No. 7: If you want to be able to distinguish the voice of the True Shepherd, you have to walk in all the light you know.

“You have been able but a small part of the time to discern the voice of the True Shepherd from that of a stranger. Your neglect to walk in the light has brought darkness upon you, and your conscience, by being often violated, has become benumbed.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 229. What was this brother’s problem? He was not walking in the light. This was and is one of the big problems that creates trouble in someone’s Christian experience.

People say, “My religion does not seem real. I cannot get in touch with the Lord. It seems my prayers are not answered.” If this is your experience, you need to ask yourself, “Am I walking according to all the spiritual light and truth that the Lord has made available to me? Am I walking in all the light that I know?”

If you are walking in all the light that you know, God will give you more light. But why should God give you any more of His joy, light, and peace, if you are not even following what you already have? If you are not following what you already have, you are walking in a different direction than the True Shepherd. It is no wonder that after a while you do not recognize His voice.

Are you living up to the light you have? “Often temptations are cherished as the voice of the True Shepherd because men have separated themselves from Jesus.” Ibid., vol. 5, 428.

Beware of Stubbornness

“Men who ought to know the voice of the True Shepherd will be more ready to accept the voice of the stranger and follow in unsafe, forbidden paths because of the stubbornness of their human nature.

“Dark hours of trial are before the church [they are here right now] because they have not obeyed the warnings and reproofs and counsel of God. What a bewitching power comes upon human minds to do contrary to the oft repeated will of God, and close the eyes and stop the ears, when Jesus is calling to them to hear His voice. He says, ‘My sheep hear my voice.’ [John 10:27.]

“That night in the boat was to the disciples a school where they were to receive their education for the great work which was to be done afterwards. The dark hours of trial are to come to every one as a part of his education for higher work, for more devoted, consecrated effort. The storm was not sent upon the disciples to shipwreck them, but to test and prove them individually. 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 Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1001, 1002.

This is the reason you see so many leaders, ministers, and other people going off on tangents, causing others to ask, “What in the world is going on?” God is revealing to the whole church that you cannot trust what these people say. It is an awful experience through which we are going. It is time to have your eyes opened. It is time to follow all the instructions in inspired writings. Ask the Lord to help you, to have mercy on you, and to help you distinguish between the voice of the True Shepherd and all the other voices.

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

Editorial – New Teaching

by

Many Christians down through the ages have been highly agitated by the teaching of what they consider to be error or heresy by someone else. Such agitation caused the violent death of millions of martyrs during the Dark Ages. Individuals against teachings that they consider to be heresy or error have produced a multitude of books, booklets, and tracts.

It is the purpose of this editorial to help you not be alarmed by such developments, because they will actually turn out for your good if you are one of God’s children and you follow directions! How can such a sweeping statement possibly be true? Because of the following inspired statement:

“The perversion and misinterpretation of the Scriptures by the Pharisees, and even by those who claimed to believe His words, made it necessary for Christ to speak plainly. It is thought by some to be a misfortune when erroneous theories are advanced, but the Lord has said, ‘All things work together for good to them that love God.’ [Romans 8:28.] The contention among the Corinthians made it necessary for Paul to write his wonderful epistles to them. If the Gentiles had not backslidden from the faith, Paul would not have written, ‘I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you out of the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another.’ [Galatians 1:6, 7, first part.] It was a misapplication of the Scriptures, to prove falsehood and error true. If the Thessalonians had not misinterpreted the instruction they received, they would not have entertained the belief that the Lord was immediately to be revealed in the clouds of heaven, thus making it necessary for Paul to present the truth as it is in Jesus, leaving on record truth important for all time. And so opposition against light and truth called from Christ a clearer definition of the truth. Every time that error is advanced, it will work for good to those who sincerely love God; for when the truth is shadowed by error, those whom the Lord has made His sentinels will make the truth sharper and clearer. They will search the Scriptures for evidence of their faith. The advancement of error is the call for God’s servants to arouse, and place the truth in bold relief.

“There are those who would rather start speculative ideas, and dwell on new themes, so arousing a desire for something new and strange, than learn the precious lessons given by Christ. By some these speculative ideas are made all and in all. And thus they neglect to seek for the qualifications that they must possess if they would win the eternal reward. The one thing for us to know is Christ, ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life.’ ‘This is life eternal,’ He said, ‘that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’ [John 14:6; 17:3.]” The Signs of the Times, January 6, 1898.

The next time you are troubled by a “new teaching” that is causing division among God’s professed people, follow the instruction in the above statement: (1) search the Scriptures; (2) look for the evidence; look up all Scriptures pertaining to the teaching.