A Step Forward
| Contents |
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1. Introduction 2. Sealing in Three Steps 3. Conscious Victory 4. Choosing Our Pattern 5. Church Members As Examples 6. The Coming Crisis 7. The Power of Faith 8. Conclusion |
Introduction
Abraham: Dear Father in
Heaven,
In Yahshua’s name we come before you. We thank you for your provision in all things, and ask again the presence of your Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts as Bro. David shares of that which you have given to him. In Yahshua’s name, Amen.
Rita: Amen.
Ye: Amen.
Guerline: Amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Naraiel: Amen.
Barb: Amen.
Zahakiel: During a devotional study last month, Giselle and I were reading through some statements in the Spirit of Prophecy writings, and we came across a section in Testimonies for The Church, Volume 5 entitled “The Seal of God.” This, to me, was a very inspirational passage, and as I read I realized that this is a very important set of truths that we must “eat” as John ate that scroll in Revelation, and make it a vital part of our experiences. As a result we will do one of our relatively infrequent studies that focus rather heavily on Ellen White’s writings.
Today I want to go over some of the major points of that section I mentioned; although I counsel as strongly as I can that every one of you read this passage for yourselves. It is found in 5T, pp. 207 – 216. What I want to do is begin with a statement at the very end of the passage, because she says something very significant there. She writes, “I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.” [Testimonies for the Church Volume Five, page 216]
Does that statement, particularly, “I can only write briefly upon these points at this time,” remind you of anything?
Rita: When Yahshua was speaking to his disciples and said basically the same thing that they could not bear what he would say, for it was not the right time for them to hear it.
Zahakiel: It reminds me of certain places in the Scriptures where the prophets saw more than they were able to effectively relate. We read, for example, “And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2Cor 12:3, 4) In a similar vein, “And [the angel] cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth; and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write, and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, ‘Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.’” (Rev 10:3, 4)
I am not necessarily indicating that Ellen White had any lengthy insights (to the level of Paul and/or John) beyond what she wrote about the Seal of God, only that she was restricted from commenting any further at that time. She does strongly suggest, however, that there is more the Church needs to know about these matters, and encourages us to study the Scriptures to discover more. I propose that we do that today, examining some of the major points that she mentions and, as is our custom, supporting and expanding upon them using the Bible as our text. We are calling this study, then, “A Step Forward.”
Sealing in Three Steps
Zahakiel: Within the passage we are examining today, Ellen White describes the Sealing Process in three steps. This is the same process of conversion that we have examined at length in previous studies, the steps of this process being repentance, faith and then baptism.
In this section of 5T she writes:
“No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul.” [p. 215]
Right after that:
“Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings.” [p. 215]
That statement should be encouraging to all who go through troubling times, to know that the “darkness” in the life of the Christian is the drawing-near of Yahweh to impart necessary blessings, the very least of which is a sanctifying experience through the trials. Believing this leads to an invincible faith. It is important in another sense, however, when considered alongside the quote above it, and then with this one from another place in the passage:
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” [p. 214]
That is a “hard” quote for those who do not understand the balance between faith and works. If read in the wrong context, this statement could be used to justify a standpoint that Seventh-day Adventism in general, and Ellen White’s writings in particular, are about “earning heaven” through a works-related process of cleansing the soul.
It is true that only pure souls will enter Heaven. We are told this in no uncertain terms in the Scriptures: “And the gates of [New Jerusalem] shall not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev 21:25-27)
It is also true that we have a part to play to “give diligence to make [our] calling and election sure; for if [we] do these things, [we] shall never fall.” (2Pet 1:10)
Yet even so we must understand that any works of righteousness we perform, any “good” that we do, is dependent upon two things. First, it is our loving response to the completed operation of grace. The entire plan of salvation is not finished, of course… we are still here in this sinful earth awaiting resurrection, translation, and glorification, but even while we wait we are told that, “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared [past perfect tense] to all men,” (Titus 2:11) and this was one of the key blessings obtained by the sacrifice of Yahshua on the Cross. Second, both the drive toward and the undertaking of good works are gifts from Heaven, and do not originate in the natural heart. Whatsoever is “good” in us, even as redeemed Christians, is only “Christ in [us], the hope of glory,” (Col 1:27) “for it is God which worketh in [us] both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13)
Does everyone see how these ideas fit together?
Rita: Yes.
Naraiel: Yes.
Barb: Yes.
HappyRock: Yes.
Ye: Yes
Guerline: Yes.
Crystle: Yes.
Zahakiel: So basically, in these three quotes we find: Grace, Faith and Sealing, in that order, which we will see corresponds to Repentance, Faith and Baptism. Let’s look at these in a little more detail.
As I mention above, the “Operation of Grace” is God’s initiative, the act that began with Him. We are told that man, in his natural state, cannot even seek the Almighty, for there is “none that doeth good.” (Psa 14:1) This is a tragic, but accurate, view of the consequences of Adam’s sin, for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jer 17:9)
Since man is incapable of reaching upward to the Father, the Father instead reached down to us, and “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:7) This is that operation of Grace that saved men before the cross by faith in the coming sacrifice, and that saves those of us who live thereafter by faith in that which was once provided. As a result the heart, once desperately wicked, becomes changed.
Ye: Praise Yah.
Zahakiel: We receive the “new heart” if we accept this offered grace, because grace – by the infinite cost paid by the Father and Son – is possible to choose. By grace we can choose to accept the provisions of grace, and this is the salvation of mankind as it is written, “of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16)
In 5T we find this idea reflected in this statement that when people become proud and reject the provisions of salvation, “The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph.” [pp. 210, 211]
The Spirit of God, which reveals to us the “goodness and forbearance and longsuffering” of our Creator, is the Divine Agent of grace through which “God leadeth [us] to repentance.” (Rom 2:4) Grace is the very first action, initiated by Yahweh, and Repentance in light of that picture of loving kindness must be our first response, for without it nothing else necessary to our eternal preservation can occur.
Now, Faith is both the next step and our next response in the Repentance-Faith-Baptism series. We see that these three are our reactions to what is offered, but the second is unique in that our response is to reflect what is offered. In other words, in Step 1 Grace produced Repentance; in Step 3 the Sealing is begun when men and women are inspired to participate in baptism. In the second Step, however, faith is offered to us as the gift, and faith is our response upon accepting it.
We receive faith, and as a result we begin to respond in faith… does everyone see that? It’s a little different than the first and third, because what we receive is what we thereafter display.
Rita: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Ye: Yes.
HappyRock: Yes.
Naraiel: Yes.
Barb: Yes.
Crystle: Yes.
Zahakiel: This is what is meant by, “It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters.” This is not some laborious task or checklist kind of activities (“Did I get rid of this defect, or that defect yet?”) but rather it is an explanation of what this display of faith looks like to others. God, in His creation of morally free beings, for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (i.e., freedom),” (2Cor 3:17b) works on the principle of “agreement.” Our labor to remedy the defects in our characters is at its very core a series of “agreements” that we make as Yahweh draws us closer to Himself. And as the light of His nearness increases, so does the intensity of the cleansing until at last, on the Day of Judgment, we stand face-to-face with the One who paid so much for our restoration, and we will be like Him in Spirit and in character.
Now the Sealing, the third step, is the confirmation that this redeeming faith, developed as a result of accepting God’s grace, has become fully mature. That’s really all it is, a confirmation – a true and Heavenly “confirmation” as opposed to the largely arbitrary ritual of certain churches.
In addition to what was said above about not one receiving the Seal while there is a stain on our characters, there is another place, taken from the same passage, that reads, “Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters.” [p. 216]
How important it is that these words be seen as an encouragement, rather than an obstacle, to Heaven! “Go forward, my brethren and sisters,” must always be the loving pressure applied to those who are perishing in sin. The only force that may be used in Christianity, despite the desperate state of the souls with which we must deal, is the force of persuasion. We open our true selves up to others, revealing the great and powerful things that Yahshua has done for us, and then we invite them to join us on this upward way. It is written that Paul “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks,” (Acts 18:4) and it is our responsibility to be engaged in similar activities.
But we find that the Seal is not something that God uses to “force” obedience, and this is extremely important. Many groups with a focus on prophecy, Seventh-day Adventism included, are often very guilty of creating for themselves the same kind of arbitrary god (although less wicked) as the one that condemns unredeemed mortals to eternal torment for a few brief years of misbehavior. They, by so doing, terribly misrepresent our kind and patient Father. Yahweh does not seal a group if impure saints and use the seal as a padlock on the gate to sin for the rest of eternity. The seal itself does not change the heart, it is justification – the very first step – that does that. Instead, Yahweh finds a group of saints who have responded to His call for holiness and peace, who have received justification and walked the path of sanctification, and then pronounces them “Good and faithful servants” (Mat 25:31) by means of this Seal.
Ye: Amen.
Zahakiel: The order of the falling of Latter Rain is also thus revealed. Some people, even while claiming to believe the Bible and to find wisdom in the writings of Mrs. White, make a gross error in their understanding of salvation and sanctification akin to their mistake about the Seal. They say, in their hearts if nowhere else, “The latter rain will fall soon, and then we will cease to sin.” But we see from the quote above, and from the way sanctification is described in the Scriptures, that after the process of sanctification has produced a life without stains on the character “then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” (emphasis added)
Those who fail to grasp the significance of this orderly procedure need to understand what is written in the Word of God, or they will never take a step forward from their lives of sin-indulgent ease. They need to realize that the latter rain falls on those who have made themselves capable of detecting it and receiving it, for God does not force Heaven on the unwilling. We need to understand all that has been written, and “go on unto perfection” (Heb 6:1) from there.
What we find is that Ellen White’s description of the Seal of God, and the Process of Sealing as discussed in 5T, perfectly matches what the CSDA Church has been teaching about the Three Angels’ messages. This should hardly be a surprise to those familiar with our message, for we have long affirmed the idea that our work, as agents of the Three Gospel Angels, is being used of Heaven to prepare and gather the 144,000. These purest of saints are described as being the ones who follow the Lamb in response to the Everlasting Gospel of Revelation 14.
Is this all clear to everyone so far?
Rita: Yes.
Barb: Yes.
Ye: Yes.
HappyRock: Yes.
Naraiel: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Conscious Victory
Zahakiel: The statements above about not having one spot if we are to receive the seal, and that it will never be placed upon an impure individual, and that it is left with us to go through the cleansing process, are telling. Yet despite these clear indications, many who claim Seventh-day Adventism as the description of their religion do not believe it is possible to truly and fully abstain from sinful acts. Some, who say it is possible, take the curious position that even if we did, we would not know it.
We may read, from the passage, “It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. ‘Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’” [pp. 215, 216]
These are all decisions we are being called to make, for not one of the events discussed in that statement can ever happen by accident, or without our knowledge and decided consent. The statement there reminds me distinctly of this verse from the Bible: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” (1Cor 15:34)
If we will “awake,” or “be aware” of righteousness, of the need for cleansing, of the knowledge of God, of the decisions laid before us, then we will “sin not” for Christ will work through those who recognize their need. But it is significant that the word “awake” is used, and not “fall asleep into righteousness” as those who do not believe we can know our condition might rather it read.
The Scriptures directly contradict this strange notion that we will be in a state of “ignorant holiness,” to describe it as it truly is. Paul tells the members of the Body, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2Cor 13:5) Peter gives us a series of steps to confirm our genuine acceptance of Christ (2Pet 1:10) for many are deceived into thinking they have accepted Him, while in truth they have accepted “another Gospel,” (2Cor 11:4) which does not lead to salvation.
To be clear, of course, it is not possible to know precisely where we are ON the path of sanctification. As Paul said, “I judge not mine own self.” (1Cor 4:3) This, however, only ensures that we never become satisfied with our attainments, as the Laodiceans do, who say that they are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” (Rev 3:17) This inability to judge ourselves should not shake our confidence in the least, for we can know with assurance whether or not we have chosen to begin and endure in the work of sanctification, and if we know this, we know we are accepted of Him; Paul says we may “prove [our] own selves.” We are not, therefore, to subscribe to some state of ignorant, oblivious, neglectful holiness, but rather to step forward into a state of conscious victory.
“The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation.” [p. 215, emphasis added]
Does everyone understand that?
Crystle: Yes.
Barb: Yes.
Rita: Yes.
Naraiel: Yes.
HappyRock: Yes.
Ye: Yes.
Guerline: Yes.
Guerline: How and when should one make changes into the “trend” or the process of sanctification?
Zahakiel: Sanctification begins immediately upon justification. A man who is justified immediately begins to seek the right path, as we read in that verse from Isaiah I repeat so often... “cease to do evil, learn to do well.” (Isa 1:16, 17)
If we begin to say, as many Christian groups these days teach, “I’ve accepted Christ... that’s the end of the story,” then they will entirely fail to understand the significance of so many passages that talk about growth, holiness, sanctification, as necessary to enter Heaven.
Guerline: Should one become aware in his or her own time and place by the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
Zahakiel: Not necessarily. The Spirit will act upon the conscience of a man or woman who is sensitive to the voice of Yahweh... that is the idea. But it is often the case that the sin, being “ignorant” is not detected at all.
In that case a messenger is presented to the individual with an encouragement or a warning (depending upon the situation) to alert him or her to the need.
Guerline: Ok, I see. Thanks.
Zahakiel: All right.
Choosing Our Pattern
Zahakiel: A Christian must choose his pattern wisely. We read, “Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart.” [pp. 213, 214]
“But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil.” [p. 209]
“By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God’s word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path.” [p. 214]
Say when you have finished reading all of these.
Rita: Done.
HappyRock: Done.
Naraiel: Done.
Barb: Finished.
Crystle: Okay.
Guerline: Done.
Ye: Done.
Zahakiel: The idea here is simple enough. The pastors, the elders, the prophets, of the Church, are not responsible for the salvation of others. Now, we need to be careful how we state that. It is true that such men are given a significant kind of guardianship of the Flock, as it is written, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” (Heb 13:17) Not any teaching, doctrine or principle in the Scriptures ever hints that the organized Body of the Messiah is ever to degenerate into an individualistic, chaotic society, or fragmented little groups (all legitimate) that have diverse doctrines and leadership methods.
The idea that the leaders in the Church are not directly responsible for the salvation of the souls placed under their care means only that the members are not saved or lost based upon the decisions of the leaders. Everyone is responsible for his or her own standing before the Almighty.
“But,” some may ask, “doesn’t the CSDA Church teach corporate responsibility and accountability?” Yes, we do, and that is what the passage in Hebrews 13 is describing. The leaders of a people may certainly “cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” (Isa 9:16) But here is where we see the fact that a parable does not perfectly represent all aspects of reality, for although Christians are called “sheep,” we are not to take that analogy too far!
Zahakiel: If the leaders sin, and their actions corrupt the integrity of their organization, it is the choice of the people whether they wish to stay, or whether they wish to protest, this course of action. Those who suffer the wrath of the Almighty because they have followed worldly or apostate leaders are destroyed because they are themselves content with such leadership. We are to respect our leaders, but we are not to worship them, or render to them mindless, cultish obedience. In this issue of the SDA Trademark, for example, we find an almost slavish dependence upon the organization, and a blind confidence that “God will fix things,” when He is the one who has shown – time and time again – that He will not work with a Church that is united so intimately with the kings of the earth. He goes through great effort to generate a new and faithful fellowship of saints each and every time His once-faithful organizations have backslidden to the point of uniting with the world and its beasts. He gives them the freedom to do get to that point, if they wish, but He will not withhold from them the penalty of their choices.
The people have a responsibility to respect those whom God has placed in the various positions of the Church, yes… but they have a responsibility also to cultivate a personal relationship with the Savior. Thus, while the leaders have the assigned duty of “guiding” souls, and encouraging, reproving error, and so on, they cannot make the decisions of duty for their people. Likewise, while the people suffer the consequences of their leaders’ decisions (this is the concept of corporate accountability) they are not infinitely bound to these decisions, and may (like the faithful Jews of Acts 2) protest or even depart from a corrupt system of leadership once it is demonstrated to be impure.
Yahshua the Messiah is our only pattern, our only worthy example, once we are brought into personal communion with Him. It is the individual duty of every saint to step forward and seek light for him or herself. Are there any questions about these ideas?
Rita: No.
HappyRock: No.
Ye: No
Crystle: No.
Barb: No.
Naraiel: No.
Church Members As Examples
Zahakiel: Now, we have just shown that Church members, even Church leaders, are not to be our absolute examples. We are going to see, in another sense, that Church members are to be examples. Referring those who have come before us in the faith we read:
“When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was.” [p. 213]
This is not, of course, a contradiction, but a shift in focus. Whereas the members are not to be examples to one another beyond guidance and encouragement, we all – each and every one of us – must be examples to those who are not yet individually connected with Christ. We are to be the “light of the world,” (Mat 5:14) and shed the precious rays we have received from Yahshua unto those who are still in darkness.
When Paul writes, for example, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” (1Cor 11:1) he is not setting himself up to Church members as “the standard” for it is Paul who says, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:14) Again, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Yahshua my Lord.” (Phil 3:8a)
Paul is referring in 1 Cor 11 to a statement he made in the chapter just before: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God, even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1Cor 10:31-33)
That statement, “be ye followers of me” may certainly, and properly, be used to demonstrate the responsibility that Yahweh has placed upon the apostles and elders of a Church, but it needs to be understood that this does have its limits. Paul wished to be seen as a coworker with some useful experience, and not as the line by which the other believers were to measure themselves.
Now in terms of the world, we need, as I mentioned before, to be “light.” We need to be salt, and a good example “in all things;” and this idea is important to our sanctification and sealing. So taking these concepts above, let me try to put them together in a clear and simple way; and if I can conceptualize it with a diagram, I envision it something like this:
Take a moment to look it over, and let me know when you are ready to continue.
Naraiel: Ready.
Ye: Ready.
Barb: Ready.
Rita: Ready.
Guerline: Ready.
HappyRock: Ready.
Crystle: Ready.
Zahakiel: There are three kinds of “examples” being represented, and these could probably constitute the material for a New Moon study all by themselves. The members of the Church have Yahshua as our example. This is the example that demonstrates the “Standard,” and it is the only one of the three that is absolute. The members of the Church have a responsibility toward other members. They must show, in their words and actions, the character of Christ made manifest, and in so doing set the example Paul was talking about, the example of a faithful “Coworker.” Finally, the members have a responsibility toward those still in the world, and this is the example of the “Witness.”
Yah’s agape is given to all, and that diagram is not intended to show a hierarchy of love, but worldlings cannot be, or certainly ought not to be, examples to members of Yahshua’s Body in spiritual things. Yahshua is still the ultimate example for all humanity, but until those outside of the Body come to know Him in a way that would allow them to draw wisdom directly from His character and example, Yahweh has appointed us, the lively stones of the Church Temple, (1Pet 2:5) to be the intercessors, as it is stated, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” (1Tim 2:1)
Are there any questions about the diagram or what it signifies?
Rita: None.
Naraiel: No.
Ye: No.
Barb : No.
Zahakiel: I’d like to make one more point about the examples we are examining. We read in the Scriptures, “One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.” (Exo 12:49) Again, “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country, for I am Yahweh your Elohim.” (Lev 24:22) Now, why do I bring up these verses in the context of setting an example?
Outsiders to the Body of Christ do not make a significant distinction between members of the Church and non-members who are associated with those who are baptized, or who regularly attend and participate in its services. Even those traveling with Israel were expected to follow the same principles, and to walk according to the same path, because the heathen nations round about would not care if they were “homeborn” or a stranger, only that they could find a ready excuse to quiet the convicting voice of the Spirit urging them to imitate the example of the Witness they were being shown. We need to understand all these things and, for both our members and those not yet baptized, we must step forward in winning souls.
The Coming Crisis
Zahakiel: In this passage from 5T, Ellen White as a few significant things to say about the coming crisis. Three of the relevant quotes are these, and let me know when you are finished with them:
“The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’” [p. 209]
“When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance!” [p. 212]
“In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church.” [p.210]
Rita: Done.
HappyRock: Done.
Naraiel: Done.
Barb: Done.
Crystle: Finished.
Zahakiel: Now, it is clear from the Spirit of Prophecy writings that Ellen White was convinced, and therefore most of modern Seventh-day Adventism is convinced, that the Mark of the Beast will come about over a conflict of the literal 7th day of the week. While there is certainly light in the principles that led to this viewpoint, for the conditional nature of prophecy does not change the underlying truths upon which those predictions are made, it does not provide the complete picture.
We do not see, in the writings above, that “these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their keeping of the seventh day Sabbath.” No, it doesn’t say that, rather, “these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish.” The keeping of the commandments, including that of the Sabbath, will certainly be a characteristic of the faithful saints, but it is also true that the conflict leading to their persecution can arise in a variety of ways. Due to the corruption of Seventh-day Adventism, a mere check for the outward keeping of the Sabbath is no longer a viable test, for just as the Sabbath keeping Sanhedrin put the Lord of the Sabbath to death on a cross, so now Sabbath keeping Adventists (though they would cling to Saturday vs. Sunday until death, in many cases) are the very ones bringing persecution on the faithful followers of Christianity’s principles, and Protestant principles in particular.
The conflict – and this is key – the conflict, however it appears on the outside, is ultimately an internal one. We have shown from Mrs. White’s writings in other places that the enforcement of Sunday Worship would be, or would have been, “an enforcement” of the worship of the beast, [The Great Controversy (1911), page 448] not the only way it could possibly be made manifest. But regardless of the form it takes, the true test for the saints is having the guidance of the Spirit to recognize the image of the beast and to reject it. I want you to notice something; in Mrs. White’s works, this statement appears:
“The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided.” [Selected Messages Book 2, page 80]
By the time this statement appears in the later (and more popular) books published by Seventh-day Adventist presses, however, we find that the church has included commentary: “The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes, for it is to be the great test [SEE THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER, WHERE THE GREAT TEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD IS SHOWN TO BE SUNDAY-LAW ENFORCEMENT.] for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided.” [Evangelism, pp. 227, 228]
This is not accurate. Nowhere in the Bible or in the Spirit of Prophecy writings can you find statements equating the image of the beast with the Mark of the Beast, (which is what that commentary is trying to do) or with its expected manifestation, the Sunday Law. They are not the same, for one intends to create the other, and we need to be able to explain that distinction to people who have been raised on these books with the “helpful additions” ingrained into their thinking.
The principles and observance of the law of God are our test, the light involving the commandments are our test, and this is what enables us to identify and reject the image of the beast, AND to oppose the law that it forms, regardless of what form that law takes… but it is the image that identifies the test for us. Simply put, the test is not in avoiding evil, for a man who is dead or unconscious can do that as well as the most holy of saints, but in observing and maintaining that which is good. Only the Spirit of God can provide this ability.
Rita: All I can say is “Glory.”
Guerline: Could we say that the image is the power or the Church that uses the secular powers, and the mark is what they use to secure obedience to them?
Zahakiel: The image is the union of Church and state, and the mark is what this union produces.
Now on a spiritual level, the true test is dealing with the anguish of soul that comes from truly rejecting this world that is so familiar to us in favor of the world to come, of which “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (1Cor 2:9) This is what true faith, and only true faith, allows.
If we are to step forward in protesting the Mark, we need to understand the principles underlying that Mark. Next New Moon I will speak some more about this topic, because as some of you know, some persecution has already begun against pastor and Luke in Rwanda. It is not because they are preaching the Gospel. It is not because they are healing all manner of sickness like diabetes and cancer. It is not because they are encouraging living faith and obedience to the instructions of Heaven… it is because they are calling themselves “Creation Seventh Day Adventists” while doing so. That is the reason persecution comes upon those who are walking as Yahshua walked in these last days. As we will see, the image of the beast truly does impose upon Christians a test involving the commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and it is tied in to the name that God has given to us by which we are to identify that faith, and that Body who keep these commandments.
The Power of Faith
Zahakiel: The last thing I would like to very briefly examine from that passage is the miracles and what we may expect as Yahweh’s children.
We read: “The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus ‘Peace and safety’ is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins.” [p. 211]
Our last few studies have been about “Changing Times,” and we have looked at some things that have been altered in prophetic history. But one of the things that has never changed, and will never change, is the trustworthiness of Yahweh, and His ability to intervene mightily in the course of events to preserve and prosper His people. Yahweh has not grown any less able, or any less willing, to attend our work with the same miracles of prophecy, healing, deliverance from danger, and inspiration as in the times of Israel’s glory or the Apostles’ ministry. It is a mark of infidelity, even apostasy (as the above quote points out) to doubt that Yahweh will do great things for His people.
In fact, it is the mistaken belief that the Almighty is not powerful enough, or willing enough, to stand up for His people that has led to all manner of evil, for if men fear for their safety, and have not the faith to conquer that fear, they will not hesitate to resort to stealing or murder to preserve themselves or their families. If an organization fears for its safety, and has not the faith in God to conquer that fear, it will not hesitate to resort to worldly policy or even the use of force to maintain its hold on whatever it believes is its right to hold… but Yahweh’s people are no such unsanctified cowards.
We are invited to step forward in trusting Yahweh, as I discussed in detail during my recent talk, “A greater vision.” We are invited to cast off all unsanctified means of protecting ourselves, while at the same time not sacrificing good judgment or prudence. We are never to be arrogant, prideful or presumptuous because we are within the household of Spiritual Israel, but at the same time this is the source of our joy, our peace, and our Sabbath-rest. We may expect as much as Yahweh has promised to provide for us, for He will never disappoint us.
In brief, if we expect no miracles to be worked on our behalf, we will not be disappointed, for we will receive none. On the other hand, if we DO expect miracles to be worked on our behalf, we will not be disappointed in that expectation either.
Are there any questions about that?
Guerline: : Amen.
Rita: No. Amen.
Crystle: : No.
Naraiel: : No.
Happy Rock: No.
Ye: No.
Conclusion
Zahakiel: In conclusion, I have found the passage “The Seal of God” from Testimonies for The Church, Volume 5, to be a most inspiring work. I find there a confirmation of our doctrines regarding conversion, that under the Three Gospel Angels there is shed unto the earth the Grace of God, the Faith of Yahshua, and the Seal of God.
I find that Ellen White describes a conscious sense of victory held by the true Saints of Yahweh, despite the fierce conflict they are called to endure for the testimony they bear of the character of Christ.
I find that Yahshua is to be my only standard and absolute example, while at the same time I have a responsibility to be an example of a good coworker to my fellow saints, and an example of a good witness to those with whom I associate in the world.
I find that while there is a coming crisis, and my spirit will be tested severely, the Spirit of Yahweh will reveal the course I must take in every eventuality, and I may have assurance that I am on the right path, and standing firmly in protest against those who hate and reject the ways of Heaven.
I find that because of my faith in Christ, I will not be disappointed if I expect the greatest of miracles to be performed on my behalf, and on behalf of my brethren, to guide us, to heal us from our physical and spiritual ailments, to deliver us from destruction at the decree of wicked and godless men, and to speak out boldly in the cause of truth as we step forward into greater and still greater light.
Are there any questions about that which Yahweh has revealed unto His people?
Rita: None.
Guerline: None.
Naraiel: None.
Ye: None.
Crystle: No.
Barb: No.
Zahakiel: Then I will ask brother Peter to close our meeting with a prayer.
HappyRock: Our Father in Heaven,
We thank you for these words
of truth. We praise you for the way in
which you are drawing us closer to you.
We ask you for protection as we journey in these last moments of earth’s history. Watch over us we pray in the name of your dear son we pray, amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Crystle: Amen.
Rita: Amen.
Naraiel: Amen.
Guerline: Amen.
Ye: Amen.
