liberty and bondage, the law, and the hope of righteousness by faith
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Liberty and Bondage, THE LAW,
and the Hope of Righteousness by Faith (Gal.5:5)
Introduction Reasons for this writing
The people of God are at a great crossroads at this most important time in earths history. We
are now on the precipice of the great shaking soon to do its heaven ordained work in spiritual Israel:
to separate the wheat from the chaff and the wise from the foolish. It seems now inescapable - but that
we must lift our voice in protest against the deceptive theories now in the ascendeny. Satan is
publishing his cunning deceptions using Seventh Day Adventist presses and bearing the historical names
of Adventism, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. This principally is the purpose for
this message being published.
Also, we were constrained to write, just now, because of the dictates of Gods recent providencestirring us to publish. Several recent events revealed clearly the alarming extent of these doctrines
which followed out to their logical conclusion would make the commandment of God of none effect.
This is not only has been accomplished in the Sunday churches of Christendom, referred to in the Bible
as Babylon, but has now gained a place of prominence in the teaching organs of Seventh Day Adventism.
Dangerous Doctrines brought to view
Gods providence worked wonderfully by causing this ministry to receive, in the space of one
week, 2 letters from friends who worship on the Sunday: one letter was from a spiritual lay Sunday
Keeper and the other from an accomplished Fundamentalist Baptist Pastor with a thriving ministry. Inaddition to this I personally was privied to hear explained dangerous doctrines which are prevalent and
representative of many in leadership positions and I was shown these same teachings in the major
publications of flagship Adventist organizations 3ABN and Amazing Facts. What was shocking was that,
by the Holy Ghost, we were shown the common principle closely connecting the fundamental errors of
these teachings, both of the Sunday keepers and now of the esteemed Seventh Day Adventist teachers
of the people, which was brought before our eyes by God marvelous providence. This also constrained
us to publish this timely message of Gods Spirit.
These specific teachings will be revealed later in this present message, using the very words of
the persons and organizations making them, but first we must needs lay the proper Biblical foundation
of the vital subjects of the title: Liberty and Bondage, THE LAW (we will also of necessity discuss, as it is
of close relation to these revelations, the Law of Moses AND the Spirit of Prophecy) and the Hope of the
Righteousness which is by Faith. Lastly, after having laid the foundation and brought out clearly the
dangers even now compassing us about, we must declare the warning against the great reckoning soon
to shake Seventh Day Adventism because of these very things. Pray earnestly in your heart as you
proceed, that God would grant you That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give
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unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of
his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power. (Eph. 1:17-19)
THE LAW
The first and most basic understanding we must lay down is that concerning the Law of God. It
has constantly been a snare for the people of God to get into debate and discussions with Satan himself
or through those directed by him to enter into strivings about the law (for they are unprofitable and
vain). The strivings about the law Satan leads people into is over specific declarations in the law. Often
he tries to show that there are contradictions or present subtlety leading the re-interpretations of
whether specific declarations are meant to be followed precisely. In all of this Satan is successful in
unsettling minds because the emphasis often placed on specific declaration in the law and not on
understanding and obeying the central principles which the law embodies. This work Satan began in
heaven and he has worked in this manner in the Eden before human and sin and he has not and will not
change his paradigm in seeking to snare souls.
The Law of God in Heaven
The Law of God which we now know as the Ten Commandments are but a delineation of the
Principles of the government of God a written transcript of the Character of the Eternal God. After the
fall of man, the principles which existed forever were arranged in a manner to meet the needs of fallen
beings and were then made known as what we now commonly refer to as the Ten Commandments.
The law of Jehovah dating back to creation, was comprised in the two great principles,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,
and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this:
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
These two great principles embrace the first four commandments, showing the duty of man to
God, and the last six, showing the duty of man to his fellowman. The principles were more
explicitly stated to man after the fall, and worded to meet the case of fallen intelligences. This
was necessary in consequence of the minds of men being blinded by transgression. (Sign of the
Times, April 15, 1875)
The law of God existed before the creation of man or else Adam could not have sinned.
After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were not changed, but were definitely
arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition. (Sign of the Times, March 14,
1878)
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So we see that the law of Jehovah is comprised of the Two Great commandments, even as Jesus Himself
explained to us. But even these two great commandments can be further consolidated into one glorious
principle, even as it was in heaven before Lucifer sinned:
It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love.
In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for
earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God;
and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light
which no man can approach unto. {The Desire of Ages page 19 paragraph 2}
Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. "I do nothing of Myself,"
said Christ; "the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father." "I seek not Mine own
glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth
the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God,
but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the
beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous
service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of
beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life . {The
Desire of Ages page 21 paragraph 2}
The great principle of the Law of God is selflessness: self- sacrificing love; self-renouncing love IS the
law of life. If would but examine our hearts to discern our true motives and intents when Satan seeks to
stir up strivings about the law we must know whether we are interpreting the specific declarationsof
the law and the commands of God through the fog of selfishness or do we really seek not (our) own
glory," but the glory of Him that sent (us), even God. (see John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18)
Lucifer rebelled in heaven against this Principle of Selflessness
There must have been law in heaven for Lucifer to have sinned. We have declared that before
the entrance of sin, the law was simply the principle of being selfless and obeying what God told the
inhabitants of heaven to do. How did Lucifer break this law?
In heaven itself this law was broken. Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering
cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw
them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. Therefore he
misrepresented God, attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation. With his own evil
characteristics he sought to invest the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. Thus he deceived
men. He led them to doubt the word of God, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is a God
of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving.
Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon
the world. {The Desire of Ages page 21 paragraph 3}
Lucifer was the first to call the Law of God bondage, while promising liberty in rebellion
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Once Lucifer committed himself to the rebellion against God, his named was changed to Satan,
meaning the adversary of God. Satan began by desire to exalt himself and seeking his own glory of
necessity his warfare was directed at the character of God and His law which indentified his sin. To this
end Satan developed a subtle system of arguments, even in heaven, which he used to begin the first
questions and striving about the law among holy angels. Satans deceptions were presented in the
framework of Bondage and Liberty.
Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the
spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time
concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate
doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might
be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such
restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. They were not beings that could bring
dishonor to God; all their thoughts were holy; it was no more possible for them than for God
Himself to err. The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was represented as an
injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor. If this prince
of angels could but attain to his true, exalted position, great good would accrue to the entire
host of heaven; for it was his object to secure freedom for all. But now even the liberty which
they had hitherto enjoyed was at an end; for an absolute Ruler had been appointed them , and
to His authority all must pay homage. Such were the subtle deceptions that through the wiles of
Lucifer were fast obtaining in the heavenly courts. {Patriarchs and Prophets, page 36
paragraph 4}
Rejecting with disdain the arguments and entreaties of the loyal angels, he denounced
them as deluded slaves. The preference shown to Christ he declared an act of injustice both to
himself and to all the heavenly host, and announced that he would no longer submit to this
invasion of his rights and theirs. He would never again acknowledge the supremacy of Christ. He
had determined to claim the honor which should have been given him, and take command of all
who would become his followers; and he promised those who would enter his ranks a new and
better government, under which all would enjoy freedom. Great numbers of the angels
signified their purpose to accept him as their leader. Flattered by the favor with which his
advances were received, he hoped to win all the angels to his side, to become equal with God
Himself, and to be obeyed by the entire host of heaven. {PP 40.1}
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh,
through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a
man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage...
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have
known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (2 Peter 2:18,19,21)
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The Purpose of the Law of God
By the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20)It may seem that at this late hour in earths history it
should not be necessary to review this basic fact, but present evidence bears testimony that must be
repeated. The purpose of the law, as it is revealed, is to convict us of sin; not only is that function and
office of the law, this is what it does by very nature:
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin,
working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become
exceeding sinful. (Romans 7:12,13)
The nature of the Law of God is the same as God Himself Holy, and Just, and Good. That is why Jesus
told us what shall be the office work of the Holy Ghost: And when He is come, He will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8) We must first be convinced of our sin
and defects if we are ever to turn from our course of behavior which condemned by God Law and
receive the help only God can provide. Yet, realizing the exceeding heinous character of selfishness,
which is what any violation of the perfect law of God really is, is what must take place in us at this time
in earths history.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:
that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans
3:19
Why Jesus Magnified the Law
We are discussing the importance of knowing the principles of the law of God, to the intent that
we might search our hearts and try our true motives whether they be that of selfishness or self-
renouncing love. Yet when man sinned, we lost the ability to discern spiritual things, such as the
principles of God holy law Therefore it was necessary for God to more distinctly explain how a doer of
the principles of heaven lives (Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil John 3:7,8). God explained
what a man would do if from the heart he obeyed the precepts of Love to God and love to man. He
showed how this man would live by giving specific declarations of what should be done in different
situations to the intent that in meditating upon these things man might discern the common principle
throughout and order his life by complete self-renouncing love seeking the good of others and only
taking so that he might give more.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:14)
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But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness
unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians
2:14)
When Jesus came and spoke the Sermon on the Mount, He magnified Gods Law of Ten
Commandments by showing that they are even transgressed in evil thoughts (such as lusting after a
women is a sin equal to committing adultery with her). When this knowledge, this spirituality of the law
is brought home to the conscience, man is convicted as a sinner, a transgressor of Gods law and found
to be selfish and depraved before Gods glory and infinite purity. Many, when this spirituality of the law
comes home to the conscience seek to relieve their distress in the same way Satan sought to do it, in
endeavoring to do something they can never achieve by attempting to overthrow the law, or the
character of God, which reveals our selfishness. Yet for man to follow Satan in doing this, we enter a
work which they shall wot not in seeking to overthrow the law of God or diminish in our minds its
claims upon us, we lessen also the greatness of the atonement made for our redemption. And truly it is
in view of the sheer enormity of the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that we are led to
surrender our hearts and will to Christ. It is only by a heaven inspired revelation of the vast scope of the
Law delineating perfect Righteousness can we began to appreciate the infinite value of the sacrifice
made in our behalf and the depth of the pit from which we are saved.
It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of
sin. When we see the length of the chain that was let down for us, when we understand
something of the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf, the heart is melted with
tenderness and contrition. {Steps to Christ page 35 paragraph 4}
We must ever be learning our great need, in order to appreciate our Saviour, and to make
Him known to others. We can learn the depths of our transgression only by the length of the
chain let down to draw us up. We should put our mental powers to the task to understand the
fearful ruin to which sin has brought us, and we should seek to understand the divine plan by
which we may be restored to the favor of God. That God's dear Son should have to come to our
world to fight our battles for us that we might have strength to conquer in His name, should
ever humble our proud hearts. If we look to the cross of Calvary, every boast will die upon our
lips, and we shall cry, "Unclean, unworthy of so great suffering, of so rich a price paid for my
redemption." {Selected Messages Vol. 1, page 316 parargraph 1}
Those who are unacquainted with the laws of God's government as expounded upon the
mount, are unacquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus. Christ revealed the far-reaching
principles of the law; He expounded every precept, and exhibited every demand in His example.
He that knows the truth as it is in the law, knows the truth as it is in Jesus; and if through faith in
Christ he renders obedience to the commandments of God, his life is hid with Christ in God.
The knowledge of the claims of the law would crush out the last ray of hope from the
soul if there were no Saviour provided for man; but the truth as it is in Jesus, is a savor of life
unto life. God's dear Son died that He might impute unto man His own righteousness, and not
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that he might be at liberty to break God's holy law, as Satan tries to make men believe. Through
faith in Christ, man may be in possession of moral power to resist evil. {1SM 316.3,4}
Satan's lying charges against the divine character and government appeared in their true
light. He had accused God of seeking merely the exaltation of Himself in requiring submission
and obedience from His creatures, and had declared that, while the Creator exacted self-denial
from all others, He Himself practiced no self-denial and made no sacrifice. Now it was seen that
for the salvation of a fallen and sinful race, the Ruler of the universe had made the greatest
sacrifice which love could make; for "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2
Corinthians 5:19. It was seen, also, that while Lucifer had opened the door for the entrance of
sin by his desire for honor and supremacy, Christ had, in order to destroy sin, humbled Himself
and become obedient unto death. {The Great Controversy, page 502 paragraph 2}
God had manifested His abhorrence of the principles of rebellion. All heaven saw His
justice revealed, both in the condemnation of Satan and in the redemption of man. Lucifer had
declared that if the law of God was changeless, and its penalty could not be remitted, every
transgressor must be forever debarred from the Creator's favor. He had claimed that the sinful
race were placed beyond redemption and were therefore his rightful prey. But the death of
Christ was an argument in man's behalf that could not be overthrown. The penalty of the law
fell upon Him who was equal with God, and man was free to accept the righteousness of Christ
and by a life of penitence and humiliation to triumph, as the Son of God had triumphed, over
the power of Satan. Thus God is just and yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus. {GC 502.3}
But it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to the earth
to suffer and to die. He came to "magnify the law" and to "make it honorable." Not alone that
the inhabitants of this world might regard the law as it should be regarded; but it was to
demonstrate to all the worlds of the universe that God's law is unchangeable. Could its claims
have been set aside, then the Son of God need not have yielded up His life to atone for its
transgression. The death of Christ proves it immutable. And the sacrifice to which infinite love
impelled the Father and the Son, that sinners might be redeemed, demonstrates to all the
universe--what nothing less than this plan of atonement could have sufficed to do--that justice
and mercy are the foundation of the law and government of God. {GC 503.1}
In these last days the Law is further magnified in the writings of Ellen G. White and called the Spirit of
Prophecy or The Testimony of Jesus (see Revelation 12:17 and 19:10)
In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days
He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed
His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that
He would have them pursue.-- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661.
The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not
to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas
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and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. {3rd
Volume
of Selected Messages page 30 paragraph 3}
God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His Word, to give them
a clearer understanding of it.
The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may be
understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some
who profess to make the Word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its
plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed
testimonies, bringing them back to the Word that they have neglected to follow.
The Word of God abounds in general principles for the formation of correct habits of
living, and the testimonies, general and personal, have been calculated to call their attention
more especially to these principles.-- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 663, 664.
Testimonies to Bring Plain Lessons From the Word.--In the Scriptures God has set forth
practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though He has given minute
particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, yet in a large measure, His
lessons are disregarded and ignored. Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given
special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the
plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out,
that every soul may be without excuse.-- Letter 63, 1893. (See Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 665.) {3rd
Volume Selected Messages page 31 paragraph 3}
I took the precious Bible and surrounded it with the several Testimonies for the Church,
given for the people of God. Here, said I, the cases of nearly all are met. The sins they are to
shun are pointed out. The counsel that they desire can be found here, given for other cases
situated similarly to themselves. God has been pleased to give you line upon line and precept
upon precept. But there are not many of you that really know what is contained in the
Testimonies. You are not familiar with the Scriptures. If you had made God's word your study,
with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not
have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with
God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your
attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to
fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings.
The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and
to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word. The written testimonies are
not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already
revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word;
yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God
has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way
brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left
without excuse. {2nd
Volume of the Testimonies page 605 paragraph 2}
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True Bondage
The very deceptions Satan diffused in the heavenly courts, which were successful in deceiving
one third of the holy angels and delivering their souls into perdition along with the author of sin, are the
very same arguments being repeated by men and women who call themselves Christians. Obedience to
the law of God is called bondage, thus depicting God as a cruel tyrant; and disavowal of the very
principles of heaven is intimated as being a liberty to be sought after and desired. Even the precious
doctrine of Righteousness by faith is now being colored with false perceptions liberty and bondage.
Let us therefore, set these terms in their proper Biblical framework.
The Bible is very clear as to what is true bondage:
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the
servant of sin. (John 8:34)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be
thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of
doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of
righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18)
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the
glorious liberty of the children of God. (Romans 8:21)
Jesus explains that when we sin, we are in the bondage of sin. Yet, the spirituality of the law,
convicts us of more than just a sinful act which we might commit Romans 8:21 shows us that our sinful
natures, our inward corruption is itself a bondage. This is nothing less than the truth that by our
imperfect characters (selfish and not yet completely selfless) we have all sinned, and come short of the
glory of God this is represented as bondage:
These words offended the Pharisees. The nation's long subjection to a foreign yoke, they
disregarded, and angrily exclaimed, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any
man: how sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?" Jesus looked upon these men, the slaves of
malice, whose thoughts were bent upon revenge, and sadly answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." They were in the worst kind of bondage,-
-ruled by the spirit of evil. {The Desire Ages page 466 page 2}
All this is a part of your appointed work. God also requires each of us to subdue self, not
giving the rein to self-indulgence or appetite, and to form characters that will stand the test of
the Judgment and go with us into the future life. To guide us in this work he has given us his law,
that great standard of right, which will prove a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Have you
been conforming your life to this standard? Have you been forming right habits; a Christlike
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character, or have vicious habits been left to grow and strengthen, until they hold mind and
heart in bondage? {ST, January 1, 1885 par. 4}
Even after we have accepted Christ and so walk in Him, there is still the bondage of Human frailty and
temptation that Jesus seeks to set us free from through His gospel:
There is a real work to be wrought in us. Constantly we must submit our will to
God's will, our way to God's way. Our peculiar ideas will strive constantly for the
supremacy, but we must make God all and in all. We are not free from the failings of
humanity, butwe must constantly strive to be free from these failings, not to be
perfect in our own eyes but perfect in every good work. {Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21
page 301 paragraph 2}
It is very solemn thought that unless we, through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, form a perfect
Christlike character we shall be return to the bondage of sin, from whence Christ came to deliver us
from.
Liberty in Verity
We shall then find the fullest experience of liberty in Christ when we shall grow up into him in
all thingseven Christ and have Christ perfectly formed within. The perfection of Christian character
means to become a partaker of the divine nature, which shall effectively deliver us from the bondage
of corruption.
Yet, if we are found still transgressors of Gods law, and there are still corrupting thoughts which
come forth from the heart; and they defile the man certainly we are still in bondage to this
corrupting sinful nature, even after we have accepted Christ and even been converted What about
liberty in Christ?
"I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it
shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15 God declares: "I will put
enmity." This enmity is not naturally entertained. When man transgressed the divine law, his
nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists
naturally no enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through
apostasy Had not God specially interposed, Satan and man would have entered into an alliance
against Heaven; and instead of cherishing enmity against Satan, the whole human family would
have been united in opposition to God But when Satan heard the declaration that enmity
should exist between himself and the woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew
that his efforts to deprave human nature would be interrupted; that by some means man was
to be enabled to resist his power It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates
in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would
continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But the new principle in
the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts
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enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it,
whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation
of a principle wholly from above. {The Great Controversy, pages 505 paragraphs 1,2 and page
506 paragraph 2}
Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is leftfree to choose whom he will serve. In
the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of
freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free
ourselves from Satan's control; but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need
cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the
divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.
{The Desire of Ages, page 466 paragraph 4}
The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one
with Christ. "The truth shall make you free;" and Christ is the truth. Sin can triumph only by
enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to
one's self,--to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into
subjection, is "the law of liberty." James 2:12. {DA 466.5}
So there is a liberty which we enjoy in Christ, while we are yet in our sinful, fallen natures and
that is the liberty - the freedom to resist Satan and leave off from committing sin by the Grace of Christ
implanted in our souls. Nevertheless, until we are delivered from our corrupt, depraved natures before
the law, we are yet in the bondage of corruption awaiting the glorious liberty of the children of God
which is the finishing of Christs work in the heavenly sanctuary: for which the whole creation groaneth
and travaileth in pain together until now (waiting) for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Therefore our liberty in verity is yet future and we given the hope, based on Gods promises, of
its final and complete fulfillment:
For we through the Spirit waitfor the hope of righteousness by faith. (Galatians 5:5)
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why
doth he yet hope for? But ifwe hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
(Romans 8:24,25)
Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare [that] I will
render double unto thee. (Zechariah 9:12)
We are made prisoners of hope, waiting and groaning within ourselves for the complete fulfillment of
the promise to set the captives free: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,
saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and
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iniquities will I remember no more.Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
(Hebrews 10:16-18)
Our Future Hope of Righteousness by Faith
This future hope of something yet to be accomplished in us is inherent in the message of the sanctuary.
Paul states this fact most forcefully when he makes the following observation:
because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of
sins. (Hebrews 10:2)
The inherent purpose of the sanctuary is to make the comers thereunto perfect. Hence, until
we have been perfected there is still work left to be done in us. Certainly if we stop looking into the
perfect law of liberty, the great moral mirror, we might think we are now perfect and have attained
but anyone who beholds Christ and has seen His glory as revealed in the principles of the Word of God
know surely that the promise has not yet been completely fulfilled in us.
In the sanctuary service when is the work of perfecting the worshippers completed? Certainly
this is the purpose of the services of the Day of Atonement when complete reconciliation with God is
made a living reality when heed the injunction to Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19)
This clearly refers to the finishing work of our great High Priest Jesus and the refreshing of the latter rain
of His Spirit which shall go forth when His work is completed in the heavenly sanctuary.
"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy
people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to
that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found
written in the book." Daniel 12:1.
When the third angel's message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants
of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received "the latter
rain," "the refreshing from the presence of the Lord," and they are prepared for the trying
hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth
announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who
have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received "the seal of the living
God." Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a
loud voice says, "It is done;" and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the
solemn announcement: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him
be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be
holy still." Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the
atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up;
"the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven," is
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about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of
lords. {The Great Controversy page 613 paragraph 2}
We are now in the great Antitypical Day of Atonement when Jesus, our great High Priest, is ministering
in the heavenly sanctuary to cleanse sin from the hearts of His people and then seal them in His
perfect character that the promise of the gospel might be fully realized in a people on the earth before
Satan is destroyed; they walk even as He walked and live in the sight of a holy God with no Intercessor
mediating for them in the sanctuary even Jesus lived on earth and had no mediator between Him and
God the Father. Until this work is completed let us not rest satisfiedsaying, I am accounted Righteous by
my faith in Jesus While this is true, it is true in the sense that we hope for the fulfillment of the
promise and knowing that Gods words are true and we accept it today as a fact, even as did all of Gods
people in past generations:
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,
and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims on the earth.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God
having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
(Hebrews 11:13, 39,40)
This belief and hope in what God will do is never meant to cause us to be any less vigilant in earnestly
seeking and praying for the complete fulfillment of the promise which no one born in sin has ever
received.
Even in the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, the servant of the Lord foresaw the final accomplishment
of the hope of the gospel as yet future:
This very day the Lord desires us to reach a higher standard than we have ever
reached in the past. Day by day we are to advance upward, ever upward, until it can be
said of us as a people, "Ye are complete in Him."--Manuscript 96, July 7, 1902, an early
morning talk before the Pacific Union Medical Missionary Council at St. Helena,
California.
He who beholds Jesus, realizing what He is to us and what we are to Him, will be
diligent. He will live on the plan of addition, adding to his faith virtue, and to virtue
knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to
patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness
charity. This is a process of growth. He who cooperates with Christ will not be found
tomorrow where he is today. Every day he will follow on to know the Lord, that he may
know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. Of those who live in this way it
will be written at last, "Ye are complete in Him." --Manuscript 102, July 9, 1899,
"Remarks Made by Mrs. E. G. White in the School Chapel."
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God wants that men of capabilities and of mind should understand there is a
ladder for them to climb(grow up into Him in all thingseven Christ Eph. 4:15), round
after round, and if they climb this ladder, round after round, why they will step off finally
into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We want our course heavenward.
And we want that all the selfishness, every thread of it, that has been woven into the
pattern, that every thread of this selfishness is to be got out, and here is a work that,
from the light that God has given me, it should stand, yes, a hundred per cent, higher
than it stands today. {Spalding and Magan Collection page 164 paragraph1}
We are in the antitypical Day of Atonement and it is given to us to have fulfilled in us the glorious reality
of the promise of perfect Righteousness by Faith. At this time the people God are commanded to gather
around the sanctuary and afflict their souls in humiliation and earnest confession of sin before God,
praying that our sins be blotted out and we receive that abundance of grace promised to us at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. How can we truly do this as we are commanded if we have misconstrued the
meaning of Righteousness by Faith into a careless indifferent attitude of thinking we are now rich and
increased with goods and have need of nothing more?
In this great day of atonement our work is that of heart-searching, of self-abasement,
and confession of sin, each humbling his own soul before God, and seeking pardon for himself
individually. Anciently every one that did not on the day of atonement afflict his soul, was cut
off from the people. God would have us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
If each will search and see what sins are lurking in his own heart to shut out Jesus, he will find
such a work to do that he will be ready to esteem others better than himself. He will no longer
seek to pluck the mote out of his brother's eye while a beam is in his own eye. {Historical
Sketches page 213 paragragh 3}
We are admonished, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor.
10:12). Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ We are never
to rest in a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying, "I am saved." When this
idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayer, for earnest endeavor to press
onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these
words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. Then, with
the utmost propriety, we may give glory to God and to the Lamb for eternal deliverance.
{Maranatha page 236 paragraph 2,4}
PART TWO
Present Issues: Professed Christian Churches Evading the claims of the Law of God
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For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3,4)
We have now manifestly come to the time when this verse has been fulfilled. It is very plain and
rather obvious to any true worshipper of God that our Lord requires that we render Him obedience to
His Law and loyalty to the principles of His government. Yet the great majority of professed Christians
are even now diminishing the vast claims of the law in order that they might hold onto some of those
things which they desire, which our Lord has declared to engender unto spiritual death, and vainly
imagine within themselves that they shall yet gain heaven carrying, as it were, their idols.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
find it. (Matthew 7:13,14)
There are many who would, if they could, climb up some other way than the Way delineated in
Gods Word; they seek a Way broad enough to accommodate their unsanctified, unholy tastes, habits
AND SINS. Now we shall demonstrate a few examples of how souls seeking to turn away from the truth
have taken heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils - speaking lies in hypocrisy And these
doctrines are now not only rife in the churches who vainly seek to worship God on the Sunday, but are
also made prominent in among Seventh Day Adventists.
How evading the Law is accomplished by Sunday Keepers (shown from two letters that have come in)
The message committed to Seventh day Adventists concerning the perpetuity of the Law of God
and the binding claims of the Seventh day Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and man has
been going out into the world for many, many years now. This message of the Law and the Sabbath
contained in it has come to all of the Sunday keeping churches. Yet most Christians still do not accept
the message of heavenly origin, while at the same time still claiming that they find all of their teachings
and beliefs in the Bible. It is important that we know how they have willfully blinded themselves,
because we shall see that now Seventh Day Adventists are essentially doing the same thing by following
the same principle of selfishness (and not dying to self and seeking only the glory of God).
I mentioned in the introduction how it was Gods providence that this ministry received two
letters in the same week from Sunday Keeping Christians, explaining how that the Law should not be
obeyed and the Sabbath not kept. Let us study the suppositions given in these two letters and see how
deceived, willfully blinded souls are wresting the scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). We
do this to identify the underlying principle so that we can know its origin (Satan is the chief of all those
who seek to overthrow the Law of God) and afterwards, to see how SDAs are doing the same.
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Letter from an active and well studied lay Sunday Keeping Christian
First a little background on this letter. This letter was sent to our ministry in response to an e-
mail my wife sent out to Christian friends asking them to pray for a young lady in South Korea named
Natalia. Natalia had sent Anika an e-mail asking for her to pray for her because she was having some
hardships and difficulties because Natalia had recently began keeping the Sabbath and choosing not to
work or do her school testing on Sabbath So Anika sent out a prayer request for Natalia and this is
what prompted the response from our dear Sunday keeping friend:
(I will underline and bold the portions where I understand that dangerous doctrines are being advocated
while making no comment of my own)
From: ___________ (name and e-mail withheld)Date: Wed, May 26, 2010 at 9:49 AMSubject: Re: prayer requestTo: Anika Chrishon >
Yes, I will pray for Natalie and for you that the Holy Spirit will open your spiritual eyes to truly
understand what Jesus did for us, why he came, why he gave up his life for us to fulfill God'splan for the people He loves. Please study all the words of Jesus concerning the Sabbath, then if
you believe the whole New Testament,---- read Paul's letters concerning our responsibility as
followers of righteousness. One scripture, Colossians 2:16. It was not God's intention to putburdens on us concerning old laws, but to set us free to serve him with joy. I believe the Ten
Commandments are serious and a guide for us to know God's will---all of them. Jesus made it
very clear how the commandments are intended to fulfil God's will by loving our fellow man and
respecting God in our daily lives. Let us use our knowledge and Bible study to open doors of joyand peace to others. The Holy Spirit will show every one of born-again Christians what is
acceptable if they are sincere and want to enjoy the freedom that is in God.I remember all the years in visiting denominational churches and trying to fulfil the legalities oftheir doctrine, but didn't see JOY, Peace and Love demonstated in their daily lives! After years
of prayerful study in the Word with an open mind, willing to do anything to be pleasing to God, I
found the total freedom that Jesus gives. He came to set men free, not to place burdens ofdoctrine before a new believer can draw strength from accepting total forgiveness and allowing
the Spirit of Christ to speak to them through the study of all the New Testament teaching.
Jesus is our Sabbath. Jesus is our rest. The Holy Spirit is our teacher.
Please read and reread the book of Romans. Many years ago, before Bible college and the yearsof personal striving over the rules and regulations, my desire to please all people led me to a
book,"Had You Been Born in another Faith". I don't remember the author, but it opened my eyes
to the fact that our early learning, taught to us by well meaning people, can be our enemy andcan hinder the purpose of God.If we truly recieve the Spirit of God and rely on Grace along with Faith, He, the Holy Spirit will
be our law."Whom the Son hath set free is free in deed" Not free to sin, but free to live in true
righteousness.
Brent and you will be in my heart, I think, forever. From the day I stood at my ironing board and
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watched Brent go through scripture with such excitement and share his desire to work for God, I
loved him. Then I dreamed a dream that I know was you, pregnant with Samuel, in a weddingdress. In that dream, I felt your heart and your desire to be holy and acceptable and I loved you,
too. Realize that I have not met you as yet. But, I love you!!Please do not break that bond that is
there and feel that I am reproving you or Brent. It is my love for you that causes me to be totally
honest in my conversation to you. I realize that you are in the church, the place that you love toserve, and that is good. Just please be willing to acknowledge other servants of God who
interpret scripture different. What if everything in our world shut it's doors on Saturday and
Sunday and everyone sat down or knelt and prayed all day on either Sabbath. Would that serverighteousness? Or would it serve a law?
I choose everyday as my Sabbath, but I, also, am so thankful that we observe a day or days
of rest from our labors to renew our strength and health. But, we are free to choose what isneedful. I thank God for hospital workers and all segments of our society that are willing to
work on Sat. or Sun., for those who need to study some for education, also. But, by law, these
workers are given a day off that they can rest and commune with God.
I, so very much, respect you and Brent and wish I could see you and not feel any walls between
us. I appreciate your prayers for me through these years and every week-end I think of you andremember how that Brent did motivate me to make new commitments concerning the Sabbath.
My prayer is that you will feel free to seek to build on all the Word of God and not rely so muchon the older books and dreams, etc.. of past people. They did what they could with the
knowledge they had. Brent is a very intelligent and God-fearing man and can do a great work for
God. And, with you as his helper.Let's walk, in the Love and fellowship of God, together for His cause--to see people set free from
the bondage of sin. Let's rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them. It is God's Church, as I was told
many, many times!
I love you, Anika!! Sis. ______
Letter from a Pastor and founder of a Fundamentalist Baptist ministry
(because of the length of this letter I am constrained to choose out those sections which are being taught
by this Baptist minister which I understand are Biblical erroragain without my comment I will then
address each acertation by the Baptist minister below his comments)
A WARNING ABOUT SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM
Republished May 26, 2010
1. The sabbath, though mentioned in Genesis 2:2-3, was not delivered toman until it was given to Israel in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9:13-14).Ellen White added to Scripture when she taught that Adam and thepatriarchs kept the sabbath.
2. The sabbath was not given to mankind in general, but to Israel alone
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as a special sign between her and God (Ex. 31:13, 17). If the sabbath hadbeen kept by mankind from the creation, it could not have been given asa special sign to Israel.
6. It cannot be proven that the apostle Paul and the early churchesobserved the sabbath. It is true that Paul met in the synagogues on thesabbath in order to preach to the Jews assembled there, but this doesnot mean that he observed the sabbath. According to the Bible, thereason Paul visited synagogues on the sabbath was to preach thegospel. Pauls desire was to preach Christ. He was burdened for his ownpeople, the Jews. So he went where the Jews were to preach Christ tothem. Consider Acts 13:14-44; 16:13-14; 17:2-4; 18:4.
7. There is much evidence in the Bible and elsewhere that the earlyChristians met and worshiped on the first day rather than on thesabbath.
The Christians met to worship on the first day (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:2).
Since those days, the vast majority of Christians have met to worship onthe first day of the week. They do this in honor of the resurrection oftheir Savior. Christ was in the tomb on the sabbath and rose as thefirstborn from the dead on the first day. The sabbath signifies the lastday of the old creation (Gen. 2:2). Sunday is the first day of the new
creation.
2. The Law of Moses holds no power over the believer; he is placed inChrist entirely out of the laws grasp. The law can no more bringcondemnation to the believer than it can to Christ Himself, since thebeliever has been made perfect in Christ. The law has no more power overthe believer than the dead husband has over a living wife. The apostles didnot teach the Adventist doctrine that the believer is to conform his life tothe standard of the law by the power of the resurrected Christ, and that if
he fails to do so the law will condemn him in the day of judgment. SeeRomans 5:1-2, 6-11; 6:3-7; 8:8-10; 10:4; 7:4; Galatians 3:24-29.
If the law be indeed the rule of a believers life, where are we to find it sopresented in the New Testament?The inspired Apostle evidently had nothought of its being the rulewhen he penned the following words: For in
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Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision, but a newcreation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, andmercy, and on the Israel of God (Gal. 6:15-16). What rule? The law? No; butthe new creation. Where shall we find this in Exodus 20? It speaks not aword about new creation. On the contrary, it addresses itself to man as heisin his natural or old-creation stateand puts him to the test as to what heis really able to do. Now if the law were the rule by which believers are to walk,why does the apostle pronounce his benediction on those who walk byanother rule altogether? Why does he not say, as many as walk according torule of the Ten Commandments? Is it not evident, from this one passage,that the Church of God has a higher rule by which to walk? (C.H.Mackintosh, Notes on the Pentateuch, pp. 232-233).
I, as a Christian, obey all law that is moral in the Decalogue, not because it isin the Law, but because it is in the Gospel. Worship of God only is enjoinedfifty times in the New Testament; idolatry is forbidden twelve times; profanityfour times; honor of father and mother is commanded six times; adultery isforbidden twelve; theft six; false witness four; and covetousness, nine times.The Ten Commandments, as Luther says, do not apply to us Gentiles andChristians, but only to the Jews. So therefore, Paul, in all his fourteenepistles, never once names the Sabbathexcept in a single passagewhere, classing it with the entire law, he declares it has been totallyabolished. So the early church held (William C. Irvine, Heresies Exposed,p. 165).
Christ came to redeem men from bondage to the law, to remove theircondemnation by paying the price the law demanded for mans sin. Thosewho try to bring believers back under the law are deceiving men andpointing them away from the finished work of Christ and true Biblefreedom in Him. They themselves are cursed because of their false gospel,and they are leading others away from the truth. The goal of salvation is not tobring the believer to the law, but to present him perfect in Christ!
* I will now briefly take an opportunity to offer Biblical answers the false acertations made in thepreceding two letters:
- In the first letter, our dear friend, says that it matters not which day we keep.. but is this the
mind of God? God says Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour,
and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not
do any work Exodus 20:8-10 Many would then say, well how do we know which day is the
seventh day, but they never ask this question as it pertains to the day of the resurrection of
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Jesus. Behold, the Bible provides a modern account of the reckoning of the seven day week and
this is the weekly cycle we still hold today: Luke 23:56 and Luke 24:1 Jesus rested in the grave
on the Sabbath.
- The first two points I included from the ministers letter are blatantly ridiculous, because he
acknowledges that God gave the Sabbath at creation, but then says that it was not given to man
in general and he further claims Gods people didnt keep before the law was spoken on Mt.
Sinai. Behold, here is an example of Sabbath keeping (or breaking before the Law was spoken at
Sinai: (Exodus 16:26-29)
- The next three acertations are that the Apostles did NOT keep the Sabbath now this is a rathernew feature, because most Bible historians have not tried to lie and say that Sunday keeping has
been since the time of the Apostles nevertheless The texts he shares certainly do not prove
that the Apostles kept Sunday as a sanctified holy, worship day. Jesus kept the Sabbath and He is
our example. The burden of proof is on the minister who says the Apostles kept Sunday and
there is NO evidence in the Bible that Jesus changed the forth commandment of Gods Ten
Commandments law . Anyway, James 2:10-12, which in the NEW TESTEMENT says that the Ten
Commandments are still binding upon men.
- Next two statements, the minister says that the Apostles DID not teach that believers are to
conform their lives to the standard of the Ten Commandment law and that the law is not therule (standard) of the believers life and further, that NO evidence can be shown from the New
Testament that it is Behold,James 2:8 and Romans 13:9,10 shows us what law is spoken of
here and James 2:11,12 shows according to this same law believers shall be judged.
- Next it is claimed that Paul NEVER ONCE mentions the Sabbath in the New Testament, except
where he declares it abolished with the rest ofthe law Behold, Hebrews 4:4,9
- Last of all the acertations, of which I included, the minister speaks about freedom in Christ,
saying anyone who points to the law as the true standard of Righteousness, which was
embodied in the Life of Christ: total selflessnessis actually pointing people away from Christs
finished work Behold Christs finished work: Hebrews 10:15,16 and when this happens we will
live like Jesus, for He said of Himself: I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within
my heart. Psalms 40:7,8; Hebrews 10:7,9. In the New Covenant promise God takes the TenCommandments which were written in stone and engraves them in our hearts by the Power of
the Holy Spirit: see 2 Corinthians 3:3,6 and when this happens, instead of claiming that the law
is abolished, we shall fulfill the whole law (see Romans 8:4, what law?see Rom. 7:7) AND keep
the Sabbath of the fourth commandment through the ceaseless ages of eternity: Isaiah 66:22,23
Seventh Day Adventists developing doctrines to evade the far reaching claims of the Law of God
Now that we have identified how that Sunday Keeping professed Christians wrest scriptures to
cause themselves to think that the Law of God is not to be obeyed (and no one will repent for the sin of
transgressing the Law of God when they do not think it is sin to do so) we shall proceed to see how
that Satan is deceiving (professedly) Bible and Spirit of Prophecy believing Seventh Day Adventists using
the same deceptive theories.
Whereas Sunday Keepers discard the whole Law to avoid the duty of keeping the Seventh Day
Sabbath or they profess to honor the Law and keep Sunday because they accept the testimony of their
Pastor that the sacredness of the Sabbath has been transferred to Sunday (this is not anywhere
mentioned in the Bible) Seventh Day Adventists by profession claim to honor and keep the whole Law,
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including, of course the Sabbath. But we have more knowledge about the Law of God and its purpose (to
indentify sin and selfishness in our lives). Do we then consistently accept the far reaching claims of the
spirituality of the magnified Law which extends to our thoughts, motives and lifestyle?
I want to relate an experience I had in conversing with a Seventh Day Adventist Leader and
founder of a long standing and successful ministry, who is also a prominent member and leader in ASI.
(This was the first incident in the providential week that I received the two letters mentioned above)This
person is an avid reader and expositor of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Yet strange doctrine,
which to the unlearned may seem to come from the Bible was taught to me by this person, to the intent
that I might accept this teaching and order my life after it.
I will be as succinct as I can I was out doing literature work in the country side one afternoon. I
met a nice family who after I had prayed with them and they had purchased literature, desired to give
me something special to take with me. I was given a carton of fresh eggs and a sleeve of frozen pork
wrapped in butchers paper from the chickens and the hogs which they kept on their property. It is not
necessary to go into the details of what I did with the pork (I accepted it and later gave it to a needy
non-Adventist family) but this is the situation which opened the door so that I could hear explained in
detail these deceptive doctrines (I am not endeavoring to show that I was right in what I did to be
consistent, I now understand that should have lovingly told my new friends what I have been taught of
God concerning unclean meats to be honest, my real reason for not speaking concerning the pork was
selfish because I didnt want to offend them, and I wanted to leave the burden of speaking the truth to
be told by the cookbook or some other literature, which would have had to work against the influence I
left by accepting the pork and not openly and with compassion sharing the reasons why I honor Jesus by
not eating that which is unfit for human consumption ).
When I related this story to this accomplished SDA minister who is a supporter of my literature
work, I was first rebuked for even accepting the pork, so then of course I was additionally rebuked for
giving it away to a poor and needy non-Adventist family. First, I truly wanted to understand why
accepting (with no plan to eat it) and giving away pork would be wrong (I have now learned that I should
bear courageous testimony against unhealthful practices in season and out of season; But take heed
lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak 1 Cor. 8:9 ) and,
secondly, I wondered if I must do the same if it was cheese that was being given to me as a gift (must I
also refuse cheese, and also not give it to anyone if I accepted it?) it was this set of circumstances
which prepared the way for me to hear that doctrine explained to me which carried to its logical
conclusion would make of none effect just about anything one did not want to follow.
The discussion hinged on the acertation that eating pork was a sin but that other unhealthy
foods were not. Then was explained to me that things we must obey come directly from God as it is
written; such as God saying to Moses that pork is an abomination. I learned upon further inquiry that
it is written only referred to things God said in the Old Testament and things directly spoken by Jesus
and did not refer to the New Testament letters (example: James judgment that the gentiles abstain
from food sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:19,20 The apostles and elders therefore agreed to instruct the
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Gentiles by letter to abstain from meats offered to idols Acts of the Apostles page 195 paragraph 2)
the idea was being told me that it was not necessary to obey this because it did not come from Mt. Sinai
or spoken directly by Jesus). It was explained to me that to transgress things that God directly said is sin,
but to transgress things God did not directly say is not sin; the example for this was the prohibition
against eating cheese in the Spirit of Prophecy saying that if this was not obeyed was not sin, hence
eating cheese, which is called unfit for food, is not sin, unless one is convicted that it is.
But what says the Spirit of Prophecy:
The effect of cheese is deleterious. {Counsels on Health page 114 paragraph 1}
Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach. {2nd
vol. Testimonies page 68
paragraph 1}
Everyneedless transgression of the laws of our being is virtually a transgression of the law
of God, and is sin in the sight of Heaven. {Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene page87
paragraph 2}
The transgression of physical law is the transgression of God's law ... And the human being
who is careless and reckless of the habits and practices that concern his physical life and health,
sins against God. Many who profess to love Jesus Christ do not show proper reverence and
respect for Him who gave His life to save them from eternal death. He is not reverenced, or
respected, or recognized. This is shown by the injury done to their own bodies in violation of the
laws of their being. {Counsels on Diet page 43 paragraph 3}
Picking portions of the magnified Law to accept and follow while leaving other portions to disregard
The desire here is to identify the principle underlying all of these attempts to avoid the claims of
Gods Law which is called: holy, and just, and good. It is our hope that this will be plain to all who have
eyes anointed with heavenly eyesalve, who are not trying to lower the standard of righteousness so that
we might quiet our consciences and cease to advance. Consider the following question: Does Gods
Moral Law order our lifestyle choices? What is our attitude concerning the following Seventh Day
Adventist reforms: Diet Reform, Dress Reform, Education Reform, Health Reform, Biblical Temperance,
Sabbath Reform, etc..? Do we accept Biblical prohibitions against holding to the things and customs of
the world, eating and drinking with the ungodly, having fellowship with unbelievers and disobedient,
finding pleasure in unrighteousness?
The point is that it is a very sad commentary indeed as we understand that we have come to a
time when Protestant Christianity (Sunday-Keeping Protestants, Bible Fundamentalist and Seventh Day
Adventists) which claim the principles of the Bible to be their sole rule of life are actually choosing
which portions of the Law and the Gospel to follow and other plain injunctions found therein to
disregard.
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Confusion in Major Seventh Day Adventist teaching organs concerning the Law of Moses, refusing to
be enlightened by light from the Spirit of Prophecy
This we have shown to be the case and is plain to be seen. But yet more remarkable is the
tragedy of Seventh Day Adventists who are standing on all of the light of nearly 6,000 years of revelation
from heavenverily who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it (Acts
7:53). As a sign of the times and a harbinger of the shaking soon to come to Seventh Day Adventists
consider the persistent and rebellious wresting of a much wrangled over scripture by probably the two
largest and most recognized flagship organizations in Seventh Day Adventism.
The scripture is from Galatians chapter 3 yet the reason we bring this to your attention is not
simply over misinterpreting a scripture what is being discussed in Galatians 3 and the way different
parties interpret it very much lies at the heart of what we have been discussing and building up to in
this present message. We shall consider what is being taught by the two flagship Seventh Day
Adventists organizations: Amazing Facts and Three Angels Broadcasting Network (otherwise known as
3ABN).
Before we begin must lay a foundation based on two facts which are necessary to discern this
very deceptive and subtle error. First is simply that the statutes and judgments given to Moses were
simply the Law of God the Ten Commandments magnified Behold:
Precepts Given to Guard Decalogue.--In consequence of continual transgression, the moral
law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which
were to govern everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten
commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They
were to be binding upon men in every age as long as time should last. These commands were
enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law
(Ibid., April 15, 1875). {1BC 1104.6}
That quote is very plain. We do understand that the shadowy types embodied in the
ceremonial law and in the services of the sanctuary / temple, did pass away with the death of Christ
(hence: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom Matt. 27:51).
There were also many laws which were only in regard to Gods people living under the Theocracy (God
as their King), such as the stoning of Sabbath breakers (Exodus 31:14 and Numbers 15:32-36) which we
do not follow now seeing that Gods people no longer live under the Theocracy. But the quote makes
very clear that is it blind and wrong to take the Law of Moses and simply equate it with the ceremonial
law, then teach that it has all passed away when we as Seventh Day Adventists actually believe that
the statutes given to Moses, often called the Law of Moses are binding upon men in every age as
long as time should last.
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Are we now ashamed of this? Maybe it is that our major teaching institutions dont know this
but this quote is found in the Seventh Day Adventist Bible commentary and is plainly in the comment
section of the SDA study Bible for Exodus chapter 20 (The Ten Commandments). What is really going on?
This brings us to the second point we need to establish. All Seventh Day Adventists, whether
they understand this are not, are bound to the belief that the writings of Ellen G White are inspired by
God and carry the authority of heaven. They are like the Law of Moses in that they are the Law of God
magnified and likewise they were explicitly given to guard the Ten Commandments and clearly and
definitely explained that law. The reason that this must be the case is because Seventh Day Adventists
believe that we are the remnant church of Bible prophecy spoken of the in Revelation 12:17; saying:
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of
her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Now, in Revelation 19:10 the angel states to John that The Testimony of Jesus IS The Spirit of Prophecy.
So you see, if we get to a place where we as a people deny the writings of Ellen G. White, commonly
known as the Spirit of Prophecy, we also deny that we are that church of the end time and we have lost
our significance and mission God gave us to occupy and fulfill. So it is a fearful thing when major Seventh
Day Adventist institutions teach things that are not in harmony with God given light sent to instruct us
and correct our errors; especially when the purpose of not being corrected is to do as the heathen and
seek to downgrade the claims of Gods holy, far-reaching law.
What doesAmazing Facts teach about the relation of the Law of Moses to the Law of God?
The following is taken from Amazing Facts study guide entitled: Written in Stone:
13. Are God's law and Moses' law the same?
Answer: No, they are not the same. Study the following notes and comparison carefully.
Note:Moses' law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated thepriesthood, sacrifices, rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc., all of which foreshadowed the cross.This law was added "till the seed should come," and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19). Theritual and ceremony of Moses' law pointed forward to Christ's sacrifice. When He died, this lawcame to an end, but the Ten Commandments (God's law) "stand fast for ever and ever." Psalms111:8. That there are two laws is made crystal clear in Daniel 9:10, 11.
Special Note:Please note that God's law has existed at least as long as sin has existed. The Bible
says, "Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin]." Romans 4:15. So God's TenCommandment law existed from the beginning. Men broke that law (sinned--1 John 3:4). Becauseof sin (or breaking God's law), Moses' law was given (or "added"--Galatians 3:16, 19) till Christshould come and die. Two separate laws are involved: God's law and Moses' law.
That seems all straight; yet only to those not yet exercised in the word of righteousness and those not
knowing very well Seventh Day Adventist history actually these statements regarding an added law
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belie a deep doctrinal rift and Amazing Facts is actually taking the side against the counsel of the Spirit of
Prophecy, which is why they must purposefully mislead and equate the entire Law of Moses with the
ceremonial law when this is revealed, we want you to pray and keep asking WHY is this being
done? until you see the common underlying principle in all these departures from heavens plainly
manifested revelation?
What does Three Angels Broadcasting Networkteach about the relation of the Law of Moses to the
Law of God?
The following is taken from the extremely popular and WIDELY distributed sharing book written by the
founder and president of Three Angels Broadcasting Network called Ten Commandments Twice
Removed:
Do you see how easy it is to understand Pauls writings once you understand the
difference between the Law of Moses and the Ten Commandment law of God?
With a little history on the nature and purpose of the two laws, and by examining the
context of the passage, we can distinguish which law Paul was referring to and the exact
intent of his writing. We can rightly divide and interpret Scripture.
Within the same chapter and context, Paul explains that Gods plan of salvation has
always been by grace, through faith. Then he explains why the Law of Moses was
instituted in the first place-
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the
law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make
the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise:
but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added
because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; andit was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. (Gal 3:17-19)
Since we just reviewed Galatians 3:10-14, you can be sure Pauls reference in
Galatians 3:17-19 is to the very same Book of the Law.
The Law of Moses was a temporary law, put into effect through angels by Moses,
acting as a mediator between God and Israel. There was no mediator when God spoke
His Ten Commandments to the entire assembly.
{Ten Commandments Twice Removed, page 54}
This is where we are in earths history, when Seventh Day Adventists teach obvious
error and wrest scripture to avoid the far-reaching claims of the magnified law. The error in the
reasoning in both the Amazing Facts acertation and here more explicitly stated in this widely
distributed Seventh Day Adventist teaching book is so easily discerned that a Bible student
from any church which still adheres to the principles of the Reformation can plainly reveal the
flaw.
The Law Paul is speaking about in Galatians chapter 3 is the Ten Commandments; this
can be shown Biblically quite simply. The Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after
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is a reference to The Law given at Mount Sinai, given four hundred and thirty years after the
promise was made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13,14, Exodus 12:41 and 19:1) which is what Paul
is discussing. The Law (The Ten Commandments) was spoken by Jesus Christ Himselfthe only
Mediator between God and man; to wit, For there is one God, and one Mediator between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim 2:5). To say there was no Mediator when God spoke the
Ten Commandments is a blatant disregard to Gods counsel through the Spirit of Prophecy, yet
we can see the truth clear enough from the Bible.
Before we move on into why would there be such an obvious twisting of scripture by
Seventh Day Adventists, let us make manifest even more how rebellious it is for these
institutions to continue to teach this (But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men Matt. 15:9). Do they do this because the instruction in the right
way is hidden in the Spirit of Prophecy? Behold:
Jesus was the light of His people--the Light of the world--before He came to earth
in the form of humanity. The first gleam of light that pierced the gloom in which sin had
wrapped the world, came from Christ. And from Him has come every ray of heaven's
brightness that has fallen upon the inhabitants of the earth. {Patriarchs and Prophets
page 367 paragraph 3}
It was Christ who, amid thunder and flame, had proclaimed the law upon Mount
Sinai. {MB 45.1}
The law given upon Sinai was the enunciation of the principle of love, a revelation
to earth of the law of heaven. It was ordained in the hand of a Mediator--spoken by
Him through whose power the hearts of men could be brought into harmony with its
principles. {Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing page 46 paragraph 2}
*remember the book Ten Commandments Twice Removed teaches that There
was no mediator when God spoke His Ten Commandments to the entire assemblyin
order to twist scripture to show that the Law of Galatians 3:19, supposedly the Law of
Moses, is done away with.
In giving heaven ordained counsel on the verse from Galatians particularly in question,
Ellen White provides the following commentary; we share this to show the law referred to when
Paul asks, Wherefore then serveth the law?It was added because of transgressions (Gal.
3:19) is the Ten Commandments spoken from Sinai:
But if the Abrahamic covenant contained the promise of redemption, why was
another covenant formed at Sinai? (another way of expressing - Wherefore then
serveth the law?..if God gave it (the inheritance)to Abraham by promiseGalatians
3:19,18) In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God
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and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. In delivering them from Egypt, God
sought to reveal to them His power and His mercy, that they might be led to love and
trust Him. He brought them down to the Red Sea--where, pursued by the Egyptians,
escape seemed impossible--that they might realize their utter helplessness, their need
of divine aid; and then He wrought deliverance for them. Thus they were filled with love
and gratitude to God and with confidence in His power to help them. He had bound
them to Himself as their deliverer from temporal bondage.
But there was a still greater truth to be impressed upon their minds. Living in the
midst of idolatry and corruption, they had no true conception of the holiness of God, of
the exceeding sinfulness of their own hearts, their utter inability, in themselves, to
render obedience to God's law, and their need of a Saviour. All this they must be taught.
God brought them to Sinai; He manifested His glory; He gave them His law, with
the promise of great blessings on condition of obedience: "If ye will obey My voice
indeed, and keep My covenant, then . . . ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and
an holy nation." Exodus 19:5, 6. The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own
hearts, and that without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God's law; and they
readily entered into covenant with God {Patriarchs and Prophets page 371 paragraph
2 page 372 paragraph 1}
And in the following quote are the concluding thoughts of the very significant chapter in
Patriarchs and Prophets entitled The Law and the Covenants- this also shows that the Law of
Moses essentially magnifies and teaches the principles and precepts contained in the Ten
Commandments how then say we, that the Law of Moses is done awaywithout making clear
that only the ceremonial law is done away?:
The great principles of love to God, which He set forth as the foundation of the law
and the prophets, are only a reiteration of what He had spoken through Moses to the
Hebrew people: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Leviticus 19:18. The
teacher is the same in both dispensations. God's claims are the same. The principles of
His government are the same. For all proceed from Him "with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning." James 1:17. {Patriarchs and Prophets page 373 paragraph
2}
Considering these things how does Amazing Facts teach that it is the temporary,
ceremonial law spoken of in Galatians 3:19 and how does Three Angels Broadcasting Network
teach , the doctrine that, The Law of Moses was a temporary law, (the law of Galatians 3:19)
put into effect through angels by Moses, acting as a mediator between God and Israel. There was
no mediator when God spoke His Ten Commandments to the entire assembly ?
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Why are these obvious errors being promulgated by our major Seventh Day Adventists
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