"stand by the old landmarks" a review of the sda pillars fred bischoff ()

"Stand By the Old Landmarks""Stand By the Old Landmarks"A Review of the SDA PillarsA Review of the SDA Pillars

Fred BischoffFred Bischoff(www.scripturefirst.net)(www.scripturefirst.net)

Word Pictures of Our IdentityWord Pictures of Our Identity

Various Bible metaphors are used to illustrate Various Bible metaphors are used to illustrate the reality of what God is wanting to the reality of what God is wanting to accomplish in the great second-advent accomplish in the great second-advent movement.movement.

1. Landmarks1. Landmarks

2. Waymarks2. Waymarks

3. Pillars3. Pillars

LandmarksLandmarks

Pr 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, Pr 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.which thy fathers have set.

LandmarksLandmarks

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

"Landmarks" refers to "Landmarks" refers to fixed objects that marked fixed objects that marked out the land to be occupied. out the land to be occupied. This is the spiritual This is the spiritual territory God's people are territory God's people are to move into and inhabit, to move into and inhabit, calling others to join them calling others to join them in that location. This is in that location. This is God's domain, His God's domain, His kingdom.kingdom.

www.halley.cc/ed/gallery/

WaymarksWaymarks

Jer 31:21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest.

WaymarksWaymarks


"Waymarks" indicate "Waymarks" indicate the path one is taking the path one is taking by marking it in by marking it in some manner. This some manner. This pictures the pictures the experience of God's experience of God's people as a journey, people as a journey, avoiding sidetracks avoiding sidetracks and ditches while and ditches while moving toward the moving toward the goal, the city of God.goal, the city of God.

www.roadwaysafety.org

FoundationsFoundations

Lu 6:49 [Jesus, referring to His words, said,] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.



"Foundations", "Foundations", "block," "pin," "block," "pin," "pillar," "pillar," "platform," and "platform," and "foundation stone," "foundation stone," all speak of how a all speak of how a building is put building is put together, every part together, every part of which is of which is essential.essential.

www.genterra.com


These describe God's people as building a temple of truth, by discovering and living the truth about God.

It is a spiritual dwelling which is their abode, and which in a very real sense is made up of these very people who are themselves called the temple of God, built on the solid principles of truth.

Our HistoryOur History

Consider these pictures as we review the Consider these pictures as we review the history of this advent movement.history of this advent movement.

Around 1905, repeated warnings were issued Around 1905, repeated warnings were issued against removing the "landmarks" and the against removing the "landmarks" and the "foundations." The "waymarks" were to be "foundations." The "waymarks" were to be preserved.preserved.

The immediate context of this counsel was the The immediate context of this counsel was the damage from the teaching of J. H. Kellogg damage from the teaching of J. H. Kellogg and A. F. Ballenger.and A. F. Ballenger.

Both of these men began teaching concepts Both of these men began teaching concepts that attacked the sanctuary pillar, our that attacked the sanctuary pillar, our understanding of the work Christ has been understanding of the work Christ has been doing in the heavenly sanctuary since 1844.doing in the heavenly sanctuary since 1844.

J. H. KelloggJ. H. Kellogg

Dr. Kellogg was the Dr. Kellogg was the medical director of the medical director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Battle Creek Sanitarium. He was almost like a son He was almost like a son to Ellen White. Around to Ellen White. Around 1900 he began to teach 1900 he began to teach pantheistic concepts. If pantheistic concepts. If God is everywhere, the God is everywhere, the sanctuary becomes sanctuary becomes meaningless.meaningless.


Courtesy EGW Estate

A. F. BallengerA. F. Ballenger

Elder Ballenger was a Elder Ballenger was a minister who began to minister who began to promote in the early promote in the early 1900's the concept that 1900's the concept that Christ did not begin His Christ did not begin His work of cleansing the work of cleansing the sanctuary in 1844.sanctuary in 1844.


Courtesy LMN Publishing

Ellen WhiteEllen White

Ellen White was Ellen White was concerned about the concerned about the effect of these teachings, effect of these teachings, and in some 30 and in some 30 documents addressed the documents addressed the significance of what was significance of what was happening, and what happening, and what should be done to should be done to reaffirm the reaffirm the "landmarks.""landmarks."


Courtesy EGW Estate

Example of a WarningExample of a Warning

"Those who seek to remove the old "Those who seek to remove the old landmarkslandmarks are not holding fast; they are not are not holding fast; they are not remembering how they have received and remembering how they have received and heard. Those who try to bring in theories heard. Those who try to bring in theories that would remove the that would remove the pillarspillars of our faith of our faith concerning the sanctuary or concerning the concerning the sanctuary or concerning the personality of God or of Christ, are working personality of God or of Christ, are working as blind men." as blind men." ((MsMs62, 1905, "Warning Against 62, 1905, "Warning Against False Theories," May 24, 1905, False Theories," May 24, 1905, MRMR760, p.9)760, p.9)

Another WarningAnother Warning

"I am instructed to say to those who endeavor "I am instructed to say to those who endeavor to tear down the to tear down the foundationfoundation that has made that has made us Seventh-day Adventists: We are God's us Seventh-day Adventists: We are God's commandment-keeping people. commandment-keeping people.

"For the past fifty years every phase of heresy "For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word--especially concerning the the Word--especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of heaven for sanctuary, and the message of heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation.fourteenth chapter of Revelation.

"Messages of every order and kind have been "Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. the Lord.

"But the "But the waymarkswaymarks which have made us what which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimonies of His Spirit. He Word and the testimonies of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the faith, to the fundamental principlesfundamental principles that are that are based upon unquestionable authority." based upon unquestionable authority."

((LtLt95, 1905, To Brother and Sister Kress, March 14, 95, 1905, To Brother and Sister Kress, March 14, 1905, 41905, 4MRMR246)246)

Earlier ClarificationEarlier Clarification

The 1905 statements were addressing what at The 1905 statements were addressing what at that time was the latest and greatest attack that time was the latest and greatest attack on these landmarks. However, earlier on these landmarks. However, earlier counsel was written on the topic of the counsel was written on the topic of the landmarks, but from a different perspective.landmarks, but from a different perspective.

In the late 1880's Bible truths were being In the late 1880's Bible truths were being presented that some thought were removing presented that some thought were removing the landmarks.the landmarks.

1888 General Conference1888 General Conference

Things came to a head at the General Things came to a head at the General Conference Session in October and Conference Session in October and November of 1888. The GC President, November of 1888. The GC President, Elder G. I. Butler, was sick and unable to Elder G. I. Butler, was sick and unable to attend. But he let his concern be known. attend. But he let his concern be known. Ellen White recounted it the following Ellen White recounted it the following month.month.

"…In that conference "…In that conference Elder Butler felt Elder Butler felt called upon to send in called upon to send in telegrams and long telegrams and long letters, 'Stand by the letters, 'Stand by the old landmarks.'"old landmarks.'" ( (LtLt7, 7, 1888, To W. M. Healey, 1888, To W. M. Healey, Dec. 9, 1888; in Dec. 9, 1888; in EGW EGW 1888 Materials1888 Materials, p. 187), p. 187)

G. I. Butler

Reflecting on the IssueReflecting on the Issue

The next year she was impressed to write The next year she was impressed to write about the issue of the landmarks. Here we about the issue of the landmarks. Here we have the clearest outline of what Bible have the clearest outline of what Bible truths are "the truths are "the fundamental principlesfundamental principles that that are based upon unquestionable authority."are based upon unquestionable authority."

Landmarks ListedLandmarks Listed

"The passing of the time in 1844 was a period "The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, the relation to God's people upon the earth, the first and second angels' messages and the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, 'The commandments of God and inscribed, 'The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.'the faith of Jesus.'


"One of the landmarks under this message "One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The transgressors of God's law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark.landmark.


"I can call to mind nothing more that can "I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary." landmarks is all imaginary."

((MsMs13, 1889, "Standing by the Landmarks"; in 13, 1889, "Standing by the Landmarks"; in CWECWE30, and 30, and EGW 1888 MaterialEGW 1888 Material, p. 518), p. 518)

In Historical ContextIn Historical Context

Let's review this statement in the sequence Let's review this statement in the sequence she listed the landmarks, which is largely she listed the landmarks, which is largely chronological. We will reflect upon what chronological. We will reflect upon what they mean, and discover the individuals they mean, and discover the individuals God was using to proclaim these Bible God was using to proclaim these Bible truths. We will attempt to show how these truths. We will attempt to show how these landmarks can be understood as landmarks can be understood as foundations.foundations.

Second ComingSecond Coming

The second coming was The second coming was the cornerstone, Christ's the cornerstone, Christ's coming again. The coming again. The phrase "the passing of phrase "the passing of the time" dealt with the the time" dealt with the time element of Dan. time element of Dan. 8:14 in the context of 8:14 in the context of Christ's second coming. Christ's second coming. William Miller was William Miller was foremost in preaching it.foremost in preaching it.

William Miller

Miller and others traced the time of Dan. 8:14 Miller and others traced the time of Dan. 8:14 to 1843 and 1844. "Unto two thousand and to 1843 and 1844. "Unto two thousand and three hundreds days, then shall the three hundreds days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."sanctuary be cleansed."

The event to take place at the time of Dan. The event to take place at the time of Dan. 8:14 was mistakenly thought to be Christ's 8:14 was mistakenly thought to be Christ's Second Coming, rather than the preparation Second Coming, rather than the preparation for His Coming. But He is coming!for His Coming. But He is coming!

The Second Coming, the cornerstone: Christ The Second Coming, the cornerstone: Christ returning the second time to this earth; the returning the second time to this earth; the end of this world orderend of this world order

Platform, Pillars, LandmarksPlatform, Pillars, Landmarks

John 14:3

Cleansing of the SanctuaryCleansing of the Sanctuary

Out the tremendous Out the tremendous shaking brought by the shaking brought by the "passing of the time" "passing of the time" came a small remnant came a small remnant who allowed God to lead who allowed God to lead them further into all truth. them further into all truth. Hiram Edson was Hiram Edson was instrumental in instrumental in discovering what the discovering what the "cleansing of the "cleansing of the sanctuary" referred to. sanctuary" referred to.

Hiram Edson

This landmark explained to them the This landmark explained to them the connection between Dan. 8:14 and the connection between Dan. 8:14 and the coming of Christ. It was a two-fold coming of Christ. It was a two-fold message: what God is doing in heaven and message: what God is doing in heaven and what He is doing on earth ("transpiring in what He is doing on earth ("transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth").God's people upon the earth").

The Advent people were led to turn their eyes The Advent people were led to turn their eyes to the Most Holy Place in the heavenly to the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ had gone in 1844 to sanctuary, where Christ had gone in 1844 to begin the final work of cleansing. But they begin the final work of cleansing. But they did not follow Christ there by faith as they did not follow Christ there by faith as they should have.should have.

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary: The Cleansing of the Sanctuary: understanding what happened in 1844, understanding what happened in 1844, where Christ is, and what He is doingwhere Christ is, and what He is doing


Dan. 8:14

"The subject of the sanctuary was the key "The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God's hand had harmonious, showing that God's hand had directed the great advent movement and directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people." the position and work of His people." ((GCGC423)423)

The Three Angels' MessagesThe Three Angels' Messages

The three angel's The three angel's messages of Rev. 14 messages of Rev. 14 were proclaimed in were proclaimed in sequence by William sequence by William Miller, Charles Fitch, Miller, Charles Fitch, and James White.and James White.

These messages in their completeness These messages in their completeness unfolded the "decided relation to God's unfolded the "decided relation to God's people upon the earth" that the cleansing of people upon the earth" that the cleansing of the sanctuary has. This relationship the sanctuary has. This relationship connects the everlasting gospel to the end-connects the everlasting gospel to the end-time hour of judgment, Babylon, and mark time hour of judgment, Babylon, and mark of the beast. of the beast.

The first had been proclaimed from 1831; the The first had been proclaimed from 1831; the second began the summer of 1844; the third second began the summer of 1844; the third was not understood until after the passing of was not understood until after the passing of the time, being intended to lead the people the time, being intended to lead the people into the Most Holy Place where Christ had into the Most Holy Place where Christ had gone. But the understanding of each gone. But the understanding of each message was incomplete in experience.message was incomplete in experience.

3 Angels' Messages: presenting all the 3 Angels' Messages: presenting all the landmarks in three messages from Jesuslandmarks in three messages from Jesus


Rev. 14:6-12

The Commandments of GodThe Commandments of God

"The Commandments of "The Commandments of God" was one of the God" was one of the inscriptions on the banner inscriptions on the banner that the three angels' that the three angels' messages unfurledmessages unfurled.. Both Both in the third angel's in the third angel's message and in the Most message and in the Most Holy Place the Advent Holy Place the Advent people discovered anew people discovered anew the law of God.the law of God.


Courtesy EGW Estate

This enabled them to begin a reversal of the This enabled them to begin a reversal of the antinomian ("law was done away") trend of antinomian ("law was done away") trend of much of Christianity. Since most Christians much of Christianity. Since most Christians believed nine of the ten commandments, believed nine of the ten commandments, this view of the whole law usually focused this view of the whole law usually focused on the forgotten commandment, the fourth on the forgotten commandment, the fourth (a landmark in its own right, as we will (a landmark in its own right, as we will see). see).

However, early Adventism emphasized the However, early Adventism emphasized the law of God to the exclusion of the next law of God to the exclusion of the next truth, the other inscription on that banner, truth, the other inscription on that banner, "Here is the patience [endurance] of the "Here is the patience [endurance] of the saints, here are they that keep the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Jesus." (Rev. 14:12)(Rev. 14:12)

The Commandments of God: one of the two The Commandments of God: one of the two gifts from Jesus, providing our identitygifts from Jesus, providing our identity


Rev. 14:12

The Faith of JesusThe Faith of Jesus

"The Faith of Jesus" was the other inscription "The Faith of Jesus" was the other inscription on the banner of the everlasting gospel on the banner of the everlasting gospel preached in the end-time. This would preached in the end-time. This would prevent the other extreme, that of legalism prevent the other extreme, that of legalism (law-motivated living, a "legal religion"). (law-motivated living, a "legal religion"). This vital reality was neglected by the early This vital reality was neglected by the early Advent believers. (It continues to be our Advent believers. (It continues to be our greatest need.)greatest need.)

The Faith of Jesus: the The Faith of Jesus: the gold of heavengold of heaven, how , how God does business; the victory that God does business; the victory that overcomes the world; still not valued by usovercomes the world; still not valued by us


Rev. 14:12

The SabbathThe Sabbath

The early Advent believers found the truth of The early Advent believers found the truth of the 7th-day Sabbath as they looked into the the 7th-day Sabbath as they looked into the commandments of God. They discovered it commandments of God. They discovered it as the very heart of the law, tying the two as the very heart of the law, tying the two tables of the decalogue together (as Christ is tables of the decalogue together (as Christ is God and man—the Lord of the Sabbath and God and man—the Lord of the Sabbath and the Son of man). They were thus freed of the Son of man). They were thus freed of the ancient error of Sunday sacredness.the ancient error of Sunday sacredness.

Rachel Oakes brought Rachel Oakes brought the Sabbath to the the Sabbath to the attention of the attention of the Adventists in Adventists in Washington, New Washington, New Hampshire. Joseph Bates Hampshire. Joseph Bates became a tireless became a tireless proclaimer of the fourth proclaimer of the fourth commandment.commandment.


The Sabbath: the sign from Eden, of Christ The Sabbath: the sign from Eden, of Christ our Creator, and our Redeemerour Creator, and our Redeemer


Increase our faith! (Lk. 17:5)Increase our faith! (Lk. 17:5)Mark 2:27, 28

Non-Immortality of the WickedNon-Immortality of the Wicked

The early Advent The early Advent believers were led to see believers were led to see that there is life only in that there is life only in Christ. George Storrs Christ. George Storrs was a Millerite who was a Millerite who wrote early about the wrote early about the non-immortality of the non-immortality of the wicked.wicked.

The law began to reveal to them the true The law began to reveal to them the true wages of sin. They were thus freed from the wages of sin. They were thus freed from the even older error of the immortality of the even older error of the immortality of the soul, and were able to discern the true soul, and were able to discern the true character of spiritualism which burst into character of spiritualism which burst into new life in their contemporary society. This new life in their contemporary society. This understanding also began to open to their understanding also began to open to their sight the deeper meaning of the cross.sight the deeper meaning of the cross.

The Non-Immortality of the Wicked: life is The Non-Immortality of the Wicked: life is found only in Christ found only in Christ


Shall He find faith on the earth? (Lk. 18:8)Shall He find faith on the earth? (Lk. 18:8)Mal. 4:3

The LandmarksThe Landmarks

Remember what Ellen White said in 1889.Remember what Ellen White said in 1889.

"I can call to mind nothing more that can "I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary."landmarks is all imaginary."

The Flow of MessagesThe Flow of Messages

In contrast to changing or attacking the In contrast to changing or attacking the landmarks, the message that came to us landmarks, the message that came to us around 1888 was described as the Loud Cry around 1888 was described as the Loud Cry Message of Rev. 18, which encompassed Message of Rev. 18, which encompassed and expanded the previous messages of the and expanded the previous messages of the Three Angels Three Angels (Rev. 14)(Rev. 14), the Midnight Cry , the Midnight Cry (Matt. 25)(Matt. 25), and the Laodicean Message , and the Laodicean Message (Rev. (Rev.

3)3). .

In a morning talk on Feb. 4, 1890, still In a morning talk on Feb. 4, 1890, still referring back to the message that referring back to the message that confronted us in 1888, Ellen White closed confronted us in 1888, Ellen White closed her presentation with this question and her presentation with this question and appeal.appeal.

The Righteousness of ChristThe Righteousness of Christ

"Suppose that you blot out the testimony that "Suppose that you blot out the testimony that has been going during these last two years has been going during these last two years proclaiming the righteousness of Christ, proclaiming the righteousness of Christ, who can you point to as bringing out special who can you point to as bringing out special light for the people? This message as it has light for the people? This message as it has been presented, should go to every church been presented, should go to every church that claims to believe the truth, and bring that claims to believe the truth, and bring our people up to a higher stand-point. our people up to a higher stand-point.

Tell What You Have SeenTell What You Have Seen

"Where are the builders that are carrying "Where are the builders that are carrying forward the work of restoration? We want forward the work of restoration? We want to see who have presented to the world the to see who have presented to the world the heavenly credentials. God gives every man heavenly credentials. God gives every man a chance to take his place in the work. Let a chance to take his place in the work. Let the people of God tell what they have seen the people of God tell what they have seen and heard and handled of the word of life. and heard and handled of the word of life.

Past and Fresh MessagesPast and Fresh Messages

"Every worker has his place; but God does "Every worker has his place; but God does not want any man to think that no other not want any man to think that no other message is to be heard but that which he message is to be heard but that which he may have given. We want the past message may have given. We want the past message and the fresh message. Let the Spirit of God and the fresh message. Let the Spirit of God come into the heart. come into the heart.

Take Hold of the MessageTake Hold of the Message

"O that we may realize the value of the price "O that we may realize the value of the price that has been paid for our salvation! I that has been paid for our salvation! I entreat of you to come nearer to God, that entreat of you to come nearer to God, that you may take hold of the message for you may take hold of the message for yourselves." yourselves."

(RH 3/18/90; in (RH 3/18/90; in EGW 1888 MaterialEGW 1888 Material, pp. 545, 546), pp. 545, 546)

Heart Strengthens the BodyHeart Strengthens the Body

Let's examine how the message of Let's examine how the message of righteousness by faith, righteousness by faith, the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus, , builds each of the landmarks more builds each of the landmarks more powerfully, imparting value to them in a powerfully, imparting value to them in a way not yet realized.way not yet realized.

Second ComingSecond Coming

The 1888 Message, "The 1888 Message, "the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus," was ," was given to prepare a people for the coming of given to prepare a people for the coming of Christ. The spiritual and practical truths of Christ. The spiritual and practical truths of this message had such a sanctifying this message had such a sanctifying influence that men were to be made a influence that men were to be made a spectacle to angels and to men, rapidly spectacle to angels and to men, rapidly carrying the gospel to the world.carrying the gospel to the world.

The church in every area of its ministry would The church in every area of its ministry would become the light of the world, exalting the become the light of the world, exalting the knowledge of God's character. Satan's knowledge of God's character. Satan's success in blocking this message and its success in blocking this message and its effects resulted in the prolonging of the effects resulted in the prolonging of the preparation.preparation.

Healing from the HeartHealing from the Heart

Cleansing of the SanctuaryCleansing of the Sanctuary

The 1888 Message was designed by God to The 1888 Message was designed by God to take His people into the heart of the Most take His people into the heart of the Most Holy Place ministry of Christ, where we see Holy Place ministry of Christ, where we see as we are seen, we know as we are known. as we are seen, we know as we are known. This is what prepares them for the second This is what prepares them for the second coming. Deeper than the geographical coming. Deeper than the geographical reality of where Christ is now located is the reality of where Christ is now located is the truth of what He is doing.truth of what He is doing.

God is raising up a people who finally allow God is raising up a people who finally allow the pain of sin to lead them to ask, "What is the pain of sin to lead them to ask, "What is causing me to hurt so much?" God can then causing me to hurt so much?" God can then lead them to understand His pain, His lead them to understand His pain, His longsuffering. And this heals them. The longsuffering. And this heals them. The cleansing is delayed when we do not follow cleansing is delayed when we do not follow Christ by faith in what He is doing.Christ by faith in what He is doing.

Three Angels' MessagesThree Angels' Messages

The 1888 Message of justification by faith, The 1888 Message of justification by faith, ""the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus" (Gal. 2:16), is the third " (Gal. 2:16), is the third angel's message, because it leads people angel's message, because it leads people into an understanding and experience of the into an understanding and experience of the everlasting gospel: everlasting gospel:

-fear God (heart's focus back on God)-fear God (heart's focus back on God)

-give glory to Him (human glory in dust)-give glory to Him (human glory in dust)

-worship Him (not creature)-worship Him (not creature)

-recognize Babylon principles and -recognize Babylon principles and consequences, and turn from them in heartconsequences, and turn from them in heart

-accept sign of Creator worship instead of -accept sign of Creator worship instead of creature worshipcreature worship

-understand the wrath of God against sin as -understand the wrath of God against sin as revealed on the cross of Christrevealed on the cross of Christ

Commandments of GodCommandments of God

The 1888 Message leads people into The 1888 Message leads people into obedience to all the commandments of God, obedience to all the commandments of God, by showing the goal of the gospel is the by showing the goal of the gospel is the restoration of the image of God in man. The restoration of the image of God in man. The gospel has been given "that…" ("…that gospel has been given "that…" ("…that whosever believeth in Him should not whosever believeth in Him should not perish", "…that the righteousness of the law perish", "…that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us"; might be fulfilled in us"; John. 3:16; Rom. 8:4John. 3:16; Rom. 8:4))

The law being a description both of God and The law being a description both of God and how He has created things to function, how He has created things to function, provides each and all an identity that we provides each and all an identity that we must receive from Him and "keep," come must receive from Him and "keep," come what may what may (Rev. 14:12)(Rev. 14:12). But "how" that is . But "how" that is done is the next point.done is the next point.


The 1888 Message reveals to us this most The 1888 Message reveals to us this most precious of all treasures, precious of all treasures, this golden giftthis golden gift. . The gospel is an expression of the faith of The gospel is an expression of the faith of Jesus. Jesus. The faith of Jesus primarily is the The faith of Jesus primarily is the faith of the Son of God in the human racefaith of the Son of God in the human race, , creatively producing in each "a measure of creatively producing in each "a measure of faith." faith." (Rom. 12:3)(Rom. 12:3)

The faith of JesusThe faith of Jesus secondarily is the faith of secondarily is the faith of the Son of man in His Father, restoring the the Son of man in His Father, restoring the human race to its God-centered origins.human race to its God-centered origins. God God is worthy of all our trust, because He had is worthy of all our trust, because He had given all to us.given all to us.

The law and the gospel must go hand in hand. The law and the gospel must go hand in hand. The law drives us to Christ to be justified The law drives us to Christ to be justified by faith, by faith, the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus. Righteousness is . Righteousness is only by only by the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus. Righteousness is . Righteousness is faith that works by love.faith that works by love.

God is righteous in this way. This is the only God is righteous in this way. This is the only solution for sin. God treats us as we can be solution for sin. God treats us as we can be not as we are. Those prepared for Christ's not as we are. Those prepared for Christ's coming "keep" this faith coming "keep" this faith (Rev. 14:12)(Rev. 14:12), come , come what may.what may.

We must understand that this heart of the We must understand that this heart of the landmarks had been neglected by the early landmarks had been neglected by the early Adventists. Ellen White wrote repeatedly of Adventists. Ellen White wrote repeatedly of this fact. Observe the following example, this fact. Observe the following example, probably the clearest of all.probably the clearest of all.

"The faith of Jesus has been overlooked and treated in an indifferent, careless manner…. The third angel's message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.

"The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand.

"I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness. 'The faith of Jesus.' It is talked of, but not understood."

(Dec. 1888, "Looking Back at Minneapolis," EGW 1888 Materials, pp. 212, 217)

A quick look at the contents of the book A quick look at the contents of the book The The Great ControversyGreat Controversy in which Ellen White in which Ellen White recounts the Advent movement will recounts the Advent movement will illustrate the truthfulness of what she said illustrate the truthfulness of what she said had been neglected. From Chap. 17 through had been neglected. From Chap. 17 through Chap. 34, she covers, basically in the same Chap. 34, she covers, basically in the same order as we have seen here, the landmarks order as we have seen here, the landmarks of Seventh-day Adventism, save one. of Seventh-day Adventism, save one.

17. Heralds of the Morning17. Heralds of the Morning

18. An American Reformer18. An American Reformer

19. Light Through Darkness 19. Light Through Darkness

20. A Great Religious Awakening 20. A Great Religious Awakening

21. A Warning Rejected 21. A Warning Rejected

22. Prophecies Fulfilled 22. Prophecies Fulfilled

SC

23. What Is the Sanctuary? 23. What Is the Sanctuary?

24. In the Holy of Holies 24. In the Holy of Holies

25. God's Law Immutable 25. God's Law Immutable

26. A Work of Reform 26. A Work of Reform

27. Modern Revivals 27. Modern Revivals

28. The Investigative Judgment28. The Investigative Judgment

CS

Three Angels' Messages (3AM) are woven Three Angels' Messages (3AM) are woven throughout this section, and mentioned throughout this section, and mentioned explicitly in their historical sequence.explicitly in their historical sequence.

17. Heralds of the Morning (1st, p. 311)17. Heralds of the Morning (1st, p. 311)

21. A Warning Rejected (2nd, p. 381)21. A Warning Rejected (2nd, p. 381)

25. God's Law Immutable (3rd, p. 438)25. God's Law Immutable (3rd, p. 438)







CG







SAB

29. The Origin of Evil 29. The Origin of Evil

30. Enmity Between Man and Satan30. Enmity Between Man and Satan

31. Agency of Evil Spirits31. Agency of Evil Spirits

32. Snares of Satan 32. Snares of Satan

33. The First Great Deception33. The First Great Deception

34. Spiritualism34. Spiritualism

(GreatControversyTheme)

NIW

Where was "the faith of Jesus"?Where was "the faith of Jesus"?

Where was "the great subject of the righteousness of Christ connected with the law, which should be constantly kept before the sinner as his only hope of salvation"? (Ibid., p. 212)

Ellen White continued in her manuscript Ellen White continued in her manuscript "Looking Back at Minneapolis":"Looking Back at Minneapolis":

""This was not new light to me for it had come to me from higher authority for the last forty-four years [1844-1888], and I had presented it to our people by pen and voice in the testimonies of His Spirit.

"But very few had responded except by assent to the testimonies borne upon this subject. There was altogether too little spoken and written upon this great question." (Ibid.)

So in writing of the Advent movement, she had no history on "the faith of Jesus." The 1888 message was given to correct that deficiency, to restore the heart.

The SabbathThe Sabbath

The 1888 Message reveals the gospel in this The 1888 Message reveals the gospel in this commandment which is the heart of the commandment which is the heart of the law. The Sabbath anchors mankind to Eden law. The Sabbath anchors mankind to Eden (creation) and to the cross (redemption), (creation) and to the cross (redemption), avoiding the two creature errors of self-avoiding the two creature errors of self-creation (evolution) and self-salvation creation (evolution) and self-salvation (salvation by works). The Sabbath is thus (salvation by works). The Sabbath is thus shown to be an end-time sign of shown to be an end-time sign of the faith of the faith of JesusJesus. .

This day is the sign of the great authority that This day is the sign of the great authority that the fourth angel has to lighten the earth with the fourth angel has to lighten the earth with the knowledge of God's character. The the knowledge of God's character. The message is a revelation of the fact that message is a revelation of the fact that God's authority, His position and power God's authority, His position and power which was challenged by Lucifer in the which was challenged by Lucifer in the beginning, is based not on force but on beginning, is based not on force but on agapeagape love. The Sabbath is the sign of that love. The Sabbath is the sign of that reality, of accepting that reality.reality, of accepting that reality.

Non-Immortality of WickedNon-Immortality of Wicked

The 1888 Message in laying the glory of man The 1888 Message in laying the glory of man in the dust, shows that the destiny of that in the dust, shows that the destiny of that glory is death. This truth is taught by both glory is death. This truth is taught by both the Sabbath and the Sanctuary. The Sabbath the Sabbath and the Sanctuary. The Sabbath teaches us that God created us, and no one teaches us that God created us, and no one has life in himself. The Sanctuary teaches has life in himself. The Sanctuary teaches us that the end of sin is death and a pile of us that the end of sin is death and a pile of ashes, both of which were ever present in ashes, both of which were ever present in the earthly sanctuary. the earthly sanctuary.

But especially the cross to which the But especially the cross to which the sanctuary types but pointed, shows the end sanctuary types but pointed, shows the end goal of the glory of man: the death of His goal of the glory of man: the death of His Creator. That cross revealed both the fact Creator. That cross revealed both the fact that "the glory of man" (which is sin) would that "the glory of man" (which is sin) would try to do away with God, and the fact that try to do away with God, and the fact that the Creator by laying down His life has the Creator by laying down His life has conclusively condemned "the glory of man" conclusively condemned "the glory of man" in the flesh of man himself.in the flesh of man himself.

What of Our Day?What of Our Day?

We are in a very interesting situation where We are in a very interesting situation where the conditions of 1905 are being repeated.the conditions of 1905 are being repeated.

We still lack the heart of the landmarks, We still lack the heart of the landmarks, the the faith of Jesusfaith of Jesus..

But we are also seeing people continually But we are also seeing people continually attacking the other landmarks, especially attacking the other landmarks, especially the Sanctuary and the Sabbath.the Sanctuary and the Sabbath.

Counsel to UsCounsel to Us

So the 1888 and the 1905 testimonies both So the 1888 and the 1905 testimonies both apply to us.apply to us.

From the 1888 EraFrom the 1888 Era

"The Lord is not pleased to have man trusting "The Lord is not pleased to have man trusting in his own ability or good deeds or in a legal in his own ability or good deeds or in a legal religion, but in God, the living God. The religion, but in God, the living God. The present message that God has made it the present message that God has made it the duty of His servants to give to the people is duty of His servants to give to the people is no new or novel thing. It is an old truth that no new or novel thing. It is an old truth that has been lost sight of, just as Satan made his has been lost sight of, just as Satan made his masterly efforts that it should be. masterly efforts that it should be.


"The Lord has a work for every one of His "The Lord has a work for every one of His loyal people to do to bring loyal people to do to bring the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus into the right place where it belongs--in the into the right place where it belongs--in the third angel's message.third angel's message.

"The law has its important position but is "The law has its important position but is powerless unless the righteousness of Christ powerless unless the righteousness of Christ is placed beside the law to give its glory to is placed beside the law to give its glory to the whole royal standard of righteousness." the whole royal standard of righteousness."

((MsMs30, 1889, "Experiences Following the 30, 1889, "Experiences Following the

Minneapolis Conference,"Minneapolis Conference," June 1889, in June 1889, in EGW EGW 1888 Materials1888 Materials, p. 375), p. 375)

From the 1905 EraFrom the 1905 Era

"The Lord would have us at this time bring in "The Lord would have us at this time bring in the testimony written by those who are now the testimony written by those who are now dead, to speak in behalf of heavenly things. dead, to speak in behalf of heavenly things. The Holy Spirit has given instruction for us The Holy Spirit has given instruction for us in these last days. in these last days.

"We are to repeat the testimonies that God has "We are to repeat the testimonies that God has given His people, the testimonies that given His people, the testimonies that present clear conceptions of the truths of the present clear conceptions of the truths of the sanctuary and that show the relation of sanctuary and that show the relation of Christ to the truths of the sanctuary so Christ to the truths of the sanctuary so clearly brought to view.clearly brought to view.

"If we are the Lord's appointed messengers, "If we are the Lord's appointed messengers, we shall not spring up with new ideas and we shall not spring up with new ideas and theories to contradict the message that God theories to contradict the message that God has given through His servants since 1844." has given through His servants since 1844."

((MsMs75, 1905, "Building the Waste Places," May, 75, 1905, "Building the Waste Places," May, 1905, 1905, MRMR760, p. 14) 760, p. 14)

More from 1906More from 1906

"Bible truth is our only safety. I know and "Bible truth is our only safety. I know and understand that we are to be established in understand that we are to be established in the faith, in the light of the truth given us in the faith, in the light of the truth given us in our early experience. At that time one error our early experience. At that time one error after another pressed in upon us, and after another pressed in upon us, and ministers and doctors brought in new ministers and doctors brought in new doctrines.doctrines.

"We would search the Scriptures with much "We would search the Scriptures with much prayer and the Holy Spirit would bring the prayer and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds.truth to our minds.

"Sometimes whole nights would be devoted "Sometimes whole nights would be devoted to searching the Scriptures and earnestly to searching the Scriptures and earnestly asking God for guidance. Companies of asking God for guidance. Companies of earnest, devoted men and women earnest, devoted men and women assembled for this purpose. The power of assembled for this purpose. The power of God would come upon me and I was God would come upon me and I was enabled clearly to define what is truth and enabled clearly to define what is truth and what is error.what is error.

"As the points of our faith were thus "As the points of our faith were thus established, our feet were placed upon a established, our feet were placed upon a solid foundation. We accepted the truth solid foundation. We accepted the truth point by point under the demonstration of point by point under the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. I would be taken off in the Holy Spirit. I would be taken off in vision and explanations would be given me.vision and explanations would be given me.

"I was given illustrations of heavenly things "I was given illustrations of heavenly things and of the sanctuary, so that we were placed and of the sanctuary, so that we were placed where light was shining on us in clear, where light was shining on us in clear, distinct rays. All these truths are distinct rays. All these truths are immortalized in my writings. immortalized in my writings.

"The Lord never denies His Word. Men may "The Lord never denies His Word. Men may get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in in these last delusions that will come in in these last days.days.

"I know that the sanctuary question stands in "I know that the sanctuary question stands in righteousness and truth just as we have held righteousness and truth just as we have held it for so many years." it for so many years."

((LtLt50, 1906, To W. W. Simpson, January 30, 1906, 50, 1906, To W. W. Simpson, January 30, 1906, MRMR760, pp. 22, 23)760, pp. 22, 23)

Still More from 1906Still More from 1906

"I know from the light that God has given me "I know from the light that God has given me that there should be a revival of the that there should be a revival of the messages that have been given in the past, messages that have been given in the past, because men will seek to bring in new because men will seek to bring in new theories and will try to prove that these theories and will try to prove that these theories are Scriptural, whereas they are theories are Scriptural, whereas they are error which if allowed a place will error which if allowed a place will undermine faith in the truth.undermine faith in the truth.

"We are not to accept these suppositions and "We are not to accept these suppositions and pass them along as truth. No, no. We must pass them along as truth. No, no. We must not move from the platform of truth on not move from the platform of truth on which we have been established. There will which we have been established. There will always be those who are seeking for always be those who are seeking for something new and who stretch and strain something new and who stretch and strain the Word of God to make it support their the Word of God to make it support their ideas and theories. ideas and theories.

"Let us, brethren, take the things that God has "Let us, brethren, take the things that God has given us, and which His Spirit has taught us given us, and which His Spirit has taught us is truth, and believe them, leaving alone is truth, and believe them, leaving alone those theories which His Spirit has not those theories which His Spirit has not endorsed." endorsed."

((MsMs125, 1907, "Lessons from the Visions of 125, 1907, "Lessons from the Visions of Ezekiel," July 4, 1906, Ezekiel," July 4, 1906, MRMR760, p. 31)760, p. 31)

The Endurance of SaintsThe Endurance of Saints

"Here is the patience [endurance] of the "Here is the patience [endurance] of the saints; here are they that keep the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."Jesus." (Rev. 14:12) (Rev. 14:12)

AppealAppeal

What are you going to do, to complete the What are you going to do, to complete the work of restoration?work of restoration?

Are you willing to let God use you to bring Are you willing to let God use you to bring the faith of Jesusthe faith of Jesus into each of the into each of the landmarks, in your practical, everyday life?landmarks, in your practical, everyday life?

The time has come to arise with the message The time has come to arise with the message to prepare a people for what is soon to come to prepare a people for what is soon to come to most as an overwhelming surprise.to most as an overwhelming surprise.

"stand by the old landmarks" a review of the sda pillars fred bischoff ()

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