What does it mean to be people of the Book? I submit it is much more than head knowledge of the Bible. Ellen White was quoted in part one, “I am authorized from God…” in reference to many points of “light” provided in scripture and through the revelations made to this remarkable prophet. God made it clear that there was more light, more knowledge that He desired to impart. However, the dissemination of new light was contingent on us first putting the light we already have to “practical use.”
I am certain most all of those reading this article desire to have more light. If we are to receive more light it means we must be living according to all prior light. We also are told that receiving the new light is essential for salvation…certainly for the last generation!
Old Light Needing Illumination
We need go no further than the temptations of Christ to receive insight on the battles we all have faced and continue to encounter. Jesus is our model; our example of how these temptations must be successfully met. Each time he responded, “It is written.” How was Jesus able to recall Scripture to rebut Satan as he quoted the Bible on the occasion of the second temptation?
I happen to know of three individuals with a photographic memory. How often I’ve thought how handy that would be! But, most don’t have that ability and the Bible provides assurance to us. The reality is that our Saviour is in the business of salvation, not condemnation! He says, “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.” Matt 10:19. This promise is associated with first placing God’s word in our brains. The Holy Spirit is well able to trigger stored information when we need it. But, you might say, I’ve wasted time, I’ve partaken of the knowledge of evil and there isn’t a way to recapture what was lost. While it is true that we have been damaged by sin and cannot “right” certain “wrongs” of the past, there is hope in our Creator and Redeemer!
In the book, “Redeeming Your Mind” by Samuel F. Cort and Willis J. Hackett, the statement is made that we all relate to:
“The surrender of the soul to the control of the Spirit is tantamount to a declaration of war between the Spirit and the flesh. Hitherto the flesh has had full sway…at conversion the neural patterns are not destroyed. They gradually lose their dominant power.” Pg 146.
Each of us needs a true spirit of repentance, reformation, and a revival of primitive godliness. I’m impressed to take the following practical steps to capture God’s light, past and future:
1. Repent. Forsake every sin. Expunge every stumbling block (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) from our lives. By beholding, we become changed.
2. Personal devotional life:
Daniel prayed formally three times daily (Dan 6:10; Ps 55:17)
Daniel studied the prophets and God’s law (Dan 9:2)
Resources: The Bible, Testimonies for the Church (Volumes 1-9), Conflict Series, Christ’s Object Lessons, Mount of Blessing, and Steps to Christ
Ask for the Holy Spirit to transform character; to prepare us in every way (Ps 51:10-12; Rom 12:2; 2Cor 3:18; 5:17; Gal 2:20; Col 3:10)
Ask for the privilege and opportunity to share the gospel (Matt 28:18-20; Rom 1:16: 1Thess 2:4), specifically the third angels’ message
3. Prepare physically and mentally.
Jesus’ temptations involved common principles we are beset with each day including appetite, presumption, and pride. Jesus warned us that when he is about to return the world will be in a similar condition as it was leading up to the flood. Specifically, eating and drinking are mentioned in Matthew 24:38 yet the church seems oblivious to this light. Genesis clearly lays out the diet designed by God.
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Gen 1:29
Our Sabbath School lessons this quarter bring out the fact that Daniel and his three friends adhered to this ideal diet and were honored by God in so doing. Space doesn’t allow for a discussion of the four health reform visions Ellen White received. However, what percentage of Adventists today live according to all the light God provided, meaning being 100% plant-based all the time (realizing there are some geographic areas in the world where this may be impractical)? The United States does not qualify as an under-served area in terms of plant-based foods.
“Oh, how many are low in the scale of spirituality because they will not deny their appetite! The brain nerve energy is benumbed and almost paralyzed by overeating… All the passions must be brought under perfect subjection to the moral powers. When men and women profess strong faith and earnest spirituality, I know that their profession is false if they have not brought all their passions under control. God requires this.” {2T 414.1-2}
“…for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory.” {3T 162.1-2} Emphasis added.
Appetite includes diet as well as all manner of personal habits. By ignoring these practices public and private, are we as a church virtually saying, “My lord delayeth his coming” (Luke 12:45)? Do we really believe that the Lord will bless our church with true conversions when at any church potluck and in many lobbies we see... you get the point. Just look at the food served at our schools and summer camps and special retreats and camp meetings! The word “impossible” used in conjunction with discernment of truth is a frightful term. Are we truly unwilling to make changes in our lives in order to open the door to truth?
“There are few really consecrated men among us, few who have fought and conquered in the battle with self. Real conversion is a decided change of feelings and motives.”{5T 82.5}
The presumption and pride we are a witness to, especially within “elected” (an unfortunate term applied to decisions that are made then orchestrated long before a “vote” is taken) church leadership, is heart-rending. The “kingly power” witnessed within the church might be best compared with the life of King Saul. How could God bless? The Bible says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD…” 1 Samuel 15:23. This statement shockingly describes our situation today.
Are we willing to base all our beliefs and practices on a “thus saith the Lord”?
Will we reject privately and publicly the notion of ascribing unpopular Biblical teachings to “cultural norms” that just aren’t comfortable in today’s world?
In the account of Saul there was a silver lining in that God anointed David as king. In David’s life, though punctuated with horrendous sins, we witness the hope we hold on to firmly today of God’s mercy and grace! We gain a window into David’s soul by reading his Psalms and studying his deep and humble repentance. David was transformed to the point where Jesus is the successor to the Davidic kingdom!
Possibly the most impressive example in Scripture of conversion from the ultimate in presumption and pride is that of Nebuchadnezzar. And by that example we can grab hold of Jesus as Jacob did and say, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
“When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife... Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God.” {DA 173.1}
New Light – A Special Message of Truth
What might this “new light” be? It will be a testing message (uncomfortable, unpopular, politically incorrect) that must be received. It also will have direct relevance of the three angels’ messages, particularly the warnings. We are told there will be new understanding given of the foundational doctrines and prophecies of God’s Word. Our church largely rejected the best known example of new light as noted in part 1; the righteousness of Jesus as well as honoring His law as presented at the 1888 General Conference. It was near the end of her life that Ellen White was shown there would be more illumination of teachings and prophecies.
Do we truly have the necessary understanding of the righteousness of Christ, the faith of Jesus?
Since Ellen White died in 1915, what significant new understandings have come to God’s people? If we have to pause before answering this question it suggests we better be prepared to hear, understand, test and accept new light in the near future!
There are two major last generation prophecies that our church has not taken an interpretive position on: the last half of Daniel 11 and Revelation 17. These prophecies, as well as those connected with them, are ripe for new understanding.
Several years ago I heard a guest SDA pastor say, from the pulpit, that a particular interpretation of prophecy can only be determined after the fact. Really? Is our confidence in God’s Word that weak? Daniel certainly didn’t believe that. Neither did the magi, or Josiah Litch, or William Miller…or many others. Of the wicked of Israel, Ezekiel 33:31-33 categorizes these as only believing after the fact, too late!
If we are truly people of the Book we will live up to all the light we have and in prayerful surrender claim God’s promises to provide wisdom and understanding. Revelation 13:18 says, “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding…”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are of Laodicea. We have an internal, personal work to do. When entered into, it will transform our characters to be perfect in Jesus, which is essential for our salvation.
Then, and only then, we will be sealed and compelled by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of Jesus together with the distinct doctrines of His Word “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Rev 14:6. It will be at this time that we will “prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Rev 10:11.
Mark writes from Emmett, Idaho.