For those who are aware of social media trends and enjoy multiple hits on their social media pages, I am sure you have recently been amused by the different videos of people experimenting with boiling water— throwing it in the air during sub-zero temperatures.
Trends are so powerful. Even though I stay inactive on social media, I have seen some of these videos, and enjoy a few laughs at the expense of someone else’s silliness. This recent trend reminded me of another fad that swept across the nation, including our institutions of learning; “the Ice bucket challenge.”
Although I don’t support or participate of any of these “fun” trends, I am reminded of a personal spiritual experience I encountered upon my arrival to Andrews Theological Seminary. During my first semesters at AU, I wonder what the “ice bucket challenge” felt like and how it would compare to what I was experiencing.
See, before my arrival at AU I devoted my ministry to proclaiming the Three Angels Message on a regular basis. I held continuous evangelistic cycles at my church and the messages of Revelation 14 were presented often, with many souls responding positively. Visitors were giving their lives to Christ, and members were becoming revived. A great emphasis on the righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus from the Great Controversy perspective was a centerpiece that served as my framework in presenting the message from Revelation 14.
The results of this emphasis soon became evident in my personal life and also in many members in my congregation. I began to thirst for God’s Word more and I found myself seeking His presence more often in personal devotion. Through prayer, surrender, and dependency upon His power, a greater need of His Spirit in my life was developed, as well as a spirit of thankfulness and urgency for saving souls. The Character of Christ became more clear and distinct as revealed in His Scripture, His Sabbath, His Holy Law, and particularly in His Sanctuary ministry. I saw how much pride still resided in my heart and the Love of Christ was even more evident then, when I realized His most fervent desire was to dwell in that heart to rid my life of that pride.
It was in this context that I arrived at AU to begin my studies at the Theological Seminary. It was also then when I experienced my personal and spiritual ice bucket challenge. I will not focus on the many trends and issues within the Seminary because I want this article to describe my personal experience.
As I started my studies and began my class work I began to notice some things were missing, while others were presented from interesting perspectives. Often many negative commentaries or approaches were either stated or inferred concerning our SDA traditions and our SDA heritage while others where more intentionally omitted.
One of the missing subjects at the seminary environment, for example, during my first year of experience, which includes several chapel attendances, both during regular semesters, as well as the summer months, is that of the Second Coming of Christ. If there was any mentioning of the subject it would be part of a class discussion, or personal conversation. Not during any seminary worship services, music or sermon would you sense any urgency to prepare, or any reference even to the return of Christ. Apparently there are more important subjects for Adventist theologians than the actual Advent.
Perhaps I Was Exaggerating and it Was Just my Impression?
I have waited a couple years now to even refer to this issue in order to carefully consider my biases, and I am beginning to conclude that this state of affairs is not only a reality but it has permeated to churches near and far from the Seminary. Even by chance or default, out of 100 supposed SDA sermons, a few should have let the Great Hope of Adventism shine through. Unfortunately, I discovered this was not the case. Needless to say there was a simultaneous lack of mentioning the Sanctuary, or any of our distinctive pillars.
Together with the lack of importance given to the Advent, there are many other fundamental items that can be listed as “missing in action” in the daily operations at the Seminary. What could have been the reason why Adventists are losing the essence of their being? Would the Seminary be the end of my fire for Christ, His message, and my desire to save souls? Not if Christ can help it!
During my most recent devotional I was deeply impressed by an article from Sister White and her testimony concerning the foundation of our faith, and her handling of the controversy around the book Living Temple and the alpha and omega of deception (1SM Ch.25). As I read the chapter, I was alerted to the importance behind her message by a phrase that many of us have often heard,
“Living Temple contains the alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I trembled for our people.”
A great thing to notice as far as sister White on her treatise addressing her concern, is her refusal to make any direct quotes or references that could contribute to the deception. She did however focus on clarifying the important items that will definitely help us today in meeting the omega as it hits us today. A few things to consider are:
1. The misuse of Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy
As I provide this outline please understand that each one of these could open lengthy presentations and conversations that will have to be condensed to just a basic outline—for the purpose of promoting deeper thinking. The misuses of Scripture in my experience may have been addressed in prior articles, written by others concerning the theological and even philosophical-hermeneutical frameworks. I want to point to something much more simple than that.
The ideas of any book may be apparently founded upon biblical principles, however the content of the book may not lead to dependence upon the Bible. The same can be said about the usage of SOP—intended to promote the ideas from the book, but in it’s content, there is no need of neither the Scriptures or the SOP as far as the implementation of the ideas advanced.
If the believer was to actually implement the ideas from the book it would not be accompanied with the need of deeper searching of Scripture in order to know Christ or to develop any of the proposed plans promoted. This is a particular issue with the new methods utilized for church growth and church planting.
It can also be seen in the development of “deeper spirituality” being promoted—not only at AU, but in Christianity at large. The purpose of the Scriptures and SOP utilized that way is to validate the book, not necessarily the practicality of the ideas contained within it.
Beyond this is the actual intent to bend the Scripture and its meaning. This is an issue that sister White exposes regarding The Living Temple:
“All through the book are passages of Scripture. These scriptures are brought in such a way that error is made to appear as truth. Erroneous theories are presented in so pleasing a way that unless care is taken, many will be misled” (1SM 202.1).
She also had a clear statement that addresses the misuse of her writings directly,
“I am compelled to speak in denial of the claim that the teachings of Living Temple can be sustained by statements from my writings. There may be in this book expressions and sentiments that are in harmony with my writings. And there may be in my writings many statements which, taken from their connection, and interpreted according to the mind of the writer of Living Temple, would seem to be in harmony with the teachings of this book. This may give apparent support to the assertion that the sentiments in Living Temple are in harmony with my writings. But God forbid that this sentiment should prevail” {1SM 203.3}.
To further discern this concealment. or mishandling and its implications, is a subject of study beyond the scope of this article. However, the following steps on this outline will definitely help us to realize how these intentions to misapply Scripture could be perceived.
As far as these concerns, we are not to be surprised for this will be the controversy to the end. Only a solid foundation upon the living Word of God can prepare God’s people to withstand what is to come. Suffice it to say for now that every single sermon or encouragement that leads us to personally know Christ must also include the fact that without the WORD (please understand the BIBLE) there will be no complete knowledge of Christ (Luke 24:27; John 17:17; Romans 15:4).
2. The Attack on the Pillars
This second step on this outline is fundamental and it will shape and re-shape our thinking like nothing else.
It is through earnest and deep study, clear understanding and experiencing of the pillars that we will come to the most complete knowledge of Christ this side of the Second Coming! Sister White’s words clearly present the pillars as a target for the Alpha Apostasy and Living Temple in particular,
“It is the constant effort of the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his deceptive designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will give these truths their proper place in the plan of God.” – {1SM 201.2}.
The lack of emphasis on most of the pillars was the first and most obvious characteristic upon arriving at the Seminary. In fact, the desire to avoid mentioning or discussing the nearness of Christ’s Second Coming at times could be described as intentional.
Very little time is devoted at Seminary to a deeper understanding of the heavenly sanctuary; the issue of mystic practices which are connected with the state of the dead is little spoken of or addressed, the Sabbath is lightly regarded by most, the Law of God is most often associated with legalism in the midst of the seminary’s agenda of anti-last generation efforts.
Finally, if the Three Angels’ Messages ever get mentioned by anyone, the conversation or the sermon won’t get past Revelation 14:6.
So, as I compared Sister White’s presentation with my personal experience, once again I am not surprised to see that apparently the pillars have long been forgotten in our SDA circles. Perhaps more prominent subjects are taking their place.
What is Popular at The Seminary?
Themes such as the need for equality in all levels and roles. The establishment of a millennium of social justice, the rejection of LGT, as well as the rejection of organizational authority, are apparently more important than preaching the gospel and emphasizing the distinctive messages that stand at the core of true righteousness by faith.
Sister White continues to build on this subject of undermining our pillars with the following words,
The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. – {1SM 204.2}
Having said all this, I wonder how can we find the way back to fulfilling the mission the Lord has given us as a church? I want to lay this charge upon my own shoulders as well as upon anyone who may read this article.
With a spirit of love, please let us listen to the words of one who lived the experience of a first love that still burns today in the hearts of many of our present Seventh-day Adventists,
The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth.—Manuscript 129, 1905. – {2SM 390.1}
3. Particular Attack on the Sanctuary and the 3 Angels Messages
Since the pillars are subject to attacks from out and within, it is our duty to remain faithful to the solid foundation that they offer. They must be part of our lives. In particular, I submit to you the highlighting of two prominent pillars such as the sanctuary and the Three Angels of Revelation 14, which are specific subjects of the enemy’s attacks,
We are God’s commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority – {1SM 208.2}.
The most revolutionary worldview as understood from the perspective of the sanctuary and the Great Controversy theme, is what we have to offer to the entire world, even during this new post-modern era.
The world is ripe to receive the present truth that God gave the Seventh-day Adventist church over 160 years ago; meanwhile we are hiding our identity and undermining our own pillars. It is time to embrace our identity and destiny and boldly proclaim the three angels messages with Holy Spirit power. Today is not the time to get distracted but to courageously “prophesy again.”
4. The Closeness Between the Path of Truth and Error
Perhaps many a reader is wondering why would I compare my experience at AU in light of what Sister White is writing on her letter to address the Kellogg controversy. Perhaps many view this as an indirect accusation of sorts.
At this point I have only to say that I am sharing my experience and I hold no particular accusation or intent beyond “creating awareness” as many like to say. Mine is not the type of “awareness” full of sarcasm and mockery which I often hear concerning other issues. Mine is not an awareness against certain institutions, but against all trends that may apparently have similar characteristics to what I have described. Deception is a reality and a constant trend within us, and we do well to recognize it and counter it—irrespective of place, book or source.
Sister White thought it would not be necessary to warn our people concerning this particular item until it became evident that most individuals were unaware of its deceiving power. Perhaps many are walking around my beloved institution without their filter on, or just wondering if it is just them who are noticing the different trends around our institutions and churches. My brother, if you are walking into an institution that no longer appears to be a Seventh-day Adventist University, church, gathering, or publication, I encourage you to recognize it and begin filtering what you hear and read.
As sister White continues warning the church, she goes on to say about the deceptive power of error,
I thought that this would surely be discerned, and that it would not be necessary for me to say anything about it. The track of truth lies close beside the track of error, and both tracks may seem to be one to minds which are not worked by the Holy Spirit, and which, therefore, are not quick to discern the difference between truth and error – {1SM 202.1,2}.
How can we turn our filter on? “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). By a daily surrender to, and the effective baptism of God’s Holy Spirit, we can be made aware of the difficult paths placed before us.
Why endure such a trial and risk to even be involved in a whirlpool of influences? Because hundreds of future pastors have come to this place to be influenced by those who understand the importance of our heritage, our identity and present truth—in order to keep the flame that will take them elsewhere around the world. So do not lose focus and please continue to uphold the pillars!
5. Focused on the Pillars
Finally, after a few semesters and much thinking about the different currents and trends and having experienced such a particular “ice bucket challenge,” I thank God for His guidance and leading through this entire experience. It has been extremely difficult but it has brought me closer to Christ.
I thank God for the straight testimony of His Word and the SOP that has kept the fire burning inside me. I am more than ever convinced that the solution to the many issues we are facing today in simple words is to focus on the Pillars!
I want to encourage you, dear reader to review Ellen White’s chapter entirely for yourself and draw your own conclusions. Notice how sister White handled the situation and what clear words the Spirit has for you concerning similar circumstances. I see clearly that her antidote to deception was truth as represented in our pillars and I pray we can share her sentiment as reflected in these words,
“But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority” {1SM 208.2}.
In the meantime, I will continue to depend upon the Lord and intercede much for our Church and institutions all around the world, while also preaching at every opportunity that Christ our Lord is coming again! Maranatha!
Blessings,
Pr P.
A Concerned Seminarian