Present Truth

[ricker]

I was wondering if someone here could explain the "present truth" idea that Adventism has. I seem to remember hearing the phrase, but don't really remember the meaning. I'm not here to cause trouble, just want to understand. Thanks!

 

[AzA]

I was wondering if someone here could explain the "present truth" idea that Adventism has. I seem to remember hearing the phrase, but don't really remember the meaning. I'm not here to cause trouble, just want to understand. Thanks!

Phrase comes from 2 Peter 1:12.

In 1849, James White wrote: "In Peter's time there was present truth, or truth applicable to that present time. The Church have ever had a present truth. The present truth now, is that which shows present duty, and the right position for us who are about to witness the time of trouble, such as never was. Present truth must be oft repeated, even to those who are established in it. This was needful in the Apostles day, and it certainly is no less needful for us, who are living just before the close of time."

Present truth is tied to contemporary experience and is said illuminate current action and responsibilities.

Compare to the charismatic rhema, which applies the universal and eternal logos to our individual and local circumstances.

In Adventist tradition, it is a rather malleable jargon term, and can be used to cover anything from the sanctity of the seventh-day Sabbath (as it was in the mid 1800s) to particular renditions of righteousness by faith (as in the late 1800s).

 

[ricker]

Phrase comes from 2 Peter 1:12.

In 1849, James White wrote: "In Peter's time there was present truth, or truth applicable to that present time. The Church have ever had a present truth. The present truth now, is that which shows present duty, and the right position for us who are about to witness the time of trouble, such as never was. Present truth must be oft repeated, even to those who are established in it. This was needful in the Apostles day, and it certainly is no less needful for us, who are living just before the close of time."

Present truth is tied to contemporary experience and is said illuminate current action and responsibilities.

Compare to the charismatic rhema, which applies the universal and eternal logos to our individual and local circumstances.

In Adventist tradition, it is a rather malleable jargon term, and can be used to cover anything from the sanctity of the seventh-day Sabbath (as it was in the mid 1800s) to particular renditions of righteousness by faith (as in the late 1800s).

I suppose prophecies and such concerning a certain time in history could be considered "present truth" for that period. I imagine Christ's ministry was a "present truth" for the time period in which He lived.

I don't recall the term being used much, if any, in the sermons I've heard and books I have read since leaving Adventism. I would think my pastor would say truth is a constant in Christ. (the Way, Truth and Life).

 

[Joe67]

ricker,

It is important to remember that the living creatures of Ezekiel 1 has 4 faces.

And that Jesus Christ is of God made unto us 4 qualities as witnessed in 1 Corinthians 1:30; which are the same as the 4 names prophesied for the Lord Jesus in Isaiah 9:6.

Joe

 

[AzA]

I don't recall the term being used much, if any, in the sermons I've heard and books I have read since leaving Adventism.

Do you mean you haven't heard it in nonAdventist sermons or books?
It is an Adventist jargon term.

You're most likely to hear it from "traditional", "historic", and "fundamental" Adventists.
"Progressive", "liberal," and 8th-day Adventists are less likely to use it unless discussing "progressive revelation" -- another Adventist jargon term.

 

[ricker]

[=AzA;55223815]Do you mean you haven't heard it in nonAdventist sermons or books?

Correct

It is an Adventist jargon term.

You're most likely to hear it from "traditional", "historic", and "fundamental" Adventists.
"Progressive", "liberal," and 8th-day Adventists are less likely to use it unless discussing "progressive revelation" -- another Adventist jargon term.

Kinda like "Spirit of Prophesy", I suppose, Thanks!

 

[ricker]

ricker,

It is important to remember that the living creatures of Ezekiel 1 has 4 faces.

And that Jesus Christ is of God made unto us 4 qualities as witnessed in 1 Corinthians 1:30; which are the same as the 4 names prophesied for the Lord Jesus in Isaiah 9:6.

Joe

10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces.


30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

You are to deep for a simple man such as I. I don't see how these are related to each other, much less to the concept of "present truth". I appreciate your contribution in any case.

 

[Joe67]

I suppose prophecies and such concerning a certain time in history could be considered "present truth" for that period. I imagine Christ's ministry was a "present truth" for the time period in which He lived.

I don't recall the term being used much, if any, in the sermons I've heard and books I have read since leaving Adventism. I would think my pastor would say truth is a constant in Christ. (the Way, Truth and Life).

ricker,

The Way, Truth and Life that is in Christ Jesus does not appear in the same form as a constant.

Joe

 

[ricker]

ricker,

The Way, Truth and Life that is in Christ Jesus does not appear in the same form as a constant.

Joe

Oh, I understand now. (at least a little) Thanks!

 

[VictorC]

ricker,

The Way, Truth and Life that is in Christ Jesus does not appear in the same form as a constant.

Joe

Oh, I understand now. (at least a little) Thanks!

You guys have gone right over my head. If Hebrews 13:8 describing "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" isn't a constant, then what is it that "appears"? The fragile fickle finger of fate?

 

[ricker]

You guys have gone right over my head. If Hebrews 13:8 describing "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" isn't a constant, then what is it that "appears"? The fragile fickle finger of fate?

There you go throwing another verse with multiples of three in there! This is getting fun!


Sometimes it (He?) appears as a lion, ox, and eagle, I guess, along with righteousness, holiness and redemption. This complements the way, truth and life.......

 

[VictorC]

Sometimes it (He?) appears as a lion, ox, and eagle, I guess, along with righteousness, holiness and redemption. This complements the way, truth and life.......

I can follow the Lion of the tribe of Judah mentioned in Revelation 5:5, and I can even go with a Lamb with "seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth" that appears in the next verse. But I do not know where Jesus is ever represented by an ox or an eagle. These attributes only seem to appear on entities that are distinct apart from God, and the eagle is even mentioned as an abomination as far as food is concerned in Leviticus 11:13.

 

[ricker]

I can follow the Lion of the tribe of Judah mentioned in Revelation 5:5, and I can even go with a Lamb with "seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth" that appears in the next verse. But I do not know where Jesus is ever represented by an ox or an eagle. These attributes only seem to appear on entities that are distinct apart from God, and the eagle is even mentioned as an abomination as far as food is concerned in Leviticus 11:13.

To be honest all the strange symbolism in the Bible with seven winged beasts and talking eyes and whatever are to me a distraction from the Gospel. Cult leaders tend to make up their own interpretation of these to the detriment of their followers. I leave the study of these to others.

Edit to add: I suppose some would say by not studying the beasts and such I am missing out on "present truth".

 

[StormyOne]

To be honest all the strange symbolism in the Bible with seven winged beasts and talking eyes and whatever are to me a distraction from the Gospel. Cult leaders tend to make up their own interpretation of these to the detriment of their followers. I leave the study of these to others.

Edit to add: I suppose some would say by not studying the beasts and such I am missing out on "present truth".

Perhaps not.... of course very few are willing to say it, but I will... some of the descriptions sound either like hallucinations or bad nightmares.... that it was included in what we now call the bible is interesting....