"At the time of the first advent of Christ to our world, the men who composed the Sandedrin exercised their authority in controlling men according to their will. Thus the souls whom Christ had given His life to free from the bondage of Satan were brought under bondage to him in another form." Testimonies to Ministers,361.
This created a disgust of man's jurisdiction and a state of insubordination. The book of Acts hints at the existence of several independent groups and offshoots drawing disciples after them.
Suddenly, amid the confusing cries, "Lo, here is Christ! Lo, there is Christ!" Jesus began His ministry. He understood that those who had been called to be the pillars and ground of the truth had become the representatives of Satan (D.A.36) and yet He made no sweeping denunciation of them but in humility and love He presented the truth to all. The majority had become confused because of the many voices. Only those who were hungering and thirsting for the truth were able to discern the precious truth and they received it, believed it, and acted upon it.
Two calls were made to the professed Jewish church. One before the crucifixion and one after the crucifixion. Both calls were rejected and finally the bearers of the message were forced to turn to the Gentiles.
Today many are leaving the SDA church for the same reasons that people left the Jewish church prior to the coming of Jesus. As we all know, there are many independent ministries and offshoots.
Speaking of the leading men who compose the General Conference, it is writen:
"Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction. They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms. THEY WOULD RULE OR RUIN. There will be no material change until a decided movement is made to bring in a different order of things." Testimonies to Ministers,360.
No material change was made.
We are repeating the history of ancient Israel.
Again, "Amid the confusing cries, 'Lo, here is Christ! Lo, there is Christ!' will be borne a special testimony, a special message of truth appropriate for this time, which message is to be received, believed, and acted upon. It is the truth, not fanciful ideas, that is efficacious. Falsehoods will be urged upon the attention of God's people, but the truth is to stand clothed in its beautiful, pure garments." E.G. White, Bible Commentary, Vol.7,984.
The truth that is efficacious and which is to stand in its beautiful, pure garment is this:
"The MERITS of Christ's sacrifice are SUFFICIENT to present to the Father in our behalf." E.G. White, Steps to Christ,36. *emphasis supplied
For "The MERITS of Christ blot out transgressions and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of Heaven." E.G. White, Evangelis,186, bottom of page.
And "Christ's righteousness accomplishes everything." E.G. White, Faith & Works,27. It is "made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God." Testimonies to Ministers,92.
Therefore "Present your case before God pleading the MERITS of the blood shed for you upon Calvary's cross." E.G. White, Faith & Works,106.
This is our only plea.
I appreciate the ministry of E.G. White for in these simple statements is presented in clear, distinct lines, the truth which is efficacious, the truth as it is in Jesus.
This, I believe, is the special testimony, the special message of truth which is appropriate for this time, which truth is to be received, believed, and acted upon that we may be united to Christ and be led by the Spirit. Then we shall be organized from the Head and the Lord will finish His work upon the earth and cut it short in righteousness.
This message was rejected in 1888.
It is presented to us today for the last time.
If the church rejects it again and persecutes the bearers of this message, her probation will close and the bearers of the message will be forced to turn to the world and the message will swell into the loud cry.
God bless,
sky
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