year-by-year assessment

[rainbowinthesky]

Here is a year-by-year assessment of the spiritual condition of the church since 1855.

1855: "I have seen an angel standing with scales in his hands weighing the thoughts and interest of the people of God. In one scale were the thoughts and interest tending heavenward; in the other were the thoughts and interest tending to earth. Oh what a solemn thought! The angels of God standing with scales, weighing the thoughts of the professed children of God--those who claim to be dead to the world and alive to God. The scale filled with thoughts of earth, vanity, and pride quickly went down, notwithstanding weight afer weight rolled from the scale. The one with the thoughts and interest tending to Heaven went quickly up as the other went down, and oh, how light it was! Said the angel,'Can such enter Heaven? No, no, never. Tell them the hope they now possess is vain, and unless they speedily repent, and obtain salvation, they must perish.'" Testimonies, Vol.1, p.124-126, 1855.

1856: "I was shown in vision some things that concern the church. I was pointed back to the years 1843 and 1844. There was a spirit of consecration then that there is not now. What has come over the professed peculiar people of God? I saw conformity to the world, the unwillingness to suffer for the truth's sake...

1856: "I saw the dreadful fact that God's people were conformed to the world, with no distinction, except in name... I saw that Jesus was wounded and put to an open shame. Said the angel, as with sorrow he saw the professed people of God loving the world, partaking of its spirit, and following its fashions; 'Cut loose! Cut loose! lest He appoint your portion with hypocrites and unbelievers outside the City. Your profession will only cause you greater anguish, and your punishment will be greater because you knew His will, but did not do it...'

1856: "God will have a people separate and distinct from the world. As soon as any have a desire to imitate the world, just so soon God ceases to acknowledge them as His children. They are the children of the world and of darkness." Testimomines, Vol.1, p.127-137. May 27, 1856.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1857: "The Lord has shown me in vision some things concerning the church in its present lukewarm state, which i will relate to you. The church was presented before me in vision. Said the angel to the church:'Jesus speaks to thee,'Be zealous and repent.' This work, I saw, should be taken hold of in earnest. There is something to repent of. Worldly-mindedness, selfishness, and coveteousness have been eating out the spirituality and life of God's people." Testimonies, Vol.1, p.141.

1859: "The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of Christ is not in her midst." Notebook Leaflets, p.99.

"The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that he cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word, or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you." Testimonies, Vol.6, p.408.

1862: "The distance is widening between Christ and His people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ's professed people and the world have almost disappeared. Like ancient Israel, they follow after the abominations of the nations around them."

"Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, wholly His. Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name?" Testimonies, Vol.1, p.274-87.

1865: "In their present state of worldly ambition, with their lack of consecration to God, their devotion to self, they are wholly unfit to receive the latter rain... They think they are all right when they are all wrong." Testimonies, Vol.1 p.466-69,478-79.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1868: "Men who stand in very responsible positions at the heart of the work are asleep... They are unfaithful sentinels... They see that Satan is deceiving the inexperienced and unsuspecting; yet they take it all quietly... To them everything seems to be going well... Satan exults at his success in controlling the minds of so many who profess to be Christians. He has deceived them, benumbed their sensibilities, and PLANTED HIS HELLISH BANNER RIGHT IN THEIR MIDST, and they are so completelty deceived that they KNOW NOT that it is he." Testimonies, Vol.2, p.439-40. 1868.

1868: "Like ancient Israel the church has dishonored her God by departing from the light, neglecting her duties, and abusing her high privilege of being peculiar and holy in character. Her members have violated their covenant to live for God and Him only. They have joined with the selfish and world-loving. Pride, the love of pleasure, and sin have been cherished, and Christ has departed. His spirit has been quenched in the church. Satan works side by side with professed Christians; yet they are so destitute of spiritual discernment that they DO NOT detect him."

"I have stated before them that, from what was shown me, but a SMALL NUMBER of those now professing to believe the truth would be saved, not because they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in God's own appointed way. The way marked out by our divine Lord is too narrow and the gate too strait to admit them while grasping the world or while cherishing selfishness or sin of any kind." Testimonies, Vol.2, p.440-46,450.

"If the light that has been given to these had been given to Sodom and Gomorrah, they would have repented in sackloth and ashes, and would have escaped the signal wrath of God. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for those who have been privileged with the clear light, and have had a vast amount of labor, but have not profited by it. They were so blinded by the devil that they verily thought themselves rich in the favor of God, when the True Witness declares them to be wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Ibid, p.483-4,88-89.

1873: "I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them. The True Witness condemns the lukewarm condition of the people of God, which gives Satan great power over them in this waiting, watching time... Stupidity in this watching time is sealing the senses of God's people as to the signs of the times...

"Many are deceived by the adversary of souls... They are doing the work of Satan, but think that they have a zeal for God... They think that the people of God are not in need of plain dealing and of reproof, but that God is with them. These tempted ones, whose souls have ever been at war with the faithful reproving of sin, would cry: Speak to us smooth things." Testimonies, Vol.3, p.354-60. 1873.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1875: "Satan's chief work is at the headquarters of our faith... It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and the downward march to perdition." Testimonies, Vol.4, p.210-11. 1875.

1876: "The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel, that the corrections given through His chosen instruments cannot be disregarded with impunity." Testimonies, Vol.4, p.166-67. 1876.

1879: "As a people we are backsliding from God. The hearts of His professed children are being estranged from Him. While they have a name to live, the true, vital energies of the soul have become spiritually dead...

1879: "Christ, when weeping over Jerusalem, exclaimed, 'If thou hasdt known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes.' Jerusalem's sin was in abusing past privileges, and she was sealing her doom in rejecting present mercies and warnings. The weak faith of our people today shows that past warnings and reproofs have not been heeded, and hardness of heart, and indifference, and unbelief are the result...

1879: "The Saviour's love has been unrequited. Christ looks mournfully upon the individual members of the Church, and exclaims, 'Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.' The hour of probation is fast passing; the cup of God's indignation is fast filling. Will those who profess to be waiting for the appearing of their Lord from Heaven be found wanting... All such professed Christians are represented by the man who built his house upon the sand." Review and Herald, July 10, 1879.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1881: "I saw that the very spirit of perjury that would turn truth into falsehood, good into evil, and innocence into crime, is now active, doing a work which savors of hell rather than of Heaven. Satan exults over the condition of God's professed people." Special Testimony, p.80.4. July, 1881.

1882: "I knew that a crisis must come. God has given this people plain and pointed testimonies to prevent this state of things. Had they obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit in warning, counsel, and entreaty, they would now enjoy unity and peace. But these testimonies have not been heeded by those who profess to believe them, and as a result there has been a wide departure from God, and the withdrawal of His blessing...

"My heart aches day after day and night after night for our churches. Many are progressing, but in the back track... I know what I say. Unless they shall become Christians indeed, they will go from weakness to weakness, divisions will increase, and many souls will be led to perdition...

"I saw that the frown of God was upon His people for their assmilation to the world...

"The great sin of the Jews was that of neglecting and rejecting present opportunities. As Jesus views the state of His professed people today, He sees base ingratitude, hollow formalism, hypocritical insincerity, Pharisaical pride and apostasy...

"But few know what our churches are to experience. I saw that at present we are under divine forbearance, but no one can say how long this will continue...

"The prevailing spirit for our time is that of infidelity--and apostasy...

"We have enjoyed great light and many privileges. Shall we turn away from all these blessings, and sacrifice the peculiar, holy character which should distinguish us as children of God? If we thus slight the mercy of God, the judgments against Capernaum will surely fall upon us. Our punishment will be heavier than if we had not enjoyed so great light. Thus the warnings, reproofs, and counsels, which, accepted and obeyed, would bring us untold blessings, become a curse when they are rejected...

"Can Christ say of His professed followers, These are My peculiar people; I gave Myself for them, to redeem from all iniquity, that they should show forth My praise, who have called them out from darkness into My marvelous light. Would not the Lord say, rather, How is the beautiful city become a harlot,--and My Father's house a place of merchandise. Because of your unbelief, I cannot do many mighty works among you." Review and Herald, November 7, 1882.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1882: "The church cannot measure herself by the world nor by the opinion of men nor by what she once was. Her faith and her position in the world as they now are must be compared with what they would have been IF her course had been continually onward and upward. The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. If her moral character and spiritual state do not correspond with the benefits and blessings God has conferred upon her, she will be found wanting. The light of 1882 calls her to account. If her talents are unimproved, if her fruit is not perfect before God, if her light becomes darkness, she is indeed found wanting. The knowledge of our state as God sees it seems to be hidden from us. We profess to know God, and to believe the truth, but in works deny Him. Our deeds are directly adverse to the principles of truth and righteousness, by which we profess to be governed." Testimonies, Vol.5, p.62-84.

1883: "Satan is preparing to work through his human agencies in secrecy. We must know the reasons for our faith... Many are holding the truth only with the tips of their fingers. They have had great light and many privileges. Like Capernaum they have been exalted to heaven in this respect. In the time of test and trial that is approaching, they will become apostates--unless they put away their pride and self-confidence, unless they have an entire transformation of character." Letter 5, 1883; Selected Messages, Vol.3, p.414-15.

"The enemy will set everything in operation to uproot the confidence of the believers in the pillars of our faith in the messages of the past, which have placed us upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, and which have established and given character to the work. The Lord God of Israel has led out His people, unfolding to them truth of heavenly origin."

"The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the Rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith, and replacing them with pillars they have devised. This will continue to be as long as time shall last." Notebook, Leaflets, p.61-62.

1885: "The same disobedience and failure which were seen in the Jewish church have characterized in a greater degree the people who have had this great light from heaven in the last messages of warning... There is a terrible amount of guilt for which the church is responsible." Testimonies, Vol.5, p.456-57.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1886: "Many of our people are backsliding from God. They are in danger of becoming like the Jewish nation, who knew not the Scriptures nor the power of God...

"When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, His tears were for all who abuse present privileges...

"The eye of Jesus, looking down the ages, was fixed upon our time when He said,'If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace!' It is still thy day, O church of God, whom He has made the depositary of His law. But this day of trust and probation is fast drawing to a close." Review and Herald, November 2, 1886.

"We are far from being the people God would have us to be...

"God never forsakes people or individuals until they forsake Him...

1887: "We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church than from the world." Review and Herald, March 22, 1887.

1888: "Now it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus and lead men to look to man, and to trust to man, and to be educated to expect help from man. For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a tstimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message in clear, distinct lines." T.M.93.

"The Lord sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the surety; it invited people to receive the righteousness of Christ which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His DIVINE Person, His MERITS, and to His CHANGELESS LOVE for the human family."

"You cannot explain this faith that lays right hold upon the MERITS of a crucified and risen Saviour to BRING Christ's RIGHTEOUSNESS into your life." F.W.65; Manuscript 1, 1889.

"In 1888 in the General Conference held at Minneapolis, Minn., the angel of Revelation 18 came down to do his work, and was ridiculed, criticized and rejected. And when the message he brings again, swells into a loud cry, it will again be ridiculed, spoken against and be rejected by the majority."

"An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord's message through brethren Waggoner and Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away FROM OUR PEOPLE, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away FROM THE WORLD." Selected Messages, Vol.1, p.234,235.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1890: "We want to understand the time in which we live. We do not half understand it. We do not half take it in. My heart trembles in me when I think of what a foe we have to meet, and how poorly we are prepared to meet him. The trials of the children of Israel, and their attitude just before the first coming of Christ, have been presented before me again and again to illustrate the position of the people of God in their experience before the second coming of Christ--how the enemy sought every occasion to take control of the minds of the Jews, and today he is seeking to blind the minds of God's servants, that they may not be able to discern the precious truth."

1890: "As Christ sought to place truth before the people in its proper relation to their salvation, Satan worked through the Jewish leaders, and inspired them with enmity against the Redeemer of the world. They determined to do all in their power to prevent Him from making an impression upon the people." Selected Messages, Vol.1, p.406-408.

1890: "The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis are not dead by any means; the seeds sown there in some hearts are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest. The tops have been cut down, but the roots have never been eradicated, and they still bear their unholy fruit to poison the judgment, pervert the perceptions, and blind the understanding."

"Infidelity has been making its inroads in our ranks; for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. With many the cry of the heart has been,'We will not have this man to reign over us.' Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord."

"Today the world is full of flatterers and dissemblers; but God forbid that those who claim to be guardians of sacred trusts shall betray the interests of God's cause through the insunuating suggestions and devices of the enemy of all righteousness." Testimonies to Ministers, p.461-71.

1890: "Will the church see where she has fallen?" "A severity, an overbearing spirit, such as existed among the Pharisees, exists in our churches, and especially in those entrusted with sacred responsibilities."

"The church is like the unproductive tree which, receiving the dew and rain and sunshine, should have produced an aboundance of fruit, but on which the divine search discovers nothing but leaves. Solemn thought for our churches! Solemn indeed for every individual! Marvelous is the patience of God." The Review and Herald, Dec.23, 1890.

1891: "You want to be like little children, hanging upon the MERITS of a crucified and risen Saviour, and THEN you will be FORTIFIED. How? The angels of God will be around you as a wall of fire; the righteousness of Christ which you claim will go before you, and the glory of God will be your rearward. God sanctify our tongues, our thoughts, our minds, that we may dwell upon heavenly themes, and that we may impart THAT KNOWLEDGE to others." MS 9,1891

 

[Castaway57]

I see you forgot your Bible again. Not a single scripture verse in all of your misplaced ramblings. Your continual refusal to ignore what Ellen White herself said about not misusing her writings this way; to establish "doctrine", and your continual refusal to consult the Bible is a mockery of the Adventist faith and beliefs.

 

[Castaway57]

Here is a year-by-year assessment of the spiritual condition of the church since 1855.

1856: "God will have a people separate and distinct from the world. As soon as any have a desire to imitate the world, just so soon God ceases to acknowledge them as His children. They are the children of the world and of darkness." Testimomines, Vol.1, p.127-137. May 27, 1856.

How dare you teach people to ignore the promises of God in Scripture; and wrest the writings of Ellen White to constantly condemn the Adventist Church like this? This is not a "year by year assessment" of the condition of the church. it is your own vitriolic condemnation of an organization which you have a personal beef with, and it does not set forth either the scriptural or the spirit of prophecy view point on the condition of the Church at all. Granted, some in the church can fit some of the characterizations you have bombarded us with again; yet scripture & spirit of prophecy both contain the more dominant theme of how the Church may at times appear to fall; but it never does.

Chap. 1 - God's Purpose for His Church

The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to "the principalities and powers in heavenly places," the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10. {AA 9.1}

Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. "Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." Isaiah 56:7. "I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season;
there shall be showers of blessing." "And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people, saith the Lord God. And ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." Ezekiel 34:26, 29-31. {AA 9.2}

"Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses." "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." Isaiah 43:10-12; 42:6, 7. {AA 10.1}

"In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them. And I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be exalted. . . . {AA 10.2}

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:8-16. {AA 11.1}

The church is God's fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people. {AA 11.2}

Through centuries of persecution, conflict, and darkness, God has sustained His church. Not one cloud has fallen upon it that He has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork His work, that He has not foreseen. All has taken place as He predicted. He has not left His church forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what would occur, and that which His Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell has been brought about. All His purposes will be fulfilled. His law is linked with His throne, and no power of evil can destroy it. Truth is inspired and guarded by God; and it will triumph over all opposition. {AA 11.3}

During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. {AA 12.1}

"Whereunto," asked Christ, "shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?" Mark 4:30. He could not employ the kingdoms of the world as a similitude. In society He found nothing with which to compare it. Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical power; but from Christ's kingdom every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion, is banished. This kingdom is to uplift and ennoble humanity. God's church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless. {AA 12.2}

Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified. A picture of this work is given in Ezekiel's vision of the river of healing: "These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that everything that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: . . . and by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." Ezekiel 47:8-12. {AA 13.1}

From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. To the ancient Egyptian nation God made Joseph a fountain of life. Through the integrity of Joseph the life of that whole people was preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise men of Babylon. And these deliverances are as object lessons; they illustrate the spiritual blessings offered to the world through connection with the God whom Joseph and Daniel worshiped. Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life.

The "everyone" mentioned in this last paragraph includes the Church; it does not exclude it:

Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Mat_16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Whether you like it or not sky the Arm Of Omnipotence will prevail in the church. You would have to accuse God of being a promise breaker in order to make your stinging condemnations of the Adventist Church stick.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1891: "The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation,'A cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'" Testimonies to Ministers, p.265.7.

"Organizations, institutions, unless kept by the power of God, will work under Satan's dictation to bring men under the control of men; and fraud and guile will bear the semblance of zeal for truth and for the advancement of the kingdom of God." Testimonies to Ministers, p.366.

1892: "I saw that Jones and Waggoner had their counter part in Joshua and Caleb. As the children of Israel stoned the spies with literal stones, you have stoned these brethren with stones of sarcasm and ridicule. I saw that you willfully rejected what you knew to be truth just because it was too humiliating to your dignity. I saw some of you in your tents mimicking and making all manner of fun of these two brethren. I also saw that if you had accepted their message, we would have been in the kingdom two years from that date, but now we have to go back into the wilderness and stay forty years." Written from Melbourne, Australia, May 9, 1892.

1893: "To the people of God the testimonies of the Spirit have come, and yet many have not taken heed to reproofs, warnings, and counsels. Jeremiah 5:21-25,28-29 quoted) Shall the Lord be compelled to say,'Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to Me: for I will not hear thee.'?'Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain.'"

"We are to be judged by the light that has been given us, and we can find no excuse to extenuate our course." Review and Herald, August 1, 1893.

1894: "Unsanctified ministers are arraying themselves against God. They are praising Christ and the god of this world in the same breath. While professedly they receive Christ, they embrace Barabbas, and by their actions say,'Not this Man, but Barabbas.'"

1894: "Let the son of deceit and false witness be entertained by a church that has had great light, great evidence, and that church will discard the message the Lord has sent, and receive the most unreasonable assertions and false suppositions and false theories. Satan laughs at their folly; for he knows what truth is."

1894: "Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled by the hellish torch of Satan. If doubts and unbelief are cherished, the faithful ministers will be removed from the people who think they know so much.'If thou hadst known,' said Christ,'even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace, but now they are hid from thine eyes.'" Testimonies to Ministers, p.409-10.

1895: "What does God say in regard to His people? But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses; they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, restore.' These are prophecies to be fulfilled. I would speak in warning to those who have stood for years resisting light and cherishing the spirit of opposition. How long will you hate and despise the messengers of God's righteousness? God has given them His message. They bear the word of the Lord: There is SALVATION for you but ONLY through the MERITS of Jesus Christ. The grace of the Holy Spirit has been offered to you again and again."

1895: "I have no smooth message to bear to those who have been so long as false guideposts, pointing the wrong way. If you reject Christ's delegated messengers you reject Christ." Testimonies to Ministers, p.96-97.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1895: "At the center of the work matters are being shaped so that every other institution is following in the same course, and the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles, in the working of plans...

"I was shown that the Jewish nation was not brought suddenly into their condition of thought and practice. From generation to generation they were working on false theories, carrying out principles opposed to the truth, and combining with their religion, thoughts and plans what were the product of human minds. Human inventions were made supreme."

"The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised. At the time of the first advent of Christ to our world, the men who composed the Sanhedrin 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."

"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 unless there is a decided movement to bring in a different order of things."

"The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences... They are following in the tracks of Romanism... In order to reign and become a power, they employ Satan's methods to justify their own principles. They exalt themselves as men of superior judgment, and they have stood as representatives of God. These are false gods." Testimonies to Ministers, p.359-364.

1896: "Who can feel sure that they are safe in respecting the voice of the General Conference Association? If the people in our churches understood the management of the men who walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, would they respect their decisions? I answer, no, not for a moment." Special Instruction to the Review and Herald Office and the Work in Battle Creek, p.20, May 26, 1896.

1896: "Satan is working that the history of the Jewish nation may be repeated in the experience of those who claim to beleive the truth... Satan knew just how to take these men in his net, and deceive them and destroy them... The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this very time." Manuscript 32, 1896; Selected Messages, Vol.2, p.111.

Satan says, "I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones present, who will express doubts in regard to the Lord's messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions we could have little hope of overcoming them. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, God's mercy will be withdrawn, and He will give them up to our full control." Spirit of Prophecy, Vol.1, p.337-340.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1897: "Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon (the merits of) Christ. If men are so easily misled now, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ, and work miracles?"

"Study in Patriarchs and Prophets the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. This rebellion was extended, including more than two men. It was led by two-hundred and fifty princes of the congregation, men of renown. Call rebellion by its right name and apostasy by its right name, and then consider that the experience of the ancient people of God with all its objectionable features was faithfully chronicled to pass into history. The Scripture declares,'These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.'"

"Those who apostatize are voicing the voice of the dragon. We have to meet the satanic agencies who went to make war with the saints... Those who apostatize leave the true and faithful people of God, and fraternize with those who represent Barabbas.'By their fruits ye shall know them.'" Letter 1, 1897.

"We are living in the last days of this earth's history, and we may be surprised at nothing in the line of apostasies and denials of the truth."

"God calls for men of decided fidelity. He has no use in an emergency for two-sided men. He wants men who will lay their hand upon a wrong work and say,'This is not according to the will of God.'" Selected Messages, Vol.2, p.147-153.

"Christ shows that without the controlling power of God humanity is a terrible power for evil. Unbelief, the hatred of reproof, will stir up satanic influences." Selected Messages, Vol.3, p.416-417.

1898: "Jerusalem is a representation of what the church will be if it refuses to walk in the light that God has given. Jerusalem was favored of God as the depositary of sacred trusts. But her people perverted the truth, and despised all entreaties and warnings...

"So Christ sorrows and weeps over our churches, over our institutions of learning, that have failed to meet the demand of God... The publishing house has been turned into desecrated shrines, into a place of unholy merchandise and traffic."

"When Christ looked down from the crest of Olivet, He saw this state of things existing in every church. The warnings come down to all that are following in the tread of the people of Jerusalem, who had such great light. This people is before us as a warning. By rejecting God's warnings in this our day, men are repeating the sin of Jerusalem."

"These are no idle tales, but truth. Again I ask: On which side are you standing?'If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if baal, then follow him.'" Testimonies, Vol.8, p.67-68.

"The cause of Christ will be betrayed. Those who have had the light of truth and have enjoyed its blessings, but have turned away from it, will fight down the Spirit of God. Inspired with a spirit from beneath, they will tear down that which they once built up, and show to all sensible, God-fearing souls that they can not be trusted. They may claim to truth and righteousness, but their spirit and works will testify that they are betrayers of their Lord. The attributes of Satan they call the movings of the Holy Spirit." Review and Herald, May 24, 1898.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1900: "The professed followers of Christ are no longer a separate people. The line of demarcation is indistinct. The people are subordinating themselves to the world, to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. The church has gone over to the world in transgression of the law, when the world should have come over to the church in obedience to the law. Daily the church is being converted to the world." Christ's Object Lessons, p.315,316.

"The central power of the earth is a demon. Satan's throne is in the midst of the world, where should have been seen the throne of God. He has been patronized by the church, for the church has been conformed to the world, and is living in transgression of the holy law of God." Letter 78, Jan.20, 1900; This Day With God, p.28.

"The day of God is right upon us, and the world has converted the church. Both are in harmony, and are acting upon a short-sided policy." General Conference Bulletin, first quarter, 1900.

"The church has taken the world into her fellowship, and has given her affections to the enemies of holiness. The church and the world are standing on the same ground in transgression of the law of God. The church prefers to assimilate to the world rather than separate from its customs and practices." Manuscript 44, p.19, 1900.

"When Christ saw in the Jewish people a nation divorced from God, He saw also a professed Christian church united to the world and the papacy... Will He be obliged to say to those who have had great light and great knowledge, as He said to the Jews,'O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace. But now they are hid from thine eyes.'" The Kress Collection, p.153, July 10, 1900.

"The churches must arouse. The members must awake out of sleep and begin to inquire,'How is the money that we put into the treasury being used? The Lord desires that a close search be made.'"

"Our churches and institutions must return to where they were before the backsliding commenced, when they began trusting in man and making flesh their arm. Have we not seen enough of human wisdom?" The Kress Collection, p.120.

1901: "It is working upon wrong principles that has brought the cause of God into its present embarrassment. The people have lost confidence in those who have the management of the work...

1901: "Yet we hear that the voice of the Conference is the voice of God. Everytime I have heard this, I have thought it was almost blasphemy. The voice of the Conference ought to be the voice of God, but it is not, because some in connection with it are not men of faith and prayer, they are not men of elevated principle." Manuscript 37, p.8. April, 1901.

1901: "That these men should stand in a sacred place to be the voice of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to be, that is past...

1901: "God gave them clear light as to what they should do and what they should not do, but they departed from that light; and it is a marvel to me that we stand in as much prosperity as we do today. It is because of the great mercy of our God, not because of our righteousness, but that His name should not be dishonored in the world...

1901: "There are those here that have traditions, and they stand just as the Pharisees stood. Notwithstanding, they may say that unity and love, compassion and tenderness are correct principles; yet in their own line of practice they cling to the old traditions. But what we want is God's traditions." General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901. p.25.

"We may have to remain in this world because of our insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action." Letter 184, 1901; Evangelism, p.696.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1902: "The Lord calls upon men and women to unite with Christ by wearing His yoke. But He tells them they are to refuse the yoke human hands would place upon them; for this yoke would be galling and oppressive. There are those who refuse to wear the yoke of Christ, and yet would place upon others a yoke of human manufacture. What a terrible deception!" Written in August 14, 1902. Printed in Review and Herald, Vol.4, p.467.

"Had thorough work been done during the last General Conference at Battle Creek (1901); had there been as God designed there should be, a breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart, by the men who had been bearing responsibilities; had they, in humility of soul, led out in the work of confession and consecration; had they given evidence that they received the counsels and warnings sent by the Lord to correct their mistakes, there would have been one of the greatest revivals that there has been since the day of Pentecost."

"What a wonderful work could have been done for the vast company gathered in Battle Creek at the General Conference of 1901, if the leaders of our work had taken themselves in hand. But the work that all Heaven was waiting to do as soon as men prepared the way, was not done; for the leaders closed and bolted the door against the Spirit's entrance. There was a stopping short of entire surrender to God. And hearts that might have been purified from all error were strengthened in wrong doing. The doors were barred against the heavenly current that would have swept away all evil. Men left their sins unconfessed. They built themselves up in wrong doing, and said to the Spirit of God,'Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee.'" Battle Creek Letters, p.55-56, August 23, 1902.

1903: "In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence:'Found wanting.' By the ligtht bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged."

1903: "The heavenly Teacher inquired:'What stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretense that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to wordly policy, and are sinning against Jehovah?'"

1903: "Who can truthfully say:'Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments are unspotted by the world'? I saw our Instructor pointing to the garments of so-called righteousness. Stripping them off, He laid bare the defilement beneath. Then He said to me:'Can you not see how they have pretentiously covered up their fefilement and rottenness of character?'How is the faithful city become an harlot!' My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, a place where the divine presence and glory have departed!' For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking."

"Unless the church, which is now being leavened with her own backsliding, shall repent and be converted, she will eat of the fruit of her own doing, until she shall abhor herself." Testimonies, Vol.8, p.247-250. April 21, 1903.

1903: "God has permitted the present crisis to come to open the eyes of those who desire to know the truth. He would have His people understand to what lengths the sophistry and devising of the eneny would lead."

"I am now authorized to say that the time has come to take decided action. The development seen in the cause of God is similar to the development seen when Balaam caused Israel to sin just before they entered the promised land. Few can see the meaning of the present apostasy. But the Lord has lifted the curtain, and has shown me its meaning, and the results that it will have if allowed to continue."

 

[Castaway57]

"The cause of Christ will be betrayed. Those who have had the light of truth and have enjoyed its blessings, but have turned away from it, will fight down the Spirit of God. Inspired with a spirit from beneath, they will tear down that which they once built up, and show to all sensible, God-fearing souls that they can not be trusted. They may claim to truth and righteousness, but their spirit and works will testify that they are betrayers of their Lord. The attributes of Satan they call the movings of the Holy Spirit." Review and Herald, May 24, 1898.

Taking spirit of prophecy quotes out of context like this and making them appear to say something quite different than the author's actual thinking on the subject of the Church is apostasy and rebellion. The biggest mistake in your presentations here, once again, is the refusal to present the scriptures as the driving force behind what we believe, and where the Church is headed. You portray with out of context back-stabbing a much different church than did Jesus or Ellen White:

I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of present truth; which they will all be obliged to maintain FROM THE SCRIPTURES." (EW, 87)

I am thankful that you do not represent official Seventh-day Adventist teachings. It would be horrifying to have a message like your's to give to people. Not a Word about Jesus, or a single quote from the scriptures. The "message" or the "truth" or the "gospel" is supposed to have Christ, and the scriptures as the center or hub; not the sins of the church and the wrongs of individuals.

we should not be among those who will raise inquiries and cherish doubts in reference to the work of the Spirit of God; for there will be those who will question and criticize when the Spirit of God takes possession of men and women, because their own hearts are not moved, but are cold and unimpressible. --Letter 27, 1894.

While Ellen White and the Bible both acknowledge that some in the church will always be on the wrong track; this is not the major focus of their message about the Church. Lets smarten up and give people the Hope of Christ, instead of what we say the sins of the people are:

An Oft-repeated Assurance

The Father loves His people today as He loves His own Son. Someday it will be our privilege to see Him face to face.--Manuscript 103, 1903. (Written Sept. 15, 1902.) {2SM 396.1}

We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit.--Manuscript 155, 1902. (Nov. 22, 1902.) {2SM 396.2}

Trust to God's guardianship. His church is to be taught. Enfeebled and defective though it is, it is the object of His supreme regard.--Letter 279, 1904. (Aug. 1, 1904.) {2SM 396.3}

Ever on Gaining Ground

The church is to increase in activity and to enlarge her bounds. Our missionary efforts are to be expansive; we must enlarge our borders. . . . While there have been fierce contentions in the effort to maintain our distinctive character, yet we have as Bible Christians ever been on gaining ground.--Letter 170, 1907. (May 6, 1907.) {2SM 396.4}

The evidence we have had for the past fifty years of the presence of the Spirit of God with us as a people, will stand the test of those who are now arraying themselves on the side of the enemy and bracing themselves against the message of God.--Letter 356, 1907. (Oct. 24, 1907.) {2SM 397.1}

I write these things to you, my brethren, although all of you may not fully comprehend them. If I did not believe that God's eye is over His people, I could not have the courage to write the same things over and over again. . . . God has a people whom He is leading and instructing.-- Letter 378, 1907. (Nov. 11, 1907.) {2SM 397.2}

I am instructed to say to Seventh-day Adventists the world over, God has called us as a people to be a peculiar treasure unto Himself. He has appointed that His church on earth shall stand perfectly united in the Spirit and counsel of the Lord of hosts to the end of time.--Letter 54, 1908. (Jan. 21, 1908.) {2SM 397.3}

Nothing in this world is so dear to God as His church. With jealous care He guards those who seek Him. Nothing so offends God as for the servants of Satan to strive to rob His people of their rights. The Lord has not forsaken His people. Satan points to the mistakes that they have made, and tries to make them believe that thus they have separated themselves from God.

Evil angels seek in every way to discourage those who are striving for victory over sin. They hold up before them their past unworthiness, and represent their case as hopeless.

But we have an all-powerful Redeemer. Christ came from heaven in the guise of humanity to live the principles of righteousness in this world. He was endowed with power to minister to all who would accept Him as their Redeemer, to succor the repentant ones who were convinced of the sinfulness of sin. "We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).--Letter 136, 1910. (Nov. 26, 1910.) {2SM 397.4}

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1904: "The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization (as was done at the 1903 General Conference). Were this reformation to take place, what would results? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be changed.(This was accomplished in 1957) The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new orgnanization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. 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 upon human power, which without God, is worthless.(God declared,'I will be glorified in My people.' But the self-confident management of men has resulted in putting God aside and accepting the devisings of men." T.M.481) Their foundation would be built upon the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure...

"Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth?" 1 S.M.204,205 *paremthesis supplied

"I am instructed to say that those who would tear down the foundation that God has laid (at the 1901 General Conference), are not to be accepted as the teachers and leaders of His people." Special Testimonies, Series B,#7, p.36-41. October, 1903.

It was torn down by the leading brethren at the 1903 General Conference.

"Satan has laid his plans to undermine our faith in the history of the cause and work of God. I am deeply in earnest as I write this. Satan is working with men in prominent positions to sweep away the foundations of our faith. Shall we allow this to be done, brethren?" Review and Herald, Nov.19, 1903.

"Some in exalted positions or responsibility are sustaining error in the place of truth. Satan makes his delusions most attractive, clothing error in the garments of truth, so that it seems the most desirable thing to possess."

"God has spared my life that I may present the testimonies given me, to vindicate that which God vindicates, and to denounce every vestige of satan's sophistry, to deceive if possible the very elect." Special Testimonies, Series B, p.5-7. Nov.27, 1903.

"Representations of things existing at the present time have passed before me. I have seen men who have been placed in positions of trust as watchmen, molding and fashioning the work of our conferences and institutions in accordance with worldly policy, which God condemns." Special Testimonies, Series B,#2, p.19-20,24. June 1904.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1905: "The Lord declares 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. Evey 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 it would mean apostasy from the truth." Manuscript 129, 1905; Selected Messages, Vol.2, p.390.

1906: "Ezekiel 24:6-24. I am instructed to present these words before those who have had light and evidence, but who have walked directly contrary to the light. The Lord will make the punishment of those who will not receive His admonitions and warnings, as broad as the wrong has been. The purposes of those who have tried to cover up their wrong, while they have secretly worked against the purposes of God, will be fully revealed. Truth will be vindicated. God will make manisfest that He is God...

"Those who reject the Spirit of truth place themselves under the control of a spirit that is opposed to the word and work of God. For a time they may continue to teach some phases of the truth, but their refusal to accept all the light God sends, will, after a time, place them where they will do the work of a false watchman." On Visions of Ezekiel, July 4, 1906.

1907: "'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' The time of this apostasy is here. Every conceivable effort will be made to throw doubt upon the positions that we have occupied for over half a century." Letter 410, 1907. Selected Messages, Vol.3, p.408.

 

[rainbowinthesky]

1908: "Satan is now more earnestly engaged in playing the game of life for souls than at any previous time." Review and Herald, Nov.19, 1908.

1909: "The Lord has given me insruction that the history of the apostasy of Israel is now to be presented, because men who in the past have had great light have become self-sufficient, and are looking to men, trusting in human leaders, who are themselves practicing evil. Men who ought to stand as firm as a rock to principle are treading in the same path that the Israelites followed. 'Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' This is the snare that has come into our ranks." Review and Herald, Feb.4, 1909.

1909: "A strange thing has come into our churches. Men who are placed in positions of responsibility that they may be wise helpers to their workers have come to suppose that they were set as kings and rulers in the churches, to say to one worker, Do this; to another, Do that; and to another, Be sure to labor in such and such a way. There have been places where the workers were told that if they did not follow the instruction of these men of responsibility, their pay from the conference would be withheld...

"For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in responsible positions of responsibility to lord it over God's heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things must be changed...

"To conference presidents, and men in responsible places, I bear this message: Break the bands and fetters that have been placed upon God's people. To you the word is spoken,'Break every yoke.'Unless you cease the work of making men amenable to man, unless you become humble in heart, and yourselves learn the way of the Lord as little children, the Lord will divorce you from His work." Testimonies to Ministers, p.477-481. 1909.

1909: "In the false experience that has been coming in, a decided influence is at work to exalt human agencies, and to lead some to depend upon human judgment, and to follow the control of human minds. This influence is diverting the mind from God. God forbid that any such experience should deepen and grow in our ranks as Seventh-day Adventists." Testimonies to Ministers, p.481. 1909.

1913: "Principles have been perverted. Men have been departing from the right principles, for the promulgation of which these institutions were established. They have failed of doing the very work God ordained should be done to prepare a people." Southern Union Worker, Nashville, Tenn. Oct.16, 1913.

 

[Castaway57]

'Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' This is the snare that has come into our ranks." Review and Herald, Feb.4, 1909.

1909: "A strange thing has come into our churches. Men who are placed in positions of responsibility that they may be wise helpers to their workers have come to suppose that they were set as kings and rulers in the churches, to say to one worker, Do this; to another, Do that; and to another, Be sure to labor in such and such a way. There have been places where the workers were told that if they did not follow the instruction of these men of responsibility, their pay from the conference would be withheld...

"For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in responsible positions of responsibility to lord it over God's heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things must be changed...

"To conference presidents, and men in responsible places, I bear this message: Break the bands and fetters that have been placed upon God's people. To you the word is spoken,'Break every yoke.'Unless you cease the work of making men amenable to man, unless you become humble in heart, and yourselves learn the way of the Lord as little children, the Lord will divorce you from His work." Testimonies to Ministers, p.477-481. 1909.

I have never seen someone with such a long list of out of context excuses for why their should be no heed paid to church leadership, and that everyman needs to do whats right in his own eyes. And all without the Bible. You are not a "Traditional Adventist" and you need to quit coming here and breaking forum rules by constantly attacking our beliefs and the Adventist church.