The New Testament Church at Work
The growth of the work brought increasing burdens of administrative detail. The whole body of believers were gathered about Jerusalem. There arose murmuring among the Grecians as to the distribution from the common treasury for the needy. Even with the twelve apostles looking after affairs there was chance for oversight or mistakes. But there was no suggestion that the systematic plan of work should be set aside, and that every one should manage independently and without co-operation. That was not the spirit in the church of Christ. Rather, the apostles saw the need of calling in other helpers to share responsibilities, and of strengthening the regular channels for carrying forward the financial side of the gospel work. They proposed the selection of a committee of brethren for this purpose: —
"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." Acts 6:2, 3.
"The saying pleased the whole multitude," and they chose this committee of seven. These were "set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them." The Lord accepted the united decision of the believers, and Stephen, one of the seven, was the first martyr witness. As yet they were not called deacons, so far as the record goes. In the later development of organization we find the office of deacon a regular appointment in the churches.
In this emergency it was the need of the hour that led to the selection of men to the office and work. As conditions arose, the Spirit-guided church was alert to organize its work and appoint men to service as needs were recognized. It is for this that the offices or gifts of the Spirit are placed in the church. The plans agreed upon in the council of the apostles were laid before the believers, so that there was unity in the action taken. And those whom the Lord had ordained to the oversight of the work ordained the seven to their appointed office.
Of the lesson for our day in this record, the spirit of prophecy (with the church now, as in apostolic days, as a guiding voice) says: —
It is necessary that the same order and system should be maintained in the church now as in the days of the apostles. The prosperity of the cause depends very largely upon its various departments being conducted by men of ability, who are qualified for their positions. ... It is proper for all matters of a temporal nature to come before the proper officers, and be by them adjusted. But if they are of so difficult a character as to baffle their wisdom, they should be carried into the council of those who have the oversight of the entire church. —"Redemption, or the Ministry of Peter and the Conversion of Saul," pages 29, 30.
The call of Paul to the ministry and apostleship illustrates the Lord's recognition of the organized body of believers as his representative. By special revelation Christ appeared to Paul, but from his baptism to his ordination to the ministry, and appointment to the work to which he was called, the Lord worked through his appointed agency, the church. The spirit of prophecy draws the lesson of church order in this experience of Paul in these words : —
The Redeemer of the world does not sanction experience and exercise in religious matters independent of his organized and acknowledged church. Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of his recognized followers on earth. But in the history of the conversion of Saul, important principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. He was brought directly into the presence of Christ. . . . He arrested his course and converted him; but when asked by him, "What wilt thou have me to do?" the Saviour placed him in connection with his church, and let them direct him what to do. ... In this case Ananias represents Christ, and also represents Christ's ministers upon earth, who are appointed to act in his stead. . . . All is done in the name and by the authority of Christ; but the church is the channel of communication.—"Life of Paul," pages 31, 32.
As believers sprang up in Antioch, the apostles and church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to labor there, and Paul joined him. To a number of ministering prophets and teachers, laboring at Antioch, in association with Barnabas and Paul, the word of the Holy Spirit came: —
"Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed." Acts 13:1-4.
Thus the Holy Spirit worked through the church and the gifts of ministry set in it, to ordain and commission men to the gospel service. The spirit of prophecy again points the lesson in gospel
order:—
Both Paul and Barnabas had been laboring as ministers of Christ, and God had abundantly blessed their efforts; but neither of them had previously been formally ordained to the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. They are now authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to baptize, and to organize churches, being invested with full ecclesiastical authority. . . . The brethren in Jerusalem and in Antioch were made thoroughly acquainted with all the particulars of this divine appointment, and the specific work of teaching the Gentiles, which the Lord had given to these apostles. Their ordination was an open recognition of their divine mission, as messengers specially chosen by the Holy Ghost for a special work.— "Life of Paul," pages 42, 43.
Later, as churches were raised up among the Gentiles, there came in questionings as to teaching and practise, brought about by unauthorized and independent teachers, who went among the churches. This led to the first general conference of the churches to decide upon the matter.
W. A. Spicer
(Review and Herald, April 22, 1909)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Gospel Order, Pt. 4
Organizing the New Testament Church
The unity of the church is one of its credentials from heaven: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." John 17:21. This oneness is not merely an agreement as to doctrine, but a unity in "walk," a maintenance of harmony that calls for the exercise toward one another of "lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:2, 3.
It requires no "endeavor," no lowliness, no devotion, to destroy the unity, and to walk independently of one another. But the endeavor and study of the members of Christ's church is to "keep the unity." The New Testament church, like the Old Testament church, is a unit. It is not a mass of detached fragments, but one people. No more closely are all the members of a local company of believers bound together in the local church, than all the churches are bound together in fellowship in "the church," which is "his body." "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Eph. 4:4, 5.
Christ, the Good Shepherd, gave his life for the sheep; not to set them wandering each his own way, but to gather them together. "Other sheep I have," he said, "which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John 10:16. It is the wolf only that "scattereth the sheep," in order that he may destroy them. Verse 12. Whatsoever spirit tends to detach the members from one another and to separate them is of the enemy, and not of the Good Shepherd.
All the teaching of the New Testament emphasizes the organic unity of the church of Christ. It is "the household of God," "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2 :19-22.
In the architect's plan of a building, every part has its organic relation to every other part in making up the one complete structure. So the church, made up of parts, is "framed together," and "builded together," and "together groweth " unto one holy temple in the Lord.
As needful for the building up of the church and the maintenance of its unity to the end of time, the Lord set in it the spiritual gifts, "first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," and evangelists, pastors, governments (the gift of administration and direction), and others. 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:11-16. And the spirit given to all believers by the new birth from above was the same spirit of love for order and organization that reigns above.
The New Testament shows the Lord at times giving direct instruction by the spirit of prophecy as to the development of organization according to the needs and conditions. Again we see the Spirit filled body of believers counseling together in general conference to secure concert of action. We see apostles, upon whom was laid the responsibilities of general oversight, and field laborers and believers praying together for wisdom better to organize their work, all recognizing as a gift from heaven any plan agreed upon that brought increased efficiency and closer union. The spirit that the New Testament church received was, in short, the spirit of "power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1: 7.
Two things we find were ever before that church,— the maintenance of purity and unity in the faith, and the carrying of the witness to the world. And in all the New Testament story we see that while the loyal believers were seeking these ends, disloyal or disorderly elements were seeking to introduce error or to bring about divisions and separations.
The first step in organizing the church of the New Testament was taken when Christ set in the body of believers the office of apostles. Out of the number of disciples he chose twelve —"whom also he named apostles"— and ordained them to the ministry and apostleship. Mark 3 and Luke 6. The spirit of prophecy says of this: —
The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to be his representative on earth. ... As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church.—"Desire of Ages," page 291.
Thus their office was not local but general, for the whole church. They were ordained to give themselves to the ministry of the Word and to the general oversight of the work of the church. As the work enlarged, others were called to the office and work of apostles. Their office unified the work of the churches as the gospel was carried far and wide.
After the ascension of Christ, the eleven apostles, in council with the believers, and with earnest prayer for guidance, appointed and ordained one of their number to the office of apostle in place of Judas. Then came the blessings of pentecost, and about ten thousand believers were gathered in Jerusalem. In the emergency there was need of means. Then those who had money brought it in and laid it at the feet of the apostles who were charged with the responsibility of guiding the work. Acts 4: 34-37. A common treasury, from which orderly and systematic distribution might be made through regular channels, was recognized as the right plan of carrying forward the work of looking after the needs of the thousands gathered there. And the point should be noted that the Spirit-filled church was ever seeking to do its work in the most systematic manner, recognizing divine authority in the gifts and offices placed in the church for the administration of its affairs.
W. A. Spicer
(Review and Herald, April 15, 1909)
The unity of the church is one of its credentials from heaven: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." John 17:21. This oneness is not merely an agreement as to doctrine, but a unity in "walk," a maintenance of harmony that calls for the exercise toward one another of "lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:2, 3.
It requires no "endeavor," no lowliness, no devotion, to destroy the unity, and to walk independently of one another. But the endeavor and study of the members of Christ's church is to "keep the unity." The New Testament church, like the Old Testament church, is a unit. It is not a mass of detached fragments, but one people. No more closely are all the members of a local company of believers bound together in the local church, than all the churches are bound together in fellowship in "the church," which is "his body." "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Eph. 4:4, 5.
Christ, the Good Shepherd, gave his life for the sheep; not to set them wandering each his own way, but to gather them together. "Other sheep I have," he said, "which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John 10:16. It is the wolf only that "scattereth the sheep," in order that he may destroy them. Verse 12. Whatsoever spirit tends to detach the members from one another and to separate them is of the enemy, and not of the Good Shepherd.
All the teaching of the New Testament emphasizes the organic unity of the church of Christ. It is "the household of God," "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2 :19-22.
In the architect's plan of a building, every part has its organic relation to every other part in making up the one complete structure. So the church, made up of parts, is "framed together," and "builded together," and "together groweth " unto one holy temple in the Lord.
As needful for the building up of the church and the maintenance of its unity to the end of time, the Lord set in it the spiritual gifts, "first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," and evangelists, pastors, governments (the gift of administration and direction), and others. 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:11-16. And the spirit given to all believers by the new birth from above was the same spirit of love for order and organization that reigns above.
The New Testament shows the Lord at times giving direct instruction by the spirit of prophecy as to the development of organization according to the needs and conditions. Again we see the Spirit filled body of believers counseling together in general conference to secure concert of action. We see apostles, upon whom was laid the responsibilities of general oversight, and field laborers and believers praying together for wisdom better to organize their work, all recognizing as a gift from heaven any plan agreed upon that brought increased efficiency and closer union. The spirit that the New Testament church received was, in short, the spirit of "power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1: 7.
Two things we find were ever before that church,— the maintenance of purity and unity in the faith, and the carrying of the witness to the world. And in all the New Testament story we see that while the loyal believers were seeking these ends, disloyal or disorderly elements were seeking to introduce error or to bring about divisions and separations.
The first step in organizing the church of the New Testament was taken when Christ set in the body of believers the office of apostles. Out of the number of disciples he chose twelve —"whom also he named apostles"— and ordained them to the ministry and apostleship. Mark 3 and Luke 6. The spirit of prophecy says of this: —
The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to be his representative on earth. ... As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church.—"Desire of Ages," page 291.
Thus their office was not local but general, for the whole church. They were ordained to give themselves to the ministry of the Word and to the general oversight of the work of the church. As the work enlarged, others were called to the office and work of apostles. Their office unified the work of the churches as the gospel was carried far and wide.
After the ascension of Christ, the eleven apostles, in council with the believers, and with earnest prayer for guidance, appointed and ordained one of their number to the office of apostle in place of Judas. Then came the blessings of pentecost, and about ten thousand believers were gathered in Jerusalem. In the emergency there was need of means. Then those who had money brought it in and laid it at the feet of the apostles who were charged with the responsibility of guiding the work. Acts 4: 34-37. A common treasury, from which orderly and systematic distribution might be made through regular channels, was recognized as the right plan of carrying forward the work of looking after the needs of the thousands gathered there. And the point should be noted that the Spirit-filled church was ever seeking to do its work in the most systematic manner, recognizing divine authority in the gifts and offices placed in the church for the administration of its affairs.
W. A. Spicer
(Review and Herald, April 15, 1909)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Omega
During the course of the conflict over Kellogg’s pantheism, Ellen White made some statements about a repeat appearance of such apostasy to occur at the end of time. “In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given” (Selected Messages, Vol.1, p.200). And again, “Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature” (Ibid, p.197).
When this omega apostasy will come, and in what form, has been a subject of interest since these statements were made. One interesting book on the subject has been written by Lewis R. Walton (Omega, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1981). Walton explores the developments of the alpha apostasy of Kellogg, analyzing the nature of the attack it made on the church with a view to identifying the characteristics by which the omega apostasy may be recognized. This list of characteristics makes an excellent checklist for recognizing any apostasy, whether “the omega” or any “ordinary” apostasy that may precede it. The characteristics he identified, writing 30 years ago, are chillingly visible today in regions of the Adventist Church where the philosophies of Paul Borden have become prominent. Consider:
We have seen something called the alpha apostasy sweep across the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the turn of the century. … And we have heard the warning that something even more dangerous would come someday. For that reason it is vitally important that we analyze what happened earlier and seek to recognize the signals that may herald the approach of the last great apostasy.
1. Deception: One of the major characteristics of the alpha was deceit. Sometimes outright untruths were told. Sometimes only part of the truth was given, and thus even truth could be made to give false impressions. Once Ellen White wrote to Dr. Kellogg advising him about a large building in Chicago. He often cited that testimony as proof that Ellen White was in error; no such building ever existed, he asserted smugly, and Sister White had simply been mistaken. What Dr. Kellogg did not bother to add was that his people at Battle Creek had fully intended to build it, proceeding so far as having a full set of architectural plans drawn, before the project got stopped.
Particularly did Mrs. White warn that some people would be dishonest about their belief in the Spirit of Prophesy and in the basic doctrines of the church. In vision she saw groups of people at Battle Creek counseling together and specifically planning to hide their antagonism to her writings and to certain fundamental beliefs. Thus concealing their true feelings, they felt they could more effectively appeal to Adventists who were basically loyal to the church and who would never listen to them if they disclosed their full intentions at the start. Again and again throughout the alpha one finds the truth being bent for the sake of some immediate goal. Perhaps Ellen White put it most graphically: “Mischievous tongues and acute minds, sharpened by long practice in evading the truth, are continually at work to bring in confusion.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.195] …
2. Divisiveness: The alpha disclosed the paradox of men claiming some wonderful new truth while at the same time dividing the church wherever their ideas were voiced. National boundaries seemed to have no effect on this splitting phenomenon. The Battle Creek tabernacle descended into turmoil. Churches in England, Scotland, and Wales also saw commotion when theories were advanced at variance from Adventist beliefs. Wisely, Christ has given His church the test of behavior by which the truth or falsity of new doctrine can be tested. Should the divisive elements of the alpha reappear in Adventism, history suggests that our people ought to be particularly wary.
3. Attack on fundamental beliefs: All major apostasies have shared the common ground of attacking the most basic Adventist beliefs, among which are the sanctuary, the investigative judgment, and the inspiration of the Spirit of Prophecy. At the turn of the century Ellen White could recall that over the past fifty years significant efforts had been made to subvert the fundamental truths of the church, particularly those of the sanctuary doctrine. To the student of history it is fascinating to watch this particular attack recur cyclically, each time with new fervor, as though it is being discovered for the first time. Often, advocates of change will use the rationale that even Ellen White urged receptivity to new light. They seldom add the conditions upon which she urged this: counsel with the brethren of experience, and if the organized church does not see value in the idea, let it rest. And in no event will “new light” obliterate long-established fundamental truths. “Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation, whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. …False reports will be circulated, and some will be taken in this snare. They will believe these rumors, and in their turn will repeat them. … Through this means many souls will be balanced in the wrong direction.” [Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp.49, 50] …
4. Covert attacks on the structure of the church: One of the most startling charges ever made by Ellen White was that “spies” were at work, seeking to subvert even the basic structure of the church. Conscious plans were laid to gain control of major institutions. Even conferences were threatened by this tactic, she said. In vision she witnessed secret meetings in which men planned how they could best gain control, win the sympathies of the people, and alter the structure of the church, and she described a conspiracy in which men were “linked together to support one another.” [Letter to G.C. Tenney, June 29, 1906] One can hope, but it would be naïve to assume, that such a threat would not be faced again. It is a particularly deadly threat to the work of God because it proceeds so quietly, spreading beneath the surface of an apparent calm until it is too late. If one is looking for indicia of the omega, this is a factor that cannot safely be ignored. And there are signs for which history tells us to look. Political struggles within a church or conference, as happened at Battle Creek. Evidence of well-organized movements at committee and constituency meetings that advocate ideas counter to the positions of the church. Widespread attacks against those who urge loyalty to the organized church and its teachings. Manipulation of institutional funds. (A famous book attacking the Spirit of Prophesy came out of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, written by doctors on its staff; funding for the project occurred under the most mysterious circumstances.) And perhaps the most disheartening sign of all, readily visible in the alpha: ministers, still on church payroll, who may profess loyalty but whose actions tend to support movements at variance from the church. All are the visible signs of something very much larger. In a spectacular vision in 1904 Ellen White saw the church, symbolized as a ship, heading toward an iceberg. Only the tip of the iceberg could be seen, but it disclosed a danger that was deadliest below the waterline. The divine instruction was to “meet it”—hit it head-on. There would be a bone-jolting collision; everyone aboard would be shaken, but the ship would remain afloat. Hit the obstacle a glancing blow, and one would only open a gash into which the sea would flood uncontrollably. …The lesson of the symbol is crystal-clear: many of the dangers the church will face are hidden beneath the surface, disclosed only by a few indicia that are just the tip of a larger iceberg. These are the deadliest threats of all, and in Ellen White’s vision they were met by hitting the obstacle head-on, with all the force the church could muster.
5. Special efforts to attract the youth: John Harvey Kellogg wrote a book in which he advanced ideas that could “sweep away the whole Christian economy.” [Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, p.37] He insisted on publishing it after Ellen White had warned against the subtleties of pantheism, after the General Conference had voted the project down, after the Review and Herald had burned to the ground. Upon publication he immediately courted the young people of the church, seeking them as allies in distributing his new theology. Every effort was made to reach the youth, including the reopening of Battle Creek College against divine counsel, preparation of special brochures aimed at young minds, and sending out representatives who actively recruited the youth for the Battle Creek venture. If he had been successful, the history of the Adventist Church might have been different. …
6. Special attacks on the Spirit of Prophecy: Few elements of the church draw so much fire during apostasy as does the Spirit of Prophecy. “The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. … Satan will work ingeniously in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.48] Upon a little reflection it becomes apparent why this is so. Deception at the very end of time will be extremely powerful and subtle, and the promise is given that “all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.” [Letter 50, 1906] It would be astonishing if satanic power were not directed against this vital help for God’s people. Sadly, he gains some of his strongest allies in the form of Adventists who depart the faith in search of something new, and who were conditioned to do that by first rejecting the truth God had left in their path. …
7. A climate of personal attack: Repeatedly in the alpha one sees authoritarian coercion on the part of those advocating the new teachings. Opposition to their ideas seems to have evoked a very personal reaction, to which they responded with personal attacks. In describing this unique feature of the apostasy, Mrs. White said that “nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.205] This is borne out as we recall the incident when the General Conference leader was threatened by a young worker avidly supporting the new theology. That gentleman warned that if Elder Daniells did not line up, he would be turned out of office and “rolled in the dust.” Many, including Kellogg and Ballenger, attacked Ellen White. Opposition to the alpha seemed to be the signal for an attack against anyone, including the highest levels of church leadership, who opposed it. That too is a type of behavior for which Adventists should be watchful as the omega approaches.
8. Attacks on church standards: The ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have always been high, a behavioral message to the world that humanity will soon stand before a righteous God. Frequently those standards have been attacked by people who claim that Adventists are legalists trying to work their way to heaven. When that accusation comes from outside the church, most of God’s people are able to recognize it for what it is. But what would be the effect of that attack should it ever come from inside the church? The Spirit of Prophecy has a sobering answer, given in the very words of Lucifer as he counsels with his fallen angels on how best to destroy the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
“‘Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of God are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.’” [Testimonies to Ministers, p.474, italics supplied]
9. The claim of a reform message for the church: There is terrible danger in misidentifying this point, for the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy plainly indicate that there will be reform in God’s church; the problem is in identifying the true and separating it from the false. Fortunately, there is an answer.
“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.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.204] The test, therefore, seems to be whether “reform” agrees with established truth (in which case it is the true reform that matters, reform of life) or whether it urges abandonment of old truths in favor of something new (in which case it is a spurious reform of doctrine rather than life). It may be that this is a danger against which Adventists ought especially to guard. They are a reform-minded people; their whole message urges reformation. And hence if the enemy comes to them through this avenue, there is a possibility they might be more easily deceived, simply because the “goal” of the new doctrine seems to be something everyone has always wanted. The discriminating test is simple: Does the new teaching urge reform of life, or change of established truth?
(Omega, pp.77-85)
When this omega apostasy will come, and in what form, has been a subject of interest since these statements were made. One interesting book on the subject has been written by Lewis R. Walton (Omega, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1981). Walton explores the developments of the alpha apostasy of Kellogg, analyzing the nature of the attack it made on the church with a view to identifying the characteristics by which the omega apostasy may be recognized. This list of characteristics makes an excellent checklist for recognizing any apostasy, whether “the omega” or any “ordinary” apostasy that may precede it. The characteristics he identified, writing 30 years ago, are chillingly visible today in regions of the Adventist Church where the philosophies of Paul Borden have become prominent. Consider:
We have seen something called the alpha apostasy sweep across the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the turn of the century. … And we have heard the warning that something even more dangerous would come someday. For that reason it is vitally important that we analyze what happened earlier and seek to recognize the signals that may herald the approach of the last great apostasy.
1. Deception: One of the major characteristics of the alpha was deceit. Sometimes outright untruths were told. Sometimes only part of the truth was given, and thus even truth could be made to give false impressions. Once Ellen White wrote to Dr. Kellogg advising him about a large building in Chicago. He often cited that testimony as proof that Ellen White was in error; no such building ever existed, he asserted smugly, and Sister White had simply been mistaken. What Dr. Kellogg did not bother to add was that his people at Battle Creek had fully intended to build it, proceeding so far as having a full set of architectural plans drawn, before the project got stopped.
Particularly did Mrs. White warn that some people would be dishonest about their belief in the Spirit of Prophesy and in the basic doctrines of the church. In vision she saw groups of people at Battle Creek counseling together and specifically planning to hide their antagonism to her writings and to certain fundamental beliefs. Thus concealing their true feelings, they felt they could more effectively appeal to Adventists who were basically loyal to the church and who would never listen to them if they disclosed their full intentions at the start. Again and again throughout the alpha one finds the truth being bent for the sake of some immediate goal. Perhaps Ellen White put it most graphically: “Mischievous tongues and acute minds, sharpened by long practice in evading the truth, are continually at work to bring in confusion.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.195] …
2. Divisiveness: The alpha disclosed the paradox of men claiming some wonderful new truth while at the same time dividing the church wherever their ideas were voiced. National boundaries seemed to have no effect on this splitting phenomenon. The Battle Creek tabernacle descended into turmoil. Churches in England, Scotland, and Wales also saw commotion when theories were advanced at variance from Adventist beliefs. Wisely, Christ has given His church the test of behavior by which the truth or falsity of new doctrine can be tested. Should the divisive elements of the alpha reappear in Adventism, history suggests that our people ought to be particularly wary.
3. Attack on fundamental beliefs: All major apostasies have shared the common ground of attacking the most basic Adventist beliefs, among which are the sanctuary, the investigative judgment, and the inspiration of the Spirit of Prophecy. At the turn of the century Ellen White could recall that over the past fifty years significant efforts had been made to subvert the fundamental truths of the church, particularly those of the sanctuary doctrine. To the student of history it is fascinating to watch this particular attack recur cyclically, each time with new fervor, as though it is being discovered for the first time. Often, advocates of change will use the rationale that even Ellen White urged receptivity to new light. They seldom add the conditions upon which she urged this: counsel with the brethren of experience, and if the organized church does not see value in the idea, let it rest. And in no event will “new light” obliterate long-established fundamental truths. “Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation, whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. …False reports will be circulated, and some will be taken in this snare. They will believe these rumors, and in their turn will repeat them. … Through this means many souls will be balanced in the wrong direction.” [Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp.49, 50] …
4. Covert attacks on the structure of the church: One of the most startling charges ever made by Ellen White was that “spies” were at work, seeking to subvert even the basic structure of the church. Conscious plans were laid to gain control of major institutions. Even conferences were threatened by this tactic, she said. In vision she witnessed secret meetings in which men planned how they could best gain control, win the sympathies of the people, and alter the structure of the church, and she described a conspiracy in which men were “linked together to support one another.” [Letter to G.C. Tenney, June 29, 1906] One can hope, but it would be naïve to assume, that such a threat would not be faced again. It is a particularly deadly threat to the work of God because it proceeds so quietly, spreading beneath the surface of an apparent calm until it is too late. If one is looking for indicia of the omega, this is a factor that cannot safely be ignored. And there are signs for which history tells us to look. Political struggles within a church or conference, as happened at Battle Creek. Evidence of well-organized movements at committee and constituency meetings that advocate ideas counter to the positions of the church. Widespread attacks against those who urge loyalty to the organized church and its teachings. Manipulation of institutional funds. (A famous book attacking the Spirit of Prophesy came out of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, written by doctors on its staff; funding for the project occurred under the most mysterious circumstances.) And perhaps the most disheartening sign of all, readily visible in the alpha: ministers, still on church payroll, who may profess loyalty but whose actions tend to support movements at variance from the church. All are the visible signs of something very much larger. In a spectacular vision in 1904 Ellen White saw the church, symbolized as a ship, heading toward an iceberg. Only the tip of the iceberg could be seen, but it disclosed a danger that was deadliest below the waterline. The divine instruction was to “meet it”—hit it head-on. There would be a bone-jolting collision; everyone aboard would be shaken, but the ship would remain afloat. Hit the obstacle a glancing blow, and one would only open a gash into which the sea would flood uncontrollably. …The lesson of the symbol is crystal-clear: many of the dangers the church will face are hidden beneath the surface, disclosed only by a few indicia that are just the tip of a larger iceberg. These are the deadliest threats of all, and in Ellen White’s vision they were met by hitting the obstacle head-on, with all the force the church could muster.
5. Special efforts to attract the youth: John Harvey Kellogg wrote a book in which he advanced ideas that could “sweep away the whole Christian economy.” [Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, p.37] He insisted on publishing it after Ellen White had warned against the subtleties of pantheism, after the General Conference had voted the project down, after the Review and Herald had burned to the ground. Upon publication he immediately courted the young people of the church, seeking them as allies in distributing his new theology. Every effort was made to reach the youth, including the reopening of Battle Creek College against divine counsel, preparation of special brochures aimed at young minds, and sending out representatives who actively recruited the youth for the Battle Creek venture. If he had been successful, the history of the Adventist Church might have been different. …
6. Special attacks on the Spirit of Prophecy: Few elements of the church draw so much fire during apostasy as does the Spirit of Prophecy. “The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. … Satan will work ingeniously in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.48] Upon a little reflection it becomes apparent why this is so. Deception at the very end of time will be extremely powerful and subtle, and the promise is given that “all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.” [Letter 50, 1906] It would be astonishing if satanic power were not directed against this vital help for God’s people. Sadly, he gains some of his strongest allies in the form of Adventists who depart the faith in search of something new, and who were conditioned to do that by first rejecting the truth God had left in their path. …
7. A climate of personal attack: Repeatedly in the alpha one sees authoritarian coercion on the part of those advocating the new teachings. Opposition to their ideas seems to have evoked a very personal reaction, to which they responded with personal attacks. In describing this unique feature of the apostasy, Mrs. White said that “nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.205] This is borne out as we recall the incident when the General Conference leader was threatened by a young worker avidly supporting the new theology. That gentleman warned that if Elder Daniells did not line up, he would be turned out of office and “rolled in the dust.” Many, including Kellogg and Ballenger, attacked Ellen White. Opposition to the alpha seemed to be the signal for an attack against anyone, including the highest levels of church leadership, who opposed it. That too is a type of behavior for which Adventists should be watchful as the omega approaches.
8. Attacks on church standards: The ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have always been high, a behavioral message to the world that humanity will soon stand before a righteous God. Frequently those standards have been attacked by people who claim that Adventists are legalists trying to work their way to heaven. When that accusation comes from outside the church, most of God’s people are able to recognize it for what it is. But what would be the effect of that attack should it ever come from inside the church? The Spirit of Prophecy has a sobering answer, given in the very words of Lucifer as he counsels with his fallen angels on how best to destroy the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
“‘Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of God are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.’” [Testimonies to Ministers, p.474, italics supplied]
9. The claim of a reform message for the church: There is terrible danger in misidentifying this point, for the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy plainly indicate that there will be reform in God’s church; the problem is in identifying the true and separating it from the false. Fortunately, there is an answer.
“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.” [Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p.204] The test, therefore, seems to be whether “reform” agrees with established truth (in which case it is the true reform that matters, reform of life) or whether it urges abandonment of old truths in favor of something new (in which case it is a spurious reform of doctrine rather than life). It may be that this is a danger against which Adventists ought especially to guard. They are a reform-minded people; their whole message urges reformation. And hence if the enemy comes to them through this avenue, there is a possibility they might be more easily deceived, simply because the “goal” of the new doctrine seems to be something everyone has always wanted. The discriminating test is simple: Does the new teaching urge reform of life, or change of established truth?
(Omega, pp.77-85)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Gospel Order, Pt. 3
Old Testament Illustrations
The account of the efforts of Balaam to curse Israel throws an interesting sidelight upon the influence of unity and order as a testimony to the world and a protection to the church. By two means the children of God bear witness to the world of the divine origin of the church, by the purity of their faith and by their unity. These two features are mentioned in Christ's prayer: "Sanctify them through thy truth," and, "That they all may be one." Paul refers to the same points in Col. 2:5: "Beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith."
When Balaam sought to bring a curse upon Israel, he found that their thorough organization interposed a barrier to his hopes. The spirit of prophecy says: —
As Balaam looked upon the encampment of Israel, he beheld with astonishment the evidence of their prosperity. They had been represented to him as a rude, disorganized multitude, . . . but their appearance was the reverse of all this. He saw the vast extent and perfect arrangement of their camp, everything bearing marks of thorough discipline and order. He was shown the favor with which God regarded Israel, and their distinctive character as his chosen people.—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 447.
Their order was evidence that God was with Israel, and Balaam was constrained to say, "The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them." Thereupon he set himself to corrupt their faith. These have ever been the two lines of attack — to introduce error and to break up the unity.
The Lord does not design that his children shall be isolated from one another, each going his way independent of others. In fellowship is strength, and "in the multitude of counselors there is safety." When the children of Israel became settled in their land, the families and tribes were not to maintain themselves in isolation. By their annual gatherings they were brought together, not only to worship before the Lord at Jerusalem, but to have the benefit of association. In commenting on this arrangement, the spirit of prophecy says: —
We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of his Word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. ... In our intercourse as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself, is not filling the position that God designed he should. — "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 541.
No individual, no church, no section, can prosper, severed from the body of believers.
The description of the band of men who brought David to his throne teaches a lesson in organization. We read (1 Chronicles 12) that among them were "the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment." The fact that they all knew what Israel ought to do in that critical time was assurance that they would, in the language of Paul, be "subject one to another," choosing earnest leaders to secure harmonious action, in order that every man's work might count for the most. Of the entire body gathered from different tribes of Israel, we read: "All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart." The disposition and ability to keep rank and work loyally together in fellowship comes with the "perfect heart" as a gift of God. All together they were "a great host like the host of God." "And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader." 1 Chron. 13:1.
In the rebuilding of Jerusalem, after the captivity, Nehemiah gives an illustration of the strength there is in union of effort. The work was systematically planned, so that each company knew exactly the portion of the entire task for which it was directly responsible. Yet no one's work was finished until all was done. As the work drew toward completion, the enemies of Israel without the camp and within frantically renewed their efforts to throw the work and workers into confusion, and to break down the organized effort. But as the people prayed and watched, and more thoroughly organized their forces, the counsels of the enemy were brought to naught. While half of the people wrought at the work, the other half were on guard. The people "had a mind to work," and they co-operated as one man. Signals were arranged by those having general supervision, so that all could rally to the same point in a crisis. Nehemiah said to the leaders and people: "The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us." Neh. 4:19, 20. It was one work, one wall, one people; and a united effort at last achieved success.
This lesson is written for our learning; for the work of the gospel message that is to gather out the residue of God's people, including the remnant church, from every land and nation, is likened by Inspiration to the building up again of the ruins of the tabernacle of David, which had fallen down. Acts 15:15-17. With our lines extending throughout the whole earth, and the enemy ever watching to break up the forces and weaken the hands of the workers, more than ever at any time in the history of God's work is there need for such thorough organization as will enable the whole body of believers to strengthen one another's hands in the service. It is one world-wide work, and a united people is to do it. The Old Testament prophets, who in vision saw the final triumph of the church, bear witness to this. "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion." Isa. 52: 8.
W. A. Spicer
(Review and Herald, April 8, 1909)
The account of the efforts of Balaam to curse Israel throws an interesting sidelight upon the influence of unity and order as a testimony to the world and a protection to the church. By two means the children of God bear witness to the world of the divine origin of the church, by the purity of their faith and by their unity. These two features are mentioned in Christ's prayer: "Sanctify them through thy truth," and, "That they all may be one." Paul refers to the same points in Col. 2:5: "Beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith."
When Balaam sought to bring a curse upon Israel, he found that their thorough organization interposed a barrier to his hopes. The spirit of prophecy says: —
As Balaam looked upon the encampment of Israel, he beheld with astonishment the evidence of their prosperity. They had been represented to him as a rude, disorganized multitude, . . . but their appearance was the reverse of all this. He saw the vast extent and perfect arrangement of their camp, everything bearing marks of thorough discipline and order. He was shown the favor with which God regarded Israel, and their distinctive character as his chosen people.—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 447.
Their order was evidence that God was with Israel, and Balaam was constrained to say, "The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them." Thereupon he set himself to corrupt their faith. These have ever been the two lines of attack — to introduce error and to break up the unity.
The Lord does not design that his children shall be isolated from one another, each going his way independent of others. In fellowship is strength, and "in the multitude of counselors there is safety." When the children of Israel became settled in their land, the families and tribes were not to maintain themselves in isolation. By their annual gatherings they were brought together, not only to worship before the Lord at Jerusalem, but to have the benefit of association. In commenting on this arrangement, the spirit of prophecy says: —
We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of his Word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. ... In our intercourse as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself, is not filling the position that God designed he should. — "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 541.
No individual, no church, no section, can prosper, severed from the body of believers.
The description of the band of men who brought David to his throne teaches a lesson in organization. We read (1 Chronicles 12) that among them were "the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment." The fact that they all knew what Israel ought to do in that critical time was assurance that they would, in the language of Paul, be "subject one to another," choosing earnest leaders to secure harmonious action, in order that every man's work might count for the most. Of the entire body gathered from different tribes of Israel, we read: "All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart." The disposition and ability to keep rank and work loyally together in fellowship comes with the "perfect heart" as a gift of God. All together they were "a great host like the host of God." "And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader." 1 Chron. 13:1.
In the rebuilding of Jerusalem, after the captivity, Nehemiah gives an illustration of the strength there is in union of effort. The work was systematically planned, so that each company knew exactly the portion of the entire task for which it was directly responsible. Yet no one's work was finished until all was done. As the work drew toward completion, the enemies of Israel without the camp and within frantically renewed their efforts to throw the work and workers into confusion, and to break down the organized effort. But as the people prayed and watched, and more thoroughly organized their forces, the counsels of the enemy were brought to naught. While half of the people wrought at the work, the other half were on guard. The people "had a mind to work," and they co-operated as one man. Signals were arranged by those having general supervision, so that all could rally to the same point in a crisis. Nehemiah said to the leaders and people: "The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us." Neh. 4:19, 20. It was one work, one wall, one people; and a united effort at last achieved success.
This lesson is written for our learning; for the work of the gospel message that is to gather out the residue of God's people, including the remnant church, from every land and nation, is likened by Inspiration to the building up again of the ruins of the tabernacle of David, which had fallen down. Acts 15:15-17. With our lines extending throughout the whole earth, and the enemy ever watching to break up the forces and weaken the hands of the workers, more than ever at any time in the history of God's work is there need for such thorough organization as will enable the whole body of believers to strengthen one another's hands in the service. It is one world-wide work, and a united people is to do it. The Old Testament prophets, who in vision saw the final triumph of the church, bear witness to this. "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion." Isa. 52: 8.
W. A. Spicer
(Review and Herald, April 8, 1909)
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