Gospel order 11-20 - the church and the reformers

The Reformers on The Church
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”(Acts 2:47) The Church consists of
all those that are saved.
Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to
the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
This Church consists of God dwelling in us by His Holy Spirit. The Church does not consist in unholy
members. It is not a building filled with sinners, but rather is a building consisting of “saints”. It
consists of the “sanctified.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ
Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both
theirs and ours:
The Church is Built on Truth.
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of
God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
The Church is the fullness of that Holy Spirit of God and Christ.
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
This Church is built with living stones not dead stones. In Hebrews, we are told of the “General
assembly and church of the firstborn”. The word “General” can be translated “Universal” or “Catholic”.
God Has a “Universal” or “Catholic” church which men have tried to counterfeit.

Heb 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (23) To the general assembly and church of
the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just
men made perfect, (24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
The bible say’s regarding the Church that “God is the judge”. Therefore it is not left up to Popes or
religious leaders to decide who the church consists of. I cannot judge that, and neither can anyone,
except the spirit reveals it.
Men may have a piece of paper saying they are members of so and so church, however it is only God
who is the judge of this, and their names are “written in heaven” by God Himself, “the judge of all.”
What did the reformers understand of the Church?
Wycliffe: “There is one only universal Church: consisting of the whole body of the predestinate…All
who shall be saved in the bliss of heaven are members of Holy Church, and no more.”
Wycliffe did not believe that those who were not saved were members of God’s Holy Church.

Matthias of Janow: “The Church is the body of Christ, the community of the elect. All Christians
who possess the Spirit of Jesus the Crucified, and who are impelled by the same Spirit, and who alone
have not departed from their God, are the one Church of Christ: His beautiful bride, His body. The
Body of the omnipotent and altogether indivisible Jesus Christ, the community of saints, is not
divided, neither indeed can be divided. It is Jesus Christ Himself, who, with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, ever dwells in His Church and in each most insignificant portion of it: holding together,
vitalizing, sustaining, the whole and all its parts.”
John Huss was burnt at the stake for this truth of The Church. The name Catholic means Universal
and John Huss gives his view about the one true Universal or Catholic Church.
And this is what he held–“Two righteous persons congregated together in Christ’s name constitute,
with Christ as the Head, a particular holy church: and likewise three or four, and so on to the whole
number of the predestinate without admixture…But the holy catholic–that is, universal–Church, is the
totality of the predestinate–all the predestinate in the universe: all the predestinate, present, past, and
future.
The universal Church is one, praising God from the beginning of the world to the the holy angels are a
part of the holy catholic Church…. The holy Church is made up of two parts: those who have not
sinned, and those who have ceased to sin.
The catholic Church is the bride of our Lord Jesus Christ–bride, I say, chaste, incorrupt, and never
capable of being corrupted. Christ is the Individual, the true God and man, imparting spiritual life and
motion to The Church and every one of its members, and without whose influence it could not live or
feel. “

Martin Luther replied regarding Huss’s view of the Church in agreement:
“Certain of the tenets of John Huss and the Bohemians are perfectly orthodox.
This much is certain. For instance, ‘that there is only one universal Church’; and
again, ‘that it is not necessary to salvation to believe the Roman church superior to
all others.’ Whether Wycliffe or Huss has said it, I care not, It is the truth… There
is no other Church than the assembly of those who have the Word of God and are
purified by it.”
Zwingle:
“In every nation whosoever believeth with the heart in the Lord Jesus Christ, is
saved. This is The Church out of which no man can be saved. “The Church
universal is diffused over the whole world wherever there is faith in Jesus Christ–in
the Indies as well as in Zurich.
And as for particular churches, we have them–at Berne, at Shaffhausen, here
also. But the Popes, their cardinals, and their councils, are neither the Church
universal, nor the church particular.”

Hooper, of England, who was burnt at the stake in 1555:
“‘The general assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven.’
I believe and confess one only catholic and universal Church: which is an holy
congregation of believers, which are chosen and predestinate unto everlasting life
before the foundations of the world were laid. I believe that this Church is
invisible to the eye of man, and is only to God known; and that the same Church is
not set, compassed, and limited, within a certain place of bounds, but is scattered
and spread abroad throughout all the world: but yet coupled together in heart,
will, and spirit, by the bond of faith and charity.
I believe that this invisible Church is the field of the Lord God, wherein is neither
darnel nor cockle. It is the house and dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost; and within
that Church is neither Cain, Judas, neither the wicked rich glutton.
The same Church is the body of Christ wherein there is never a rotten, corrupt, or
infected member. It is the spouse of Christ, which is pure and clean, without
wrinkle and without spot. It is holy and without blame, cleansed and sanctified in
the blood and by the Word of her Head and well-beloved Spouse–Jesus Christ.”

John Wesley:
“As where two or three are met together in His name, there is Christ; so where two or three believers are
met together, there is a church. “Thus it is that St. Paul, writing to Philemon, mentions ‘the church
which is in his house’: plainly signifying that even a Christian family may be termed a church. Several
of those whom God hath called out (so the original word properly signifies), uniting together in one
congregation, formed a larger church: as the church at Jerusalem. That is, all those in Jerusalem whom
God had so called.
He frequently uses the word in the plural number. So, Gal. 1:2, ‘Paul an apostle…unto the churches of
Galatia’: that is, the Christian congregation dispersed throughout that country. There is one God and
Father of all ‘that has the Spirit of adoption which crieth in their hearts. Abba Father’, which
‘witnesseth’ continually ‘with their spirits’ that ‘they are the children of God’ ‘who is above all’–
pervading all space, filling heaven and earth; ‘and in you all’–in a peculiar manner living in you that are
one body by one Spirit: Making your souls His loved abode, The temples of indwelling God.” Here,
then, is a clear unexceptionable answer to that question, What is The Church?–The catholic or
universal Church is all the persons in the universe whom God hath so called out of the world as to
entitle them to the preceding character: “As to be ‘one body’, united by ‘one Spirit’, having ‘one faith’,
one hope, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in them
all. Certainly if these things are so, the church of Rome is not so much a part of the catholic Church.”

William Miller of the great Advent movement:
“I should oppose our being called, in an associated capacity, a church with any
name. To call any denomination the Advent Church, the Church of God, or any
other name, I regard as contrary to the usage of the apostles… A church, according
to the Scriptures, is a religious assembly, selected and called out of the world, by
the doctrine of the Gospel, to worship the true God according to His Word.”
“Is it asked, Do you repudiate the name of Adventists? In reply, I do, when it is
applied to The Church; but not when it is applied to those who compose The
Church.”
Ellen G. White:
“God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national
establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love
God and keep His commandments. “
“From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth.”

A. T. Jones made a statement once regarding the reformation. He explained that the people could
complain of the leaders in the Roman Church all that they wanted. But until they were ready to
recognize the truth about the church, that the Roman Church was not the Church at all, their could be
no reformation. He summarized it in this manner:
“The people believed regarding the Roman Church that : “The church was “the ark of God,” the “ship of
Salvation.” The pilot, the captain, and the crew, might all be pirates, and use every motion of the
ship only for piratical purposes, and load her to the sinking point with piratical plunder, and keep her
ever headed straight toward perdition, yet “the grand old ship” herself was all right and would come
safely to the heavenly port.
Therefore, “cling to the ark,” “stand by the old ship,” and you will be safe and will land at last on the
heavenly shore. Such in essence is the conception held, and that for ages had been inculcated…And in
the General Council of Basle, 1432, the Pope’s legate exhorted the Bohemians that “In the time of
Noah’s flood, as many as were without the ark perished.”
So long as this delusion was systematically inculcated, blindly received, and fondly hugged, of course
reformation was impossible.
But as soon as there arose men with the courage of conviction and the confidence of truth, and spoke
out plainly and flatly that the Roman system is not The Church at all in any feature or in any sense,
then The Reformation had begun.”
It may be that should we realize this truth today, that it might cause a modern reformation.

HOME CHURCHES
Instruction in regard to conducting the Sabbath-school should to a large degree be given in the HOME
CHURCHES; for the labor can be made more direct and the results will be more permanent if
instruction is given at home. This work does not require the services of the ministers; they should be
free to attend to the spiritual interests of the people. They are to teach others what to do. They must
instruct the people as to how to come to the Lord, and how to lead others to him. There must be time
for heart-searching, for soul-culture. - RH June 30, 1891
As workers go forth filled with zeal, and with the love of God, the CHURCHES at HOME will be
revived; for the success of the workers will be regarded as a subject of deep personal concern by every
member of the church. - GW 25.3
Soon these churches will be able not only to carry on the work in their own borders, but to impart to
other fields. Thus the burden resting on the HOME CHURCHES will be shared. - CET 221.3
There are others who might be mentioned as transgressors, and whose influence is a stumbling block
to the youth. The spiritual conditions in Battle Creek are such that the youth cannot safely be
encouraged to go there. For the past twenty years [Footnote: (1886-1906)] the Lord has been giving
warnings that altogether too many people are settling in Battle Creek, leaving their SMALL HOME
CHURCHES, which should be KEPT ALIVE by their earnest efforts. - KC 40.6

HOME CHURCHES
Some say home churches are from the devil?
Let us test this proposition by the Word of God:
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the
firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Rom 16:5)
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that
is in their house. (1 Cor 16:19)
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. (Col
4:15)
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
(Philemon 1:2)
The Word of God is plain here. These home churches were from Christ and thus they are included in
the apostolic salutation here. Thus to issue a generic statement such as home churches are of the devil
is ridiculous. We must consider the circumstances and the teachings occurring in whatever home
church is in question. To reach an a priori conclusion that home churches are from the devil is actually
the type of statement that the devil himself is well pleased with.

SELF SUPPORTING WORK
The Lord does not set limits about His workers in some lines as men are wont to
set. In their work, Brethren Magan and Sutherland have been hindered
unnecessarily. Means have been withheld from them because in the
organization and management of the Madison school, it was not placed
under the control of the conference. But the reasons why this school was not
owned and controlled by the conference have not been duly considered. SpTB11
31.3
The Lord has instructed me that, from the first, the work in Huntsville and
Madison should have received adequate help. But instead of this help being
rendered promptly there has been long delay. And in the matter of the
Madison school, there has been a standing off from them because they were
not under the ownership and control of some Conference. This is a question
that should sometimes be considered, but it is not the Lord’s plan that
means should be withheld from Madison, because they are not bound to the
conference. The attitude which some of our brethren have assumed toward
this enterprise shows that it is not wise for every working agency to be
under the dictation of conference officers. There are some enterprises under
certain conditions, that will produce better results if standing alone.

When my advice was asked in reference to the Madison school, I said, Remain as you are.
There is danger in binding every working agency under the dictation of the
conference. The Lord did not design that this should be. The circumstances were
such that the burden bearers in the Madison school could not bind up their work
with the conference. I knew their situation, and when many of the leading men in
our conferences ignored them, because they did not place their school under
conference dictation, I was shown that they would not be helped by making
themselves amenable to the conference. They had better remain as led by God,
amenable to Him, to work out His plans. But this matter need not be blazed abroad.
8MR 202.
Brethren Sutherland and Magan should be encouraged to solicit means for the support of
their work. It is the privilege of these brethren to receive gifts from any of our people whom
the Lord impresses to help. They should have means—God’s means—with which to work.
The Madison enterprise has been crippled in the past, but now it must go forward. If
this work had been regarded in the right light, and had been given the help it
needed, we should long ere this have had a prosperous work at Madison. Our people
are to be encouraged to give of their means to this work which is preparing students
in a sensible and creditable way to go forth into neglected fields to proclaim the
soon coming of Christ. SpM 422

I will refer here to some words from the final speech of Robert Pierson as General Conference
President on October 15, 1978.
“This will be the last time that in my present role I shall stand before the world leaders of my church, your church,
our church, and I have a few words to leave with you. “I take my thoughts from something that Elder and Mrs. Ralph
Neall have written describing how typically a SECT EVOLVES INTO A CHURCH. They say a sect is often begun by a
charismatic leader with tremendous drive and commitment, and that it arises as a protest against worldliness and
formalism in a church. It is generally embraced by the poor. The rich would lose too much by joining it, since it is
unpopular, despised, and persecuted by society in general. It has definite beliefs firmly held by zealous members.
Each member makes a personal decision to join it and knows what he believes. There is little organization or
property, and there are few buildings. The group has strict standards and controls on behavior. Preachers, often
without education, arise by inner compulsion. There is little concern about public relations. “And then it passes on to
the second generation. With growth there comes a need for organization and buildings. As a result of industry and
frugality, members become prosperous. As prosperity increases, persecution begins to wane. Children born into the
movement do not have to make personal decisions to join it. They do not necessarily know what they believe. They
do not need to hammer out their own positions. These have been worked out for them. Preachers arise more by
selection and by apprenticeship to older workers than by direct inner compulsion. “In the third generation,
organization develops and institutions are established. The need is seen for schools to pass on the faith of the fathers.
Colleges are established. Members have to be exhorted to live up to the standards, while at the same time the
standards of membership are being lowered. The group becomes lax about disfellowshipping nonpracticing
members. Missionary zeal cools off. There is more concern over public relations. Leaders study methods of
propagating their faith, sometimes employing extrinsic rewards as motivation for service by members. Youth
question why they are different from others, and intermarry with those not of their faith. “In the fourth generation
there is much machinery; the number of administrators increases while the number of workers at the grass roots
becomes proportionately less. Great church councils are held to define doctrine. More schools, universities, and
seminaries are established. These go to the world for accreditation and tend to become secularized. There is a re-
examination of positions and modernizing of methods. Attention is given to contemporary culture, with an interest
in the arts: music, architecture, literature. The movement seeks to become “relevant” to contemporary society by
becoming involved in popular causes. Services become formal. The group enjoys complete acceptance by the world.
The sect has become a church!”

Pierson goes on to say:
“Brethren and sisters, this must never happen to the Seventh-day Adventist Church! This will not happen to the Seventh-day Adventist
Church. This is not just another church—it is God’s church! But you are the men and women sitting in this sanctuary this morning on
whom God is counting to assure that it does not happen. Already, brethren and sisters, there are subtle forces that are beginning to stir.
Regrettably there are those in the church who belittle the inspiration of the Bible, who scorn the first 11 chapters of Genesis, who
question the Spirit of Prophecy’s short chronology of the earth, and who subtly and not so subtly attack the Spirit of Prophecy. There are
some who point to the Reformers and contemporary theologians as a source and the norm for Seventh-day Adventist doctrine. There are
those who allegedly are tired of the hackneyed phrases of Adventism. There are those who wish to forget the standards of the church we
love. There are those who covet and would court the favor of the evangelicals; those who would throw off the mantle of a peculiar people;
and those who would go the way of the secular, materialistic world.”
Pierson’s call for leadership is more crucial now than ever before:
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church had its alpha years ago. You and I are the leaders who will face the omega that will be of the same
subtle, devilish origin. Its effect will be more devastating than the alpha. Brethren, I beg of you, study, know what is ahead, then with
God’s help prepare your people to meet it!” “God calls for men who are prepared to meet emergencies, men who in a crisis will not be
found standing on the wrong side” (RH, November 5, 1903) “We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time for compromise.
It is no time to hide your colors. When the battle wages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons, and
give Satan the advantage in the warfare” (RH, December 6, 1892) “And then I call attention to a vision the Lord’s servant had, in which
she saw a ship heading toward an iceberg. She said: “There, towering high above the ship, was a gigantic iceberg. An authoritative voice
cried out, ‘Meet it!’ There was not a moment’s hesitation. It was a time for instant action. The engineer put on full steam, and the man at
the wheel steered the ship straight into the iceberg. With a crash she struck the ice. There was a fearful shock, and the iceberg broke into
many pieces, falling with a noise like thunder to the deck. The passengers were violently shaken by the force of the collision, but no lives
were lost. The vessel was injured, but not beyond repair. She rebounded from the contact, trembling from stem to stern, like a living
creature. Then she moved forward on her way. Well I knew the meaning of this representation. I had my orders. I had heard the words,
like a voice from our Captain, ‘Meet it!’ I knew what my duty was, and that there was not a moment to lose. The time for decided action
had come. I must without delay obey the command, ‘Meet it!’” (1SM, p. 205, 206) “Fellow leaders, it may be that in the not too distant
future you will have to meet it. I pray God will give you grace and courage and wisdom.”
We can all stand together and ask, and search for, the answers to these perplexities, if we are committed to seeing truth prevail, regardless
of where that might take us. Are we a sect evolved to a church or are we a true church of God becoming a sect?!

"Our best, most humble, most devoted servants of Christ, are fostering in their midst what
will one day, not long hence, show itself to be the spawn of the dragon. They shrink from
any rude word against creeds with the same sensitiveness with which those holy fathers
would have shrunk from a rude word against the rising veneration of saints and martyrs
which they were fostering. . . . The Protestant evangelical denominations have so tied up
one another's hands, and their own, that, between them all, a man cannot become a
preacher at all, anywhere, without accepting some book besides the Bible. . . . And is not
the Protestant Church apostate? Oh! remember, the final form of apostasy shall rise, not by
crosses, processions, baubles. We understand all that. Apostasy never comes on the
outside. It develops. It is an apostasy that shall spring into life within us, - an apostasy that
shall martyr a man who believes his Bible ever so holily; yea, who may even believe what the
creed contains, but who may happen to agree with the Westminster Assembly, that,
proposed as a test, it is an unwarrantable imposition. That is the apostasy we have to fear,
and is it not already formed? . . . Will it be said that our fears are imaginary? Imaginary!
Did not the Rev. John M. Duncan, in the years 1825-6, or thereabouts, sincerely believe the
Bible? Did he not even believe substantially the Confession of Faith? And was he not, for
daring to say what the Westminster Assembly said, that to require the reception of that
creed as a test of ministerial qualification was an unwarrantable imposition, brought to
trial, condemned, excommunicated, and his pulpit declared vacant? There is nothing
imaginary in the statement that the creed-power is now beginning to prohibit the Bible as
really as Rome did, though in a subtler way. {1887 UrS, MANA 143.1}

BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH. It may with equal propriety be
said that we are patterning after the churches in building
meeting-houses. We call the churches Babylon, not
because they covenant together to obey God. I am still of
the opinion I advanced sometime since through the
Review: The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed,
telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make
that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members
by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those
who do not believe that creed. And, fifth, to commence
persecution against such. I plead that we are not
patterning after the churches in any unwarrantable sense,
in the step proposed. {October 8, 1861 UrSe, ARSH 149.7}

A congregation may be the poorest in the land. It may be without the attraction of any
outward show; but if the members possess the principles of the character of Christ, they
will have His joy in their souls. Angels will unite with them in their worship. The praise and
thanksgiving from grateful hearts will ascend to God as a sweet oblation. {COL 298.3}
God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment,
neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His
commandments. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the
midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is
Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can
alone constitute a church. Where two or three are present who love and obey the
commandments of God, Jesus there presides, let it be in the desolate place of the earth, in
the wilderness, in the city enclosed in prison walls. The glory of God has penetrated the
prison walls, flooding with glorious beams of heavenly light the darkest dungeon. His
saints may suffer, but their sufferings will, like the apostles of old, spread their faith and
win souls to Christ and glorify His holy name. The bitterest opposition expressed by those
who hate God's great moral standard of righteousness should not and will not shake the
steadfast soul who trusts fully in God. They that will be doers of the word are building
securely, and the tempest and storm of persecution will not shake their foundation,
because their souls are rooted to the eternal Rock.--Letter 108, Oct. 28, 1886, to her older
sister and her husband who had not accepted the Sabbath truth. {UL 315.5-7}

Summary of the Statements above:
The Church is NOT:
Those who Continue in Sin
Community of Sinners
A denomination
Does not consist of Judas or Cain
Lost Souls
Darnel or Cockle
They are not a building made with hands nor a great cathedral
The Church is:
Community of the elect
Community of Saints
The people compose it along with God, Christ and the Holy Angels
They have ceased to sin or never sinned
They keep His Commandments and Have the Faith of Jesus
They all possess the Holy Spirit
They are the fullness of Him that filleth all in all
Scattered over the earth but yet it is organized by the Holy Spirit
Invisible to the eye of manAnd when men rise up to confirm the truth about the Church and just what
it is, then the reformation begins.

GOD’S CHURCH IS
NOT CONFINED TO
AN EARTHLY
ORGANIZATION

God’s Church is not Confined to an Earthly Organization
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are
written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made
perfect.
God’s church is not confined to an 8″10 box built by men. For us to take that title,
“God’s church,” and apply it to a club or organization confined to earth, is
blasphemy. The church of the firstborn is written in heaven.
Why was the General Conference organization created? It was designed to aid in
the work of the gospel. It was designed to help the church. It was designed to serve
the church. It was never the church of God as a whole, but rather an organization
that was designed to help the church. It still is not the church according to
scripture and never will be since the church of the firstborn is written in heaven.
We can’t confine the church to a small organization built by a few men.

The conferences were not established to exercise dominion over the ministry, nor
over the local churches, but rather to plan and expand the work of God in various
regions and areas. Furthermore, the conferences were to act as counselors, not as
dictators to the people of God (Colin and Russell Standish, Organizational
Structure and Apostasy, p. 13).
At the beginning of this message believers were few and widely scattered. There
was no definite organization for the direction of the work, but as believers came
into the truth (53) and companies were formed, it was manifest that some
organization was necessary. But strange as it may seem, the wisdom of man led
them to oppose all organization. Again light was shed upon the perplexing
situation by the spirit of prophecy, which resulted in a simple form of organization
for the protection and furtherance of the work; and peace, harmony, and
prosperity came out of confusion. This same form of organization continued until
the wisdom of men, to whom the care of the organization had been committed,
began to plan for a centralizing power at the head of the work, which resulted in
retarding rather than fostering it. Missionaries in the field felt their hands were
tied, and mission fields were languishing, and the resources were drying up.
Where was the wisdom of men in this perplexity? {LLM 35.1}

Read this testimony. Please, note that our pioneers did not call the General Conference “the Church.”
The General Conference Organization Was Part of the Church
Please read this carefully:
“At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the general management of the work have, in the
name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and to restrict God’s work, I have
said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men,
as the voice of God. But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an
assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field, should not be respected.
God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled
in a General Conference, shall have authority. The error that some are in danger of committing, is in
giving to the mind and judgment of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority
and influence that God has vested in His church, in the judgment and voice of the General Conference
assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work.
When this power, which God has placed in the church, is accredited wholly to one man, and he is
invested with the authority to be judgment for other minds, then the true Bible order is
changed. Satan’s efforts upon such a man’s mind would be most subtle, and sometimes well-nigh
overpowering; for the enemy would hope that through his mind he could affect many others.”
Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 257-261.

They were placed “in the Church” not to rule, but to be subject. To be “in the Church” only makes it
part of the Church, and not the Church as a whole. This is what Ellen White taught. You did not have
to be a member of the general conference to be a member of the Church.
Brethren and Servants Not Rulers
This is why Christ made it clear, “all ye are brethren”(Matthew 23:8), “one is your master,” and no one
else. All that the Church is called to do is to be a “servant.” The Bible tells us that, “For three things the
earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:” The first of these things is, “a servant when he
reigneth;”(Proverbs 30:21, 22).
For over 12 centuries during the period known to many as “the dark ages,” a church which was called to
be a “servant” by Christ reigned and ruled the world. For that, the earth was disquieted or
troubled. This is the very first thing that God has said disquieted the earth, “a servant when he
reigneth” or rules.
It is forbidden of the Church to reign and rule and use authority against those it deems heretics when
Christ has said, “It shall not be so among you.” The Church cannot force anyone to believe as it says or
command obedience and exercise authority over any whom it does not agree with. It cannot go to State
power and use the State to stop others from misusing the name “Christian,” “Catholic,” “Seventh Day
Adventist,” or any other name.

If we have read carefully, we see a danger. Ellen says that there is an “authority and influence that God
has vested in his church,” and the danger is giving this full measure of authority to this organization
known as the General Conference which was placed “in the church.” This organization was never the
church but rather an organization which “God…placed in the church.” To reiterate:
The General Conference was Not and is Not “The Church”
Never in the all the pages of Sister Ellen White’s writings do we see the words, “General Conference
Church.” When she was alive she could say, “I could no longer regard the General Conference as the
voice of God.”
This is not saying that organization is not a good thing. It’s very necessary. God is not a God of
disorder. But this particular organization is never to be called “God’s church.” The Church is much
broader than any organization on earth can ever be. God’s church covers heaven, earth and its base
which is in heaven.
Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Yes, its location “is above,” and this is the mother of God’s children. Babylon and her daughters are
earthly organizations which have taken the title of “God’s church.” It was brought down from its
heavenly position, and they have applied it to their man made organizations whose builder and maker
is men.

Builder and Maker God Through Christ
Abraham sought out a heavenly whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:10), place of worship that was
not made with hands.
Zechariah 6:12-13 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the
man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the
temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and
shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace
shall be between them both.
This temple or church is not built by man, but Christ is the builder alone. Neither it is built with
hands. Stephen had to point this out to the Jews as the Jews thought that the church was an earthly
organization.
Acts 7:48-49 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the
prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the
Lord: or what is the place of my rest.
The temple of the most high is not a temple made with hands. We are not the builder of the church or
tabernacle. The temple is built without hands.
Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days
I will build another made without hands.

Now, Christ is the only builder of the Church. No man can build this
Church. It is Him alone. He will build it and it’s not a temple made
with hands. It’s not some church down the street that calls itself,
“God’s church.”
Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to
come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with
hands, that is to say, not of this building.
Where is the church located? We already were told:
Hebrews 12:22 -23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the
city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an
innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and
church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God
the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.

Christ is the invisible head of his invisible body.
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to
the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
This has reference alone to his church. He is the head; we are the body, the members in particular. He
fills us with the fullness of him, his Holy Spirit, which is the presence of God, and therefore the church
is not filled with men who are unconverted, but rather men who are converted, men who have Christ
living in them by the Holy Spirit. These men may be defective, but they are still God’s church. Defects
are in its members and the stones need polishing.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the
members of Christ, and makethem the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he
which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto
the Lord is one spirit.
Therefore, God’s church is a spiritual body. If we don’t have spiritual eyes, we will not see the church.
Many must be born again because they can’t see the kingdom of God. Thus, they will desire a visible
church and a visible head.

Desiring a Visible Head (Give us a King)
Back in Samuel’s day, the people of Israel came to Samuel desiring an earthly king.
1 Samuel 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in
thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
The Israelites did not recognize Christ as the invisible head of the church. Thus,
they wanted to be like the other nations and they desired a visible head. Today
like Israel of old, our people, instead of recognizing Christ as the head of the
church, have taken the General Conference out of its position of “servant.” They
placed the General Conference into the position of the “King.”
They have through carnal eyes not seen the head of the church. Thus taken
members of the body, those who were to serve the Church (The General
Conference), and placed them at the head of the body.
The people of the Conference, modern Israel, have requested a visible head. The
reason we require a visible head is because we must be born again. We cannot see
the invisible head.

The World Doesn’t see the Head, But You See Him
The world doesn’t see their head as Christ. “The world seeth him
not, neither knoweth him.” (John 14:17.)
Looking through the eyes of the world, the people in the Conference
don’t see Christ as the visible head. Thus, they call the Conference
the head, but there is only one head to the church.
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your
Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
In putting more heads on the church, they have created a monster.
This monster has done exactly what sister White warned about in
seeking to control the work.

"We Have Found the Messias"
John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara, beyond Jordan. It was not far from this
spot that God had stayed the river in its flow until Israel had passed over. A little distance from here
the stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven. The memory of these events
was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to the Baptist's message. Would not He who had
wrought so wonderfully in ages past again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the
thought stirring the hearts of the people who daily thronged the banks of the Jordan. {DA 132.1}
The preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation as to demand the attention of the
religious authorities. The danger of insurrection caused every popular gathering to be looked upon
with suspicion by the Romans, and whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited the fears
of the Jewish rulers. John had not recognized the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction
for his work; and he had reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees alike. Yet the people
followed him eagerly. The interest in his work seemed to be continually increasing. Though he had not
deferred to them, the Sanhedrin accounted that, as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction.
{DA 132.2}
This body was made up of members chosen from the priesthood, and from the chief rulers and
teachers of the nation. The high priest was usually the president. All its members were to be men
advanced in years, though not aged; men of learning, not only versed in Jewish religion and history,
but in general knowledge. They were to be without physical blemish, and must be married men, and
fathers, as being more likely than others to be humane and considerate. Their place of meeting was an
apartment connected with the temple at Jerusalem. In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin
was the supreme court of the nation, possessing secular as well as ecclesiastical authority. Though now
subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised a strong influence in civil as well as religious
matters. {DA 133.1}

"We Have Found the Messias"
The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's work. There were
some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the temple, and the
father's prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the Messiah's herald. In the
tumults and changes of thirty years, these things had in a great measure been lost
sight of. They were now called to mind by the excitement concerning the ministry
of John. {DA 133.2}
It was long since Israel had had a prophet, long since such a reformation as was
now in progress had been witnessed. The demand for confession of sin seemed
new and startling. Many among the leaders would not go to hear John's appeals
and denunciations, lest they should be led to disclose the secrets of their own
lives. Yet his preaching was a direct announcement of the Messiah. It was well
known that the seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy, covering the Messiah's
advent, were nearly ended; and all were eager to share in that era of national glory
which was then expected. Such was the popular enthusiasm that the Sanhedrin
would soon be forced either to sanction or to reject John's work. Already their
power over the people was waning. It was becoming a serious question how to
maintain their position. In the hope of arriving at some conclusion, they
dispatched to the Jordan a deputation of priests and Levites to confer with the
new teacher. {DA 133.3}

You refer to your office as President of the General Conference, as if this justifies your course of action,
which you deemed wholly right, but which, from the light the Lord has been pleased to give me, I
deem to be wrong in some respects. The very fact that you are standing in a position of responsibility I
urge upon you as the reason why you should show a forbearing, courteous, Christlike spirit at all times
and under all circumstances. Your brethren in the ministry, who respect you and your office, will be
very apt to follow your example in the treatment of such cases. You are to be an example to your
brethren, worthy of imitation. Your words, your spirit, your deportment, even the manner in which you
treat your brethren, are sowing seeds for good or evil. It is both your privilege and duty, especially in
your position of trust, to be like-minded with God, then you will be strong in His strength, and meek
and humble as a little child. {1888 97.1}
Cling close to your Bible, for its sacred truths can purify, ennoble, and sanctify the soul. You must hold
the truth and teach it as it is in Jesus, else it is of no value to you. Before the light of God's truth let
human opinions and ideas and human wisdom appear as they are in the sight of God--as foolishness.
Let no man feel that his position as president, either of the General Conference or of a State
conference, clothes him with a power over the consciences of others that is the least degree oppressive,
for God will not sanction anything of this kind. He must respect the rights of all, and all the more
because he is in a position where others will pattern after him. Your position binds you under the most
sacred obligations to be very careful what kind of spirit you entertain towards your brethren. They are
acting a part in God's cause as well as yourself. Will not God teach them and guide them as well as
yourself? You are not even to allow yourself to think unkindly of them, much less to climb upon the
judgment seat and censure or condemn your brethren, when you may be yourself, in many respects,
more deserving of censure than they. Your work is bearing the inspection of God. {1888 97.2}

It is not in the order of God that any man, or any class of men,
should assume that God has made them conscience for their
brethren, or put forth their finite hand in a patronizing manner to
control the Lord's delegated workers, thus endangering the safety of
the Lord's heritage as well as their own, and retarding the work of
God. God does not confine Himself to one man, or to a set of men,
through whom to accomplish His work, but says of all, Ye "are
laborers together with God." This means that every believing soul
should have a part to act in His sacred work, and every individual
believer in Jesus Christ is to manifest to the world a symbol of
Christ's sufficiency, to represent to His church the higher laws of the
future immortal world, and in obedience to the mandates of
Heaven that are without a parallel, they should reveal a depth of
knowledge independent of human inventions. {TM 208.2}

I am grieved as I see men seeking to mark out the precise course that missionaries in far-off
lands shall pursue. We must give matters more into the hands of Him whom we profess to
follow, that He may work through His appointed agents as He shall see fit. We should not
think that everything should be brought under the jurisdiction of a few finite men, who
need to look constantly to God for wisdom or else they will make grave blunders. The Lord
does not design to have everything center in Battle Creek. [SEE APPENDIX.] He would have
men stand aside, and not feel that His work depends wholly upon them and that every
question must be referred to their judgment. It is difficult for me to express what I desire to,
but in the name of the Lord I lift the danger signal. Responsible men should fear and
tremble for themselves. They should not feel competent to run ahead of Him who has said,
"Follow Me." God is not pleased that men in distant lands should have to wait before they
can venture to make a move. We should believe in the power of the Lord to guide, for He
has the ordering of His own work. He will give wisdom and understanding to His
representative men in every part of His great moral vineyard. He says, "Ye have not chosen
Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit." To
my brethren in Battle Creek I would say: The Lord does not need to send His orders to His
messengers in all parts of the world through Battle Creek. He does not lay this
responsibility upon all those who assume to say to His workers, "Do this," and "Thou shalt
not do that." God is dishonored when men are led to look to Battle Creek to so large a
degree. {TM 212.1}

This message is spoken to our churches in every place. 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 on 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.
Our petitions are to reach higher than erring man--to God. God does not confine Himself to one place
or person. He looks down from heaven upon the children of men; He sees their perplexities, and is
acquainted with the circumstances of every experience of life. He understands His own work upon the
human heart, and needs not that any man should direct the workings of His Spirit. {TM 484.1}
Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the humblest worker and say: "You must labor
in this channel or not work at all." Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work in his own sphere, with his
own armor on, doing whatever he can do in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is
no time for pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The message must go. {5T
461.2}
Precious light is to shine forth from the Word of God, and let no one presume to dictate what shall or
what shall not be brought before the people in the messages of enlightenment that He shall send, and
so quench the Spirit of God. Whatever may be his position of authority, no one has a right to shut away
the light from the people. When a message comes in the name of the Lord to His people, no one may
excuse himself from an investigation of its claims. No one can afford to stand back in an attitude of
indifference and self-confidence, and say: “I know what is truth. I am satisfied with my position. I have
set my stakes, and I will not be moved away from my position, whatever may come. I will not listen to
the message of this messenger; for I know that it can not be truth.” It was from pursuing this very
course that the popular churches were left in partial darkness, and that is why the messages of heaven
have not reached them. {TSS 65.1}

It is not wise to choose one man as president of the General Conference. The work
of the General Conference has extended, and some things have been made
unnecessarily complicated. A want of discernment has been shown. There should
be a division of the field, or some other plan should be devised to change the
present order of things. . . . {TM 342.1}
Daniel sought the Lord three times a day, in earnest prayer for wisdom and
strength and courage to carry forward the enterprise of representing the only true
God in wicked Babylon. You will often be perplexed to know what to do next; but
do not get pen and paper and write your perplexities to Battle Creek. There may be
disagreement upon some points, but your Counselor is nigh. Bow before Him, and
tell Him of everything you need. Can the men in Battle Creek give you light? They
cannot understand your necessity. Because they are not on the ground, they may
say No to some things, when, had you asked of God, He would have answered, "Go
forward, and I will be with you, and give you grace." {TM 325.1}

A Monster Created
So what have we done?
1. We mistakenly assigned the title “God’s church” to an earthly organization.
2. We mistakenly assigned the headship of “God’s church” to an earthly organization.
3. We have left off the invisible head Christ
4. We requested a visible head in the General Conference.
5. We requested that conference to be King over us. Thus putting more heads on the church and
creating a monster.
6. The Conference assumed this role and now considers itself “God’s church” when in fact it was only
a part of “God’s church”
Finally after having this power and after blasphemously accepting the term “God’s church” and
applying it to an earthly organization, they have taken our God given name “Seventh Day Adventists”
and trademarked it with the United States (Second Beast of Revelation 13). Thus they CAN BE
DEEMED AS WELL TO HAVE created an image of the first beast of Rome.
They are using this trademark to force those who come out of her to give up the name “Seventh Day
Adventist.”
“Romanists have persisted in bringing against Protestants the charge of heresy and willful separation
from the true church. But these accusations apply rather to themselves. They are the ones who laid
down the banner of Christ and departed from “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude
3.” {Ellen White Great Controversy Page 51}

Romanist Adventists persist in bringing the accusation against Protestant
Adventists the charge or heresy and willful separation from the true
Church. These accusations apply rather to themselves as we read in the last
chapter about the deadliest heresy in Seventh Day Adventism.
They are the ones who laid down the banner of Christ and departed from “the
faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” God’s true Church has not laid
down the banner. An earthly organization has assumed the role of the true
church claiming to be Christ on earth.
Force is the last resort of every false religion. (ST May 6, 1897)
John 16:1-4: These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever
killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3: And these things will they do
unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4: But these things
have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of
them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with
you.

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. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of
truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our
religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for
the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established.
Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be
introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work.
The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing
would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that
virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on
human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the
sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. {1SM 204.2}
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? {1SM 205.1}

The Charge of Heresy- Leaving the True Church – Faith Delivered to the Saints
Are they not guilty of accepting the “omega of deadly heresies?”
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for THE
faith which was once delivered unto the saints…” (Jude 3, 4) …The exhortation to contend
for the faith delivered to the saints, is to us alone. And it is very important for us to know
what for and how to contend. In the 4th verse he gives us the reason why we should
contend for THE faith, a particular faith; “for there are certain men,” or a certain class who
deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.… The way spiritualizers have disposed
of or denied the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ is first using the old
unscriptural Trinitarian creed, viz., that Jesus Christ is the eternal God, though they have
not one passage to support it, while we have plain scripture testimony in abundance that he
is the Son of the eternal God.”(James White, January 24, 1846, The Day Star)
The doctrine of the Trinity which was established in the church by the council of Nice, a. d.
325. This doctrine destroys the personality of God, and his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The
infamous measures by which it was forced upon the church, which appear upon the pages
of ecclesiastical history might well cause every believer in that doctrine to blush. {1855 JNA,
TAR 54.3}

The church was represented as a chaste virgin espoused to Christ. 1 Cor. 11. She became a harlot by
seeking the friendship of the world. James 4. It was this unlawful connection with the kings of the
earth that constituted her the great harlot of the Apocalypse. Rev. 17. The Jewish church which was
represented as espoused to the Lord, [Jer. 2; 3; 31, 32,] became an harlot in the same manner. Eze. 16.
Even the term Sodom, which in Rev. 11, is applied to "the great city," is in Isa. 1, applied to the Jewish
church thus apostatized from God. The fact that Babylon is distinct from, though unlawfully united
with, the kings of the earth, is positive proof that Babylon is not the civil power. The fact that the
people of God are in her just before her overthrow, proves that she is a professedly religious body. We
think it must be apparent therefore, that the woman, Babylon of Rev. 17, symbolizes the professed
church unlawfully united to the world. {1855 JNA, TAR 51.1}
Protestants and Catholics are so nearly united in sentiment, that it is not difficult to conceive how
Protestants may make an image to the Beast. The mass of Protestants believe with Catholics in the
Trinity, immortality of the soul, consciousness of the dead, rewards and punishments at death, the
endless torture of the wicked, inheritance of the saints beyond the skies, sprinkling for baptism, and
the PAGAN SUNDAY for the Sabbath; all of which is contrary to the spirit and letter of the new
testament. Surely there is between the mother and daughters, a striking family resemblance. {1858
MEC, FT 76.1}

QUESTION 1. What serious objection is there to the doctrine of the Trinity? {November 5, 1861 UrSe,
ARSH 184.2}
ANSWER. There are many objections which we might urge, but on account of our limited space we
shall reduce them to the three following: 1. It is contrary to common sense. 2. It is contrary to scripture.
3. Its origin is Pagan and fabulous. {November 5, 1861 UrSe, ARSH 184.3}
THE great mistake of Trinitarians, in arguing this subject, seems to be this: They make no distinction
between a denial of a trinity and a denial of the divinity of Christ. They see only the two extremes,
between which the truth lies; and take every expression referring to the pre-existence of Christ as
evidence of a trinity. The Scriptures abundantly teach the pre-existence of Christ and his divinity; but
they are entirely silent in regard to a trinity. The declaration, that the divine Son of God could not die,
is as far from the teachings of the Bible as darkness is from light. And I would ask the Trinitarian, to
which of the two natures are we indebted for redemption? The answer must, of course, be, to that one
which died or shed his blood for us; for "we have redemption through his blood." Then it is evident,
that if only the human nature died, our redeemer is only human, and that the divine Son of God took
no part in the work of redemption, for he could neither suffer nor die. Surely I said right, that the
doctrine of a trinity degrades the atonement, by bringing the sacrifice, the blood of our purchase,
down to the standard of Socinianism. {November 10, 1863 JWe, ARSH 189.16}

The "mystery of iniquity" began to work in the church in Paul's day. It finally
crowded out the simplicity of the gospel, and corrupted the doctrine of Christ,
and the church went into the wilderness. Martin Luther, and other reformers,
arose in the strength of God, and with the Word and Spirit, made mighty strides
in the Reformation. The greatest fault we can find in the Reformation is, the
Reformers stopped reforming. Had they gone on, and onward, till they had left the
last vestige of Papacy behind, such as natural immortality, sprinkling, the trinity,
and Sunday-keeping, the church would now be free from her unscriptural errors.
{February 7, 1856 JWe, ARSH 148.22}
Protestants and Catholics are so nearly united in sentiment, that it is not difficult
to conceive how Protestants may make an image to the Beast. The mass of
Protestants believe with Catholics in the Trinity, immortality of the soul,
consciousness of the dead, rewards and punishments at death, the endless torture
of the wicked, inheritance of the saints beyond the skies, sprinkling for baptism,
and the PAGAN SUNDAY for the Sabbath; all of which is contrary to the spirit and
letter of the new testament. Surely there is between the mother and daughters, a
striking family resemblance. {1858 MEC, FT 76.1}

Many theologians really think that the Atonement, in respect to its dignity and efficacy, rests upon the
doctrine of a trinity. But we fail to see any connection between the two. To the contrary, the advocates
of that doctrine really fall into the difficulty which they seem anxious to avoid. Their difficulty consists
in this: They take the denial of a trinity to be equivalent to a denial of the divinity of Christ. Were that
the case, we should cling to the doctrine of a trinity as tenaciously as any can; but it is not the case.
They who have read our remarks on the death of the Son of God know that we firmly believe in the
divinity of Christ; but we cannot accept the idea of a trinity, as it is held by Trinitarians, without giving
up our claim on the dignity of the sacrifice made for our redemption. {1884 JHW, AERS 164.3}
And here is shown how remarkably the widest extremes meet in theology. The highest Trinitarians and
lowest Unitarians meet and are perfectly united on the death of Christ--the faith of both amounts to
Socinianism. Unitarians believe that Christ was a prophet, an inspired teacher, but merely human; that
his death was that of a human body only. Trinitarians hold that the term "Christ" comprehends two
distinct and separate natures: one that was merely human; the other, the second person in the trinity,
who dwelt in the flesh for a brief period, but could not possibly suffer, or die; that the Christ that died
was only the human nature in which the divinity had dwelt. Both classes have a human offering, and
nothing more. No matter how exalted the pre-existent Son was; no matter how glorious, how powerful,
or even eternal; if the manhood only died, the sacrifice was only human. And so far as the vicarious
death of Christ is concerned, this is Socinianism. Thus the remark is just, that the doctrine of a trinity
degrades the Atonement, resting it solely on a human offering as a basis. A few quotations will show
the correctness of this assertion. {1884 JHW, AERS 165.1}

"There were some very early that turned the doctrine of the Trinity
into Tritheism, and, instead of three divine persons under the
economy of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, brought in three collateral,
co-ordinate, and self-originated beings, making them three absolute
and independent principles, without any relation of Father or Son,
which is the most proper notion of three gods. And having made
this change in the doctrine of the Trinity, they made another change
answerable to it in the form of baptism."--Antiquities, book 11, chap.
8, § 4. {1878 JHW, TOB 180.3}
Jer:2:11: Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?
but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not
profit.

They are guilty of leaving the true Church, and going out
and building a new organization on sand. We’re still on
the platform praying for them.
The Church is above and it is not an earthly
organization. The roll is in heaven. The General
Conference has put itself in place of God. It is in a
blasphemous position as there is one head to the
church. There is much more to be said about this. This is
merely an outline.
Many can’t see the invisible church of God, and this is why
they require a visible church.

Regarding the invisible Church:
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We can’t see the Church through carnal eyes. The Church is heavenly. Where two or three are
gathered in his name, there he’s among them. Many will desire an earthly organization for their
carnal eyes since they have yet to see through spiritual eyes. the Kingdom of God. They will create new
organizations and call them “God’s church,” not knowing that God’s church is not confined to an 8×10
box, but it covers heaven and earth.
This is a mistaken view we have taken in regards to the church. God forgive us. Let us come to your
temple, on your foundation, without hands whose builder and maker is God.
Matthew 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.
He is the builder, not us which is built on the foundation which is Chris. It is not built with hammer
and nails.
Hebrews 3:3-6 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath
builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he
that built all things is God. And Moses verilywas faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony
of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are
we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

We are his house. Not because we are part of an organization. Ask
Luther, or Wesley, or any of the other reformers. They came to
understand that the church was not an organization or building
made with hands.
“God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it
the national establishment, neither is it the various
denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His
commandments. “Where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).Where Christ
is even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the
presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone
constitute a church” (The Upward Look, p. 315).
It was prophesied that a “new organization” would be created if we
did not learn our lesson from history. This “new organization”
would not be built on the rock.

“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. Were this
reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in
His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion
would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the
work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new
organization would be established. Books of a new order would be
written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of
this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of
course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would
be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach
that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their
dependence on human power [such as protecting their corporate wealth with a
trademark], which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built
on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.’ Selected
Messages, vol. 1, pp. 204, 205.

Gospel order 11-20 - the church and the reformers

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