"A" day, "My" day, or the Lord's Day?

Many Christians today have told me things like; "I keep MY Sabbath on Sunday."..."I give ONE DAY IN SEVEN to the Lord." .."It DOES NOT MATTER what day you want to keep "the" Sabbath."

I am writing this article to show how ridiculous these statements really are. We read in the book of Genesis that God "blessed" the Seventh Day [Saturday] and He "sanctified" the Seventh Day. This is why the Sabbath is called, "the Lord's Day". Truly, the Sabbath was created by the Lord and it is a specific day, one that was "set apart" [sanctified] and also "blessed" [made holy].

So when people say I keep "a" sabbath when I so choose, they are certainly not keeping "the Lord's Day" but they are keeping "their day". And then to say that "it really does not matter what day" means that God is a liar because God made the "seventh day" His holy Sabbath Day.

The Bible proclaims that "the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God". [Exodus 20:10] It is not "the sabbath of Eric" or "my sabbath is sunday". You see what I mean?

This whole subject may not seem to be that big of a deal to most but here are the facts; We serve a God of specifics! A God of order! If people can change any one of the Ten Commandments on a whim just look at the confusion we would have. Is not all this confusion already here? Look at all the denominations who follow such mixed-up teachings.

I challenege you today...search the Scriptures. Either believe that God says what He means and means what He says or we serve a wishy-washy God.

May God show you the Truth through His Word alone!

Don't stop here! Continue to truly understand the Sabbath issue!
Click here to continue!

Written by, Eric W. King [December 30,2007]

Is Jesus also Michael?

Our Great God has given Himself many names! All are expressions of His character. As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we recognize the fact that Jesus Christ Himself is very God. Notice this statement by Christian author, Ellen G. White;

"If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity. God over all, blessed forevermore.......This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light unapproachable and incomprehensible." [E.G.White, RH April 5,1906]

Let us look at some of the names given to Christ in the Bible;

He is referred to as "the second Adam": (1 Corinthians 15:45) "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."

He is our "lawyer" in the Sanctuary of Heaven. (1 John 2:1). As lawyer, He presents our case and stands by our sides.

He is the "Beginning and the End" of everything. (21:6, 22:13). Alpha and Omega: (Revelation 1:8,17, 2:8, 21:6, 22:13).

And He is the "head of the church"...the "stone".....and we could go on. It is said that there are over 144 titles for Jesus Christ in the Bible.

There are two titles, names, that He is called that I would like to focus on because both of these names for Christ have caused some debate and misunderstandings among some believers.

The first name we will look at is "David" which in the Hebrew means, "beloved of God". Did you know that the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah saw a future "David"? They made prophetic statements about a "David which is to come". These statements were made long after the original king David of Israel died. Some theologians did not understand these passages and made the mistake of describing that the literal king David of old would resurrect. Some "dispensational" theologians still hold to this error.

The passages in question are found in Ezekiel 34:23,24 and in Jeremiah 30:9. These prophetic statements are explained in the New Testament book of Acts. There the Scriptures clearly point out that references to a future David pointed to Jesus Christ. [See Acts 2:34-36] False teachers and cults such as the Davidians have greatly misinterpreted these messianic Scriptures to their own peril.

Let us look at the second controversial name for the Messiah. That name is "Michael, the archangel". Many have made the mistake of referencing the title "angel" to always being that of "winged creatures", those created beings of God. It is true that many times that the title "angel" or "angels" is used it is reference to these created beings, but not always!

The prophet Haggai was called God's messenger (angel); and it is known that "Malachi" is not a real name, but means "messenger" or "angel".

Jesus has many names that point to His character. First off, the word “angel” simply means messenger. Jesus is indeed a messenger! We must understand that when we refer to Jesus as a messenger [angel] we are not classing Him with the typical created messengers [ angels].

The Bible does not make Jesus out to be a mere messenger any more than the Bible makes Him a mere animal by reffering to Him as a "Lamb".

The name Michael means; “One who is like God” or “Who is like God?”. We recognize the fact that Jesus is God! Who can compare to Him? He is called the Chief Messenger [Archangel]. Jesus is also the Michael who kicked Satan out of heaven [see Revelation ch.12]. Michael, the archangel whose voice will raise the dead. According to John 5:28, 29 this voice is that of Jesus and according to Daniel 12:1,2 it is that of Michael. The same messenger! God the Son!

The Bible proclaims that the Son of man will come with all "His angels." [Matt.24:30,31] Jesus Christ is indeed the leader [arch] of all angels. The name Michael is also described as being our "prince" or the "Prince of God's people" in Daniel 10:21. And in this same book of Daniel we see the phrase, "unto the Messiah the Prince". [Daniel 9:25] Clearly Jesus is this Prince, Michael!

Here is some more supportive evidence that Michael is a name for Jesus:

1. The Book of Daniel references Michael as being “a great prince” who stands on behalf of Israel. (Dan. 10:13, 20, 21; 12:1). Jesus is also associated with defending Jerusalem at the battle of Har-Magedon (Rev. 11:15; 16:14-16). Here we see Jesus is Michael.

2. Michael is believed to be the “Angel of the Lord” or archangel who accompanied the Israelites in the wilderness, and Christ himself is said to have been with the Israelites at that time. Since the term “archangel” is only used in the singular, in relation to Michael, (Jude 9) there can only be one “chief” of angels, which would be Michael/Jesus.

3. Jesus’ Second Coming is said to be with the commanding call of an “archangel’s voice”. (I Thess. 4:16-18). Therefore, Jesus is the archangel, who is Michael.

4. Jesus is depicted as leading the heavenly host at the end of the age (Rev. 19:11-16). Revelation also says that “Michael and the angels battled the dragon”. (Rev 12:7,10,12).

Is the Lord ever referred to in the Scriptures as an "angel"? Yes! Look here:


Exo 3:2 "And the *angel of the LORD* appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."

Now in verses four and six, who is identified as being in the bush?-

Exo 3:4 "And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I."

Exo 3:6 "Moreover he said, *I am* the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."

Notice that the angel (messenger) of verse 2 is really none other than God Himself. This is confirmed in the New Testament-

Acts 7:30 "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an *angel of the Lord* in a flame of fire in a bush."

Acts 7:31" When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,"

And here is another very interesting verse;

"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the ANGEL OF THE LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And THE LORD SAID to Satan, THE LORD REBUKE THEE, Satan....." Zechariah 3:1,2

Compare Jude 9;

"Yet MICHAEL the archangel, when contending with the Devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring him a railing accusation, but SAID, THE LORD REBUKE THEE."

Please understand that Seventh Day Adventist Christians do not believe that Jesus or "Michael" is a created being! We understand that Jesus is God! Jesus [God] has many names given to Him throughout the Scriptures because God is big!

I hope this helps you to better understand our Biblical base for this understanding.

Written by, Eric W. King [December 29,2007]

Please visit the most comprehensive Christian Seventh Day Adventist website online at;
"The Adventist Way of Life"

Opinions of Ellen G. White in "time" and "context" [photography]

In this article I wish to help other Adventist Christians and Christians from other denominations to understand certain statements made by Ellen G. White in "time" and "context". As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we certainly believe that sister White was blessed with the "gift of prophecy". She wrote many books and was used of God in helping direct the fulfillment and understanding of the 2300 "day" [year] prophecy.

When looking at her writings we must understand the times in which they were written. We must also understand that when she addressed a specific topic she was addressing the understanding of that topic at the time in question.

Let us look at one of these topics, Photography. When Ellen White wrote her statements on the subject of photography the art of taking pictures was a new fad. Kinda like if we were to look at the home video game, PlayStation. As parents we can see that some have made an "idol" out of this new science for entertainment . Many could write dangers of how this game which includes "shooting up everything" could produce bad effects on our children. How this very game included airplanes crashing into buildings before Sept.911.

We could write of it's dangers! And would we be wrong in doing so? No. In "righteous anger" we could say; "I do not believe that any child should own a home video game!" This is an example of a "righteous opinion". I bring this up to help us understand some of the opinions of Ellen G. White.

During her time people were spending lot's of money on photography to the point of ridiculousness so she was given vissions such as;

"During the night I was sorely distressed. A great burden rested upon me. I had been pleading with God to work in behalf of his people. My attention was called to the money which they had invested in photographs. I was taken from house to house, through the homes of our people, and as I went from room to room, my Instructor said, 'Behold the idols which have accumulated!'" [Ellen White, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Sep. 10, 1901.]

Notice that her attention was called "to the money" which had been invested in photography. This means that photography had become an "idol". Ellen G. White herself allowed for private and family pictures. She was not against all picture taking or even "pictures" themselves. Her books contained pictures which helped illustrate the Bible.

Here is another statement; "These photographs cost money. Is it consistent for us, knowing the work that is to be done at this time, to spend God's money in producing pictures of our own faces and the faces of our friends? Should not every dollar that we can spare be used in the upbuilding of the cause of God? These pictures take money that should be sacredly devoted to God's service; and they divert the mind from the truths of God's word." [Ellen White, Review, Sep. 9, 1901.]

Again, her focus was on those who were spending too much money on photographs. They had pictures all over their houses and on every wall due to their making photography into an idol.

So we clearly see that "idolatry" was the issue and not necessarily photography or pictures. This is important to understand because many have called Ellen G. White a hypocrite for having pictures herself or for her allowence of having her family take pictures.

The same could be said for some of her statements regarding wearing jewelry. She saw that many women were wearing jewelry to draw attention to themselves. They had made their personal appearance and idol. From the following statement we see that sister White's concern was with idolatry and the question; "whom are we drawing our attention to?". Look at this comment regarding Christian dress reform;

“‘No occasion should be given to unbelievers to reproach our faith. We are considered odd and singular, and should not take a course to lead unbelievers to think us more so than our faith requires us to be. Some who believe the truth may think that it would be more healthful for the sisters to adopt the American costume, yet if that mode of dress would cripple our influence among unbelievers so that we could not so readily gain access to them, we should by no means adopt it, though we suffered much in consequence. But some are deceived in thinking there is so much benefit to be received from this costume. While it may prove a benefit to some, it is an injury to others.’”—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 456, 457. (Italics supplied.)

So what was Ellen's concern? She did not want the women in church to get too caught up in the fassions of the world, plain and simple. She herself had worn jewelry on some occasions. Her point was, be careful. And if you can, do not wear anything that will distract.

It is so important that when reading the writings of Ellen G. White we consider the "time" and "context" of them. In my personal office where I write many of these articles for "The Adventist Way of Life" I have pictures of the early Adventist reformers and even a few pictures of Ellen G. White sitting on my book shelves.

If you have any questions regarding anything that Ellen G. White has written please send me an email so that we can look at it together, in "time" and "context".

Written by, Eric W. King [December 26,2007]

For more interesting articles visit the most comprehensive Christian Seventh Day Adventist website online, "The Adventist Way of Life"

The Alpha/Omega Apostasy

As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we know that the Great Tribulation that Jesus Christ spoke of in Matthew ch.24 and the "great falling away [apostasy]" that the apostle Paul spoke of in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 had their fulfillment in the 1260 year prophetic period of time. A time of Papal persecution. [To read about this with fuller understanding click here]

But is there yet a final apostasy? A deception of the worst kind?

How many of you have heard of the New Age Movement? It is basically spiritualism in modern form. It is the study and practice of metaphysical science [a false and satanic science]. It basically amounts to the practices of the occult.

Adventist Christian author Ellen G. White warned against spiritualism which had it's roots in the false Roman teaching of the "immortality of the soul". The idea of ghosts, poltergeists, and reincarnation. The idea that the dead can be contacted through mediums. These practices still go on today through such movements as WICA and secret society practices.

Let's look at some of the warnings about spiritualism given by Sister White in her book, "The Great Controversy";

"When they have been led to believe that the dead actually return to communicate with them, Satan causes those to appear who went into the grave unprepared. They claim to be happy in heaven and even to occupy exalted positions there, and thus the error is widely taught that no difference is made between the righteous and the wicked. The pretended visitants from the world of spirits sometimes utter cautions and warnings which prove to be correct. Then, as confidence is gained, they present doctrines that directly undermine faith in the Scriptures." [GC,p.552]

"Many endeavor to account for spiritual manifestations by attributing them wholly to fraud and sleight of hand on the part of the medium. But while it is true that the results of trickery have often been palmed off as genuine manifestations, there have been, also, marked exhibitions of supernatural power." [GC,p.553]

"Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition for self-exaltation. It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall, and through them he aims to compass the ruin of men. "Ye shall be as gods," he declares, "knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5. Spiritualism teaches "that man is the creature of progression; that it is his destiny from his birth to progress, even to eternity, toward the Godhead." And again: "Each mind will judge itself and not another." "The judgment will be right, because it is the judgment of self. . . . The throne is within you." Said a spiritualistic teacher, as the "spiritual consciousness" awoke within him: "My fellow men, all were unfallen demigods." And another declares: "Any just and perfect being is Christ." [GC,p.554]

"It is true that spiritualism is now changing its form and, veiling some of its more objectionable features, is assuming Christian guise. But its utterances from the platform and the press have been before the public for many years, and in these its real character stands revealed. These teachings cannot be denied or hidden." [GC,p.557,558]

"Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions. We must be prepared to withstand them with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils. " [GC,p.560]

"Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: "Ye shall not surely die." "In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: "I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; . . . they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:13, 14. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God." [GC,p.561,562]

So we see from her writings that she was not only concerned about the false teaching of spirtualism but she also saw it's deceptive power and how Satan would use this false teaching to corrupt churches and deceive many.

Now, here is something of vital importance for Christian's to understand! Please read carefully and do not take this subject lightly. Before we look at this statement from the pen of Ellen G. White I would like to ask you some questions. Do you believe in the immortality of the soul? Or is everlasting life a gift from God? Do you play with magic of any kind? Are you reading books that promote spiritualism of any sort? Do you believe that you have some special power? Do you read self-help books and replace your love for God with self-esteem and personal entertainment?

Now let as look at what is coming, the final "threefold union"....that which is to deceive the world!

"Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience."

"As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought,the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power."

"The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is now hardly distinguishable. Church members love what the world loves and are ready to join with them, and Satan determines to unite them in one body and thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Papists, who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium. " [from GC,p.588,589]

Wow! Did you read that carefully? Is this not already happening?

We will now look at when this great deception, the Alpha of this final apostasy began to enter the true Christian church. Late in the history of the Adventist Church a man by the name of John Harvey Kellogg, founder of the famous "Kelloggs Corn Flakes", became a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. As a matter of fact his cereal was the result of his study of the Adventist Health Message. In this sense it was your friendly neighborhood Adventist Christians who invented breakfast cereal.

Under his leadership the Seventh Day Adventist Battle Creek Sanitarium received fame at the turn of the century. But something happened to Mr. Kellogg. Perhaps fame and fortune? He turned away from his Christian faith and claimed he had received "new light". His view of God in the late 1890's became pantheistic. He influenced other Adventist's in this area and actually gave a talk about it at the General Conference of 1899 in South Lancaster Massachusetts.

At the time Ellen G. White was in Australia doing missionary work. She had heard about this misfortune and a month before had written warning messages to the church about this sad circumstance.

Kellogg eventually wrote a book that shared his "new light" titled; "The Living Temple". This book was full of false doctrine under the guise of "christianity". The finished manuscript was full of his erroneous ideas that had their origin in spiritualistic, pantheistic philosophy.

Ellen G. White later wrote: "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, 200.

She went on in some of her letters to address his errors specificully. Ellen G. White called Kellogg's "new light" a move for a false reformation:

"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." Selected Messages, vol. 1, 204, 205.

So there it is. We could say that since the 1900's the New Age movement truly began it's attack on the church. Since then many false theories have come up regarding the nature of Christ and the Bible. Numerous TV documentaries attacking the validity of the Scriptures and stories about the "secret Christ" are being fed to the masses.

Remember, sister White warned; "We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature." [Testimonies, Series B, no.2,p.16]

So what is the "omega" of this final apostasy? Many Adventist Christians believe that it has to do with all the UFO and ET phenomenon. We know that it will include spiritualism, modern metaphysical "science" and "lying signs and wonders".

Ellen G. White warned;

"As in the days of the apostles men tried by tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God's word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives."—Acts of Apostles, p. 474.

So what will your choice be? The facts of this final deception are here, laid before you. Choose wisely.

Written by; Eric W. King [December 25,2007]

Symbolic Mysteries

The Bible is full of symbols. The Christian author Ellen G. White has been made fun of becuase of what God revealed to her through the symbols that she saw while in "vision" and in "divine dreams". All prophets saw strange things!

What did they see? They saw beings with wings, with multiple eyes. They saw Jesus as a "lamb that had been slain". Yes, God speaks to us in symbols that we might understand the "heavenly language".

Are we to believe that God needs literal "record books"? Does God need a "sanctuary"? Did God need "animal sacrifices"? NO! So why does God speak to us through symbols? Because we are not God! He speaks to us as a child. He gives us "object lessons", "typology" "symbolism",
"poetry"...and all Truth from these vehicles of expression are confirmed by the gift and power of the Holy Spirit.

Some website's attack Ellen G. White's visions and accuse and make fun of her because she saw "symbols" such as "gold cards" to enter Heaven. These symbols were not necessarily literal just as people with wings and lamb's with seven eye's are not literal as mentioned in the Bible.

Please, do not look at Seventh Day Adventist Christians as being so ignorant! Ask us what we believe! If you want to know what those people on the other side of the street believe, then you may have to take a chance and cross the street. Yes, people may make fun of you and ridicule you..but seek the Truth!

People may honk their horns at you but don't let that stop you. Truth is more important than "horn honking".

Written by Eric W. King [December 24,2007]

By the way, Merry Christmas! [2007]

Gift of Prophecy & Inspiration

Many people have wondered what the official possition of Ellen G. White's writings are within the framework of Seventh Day Adventist theology. We can answer that question by using Ellen G. White's own words and passages in the Bible.

All true protestant Christians believe in the inerrancy of the 66 cannonized books of Christian Scripture. The Roman Catholic view of Scripture is much different. The Roman Catholic Church places verbal expression from their church authorities and their traditions above the written words of Holy Scripture. Thus they are able to make their faith express any theology that they wish and can change their beliefs on a whim. There is truly no "absolute" truth for the Roman Catholic.

Protestants are not stupid. We too believe that Truth is progressive. This is not to say that there or no "absolute" truths. Some scientists would say that the law of gravity is an absolute. Be that as it may, we must believe in what the Scriptures themselves state. In other words, God says what He means, and means what He says! Let's take a brief look;

2 Tim. 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

2 Samuel 23:2 "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue."

Jeremiah 1:9 "Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth."

Deut. 4:2 "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."

2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

These are just some of the Bible's own claims regarding it's reliability. As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we teach and believe that all doctrine must be tested by the 66 Books of the Biblical Cannon! If doctrine does not agree with the teachings of Scripture then it is false doctrine!

In her book, "The Great Controversy", early Adventist Christian author, Ellen G. White wrote a whole chapter titled; "The Scriptures a Safeguard". Here are some of her statements found in that chapter;

"To the Law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness." [GC, p.593]

"The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love." [GC,p.595]

"The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers [fallen apostate Christendom] is still manifested by many who make a high profession of piety. They refuse to examine the testimony of the Scriptures concerning special truths for this time. They point to their numbers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth as few, poor, and unpopular, having a faith that separates them from the world." [CG,p.596]

"A lack of moral courage to step aside from the beaten track of the world leads many to follow in the steps of learned men; and by their reluctance to investigate for themselves, they are becoming hopelessly fastened in the chains of error. They see that the truth for this time is plainly brought to view in the Bible; and they feel the power of the Holy Spirit attending its proclamation; yet they allow the opposition of the clergy to turn them from the light. Though reason and conscience are convinced, these deluded souls dare not think differently from the minister; and their individual judgment, their eternal interests, are sacrificed to the unbelief, the pride and prejudice, of another." [GC,p.597]

And one more statement of great importance......

"It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God." [GC,p.598]

So we see that the early Advent Christians relied completely on the Bible for their source of Truth. This being said, the New Testament Scripture speaks about the "spirit" or "Gift of Prophecy". How are we to understand this gift within the understanding of "Sola Scriptura", the Bible alone is our source of Truth?

Here is how, the Bible proclaims that "spiritual gifts" are given to edify, uplift, support, and encourage the Christian Church. These gifts do not supercede the inerrant authority of Scripture, in fact, these gifts back up the claims of Scripture! The ministry of Spiritual Gifts originates in the New Testament, commissioned by our Lord Jesus Christ. After He established His church on the earth and ascended to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to equip His church with power and spiritual gifts.

It should always be remembered that the purpose of all the gifts are to edify the church, and their distribution within the body is completely dependent upon the discretion of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:11). As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we believe that one of the gifts that the "remnant church" of God will have manifested [last day church] is the gift of prophecy. What do we base this on? The last book of the Bible states;

Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."

We interprete the term "spirit of prophecy" to mean the "gift of prophecy". You can see a list of all the gift's given by the "same spirit" in 1st Corinthians 12:7-11. So God's "end time" church will have the gift of prophecy operative in it as given by the Holy Spirit.

These two verses in the book of Revelation point out that two identifying marks of the last-day Christian Church will be that it "keeps the commandments of God" and has the "gift of prophecy". The Seventh Day Adventist Church meets these requirements.

Now, how does the church understand the rightful position of sister Ellen G. White's gift within the church? Here are some of Ellen's own understandings of her writings and gift;

"The Spirit was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed--to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested" (GC vii).

Did some of Ellen G. White's writings contain her opinions? Yes! She admitted that when writing about "common" things, giving basic personal advice on matters regarding daily activites or sharing personal thoughts that sometimes..."Such words, such information, are not given under the special inspiration of the Spirit of God." [SM1,p.39] So she was not infallible nor did she ever claim to be!

She wrote: "Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Review and Herald, January 20, 1903). She believed that although her writings are a "lesser light," they are light, and that the source of this light is God.

She also admitted that sometimes she could have used better words to make a point. "Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have seen are my own." (EGW, Selected Messages, 3 bks. (Washington: RHPA, 1958­58­80), bk. l, p. 37) We also must keep in mind that language expression in English has changed since the 1800's.

I would agree with the following position regarding Ellen G. White's writings which was published by the "Biblical Research Institute" of the Official Seventh Day Adventist Church. [ Exhibit One. From The Adventist Review, December 23, 1982.Also appeared in Ministry, February 1983.]

AFFIRMATIONS

We believe that Scripture is the divinely revealed word of God and is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the canon of Scripture is composed only of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments.

We believe that Scripture is the foundation of faith and the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice.

We believe that Scripture is the Word of God in human language.

We believe that Scripture teaches that the gift of prophecy will be manifest in the Christian church after New Testament times.


We believe that the ministry and writings of Ellen White were a manifestation of the gift of prophecy.


We believe that Ellen White was inspired by the Holy Spirit and that her writings, the product of that inspiration, are applicable and authoritative, especially to Seventh-day Adventists.

We believe that the purposes of the Ellen White writings include guidance in understanding the teaching of Scripture and application of these teachings, with prophetic urgency, to the spiritual and moral life.

We believe that the acceptance of the prophetic gift of Ellen White is important to the nurture and unity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants finds parallels in some of the writings of the Bible.

DENIALS

We do not believe that the quality or degree of inspiration in the writings of Ellen White is different from that of Scripture.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are an addition to the canon of Sacred Scripture.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White function as the foundation and final authority of Christian faith as does Scripture.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White may be used as the basis of doctrine.

We do not believe that the study of the writings of Ellen White may be used to replace the study of Scripture.

We do not believe that Scripture can be understood only through the writings of Ellen White.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White exhaust the meaning of Scripture.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are essential for the proclamation of the truths of Scripture to society at large.

We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are the product of mere Christian piety.

We do not believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants negates the inspiration of her writings.

We conclude, therefore, that a correct understanding of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen White will avoid two extremes: (1) regarding these writings as functioning on a canonical level identical with Scripture, or (2) considering them as ordinary Christian literature.

And to this I hold, Eric W. King. To me the writings of Ellen G. White are "inspired commentary".

Written by, Eric W. King [December 22,2007]

Visit: The Adventist Way of Life

Sola Scriptura upholds the Sabbath!

The early Protestant Christians held to what they called the "Five Solas". Let's look at them.

1.) SOLA SCRIPTURA (Scripture Alone) [This would include the true Saturday Sabbath]

2.) SOLA GRATIA (Grace Alone)

3.) SOLA FIDE (Faith Alone)

4.) SOLUS CHRISTUS (Christ Alone)

5.) SOLI DEO GLORIA (Glory Of God Alone)

And to all five the Seventh Day Adventist Church holds! The word "protestant" means to "protest". What were these Christians protesting? They were protesting against the "babylonian" false teachings of the Roman Church. Seventh Day Adventist's are still protesting against this power, many churches have stopped protesting. Thus, false teachings are still entering the Christian Church.

The first of the "five solas" is, SOLA SCRIPTURA. This is what it means; The inerrant Scripture is the sole source of written divine revelation,which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church has been falsely blamed of not believing in this "sola" because we believe in the "gift of prophecy". As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we do not believe that the New Testament gift of prophecy add's anything to the teachings of the Scriptures and we believe that it cannot ever add anything to the completed 66 books of the Protestant Cannon.

Adventist author Ellen G. White states this very clearly in her own writings. Let's look at some of her statements;

"The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. . . . To leave men and women without excuse God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected" (2T 454, 455).

"The written testimonies [Ellen's writings] are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed" (ibid. 605).

Ellen White referred to her counsels as "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Review and Herald 80:15, Jan. 20, 1903).

"The Spirit was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed--to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested" (GC vii).

Her writings are a gift to the church to edify and uplift it. To encourage the body of Christ is why her gift of prophecy was given. Here we need to understand that no Seventh Day Adventist Christian need's the writings of Ellen G. White, John Calvin, Martin Luther, or any other reformer to teach what the Bible teaches.

God has sent reformers and the NT gift of prophecy to help guide His church. The Holy Spirit alone is our ultimate teacher! And to this all true Seventh Day Adventist's hold!


Ellen G White's chief burden was to direct attention to the Holy Scriptures. She wrote: "Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Review and Herald, January 20, 1903). She believed that although her writings are a "lesser light," they are light, and that the source of this light is God.

This being said, this would mean that if one truly believes in the "Scriptures Alone" for their rule of faith they would recognize that the Sabbath of the Lord God is Saturday! The "sunday" sabbath was added...it is not a sola scriptura teaching! As Seventh Day Adventist Christian's we protest against the Papal heresies!

So where did the "false sabbath" come from? Let's look;

"Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change (Saturday Sabbath to Sunday) was her act... And the act is a MARK of her ecclesiastical authority in religious things.” H.F. Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons.

"Sunday is our MARK of authority. . .the church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact" Catholic Record of London, Ontario Sept 1,1923.

"Perhaps the boldest thing, the most revolutionary change the Church ever did, happened in the first century. The holy day, the Sabbath, was changed from Saturday to Sunday. "The day of the Lord" was chosen, not from any direction noted in the Scriptures, but from the Church's sense of its own power .... People who think that the Scriptures should be the sole authority, should logically become Seventh-day Adventists, and keep Saturday holy." (Saint Catherine Church Sentinel, Algonac, Michigan, May 21, 1995.)

"The [Catholic] Church took the pagan philosophy and made it the buckler of faith against the heathen. She took the pagan Roman Pantheon, temple of all the gods, and made it sacred to all the martyrs; so it stands to this day. She took the pagan Sunday and made it the Christian Sunday. She took the pagan Easter and made it the feast we celebrate during this season . . . The Sun was a foremost god with heathendom . . . The sun has worshipers at this hour in Persia and other lands . . . Hence the Church would seem to say, 'Keep that old pagan name [Sunday]. It shall remain consecrated, sanctified.' And thus the pagan Sunday, dedicated to Balder, became the Christian Sunday, sacred to Jesus"--William L. Gildea, "Paschale Gaudium," in The Catholic World, 58, March, 1894, p. 809 [A Roman Catholic weekly].

"Some non-Catholics object to Purgatory because there is no specific mention of it in Scripture. There is no specific mention of the word Sunday in Scripture [either]. The Sabbath is mentioned, but Sabbath means [a keeping of] Saturday. Yet the Christians of almost all denominations worship on Sunday not on Saturday. The Jews observe Saturday. Nowhere in the Bible is it stated that worship should be changed from Saturday to Sunday."--Martin J. Scott, Things Catholics are Asked About, 1927, p.236 [Roman Catholic].

"It is quite clear that however rigidly or devotedly we may spend Sunday, we are not keeping the Sabbath . . . The Sabbath was founded on a specific, divine command. We can plead no such command for the observance of Sunday . . . There is not a single line in the New Testament to suggest that we incur any penalty by violating the supposed sanctity of Sunday."--Dr. R. Dale, The Ten Commandments, p. 106-107 [British Congregationalist].

"And where are we told in the Scriptures that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day. The reason why we keep the first day of the week holy instead of the seventh is for the same reason that we observe many other things, not because the Bible, but because the church, has enjoined [commanded] it."--Isaac Williams, Plain Sermons on the Catechism, vol 1, pp. 334, 336 [Anglican].

"The Roman [Catholic] Church reversed the Fourth Commandment by doing away with the Sabbath of God's Word, and instituting Sunday as a holiday"--Nicholas Summerbell, History of the Christian Church, 3rd edition, 1873, p. 415 [Christian Church (Christian Connection)].

"Sunday is a Catholic institution and its claim to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles .... From beginning to end of Scripture there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first." (Catholic Press, Sydney, Australia, August, 1990.)

Question: How prove you that the church had power command feasts and holydays?Answer: By the very fact of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; and therefore they fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday strictly, and keep most other feasts commanded by the same church.Question: Have any other way of proving that the church has power to institute festivals precept?Answer: Had she not such power, she could not a done that in which all modern religionists agree with her;-she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday the first day of the way, for the observance of Saturday the seventh day of the week, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority. "-Stephen Keenan, a doctrinal catechism, p. 174

"It was the Catholic church by the authority of Jesus Christ, which has transferred this rest to Sunday in remembrance of the resurrection of our Lord. Therefore the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the Catholic church." - Mgr, Segur Plain Talk about Protestantism of today page 213

"From this we may understand how great is the authority of the church in interpreting or explaining to us the commandments of God- an authority which is acknowledged by the universal practice of the whole Christian world, even of those sects profess to take the holy Scriptures as their sole rule of faith, since they observe as the day of rest not the seventh day of the week demanded by the Bible, but the first day. Which we know is to be kept holy, only from the tradition and teaching of the Catholic church." - Henry Gibson "Catechism Made Easy" No 2 ninth edition volume one pp. 341, 342 Authoritative quotations on the Sabbath and Sunday.

"Reason and sense demand the acceptance of one or the other of these alternatives: either Protestantism and the keeping holy of Saturday Catholicism and the keeping holy of Sunday. Compromise is impossible. -James Cardinal Gibbons. Catholic mirror, December 23, 1893

So as the Seventh Day Adventist Church points out, those who claim "Sola Scriptura" and argue for Sunday sabbath observance are not really "Sola Scriptura" after all.

Lets look at the second "sola". SOLA GRATIA. This simply means; In salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by His grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.

We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.

To this all true Seventh Day Adventist Christian's hold! Look what Adventist author Ellen G. white has said regarding this issue;

"We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith." [from SC]

"We look to self, as though we had power to save ourselves; but Jesus died for us because we are helpless to do this." [from SM1p.351]

"My brethren, are you expecting that your merit will recommend you to favor of God, thinking that you must be free from sin before you trust His power to save? If this is the struggle going on in your mind, I fear you will gain no strength, and will finally become discouraged." [from SM1p.351]

What about the third sola? SOLA FIDE. This simply means; Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.

This does not mean that good works will not show in the character of a Christian. Truly there is no such thing as “instantaneous” sanctification. True sanctification is the work of the Christian. It is a life long work. What is gifted to us to help along our growing path is the “righteousness of Christ” and the “grace of Christ Jesus”.

These [faith,righteousness,justification] are given to us by the Holy Spirit, our Divine Comforter. True “born again” Christians have the Holy Spirit to help guide them along the way.

Ellen G. White has said;

“It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works his justification. However sinful has been his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, he stands before God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness.” SignsTimes.1892-July, EGW

What about the fourth sola? SOLUS CHRISTUS. This simply means; Salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work in the sanctuary of Heaven by the true and historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.

We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.

Ellen G. White pointed to Christ alone! Only He can save us! Look what she said;

"The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption--the Son of God uplifted on the cross" (Gospel Workers, p. 315.)

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness. ” -Ellen White [from SC]

The final and fifth "sola", SOLI DEO GLORIA. This simply means; Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify Him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.

We deny that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self-fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.

Seventh Day Adventist Christians believe in the on-going process of spiritual growth and development of Christian character. We call this process, progressive sanctification. We understand that it is by God's unmerited grace alone that this process is even possible.

Ellen G. White has said;

"God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes, and grieve His Spirit; but when we repent, and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away." [from SM1p.350]

Christian author Ellen White has also said; “The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you.” SC.065.001

There are so many other things that have been written by true Christians on these important subjects that not all of them could be read in one lifetime. I hope I have answered your questions regarding what Seventh Day Adventist Christians believe regarding the five solas!

May God richly bless you in your studies of His sacred Word.

Written by Eric W. King [December 22,2007]

Visit: The Adventist Way of Life

Do you have to be a "vegetarian" to be Christian?

Many people have asked me if I believe that one has to be a vegetarian to be a Christian. My answer is "No" simply because the Bible doesn't say that one has to be vegetarian to be a Christian. I would also add that the Bible doesn't tell you not to smoke pot or chew tobacco either. I supose you could be a Christian and still do these things.

What I do believe is that as one matures in their Christian growth certain things will be more evident in ones Christian lifestyle such as your individual and personal attention to health. The Bible proclaims:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

The Bible also informs us; “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31] So, if eating poorly and smoking or chewing tobacco to you is not abuse of your "body temple" then I certainly cannot judge you. However, I do believe that if you pray and ask God He will show you what is right for your body and what is wrong.

Did you know that the first diet that God intended His children to eat was meat free? Yep! No killing animals, no eating dead animals at all! Let us look at God’s own words regarding this issue;
Genesis 1:29 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food. “

Perhaps it would do good to return to the original diet that God intended for mankind. Certainly people who eat healthy usually live longer and have less health problems.

Now does one have to be a vegetarian to be a Seventh Day Adventist Christian? The answer is still, "No!" There are many Adventist Christians who still eat meat. As a matter of fact there are some Seventh Day Adventist pastors who still eat meat. The official position of the Seventh Day Adventist Church regarding this issue of vegetarianism is here stated;

"Being a vegetarian is not a requirement to be a Seventh-day Adventist, and we do not believe people who choose an alternative dietary lifestyle will miss out on salvation.

Not all Adventists are vegetarian. A lifestyle survey by the Adventist Health in the South Pacific in 2001 revealed that only 50% of older Adventists and a quarter of younger church members are vegetarians.

Adventists believe in a holistic approach to religion, which includes honouring God with our minds, bodies and souls. The holistic approach recommends a predominantly vegetarian diet, where such is practically possible, that includes eggs and dairy products.

Research shows Adventists who follow a vegetarian lifestyle and refrain from alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances greatly reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Visit the Adventist Health Survey for more information." [Australasian Conference Association]

So if this one particlular issue of vegetarianism has made you stay back from becoming a true Sabbath keeper then don't let it. Vegetarianism is part of the SDA health message. Yes, a Christian Church with a "health message"....what next? It is also part of what we call, "The Third Angels Message". Simply put, as Adventist Christians we believe that God wants His people to be healthy. He cares!

Well, I realize that many Adventists have turned people away from the Truth with fanaticism over the health message. This saddens me. I try to eat healthy and pay attention to my diet but I myself do not always eat vegetarian. I am in the sanctification process as all other Christians are.

Some time ago I wrote an article which shows from a Biblical perspective why Seventh Day Adventists believe that God cares about His childrens physical as well as mental and spiritual health. Please click on the following article if you wish to understand more about the Biblical health message:

The Bible and "dirty foods"

Written by Eric W. King [December 18,2007]

Visit the most comprehensive Christian Seventh Day Adventist website online!
The Adventist Way of Life

The Bible, Ellen G. White, and plagiarism

If you are a Christian let me ask you a question. Do you believe that Satan mixes Truth with error? The Bible indicates that he does. Look at the fact that Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus during the temptation of Christ. The New Testament tell's us that Satan can transform himself "into an angel [messenger] of light."

So if Satan can and does mix Truth with error we must, as Christians, have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as our protection against error. Every teaching that we hear we must compare it with Scripture and have Holy Spirit guidence so as not to be deceived.

Here are some more thoughts as we look into the issue of Truth and error. Have you ever had an idea or a thought only to find out that somebody else already had the same thought or idea? Have you ever been talking to a friend and in your conversation with each other blurted out the same word, phrase, or even a sentance at the same time? As if you knew each others thoughts?

This can and does happen. Did you know that in the Bible itself we find different authors such as Isaiah and Micah saying word for word the same thing? God showed two different people the same vision and they wrote it down. The apostle John's book of "Revelation" has many visions comparable with both the pre and post exilic prophets of the Old Testament.

Here is another thought as we proceed in this short study. Do you believe that a person can receive a vision or a prophecy from God in this time of the Church Age? The Bible speaks about "the gift of prophecy" for New Testament believers. As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I believe in the "gift of prophecy" and that God can share thoughts and visions with one who has the gift.

Now in doing so God may share with others, who have not had the gift of prophecy, things that they may have been trying to understand. Say many Christian's were writing information out that had a lot of Truth but they were not all correct in some of their understandings due to carnal human nature and reasoning. Could God share the correct information that had been written with a Christian who has the "gift of prophecy" and alow that person to re-write the information in the right manner, without the misunderstandings and without ever showing the person the other writtings?

I believe God could do that and as a matter of fact I believe that God did do that through the person of Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White has been accused of plagiarsim because many of her writtings contain similar and even some word for word information that other Christians had written. My question to other Christian's is; Why can't you believe in a modern miracle? Why is it so hard to believe that God can do great and wonderful things?

All true Seventh Day Adventist Christians realize that she sometimes used other literary sources, as God directed her. We also believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants finds parallels in some of the writings of the Bible.

Now, what about the Bible itself?

Here is something to consider; Did you know that scholars are now trying to prove that the entire Bible itself is a work of plagiarsim? There is a whole documentary online that "proves" it. The video states that much of Christianity, specifically Jesus, was copied directly from a Egyptian and Greek mythology, among others.

It's from the documentary Zeitgeist. Interesting film. Here's a transcript (with sources) of the portion of the film :http://zeitgeistmovie.com/transcript.htm The sources are there. So is it true? Read it and follow up. Is this simply another trick of Satan mixing Truth with error? To dismiss it because it doesn't conform to your beliefs is just ignorance. The full documentary is longer than 28 minutes. The link to watch it can be found here: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/

So have modern “scholars” “proven” that most all of the Christian Bible is a work of plagiarism?

Take the flood story for instance.

In Sumerian clay tablets dating from the third millennium BCE there is an account of a great flood whose hero is called Ziusudra. There is also a flood story in the second millennium BCE Babylonian legend of Gilgamish. In the Babylonian legend, preserved in much greater detail than that of Sumeria, the hero is named Utnapishtim. All these pre-date the Mosaic texts that have been found.

What about the fact that “word for word” passages are found in Isaiah and Micah? Who copied who? Did Isaiah copy Micah or visa versa?

And what of “Mithraism”? There is much speculation that Christian beliefs were influenced by Mithraic belief.

The worshippers of Mithras held strong beliefs in a celestial heaven and an infernal hell. They believed that the benevolent powers of the god would sympathize with their suffering and grant them the final justice of immortality and eternal salvation in the world to come. They looked forward to a final day of judgement in which the dead would resurrect, and to a final conflict that would destroy the existing order of all things to bring about the triumph of light over darkness.

Modern scholars have found many of the Old Testament stories in religions that pre-date Jewish faith. Some found in ancient Egypt and Sumeria. So what does it all mean?

My point is simple, if people want to believe that early Adventist Ellen G. White was not inspired by God to write what she wrote they can,… but remember, the same arguements that people use against her can be used against the entire Bible itself!

Me, along with thousands of Adventist Christians have gained strength, inspiration, and a closer walk with God through the study of her writings. Just as people try to find condradictions in Scripture people search for “hooks of doubt” to hang their hats on when reading Ellen White.
Ellen White wrote in the “Steps to Christ”:

“There are many things apparently difficult or obscure, which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them. But without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall be continually liable to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There is much reading of the Bible that is without profit and in many cases a positive injury. When the word of God is opened without reverence and without prayer; when the thoughts and affections are not fixed upon God, or in harmony with His will, the mind is clouded with doubts; and in the very study of the Bible, skepticism strengthens. The enemy takes control of the thoughts, and he suggests interpretations that are not correct. Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. Those who look to the Scriptures to find discrepancies, have not spiritual insight. With distorted vision they will see many causes for doubt and unbelief in things that are really plain and simple.”SC.111.001

“Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God’s word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God’s word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation.” SC.111.002

So in conclusion…it is up to you and God alone as to what course you will take regarding Truth. Now let us look at another issue regarding early Protestantism and the Church today.
So many people today watch all the TV specials about the “life of Jesus”. We hear all sorts of things. We hear that Jesus was married. We hear that he did not really resurrect from the dead.
I watched part of a special yesturday that claimed that the apostle Paul was really working for the Roman government [Paul being a Roman citizen] and that his writings where plagiarized, taken from wanna-be massiahs that Rome had arrested and killed.

It claimed that Paul was doing this to help Rome get control of those “fanatic Christian groups”. The funny thing about these TV documenteries is that they always have “proof” about their claims.
What are you looking for?

Sister Ellen White has stated; “While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God’s word until every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an opportunity for doubt, will never come to the light.” - Great Controversy, p.527

Wow! Is this you? Are you looking for excuses to disobey God’s word? Perhaps regarding the Sabbath issue?

Many are looking for all the negative aspects and rumors about another persons Christian faith. The Human nature loves to argue and justify itself. Here is something to consider; Martin Luther, founder of the entire protestant movement has much “dirt” written about him. Especially some of his comments about the Jews.

In On the Jews and Their Lies, written in 1543 three years before his death, Luther recommends that Jews be deprived of money, civil rights, religious teaching, and education, and that they be forced to labor on the land, or else be expelled from Germany and possibly killed.

He refers to Jews as “a brood of vipers and children of the devil” (from Matthew 12:34), “miserable, blind, and senseless”, “truly stupid fools”, “thieves and robbers”, “lazy rogues”, “daily murderers”, and “vermin”, likens them to “gangrene”, and recommends that Jewish synagogues and schools be burned, their homes razed and destroyed, their writings confiscated, their rabbis forbidden to teach, their travel restricted, that lending money be outlawed for them, and that they be forced to earn their wages in farming.

Luther advised “[i]f we wish to wash our hands of the Jews’ blasphemy and not share in their guilt, we have to part company with them. They must be driven from our country” and “we must drive them out like mad dogs.”

So do we throw away the whole protestant movement because of Luther’s fallen nature? God forbid! We forgive him and move on. Now, Ellen White [early member of the SDA church] never made such hateful statements about other races yet people try and find “dirt” on her. There are videos about how terrible a Christian she was also.

What are you looking for? If you are looking for Truth you can find it. Jesus is not hiding under a rock someplace. As a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian I invite you to look at our teachings and compare them with Scripture. Read, pray, search the Scriptures for yourself. Stop looking for something to “hang your hat on”. Stand up, get serious about your relationship with Truth, the Christian Truth!

Written by, Eric W. King December 18, 2007 and some of this article taken from some earlier articles written by Eric on November 12,2007 & May 20,2007

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Ellen G. White and the Trinity

There are no words found in all the writings of Christian Adventist author, Ellen G. White where she says: "Do not believe in the Trinity doctrine because it is of the Devil!." Not one sentance where she attacks the Trinity doctrine.

There are many offshoot cultic groups going by the name "Seventh Day Adventist" which deny the Trinity doctrine. As a matter of fact, most cults such as the Watch Tower & Tract Society deny the Trinity doctrine.

The official teaching on the subject of the Trinity doctrine by the Seventh Day Adventist Church is listed as number "two" in our 28 Doctrinal Statements. Here is what it says;

"2. Trinity: There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)"

And to this statement all TRUE Seventh Day Adventists hold. Here is another bit of interesting history regarding the doctrine of the Trinity and the early Adventist movement. Ellen G. White claimed in 1888 that God had called two men, E.J.Waggoner and A.T.Jones to present a special and important message to the Christian church regarding the "Righteousness of Christ". She fully supported the published work of E.J.Waggoner titled; "Christ and His Righteousness" printed in 1890. This book can still be read online or purchased in paperback addition.

In E.J.Waggoner's book he clearly sets forth the doctrine of the Trinity. He explains Christ's rightful position of equality with the Father. Ellen G. White was disappointed that some in the General Conference at that time [1888 through 1894] did not accept the "Waggoner & Jones Message", as it came to be known. Waggoner insisted on "the Divine unity of the Father and the Son" and told that Christ is "by nature of the very substance of God, and having life in Himself, He is properly called Jehovah, the self-existent One (Jer 23:56), "who is on an equality with God" (Phil 2:6, ARV), "having all the attributes of God."

Waggoner also stated regarding Christ; "Now if He [Jesus Christ] created everything that was ever created, and existed before all created things, it is evident that He Himself is not among created things. He is above creation, and not a part of it."

Ellen G. White said later in her life that had the "Waggoner & Jones" message been accepted there would have been a greater out pour of the Holy Spirit. She also connected this message of the Righteousness of Christ closely with the "third angels message" of Revelation chapter 14.

In her book, "Desire of Ages" Ellen G. White clearly defined the divinity of Christ in many of her statements. Here is one of her statements;

"His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love,--to be "God with us." Therefore it was prophesied of Him, "His name shall be called Immanuel." [Desire of Ages, p.19]

If you want the truth about what the Seventh Day Adventist Church believes about Jesus Christ and His divinity, then ask a true Seventh Day Adventist Christian.

Written by Eric W. King [December 17,2007]

Please read this other article written by Eric regarding the Trinity Doctrine for more insights!
Is the Trinity pagan?

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Jesus came for what?

As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I have been blessed to learn many things from God's word, the Holy Bible. I am still learning and will continue to learn all the way throughout eternity! God is very big.

Did you know that when we begin a relationship with God He never gets tired of showing us new and important things? When I learned that Jesus Christ came to die for my sins I was amazed that He would do that without my even asking Him. Before I became a true Seventh Day Adventist Christian I had been taught that; "Jesus came and died for your sins! Jesus died for you!" But in most churches I attended that is where the message stopped.

Only in the Seventh Day Adventist church did I begin to understand that Jesus came for another and very important reason. Jesus Christ came to show us the character of God. So many people had misrepresented the Holiest and only True God. The religious teachers misrepresented God's character in their teachings and through their actions.

We get to know God through the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to show us God's true nature and character. Get this clear! Christian author, Ellen White spoke much regarding this issue of Jesus revealing God's true character. Ellen White emphasizes repeatedly in her wrtings that the focal point of the great controversy is Satan's aim to misrepresent the loving character of God.

Jesus could not change His moral law, the Ten Commandments. God does not change! So how could God restore His broken relationship with us if we are commandment breakers? He could have changed His law but that would be against His nature. Instead, God chose to send His only and perfect son, Jesus Christ to die for us.

Ellen White points out that the things of nature in a world of sin "but imperfectly represent His love." She says the supreme and clearest illustration of God's love for us is God sending Jesus to save us from our sins (SC 10-13).

She demonstrates in her writings that Jesus taught us through His life how to live a true Christian life. He now becomes our Lord, the Lord that demonstrates the true character of God. Satan's aim is to misrepresent the loving character of God.

Satan talks about throwing people into a "everlasting torture chamber" where God will smile at the suffering people that He created. Satan tell's people to break the moral law and that all that really matters is that you "accept" Christ as your saviour but not your Lord. This goes back to the Babylonian occult law; "Do what thou wilt, shall be the whole of the law." In otherwords, Satan says that Christian lifestyle and charactor development does not really matter.

This is why others who claim Christianity have a problem with Seventh Day Adventist's. Seventh Day Adventist's stress Christian maturity and character development. Relationship with Christ means you will grow and change!

So instead of learning God's character by studying the life of Jesus, the "perfect commandment keeper", Satan says; "Watch the same junk on TV. Eat the same food. Smoke, drink....you do not even have to attend church. Just believe in Jesus...thats all...heee, heee." This takes the "pressure" off the trying to "bare a cross" and live a truly "sanctified" and "growing Christian life".

Sad, but here are the facts. God loved you enough to come here and die for you. He also sent the Holy Spirit to trust and rely in that you might begin to grow in your Christian life. Most people are turned away from Christianity because most Christians dress, speak, eat, and live like the rest of the world.

Seventh Day Adventist Christians understand that people will live either according to the principle of Satan's kingdom or by the principle of God's kingdom. There are no other options. Belief can simply be the ideas of people's principles and be held only in their hearts and minds. But this is not true faith. True Christianity motivates daily actions. Ellen White wrote that "love can no more exist without revealing itself in outward acts than fire can be kept alive without fuel" (1T 695). Who we really are inside will be displayed in the practical experiences of daily life.

Written by, Eric W. King [December 13,2007]

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Eric responds to "Creation Seventh Day Adventists"

Eric W. King responds to what he believes to be "wafflers" of SDA theology. The following is a response to the offshoot Adventist group known as, "Creation Seventh Day Adventists".

Note: Since this article was written Eric has been contacted on the phone by official members of the "Creation Seventh Day Adventist Church". Eric believes that these people are sincere but are sincerly wrong. He respects their sincerity and their love for Jesus Christ.
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There was a group of defectors from the true Seventh Day Adventist Church which arose in the 80's. What was going on in the 1980's? Well, we won't go there. Anyways, this group claims that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is "babylon".

These "used to be" members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church have not only gone against the Spirit of Prophecy but have boldly spoken against the Word of God on their website! They call God's church "babylon" [term for the satanic "harlot church"].

Here is where we need to understand a simple yet important doctrine of Scripture. The Bible never call's the Church of God "babylon" [symbol of the false church]. The Bible does point out that the "wheat" and the "tares", true "born again" believers will be mixed with "false believers" in God's church up until the second coming of Christ our Lord. But never did Jesus call the church He founded "babylon".

Ellen G. White proclaimed that the Seventh Day Adventist Church was the true Church of Christ. Ellen White has said, "The Seventh-day Adventist Church is NOT Babylon." Many misunderstood Bible teachings were restored beginning with the Protestant movement by Martin Luther [who exposed the "seat" and "authority" of the Anti-christ..the "Roman Beast"].

She agrees with the Bible and further states that the entire world and Satan will have his final conflict with "Seventh Day Adventists", not "creation" or "davidian" Seventh Day Adventist Christians. [see TM, p.37]

Though local churches have their problems because of "Babylonian" influences this does not make Christ's church "babylon". All local Christian churches have their problems...but they are not the "harlot" church. As I said before, I will state again, God's church will have true believers and false believers in it up until the Second Coming of Christ. [Laodicean church: Rev. 3:14-22] But no Christian has the authority or the right or the power to judge in the sense of separating the "wheat" from the "tares". This is the work of Jesus Christ and His angels! [Matthew 24:31]

Jesus informs us that when the "purification" of the Church of God begins, He will send His angels to separate the "wheat" from the "chaff". So those who start "new movements", and claim that there is a "remnant" within the Remnant are liars! Plain and simple!

The true Seventh Day Adventist Church has missionaries all over the world and hospitals healing the sick and hurting. None of these "off-shoot" groups have any Biblical authority or "good fruit doctrine" for their claims or existance. We pray for them.

May God continue to have compassion on the lost and hurting. May those truly seeking God use their Bible only to find the Word of Truth. Amen.

Written by Eric W. King [December 11,2007]

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The 1260 Year Great Tribulation

Many Christians talk about the "Great Tribulation". Many believe that this time has not yet occurred and that the Anti-christ power has not yet been revealed. You will be surprised to find out that the Anti-christ power has already been identified!

The father of the Protestant Movement, Martin Luther named this power and thrust the whole Christian church into a time of great reformation. Had Luther not identified this Anti-christ "seat" and "authority" Satan would have kept the church in the dark.

You may also be surprised to find out that the "great tribulation" of the church has already happened! This period lasted for 1260 years just as the Bible fortold. At the end of this time the Anti-christ power was "wounded in the head" so to speak just as the Bible fortold.

The infliction of the wound began with Martin Luther and climaxed when the Pope's power was stopped in 1798 by Berthier. In 1798, Berthier, general to Napoleon, marched into Italy and captured the pope. The general imprisoned the pope, who later died in prison.

We note that there has never been a tribulation so great and one that has lasted so long, for 1260 years. From 538 AD all the way until 1798 AD. Early protestants understood the historical application of this prophetic fulfillement. Many Christians today think this to be strange because they didn't live during the time of such atrocities.

Most Christians today do not fully appreciate their right to even own a Bible. Jesus warned of this tribulation with the saints: "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened." Matthew 24:15,16,21,22

Had the papacy not been stopped, all true believers would have been killed off but "those days were shortened". Notice that Jesus tells us that we can "understand" this prophecy and He identifies it as the prophecy mentioned by Daniel.

Many Chirstians today say things like; "Nobody understands the Great Tribulation time. It hasen't happened yet." The fact is Jesus has not left His church in the dark regarding this and other prophecies.

The apostle Paul also mentioned this "tribulation" time. Paul identified it as the "great apostacy". Paul wrote in II Thessalonians 2: "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in the mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away (apostasy) comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called god or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

Apostle Paul gives us the same information found in the book of Daniel. The fact that the "man of sin" was to be revealed or identified before the second coming of Christ, not after. Paul also talks about the "apostacy", the falling away which lasted 1260 years as fortold by the prophet Daniel.

Daniel spoke in symbolic apocalyptic language about the rise of a kingdom and power that would persecute the "saints". Let us look at some prophecies found in Scripture from a systematic point of view which help us to understand the "Great Tribulation" and it's fulfillment:

At what time was Rome divided into ten parts? Between the years 351 and 483 A.D.
After the ten horns had arisen, what was seen coming up among them?"I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." Daniel 7:8.

After speaking of the subjugation of the three powers by the "little horn," what comparison does he draw between the subduing power and the others?" And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings." Daniel 7:24.

How was this power to use its authority?" And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Daniel 7:25.

NOTE. - The pope calls himself "the vicar of Christ." Leo X blasphemously styled himself "The lion of the tribe of Judah." Leo XII allowed himself to be called "The Lord our God." Pope Martin V called himself "The most holy and most happy, who is the arbiter of heaven and the lord of the earth, the successor of St. Peter, the anointed of the Lord, the master of the universe, the father of kings, the light of the world."

How has the papacy worn out the saints? By its relentless persecutions of Christians, having put to death more than fifty million during the period of its supremacy.

NOTE. - No computation can reach the numbers who have been put to death, in different ways, on account of their maintaining the profession of the gospel, and opposing the corruptions of the Church of Rome. A million of poor Waldenses perished in France; nine hundred thousand orthodox Christians were slain in less than thirty years after the institution of the order of the Jesuits. The Duke of Alva boasted of having put to death in the Netherlands thirty-six thousand by the hand of the common executioner during the space of a few years.

The Inquisition destroyed, by various tortures, one hundred and fifty thousand within thirty years. These are a few specimens, and but a few, of those which history has recorded. But the total amount will never be known till the earth shall disclose her blood, and no more cover her slain." Scott's Church History.

What change has the papacy sought to make in the law of God? It has expunged the greater part of the second commandment, in order to establish the adoration of images, dividing the tenth to complete the number ten. It has also abolished the fourth commandment (as far as its power extends) by substituting the first day of the week for the seventh. See Catholic Catechisms; also "Plain Talk about the Protestantism of Today," page 213; "The Catholic Christian Instructed," chapt. 23; "A Sure Way to Find out the True Religion," pages 95, 96.

How long was the papacy to have power over the saints, times, and laws?" And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Daniel 7:25.

Where is this expression of time found in the New Testament?" And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." Revelation 12:14.

How is this same period again represented?"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." Revelation 12:6. (These days, being in symbolic prophecy, are themselves symbolic.)

What is the rule for reckoning symbolic days?" Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year." Ezekiel 4:3-6. (See also Numbers 14:34).

NOTE. - "So Ezekiel 4:6, 'I have appointed thee each day for a year: where the prophet was symbolically to bear the iniquity of Israel as many days as they had sinned years. In this usage we find authority for interpreting days in prophecy as denoting years." George Bush, Prof: of Hebrew and Oriental Literature in New York City University, Notes on Numbers 14:34.

What event marked the close of this period? In February, 1798, Berthier entered Rome at the head of the French army, and taking Pope Pius VI prisoner, established a republic in Rome. The pope died in exile the following year. For over two years there was no pope. See Chambers's Cyclopedia, art. Pius.

What was to take place before the dominion should be entirely taken away?" But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end." Daniel 7:26.

Where in this chapter is this judgment first spoken of?"A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:10.

How soon after this did the pope lose his temporal dominion? In September, 1870, when Rome, no longer supported by the French, who had been defeated by the Germans, surrendered to Victor Emmanuel. Possession of the pope's dominion was formally taken Oct. 2, 1870. -See Chambers's Cyclopedia, art. Italy.

By what means is the beast to be destroyed?" I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame." Daniel 7:11.

What is the "burning flame" that is to destroy the papacy?" And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

[Taken from "Bible Readings for the Home"]

Wow! Are these prophecies not accurate! Another thing you may find interesting is the signs that were to follow the "Great Tribulation". The following is documented on the website, Bible Prophecy Truth and their page regarding, Dark Day.

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"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened." Matthew 24:29

Twenty-five years after the Great Earthquake [for historical information regarding "the great earthquake", click here] appeared the next sign mentioned in Revelation 6:12,--the darkening of the sun and moon. What rendered this more striking was the fact that the time of its fulfillment had been definitely pointed out.

In the Saviour's conversation with his disciples upon Olivet, after describing the long period of trial for the church--the 1260 years of papal persecution, concerning which he had promised that the tribulation should be shortened--he thus mentioned certain events to precede his coming, and fixed the time when the first of these should be witnessed: "In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." Mark 13:24.

The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Between these two dates, according to the words of Christ, the sun was to be darkened.On the 19th of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled. It was not an eclipse. Timothy Dwight says, "The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses; the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. ... A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand." Quoted in Connecticut Historical Collections, compiled by John Warner Barber (2nd ed.; New Haven: Durrie & Peck and J.W. Barber, 1836) p. 403.

For further commentary on this event please continue reading.The Dark Day"Almost if not altogether alone as the most mysterious and as yet unexplained phenomenon of its kind, . . . stands the dark day of May 19, 1780,--a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England." That the darkness was not due to an eclipse is evident from the fact that the moon was then nearly full.

It was not caused by clouds, or the thickness of the atmosphere, for in some localities where the darkness extended, the sky was so clear that the stars could be seen. Concerning the inability of science to assign a satisfactory cause for this manifestation, Herschel the astronomer declares: "The dark day in North America was one of those wonderful phenomena of nature which philosophy is at a loss to explain." "The extent of the darkness was also very remarkable. It was observed at the most easterly regions of New England; westward, to the farthest part of Connecticut, and at Albany, N. Y.; to the southward, it was observed all along the sea coast; and to the north, as far as the American settlements extended.

It probably far exceeded those boundaries, but the exact limits were never positively known. With regard to its duration, it continued in the neighborhood of Boston for at least fourteen or fifteen hours." "The morning was clear and pleasant, but about eight o'clock there was observed an uncommon appearance in the sun. There were no clouds, but the air was thick, having a smoky appearance, and the sun shone with a pale, yellowish hue, but kept growing darker and darker, until it was hid from sight."

There was "midnight darkness at noonday." "The occurrence brought intense alarm and distress to multitudes of minds, as well as dismay to the whole brute creation, the fowls fleeing bewildered to their roosts, and the birds to their nests, and the cattle returning to their stalls." Frogs and night hawks began their notes. The cocks crew as at daybreak. Farmers were forced to leave their work in the fields. Business was generally suspended, and candles were lighted in the dwellings. "The Legislature of Connecticut was in session at Hartford, but being unable to transact business adjourned. Everything bore the appearance and gloom of night."

The intense darkness of the day was succeeded, an hour or two before evening, by a partially clear sky, and the sun appeared, though it was still obscured by the black, heavy mist. But "this interval was followed by a return of the obscuration with greater density, that rendered the first half of the night hideously dark beyond all former experience of the probable million of people who saw it. From soon after sunset until midnight, no ray of light from moon or star penetrated the vault above. It was pronounced 'the blackness of darkness!'"

Said an eye-witness of the scene: "I could not help conceiving, at the time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete." Though the moon that night rose to the full, "it had not the least effect to dispel the death-like shadows." After midnight the darkness disappeared, and the moon, when first visible, had the appearance of blood. The poet Whittier thus speaks of this memorable day:--"'Twas on a May-day of the far old year Seventeen hundred eighty, that there fell Over the bloom and sweet life of the spring, Over the fresh earth, and the heaven of noon, A horror of great darkness." "Men prayed, and women wept; all ears grew sharp To hear the doom-blast of the trumpet shatter The black sky."

May 19, 1780, stands in history as "The Dark Day." Since the time of Moses, no period of darkness of equal density, extent, and duration has ever been recorded. The description of this event, as given by the poet and the historian, is but an echo of the words of the Lord, recorded by the prophet Joel, twenty-five hundred years previous to their fulfillment: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come." Joel 2:31.
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You can see how these prophecies have been fulfilled! So what will people be doing before the 7 last plagues are let loose on this earth? Since the "Great Tribulation" has been fulfilled what are people doing before the Great and Dreadful day of the Lord? Are they in a "tribulation" right before this happens? NO!

They will be saying things like: "Relax dude, we have long to go before the Great Tribulation." or "Things have to get really bad first." But Jesus says:

"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot–they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all– so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”(Luke 17:26-35 ESV)

So when they think it's time to relax, because of the Churches Laodicean condition, then shall sudden distruction over take them. As social fabric is torn apart, there is increasingly discord in homes, society, and between nations. And, as in Biblical times, a voice cries out: “Peace, peace: and there is no peace.”

"They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." Jeremiah 8:11

Are you ready? The time is at hand!

Written by Eric W. King [December 7,2007]

They are eating a drinking! Saying; "Peace! Peace!"

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