Prophetic Guidelines for SDAs

CHAPTER 1

PROPHETIC MINISTRY MANIFESTED IN JESUS

I. Definition of Prophecy and Prophetic

What is prophecy? Prophecy is a prediction uttered under the divine inspiration. It is foretelling events in advance as if by supernatural intervention. What is prophetic? Prophetic is listening to and acting on what God speaks to an individual or collective person. It involves words through visions and dreams which are written in the Holy Writ. It’s

necessary and significant that we understand what the Old and New Testament prophecy is all about and realized the responsibility vested upon those who believed, especially in these

last days. We have been called by God to prophesy and to be his Voice in this end time. On the other hand, false prophetic notion tend to be rampant and may led many to reject the validity of true prophecy today. Therefore, we must have a solid grasp on what the task is ahead of us and how it is meant to function in the association we professed to be God’s great reformatory movement.

A. No Time to Lose!

We are living in the closing scenes of this earth's history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works: "My Lord delayeth His coming." Let the message of Christ's soon return  sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come.

Let us arouse them to immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields to tell the unconcerned and indifferent to seek the Lord while He may be found. The workers will find their harvest wherever they proclaim the forgotten truths of the Bible. They will find those who will accept the truth and will devote their lives to winning souls to Christ. {CCh 356.3}

II. JESUS, OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE

Christ Our Example.--Jesus, our Redeemer, walked the earth with the dignity of a king; yet He was meek and lowly of heart. He was a light and blessing in every home because He carried cheerfulness, hope, and courage with Him. Oh, that we could be satisfied with less heart-longings, less striving for things difficult to obtain wherewith to beautify our homes, while that which God values above jewels, the meek and quiet spirit, is not cherished. The grace of simplicity, meekness, and true affection would make a paradise of the humblest home. It is better to endure cheerfully every inconvenience than to part with peace and contentment. {CG 142}

A. JESUS, THE PROPHET

What does Paul described Christ to be in His Church?

“Christ is the cornerstone of His church, (Eph. 2:19-22). Christ has been also called high priest and king (Heb. 6:20; Mat. 27:11) but not much has been said about Him being a prophet. God revealed Christ’s prophetic office to Moses: “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him” (Deut. 18:18). Christ’s contemporaries recognized the fulfillment of this prediction (John 6:14; 7:40; Acts 3:22, 23) Jesus referred to Himself as “prophet” (Luke 13:33). He proclaimed with prophetic authority (Matt. 7:29) the principles of God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:7; 22:36-40) and revealed the future (Matt. 24:1-51; Luke 19:41-44).

Before His incarnation Christ filled the Bible writers with His Spirit and gave them prophecies about His sufferings and subsequent glories (1Peter 1:11). After His ascension He continued to reveal Himself to His people. Scripture says He gives His “testimony” – “the spirit of prophecy” – to His faithful remnant (Rev. 12:17; 19:10) (adopted from the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of SDAs page 60)

Did Jesus call himself a prophet? Let’s read Matthew 13:57 - And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. The context here is that people were astonished of the power manifested in the miracles he had and they were offended because he is a mere carpenter

son. Jesus is saying here that what he is doing is under the auspices of the prophetic. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. John 4:44

B. A GREAT PROPHET IN THE LAND

In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus raises the dead and is called “a great prophet in the land” (verse 16). And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, here was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. Matthew 21:11 - And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

C. GOD CHANGES NOT

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. If God doesn’t change, then, the changes must come with us. Therefore, we need to realize that our understanding of prophecy must also be broad in the sense that Christ Himself manifested to be a prophet from God, that we might also be one with him. Prophecy does not only limited to a verbal communication but also through signs, wonders and miracles. We must understand that the prophetic is a wonderful key to unlocked the world’s speculation and be an effective eye opener to the close minded. In John 4:1-43, Jesus tell a Samaritan woman her past, present and future, it shows that He exercises a prophetic demonstration of what constitute prophecy. 

Furthermore, in John 5:19, Jesus says, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatsoever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. John 5:20 - For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

John 14:12 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

We can do all things as it was promised! The spirit and works of Christ's disciples stand out in vivid contrast to the selfishness of the world. His followers give evidence that they are controlled by a will-power that is higher than any human will. In order to succeed in our labors, we must work with God, be moved by his Spirit. Then he will work with us. "Without me ye can do nothing;" with Christ we can do all things. There must be a coming out from the world,--a separation in interest, in spirit, in language, in hopes, in aims. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." {RH, January 6, 1891 par. 8}

D. MANDATE OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY

Acts 10:38 - How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

What’s the implications herewith?

1. God anointed Jesus: We must be!

When Jesus was upon earth, he announced his mission and the character of his work. He said: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." {RH, May 8, 1894 par. 2}

Our eyes must be anointed with eye-salve. We must draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to us, if we come in his own appointed way. O that you may go forth as the disciples did after the day of Pentecost, and then your testimony will have a living ring, and souls will be converted to God. {1888 560.4}

2. God gave the Holy Spirit: We ought to have!

The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that earnestly desire it, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. Christ has promised the Holy Spirit to guide us unto all truth and righteousness and holiness. The Holy Spirit is not given by measure to those who earnestly seek for it, who by faith stand upon the promises of God. They plead the pledged word of God, saying, "Thou hast said it. I take thee at thy word." {ST, December 25, 1893 par. 4}

The Comforter is given that he may take of the things of Christ and show them unto us, that he may present in their rich assurance the words that fell from his lips, and convey them with living power to the soul who is obedient, who is emptied of self. It is then that the soul receives the image and superscription of the divine. Then Jesus Christ is formed within the hope of glory. {ST, December 25, 1893 par. 5}

3. God gave Him power: Do we need power? Absolutely!

Jesus alone has power to save from sin, to free from the power of evil; and to doubt him who has laid down his life for us, is to grieve and insult the Father, who has in one gift poured out all heaven to a lost world. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Unbelief is an offense to God. A plan has been provided so broad, so perfect, that every sinner may find forgiveness and redemption. However great may be the sin, the sinner has no excuse for remaining away from Christ; for Jesus draws every soul, and all may respond to the infinite love of God. The sinner may put his will on the side of God's will, and may become a laborer together with God. All who truly accept of Christ will go forth to gather with him, and their sins will be left in the broad road, abandoned for the sake of Christ, and through his power. The path to heaven is a path of holiness; and he who walks in it, walks in the light as Christ is in the light. In following Christ, the light of the world, he will not fail nor be discouraged; for divine strength will be given that he may walk circumspectly, firmly, making advancement in the divine life. The follower of Christ will become one with him, he will look to Christ as the author and finisher of his faith, and the Father will be revealed to his soul as "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." {RH, February 10, 1891 par. 4}

4. He is doing good: Are we?

Jesus took humanity upon him, and in so doing what honor he placed upon the race! He suffered as a man, he was tempted as men are tempted, yet without sin. He was made sin for us, though he knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. He "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." {RH, November 18, 1890 par. 6}

Those who are bringing the churches up to a higher standard, by earnest efforts as soldiers of Jesus Christ, are doing a good work. {RH, October 8, 1889 par. 7}

5. He is healing all manners of diseases: We too, we will!

The disciples were to have the same power which Jesus had to heal "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." By healing in His name the diseases of the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul. Matthew 4:23; 9:6. And a new endowment was now promised. The disciples were to preach among other nations, and they would receive power to speak other tongues. The apostles and their associates were unlettered men, yet through the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, their speech, whether in their own or a foreign language, became pure, simple, and accurate, both in word and in accent. {DA 821.4}

Thus Christ gave His disciples their commission. He made full provision for the prosecution of the work, and took upon Himself the responsibility for its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you. {DA 822.1}

The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. {DA 822.2}

6. God is with Him: God will dwell in Our Hearts!

In the work of creation, Christ was with God. He was one with God, equal with him, the brightness of his glory, the express image of his person, the representative of the Father. He alone, the Creator of man, could be his Saviour. No angel of heaven could reveal the Father to the sinner, and win him back to allegiance to God. But Christ could manifest the Father's love; for God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. Christ could be the "day's man" between a holy God and lost humanity, one who could "lay his hand upon us both." None but Christ could redeem man from the curse of the law. He proposed to take upon himself the guilt and shame of sin,--sin so offensive in the sight of God that it would necessitate separation from his Father. Christ proposed to reach to the depths of man's degradation and woe, and restore the repenting, believing soul to harmony with God. Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, offered himself as a sacrifice and substitute for the fallen sons of Adam though in this offering all heaven was involved in infinite sacrifice. But the Father so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that through his smitten heart a channel might be found for the outflowing of infinite love for fallen man. Man had become so degraded by sin, his nature so perverted by evil, that it was impossible for him of himself  to come into harmony with God, whose nature is purity and love. But Christ redeemed him from the condemnation of the law, and imparted divine power, and through man's cooperation, the sinner could be restored to his lost estate. {ST, February 13, 1893 par. 7}

This is a mandate for prophecy – it’s not just telling people things but about doing good and working with God in what we do. It’s about being anointed, having the Holy Spirit, and working in power.

E. JESUS PROPHETIC MINISTRY OUTCOME

1. The dead were raised.

But Lazarus had a wonderful testimony to bear in regard to the work of Christ. He was a living testimonial of divine power. With assurance and power he declared that Christ was the Son of God, and asked the people what they would gain by putting Christ to death. {20MR 147.5}

Overwhelming evidence was given to the priests in regard to the divinity of Christ. But they had set their hearts to resist all light, and they closed the chambers of their mind, that no light might be admitted. {20MR 148.1}

The feast at Simon's house brought many of the Jews together; for they knew Christ was there. And they came not only to see Jesus, but Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. The raising of Lazarus was the crowning miracle of Christ's life. The last test had been given to the Jewish nation. Lazarus had been raised from the dead to bear a testimony for Christ. {20MR 147.3}

2. There were healings and miracles.

The malice of the Jews was so great in consequence of the miracle of Jesus in healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath day, that he with his disciples withdrew to a more favorable field of labor. They went to the seaside of Galilee, and great multitudes followed him, for this new miracle wrought upon the Sabbath day was noised abroad through all that region. As Jesus taught, many of the sick, and those possessed with demons, were brought to him, and he made them whole. His great heart of love was filled with divine pity for the poor sufferers, many of whom sought only to draw near enough to touch him, believing that in so doing they would be healed, and in this they were not disappointed, for the touch of faith brought healing power from the great Physician, and their distress and gloom were changed to joy and thanksgiving. He also cast out many demons, who, in leaving their victims, acknowledged Christ, saying, "Thou art the Son of God." {2SP 201.1}

3. He spoke of past, present and future realities.

The man who had sought to turn the attention from the practical duties that Christ presented, thought to carry the minds past the present life to the remote time of the resurrection of the just; but the Lord Jesus unveiled the deceptive utterance, and by means of the parable of the supper he showed that they had a part to act in that very time if they should ever have a part in the blessedness which should come in the future. They were despising the present invitation to the gospel feast. Christ had been invited as a guest to the house of the Pharisee, and he did not excuse himself. He respectfully responded to the invitation, knowing it would furnish him an opportunity to enlighten the minds of the people. The man who had sought to divert the attention of the company, spoke with great assurance, as though he thought he would certainly eat bread in the kingdom of God. But Jesus warned him and all present against the danger of rejecting the present invitation to the gospel feast. Those who refuse the invitation will never taste of the marriage supper. {RH, November 5, 1895 par. 2}

4. Evangelism took place.

The Place of Visitation Evangelism in Finishing God's Work on Earth.--How can the great work of the third angel's message be accomplished? It must be largely accomplished by persevering, individual effort, by visiting the people in their homes.--Historical Sketches, p. 150. {WM 97.1}

One of the most effective ways in which light can be communicated is by private, personal effort. In the home circle, at your neighbor's fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the Scriptures and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Thus you may sow precious seed that will spring up and bring forth fruit.--Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 428, 429. {WM 97.2}

F. NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY MANDATE

1. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. - Luke 19:10; 2Cor. 5:18

Jesus would impress upon the hearts and minds of his disciples the value of the human soul. He demands co operation on the part of his followers in rescuing lost sinners. There is one lost sheep, the very least that could be numbered; and yet he represents the shepherd as leaving the ninety and nine, and going into the mountains to seek that one lost wanderer. Then why is it that the sons and daughters of God are so cold of heart, so indifferent to the souls that are perishing around them? Why is it that the members of the church are so willing to let the whole burden rest upon the shoulders of the ministers? How great a mistake is this, since every subject of grace is to have a part to act in saving those that are lost? To every man Christ has given his work, and personal efforts must be put forth to save the perishing. The worker must be much in secret prayer; for this work requires great wisdom in the science of saving souls. Christ said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." He said also to his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." He made the church the depositary of sacred truth. He left his church a stewardship of sacred truth, and it is the work of the church to carry forward his mission of saving the world. He is the Sun of Righteousness, who is to impart bright rays to his followers; and they, in turn, are to shed his light upon others. They are to be his representatives to the world. Believing in Christ as their personal Saviour, they take up the work where he left it. "Without me ye can do nothing," said Christ; but with him we can do all things. There is a large, a very large number of straying and lost sheep that have perished in the wild deserts of sin, simply because no one went after them, to search for them and to bring them back to the fold. Jesus uses the illustration of a lost sheep to show the need of seeking after those who have wandered from him; for a sheep once lost will never find its way back to the fold without help. It must be sought for, it must be carried back to the fold. {RH, June 30, 1896 par. 4}

2. The Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil – 1 John 3:8

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." {ST, June 11, 1894 par. 6}

3. Jesus came to serve and not to be served – Matthew 20:28

We are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve him as those who have been redeemed by the Son of God and through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. We shall never gain strength in considering what we might do if we were angels; but as obedient children we are to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, and show our love to God through obedience to his commands. Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Jesus says, "Follow me." "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus leads the way. Do not wait and continue in disobedience, hoping circumstances may change, making it easier for you to obey. Go forward, for you know the will of God. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." {ST, April 10, 1893 par. 4}

The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God's power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset. The Lord now demands that every son and daughter of Adam through faith in Jesus Christ, serve Him in human nature which we now have. {6MR 341.4}

4. Jesus Reconciled Man to God – 2 Cor. 5:19

Man has voluntarily departed from God. Jesus came to do a work which no other could do,--to bring man back to his allegiance to God. How unreasonable it is for fallen man to say that Christ's great work of redemption was for the purpose of making it possible for man to be saved in transgression of the law of God! If one precept of God's law could be changed, then Christ need not have died; but it was because the law of God was unchangeable, and would hold the sinner in its claims, that Jesus came and died, to reconcile man to God. His death shows the immutability of the law. The law of God is as changeless as his own character. Man's only hope was in the death of Christ. And in his death Christ bore testimony to the whole universe that Satan's efforts to change the law were an utter failure. Now it is demonstrated that even for the human beings that have been deceived by Satan and made to transgress the law, there can be no pardon except through the death of the only-begotten Son of the Infinite God himself, who suffered the penalty of man's transgression. And this is the testimony that in the judgment will condemn every transgressor. {ST, December 28, 1891 par. 16}

While we contemplate the cross, the Son of God assuming the mass of human guilt, the mystery of redemption seems wonderful. Jesus points us to the love of God; the Father provided this propitiation because he loved us, that there might be a medium through which he could be reconciled to man and man to him. And our Lord, having committed himself to the wonderful work of redemption, would withhold nothing necessary to the completion of his plan. He poured out all heaven to man in that one great gift. And then he completed the work by surrounding man with unlimited blessings, favor upon favor, gift upon gift, opening to our view all the treasures of the future world. {ST, August 17, 1891 par. 8}

CHAPTER 2

PROPHETIC CONNECTION AND BLESSINGS

What happens when you hear the Shepherd’s voice through the Rod? What happens when a prophet appears in your life? What happens when God speaks to you through His human instrumentalities? Change begins! Ninety nine percent of your success is showing up. Conversely, ninety nine percent of your failure is showing up in the wrong place. In order to achieve the right destiny, we need to connect with the right people in the right place at the right time! THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHET

In the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we know not how to deal with; but let us not forget that the three great powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His promises to pass. He will gather from the world a people who will serve Him in righteousness. 8T 252-254

I beseech those who are laboring for God not to accept the spurious for the genuine. Let not human reason be placed where divine, sanctifying truth should be. Christ is waiting to kindle faith and love in the hearts of His people. Let not erroneous theories receive countenance from the people who ought to be standing firm on the platform of eternal truth. God calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. {8T 298.2}

I. A GREAT WOMAN CONNECTED WITH PROPHETIC

2Kings 4:8-11 - And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this [is] an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

A. Hospitality: Brings Blessings

A Shunammite is a native or an inhabitant of Shunem. This Shunammite woman befriended the prophet Elisha. She made a prophetic connection. She connected with a prophet of God and ended up with a series of blessings. Because of her hospitality, this man of God became a fiend of this weathy family. The Shunammite woman displayed hospitality by regularly feeding Elisha and building a room onto their house. She made room for the prophet. When was the last time that you made place in your heart for a man of God, let alone build a room on your house for one? Elisha repaid the childless couple by promising them a son. When the prophet shows up in our life, God has some place on the agenda. God will birth a dream that you don’t even expect! Because of this woman’s position, she appeared to have everything that money could buy. Yet the prophet uncovered a deep-sealed desire that escaped the power of all their money, she was barren, and carried an unspoken desire to give birth to a child.

The Bible refers to this woman as being a “great woman”. Her greatness was in her submission; she consulted her husband. She was a woman that was under authority; though she was great. The Bible never calls her husband a great man, but we do understand that this was a woman with great substance, as well as finances. In her distress, the Shunammite determined to go to Elisha for help. The prophet was then at Mount Carmel, and the woman, accompanied by her servant, set forth immediately. "And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?" The servant did as he was bidden, but not till she had reached Elisha did the stricken mother reveal the cause of her sorrow. Upon hearing of her loss, Elisha bade Gehazi: "Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child." {PK 238.2}

But the mother would not be satisfied till Elisha himself came with her. "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee," she declared. "And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked."

When they reached the house, Elisha went into the room where the dead child lay, "and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes." {PK 239.1}

Calling Gehazi, Elisha bade him send the mother to him. "And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out." {PK 239.2}

B. Faith Rewarded Life

So was the faith of this woman rewarded. Christ, the great Life-giver, restored her son to her. In like manner will His faithful ones be rewarded, when, at His coming, death loses its sting and the grave is robbed of the victory it has claimed. Then will He restore to His servants the children that have been taken from them by death. "Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, . . . and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." Jeremiah 31:15-17. {PK 239.3}

Jesus comforts our sorrow for the dead with a message of infinite hope: "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction." Hosea 13:14. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, . . . and have the keys of hell and of death." Revelation 1:18. "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. {PK 240.1}

Like the Saviour of mankind, of whom he was a type, Elisha in his ministry among men combined the work of healing with that of teaching. Faithfully, untiringly, throughout his long and effective labors, Elisha endeavored to foster and advance the important educational work carried on by the schools of the prophets. In the providence of God his words of instruction to the earnest groups of young men assembled were confirmed by the deep moving of the Holy Spirit, and at times by other unmistakable evidences of his authority as a servant of Jehovah. {PK 240.2}

It was on the occasion of one of his visits to the school established at Gilgal that he healed the poisoned pottage. "There was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not. So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot." {PK 240.3}

C. A Prophet Feeds the People

At Gilgal, also, while the dearth was still in the land, Elisha fed one hundred men with the present brought to him by "a man from Baalshalisha," "bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof." There were those with him who were sorely in need of food. When the offering came, he said to his servant, "Give unto the people, that they may eat. And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof. So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord." {PK 241.1}

What condescension it was on the part of Christ, through His messenger, to work this miracle to satisfy hunger! Again and again since that time, though not always in so marked and perceptible a manner, has the Lord Jesus worked to supply human need. If we had clearer spiritual discernment we would recognize more readily than we do God's compassionate dealing with the children of men. {PK 241.2}

It is the grace of God on the small portion that makes it all sufficient. God's hand can multiply it a hundredfold. From His resources He can spread a table in the wilderness. By the touch of His hand He can increase the scanty provision and make it sufficient for all. It was His power that increased the loaves and corn in the hands of the sons of the prophets. {PK 241.3}

In the days of Christ's earthly ministry, when He performed a similar miracle in feeding the multitudes, the same unbelief was manifested as was shown by those associated with the prophet of old. "What!" said Elisha's servant; "should I set this before an hundred men?" And when Jesus bade His disciples give the multitude to eat, they answered, "We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people." Luke 9:13. What is that among so many? {PK 242.1}

II. GOD’S REPRESENTATIVES

Reverence should be shown for God's representatives--for ministers, teachers, and parents, who are called to speak and act in His stead. In the respect shown them, God is honored. {PK 237.1}

The kindly spirit that enabled Elisha to exert a powerful influence over the lives of many in Israel, is revealed in the story of his friendly relations with a family dwelling at Shunem In her distress, the Shunammite determined to go to Elisha for help. The prophet was then at Mount Carmel, and the woman, accompanied by her servant, set forth immediately. "And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?" The servant did as he was bidden, but not till she had reached Elisha did the stricken mother reveal the cause of her sorrow. Upon hearing of her loss, Elisha bade Gehazi: "Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child." {PK 238.2}

A. Prophets in Their Own Rights

But the hue and cry of the opposition is, Away with prophecies at this time! For all the prophets and the law "Prophesied Until John." Matt. 11:13.

VTH says, “If a fore quoted scripture means that there were to be no more prophets after John, then there should have been none since that time. And were this the meaning, then the Scriptures would contradict themselves, for they bear evidence that while Christ was the Son of God, He was also "a prophet." Luke 24:19. And although John the Baptist never wrote a single prophetic utterance, yet he was rated by Christ with the greatest of the prophets (Luke 7:28).

Also Matthew, Mark, and Luke, under the Spirit of Inspiration, wrote concerning Christ and His work. Likewise John, Peter, and Paul, and others contemporary with them, prophesied in their own right of many things to come. All these are Scripturally accorded the title "prophet." Jesus Himself testifies that the book of Revelation is a prophecy, for the angel "who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw" says: "Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Rev. 1:2, 3. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Rev. 22:18. Tract 6 page 4, 5

1. Private Interpretations in exchange of Gift of Prophecy

Now the fact that this prophecy was written nearly a century after John the Baptist was beheaded, is historical acknowledgment that the prophets did not cease with him. Thus in misconstruing Matthew 11:13 so as to make John the last of the prophets, the opposition is attempting to substitute for the gift of prophecy in the Christian era, "private" (uninspired) interpretations of the Scriptures. And in doing this, they are led either to ignore or to try to explain away the irrefutable statement of Paul: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (1 Cor. 12:28) -- absolute evidence that the second of the eight gifts to the church in the Christian era, is prophets.

Present-day Christians who despise the gift of prophecy in this age, and also deny that the Old Testament Scriptures have any application in the gospel dispensation, are thereby rejecting all the prophets, while at the same time acknowledging that they were the servants of God. So such church-members continue to build and garnish the tombs of the prophets as did the Jews who claimed to believe in Moses but, when tested, were found to be liars. In like manner most Christians today profess to believe the whole Bible, yet teach that all the laws and statutes, all the warnings and condemnations, apply only to the ancient Jews, whereas the graces they eagerly bosom within the Christian church! Tracts 6 page 7

2. Result of Despising the Gift of Prophecy

The present-day so-called gift of tongues is gibberish, and is no more the Biblical gift than is Sunday the "sanctified" Sabbath day; and the gift of governments is degenerated into an institution of prerogatives, formalities, goals, and the like, which, in their present low estate, are naught but agencies which in effect militate against the Truth and neutralize the piety of the church. In this state of affairs, do the best of these professed Christians of today seem better than the worst of yesterday's Jews? "Awake, awake," cries the Word, "loose thyself from the" man-wrought "bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion." Isa 52:2. "Quench not the Spirit," O church of God! "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that

which is good." 1 Thess. 5:19-21.

B. Prophets in first and second division

Sacred history shows that the prophets in the first division received the Word directly from God through the medium of His Spirit. They were not obliged to prove any part of their prophecies by the writings of the preceding prophets. Whereas the prophets in the second division are appointed by the unction of the Spirit to interpret the writings of the prophets of the first division.

1. First Division - Prophets who had received the word directly from God through the medium of His Spirit.

Example: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

2. Second Division – Prophets who are appointed by the unction of the Spirit to interpret the writings of the prophets in first division.

Example: Matthew, Mark, Paul (See. 6Tr 4,5)

Since the Scriptures explain that the church in all ages has been led into truth only through the gift of prophecy, the Christian has no choice but to conclude that God's will and plan for this time is just as it was for times past; that is, that the knowledge of salvation be imparted through the writings of the Old Testament prophets, as interpreted by those upon whom, as the scroll unfolds, He bestows the same Spirit by which He moved upon "holy men of God" "in old time." 2 Pet. 1:21. "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Mal. 3:6

CHAPTER 3

HOLY SPIRIT: PROPHETIC NECESSITY

Jesus Christ as our example needed the Holy Spirit, how much more do we? The scripture declares, “As many are led by the Spirit of God, they are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14). Let’s see some examples in the scripture that highlights Jesus relationship with the Holy Spirit.

I. JESUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. He was filled with the Holy Ghost – Luke 3:21, 22; 4:1

All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:15. {EW 24.2}

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4. {EW 24.3}

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31. {EW 24.4}

B. He was led by the Holy Spirit – Luke 4:1

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness." The words of Mark are still more significant. He says, "Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts." "And in those days He did eat nothing." {DA 114.1}

C. He had returned in the power of the Holy Spirit – Luke 4:14

When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel. But Satan knew that the Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and he thought this the best time to approach Him. {DA 114.2}

D. He declares that the Holy Spirit was on Him and had anointed him – Luke 4:17-21

Every individual Christian is required of God to be a living, shining light in the world. He must wrestle with God in secret prayer; then he will go forth in the spirit of Christ to hold converse with men. Anointed for the mission, he bears with him the atmosphere of paradise. His words will be well chosen, and his face will reflect the image of his Master. He

will be the light of the world, a living epistle known and read by all men. {RH, March 8, 1887 par. 5}

E. He Prophesy the Coming of the Holy Spirit – John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. Jesus told His disciples: "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). And the psalmist says: "Thy law is the truth." By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is "holy, and just, and good," a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: "I have kept My Father's commandments." "I do always those things that please Him" (John 15:10; 8:29). The followers of Christ are to become like Him--by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification. {NL 13.2}

F. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show [it] unto you – John 16:14

This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12, 13). The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims: "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). {NL 14.1}

The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to "go on unto perfection;" to grow up "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." . . . [Philippians 3:13, 14 and 2 Peter 1:5-

10 quoted.] {NL 14.2}

II. ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PROPHETIC MINISTRY

1. The Holy Spirit puts everything in perspective - John 14:16, 17; 16:7, 13; Zech. 4:6

Those who place themselves in opposition to the Lord's work may hinder for a time, but the same Spirit that has guided the Lord's work all the way through will guide it today.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." . . . {4BC 1179.4}

The Lord would have every soul strong in His strength. He would have us look to Him, receiving our directions from Him (RH May 16, 1899). {4BC 1179.5}

2. The Holy Spirit filled during the Early Rain – Pentecostal shower – Acts 2:4

The pentecostal season brought to them the evidences that they were accepted in the Beloved, and that their prayers, ascending to God in faith, would assuredly be answered. The power of the Holy Spirit was given to accompany the preaching of the Word. The Saviour says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." - {RH, July 18, 1899 par. 16}

3. The Holy Spirit will Dwell in Us – Rom. 8:11; 1Cor. 6:19

If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, our work will testify to the fact, we shall lift up Jesus. Not one can afford to be silent now; the burden of the work is to present Christ to the world. All who venture to have their own way, who do not join the angels who are sent from heaven with a message to fill the whole earth with its glory, will be passed by. The work will go forward to victory without them, and they will have no part in its triumph. {RH, December 23, 1890 par. 22}

4. The Holy Spirit will Give LIFE to our Body – Rom. 8:11

There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. All who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to His service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in mind and heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve victories that because of our own erroneous and preconceived opinions, our defects of character, our smallness of faith, have seemed impossible. {AG 208.5}

Heavenly intelligences are waiting to cooperate with human instrumentalities, that the world may see what human beings may become through a union with the divine. Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God's service will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the life of His life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in mind and heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve victories which, because of our defects of character and the smallness of our faith, may have seemed to us impossible. {HP 62.4}

To every one who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power for the attainment of measureless results. {HP 62.5}

5. The Holy Spirit anoints us – 1John 2:20, 21, 27

Let us increase in a knowledge of the truth, giving all praise and glory to Him who is one with the Father. Let us seek most earnestly for the heavenly anointing, the Holy Spirit. Let us have a pure, growing Christianity, that in the heavenly courts we may at last be pronounced complete in Christ. {RC 219.7}

The Holy Spirit gives the divine anointing to all who receive Christ. {Christian Educator, August 1, 1897 par. 4}

This is the great subject that underlies all true, sanctified education. When this is made the theme of our conversation, no idle, common talk will fall from our lips. Jesting and joking

are heard because the soul temple is unsanctified and unholy.

6. The Holy Spirit Guides and Leads Us into all Truth – John 16:13

Oh how much we need the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit; for we are living in a time of peril. The love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us, will lead to right actions. Partaking of the divine nature, we shall work as Christ worked, I am assured that we have everything for which to be thankful. It is our privilege to enjoy the richness of the promises that may be made fully ours. The Lord is ready to do large things for all those who believe. Jesus longs to quicken our hearts with healthful spiritual life. Jesus dwelling in the soul, purifying and ennobling all our faculties, guiding us into all truth, makes us a bright and shining light unto the world. Then let not this light burn dim. Moment by moment we need to live looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith.... {TSA 39.3}

The truths that have been unfolding in their order, as we have advanced along the line of prophecy revealed in the Word of God, are truth, sacred, eternal truth today. Those who passed over the ground step by step in the past history of our experience, seeing the chain of truth in the prophecies, were prepared to accept and obey every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, digging for the truth as for hidden treasures, and the Holy Spirit, we know, was teaching and guiding us. Many theories were advanced, bearing a semblance of truth, but so mingled with misinterpreted and misapplied scriptures that they led to dangerous errors. Very well do we know how every point of truth was established, and the seal set upon it by the Holy Spirit of God. And all the time voices were heard, "Here is the truth," "I have the truth; follow me." But the warnings came, "Go not ye after them. I have not sent them, but they ran." (See Jeremiah 23:21.) {17MR 4.2}

7. The Holy Spirit sanctifies (makes us holy) – Rom. 15:16; 2Thess 2;13

The Holy Spirit is to rest upon God's children. This is the Lord's will and plan. But this can never be until they seek for unity, forgetting self in the desire to extend his kingdom. The Saviour's prayer for his followers is, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their

sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. {RH, July 21, 1903 par. 8}

Day by day, hour by hour, we must weave heavenly principles into our life, praying God that he will bestow his Holy Spirit upon us; for it is the Holy Spirit alone that can purify the affections, and uproot the tares that naturally grow in the heart. The love of God must abide in the soul, or man will fail to mete out to his fellowman that which God has meted out to him through his great love for his fallen creatures. Without the heavenly endowment of the Spirit of truth, we shall not be able to do that for which we shall not be ashamed. When we are brought to account by the Lord, we shall receive the very same measure we have meted to others, and eat the fruit of our own doings. Many work with intense activity to bring to light disagreeable matters concerning others, when, if the same criticism were brought upon their words and conduct, their faults in contrast with their brother's would be as a beam in proportion to a mote. {RH, August 16, 1892 par. 5}

In order to fulfill the law, we are to carry out the golden rule, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Our influence must be sanctified by the Holy Spirit of God, if it

is to be a blessing to humanity. We are not to be anxious as to what we will do for weeks or months or years ahead; for the future does not belong to us. One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God, beautify our characters by faith in the righteousness of Christ. This one day we are to place in the hands of Christ in solemn service, in all our purposes and plans to be guided by him. This one day we are to do unto others exactly as we wish them to do unto us. We are to be ready to speak kind words from hearts full of sympathy and love. We are to manifest patience, revealing to the world what it means to be a practical doer of the words of Christ, ever remembering that our life is bound up with the life of Him who died for us. Christ and the child of humanity become one, so that the Spirit and character of Christ are represented in his followers day by day and hour by hour. By faith Christ becomes unto the believer righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. {ST, July 11, 1892 par. 3}

8. The Holy Spirit confirms our Sonship – Rom. 8:16; Heb. 10:16

But the promise of sonship is made to all who “believe on his name.” Everyone who comes to Jesus in faith will receive pardon. As soon as the penitent one looks to the Savior for help to turn from sin, the Holy Spirit begins His transforming work upon the heart. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” {BLJ 263.6}

If we needed the manifest proof of the Holy Spirit's power to confirm truth in the beginning after the passing of the time, we need today all the evidence in the confirmation of the truth, when souls are departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. There must not be any languishing of soul now. {NYI, February 7, 1906 par. 1}

9. The Holy Spirit helps us - John 14:16-26

This is a God-given and a saving message to them that believe. If the spirit of Jesus, who came to seek and to save that which was lost, were in our hearts, the question could not be asked, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" How earnest would be our efforts! how we would deny ourselves to help the souls who need our help! and by partaking of the spirit of Christ, we would not fail nor be discouraged. We would study, plan, and pray to God for wisdom and grace, that we might save the souls in the highways and broadways of life. The Holy Spirit of God must come into our hearts, to sanctify our souls, and to arouse our entire beings to earnest action. We must drink deeper of the spirit of the message; we must realize the situation in which we are placed. The end is near! The religious amendment which is being so decidedly urged, if carried, would materially change the features of our work, and hedge up our way. Everything in our outward world shows that an important crisis is about to open upon us. Are we ready for it? Have we, by working when and where we could, prepared ourselves and others for the momentous future? Can we, in our present state of inaction, take in the great ideas and the truth for this time? We need faith, more faith; we must believe in Jesus as our personal Saviour. Do we believe the word of God or the traditions of men? Who of us believe that men can be saved without

having practical working faith in Christ? If we are working mind, heart, and soul, as in the light of the judgment day, we are laborers together with God. Divine and human efforts must be combined. The Lord gives the rain and the sunshine, the clouds and the dew; these are Heaven-bestowed gifts; yet there is a work for man to do, or these blessings will prove of little worth to him. Painstaking effort is required in the tilling of the soil; all the conditions must be fulfilled on man's part in sowing the seed and gathering the harvest, or the benefits of Heaven will fail of their designed purpose. {RH, May 6, 1890 par. 10}

10. The Holy Spirit gives us joy – Rom. 14:17

As the divine endowment--the power of the Holy Spirit-- was given to the disciples, so it will today be given to all who seek aright. This power alone is able to make us wise unto salvation and to fit us for the courts above. Christ wants to give us a blessing that will make us holy. "These things have I spoken unto you," He says, "that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11. Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving joy. In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world. {7T 273.1}

I entreat of all to receive this heavenly visitant as an abiding guest; for it will guide you into all truth, and give you joy and peace in the Lord. {ST, November 5, 1896 par. 10}

"The fruit of the Spirit is love." Mark the words,--love, not hatred; it is joy, not discontent and mourning; peace, not irritation, anxiety and manufactured trials. It is "long-suffering gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." {HM, November 1, 1893 par. 12}

"The fruit of the Spirit is love." Mark the words,--love, not hatred; it is joy, not discontent and mourning; peace, not irritation, anxiety and manufactured trials. It is "long-suffering gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." {HM, November 1, 1893 par. 12}

11. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment – 1Cor. 2:10-16; 1John 4:1-4

We are to pray for the impartation of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken

heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when it shall be graciously bestowed our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy. Some have treated the Spirit as an unwelcome guest, refusing to receive the rich gift, refusing to acknowledge it, turning from it, and condemning it as fanaticism. {TM 64.1}

God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the soul, quickens all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God, develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfil the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciples that the Christian becomes like his Master in character. He has clearer, broader views. His discernment is more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. So quickened is he by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness, that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God. {GW 285.3}

The Holy Spirit will give you clear discernment that you may see and appropriate every blessing that will act as an antidote to grief, as a branch of healing to every draught of bitterness that is placed to your lips. Every draught of bitterness will be mingled with the love of Jesus, and in place of complaining of the bitterness, you will realize that Jesus' love and grace are so mingled with sorrow that it has been turned into subdued, holy, sanctified joy. {FLB 186.3}

12. The Holy Spirit makes us bear fruit – Gal. 5:22-23

Truth is being constantly unfolded by the Holy Spirit. [The Christian] receives with meekness the engrafted word, and he gives the Lord all the glory, saying, "God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit." "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God" [1 Corinthians 2:12]. The Spirit that reveals also works in him the fruits of righteousness. Christ is in him "a well of water, springing up into everlasting life." He is a branch of the True Vine, and bears rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. {2SAT 71.3}

What is the character of the fruit? "The fruit of the Spirit is love." Mark the word--love, not hatred. It is joy, not discontent and mourning; peace, not irritation, anxiety, and manufactured trials. It is "long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22, 23). {2SAT 71.4}

13. The Holy Spirit give gifts – 1Cor. 12:3-11

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people "to will and to do of His good pleasure." But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.--The Desire of Ages, p. 672. {ChS 253.1}

Prophecies have been dwelt upon, doctrines have been expounded; but that which is essential to the church in order that they may grow in spiritual strength and efficiency, in order that the preaching may carry conviction with it, and souls be converted to God, has been largely left out of

ministerial effort. This subject has been set aside, as if some time in the future would be given to its consideration. Other blessings and privileges have been presented before the people until a desire has been awakened in the church for the attainment of the blessing promised of God; but the impression concerning the Holy Spirit has been that this gift is not for the church now, but that at some time in the future it would be necessary for the church to receive it. {TM 174.1}

14. The Holy Spirit comforts us – Acts 9:31

There are enough profitable subjects upon which to meditate and converse. The conversation of the Christian should be in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour. Meditation upon heavenly things is profitable, and will ever be accompanied with the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Our calling is holy, our profession exalted. God is purifying unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He is sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver. When the dross and tin are removed, then His image will be perfectly reflected in us. Then the prayer of Christ for His disciples will be answered in us: "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." When the truth has a sanctifying influence upon our hearts and lives, we can render to God acceptable service and can glorify Him upon the earth, being partakers of the divine nature and having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. {2T 317.2}

The Comforter is called "the Spirit of truth." His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself. {DA 671.1}

15. The Holy Spirit reveals things from God – 1Cor. 2:10-11; Isa. 40:13, 14

We are to be sanctified through the truth, but Jesus declares, "Thy word is truth." We can be sanctified only through a knowledge of the word of God, and that word is to become a part of our life. God has given you a Bible, and when your will is submitted to God's will, you will know what is truth. The law of God is the standard to which we are to come. It is the mirror which reveals to us our defects of character. But while it reveals our defects, there is no power in the mirror to cleanse us from the stains of sin. In looking into the law of God, we see our short-comings and failures, but there is no power in law to redeem the transgressor of law. A remedy has been provided for the sinner. A fountain has been opened for uncleanness, where Judah and Jerusalem may wash and be made clean. We must have repentance toward God. Why?--Because we have broken his law. We must have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, because he is

the sacrifice for sin. And where do we get repentance?--It is the Holy Spirit that imparts repentance to us. Jesus draws us to himself through the agency of his divine Spirit; and through faith in his blood we are cleansed from sin; "for the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to

cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But suppose that we sin after we have been forgiven, after we have become the children of God, then need we despair?--No; for John writes, "My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin

not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Jesus is in the heavenly courts pleading with the Father in our behalf. He presents our prayers, mingling with them the precious incense of his own merit, that our prayers may be acceptable to the Father. He puts the fragrance into our prayers, and the Father hears us because we ask for the very things which we need, and we become to others a savor of life unto life. {RH, March 1, 1892 par. 8}

The Holy Spirit, sent from heaven by the benevolence of infinite love, takes the things of God and reveals them to every soul that has an implicit faith in Christ. By His power the vital truths upon which the salvation of the soul depends are impressed upon the mind, and the way of life is made so plain that none need err therein. As we study the Scriptures, we should pray for the light of God's Holy Spirit to shine upon the word, that we may see and appreciate its treasures. {COL 113.2}

Truth is being constantly unfolded by the Holy Spirit. [The Christian] receives with meekness the engrafted word, and he gives the Lord all the glory, saying, "God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit." "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God" [1 Corinthians 2:12]. The Spirit that reveals also works in him the fruits of righteousness. Christ is in him "a well of water, springing up into everlasting life." He is a branch of the True Vine, and bears rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. {2SAT 71.3}

16. The Holy Spirit helps our weaknesses – Rom. 8:26

It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convinced of sin, and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the grace of the Lord that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us. He will hear the prayer of faith; but the sincerity of prayer can be proved only by our efforts to bring ourselves into harmony with the great moral standard which will test every man’s character. We need to open our hearts to the influence of the Spirit, and to experience its transforming power.—(Review and Herald, June 24, 1884.) {Pr 242.1}

Repentance, as well as forgiveness, is the gift of God through Christ. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convicted of sin, and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the grace of God that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us. help us. {GW92 414.2}

Darkness and discouragement will sometimes come upon the soul and threaten to overwhelm us, but we should not cast away our confidence. We must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, feeling or no feeling. We should seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest in the promises of God. {CCh 56.5}

17. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us – Rom. 8:26-27

Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man's behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart. {1SM 344.1}

The Holy Spirit indites all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my intercessions the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints; but his intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to his will. "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities;" and the Spirit, being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to his revealed will, and in submission to his will which we know not. We are to make supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious word, and believing that Christ not only gave himself for but to his disciples. The record declares, "He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." {ST, October 3, 1892 par. 3}

18. The Holy Spirit leads us – Rom. 8:14

The Holy Spirit leads men to co-operate with God. This is the design in divine help. And in our turn we are to lead others to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As we engage in this work with heart and soul, we are blessed and strengthened. God stands ready to co-operate with us, but this He can not do till we do our duty. If ministers and teachers would learn the lessons given here so clearly and explicitly, a great change would take place in the ministry of the Word. They would realize their entire dependence upon God, and would work for Him with whole-hearted earnestness. The Holy Spirit would work in and through them, and the unconverted would be rescued from their insensibility. {ST, January 20, 1898 par. 9} 

19. The Holy Spirit frees us from fear – Rom. 8:15

His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us "to the obtaining of the glory"--character--"of our Lord Jesus Christ;" has called us to be "conformed to the image of His Son." 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29. {DA 341.1}

20. The Holy Spirit counsels and teaches us – John 14:26; 16:13-14

Just before His crucifixion the Saviour said to His disciples: "I will not leave you comfortless." "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come." "He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:18, 16; 16:13; John 14:26. {8T 19.2}

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." [Psalm 51:6-13.] {CE 230.3}

21. The Holy Spirit gives us power – Acts 1:8

As the divine endowment--the power of the Holy Spirit-- was given to the disciples, so it will today be given to all who seek aright. This power alone is able to make us wise unto salvation, and to fit us for the courts above. Christ wants to give us a blessing that will make us holy. "These things have I spoken unto you," He says, "that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving. In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself--a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world.--Signs of the Times, March 15, 1910. {YRP 307.4}

22. The Holy Spirit gives rest and refreshes us – Isa. 28:11-12

I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place--when the mighty angel will come down from heaven, and unite with the third angel in closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning. Christ has told us to watch; "for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." "Watch and pray" is the charge that is given us by

our Redeemer. Day by day we are to seek the enlightenment of the Spirit of God, that it may do its office work upon the soul and character. O, how much time has been wasted through giving attention to trifling things. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.--The Review and Herald, March 29, 1892. {1SM 192.1}

See more information on the Zech. 4 study – The Golden Bowl!

CHAPTER 4

PROPHETIC MINISTRY LEVEL

I. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS CHURCH

Through centuries of persecution, conflict, and darkness, God has sustained His church. Not one cloud has fallen upon it that He has not prepared for; not one opposing force has risen to counterwork His work, that He has not foreseen. All  has taken place as He predicted. He has not left His church forsaken, but has traced in prophetic declarations what

would occur, and that which His Spirit inspired the prophets to foretell has been brought about. All His purposes will be fulfilled. His law is linked with His throne, and no power of evil can destroy it. Truth is inspired and guarded by God; and it will triumph over all opposition. Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified. {AA 13}

A. GOD REVEALS HIS WILL

God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world. To them were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God's will. In the early days of Israel the nations of the world, through corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of God. They had once known Him; but because "they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, . . . their foolish heart was darkened." Romans 1:21. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them an opportunity of again becoming acquainted with Him through His chosen people. Through the teachings of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before all nations, and all who would look to Him should live. Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. The whole system of types and symbols was a compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation in which were bound up the promises of redemption. {AA 14.1}

B. THREE LEVELS OF PROPHETIC

God purpose for His church is to demonstrate His character to the world with power from generation to generation. This could only be possible through the fulfillment of prophetic declaration which will be manifested among believers.

1. The Faith Level – Every believer operates on this level. This is all about edifying, building up, and encouraging others. Apostle Paul says, “For you call all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged .” 1 Cor. 14:31 - As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8); as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. {DA 60.2}

2. The Gift Level – The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers in different proportions, these are for encouraging, comforting and strengthening the church. This is more than just the faith level – it is a gift given specifically with the purpose from the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 12:4-11

3. The Office Level – A prophet bestowed with authority to speak for God to the people in different ages. A function given by Jesus for a person to operate in for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. Eph. 4:11-13; Eph. 2:20

Note:

1. The third level is same with the First Division of Prophet who had received a direct communication with God.

2. The first and the second level could be classified among the second Division because they don’t have that direct communication with God. 

C. PROPHETIC LEVEL DIAGRAM

Office of the Prophet

The Gift of Prophecy

Prophecy in Faith

D. SOME WILL TRACE DOWN THE PROPHETIC ROLL

God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy, and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment when Christ shall appear.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 307.

Call attention to books dwelling on practical faith and godliness and to those that treat on the prophetic word. The people are to be educated to read the sure word of prophecy in the light of the living oracles. They need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling. It is God alone who can give success either in preparing or in circulating our publications.-- Testimonies, Vol. 7, pp. 150-158. (1902.)

E. PRESENT THE MESSAGE FOR THIS TIME

Let all have more to teach, to write, and to publish in regard to those things that are now to be fulfilled, and that concern the eternal welfare of souls. Give meat in due season to the old and the young, to saints and to sinners. Let everything that can be said to awaken the church from its slumbers be brought forward without delay. Let no time be lost in dwelling on those things that are not essential, and that have no bearing upon the present necessities of the people. . . . {CW 13.4}

They carefully examined the evidences of their faith and followed down through the reckoning of the prophetic periods, but could discover no mistake. The time had been fulfilled, but where was their Saviour? They had lost Him. {EW 243.2}

F. UNDERSTANDING THE PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES

As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ! Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and to

place themselves at His feet! How they wished that they might come to Him, and have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to His words! What had Christ meant when He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? John 16:12. How eager they were to know it all! They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality. {DA 507.1}

G. TEST OF FAITH

This test would reveal the strength of those who with real faith had obeyed what they believed to be the teaching of the Word and the Spirit of God. It would teach them, as only such an experience could, the danger of accepting the theories and interpretations of men, instead of making the Bible its own interpreter. To the children of faith the perplexity and sorrow resulting from their error, would work the needed correction. They would be led to a closer study of the prophetic word. They would be taught to examine more carefully the foundation of their faith, and to reject everything, however widely accepted by the Christian world, that was not founded upon the Scriptures of truth. With these believers, as with the first disciples, that which in the hour of trial seemed dark to their understanding, would afterward be made plain. When they should see the “end of the Lord,” they would know that notwithstanding the trial resulting from their errors, his purposes of love toward them had been steadily fulfilling. They would learn by a blessed experience that he is “very pitiful, and of tender mercy;” that all his paths “are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” {GC88 354.2}

H. GUIDED BY PROPHETIC REVELATION

A Great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ's soon coming, is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel's message of Revelation 14. An angel is seen flying  “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” “With a loud voice” he proclaims the message, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” [Revelation 14:6, 7.] {GC88 355.1}

The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning, is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message, and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel's flight “in the midst of heaven,” the “loud voice” with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all “that dwell on the earth,”—“to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”—give evidence of the rapidity and world-wide extent of the movement. {GC88 355.2}

I. PROPHECY SHOWS SUCCESSION OF EVENTS

The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the “everlasting gospel;” and it announces the opening of the Judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of Judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the Judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal “to the time of the end.” Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the Judgment be proclaimed, based on a fulfillment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Daniel 12:4.] {GC88 355.3}

CHAPTER 5

OH TASTE AND SEE!

I. Experience is Knowledge

How shall we know for ourselves God's goodness and His love? The psalmist tells us--not, hear and know, read and know, or believe and know; but--"Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). Instead of relying upon the word of another, taste for yourself. Experience is knowledge derived from experiment. Experimental religion is what is needed

now. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." {AG 252.5}

God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises. He bids us “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8. . . . {CSA 47.3}

Some--yes, a large number--have a theoretical knowledge of religious truth, but have never felt the renewing power of divine grace upon their own hearts. . . . They believe in the wrath of God, but put forth no earnest efforts to escape it. They believe in heaven, but make no sacrifice to obtain it. . . . They know a remedy for sin, but do not use it. They know the right, but have no relish for it. All their knowledge will but increase their condemnation. They have never tasted and learned by experience that the Lord is good. {Mar 74.3} 

A. INFLUENCE OF ASSOCIATION

By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His service. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy laden, and seeing the manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command the disciples to do this or that, but said, "Follow Me." On His journeys through country and cities, He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. They traveled with Him from place to place. They shared His frugal fare, and like Him were sometimes hungry and often weary. On the crowded streets, by the lakeside, in the lonely desert, they were with Him. They saw Him in every phase of life. {AA 17.2}

Every association we form, however limited, exerts some influence upon us. The extent to which we yield to that influence will be determined by the degree of intimacy, the constancy of the intercourse, and our love and veneration for the one with whom we associate. Thus by acquaintance and association with Christ we may become like Him, the one faultless Example. {Mar 74.5}

Communion with Christ--how unspeakably precious! Such communion it is our privilege to enjoy if we will seek it, if we will make any sacrifice to secure it. {Mar 74.6}

So everyone may be able, through his own experience, to "set his seal to this, that God is true." John 3:33, A.R.V. . . . He can testify: "I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied. . . . I believe in Jesus because He is to me a divine Saviour. I believe the Bible because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul." {Mar 74.7}

B. CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19. {Mar 75.1}

Will you have a stinted Christian growth, or will you make healthy progress in the divine life? Where there is spiritual health there is growth. The child of God grows up to the full stature of a man or woman in Christ. There is no limit to his improvement. . . . {Mar 75.4}

Some who ought to be strong and established in Christ are as babes in understanding and experimental knowledge of the workings of the Spirit of God. After years of experience they are able to comprehend only the first principles of that grand system of faith and doctrine that constitutes the Christian religion. They do not comprehend that perfection of character which will receive the commendation: "Well done." . . . {Mar 75.5}

C. VICTORIES TO GAIN

We have great victories to gain, and a heaven to lose if we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified; for its tendency is to moral corruption, and the end thereof is death. . . . Pray that the mighty energies of the Holy Spirit . . . may fall like an electric shock on the palsy-stricken soul, causing every nerve to thrill with new life, restoring the whole man from his dead, earthly, sensual state to spiritual soundness. You will thus become partakers of the divine nature, . . . and in your souls will be reflected the image of Him by whose stripes you are healed. {Mar 75.6}

Every means of grace should be diligently improved that the love of God may abound in the soul more and more, "that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness." Your Christian life must take on vigorous and stalwart forms. You can attain to the high standard set before you in the Scriptures, and you must if you would be children of God. You cannot stand still; you must either advance or retrograde. . . . {Mar 75.3}

D. PROMISES IN THE BIBLE: ALL CAN SEE

“Having eyes,, do you not see?” {Mark 8:18}

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness! {Mat. 6:22, 23}

Many passages in the Holy Scriptures state that all believers can and should have their spiritual eyes and ears open and functioning. We sometimes forget clear references to spiritual sight because we have been told that seeing in the spirit is not our gift. But let’s us have a quick overview of spiritual eyes operational.

1. Ought to Be Teachers – Hebrews 5:12-14

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Without spiritual discernment you will be unable to see the claims of God upon me, or to realize my obligations to the Master whom

I serve; therefore you will feel that I neglect you for religious duties. You will not be happy; you will be jealous on account of the affections which I give to God, and I shall be alone in my religious belief. When your views shall change, when your heart shall respond to the claims of God, and you shall learn to love my Saviour, then our relationship may be renewed." {AH 67.4}

Need of Mature Judgment. Maturity of judgment will give you much better discernment and power of discrimination to know the truth.

2. God will give the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding – Ephesians 1:15-18

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, “But the mind must first be made adaptable to the nature of the truth to be investigated. The eyes of the understanding must be enlightened, and heart and mind brought into harmony with God, who is truth. He who beholds Jesus with the eye of faith sees no glory in himself; for the glory of the Redeemer is reflected into the mind and heart… Perpetually looking unto Jesus, the human is assimilated by the divine. The believer is changed into his likeness. {RH, February 18, 1896 par. 11}

3. God will intervene and protect His Servants – 2 Kings 6:15-17

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Those who are spiritually blind, claim to be able to lead the blind; but they have closed their eyes to the light which has been graciously given them of God to show them the way to heaven, and in place of traveling the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, they follow another leader, even Satan. {ST, November 6, 1893 par. 3}

4. Tried in the Fire: Faith and Love – Revelation 3:17-18

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. The True Witness counsels us to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eyesalve. The gold here recommended as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the heart rich; for it has been purged until it is pure, and the more it is tested the more brilliant is its luster. The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience. The eyesalve is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any guise. God has given His church eyes which He requires them to anoint with wisdom, that they may see clearly; but many would put out the eyes of the church if they could; for they would not have their deeds come to the light, lest they should be reproved. The divine eyesalve will impart clearness to the understanding. Christ is the depositary of all graces. He says: "Buy of Me." {4T 88.2}

5. God’s Spirit will dwell and anoint us – Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do. "Ye are the light of the world," He said. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16. {COL 416.2}

The Lord's anointing was upon Christ. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me," he declared, "because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God: to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." {SpM 57.3}

6. Recognition of one’s own Life Standing – Matthew 7:1-5

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. The sin that leads to the most unhappy results is the cold, critical, unforgiving spirit that characterizes Pharisaism. When the religious experience is devoid of love, Jesus is not there; the sunshine of His presence is not there. . . . There may be a wonderful keenness of perception to discover the defects of others; but to everyone who indulges this spirit, Jesus says, "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye" (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 125, 126).

II. Growing in Christ – Prophetic Spirit

A. Grow and Operate in Spiritual Light – 1 John 2:9-11

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. God’s desire is for every person to operate in spiritual sight. There is so much more available to us, and we must remain open to finding new truth in the word of God. The Old Testament prophets operated with God’s sight; Jesus operated with God’s sight; the disciples operated with God’s sight; and God wants us to operate with His sight. See 2Kings 6:13-17; Daniel 10:4-7, 8-11; Numbers 22:21-27, 28-33; John 5:19, 8:28; Rev. 1:9-18, 4:1.

God designed that man should be constantly improving, daily reaching a higher point in the scale of excellence. He will help us, if we seek to help ourselves. Our hope of happiness in two worlds depends upon our improvement in one. At every point we should be guarded against the first approach to intemperance. Dear youth, God calls upon you to do a work which through His grace you can do. . . . Show a purity of tastes, appetite, and habits that bears comparison with Daniel's. God will reward you with calm nerves, a clear brain, an unimpaired judgment, keen perceptions. The youth of today whose principles are firm and unwavering, will be blessed with health of body, mind, and soul. {CC 248.6}

B. The Lord’s Designs for His Church to Accomplish

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

Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life. {AA 13.2}

God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world.

C. Spirit of Prophetic Power

God has said, "Them that honor Me, I will honor." While Daniel clung to his God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While he was instructed of man in the duties of court life, he was taught of God to read the mysteries of future ages, and to present to coming generations, through figures and similitudes, the wonderful things that would come to pass in the last days.--Signs of the Times, Sept. 28, 1882.

As Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While receiving instruction from man in the duties of court life, he was being taught by God to read the mysteries of the future and to record for coming generations, through figures and symbols, events covering the history of this world till the close of time. {CSA 55.2}

 The prophetic call came to Elisha while, with his father's servants, he was plowing in the field. He had taken up the work that lay nearest. He possessed both the capabilities of a leader among men and the meekness of one who is ready to serve. Of a quiet and gentle spirit, he was nevertheless energetic and steadfast. Integrity, fidelity, and the love and fear of God were his, and in the humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of character, constantly increasing in grace and knowledge. While co operating with his father in the home-life duties, he was learning to co-operate with God…. Every act of life is a revelation of character, and he only who in small duties proves himself "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" can be honored by God with higher service. {CC 220.5}

The time of Christ's coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfillment in the mission of Jesus. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study. Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, "Whoso readeth, let him understand." Matthew 24:15. After His resurrection He explained to the disciples in "all the prophets" "the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets. "The Spirit of Christ which was in them" "testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." 1 Peter 1:11. {DA 234.1}

CHAPTER 6

THE EYE OF THE CHURCH

I. Depositories of Sacred Truth

Those who profess to believe the special truths for this time need to be converted and sanctified by the truth. As Christians we are made depositories of sacred truth, and we are not to keep the truth in the outer court, but bring it into the sanctuary of the soul. Then the church will possess divine vitality throughout. . . . One question will be all absorbing—Who shall approach nearest the likeness of Christ? Who shall do most to win souls to righteousness? When this is the ambition of believers, contention is at an end; the prayer of Christ is answered.—Letter 25b, 1892. {CTr 356.5}

The church of God is the great depository of truth. They must have skill, efficiency, and ability as home missionaries. All have a solemn part to act at home, in the family, in the church of God, and in the world. In the great day of reckoning God will require of you according to the talents you have received; and all the improvement you might have made, but did not, because you were not true to your sacred trust, will be required at your hands. You will be unfaithful servants if you merely retain the capital, and do not trade upon it, if you do not improve the talents by putting them out to the exchangers. {PH028 25.2}

Everyone who heeds this invitation will yoke up with Christ. We are to manifest at all times and in all places the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Then the Lord will stand by His messengers and will make them His mouthpieces, and he who is a mouthpiece for God will never put into the lips of human beings words which the Majesty of heaven would not utter when contending with the devil.--Lt 38, 1894. {2MCP 634.1}

A. What’s the Important Part of the Body?

Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness

1 Sam. 9:9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star

arise in your hearts:

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

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.

David added, "Art not thou a seer?"--a man appointed of God to instruct the people. "Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me." In the city the priests might do him good service by learning the movements and purposes of the rebels, and secretly communicating them to the king by their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. {PP 735.2}

B. Which of the churches today has the gift of prophecy as the eye of the church?

The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph. He will present her to Himself as a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 1:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White, the Lord’s messenger. (See: 28 Fundamental Beliefs of SDA Chap. 18)

Her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10)

Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev. 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

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

C. Bible Principles First, Then the Testimonies

It is my first duty to present Bible principles. Then, unless there is a decided, conscientious reform made by those whose cases have been presented before me, I must appeal to them personally.--Letter 69, 1896. {3SM 30.1}

D. E. G. White Work Not Unlike That of Bible Prophets

In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue.-- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661. {3SM 30.2}

E. Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy Have Same Author

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. {3SM 30.3}

F. Tested by the Bible

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. . . . Isaiah declares, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20).--The Great Controversy, Introduction, p. vii. {3SM 30.5}

G. Not for the Purpose of Giving New Light

Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to the Word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His Word, to give them a clearer understanding of it. {3SM 30.6}

H. Testimonies to Bring Plain Lessons From the Word

In the Scriptures God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though He has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, yet in a large measure, His lessons are disregarded and ignored... Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse.-- Letter 63, 1893. (See Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 665.) {3SM 31.3}

I. Testimonies Never Contradict the Bible

The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word.--Letter 106, 1907. {3SM 32.3}

If the Testimonies speak not according to this word of God, reject them. Christ and Belial cannot be united.-- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 691. {3SM 32.4}

"Many who have backslidden from the truth assign as a reason for their course that they do not have faith in the Testimonies. . . . The question now is: Will they yield their idol which God condemns, or will they continue in their wrong course of indulgence and reject the light God has given them reproving the very things in which they delight? The question to be settled with them is: Shall I deny myself and receive as of God the Testimonies which reprove my sins, or shall I reject the Testimonies because they reprove my sins? {5T 675.1}

"In many cases the Testimonies are fully received, the

sin and indulgence broken off, and reformation at once

commences in harmony with the light God has given. In

other instances sinful indulgences are cherished, the

Testimonies are rejected, and many excuses which are

untrue are offered to others as the reason for refusing to

receive them. The true reason is not given. It is a lack of

moral courage--a will, strengthened and controlled by the

Spirit of God, to renounce hurtful habits." [VOL. 4, P. 32

(1876).] {5T 675.2}

Many are going directly contrary to the light which God

has given to His people, because they do not read the books

which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs,

and warnings. The cares of the world, the love of fashion,

and the lack of religion have turned the attention from the

light God has so graciously given, while books and

periodicals containing error are traveling all over the country.

Skepticism and infidelity are increasing everywhere. Light so

precious, coming from the throne of God, is hid under a

bushel. God will make His people responsible for this neglect.

An account must be rendered to Him for every ray of light He

has let shine upon our pathway, whether it has been

improved to our advancement in divine things or rejected

because it was more agreeable to follow inclination. {4T

391.1}

Additional readings from the Scriptures with regards to

God’s Testimonies, as being used in history and Prophetic

events.

2 Kings 17:15; Ps. 93:5; 119:22, 24, 46, 59, 119, 129; Isa.

8:16, 20; Mt. 10:18; Mk. 13:9; Lk. 21:13; Jn. 3:32, 33; Acts 14:3; 1

64Cor. 2:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; 2 Tim. 1:8; Heb. 11:5; Rev. 19:10; Rev. 1:2;

6:9; 11:7; 12:11.

2Kings 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his

covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies

which he testified against them; and they followed vanity,

and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were]

round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had

charged them, that they should not do like them.

Ps. 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh

thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Ps. 119:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I

have kept thy testimonies.

Ps. 119:24 Thy testimonies also [are] my delight [and] my

counsellors.

Ps. 119:46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings,

and will not be ashamed.

Ps. 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto

thy testimonies.

Ps. 119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth

[like] dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

Ps. 119:129 PE. Thy testimonies [are] wonderful: therefore

doth my soul keep them.

Isa. 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my

disciples.

Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not

according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in

them.

Mat. 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and

kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the

Gentiles.

Mk. 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver

you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be

beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for

my sake, for a testimony against them.

65Lk. 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Jn. 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he

testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

Jn. 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his

seal that God is true.

Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly

in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace,

and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

1 Cor. 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not

with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you

the testimony of God.

2 Cor. 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our

conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with

fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our

conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you

ward.

2 Tim. 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony

of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of

the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Heb. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not

see death; and was not found, because God had translated

him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he

pleased God.

Rev. 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the

testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Rev. 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw

under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word

of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Rev. 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony,

the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall

make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill

them.

Rev. 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the

Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved

not their lives unto the death.

66Rev. 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said

unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellow servant, and of

thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God:

for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

II. Advancing Light for God’s People

The more closely and studiously we search for the truth as for

hidden treasure,--for there are bright and important truths of which

we now only discern the shadows,--the more surely shall we

advance in the light as He is in the light. We shall discern the

brightness and value of truth to be as precious jewels. The voice of

God is heard, but we may be so far away from Him, that we can

only hear the echo. There are words of instruction coming from

God day by day, and in an hour that we know not He may give

words to His chosen messengers for us which we lose for want of

discernment and appreciation. Then we go stumbling along in the

uncertainty of night, and know not at what we stumble. There is a

brightening glory for us as we advance, but which we shall never

see unless we do advance. We may catch a few sparks, but that

is all. The brightness of the heavenly glory we do not see. Letter

147, 1897, pp. 6, 7. (To James Edson White, September 12, 1897.)

The church of ----- are growing weaker and weaker because

of the influence which has been exerted over them--not an

influence to help them advance, but to clog the wheels. It is the

privilege of Brother J to cast aside his unbelief and to advance

with the light, if he will. If he refuses to do this, the cause of God will

advance all the same without his aid. But God designs that a

change shall be made in the church at -----. They will either

advance or retrograde. God can do more with six souls who are

united and of the same mind and judgment, than with scores of

men who do as Brother J and G have been doing. They have

brought with them into the meeting, not angels of light, but angels

of darkness. The meetings have been unprofitable and sometimes

a positive injury. God calls for these men to come over on the

67Lord's side and to be united with the body, or to cease hindering

those who would be wholly for the Lord. {4T 246.1}

The light of the third angel's message has penetrated into

many a darkened mind. The light of the wisdom, the goodness,

the mercy, and love of God has been shining forth through his

holy word. We are not in the place where our fathers were.

Advanced light is shining upon us in these last days. We cannot be

accepted of God; we cannot honor him by rendering the same

service, doing the same work that our fathers did. In order to be

accounted guiltless before God, we must be as faithful in our time

in following and obeying our light, as they were faithful in following

and obeying the light that shone upon them. Of every individual

member of his church, our heavenly Father requires faith and fruits

according to the grace and light given. God cannot accept less.

Every soul should place himself where the light will shine upon him.

He should treasure every ray, that he may brighten and bless the

souls of others with the heaven-sent radiance. {RH, April 25, 1893

par. 6}

A great work is to be done in the world, and those who have

had advanced light and many opportunities, are under

obligations to let their light shine forth to those who are in the

darkness of error. Far less has been done in our city missions than

might have been done, if the consecration necessary for real

missionary work had existed. There has been a great outlay of

means, and there is little to show for this expenditure. In order to

do this work, the laborers have thought they must have many

things provided for them, when they could have done just as

good work in a more humble way. {RH, May 6, 1890 par. 1}

CHAPTER 7

EGWHITE AND THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

I. THE TEST OF A PROPHET

(Parts of this lecture outline are taken or adapted from Roger

W. Coon, Modern Prophets and How to Test Them: Another

Prophet for the Remnant?, 17 May 1995. For further reading, see

also, Herbert E. Douglass, Messenger of the Lord, pp. 28-36.)

Introduction

A. The Doctrine of Spiritual Gifts

1. Seventh-day Adventists are familiar with the doctrine

of spiritual gifts and its role in the identification of the

remnant people of Revelation 12.

a. "Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and

went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those

who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony

of Jesus" (Rev. 12:17 NIV).

b. Two characteristics define this remnant of the

woman : it is those who obey God's commandments and

hold to the testimony of Jesus.

c. Seventh-day Adventists and many other Christian

denominations agree the commandments referred to are

the Ten Commandments God gave to his people. These

commandments, written by the very finger of God, are

eternal and as unchangeable as God's throne.

(1) One of these Commandments is the forgotten fourth

: "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy...."

d. This remnant people, who enrages the dragon in the

end time, also holds on to the testimony of Jesus. The

corresponding passage in Revelation 19:10 defines this

testimony of Jesus as being the spirit of prophecy.

e. Far from being extinct with the death of the apostle

John, the Bible indicates that the gifts of the Spirit are still in

existence even in the time of the end. (Joel 2:28,29; Acts

2:16-21; Eph 4:11-16.)

f. Scripture, therefore, indicates that in the end time

one particular gift, the spirit of prophecy, would still be a

6970

relevant gift for God's people. It would even define who that

remnant is. Today Seventh-day Adventists are the only

denomination which meets both criteria in the world of

Christianity.

2. Seventh-day Adventists hold that this spiritual gift was

manifested in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White, from

December 1844 to the time of her death on 16 July 1915.

a. However, our claim that Ellen White fulfills this biblical

requirement raises many questions.

B. Reasons For Skepticism

1. Many Christian Criticize - For many Christians, and even

some Seventh-day Adventists, the belief that Ellen G. White is

the fulfillment of this identification criteria of Revelation 12:17

raises many questions and much skepticism.

a. This is not a new phenomena and this reaction

toward Ellen G. White's gift of prophecy helps us to improve

and clarify our presentation of this doctrine.

2. Nineteenth-century skepticism

a. Early Adventist believers were skeptics of modern

day prophets. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century,

many people had claimed the gift of prophecy.

(1) Joseph Smith claimed to be a true prophet and was

the starting point of Mormonism.

(2) Mary Baker Eddy was the prophetess founder of the

Church of Scientology.

(3) Various communities were established on the basis

of someone claiming to be a prophet from God : the

Shakers with their prophet Ann Lee, the Oneida

community and many others. (One such community

existed in Berrien Springs.)

(4) Modern Spiritualism was expending. Many people

claimed to be speaking to and receiving

communications from the immortal spirits of the dead.

b. In a letter to Uriah Smith in February 1859, Daniel T.

Bourdeau, a French-Canadian working in Northern Vermont

and Canada, mentioned that he had attended a meeting in

his home community at which a Mrs. Parker was the main 71

speaker. Shortly after entering the room, Mrs. Parker fell into a

trance. The spirit of Benjamin Franklin (1725-1802) had taken

hold of her and she went on to speak about universal

salvation while extolling the merits of Jesus and the reading

of the Bible.

(1) Bourdeau described the scene, "Her [Mrs. Parker's]

countenance was bright and heavenly, and none of

her actions were indecent and calculated to create

laughter or fear. She was wrapped up in a heavenly

vision, and had no knowledge of what transpired

around her, occasionally moving her hands and

uttering a few significant words, to indicate the scenes

that passed before her and the things that she heard."

(Letter, D.T. Bourdeau to U. Smith, RH, 24 February 1859.)

(2) Bourdeau's description of the physical phenomena

attending this vision of Mrs. Parker are strangely similar

to those Ellen G. White was experiencing during the

same time period!

c. Early Adventist history is filled with stories of people

being skeptical about or even rejecting the modern gift of

prophecy. Many of our early pioneers (ex. Joseph Bates) had

to wrestle with the concept of spiritual gifts and its

manifestation in a young lady by the name of Ellen G. White.

(1) Note this typical reaction of an early Adventist as he

wrote to James White:

"I cannot endorse Sister Ellen's visions as being of divine

inspiration, as you and she think them to be; yet I do not

suspect the least shade of dishonesty in either of you in

this matter....I think that what she and you regard as

visions from the Lord, are only religious reveries, in which

her imagination runs without control upon themes in

which she is most deeply interested....I do not by any

means think her visions are like some from the devil."

([James White], A Word to the "Little Flock", 1847, p. 22.)

3. Twentieth-century skepticism

a. People today are just as skeptical of claimants to the

gift of prophecy. Various tragic events have made people

skeptical. And we agree with them.72

(1) Jonestown mass suicide in Guyana in 1978

(2) David Koresh in Waco, Texas, in 1994.

(3) Disciples of the Ordre du Temple Solaire (Order of

the Solar Temple) both in Switzerland and Québec who

committed group suicides in 1995 to depart on a

voyage to some other planet of bliss.

(4) Poisonous gas attack in the Tokyo subway in March

1995 ordered by the guru of sect.

b. Many modern claimants to the gift of prophecy have

some things in common :

(1) Use of their charisma to enslave people, to control

their minds and their material possessions.

(2) Abuse of power in determining the fate of their

disciples, even their death.

(3) Death of innocent people caught in the web and

maze of these cults and sects.

4. We can understand, therefore, other Christians and secular

people who have many reasons to be skeptical about the

Seventh-day Adventist claim that we have a modern-day

prophet, Ellen G. White.

a. Just as much in the nineteenth century as it is now, to

claim to be a prophet entails much skepticism and scrutiny.

5. When presenting the biblical gift of prophecy in the end of

time and the Seventh-day Adventist claim of its fulfillment in the

life and ministry of Ellen G. White, we should take an approach

that will convince and answer their questions, scrutiny and

skepticism.

a. In fact, Scripture requires us to test the claimants to

the gift of prophecy.

C. The Biblical Imperative For Testing Claimants

1. The Counsel of Jesus

a. Mat. 7:15 : "Beware of false prophets."

(1) The implication is that there are true prophets.

b. Mat. 24:4,5,11,24 : In his sermon on the destruction of

Jerusalem, the signs of the times and the end of the world, Jesus

warns of the dangers of deception.

(1) There would be false Christs and false prophets.73

(2) These false prophets would offer subjective proofs

(`great signs and wonders') rather than the Word of God.

(a) Many would arise, and many would be deceived

thereby.

2. The Counsel of Paul

a. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21:

(1) Do not quench the Holy Spirit (by neglecting or

dishonoring his gifts).

(2) Do not despise prophecy.

(3) Prove all things : claimants to the prophetic gift

should be proven genuine and truthful.

(4) Hold fast to that which proves to be genuine and good.

(a) This implies prophecy would continue after the time

of Paul and would need continued testing.

b. Paul did not mind being tested. He appears rather to have

welcomed it:

(1) The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were declared "more

noble" than the Thessalonians because they were open

minded (received the word) and not gullible (searched the

Scriptures daily to see whether the teachings of Paul were

true and faithful).

3. The Counsel of Ellen White

a. Ellen White believed in the certainty of false prophets:

(1) They will arise (2SM 392).

(2) There will be many false prophets and many will be

deceived (2SM 72, 392).

(3) As the end approaches, their numbers will increase,

both in the U.S.A. and in other countries (RH, 25 May 1905;

2SM 72; Ev 610).

(4) Many of these false prophets will be genuinely sincere,

not at all a hoax and a fraud (2SM 72).

b. The results of the false prophets:

(1) Deception (CW 152; Ev 363, 610; 2SM 392).

(2) Confusion (2SM 72).

(3) Rebellion (4T 173; PK 442; 2SM 392-395).

(4) Doctrinal heresies will be introduced (2SM 393, 360).74

(5) A discrediting of the legitimate gift of prophecy. In

disgust, some would discard Ellen White along with the

demonstrated frauds (2SM 77-79).

(6) Supernatural manifestations (false miracles) will

accompany many of these false prophets (Ev 610; 2SM 48,

49).

(a) Therefore, supernatural phenomena cannot itself

constitute a test of legitimacy or authenticity!

(7) False prophets will be more dangerous to the Seventh

day Adventist Church than even persecution itself! (Ev 359,

360).

c. Obligation of the Church to meet such claimants to the gift

of prophecy:

(1) The Church must meet them; it cannot ignore them (Ev

359, 360, 610).

(2) Do not accept anyone claiming the gift unless and until

he/she first provides you with "clear evidence" that they are

genuinely from God (2SM 72; Ev 610).

II. The Tests of a Genuine Prophet

A. The Test of Agreement With Prior Revelation

Isaiah 8:20 : "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not

according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

1. The test :

a. The teachings of alleged new prophets must not

contradict the teachings of old, validated, established prophets.

b. Each succeeding new prophet's utterance must agree

with cumulative messages of all the preceding prophets.

c. A modern-day prophet's message must agree with

Scripture.

2. Considerations to be given :

a. This does not preclude the possibility of "new light" coming

from God--information that goes beyond the earlier prophets.

(1) Extra-biblical information in addition to that given by

previous prophets is possible.75

(a) The New Testament gives "new light" not provided in

the Old Testament.

(b) Ellen G. White gives "new light" not found in the Bible.

(2) Anti-biblical information that contradicts the earlier

prophets is to be discarded.

(a) Isaiah 8:20 says this "new light" is not light at all.

(b) Isaiah also indicates in v.19 that light coming to

mankind in a mode contrary to biblical norms, such as

necromancy and spiritualism, is also considered false and to

be rejected.

B. The Test of Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jeremiah 28:9 : "When the word of the prophet shall come to pass,

then shall the prophet know that the Lord has truly sent him."

Deuteronomy 18:22 : "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of

the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the

Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do

not be afraid of him."

1. The test :

a. Fulfillment of predictions concerning future events.

2. Considerations to be given :

a. The conditional element may qualify the application of this

test:

(1) Both Jeremiah and Moses mention this conditional

element in the same books in which they identify fulfillment

as a test. (Jer 18:6-10; 26:2-6; Deut 4:9; 8:19; 28:1,2,13-15.)

(2) Other references to conditional fulfillment of predictions

: Zech 6:15; 2 Chron 15:2. (See also "The Role of Israel in OT

Prophecy," 4BC 25-38.)

(3) Jonah's prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh is a

good example of the application of conditionality to

prophecies.

(a) The conditional element was not explicit in his oral

message, but it was implicit.

b. We must remember that Satan can make limited

predictions concerning the immediate future.

(1) In the case of king Saul, by the time he visited the witch

of Endor he had so totally apostatized and had committed 76

the unpardonable sin, that Satan had total control of the

man, and could predict his immediate demise with

accuracy (1 Sam 28:19).

(2) Ellen G. White adds that in certain instances false

prophets in her day were able to predict certain things in a

very limited way, and these came to pass as predicted (2SM

76, 77, 86).

(3) Nevertheless, fulfillment of prediction is a legitimate test

of a prophet, but with these qualifications.

C. The Test of Attitude Toward the Incarnation of Jesus

1 John 4:2 : "Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has

come in the flesh is from God."

1. The test :

a. A true prophet will declare, and not deny, both the deity

and the humanity of Jesus.

(1) In New Testament times, for the Greeks, it was possible

to believe in the deity of Jesus yet very difficult, almost

impossible, to believe in his humanity. The incarnation of a

deity was a stumbling block.

(2) For the Jews, it was possible to believe in Jesus'

humanity (he was the son of Joseph the carpenter). But it

was almost impossible to believe in his deity. The deity of

Jesus was a stumbling block.

(3) So today, many emphasize Jesus' humanity and reject he

was the divine Son of God. Others view Jesus as divine and

deemphasize his humanity.

(4) The genuine prophet will support both Jesus' divinity and

humanity.

2. Ellen White's contributions to Seventh-day Adventist theology

on the divinity of Christ.

a. Many early Adventist pioneers were Arian or semi-Arian in

their understanding of the nature of Christ.

b. Ellen White helped in the acceptance of the full deity of

Christ with her statement in Desire of Ages, "In Christ is life,

original, unborrowed, underived" (p. 530).77

D. The Test of Fruitage

Matthew 7:20 : "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

1. The test :

a. Christians are not to be "judges" of motives and characters

but "fruit inspectors".

2. Considerations to be given :

a. Areas in which this test is applied:

(1) Fruitage in the prophet's own life.

(2) Fruitage in the life of those who follow the alleged

prophet.

b. Fruit takes time to develop even in the natural world.

(1) We should not be in a hurry to validate claims of

alleged prophets, give plenty of time for fruit to appear.

(2) Once emotion replaces sound judgment, "there may be

altogether too much speed, even in traveling a right road.

He who travels too fast will find it perilous in more ways than

one. It may not be long before he will branch off from the

right road into a wrong path." (2SM 91).

c. In applying this test, do not look for sinless perfection.

(1) All the prophets (except Jesus) sinned, including Ellen G.

White (Rom. 3:23).

(2) How then can fruitage be a legitimate test? Ellen White

gives a clue in Steps to Christ, pp. 57-58, where she draws a

distinction between individual deeds (whether good or bad)

and the trend or direction of the total life. She says:

"The character [which is the fruit of a person's life] is revealed,

not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds,

but by the tendency [trend/direction] of the habitual words

and acts."

E. Additional Evidences of Authenticity of Prophetic Gift

1. The timeliness of the messages.

2. The practical nature of the messages.

3. The absolute certainty of the messages.

4. The recognition accorded by contemporaries.

5. The relation to outside influences.

6. The physical phenomena attending the visions.

(For some very helpful illustrations of these evidences in the 78

ministry of Ellen G. White, see D.E. Rebok, Believe His Prophets, p.

108-159.)

III. Was Ellen G. White a True Prophet of the Lord?

A. The alleged disclaimer

1. On Sabbath, 1 October 1904, while preaching in the Battle

Creek Tabernacle to an audience estimated at 2,500 to 3,000

people, and the next day, Sunday, speaking to about 2,000

people, she made a remark to the effect that she had never

claimed to be a prophet.

B. The result

1. The secular press quickly seized upon her remark, exploiting it

by interpreting it as signifying that EGW was hereby disclaiming her

role as a SDA prophet.

2. "Many" Seventh-day Adventists (including A.T. Jones)

"stumbled" over this remark. They were confused and perplexed

because many held a view of strict verbal inspiration and rejected

the need of interpreting inspired texts.

C. The clarification

1. She stated that she had never claimed the title of prophet.

2. But, equally important, she never disclaimed the role of

prophet!

a. "Some have stumbled over the fact that I said I did not

claim to be a prophet, and they have asked, Why is this?

"I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am

the Lord's messenger.... Early in my work I was asked several times,

Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, "I am the Lord's

messenger." I know that many have called me a prophet, but I

have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His

messenger. "Your work," He instructed me, "is to bear My word.

Strange things will arise; and in your youth I set you apart to bear

the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before

unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word

actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word. I will make My

Word open to you.... My spirit and My power shall be with you.

""Be not afraid of men, for My shield will protect you. It is not you

that speaketh; it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning

and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any 79

circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for

these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand

immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in

the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the

seductive influences of evil."" (Ms. 63, 29 June 1906, published

in RH, 26 July 1906, pp. 8, 9, and later in 1SM 31-36.)

D. The reasoning

(There were two reasons why Ellen White never claimed the title of

prophet, though it should be noted, she never disclaimed the role,

and the distinction is crucial!)

1. The semantical reason:

a. Ellen White carefully differentiated between a

strict biblical or dictionary definition of the

word prophet (denotation) and the more popular,

colloquial understanding of the term (connotation).

b. She had no problem whatever with the former

(denotation).

c. She had all kinds of problems with the latter

(connotation)--for, in the eyes of the general public

(and some SDAs, for that matter), the term prophet was

usually associated with one who did one of at least

three things:

(1) Predicted the future, as a fortune-teller.

(2) Was one who worked miracles from God.

(3) Was one who wrote part of the Bible.

d. She did not wish her ministry to be

circumscribed by the narrow public apprehension of

what the term prophet signified.

e. In the New Testament:

(1) John the Baptist made no predictions (no predictive

element in his utterances as recorded in Scripture),

worked no miracles (John 10:41), and his utterance

formed no part of the NT canon of Scripture.

(2) Yet, Jesus characterized him as the greatest of the

prophets, and, indeed, more than a prophet (Matt

11:4,9; Luke 7:26,29).

f. She saw her own role (as, also, that of her

Church) as analogous to that of John the Baptist:

(1) He prepared the world for the first coming of Christ.80

(2) She (and her Church) prepared the world for the

second coming of Christ.

g. When pressed by her fellow church members to

give them a "label" to describe and define her role and

work, she invariably used the expression "I am the Lord's

messenger."

(1) The expression is a biblical one used to describe

biblical prophets : Haggai (1:13) and John the Baptist

(Mal 3:1; Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2).

2. The practical reason:

a. Historically, in her day, the term prophet was

largely in ill-repute, most often because of the Mormon

Joseph Smith who proclaimed himself as a prophet.

(1) Smith publicly, and with great fanfare, took the title.

(2) Subsequently, he taught and practised polygamy

within the Mormon colony at Nauvoo, IL (under the

euphemism "plural marriage" or "celestial marriage.")

(a) This caused a widespread revulsion among people.

(b) Partly as a result, Smith and his brother Hyrum were

assassinated while incarcerated in a local jail, on 27

June 1844.

b. Even as late as the 1860s the term prophet still

engendered a certain stigma in many parts of the

public.

c. Ellen White did not appropriate the title to

herself, not wishing to have any association with the

Mormons and their peculiar doctrines.

(1) Even so, in Knoxville, IA, one man was reported to

have claimed that he personally knew James and Ellen

White in the Mormon colony of Nauvoo, IL. But she was

only 12 years old at the time specified, and was then

unmarried! (See 2SG iv, preface).

(For more details of about this subject, see Roger W. Coon, "Ellen

G. White's Disturbing Disclaimer of 1904: Did She Really Deny Her

Prophetic Gift?", in Sourcebook, C-5.)81

IV. The Question of a Successor to Ellen G. White

1. In the few years before Ellen White's death, top church

leaders were concerned about the question of a successor to the

prophetic office.

a. GC Vice President M.N. Campbell visited Ellen White in

1914 to inquire if she had had any word from the Lord on this

subject, and on whether or not she would live to see Jesus return

to the earth.

(1) She had had a dream about 1898 in which she saw

herself coming out of a very dark place into a very bright light.

(2) As her eyes became adjusted, she noticed that

someone was walking beside her--her husband, James (who had

preceded her in death in 1881).

(3) James looked over to her, recognized her, and in

astonishment said, "What, you, too, Ellen?" (General Conference

Bulletin, 1913, p. 219.)

b. In 1883, she wrote a letter of comfort to a dying friend, Mrs.

Charlotte Bourdeau, in which she stated that she also would rise

from the tomb on the day of resurrection. (Letter 28, 1883)

c. Ellen White had often been asked if there would be a

successor, and she ever had responded with a two-part

declaration:

(1) I do not know whether or not there will be another

prophet, for the Lord has not told me.

(2) But He has told me that, whether or not my life is spared,

what I have written is sufficient to carry the church through to the

end of time.

(a) Some, incorrectly, have concluded that if the church

does not need another prophet before the end, that this proves

there will not be one such.

(b) But Ellen White herself said we wouldn't have

needed her, if we had studied our Bibles as we should have: "If

you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the

Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not

have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected

to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has

sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your

attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to

obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its

pure and elevated teachings" (2T 605; reprinted in 5T 665).82

(c) And if God, in his wisdom, love and mercy gave us

the gift of prophecy in Ellen White, he might well do it again in the

future!

(3) On the basis of Joel 2:28-32 there is room for the

possibility of more than one prophet in God's remnant church at

the end of time.

V. Conclusion

1. Will there be another genuine prophet in the Seventh-day

Adventist Church before Jesus returns?

a. We must admit that Joel 2:28-32 allows for this possibility:

b. Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) spoke of

Pentecost as a fulfillment of Joel 2:

(1) Pentecost was only a partial fulfillment of Joel 2.

(2) The supernatural phenomena in the heavenly bodies

were still a future fulfillment.

2. If another prophet were to arise in our own time, his/her role

might very well be quite different from that of Ellen G. White.

a. In Bible times, different prophets had quite different roles:

(1) Moses was mainly an administrator; prediction of future

events was a very small part of his prophetic ministry.

(2) John the Baptist (the greatest of all prophets according

to Jesus) had almost a non- existent role as predictor of future

events.

b. There, indeed, might be more than one future fulfillment of

Joel 2 in the very last days, as the remnant people encounters

difficulties and persecutions.

3. In any event, if another prophet were to appear in the

church, he/she must submit to all of the Bible tests of a legitimate

prophet, even as all of the prophets after the first one did in Bible

times, and as Ellen G. White did in her day:

a. All of the tests must be applied.

b. They are cumulative; and the body of material which tests

the gift is also cumulative.

c. Any tests given by Ellen White, in addition to those found in

Scripture, would of necessity need to be applied.

d. Church leadership has a part to play in this testing process :83

"God has not passed His people by and chosen one solitary

man here and another there as the only ones worthy to be

entrusted with His truth. He does not give one man new light

contrary to the established faith of the body.... Error is never

harmless. It never sanctifies, but always brings confusion and

dissension.... The only safety for any of us is in receiving no new

doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures without first

submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a

humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer, and if they see no

light in it, yield to their judgment, for `in the multitude of counselors

there is safety.'... Men and women will arise professing to have

some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to

unsettle faith in the old landmarks.... We cannot be too watchful

against every form of error, for Satan is constantly seeking to draw

men from the truth" (5T 291-296).

4. Satan's counterfeits should be expected; we should not be

surprised when they surface.

a. They may well be accompanied by supernatural

phenomena and even limited fulfillment of prediction.

b. "There will always be false and fanatical movements ... in

the church..." (2SM 84).

5. The fact that "nothing is objectionable" in the utterance of

any alleged prophet is not in itself sufficient evidence to meet

Ellen White's criterion of "clear evidence":

a. False messages, indeed, will contain "some truth," perhaps

even "much truth" (2SM 17).

(1) "She may say many good things, may speak much that

is truth, but so does the enemy of souls. The counterfeit will in

many respects resemble the true" (2SM 74-75).

6. Ellen White contrasts "excitement of feeling" with "healthy

enthusiasm":

a. "If we work to create an excitement of feeling, we shall

have all we want, and more than we can possibly know how

to manage. Calmly and bravely, `Preach the Word.' We must

not regard it as our work to create an excitement. The Holy

Spirit of God alone can create a healthy enthusiasm. Let God

work, and let the human agent walk softly before Him,

watching, waiting, praying, looking unto Jesus every moment, 84

led and controlled by the precious Spirit, which is light and

life" (2 SM 16,17).

b. "We must go to the people with the solid Word of God, and

when they receive that Word, the Holy Spirit may come, but it

always comes, as I have stated before, in a way that

commends itself to the judgment of the people. In our

speaking, our singing, and il all our spiritual exercises, we are

to reveal that calmness and dignity and godly fear that

actuates every true child of God" (2SM 43).

c. "It is through the Word--not feeling, not excitement--that we

want to influence the people to obey the truth. On the

platform of God's Word we can stand with safety" (3SM 375).

7. Ellen White also specifies that special discernment is not to be

equated with the prophetic gift (1T 708,709).

For Further Study

Baker, Glen. "Anna Phillips--A Second Prophet," Adventist Review, 6 February

1986, pp. 8-10, and "Anna Phillips--Not Another Prophet," ibid., 20 February

1986, pp. 8-10.

Coon, Roger W. A Gift of Light (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald

Publishing Association, 1983), 63 pp.

--------. Heralds of New Light: Another Prophet to the Remnant? (Boise, ID:

Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1987), 32 pp.

--------. "The `Tangled Web' of Margaret Rowen: the Bizarre Story of the

Woman Who Would Be Prophet," White Estate, 17 October 1991, 5 pp.

(In Sourcebook, C-7.)

[Frank B. Holbrook], "The Current Phenomenon of Thought Messages," Biblical

Research Institute, April 1986, 9 pp.

Jemison, T. Housel. A Prophet Among You (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press

Publishing Association, 1955), pp. 99-116.

Rebok, Denton Edward. Believe His Prophets (Washington, D.C.: Review and

Herald Publishing Association, 1956), pp. 79-159.

Spangler, J. R., "The Gift of Prophecy and `Thought Voices'," Ministry, June

1986, pp. 4-7.

White, Arthur L., "Will There Be Another Special Messenger?", White Estate,

April 1949, 7 pp. (In Notes and Papers Concerning Ellen G. White and the Spirit

of Prophecy, 7th ed., 1974, pp. 107-111.)

White, Ellen G. "Earmarks of Erroneous Teaching" [Anna Garmire], Selected

Messages, Book Two, pp. 80-84.

--------. "The Visions of Anna [Rice] Phillips," ibid., pp. 85-95.

White, W. C., "Confidence in God," General Conference Bulletin, [30 May]

1913, pp. 218-221.

CHAPTER 8

PROPHECY MUST BE FULFILLED

We Rod believers include this chapter to consider the

question in the last part of Chapter 7. Will there be another

genuine prophet in the Seventh-day Adventist Church before

Jesus returns? Yes, absolute! Let’s prove that point as we review

the inspired prophet of God Ellen G. White.

She wrote: “Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says:

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the

great and dreadful day of the Lord." Somebody is to come in the

spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say:

"You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the

proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message." {TM

475.3}

The Bible declares, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet

before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and

the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the

earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5, 6

Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I

heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, "Come out of

her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye

receive not of her plagues.

I. A MIGHTY ANGEL

I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to

the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the

fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty

angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice

with the third angel, and give power and force to his message.

Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he

descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which

85attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily,

with a strong voice, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is

become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,

and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The message of

the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated,

with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been

entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in

at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's

message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus

prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon

to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to

fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message. {EW 277}

I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, "Here is the

patience of the saints: here are they that keep the

commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." {EW 278.2}

II. From the Shepherd’s Rod Literatures

Here the Scriptures point out that someone in the spirit and

power of Elijah the prophet is first to appear, and will not only

prepare the way, but will also restore all things. Plainly, the

message of Elijah shall restore all things in the great and dreadful

day of the Lord, the day of restitution, the day the Lord comes to

His temple, the Church. The spirit of Elijah was a spirit against

idolatry, and his power was a power to destroy those who led in

idolatry, and to bring about purity. {2TG31: 4.1}

This surely confirms the conclusion that since Elijah is to herald

the great day, he can therefore be the only one who will rightly

interpret the prophecies of the day, which are still mysteries to

Christendom, and even to our own Denomination! Indeed, to

reiterate, it is for this very reason that the prophet is sent. He is to

unroll the scroll to explain what the day of the Lord is like, what the

Lord will do then, and how we may survive His judgments. To re

emphasize the fact, let it be said again that being the last of the

prophets Elijah is, therefore, the only one who can open to our

86understanding all the prophecies of the Scriptures pertaining to

the great and dreadful day of the Lord -- prophecies which

heretofore have been only mysteries to all. Thus he is, as the

Scriptures say, to blow the trumpet in Zion, and to sound an alarm

in God's holy mountain, in the church. {GCS: 19.2}

No one but a hopeless Laodicean, one who forever holds to

his day-dreaming that he has need of nothing more, -- no more

Truth or prophets, -- can fail to see that the prophecies pertaining

to the day of God are only dark sentences to him, that he is in

need of everything instead of nothing, and that the work of the

promised Elijah is not the work which the Laodiceans are doing.

The Laodicean message (the Judgment for the Dead) is definitely

not Elijah's message, although many may think it is. That many are

blind to this, the Lord points out: "Because thou sayest, I am rich,

and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and

knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor,

and blind and naked." {GCS: 30.1}

Moreover, we all know that the work of typical Elijah was to

do away with the prophets and priests who served Baal instead of

God, those who led ancient Israel into the greatest fallacy and

folly of the day. Accordingly, the antitypical Elijah's work, being in

the spirit and power of typical Elijah, must therefore be similar to

typical Elijah's work-restoring Truth and righteousness, and bringing

judgment upon the false prophets and teachers in the antitypical

day which in itself is the separating of the chaff from the wheat --

the work of the Judgment for the Living. {GCS: 30.2}

The substantial weight of evidence which the Scriptures on

the subject have amassed to this point, has, I am again confident,

impressed the discerning one that he is here face to face with

God's solemn Truth for these closing hours of probationary time.

All such who have unbiasedly thought their way through the

subject this far will surely continue on now through the next part to

8788

"prove all things; [and to] hold fast that which is good." {GCS:

31.1}

Now the question: Is the ancient prophet Elijah himself to re

appear, or is some other, having the same spirit and power, to

take his place? {GCS: 31.2}

John the Baptist's statement that he himself was not the

Elijah, and Jesus' statement that John was the Elijah of that day,

not of our day, clear three points: {GCS: 31.3}

(1) That John was not in any sense of the word fulfilling the

mission of the Elijah who is to come before the great and

dreadful day of the Lord, but that he, the last prophet to the

church of his day, simply came in the spirit and power of

Elijah, to prepare the way for the Lord's first advent. So it is

that the Elijah of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, the

last prophet to the church of this day, comes in the same

spirit and power, to prepare the way for the Lord's second

advent. {GCS: 31.4}

(2) That as John was the Elijah of his day, yet not Elijah the

Tishbite himself, then the promise of the prophet Elijah is not

necessarily to be fulfilled in person by the ancient prophet

himself. {GCS: 32.1}

(3) That as the Elijah of Christ's first advent was one person,

and also as the Elijah of Mt. Carmel of old was one person,

not a multitude of priests, then by parity of reasoning the

Elijah of today must also be one person, not a multitude of

ministers. {GCS: 32.2}

The promise, itself, moreover, is for only one, not for

more, and, with but one exception, we know not of any

other time when God employed even two prophets (let

alone many) at one time, to convey one message to one

people. He invariably called one, and that one himself,

under the direction of the Spirit, employed others to help him take the message to the people. Thus only were any others

ever identified with a called one. {GCS: 32.3}

Since God is not experimenting, and since He means

just what He says, there should be no doubt in your minds

that the Scriptures concerning antitypical Elijah (he who is to

awaken the church and to warn the Laodiceans of "the

great and the dreadful day of the Lord"' make sure that he is

one person. Of a surety, he is to have faithful helpers, but

according to the prophet Nahum he will greatly make use of

the printing press and will scatter his message by the postage

stamp everywhere, as the leaves of autumn. He will not care

what is done with his publications, but will make sure the they

find their way into all hands, laps, pockets, yards or waste

baskets throughout Laodicea. Here is what Inspiration Itself

has to say concerning the prophet's means of taking his

message to the church: {GCS: 34.2}

The conditions further prove that this scripture meets its

fulfillment now, because the church at the present time has,

by her institutions, entangled herself with the institutions of the

world, but we thank the Lord that years ago the "Spirit of

Prophecy" predicted that "somebody was to come in the

spirit and power of Elijah" ("Testimonies to Ministers," p. 475),

and that "God will have men who are true to duty. At the

right time He sends His faithful messengers to do a work

similar to that of Elijah." ("Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 5,

p. 254.) {2SC9: 2.1.4}

The foregoing prophecies are now becoming history,

and this prophetic organ "The Symbolic Code," proves to be

the mouth piece of the Elijah message, leading hundreds of

S.D.A.'s in the work of helping this message to restore the

defunct and decadent institutes of the Christian religion; for,

as it is written, "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things"

(Matt. 17:11), and "in the time of the end, every divine

89institution is to be restored." -- "Prophets and Kings," p. 678.)

{2SC9: 2.2.1}

So we see that the more we consider the subject, the

more obvious becomes the truth that the Third Angel's

Message in its final phase is the Judgment for the Living, the

harvest. Plainly, then, the work of Elijah is to give light on the

Judgment for the Living. Hence {GCS: 39.2}

"...Those who are to prepare the way for the second

coming of Christ, are represented by faithful Elijah, as John

came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Christ's first

advent...." -- "Testimonies," Vol. 3, p. 62. {GCS: 40.1}

Therefore, in this promised restitution of "all things" under

the economy of the Elijah message, it is the privilege of each

to help restore, in all the beauty and perfection of primitive

simplicity, the pre-eminently important institute of the: schools

of the prophets which, since before the days of Christ, has

been a stranger to the church, as is evidenced by the fact

that the denominational schools, through the accrediting

boards of the state universities, are joined hand in hand with

the schools of the world, despite the following solemn

instruction to contrary: "Let us determine that we will not be

tied by so much as a thread to the educational policies of

those who do not discern the voice of God, and who will not

hearken to His commandments." -- "Counsels to Teachers," p.

255. {2SC9: 2.2.4}

III. Functions of the Prophetic Ministry – School of the Prophet

Though sin ended face-to-face communication between

God and human beings (Isa. 59:2) , God did not end His intimacy

with humanity; instead, He developed other ways of

communicating. He began sending His messages of

encouragement, warning, and reproof through prophets.

90In the Scriptures a prophet is “one who receives communications

from God and transmits their intent to His people.” Prophets did

not prophesy on their own initiative, “for prophecy never came by

the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved

by the Holy Spirit” (2Peter 1:21).

“Seer” a translation of the Hebrew roeh (Isa. 30:10) or chozeh

(2Sam. 24:11; 2Kings 17:13) is yet another designation for persons

with the prophetic gift. The terms prophet and seer are closely

related.

Throughout the years, God has given revelations of His will for

His people through persons with the gift of prophecy. “Surely the

Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants

the prophets.” (Amos 3:7, cf Heb. 1:1)

The New Testament gives prophecy a prominent place

among the gifts of the Holy Spirit, once ranking it first and twice

second among the ministries most useful to the church (see Rom.

12:6; 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11) It encourages believers t desire

especially this gift (1Cor. 14:1, 39)

The gift of prophecy was active in the ministry of Ellen G.

White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

She has given inspired instruction for God’s people living during

the time of the end. The world of the early nineteenth century,

when EGWhite began to deliver God’s messages, was a man’s

world. Her prophetic call put her under critical scrutiny. Passing

the biblical tests, she went on to minster through her spiritual gift

for seventy years, from 1844, when she was 17, until 1915 – the year

of her death – she had more than 2,000 visions.

A. What were the functions of Prophetic Ministry?

1. Prophetic Ministry assisted in founding of the

church/association (Eph. 2:20, 21)

912. Prophetic Ministry initiated the church’s mission outreach –

Acts 13:1, 2; 16:6-10)

3. Prophetic Ministry edified the church – 1 Cor. 14:3, 4; Eph.

4:12)

4. Prophetic Ministry united and protected the church – Eph.

4:13, 14

5. Prophetic Ministry warned of future difficulties – Acts 11:27-

30; 20:23; 21:4, 10-14

6. Prophetic Ministry confirmed the faith in times of

controversy – Acts 15:32

CHAPTER 9

1953 OUTLINE OF D.L.I - BIBLE DOCTRINES COURSE

I. Three Classes in Educational Phases

1. Freshman class – Foundation of SDA Fundamentals

2. Intermediate Class – Knowledge and Foundation on the

Present Truth

3. Senior Class – Special Instructions for Fieldwork

II. Things to Remember for Instructors

1. The purpose of each class;

a. Freshman class designed for those who need to gain

a foundation of fundamental Seventh-day Adventist

doctrines. For those who need it or may wish to take it

as a refresher course.

b. Intermediate class for those who need to learn the

Davidian doctrines and how to present them.

c. Senior class for those who already know the

message, but who need special Instructions for

fieldwork, ect. It is also for those who require help only in

organizing and giving studies and who are assigned to

intermediate class for a few weeks to learn this phase

after which they will be transferred to the senior class.

For this reason the senior class will start at a later date

than _________.

2. It is important that each student keep his notebook up to

date. The instructor is to check on this daily when the roll call

is taken.

3. Class periods are for students' recitation and the teacher's

constructive criticism and are not to be taken up in lecturing

to the students; studying is to be done outside of class.

Students are not to be told ahead who is to recite at the next

class period.

4. The instructor is to correct the students on the following:

a. Form

b. Continuity

c. Clarity

9394

d. Keeping on the subject

e. Delivery

f. Tact

5. Except as indicated in no.

6, the material in the Davidian publications the message

of the hour-is what is to be studied and used. Various

supplementary helps may be good but are unnecessary. (A

list of the Spirit of Prophecy books most quoted is present

Truth Literature is giving in Part 3. If the present truth student

becomes volumes he will be well armed.)

6. Following is a list of chapters from the Bible Reading to be

covered in the Freshman Class. The students are to study and

be prepared for either oral or written quizzes in class an the

instructor shall choose. In assigning the material listed below

it may not be necessary to take up every topic or question in

the chapters listed, at least not in class, but only as much as

will assure a thorough understanding of the subject under

discussion. Those Seventh-day Adventist doctrines which

have been especially amplified by present truth, and which

are therefore included in the Intermediate class, have been

omitted from the Freshman Class. (However, when such

subjects are studied in the Intermediate Class, if a student is

not familiar with Seventh-day Adventist teaching of them, he

might profitably study them from Bible readings in

connection with present truth, so that he might know

wherein the Davidian message differs from Seventh-day

Adventist teachings as well as to acquire a foundation in

fundamental Seventh-day Adventist doctrines. The Instructor

should be prepare to point out to the students what is

erroneous and why.)

7.

Keep on the Subject.

It is impossible to divorce some present Truth subject from

others and therefore there is much overlapping of material.

In studying one particular subject it is often necessary to refer

to another; however, when such is the case, it is important to

stick with what the text material says on the subject being

studied. The related doctrines will each be studied in detail in

the turn.Example:

Subject: Religion

Text Material: Timely Greetings, Vol. 2 #34

(In the studying this article it would be easy to get into a

discussion of the Kingdom but that is not the subject being

studied.)

--Educational Director

III. Basic Biblical Studies Requirements for Freshman Class:

A. Text: The 28 Fundamental Beliefs of SDA; Bible Reading for

the Home

B. Doctrines for the study:

C. The Word of God: Its origin, history, and place in the world

1. Doctrine 1: The Word of God: (The bible: how to study

and understand it) pgs. 11-22

2. Doctrine 7: The Nature of Man (Sin; its origin, results, and

remedy) pgs. 91-112

3. Doctrine 10: The Experience of Salvation (The way to

Christ) pgs. 133-148

4. Doctrine 19: The Law of God - pgs. 263-280

5. Doctrine 20: The Sabbath – pgs. 281-300

6. Doctrine 11: Growing in Christ (Life only in Christ) pgs.

149-162

7. Doctrine 22 & 23: Christian Behavior and Marriage and

the Family (Christian Growth and Experience) pgs. 311-

346

Note:

Students will study and prepare for Examination covering

pertinent points As will be chosen by the Instructor.

9596

IV. Basic Biblical Studies Requirements For Intermediate

Class

A. Requirements:

1.

Each student will be expected to study and prepare all

this material for oral presentation either in class or in public

meetings, as the Instructor may assign.

2.

A notebook must be kept by each student in which an

outline for each of the following subjects must be filled. (A

sample outline is found on page 11. Note also sample on

badly presented subject on page 10.)

3.

Be prepared to state briefly in your own words the

particular point each of the 18 charts stresses. (A model list

of the charts are found on page. 14-15.)

B. Subjects covered in this course: (Text material to be

studied is given following each subject.)

1. Religion

Answers #5, pp. 21-27, question 109

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #49

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #50

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #51

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #26

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #34

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #45

2. Inspiration

Tract #6

Answerer #1, pp. 39-59

Answerer #1, p. 77, question 7

Answerer #3, pp. 28-40, question 55

Answerer #5, p. 27, question 110

Answerer #5, pp. 28, 29, question 111

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #14

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #29

Answerer #4, pp. 37-41, question 953. Revival and Reformation and Purification

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #10

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #13

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #8

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #30

Tract #1

Answerer #2, p. 24, question 16

Answerer #2, pp. 42-44, question 25

Answerer #2, pp. 67, 68, question 38

Answerer #3, pp. 41-43, question 56

Answerer #3, pp. 43, 44, question 57

Answerer #3, pp. 69-71, question 68

Answerer #4, pp. 22, 23, question 86

Answerer #5, pp. 56-57, question 134

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #3, pp. 9-11

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #52

4. New Light Promised: Need of Personal Investigation

Answerer #1, pp. 79-81, question 8

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #24

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2 #28

Note: Students should gather material for this subject.

5. The Message to the Laodiceans

Answerer #1, pp. 5-38

Answerer #1, pp. 69-75

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #8

Answerer #4, PP. 18, 19, question 82

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #20

6. The Shepherd's Rod in Prophecy

Answerer #1, p. 93, question 13

Answerer #1, p. 94, question 14

Answerer #3, pp. 19-23, question 52

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #27

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #43, pp. 15-25

7. The Controversy Over the Shepherd's Rod

Tract #7

Answerer #1, p. 76, question 6

9798

Reporting Un-Adventist Activities, No.1Tract #2

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #22

8. Mt. Carmel-lts Purpose

Answerer #3, pp. 54-65, question 66

9. Elijah

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #31, pp. 3, 4

General Conference Special

10. Eleventh-Hour Call

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #43, pp. 3-15

White House Recruiter

11. The Laymen's Movement (Hoseal and 2)

Tract #4

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #6

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #21

Answerer #2, pp. 57, 58, question 31

Answerer #2, pp. 58-63, question 32

Answerer #3, pp. 65-69, question 67

Answerer #5, pp. 50, 51, question 129

12. The 144,000 and The Great Multitude

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, pocket edition

Answerer #2, pp. 24, 25, question 17

Answerer #2, p. 31, question 21

Answerer #2, pp. 33-35, question 22

Answerer #3, pp. 26-28, question 54

Answerer #3, p. 51, question 64

Answerer #3, pp. 51-54, question 65

Answerer #4, pp. 34, 35, question 92

Answerer #5, pp. 89, 90, question 161

Answerer #5, pp. 90, 91, question 162 (144,000 100%

Israelites)

13. The Latter Rain and Second Pentecost

Tract 14, pp. 39-43

Answerer #1, p. 81, question 9

Answerer #1, p. 85, question 11Answerer #1, p. 88, question 12

Answerer #5, pp. 40, 41, question 121

Answerer #5, pp. 58-59, question 135

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #17

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #46

14. The Judgment and the Harvest

Tract #3

Answerer #1, p.82, question 10

Answerer #2, pp. 36-38, question 23

Answerer #2, pp. 38-42, question 24

Answerer #2, pp. 71-73, question 40

Answerer #3, pp. 5-7, question 48

Answerer #3, pp. 49, 50, question 63

Answerer #4, pp. 28, 29, question 89

Answerer #5, pp. 30, 31, question 112

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #21

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #33

15. The Seven Seals (The Signs of the Times)

Tract #15, pp. 5-67

Answerer #2, p. 29, question 20

Answerer #2, pp. 65, 66, question 36

Answerer #2, pp. 90, 91, question 46

Answerer #2, pp. 91-94, question 47

Answerer #3, pp. 24-26, question 53

Timely greetings, Vol. 1, #3, pp. 8, 9

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #13, pp. 3-7

16. The Seven Trumpets

Tract #5

Answerer #4, pp. 5, 6, question 77

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #3, pp. 6-8

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2,#13

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2,#15

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2.#27

17. The Everlasting Church (Revelation 12)

Tract #15, pp. 68-90

Answerer #2, pp. 44-49, question 26

99Answerer #2, pp. 63, 64, question 33

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #3, p. 9

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #16

Answerer #2, pp. 5-22

18. The World's History in Prophetic Symbols

Tract #12

Answerer #2, p. 25, question 18

Answerer #2, pp. 68-71, question 39

Answerer #3, pp. 44, 45, question 58

Answerer #3, pp. 45, 46, question 59

Answerer #5, p. 91, question 163

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #4

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #17

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #18

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #36

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #42

19. Nahum's Prophecy

Tract #14

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #3, pp. 11-15

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1 #23, 24

20. The Kingdom

Tract #8

Tract #9, pp. 40-71

Answerer #2, pp. 73, 74, question 41

Answerer #2, pp. 74-85, question 42

Answerer #2, p. 86, question 43

Answerer #2, pp. 86-89, question 44

Answerer #2, pp. 89, 90, question 45

Answerer #3, pp. 74-76, question 70

Answerer #3, p. 76, question 71

Answerer #3, pp. 76-79, question 72

Answerer #4, pp. 20-22, question 85

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #15

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #3

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #4

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #11

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #31

100Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #41

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #44

21. The Time of Trouble

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 1, pocket edition, pp.36

Answerer #2, pp. 66, 67, question 37

Answerer #2, pp. 91-94, question 47

Answerer #4, pp. 6, 7, question 78

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #47

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #7, pp. 1-10

22. The Resurrections

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #4, pp. 13-15

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #7, pp. 11-15

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #32

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #42, pp. 29, 30

23. The Millennium

Tract #9, pp. 3-40, 71-76

Answerer #3, p. 46, question 60

Answerer #3, p. 47, question 61

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #44, pp. 20-2

24. The Revelation

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #12

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #14 *

NOTE: Students must file copy ofchart shown on p. 22, in

notebook.

25. Righteousness By Faith, Sanctification, etc.

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, pp. 298-300

Answerer #1, pp. 60-69, question 4

Answerer #3, pp. 86-90, question 74

Answerer#3, pp. 90,91 question 75

Answerer #4, pp. 10, 11 question 80

Answerer #4, pp. 12-18, question 81

Timely Greetings, vol. 1, #1

Timely Greetings, vol. 1, #2

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #23

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2,#35

101Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #39

26. The Temple Type

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, pp. 259-282

Answerer #3, pp. 47, 48, question 62

27. Ezekiel's River

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, pp. 290-298

28. The Flood-A Type

Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, pp. 240-258

Answerer #2, PP. 23, 24, question 15

29. The Three Days and Three Nights

Tract #10

Answerer #2, pp. 64, 65, question 34

Answerer #3, pp. 14-18, question 51

NOTE: The main purpose in the taking up the details of

the events during Christ's Capture is not so much the

exact placing of them as it is to bring out the fact that

there were 2 sixth hours that must be reckoned with.

30. Baptism

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #19

Answerer #4, pp. 23, 24, question 87

31. Sabbath Question

Answerer #3, pp. 7-9, question 49

Answerer #5, pp. 45-47, question 126

32. Marriage and the Home

Answerer #3, pp. 79-86, question 73

Answerer #4, pp. 69-78, question 105

33. Education

Answerer #4, pp. 81-94, question 107

Answerer #5, pp. 5-21, question 108

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #25

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #38, pp. 1-11

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #40

102103

34. Health

Entering Wedge

Answerer #5, pp. 76, 77, question 146

Answerer #5, pp. 77. 78, question 147

Answerer #5, pp. 78-81, question 148

Answerer #5, pp. 81, 82, question 149

Medical Letter

35. Money Matters

Tract #4, pp. 63-67

Answerer #4, pp. 41-44, question 96

Answerer #4, pp. 44, 45, question 97

Answerer #4, pp. 46, 47, question 98

Answerer #4, pp. 47, 48, question 99

Answerer #4, p. 48, question 100

Answerer #5, p. 85, question 156

Answerer #5, pp. 85, 86, question 157

Answerer #5, pp. 86, 87, question 158

Answerer #4, pp. 49-58, question 101

Answerer #4, pp. 58, 58, question 102

Answerer #4, pp. 59-66, question 103

Answerer #5, pp. 84, 85, question 155

Answerer #5, pp. 47-49, question 127

Answerer #5, pp. 59-62, question 136

Answerer #5, p. 62, question 137

Answerer #5, pp. 65, 66, question 140

Answerer #5, pp. 63, 64, question 138

Answerer #5, pp. 66, 67, question 141

Student Relief Letter

36. Military Service

Selective Service Articles

37. Standards and Worldly Customs

Traft #13

Answerer #5, p. 42, question 122

Answerer #5, p. 33, question 114

Answerer #5, pp. 34, 35, question 115

Answerer #5, p. 35, question 116

Answerer #5, pp. 35-37, question 117Answerer #5, p. 37, question 118

Answerer #5, pp. 38, 39, question 119

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #6

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #38

Answerer #5, p. 87, question 159

Answerer #5, p. 88, question 160

NOTE: Stress the importance of the principles involved.

Not precise criterions.

38. Disfellowship in the Church (Certificate of

Fellowship)

Answerer #4, pp. 30-33, question 90

Answerer #4, pp. 35, 36, question 93

Answerer #4, pp. 36, 37, question 94

Answerer #5, pp. 82, 83, question 150

Answerer #5, p. 83, question 151

Answerer #5, pp. 83, 84, question 152

Answerer #5, p. 84, question 153

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, #7

39. Qualifications of Workers

Directory, pp. 23-36

Answerer #5, p. 84, question 154

Required Reading:

Leviticus

Testimonies to Ministers

Gospel Workers

40. Summary of Fundamental Beliefs

Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, #10