Does the Seventh Day Adventist Church use the Bible only as the rule of faith?

What about the teaching of the Sanctuary?

Did the Investigative Judgment begin in 1844?

Were the writings of Mrs. E. G. White inspired?

Do Mrs. E. G. White's writings agree with the Bible?

Are the critics of Mrs. E G. White justified in their claims?

There are many more questions vital to any one who is in any way associated with the SDA Church. Written by one who himself was affiliated with the SDA Church for many years and is personally acquainted with the teachings and practices of the Church.

Every quotation is given proper credit so that the reader himself can check the source.

The purpose of this booklet is to set forth certain reasons why the author, who was born and raised in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, found it necessary to withdraw his membership and, in harmony with apostolic injunction, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you..." (1 Peter 3:15). This booklet is sent out with the prayer that the reader will be challenged to "Search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so" (Acts 17:11).

It is our firm belief that one's understanding of the Bible teachings is indeed important for it will be the guide that will direct one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ and will be the means of either spiritual growth or stagnation. The Bible is replete with injunctions such as, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5), and when we consider that these injunctions are written to the Church, we make no apology for a critical analysis of any doctrine purporting to be based upon the Word of God and to be accepted and observed today.

We believe that knowledge in the Bible should be progressive (2 Peter 3:18), particularly in view of the fact that the Church Universal has passed through the great Apostasy and is still struggling to loose itself from the error and bondage of the Dark Ages. We believe the Reformation that began about the time of Martin Luther is still in progress and the complete restoration of all truth as taught by Jesus and the Apostles should be our ultimate aim.

Another factor so obvious in Christendom is the multiplicity of different beliefs all claiming allegiance to the same rule of faith--the Bible, which should evoke investigation in the mind of the sincere seeker for truth. Moreover, although we cannot subscribe to some of the teachings of the many branches of the Evangelical Church, yet it seems apparent that God had a purpose in raising many voices in the call to "Come out of her my people" (Revelation 18:4). When one movement refuses to advance in the restoration of truth, God raises another voice, and so the Scripture is being fulfilled that "knowledge shall increase" in the last days (Daniel 12:4) and the Lord will have a church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). To that end and for that purpose this treatise is humbly dedicated.

Mrs. White published a book in 1883, entitled, "Sketches from the Life of Paul" which was suddenly taken off the market. Why was the sale of this book halted when it was selling well and demand for it was increasing? Well, it seems that on careful reading and comparing it with "Life and Epistles of Paul" by Conybeare and Houson at least two hundred quotations can be found in Mrs. White's publication that are word for word excerpts from this book without giving credit. The fact is, her book was forced off the market because of plagiarism!

Mrs. White taught the "amalgamation of man and beast as may be seen in the endless varieties of species of animals and in certain races of men." Further she says, "If there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God and caused confusion everywhere" (Spiritual Gifts, p. 301, Vol. 3; Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, p. 69). All scientists recognize that the above is a biological absurdity. Obviously, Mrs. White was unaware of the laws of heredity.

In view of the fact that many honest and sincere people have asked me the above question, and having been associated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church for many years, I wish to submit the following reasons why I am no longer a Seventh Day Adventist. What will be said herein is done with Christian love, not for controversy, but that those who are sincerely concerned may know the relationship of the teachings of the SDA church and the Bible. I wish to state further that I respect every man's convictions, and this article is not intended to slander or cast aspersions.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the contribution the SDA church has made and is making in the realm of restoration of Bible truth as well as many other various ways. Truth will always be truth regardless who may propagate it, and the wise man will investigate "all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Religious prejudice is perhaps the greatest obstacle to growth in knowledge of the truth. Many times we label something as "heresy" simply because we associate it with a person or a church we believe is in error. It does not hold true that just because someone adheres to some erroneous doctrine that he is of necessity wrong in all points of belief.

So it is, we believe, with the SDA church. Though it is obvious, in our view, that error is taught by this denomination, at the same time the SDA church has been instrumental in the restoration of some of the basic Bible truths, and we wish to give credit where credit is due. A few worthy examples are as follows:

1. The Ten Commandments--God's eternal standard of righteousness, still in force today as the Moral Law.

2. The Seventh-day Sabbath--the Christian Sabbath, still to be kept as a memorial of Creation and as the day hallowed and sanctified for all men to rest and worship.

3. The State of the dead and the mortal nature of man.

4. The ultimate destruction of the wicked.

5. The Resurrection of the dead--the righteous to eternal life and the wicked to eternal death.

6. Separation from the world in healthful living and abstinence from sinful pleasures.

Besides these there are other Bible truths held in common with Evangelical Christianity but we have cited the above because so-called "orthodoxy" of the modern church today do grievously err with regard to the above mentioned doctrines.

We wish to state further that the SDA church, along with other denominations, are doing much good in our present society; and I am grateful for my SDA background in that as a young man a foundation was laid in my quest for spiritual reality and truth to take the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith. This concept, however, led me to investigate and test every facet of our faith by the "acid test" - the Holy Scriptures, and was the means God used to reveal the errors in my church's teachings.

And so, as an individual responsible to God, and by virtue of the abundant availability of Bible knowledge in our day, I feel it incumbent upon me to take the stand for Bible truth alone, and whatever teaching or practice contravenes Bible precedent, I must reject. To say that the decision to take a stand for truth was not an easy thing to do is putting it lightly in my particular case. I loved my church dearly and I loved the people in my church. I was zealous and sincere in the cause I inherited from my parents, who likewise were faithful SDA's. I was active in many church engagements, and I enjoyed my activities. Worldly pleasures and ambitions did not allure me for my greatest pleasure was the study of God's Word. The greatest shock, therefore, in my life was when I was made aware that some of the doctrines we were teaching were not founded upon the pure Word of God. It was then that the Lord made real to me the following scriptures: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things (which Paul preached) were so" (Acts 17:11). "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). "To the Law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).

Faithful allegiance to the Holy Scriptures must be our highest aim, and it is indeed the prayer and purpose of this dissertation of honor and unchangeable and unchangeable and infallible Word of God. We are further warned not to add to or take away from the teachings of the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18, 19).

When SDA's refer to the spirit of prophecy they are referring to the writings of Mrs. E. G. White, whom they claim is their spiritual leader and prophet, and that having such a prophet, they are the true remnant church that "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12:17). They then refer to Revelation 19:10, "... for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." In other words, the writings of Mrs. White are considered the testimony of Jesus and as such are equated with the "Spirit of Prophecy." Her writings, therefore, have been bound in books and are considered at par with the Bible. "The point needing to be understood is that, if in fact, Mrs. White was a real prophetess sent from God, we would be very unwise to reject the 'end-time' messages that God might choose to direct to His remnant people through her" (Facts of our Faith, February, 1969).

The proof that SDA's consider Mrs. White's writings at par with the Holy Scriptures is taken from their own writings as follows: "Our position on the Testimonies (Mrs. White's writings) is like the keystone to the arch. Take that out and there is no logical stopping place till all the special truths of the message are gone. Nothing is surer that this, that this message and the visions (of Mrs. White) belong together, and stand or fall together" (Review and Herald, Supplement, August 14, 1883). They state further that her writings should "be received, the same as were the messages of the prophets of old. As Samuel was a prophet to Israel in his day, as Jeremiah was a prophet to Israel in the day of captivity, as John the Baptist came as a special messenger of the Lord to prepare the way of Christ's appearing, so we believe that Mrs. White was a prophet to the church of Christ today. And the same as the messages of the prophets were received in old days, so her messages should be received at present times" (Review and Herald, October 4, 1928).

Mrs. White herself states, "In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me. I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own views. They are what God has opened to me in vision--the precious ray of light shining from the throne" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 67). "If you lessen the confidence of God's people in the testimonies (Mrs. White's visions and dreams) He has sent them, you are rebelling against God" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 66). "In ancient times God spake to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the Testimonies of His Spirit ... The Lord has seen fit to give me a view of the needs and errors of His people" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 661).

From the above statements we learn of Mrs. White's claims to be God's mouthpiece or the entire Body of Christ--the Church. Let us compare her statement with the Bible. In Hebrews 1:1, 2, we read, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." So the Scriptures tell us that God speaks to us today by His Son--that is, the Spirit of Christ in the Church speaks to us by and through inspired vessels both in the recorded New Testament writings as well as in the living members in the Body of Christ--the Church. But Mrs. White claimed to be the only channel of divine revelation in the church today. In fact, there is abundant evidence in her writings that all others who claimed revelation or divine leading were suppressed while she herself assumed leadership. (See T. Vol. 1, p. 206, 207).

In Early Writings (pp. 258-261) we find that Mrs. White claimed that anyone who found fault or tried to examine the "platform" upon which her teachings were based were "fighting against" God.

Now the Bible says that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit upon "all flesh" and that "your sons and daughters shall prophecy" (Joel 2:27, 28). Please notice that this is in the plural--"your sons and your daughters"-not just one woman! And there is evidence in the New Testament Church of the fulfillment of this prophecy. (See Acts 13:1; 21:8-10). Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 14:29-31 that the church may have many prophets. Indeed, this is the divine pattern for today, and I believe that had the SDA church followed this pattern Mrs. White would not have asserted the place of infallibility and sole leadership. Please note that the apostle Paul states, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace." Thus we see a plurality of ministries with no one individual running off with all the divine revelations and authority. I submit that the reasons for the errors in Mrs. White's visions and dreams are because her claims were unscriptural and she placed herself beyond the admonition of other spirit-filled believers whom God desired to use in building up the church upon the solid foundation--the Bible. (See Ephesians 4:11-16).

Quoting further from Early Writings (pp. 258-261) we find Mrs. White claimed that the teaching that Christ moved into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 was the "third angel's message", and then she declares, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages." She said further that those who rejected her interpretation of the "third angel's message" were "fighting against God" and "they offered up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left, and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself working with his power, his sings and lying wonders to fasten them in his snare."

From the foregoing statements of Mrs. White we find that all one needs to do is to disbelieve her interpretation of the 1844 move in the Heavenly Sanctuary and Satan immediately "fastens them in his snare" and they are hopelessly deceived.

This statement is so radical and obviously untrue that even the SDA's do not believe it any more because they will recognize other Christians as being genuinely converted even though they do not believe Mrs. White's writings.

On page 259 (Early Writings) Mrs. White says it is a sin to "step off the platform to examine it and declare it to be laid wrong." But the Bible says that we are to "prove all things" and hold fast to only that which is scriptural. Many SDA ministers today are awakening to the realization that there needs to be a return to pure Bible teaching and a rejection of error. One such statement is found in a booklet entitled, "The Sanctuary Restored" and is made by Lon Cummings--"And all of us should be willing to correct our teachings if they are proven wrong according to the Word of God" (p. 4).

We therefore make no apology for a critical analysis of the writings of anyone who purports to be a spokesman for Almighty God. In fact, it is our divine privilege and duty to do just that. But SDA's would have us know that in the "prevailing confusion" in the Christian world today one cannot trust his own understanding of the Bible and therefore must seek the guidance of Mrs. White. Here is their statement, "With the prevailing confusion in the Christian world as to doctrine and practice, the need of a divinely chosen instrumentality, pointing out the way of truth to bewildered men and women, is most obvious. True, the Bible points the way. But even so, in the field of religion today it is 'lo here' and 'lo there', until men are bewildered with the Babel of tongues. An authoritative voice, or divine oracle, to point the way out from the numberless bypaths of error to the fundamental teaching of the word of God is manifestly needed in these times when the full gospel light is to shine and prepare the waiting church to meet her coming King" (Signs of the Times, August 13, 1935).

We contend that the "divine oracle" to point the way out of modern day "Babylon" is not the voice of one woman but rather it is the Spirit of the Living God. The same Spirit that inspired the Bible can and will inspire the honest searching heart and give a revelation of truth as it is in its primitive purity. Jesus said, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself' (John 7:17). Now, it is true that the Lord will sometimes use certain individuals to help others in understanding the word of God, as the case of Philip and the Eunuch and Apollos and Aquilla and Priscila, but to take the position that Mrs. White takes of sole leadership and guidance is unsafe and unscriptural. And further, let it be remembered that Mrs. White has been dead since 1915; her spiritual guidance is confined to her writings, and the SDA church has no living prophet or prophets in the church today (at least none that is recognized by the denomination). Eighty-four years have passed since her death (1999) and the SDA church still claim they have no other prophet except Mrs. White. Is it not strange that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days only upon one woman and manifest the "gift of prophecy" only for the lifetime of that one woman? It has been said by some SDA's that there will be another outpouring sometime in the future, but they have been saying this for years and still they claim that outpouring has not occurred. Could it be that they are missing what God is in reality doing among other Christian people? Yes, I believe, God is pouring out His Spirit right in our day; in fact, there is an outstanding evidence of this outpouring all over the world. And it is not restricted to any one denomination. God is calling out His people from Babylon and He is moving in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Our appeal to every SDA is to "seek and ask" and the promise of Jesus is that we "shall have." Look to Jesus (not to any one individual) for He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. God will pour out His Spirit upon anyone who will in sincerity and truth seek for it (Luke 11:9-13).

We submit now the following and pray the reader will give careful consideration to both the quotations and our comments and decide for himself what is truth. The quotations below are from the Testimonies.

1. "I was shown the company present at the Conference. Said the angel: 'Some food for worms, some subject to the last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus' " (Vol. 1, p. 131).

Note: This statement was made in 1856 and every one present in that meeting is now dead. Obviously, this was a false prophecy. Some SDA's, in trying to extricate themselves from the dilemma of this false statement, have argued that had God's people been faithful the Lord would have come long ago. But this excuse will not hold water, because God knew ahead of time what would happen. And Mrs. White made no conditions for the fulfillment of her prophecy. Her statement is plain and to the point. If we cannot take her writings at their face value what value are they? If she did not mean what she said who has the right to say what she meant? Honesty is the best policy even if it means admission of error. And if Mrs. White was in error in this prophecy then she certainly could be in error in her other statements. And further, if she is proven to be in error, then her position as a "Divine Oracle" to the church today is in question.

2. "Thousands have been induced to enlist with the understanding that this war was to exterminate slavery, but that now that they are fixed, they find that they have been deceived, that the object of this war is not to abolish slavery, but to preserve it" (Vol. 1, pp. 254, 258).

Note: We know now that the Civil War in the U. S. A. did indeed abolish slavery. Mrs. White was wrong.

3. "This nation will yet be humbled into the dust. England is studying whether it is best to take advantage of the present weak condition of our nation and venture to make war on her ... When England does declare war, all nations will have one interest of their own to serve, and there will be general war, general confusion" (Vol. 1, p. 259).

Note: This was a false prophecy. England did not declare war on the U. S. A.

4. "Eggs should not be placed upon your table. They are an injury to your children" (Vol. 2, p. 400). "We bear positive testimony against tobacco, spirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh meats, butter, spice, rich cakes, mince pies..." (Vol. 3, p. 21). "Children are allowed to eat flesh meats, spices, butter, cheese, pork, rich pastry... These things do their work of deranging the stomach" (Vol. 3, p. 136).

Note: Mrs. White places "meat, butter and cheese" in the same category as tobacco, liquor, etc. This is contrary to the Bible for Jesus Himself ate fish (Luke 24:41-43). In John 21:9-12 we find that Jesus Himself prepared flesh meat and said to His disciples, "Come and eat.'' The Bible tells us that Jesus ate butter (Isaiah 7:15). Mrs. White said, "Do not eat" but Jesus said, "Come and dine." Paul said, "In the latter times some shall depart from the faith ... commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received'' (1 Timothy 4:3). The Bible declares that to teach to abstain from meats is a "departing from the faith." (Mrs. White's rules on diet were in agreement with medical science of her day, but medical science has discovered its error and has completely changed its view. Was Mrs. White inspired by the all-wise God Who knew even more than medical science does today, or was she simply saying what the doctors of her day were saying?)

5. "Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters which gave us the day and hour of Jesus coming... When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Spirit" (Vol. 1, p. 59).

Note: In this reference Mrs. White claims that the Lord gave her the day and hour of His coming. In Matthew 24:36 Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels in heaven, but my Father only." And, of course, we know today she was wrong because Jesus did not come when she expected Him. So we reject the claims she makes, and we stand on the Word of God alone.

6. Next we find that Mrs. White claimed that she was one of the 144,000 who would be living when Jesus comes. Here is the quotation: "Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, 'Awake! Awake! Awake! ye that sleep in the dust and arise!' Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted 'Alleluia!' as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed" (Vol. 1, p. 60).

Note: Mrs. White was mistaken again for she died in 1915 and therefore the vision was false. She was also wrong in stating that there would be only 144,000 "living saints" at the hour of Jesus' coming (p. 59). The Bible says they would be without number (Revelation 7:9).

7. Now we wish to refer the reader to quotations from Mrs. White's book entitled "Early Writings" and show some of the errors and contradictions found therein. On page 11 she says, "In 1842 I constantly attended the second advent meetings in Portland, Maine, and fully believed that the Lord was coming." Then she describes, "What a fullness I enjoyed through believing that the Lord was coming. Inexpressible love for Jesus filled my soul. Wave after wave of glory rolled over me, until my body grew stiff... I remained in this state of body and mind a long time" (p. 12).

Note: Her joy was based upon the belief that Jesus was coming back to earth in 1844. This proved to be a false belief. The question then arises, "From whence came the inspiration and the joy that was based on a false teaching?" We leave it to the reader to draw his own conclusion!

8. When Jesus did not come in 1844 as Mrs. White believed, she then said that "the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord and that it should not be altered, that the figures were as He wanted them, that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures so that none could see it, until His hand was removed" (p. 74).

Note: First she claimed the Lord gave her the day and the hour of His coming (see Art. 5). Then when Jesus did not come she claims that He hid the mistake by having His hand over the chart so that some of the figures could not be seen. Now if Jesus did indeed give her the day and the hour of His coming and obviously did not come, who was to blame for the mistake? It is obvious to any honest reader that she made Christ responsible for the false teaching. What good purpose did the chart serve if it did not reveal all the truth but rather deceived those who made the false calculation? Was God a partner to this deception?

9. On pages 42-45 (Early Writings) Mrs. White describes a closing of a door in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and an opening of a door into the most holy at which time Jesus went into the most holy place (in 1844), that the midnight cry was finished at the seventh month 1844 (see p. 43), that then was the "sealing time", and that the time for salvation for sinners had past (p. 45).

Note: All the above statements have been proven false by the fact that Christ did not return to earth in 1844. The "midnight cry" was not finished in 1844. Christ did not enter the most holy place in 1844, for the Bible teaches that He did this at His ascension (see Hebrews 6:19; 9:24). The time for the salvation of sinners did not pass in 1844.

10. When the Advent people and Mrs. White were disappointed in 1844 because Jesus did not come they revised their interpretation of certain prophecies and concluded they were wrong in their figures that Jesus would come in the spring of 1844, but that the correct time would be on the seventh month of 1850. Here is what Mrs. White said, "In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompanying angel said, 'Time is almost finished' " (E. W., p. 64). "Said the angel, 'Deny self, ye must step fast'. Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step ... But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning they will have to learn in a few months" (E. W., p. 67). "Some are looking too fat off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued a few years longer than they expected therefore they think it may continue a few years more. And in this way their minds have been led from present truth ... I saw that time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time can last but very little longer. The sealing time is very short and will soon be over" (E. W., p. 58).

Note: We see from the above statements that Mrs. White believed and taught that in June 1850 there were only a "few months" of time left. She said what she and others had learned in the years from 1844 to 1850 those who accepted their teaching then would have to learn "in a few months" because "the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was almost finished" (E. W., p. 58).

Now we remind the reader that Mrs. White taught that Jesus entered the most holy place in 1844 (E. W., p. 251, 253) and now in June 1850 the time for Him to be in the most holy place was almost finished. But the truth is that Christ has remained in heaven at least another 120 years (1970). How can it be truthfully said that from 1844 to 1850 was "years" and from 1850 to 1970 (at this writing) would be "a few months"? How can it be said that "time was almost finished" in 1850 Can it be said that "an angel" gave her this information? Do angels speak contrary to facts and the teachings of God's Word? It is obvious she was wrong again.

Furthermore, Mrs. White herself says that many people in her day "had no opposition to the preaching of Christ's coming, but they objected to the definite time" (E. W., p. 234). "The preaching of definite time called forth great opposition from all classes ... 'No man knoweth the day nor the hour' was heard from the hypocritical minister and the bold scoffer" (E. W., p. 233). According to Mrs. White to teach as the Bible says that "no man knoweth the day nor the hour" (Matthew 24:36) is hypocrisy and scoffing.

Further proof that those in the 1844 disappointment believed that Jesus would come shortly after 1844 is found in E. W., p. 236, "Those faithful, disappointed ones, who could not understand why their Lord did not come, were not left in darkness. Again they were led to their Bibles to search the prophetic periods. The hand of the Lord was removed from the figures, and the mistake was explained. They saw that the prophetic periods reached to 1844, and that the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844. Light from the Word of God shone upon their position, and they discovered a tarrying time--'Though it (the vision) tarry, wait for it.' In their love for Christ's immediate coming they had overlooked the tarrying of the vision, which was calculated to manifest the true waiting ones. Again they had a point of time."

Note: Mrs. White here says that the reason Jesus did not come in 1844 was because there was a "tarrying time" of the vision to manifest the true waiting ones. Well, every one of those "waiting ones" have long since died and we wonder how Mrs. White would interpret the "tarrying time" if she were still living. It seems that "by hook or by crook" they were determined to prove their false interpretation but were only getting more and more involved in error. How much more honorable it would have been if they had renounced their error right then and therefore the S.D.A. church would not be in the dilemma of using unreasonable and illogical interpretations of Bible prophecy, particularly the prophecy of Daniel 8:14. (We do not mean to be unkind in our remarks, but the evidence is so preponderous that their interpretation of the Sanctuary question is in gross error we feel it necessary to use plain language.) Please notice the words, "again they had a point of time." Mrs. White here is admitting they still clung to the belief that Jesus would come after the "tarrying time". Let it be remembered that Mrs. White herself was a party to this fallacy as we have already proven from her own statements.

11. In the year 1850 Bible scholars were teaching the return of the Jews to Palestine and the restoration of Jerusalem. Here is what Mrs. White said about this: "I also saw that old Jerusalem would never be built up, and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead the minds of the children of the Lord into these things now, in the gathering time, to keep them from throwing their whole interest into the present work of the Lord and to cause them to neglect the necessary preparation" (E. W., P· 75).

Note: We know today that she was completely wrong. Jerusalem is being rebuilt. She also discouraged spending any time trying to convert the Jews because there wasn't enough time left for this. Here is her statement: "I saw that such a mission would accomplish no real good, that it would take a long while to make a very few of the Jews believe even in the first advent of Christ much more to believe in His second advent. I saw that Satan had greatly deceived some in this thing" (E. W., p. 75).

Nothing is more sure today than that Mrs. White was totally wrong on this matter. One of the most outstanding signs of Christ's second coming is the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the return of the Jews to Palestine and further, many Jews are accepting Christ as Messiah, particularly in recent years. Since Mrs. Whites's death in 1915, tremendous events have occurred in Israel. In May 1948 Israel became a nation and the restoration and growth of Jerusalem, especially after the 6-day war with the Arabs in 1967, has been amazing. Mrs. White was wrong again!

12. Mrs. White taught that Jesus moved from the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary into the most holy place in 1844, and that those who did not believe this doctrine, Satan answered their prayers when they prayed for the Holy Spirit. Here is her statement: "I saw the Father rise from the throne and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the vail, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne and the most of those who bowed down arose with Him. Then a cloudy chariot ... came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the

chariot and was borne to the holiest ... I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne; they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne and say, 'Father give us thy Spirit.' Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy influence..." (E. W., p. 55, 56).

Note: In the first place, the Bible teaches that when Jesus ascended to heaven He went directly into the most holy place or "within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19; 9:24), not in 1844. Further, when Jesus died on the cross the veil between the holy and the most holy place was rent in twain (Matthew 27:51) which indicated that Christ's sacrifice made it possible for the believers' prayers to reach the very dwelling place of God, which was in the most holy place, and more particularly, between the cheribims above the mercy seat of the ark (Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 16:2). This happened immediately after Christ's ascension, not in 1844. It is therefore grossly erroneous to teach that Satan answers the prayers of those who do not believe that Jesus moved from one apartment to another in 18441

13. Mrs. White taught that in the communion service the Sisters should wash the feet of the brethren (E. W., p. 117). Now this is considered so out of order that even SDA's do not follow this instruction. Why then should we be condemned for not believing all the other errors and contradictions there are in her writings?

14. Mrs. White taught that angels wanted to die for the salvation of man: "Angels were so interested for man's salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing man" (E. W., p. 127).

Note: This was pure speculation. Nothing is said in the Bible about angels wanting to die for man. The Bible does say, however, that we are not to add to the written Word. (See Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18, 19). Mrs. White goes beyond the pure Word of the Lord and adds her theories. The Bible forbids this.

15. Another example of speculation is found is E. W. p. 145, 146. "When God said to His Son, 'Let us make man in our image,' Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man and because he was not, he was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred... After Satan and those who fell with him were shut out of heaven... he repented and wished to be reinstated in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any position that might be assigned to him. But no, heaven must not be placed in jeopardy... Both he and his followers wept, and implored to be taken back into the favor of God."

Note: No such information is found anywhere in the Bible, and we choose to remain within the confines of the Holy Book and reject Mrs. White.

16. Next, we wish to take another book written by Mrs. White. The following quotations will be taken from her book The Great Controversy. On page 546, she says, "In 1844, attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest entered the holy of holies, and there appears in the presence of God, to engage in the last acts of His ministration in behalf of man--to perform the work of investigative judgment, and to make atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits." (Quotes from Great Controversy, 1927 Ed.)

Note: This is a direct contradiction of the Bible. Jesus made a full atonement on the cross when He cried "It is finished'', and Paul said in Romans 5:ll that the atonement was fully available then. There was no future atonement after Calvary. It is true that Christ became our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) when He ascended to heaven. But His office as Mediator was given Him by virtue of the fact that He had made full atonement for the sins of all the world when He died as man's substitute on Calvary's cross. Paul's letter to the Hebrews is plain on this point. In Hebrews 9:24 we read, "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." The Bible says that Christ went into the presence of God at His ascension and the purpose was "for us." Furthermore, His sacrifice on Calvary was sufficient for all time; there was no need of another "phase" of an atonement in 1844. Notice in Hebrews 9:25-28 Paul says that Christ "put away sin, once, by the sacrifice of Himself' and "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many", and again in Hebrews 10:10, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all", and in verse 14, "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."

Now, S.D.A.'s teach that the antitypical Day of Atonement began in1844 (Great Controversy, p. 480). Therefore, they teach that an atonement was made then. Of course we must concede that if the antitypical day of atonement began in 1844 that an atonement must have been made then, if antitype is to follow type in teaching and practice, for we read plainly that an atonement was made on that day (Leviticus 23:28). However, the Scriptures teach that, in contrast to the numerous atonements made under the Levitical priesthood, Christ, a priest after the order of Melchizedek, made one sacrifice forever (see scriptures quoted above) and, therefore, it is contrary to Bible teaching to contend that "an atonement is made in 1844." The apostle John states further that, "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1, 2). Please notice that John was speaking in the present tense in his day. There was no need of a future atonement in 1844. The forgiveness and the blotting out of sins began when Jesus began His mediatorial work as our Advocate, which was at His ascension, not in 1844.

17. Mrs. White teaches that no sins were blotted out until 1844--"at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844, began the work of investigation and the blotting out of sins" (G. C., p. 552).

Note: This is contrary to the Bible. In Acts 3:19 (R.V.) we read, "Repent therefore and turn again that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." The above instance was when Peter and John had healed the lame man; and after Peter had preached salvation through Christ he instructed the people to repent and their sins would be blotted out right then and there. Further, the Bible teaches a complete removal of sins at the time the sinner truly confesses. (See Jeremiah 31:34; Micah 7:19; Hebrews 8:12). Please notice that the above scriptures have reference to the New Testament dispensation--the dispensation of the New Covenant which began at the time the New Covenant was executed or brought into effect through the death of Christ. The "blotting out" of sins under the New Covenant is done at the time one repents. S.D.A.'s teach that no sins were blotted out until 1844, that all confessed sins from the time of the crucifixion of Christ until 1844 were "transferred to the heavenly sanctuary" thus "defiling the sanctuary", which began to be "cleansed" in 1844. We contend that this is contrary to New Testament teaching, it belittles Christ's atoning work on Calvary, and is a misinterpretation of prophecy as well as the plain teachings of the apostles.

18. Mrs. White teaches that an "Investigative Judgment" began in 1844, that only the cases of the righteous come up for investigation in this judgment and the purpose is "to determine" who are saved. Here is her statement: "In 1844 ... our High Priest entered the holy of holies ... to perform the work of investigative judgment. The only cases considered are those of the professed people of God" (p. 546). "All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny" (p. 552). "This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the Investigative Judgment" (p. 489). "There must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ are entitled to the benefits of His atonement" (p. 480).

Note: No where does the Bible speak of an "Investigative Judgment" beginning in 1844. This is a direct contradiction to Bible teachings, as we shall prove herewith. The cases of the righteous are settled at the time of death, and the Bible clearly indicates that men like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, etc, were considered righteous at the time Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrews (see chapter 11). And furthermore, God does not have to examine the record of books to determine who are saved-"Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His" (2 Timothy 2:19). Some Adventists say that this is to prove to the world that God is a just Judge. But let it be remembered that this judgment goes on in heaven. Only the heavenly hosts have access to heaven. But Mrs. White does not say that this judgment is to prove to the world that God is just. She says that the purpose is "to determine" who are saved. It is only God that does the determining and this cannot be done (according to Mrs. White) until God examines the record books in heaven beginning in 1844. We reject this false teaching.

19. Mrs. White stated further, "The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon--none know how soon--it will pass to the cases of the living" (p.556). At this point I wish to quote from another notable S.D.A. writer, L. H. Christian, in his book, Facing the Crisis, published in 1937 by the Review and Herald, that elaborated upon Mrs. White's statement. "In this work of judgment which began in heaven in 1844, when the 2300 years ended, the eternal fate of every soul will be decided. Beginning, no doubt, with Abel, the first to die, one by one the names of all are called and the destiny of each is decided... From that decision there will be no appeal. We know not what hour the Lord will come to our name and decide our case forever. It may be today, it may be tomorrow" (p. 283).

Note: This is a very serious doctrine to advocate as it concerns the "eternal destiny" of all. If the above statements be true, then we do not know when our names come up in judgment! And when our names do come up our destiny is decided forever and there is no appeal! So, we do not know but perhaps our name came up some time in the past and our case was decided forever, with no appeal. If there was any unconfessed sin in our lives, we are forever lost regardless of how much one may repent after his case is decided. And remember, each case is decided when that name comes up in the judgment that is now in progress. By the same token, if one's record is clean when his name comes up, his case is settled; it would not matter what he did after that; he still would be saved! In our view, this is the worst kind of heresy. Surely this is not New Testament gospel. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). And this provision is not conditional upon an "investigation of books of record."

20. On page 481 of Great Controversy (1927 ed.) Mrs. White says, "When Christ by virtue of His own blood removes the sins of His people from the heavenly sanctuary at the close of His ministration, He will place them upon Satan, who, in the execution of the judgment, must bear the final penalty."

Note: So we see according to Mrs. White that Satan must bear our sins and has a part in the atonement for our sins. But the Bible says, "Who His ownself bear our sins in His body on the tree..." (1 Peter 2:24; see also Isaiah 53). To teach that Satan must bear our sins is to admit that when Christ bore them He did not fully atone for our sins, that Satan must also have a part in the atonement! Surely this is blasphemy against the Son of God. It admits that His blood did not suffice in paying the full penalty for our sins. It makes Satan a partner with Christ in the plan of redemption of man. May we say that Satan will have plenty to bear of his own sins. The Bible says that Christ "became sins for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." He was our sin bearer represented by both the live goat and the goat that had to die. He carried our sins in Gethsemane and on Golgotha's hill. Praise His wonderful Name!

21. Mrs. White states that the prophecy of Daniel 8:14-- "Unto 2300 days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed," was fulfilled in 1844 (G.C., pp. 484, 475, 486), that it was the heavenly sanctuary that was cleansed (p. 475), and that it was the confessed sins of God's people that defiled the heavenly sanctuary (p. 480).

Note: Almost every student of the Bible agrees that Daniel 8:14 refers to the sanctuary on earth and that it was defiled by the wicked Greek king, Antiochus Epiphanes (B. C. 168-165). The context of Daniel 8 clearly identifies the "little horn" as the defiling agency and it was the removal of this wicked king and the cleansing of the sanctuary by Judas Maccabees that constituted the fulfillment of this prophecy. (See Antiquities of the Jews, by Josephus, p. 367 and 1 Maccabees chapters 1-4 and any reliable historian writing of this time period.) The Jews instituted a feast in memorial of the cleansing of the sanctuary called the "Feast of Dedication." (See any Bible Dictionary and Bible reference in John 10:22).

To teach that the heavenly sanctuary was defied is contrary to plain facts in the Bible. The Bible clearly states that it was the "little horn" that defiled the sanctuary. The little horn is interpreted by the angel Gabriel to be a Greek King. (See Daniel 8:8-12, 21-23). How could a Greek King defile the heavenly sanctuary? S.D.A.'s interpret the 2300 days as being prophetic time, or 2300 years, and they begin the time period in 457 B.C. and end it in 1844 A.D. Now the Bible plainly states that the "little horn" (the Greek king) would defile the sanctuary for 2300 "days" (from the original the literal translation is "evenings and mornings" as many translators render it.) Please read the question and the answer is given in Daniel 8:13-14. If the S.D.A. interpretation is correct, the defilement must have begun in 457 B.C. (that is when they say the 2300 years began.) The question then is, if it was the heavenly sanctuary that was defiled, what happened in 457 B.C. to mark the beginning of the defiling period? To "rightly divide the word of truth" we must not take text out of context and the context plainly tells us that it was the "little horn" that defied the sanctuary for the full duration of the "2300 days." How did the "little horn" begin its defilement of the heavenly sanctuary in 457 B.C.?

Again, if S.D.A.'s should concede that it was the earthly sanctuary that was defied, they are again in deep trouble for history proves the opposite. 457 B.C. marks a time of restoration and cleansing. (Read the record in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.) Further, if 1844 A.D. marks the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the scriptures plainly associate the cleansing with the removal of the wicked king, what Greek king was removed in 1844 so that the sanctuary could be cleansed? Another insurmountable problem arises because the Jewish temple (earthly sanctuary) was destroyed by the Roman general, Thus, in 70 A.D. and therefore the sanctuary on earth did not exist since 70 A.D. How, then, could something be cleansed that did not even exist?

But if it was the heavenly sanctuary let us remember that the Bible is clear on the fact that it was the "little horn" that defiled the sanctuary and that it was the removal of the "little horn" that made it possible for the sanctuary to be cleansed. So again the question, "What 'little horn' was removed in 1844?" And further, "How did the 'little horn' defile the sanctuary? What happened in heaven in 1844 to indicate that the sanctuary was cleansed? If the heavenly sanctuary was indeed defiled how can we comprehend a holy God living in an unholy, defiled sanctuary?" Surely it is obvious that this teaching is gross error and an insult to a holy God!

Now as to the claim that the "confessed sins of God's people defile the heavenly sanctuary", our first question is, "what has this to do with the scripture they use to build up their theory of the 2300 years beginning in 457 B.C. and ending in 1844 A.D. (Daniel 8:14)?" The context of Daniel 8 clearly indicates that it was the "little horn" that defiled the sanctuary and that "little horn" is plainly interpreted by the angel to be a Greek king coming out of one of the four divisions of the Grecian kingdom after the death of Alexander the Great. (See Daniel 8.)

Furthermore, is it true that confessed sins defile the heavenly sanctuary? What does the Bible say happens to confessed sins? (See Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19.) Remember also that S.D.A.'s also teach that no sins were blotted out until 1844 (G.C., p. 552). In other words, they claim that all confessed sins from the time of Jesus' death until 1844 were transferred to the heavenly sanctuary (G.C., p. 480). They kept storing up until 1844 and then the cleansing began. How contrary to the plain teachings of the Bible! How belittling to the atoning work of Christ on Calvaryl Also, how repugnant the very thought that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ abode in a defiled sanctuary in heaven from A.D. 31 to 1844! And further, the heavenly sanctuary continues to be defiled right up until the second coming of Christ if, as the S.D.A.'s teach, when a sinner confesses his sin, that sin is transferred "in reality" to the heavenly sanctuary, defiling it, and therefore, Jesus must cleanse the sanctuary continually right up until probation closes. Here is what Mrs. White says: "In the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon Christ, and then transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary... The actual cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary is to accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins that are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary, therefore, involves a work of investigation--a work of judgment. At the termination of the 2300 years in 1844, Christ (then) entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonement... When Christ by virtue of His own blood, removes the sins of His people from the heavenly sanctuary, at the close of His ministration, He will place them upon Satan, who, in the execution of the judgment, must bear the final penalty" (G.C., pp. 480, 481).

Note: How can any Bible loving Christian believe the above statements? Was the sacrifice of Christ not sufficient for the sins of God's people? Was it not enough that Christ bore our sins? 1 Peter 2:24 tells us that Christ Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree. Do those sins have to be brought down from the cross where Jesus said He bore them and then placed upon Satan? Surely Satan will have to pay for all his diabolical deeds, but he is not a "scapegoat"; he is the "father of lies''; he is responsible for sin, no one who bears the guilt in an atoning sense. The Bible says he is the "accuser" not the propitiation for our sin. Satan is not one who accepts the guilt of someone else, but the scapegoat is representative of one who, without complaint, accepts the guilt of others, and by so doing, absolves the guilty. Can we claim to be Bible-believing Christians and give Satan the credit as our sin bearer? No! No! Jesus is our sin bearer. With the song writer we say, "Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." We prefer to honor Christ and give Him all the glory and praise for our salvation. And further, when our sins are forgiven they are then and there forgotten, never to be remembered any more. There is no future "blotting out" because they exist no mote. When God forgives He also forgets (Hebrews 8:12).

At this point we wish to appeal to the reader's good sense of judgment, for the Bible says, "Come let us reason together." Is it not obvious from the foregoing statements of the S.D.A. prophetess that the whole sanctuary doctrine of that denomination is one vast confusion of theories of men? We do not say this unkindly. We challenge the reader to an honest appraisal of what has been written herein, and surely we are duty bound as Bible-believing Christians to expose error wherever it is found. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). To be in error is to be in bondage insofar as we believe any erroneous doctrine; truth alone sets one free. The Berean believers are our example in searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so (Acts 17:11).

Someone has said, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The error that the Adventists made in 1844 should have been fully repudiated instead of revising it and inventing the 1844 Sanctuary teaching, which we have shown to be a "tangled web" of theological speculation.

22. On page 487 (G.C.) Mrs. White says, "The proclamation, 'Behold the Bridegroom cometh' in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of Christ. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage, and the door was shut." Also, "In the summer and autumn of I844 the proclamation 'Behold the Bridegroom cometh' was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed."

Note: The Scripture used here (Matthew 25:1-13) without doubt refers to the second coming of Christ for Jesus said, "Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh." Mrs. White applied this scripture to 1844. Surely it is obvious to the honest Bible student that this is totally wrong. The text speaks of a separation of the wise and foolish virgins, the wise going in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Can we truthfully say that this took place in 1844? Mrs. White was totally in the dark on this matter. Had she known that time would last as long as it has she would not have made this blunder, but she expected the Lord to come in 1850. Certainly her vision was not inspired by the Holy Spirit.

23. Another glaring contradiction of the Bible is Mrs. White's statement on page 479 (G.C.) "And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary, is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary."

Note: If we should believe the above statement let us notice what error we get into. The Bible says that the priest offered two sacrifices every day (Leviticus 29:38-39) first for His own sins and then for the people's (Hebrews 7:27) and then the Bible says further that in the New Testament dispensation this was not done: "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the People's, for this He did once when He offered up Himself. " If Mrs. White was right, then Jesus is even now offering up His blood "first for His own sins, and then for the people's." Did Jesus offer up His own blood for His own sins? If He did, then He was a sinner like any earthly priest. Christ's ministration in the heavenly sanctuary, being a priest after the order of Melchisedec, is not "in reality" the same as the Levitical ministration in the earthly sanctuary. The reader is urged to study Hebrews chapters 7-10 and notice the difference in the two ministrations.

24. On page 492 (G.C.) Mts. White says that if anyone rejects her interpretation of the sanctuary service, etc. there is no atonement for that person. Here is her statement: "It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement, who receive the benefits of His mediation in their behalf, while those who reject the light which brings to view this work of ministration, are not benefited thereby."

25. In Testimonies, (Volume 8, p. 117), Mrs. White says, "The seal of God is revealed in the observance of the Seventh Day Sabbath."

Note: To assume that the Seal of God is the Sabbath is exceedingly dangerous, for there is not a single text in Holy Writ that even remotely intimates such a thing. The line of argument advanced to support this view may seem convincing to some because those who hold this view have built up a most subtle line of argument, by which they play on the words "sign" and "seal" and deceive those who have not carefully studied this subject; but it will not stand the light of Bible investigation.

The Sabbath is several times called a "sign" between God and His people, but surely this is not the same as the seal of God, for in that case every Sabbath keeping Jew and Christian would have the seal of the living God and would be saved by simply resting on the Sabbath, without the necessity of accepting Christ by faith in His name, for we are plainly told that all who have the seal of God will be saved, as it is the "earnest (pledge) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Bible plainly tells us that it is the Holy Spirit that seals us (Ephesians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). We do not mean, however, that the Seventh-day Sabbath has been abolished for the Bible clearly tells us that the Christian's rest day is still the same that was given by God at creation, kept by the faithful saints all through the centuries of time. (See Genesis 2:1-3; Mark 2:27, 28; Luke 4:16; Matthew 24:20; Luke 23:56; Acts 13:42-44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4; Hebrews 4:4, 9, 10; Revelation 14:12.)

26. On page 661 of the Testimonies (Volume 5) Mrs. White says, "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... The Lord has seen fit to give me a view of the needs and errors of His people."

Note: Mrs. White claims to be God's mouthpiece to the church today, and S.D.A.'s call her writings the "Spirit of Prophecy." However, the Bible says there is to be a plurality of prophetic ministries in the church (Joel 2:28; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 31) and that the Gift of Prophecy is not the writings of one woman who claimed a monopoly on the prophetic gift in the last days, but rather it is embodied in living men and women who have been filled with the Spirit of God and are being used even in our day by God's Spirit in the operation of not only the Gift of Prophecy but all nine Gifts of the Spirit.

It is a known fact that many S.D.A.'s spend far more time reading the writings of Mrs. White than they do reading the Bible, that their ministers will preach whole sermons all from her writings, and that the church will have special meetings solely for the purpose of reading and studying her writings. Much time and effort is spent in trying to convince people that Mrs. White is a true prophet, and they go to great length to point out miraculous events (?) to prove their points.

27. In Testimonies (Volume 1, pp. 206, 207) Mrs. White says pork is "nourishing and strengthening food" and rebukes a brother for teaching that it was forbidden food. Any new light that the Lord had for the church must first have her approval before it could be accepted and taught in the denomination. (This is still standard rule today.) Here is her statement, "They who labor with their hands must nourish their strength to perform this labor, and those also who labor in the Word and doctrine must nourish their strength. They should eat of nourishing and strengthening food to build up their strength... I saw that your views concerning swine's flesh would prove no injury to you if you have them to yourself; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test. If God requires His people to abstain from swine's flesh, He will convict them on the matter. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine's flesh God will discover it to more than two or three." Notice how she subdued all others who had any revelation from the Lord--"I saw that you both must speedily be brought where you are willing to be led, instead of desiring to lead, or Satan will step in and lead you in his way to follow his counsel. You are both making work for repentance." So Mrs. White said that to teach that pork is unclean food is the leading of Satan and those who did it before she got the light herself had to repent. She said that pork was all right to use as nourishing and strengthening food. In the case of the brother who was advocating abstinence from pork she said it would prove no injury to him, but others would be injured if they did not eat pork for then they would not have strengthening food. It is our belief that this is mainly the reason why Mrs. White went astray in so many things. She refused to be teachable. She alone was the "divine oracle." She rejected any evidence of the gifts of the Spirit in others.

Edward L. Saunders

24497 Fraser Hwy

Langley, B.C.

Canada V2Z 2L2

604-530-3717

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