Messenger and Message Inseparable
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Attempts to Make "Testimony of Jesus" of "None Effect"
How Satan Unsettles Confidence
Testing Contem****ary Claims
Another Church to Follow?
The Final Shaking-a Prediction
Message and Messenger Inseparable
Endnotes
Study Questions
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. . . . that they
may
rest from their labors, and their works follow them" (Rev. 14:13).
As we have noted throughout this book, whenever God has spoken through His
communication system, counterfeits soon followed. Satan is unceasing in
his
skill to follow through the door that truth opens. His messages are always
appealing and believable because he knows how to appeal to the religiously
inclined yet unconverted heart. He mixes truth with error, always in a way
that appeals to human feeling and human authority rather than to a plain
"Thus saith the Lord."
After the death of Ellen White, counterfeit messengers soon arose. In June
22, 1916, less than a year after Mrs. White died, Margaret Rowen in Los
Angeles, California, claimed to have a vision. Her early "testimonies" had
a
superficial likeness to Mrs. White's testimonies. In addition to these
"messages," the physical manifestations accompanying her visions were
remarkably similar to those of Ellen White. "Both her followers, including
several medical doctors, and skeptics agreed that these visions were
supernaturally inspired. The question in dispute was: With which
supernatural power did they originate?"1
Mrs. Rowen's attempt to usurp the role of "messenger" to the Adventist
Church reached extraordinary lengths when she had a do***ent "planted" in
the Ellen G. White vault at Elmshaven, pur****ting to be a letter written
by
Mrs. White. This "letter" was intended to prove that she was Ellen White's
designated successor. Even after this scandalous episode was exposed, her
followers remained strongly sup****tive.
Rowen's specific but failed predictions culminated in her announcement
that
Jesus would return on February 6, 1925. This failed prediction caused many
followers to wonder, but many accepted her explanation-that she had
misunderstood how long it would take Jesus to travel from heaven to earth.
Further elements in this strange story may be found in Light Bearers to
the
Remnant, including her attempt to murder her chief sup****ter and her jail
time in San Quentin Penitentiary.2
We cite the Rowen story only to highlight the often captivating appeal of
those who claim to have the prophetic gift. At any given time in the last
few decades, at least a dozen people around the world have convinced
others
that they have been given the gift of prophecy. These include V. T.
Houteff,
Jeanine Sautron, and those supposedly receiving "thought messages."3
According to John the Revelator, Satan will be especially furious with
last-day representatives of those "who keep the commandments of God and
have
the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.12:17). As we noted earlier (p. 3),
"the
testimony of Jesus" points to God's communication system whereby the
Spirit
of Christ inspires selected men and women with divine revelations
pertaining
to the plan of salvation.
Attempts to Make "Testimony of Jesus" of "None Effect"
[Top of Do***ent]
Because of the nature of the great controversy, Satan hates the truth
about
God and how He plans to rescue men and women from Planet Earth.
Consequently, he will do all his brilliant mind can devise to make "the
testimony of Jesus Christ" of no effect. That should be expected.
Ellen White knew from experience and from divine instruction how Satan's
tactics affected her ministry, and how he would operate in the future. In
1890 she wrote two letters:
"Satan is . . . constantly pressing in the spurious-to lead away from the
truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the
testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no vision, the people
perish'
(Prov. 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through
different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in
the true testimony."4
"There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic.
The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in
them,
for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his
deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and reproofs
and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded."5
How Satan Unsettles Confidence
[Top of Do***ent]
If Satan's plan is to "ingeniously. . . unsettle . . . confidence," how
does
he do it?
Since the Garden of Eden, for reasons not always clear, a person's
confidence in the truth about God has always been the special target of
others who are not comfortable with divine authority. That is the way the
cosmic controversy began, and that is the way it will end. To break down
confidence in the trustworthiness of God and His gifted prophets has
always
been Satan's chief goal. How does he do his work? By subtle insinuations,
out-of-context allegations, planted rumors, and exaggerated assertions
borne
out of an incident that often could be easily explained.6
We should expect that the same methods used by Satan to "unsettle"
confidence in Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, or even Christ
Himself, would be used with practiced precision on the ministry of Ellen
White, or any future messenger from God.
When any issue arises today (or will yet arise between now and the return
of
Jesus), we should immediately ask: (1) If the allegation involves Ellen
White as a person, what are all the facts? (2) If the question concerns
her
theological teachings, what is the theological or philosophical
presupposition that underlies the questioner's (or "unsettler's") point of
view?7
That difficult-to-understand technical questions and isolated points
should
arise in a writing ministry of 70 years is not surprising. Similar
questions
confront students of the Bible. Many people through the years have lost
confidence in the Bible because of real or apparent difficulties.8
Why does this happen? Those who lose confidence often place more emphasis
on
the container than on its content, on the messenger rather than on his or
her message. How does one focus on the content rather than the container,
on
the message rather than the messenger? How does one focus on Ellen White's
message rather than on Ellen White herself?9 By listening to her clear,
prevailing message that illuminates the Bible's focus on the character of
God as manifested in Jesus and about His simple plan to change rebels into
restored sons and daughters. The message of genuine prophets is
consistent,
whereas their lives, although exemplary, may not be without flaws.
Even when a group accepts Ellen White as God's messenger, differences of
opinion will exist as to how to apply her principles to present
cir***stances. However, an honest, shared commitment to divine authority
warms the heart of those who differ; differences are not magnified to the
point of open contention. Those who focus on the content, not the
container,
seek to draw near to those who differ; they emphasize the principles upon
which they agree, and minimize their differences.
One other way that the writings of Ellen White (or the Bible) can be made
"of none effect" is to misuse counsel. Some would call it the "woodshed
rod"
whereby the phrase, "Sister White said . . ." kindles deep resentment
rather
than appreciation.10 Sadly, for many, both young and old, the
"Testimonies"
have suggested dread rather than blessing, a chill rather than warmth. Out
of context and separated from intent, the writings of Ellen White can
easily
become a whip or club-just the opposite of her purpose when she wrote
messages of warning and challenge to those who knew exactly the truth of
what she was saying.
The best way to thwart Satan's attempt to make of "none effect" the
ministry
of Ellen White is to "listen" to her prevailing message about God's side
in
the great controversy, to read her published works11 as the final
statement
as to what she believed on any given subject, to place every word that
seems
discouraging in its original context-and then to sit back and marvel at
the
coherency of a remarkable messenger whose ministry has accomplished such
profound worldwide results.
Testing Contem****ary Claims
[Top of Do***ent]
Is it possible that another genuine prophet will appear in the Seventh-day
Adventist Church before Christ returns? Adventists have never said that
Ellen White is the complete fulfillment of such prophecies as Joel
2:28-32.
Mrs. White herself was asked this question and responded that she had not
been given any information on that subject.12
No one knows what God may think best regarding special leader****p before
the
Advent. And no one knows in what manner a future prophet may fulfill his
or
her role. What we do know is that a church has the obligation to test the
claim, as Paul has taught: "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise
prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every
form
of evil" (1 Thess. 5:19-22).
All the tests listed earlier must be applied to each claimant.13 The
highest
test of all is to compare later prophets with the body of inspired
writings
of previous prophets.
Jesus made it clear that the church should expect the appearance of
counterfeit prophets, especially in the last days before His return: "Then
many false prophets will rise up and deceive many" (Matt. 24:11). No doubt
very persuasive and believable claimants will arise. What makes them
"believable"?
Counterfeiters don't print three-dollar bills. The purpose of the
counterfeit is to appear as close to the original or the valid as
possible.
Satan knows this tactic well. His method has always been to cover error
with
much truth. Eventually, the error also becomes part of the truth in their
minds.
Ellen White wrote to one who was confused about Anna Phillips's claim that
she had received visions and messages: "Many things in these visions and
dreams seem to be all straight, a repetition of that which has been in the
field for many years; but soon they introduce a jot here, a tittle of
error
there, just a little seed which takes root and flourishes, and many are
defiled therewith."14
Yes, another genuine prophet is possible. And yes, if such a prophet
should
arise, his or her credentials will meet the tests that every true prophet
in
God's communication system has met.
Another Church to Follow?
[Top of Do***ent]
Occasionally the thought is expressed that "the Adventist ****p is going
through, no matter what!" Equally confident people say that "the church is
Babylon" and a new organization must be formed to nurture "true
believers."
Both groups appeal to Ellen White for their authority. Here is another
instance where careful study will avoid the unthinking optimism of some
and
the undue pessimism of others. Here again, without Ellen White modern
church
members would be adrift in their speculation.
Prophets, beginning with Moses, have always been identified with rebuke
and
reproof, as well as with encouragement and promise. People can read
selectively and, depending on what they are looking for, they could
consider
Jeremiah or Isaiah either prophets of doom or of hope. Such may also be
true
with Ellen White.
She courageously pointed out to fewer than 3,000 fellow church members in
1856 that the Laodicean message (Rev. 3) applies to Seventh-day
Adventists.
That was very sobering to a people who saw themselves virtually alone in
the
world as those who "keep the commandments of God and have the faith of
Jesus" (Rev. 14:12).
At the same time, she said very clearly that "God has invested His church
with special authority and power which no one can be justified in
disregarding and despising; for in so doing he despises the voice of
God."15
Though she used strong language to describe the spiritual lethargy of the
church, she was equally emphatic regarding its high destiny: "Has God no
living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the
church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members, that
there
are tares amid the wheat. . . . Let all be careful not to make an outcry
against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the
remnant people who keep the commandments of God, and have faith in Jesus.
.
.. . God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but
superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the
law
of God."16
In the early 1900s, when certain forces within the church were attempting
to
deflect the church's message and mission, she steadied those who
"listened"
with courage and optimism: "We cannot now step off the foundation that God
has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization, for this
would mean apostasy from the truth."17
With a further look into the future, she wrote in 1908: "I am instructed
to
say to Seventh-day Adventists the world over, God has called us as a
people
to be a peculiar treasure unto Himself. He has appointed that His church
on
earth shall stand perfectly united in the Spirit and counsel of the Lord
of
hosts to the end of time."18
Revelation 3 depicts no last-day church beyond Laodicea, thus giving hope
that some day many of them will repent, overcome, and fulfill God's plan
for
the last-day church (Rev. 3:18-21). No other subject for any
church-related
agenda, either for individuals or institutions, can be more urgent or
im****tant to implement.
The Final Shaking-a Prediction
[Top of Do***ent]
One of Ellen White's unfulfilled predictions relates to future events. Key
words that describe the forces that will focus on Seventh-day Adventists
are
"sifting" and "shaking."
Human beings have been sifted by trials and temptations ever since the
Garden of Eden, but Ellen White foresaw a time prior to the close of
probation when special cir***stances will test and sift every Adventist.
The
special sifting is often called the "shaking" time. Sometimes she uses the
term "shaking" to refer to the process19 by which all church members will
be
tested; at other times she refers to the profound shaking that will
prevail
during the Seven Last Plagues.20
Some of the causes of the final shaking within the Adventist Church will
be:
· Persecution from outside the church.21
· Erroneous doctrines within the church.22
· Prevailing worldliness caused by not having experienced "the love of the
truth," or being "sanctified through obedience to the truth."23
· Resistance to the "straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the
True Witness to the Laodiceans."24
· Specific rejection of the sanctuary doctrine involving the significance
of
the pre-advent judgment and the relation****p between the cleansed
sanctuary
and cleansed people.25
· Rejection of the ministry of Ellen White.26
The impact of the shaking on Seventh-day Adventists will be enormous:
· Defections among church leaders.27
· Apostasies of ministers who have preached false doctrine.28
· The church will seem about to fall.29
· An impressive number of church members will leave.30
· New converts will take the place of the defectors.31
· Preparation for the crisis involves developing habits of enthusiasm,
courage, and loyalty.32
Message and Messenger Inseparable
[Top of Do***ent]
Robert S. Folkenberg, eighteenth president of the General Conference,
summed
up the convictions of many, past and present, when he wrote: "Without
[the]
invaluable contributions from the Spirit of Prophecy, I suspect the
Seventh-day Adventist Church wouldn't even exist. From the earliest days
of
this movement, Ellen White's pen and voice have counseled, guided, and led
God's people to a deeper level of spiritual experience, to higher
standards
of personal living, and to clearer concepts of truth."33
Dr. Jack Provonsha noted that without Ellen White there would be no
Seventh-day Adventist Church today but he warned regarding the church's
future. In reviewing the Adventist movement from its beginning, he
asserted:
"They had their Bible. But they had in large measure that other ingredient
for a religious movement's vitality-the sense that they had been called by
God and that He was in their movement! Had He not vouchsafed His presence
with the gift of prophetic guidance? That made all the difference. Without
such a sense at the beginning, there would not now even be a Seventh-day
Adventist Church, at least one that made a great deal of difference to the
world. The obvious corollary to this is that if that sense is ever lost,
the
church, even if it continues to exist institutionally, may no longer count
where and in the way that it is supposed to count."
A few pages later, Dr. Provonsha wrote: "I have quoted liberally from
Ellen
G. White. I make no apology for this. She is my 'spiritual mother.' She
has
also been absolutely central to the life and thought of Adventism."34
Telling the story of the birth of Israel as a nation is impossible without
reviewing the work of Moses, its prophet. How would one explain the Exodus
without Moses? Or Mount Sinai? Or why Israel had to wander in the
wilderness
for forty years?
So it is impossible to tell the story of the Seventh-day Adventist
movement
without interweaving Ellen White's ministry in the affirmation of Biblical
doctrine, in the building of a church organization strong enough to
sup****t
a world church, and in the Moses-like messages of reproof and courage that
helped to shape the character of the church. Without her today it is
probable that the Adventist Church would be only a footnote in some
history
book of various religious groups in the nineteenth century.
Arthur G. Daniells, General Conference president from 1901-1922, lifted
his
pen in a plea to fellow church members not to follow the pattern of
history:
"It is possible to believe nominally in the gift of prophecy, to accept
the
messages of former prophets, and yet reject and oppose a contem****ary
messenger chosen of God to give instruction to His people. In Christ's day
the words of the ancient prophets were read every Sabbath in their
synagogues, yet the religious leaders rejected John the Baptist and
crucified the Prophet who came direct from heaven-the greatest who ever
appeared on earth. . . . It was Christ's rebuke of specific sins in their
life that caused the Pharisees to reject His claim of being the Son of
God.
There is today, as there has always been in the past, a direct relation
between the cheri****ng of some sin and a doubting of the messages of the
Lord's chosen servants."35
To keep the Adventist ****p on course as it heads toward harbor, the
message
that set its course must remain as unclouded and as effective as an ocean
liner's compass and radar. And to keep the message relevant and
meaningful,
the Messenger who first framed the message must be listened to as the
harbor
pilot, especially as the ****p enters the turbulence of the narrows, close
to
****t.
"Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets" (Hosea 6:5, RSV).
"Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his
prophets, and you will succeed" (2 Chron. 20:20, RSV).
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