A Heavenly Trio?
An apologetic to a SDAReform pastor regarding the "heavenly trio" quote.
Brother J,
In regards to the "heavenly trio" quote from Special Testimonies Series B Volume 7, I wanted to share with you the background as well as 
show the fact that this was in fact used against the Trinity as Kellogg had come to believe in the Trinity. Many are not aware that Ellen White was actually rebuking Kellogg on his belief in the Trinity I will attempt to demonstrate that this is what all the pioneers had come to understand. Not only that Kellogg was misusing her quote from "Desire of ages" to suggest that she was a Trinitarian, but then she had to explain to Kellogg her use of the word "person" and “personality” as well as the word "Godhead".
Also if you are not aware this testimony is partially copied in the book "Ministry of Healing" in the chapter "A true knowledge of God". A very important chapter as she says.
"A knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in character...This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow men.. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come."...Through a knowledge of Him are given unto us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3. ..."This is life eternal," said Jesus, "that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3.“[Ministry of Healing Page 409-410]
In 1935 an exchange of letters between H.W. Carr and Willie White happened. This is actually shocking to some that by 1935 the Trinity was still not entrenched in Adventism. However, by this time the Trinity was becoming widely accepted.
"It is urged by some of our leaders now that The Holy Spirit is a third person of the same nature of the Father and Son, a member of the heavenly trio, cooperative in creation and personally active with the Father and Son. For many years I have used these statements of Sr. White [statements previously quoted in his letter] in combating false teachings relative to defining the Holy Spirit." (Letter by H. W. Carr to Willie White, January 24, 1935)
Now this is quite interesting that some of our pioneers used these statements of Ms. White in combatting the false teaching regarding the Holy Spirit being a being of the same nature as the father and the son.. Notice Willie's clearly anti-trinitarian response. And not only that but how Willie understood his mother to be using the words "Person" and "Personality" interchangably. These words Ms. White used interchangeably. If you look at her original quote "three living persons of the heavenly trio" what she actually wrote was "three living personalities of the heavenly trio". I will attach a photocopy of it for your viewing pleasure. Look at Willies responce to H.W. Carr.
"In your letter you request me to tell you what I understand to be my mother’s position in reference to the personality of the Holy Spirit.” "This I cannot do because I never clearly understood her teachings on the matter. There always was in my mind some perplexity regarding the meaning of her utterances which to my superficial manner of thinking seemed to be somewhat confusing....
"The statements and the arguments of some of our ministers in their effort to prove that the Holy Spirit was an individual as are God the Father and Christ, the eternal Son, have perplexed me and sometimes they have made me sad. One popular teacher said ‘We may regard Him, (the Holy Spirit) as the fellow who is down here running things.’
My perplexities were lessened a little when I learned from the dictionary that one of the meanings of personality, was Characteristics.. It is stated in such a way that I concluded that there might be personality without bodily form which is possessed by the Father and the Son.
There are many Scriptures which speak of the Father and the Son and the absence of Scripture making similar reference to the united work of the Father and the Holy Spirit or of Christ and the Holy Spirit, has led me to believe that the spirit without individuality was the representative of the Father and the Son throughout the universe, and it was through the Holy Spirit that they dwell in our hearts and make us one with the Father and with the Son...." (Letter by Willie White, April 30, 1935)
Clearly non-trinitarian. Willie understood that his mother was not Trinitarian. He was around her daily. And there are 1000's of statements by Ms. White to show that she wasn't.
"The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted." (Ellen White, The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1898)
The keyword in that statement which was written 3 years after the book Desire of ages is "ALONE". There is not a 3rd individual. Now Kellogg had come to understand Ms. Whites use of the word "person" and "personality" in the same light as most Adventists seem to understand it today. However in that day this was not the case. Notice Kellogg’s reply here to brother Butler the former General Conference president.
"As far as I can fathom, the difficulty which is found in the Living Temple, the whole thing may be simmered down to this question: is the Holy Ghost a person. You say no. I had supposed the Bible said this for the reason that the personal pronoun he is used in speaking of the Holy Ghost. Sister White uses the pronoun he and has said in as many words that the Holy Ghost is the third person of the Godhead. How the Holy Ghost can be the third person and not be a person at all is difficult for me to see".Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wrote to G. I Butler on Oct 28th 1903 concerning ‘The Living Temple’
So obviously Kellogg had a bigger problem than just pantheism that was causing his division from the body of Adventists at that time. Kellogg misunderstood Ms. White's use of the words "third person[ality] of the Godhead" and had actually come to believe that the Holy Spirit was an individual like the father and son. The body said “no”. Kellogg knew this was a big issue as he said himself in reply to Butler "The whole thing simmered down to whether the Holy Spirit was a person". Butler was not a Trinitarian. Willie White was not a Trinitarian. Uriah Smith was not a Trinitarian. Jones and Waggoner were not Trinitarian, And Ellen White herself did not rebuke any of them. But God told her to actually meet the one person who was a Trinitarian.
"I am instructed to speak plainly. ‘Meet it,’ is the word spoken to me. ‘Meet it firmly, and without delay.’ ...In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies.. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given." (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 200)
I recommend reading the study on my website "Omega of deadly heresies". It has been "recieved by many" who have not heeded the warnings just as she predicted. If you'd like one let me know. Here is a testimony from A.G Daniels to Willie White. Now we already have learned Willie White was not a Trinitarian.
"He [J. H. Kellogg] then stated that his former views regarding the trinity had stood in his way of making a clear and absolutely correct statement; but that within a short time he had come to believe in the trinity and could now see pretty clearly where all the difficulty was, and believed that he could clear the matter up satisfactorily. He told me that he now believed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and his view was that it was God the Holy Ghost, and not God the Father, that filled all space, and every living thing. He said that if he had believed this before writing the book, he could have expressed his views without giving the wrong impression the book now gives.." (Letter by A. G. Daniells to W. C. White on October 29, 1903)
A. G. Daniels goes on to say how he explained to Kellogg how contrary to the gospel this is. And it is contrary to the gospel. The gospel doesn't teach that God gave one of their members to the world. The gospel is summed up in the words "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. “Fear God give glory to him”. “This gospel must be preached to all nations”,
Ellen White stated that "Christ is the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God"[PP 34] and this passage as well as several others denote 2 beings. If the Holy Spirit is a being in the same sense as the father and the son, then the Holy Spirit has not been able to enter into all the counsels of God. Ms. White clearly distinguishes between "God" and "Christ". God is not a trinity. The title God always belongs to the father and Christ was God with us. Christ revealed the father the only true God to us.
"The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. [Hebrews 1:1-5 quoted.] God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son." (Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, page 268)
That statement was actually written to Kellogg as well. It's also written in Ministry of Healing "A true knowledge of God".
"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."These words present God and Christ as two distinct personalities." [Notebook leaflets Page 124]
Another interesting quote. Christ is not the eternal God himself, however Christ was "God with us". Christ revealed God. God is the father of Christ.
"But although Christ's glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man...The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty, yet Christ and the Father are one." SDA Bible Commentary, vol.5 p.1129
So we have "One God the father"[1 Cor 8:6] and "no other God but he"[Mark 12:32]. No "God the son", No "God the spirit". However Christ was "God with us". No man has seen God at any time. Christ revealed him, Christ declared him, by seeing Christ we've seen the father, who is the only true God[John 17:3].
Now understanding this Special Testimony Volume 7. We have to recognize it in the light that Kellogg had come to misunderstand Ms. Whites use of the words "person" and "personality" which she used interchangeably. Lets look at this testimony now. I will also get to her use of the word "Godhead" as well.
"All these spiritualistic representations are simply nothingness. They are imperfect, untrue. They weaken and diminish the Majesty which no earthly likeness can be compared to. God can not be compared with the things His hands have made. These are mere earthly things, suffering under the curse of God because of the sins of man. The Father can not be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight.
The Son is all the fulness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be "the express image of His person." "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Here is shown the personality of the Father. {SpTB07 63.1}
Ok. Now there is lots to see in this quote. First she calls what Kellogg believes to be "Spiritualism". I will get to this in a second. However firstly please notice her use of the word "person". She says "Christ is the express image of God's person" to Kellogg. Kellogg God has a person. This is what I meant with my use of the word "person". Not that the Holy Spirit is another being.. Also notice that she says "God so loved the world" God who? God the trinity? No... God the father. This is who God is. And when God shows his love he is showing his characteristics. His personality. Just as Willie had come to learn. She is explaining it to him that these quotes on "third person of the godhead" are not Trinitarian"
"My perplexities were lessened a little when I learned from the dictionary that one of the meanings of personality, was Characteristics. It is stated in such a way that I concluded that there might be personality without bodily form which is possessed by the Father and the Son." {Willie White Letter to W.C Carr April 30, 1935}
Now she just explained to Kellogg in {SpTB07 63.1} that she was not Trinitarian. And just as Butler explained that the problem simmered down to Kelloggs misunderstanding of her use of the word "Person". This is not new today as many have made the same mistake. Ms. White further said to Kellogg.
“You are not definitely clear on the personality of God, which is everything to us as a people. You have virtually destroyed the Lord God Himself.” Letter 300 1903.
So she explained it to Kellogg. This is what I meant. And she said to him scriptures are Clear. God is the father of Jesus Christ, Christ is the son of God.
Here is her next paragraph after explaining God’s “person” and Christs “person” to Kellogg and obviously showing that "God is the father of Jesus Christ" and not a Trinity she says in the very next paragraph the very misunderstood statement which I will attach the actual copy of her original handwriting which she did write the word "personality" in place of the word "person".
"The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit in all the fulness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-- those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ. . . . "{SpTB07 63.2}
Notice she calls them powers. And this is a rebuke to a trinitarian. And it is clearly not saying that God is the father son and holy spirit. Nor is she saying "God the son" or "God the spirit".. She is saying the spirit is the fulness of the "Godhead". "Godhead" is a different word than "God" and it actually is used 3 times in the bible. It is used in Romans 1:20. Ellen White actually quotes this verse in her chapter "A true knowledge of God" from the book "Ministry of Healing". She uses the ARV. Notice in this verse in the KJV this verse below uses the words “everlasting power and Godhead”. Now let’s look at what she understands the word “Godhead” to mean.
"The invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity." Romans 1:20, A.R..V. [Ellen White MH 410].
So God’s Godhead is actually a reference to his Divinity. And the Holy Spirit is the third person[ality] of the Godhead[divinity] according to the Desire of Ages. God has divinity. It his everlasting power and divinity. Divinity is a characteristic of his. Divinity is not a three person in one God. Divinity is clearly seen being perceived by things made as Paul said. This is where Kellogg’s Pantheism came from. If you look at Romans 1:20 and you believe the Godhead is God the Trinity then you are a pantheist. Let’s see what EGW meant in Desire of Ages..
The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high. {DA 669.2}
Now clearly it was Christ who was to be accessible to all. But he is divested of the personality of humanity. In fact that third person of divinity is none other than himself in his saints.
"The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. "(Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, pages 23, 24; written February 18 and 19, 1895)
There is not someone else representing him. Clearly he represents himself. In Col 2:9 it is said that Christ is filled with the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Does this mean he is part of a Trinity? Actually we are to be filled with the fullness of God. That doesn’t make us part of a “billion in one” God. And this next verse actually uses the title “God” rather than the word “Godhead” which is used 3 times in scriptures.
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Never is the word “Godhead” used in reference to the father, son, and holy spirit in a single instance of the 3 times it is used. Godhead is not another title for God. God has a Godhead which is clearly seen in the things made.
Some will present the objection that divinity is only God’s. That is right. And God has filled his son with it. And he will also make us partakers of his divinity.
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Clearly we are filled with the fullness of God, partakers of the divine nature. Christ our comforter will come to us and dwell in us. This is our hope of glory.
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you..
Christ represents himself. Not some other third being. As she says in Desire of Ages where the misused and controversial quote is written. What does she say about our comforter?
"The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands. He comforts them with His own presence" {DA 669.3}
His own presence.. Not someone else. "….the holy Spirit is the comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul. "{RH, November 29,
1892 par. 3}
"…and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving Jesus the comforter."{19MR 297..3}
"The Saviour is our Comforter. This I have proved Him to be. "(Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, page 49)
"The nights are long and painful, but Jesus is my Comforter and my Hope." (Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, page 296)
"Christ is everything to those who receive Him. He is their Comforter, their safety, their healthfulness. Apart from Christ there is no light at all. "(Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, page 372)
"There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart.… The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul." (Ellen White, Review & Herald, October 26, 1897)
There is not another comforter like Christ. She never knew one. Why has the whole church come to believe there is another comforter like Christ? “There is no comforter like Christ”. He is the only one. Some have compiled her writings to make her mean something different. Just as Leroy Froom did in the book “Evangelism”. She predicted this again when referring to Kellogg and his misunderstanding and misuse of the word “person”.
“There are some, who upon accepting erroneous theories, strive to establish them by collecting from my writings statements of truth, which they use, separated from their proper connection and perverted by association with error." —Letter 136, April 27, 1906, to Brethren Butler, Daniels, and Irwin. (Ellen White, 1906, This Day with God, page 126)
One more thing about her statement to Kellogg about his “spiritualistic theories”. She actually said as a group in 1844 when they first established the faith they had run into many false theories about God. This is written in 1904 clearly showing that she still was in agreement about who there God was in 1844. She had not changed her view to Trinitarian. Look at what she says. Most today who have no knowledge of the history of our faith know that none of our pioneers were Trinitarian.
"Adventist beliefs have changed over the years under the impact of ‘present truth’. Most startling is the teaching regarding Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord...... the Trinitarian understanding of God, now part of our fundamental beliefs, was not generally held by the early Adventists." - Adventist Review, Jan 6, 1994. p.10.
"Most of the founders of Seventh-day Adventism would not be able to join the church today if they had to subscribe to the denomination’s Fundamental Beliefs. More specifically, most would not be able to agree to belief number 2, which deals with the doctrine of the trinity." - Ministry, October 1993, p. 10
But Ms. White when referring to Kellogg and her quotes on the heavenly trio points him back to a time when the faith was established. When our pioneers worshipped a different God. The only true God.
“After the passing of the time in 1844, we had fanaticism of every kind to meet. Testimonies of reproof were given me to bear to some holding spiritualistic theories. There were those who were active in disseminating false ideas in regard to God. Light was given me that these men were making the truth of no effect by their false teachings. I was instructed that they were misleading souls by presenting speculative theories regarding God.” {E. G. White, Testimonies Volume 8, pp. 292, 293} 1904
This testimony was in reference to Kellogg as well. But she is referring to Spiritualistic theories about God that they met shortly after 1844. Clearly she had not changed her view about God. Now she is referring to a time with her husband James White as well as others who established the faith. What are these spiritualistic theories about God that they met shortly after 1844? In 1846 James said this.
“The way spiritualizers have disposed of or denied the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ is first using the old unscriptural Trinitarian creed, viz., that Jesus Christ is the eternal God, though they have not one passage to support it, while we have plain scripture testimony in abundance that he is the Son of the eternal God.” {J. S. White, The Day Star, January 24, 1846}
The inexplicable Trinity that makes the Godhead three in one and one in three, is bad enough; but that ultra Unitarianism that makes Christ inferior to the Father is worse. Did God say to an inferior, “Let us make man in our image”?” {J. S. White, Review & Herald, November 29, 1877}
No God said to Christ who God made equal with himself “let us make man in our image”.
After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose,… And now God said to His Son, “Let us make man in our image.” (Ellen White, The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pages 24, 25)
The Godhead is not three in one or one in three. The title God or elohim as quoted above clearly refers to one being the father. Ellen White did not mean that Godhead was three beings in one God. Clearly receiving light from God himself for all those years she would have been told to “meet it” with reference to James and his misunderstandings. But when speaking about Kellogg she points Kellogg back to the faith delivered to the pioneers and spiritualistic theories which James and her encountered shortly after 1844 such as the “unscriptural Trinitarian three in one, one in three creed”. Here is what she says to Kellogg.
"In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?" (Ellen White, Review & Herald, May 25, 1905)
So she says that the truths which God has been giving since 1855 are not to be changed. What were some of the truths she said were established as points of faith?
“Those who seek to remove the old landmarks are not holding fast; they are not remembering how they have received and heard.. Those who try to bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary or concerning the personality of God or of Christ, are working as blind men. They are seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor..” {E. G. White, Manuscript Release No.760, p. 9} 1905
God or Christ. So you can see that there are clear misunderstandings today about the “personality of God” the “personality of Christ” and the “personality of the Holy Spirit”.
"Modern spiritualism, resting upon the same foundation, is but a revival in a new form of the witchcraft and demon worship that God condemned and prohibited of old.… Peter, describing the dangers to which the church was to be exposed in the last days, says that as there were false prophets who led Israel into sin, so there will be false teachers, “who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.… And many shall follow their pernicious ways.” 2 Peter 2:1, 2.. Here the apostle has pointed out one of the marked characteristics of spiritualist teachers. They refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God. Concerning such teachers the beloved John declares: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.” 1 John 2:22, 23. Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both the Father and the Son, and the Bible pronounces it the manifestation of antichrist." (Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, page 686)
So clearly Spiritualism has entered into the church today in the form of the spiritualistic trinity. Here are some interesting words from Ellen White about God and Christ. She refers to a vision actually of her speaking to Christ himself.
God did not leave his children in the dark regarding who he was. The father and son were not a spiritual metaphor. From the earliest visions God assured His children of the reality of His being.
“I have often seen the lovely Jesus, that He is a person. I asked Him if His Father was a person and had a form like Himself. Said Jesus, "I am in the express image of My Father's person." I have often seen that the spiritual view took away all the glory of heaven […]” {E.G. White, Early Writings, p. 77}
God is the father a singular being. Not a trinity of beings. The movement of the Advent faith was established on this foundation. This is the rock upon which the church is built. If you are Trinitarian you are on sinking sand.
"The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it.. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure." Selected Messages Book 1-Page 204, 205
Has this happened??? Yes, every point has happened. The religion is changed. Now that a new organization is established what are we the true believers in the Advent faith called to do?
“What we want now is a reorganization. We want to begin at the foundation and to build upon a different principle.” [Last Day Events, page 53]
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:57, 63). Christ is not here referring to His doctrine, but to His person, the divinity of His character. "Verily, verily, I say unto you," He says again, "The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man" (John 5:25-27). {1SM 249.3}
We could go on with much more about the three living personalities of the heavenly trio. There is much already in this letter. Don’t let a couple of questionable texts be your basis for your decision.
“Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief.. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence..” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, page 255)
Any remaining questions you may have can be answered more than sufficiently. It would be strange that Ellen White was Trinitarian being around all these non-trinitarian’s and never standing up against their non-trinitarian heresies. Anyways, common sense and the evidence presented dictate she was clearly non-trinitarian and in unity with the rest of her non-trinitarian brethren and her non-trinitarian husband.
Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will only make manifest its strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who, we have reason to believe, desire to know what is truth. Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice, and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing? The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented in the light of God's word, which will reveal truth and unmask error. To ridicule his ideas would not weaken his position in the least if it were false, or strengthen your position if it were true. If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it. There must be no spirit of Pharisaism cherished among us. TM 107.2}
I know this happens to some. I just wanted to give you the warning before it happened to yourself.
"There are some who indulge in levity, sarcasm, and even mockery toward those who differ with them. Others present an array of objections to any new view; and when these objections are plainly answered by the words of Scripture, they do not acknowledge the evidence presented, nor allow themselves to be convinced. Their questioning is not for the purpose of arriving at truth, but is intended merely to confuse the minds of others." {TM 108.2}
Well, hopefully we never go there, and we will “come to unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the son of God”[Eph 4:13] and this is the “one faith”[Eph 4:5], that has one God the father[Eph 4:6], the only true God and his son Jesus Christ. You are invited to have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the father and his son Jesus Christ. You are your brothers keeper, therefore responsible for the flock that you lead. Responsible to lead them to him and his son and have no other Gods before them.
Israel ignorantly tore down the groves in Elijah’s day, and they had no problem with having a showdown to see who’s God is the true God. And really this is how it is to be brought. Not like in 1888 where the men were backbitten and the spirit of pharasaism was induldged.
“Some have feared that if in even a single point they acknowledge themselves in error, other minds would be led to doubt the whole theory of truth. Therefore they have felt that investigation should not be permitted, that it would tend to dissension and disunion. But if such is to be the result of investigation, the sooner it comes the better.. If there are those whose faith in God's word will not stand the test of an investigation of the Scriptures, the sooner they are revealed the better; for then the way will be opened to show them their error. We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. There is but One who is infallible--He who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true--in harmony with God's word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas that they will not examine the Scripture evidence with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.
The Lord often works where we least expect Him; He surprises us by revealing His power through instruments of His own choice, while He passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. God desires us to receive the truth upon its own merits--because it is truth." [TM 105-106]
I would suggest that you be sure that you are on the right side when the fire comes down from heaven. As you do not want to be among the 450 to 1 who were pointing people to the wrong God.
Answering Evangelism Pages 615-617
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