[KELSIE PETERSEN]
When I began writing an analysis of this sermon, given by GC President Ted Wilson at the GC session in June of this year, I naively thought I would be able to quickly summarize and analyze the points in one post. Now, here I am, six weeks and several thousand words later, working through Part 3 (Parts 1 and 2 here), with the understanding that this article may not be the last. This project has reminded me both that Adventism is not “simple,” and it is purposeful. It requires a discerning approach, one that understands the “private” definitions of otherwise plain Christian terms, as well as an understanding of the decidedly unique worldview that lies beneath every word that is spoken or written.
We pick up this week on #19 of Ted Wilson’s 25 “vital truths,” to which he admonishes the Seventh-day Adventist members to cling as they continue to anticipate the “soon” return of Christ.
#19. The beauty of the sanctuary and its services, which point to the everlasting gospel, Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain on the cross. “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” (Last Day Events, p 177).
Symbolism is a powerful thing in our human world, it is true. The symbolism and the significance of the sanctuary services set out for the Israelites in the wilderness, hundreds of years before the incarnation of Christ, are rich and meaningful. As part of the Law of Moses, these services and rituals (including sacrifices) were meant to point to the coming of Christ. Galatians 3 offers a clear picture of the boundaries of the law, given “until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made” (v. 19), and then in verses 23-25:
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian…
While Wilson acknowledges that the sanctuary and services “point to….Jesus Christ,” the essence of Adventist doctrine surrounding the sanctuary proposes that the services still are taking place in heaven, and that the “work” was not finished on the cross, thus propping up their doctrine of the Investigative Judgement, or Pre-Advent Judgement.
The quote from Ellen White’s Last Day Events is an interesting one. One of the things that first gave me pause for thought on her “authority” was when I read one of her “prophecies” saying that people would accuse her of being a false prophet. There are several examples in her work where she uses “predictions” that people will question her or deny Adventist church doctrines; then, when people do rightly question her or the doctrines, it is pointed to as a fulfilled prophecy or prediction. Here we see her “predicting” that there will be opposition to this very unique church doctrine, that it will be from “the enemy,” and that people will leave “the faith” (Adventism) because of it. The circular reasoning of this should be apparent.
#20. The biblical day/year principal of interpreting biblical prophecy, allowing the Bible to interpret itself. The historicist approach shows how history has accurately unfolded according to God’s Word.
This day/year approach to interpreting Scripture is predominantly an Adventist one, and it is essential for them to uphold their belief that “something” happened on October 22, 1844 and is the basis for their Investigative Judgement doctrine. Without this method of interpretation, the entire foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist church ceases to exist. Interestingly, when I was researching, I came across two reasonably recent articles addressing this method, one in Adventist Today from 2019, and another from Ministry Magazine, published in 2018. The Adventist Today article, while not denying the Investigative Judgement doctrine, pointed out problems with the year/day principle, while the Ministry piece explained and defended it. Interestingly, these two postings used many of the same Scripture references to support their divergent conclusions. Reading through the conflicting posts brought up much of the confusion and dissonance many of us lived with as Adventists.
#21. The historical biblical/historical grammatical approach to interpret Scripture. It is the only hermeneutical approach approved by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (“Methods of Bible Study” – www.adventist.org/documents/methods-of-bible-study/)
An analysis of the document linked above would probably take another four blog installments to properly deal with everything it says, but I highly recommend clicking the link and reading through to see what they are saying. The first disturbing thing I noticed was this quote:
In recent decades the most prominent method in biblical studies has been known as the historical-critical method. Scholars who use this method, as classically formulated, operate on the basis of presuppositions which, prior to studying the biblical text, reject the reliability of accounts of miracles and other supernatural events narrated in the Bible.
An Adventist reading this will assume that “most” other Christians somehow reject the reliability of the accounts of miracles and other supernatural events accounted for in the Bible. Another crack in my Adventist perspective came when I began to encounter, and actually get to know, “Sunday Christians.” I realized that they weren’t at all what the Adventist church had taught me they were, nor did they believe as the Adventist church had taught me they believed. As the years have gone by since my exit from Adventism, I continue to be amazed—and disturbed—by the inaccurate ways in which they continue to represent Christianity to their members. It appears to be a form of information control (from the BITE model of authoritarian control developed by Steven Hassan).
Another concerning section in this document is #12 under “Methods of Bible Study.”
Seventh-day Adventists believe that God inspired Ellen G. White. Therefore, her expositions on any given Biblical passage offer an inspired guide to the meaning of texts without exhausting their meaning or pre-empting the task of exegesis (for example, see Evangelism, 256; The Great Controversy, 193, 595; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 665, 682, 707-708; Counsels to Writers and Editors, 33-35).
The level of authority and deference given to Ellen White’s “interpretation,” or “guide to the meaning” should be a red flag for any believer who reads this document.
There are numerous concerning things in the linked document, including the purposeful avoidance of the word “inerrant” in reference to Scripture, the use of Ellen White quotes to “prop up” the authority of Scripture, and the presupposition that “the great controversy” is a theme running through the entire Bible, parallel to the “person and work of the Lord Jesus” to name a few.
#22. The biblical and Spirit of Prophecy understanding that the shaking of God’s church will take place before Christ returns.
Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal” (Last Day Events, p. 180).
The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless, it must take place (Last Day Events, p. 180).
It is interesting to note that, after claiming this “understanding” is Biblical, Mr. Wilson proceeds to support his point with two quotes from Ellen White. The second quote is also found in Selected Messages, volume 2, page 380. Here is the paragraph preceding that quote:
We are to be ready and waiting for the orders of God. Nations will be stirred to their very center. Support will be withdrawn from those who proclaim God’s only standard of righteousness, the only sure test of character. And all who will not bow to the decree of the national councils and obey national laws to exalt the sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard of God’s holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery alone, but of the Protestant world, the image of the beast (SM Vol 2, p. 380).
The context is clear. This is applied ONLY to Sabbath keepers, even though the noticeably absent Scripture references to people “falling away” makes no reference to the Sabbath. This quotation is also a striking peek at their view of ALL non-Sabbatarians, not limited to the Catholics, but also including the Protestants, as serving the beast.
As we saw in earlier “vital truths,” when referencing “God’s church,” Mr. Wilson means, specifically, the Seventh-day Adventist church. All others are excluded.
#23. The precious understanding that we are God’s worldwide remnant Seventh-day Adventist Church. [We are] in more than 200 countries who support each other, avoiding the mission-destroying concept of congregationalism.
The home missionary work will be farther advanced in every way when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is manifested for the prosperity of foreign missions; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries far off (Testimonies for the Church, vol 6, p. 27).
As we near the end of Wilson’s list of 25 “vital” truths, I am noticing more and more “distinct” Adventist teachings and beliefs, with less and less Scripture used in the explanation and support for each point. Here we see Wilson, once again, affirming that it is, specifically and exclusively, the Seventh-day Adventist church that IS “God’s worldwide remnant.” He appeals to the need for reliance on, and loyalty to, the worldwide church, not wanting to lose grasp on individual congregations. We see an appeal from the Ellen White quote to send MORE money to support foreign missionary work, under the assertion that it will help the work “at home” (the United States) to prosper, as well.
#24. The wonderful foundation of God’s government based on love – His eternal law, including his Ten Commandments. We do not keep God’s law through our own power, but only as we lean on Christ and His righteousness.
When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord, when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason (Last Day Events, p. 180).
In this second last of Mr. Wilson’s “vital truths,” we find, again, a reference to the Sabbath, via the 10 commandments. At its face, this point may look rather accurate to a portion of believers, especially the clarification that we do not keep “God’s law” through our own power. When one views this statement through the lens of the Great Controversy worldview, it becomes apparent that there is more to this than it first appears. The assertion remains, though buffered by a fine-sounding nod to “lean(ing) on Christ and His righteousness,” that human beings CAN keep the law, but even more, that we MUST keep the law. Wilson once again reveals the Adventist belief that it is imperative that we vindicate God by proving His law can be kept. The Bible, however, makes it clear in Romans 8, that the law HAS been kept for us, by Christ. We are free FROM the law, the righteous requirement is fulfilled IN us, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4).
Reading through Mr. Wilson’s assertion regarding the law, and then his supporting quote from Ellen White, it seemed the two were disjointed, disconnected. He specifically takes the time to point out that we must keep the law by “lean(ing) on Christ and His righteousness, but then his quote seems to focus completely on the people, being despised for their commitment to the law (rather, the Sabbath), and leaning on each other and what sounds to be standing firm in their own strength. There is no reference to leaning on Christ, no reference to the godhead at all, other than “the religion of Christ, “ and “fighting the battles of the Lord.” It seemed quite an odd juxtaposition, all in all.
#25. God’s special plan of health reform and comprehensive health ministry as you advocate a healthy lifestyle of God’s eight natural remedies – good nutrition, regular exercise, ample use of water, temperance in all things, pure air, adequate sleep and rest, and trust in divine power. God’s health plan rejects alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and improper lifestyles incompatible with biblical and Spirit of Prophecy principles. God’s plan offers the most abundant life possible on this earth. Read and follow God’s counsel for health as part of the third angel’s message.
This seemed a very odd topic to put at the end of such a long list, but when one considers the emphasis Adventism puts on health, and the implications, far beyond physical, of not being in good health, it begins to make more sense. I remember taking a college course on Health and Fitness, a requirement for my program, and hearing these “Eight Natural Remedies” for the first time as a succinct and packaged Adventist “product.”
Who can argue that any of these eight things are beneficial? The red flag comes near, and at the end of Mr. Wilson’s point. Firstly, and not surprisingly, he once again uses the phrase “biblical and Spirit of Prophecy principles.” Once again, despite their assertion that the Bible is the authority, they continually place them on equal ground in their practical advice. The last sentence here may seem somewhat benign, but for the Adventist ear, they will hear “Read and follow the health message as given and explained in Ellen White’s writings.” The reference to the third angels’ message confused me a bit, and I had to go remind myself of its exact content:
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:9-12).
While Wilson does not take the time to explain how he connects this prophetic text to observance of the Adventist health message, even a cursory read of his paragraph, alongside the Scripture, makes it clear that observing the health message, as detailed by Ellen White, is, in some way, tied to avoiding the mark of the beast. Whole volumes could be written on the details of that connection and of all the connected reverberations it has within the Adventist worldview.
This brings us to the end of Ted Wilson’s list of just 25 truths he deems “vital” for the Adventist members of today. Much insight into the worldview of Adventism is visible just below the surface of his words, both in what he does say, as well as what he does not say. The thing I have found interesting over the years is how differently an Adventist might hear the words he spoke as opposed to a Christian who knows very little of Adventism, and supposes they are “just” another denomination who worships on a different day. I hope that some of my commentary has been helpful in exposing some of the subtext in an Adventist sermon, article, or program, and that it points out some of the not-so-subtle ways Adventism bends and contorts language, reality, and Scripture. †
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Kelsie,
I think a brief review of Adventist history will clear up some of the confusion about why Ted Wilson seems to link the health message with the 3rd angels message of Rev 14:9-12. The first two angel’s messages were preached in the time leading up to the disappointment in 1844. First the message was “the hour of His judgement is come”, because of the expectation for Jesus’ soon coming. Then when other Christians started pushing back against the unbiblical date setting, the Millerites added the 2nd angel’s message: “Babylon is fallen, come out of her”. But the 3rd angel’s message was not preached until after the great disappointment during the time that the SDA denomination was separating from the other Millerite groups. At this time the 3rd angel’s message became associated with the Sabbath and the Sunday “mark of the beast” teaching. But the phrase “third angel’s message” also came into widespread use in SDA circles as representing their teachings as a whole, so phrases like “came into the third angel’s message”, and “preached the third angel’s message” became common ways of speaking about converts and evangelists in adventism.
So the term third angel’s message had all of these meanings within Adventism:
1. The literal third angel’s message of Rev 14:9:12
2. All of the three angel’s messages of Rev 14
3. The sabbath teaching
4. The SDA message as a whole
It seems clear that Ted Wilson is using the term in the last context. This usage is not as common now as it used to be, but is still present in historical adventism. I remember an SDA Bible teacher saying years ago that the term “third angel’s message” could mean the entire adventist message. Combine that with Ellen White’s statements that the health message is the “right arm of the gospel”, and it is not surprising that Ted Wilson links the health message with the third angel’s message.
I hope that clarifies this for those not so familiar with SDA history.
In Christ,
Darrell