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This research aims to bring out the truth regarding the history of the development of the Seventh-day Adventist church. The facts gathered are mainly from the writings of Ellen G. White as her writings are the most reliable of all sources since they were written under the inspiration of God. We should therefore take her writings as having much more weight than what other writers of today have to say.
Most church members today believe that the present organizational structure is after God’s order. They may base their beliefs on some statements from the testimonies but we must remember that, “even facts maybe so arranged and stated as to constitute falsehood.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 335) What does Ellen G. White have to say about the church members’ spiritual discernment?
“Many in the church… are confused. They cannot discern spiritual things, unable to distinguish the voice of the true Shepherd from that of the stranger…..Such should study the messages that God has given, lest they be swept away.” (Last Day Events from the manuscripts and letters of E.G. White, p.66)
“When a doctrine is presented that does not meet our minds, we should go to the word of God, seek the Lord in prayer, and give no place for the enemy to come in with suspicion and prejudice. We should never permit the spirit to be manifested that arraigned the priests and rulers against the Redeemer of the world. They complained that He disturbed the people, and they wished He would let them alone; for He caused perplexity and dissension. The Lord sends light to us to prove what manner of spirit we are of. We are not to deceive ourselves.” {CW 43.1}
“Our brethren should be willing to investigate in a candid way every point of controversy. If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need it. We are all under obligation to God to know what He sends us. He has given directions by which we may test every doctrine,--"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." If the light presented meets this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because it does not agree with our ideas.--Gospel Workers, pp. 300, 301.” {CW 43.3}
“The record of the experience through which the people of God passed in the early history of our work must be republished. Many of those who have since come into the truth are ignorant of the way in which the Lord wrought. The experience of William Miller and his associates, of Captain Joseph Bates, and of other pioneers in the advent message, should be kept before our people. Elder Loughborough's book should receive attention. Our leading men should see what can be done for the circulation of this book. “ {CW 145.2}
“We must study to find out the best way in which to take up the review of our experiences from the beginning of our work, when we separated from the churches, and went forward step by step in the light that God gave us. We then took the position that the Bible, and the Bible only, was to be our guide; and we are never to depart from this position. We were given wonderful manifestations of the power of God. Miracles were wrought. Again and again, when we were brought into strait places, the power of God was displayed in our behalf.--Letter 105, 1903.” {CW 145.3}
How did God call His church in 1844? What messages did He gave to call His people out from the worldly churches?
“God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world.
The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God's messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p.455-456)
“ In the days of the Reformation, the gentle and pious Melancthon declared, "There is no other church than the assembly of those who have the word of God, and who are purified by it." Adventists, seeing that the churches rejected the testimony of God's word, could no longer regard them as constituting the church of Christ, "the pillar and ground of the truth;" and as the message, "Babylon is fallen," began to be proclaimed, they felt themselves justified in separating from their former connection. “ {4SP 237.2}
So God gave the Three Angels’ messages to separate His people from worldly churches, the message declaring, “Babylon is Fallen,” was the God-given message that made them felt justified in separating from their former churches. That movement was so powerful in its simplicity, and free from human imperfection too (See The Great Controversy, p.401). The only bond between the believers then was found in a common faith (See SDA Encyclopedia, p. 1043).
The question maybe asked: “what about the conference?” Well, the word conference actually means a meeting. As early as 1848 there was a conference held at Volney where the believers tried to settle doctrinal differences among themselves (See Life Sketches of E.G. White, p. 110) The word conference does not necessarily mean an organizational structure with somebody sitting on the top as president to rule over churches.
What kind of organization did God, Through E.G.White, want to establish form the start?
“ A strong plea for ‘Gospel Order’ (that is, church organization based on the New Testament models) was made by Ellen G. White in the fall of 1853 (published in 1854; see Early Writings, pp. 97-101) After she and her husband, James White, attended conferences in New York State and New England where they encountered strife and disunion.” (SDA Encyclopedia, p. 1043)
So, the kind of organization that God wants His people to set up a system patterned after the New Testament. We must realize that in the New Testament scriptures we can’t find a single statement that tells us that they chose a President to rule over their churches. If so, then the present SDA organizational structure is quite far from what God wants it to be because it has one man chosen as President or the visible head over the universal church.
Still some people insist that the New Testament system should be revised because it was not sufficient to bring the church into unity and perfection. Is this true? What does the Spirit of Prophecy have to say about this?
“ Simple organization and church order are set forth in the New Testament scriptures, and the Lord has ordained these for the unity and perfection of the church” ( Loma Linda Messages. P. 816).
“ It is necessary that the same order and system should be maintained in the church now as in the days of the apostles.”( Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 293)
We can see clearly that the New Testament system of organization has been ordained by God to unite the church and bring it to perfection, that is, to accomplish the work given her. This kind of organization is more that sufficient to make the church function smoothly until the end.
“The Lord would have His people divested of everything unscriptural in regard to the ministry.” ( Testimonies to Ministers, p. 404)
The laws of Christ's kingdom are so simple, and yet so complete, that man-made additions will create confusion. And the more simple our plans for work in God's service, the more we shall accomplish. To adopt worldly policy in the work of God is to invite disaster and defeat. Simplicity and humility must characterize every effective effort for the advancement of His kingdom. {7T 215.1}
There is one statement upon the subject of organization, which, due to the date on the footnote, has led the people to think that the 1861 organization (A General Conference with a President) is what she wants to establish. This particular statement is believed to be a strong statement in favour of choosing a President as the visible head of the universal church. Let us closely investigate this statement and compare it with the statements from other sources.
“It is nearly forty years since organization was introduced among us as a people. [WRITTEN IN 1901.] I was one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first. I know the difficulties that had to be met, the evils which it was designed to correct, and I have watched its influence in connection with the growth of the cause. At an early stage in the work, God gave us special light upon this point, and this light, together with the lessons that experience has taught us, should be carefully considered. “ {TM 24.1}
The footnote (by the publishers) on this page reads: Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, pages 192-205 *Written in 1901.
If this particular statement was actually written in 1901, going back forty years, will bring us to 1861, the year when they chose a president over the General Conference. But was this particular statement actually written in 1901?
The answer is no. We read this same statement in Manuscript Releases vol. 1,pp. 157-158 (letter 32. Dec. 19, 1892) and also in Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p. 502 (General Conference Daily Bulletin, published in January 29,1892 but written in Melbourne, Victoria, December 19,1892)
So we have two (2) references of this same exact statement showing the same exact date: Dec. 19,1892. This is the actual date of the writings of this particular statement, and going back forty years brings us to the year 1852. It was during these years that James and Ellen White worked hard to establish “Gospel Order” – church organization based on New Testament Models (See SDA Encyclopedia, p. 1043—see also p. 3 of this write up).
We don’t know whether the error of the date was a deliberately made or not, but we now know that people have been mislead by this, and that the kind of organization which God, through E. G. White, wants to establish the simple organization of the New Testament. This is the right understanding of Testimonies to Ministers, p. 24: 1)—Because of the facts regarding the date from two other sources, and 2)--- Because it does not contradict her other statements in her writings regarding the need of establishing the New Testament system of Organization.
In 1861, James White gave up his proprietorship of the Review and Herald after being pressured by envious, faultfinding brethren who charged him with speculation and overreaching. These circumstances led to the incorporation of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, according to the laws of Michigan. This association was organized for the purpose of holding church property. (See Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 164)
In 1863, A General Conference Association was organized for the same purpose- holding church property, but this was not the same as the current one-world system of the modern SDA church. The delegates were present from New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota conferences (SEE SDA Encyclopedia, p. 1046). There were 6 local conferences (all in the U.S.A.) 30 ministers, 3,500 church members, 125 churches, and 1 publishing house (See Testimonies for the church, vol. 7, p. 3). This General Conference was not a worldwide organization. This was organized by and for the churches in the U.S.A. alone.
In 1865, E.G. White said there was a departure from the “simplicity of the gospel” (See Testimonies for the church, vol. 1, p. 474). What went wrong?
“The SDA form of church government came to have the characteristics of several systems particularly the congregational, with its emphasis on local church authority; the Presbyterian which provides for government by elected representatives; and in some points the Methodist, in that it has conferences as organization units and that the conference assigns ministers to the local churches. However, these features were not conscious imitations but grew out of situations and needs of the developing SDA groups.” (SDA Encyclopedia, p.1042)
“A new order of things has come into the ministry. There is a desire to pattern after other churches and simplicity and humility is almost unknown.” (Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 18-190
(2Co 6:17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
(2Co 6:18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
“The Lord requires His people to maintain their integrity, touching not – that is imitating not – the practices of the ungodly.” (Testimonies for the church, vol. 5, p. 14)
God does not want His church to pattern after the world---the apostate churches (See Upward Look, p. 285) because “the world is the enemy of religion” (Series A, no. 6, p.8). This patterning after the world has resulted in the loss of simplicity, and more evils, which we now see in the church.
In 1885 sister E.G. White instructed the leading men of the church to “leave others to plan” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 304) because they began to take the work of directing the movement from God’s hands into their own finite hands.
In 1886 she wrote: “We are in danger of becoming a sister to fallen Babylon, of allowing our churches to become corrupted , and filled with every foul spirit, a cage of every unclean and hateful birds, and will we be clear unless we make decided movements to cure the existing evil?” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 380)
In 1887 she prophesied: “The old standard bearer knew what it is to wrestle with God in prayer, and to enjoy the outpouring of His Spirit. But these are passing off from the stage of acti0on; and who are coming up to fill their places? How is it with the rising generation? Are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arose? Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.
There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less. Iniquity abounds, and the people must be taught not to be satisfied with a form of godliness without the spirit and power. If we are intent upon searching our own hearts, putting away our sins, and correcting our evil tendencies, our souls will not be lifted up unto vanity; we shall be distrustful of ourselves, having an abiding sense that our sufficiency is of God. {1SM 122.2}
“We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world.”(1 SM 122)
“During the year 1890, much thought had been given by leading men connected with the management of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, to a proposal for the consolidation of the work of the publishing houses under one board of control.” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 311)
“The General Conference for 1891 was held in Battle Creek March 5-25. Sunday forenoon, March 15, the committee of twenty one appointed at the preceding General Conference to consider the consolidation of the publishing interests, presented its report. The committee spoke favourably of the object to be gained by consolidation, but proposed that the Conference be recognized, with a view to its eventually securing control of all the publishing work of the denomination.
In harmony with the advice of this committee, the General Conference Association, intended at first as an agency for the holding of church property was reorganized with a board of twenty-one members, and was given control of many lines of work, of which the publishing interest stood first.” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 313)
“In the afternoon (March 7) Mrs. White spoke on the importance of preaching the word….She dwelt especially upon the danger of leaving our first love, and upon the importance of all, especially those connected with our leading institutions, having a vital connections with Christ, the true vine patterning after the world and adopting a worldly policy must be guarded against. Two or three times her discourse she began to tell the story of her experience at Salamanca, and each time she hesitated, and leaving the story untold proceeded with other lines of thought. This discourse made a profound impression on the large congregation.” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, pp. 314-315)
You can read about the Salamanca Vision, entitled “DANGER IN ADOPTING WORLDLY POLICY IN THE WORK OF GOD,” in Like Sketches of Ellen G. White, pp. 319-330. This vision was given in 1890, about the same time they were planning to propose the consolidation of many lines of work under one board of control.
“In the weakness of human judgment, men were gathering into their finite hands the lines of control, while God's will, God's way and counsel, were not sought as indispensable. Men of stubborn, iron-like will, both in and out of the Office, were confederating together, determined to drive certain measures through in accordance with their own judgment. {LS 320.3}
"I said to them: 'You cannot do this”…...(Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 321)
"I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God today, unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people.” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White p.323)
1 Samuel chapter 8 tells us about Israel rejecting the Lord by choosing a king to rule over them just like the other nations around them. God permitted them to have a king as their visible leader but still it was a great sin on their part. (Please read 1 Samuel 12:19 and Steps to Christ, p. 39)
If this is being repeated among SDA’s today, who then serves as the king of the sda church? No other person could fit into such position but the President of the General Conference.
Still some people say that the Lord is still blessing the SDA church with great success because they see the enlarging of facilities and increasing in membership. What does the Spirit of Prophecy have to say about this?
“My brethren, the enlarging of your facilities, the increasing of your numbers is not after the order of the Lord.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol.8, p. 141)
In The year 1891 the church leader sent Sister E.G.White to Australia. She had no inclination and no light to go to Australia.
“ When the work, newly started in Australia, was in need of help, our brethren in America desired me to visit this field. They urged that as the one whom the Lord was especially teaching, I could help the work here as others could not. I felt no inclination to go and had no light that it was my duty. I desire to remain at home and complete my work on the life of Christ and other writings. Bt as the matter was introduced, and the responsible men on the Conference expressed their conviction that I, in company with others, should visit this field, I decided to act in accordance with their light…” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, p. 150)
“The Lord was not in our leaving America. He did not reveal that it was His will that I should leave Battle Creek. The Lord did not plan this, but He let you all move after your own imaginings. The Lord would have had W. C. White, his mother, and her workers remain in America. We were needed at the heart of the work. . . . But the Lord read the hearts of all. There was so great a willingness to have us leave, that the Lord permitted this thing to take place. Those who were weary of the testimonies borne were left without the persons who bore them. Our separation from Battle Creek was to let men have their own will and way, which they thought superior to the way of the Lord…… It was not the Lord who devised this matter. I could not get one ray of light to leave America……{10MR 392.1}
That the people of Battle Creek should feel that they could have us leave at the time we did, was the result of man's devising, and not the Lord's. The sum of the matter is proved, and its figures are before you. We are here. The Battle Creek matters have been laid before me at this great distance, and the load I have carried has been very heavy to bear…. And yet I am here in Australia with funds low, and straining every nerve and muscle to establish the work here.--Letter 127, 1896, pp. 2-4. (Written Dec. 1, 1896, at Cooranbong, NSW, Australia.) …… {10MR 393.2}
On November 17, 1891 on the boat “Alameda” going to Australia she wrote: “ The world must not be introduced into the church, forming a band of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt and as stated in Revelation, a cage of every unclean and hateful birds.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 265)
She warned the church leaders not to adopt worldly policy into the church for this would make the church corrupt and as stated in Revelation 18:2 “A cage of every unclean and hateful bird”- which is, Babylon!
Did they obey the Lord’s voice through his chosen messenger and turn from their evil ways? No, they did not! In the year 1895 she wrote:
“At the center of the work matters are being shaped so that every other institution is following in the same course. And the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles. In the working of plans, the same principles are manifest that have controlled matters at Battle Creek for quite a length of time. “ {TM 359.1}
“The holy principles that God has given are represented as the sacred fire, but common fire has been used in place of the sacred. Plans contrary to truth and righteousness are introduced in a subtle manner on the plea that this must be done, and that must be done, "because it is for the advancement of the cause of God." But it is the devising of men that leads to oppression, injustice, and wickedness. The cause of God is free from every taint of injustice. It can gain no advantage by robbing the members of the family of God of their individuality or their rights. All such practices are abhorrent to God…. The great and holy and merciful God will never be in league with dishonest practices; not a single touch of injustice will He vindicate. Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction.
They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms; they would rule or ruin. There will be no material change until a decided movement is made to bring in a different order of things. “ {TM 360.2}
“The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised. This lording it over God's heritage will create such a disgust of man's jurisdiction that a state of insubordination will result.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 361)
“THEY ARE FOLLOWING IN THE TRACT OF ROMANISM…” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 362)
“The righteousness of Christ by faith has been ignored by some; for it is contrary to their spirit and their whole life experience. Rule, rule, has been their course of action. Satan has had an opportunity of representing himself. When one who professes to be a representative of Christ engages in sharp dealing and in pressing men into hard places, those who are thus oppressed will either break every fetter of restraint, or they will be led to regard God as a hard master. They cherish hard feelings against God, and the soul is alienated from Him, just as Satan planned it should be.” {TM 363.2}
These statements show us plainly that human power has gained control of the church. And that if this would go on, a state of insubordination will result and members still will soon break away from this structure as though escaping from “a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”
In 1896 E.G. White wrote to the ministers saying: “It is not wise to choose one man as a president of the General Conference.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p.342)
How did the conference respond to this statement by E.G.White? The following statement is from the Great Conference Bulletin of 1897 after the General Conference session where they made some radical changes in the management of the work in response to the statement in the Testimonies to Ministers, p. 342:
“The plans inaugurated at the late General Conference are, in some respects at least, radical changes as far as management is concerned. Instead of the work being practically under one general management, as heretofore, it is now arranged that the field shall be divided into four distinct parts; the General Conference (GC), with its general supervision of the work, takes the special oversight of the work in North America; The European Union Conference (EUC), the work in Europe; the Australasian Union Conference (AUC), the work in Australia; and the Mission Board (or Foreign Mission Board – FMB), the work not embraced by these Conferences. Thus we have, practically, four boards of management in operation in the various fields of the world.” (Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p. 270)
GC Worldwide management divided
4 distinct parts
One worldwide General Conference
WITH HEADQUARTERS IN AMERICA GC EUC
(North America) (Europe)
EUC AUC
FMB AUC FMB
(Australasia) (The work not embraced
By the other conferences)
(Before the Gen. Conf. Session of 1897) (After the Gen. Conf. Session of 1897)
This was the radical change made by the church, in response to the testimony: “It is not wise to choose one man as the president of the General Conference.” This was one reformatory step ordered by the Lord in an effort to make the SDA church return to the New testament system of organization. What was the next step?
In 1901 E.G. White returned to America, after spending 10 years in Australia, and attended the General Conference session. She came forward and spoke immediately after the chairman announced the formal opening of the session.
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p.317 (General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901): “ I fell a special interest in the movements and decisions that shall be made at this conference regarding the things that should have been done years ago, and especially TEN YEARS AGO…”
“Ten years ago” would take us back to 1891 when she warned the church not to adopt worldly policy for the church would become “ a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” or Babylon. The church leaders sent her away to Australia instead of heeding the warning.
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p. 317 (General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901): “The Brethren assented to the light God had given, but…. The light was not acted upon. It was assented to but no special change was made to bring about such condition of things that the power of God could be revealed among us as a people…Year after year the same acknowledgement was made, but the principles which exalt people were not woven into the work. God gave clear light as to what they should do, and what they should not do, but they departed from the light …. There is to be no departure from the principles, no bringing in of the worldly principles.”
It is very clear that the church did not follow God’s will to change the wrong principles of organization, which have adopted. The leaders assented to the light but they did not obey the light. Let’s read on and see what E.G. White told the leaders to do at that conference.
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, pp. 319-320 ( General Conference Bulletin , April 3,1901): “ That these men should stand in the sacred place to be as the voice of God to the people, as we once believe the General Conference to be,--that is past. What we want now is reorganization. We want to begin at the foundation, and to build upon a different principle…
Here are the words that we want to bring into life practice. The men that have long stood in position of trust while disregarding the light that God has given are not to be defended upon. God wants them to be removed…. (SEE also Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, pp. 385-386)
The children of Israel thought that if they should have a king like other nations, they would be a wonderful people. God directed His servants Samuel to tell them what would be the result if their desire were granted. He told them what kings would do. Nevertheless, they said, we will have a king to rule over us. They had a king, and to their sorrow they learned of how little avail was an earthly ruler when God went not forth with their armies.
Now I want to say, God has not put any kingly power in our ranks to control this or that branch of the work. The work has been greatly restricted by the efforts to control it in every line. Here is a vineyard presenting its barren places that have received no labor. And if one should start out to till these places in the name of the Lord, unless he should get the permission of the men in circle of authority he would receive no help…. There must be a renovation, reorganization; a power and strength must be brought into committees that are necessary.”
How did the church react when E.G White said, “God wants them to be removed?” The president steeped down, but he was given the privilege to choose who should serve with him in a committee. A.G. Daniells, the President who stepped down, said.
Periodical Resource Collection, Vol. 2, p. 321 (General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901): “I move that the usual rules and precedents for arranging and transacting the business of the conference be suspended and that a General Committee be thereby appointed…”
I believe that this move by A.G. Daniells of appointing a committee after he stepped down was also in accordance with the counsel given by the Spirit of Prophecy in Testimonies to Ministers, p. 342: “The president of the General Conference should have a privilege of deciding who shall stand by his side as a counsellor.” So A.G. Daniells, after stepping down from his office as the President of the General Conference was given the privilege of choosing who shall compose the committee.
The next question was raised by S. N. Haskell as to whether this committee was a permanent one to continue existing as a committee even after the General Conference session or just for the session and would be dissolved after the session:
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p. 322 (General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901): “S.N. Haskell: Is this a permanent committee, or simply for the conference now assembled?
The chair: For the Conference, I understand.”
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2 p. 322 (General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901): “W. J. Stone: I wish to know if this committee is to take the place of the General Conference Committee?
Chair: I do not so understand it. I understand it. I understand that this is a committee to make the program for the General Conference, and it will bring forward business for the conference from day to day. Do I correctly understand the motion?
A.G. Daniells Mr. Chairman, my thought is that this committee is to be a committee of the counsel to continue through the conference, to take into consideration all the branches of the work…. It is not a committee that is to continue of this conference.”
It is very clear from this dialogue that the committee appointed was not to continue to exist after the conference session was over. Its role was just to make sure that the meeting run smoothly.
On April 5, 1901 E.G. White spoke:
Periodical Resource collection, vol. 2, pp.330-331 (General Conference Bulletin, April 5, 1901): “When we first met in conference, it was thought that the General Conference should extend over the world, but this is not in God’s order. Conferences must be organised in different localities, and it will be for the health of the different Conferences to have it thus. This does not mean that we are to cut ourselves part from one another, and be as separate atoms. Every Conference is to touch every other conference, and in harmony with every other Conference. We want to understand that there are to be gods in our Conference. There are to be no kings here, and no kings in any Conference that is formed. “All ye are brethren.”….
New Conferences must be formed. It is in the order of God that the Union Conference was organized in Australia. The Lord God of Israel will link us altogether. The organizing of new Conferences is not to separate us. It is to bind us together.
The present organization structure of the SDA church is a one-world system, which is entirely contrary to this statement we just read from the Spirit of Prophecy. If this is not in God’s order then whose order it is?
“Whatever contradicts God’s word, we may be sure proceeds from Satan.” (patriarchs and Prophets, p. 55)
“It is one of the leading doctrine s of Romanism that the pope is the visible heads of the church of Christ, invested with supreme authority over bishops and pastors in all parts of the world….. ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only thou shalt serve.’ (Luke 4:8). God has never given a hint in His word that He has chosen any man to be the head of the church.” (Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 53)
“The wisdom of man disconnected and out of touch with the wisdom of God, the spirit of arbitrary authority which has manifested itself so decidedly in America, has not been confined to that, but has extended its power to leaven other countries.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, p. 23, August 27, 1898)
“To my brethren in Battle Creek, I would say, The Lord does not send His orders to His messengers in all parts of the world through Battle Creek.” (Series A, no. 3, p. 46)
“Battle Creek (The General Conference) is not to be the center of God’s work. God alone can fill this place.” (Series A, no.9, p.46)
After the 1901 Conference E.G. White wrote to a brother who was being critical of the church.
“Your course would have been the course to be pursued if no change had been made in the General Conference. But a change has been made, and many more changes will be made and great developments will be seen. No issues are to be forced…. It hurts me to think that you are using words, which I wrote prior to the Conference. Since the Conference great changes have been made.” (letter 54, 1901)
Yes, it is true changes have been made but has thorough work been done? Did they continue the work of reformation?
“Unless there is a reformation, calamity will overtake the Publishing House, and the world will know the reason.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 96, November 1901)
The Lord warned the leaders that if were not made calamity would come. The calamity would therefore, be a proof that the church has not truly changed.
Life sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 388 tells of calamities that took place in Battle Creek. Two institutions were burned in one year. These are enough evidences that no real change has been made.
“Had thorough work been done during the last General Conference at Battle Creek (1901), had there been as God Designed there should be, a breaking up of fallow ground of the heart, by men who has been bearing responsibilities; had they in humility of soul, led out the work of confession and consecration; had they given evidence that they received the counsels and warnings sent by the Lord to correct their mistakes, there would have been one of the greatest revivals that there has been since the day of Pentecost…. The leaders closed and bolted the door against the spirit’s entrance…… And said to the Spirit of God, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have more convenient season, I will call for thee.’ “(Battle Creek Letters, pp. 55-56, August 23, 1902)
“Today I received a letter from Elder Daniells regarding the destruction of the Review and Herald office by fire. But I was not surprise by the sad news, for in the vision of the night I have seen the angel standing with a sword as of fire stretched over Battle Creek. Once, in the daytime, while my pen is in my hand, I lost my consciousness, and it seems that if this sword of flame were turning first in one direction and then another. Disaster seemed to follow disaster because God was dishonour by the devising of men to exalt and glorify themselves…. God said: “My word has been despised; and I will turn and overturn.’
“At the General Conference, held in Battle Creek in 1901, the Lord gave His people evidence that He was calling for reformation. Minds were convicted, and hearts were touched; but thorough work was not done. If stubborn hearts had then broken in penitence before God, there would have been seen one of the greatest manifestations of the power of God that has ever been seen. But God was not honored. The testimonies of His Spirit were not heeded. Men did not separate from the practices that were in decided opposition to the principles of truth and righteousness, which should ever be maintained in the Lord's work.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp.97-98, January 5, 1903)
“One day at noon I was writing of the work that might have been done at the last General Conference if the men in positions of trust had followed the will and way of God. Those who have had great light have not walked in the light. The meeting was closed, and the break was not made. Men did not humble themselves before the Lord as they should have done, and the Holy Spirit was not imparted.” {8T 104.1}
“I had written thus far when I lost consciousness, and I seemed to be witnessing a scene in Battle Creek.” {8T 104.2}
“We were assembled in the auditorium of the Tabernacle. Prayer was offered, a hymn was sung, and prayer was again offered. Most earnest supplication was made to God. The meeting was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The work went deep, and some present were weeping aloud.” {8T 104.3}
“Then I aroused from my unconsciousness, and for a while could not think where I was. My pen was still in my hand. The words were spoken to me: "This might have been. All this the Lord was waiting to do for His people. All heaven was waiting to be gracious." I thought of where we might have been had thorough work been done at the last General Conference, and agony of disappointment came over me as I realized that what I had witnessed was not a reality. “(Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 104-106, January 5, 1903)
“Many who once were earnest Adventists are conforming to the world--to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. Instead of leading the world to render obedience to God's law, the church is uniting more and more closely with the world in transgression. Daily the church is becoming converted to the world. How many professing Christians are slaves of mammon! Their indulgence of appetite, their extravagant expenditure of money for selfish gratification, greatly dishonors God. “(Testimonies to the Church vol. 8, p.119)
In the General Conference 1903 the church leaders proposed a new constitution, which they acknowledge to be contrary to the Lord’s will as given through the testimonies. Let as read about what they had to say as they proposed this new constitution:
Periodic Resource Collection, vol. 2, p.437 (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1903): “This whole new constitution my pass this body, I don’t know, but will not settle it…. I simply wanted to make that point clear and plain in principle, and it will come out in detail as we go along in the constitution,-- this one point that the adoption of this means the rejection of the principle of organization given us by the Spirit of God two years ago…. It is the same old idea of the world-wide administration of a few men being able to form a quorum, to carry out what they think is the mind of the whole…. It means in effect, that the affairs of this Conference and of the whole general lines of work of the cause will be carried on by fewer men than I believe the Testimonies of the Spirit of God, I have my idea that they should be carried on.”
The church leaders wanted to revert to the one world system and it did not matter with them if this would mean the rejection of the will of God given through the testimonies. They went on with their evil plans in full knowledge that they were following wrong principles. Elder A.T. Jones spoke for the minority and cited many points from the Spirit of Prophecy that have been violated in the proposed constitution:
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, pp. 437-438 (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1903): “I (A.T. Jones) believe with the minority report that this proposed constitution is subversive of the principles of the organization given to us at the General Conference of 1897 and 1901.
It might be well to call the attention to the principle that was given to us in 1897 and 1901. One word came to us in 1897, which the General Conference accepted….was spoken in these words: ‘It is not wise to choose one man as the President of the General Conference; and the new constitution does proposed that very thing… One of the principles announced there is this. ‘ Never should the mind, or two minds, or three minds, or four minds, or five minds, I should say, he considered sufficient to control and mark our plans, and let it rest upon the minds of only one, two, or three in regard to this particular field that we have . And the present constitution as it provides that any five, acting as a quorum of the committee, will takes steps that will involve the whole twenty-five….
‘God desires that His work shall be rising, broadening, and enlarging power. But the management of the work is becoming confused itself.’
Notice particularly the next sentence:’ Not that any one wishes to be wrong or to do wrong; but the principles are wrong.’ Then follow the words: ‘These principles are so foreign to God’s principle that God cannot bless those who work upon them….
Two years ago we were called away from following wrong principles that we follow before 1901. The constitution proposed today simply carries us back to this wrong principles; for in the constitution proposed incorporated the principle that one man shall be President of the General Conference; and then it is so arranged that a few men shall have a voice of molding things, and acting for the whole people.
From 1901 to 1903 the General Conference had no President, but the chairman they appointed for that session alone perpetuated his chairmanship even after the session was over, that was why the Lord said that no change was made. A.T. Jones spoke about this as follows:
Periodical Resource Collection, vol. 2, p. 438 (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1903).
“There was no President of the General Conference , you see. There was only chairman of the committee. That was still further in the direction of what was said at College View, -- that one man should not be the President of the General Conference.”
The church leaders of today try to cover up the truth by calling the 1901 constitution “deficient.” They went on to establish their own “new organization” upon the advice of others-not the Lord’s.
“The executive committee elected its own chairman, and held office for one year in order to prevent the assumption of ‘Kingly power.’ This plan lasted two years. A.G. Daniells became the first ‘Chairman,’ but in effect began his long term as General Conference President….Certain deficiency in the constitution of 1901 because apparent between 1901 to 1903. No official head of the denomination had been elected by the conference, but A.G. Daniells, the chairman of the executive committee , decided, on the advice of others, to use the title of President.” (SDA Encyclopedia, pp. 1051-1052)
Church leaders today tell their members that some individuals placed in the office as President were corrupt and to be replaced. Is this true? No! Let us see what the church members think of A.G. Daniells as a person during those times.
Periodic Resource Collection, vol. 2 pp. 439-441 (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1903): “A.T. Jones: I don’t believe we have had any better man as President of the General Conference from 1897 to 1901, or than we had from 1888 to 1897; but the President who was there from 1888 to 1897 landed where this (The Spirit of Prophecy) says because the principles was wrong. And he who was President and those who were the committee from 1897 to 1901 came to the same point precisely as this (The Spirit of Prophecy) points out, not because they were wrong, not because they were bad men, because they were good men, but following a wrong principle; and a man can pray himself to perdition on wrong principle.
Remember the first organization of the church. The elders met as equals. One man was chosen as chairman, and simply making the chairmanship perpetual is what bred the papacy. That is historical truth. It is proper to have presiding officer, proper to have a chairman of the meeting, but when you perpetuate that thing, and that officer begin to claim it as his right, and if you don’t elect him as chairman next time, feels that you have dropped him, and so on, you have the spirit of the papacy, though it is not yet developed. So I say again, that is the way the church began the chairmanship only of the assembled elders, for there were a number of them, and making of that chairmanship perpetual is what bred that which is today the Papacy.
Now the question is asked a while ago: What is the committee for?- Its work is to work, and not try to boss somebody else who is at work…. And not try to superintend somebody else at work, but to work, so that when the committee meets, we meet as a committee… We study the work; each one comes in from the field, and in committee he reports the condition of his field, reports the need of the field, and then all report. We study it together, and discuss it together- our own work, not somebody else’s. Then, when the committee is adjourned, we go out to carry on our own work, and not try to see whether somebody else is doing his work right. And when one of the committee men out in the field meets his crisis, he does not sit down and right up to somebody at headquarters, and ask him what he shall do. He calls in the responsible men in that place, in that community, who are upon the ground, and counsels with them….”
If only the church gave heed to the right principles, based on a thus saith the Lord, presented by the minority, the reformation God desired would have been carried forward. But sadly the majority wanted to have their own way contrary to God’s will and ways; that is what we see in the present structure of the SDA church today – a structure born of rebellion.
Only a few days after the meeting E.G. White wrote:
“Our position in the world is not what it should be. We are far from where we should have been had our Christian experience been in harmony with the light and opportunities given us, had we from the beginning constantly pressed onward and upward….
In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence, ‘found wanting.’ By the light bestowed, the opportunity given, will she be judged…..
The heavenly Teacher inquired: ‘What stronger delusion can beguile the mind than the pretence that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly policy and are sinning against Jehovah? Oh it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion….’
Who can truthfully say: ‘Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments are unspotted by the world? I saw our Instructor pointing to the garment of so-called righteousness. Stripping them of, He laid bare the defilement beneath. Then He said to me: ‘Can you not see how they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of character? How is the faithful city become an Harlot!’ My Father’s house is made a house of merchandise, a place from whence the divine presence and glory have departed! For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 247-250., April 21, 1903)
“When God's presence was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it not. Though under the control of Satan, and swayed by the most horrible and malignant passions, they still regarded themselves as the chosen of God. The ministration in the temple continued; sacrifices were offered upon its polluted altars, and daily the divine blessing was invoked upon a people guilty of the blood of God's dear Son and seeking to slay His ministers and apostles. So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not.
The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God. (Great Controversy p.615)
Christ, “Our Instructor,” pronounced the SDA church to be a harlot (or Babylon. See Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, pp.232-233) because the SDA church has married the world by adopting worldly policy in her organizational structure. The church leaders deceived their members with the delusion of pretending to build on the right foundation when in reality it is a worldly policy or system of “new organization” they have established.
Church leaders also make their members believe that a reformation is to take place inside the SDA church. They tell their members to reform inside the SDA church. Upon whose direction are they doing this?
“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 vol. 1 p. 205)
This false reformation inside the church, authored by Satan, basically involves two aspects: (1) Setting up a new organizational structure, and (2) Giving up of the fundamental doctrines, which stand as the pillars of our faith. This would in effect destroy the whole system originally established by the Lord.
“In a representation which passed before me, I saw a certain work being done by medical missionary workers. Our ministering brethren were looking on, watching what was being done, but they do not seem to understand. The foundation of out faith, which was established by so much prayer, such earnest searching of the scriptures was being taken down, pillar by pillar. Our faith was to have nothing to rest upon - the sanctuary was gone, the atonement was gone…..” (Upward Look, p. 152, May 18, 1904)
Ellen G. White calls this the alpha of the apostasy, and she said that the omega of apostasy was to follow.
“The great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger…. Will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout. We are to hold fast the principles of our denominated faith, and go forward from strength to increased faith.” (Upward Look, p. 352, December 4, 1905)
Seeing that the church was pretending to have the right foundation but no longer standing on the true foundation (See Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 249), and that they have established a “new organization,” E.G. White wrote the following statements (the word “now” pointing to their time - the year 1905)
“Every truth that He (GOD) has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. 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.”” (Selected Messages, book 2, p.390, 1905)
“I have been deeply impressed by the scenes that have recently7 passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement - a work of revival - going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line responding to God’s call. My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice?” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 402, May 19, 1913)
This is a prophecy given through Ellen G. White about two years before her death. She looks to the future when a great movement would take place prompted by a call given by God. What is the very last call that God would give to the churches to which the people will respond.
“All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophesies in the book of Revelation, chapter 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given.” (Upward Look, p. 277)
“Today, as in the days of Elijah, the line of demarcation between God's commandment-keeping people and the worshipers of false gods is clearly drawn. "How long halt ye between two opinions?" Elijah cried; "if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings 18:21. And the message for today is: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. . . . Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18:2, 4, 5. (Prophets and Kings, p.188)
“The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given, and the light shone upon them, and they were privileged to choose life or death. Some chose life and took their stand with those who were looking for their Lord and keeping all His commandments. The third message was to do its work; all were to be tested upon it, and the precious ones were to be called out from the religious bodies.” (Early Writings, p. 278)
“Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Early Writings, p. 279)
“I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” (Early Writings, p.261)
“Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: "Come out of her, My people." These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth. (Great Controversy, p. 604)
These are the Remnant that came out of all the false religions of the world and united to obey God commandments. These people proclaim the last message of mercy to the world which is the message of Revelation 18. They are the 144,000. “Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire,--so resplendent is it with the glory of God,--are gathered the company that have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, "the voice of harpers harping with their harps." And they sing "a new song" before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb--a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault" before God. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Revelation 7:14-17. (Great Controversy, p. 649)
(Rev 12:17) And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
(Rev 14:12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
“In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God's remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all the precepts of the Decalogue. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers of paths to dwell in. See verse 12.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 678)
So the call to which God’s people will respond is the message found in Revelation 18. How about this great movement? How do we verify it? What is the characteristic of such movement, that impressed the Lord’s messenger so much?
“Of Babylon at time it is declared, ‘Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’ (Revelation 18:5). She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgements, these faithful ones must be called out, that they ‘partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.’ Hence the movement symbolised by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with His glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with this message,’ Come out of her, my people.’ As these warning join the third angel’s message, it swells to a loud cry.” (Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4 p. 422)
The fulfilment of this prophecy is right before you now, dear reader. There is a great movement going on now and this material you are reading contains God’s last call for you. It is with fervent prayer that we plead with you to heed this invitation of love and mercy while probation is still open. May God give you grace through His Holy Spirit to help you make the right choice. Remember that this is a life and death issue and your decision to obey the call will save your soul from destruction.
