Armoring the Saints

Most of us are well aware that the Scriptures are our strength. God’s word, our mighty fortress. But sometimes we find something that truly makes us say–“Praise the Lord!”

A bright light shines in us and we are made aware of the deep things in the Word, and even a new understanding. Such is the case of what happened this week in my studies concerning the ol nemesis that haunts us Davidians.

It’s the Satan snare of keeping the feast days. Truly this snare is more widespread today than many realize, especially among “so called” –“Davidians”. Those who thus try and straddle the fence truly are the other application of–

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.”(Isaiah 4:1)

So let us now look at some clear unmistakable powerful  words and reasoning from the word of God. This can be some armor against those whom we come in contact with.

In Daniel 9:27 we read-

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Here we see that the Lord causes the sacrifices AND oblations (offerings) to CEASE. Let us read what the Rod says about this reference–

Dan. 9:26, 27 — “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 

And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations He shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Just what was to take place during the first seven weeks or 49 years I am not prepared to say, but in the end of the next 62 weeks, or 434 years the Messiah was to be cut off, crucified.  During the remaining week, the 70th, He was to confirm the covenant with many, and in the midst of it He was to be cut off, crucified; that is, there were to be 3 1/2 years from His baptism to the crucifixion, and 3 1/2 years after the crucifixion in which He was to confirm the covenant. 

This completes the 70 weeks and brings us to the time to apostles were commanded to go out and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles: One named Cornelius (a Gentile), and Peter (a Jew and an Apostle) were both given a vision: Cornelius was instructed to see Peter and Peter was commanded to meet Cornelius.  See Acts, chapter 10.  The Jews as a nation failed to make an end of sin and were therefore rejected, given up.

   Christ’s own sacrifice at the end of the first 3 1/2 years replaced the sacrificial ceremonial system, and thus He caused the sacrifice to cease in the midst of the week.  All this, time and event, you see, took place exactly as Gabriel predicted.(TG, vol. 2, no.33, p.8-9)

Christ replaced the sacrificial ceremonial system. So what was entailed with these ceremonies? Not only sacrifices but offerings (oblations). As they all together were part of the “system” this was all to cease.

So what do we see here? The whole feast day ceremonies were gutted! The offerings which were integral to the ceremonies  were to close out.

Well if we take out the offerings along with the sacrifices, then what is left? A mere shell of the feast day. It would be like saying we must have communion but with out the bread and grape juice.

Additionally the argument that Christ kept the feast days as proof that they still exist is muted due to the fact that the middle of the “week” was not yet up for the feasts to cease! Our King was at liberty to try and save His own through all methods including keeping the feasts.

Another attempt to persuade us to keep the feasts is the following reference–

“Broadly speaking, the law of Moses consists of three parts.  The first is the Ceremonial law, the law of the temple — the sacrificial law.  This law, of course, we today must not observe, except in antitype, for it foreshadowed things to come, particularly Christ’s first advent.” (TG, vol. 2, no.37, p.14-15)

They say “See we must keep them in anti-type.” Yet they show us with this statement that 1) They haven’t read the Rod 2) If they have they don’t understand it.

Let us see just what this “anti-type” obedience means. First , here is a helpful reference to establish what “keeping the feasts” mean.

“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts [the truth of the sanctuary], perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.” Nah. 1:15. (Tract 4, p.61)

“Because sin entered the human family, the Lord instituted the sanctuary truth, which typically illustrates His sacrifice, death and resurrection – the revelation of our redemption. Thus in keeping the Sabbath and sanctuary truth, we openly confess that Christ is both Creator and Redeemer. “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath day.” (Mark 2:28.)

The Bible is the revelation of creation and redemption in Christ – Creator and Redeemer. Therefore, the Sabbath and the Sanctuary constitute “The Truth.” (See Hebrews 9:10, 4:4-10.) Thus these two doctrines are coupled together, cannot be separated, and bear the whole truth.

How do we keep the Sanctuary truth? It is kept, not in type, but in anti-type. By faith we believe that Christ, our High Priest, in the heavenly sanctuary is officiating in our behalf, as it was taught in type by the earthly sanctuary, built by Moses. As Israel complied with the requirements of its service in the type, so we must in the anti-type. Thus we “proclaim the truth [Sabbath and Sanctuary] more fully.” (2 SROD, p.138-139)

Ah, there we go! Feast keeping= Truth of the Sanctuary   Sanctuary truth keeping= Belief in Christ officiating in heaven’s Sanctuary . Bottomline –Feasts are kept by believing in Christ’s work in our behalf in the heavenly Sanctuary.

Let us use this logic as well. “But since we are living in the Christian era, if we should now observe the typical sacrificial law and system, we should thereby demonstrate unbelief in Christ, Who has come. And so, as this law was nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14), we need not, and must not, observe it now. ” (TG, vol. 2, no.37, p.15)

Who among would be stupid enough to think VTH was warning us to not sacrifice? Of course not. There is only one logical conclusion, the “must not observe it now” applies to the other types of observances of the system. Therefore he was showing that the “other” part of the observances , ie. ceremonial observance without the sacrifice was to be –avoided.

Now to close it out, we have no excuse in not knowing the Lord’s restoration of this feast keeping understanding. And should we STILL continue on this trap, we shall come to the solemn promise–

And so, as this law was nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14), we need not, and must not, observe it now. ” (TG, vol. 2, no.37, p.15)

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:9)

“No Unity” You Say?

Our above picture is a perfect example of what we, as Davidians Seventh-day Adventists sometimes do. We decide to go against each other on a non-salvational issue and the result? Disunity. Let us look at this matter and how Inspiration through the 3 Inspired sources, Scripture, Spirit of Prophecy, and the Elijah message make clear what we need to know about–unity.

Recently I was on a favorite pastime of mine– Facebook ministry. A man had posted a question whether we should have unity among us Davidians or not. A couple people protested that we should NOT expect unity among us.

This is so outlandish as to be truly amazing! Let us look at their very prophet , whom they “profess” to “believe” in and see what he had to say–

WHAT MAKES UNITY?

Question No. 104:

   How can believers attain and maintain unity among themselves?

Answer:

   To defeat the Enemy and maintain unity and harmony, let every believer cease finding fault with his brethren; watch his own steps and not theirs; realize that they have the same opportunity as does he to know the difference between right and wrong; bear his own and not their responsibility; esteem them better than himself; and do and say nothing he would not like them to do or say to him.

   Let each realize, as did Paul, that charitableness–forbearance through love–is the most indispensable, urgent, and lofty of all attainments:

   “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand  all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

   “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity  suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

   “Charity never faileth: but whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Cor. 13.

   Do this, Brethren, and the Devil will flee and your troubles after him.

   Remember that “Satan lives, and is active, and every day we need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist him. As long as Satan reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome! and there is no stopping-place, there is no point to which we can come and say we have fully attained.

   “The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of his people; and when his image is perfectly reflected  in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation.”–Testimonies, Vol 1, p. 340.

   If Christians never accuse one another, never communicate one another’s mistakes, shortcomings, failures, and troubles, they will find themselves so united that nothing can break their common Christian bond. But such a spirit of oneness can be maintained only by a people who keep a tireless vigil over themselves, always to see eye to eye and to speak the same things by forsaking their own ways and thoughts in exchange for the Lord’s.

   It is imperative, therefore, that every Present-truth believer teach and practice only Present Truth–teach not short of nor beyond what is published, weave not into it private interpretations or constructions, theories and ideas, and do nothing less or nothing more than what the message calls for.

   Thus putting aside your own thoughts and your own ways, and availing yourselves of the Lord’s (Isa. 55:8, 9), in exclusive devotion to the Spirit of Truth, you will really see eye to eye, and speak the same things. Then only will you be able to dispel the spirit of confusion and to retain the spirit of love and unity.

   And since there is strength and spirituality only where there is union, no member of a group of people can afford to neglect his duty in maintaining such Christian unity. (Answerer, p.66-69)

Wow! Now if that is not all encompassing, tell me where there is an answer to this question, better than this.

Let us summarize some of the salient points that stand out and bring home the forceful truth.

First, we see that “self” is our first obstacle to unity. We have neglected to watch our “own steps”. Criticizers are usually the ones who profess “no unity”. Why? Because of self! They have had disagreements with other brethren, and because other brethren do not see things their way, they accuse them of being “false brethren”.Then they find that they are on the “outside” and use this “no unity” excuse to justify why they aren’t getting along with the brethren. In other words the no unity excuse is a cover for their discord!

Well the Lord has words for those who sow discord-

“There are six things that the Lord hates, …and one who sows discord among brothers.”( Proverbs 6:16-19)

Did we also see a most important attitude we must have from our prophet’s counsel?  Esteem others BETTER than ourselves! What does this mean? It means we should desire to be a SERVANT to others instead of attempting to climb the judgment seat.

Do we think the Lord will wink at us when we sow such discord? Words cannot describe what the discorder will see and realize if they do not repent.

Does this mean we should get along with everybody under every circumstance? No it does not. In fact the Scriptures are quite clear about this–

“Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is corrupt and is sinning, being self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11)

Perhaps one of the greatest causes of dis-unity is disagreeing or even arguing over Inspired references and using this as an excuse to stop further communication with brethren. SOP has excellent counsel–

“One man may be conversant with the Scriptures, and some particular portion of the Scripture may be especially appreciated by him; another sees another portion as very important, and thus one may present one point, and another, another point, and both may be of highest value. This is all in the order of God. But if a man makes a mistake in his interpretation of some portion of the Scripture, shall this cause diversity and disunion? God forbid.

We cannot then take a position that the unity of the church consists in viewing every text of Scripture in the very same light. The church may pass resolution upon resolution to put down all disagreement of opinions, but we cannot force the mind and will, and thus root out disagreement. These resolutions may conceal the discord, but they cannot quench it and establish perfect agreement. Nothing can perfect unity in the church but the spirit of Christlike forbearance. Satan can sow discord; Christ alone can harmonize the disagreeing elements.

Then let every soul sit down in Christ’s school and learn of Christ, who declares Himself to be meek and lowly of heart. Christ says that if we learn of Him, worries will cease and we shall find rest to our souls.” (1888 Materials, p,1092)

In closing my brethren, be on guard of those who sow discord by saying “no unity”. They have self in the way and are not following God’s word as clearly stated above. Be ever for–unity– and strive to know and KEEP your friendships with all , ESPECIALLY to the household of faith.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10)

Let us close with these most powerful God spoken words–

  “If Christians never accuse one another, never communicate one another’s mistakes, shortcomings, failures, and troubles, they will find themselves so united that nothing can break their common Christian bond.” (Answerer, p.68)

“The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite in harmonious effort…in every word and act, kindness and love will be revealed; and as each worker fills his appointed place faithfully, the prayer of Christ for unity of His followers will be answered, and the world will know that these are His disciples.” (Gospel Workers, p.483)

Memorable Quotes by the Prophet

We’d like to show some quotes that brother Houteff made that were more of him speaking directly, revealing more of him personally. We are all so blessed with the Inspired Rod writings that showed such powerful truth. But to kind of get a glimpse of his personal characteristics we can take a closer look into his less often or private quotes, many of us may not be aware of.

“Well, I for one do not question anything God has spoken through His prophets.  I know that He does not lie; that He is well able to direct the writings of His prophets; that He makes no vain promises; that He is able to fulfill all He says; that His prophecies never fail.  I take the promises of rebuke as readily as the promises of commendation.  I study my duties as laid down by Him with as great pleasure as I study the promises of glory.” (Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 2, p. 20)

Brother Don Adair tells this story in his book “A Davidian Testimony”–

“..one hot Texas-summer day Bro. Houteff was giving a sermon in the chapel on dress reform for Davidian women. He said their dress length must be no “shorter than about one-half the distance between the bend of the knee and the ankle, their “necklines..not..lower than  2 or 3 inches, their “sleeves” must “cover their elbows when arms are bent”, and they cannot use jewelry, makeup, etc.

Suddenly, he was interrupted by an irate Davidian sister who stood up and said very loudly, “Bro. Houteff, it is too hot in Texas to dress this way.” And he said, “Sister, if you do not dress this way, it will be much hotter where you are going!”(page 175).

During a serious debate on the camp, some of people were convinced brother Houteff would never die, but he told them “Take this Bible and show me where I cannot die.” (Page 172)

Sister Bonnie Smith tells of two stories. The first one is when the kitchen caught fire. The flames had spread quite badly and there was little hope, yet the prophet evenly said, “Let us kneel on these rocks and pray that God saves our kitchen.” Miraculously the flames then went out.

The other is when VTH had completed his sermon on dress reform and saw a lady on camp later that had a dress all the way down to the floor. He inquired why she had worn that dress.The lady explained that she preferred her legs were not exposed. And also she notice exceptions were made by some of  the ladies with the pretty legs who had dresses to their knees. She was trying to justify her out of place dress.

Brother Houteff responded, “We don’t do what we think, we do what God’s word says.”

After describing his experience of being hit head on by an automobile, VTH said to himself concerning the lady driver, “Now lady you can keep on going if that is the best you can do.”  When she stopped, I put my feet on the ground and stepped away from the car.” (2 TG, no.35, p.21)

The prophet knew very well his calling–

“I for one cannot overlook, neglect, or reject the Lord’s counsel in this matter.  I must hear the Rod and Him Who has appointed It if I expect to have a home in His Kingdom.  I cannot afford to do otherwise, God helping me, for He Himself declares that if I would know how to come before Him, what offering is acceptable to Him, how to do justly, how to love mercy and how to walk humbly before Him, I must hear the Rod that “crieth unto the city.” (TG, vol. 1, no.27, p.7-8)

Time and again Satan’s agents tried to get rid of brother Houteff, yet he persevered.God had a work to do for mankind and Victor T. Houteff was His chosen “Elijah”.

“They did all these unbecoming things and many others; besides, they talked and preached against me.  And though I had no one but the Lord to defend me at any time, yet in all these the victory was mine!” (Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 35,p. 23)

Murmuring and Marking

How well we Davidians should know the difference between murmuring and the discussing of certain ones among us, who are known division makers. How important it is we discuss others in the right way.

Let us delve more into the difference and what the Inspired sources tell us about this important distinction.

The Scriptures are clear in regards to gossiping and murmuring.

In Exodus, we know that the people continually murmured against Moses and even God.

“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?”(Exodus 15:24)

“And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that He heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we?

Your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.” (Exodus 16:7-9)

“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.”(Numbers 14:27)

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings..” (Phil.2:14)

The dictionary describes murmuring as: a mumbled or private expression of discontent.

History surely shows us that God can never be happy with us when we murmur. We should avoid airing our complaints. This author as well as most everyone else has been guilty of this all too often mistake.

But as in any sin, we should kneel in prayer that God helps us to be an overcomer in this regard.

Now in regard to the other, “marking”, let us look at this important word of God.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)

Let us stand back for a moment and analyze these instructions from God. We see that in our vineyard work we can run into those whom are causing “divisions” among us. They are bringing false truth (doctrine).

But how can we know among ourselves who to watch? Are we each suppose to act privately, without conversation among us? Select certain ones solely by ourselves and then avoid them? This makes little sense. We should discuss this issue among our co-workers.

Let me give an example. In our public Facebook group, called Truth Tellers, we have meetings throughout the year. But some of our meetings are just for the administrators.

During the meeting occasionally we have discussed certain people who have caused division among our group. It may be they are trying to teach false doctrine (other prophets to come to the SDA church after VTH for example). It may be that they continually criticize others (ie. murmuring).

But our duty is to “mark” them, and to know amongst ourselves what they are doing. This is Biblical and it shows we care about the integrity of our site. I have been added to other so-called “Rod” sites where any thing and everything is allowed to be posted. These administrators are slothful servants, bad shepherds of the God’s flock!

After noticing such heresy being allowed I reach out to the admin. and let them know that they should be paying attention. Most usually want to correct the problem, others protect the posters and say they have religious ‘liberty.” This is ludicrous! Did we not just read that those people are to be avoided? That means remove them if they persist.

Further, Scripture gets more direct with this Inspired reference–

“Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.”(2 John 1:9-10)

Do not let them into your home. Is not the Rod site an administrators “home” of sorts? Where the most precious end time truth is to be posted and taught? Ofcourse! Can we sit back in unconcerned indifference and wink at such postings , possibly taking a real chance that someone new to the faith (ie. just learning the Rod message) may see a harmful link and thus be snared?

There are some real deceivers out there today , so we must stand at our post and pay attention! The Rod message gives us this solemn warning.

“..one’s only safety will be in the teaching of Elijah, for there will be no other voice of timely Truth and authority to whom one may turn.  Any others will lead their victims blind-folded into perdition.” (GCS, p.8)

And man alive are there “others” out there!

Let us remember the difference between murmuring and marking. Of discussing corrective measures and warnings amongst us. When we murmur we complain without any specific purpose. But when we mark we are doing so to help protect the innocent among us. One way the Lord is pleased , the other He is not.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”(Proverbs 6:16-19)

Let us try to unite wherever possible by reaching out to the offender privately first, but when the time comes to discuss among us who is sowing discord, let us to do it in a way that the Word of God indicates.

What is the Anti-Typical Showdown (2 TG, no. 41, p.7)?

Recently we had a conversation with a long time Davidian and the discussion came about how certain false brethren are spreading the lie that there will be at least TWO Ezekiel 9 church judgments. One to DSDA, first, then the second to SDA.

We mentioned how utterly false this teaching is and this brother came back with a comment, “That may be but remember the Rod message says there is to be a showdown prior to Ezekiel 9.” We responded with curiosity where it says that in the Rod.

He gave the mentioned reference. If a long time DSDA, and a well known one at that, thinks that this showdown will be a sort of cleansing prior to Ezek.9, then we figured this idea should be looked at.

So prayerfully we shall look at this subject and see just what this “showdown” can mean. Let us look at our subject verse.

Amos 1:2 — “The Lord will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.”

   “This scripture, you see, reflects the tragedy which took place on the top of Carmel in the days of Elijah.  Here we are given the hint that there is to be another show-down between the prophet of God and the prophets of Baal.  The prophets of Baal in our day even boast that they are not inspired, that what they teach and preach is what they themselves discovered by deep study and research!  They even sneer at those who claim to be inspired of the Lord!” (TG, vol. 2, no.41, p.7)

Here we see the promise from Inspiration of a “showdown” to come. The question arises of when will this showdown occur?

Obviously according to our a fore-mentioned brother he see this as meaning the showdown occurs BEFORE Ezekiel 9. But when I heard that explanation from him, something did not click right. It seemed incorrect as to timing.

As with all other points of confusion, our first and best bet is to look in Inspiration Itself to see if we can get more definitive answers to our concerns. Our ideas should not be promoted UNTIL we look at all the relevant references from all three inspired sources, Scripture, SOP and the Rod.

The first thing we notice is that the Rod uses Amos 1:2 as It’s reference for making the statement of a upcoming showdown. So our clues should start there.

For instance, where else can we find the same statement , “The Lord will roar from Zion..” in Scripture? We find it in Joel 3:16. This may give us further light as to “when” is this time when our Lord will roar from Zion, thereby helping to know when the showdown may take place.

Let’s review Joel 3:16-17.

“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”

We find some solid clues in the statement. The time He roars is when He is “dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain,”. Also this has to be post Ezek. 9 because of the words, “and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”

Now we can go to the Rod to see what It says about Joel 3:16. We find that It does illuminate the time of the “roaring”. In describing Joel 3:12-14, It says, “Yes, here is described the day of decision. The multitudes will then have to decide either to serve God and live or to continue serving the Devil and perish with him.” (TG, vol. 2, no.8, p.26)

Then after It quotes Joel 3:16 It says, “What a day the world is now approaching, and how blind to the fact is even the church herself!”(Ibid). 

The “world”s  day that is approaching is the day of decision in the valley of Jehoshaphat as mentioned in Joel 3:12.

So both the Rod and Scripture confirm that the day the Lord roars from Zion is post Ezek.9.

Now with that understanding we can then foresee that the anti-typical showdown must be when the servants of God come up against the “prophets of Baal.” These “prophets” must be the heathen prophets as there will not be false SDA prophets due to the church judgment of Ezek.9.

In summary, we see that the great showdown , the anti-typical event where many of the false prophets may be slayed, as it was in type, can only happen post Ezek. 9. Although we do not know all the details of the anti-type showdown, we DO KNOW that Scripture, SOP and Rod teaches ONE upcoming purification for God’s SDA church (including their prophets) and that is “The great and dreadful day of the LORD (Mal. 4:5)”

A Precious Letter

In our life, many of us can recall receiving a most precious letter. One that fills our soul with love and true joy. One that goes straight to our soul for its honesty and truth. Just such a letter, I believe was penned on December 15, 1933.

This Letter began a lifetime of close relations between two men who were destined to be at the forefront of a new movement. This movement as we know today is the “Elijah message”, the final one from the Lord to us as SDA.

Let us look at this letter. What I find striking is the realness, the honesty and the humility of a man who was in a very responsible position. He shows that “Truth” matters no matter if popular or not. Let us heed that great lesson this letter has.

Charleston, S.C., Dec. 15, 1933.

My Dear Brother Houteff:

   I wish to thank you most heartily for calling my attention, as a minister of the gospel, to the precious truths of the Bible, and the gems of the Spirit of Prophecy, which are so abundant throughout the two little volumes of the “Shepherd’s Rod,” so kindly sent me, either by yourself, or at your request, no doubt.

   For many years I have been deeply interested in what the Spirit of Prophecy tells us should take place in our midst by way of “revival and reformation,” and have therefore watched with deep interest  every attempt to launch such a “reformatory movement,” but have been disappointed in all of them, for they never seemed to materialize, so when your little booklets came along they found me really hungry for just such a revival of “true godliness” in my own heart.

   I might say that when I first looked at the “Shepherd’s  Rod,” the very name seemed to prejudice me, and I came near tearing it up several times before I really read it, but each time, when I was about to destroy the book, the thought would come to me that this is against my principle, and I would lay the book away again. 

When I finally did read it, I was startled, and many times I would cry out to God to forgive me for my sins as a minister, if He were really speaking to me through this little volume, and when I finished it, I was convinced that I had read no ordinary book, but being very cautious about accepting error, I began the second reading, making comparison with the Bible and the Testimonies to be sure they were in harmony but before each reading, I would cry to God to “reveal truth and unmask error,” according to His promise. T.M. 107.

   When I had finished the second reading of the book, I was afraid it was true, for I knew full well, if it were true, I, as a minister, would be held accountable to God for my attitude toward the abundance of light that He had called my attention to that I had never seen before. 

Of course I naturally wondered from whence came such knowledge, and decided to re-read the book to make sure that I had not overlooked anything in the way of specious error and when I had finished it the third time, although I did not understand everything in the book, yet I was convinced of one thing, and that is, I could not refute anything in it, for it harmonized with the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.

   And now after nearly three years of watching the result the reading of the “Shepherd’s Rod” has upon both minister and laity, I find that, almost without exception, the ministers reject the message of the book, either blindly or for fear of their superiors, and the laity, almost without exception, receive its message of reproof and warning with joy and gladness, and seek to correct their lives accordingly, and the spiritual tone of said persons is much higher than ever before for they love the message of the Third Angel more, and they love the brethren better than before.

   In closing this letter I wish to say to you that I believe the Lord has used you to bring to our people as important a message as the one that came to the S.D.A. church while assembled in conference at Minneapolis, and I think I am correctly informed, being a minister in this denomination for many years, and having labored both in the United States and in foreign fields. 

We have seemingly rejected the message of reform set forth in “The Shepherd’s Rod” as completely as our brethren rejected the one in 1888.

   May the Lord richly bless you in everything you undertake in His name is the prayer of your brother in Christ.

E. T. Wilson

Tract 7, p.10

Taking Orders

As we are aware, in the line of command within our armed forces it is important to give and follow orders. This is vital to the success of the duty or mission. As we will see the Lord wants us to be able to take orders in these very last days.

Our very last prophet also gave some instruction on taking orders.

“…you remember what took place the night of the Passover, the night before they left Egypt: Moses had proclaimed throughout the land that in every dwelling where no blood was found on the doorpost, that very night the firstborn in each such dwelling would die.

Those who disobeyed the Divine injunction, were, on the day following busily moaning and burying their dead, while those who obeyed the command were joyously and orderly marching out of the cities. Yes, only those who were able to take orders were made free from slavery. It is, therefore, prerequisite that we learn to take orders if we are to receive the seal of God in our foreheads.”(1 TG, no.7, p.4)

We see that taking orders is a “prerequisite that we take orders if we are to receive the seal of God in our foreheads.” What an important instruction!  Let us look at today’s applicable practice of this important instruction.

In our own personal walk, we know that the Lord can and does give us individual “orders” in the form of , for example, an instructive dream, A clear sign in answer to a prayer, etc. But there is a more frequent “order” given to us as God’s end time servants. It is from each other!

Let me give you my own personal example. As one of the administrators of a Facebook group called Truth Tellers, part of my duties is to coordinate and issue “orders” as it were, to some of the members. We have certain studies every other week which we give to the members. In the course of the many years we have been on Facebook, I have learned the direct application of our post title.

Usually most of those who I deal with are very cooperative and do as instructed. Unfortunately , I have met and seen some who simply turn down being asked to help participate in the useful studies. Of course everyone has a right to say no, but when we dwell upon the above Inspiration we must seriously consider our reasons why we say no to an “order” to go to work in His vineyard.

The Lord said “Do unto others as you would want them to do undo you.” (Luke 6:31)

So when we say no to being asked to do some work in His vineyard, are we asking others to do some work for us as well? Do we ask a knowledgeable brother or sister to help us understand a certain reference or passage of Scripture, Rod, or SOP? While this may not be considered an order, it is in effect just the same. We ask (order) someone to do something to help edify, encourage, or support one another.

As one of those who is busy in His vineyard, I certainly respect any orders given me. If a brother or sister asks for anything that is within my power to do, I see to it to complete the request. Their orders, I know, are given to help them in some respect.

So in effect we are giving orders and receiving orders to help the Lord’s cause. We are to be the Lord’s “servants” and if we want to be truly “great” we must be our brother’s or sister’s –servant.

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Matt. 20:28)

But those who selfishly turn down requests to help, must seriously look at their walk. Pride, selfishness, laziness, and a host of other reasons can very well be at the core of our refusal to “take orders”.

Let us strive to be willing servants to –take orders, as the Lord’s final message warns us —  “It is, therefore, prerequisite that we learn to take orders if we are to receive the seal of God in our foreheads.”

“Plainly, those whom God is to use in His final work, in the time of the end, are not to be anything like the Egyptian crown prince, not anything like the learned Moses. Those who can learn to keep and feed sheep well and to readily take orders, are the ones who can be taught how to keep and feed God’s people.” (1 TG, no.7, p.11)

“Other Voices” are leading into Perdition

There can be no mistake about the following clear and unambiguous words from the very last prophet to our church.

“Thus will be the Devil’s deal while the day of God is approaching, and while Elijah is making the announcement of it as the scroll unrolls and while the prophecies concerning the day of God are being unsealed.  

His work and his interpretation of the prophecies for the great day will identify him as the promised Elijah the prophet (“Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 475), and this will enrage the Devil as never before. 

Nevertheless, one’s only safety will be in the teaching of Elijah, for there will be no other voice of timely Truth and authority to whom one may turn.  Any others will lead their victims blind-folded into perdition.” (GCS, p.7-8)

We repeat- “..no other voice of timely Truth and authority whom one may turn..”

Can it be more clear? What we read is powerfully clear and straight. One man — the anti-typical Elijah, whom the Lord sends as the only one , we as His final church can turn to. The Truth is made clear by him, it restores all things. In it we find the seeds of all truth we need for the kingdom.

Yet as clear as the above words of the Lord are, the agents of the adversary, the ones who seek to destroy through error and deception, though they think they are doing a good work,  are very active on social media.

Recently we noticed an active agent. We’ll call him brother M. He is very vocal of his proclamation of Lennox Sam’s teachings (WaveSheaf Ministries). We would like to expose a clear example of why followers like brother M are expounding deception based on faulty reading and understanding of the Elijah message.

Let us be clear , we make this post in the hope of keeping some from going down Lennox Sam’s “other voice” false path. We are under no illusion that brother M or any of Sam’s followers will turn from their deception, only maybe some who are not yet fallen into this snare.

Let us read some of his comments in trying to persuade some brethren on Facebook that Sam’s teachings are correct. He attempts to be smart and show a Rod reference that builds his case.

In the post on his home page dated  June 11th, he says, “”Have you not Read 2 TG 24 and realise that thea wil b a prophet in the church during Ezekiel 9 and at that time VTH wil b n the grave sleeping!”

And then later he gives good counsel, “Dont investigate for asking me because I am not the ROD go to the ROD, BIBLE, and SOP.” Good counsel if he would only follow it!

Ok this is quite a bold statement to make and he bases it on the above sited reference. Let’s read that. We will break down what this reference clearly says.

“Will the Church forever remain in her self-deception, or will she awake to her great need?  We shall have these questions answered if we turn to the Revelation:

–Here will see the contextual question.

   “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.  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…for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.” Rev. 12:16, 17; 19:10.

–When is this time when the church awakes? According to the above answer given , it is when the church is purified. The post co-mingling of the wheat and the tares. The time when the dragon goes to make war upon the purified church.

Here is the Bible’s own answer, which says that there is to be a people who will have the Testimony of Jesus Christ at the time the earth swallows up the flood, the hypocrites. 

And since this incident is yet future, it shows that there is to be a prophet in the Church, for the Bible’s own interpretation of “the Testimony of Jesus Christ,” is “the Spirit of Prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). (Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 24 p.22)

The above comment from Inspiration is the controversial verse. First what incident is It talking about? The incident of Ezekiel 9 church judgment.

Where Sam’s followers get messed up is this– “..it shows that there is to be a prophet in the Church..” They misconstrue these words to say that at the time of Ezekiel 9 there is to be a prophet in the Church.

We must balance this statement with the most clearest statement of all, concerning the last day prophet in the Church. Let us once again look at it.

“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.” Mal. 3:1.

   The promise here is that the Lord will send a messenger, and as the fourth chapter of Malachi is but a continuation of the story in the third, we are there told that the messenger is antitypical Elijah (Mal. 4:5), the one who is “to restore all things” (Matt. 17:11) and Inspiration of a later addition, and in a special message to the Seventh-day Adventist ministry warns:

   “Prophecy must be fulfilled.  The Lord says: ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.’  Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: ‘You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way.  Let me tell you how to teach your message.'” — “Testimonies to Ministers,” pp. 475, 476.

   There are two main points to note in these quotations:

(1) that the message and messenger here mentioned are the very last;

(2) that they are to restore all things,

(3) that there is danger for some to make fools of themselves by daring to tell him how to teach his message — assuming to take God’s place! (Jezreel letter, no.9 , p.1-2)

Both the “Elijah” prophet and SOP went by this counsel–

“The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed.

These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: “Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed.” (Great Controversy, p.598-599)

With this Inspired rule by Inspiration, what does our most important statement say in Jezreel Letter? The Elijah prophet is to be the very last, I repeat VERY LAST messenger to our church.

Who does that eliminate? It eliminates ALL usurpers who claim that brother Houteff was not the last prophet! Those who insinuate that themselves or another man is to be that last messenger. What blasphemy!

So what can Inspiration be telling us in the TG quote? Obviously it cannot mean that brother Houteff was to be alive at the Church judgment. But also it cannot be telling us that another prophet (messenger) from God will be in the Church at this time also. The “last”message was to be given , and was by brother Houteff.

So what do we do with that quote? We have basically two basis of truths to stand on.

1) We admit we don’t clearly know what is meant by this statement. This can be humble and truthful. We do not know with certainty what that means just as we cannot tell with certainty what Jesus meant when He said –“ Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” (Matt 10:23)

2) There is no possibility that the time of the Ezekiel 9 Church judgment there will be a prophet  with a new message to the Church . If we believe that  (another prophet in the Church during Ezekiel 9)  we must throw out Inspiration’s words, plain and simple. And that tells us a false prophetic statement was made and thus eliminates brother Houteff as a prophet.

Amazingly, Sam and his followers DO CLAIM brother Houteff was a prophet, yet they give no weight to his “very last” statement. Blindness is indeed a heavy curse for those afflicted!

The bottom line is what SOP counsels us on doubts and unbelief–

“While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon will find them.” (GC, p.527)

In closing, while we can spend more time with showing the fallacy with usurpers and their theories,  we must remember that the Elijah message tells us to work for “Mother”, not spend much of our  time arguing and trying to help the Pharisees who are blind. Yes, we need to meet and expose them but once their errors are exposed ,we must tend to the real work in His vineyard. There are honest souls out there who will appreciate our telling them the Truth of His Elijah message.

Adding and Subtracting

As kids we all went through the basic math schooling. Adding and subtracting was our primary lesson. In this case it was harmless. But God’s word has some serious warnings for such things today. In Rev. 22:18-19 we read,

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

Yet despite God’s warnings, many today run right through these warnings as if they were a careless drunk running right through a red light traffic signal! Let us look at some key areas that seem to be a cunning Satan ploy to those who are careless and in perilous spiritual condition.

Our first concern has to do with His word as shown in Rev.7, verses 1 to 4.

“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”

As present truth believers, we should always study the Scripture in the light of the Rod. For God’s Rod is much like a bright flashlight or magnifying glass that helps us, the final remnant church, see the Word in it’s true beauty  and luster.

“..when we take into consideration the meaning of each word instead of making thoughtless and hasty conclusions, the Scriptures prove to be not only most perfect and wonderful and yet simple, but also inspiring, making wise the humble–and lightening the path of him who as did Christ, delight to do the will of God.” (SC, vol. 2, p.3)

With this counsel, let us look at the word–“all” in Rev. 7:4. Notice that from ALL the tribes of Israel, there are to be 144,000 sealed. No more no less. It does not say 144,700  or 350,000 from all the tribes.

The next point of  clarification is–who is the “Israel”? is it the current living Jews of today? is it talking about a spiritual Israel composed of those in the world who qualify? or what? Thank God the Lord has made this point very clear. It is the current Seventh-day Adventist church. For the full report on this, please see our report on our sister site–Godsloveandlaw http://godsloveandlaw.com/2014/08/09/who-comprises-the-s-d-a-church/

Once we know this truth, we can clearly see that from the approximately 17 million member SDA church, God will seal 144,000. Yes this is shocking and startling! Yet this is what His word says.

But this truth is a popular trap for the people who fall into Satan’s trap of “adding and subtracting”. Even some Davidians latch onto this adding scheme and say  “Oh, there will be more than 144,000 sealed from the SDA church (Israel).” If this is the case then the Lord was incorrect in the sealing of the tribes of ALL Israel!  God banish the thought!

The second common area of concern is the idea that the Elijah prophet was not the last one to come to God’s last remnant church. Two active advocates come to mind.  Ariel Dacutanan of the Philippines and Trent Wilde of one of the Branch Dsda organizations.

Both of these men, actively practice and teach “adding and subtracting” to His word. A crime punishable by death per our subject reference (Rev.22;18-19). This is no small matter. They not only promote the idea of more prophets to come after Victor T. Houteff, they proclaim themselves as prophets, if not by word then by actions.

In Jezreel letter no. 9, page 1 we read,

“Prophecy must be fulfilled.  The Lord says: ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.’  Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: ‘You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way.  Let me tell you how to teach your message.’” — “Testimonies to Ministers,” pp. 475, 476.

   There are two main points to note in these quotations: (1) that the message and messenger here mentioned are the very last; (2) that they are to restore all things, (3) that there is danger for some to make fools of themselves by daring to tell him how to teach his message — assuming to take God’s place!”  

The above is way too obvious, anyone who has eyes and a mind to comprehend can see that the Lord’s Rod clearly says a “very last” message and messenger is to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Only those who are blinded by Satan, will miss the above truth.

In closing, our enemy is ravenous and seeks to destroy us any way he can. Let us watch carefully his ploys!

“The enemy will try everything conceivable to confuse, becloud, and cover up the Truth. especially on the subject of the 144,000.” (WHR, p.33)

“…as there are no useless words in either of the writings, those who desire to know the truth must carefully mark every word, otherwise they will never comprehend the truth and, as a consequence, they will be driven by the winds as the waves of the sea until the winds cease blowing (probation closes), and they be left to sink down in their sins as do the waves in the sea.” (SC, vol. 2, no.7-8, p.10)

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THE REVIVAL AND REFORMATIONCROWNED WITH THE PURIFICATIONTEXT OF ADDRESS BY V.T. HOUTEFF,MINISTER OF DAVIDIAN 7TH-DAY ADVENTISTSSABBATH, MARCH 6, 1948MT. CARMEL CHAPELWACO, TEXAS   The text for our subject this afternoon is Malachi’s prophecy.  It treats of a revival and reformation such as the world has never yet known.  Moreover, the fact that the prophecy is written in such a way as partially to apply to ancient Israel, and yet specifically for the people in the latter days, for those who are approaching the great and dreadful day of the Lord, prove that the reformation needed in Malachi’s day is needed also in our day.

   There is nothing so mysterious in the writings of Malachi but what any Bible student can comprehend by studying the book itself.  I shall therefore study with you the last two chapters.  The first two you can study at your leisure.  We shall begin with–

Mal. 3:1, 2 — “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.  But who may abide the day of his coming?  and who shall stand when he appeareth?  for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ sope.”

   Two persons are here disclosed to view, the messenger and the Lord.  The messenger is to precede the coming of the Lord.  He is to prepare the way, then the Lord is to appear.  And who could this messenger be if not the one whom the Lord names? — He declares, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Mal. 4:5.

 

   This messenger of the covenant (of the promise), antitypical Elijah the prophet shall prepare the way; he shall restore all things.  As he prepares the way, the Lord will suddenly come to His temple, to His church.  And what is His work to be?  To purify or cleanse His people by weeding the unrepented sinners from among them. 

The question: “But who may abide the day of His coming?” solemnly declares that we had better now get busy and do what it takes to make us stand before the cleansing begins.

   Whom in particular will He purify? — Let us read–

Mal. 3:3 — “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”

   The Levites, you know, comprised the tribe from which came the priesthood, the ministers of the Lord.  And since this prophecy is to meet its complete fulfillment in our day, the figure is clear: The Levites, the ministers of the Lord in our day, are to be purified.  What then?

Mal. 3:4 — “Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”

 

   This verse implies that the offerings which we now bring to the Lord are not pleasing to Him, not pleasing as in times past.

   Here we have the glorious promise that not long hence there shall be a pure ministry, a pure people, — a people without guile in their mouths, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Eph. 5:27). 

Those who do not measure to this standard will not “stand.”  Thereafter no sinner will stand in their midst, for “Henceforth,” says the Lord, “there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.” Isa. 52:1.

   This glorious future is, moreover, reiterated by the Spirit of Prophecy in our day.  Here it is:

    “…Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it [the Third Angel’s Message] when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry.” — “Review and Herald,” Nov. 18, 1908.

   “We have been inclined to think that where there are no faithful ministers, there can be no true Christians; but this is not the case.  God has promised that were the shepherds are not true he will take charge of the flock himself.  God has never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities. 

But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace.  God will have a people pure and true.  In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel.  The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that his fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor.

 

   “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion.  Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect.  There will be gods many and lords many.  Every wind of doctrine will be blowing.  Those who have rendered supreme homage to ‘science falsely so-called,’ will not be the leaders then. 

Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent, will now then stand at the head of rank and file.  They did not keep pace with the light.  Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock.  In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.  They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and he cannot use them. 

The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view.  There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal.  They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you.” — “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, pg. 80.

   In the sifting, shaking time (“Testimonies,” Vol. 5, pg. 80) we shall be better able to know how many are really serving the Lord.  Those whom we may think are to lead the church into the Kingdom may be missing, while others entirely unknown to us take their places.

   Moreover, it will be found that those who are constantly drilling into the minds of the laity that there are to be no more messengers sent from God, no more Truth needed, and that someone is constantly trying to deceive them; that they should keep aloof from everything that does not meet the minister’s approval, — those who do this are the very ones who have already unwittingly deceived the laity, and are doing their best to keep them deceived.  This fact, you see, stands up high like a beacon on a hill.

 

   The only thing their carefulness not to be deceived will accomplish, unless they awake, is to keep themselves deceived forever and away from Truth.  These shall not be able to stand when the Lord appears in His temple. 

Hence, the revival and reformation brought to view in Malachi is the first and the last of its kind, and is indeed to be crowned with the purification of the Church.  Those who do not awake now, will therefore sleep for ever.

   The Laodicean deception from within should not be news to you, for you well know that the Church has never in any age been deceived by any but by its own ministry, by those who have been as highly esteemed as were the members of the Sanhedrin, those who crucified the Lord, those who kept the nation deceived until it was too late to recover. 

Thus it was then, before then, and thus it has been ever since, and so it is now.  Stop and think this through.

   No, I am not telling you something new.  You know this to be so, but you never think of it, and that is the main trouble with the entire Denomination.

   The Church purified shall nevertheless triumph and march to victory.  “‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” — “Prophets and Kings,” pg. 725.

   Let us once and forever realize that the Devil is more shrewd than we can imagine.  He is not particular what you believe so long as he can keep you ignorant of revealed Truth. 

This is what he is now doing within the Church, using men of influence, men who can put on the best front, men who are clever, who know how to gain the confidence of the people, men who can easily and quietly lead the Church away from God’s messages for today, the message of the Judgment for the Living — the purification of the church, the cleansing of the sanctuary.  Satan is doing as good a job now as he did in Christ’s time.

 

   Is not the knowledge of Malachi’s prophecy, the purification of the Church, the Judgment for the Living, more important to the Church than the Judgment for the Dead?  Does it look to you as though you are being deceived by this Bible study, or does it look to you as though you need to reform?

   Hear, therefore, what the Lord is about to do:

Mal. 3:5 — “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, saith the Lord of hosts.”

   These are only some of the sins in the Church in which men are indulging.  Speaking of the message bearers of today and of the church’s condition Inspiration further says: “…They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. 

The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled under foot, while the servants of Satan triumph.  God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect.” — “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, pp. 210, 211.Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 30 16   You will receive the mark of deliverance only if you sigh and cry against all these abominations.  Ezek. 9:4-6. (Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 30, p.11-16)