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“The Missing Column and Why We Slay the Prophets” ?

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“The Missing Column and Why We Slay the

Prophets”

?

“Thou That Killest The Prophets”The Prophets”

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee” - Jesus (Matt. 23:37)

“Thou That Killest The Prophets”The Prophets”

“...who both killed the Lord Jesus Christ and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God” - 1 Thess. 2:13, 14

The Missing Column

True Prophet ?

FalseProphet

The Missing Column

True Prophet ?

FalseProphet

The Missing Column

True Science ?

Perpetual Motion

Science Fiction

The Missing Column

True Science ?

Perpetual Motion

Science Fiction

The Missing Column

Marine Life ?

Real Mermaids

Science Fiction

The Missing Column

Marine Life ?

Real Mermaids

Science Fiction

Who Wrote the Bible?

Do We Trust Them?

Who Do We REALLY Trust?

A Dangerous New “Defense”New “Defense”

A Dangerous New “Defense”New “Defense”

“New Testament Prophets”?

The ONE Question

“Could you please give me one example in the Bible where God allowed a true prophet to insert errors

and pass them off as truth?”

Not One Example in All Scripturein All Scripture

•133 named prophets •plus at least 626 unnamed prophets •equals a total of at least 759 prophets in the Bible. -Richard Baily, October, 2011

God Changes Not“For I am the Lord, I change not”

-Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

-Hebrews 13:8

“It was a great cross for me to relate to the erring what had been shown me concerning them. It caused me great distress to see others troubled or grieved. And when obliged to declare the messages, I would often soften them down, and make them appear as

favorable for the individual as I could, and then would go by myself and weep in agony of spirit.”

-1T, p. 73

Ellen White Unfaithful?• Avoided Conflict• Watered it down at first

“It was a great cross for me to relate to the erring what had been shown me concerning them. It caused me great distress to see others troubled or grieved. And when obliged to declare the messages, I would often soften them down, and make them appear as

favorable for the individual as I could, and then would go by myself and weep in agony of spirit.”

-1T, p. 73

Ellen White Unfaithful?• Avoided Conflict• Watered it down at first

Even the “Softer” Version Resisted

“It was hard to relate the plain, cutting testimonies given me of God. I anxiously watched the result, and if the persons reproved rose up against the reproof, and afterward opposed the truth, these queries would arise in my mind: Did I deliver the message just as I should? Could there not have been some way to save them? And then such distress pressed upon my soul that I often felt that death would be a welcome messenger, and the grave a sweet resting place.” -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 73, 74

God’s ResponseI did not realize the danger and sin of such a course, until in vision I was taken into the presence of Jesus.

He looked upon me with a frown, and turned His face from me. It is not possible to describe the terror and

agony I then felt. -Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 74

What the Bible Says About

Prophets“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Heb. 1:1, 2).We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21).All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim. 3:16)

What the Bible Says About

ProphetsFor this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. (Deut 4:2)To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

What EGW Says

About HerselfAbout Herself"I speak that which I have seen, and which I know to be true." (Letter 4, 1896) She claimed that she was told "In all your communications, speak as one to whom the Lord has spoken. He is your authority." (Letter 186, 1902) "Sister White is not the originator of these books. They contain the instruction that during her lifework God has been giving her. They contain the precious, comforting light, that God has graciously given His servant to be given to the world." (CM 125)

What EGW Says

About HerselfAbout Herself

"I do not write one article in the paper expressing merely my own ideas. They are what God has opened before me in vision--the precious rays of light shining from the throne." (5T 67) "Weak and trembling, I arose at three o'clock in the morning to write to you. God was speaking through clay. You might say that this communication was only a letter. Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the Spirit of God, to bring before your minds things that had been shown me. In these letters which I write, in the testimonies I bear, I am presenting to you that which the Lord has presented to me." (ST 67)

What EGW Says About The Missing

Column"God is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs and strengthening their faith, or He is not. This work is of God, or it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan. My work... bears the stamp of God or the stamp of the enemy. There is no halfway work in the matter. The Testimonies are of the Spirit of God, or of the devil." (4T 230)

TRUE Both FAL

SE

What EGW Says About The Missing

Column"Many times in my experience I have been called upon to meet the attitude of a certain class, who acknowledged that the testimonies were from God, but took the position that this matter and that matter were Sister White's opinion and judgment. This suits those who do not love reproof and correction, and who, if their ideas were crossed, have occasion to explain the difference between the human and the divine. If the preconceived opinions or particular ideas of some are crossed in being reproved by testimonies, they have a burden at once to make plain their position to discriminate between the testimonies, defining what is Sister White's human judgment, and what is the word of the Lord. Everything that sustains their cherished ideas is divine, and the testimonies to correct their errors are human--Sister White's opinions." (Ms. 16, 1889)

What EGW Says About The Missing

Column"Do not by your criticisms take out all the force, all the point and power, from the Testimonies. Do not feel that you can dissect them to suit your own ideas, claiming that God has given you ability to discern what is light from heaven and what is the expression of mere human wisdom. If the Testimonies speak not according to the Word of God, reject them. Christ and Belial cannot be united." (5T 691)

TRUE Both FAL

SE

What EGW Says About The Missing

Column"In the testimonies sent to __________ I have given you the light God has given to me. In no case have I given my own judgment or opinion. I have enough to write of what has been shown me, without falling back on my own opinions." (Testimonies to Battle Creek Church, 1882, p.58) "Permit me to express my mind, and yet not my mind, but the word of the Lord." (CW 112)

TRUE Both FAL

SE

What EGW Says About Withholding

Opinion"I have no light on the subject [who would constitute the 144,000]. . Please tell my brethren that I have nothing presented before me regarding the circumstances concerning which they write, and I can set before them only that which has been presented to me." (Quoted in a letter by C. C. Crisler to E. E. Andross, Dec. 8, 1914)"I am not at liberty to write to our brethren concerning your future work. . I have received no instruction regarding the place where you should locate... If the Lord gives me definite instruction concerning you, I will give it you; but I cannot take upon myself responsibilities that the Lord does not give me to bear." (Letter 96, 1909)

What EGW Says About Withholding

Opinion"This morning I attended a meeting where a select few were called together to consider some questions that were presented to them by a letter soliciting consideration and advice on these subjects. Of some of these subjects I could speak, because at sundry times and in diverse places many things have been presented to me... As my brethren read the selections from letters, I knew what to say to them; for this matter has been presented to me again and again... I have not felt at liberty to write out the matter until now." (Southern Work-pp. 97,98)

The Bigger Question

What is my motive? Why am I wanting some error in the messages?

WHY They Slay(or attempt to)(or attempt to)

Noah: He predicted judgment for sinsJoseph: Message creates jealousyMoses: Expected victory from God through themElijah: He opposed the apostate powerAhab’s prophet (Micaiah): Never says what I want to hear (1 Kings 22:8)Daniel: Fidelity to GodJeremiah: Predicted bad news they needed to hear

WHY They Slay(or attempt to)(or attempt to)

Jesus: Contrasted God’s way with theirsJohn the Baptist: Pointed out sinStephen: Accepted JesusPeter: Preached JesusPaul: Preached JesusJohn: Preached Jesus144,000: Keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

D.M. Canright and EGW

He confessed freely that for years he had harbored in his heart bitter feelings toward Mrs. White because of the testimonies he had received from her. Then in the company of a select few he confessed this all to her and begged her forgiveness.

"You then humbled your heart," wrote Ellen White to Canright of this experience, "and upon your knees asked me to forgive you for the things you had said about me and my work." And she reports, "I freely forgave you, for it was not against me. None of these things were against me: I was only a servant bearing the message God gave me."—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 623.

In the Review and Herald he published an explanation. His problem, he stated, went back some eleven years to the time he and Lucretia had received a testimony from Sister White, and they had thought it too severe. This was in connection with their Colorado visit in 1873. Then, in 1879, he had received another testimony. Again, he had been in Colorado with Elder White. Again he had rejected the rebuke. -I Was Canright’s Secretary, p. 66 (Carrie Johnson)

Canright confessed to a hasty, harsh spirit in his work and went on to say:

I think that my disbelief of the testimonies and other truths has come by opening my heart to doubts, cherishing them and magnifying them. . . .

Like Peter, I did not know myself till God left me to be tried. I feel greatly humbled under the shameful failure I have made. . . .

-ibid, p. 67

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

"After reading the publications of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and almost all the writings of Ellen G. White, including her Testimonies, the writer believes that Mrs. White was truly a regenerate Christian woman who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated herself unstintingly to the task of bearing witness for Him as she felt led....

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

“We must disagree with Mrs. White's interpretation of the sanctuary, the investigative judgment, and the scapegoat; we challenge her stress upon the Sabbath, health reform, the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destruction of the wicked, etc. But no one can dispute the fact that her writings conform to the basic principles of the historic Gospel, for they most certainly do....”

-The Truth About Seventh-day Adventism, p. 112

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

“I am not saying we are categorizing Ellen White in the biblical context of a false prophet.”

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

“I am not saying we are categorizing Ellen White in the biblical context of a false prophet.”

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

“Mrs. White, in my opinion, made false statements. She misused what she claimed was the prophetic gift she had.”

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

“I am not saying we are categorizing Ellen White in the biblical context of a false prophet.”

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

“Mrs. White, in my opinion, made false statements. She misused what she claimed was the prophetic gift she had.”

“I thought some of Mrs. White's material was prophetic. I felt some of her insights were extremely helpful and I regarded her as a sister in the Lord.”

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

Walter Martin’s Faulty Conclusion

Evangelicals Called Him On it

True Prophet ?

Good Person

FalseProphet

The Results of Casting Seeds of Doubt

"It does not become anyone to drop a word of doubt here and there that shall work like poison in other minds, shaking their confidence in the messages which God has given, which have aided in laying the foundation of this work, and have attended it to the present day, in reproofs, warnings, corrections, and encouragements. To all who have stood in the way of the Testimonies, I would say, God has given a message to His people, and His voice will be heard, whether you hear or forbear. Your opposition has not hindered me; but you must give an account to the God of heaven, who has sent these warnings and instructions to keep His people in the right way. You will have to answer to Him for your blindness, for being a stumbling block in the way of sinners." (1 SM 43)

The Results of Casting Seeds of Doubt

"I saw the state of some who stood on present truth, but disregarded the visions,--the way God had chosen to teach in some cases, those who erred from Bible truth. I saw that in striking against the visions they did not strike against the worm--the feeble instrument that God spake through--but against the Holy Ghost. I saw it was a small thing to speak against the instrument, but it was dangerous to slight the words of God. I saw if they were in error and God chose to show them their errors through visions, and they disregarded the teachings of God through visions, they would be left to take their own way, and run in the way of error, and think they were right, until they would find it out too late." (1 SM 40)

The “Very Last Deception of Satan”

"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony." (Maranatha, p. 158 [LDE 77])

To “Make of None Effect” is Not to Reject

"...a certain class, who acknowledged that the testimonies were from God, but took the position that this matter and that matter were Sister White's opinion and judgment... Everything that sustains their cherished ideas is divine, and the testimonies to correct their errors are human--Sister White's opinions. They make of none effect the counsel of God by their tradition" --Manuscript 16, 1889

Helping the Devil’s Deception“Those who have helped souls to feel at liberty to specify what is of God in the Testimonies and what are the uninspired words of Sister White, will find that they were helping the devil in his work of deception.” --Letter 28, 1906. (3SM, p. 70)

TRUE Both FAL

SE

Demons Choosing for Us

"I have my work to do, to meet the misconceptions of those who suppose themselves able to say what is testimony from God and what is human production. If those who have done this work continue in this course, satanic agencies will choose for them.” --Letter 28, 1906. (3SM, p. 70)

TRUE Both FAL

SE

Final Appeal

TRUEBoth

(Doesn’t Exist)

FALSE

Reject the Middle Column

“So Shall Ye Prosper”

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

-2 Chronicles 20:20