The 1888 Message For Today

The True (Eschatological) 1888 Message (John 15:1-17)

To get right to the point here, it is a widely held belief today, though mainly from outside mainstream SDA circles, that ‘the reason why there has been a long delay in the recognized, supposed-to-have-occurred Second Coming around the 1888 events is that SDA’s to this day still have not accepted that 1888 message.’ The truth of the matter is that this statement is essentially true, however not for the Theological reasons commonly claimed by those levelling this capital charge.

As I stated in this forum discussion, on this subject:

‘In regards to the 1888 Message, it has now come to be blown way out of contextual proportion by those who preach it. That message was given in the context of the early SDA Church then being staunch legalists, and thinking that they were going to be saved mainly because the kept the 10 Commandments and other Biblical teachings/doctrine. So God led Waggoner and Jones to present the Biblical view that righteous and salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and not by the “works of the law.” It seems that the Church has by now learned this lesson, however because some think that the Second Coming will occur once this message is understood, and obviously it has not yet occurred, then this simple teaching, (simple to us, but certainly not to that first generation of SDA’s), has now morphed into some supposed mystical, ethereal or “unknowable” teaching, which in turns makes it some sort of legalistic doctrine that needs to be strivingly attained vs. the simple teaching that it really is. So you may need to re-examine the way you understand this Biblical Message and Teaching. I personally have no difficulty accepting something that is transparently and exegetically proven. And proper exegesis is multifaceted, including historical context, which is something that current proponents of their supposed “1888 Message” do not properly incorporate. (I have written a blog post on the Latter Rain which may shed some light upon its symbolic purpose.)’

An Unnecessary Diversion

            First of all, the best book that I have personally read/consulted on this issue of difference, (-“best” for its concrete historical rooting of the issue, thus bring out what it was truly all about), is the 1998 book by George R. Knight, A User-Friendly Guide to the 1888 Message (Review and Herald).[1]

            Foundational to this perversion is the “derived” teaching, even inceptively starting in the earlier years of that message, that ‘one does not truly understand, nor is not living the supposed message, if they are not sinless’, a “sinlessness” which, when fully expounded is circuitously claiming a sort of “holy flesh”. Hence the “heated”/involved discussion on: ‘What human nature exactly did Jesus as compare to the one “we have to work with”’; ‘What were the (advantageous) contributions to this sinlessness from His Divine Nature’, etc.. However as briefly discussed here, as Paul states in Rom 8, such type of “holy flesh” will not, and cannot be, achieved by man in this life, because one’s flesh is irreparably, intrinsically tainted/affected with sin. That was an issue that sharply divided then, and still, in ultimately related form, sharply divides today. All types of diversionary traps of the Devil, to keep the Christian away from what s/he is actually mandated to be desperately striving for. Indeed, what is instead variously fervently encouraged to the Christian to strive for, both in the Bible and the SOP is to tangibly and wholly/fully develop a Christlike Character, which was an ‘acted out sermon’ that was predominantly, prominently and resultingly “characterized” by selfless, loving service towards other in various Spiritual and Physical need. (E.g, Phil 2:1-8 | COL 69.1 & 415.1; cf. DA 68.3). (This “Christlike character” does not involve, as expounded below, what most commonly think and fancifully “sanitize” the Gospels to say: ‘being monkly silently and passively indifferent to wrong doing in a desire to ‘not be “pot-stirrers”’. As the saying (paraphrasingly) goes: ‘what is much worst than wrong doers, are those who can do something against those wrongs, but do not’).

            Indeed, in keeping with what is understood by “character”, as seen in theatrical/motion picture dramatic performances, an actor virtually “puts on” a “character” which is naturally not their real/present state of being, and that can also be radically different from their actual character, however it is much easier to “typecast” an actor for certain different types of roles, based on their actual/natural character. Similarly, in the Spiritual realm and Christian Life/Walk, the Christian is many times called to “act” in a Christlike way that is radically different from their past, normative and cultivated character. And at first, doing so can be quite difficult and may even not be perfectly executed, however, as with the profession of “acting”: ‘practice makes perfect’, and soon enough, by both, long enough performing this Christlike “act-ing” (which concretely is all to be pointedly identical to what was seen in the “Acts of the Apostles”), and also truly/fully, Biblically believing it to be the Truth, [something that is quasi-hypnotically/channellingly done in the secular acting world for “transformative” roles, some of which even require accompanying drastic bodily, even accompanying physiognomical, physical changes (i.e., apart from what make-up artistry can do), and even also the ‘living in character’ for a while leading up, and through, the filming/performance[2]], then it comes to be “second nature” to the Christian. Indeed in this Great Controversy War, Believers on this earth are pointedly called to be “Christlike Characters” in this ‘GC “theatrical spectacle” (1 Cor 4:9) while working to return all things to their original good state and intent.[3]

            Indeed, continuing along the lines of these pertinent themes, one of the “profession” that requires a radical Character transformation by most people is, that of being a soldier. That is most observably seen in war draft circumstances or conscription, vs. volunteered service, where a selected “everyday” person is suddenly forced to have to become, and that radically for most: a nerve of steel, cold-blooded, ever-composed, virtually non-thinking (i.e., non-feeling), ultimately, killing/destroying “machine”.

            Thus as seen in both the acting world and in soldiering, both of which have parallel implications in the victorious Christian Life in this GC, the Believer is indeed called in Christ to become a radically different person than what/who they have been in the past, i.e., in areas which are not contributive to Total Victory in this GC warfare. (cf. Eph 6:10-17/1 Thess 5:8)

Sinlessness Pointers From the Life of Christ

            Much can be said in regards to the basic issue of ‘sinless living’, however it is my Theological View that obsessively, internally dwelling upon this, and that to the exclusion of other, external, and more/most urgent and vital Christian duties, is indeed a sly snare/trick of the Devil. I rather subscribe to the, manifestly major, Divinely-arranged, foundational provision revealed in/for Christ’s Character-Developing-Life, which manifestly went on to assist, and facilitatively anchor, His Ongoing Sinless Life’s character, (a topic that I had previously expounded upon in a 1998/1999 Sermon, later made to discuss its pertinent 1888 Message dimension[4]), as related in DA 72-73:

            “The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it.  {DA 72.1}

            Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness.  {DA 72.2}

            Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil.  {DA 72.3}

            As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society.  {DA 72.4}

            Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us.  {DA 73.1}

            So long as He lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could comfort and encourage all humble workers. Those who have a true conception of the teaching of His life will never feel that a distinction must be made between classes, that the rich are to be honored above the worthy poor.  {DA 73.2}

            Not much can improvingly/clarifying said upon what was clearly stated in the SOP above, however, as made evident in DA 73.1, the toilsomeness of Christ was indeed not merely physical, yet the same benefit from the needed industriousness of His early childhood was similarly achieved. Clearly during His 3 years of ministry, Christ did not engage in physical work. He instead was engaged in Ministry work, and evidently with the same intensity as how He had engaged in physical/“secular work”. The major point here is that, as stated in DA 640.5, we today can similarly “shut the doors” of temptation and evil influences, and withstand sinning by fully engaging in ministry work. The fact is that there tangibly indeed is much, much actual and mandated missions and ministry work to do, and as Jesus own work shows, it is not limited to only/merely preaching evangelism, but also concrete healing works, which today are virtually all largely done by meeting the socio-economic needs of others (which also includes “costly” healthcare) , indeed as stipulated in Isa 58.

            So if our focus is instead on busying onself, from one’s abundance/ability, to help meet the many vital needs of others around the world, there indeed would be less available time to “waste” upon the various besetting influences and temptations served up by the world. And, for the willing person, it is usually/normatively much easier to not commit sin when such external temptation avenues are so completely cut off. Seems to me, indeed as derivedly, similarly seen is EGW statement in PP 60.1 on the post-sin-imposed “toil curse” of Gen 3:17, that God has chosen to allow various hardships and sufferings in the world to, as with Jesus, help men to avoid the pitfalls of a life of relative ease, as seen in materially/technologically advanced and wealthy (First World) societies, yet He also has mandated True Believers in Him to seek to, literally, ‘take on the hardships of others,’ thus to virtually continuously have this beneficial time occupying occupation. And appropriately enough, such a responsibility squarely falls upon those who are financially and materially well off, i.e., Christians Living in (wealthy) “First World” countries.

            Added to this, with the expected Gospel Work task taken at hand, and given the actual formidable work that would be undertaken by a relatively small group of people, there would also come to be an also hedging, most tangible Spiritual recognition to seek to continuously remain within the approving will of God so that nothing would come to cut off the Blessing channel for Holy Spirit Empowering and Angelic Assistance/Intervention which are crucially needed to accomplish this work. Indeed there would also come to be a similar, and here more Spiritual “work-related” provision of God, need to always be faithful.

            Most clearly, the way in which the Devil has desperately sought, and still is seeking to, undo this key sin-avoiding, work provision of God, is by entrenching a most destructive spirit of selfishness, and that is currently being formally and systematically done through his craftily inspired economic system of Capitalism. Indeed that system is perfectly depicted by: a dog, irrationally, pleasure seekingly, and indeed personally findingly, running around in circles trying to catch his own tail,’ as people actually ever-strivingly, attempt to meet the prices and costs that, ultimately they themselves have “freely”, but self-interestedly/selfishly and whimsically, either set or willingly approved of. That system therefore makes the average person expend most of their available time working in futile secular work to pointedly make enough money in order to, crucially for most, maintain their unavoidable paycheck-to-paycheck “living”. Of course, that results in them not having time to expend on others in need. Moreover, the deep-seated malefic “genius” of this system is that as people in need, are actually helped to sustainably come out of need, vs. being merely periodically helped to survive, then their “cost of living” is made to artificially constricted to rise by those associated “demands”, as this demand is against variously, capitislically-artificially limited resources, all so that people at the controlling top of this grand pyramid scheme can continue to make their obscenely more than enough profits. And so, on goes the schemingly vicious enslaving cycle. Case in point, as one comedian quipped: ‘he is still waiting for the politician who will promise more leisure time for all, by having robots and computers do as much work as possible.’ However the individualistic system of Capitalism will moronically certainly not allow for this actually quite non-detrimentally feasible, logical concept, (see example in Forum Discussion Post #73587 here), because it would involve the hated word of ‘social sharing.’

            As seen here, getting out of this “rat race” so that time and human availability can be created and obtained so that God’s expected ministry and mission work can truly and fully be done, is the founding goal of the derived NJK Project.

Relation to 1888 Message

            How does this all relate to, as the title of this blog post is, ‘the 1888 Message’, and that in ‘an Eschatological understanding of it today’?? Well the answer is actually quite simple, and that is because the exact same rationale for the spirit the led the ca. 1888 generation of SDA’s to reject, in vast majority, the Present Truth 1888, ‘justification by faith in Christ’ Sacrifice and Righteousness message, literally leading to the screeching annulment of allowed-to-unravel Final Events, is indeed the exact same one that is causing to the actual Present Truth message for the Finishing of the Gospel Work; -again a Gospel Work that, as exegetically made manifest to be the complimentary, socio-economic aspects of God’s Sabbath. Indeed the main reason/rationale for why the 1888 message was rejected in the time of EGW was because the Church (i.e., leaders, pastors, evangelists, and lay members) wanted to maintain their current ‘work-Finishing’ evangelizing approach of ‘tersely preaching the Law.’ They adamantly did not want to make Christ the center and forefront of their message, as the 1888 Message was admonishing. However just think of how moronically foolish that reasoning indeed was, as the Christian world then considered SDA to actually not be (Evangelical) Christians, due to this prominent instance on the Law, indeed to the indifferent eclipsing of Jesus Christ Himself.[5] As seen in the complete 180 in perception of SDA’s in ca. the 1980's from being considered to be a cult and fringe denomination, to a mainstream, Evangelical Christian one, as it was realized that they had a solid and “orthodox” view of Christ, (and actually, in many ways, enlightened by the SOP, to a much more deeper understanding than other Christians), they were gradually widely and fully given this “orthodox” recognition, interestingly enough, even though many other Christians still had their hesitations and doubts about the validity of the SDA’s Spirit of Prophecy aspect. However, that issue of SOP-doubting also has, albeit silently, gradually diminished, particularly when SDA’s, especially in evangelistic preaching in recent times, indeed became substantively and advertisingly much more, prominently and focally, Christocentic. Indeed, to the resulting point that now, particularly amongst a more unbaggaged, objective and not historically prejudice 2005 Barna Group survey of under-40 year Pastors across the National (U.S.) denominational board has shown, as expounded upon in this Nov. 6, 2010 sermon of Dwight Nelson [24:23-26:18], they considered Ellen G. White to be a most influential author for them.

            So similarly, if SDA’s in ca. 1888 had humbly and deferentially accepted to heed the 1888 Present Truth Message and its call to ‘make Christ much more/most prominent in our evangelism’, the predominantly Christian (keyly, American) Society then (i.e., compared to the much more entrenchedly postmodern one today, also in the U.S.), would more than likely have much more readily, widely and amply, favorably responded to their Evangelistic presentations then, and the work would literally have exploded, indeed just as what was prophetically spoken to be the result of, and under, the “Loud Cry”. Indeed the Rev. 18 Loud Cry message, which as expounded upon here, is the ‘rectifyingly restating of key, Third-Angel’s-Message-contributing corrupted doctrinal issues’, would, through the full and pertinently applicable incorporation of Christ in their preaching, have made those teachings most appealing to the Christian World then. But the SDA brethren then thought ‘they knew much more and better than God/Christ here’, they obstinately decided to (continue to) do “God’s Work” in this, their own, “better/best” way: -‘the parchedly dry preaching of the [justifyingly expressed] “downtrodden and ignored” Law of God’.

            And the same Spirit of “Divine snubbing and defiance” is identically fully manifested today against the Present Truth message that: ‘God’s unequivocal and pivotal End-time and Sealing Sabbath message is to involve tangible work towards meeting the needs of others (Isa 58).’ Indeed that was the crux of the Gospel Message and Ministry of Jesus Christ, and upon this revolves the full and proper understanding of still unfolding Bible Prophecies, including the key Seal of God vs. Mark of the Beast issue. But the SDA Church today, to the vast majority, does not want to accept this message and are thus similarly snubbing Jesus, His Unequivocal Example and His Words, in order to self-justifyingly persist in their way, thus, effectively/actually: their own ‘right-doing’ (= “righteousness”) way. Like in the 1888 era, how much simpler would it be to, in deferential and humble faith, obey Jesus and set out to do exactly and all that He has spoken forth in, foremostly, the Gospels. Indeed the clarion, SOP admonition is unambiguously clear that: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” (MH 143.3ff).

            To further “muddy” things here, just as it was indeed sanctimoniously said in the 1888 era that ‘the ignored and downtrodden law of God must be prominently emphasized then’, it is today, as patently, personally encountered, said, also in similar sanctimonious “defence” that, now, the ignored (letter of the Law) Sabbath Teaching, and particularly how it is implicated in Final Events, along with the related Three Angels’ Message is the (“only”) mandate that the “Remnant SDA Church” has; and certainly not: ‘seeking to help all those in need.’ For one thing, it is moronically, idolatrously [i.e., as the spurious, devilish system of Capitalism is, religiously, obediently given whatever it whimsically demands] claimed that: ‘there is not enough money for such exhaustive endeavoring’. Of course, as throughout this blog post, the actual, foundational hindering issues here, are directly derived from the entrenched Capitalistic tenets of mainly selfishness and individualism, also pervasively found, front and center, in the Church. Of course, as shown here, what is not Spiritually realized in this base and spurious thinking is that: by denying God’s Sabbatical Will and Christ’s Gospel their rightful and truthful place in the proclamation of Final Events, the entire Law of God is thus completely made void. Therefore the Church is substantively, outrightly indeed worshipfully (and in the full sense of that word) doing the very [Fuller] Mark-of-the-Beast work of the Antichrist|Two Beasts powers, all as indeed craftily planned by Satan himself, and all through this inspired Covetousness snare (EW 266-269) of Capitalism. These are all acts that are indeed, most logically barring to one’s salvation, as variously warned in the Bible. (E.g., Matt 25:45-46; Rev 14:9-12).

            Indeed the end goal of the Gospel is to restore, as much as truly possible, God’s will on this earth (cf. Matt 6:10), as a witness to all nations, and that indeed involves a most tangible demonstration, through truly ‘reborn from above’ Christians, in order to be a most incontrovertible, and thus GC-ending, actionable, personal and also corporate, global Testimony, by such True Followers and Church of Christ. (Matt 24:14). And, when properly and fully studied out, all of the Doctrines and Prophecies the Bible, actually serve to contribute towards that temporal , pre Second Coming, tangible Restoration necessity.

            Quite unfortunately, like the Church History Reform movements of the past, SDA’s are making the same mistake of smugly assuming that ‘they have Spiritual need of nothing more’ (Rev 3:17) and thus have, more than less, and quite mindlessly (i.e., to the exclusion of available/obtainable exegetical Biblical knowledge), encamped around: their pioneering reformers; their pioneer’s periodicly key, “foundational” teachings for that reformatory work phase; and their pioneers established attainment in reform. However the GC case is that, what they have currently managed to do is, as highlighted here, still far from the perfect/complete, even merely temporal restoring goal, and there is still much more key reformatory work left to fully, and even outrightly, do. Indeed the GC War “theatre” has (since the ca. 1888 era), radically changed, and so God’s Spiritual Resources for winning this more advanced phase of this war must be properly and fully taken hold of and utilized.

            But as the SOP clearly prophesies (LDE 209.3 & 210.1), many, similarly, will only see a threat in this increasing Loud Cry call to ‘fully and simply obey Christ’s mandate here’, which actually is the Full, Sabbatical Sealing, Third Angel’s Message, and this is indeed what will bring about a necessary Shaking in Church.

An Illustration

            This just mention key “obedience” issue has been pointedly dealt with in this allegorical parable post (cf. Acts 5:32), however a personal experience that I see as illustratively similar to all of this may further help here. It occurred to me while I was studying Electrical Engineering in College. On the day before a major Calculus test, our teacher went on to post a quite elaborate and complex Calculus formula, which actually encompassed all the material that we had studied in that period just leading up to this test. However those concepts were all brought here in a such quite intricate and convoluted way, that I vexatiously, “superiorily”, only saw as unnecessary, indeed particularly given the priorly, annoyingly simplistic/simpleminded attitude of this teacher. He then proceeded to work out the equation in deliberate detail. It was so complex, intricate and involved that he surely, I presumed, would not be including it on the test tomorrow. There was now clearly no time for this. So all the while that he was, as I thought, wastefully, “pedantically” doing this, I just about tuned him completely out, barely paying any attention, and certainly not taking down notes. I just couldn’t help but think of what a waste of time this was, and day-dreaming of where else I could be, and/or what else I could now be doing, right now, or still sleeping in as this was my first class that morning. As far as I was concerned about this, he was just, though pointlessly, showing (“off”) how all that we had recently learned can be brought together to solve such a complex Calculus problem. ‘Great... Who Cares...For now, I just want to pass my test tomorrow and this conglomerating demonstration, though quite impressive, is not helpful at all.’ Most boringly enough, his working out of that complex problem took the time of the entire class period, and when the class “finally” ended, upon us leaving, he reminded us about our important test the next. Admittedly, for various, certain reasons, I didn’t study hard for that test, but I knew I had some understanding and mastery of the lessons we had learned for that sectional test.

            When I entered the classroom the next day, I was slightly surprised, actually more concerned about the sanity of my teacher, upon seeing, in a “Groundhog Day”-like, that the same complex formula as the day before on the board with, and this is what was indeed most strkiing, all of the detailed work had been erased, and only the formula was there. Then to my “teeth gnashing” (Matt 25:30) horror, he then announced to us that this formula was our test!!? Aaarrghhhh!!! What was even more painful to me was that although I was quite familiar with the individual component concepts brought together in the problem, however when they were indeed so brought together in such a complex problem equation, -being so ‘grossly un-/under-prepared for it’ (=Rev 3:2-5; 6:11; 16:15; 19:7-8; Matt 22:1-14; cf. Job 29:14; Psa 132:9; Isa 61:10), it became to me quite another mystical and undecipherable “Beast” (cf. Isa 29:1-14)! And, tried as I may, I just could not fully/accurately “tame” it, and atrociously failed that test.
             The only thing that could have been worse/dumber than my attitude in this incident would have been if the teacher had actually said, and that at the very start of the class, that: ‘this problem will be your entire test tomorrow’, and I (still) had ignored him!!

            Indeed similarly, that is what many Christians are nonchalantly choosing to do with the many unequivocal statements of Jesus in regards to the pivotalness of our duty to do all that we can truly do in regards to uncompromisingly meeting even the vital needs of all those in need, “to the very least of them.” ([e.g.,] Matt 25:45). Really what more could He have said, or deliberately, detailedly modelled, to get this through the heads of, especially His current professed believers.[6]

Christ’s ‘Character-Rejection’ Antidote

            While it may be plausibly advanced that the priorly related industriousness in Christ’s life is what paramountly helped him shield away detrimental influences and temptation, His deliberate will still had a part to play in this Perfect Living. And so it is at a point where such tangible hedges are removed or lessened, that one then must find something from within with which to maintain an abiding course. Indeed Jesus, probably more than less, tangibly did this “continuance” by switching from: ‘a hedging from tangible, temporal duties’, to, when His public ministry was to start: ‘lovingly, similarly (but now freely choosing to, as stated above), industriously engaging in spiritual work towards others.’ This is where, when such personal free will is demanded, many fail in this key switching. This can tangibly be seen in the everyday life of the Christian by how s/he chooses to spend most, if not all, of their free/leisure time. I.e. whether it is on self-serving recreation or towards being a blessing to someone else in need. Fortunately Jesus has given the key antidote to avoid such complication as one is desiringly undergoing needed procedures to be Christlikely made-over.

            In the medical world, the most radical and crucial procedure that can be done is that of an organ transplant, which is usually for a most vital reason. Yet the most valiant transplanting effort can be a total failure if the receiving body “rejects” the new organ. In such cases, the solution has been the use of anti transplant-rejection drugs. In the Christian’s Spiritual duty to fully and truly develop Christ’s (actual) Character, which foundationally and concretely is one of actual, two-tiered Biblical Love (Matt 22:35-40), (and not a mere veneer/semblance/facade of “love”, where self-love (i.e., being really solely interested in making oneself appear to be “great”) is actually the paramount motive and targeted objective), Christ has given a most potent anti-rejection antidote in His counsels in John 15:1-17.

            First of all, as seen in vss. 1-6, 8, the sole goal/duty/“viableness” of the Christian is ‘to bear (much) fruit’. As seen in the incident with the Fig Tree (DA 580-588): a fruit tree with beautiful leaves, but no fruit, is completely worthless to Christ, and also to anyone else, hence ‘their burning up’ (vs. 6; cf. Rev 3:16). Similarly, a theology/teaching that spuriously and “Pharasaically” curtails the true/full 1888 Message to merely be a: self-concerned, monastical striving to become sinless, while indifferently ignoring working to meet the physical needs of others, is completely unbiblical, and also a most “worthless” teaching. (Cf. 1 John 3:17-19)

            Thus, succinctly said here, the ingredients in Christ’s Character-Rejection antidote, all towards a concrete and transparent “proofing” of True Discipleship (vs. 8), are unequivocally spelled out in this passage as:

-Abiding in (all of) Christ’s words; and not just a fancifully preferred or “denominationally select” portion of them. (vs. 7) Which then naturally means to obey/do (James 1:22-25) all of them. (John 6:56 = HM, June 1, 1897 par. 10; which results in TM 116.1)

-Following Christ’s own pattern, loving others as Christ Himself has love us (vs. 9)

-Keeping all of Christ’s Commandment (vs. 10a), which are pointedly the ones which he explicitly and implicitly gave throughout the Gospels (cf. vs. 12, 13, 17), and which are all derived from the Commandments/Law(s) of the OT (vs. 10b).

            And as indeed spelled out in vss 12-17, the activating, main ingredient in all of this is ‘self-sacrificing love towards, pointedly towards fellow Church Brethren.’ (cf. 1 John 3:23-24) Indeed once this is achieved, which has been the functional purpose of the “Church Age”, the expected, simultaneous outreach loving work towards those in the world would become much more effectively and efficiently achieved. As it is being variously, most clearly demonstrated today, by, pointedly, the SDA Church which prefers to have a selfish, ultimately hate-based, divisive and individualistic (-all key tenets of a Capitalistic mindset) approach to temporal living among Church Members, and also in/for doing God’s Missions and Ministry work, only “token” and rather pathetic, work can ever be being done, -with the many available resources of the Church being grossly under utilized and misused, and the other available one, -obtainable through the pouring out of God Spirit, being Rightly/Justly, effectively punitively, withheld by God. All with wide-reaching, Ancient-Israel-type, ‘circular Wilderness Wanderings’ (Deut 2:3), implications in regards to Final Events and the present-day resolution of the GC. (Relatedly see also TM 299.2 (with its Spiritual allusions to Ezek 34:17b|John 7:37-39)).

            Not surprising enough, the above cited antidote of Christ ultimately is what leads to the desired (true/actual) “sinlessness” that many are otherwise, and futilely, straining to self-achieve. For as seen in, the surely derived expositional statements in, passages such as 1 John 3:6, 9, 10, 11, 14-17: “Right Doing” and True, Tangible Love for one another and others is what the 1888 Message has objectively always been all about, for it is then, and only then, that the Righteousness of Christ can be applied, and the sinner be Justified for/from their sins. (= 1 John 3:7-10). And all of this Justifying is, for the generation of Believers alive today who are wanting to engage in presenting the Final (GC Conflict Consummation) Message of Warning to the world, (which is the Third Angel’s Message, pointedly when in its Loud Cry phase), will be actualized and realized by their “right actions” as they set out to overturn the Law/Love-of-God-opposing, deadly snares of the Devil, which have been compactly encompassed in the geo-politically popular, base, anti-Sabbatical, Capitalistic mindset and spirit of the world.

            And so, it indeed is by this simple act of ‘obeying Jesus and doing what is right vs. variously (economically) profitable or expedient’ that one comes to reflect the True Character of Christ (COL 69.1), be justified, and thus capable/“worthy” of being covered by His Righteousness. Hence, indeed most intrinsically, how ‘the third angel's message, in verity, is such justification by (true) faith in Christ and all that He has commanded.’ (= John 14:15 & James 2:14-26).

            Interestingly enough, all of the above, exegetically derived and expounded on Theological Views on this topic, in its applicable present ‘advanced “Fuller Sabbath”’ context, spiritually cogently, builds upon the various related themes cited throughout the following 1890 SOP counsel on this 1888 Message matter:

April 1, 1890 Repentance the Gift of God.

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By Mrs. E. G. White.

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...

            Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed; for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there would not now be a necessity of calling especial attention to it. Some of our brethren are not receiving the message of God upon this subject. They appear to be anxious that none of our ministers shall depart from their former manner of teaching the good old doctrines. We inquire, Is it not time that fresh light should come to the people of God, to awaken them to greater earnestness and zeal? The exceeding great and precious promises given us in the Holy Scriptures have been lost sight of to a great extent, just as the enemy of all righteousness designed that they should be. He has cast his own dark shadow between us and our God, that we may not see the true character of God. The Lord has proclaimed himself to be "merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 7}

            Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity." The prophet declares, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Brightness, glory, and power are to be connected with the third angel's message, and conviction will follow wherever it is preached in demonstration of the Spirit. How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God? As yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. God has light for his people, and all who will accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition; they will heed the counsel of the True Witness when he says, "Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 8}

            The Church is presented as standing in a self-satisfied, pleased, proud, independent position, ignorant of her destitution and wretchedness. By her attitude she says, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." How many who claim to be keeping the commandments of God are in this position today! The charge against the Church is, "Thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot." But while many may be satisfied with their lukewarm condition, the Lord is far from pleased, and declares that unless you are zealous and repent, he will spue you out of his mouth. But he warns you, he entreats you. He says, "Thou knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see."  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 9}

           

            The gold that Jesus would have us buy of him is gold tried in the fire; it is the gold of faith and love, that has no defiling substance mingled with it. The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, the wedding garment which Christ alone can give. The eye-salve is the true spiritual discernment that is so wanting among us, for spiritual things must be spiritually discerned.  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 10}

            To our brethren who are standing in this self-confident, self-satisfied position, who talk and act as if there was no need of more light, we want to say that the Laodicean message is applicable to you. Many professed Christians are without Christ because they refuse to weave his principles of truth into their life. The word of God declares, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." We should pray earnestly and inquire with sincere hearts as to what the will of the Lord is, that we may be ready to receive the blessing we so much need.  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 11}

            We must have oil in our vessels with our lamps, and not be like the foolish virgins of the parable whose lamps went out as they slumbered and slept, and who had no oil to replenish them, and so failed to be ready to meet the bridegroom. We should seek for a living experience, and obtain the grace of Christ. We need his love and gentleness; we need our faith revived. Let no one disregard the counsel of God, but let us all buy of him gold, and white raiment, and plead for the anointing of his Holy Spirit. Jesus desires us to have a personal knowledge of the truth, and we should search the heart carefully, critically, cease to do evil, and learn to do well. Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." No one should feel like rebelling, like standing in defiance of God, because he rebukes you on account of your lukewarm condition and spiritual pride. God condescends to entreat you that he may talk with you, and invites you to open the door of the heart, that he may come in and sup with you, and you with him. He declares, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."  {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 12}

Notes

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[1] I can conversely cite the “genre” of books and authors that I see and understand as perverting this message to an ethereal, Pharisaically legalistic aberration, but I’ll pass. Those familiar with this topic should readily recognize those who have come to thus pervert this Gospel message. As current SDA Sabbath School Study Guide Editor Clifford Goldstein has appropriately decried in this presentation [13:32-15:15]: ‘this issue-discussing aberration is an “absolutely idiotic”, “useless”, “waste of time” and “nonsensical” battle within Adventism.’

[2] For, as introductorily stated here, one’s overall physical/bodily appearance can and does greatly affects their character, confidence and thus personality, indeed normatively leading to shape one’s “plastic mind”, but for a resolute, ‘mind-over-matters’ stance. Case in point, as patently, variously seen in the TV and Movie world, one’s physical appearance does “crucially” (though for moronical reasons) affect how one is externally (readily/surfacely) perceived. Which is why much effort and money is spent on make-up for people who are going to make an in-person, or TV, appearance. That subjectively preferential fact is most strikingly noticed, with even concrete testings, in the democratic political realm where many (shallow) voters vote merely based on a candidates looks. And, as it is widely “admitted”: ‘many stalwart politician and leaders of the past would not have been elected in our superficial visual-media (TV) age vs. the auditive (radio) age of the past.’

[3] Still for a “character” to be more natural, and thus truly believable, lest the performance be, ironically enough, surfacely labelled/perceived as “hypocritical” (such as with the emotional mask-donning, Greek actors of the past), as seen in the switch in acting styles by major actors who began to adopt Method Acting, actors try to find in themselves emotional/thought triggers that help to “genuinely” produce the emotion/state of mind, that they try to portray on the dramatic stage. That is relatedly also why it is easier to believe a dramatic performance by an actor, when it actually is quite close to their actual persona, and known actual lifestyle. Which is why “typecasting”, particularly for less skilled actors who are not able to ‘break out of themselves’, is often the result as directors are wishing to get/guarantee such, financially crucial, ‘genuine and believable’ performances from their selected cast.

            And so, as with truly having a Christlike Character, merely, shallowly “acting” like Jesus, when “on stage”, will come across, and indeed be, hypocritical. The proper portrayal of our due Christlike character must truly come from within one’s self. And thus one’s own character must first actually be intrinsically and wholly transformed to what Jesus’ own was/is (cf. MH 143.3).
            And, however tritely/glibly popular that it quippingly may be, a “faking it until you make it” approach, will actually never begin to produce this sought for genuine/realistic “performance” for in order to ever be able to perfectly master, and thus perfectly reproduce, a character that is identical to the character of God, one will have to: stop building upon this “shallow foundation” of their spurious/false/non-genuine opposing/rebelling, naturally, even conditioned (by e.g., Capitalism) to be fundamentally/foundationally, selfish character (= “faking it”; cf. 4T 386.1), and instead, by obeying Jesus (Luke 6:46-49), find, or if need be, first actively plant/establish in themselves a chief/inceptive experience of genuine, Divine-like love (Cf. MB 25.1) that will, when it is then increasingly, only, built upon, fully develop into the glory-reflecting perfection of God’s own character.

[4] The manuscript of this sermon is found in this PDF document [pp. 247-278]. It was first preached as a Christmas Sermon in late 1998 [pp. 247-261] then, for a preaching assignment in another Church, it was adapted for its ‘Christian Walk’ emphasis [pp. 262-264&251-261] and then, for a sermon in another Church, it was adapted for its 1888 Message implications. [pp. 265-278].

[5] Indeed, honestly/truthfully thinking, when one is, thus effectively, ‘ashamed of Christ and His [Full] Gospel’, then they are really not a follower of His; -at least a fully recognizable/acknowledgeable one! (Luke 9:23-26; Rom 1:16, 17; cf. Luke 12:8~Rev 3:5).

[6] See the Better Life TV Sermon by George Knight entitled: “Living the Apocalyptic Vision (FP1222) - which also stresses the paramount necessity of heeding Christ’s Matt 25:31-46 warning. He, albeit, as typical with “mainline” SDA’s, has the shallow ‘be kind to your neighbor’s view of this mandate of Christ, which is quite short of what Jesus actually stipulated and expects from his true/full followers. “Kindness”, however “perfectly kind” it may be, will not save the ca. 250,000 who will die tomorrow of preventable, curable or intentional causes! Pointedly meeting those vital needs will!!* (Cf. James 1:27; 2:15-16). (See this commentary and its referred to messages, and also this recent (10-29-11) sermon by Stephen Bohr, which both expound on the incontrovertible Biblical Fact that “Christian perfection” is not merely being “sinless” but indeed also involves doing good to others, (pointedly those in various need).). And as Jesus unequivocally, depictively qualified, for the His True Followers, their “neighbor” is actually, at the very least, ‘anyone that they come across/know of, who is in need.’ (Luke 10:29ff; cf. COL 376.2); and in our advanced global media day and age, there is surely no self-justifying, “head in the sand”, excuse.

            Nonetheless, as Knight states [31:12ff], the other extreme is the movement of some SDA’s towards ‘(an also Second Coming-replacing) Social Justice’; -which would only be valid if it were to be established through valid democratic means (i.e., the popular election of people who have an explicit “social justice” platform). Otherwise, it is clear that the general population, majoritarily do not want to be ‘socially just’, and in a democracy only the legislature can make such a societal change. The Biblical solution to fulfill this exhaustive mandate indeed is the NJK Project!!!

* Also invalid as also unBiblical is the Full-Gospel-mandate-depleting/gutting claim by Hope Channel President Brad Thorp [How to be a Revived and Reformed Believer, (HTV-CD-165|HTBRR-C-F-141)] who, at [35:37-36:52ff], deliberately, but quite comically enough, futilely, tries to rewordingly water down Christ’s statement in the Matt 25:31-46 prophetic depiction (which indeed is not even a “parable” as it is Jesus stating in advance on what basis He will conduct the judgement given over to Him by the Father (John 5:22, 27)), by claiming that (1) ‘it is a call to be “compassionate”’, and that (2) ‘those who will do those works will actually unknowingly do them’. First of all, (2) the only thing that these, actually non-Christians from those nations, will then “not know” is that when they were actually quite “knowingly” doing all that they can to help others in need, they were actually doing this to Jesus, and these were thus most unselfish acts (cf. LDE 219.2) as they were not at all expecting to receive a heavenly reward for them (LDE 218.4-219.1), nor also that these ‘effective works of obedience to God’s Law’ were being ‘credited to them as sin-pardoning, saving righteousness’, (all quite contrary to SDA’s, see here, who are now impelled to engage in such work, just to ‘make sure to get, and maintain, their desired heavenly reward’). And Christ already expects that His cognitive followers, i.e., those who have at least read Matt 25:31-46, will both know and be doing these acts.

            Secondly, (1) being “compassionate” is not the pointed, nor ultimate, mandate of Christ here. He rather is calling His True followers to be “benevolent” which should sequiturly, naturally complement a genuine “compassion”. Indeed being “compassionate” about someone who is starving to death only requires a person to, at the very best, also go starving like them to demonstrate this compassion. While on the other hand, helping the person to be well fed, is the “benevolence” that Jesus is calling for. And if this is done to the level were that benefited person is as well fed as the benefactor, even if that sought for equality requires a sacrifice on the benefactor’s part, then, and actually only then, would true benevolence be done here... and it would also be “compassionately” maintained. Indeed ‘the decisions of the last day turn upon our practical benevolence and beneficence’ (LDE 218.3), and not on the spuriously common, insubstantively partial at best, mere ‘emotional compassion’ or ‘empathy’!

            Brad Thorp also went on to make the claim that ‘we will never be able to solve all of the problems in the world’, and therefore claims that ‘the extent of the Matt 25:31-46 mandate is in regards to what each individual can do.’ Well, as usual, such individualistic thinking flies in the face of God’s expectation for His most blessed Global Church, and just proves that his earlier claims for unity in the Church [11:20-12:46ff] were glibly, piousticly merely for deceptive cosmetic and shallow appearances and purposes. To debunk this simply here: ‘I individually can never own and operate a University, but simply an SDA Union Conference can own and operate one, and a Global Church can, as now more collectively being done, also do so for at least over 100, and with all of their operational costs also paid by the (using) membership. And so a Global Church can do much more to help meet those in need if they properly invest their talent (=Matt 25:14-30), ironically enough something that Thorp had also preached on in that sermon [21:10-24:55ff], but of course not with a collective application. Just more of the typical SDA, fanciful, glib watering down of Christ’s expectation I guess!! What else but a reverentially entrenched Capitalistic mentality through successful deception would make one think, as most evident in Thorp’s case, that anything but, (i.e., whether on the token aid end, or the individualistic/selfish, Capitalistic one on the other), actual ‘sacrificial/equalizing sharing’, is “really” God’s will!???

            And, contrary to Thorp’s irrelevant spin of “graciousness” here [36:53-39:04], there is nothing  “gracious” about being benevolent to someone who is in various need, especially coming from fellow fallen men (cf. 1 Cor 15:10). It is only a Capitalistic paradigm that sees that people in need need to be ‘“forgiving” of something’, as if the poor, suffering and needy of the world are purposely doing so. It is rather the rich and selfish capitalist who needs grace, and God has designed that, particularly these privileged ones, will actually only secure such grace from Him through their relatedly reciprocating, imparted benevolence towards others in similar need. (cf. Luke 12:48b). Everyone is entitled to, at the very least, the basic vital necessities of life, i.e., in regards to the basis for their physical, psychological and emotional/psychological health.

            The incontrovertible Benevolent Truth here all make it seem to me that Jesus is most seriously, really desiring to have these works of beneficence done, for why else would He be so clear and pointed here and make them so pivotal. The only other answer to me is that ‘this indeed is what is truly keeping the Law of God’. And, related to the points above in this blog post, that may indeed be the practical, fundamental reason as to how/why Jesus and Unfallen Beings are remaining sinless... i.e., because their every decision is weighed as to how it will impact someone else, and if it will be a detriment in any way, then it is seen to be sinful, as being selfish. And so the unfallen inhabitants of other worlds may not have any time or effort to so “selfishly”, and thus sinfully, expend on themselves, because they are overly busy doing what they know best to do in order to help contribute to meeting the needs of others and all, and which involves manual labor, as it inherently also did in the Perfect Eden (Gen 1:29-30; 2:15; PP 50.1; cf. Isa 65:21-23a). Perhaps it is only in Heaven, where the redeemed will only be for the first 1000 years of eternity, that such manual labor may be supernaturally avoided, and that merely so the Angels of God, who reside there, can have all the time they need to attend to all of God’s unfallen worlds.

            And so that would all be manifestly, tangibly, why those who knowingly, thus rebelliously, have not bothered to cultivate such a ‘character of benevolence’ on Earth will not understand why they have to do so in Heaven/New Earth, and thus will not be trusted to live there. (=e.g, DA 641.3) That is, lest their entrenched selfish heart, where such selfishness was deliberately allowed to fester and flourish, -and as a result may be completely beyond the applicability of God’s sanctifying, changing grace, may then marshal another, and this time, eternal, Great Controversy rebellion, then based on the view of: “Why does not God supernaturally meet the needs of everyone instead of having to make His created Beings labor for this, or even care for others”... “Perhaps He is just trying to keep us busybodies because He is afraid to give us idle/spare time to expend on ourselves as then we won’t bother to keep, His thus, otherwise unkeepable law.”

            Well the foundational fact of the matter is that: ‘Such tangibly manifested sacrificial love for others is at the Heart of God’s Law’. And perhaps it may tangibly be the case, as “heretical” as it may sound to those who have a “hocus/pocus” and magical view of the Divine, versus the tangibly, real reality through which He exists and operates, and which created man is a telling microcosmic representation of (cf. Gen 1:26a), that a single World and Universe in which God is the sustaining energy of everything (cf. e.g., here) rather than these created entities being sustained according to the renewable means and organization with which He orchestrated them to exist and work, is not a realistic possibility. Perhaps God has already, non-renewably,  sacrificially expended all of this great energy during the process of creating the Universe, and which may have been the actual requirement/reason for God the Son’s “downgrading”, substantive incarnation as a Mighty Angel for/prior to this Creation process. And so this active sustaining by incorporated process and by the efforts of His Created being is a most cosmic necessity, if these actually wish to continue to exist, lest now God the Father also no longer continue to exist in His Full/Glorious Divine form. And in such a Theological understanding, a spurious charge of selfishness, similar to “Lucifer” charge of arbitrary obedience and worship, would now be laid against God in that Second Great Controversy. And so selfishness could tangibly never be a sustainable course in God’s creation, but would inevitably, eventually cause an irreparable crash.

            And so the universe can only sustainedly exist if the principle of cooperative, collective and inter-aiding love towards one another exists and is fully practised, and all stemming from a trusting and obeying love of God that therefore, as the First Four Commandments call for, worthily (1) honors, (2) worships (3) revers and (4) acknowledges Him both as the Supreme “God” (cf. Psa 8:5|Heb 2:9; Exod 4:16; 7:1-2; Gen 1:28b) and the Initiating Creator (cf. Gen 1:28a) that He is.