ADVENTIST CARNIVALS !

THE term "love, love" as we are using it here is to represent the counterfeit, or sentimental love described by Ellen White in the previous chapter, that exists today in so many Christian churches.

As we begin this chapter, we wish to make it abundantly clear by way of record, that in this book we are not attempting in any way whatsoever, to depreciate true love. Adventism has always regarded Christlike love as a cardinal truth. Love is a fundamental teaching of the Bible, wherein hundreds of references are found. And Ellen White, in her writings, makes about 30,000 references to it and its synonym, charity.

In the days of ancient Israel, Satan used a legalistic application of the law as his greatest deception. He thereby deceived almost an entire nation for hundreds of years. The "silk" he used to spin his web by which to catch unwary souls was an inordinate emphasis upon God's holy law, while neglecting the gospel of salvation as it was revealed in their sanctuary service. He wisely chose as his silken thread, obedience to the law, something that is right and proper in itself, but one which though wrong emphasis, he could twist into a gross error! Twisting of truth is Satan's most successful method of deception! For the reason that this deception has been thoroughly exposed, he has now turned to an opposite emphasis.

In our day Satan is still spinning webs, but now he is using a thread of truth of a different nature. For our age, he has skillfully chosen the silken quality of smooth-tongued "love, love" as he spins a web which will enable him to entangle unwary Christians and hold them fast. Again he has chosen a truth, a beautiful truth, and twisted it into error through a wrong emphasis. Most of the Christian world seem to have already been caught in his net. Everywhere one hears the "love, love" emphasis. And should the law be mentioned in any context whatsoever, the charge comes quickly, "Oh, that is sheer legalism!" Sadly, this seems to be the attitude even in some Seventh-day Adventist churches! The members seem blissfully ignorant of the divine definition of the term legalism. See The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1077

Should one mention to Adventists the dangers in the Celebration-type worship, an attitude of "love, love" often becomes very evident. Even though Celebration errors and dangers are so obvious, so grossly erroneous, yet many Adventists will quickly respond, "Oh, but they do have love one for another! " And by the sound of their voices, the thought is conveyed, that there is really nothing else that makes any real difference at all! Nothing else matters! Let us consider this situation.

Speaking of Celebration audiences, their spirit of friendly fellowship and obvious interest in each other and in visitors, is a very commendable quality indeed. This principle is one that all might observe and go and do likewise. Note the following:

"The celebration begins on the parking lot with greeters who welcome everyone, and even bring out umbrellas if it is raining! And before people get inside the front door someone else welcomes them.... A Colton lay pastor mentioned that... `We accept everybody as they come, and invite them to become part of our fellowship.' "Adventist Review, November 1, 1990.

No one would suggest that they stop bestowing attentions on others. But such demonstrations, though commendable, may or may not be indications of deep spirituality. Later we will observe that these social attentions are not the test whereby Inspiration counsels us to distinguish between the false and true love. There are men and women of the world- even infidels- who can make just such demonstrations of "loving interest" in others, for the purpose of worldly gain- either social or financial.

Allow us to illustrate from a secular source: Many years ago a famous industrialist developed an attitude for getting the most work possible out of his employees. He described his method as being, "Hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise." In other words, pour the sweetness onto the employees and praise them even if the praise is not really merited. Through this social grace, he endeavored to have happier workers and added business successes. For years his industrial empire seemed to flourish, but in the end he died with a business failure on his hands. His theories were built on sand.

However, a certain promoter picked up his slogan and built up a system of psychology on how to win friends and influence people, based on the slogan invented by the industrialist. He wrote books and conducted seminars for which thousands paid big money to attend. Business leaders and salesmen flocked to learn his system in a desire to increase financial income.

It was interesting to learn more about him later through a friend of our family, who had been in his employ. She testified that he was not able to demonstrate his theories in personal practice. He was a very cranky and unloving individual. His "love, love" was not an enduring Christlike love, or it would have prevailed under any and all circumstances. His "love" was a sham!

Years later we knew a professional person who had become a certified instructor to give seminars on "How to Win Friends and Influence People." While she could no doubt occasionally turn on charm when she wanted to do so, in her administrative nursing occupation she was generally a very rough and disagreeable person. Her personal life did not match up with her certification as an expert in the system of feigned love, which was the bottom line of the whole system she represented. It was all a facade.

The sad part is that too often this "feigned love" sponsored by worldlings has found its way into God's church masquerading as true love. We have known of persons who can freely talk "love, love" and yet when it suits their purpose they can swiftly undermine a brother to his detriment.

We have used these illustrations to reveal that loving social qualities can be exhibited even by infidels, from personal-or sometimes even from selfish motives. Therefore, such social qualities are not a "test," proving that the principles of the Celebration churches are necessarily all true and right for the reason that its members display "love" for their brethren! Under certain circumstances worldlings do this also, and with equal proficiency. Really, social qualities can be practiced quite apart from genuine love.

From the greetings in the parking lot and foyer of the church, we turn to the worship service itself. In Celebration churches, their pastor's sermons, their imposing signs, and the words of their songs all stress the themes (or doctrine of) "love, acceptance, and forgiveness." This is the message that is promised immediately to everyone who steps inside their doors! While these are marvelous themes, such as should never be neglected, a problem arises when the gospel of love, acceptance, and forgiveness is continually dwelt upon while the law, obedience and a genuine lifestyle change is ignored and set aside.

The consensus in Celebration churches seems to be that the Seventh-day Adventist Church has in the past driven many of its members away, especially the youth, through a policy of telling them "what to do and what not to do." They accuse the church of having a spirit of legalism, devoid of love. This supposed failing they believe they are called to rectify. So they stress an opposite view, namely, that all should be offered "love, acceptance and forgiveness" just as they are- without a heart-change, which is the exact opposite of the teaching of Jesus who taught that we must be born again in order to see the kingdom of heaven. Being born again involves a heart-change!

"God loves you just as you are," they repeat over and over again, which of course, is true. But they fail to also teach their people that though He may love you `just as you are," He cannot take you to live with Him in heaven without your heart undergoing a change; a change that requires both man's consent and his co-operation! May we be reminded that God's servant calls such offers of false love a "goody-goody religion."

This goody-goody religion that makes light of sin and that is forever dwelling upon the love of God to the sinner, encourages the sinner to believe that God will save him while he continues in sin and he knows it to be sin. Selected Messages, book 3, 155

Ellen White wrote to a physician's wife:

My sister, God pities and loves you. But He does not love your sinful course of action, which is leading others astray. Manuscript Release 1341, 4

In some Celebration churches, visitors are offered immediate membership- 'Just as they are." Let us illustrate. We heard one celebration minister describe this incident on tape. An attendee of his church brought his backslidden daughter to a service. She had apparently left the Adventist church years before and gone out into the world. The minister said to her `just sign the blue card," which would have made her an immediate member of his church. But she remonstrated that her personal life was not yet ready. "I have some things to make right before I should apply for membership in a church." The minister urged, "You did not hear me. Just sign the card. That is all you need to do." He was insisting that she join his Seventh-day Adventist Church while she still had some personal problems to rectify.

She seemed more conscientious than he, not wishing to pose as a converted member while she was still living in sin. It appeared that her standards were greater than were his. Ellen White states that it is not true love "that encourages the sinner to believe that God will save him while he continues in sin and knows it to be sin." Selected Messages, book 3, 155

This same minister also said, "We get letters and phone calls from people, who say that you can be a member of the celebration church, and do anything you want! And, you know what? You can.... We have to let people be in sin, and love them, and help them to understand it's destructive."

Yet, as time goes on it seems that the preaching of the law receives little or no mention, if at all! In fact their message extended to backsliders seems to be "Just come as you are and enjoy our fellowship, and we will not tell you what to do or what not to do."

There ministers will tell us that they reserve a discussion of doctrine for their midweek small classes. But, may we ask, what percentage of the members attend these small classes? Certainly, it would be far less than 100%. Aside from this, how many small classes meet to study the necessity of obedience to God's law? Are not most of these gatherings designed to discuss social topics? (We have even known Sabbath School classes to degenerate into mere social discussions.)

Our pioneer ministers were deep students of God's Word and inspired their listeners to be the same. But in sermons of the Celebration pastors which we have heard, we find no real depth of Bible truths. One prominent Celebration minister complained on tape, in response to a question asked him about his small classes, that he has had difficulty in getting his members interested in Bible study. They would rather meet to discuss the personal problems of various ones present.

In the world various support groups are currently popular in which members discuss each other's personal social problems Church support groups can easily degenerate into exactly the same kind.

(Many of the above attitudes of the Celebration-style worship evident from articles published recently in the Adventist Review and other official papers, especially the Adventist Review of November 1, 1990.)

Inasmuch as we have established from the pen of Ellen White that the celebration activities can be likened to a "carnival," we would ask, How much interest in real Bible study could be generated among the celebrants on the streets of New Orleans at the height of their Mardi-Gras Carnival celebration? Or, how much interest in Bible study could be generated among the celebrants of the small traveling carnivals that visit the smaller towns of America? Such celebrants are not interested in true Bible study. They are there solely for noise, excitement, fun and frolic; and to have their consciences smothered in the hilarity. "The eyes sparkle, the cheek is flushed, conscience sleeps." Testimony to Ministers, 83

We have noted in this chapter that the "love, love" attitude is not true love, though multitudes embrace it, love it, and are deceived thereby. Through His prophet, God tells us that "the kindest thing [the most loving thing] that can be preached to the sinner is the truth of the binding claims of the law of God" Faith and Works, 96-97; Signs of the Times, vol. 2, 398. Could we but realize the truth of this inspired statement!

He [the great deceiver] appeals to the reason by the presentation of elevating themes; he delights the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and he enlists the affections by his eloquent portrayals of love and charity. The Great Controversy, 554

Let us beware! For Satan's purpose in enlisting the affections of unwary souls in his love-web and entangling them tightly, is not to love them, but to hold them fast until he can consume them!

The next two chapters will reveal the contrast between true and false love. And also point out the true test whereby we may test any "love" message to determine whether it is false or true.

IN a long letter to a leading Seventh-day Adventist physician of that day, the Lord's servant contrasts true and false charity (love). We will consider portions of two paragraphs from this letter, as it is found in Manuscript Release 55, 21

I must not stand allied with evil, or cover it with a mantle of false charity. Bible charity is not sentimentalism, but love in active exercise. To heal the hurt of the daughter of My people, slightly, saying, "Peace, peace; when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11), is called charity. To confederate together, to call sin holiness and truth, is called charity; but it is the counterfeit article. The false and the spurious are in the world, and we should closely examine our hearts that we may know whether or not we possess the genuine charity. Genuine charity will not create distrust, and evil work. It will not. blunt the sword of the spirit so that it does no execution. Those who would cover evil under false charity, say to the sinner, "It shall be well with thee." Thank God there is a charity that will not be corrupted; there is a wisdom that cometh from above, that is (mark it) first pure, then peaceable, and without hypocrisy, and the fruits of righteousness is sown of them that make peace. This is a description of heaven-born, heaven-bred charity. Charity loves the sinner but hates the sin, and will warn him faithfully of his danger, pointing him to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Sin is not to be cloaked, but to be taken away.

The love that is of heavenly birth is a resistless power, and t it can be obtained only by a living connection with God. Would you move the hearts of men, then you must come into actual contact with the God of love. God must first take hold of you if you would take hold of others.

These two paragraphs contain much valuable information contrasting false and true love. Let us consider how the points in the following questions might relate to what is taught and practiced in Celebration churches:

1. Are sinners being informed that if they would be saved they must have their sins "taken away" from their hearts? Or are sins and evils being ignored, or covered over, as it were, with a beautiful mantle or a cloak of false "love, love"-sentimental love?

2. Are men being offered "acceptance and forgiveness" (peace, peace,) when they have not truly made their peace with God? Are they by actions and words being given a false assurance that "It shall be well with thee"?

Korah and his supporters (see Numbers 16) tried to soothe the consciences of sinners when they declared that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them." In actuality Korah was declaring that a very wicked and rebellious congregation was holy. God manifested His displeasure by destroying Korah and company before the eyes of the people.

3. Are sinners being warned of their danger if they should continue in sin? Or is the sword of the Spirit blunted so that God's justice is not being taught? Genuine love would not blunt the sword of the Spirit-either its gospel edge or its law edge-for the purpose of the sharp two-edged sword is to convict sinners of sin and point them to their Saviour, in order that they may repent and find genuine salvation from their sins.

We each need to test ourselves by the principles in this passage. The description of true love found here is very beautiful. Let us not be found guilty of teaching or living any of the errors and attitudes that constitute a sentimental love or a false charity. The love that is heaven-born is a resistless power that comes directly from God Himself and is to be reflected to others in our characters and teachings.

We must ever remember that Satan's purpose in catching souls in his "love, love" web and entangling them tightly, is not to love them, but to hold them fast until he can consume them! Let us never be found guilty of acting as Satan's agent to help him wind his cords of error about his victims.

WE have noted that cordiality, friendship, et cetera are not the test to distinguish between false and true love. Jesus explains that obedience to God's commandments is the test of love:

If ye love Me, keep My commandments. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me. John 14:15, 21, 23-24

All other, so-called love is a mere outward show of Pharisaism. Paul writes:

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:10

"Fulfill" means "to carry into effect; to bring to pass." Webster.

Therefore, according to Paul's definition, love is to carry into effect the words of God's law.

While we cannot judge hearts, God has given us a way by which we can test the messages of others:

There will not be heard from any man, "Give me Christ, but away with the commandments of God, I do not want to hear anything about them." [I do not want to hear anything about "do's" and "don'ts'].... We are in the perils of the last days, and Christ has said that false teachers shall arise in the world, and deceive many with their pernicious doctrines. Then how shall we know the true from the false?-"Ye shall know them by their fruits." Do they teach obedience to the law of God, or do they teach men to break His commandments? Review and Herald, vol. 2, 402

Remember, that we can in effect teach others that they need not obey God's commandments by simply inferring that they need not be bothered with the "do's" and "don'ts," or through merely ignoring God's precepts and paying them no heed. The test is: "Do they teach obedience to the law of God"-"humble obedience"? Or, by their use of words or by their actions, "Do they teach men to break His commandments?" See Ibid.

God has sent us this message:

What we want is purity; what we want is love. None of your love-sick sentimentalism, but we want faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Manuscript Release 900.23, 8

God wants His love to be presented so that it will not only attract sinners to Himself, but also make known His desire to change rebellious hearts into obedient hearts that will be fitted to dwell with Him in heaven. God wants to give us His love, a divine love that works through faith and obedience and purifies our souls from sin. For this reason, God sends His words to awaken us to our necessity of repentance and conversion; to our need of a heart-change. In no other way can we ever be enabled to pass the test of love!

God's messages are directed to all: the grief-stricken, guilt-laden, the lonely, those with marital problems, backsliders, to the common man and woman from the streets or in the church pews. His message is:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19

Celebration churches extend the invitation, "Come one, come all. Enjoy yourself; rejoice with us, and receive God's love, His salvation and His full forgiveness"-all without reference to the law or to repentance! But Jesus says:

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

In order to receive the gift of eternal life, we must be enabled to pass the test of love.

Ellen White agrees with Peter and Jesus. She writes very positive instructions regarding the need of repentance:

There is no salvation without repentance. Review and Herald, vol. 2, 436

The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. Christ Object Lessons, 419-420

The Lord desires His servants today to preach the old gospel doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. We want old-fashioned sermons. Evangelism, 179

Oh, what a glorious truth! God is waiting to forgive all who come unto Him with repentance. Preach it. Notebook Leaflets, 133

The only way we can "preach" the old-fashioned gospel to sinners is to present God's love together with His law, which reveals the sins of which sinners must repent. "I had not known sin" writes Paul, "but by the law" (Romans 7:7). Such sermons would be far more effective to bring salvation to the world than a multitude of sermons teaching the new popular views of the gospel without the law, liberally laced with lively tunes and catchy repetitious lyrics. What we need now is the "old gospel doctrine," and "old-fashioned sermons!" These counsels from the Lord's servant are written for all Seventh-day Adventist churches, not excluding those with the Celebration format. What we need today is a heart-change that, through the power of God's love within our hearts, we may obey His commandments.

Surely we need to love and accept all people just as they are- into our midst as seekers for truth. God does. But while we can forgive others who have transgressed against us personally, only God can actually forgive the sinner! Can man promise sinners on behalf of God that they are forgiven, as if man could justify them? Those are God's prerogatives, and we are asked to teach men that "God will accept nothing less than unreserved surrender" (The Upward Loop 197); and that "A man is made holy and acceptable with God only when his unclean heart is made clean by the grace of Christ" Review and Herald, vol. 5, 379

As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments. The Sanctified Life, 81

A mere participation in religious services and ordinances does not make a sinner a Christian. A wicked man does not become righteous merely by associating with those who fear God. A man is made holy, and acceptable with God, only when his unclean heart is made clean by the grace of Christ, through faith, and by obedience to words of truth and righteousness. A work of reformation and restoration must take place in every heart. Those i who have had great light and many privileges may perform some good works, notwithstanding their impenitence and their refusal to be saved in God's appointed way. But these good works do not cleanse the soul from corruption. Only those who accept the light of God's truth, choosing to obey him, will be cleansed from the defilement of sin. Review and Herald vol. 5, 379

Celebration churches may offer unconditional "acceptance and forgiveness," but the foregoing passages tell us that the only true acceptance and forgiveness that God offers comes through a genuine conversion and a heart-change that only God can make in surrendered hearts. There is no acceptance by way of justification until man chooses to obey God's commandments.

The above extract teaches us that though some impenitent souls may perform good or so-called loving works, until they have been saved in God's appointed way, they have not the faith that works by love and purifies their souls from corruption.

Humble obedience is the fruit of having experienced repentance and conversion, and having been cleansed and filled with God's love. Only then can true love be revealed. That love of which Jesus speaks: "If ye love Me, keep My commandments. "

THERE is yet another doctrinal issue that needs to be set forth. Celebration churches fail to present the testing truths of the third angel's message. Once again we will turn to that passage in Selected Messages, book 2, where in it was predicted that the carnival-like excesses would be brought into our camp meetings just before the close of probation. In the following lines Ellen White expresses grave concern about the misrepresentation of the third angel's message by carnival-like churches.

But last January the Lord showed me that erroneous theories and methods would be brought into our camp meetings, and that the history of the past would be repeated. I felt greatly distressed. I was instructed to say that at these demonstrations demons in the form of men are present, working with all the ingenuity that Satan can employ to make the truth disgusting to sensible people; that the enemy was trying to arrange matters so that the camp meetings, which have been the means of bringing the truth of the third angel's message before multitudes, should lose their force and influence.

The third angel's message is to be given in straight lines. It is to be kept free from every thread of the cheap, miserable inventions of men's theories, prepared by the father by lies, and disguised as was the brilliant serpent used by Satan as a medium of deceiving our first parents. Thus Satan tries to put his stamp upon the work God would have stand forth in purity. Selected Messages, book 2, 37

"Just before the close of probation," when the "history of the past" is being "repeated," Satan is working with all the deception of his devilish nature, not only to introduce carnival-like "methods" (style) of worship into our churches and camp meetings, but to "put his stamp" of error upon the third angel's message-one of our cardinal doctrines!

It is Satan's object now to get up new theories to divert the mind from the true work and genuine message for this time. Selected Messages, book 3, 410

Many Adventist members and their leaders are insisting that the controversy over Celebration churches is not doctrinal. As we mentioned earlier, they suggest that the controversy is merely over a worship style. Therefore, they say, members should be given their preference and receive more tolerance. However, in the above quotation (Selected Messages, book 2) this very style of worship is labelled by Ellen White as an "erroneous method." We would ask, Should an erroneous "style" ever be accorded preference?

Aside from the "style" controversy, we know that in the post-1844 and 1900 fanaticism the carnival-like worship did not stand alone. Their false methods were accompanied by erroneous doctrines such as the holy flesh theory, et cetera.

Speaking of our time Ellen White predicted that there would also come into our camp meetings "erroneous theories"! An "erroneous theory" on a Bible topic is an erroneous doctrine! She commented further that in this carnival-like atmosphere, the third angel's message (the most important message in Adventism today) could be further encumbered by "cheap, miserable inventions of men's theories, prepared by the father of lies, and disguised as was the brilliant serpent used by Satan" when he deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden.

(Please note once again, that while we speak of the Celebration excesses as "a carnival," it was Ellen White herself who attached that name to a similar fanatical movement in her day-in fact to the very aberration which she said would be repeated in this our day! Furthermore, she also labelled this style of worship as "fanaticism.')

Let us devote a little study to the third angel's message itself. What are some of the truths contained in the third angel's message which should be given today in purity and "in straight lines" in our churches and camp meetings? Christ and His righteousness are certainly to be uplifted and magnified. The everlasting gospel of God's love is to be declared. Pages and pages could be written on the love, mercy, and righteousness of God. No pen could ever tell it all!

But here we will discuss that portion of the third angel's message that is being neglected, not only by Celebration churches, but also by many other Adventists as well-the law of God is left out of the light shining from the cross! Some points which we have brought out in earlier chapters, we now present in the light of the third angel's message.

The glorious truth of God's love, acceptance, and forgiveness, do not constitute the entire everlasting gospel. There is more, much more to the message of the third angel, and the people need to hear it all!

It will be well for the third angel's message to be proclaimed in all its parts, for the people need every jot and tittle of it. The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 367

If we proclaim the third angel's message "in all its parts," we will not be tempted to present a sentimental love, for Our duty to obey this law is to be the burden of this last message of mercy to the world. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1104

We realize that persons who erroneously equate obedience with legalism may wish to pejoratively label us as legalists for the reason that we quote such passages as these. We are merely stressing the same kind of obedience that Jesus and all the prophets accorded the holy law of God, and which Inspiration clearly states is "to be the burden of the last message of God's mercy." It is in mercy that God would have men informed that it is their duty to obey. He wants to save men from the penalty of disobedience. Therefore, The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude. Selected Messages, book 2, 106

Obedience is not only the test of love, it is a condition of entrance into heaven:

The gospel that is to be preached to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples presents the truth in clear lines, showing that obedience is the condition of gaining eternal life. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Connnentary, vol. 7, 972

Do we hear the carnival-type churches clearly stressing obedience to the Father's law as a condition of salvation?

If we would have the spirit and power of the third angel's message, we must present the law and gospel together, for they go hand in hand. Review and Herald, vol. 2, 330.

The third angel's message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 217

We must present Him [Christ] in His true position coming to die [on the cross] to magnify the law of God and make it honorable.... The soul-saving message, the third angel's message, is the message to be given to the world. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are both important, immensely important, and must be given with equal force and power. Ibid., 430

In proclaiming the third angel's message the law and the gospel are not only to be presented together, but are to "be given with equal force and power." Elder Henry Baasch illustrated the balance thus: "If the bass drum [in an orchestra] drowns out the melody, the music is robbed of its beauty."

The gospel and the law as given in the third angel's message are both radiant with the love and mercy of Christ. The warning against the beast and his image of Revelation 14, even though it contains the most "fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals" (see The Great Controversy, 449), is a message of love from God, given in mercy to the nations. If we could but realize this great truth we would not be so reticent to proclaim it to all the world.

A question arises, Do we love the people of the world enough to deliver to them God's last warning message of mercy just as God has written it in Revelation 14? Or have we convinced ourselves that we "love" people far too much to deliver such a "fearful threatening" message to them?

The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin, which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them.... It will command the attention of the world.

In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes-those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. The Great Controversy, 449-450

All who worship the beast and his image must be punished. Many Christians have come to regard our heavenly Father as some kind of indulgent parent who lightly regards sin. "They fail to realize that even in the necessity to punish sinners, and the carrying out of the "fearful threatenings" against sin and sinners, God's glory is manifested. Note:

It is the glory of God to be merciful, full of forbearance, kindness, goodness, and truth. But the justice shown in punishing the sinner [for his iniquity] is as verily the glory of the Lord as is the manifestation of his mercy. Review and Herald vol. 5, 23

We can be thankful that God's love is not as that of an indulgent parent. For the sake of an illustration let us assume that a parent convinces himself that he loves his son so much that he allows him to have his own way at all times, and fails to discipline him. Ignoring the laws of health, he gives him anything and everything to eat that he may desire. Therefore, the child grows up sickly and dissipated and with such an obnoxious personality and character that he goes through life a miserable, egocentric, selfish individual. He makes everyone about him miserable, and finally ends up in prison, where he eventually takes his own life.

Did the parent demonstrate true love? Is it not the parent who was responsible for his son's ugly life and premature death? Did not the indulgent parent mistake his own selfishness for love as he failed to apply the law when needed, or to warn the child of the terrible consequences of his disobedience and self-indulgences? God does not force us to obey. We are free to choose, but He does warn us of the consequences of disobedience.

Do not we, who understand the third angel's message, have a similar responsibility toward the people of the world as does a parent to his child? One who fails to warn people of sin and its consequences, may now be regarded as most loving and patient, like Eli was with his sons. But in the end it will be seen that it is they who faithfully deliver the warning, "the most threatening message ever addressed to mortals," who truly love their neighbors. Those who refuse to sound this warning against sin and disobedience will, at last, be recognized as having been the most unloving-the cruelest of the cruel!

How can we give glory to God if we selfishly hold our peace and fail to give this warning message to others, while we entertain them with catchy tunes, noise, and empty sermons? The offering of cordial friendship, love, acceptance and forgiveness is just not enough!

How solemn the thought, in these final hours of earth's history, "those only" will be sealed (see Ezekiel 9) who today, rather than celebrating, are sighing and crying for their own sins and for the abominations and evils committed in the land-and more especially for those sins committed in God's church. See Testimonies, vol. 5, 210.

The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land.... Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Ibid., 212

God does not want us to forget that the test of the third angel's message will be the Sabbath versus Sunday issue. Sabbathkeeping or Sundaykeeping will be the mark of distinction between the true people of God and the wicked world.

Though various "voices," through their erroneous theories and methods, may rob the third angel's message of its purity and its power, when God places the latter rain upon His sealed, true and faithful servants, though few in number, they will obey His commands and give the loud cry to the world with a powerful loud voice. False love will be exposed in that day for what it really is!

Even though it may result in severe persecution to themselves, the saints will fearlessly yet lovingly and clearly, expose the sins of Babylon, and call the honest in heart to come out of her that they may escape God's plagues, and judgments. Most Adventists would not hesitate to go into a burning building and awaken the sleeping occupants, and warn them of their danger, yet so many hesitate to sound a warning that will have eternal consequences!

God's last message of mercy to a doomed world will finally be given. Through the outpouring of His Spirit in latter rain power, the whole earth will be lightened with His glory His love, His truth, and His justice. This requires the truth of God's law of love and His great mercy to be made so clear that all the nations of the world will be able to make an intelligent decision either for truth or for error.

The unfaithful in the churches will also make a "loud cry." But theirs will be a loud wail of protest and anger against those who are giving the true loud cry message. As "former brethren" they will join in the persecution (see The Great Controversy, 608) of the "little company standing in the light" (see Testimonies, vol. 5, 209). But alas, these unfaithful, in their ecumenical zeal, will continue their union and admiration for the fallen churches, until finally, Jesus will sadly say to them, "Depart from Me; ye that work iniquity." Then will be fulfilled the passage John wrote in Revelation 3:9:

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Commenting on this verse Ellen White writes:

God showed me that this class were professed Adventists, who had fallen away, and "crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." And in the "hour of temptation," which is yet to come, to show out everyone's true character, they will know that they are forever lost, and overwhelmed with anguish of spirit, they will bow at the saints' feet. Ellen G. White: The Early Years, 125

Unfaithful Seventh-day Adventists will finally realize that they are lost! And though they may then confess that they have been worshiping in the wrong synagogue- the synagogue of Satan- it will be too late! Too late they will realize that their earlier claim to be Adventists was a lie! In sheer desperation they cast themselves at the feet of the saints.

Let us awaken today while probation lingers and there is yet time to repent. And if we find ourselves worshiping in the synagogue of Satan, step out now and return to the full light of the third angel's message.

Soon will come the time spoken of by the Lord's servant when men in humble positions in society will proclaim the third angel's message in all its parts with a loud cry and with power and great glory! See Review and Herald, vol. 3, 275

Many such will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the Word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power. Multitudes will receive the faith and join the armies of the Lord. Evangelism, 700

FOR the reason that it has been foretold, we can anticipate that in the end-time, just before Jesus comes, two parties will have developed and will grow into maturity within the Seventh-day Adventist church:

A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God's people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.

The work will grow deeper and become more earnest to the very close of time. And all who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with its glory. Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God. The only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages. The truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in these days of error. Selected Messages, book 2, 114

Other passages from the Spirit of Prophecy indicate that the two Parties will become more and more distinct as they mature. Church members will either positively develop Christlike characters, or just as positively retrograde into identifiable tares.

One of the catalysts that may accelerate the delineation of the two parties is the Celebration agitation. In support of this concept the following written by Brother Bob Trefz seems to us to be very pertinent.

A crucial dividing point within Seventh-day Adventism exists between those who are eagerly accepting the Celebration movement and those who are stoutly resisting it. That point of division is a fundamental teaching of Jesus Christ: Self-denial.

Those who have rejected the principle of the denial and crucifixion of self in the Christian life, and have accustomed themselves, however subtly, to self-indulgence, find their souls responding to the worldly dimension of the Celebration movement with eager approval.

Those who have accepted Christ's principle of self-denial and crucifixion of self, are aghast at the developments taking place around them in the Celebration movement.

The world is awash in self-indulgence. The culture that surrounds us is completely saturated by it. Those who have imbibed or accepted this principle of self-indulgence find themselves excited with the prospect of a Celebration religion and service that no longer rebukes worldliness and self-indulgence, but which endorses it and incorporates it as a foundational element in the service of God. Freedom's Ring, vo1.1, No. 3.

To which party will we belong? Would to God that we will all be found in that party that "will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints" Selected Messages, book 2, 114

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