Apostasy in the Church

A review of the messages we have sent out to the church over the years will reveal the call for repentance. The Laodidean message has been given for many years. Jesus has been lifted up and made the great center of our work. In order to do any good thing we need to be in a converted state. The Laodicean is not in a converted state, and worse is the fact that he is blind to his condition. Not all sinners are in this condition. When Saul of Tarsus shared his conversion experience in Romans seven, we see that he was no longer a Laodicean for he saw his inability to do any good thing. He said he was a captive to the law of sin and death. He was miserable and wretched prior to his meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, but he was not blind to his condition as are Laodiceans today.

How is it that the church can remain in a Laodicean condition for so many long years? In 1888 the church had been preaching the law, the law, the law until she was as dry as the hills of Gilboa. When the gospel message was then poured out upon the church, the Latter Rain had begun to fall and church leadership rejected the message. Blind indeed, and has remained so ever since. Not all are in this lost condition, some see that their sins separate them from God. Some flee to Jesus and are converted. Others continue to seek to overcome sin, but fail since they do not know how to come to the point of giving the whole heart to Christ. Why? Because the gospel message has been perverted. Few believe that one known sin reveals a separation between Christ and the sinner.

Blind pastors baptize many who have never died to self. So very many are buried alive without ever giving evidence of conversion. "Will not those who profess to be Christians walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness showing by their life and character that they realize the value of the atoning sacrifice of Christ our Saviour? The truth is not to be rendered lusterless by a manifestation of our own unsanctified, selfish spirit. The truth must shine forth in the life; then Christ is glorified. Emptied of self we must be, else we cannot show that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. The Lord would have self hidden, for when it appears, souls are misled. The preciousness and importance of truth must appear, and will appear, when self is hid with Christ in God; then Jesus will be revealed in our lives. Our characters will be molded after the divine similitude. Then the Holy Spirit will control the human agent. Men will possess the attributes of Christ. The minds of many are clouded with unbelief because those who unite with the church as the chosen of God do not reveal the virtues that are the fruits of the Spirit. Joining the church is not a sure evidence that a man has joined himself to Christ. The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ."

How is one converted from sinner to saint? He beholds the loveliness of Jesus and grace transforms the character. Self dies and a new creature comes forth. He may keep the wrong day, eat the wrong food because he does not know any better, but the heart is clean and the motives are pure and holy because Jesus has possession of the heart. By beholding His glory we are changed continually into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).

We nor you have time at the moment to repeat over and over the gospel message, but we can say that it needs to be more widely proclaimed in the church before it can be successfully taken to the world by a people who live it. We now give a couple examples of apostasy in the church that has been neglected for a long time. There is no need to discuss the rebellion by conferences, that is understood. It it the gross apostasy that many knowis apostasy, but is allowed to continue that we point out. We published two messages recently that ought to cause God's church to weep between the porch and the altar.

This on April 23.

Exclusive West Coast "Religion" Leaders Celebrate

We are hard pressed to know where to post this story. We could put it in the Spectrum topic just begun, or here in a private SDA forum. We think it best here since it is better to keep the dirty laundry out of public view.

There was a special meeting of West Coast Adventist Educators a few weeks ago at Pacific Union College. There were 35 religious faculty members involved. It appears they had an agenda that brought them together for this private meeting. They agreed that it would be alright to provide their media outlet, Spectrum, with a brief (very brief) report which was published today.

It was thought according to Nancy Lecourt the Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Administration at Pacific Union College, that a private meeting would encourage candor. She said it was a success. What did they need privacy for? Well.....what did they discuss Sabbath afternoon before enjoying the view of Napa Valley from the president's house?

If you have a son or daughter at one of our West Coast schools, you may be interested in the subject they apparently celebrated that afternoon. After reading what has already been posted in the various topics in our private SDA forum here, you probably don't need more information on these West Coast schools. (We are not private to keep them from knowing what we believe, but to keep the world from knowing what they believe.)

They "reflected" on the 30th anniversary of Desmond Ford’s Forum presentation at PUC. If you want to know a little more about Desmond Ford, talk to an Australian, best to one who teaches at Avondale. We also have published a video where you can actually listen to Des, as they call him, and hear what he believed up until his recent death.

The investigative judgment is an important theological truth that we present in the three angels' message. It has been greatly perverted by many teachers of so called "higher" education, most especially those who teach at "Adventist" institutions on the West Coast. One of the topics presented at the religious teachers meeting was, you guessed right, the investigative judgment. More than that, though, it was the 40th anniversary of Ford’s Investigative Judgement presentation at PUC. Sounds to me like there was a good reason to keep the meeting exclusive since it appears to have been a celebration of the apostate teachings of Desmond Ford.

What is the purpose of this topic being published here today? It is a warning to any who think these West Coast schools are safe for our young men and women. They are not. There may be some good teachers at some of them, but a few good teachers does not protect our children from the apostate teachers and their perverted theological teachings. Andrews was also represented (trusted to be there ).

Nothing more need be said. A child can understand this is apostasy on two accounts. Celebrating the teaching of one whose credentials were removed is apostate behavior when done by laity, but by the leaders of our education system in the NAD? And, what was the theological point being celebrated? It was the false teaching of Desmond Ford on the Investigative Judgment. Yes, the exclusive meeting allowed for candor by those entrusted with the education of our young men and women.

Are my words too strong? Then listen to the Apostle Paul comment on such behavior: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8,9.

Who in the church dare publish such things? Spectrum Magazine did. Can we really continue to bear with the apostasy seen for so many years? They publish on a regular basis the work of apostate pastors. The support of those in rebellion is the burden this online ministry has revealed. If not the teaching of evolution in our schools, or the teachings of Desmond Ford and others like him, we find such things as the call for the removal of the position of General Conference President. We published this message on April 21, 2019.

Media Influence to "Eliminate the GC"

We have kept most of the difficulties in the church in our private "SDA" Forums. We made an exception with the publishing of the rebellion by conferences ordaining women pastors in direct opposition to the vote of three General Conference Sessions. The world has been made aware of the situation and we felt that the world needed to know we as a people do not follow the ways of the world in making women leaders over men.

Today, we are posting a link to an apostate internet magazine which continues to give influence to their apostasy. They have published an article calling for the removal of the GC president and Vice President. The author of the article would if possible want the General Conference removed completely giving control to local churches. Why this attitude? Because they do not appreciate Bible and Spirit of Prophecy truth. Source

The apostate magazine is suggesting that we "eliminate the current GC President" at the next General Conference Session. Following this they believe we need to "eliminate the Divisions and Unions." What will this accomplish? The author believes that the rebellion in the church is going to result in "a split of the Adventist Church."

The author is correct in seeing that a separation is happening before our very eyes. Jesus said this would happen. The church will see revival and reformation. There is a "shaking" taking place. He is apparently rejecting the Laodicean message and the Spirit of Prophecy. He thinks along with the apostate magazine that false gospels are not only acceptable, but ought to be encouraged. Let the church be a "big tent" where like the Roman Church, all are not only welcomed, but encouraged to preach and publish whatever they think good. This not new, Israel often followed the practice wherein "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Judges 17:6.

The structure that God's church has is very good. It allows for the people to have the power to elect its leaders. It is a representative government. Why do we have so many unconsecrated leaders? Because we have so many unconsecrated churches. The church remains in a Laodicean condition. When the churches are converted, then we shall have consecrated leaders at the local conferences. They will elect consecrated leaders in the unions and divisions. Those leaders who are consecrated in the church now, are a blessing from God. This apostate magazine has no spiritual discernment to recognize the blessings nor the curses which are in the church.

It is a fearful thing to have great light and blessing, to have many opportunities and privileges, and yet make no saving use of them. Those who do not make a saving use of their opportunities, will be condemned by the privileges God has granted to them; but those who walk in the light will have increased light. Those who have had the light of truth, and yet have failed to walk in the light, are under the same sentence of condemnation as were Chorazin and Bethsaida. Shall not these warnings be heeded? Shall not these admonitions have weight with us? In the near future it will be seen just who have been walking humbly with God, and who have been obeying his orders. Those who have been walking in the sparks of their own kindling will lie down in sorrow. It will be seen that they have made a terrible mistake. O let us awake! light is now shining; let the windows of the mind and heart be open to welcome the heaven-sent rays. Shall Jesus say of those who profess to obey the truth, and yet who fail to walk in its light, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them”? [Matthew 13:14, 15.] CE 140.

Jesus is coming soon. He has not come because His work of preparing a people who can stand without a Mediator has not been completed. Why not? Because we have not done our part. Who teaches that anyone can stand without a Mediator? I recall a favorite pastor publishing this which was on the cover of one of books: "Away with the idea that man will ever be without a Mediator." Yes, an ordained Seventh-day Adventist pastor well liked dared put this out front for all to see. Worse yet, he continued preaching from our pulpits and prninting such false things in books and articles. Silence can be golden, but not in the face of such apostasy.

Christ gives us an illustration of the power of grace to transform sinners into saints. When He entered the upper room the night before His crucifixion, none of the disciples were in a converted state. Self was alive and vying for the highest place. When they left that room later that night, all were in a converted state except for Judas. How is one converted?

How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them?
The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. "After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light.
So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant's part.
Before the Passover Judas had met a second time with the priests and scribes, and had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into their hands. Yet he afterward mingled with the disciples as though innocent of any wrong, and interested in the work of preparing for the feast. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, How can I give thee up? The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour's hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance; and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, again controlled him. Judas was now offended at Christ's act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel's king. All hope of worldly honor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself, as he thought, he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him, and confess himself deceived. He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord.
Judas, in choosing his position at table, had tried to place himself first, and Christ as a servant served him first. John, toward whom Judas had felt so much bitterness, was left till the last. But John did not take this as a rebuke or slight. As the disciples watched Christ's action, they were greatly moved. When Peter's turn came, he exclaimed with astonishment, "Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?" Christ's condescension broke his heart. He was filled with shame to think that one of the disciples was not performing this service. "What I do," Christ said, "thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Peter could not bear to see his Lord, whom he believed to be the Son of God, acting the part of a servant. His whole soul rose up against this humiliation. He did not realize that for this Christ came into the world. With great emphasis he exclaimed, "Thou shalt never wash my feet."
Solemnly Christ said to Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me." The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher cleansing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification. The truest humility is to receive with thankful heart any provision made in our behalf, and with earnestness do service for Christ.
At the words, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me," Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the thought of separation from Christ; that would have been death to him. "Not my feet only," he said, "but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit."
These words mean more than bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower. He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon became dusty, and again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Christ acknowledged them as His. But temptation had led them into evil, and they still needed His cleansing grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had, not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their hearts must be cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, "Ye are clean." Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts they could receive Christ's words.
Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace.