The Remnant Online Newsletter
September 2012
The Shaking Has Begun
Part 3, Eyesalve
by Richard Myers
There is in God's church today, spiritual blindness. Is there a cure? Nothing can heal such wretchedness if the patient does not recognize he is blind. Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." Matthew 9:12. When we believe we are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, Jesus cannot help us. When we see we are blind, then Jesus can heal us. Great deceptions are upon God's professed people. The message to the Laodiceans is to us. Jesus tells us to "repent." Repent of what? Of our sins.
Jesus speaks to us today:
Revelation
3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
3:18 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 eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
3:20 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.
3:21 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.
3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Notice that Jesus tells us that the Spirit has given this message. Do you hear it today? Or are we deaf as well as blind? We have studied the solution to our problem of being deceived. In Parts One and Two of this series, we looked at "gold tried in the fire" and "white raiment." [1] Today we shall discover what it means to buy "eyesalve" that we might see.
In the Spirit of Prophecy, we read "The gold of faith and love, the white raiment of a spotless character, and the eyesalve, or the power of clear discernment between good and evil--all these we must obtain before we can hope to enter the kingdom of God. But these precious treasures will not drop upon us without some exertion on our part. We must buy--we must "be zealous and repent" of our lukewarm state. We must be awake to see our wrongs, to search for our sins, and to put them away from us. [2]
In another statement we read "I will instruct the ignorant and anoint with heavenly eyesalve the eyes of many who are now in spiritual darkness. I will raise up agents who will carry out My will to prepare a people to stand before Me in the time of the end." [3] And, another that our eyes might be opened to understanding. "The Avondale school was established, not to be like the schools of the world, but, as God revealed, to be a pattern school. And since it was to be a pattern school, those in charge of it should have perfected everything after God's plan, discarding all that was not in harmony with His will. Had their eyes been anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, they would have realized that they could not permit the exhibition that took place that afternoon, without dishonoring God." [4] There had been games including tennis and cricket being played. God was dishonored as He is today at many of our schools.
We have now connected the "eyesalve" with the Holy Spirit, the third person of the godhead. Many pray for the Spirit. Many speak of the Spirit. Many believe they are following the Spirit, but many are deceived. Those who set up tennis courts at our schools are not walking in the light of God's counsel. How do you react to this? The Holy Spirit is here impressing you with the truth of how wrong it is. How do you react? Do you really want the "eyesalve"? Which spirit are you listening to? The Holy Spirit speaks in harmony with His Word. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." 1 John 4:1. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.
We have one of our schools of "higher education" teaching evolution as fact. [5] Is this of God? It is not. Then which spirit is leading the leaders responsible for that school? The same leaders are responsible for the tennis courts at the school. [6] These are the same leaders that have rebelled against God and His church and have voted to place women as leaders of men. [7] They are telling us that the Spirit is in their midst. [8] How can that be when they are in rebellion against the Word of God, His Testimonies, and His church? It cannot be God's Spirit they are following.
This rebellion against the truth and the church is the worst thing ever to happen to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." 1 Samuel 15:23. Settled rebellion is incurable. It first originated in heaven with the angel next highest in order to Jesus Christ. This exalted angel had sympathizers who joined him in his rebellion. He, Satan, the great rebel, was turned out of heaven, and all his rebel sympathizers shared his fate. Since then it has been his special work to excite to rebellion all he can gain control over.
Said the angel, “Rebellion will occur up to the time of the closing of the work of the third angel’s message. Marvel not, neither be discouraged. He who conquered the leader in rebellion stands at the head of this great work. Although Satan may exult and seem for a time to triumph, the first great Conqueror has His eyes upon him, and he can go no farther than He permits. He is permitted to have power for a time to reveal the true-hearted, to prove the faithful, to develop the spurious and separate them from the pure in heart. Rebels will be purged out from among the loyal and true in due time, for the truth has gathered of every kind.” [9]
We were forewarned of the rebellion. We were also told, "The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out--the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. . . . The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy." [10] This rebellion may very well trigger that event.
Today, there is hope on the horizon. The Trans-European Division has reversed direction and its president, Pastor Wiklander, has told their conferences to not ordain women, but to wait for the General Conference to complete their study on the subject of ordination. [11] The North American Division president, Daniel Jackson, has not done the same and now we see a full blown rebellion in three of the NAD unions: the Mid America Union, the Columbia Union, and the Pacific Union. [12] In all of their meetings leading up to the rebellion, there have been strong statements that the Spirit is present. Thus our need to understand what "eyesalve" really is. The deceptions run deep and are leading many to perdition.
The Laodicean Message will do its work of bringing revival and reformation to the church. It is a promise. "I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel." [13] There will be a shaking in God's church. It will be brought about by the straight testimony of the True Witness. This is the message we read in the third chapter of Revelation to the Laodiceans. The shaking will come when those opposed to the truth rise up against it. This is what we are seeing today. The General Conference in two sessions said "no" to women's ordination, and that has brought forth a rebellion. As the unfaithful rise up against the truth, we see the shaking growing more intense. "The Lord is soon to come. There must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men who do not love the truth or honor God." [14] These great trials that come to the faithful will make them stronger, purer, as gold tried in the fire. Then it will be seen who is on God's side.
"When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few--this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason." [15] As the shaking builds, we can trust in what we are reading here from the inspired testimonies. As painful as it is, there will be good that comes out of it. Revival will come as a result. Many will turn from the arm of flesh to the Word of God and seek the "eyesalve," the anointing of the Holy Spirit that they may see. Our only hope is to be able to see the "loveliness of Jesus." As we behold His great love for us while we were yet sinners, our hearts are melted and our characters transformed into His likeness. We are filled with His Spirit and manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit, not one is missing. [16]
What shall we say then? Praise God that we understand there is purpose in our trials. God will be glorified. If we take a look back at the manner in which God worked to prepare a people to receive Jesus at His first coming, we shall better understand what God is doing today to prepare a people for Jesus at His second coming. John the baptist was a representative of those who live today, those who God is calling to prepare a people for the soon coming of Jesus.
God had called the son of Zacharias to a great work, the greatest ever committed to men. In order to accomplish this work, he must have the Lord to work with him. And the Spirit of God would be with him if he heeded the instruction of the angel.
John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness.
In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven....
As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. [17]
How many today value the light given on health reform? The number is growing, even though many neglect it. We are especially blessed to see that God has placed at the head the World Church a man who is uplifting this message and has it centered in Christ. It is evidence that the Spirit of God is working in His church. While the truth is being presented, we can surely see that it is causing resistance, a shaking. Many do not yet see how great this shaking will be. The pain and suffering to come will be great. But, God has not only warned us, He has encouraged us that it is for our good.
Let us lift up our heads and be thankful that Jesus is in absolute control of matters in His church and upon this Earth. We are in troublous times, but "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28. Let us press together and reveal that love that Christ has put within our hearts for those who despitefully use us. This is the evidence that we have bought of Him eyesalve and are indeed born of His Spirit. Come Lord Jesus!
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[1] The Shaking Has Begun, Part 1, Gold Tried in the Fire; Part 2, White Raiment; Remnant-Online Newsletter; June 2012, July 2012; Richard Myers
[2] Our High Calling; pg 351 : Ellen G White.
[3] Counsels and Health; pg 227: Ellen G White.
[4] Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students; pg 349: Ellen G White.
[5] Creating Controversy; Inside Higher Ed; September 1, 2009. Gary Bradley, biology professor in the Department of Biology at La Sierra University, teaches evolution as fact to his class.
[6] La Sierra University web site; Tennis program: http://www.globaltennisnetwork.com/tennis-courts/courts/tennis-court-page/court/15660-la-sierra-university
[7] The Pacific Union Executive Committee led by Ricardo Graham encouraged the union constituency to vote to ordain women pastors contrary to their bylaws and the World Church. http://pauc.adventistfaith.org/news_entries/6778 On September 5, 2012 PUC president, Ricardo Graham declared, "This will be a historic vote" as he led the union in opposition to the World Church, Scripture, and the PUC bylaws and approved the ordination of 14 women.
[8] Daniel Jackson leading the rebellion in the NAD in this letter dated January 31, 2012, tells the NAD that they voted an illegal action when they voted to make women conference presidents. He goes on to say that when doing so, they were being led by the Holy Spirit: "We Need to Continue to Listen For God’s Voice. Firstly, it was apparent to the majority present at our Year-end Meetings in 2010 and 2011 that the discussions of the E-60 Policy were undertaken in a serious and spiritual manner. We faithfully and intentionally asked God for His guidance. We earnestly and fervently appealed for the presence of the Holy Spirit and believed and saw evidence that He was there with us. During our discussions we clarified the thinking and beliefs of the members of the Church in the North American Division on the role of women in ministry and leadership. The unity we experienced during those discussions was a blessing to all. Now, in the midst of our present situation, some may be tempted to question if we truly were following God’s lead in the discussions on this matter. However, God has not deserted us nor left us in confusion." http://www.adventistchurchconnect.com/site/1/docs/E-60_Update_Letter_Dan_Jackson.pdf
-The Mid America Union was certain that the Holy Spirit was leading them in their rebellion: "Union leaders are asking pastors and members across Mid-America to make this subject a matter of prayer so that the Holy Spirit, whose presence was deeply experienced by the MAUC Executive Committee, will continue to advance God’s kingdom in our territory." http://outlookmag.org/ordination-of-women-as-pastors-in-the-mid-america-union/
-Columbia Union President Dave Weigley is asking church members unionwide to set aside Sabbath, July 28, as a day of prayer. Weigley says, “The officers and I have been praying throughout this process, and before we convene this special meeting, we want to solicit the prayers of our unionwide family. Please pray with us for God's Spirit to guide, His will to prevail, and that we as His people will heed His voice." http://www.columbiaunion.org/article/1082/news/2012-news-archives/july-23-2012-columbia-union-leaders-call-for-day-of-prayer
[9] Christ Triumphant; pg 115: Ellen G White.
[10] Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary; Volume 7, pg 911: Ellen G White
[11] On August 25, 2012, at the Trans-European Pastors Conference, TED president, Bertil Wiklander, presented the following statement on Women's Ordination to the Pastoral Ministry: "The Trans-European Division is a division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It means that TED follows General Conference policy, except in cases where we request and are given permission to apply a variance to the common world-church policy. The 11 unions within the TED are all members of the General Conference (and the TED) and in their constitutions and bylaws they state that their faith, church order, and working policies shall be in harmony with the GC/TED........These regulations in our church law explain the position taken by the TED Executive Committee on women’s ordination to the pastoral ministry......I want to say to you that I have never made a secret of my own personal conviction. I accept women’s ordination as being biblical and appropriate. But I am also very concerned that we manage this important matter in harmony and cooperation with the world church." http://www.ted-adventist.org/news/statement-on-womens-ordination-to-the-pastoral-ministry
[12] Rebellion in the North American Division
-On October 31, 2011, under the leadership of Daniel Jackson, the NAD voted to allow women to be conference presidents in direct opposition to the General Conference Constitution and the GC denial of their request for a variance. According to the General Conference’s Office of General Counsel, the vote numbered 162 in favor of rebellion and 61 against. http://news.adventist.org/en/archive/articles/2011/11/01/north-american-adventists-reaffirm-commissioned-ministers-as-conference-mis
-On January 21, 2012, North American Division president, Dan Jackson wrote the NAD Executive Committee explaining that their action to make women conference presidents was illegal. The NAD president then wrote "The North American Division and its Unions and Conferences (as local circumstances permit) must become more intentional in the development of pathways to ministry for female pastors. We must also develop intentional methods of mentoring women who can take on executive leadership positions within our conferences." http://www.adventistchurchconnect.com/site/1/docs/E-60_Update_Letter_Dan_Jackson.pdf
-On Thursday, March 8, 2012, the Mid-America Union Executive Committee voted “to support the ordination of women in the Mid-America Union.” Thomas L. Lemon, president of the union stated "We are not aware of any candidates, but at some point, one of our six local conferences may vote to recommend a woman for ordination." "As we do with all such requests, the union committee will then prayerfully evaluate the candidate on her own merits while making its decision." http://outlookmag.org/ordination-of-women-as-pastors-in-the-mid-america-union/
-On March 22, 2012, the Executive Committee of the Southeastern California Conference voted “to remove the term ‘Ordained-Commissioned’ and replace it with the term ‘Ordained’ on all ministerial credentials, regardless of the gender of the credential holder.” http://secc.adventistfaith.org/news_entries/14788
-On March 27, the Potomac Conference, "according to Dan Jensen, assistant to the Potomac Conference president for communication, it was voted unanimously 'to request the Potomac Conference Standing Articles & Bylaws committee to begin a review process of its bylaws that would enable us to ordain women.'” http://spectrummagazine.org/blog/2012/03/27/potomac-conference-moves-ahead-intention-ordain-women
-On June 29, 2012, the General Conference issued an "Appeal for Unity" statement: "The actions of certain unions indicate their desire to establish an alternative source of authority for a matter that already carries the authority of the world Church.....For any union to introduce a different ministerial ordination practice is seen, by the rest of the Church, as readiness to set aside a world Church decision and proceed in another direction." http://www.adventistreview.org/article/5488/archives/issue-2012-1518/18-cn-an-appeal-for-unity
-On July 29, 2012 "The Columbia Union Conference Special Constituency Meeting today voted an historic motion—'That the Columbia Union Conference authorize ordination to the gospel ministry without regard to gender.' According to a statement released by the union it means that the union executive committee will no longer deny requests from conferences to ordain proven female ministers to the gospel ministry but that their calling will be fully recognized on par with their male counterparts."
http://www.columbiaunion.org/article/1093/news/2012-news-archives/july-29-2012-columbia-union-constituents-overwhelmingly-affirm-women-pastors-through-ordination#.UB_fIKPy3u0
-On August 19, 2012 "Delegates to a special session of the Pacific Union Conference voted 79% to 21% to 'approve ordinations to the gospel ministry without regard to gender.'” http://pauc.adventistfaith.org/news_entries/6778
-On August 19, 2012, the General Conference leadership published a response regarding the rebellion: "Further, the action is contrary to General Conference Working Policy and sets aside the 1990 and 1995 decisions of the General Conference in Session respecting the practice of ordination. The action taken by the Pacific Union Conference represents a serious threat to the unity of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, and thus, at its next meeting in October 2012, as indicated in another recent public statement by General Conference officers and division presidents, the General Conference Executive Committee will carefully review the situation and determine how to respond. In the spirit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the officers of the General Conference appeal to all entities, organizations, and individuals, including the Pacific Union Conference, to refrain from independent and unilateral decisions and from implementing any such actions." http://www.adventistreview.org/article/5625/archives/issue-2012-1523/a-response-to-the-pacific-union-conference-constituency-vote
-On September 5, 2012, the Pacific Union Executive Committee approved the ordination of 14 women, ten from the South Eastern California Conference and four from the Northern California Conference.
[13] Testimonies for the Church, Vol 1; pg 186: Ellen G White.
[14] Review and Herald; March 19, 1895: Ellen G White.
[15] Testimonies for the Church, Vol 5; pg 136: Ellen G White.
[16] The Desire of Ages; pg 676: Ellen G White.
[17] The Desire of Ages; pg 101: Ellen G White.
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