1988 May-June Vol. 4 Num. 3
Fourth National 1888 Message Conference To Meet August 2 to 6 At Broadview Academy, La Fox, Illinois
Four National Conferences Confirm Growing Interest As we anticipate the Fourth National 1888 Message Conference August 2 to 6 (see p. 8), we consider the way the Lord has led us since that first conference at Mohaven. It all began with a telephone conversation about bringing together a few people to study and pray for unity as early Adventists did in their Sabbath Conferences. Without any means of publicizing the idea, the original Committee of Five were excited as they saw 120 people gather at Mohaven, Ohio’s youth camp, back in April, 1985, for four days of sermons and prayer groups and fellowship. Many who attended witnessed to the moving of the Spirit. When it was over, the Committee—all retired conference workers—though still not assured that they were seeing a revival of the 1888 message, decided it might be well to send out a newsletter which would encourage those who had enjoyed the blessing at Mohaven to continue to study and to share the "most precious message.” The 1888 Message Newsletter file shows an interesting development from the era of cut- and-paste to Macintosh Plus. It's mailing list shows steady growth as every day's mail brings requests to be added from those who have discovered it through friends or at a seminar. As the first issues of the bi-monthly went out they brought varied responses— questions, requests for literature, gifts, and appeals for another conference. Since it has been a settled policy of the Committee to hold meetings only in Adventist facilities, the question of where to find larger accommodations was perplexing until Andrews University provided graciously for the growing attendance at the Second and Third National 1888 Conferences. Each year we wonder whether there will be another conference, but as we go to press, we are well along with plans for the Fourth National 1888 Message Conference, to be held at Broadview Academy. Last year the first regional conferences were held on the east and west coasts along with more weekend seminars than we can count. There was a memorable New Year's at Camp Winnekeag, where 250 mostly young people gathered for a joyous spiritual feast. There have been seminars in Japan and Uganda, England, Germany, France, and Holland. With the exploding interest of Centennial year in our 1888 history, Committee members are hard pressed to keep up with appeals for speakers for regional conferences and seminars in North America and overseas. Lay members of the Committee are discovering that they too can fill requests for speakers. Two sets of Bible studies—the Glad Tidings set for both Adventists and non-Adventists and 1888: the Good News for Laodicea—provide tools which pastors and laymen are using in prayer meetings and home study groups to share the true gospel with thousands of hungry people. It has become apparent to even the most conservative among us that the Holy Spirit is graciously offering His people another chance to accept the message first given one hundred years ago to prepare a people for the coming of Jesus. We are grateful to be given a humble part in spreading the message which God's messenger described as the "beginning" of the loud cry and the latter rain. The demonstrations of joyous discovery of the gospel, of changed lives and reaffirmed loyalty to God’s remnant church encourage us to believe that we are seeing a ground swell of revival which is soon to sweep through our beloved church.
Review Publishes New 1888 History By Dr. Arnold Wallenkampf
What Every Adventist Should Know about 1888 by Arnold V. Wallenkampf (Review and Herald, 1988) is a milestone in our denominational history ...this book thoroughly contradicts the rich — and — increased — with — goods thesis of the major works about 1888 that have been authoritatively published for the past forty years. Dr. Wallenkampf makes abundantly clear that the gracious message was resisted and rejected by "the majority of the ministers at the [1888] conference." and that the resistance continued "with the passing of the years." He says that we have been in a "state of rebellion against God." Seventh-day Adventist leaders "cruelly treated" the Holy Spirit with "hard words ... aimed at Christ Himself." Our true history is a "group think" "betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus” which staggers one’s imagination." We must learn not to follow leaders blindly.”...
Further, he notes that the repentance of the most influential of the opponents of the message "was not wholehearted and complete." "A largely imperceptible ground swell of opposition was rising against it" in the decade following Minneapolis. "By 1899 the church's righteousness had become nauseating to our Saviour."... It was largely discomfort among certain influential leaders with Ellen White and her messages that had spawned the plan that took her to Australia in 1891.... She did not believe "that the majority of Seventh- day Adventists had accepted the 1888 message as a personal experience before her death in 1915— According to Wallenkampf, we have created tragic unbelief today by "pretending" that initial rejection turned into later "enthusiastic acceptance." "If we do not forthrightly present the history of the 1888 General Conference session and its aftermath, we as a denomination perpetuate the sin committed at Minneapolis in 1888. By doing so, we join our spiritual forefathers and virtually crucify Christ anew in the person of the Holy Spirit." A General Conference leader* is speaking forthrightly at last: "It is incumbent on us as a people to confess that for a long time we have largely glossed over the virtual rejection of the 1888 message....Our present responsibility is to tell the truth about the Minneapolis conference of 1888 and its aftermath. There is no virtue in saying that all has been well when this is not so." These are his words, not ours!
*At the time of his retirement, Dr. Wallenkampf was associate director of the Biblical Research Fellowship. The above book review is part of Appendix E in the new edition of 1888 Re-examined. It is being printed as a supplement for those who have the first edition.
Lewis Walton Researches 1888 History and Distinctive Message
Atty. Lewis Walton brings to his personal testimony, the fresh, incisive approach that makes him a much-appreciated conference and camp meeting speaker.
1888. Mention the term and you get a fascinating spectrum of responses. Warm fervor. The evident pain of century-old wounds not yet healed. Sometimes, a blank stare. For me, it evokes deja vu—a sense of having relived history. Let me explain. Sometime ago I decided to research what 1888 was all about. As I did so, I crashed headlong into concepts that seemed strangely foreign. The corporate oneness of humanity. The thought-provoking notion that the church is like a living organism, and that all of us are so much a part of it that even the holiest of saints must accept responsibility for the church's failings. And, most challenging of all, the blunt assertion that I was personally powerless to keep the law I so much admired. Frankly, I was bothered. One night I went to bed so upset that I am sure I experienced the emotions felt by those who opposed Jones and Waggoner at the 1888 General Conference. An antagonism swept over me that seemed to plumb my soul. I set out to prove wrong the concepts that so challenged me. And then I discovered that I could not. The more I studied, the more I realized that, as foreign as some of these concepts sounded, they were Biblical. Humanity is a great, living unit. Each person’s welfare is involved in my own, and, when I recognize that, I can never again be indifferent to another person's welfare. And the church? What is it if it is not the sort of living organism described by the apostle? We are not isolated believers; we are organic parts of an indivisible whole called the church. If we hurt, so does it—and vice versa. Most important, I learned that justification by faith is more than a dry, legal declaration made somewhere off in the cosmos. It is an act, replete with enormous healing power to save the soul—not in sin, but from sin. 1888. Controversial? It would seem to be. But when hasn’t truth generated controversy? I may not agree with everything that is said in the name of 1888. But I can say this: there is enough truth here to save your soul, to set this church on fire with pentecostal power, and to bring on the coming of Jesus. Isn't that enough to recommend it for earnest study? (A tape by Lewis Walton, 1888 Overview, is available, $2.00.)
White Estate Critiques Ott Book
The Ellen G. White Estate has released an "analysis" of Helmutt Ott's book, Perfect in Christ, which takes issue with the author’s position that it is impossible to overcome all sin until Christ returns. The misuse of Ellen White's writings is documented. The White Estate critique summarizes: "This book aims to do three things: (1) To exalt Christ, (2) To relieve Christians of concern about the need for living in full harmony with God’s law, and (3) To interpret Ellen White's writings. It fulfills its aim in regard to the first two points, but fails miserably in regard to Point 3. Instead of making Ellen White's true positions clear, it distorts and obfuscates them, creating the impression that no one can understand what Ellen White means by simply reading and studying her writings alone." Every Seventh-day Adventist should read this document.* The evidence presented is so clear that it will cause any candid reader to wonder why such a book should be published by a Seventh-day Adventist press. The book makes "of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God" as presented in the witness of Ellen White. The arguments in the book, so obviously those employed by Desmond Ford, are set forth transparently so that any reader can see for himself how this "new theology" contradicts logic and truth. *A copy of the document is available on request from The Ellen G. White Estate, 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20012.
Special Mass Mailing of the 1888 Message Newsletter Planned
This issue of the Newsletter has been prepared with an expanded readership in mind. Because of the urgency of reaching a much wider Seventh-day Adventist audience with the "most precious message” during this Centennial year, the Committee has given serious study to how best we can reach thousands of Adventists who are not yet aware of the issues involved. A mailing list of 180,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes is available. We hope to purchase labels for a portion of that list as the Lord leads us by His Spirit in this major project. To cover the cost of test mailings, reprinting of the Newsletter, and postage will cost as much as $10,000 depending upon the number sent out. If you would like to help with this project, earmark your gift "Newsletter mailing" and send it as promptly as possible.
1888 Message Seminars and Conferences Scheduled for 1988
Dayton, OH, June 3-4
Speakers: Alexander Snyman, Robert
Wieland. Beaver Creek Church,
670 Grange Hall Road. Call 513-294-5670
Auburn, CA, June 18
Speaker: Robert Wieland. Call 916-878- 2444
Chicago, IL, June 24, 25
Korean Church. 300 E. 55th St., Westmont.
Speakers: Alex Snyman, Robert Wieland.
Call 312-852-9316
Brantford, Ontario, July 8-10
Speaker Robert Wieland. Friday and
Sunday: Brantford SDA Church, 192 Darling
Street; Sabbath: St. Paul's United Church,
Paris. (Potluck) Call 519-758-0247
Fresno, CA, July 15, 16
Filipino SDA Church. Speaker: Robert
Wieland. Call 213-581-5458
Chula Vista, CA, July 22, 23/July 26, 27
Speaker, first weekend: Alex Snyman.
Speaker, second weekend: Robert Wieland.
Call 619-421-8373
La Fox, IL, August 2-6
Fourth National 1888 Message Conference
Call Don Cate, 216-699-2021
SmithvilIe,TN, August 9-23
Revelation Seminar, Speaker: Alex
Snyman. Call 615-528-8538
Northeast, WA, Camp Meeting August 11-14
Speaker: Robert Wieland.
Colfax, CA, August 20
Speaker, Robert Wieland. Call 916-878-
2444
Milwaukee, WI, August 26- 28
Speaker, Robert Wieland. Call 414-782-
0821
Hermosa, SD, Sept. 1-4
Regional Conference, Black Hills Health &
Education Center. Speakers: Joseph
Gershom Alex Snyman, Robert Wieland,
and Arnold Wallenkampf. Call 605-255-
4101
Kalamazoo, MI, September 10
Speaker: Alex Snyman.
Call 616-345-5400
Stamford, CT, September 16-18
Speaker: Robert Wieland.
Cape Cod, MA, September 23-25 Speaker:
Robert Wieland.
Brockville, Ontario September 24 Speaker:
Alex Snyman.
Cedar Falls, CA, October 26-29
Second Western Regional Conference
Call 714-541-6535
Seminar Held In Japan
Mutsumi Tsukayama and his father and Yoshi Tsuji were the speakers for an 1888 Message seminar held March 31 to April 3 at Mt. Akagi Institute located about 80 miles from Tokyo. Fifty-two people from several parts of Japan attended the seminar. Yoshi writes, "Messages these men spoke seemed to touch the hearts there. Much tear was seen. The audiences not only heard but also discussed and prayed together. Especially I was happy to see many young Adventists there. This time I see a possibility of 1888 message in Japan. From now on too with Jesus I will do what I can to spread the 1888 message." Yoshi has already been duplicating the Newsletters he receives by airmail, and some who receive them have ordered additional materials for study. In response to an invitation from a home Bible study group in Tokyo he "gave a lecture entitled Kadesh-barnea and 1888" In addition to a booklet published by Mutsumi Tsukayama, three pamphlets issued by The 1888 Message Study Committee have been translated into Japanese and printed by Mt. Akagi Institute.
1888 Seminars Held in Germany, Holland, France, and England
On his European trip, Elder Alex Snyman met with small groups of keenly interested people, some of whom had already had an introduction to the 1888 Message through a French translation of The Message: an Introduction or through several books translated in Holland. Over Easter weekend, 60-70 people gathered in Speele, Germany, for a series of lectures which sparked searching questions and animated discussion, with Helen Schuefer and Wim Wiggers translating. Across the channel, he met with groups in London and near Newbold College. In France he found an encouraging response and requests for more reading material and tapes. His final seminar was held in Holland, where he found "evidence of the natural Dutch talent for theological understanding, which made the subjects easier to present." "It just happens," Elder Snyman reports, "that my ancestral background is exactly that of the countries I visited. I was invited back by all groups. Their longing for more light on the True Gospel is evident everywhere." Steven Grabiner and Gerald Finneman have also met with groups in England on several occasions.
What Was the Content of the 1888 Message? The Righteousness of Christ Revealed With New Luster
Excerpted from the introduction to 1888 Re-Examined is the following brief list of the unique, essential elements of the "most precious message" that Jesus sent to His church in 1888:
1. Christ's sacrifice is not merely provisional but effective for the whole world, so that the only reason anybody can be lost is that he has chosen to resist the saving grace of God. Salvation is by faith; condemnation is by unbelief.
2. Thus Christ’s sacrifice has legally justified "every man," and has literally saved the world from premature destruction. All men owe even their physical life to Him. Every loaf of bread is stamped with His cross. When the sinner hears and believes the pure gospel, he is justified by faith. The lost deliberately negate the justification Christ has already effected for them.
3. Justification by faith is therefore much more than a legal declaration of acquittal; it changes the heart. The sinner has now received the atonement, which is reconciliation with God. Since it is impossible to be truly reconciled to Him and not also be reconciled to His holy law, it follows that true justification by faith makes the believer to become obedient to all the commandments of God.
4. This marvelous work is accomplished through the ministry of the new covenant wherein the Lord actually writes His law in the heart of the believer. Obedience is loved, and the new motivation transcends fear of being lost or hope of reward in being saved (either of those motivations is what Paul means by his phrase, "under the law"). The old and new covenants are not matters of time but of condition. Abraham's faith enabled him to live under the new covenant, while multitudes of Christians today live under the old covenant because self-centered concern is their motivation. The old covenant was the promise of the people to be faithful; under the new covenant salvation comes by believing God's promises to us, not by making promises to Him.
5. God's love is active, not merely passive. As Good Shepherd, Christ is actively seeking the lost sheep. Our salvation does not depend on our seeking the Saviour but on our believing that He is seeking us. Those who are lost at last, continue to resist and despise the drawing of His love.
6.Thus it is difficult to be lost and it is easy to be saved if one understands and believes how good the good news is. Sin is a constant resisting of His grace. Since Christ has already paid the penalty for every man's sin, the only reason anyone can be condemned at last is continued unbelief, a refusal to appreciate the redemption achieved by Christ on His cross and ministered by Him as High Priest. The true gospel unveils this unbelief and leads to an effective repentance that prepares the believer for the return of Christ. Human pride and praise and flattery of human beings is inconsistent with true faith in Christ but is a sure sign of prevailing unbelief, even within the church.
7.In seeking lost mankind, Christ came all the way, taking upon Himself and assuming the fallen, sinful nature of man after the fall. This He did that He might be tempted in all points like as we are, yet demonstrate perfect righteousness in the likeness of sinful flesh." The 1888 message accepts "likeness" to mean what it says, not unlikeness. Righteousness is a word never applied to Adam in his unfallen state, nor to sinless angels. It can only connote a holiness that has come into conflict with sin in fallen human flesh, and triumphed over it. Thus the "message of Christ’s righteousness" that Ellen White endorsed so enthusiastically in the 1888 era is rooted in this unique view of the nature of Christ. The 1888 messengers recognized the teaching that Christ took only the sinless nature of Adam before the fall to be a legacy of Romanism, the insignia of the mystery of iniquity, which keeps Him "afar off" and not "nigh at hand."
8. Thus our Saviour "condemned sin in the flesh" of fallen mankind. This means that He has outlawed sin; sin has become unnecessary in the light of His ministry. It is impossible to have true New Testament faith in Christ and continue in sin. We cannot excuse continued sinning by saying that we are "only human" or that "the devil made me do it." In the light of the cross, the devil cannot force anyone to sin.
9. It follows that the only element God's people need in order to prepare for Christ's return is that genuine New Testament faith. But that is precisely what the church lacks. She imagines herself to be doctrinally and experientially "rich and increased with goods" when in fact her root sin is a pathetic unbelief. Righteousness is by faith; it is impossible to have faith and not demonstrate righteousness in the life, because true faith works by love. Moral and spiritual failures are the fruit of perpetuating Israel's ancient sin of unbelief today through the confusion of a false righteousness by faith.
10. Righteousness by faith since 1844 is "the third angel’s message in verity." Thus it is greater than what the Reformers taught and the popular churches understand today. It is a message of abounding grace consistent with the unique Adventist truth of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, a work contingent on the full cleansing of the hearts of God's people on earth.
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds in conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses., The will refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. —Desire of Ages, p. 668
Bible Worker Presents The Health Message in the Light of the Cross
(Gloria Lawson, Canada's representative on the 1888 Message Study Committee, is also a busy cooking school director and experienced Bible instructor. At our request, she has shared the material she uses for devotionals in her classes. —Ed.)
Recently, a growing conviction came to me to present the health message in light of the cross. An "evening thought of the day" concludes each night of the cooking school. The first night, Jeremiah 31:3 is shared: "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." How much is everlasting love? We look at God’s goodness, His blessing and His gifts in the great variety of foods He has given us—the assortment of grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. "Every soul is precious in His eyes (SC 12) and He has chosen the best for us. At the end of the talk, I pray and then say, "Good night, and remember, God loves you." The second night’s devotion is on listening to God and believing He loves us. He cares about us. We are His creation. The third night: "God is the source of all wisdom." Isaiah 55:2 says, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?... hearken diligently unto Me." Here our God is pleading earnestly with us to listen and "eat ye that which is good." "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." The devil knows that as long as he can keep people eating improperly and not getting enough thiamine, vitamin B1 and other nourishing foods to nourish their nervous systems, he has it easy. "Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action." (CDF 62) God is personally concerned with how we eat and drink because He loves us." The fourth night’s devotion tells how God in His love and mercy has given us honey, raisins and lush fruit for our sweet tooth. Jesus is interested in the little things that pertain to our happiness. The fifth night sums it all up: From night to night I have talked about how much God loves you, but tonight I would like to share how much He really loves you. Come with me to Gethsemane and see Jesus’ struggle in the garden and His total submission willing to say good-by to life forever that we might live. Then up the rugged pathway to Calvary and behold His love as revealed on the cross.
The truth for this time, the third angel’s message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, as we approach the final test. This test must come to the churches in connection with true medical missionary work, a work that has the great Physician to dictate and preside in all it comprehends. —Loma Linda Messages, page 83
At a recent cooking school there was hardly a dry eye—Adventists and non-Adventists—as we looked at the cross and realized how much our salvation cost and saw Jesus’ great love. As people quietly walked out that evening, through their tears they whispered, "Pray that I may overcome coffee" and other prayer requests. Truly, "...the preaching of the cross... is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18) Oh, that we might study the health message in light of the cross and see how it took Jesus an almost six week's fast to break the power of appetite. See His self-surrender in Gethsemane. A new radiance shines on the health message as we spend time at Calvary's cross. Our Saviour with nail print scars is still trying to rescue us. The pages of Counsels on Diet and Foods are no longer burdensome but a joy made possible for us by His grace, His power to overcome. "To make plain natural law" is the work that accompanies the third angel’s message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.
"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
"Since I, who was undone and lost,
Have pardon through His name and word;
Forbid it, then, that I should boast,
Save in the cross of Christ my Lord.
"Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my life, my soul, my all."
—Isaac Watts
"The giving of the gospel to the world is the work that God has committed to those who bear His name. For earth's sin and misery the gospel is the only antidote. To make known to all mankind the message of the grace of God is the first work of those who know its healing power... "The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago—a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental and spiritual, can be accomplished. "Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. In the ministry of the word and in the medical missionary work the gospel is to be preached and practiced... Heavenly intelligences are waiting to co-operate with human instrumentalities, that they may reveal to the world what human beings may become, and what, through union with the Divine, may be accomplished for the saving of souls that are ready to perish. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. All who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to His service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command." —Ministry of Healing, pp. 141,144,159
Personally Speaking
To direct the minds of His people away from a legalistic preoccupation with saving their own souls to understanding the place they were created to fill in the great controversy, Christ sent a fresh revelation of Himself through two young ministers to the General Conference in Minneapolis in 1888. "The plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than the salvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; ...but it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe."1 "Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which 'angels desire to look,’ and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of selfsacrificing love."2 The controversy over the law of God, the expression of His character of love, will be finished when He has a people who through faith, which is an appreciation of what Christ has done for them on the cross, reveal that love in their lives. "When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own."3 Until we experience the power of Paul’s affirmation, "The love of Christ controls and impels us,"4 , this familiar quote creates disbelief or discouragement. The key to reaching this seemingly unreachable ideal lies in "Beholding." (1 John 3:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18) "The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God."5 It is this demonstration of the power of love that will bring the great controversy to a triumphant conclusion. "The years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ... As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption, and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise."6 It was because of this "joy that was set before Him" that Christ "endured the cross, despising the shame."7 But that sacrifice did not begin or end on the cross. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."8 "Those who think of the result of hastening or hindering the gospel think of it in relation to themselves and to the world. Few think of its relation to God. Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ’s agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is the revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to reach His ideal, brings grief to Him."9 All this lay out before Christ that Friday evening in Eden, dramatically described in the lines from a young poet that appeared on a Youth's Instructor cover 46 years ago. —HFC
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 68; 2 Desire of Ages, pp. 19, 20; 3 Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69; 4 2 Corinthians 5:14; 5 Steps to Christ, p. 15; 6 Great Controversy, p. 678; "7 Hebrews 12:2; 8 Revelation 13:8; Education, p. 263.
THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING
by Roy Shigley
He made man.
Did He take a chance that He would die for?
Watch the Creator waiting under a newly
Trained arbor in the cool evening breeze.
He's pleasantly considering what He's
Just made., Man— calls him Adam.
And because of man He will die.
It's a pleasant evening in the Garden with the
Crickets singing their first songs, the
Bees trying to find a place for a hive.
And the aroma of newness— leaves.
Damp soil and dew
The Creator is resting against a tree trunk and
Is looking at man—His crowning creation.
Paradoxical—man is going to murder Him.
Evening is enclosing created and Creator now, and He
Gazes at the Friday sun melting into His mountains.
Finally He breaks the long silence gently
"Adam,' behold it is very good."'
Questions People Ask
Why do we need to go back in history to 1888 and devote time to what happened there? Is it not sufficient that we simply face the future?
Willing ignorance or even unwitting misunderstanding of sacred history is terribly dangerous. George Santayana wisely said, "A nation that does not know history is fated to repeat it." Ellen White put it even more strongly: "The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work." (2 SM 390) "We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us and His teaching in our past history." (LS196) Two complementary dates in Adventist history demand special attention: 1844 and 1888. The first marks the prophetic beginning of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the Day of Atonement and the beginning of the sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet. (Daniel 8:14; Revelation 11:15-19) The second date marks the beginning of the long-awaited outpouring of the latter rain and the loud cry. History and inspiration are clear that the latter rain and loud cry were "in a large measure resisted and rejected." This is the primary reason for the long delay in the finishing of our gospel commission. The Lord has not delayed His return; we have delayed it. There is no problem facing this worldwide church as serious as our relationship to the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead. The Lord's inspired messenger said of the 1888 experience: "I know that at that time the Spirit of God was insulted." (Letter S24,1892)
Again, "All the universe of heaven witnessed the disgraceful treatment of Jesus Christ, represented by the Holy Spirit. Had Christ been before them they would have treated Him in a manner similar to that in which the Jews treated Christ." (Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 6, p. 20)
True, but what difference does this make to us in 1988? Does this terrible sin of 1888 have any appreciable effect on us now?
Yes, this sin does have a serious effect on our relationship to the Holy Spirit today. It has delayed the preparation of God’s people for the coming of the Lord for 100 years. Sin and guilt are not passed on from our fathers genetically. (Ezekiel 18:19-30) None of us were personally present in 1888 to join in that sin, but we are told that "sin is passed on from generation to generation by the influence of mind on mind" (R&H April 16, 1901) unless repentance takes place. For example, the sin of crucifying Christ involves a guilt that includes the "whole world...all classes and sects who reveal the same spirit... manifested by those who put to death the Son of God (TM 38) unless they experience genuine repentance. By nature we are no better than they. By nature we are no better than our fathers who insulted the Holy Spirit and showed enmity against Christ through His delegated messengers. Until full understanding and full repentance bring full healing and reconciliation, the spiritual alienation will continue. The hard hearts and mind set of our forefathers are passed on to us "through the influence of mind on mind." The Bible declares that this was also the experience of the ancient Jews: "...ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." (Acts 7:51) Practically without exception, Seventh-day Adventists recognize our need of the Holy Spirit. Since Ellen White recognized in the 1888 message the beginning of the latter rain, there has been no further authenticated manifestation of the latter rain. (The latter rain prepares the grain for the harvest; large numerical increases to the church do not necessarily indicate the reception of the latter rain.)
From the Mailbox
Groups Start in Three States
I have just been given a copy of 1888 Re-examined and find it incredible.... I am starting a study group in my home to study this material. I also have the book, The 1888 Message. I personally know of three other groups—in Wisconsin, Illinois and Maryland—who are studying this message and it is changing lives. Thank God that these gentlemen had the perseverance to bring this message to us again. Or perhaps I should say, thank God that He loves us enough to give us a second chance! I am excited, and I want my Lord to return, NOW! —BB
Four-Year Search Leads to Truth
We hardly know how to express the blessing and life-changing week-end we spent at Prophecy Countdown while Brothers Wieland and Short were there. We have spent our four years of married life totally confused on the issue of righteousness by faith.... But thanks be to God that always leads His children along. Enclosed is a gift to say thank you to the Spirit-led sister who returned our three dollars as sensing our need at that time. We don’t even know her name but the Lord knows and He has multiplied her gift 100-fold... Please pray for us that we may get into the Lord's work more fully. We are so thankful for the truth that sets us free. —L&GD
1888 Message Books
Refute "Church Is Babylon" Error 1888 Re-examined and As Many as I Love, are the two books I encourage Adventists to read who are thinking of joining "the church is Babylon" movements. There is a fine lady near here who was considering leaving the church, whose enthusiasm and church attendance have picked up considerably since I gave her the two books. I praise the Lord for giving the authors the grace to pen these two works, as well as the rest of your fine material. —MM
Seminar Presents Truth as a "Beautiful Jewel"
I believe that as God is able to perfect such a sinner as me, He is also capable of perfecting His church! So I have resolved not to criticize any more what I see as faults but pray and ask God for agape love for all! I feel sad as I see people so in defense of "truth" that they do not seem to grasp the even more important things such as deep humility, patience, love and heart caring for the church and lukewarm people in it. I include myself in that group but now that my eyes are open, I am praying that God will help me not to err on either side. What a privilege to understand and be able to share the truth!—MS
Glad Tidings Bible Study Guides Have Many
Uses We have been using the Glad Tidings Study Guides for our prayer meeting on Monday night. Now our youth teacher is planning to use them in his Sabbath school class. We gave another set to my sister-in-law in New York, who wants to use it as a Revelation Seminar follow-up. We are so thrilled to see the response to these studies. —LB
Good News Spreading in Canada
You will be happy to know that over 400 books have gone out across Canada, with very few returned. The Holy Spirit is leading as long as we are willing to follow... Thank you for the Newsletter, which I receive regularly. It gives encouragement to see how the work is progressing so rapidly. You and the work are in my prayers every day. God will continue to bless only as long as we are willing to pray for direction and then heed that direction which He will give us. —DF
"Love Abounded Everywhere!"
What a beautiful weekend we all had! The Holy Spirit has filled us with such wonderful blessings, and love abounded everywhere. Through this message, the Lord has gifted me with a greater capacity to love. It is a humbling message. It makes us realize how hopeless we are without a Saviour and how much we need Him. If we can love, it's because He has first loved us. And agape love is Christ in us, the hope of glory.... Everyone I spoke to at prayer meeting last night was blessed by the truths spoken about at Camp Winnekeag. This is the True Witness to the Laodicean church, and it will unite Christ's followers.—LJ
Teacher "Appreciates Jesus as Never Before"
Ever since you and Alexander Snyman came to Hinsdale the Lord has spread the 1888 message in many ways. I have "comprehended" and appreciated Jesus in a way like never before! So far I've been convicted that this message is true. Everything points to Jesus and Calvary!—AH
1888 Message Reading List
The publications available for the study of the 1888 Message are so abundant that it may be helpful to provide a brief annotated list for those who are wondering where to begin:
1888: A Brief Look at the
HISTORY AND CONTENT OF THE MESSAGE by Robert J. Wieland
A good introduction for readers with no previous understanding of the significance of 1888 in Adventist history. 32 pp ............................................................................................................$.60
GRACE ON TRIAL by Robert J. Wieland. Originally commissioned by an Adventist publishing house. Described by an editor as Elder Wieland's "best book yet," it is in production to be available at the National Conference in August .............................................................................................................
THE 1888 MESSAGE; AN INTRODUCTION by Robert J. Wieland
Published by the Review and Herald Pub. Assn. 158 pp .............................................................................................................$6.95
THE GOOD NEWS IS BETTER THAN YOU THINK by Robert J. Wieland
Published by the Pacific Press Pub. Assn. 96 pp .............................................................................................................$6.95
1888 RE-EXAMINED by Robert J. Wieland and Donald K. Short
The original manuscript prepared for General Conference leaders in 1950 has been revised and printed with appendices. 209pp
..............................................................................................................$7.95
GLAD TIDINGS BIBLE STUDY GUIDES
32 lessons cover the fundamental teachings of the Adventist Church. Suitable for individual or group study by non-Adventists or Adventists
.................................................................................$2.75; large print, $4.50
1888: GOOD NEWS FOR LAODICEA BIBLE STUDY GUIDES
10 lessons presenting the gospel in the setting of the 1888 message
..............................................................................................................$2.00
GLAD TIDINGS by E. J. Waggoner, edited by Robert J. Wieland.
A verse-by-verse study of the book of Galatians. 144pp
..............................................................................................................$5.95
CONSECRATED WAY TO CHRISTIAN PERFECTION by A. T.
Jones. 129 pp
..............................................................................................................$2.50
IN SEARCH OF THE CROSS by Robert J. Wieland
Once we have seen the cross, like Paul we will "glory" in nothing else. This beautiful little devotional book leads the reader to the foot of the cross. 120 pp
..............................................................................................................$5.95
AS MANY AS I LOVE by Robert J. Wieland
A call to Laodicea to respond to the plea of the True Witness. Discusses corporate repentance in the light of Jesus' example. 101 pp., ...............................................................................................................$3.95
1888-1988, IS THE MESSAGE RELEVANT TODAY? By Robert J. Wieland ...............................................................................................................$.50
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH AND THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY by Robert J. Wieland ................................................................................................................$.50
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH COMPARISON by Robert J. Wieland
In parallel columns, the popular and 1888 views on 36 specific aspects of the doctrine of righteousness by faith are compared. A reprint of Appendix B, 1888 Re-Examined.
.................................................................................................................$.50
Third Quarter Sabbath School Tapes
Elder Snyman is in process of setting up state of the art recording equipment provided by generous friends. This will make it possible to produce Sabbath school lesson tapes of higher quality and avoid the delay involved in producing the second quarter tapes. These commentaries on the Sabbath school lessons in the setting of the 1888 Message will be especially valuable for the next two quarters' study of the fundamental beliefs of the Adventist Church. Orders for the tapes for the third quarter Sabbath school lessons may be ordered from our office and will be shipped as soon as they are available. Set of seven audio tapes, $15 plus postage.
Order Additional Copies for Friends...
Can you use additional copies of this Newsletter for distribution to friends and fellow church members? We will put your name on our special list to receive from 5 to 100 copies of each issue free of charge if you'll let us know how many you can use. We will also send you a supply of cards on which people to whom you give the Newsletter can ask to be placed on our mailing list.
Bank Account Opened for Canadians
Canadians who wish to help spread the 1888 message in Canada can now send cheques to Box 123, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 4G3, to be deposited in our newly opened account in the Royal Bank. Cheques should be made out to "1888 Message."
TWO NEW BOOKS—
One is here...
A.T. Jones: The Man and the Message A review of From 1888 to Apostasy—the Case of A.T. Jones by George R. Knight
5,000 copies sold in six weeks! Order your copy $1.50 plus postage
One is coming...
GRACE ON TRIAL; The Life-Changing Grace Revealed in the 1888 Message
Described by an editor as "Robert J. Wieland's best book yet. Due off the press in time for the Fourth National Conference, August 2-6.
We are committed to the support of our beloved Seventh-day Adventist Church. Specifically, all tithe is to be paid to the local church where we hold membership. We support financially the local church, the Sabbath school and other denominational programs.
The 1888 Message Newsletter is distributed free of charge. Those who wish to make tax-deductible gifts toward the work of The 1888 Message Study Committee may make checks payable to "1888 Message.”
Editorial Committee: Helen Cate, Steven Grabiner, RJ Gravell, Alexander Snyman, Sidney Sweet. Layout and Design, Greg Owen.
Editorial and business office: 2934 Sherbrook Drive, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. Telephone (216) 699-2021.