Solid Rock or Shifting Sand

TimeWatch Editorial
November 15, 2015

The epidemic of stupidity that continues to spread across Adventism would have us believe that God has changed. This is demonstrated in the two articles posted on our TimeWatch Daily listing for today. Those who have embraced the sickness of doubt believe that the requirements of our Lord have been revamped, to suit the pervading lusts of the age. Individuals who are convinced of this do not recognize the apology that would be owed to those who have suffered centuries ago, because of that which was required of them. After all, if God is just, then surely they cannot be held responsible for those things which we will be given a pass.

Slowly the insanity, masquerading as higher learning has infected the perceived leadership of some institutions, spreading the viral infection of darkness into the hearts of many. What is most disturbing is that voices of rebuke are few and far between. The statement found in Selected Messages, Volume 1, page 204, paragraph 2, remains the strongest warning that is unreferenced by many men who you would think would rise to the occasion. Listen to this:

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.{Selected Messages, Volume 1, page 204.2}

So where is leadership regarding this ominous threat? Silence is hardly appropriate, unless the silence means consent. If this is so, then identifying the ‘faithful ambassador of Christ’ becomes easy.

The faithful ambassador of Christ is not ashamed of the banner of truth. He does not cease from proclaiming the truth, however unpopular it may be. In all places, in season, out of season, he heralds the glad tidings of salvation. Missionaries for God are called to face dangers, endure privations, and suffer reproach for the truth's sake, yet amid dangers, hardships, and reproach they are still to hold the banner aloft. {20MR 43.6}

Silence then speaks volumes. The deafening hollowness of the lack of rebuke or direction is recorded, not just on earth but in the books of heaven. Revelation 14: 9-11 declares without hesitation a definite warning:

Revelation 14:9 - And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand

Revelation 14:10 - The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:11 - And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

It would be one thing to ignore the warning, once received. It is another entirely to refuse to deliver the warning to those in danger. Resignation would be safer than silence. That message must be proclaimed with power and without fear. Listen to Manuscript Release20, page 44, paragraph 1

“The third angel proclaims his message in no whispered tones, in no hesitant manner. He cries with a loud voice, while flying swiftly through the midst of heaven. This shows that the work of God's servants is to be earnest and rapidly performed. They must be brave witnesses for the truth. With no shame upon their countenances, with uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth declaring the last message of mercy to the world.” {20MR 44.1}

The time has come to choose. What do you believe? What will you proclaim? Silence will not cut it.

Cameron A. Bowen