Pin Nor Pillar
TimeWatch Editorial
April 11, 2017
We have been warned for many years now, concerning the fact that there will be a time when truth will be threatened. The remnant church of God has been brought forward by God as the remnant of the Apostolic Faith. Review and Herald, March 20, 1894 par. 8, authored by Ellen G. White, says that “the remnant church is called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews; and the true Witness, who walks up and down in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has a solemn message to bear to his people.” But there are those who have sought to abandon the fundamental truths that God in his wisdom and persistence has passed from generation to generation. This is why we are counseled in Review and Herald, May 25, 1905 paragraph 21:
“We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. They moved forward step by step under the influence of the Spirit of God. One by one these pioneers are passing away. The word given me is, Let that which these men have written in the past be reproduced. And in the Signs of the Times let not the articles be long or the print fine. Do not try to crowd everything into one number of the paper. Let the print be good, and let earnest, living experiences be put into the paper.” Review and Herald, May 25, 1905 paragraph 21
The Word of God is intended to develop the character of Christ in the life. The process is one of growth. This is why the servant of the Lord was instructed to write, so that those who study will find clarity in that which has been recorded. Listen to this letter written April 27, 1906 to Brethren Butler, Daniells and Irwin:
“I am instructed that the Lord, by His infinite power, has preserved the right hand of His messenger for more than half a century, in order that the truth may be written out as He bids me write it for publication, in periodicals and books, Why?-- Because if it were not thus written out, when the pioneers in the faith shall die, there would be many, new in the faith, who would sometimes accept as messages of truth teachings that contain erroneous sentiments and dangerous fallacies. Sometimes that which men teach as "special light" is in reality specious error, which, as tares sown among the wheat, will spring up and produce a baleful harvest. And errors of this sort will be entertained by some until the close of this earth's history.” Letter 136, April 27, 1906, to Brethren Butler, Daniells, and Irwin {TDG 126.1}
We must clearly understand that truth delivered by God is eternal in nature and is necessary for the unity of the faith. Selected Messages volume 1 page 161 says the following about this.
“When the power of God testifies as to what is truth that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth. The truth for this time God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what truth is.” Selected Messages volume 1 page 161
In spite of the warnings given we see that the depreciation of truth has proceeded steadily. But as he has promised, God has preserved a few who continue to this day to proclaim the unvarnished truth that has been given to us.
“A few are still alive who passed through the experience gained in the establishment of this truth. God has graciously spared their lives to repeat and repeat till the close of their lives, the experience through which they passed even as did John the apostle till the very close of his life. And the standard-bearers, who have fallen in death, are to speak through the reprinting of their writings. I am instructed that thus their voices are to be heard. They are to bear their testimony as to what constitutes the truth for this time.” Selected Messages volume 1 page 161
The unity of truth is an important element in the preparation for the return of our Lord. Satan’s initial refutation of God’s command in the Garden of Eden has expanded to include the deception that truth changes and advances, so that what we once believed is no longer of any particular value. This is why Ellen White in her counsel to the Publishing Ministry on Page 31 says:
“I have been instructed that we should make prominent the testimony of some of the old workers who are now dead. Let them continue to speak through their articles as found in the early numbers of our papers. These articles should now be reprinted, that there may be a living voice from the Lord's witnesses. The history of the early experiences in the message will be a power to withstand the masterly ingenuity of Satan's deceptions. This instruction has been repeated recently. I must present before the people the testimonies of Bible truth, and repeat the decided messages given years ago. I desire that my sermons given at camp meetings and in churches may live and do their appointed work.”-- Publishing Ministry, Page 31
But not only have the words of those who have led the way in the study of truth been abandoned, but illogical ideas have been introduced by those who seek to establish themselves as thought leaders. We have been warned concerning this also. Manuscript 62, 1905 says:
“When men come in who would move one pin or pillar from the foundation which God has established by His Holy Spirit, let the aged men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who are dead speak also, by the reprinting of their articles in our periodicals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will stand the test of time and trial.” -- Ms 62, 1905.
If there ever was a time to consider the counsel given in the statements above, it is now. The challenge has truly begun. The remnant church of God must revive the first truths given as a protective barricade against destruction.
Cameron A. Bowen
