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A new movement of God’s people is always based upon the failure of all which have preceded it. There would not have been the necessity for the Christian Movement if the Jewish church would have accepted and embraced the truth that Christ was the Messiah. Neither would there have been the necessity for the Protestant Reformation Movement if the Catholic Church would have accepted and embraced the truths of righteousness by faith. Neither would there have been the necessity for the Great Advent Movement if the Protestant churches would have accepted and embraced the Advent truth.

The angel of Revelation 10 symbolized the Great Advent Awakening which led to the Great Advent Movement. This great awakening spread throughout the world because of the understanding of the truths contained in the first angel’s message.

The Advent truth was designed to awaken the Protestant churches to return to their first love before they would be set aside and others chosen to take their place. This glorious truth of the first angel’s message was rejected by the Protestant churches as a body, thus causing their fall from God’s favor to become Babylon fallen. So the second angel’s message followed and united with the first.

Because these Babylonian Protestant churches rejected the Advent awakening based upon the first angel’s message, they could not see any light in the second angel’s message and rejected it as well. This second angel’s message led those who were connected with these fallen churches to separate from and break all connection with them. Thus the movement of the people embracing the truth, and separating out of these fallen churches of Protestantism, made up the Great Advent Movement. These truths took hold of many people, and they rejoiced to be able to follow it, to unite with Christ and with one another, and to spread these truths around the world.¹

The Seventh_day Adventist church arose to continue the Great Advent Movement, and was founded upon the truths of the three angels’ messages. God raised this church up to herald these truths around the world, and thus hasten the coming of Christ and the end of this great controversy.

The SDA church gradually allowed apostasy and corruption to sweep through the entire system, and the church became a harlot.² She was in danger of failing her mission, being set aside by God, and another people chosen to finish the work.³ To avoid this possibility, God sent the glorious message of the righteousness of Christ. This message was designed to awaken the SDA church and bring her back to God’s loving side as a faithful bride once again, and then to herald this precious saving message to the world.

The SDA church rejected this glorious message⁴Sjust like the Protestant churches rejected the first angel’s message. And the possibility of being set aside by God became reality.

Since the SDA church has failed in her mission under the Great Advent Movement, is there to be another new movement of God’s people today?

"‘I saw another angel come down from Heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird... And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev. 18:1,2,4) Of Babylon, at this time it is declared, ‘Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (Rev. 18:5) She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of his judgments, these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues. Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from Heaven, lightening the earth with his glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard, ‘Come out of her, my people.’ As these warnings join the third angel’s message, it swells to a loud cry."⁵

The Great Advent Movement is not the last movement of God listed in the Scriptures! The angel of Revelation 18 symbolizes another movement of God’s people which takes place under the loud cry message.

Does this sound too hard to believe? It was not only Ellen White who prophesied this but James White also recognized this truth nearly 150 years ago:

"At the time when the message is proclaimed, ‘Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come,’ (Rev. 14:7) the people of God are mingled with this great Babylon. For another message follows, announcing the fall of Babylon. These two messages, we believe, have been faithfully proclaimed in the past. In the eighteenth chapter of Revelation, the message announcing the fall of Babylon is presented again, with additions, showing as we understand, that there is in the future a mighty movement to take place on this subject. We have no doubt that God has many dear saints united with the various bodies of professed Christians. These we believe will yet hear the call given in Rev. 18:4."⁶

This loud cry message of Revelation 18 is the last message of mercy which this world will ever hear.⁷ This is the last and final movement of God in these last days before Christ comes! Because the SDA church has failed to fulfill her calling and mission given her under the Great Advent Movement, and because the SDA church has rejected the 1888 message of the righteousness of Christ, there is prophesied the necessity for another movement. This movement is not under the control of the first angel, but under the control of the mighty angel of Revelation 18!

Not only has the SDA church rejected the truth of the righteousness of Christ, but they see no light in, and hence reject, the fourth angel’s message of separation ("Come out of her my people"). Just like the Protestant churches, the Catholic Church and Jewish Church rejected the separation messages in their day. This loud cry message of separation is going forth right now! Thus this new and Great Last Day Movement of God is already taking shape!

For those who have recognized these vital truths, and have already willingly separated from all the apostate churches (including the SDA church) in obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and thus have joined and become a part of this Great Last Day Movement, what are we to do?

Obviously, every person who is a part of this Great Last Day Movement has an important part to act in this Movement. Each must be personally connected with Jesus Christ where our salvation is alone to be found, and then live, practice, and work to spread this glorious truth so that the earth can be filled with the glory of God and thus hasten the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

By Robert Sessler

1. see EW 245-246.
2. see 8T 250.
3. see UL 131.
4. 1SM 235-235; TM 467-468.
5. 4SOP 422; GC88 604.
6. RH 02/21/54.
7. UL 277; 6T 19.

Another magazine? Don’t we have enough already? I’m sure if you haven’t said this out loud, you have thought it.

First off, let me tell you what this isn’t. It isn’t to start another ministry to ask you for your funds. It isn’t to support any single, existing ministry, either.

Now, let me tell you what it is for. As you can tell from the first article, we recognize that we are in another movement, the last one. Several others have recognized this, too. We do not intend to take over and run this movement. God is doing that already. We only want to be recognized as a part of it, and give it a VOICE.

The next thing you are going to ask is, "Why me? Why did I get on your subscription list?" Well, we have to start somewhere. You were on another mailing list that receives newsletters from ministries involved in the last message of mercy. We suspected that you would be interested. If you are not, please write (or call at 1-800-372-9765, or e-mail at [email protected]) the Subscription Manager and your name will be promptly removed and you will see no more issues. We understand that some may not want to receive the magazines but will still want to see them anyway. Therefore they will all be available on our web site, www.sdrvoice.org.

There also may be others who are not interested enough to ask that their name be removed from our list. To keep our expenses down and to accommodate these we have put a date on your label. If we do not hear from you by then we will drop you from our list and you will no longer receive the VOICE.

To start with there is no subscription charge. Yes, it does cost to publish and mail. Your donations are gratefully accepted. Those donations will determine the frequency of future publications. Perhaps, in the future, we will ask for a specific donation for the subscription but we are not doing that now.

Right now we are planning one issue each month for four months. That will enable us to get the studies to you in a brief form that can be more easily digested. If you can’t wait, the studies in the first four issues are available right now on the web site.

In this issue there are three articles of interest that help us to understand our place in this time of the end. There is a reprint of an article from Sister White. There is a recipe section. There is a story for the young at heart.

If you want to contribute, please submit your articles and suggestions to the editor. It would be appreciated if they could be on disk or via e-mail to save the expense of re-typing them.

Since this is to be the VOICE of the movement, we want to hear from you. There will be a Letters to the Editor section starting in the next issue. We expect this to become the biggest section of all. Here is the meeting place of all of our ideas. Here is where you can take an active part even if you do not have the skills necessary to write an article.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the above address.
SUBSCRIPTIONS are by donation only. Send questions about your subscription to the above address.
Editor: Jim Snipes. Printed in USA.

MAPLE SYRUP

Jason had two brothers and three sisters. But Jason was the youngest. He was six years old. Jason’s favorite day was Sabbath. Every Friday at sundown Daddy would call the family together and read stories to them all evening. Jason would snuggle down next to Daddy and listen and look at the pictures.

Sabbath morning, after breakfast, they would all get dressed in their best clothes and go to Sabbath School and church. Jason loved the stories about Jesus, Paul, Moses and especially David, the shepherd boy. He didn’t understand much of the church service but Daddy always gave him some paper and a pencil and let him draw pictures.

Sabbath lunch was the best part of the whole day. Mommy always served waffles with maple syrup. Maple syrup was Jason’s favorite. He thought about it all week long. Sometimes he would beg Mommy to let him have just one spoonful, but she always said no.

One Sabbath morning Daddy had helped Jason get dressed for church and combed his hair nice. Jason was waiting for everyone else to get ready. He was thinking about the wonderful waffles and maple syrup that they would have for lunch that day.

Jason wandered into the kitchen and looked at the pantry. What would be so bad about a spoonful of maple syrup? Mommy had bought a gallon of it just this week. She would never know if he ate just one spoonful.

No one was around. All his brothers and sisters where upstairs getting ready for church. Mommy was fixing Jaime’s hair and Daddy was tying Tyler’s shoes. Quietly he pulled a chair from the dining room into the kitchen and pushed it over to the pantry. He climbed up and reached for the maple syrup, but he wasn’t quite tall enough. He stood on the very tips of his toes and stretched just as high as he could. His fingers just barely touched the shelf where the can was. He climbed off the chair. "What can I use to get just a little higher?" he wondered. As he looked around he saw the big family Bible sitting on the table. Now Jason knew very well that the Bible is a Holy book and that no one should ever stand on it. But it was the only thing that would make him tall enough and he wanted that maple syrup.

The Bible was heavy but Jason managed to carry it to the chair and climbed up and stood on top of it. "Just right!" he thought as he slid the can toward the edge of the shelf. He was so intent on getting that can off the shelf that he didn’t hear his sister Jaime coming down the stairs.

"Jason what in the world are you doing?" cried Jaime when she saw him standing on the Bible. Jason jumped. The can flipped over in his hands and the lid came off and before he knew what had happened Jason, the Bible, the chair and the floor were covered in thick, sticky maple syrup.

Jaime raced up the stairs and called Mommy and Daddy. Daddy was very upset when he saw the ruined Bible and Jason hung his head in shame. Maple syrup dripped off his hair and nose and got all mixed up with the tears on his face, as Daddy told him that he must never ever treat any book, but especially the Bible, in that way again. Then while his sisters cleaned up the mess in the kitchen, Mommy took Jason upstairs for a bath, and Daddy took a rag and tried very carefully to clean up the Bible. Jason never looked at the stained and wrinkled pages of the big family Bible again without remembering that disobedience does not make anyone happy in the end.

The whole family missed Sabbath school that morning and the waffles were very plain with no maple syrup that afternoon.

- Author wishes to remain unknown.

 Sanctification, the Law of God, the Standard of True Sanctification

Review and Herald, March 8, 1881

Text: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess. 5:23)

Sanctification is obtained only in obedience to the will of God. Many who are willfully trampling upon the law of Jehovah, claim holiness of heart and sanctification of life. But they have not a saving knowledge of God or of his law. They are standing in the ranks of the great rebel. He is at war with the law of God, which is the foundation of the divine government in Heaven and in the earth. These men are doing the same work as their master has done in seeking to make of none effect God’s holy law. No commandment breaker can be permitted to enter Heaven; for he who was once a pure and exalted covering cherub, was thrust out for rebelling against the government of God.

With many, sanctification is only self-righteousness. And yet these persons boldly claim Jesus as their Saviour and sanctifier. What a delusion! Will the Son of God sanctify the transgressor of the Father’s law—that law which Christ came to exalt and make honorable? He testifies, "I have kept my Father’s commandments." (John 15:10) God will not bring his law down to meet the imperfect standard of man; and man cannot meet the demands of that holy law without exercising repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

"If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1) But God has not given his Son to a life of suffering and ignominy and a shameful death to release man from obedience to the divine law. So great is the deceptive power of Satan, that many have been led to regard the atonement of Christ as of no real value. Christ died because there was no other hope for the transgressor. He might try to keep God’s law in the future; but the debt which he had incurred in the past remained, and the law must condemn him to death. Christ came to pay that debt for the sinner which it was impossible for him to pay for himself. Thus, through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, sinful man was granted another trial.

It is the sophistry of Satan that the death of Christ brought in grace to take the place of the law. The death of Jesus did not change, or annul, or lessen in the slightest degree, the law of Ten Commandments. That precious grace offered to men through a Saviour’s blood, establishes the law of God. Since the fall of man, God’s moral government and his grace are inseparable. They go hand in hand through all dispensations. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." (Ps. 85:10)

Jesus, our substitute, consented to bear for man the penalty of the law transgressed. He clothed his divinity with humanity, and thus became the Son of man, a Saviour and Redeemer. The very fact of the death of God’s dear Son to redeem man, shows the immutability of the divine law. How easily, from the transgressor’s standpoint, could God have abolished his law, thus providing a way whereby men could be saved, and Christ remain in Heaven! The doctrine which teaches freedom, through grace, to break the law, is a fatal delusion. Every transgressor of God’s law is a sinner, and none can be sanctified while living in known sin.

The condescension and agony of God’s dear Son were not endured to purchase for man liberty to transgress the Father’s law and yet sit down with Christ in his throne. It was that through his merits, and the exercise of repentance and faith, the most guilty sinner might receive pardon, and obtain strength to live a life of obedience. The sinner is not saved in his sins, but from his sins.

The soul must first be convicted of sin, before the sinner will feel a desire to come to Christ. "Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) "I had not known sin but by the law." (Romans 7:7) When the commandment came home to Saul’s conscience, sin revived, and he died. He saw himself condemned by the law of God. The sinner cannot be convinced of his guilt, unless he understands what constitutes sin. It is impossible for an individual to experience Bible sanctification while he holds that if he believes in Christ it is immaterial whether he obeys God’s law or disobeys it.

Those who profess to keep the law of God, and yet at heart are indulging in sin, are condemned by the True Witness. They claim to be rich in a knowledge of the truth; but they are not in harmony with its sacred principles. The truth does not sanctify their lives. God’s word declares that the professed commandment keeper, whose life contradicts his faith, is blind, wretched, poor, and naked.

God’s law is the mirror presenting a complete reflection of the man as he is, and holding up before him the correct likeness. Some will turn away and forget this picture, while others will employ abusive epithets against the law, as though this would cure their defects of character. Still others who are condemned by the law will repent of their transgressions, and, through faith in Christ’s merits, will perfect Christian character.

The whole world is guilty in God’s sight of transgressing his law. Because the great majority will continue to transgress, and thus remain at enmity with God, is no reason why none should confess themselves guilty and become obedient. To a superficial observer, persons who are naturally amiable, who are educated and refined, may appear perfect in life. "Man looketh on the outward appearance; but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Unless the life-giving truths of God’s word, when presented to the conscience, are understandingly received, and then faithfully carried out in the life, no man can see the kingdom of Heaven. To some, these truths have a charm because of their novelty, but are not accepted as the word of God. Those who do not receive the light when it is brought before them, will be condemned by it.

In every congregation in the land there are souls unsatisfied, hungering and thirsting for salvation. By day and by night, the burden of their hearts is, What shall I do to be saved? They listen eagerly to popular discourses, hoping to learn how they may be justified before God. But too often they hear only a pleasing speech, an eloquent declamation. There are sad and disappointed hearts in every religious gathering. The minister tells his hearers that they cannot keep the law of God. "It is not binding upon man in our day," he says. "You must believe in Christ; he will save you; only believe." Thus he teaches them to make feeling their criterion, and gives them no intelligent faith. That minister may profess to be very sincere; but he is seeking to quiet the troubled conscience with a false hope.

Many are led to think that they are on the road to Heaven, because they profess to believe in Christ, while they reject the law of God. But they will find at last that they were on the way to perdition, instead of Heaven. Spiritual poison is sugarcoated with the doctrine of sanctification, and administered to the people. Thousands eagerly swallow it, feeling that if they are only honest in their belief they will be safe. But sincerity will not convert error to truth. A man may swallow poison, thinking it is food; but his sincerity will not save him from the effects of the dose.

God has given us his word to be our guide. Christ has said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) He prayed for his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." (John 17:17) Paul says, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." (Acts 26:9) But this belief did not make his course right. When Paul received the gospel of Jesus Christ, it made him a new creature. He was transformed; the truth was planted in his soul, and gave him such faith and courage as a follower of Christ that no opposition could move him, no suffering daunt him. Men may make what excuse they please for their rejection of God’s law; but no excuse will be accepted in the Day of Judgment. Those who are contending with God, and strengthening their guilty souls in transgression, must very soon meet the great Lawgiver over his broken law.

The day of God’s vengeance cometh–the day of the fierceness of his wrath. Who will abide the day of his coming? Men have hardened their hearts against the Spirit of God; but the arrows of his wrath will pierce where the arrows of conviction could not. God will not far hence arise to deal with the sinner. Will the false shepherd shield the transgressor in that day? Can he be excused who went with the multitude in the path of disobedience? Will popularity or numbers make any guiltless? These are questions which the careless and indifferent should consider and settle for themselves.

RECIPE

Skillet Dish:

Saute onion and burger in two tablespoons of olive oil (you’re welcome to try this without the oil). Add the noodles and tomato juice, season to taste, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add green peppers and cook 10 minutes longer. Just before serving, stir in the mushrooms and the sour cream substitute. This goes good with a salad.

By Michele Sessler

POEM

People in America spend a lot of money, time, and effort in pursuit of health and happiness. Truly good health is very hard to regain once lost. Therefore it is wiser not to lose our health. God has given us 8 laws to guide us. I hope this poem by Jennifer Jill Schwirzer will help us to remember these 8 laws!

SEVEN CHURCHES, FOUR MOVEMENTS

All throughout the history of the people of God we see one repetitive and blessed characteristic. It has been noted quite graphically through time that it is not just a characteristic, however, but more of a necessity. Of course I speak of the heart prodding need to "come out of her my people" to better follow the Lord wherever He may lead.

If we investigate the way the Father led His people out of Babylon in the past three historic movements of His church, we will become better able to discern the will of the Holy Spirit in the fourth and final movement of God’s church.

"I wish to emphasize the fact, that the churches to which John was told to send the instruction given him represent all the churches in our world, and that this revelation to him is to be studied and believed and preached by the Seventh_day Adventist Church today. Christ came personally to John to tell him ‘the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.’ (Rev. 1:11) And He said unto him, ‘What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches.’ (Rev. 1:19) The light was not to be hidden under a bushel.

"In the revelation that Christ gave are linked together in a chain of truth the important messages of warning that are to be given to the world before Christ’s second coming. The last message of mercy is to be proclaimed where it has never yet been heard. The workers are to labor with such self_denial, such self_sacrifice, that the message will be borne to those who have not heard it."¹

The message to the seven churches is, without question, to be proclaimed throughout the ages. Today, being in the time of the last church, we are called to embrace all the messages due to the urgency of the times we live in. It is common knowledge that the devil knows he has but a short time, so he is, in fact, going about the world devouring anyone he can. Never before in the history of the church have we seen such an orchestrated attack on God’s people. Every lesson the enemy has learned in studying the weaknesses of God’s people over the last 6000 years is now being used against us.

Prophecy does not speak of eight churches. These seven prophetic periods spoken of in Revelation chapters two and three indicate what it would take for the Holy Spirit to hone the characters of those "called out ones" into that perfection that was prophesied. This remnant glorifies the Father like no other can. This is that peculiar people, the "remnant of her seed,"² that receive the seal of the Living God.

The movements of God’s people during the time of the seven churches are, of course, those called out of Babylon to "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."³ These movements have been realized to be the children of God doing as His perfect will would have them do. Their movements are seen as yet another way to prove Christ Lord and His Truth supreme. For without His hand involved, they would never take a single step in the first place. Where there is no step, there is no movement.

"From age to age Christ had delivered His treasures to the church, and from one generation to another His faithful servants have improved the talents lent them. The gifts that eighteen hundred years ago He placed in the hands of His chosen ministers, the twelve apostles, have descended to His workers in this age. Yet how few of us realize our high privileges, and our true position as ministers of His grace."⁴

Our day is to be no exception. The Lord plainly stated "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."⁵ He is with us! We mustn’t put a blind eye, or a cold shoulder to the calling we feel pulling at our very souls. To do so would be a lie to our hearts.

"The world is preparing for the last great conflict, nation rising against nation. The vast majority of human beings are taking their stand against God. But in every age the Lord Jesus has had His witnesses—a remnant who trusted in the Word of God. And today, in every place, there are those who hold communion with God. A vital undercurrent of influence is leading them to the light, and when the question comes to them, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’ they will take their position for Him. Their characters have been moulded after the divine similitude, because they have read and practised the teachings of His Word."⁶

Before the seven churches came to be, salvation was of the Jews, in fact, this was the church of God.

"God has a church upon the earth, who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people."¹⁸

The Lord has always had a church on earth. The past movements of His Christian church are evidence of the fruit that speaks boldly of the virgin hearts His remnant children have had throughout the ages. Only "whatsoever saith the Lord" can tug at the heart strings of this, His people. Even when those around them seek after the flesh, their only recourse is to go wherever the Lamb leads. Even if this means to forsake family and friends, the remnant must walk with the Lord and do as they are created to do. The elect can do nothing else.

"In the rejection of the ways of God for the ways of men, the downfall of Israel began. Thus also it continued, until the Jewish people became a prey to the very nations whose practices they had chosen to follow.

"As a nation the children of Israel failed of receiving the benefits that God desired to give them. They did not appreciate His purpose or co_operate in its execution. But though individuals and peoples may thus separate themselves from Him, His purpose for those who trust Him is unchanged. ‘Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.’ (Eccl. 3:14)

"While there are different degrees of development and different manifestations of His power to meet the wants of men in the different ages, God’s work in all time is the same. The Teacher is the same. God’s character and His plan are the same. With Him ‘is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17)

"The experiences of Israel were recorded for our instruction. ‘All these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.’ (1 Cor. 10:11) With us, as with Israel of old, success in education depends on fidelity in carrying out the Creator’s plan. Adherence to the principles of God’s word will bring as great blessings to us as it would have brought to the Hebrew people."¹⁹

The loving advice our Lord gives to the Laodicean church plainly speaks of nothing short of true repentance for those trapped in this blindness of mind. No different than the Jewish leaders of Christ’s day, we see the prideful leaders of the Adventist church today rejecting blunt counsel so plainly laid out in the Words of our Lord. Over the years the Lord has sent many of His faithful children to warn those He cares for. But all the warnings have been ignored by most. Even when blunt facts have been brought before their eyes, they have turned away. Probation has most certainly closed on this church, just as probation closed on the Jews as a nation so long ago and the Protestants in 1844. Like then it has closed on the church itself and not on the dear people within it.

When the 490 year prophecy was fulfilled, the Lord called a people out of error and started the Christian movement with those called out ones. Paul actually went into those prophetically closed churches to bring them out. Today, the Lord is doing the very same thing. His children will only go withersoever the Lamb leadeth, and as we are all aware, He would never lead them to embrace open apostasy.

"The vision that Christ presented to John, presenting the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is to be definitely proclaimed to all nations, people, and tongues. The churches, represented by Babylon, are represented as having fallen from their spiritual state to become a persecuting power against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To John this persecuting power is represented as having horns like a lamb, but as speaking like a dragon."²⁰

"If the church of God becomes lukewarm, it does not stand in favour with God any more than do the churches that are represented as having fallen and become the habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird."²¹

"The world must not be introduced into the church. And married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt and as stated in Revelation, a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.."²²

The state of the Seventh_day Adventist church today is most assuredly Babylon. Every aspect of apostasy and spurious dogma have been embraced by her leaders, and they have done so for decades. A close examination of the following text will lead one to see that this was indeed a prophesied state for this church. The "woman" has now become complacent, and at the same time, the remnant of her seed stands strong.

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."²³

It is plainly prophesied that the dragon will concentrate his attack and make war on the remnant of her seed, and not the seed itself. Originally the seed of the woman, the main church, held to the law and understood prophecy. Yes, Satan is angry with this church. However, his anger has caused her to bow to him. It is the remnant of her seed that causes him to go to war now, for they will never bow. The Seventh_day Remnant is most assuredly to be those that overcome.

"Although the law of God will be almost universally made void in the world, there will be a remnant of the righteous that will be obedient to God’s requirements. The wrath of the dragon will be directed against the loyal servants of Heaven. Says the prophet, ‘The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ (Rev. 12:17) We can see from this scripture that it is not the true church of God that makes war with those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. It is the people who make void the law, who place themselves on the side of the dragon, and persecute those who vindicate God’s precepts."²⁴

The dragon went to make war with the remnant of her seed.

Even today, those of us that share truth out of genuine concern for those falling into apostasy, have seen all sorts of evil attributed to our loving acts. Sister White declared this so perfectly, "Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy because the prophet was faithful to rebuke the king’s secret iniquities. So today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs."²⁵

As we know by studying prophecy, the Ecumenical movement we see so prevalent in today’s world, will eventually gather all of Babylon to encamp against the faithful Sabbath Remnant people. We see this in the movements of the Papacy via the one world church, and we see the Christian Coalition acting in concert with Rome to the same end right here in the United States. Soon the day will come when we will see what all the Christians of old saw during times of great persecution. All those that hate truth will surround the globally hated children of the remnant.

It is time to approach our dear brothers and sisters in the Lord to try and share with them the urgency of our day. Sad thing is, this is not an easy row to hoe. Satan has already convinced many of them with the same method of confusion he has used in the past. Many are now embracing the idea that the Seventh_day Adventist church will go through to the end regardless of the fact that there is so much evidence stacked against it exposing it as a sister to fallen Babylon. If they embrace lies how can they be for the Truth? Yet, some will allow open sin to flourish for what they see as the "greater good." This confusion alone should be all that is needed to realize that this is yet another sign proclaiming that the Lord’s hand is indeed involved in this Sabbath Remnant movement.

Looking to the Word one can see the believers faithfully following their Lord to do the work He called them to do. At first we had the Jewish church that had been chosen by the Father to proclaim His Truth to the World. But error was introduced and they were eventually found unworthy of everlasting life. So the Lord’s people came out from among them to labor for the Lord and start the Christian movement. Next we see the church was again infiltrated by error when Roman Catholicism allowed the mixture of Paganism with Christianity. Again the Lord’s people came out of error laboring in the Protestant Reformation. Once again error was embraced and the voice of our Lord was heard by His faithful Adventist people to come out of Babylon to labor for Him. Of course, history recorded this as the Seventh_day Advent movement. Finally, today in the eleventh hour, we see the Seventh_day Adventist church embracing error as truth. So the Lord is once again proclaiming to His faithful Remnant to come out from among them and do the work that is so urgent for our day. Can you see the prophetic certainty of these events? Is this not illustrated perfectly in the parable of the workers in the vineyard told by the Lord Jesus Himself?

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive."²⁶

The truth is that the true believers separated themselves from the Synagogue of the Jewish nation, that they also stepped away from the Paganism of Roman Catholicism, and that they even stepped out of Protestant error as well. And now we see the Remnant once again going in the only true direction a child of God can go. We can only be led by the Lamb of God. We are not to be defiled by these women (or apostate churches ²⁷). The Lord’s elect cannot be deceived. We must follow wherever He leads! We do so only because we are His sheep, and we most assuredly hear His voice. When the leaders of the church openly embrace error and refuse every warning to repent, the remnant can stand no longer with them. Especially after so much has been done to try and make known to them the apostasy they not only embrace, but encourage.

Are we not a people who understand prophetic jurisprudence? Are we not moved deep within to seek refuge where we can worship in truth as our hearts so deeply desire? The elect cannot stand with error, no more than Satan can stand in truth. It is literally impossible.

Just recently I made a public inquiry regarding "an exodus" out of the Seventh_day Adventist church. I wanted to know if anyone else was seeing it. In a comparatively short time, I have received hundreds of e-mails expressing an agreement on this fact, and seeking counsel on what to do next. People from all over the world are seeking those they can trust to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth with. They are hungry for the truth we share. It is not being proclaimed from their pulpits anymore. No longer are the sheep being fed in these churches. They have left, for there is no place for them in these churches any longer. It is obvious the Lord’s voice is being heard. His children are responding to His call to "come out of her my people."

Keep in mind. His children truly hear His voice. They are definitely coming out. This is not something anyone needs to be convinced of anymore. A mass exodus is being realized around the world. For those of us with global ministries, this truth is repeated daily before our eyes by people from all walks of life. People both inside and outside the church are seeing this clearly.

Those for or against separation agree, there is another movement being seen today! That much is clear. As I said earlier, the Lord’s hand is apparent here. For without His hand involved, God’s followers would never take a single step out of the fallen church. Where there is no step, there is no movement. And there is most assuredly a movement of God’s people this very day. Won’t you become a part of this Remnant Movement?

NOTE 1: Many believe that Philadelphia ended in 1844, but that door which was opened to Philadelphia was the door of the Most Holy Place in Heaven (see 4SOP 268_269). Thus the Philadelphian experience extends past October 22, 1844 until Christ’s work of ministration is ended.

NOTE 2: Christ has left the Adventist movement as well as the SDA church (8T 250) because of apostasy just as He did the Jewish church. (Genesis 49:10, Matthew 21:43, 23:12 _ 24:2; 27:50,51). The Holy Spirit pulls at the hearts of His children to come out of the fallen churches to embrace Him and His truth. (Revelation 3:15_17; 16:9,11; 18:1_5)

1. 1MR 372.

2. Rev. 12:17.

3. Rev. 14:4.

4. 5MR 358.

5. Matt. 28:20.

6. ST 11/23/04.

7. Rev. 2:2,3,6,7.

8. Acts 13:46; 17:6; 18:6.

9. Rev. 2:9,10.

10. Rev. 2:13,17.

11. Rev. 2:24-26.

12. Rev 3:4,5.

13. Rev 7:13-17.

14. Rev. 3:7-13 (see Note 1).

15. Rev 3:14-21.

16. Rev. 10:1-11; 14:6-8 (see Note 2).

17. Rev. 14:10-12,17; 15:2,3.

18. FLB 282.

19. ED 50.

20. TM 117; EV 197.

21. 19MR 176.

22. TM 265.

23. Rev. 12:17.

24. ST 04/22/89.

25. 3SP 12; DA 589.

26. Matt. 20:1-7.

27. See Rev. 14:4.

 THE BATTLE OVER THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NAME

(First of four)

In the late 1970’s, God began in earnest to awaken Seventh-day Adventists to the growing apostasy and corruption within their denomination. As a result many SDA’s started holding meetings outside of church control where these issues were presented and discussed. Some began to hold their own, independent church services.

As more SDA’s became aware of their church’s failings, they started spreading the Three Angels’ Messages on their own. This independent work of evangelism concerned the denominational leaders because most of these independent groups declared themselves to be Seventh-day Adventists. Why would this be such a big problem?

Starting in the 1950’s, the SDA church began to set aside those peculiar Bible truths which were out of harmony with the teachings of the Sunday-keeping churches. They did this in order to stand with them upon a common platform of belief.¹ This apostasy allowed the SDA church to join in unity with these churches as well as to be part of the National Council and World Council of Churches.¹ In doing this, the SDA church had to agree not to proselytize from the membership of their fellow united churches but would only seek converts from non-Christians. So, when the independent groups began to evangelize by preaching the particular truths which the SDA church had given up, and then identified themselves as being Seventh-day Adventists, the church came under angry protests from their Council of Churches partners. This placed the SDA church in a real predicament.

To reassure their Council of Churches brethren that they had not changed, that they still did not believe the Three Angels’ Messages anymore, and that these independent groups were not speaking for the SDA church, they promised that they would work to prevent these groups from presenting these unpopular truths.

To achieve this the SDA church decided to trademark the names "Adventist" and "Seventh-day Adventist" in 1981.² This was done so they could legally control the usage of these names, as well as to prosecute through the civil courts any and all who continue to use these trademarks without permission.

The SDA church hired the services of a trademark attorney named Vincent L. Ramik, who is a faithful practicing Roman Catholic lawyer.³ They tried to stop others from using these trademarked names without permission. Scores of different independent Adventist individuals were threatened with civil court action.

One of the first court cases to receive public notice occurred in the State of Hawaii. A small, 12 member, independent group, shepherded by John Merik, were publicly calling their home church by the name "The Seventh-day Adventist Congregational Church." The SDA church contacted Merik and threatened a lawsuit if his group did not change their name. Merik refused.

On December 8, 1987, a federal court order was made in favor of the SDA Church, "prohibiting the defendants from using the name ‘Seventh-day Adventist,’ and enjoining them to remove the sign, and hand over to federal agents all of their personal books, magazines, and other property that contained the name ‘Seventh-day Adventist’." ⁴

In 1991 a similar situation occurred in Australia in which the SDA church was suing an independent group for publishing and distributing "The Protestant" (a paper which contained the truths found in the Three Angels’ Messages). The reason why the SDA church became involved in this lawsuit was because the independent brethren used the name "Seventh-day Adventist" as being the group responsible for this paper, and they refused to change their name.

The SDA church stated that it "does have a duty to its members and must take all steps necessary to protect and maintain its good name and integrity within the community..." ⁵

In the year 2000 the Eternal Gospel Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Florida, which publicly preaches the Three Angels’ Messages, was sued by the SDA church over the right to use the name "Seventh-day Adventist".¹

There are many more lawsuits which have been brought against those who publicly refer to themselves as "Seventh-day Adventist".

Most independent SDA’s do not believe that the SDA church has become Babylon fallen, and do not believe in totally separating themselves from the entire SDA system. They desire to remain independent from denominational control, but still to identify themselves by the denominational name of "Seventh-day Adventist".

What about those of us who do believe that the SDA church has become Babylon fallen and have totally separated ourselves from the entire SDA system? Should we continue to cling to, and identify ourselves by, the denominational name of "Seventh-day Adventist"? Let us first examine the Biblical principles in this name issue.

There is no church or group name, no matter how sacred or exalted it may be, which can bring any people into any favor with God if they choose to disobey HimSand this includes a name which was chosen by God Himself! This is because God is more concerned with character than with what name we call ourselves by.

"We are not saved as a sect; no denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved individually as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ."⁶

A tree is clearly known by what fruit it bears, regardless of what name it is call. A child is clearly known by what fruit or actions he produces, regardless of his family name. And any religious group will be known by what fruits they show in accordance with their beliefs, regardless of what exalted name they may identify themselves with. Thus it will be by what fruits we bear that we will be judged, and not by what name we may cling to!

"Ye shall know them by their fruits... every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."⁷

"Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God’s law, they were not His people."⁸

A religious name is mainly given to distinguish one group from another, but it is really by the character and beliefs exemplified by that religious group that distinguishes it from every other. It is the same with the individual. Jesus Christ was an "Adventist", not because He called Himself one, but because He exemplified these truths in His life.⁹ The Apostle Paul was an "Adventist", not because he ever called himself one, but because he lived these truths in his life.¹⁰ So in turn we are "Adventist", not because we call ourselves one, but because we live the truth that makes us Adventist!¹¹ Thus it is by following and living the truths contained in our "foundation" and "the whole construction of the faith" which makes us Seventh-day Adventist, and not the name itself!

If a name which God Himself has chosen is to be claimed as the only identifying name of His true people forever, then we should all call ourselves "Israelites"! God personally chose this name to distinguish His people from the heathen nations around them because it represented the truth that they had gained the victory over sin by wrestling with God as did Jacob!¹² Yet even while they were disobeying God and exhibited fruits of wickedness and corruption, they still continued to identify themselves with this chosen name.

Why don’t we literally call ourselves Israelites today? For two main reasons. 1) The apostate church of Israel rejected the truths sent to them by God, and chose to unite themselves with the devil and the other heathen nations around them. Thus the name became identified with apostasy and corruption and, separated from its original meaning, became a reproach among the heathen peoples. 2) If we should literally call ourselves Israelites today, people would believe that we were part of that non-Christian system, even though we would not be, and thus our witness would have no effect.

It was to avoid these two main points that when the followers of Christ in the Christian Movement separated themselves from the apostate and corrupt Jewish Church of Israel, they chose to identify themselves by a completely different name. But what name did they choose to identify themselves by? Did they call themselves "The True Israelites, or "The Historic Church of Israel", or even "The Reformed Jews"? No. They called themselves "Christians" and made the line of distinction plain.

It was for this same reason that when the Reformers in the Protestant Movement separated themselves from the apostate and corrupt Christian church, which developed into the Roman Catholic Church, they did not call themselves "The True Catholics", or "The Historic Catholics", or even "the Reformed Catholics", but they chose a different name in order to distinguish themselves in the eyes of the peoples from the Roman Catholic church.

In like manner, when the followers of Jesus Christ in the Advent Movement separated themselves from the apostate and corrupt Protestant churches in 1844, they did not call themselves "The True Methodists", or "The Historic Lutherans", or even "The Reformed Baptists", but they chose a different name which showed themselves completely separate and distinct from the Protestant churches.

What about today? Should the followers of Christ in this Revelation 18 Movement, who have completely separated from the apostate and corrupt SDA church, continue to call themselves "Seventh-day Adventists"? Is this name beyond reproach—no matter how corrupt the church becomes? Is it really possible that the name "Seventh-day Adventist" can become stained and defiled because of its connection to an apostate church?

Since the SDA church has chosen to apostatize from God and has become a part of Babylon the Great, thereby bringing this exalted name down from its original meaning and making it a reproach in the eyes of other peoples, should the followers of Christ in this Revelation 18 Movement continue to identify themselves by this name? What has history shown us over and over again? That after all the followers of Christ separated from their corrupt churches of Judaism, Catholicism, and Protestantism, they all chose a completely different name to identify themselves by. These followers of God clearly saw the wisdom of avoiding needless confusion by making the distinction plain between themselves and the corrupt church they had separated from. So should we!

Christ’s followers must be found spending their time, effort, and money on spreading the Three Angels’ Messages, not in the courts of the land fighting for a name of a church which they have chosen to separate from! Brethren, let us be about our work for God in spreading His truth, and not be sidetracked by Satan into spending our time, effort, and money in trying to cling to an idol. There is no valid Biblical reason why God would desire any of His separated people to defend their right to call themselves "Seventh-day Adventist".

The name "Seventh-day Adventist" has become to many an idol in which they would be willing to go to jail for, or even to die for, just so they can call themselves "Adventist". Instead we should all be willing to go to jail for, and if necessary to die for, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as the right to believe and live the truth as it is in Jesus!

May we be found living up to the present truth, and expending all our time, energy, and money in spreading this precious message of the Loud Cry throughout the world so that the glory of God may fill this dark world as the waters cover the sea. Then Christ can come to take His ransomed home. Brethren, let us be wise and be doing our Master’s work while it is still day, for the night is coming on fast!

Those who choose to continue to call themselves Seventh-day Adventist are thereby showing that they do not desire to be separated from that apostate and corrupt church. They clearly reveal that they want to be identified as being connected with, and a part of, that system of Babylon. By the way, religious liberty deals with what doctrinal beliefs you hold as your faith and your right to practice these beliefs, not whether you are able to call yourself a "Seventh-day Adventist" as some claim.

Did you know that God clearly foresaw this rebellion and apostasy of the SDA church? Did you know that God clearly understood that the chosen name of "Seventh-day Adventist" would become stained and defiled, and therefore He prophesied that His last day people would be called by a different name?

"I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts... And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name." ¹³

"A fearful stain was brought upon the cause of God which would cleave to the name of Adventist like the leprosy." ¹⁴

Because of the rebellion and apostasy of the SDA church, God foresaw that the once chosen name of "Seventh-day Adventist" would become defiled, so He clearly revealed that all of His people would need to be called by another name.

Since the name "Seventh-day Adventist" has become defiled and all of God’s separated people are to call themselves by a different name, what name should we call ourselves by?

The name must uphold the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. It must bring before the people the subject of the end of all things. It must open the way for them to study and understand that God will have a people who will keep all of His commandments, who will follow the testimony of Jesus, who will have the faith of Jesus. It must avoid any confusion and negative drawbacks associated with the name "Seventh-day Adventist".

The name should also reveal that we are in the time of the last message of mercy, the time of the Great Last Day movement (see "Another Movement"), the Remnant Movement (see "Seven Churches, Four Movements").

Given the above requirements, what name could be more appropriate to use to identify ourselves than the name "Sabbath Remnant"?

1. For documentation of this, please write the author.

2. Reg #1,176,153 and reg #1,777,185, see RH 11/24/1983.

3. See RH 09/17/1981.

4. Reported in Pilgrim’s Rest Tract, WM 194, 1988.

5. Letter to Chris Lewin, December 3, 1991 from McCarthy, Palethorpe & Blanch, the Law Firm representing the SDA church in Australia.

6. RH 02/10/1891.

7. Matthew 7:16-20.

8. DA 106-107.

9. See MM 49.

10. See 3SOP 389.

11. See 10MR 45, 351; 17MR 22; Series B#7, p 49; EV 121.

12. See Gen 32:24-30.

13. Isaiah 65:2, 15.

14. 8MR 238.