Category: General Bible Topics

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Dead to What?

Romans 6 the way Paul wrote it:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6 the way many Christians want to rewrite it:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in the law, that legalism may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to the law, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that the old law was crucified with him, that it might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve the law. For he that is dead is freed from the law.

Now if the law be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live without it: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto the law once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto the law, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not the law therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should burdened with obedience to it. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of legalism unto the law: but yield yourselves unto whatever you feel is right, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of your own personal whims. For the law shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we obey the law? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of the law unto death, or of liberty unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were at one time the servants of the law, but ye have from the heart broken free from that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from the law, ye became the servants of liberty.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye had yielded your members to legalism and bondage; even so now yield your members servants to liberty unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of the law, ye were legalists. What fruit had ye then in those things that were such a burden? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from the law, and become servants to liberty, ye have your fruit unto situation ethics, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of obeying the law is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Notice that I took the liberty to replace the word “sin” with “law” and made a few other “minor” changes as a contrast to highlight what Paul actually says in this passage: our “old man,” the sinful human nature, was crucified with Christ, not the Law; we have been made free from sin, not from the law.

As we continue reading in Romans 7 we encounter a significant metaphor.

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:1-4

The usual understanding of these verses is that Christ’s death frees us from the requirements of God’s Law; that careful, strict obedience is not necessary for Christians like it was for the Israelites. This is based on the concept that the “marriage” in Paul’s metaphor is between a person and the Law “until death do us part” and Christ’s death was the death that parted.

Paul is writing to people who were under the Roman legal system and he begins this passage with the assumption that his readers are acquainted with how a legal system works—“I speak to them that know law.” There is no definite article “the” in this phrase in the original Greek. He continues with an example of how the system works—the law regarding marriage.

In Paul’s time, both in the Roman culture and in the Jewish culture, marriage was monogamous. God designed that it should be a permanent union. The law bound those two specific people together for life. If there was a marriage certificate, it could have been considered “The Law” that governed those two people at that time in regard to that marriage. “The Law” (their marriage certificate) stated that neither of them could be married to another person. Death of one spouse terminated that union and annulled that particular law—the Law of their marriage. The surviving spouse was not married to that person anymore and could legally marry someone else. After describing this scenario, Paul says in verse 4, “ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.”

In God’s legal system, the Torah, given through Moses, there was a provision that was illustrated repeatedly. Under God’s Law, a sacrificial victim was a legal substitute for a sinner. According to that Law, the sinner legally died when the victim died. Paul is referring to this provision when he says, “ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.” His message is, “According to God’s ‘Constitution,’ you were considered legally dead when Christ died. Therefore, your legal bond to sin has been broken (the first “husband” was the “old man,” the sinful human nature, not the Law) in the same way that the law regarding marriage fidelity to the first partner no longer applies when one spouse dies. You are legally free from that sinful nature and its final destiny—eternal death. Your sinful nature (“the body of sin” Romans 6:6) died when Christ died (“by the body of Christ” Romans 7:6). He gave you new, spiritual life, and now you are free to be “married” to Him and can produce the fruit of righteousness instead of the fruit of sin.” That phrase “dead to the law” means “dead according to the law,” or “legally dead,” rather than “the law is dead.”

This same idea is brought out again in Galatians.

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19, 20

When Paul says here, “I through the law am dead to the law, . . . I am crucified with Christ,” he means, “Through the provisions of the law, I legally died when Christ died. My old self was crucified with Him.”

Let’s take Romans 6 at face value just the way Paul wrote it. We are disconnected from sin by Christ’s death. Sin has no legal jurisdiction over us anymore. Now we are free to live for God.

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The Father and The Son

The Unapproachable God

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Exodus 33:20

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29

God has isolated Himself from His creation by a shield that cannot be penetrated, not because He doesn’t want contact with us, but for our protection, because His divine glory and nature would destroy any sinful human that approached. This is similar to the way that radioactive elements are isolated behind a protective shield so those working with them are not exposed to the danger of the radiation. Jesus has the same Divine nature but has veiled it and come forth to be in contact with us. He stepped out from the impenetrable (and dangerous to us) Divine glory in a visible human form that we could tolerate and comprehend.

The Approachable God

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. John 14:8-10

I and my Father are one. John 10:30

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

This verse is describing Jesus as a small sample of God, like a small static spark compared to the lightning bolt of God’s true glory, or a beam of light that shines through a small aperture that allows a glimpse of the intense brilliance that is on the other side. He is a visible, engraved object, a sculpture, that displays the essence of an invisible God.

The Son of God

Jesus is in the role of a “Son” as He gives all glory to the Father, obeys in everything, is in submission, etc. God is the Father, Jesus is the Son; God is the King, Jesus is the Prince.

The Father and the Son are “one” like a husband and wife are one. They are not a singularity but a unity. In a sinful system and from a human perspective, only one can be supreme. In the heavenly order, that Supreme One at this time is the Father. “Theos” (the Greek word for God in the New Testament) means “Supreme One.” Jesus is the same as the Father, one with the Father, equal in every way with the Father, truly Divine as much as the Father is Divine, but He accepted a submissive and subservient role in order to bring us to the Father.

Jesus is called the “Son of God,” but He is also called the “Shepherd,” the “Rock,” the “Bread,” etc. He is not literally those things but the metaphors are necessary to reveal to finite humans some important aspects of His essence and character that will allow us to comprehend Him.

The Only Begotten Son

We are told that Jesus, the Son of God, was begotten. Does that mean that, for a period of time in past eternity, God the Father existed alone, and then decided to give birth to a Son?

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begottenH3205 thee. Psalm 2:7

from Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary–

H3205 ילד yâlad yaw-lad’

A primitive root; to bear young; causatively to beget; medically to act as midwife; specifically to show lineage: – bear, beget, birth ([-day]), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail (-eth, -ing woman).

Here are some other verses that use the same Hebrew word (H3205) to describe other things that are “brought forth” or “begotten.”

They conceive mischief, and bring forthH3205 vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Job 15:35

Hath the rain a father? or who hath begottenH3205 the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath genderedH3205 it? Job 38:, 2929

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forthH3205 falsehood. Psalm 7:14

Before the mountains were brought forth,H3205 or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 90:2

None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forthH3205 iniquity. Isaiah 59:4

Are vanity, dew, frost, falsehood, mountains, or iniquity actually born from a womb as a child is born?

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.H3205 Proverbs 27:1

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be bornH3205 at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forthH3205 her children. Isaiah 66:8

Does a day give birth to something as a mother gives birth to a child? Did Zion give birth to babies?

In the New Testament, Jesus is called the “only-begotten” Son of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begottenG3439 of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begottenG3439 Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begottenG3439 Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begottenG3439 Son of God. John 3:18

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begottenG3439 Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

from Strong’s Greek Dictionary–

G3439 μονογενής monogenēs mon-og-en-ace

From G3441 and G1096; only born, that is, sole: – only (begotten, child).

Some understand these verses to mean that Jesus was born at some point in the obscure past, which then leads to the conclusion that He is not an eternal Being. Yet the Bible also describes Him as eternal, existing in the beginning with God (John 1:1), being the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8, 11), etc. How can He be “born” and yet be eternal?

When the Bible states that Jesus is the “only begotten Son” of God, it does not necessarily mean that He was born to the Heavenly Father as a human child is born to its mother, thus coming into existence some time later than the Father. It merely means that He came forth from the Father to be visible and accessible for interaction with His creation. He was born into this world as the literal child of a human mother in order to make the infinite God and His Truth understandable to finite humans.

The Status of the Only-begotten Son

There is another aspect of this role of the only begotten Son that enters this discussion. Abraham was told to offer Isaac, his “only son,” “his only begotten son,” as a burnt offering.

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Genesis 22:2

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:17

In spite of these statements, we know that Abraham had other sons–Ishmael by Hagar and several others by Keturah.

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. Genesis 16:15

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. Genesis 25:1, 2

But Isaac was the true son of the original marriage between Abraham and Sarah and he was the only one who inherited any of Abraham’s property.

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child (Ishmael), and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Genesis 21:14

And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines (secondary wives: Hagar and Keturah), which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country. Genesis 25:5, 6

Since Isaac had the status of being the only true son, he had exclusive birthright–there were no other sons to divide the inheritance with.

There are / were other beings known as “sons of God” but Jesus is the “only begotten” Son of God. He is unique in that role. He has it by inheritance, sharing a certain one-ness with the Father that no other can share. Others are considered sons by creation, adoption, redemption, etc.

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? . . . When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:4, 7

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:5

Since Jesus is the only true Son, He inherits all from His Father. And then, in His gracious character, He shares it with His adopted siblings, the saints, when they go to live with Him in His Father’s house.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15

The Status of the Firstborn Son

Jesus is also referred to as the Firstborn.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Hebrews 12:23

The firstborn son had a superior status in the family. He had the birthright, making him the leader, the patriarch of the family, and he inherited twice as much of his father’s estate as his brothers. Jesus has a similar preeminence.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

In referring to Jesus as “the Firstborn” we should not think of Him as the first being that was “born” to the Father, in some way born as a mother bears children. He is eternal; He did not have a birth beginning. He was given the status of Firstborn. There are several instances in the Bible where that status was conferred on someone even though they were not actually the first one born.

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. Exodus 4:22, 23

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; Numbers 3:12

Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;) 1 Chronicles 26:10

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: . . . Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. Psalm 89:20, 27 (David was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse.)

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Jeremiah 31:9 (Ephraim was the younger of Joseph’s two sons and Joseph himself was second to the youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons.)

King of kings and Lord of lords

Both the Father and the Son are referred to with the same title–King of kings, Lord of lords.

the Father–

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15, 16

the Son–

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

from the throne of the universe–

Jesus might have remained at the Father’s side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father’s hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing. The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 23

Jesus stepped down temporarily from being Supreme Deity but will be reinstated to His former position when all the processes of the Plan of Salvation have been completed.

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Who Is Jesus?

There is quite a lot of discussion and disagreement regarding who Jesus is, mainly centering around whether He is “God.” Let’s let the Bible tell us who He is.

He is God–

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. Psalm 50:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3 (quoting Isaiah 40:3 where “LORD” = Jehovah)

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. John 12:41 (referring to Isaiah 6:1 where “the Lord” = Adonai)

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 9:5

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8 (quoting Psalm 45:6 where “God” = Elohiym)

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Psalm 45:6, 7

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10 (quoting Psalm 102:24, 25 where “Lord” = El)

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Psalm 102:24-27

He is the Son of God–

Matthew 8:29; 27:54

Mark 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39

Luke 1:32, 35; 4:41; 8:28

John 1:34, 49; 3:16-18; 6:69; 20:31

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

He is part of God–

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Genesis 3:22

He is One with the Father–

I and my Father are one. John 10:30

He resembles God–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He is in the Father and the Father is in Him–

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:37, 38

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. John 14:10, 11

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

He was called “the mighty God,” “the everlasting Father”–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

He was called “God with us”–

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

He would be called “THE LORD (Jehovah) OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS”–

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5, 6

He was sent by the Father to save the world–

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16, 17

John the Baptist prepared for Him “the way of the LORD (Jehovah) . . . a highway for our God”–

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

He came in the Father’s name–

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. John 5:43

The Father is greater than He–

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. John 14:28

He calls the Father “my God”–

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:17

Thomas called Him (Jesus) “my God”–

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

God has exalted Him to a high position, given Him a great name, and declared that all should bow to Him and confess Him as Lord–

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

He is the mediator between God and man —

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5

We come to the Father through the Son–

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the “outshining of His glory, the copy of His essence”–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

All the fullness of divinity was in Him–

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:19

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9

He was God manifest in the flesh–

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

We can see the Father in Him–

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:8, 9

He was made human, a “man”–

John 1:14, 30; 8:40

Acts 2:22

Romans 5:15

1 Corinthians 15:21

1 Timothy 2:5

Philippians 2:7, 8

Hebrews 2:14, 17

He displayed God’s glory–

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He demonstrated God’s character–

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

The Father gave Him everything–

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. John 17:10

He has been given authority to judge–

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: . . . And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:22, 27

He is the Creator–

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. John 1:10

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10

He is a Prince and Saviour–

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30, 31

He is Lord–

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. John 13:13

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

He is eternal, from eternity past to eternity future–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 1:10-12

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

He is omnipotent: He has all power (authority)–

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

He is omniscient–

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2, 3

He is omnipresent–

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18

He has life in Himself–

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:26

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:18

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the singular channel of existence–

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Acts 17:28

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

His words are life–

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

He can give physical life–

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. . . . Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:21, 25, 28, 29;

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16

He can give eternal life–

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

He is holy–

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:24

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

He should be honored the same as the Father–

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John 5:23

He is far above the angels, having a surpassing name–

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4

All the angels worship Him–

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6

He is to receive glory for ever and ever–

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing–

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

He receives the same honor as the One who sits on the throne–

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

The 4 beasts and 24 elders worshiped Him–

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5:8

He has a sceptre and a kingdom–

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8

He is the heir of all things–

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2

He holds the position and has the authority and privileges of the Firstborn–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He upholds everything by His power–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He sits at the right side of the Father, the Majesty–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Hebrews 1:13

He is far above all powers and authorities in this world and in the future world–

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:21, 22

He is King of kings and Lord of lords–

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

He was not independent of the Father–

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:30

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. John 6:57

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. John 12:49, 50

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. John 14:10

He was totally good; only God is good–

Psalm 92:15

Mark 10:17, 18

John 8:46

2 Corinthians 5:21

1 Peter 2:22

1 John 3:5

He had power (authority) to forgive sins–

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:10-12

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Luke 5:24, 25

People worshiped Him–

Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 28:9, 17

Mark 5:6

Luke 24:52

John 9:38

Revelation 1:17

We are told to only worship God–

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luke 4:8

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10;

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Revelation 22:8, 9

Glory to the Son is glory to the Father–

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. John 13:31

As He is in the Father, He is in us and we in Him–

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

The THREE (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are together–

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2

There is one God (the Father), and one Lord (Jesus)–

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

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Old Covenant / New Covenant

The question is often asked: What is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? What changed when Jesus died on the cross?

First, we must understand that there is an Eternal Covenant that is foundational to all others. Simply stated it is this: God says, “I will fulfill my promises to you if you do my will.” All of His people from Adam to Noah to Abraham to Jacob knew what God’s will was. They followed it and He blessed them. Then came the Israelite nation recently delivered from slavery. They had lost the knowledge of His will and needed reminders and careful discipline to help them live in His will. So God instituted the written Code of Conduct—the Torah—with everything spelled out carefully to reduce misunderstandings. Included in the Torah was the Ten Commandments as the basic standard of morality (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5); the Statutes and Judgments, to explain and illustrate the Ten Commandments (given mostly in Exodus 21-23 and Deuteronomy, and interspersed throughout Leviticus and Numbers); and the Ceremonial / Sacrificial system as a remedy for the breaking of the Law—the symbols of the Gospel for that time (given primarily in Leviticus).

The Covenant with the Jews was originally something like this:

the Parties involved—God and Israel

the Promise—Jehovah would be their God; they would be His special people; they would receive an inheritance

the Terms or Conditions of the Covenant—obedience to God’s Laws

But there was a problem.

For finding fault with them (the people), he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:8.

There was a fault, but it was not with the Terms of the Covenant. God’s Laws are perfect; His Statutes are right; His Commandments are pure; His Judgments are true and righteous altogether (Psalm 19:7-9). The fault was not with God. The fault was with the people involved. They kept breaking the Terms of the Covenant. They were not obedient. Their hearts were not in harmony with God. They continued to bring their sacrifices but God wanted something beyond that.

Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

What changed when the Messiah came?

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Daniel 9:27

This prophecy predicts the Messiah’s coming, His ministry, and His death. It tells us that the sacrifices and oblations ceased. That was the change that occurred at the cross. The book of Hebrews explains more about the change as Paul describes several things that are better—better sacrifices, a better Priest, a better Sanctuary, better promises.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Hebrews 9:11

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:13, 14

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 9:23

Here we can see that Jesus brought in what was “better”:

He is a better High Priest for many reasons, including the fact that He was sinless, ever-living, etc.

The better promises involve, on God’s part, a better inheritance (heavenly rather than earthly) and, on Jesus’ part, His commitment to fulfill God’s will perfectly (John 8:29; Hebrews 10:7, 9) contrasted with man’s disobedience.

He ministers in a greater Tabernacle in Heaven, made by God Himself.

His blood is far superior to any animal blood, able to purify more than the flesh, actually cleansing the conscience, the deepest source of sin by revealing to us the terrible effect sin has had on God (we killed Him) and His continued encompassing love for us.

His sacrifice is far superior because He is the Son of God (nothing could be greater or better) so He only needed to do it once for all.

Paul was writing to Jewish Christians explaining the changes that the cross introduced. What did he mean when he spoke of a “new covenant” or “new testament?” Why was a new one needed? Because the old established only a temporary remedy for sin and pointed forward to the true, complete remedy—Jesus Christ. The Jews viewed the remedy that they had been given as all that was needed, rather then looking, by faith, through the sacrifices to the One they foreshadowed—Jesus, the Messiah. So they went on breaking God’s Laws and bringing sacrifices perpetually, not stopping to realize that they needed a change of heart to truly follow God’s will in spirit rather than merely in letter.

Jesus came to take humanity’s place in the Covenant as our Substitute. The New Covenant is between God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son, who completely fulfills all the Conditions of the Covenant for us and will receive all the Kingdom Promises. He became our surety, our guarantee, that all the Terms would be fulfilled. When we have Jesus living in our hearts, we become heirs to the Kingdom with Him. He also brings about a change in our character by instilling God’s Laws in our hearts and minds through the power of His Spirit so that we will be in harmony with God and can also fulfill the Terms of the Covenant.

The terms of the “old covenant” were, Obey and live: “If a man do, he shall even live in them” (Ezekiel 20:11; Leviticus 18:5); but “cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.” Deuteronomy 27:26. The “new covenant” was established upon “better promises”–the promise of forgiveness of sins and of the grace of God to renew the heart and bring it into harmony with the principles of God’s law. “This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. . . . I will forgive their iniquity, and will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:33, 34. (Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372)

So the change at the Cross was to replace erring humans with the perfect One—Jesus—and to replace the Sacrifices, Priests, and earthly Tabernacle system with Jesus, the BETTER Sacrifice and High Priest in the Heavenly Temple. He is the One who was always the true fulfillment of that system. The Hebrews had come to regard the Sacrifices as an end in themselves, but it was only by faith that true forgiveness and atonement were received. Salvation has always been by faith, as we know from Hebrews 11. It was by faith that Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

What changed at the cross was the remedy for breaking the Law, not the Law itself. All the Laws are still intact—the Ten Commandments and the other Laws given through Moses. Nothing was changed except what we are specifically told was changed. The prophecy of Daniel 9 and the book of Hebrews tell us what was changed.

To put it simply: The difference between the Old and New Covenants is Jesus, the True Remedy for the sins of man. What was foreshadowed in the Tabernacle system became a reality.

Did the Terms of the Covenant change? No! There was never a problem with the Terms. They are still obedience and cooperation with God.

Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old. The conditions are, and ever have been, based on perfect obedience. (Ellen White, Letter 216, 1906)

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Romans 1:5

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14

There are those who say that the Terms of the Covenant have changed, that God’s Laws are not part of it anymore, that everything is by Grace, meaning that God is more lenient now, not as strict as He was before. But where does the Bible say that? Jesus said He didn’t come to change any of God’s Laws (Matthew 5:17-19) and we are not given permission to change anything.

Here is a principle we must follow: God does not change. (Malachi 3:6) What He establishes does not change unless He Himself changes it. If the Bible doesn’t tell us that He changed something, then it remains.

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Deuteronomy 12:32

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18, 19

The Laws of God have not been changed. Not the Ten Commandments nor the specifications given in the Statutes and Judgments. The only thing that changed was the remedy for sin. The shadows were replaced by Jesus, the fulfillment and true Remedy.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Hebrews 8:10, 11

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Putting the Ladder on the Right Wall

In the article, The Ladder Against the Wrong Wall, we looked at the link between the Gospel in Galatians, the Loud Cry, and the “Law of Moses.” The message was given in 1888 and was rejected, which kept the people from receiving the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and from entering the Heavenly Canaan. Please read that document first so you will better understand this one. It is very important if we do not wish to repeat their history.

We saw a connection between the theology of George Butler and our current theology. We got a glimpse of the teachings of E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones, which many of us have never really heard. The message in 1888 was not just Righteousness by Faith, but much more.

Here is a brief overview of some of the differences between George Butler’s theology and that of Jones and Waggoner:

Butler taught that the whole Law of Moses was a heavy yoke and was nailed to the Cross, and that Paul was teaching in Galatians that it was to be observed only in the Jewish dispensation before the Cross.

Jones and Waggoner taught that Paul was not referring to a certain part of the Law that could not save us but that all Law was powerless to save us; that sin was the heavy yoke; and that his (Paul’s) descriptions comparing “before” and “after” (Galatians 3:23-26) were not dispensational–ie. Jewish era vs. Christian era–but were referring to the personal experience of life in sin vs. life in Christ.

Which understanding shall we choose?

As a quick review, I will quote a few paragraphs from the previous article that we shared.

from a letter by A. T. Jones to C. E. Holmes, May 12, 1921–

“I can’t now name anyone who accepted the truth at that 1888 meeting openly – besides Ellen White [obviously]. But later many said they were greatly helped by it. One Battle Creek leader said at that meeting after one of Dr. Waggoner’s meetings: “Now we could say amen to all of that if that is all there were to it. But away down yonder there is still something to come. And this is to lead us to that . . . And if we say amen to this we will have to say amen to that, and then we are caught . . . ” (quoted in “Exposing the Skeleton in the SDA Closet of 1888” by Norman Bradley)

What was the “this” and the “that”?

In 1893 when the subject of pork eating was being discussed using the statute in Deuteronomy 14:8, “Uriah Smith explicitly rejected the applicability of the Mosaic distinction: “We believe there is better ground on which to rest [the prohibition on pork] than the ceremonial law of the former dispensation, if we take the position that that law is still binding, we must accept it all, and then we have more on our hands than we can easily dispose of.” (MR 852 2.1)

“. . . then we are caught” and “. . . then we have more on our hands than we can easily dispose of.” What is the subject here? It cannot be merely “Righteousness by Faith” which had been a pillar of Protestantism for centuries before 1888. What I came to understand as I studied these things was that this issue was not merely Righteousness by Faith, friends. It had to do also with the Law of Moses and its applicability to the Christian dispensation. Butler and other leaders, who were ready to dispose of the Law of Moses, based their assumptions on the idea that the Law in Galatians was the Ceremonial Law that was no longer binding. They included everything given through Moses except the Ten Commandments in this disposal. So the real issue in 1888, I believe, was the Law of Moses and its binding claims on Christians today.

from Ellen White–

In consequence of continual transgression, the moral law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law. (Review and Herald 05-06-75)

We are to become familiar with the Levitical law in all its bearings; for it contains rules that must be obeyed; it contains the instruction that if studied will enable us to understand better the rule of faith and practice that we are to follow in our dealings with one another. No soul has any excuse for being in darkness. Those who receive Christ by faith will receive also power to become the sons of God (Letter 3, 1905). (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1110)

We are told in the above quotes that the Laws given to Moses at Sinai were not to pass away but were binding upon us as long as time should last and contained rules that must be obeyed. (I would like to refer you to a prior Zion’s Covenant article, sent out May 11, 2010, called “Statutes and Judgments,” that discusses God’s system of Law in more detail. If you did not receive it, you can find it at www.godsfoodforlife.org Click on Zion’s Covenant in the Menu on the left side of the screen for a list of the articles.)

Putting the Ladder Back on the Right Wall

In this article, I would like to put the ladder back on the right wall. We really must if we wish to reach our desired destination, the Heavenly Canaan. Let’s take a look at Scripture to learn more about the message that will prepare God’s people to meet Him. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:1-6

What day is being described here that burns like an oven when all the wicked become as stubble and are burned up? It is the end of the world, Jesus’ second coming, and the destruction of the wicked.

What comes just before the dreadful Day of the Lord? The message of Elijah, who turns the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers.

What is this prophet’s message? Remember the Law of Moses with the statutes and judgments. It is really very simple, friends.

What is the “Law of Moses?” The word for Law in Malachi 4:4 is “Torah.” Here are some other verses where this word appears.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. Exodus 24:12

This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. Leviticus 11:46, 47

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 30:10

These are just a few examples of how this word is used in the Old Testament. As you can see, it refers to the Ten Commandments, to health laws, and to the Book of the Law which Moses heard from God and wrote down as a permanent record for later generations. I went through and looked at each one of the 219 times that this word is used in the Old Testament and found that it refers specifically to the Book of the Law written by Moses 70 times, to Law in general 83 times, to the Ten Commandments specifically 5 times, as well as other Laws from the Statutes and Judgments numerous times. The prophecy in Malachi 4 is reminding us that everything Moses wrote is critically important for these last days.

What does the Spirit of Prophecy tell us?

The closing words of Malachi are a prophecy regarding the work that should be done preparatory to the first and the second advent of Christ. This prophecy is introduced with the admonition, “Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (The Southern Watchman, 03-21-05, para. 1 & 2)

John, as a prophet, stood forth as God’s representative, to show the connection between the law and the prophets and the Christian dispensation. Like Malachi, he pleaded with the Jews: “Remember ye the law of Moses, . . . with all the statutes and judgments.” His work and ministry pointed back to the law and the prophets, while he, at the same time, pointed the people forward to Christ as the Saviour of the world. He called upon them to “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (The Southern Watchman, 03-21-05, para. 7)

He (John the Baptist) was a representative of those living in these last days to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to present before the people to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 3, p. 61)

The “Elijah Message” for the last days is the same as John the Baptist’s message. His message was “Remember the Law of Moses with the Statutes and Judgments.” In the above quotes, what is the message we are told to give? The same message that John gave. “Remember the Law of Moses with the Statutes and Judgments.” Does this include the Ten Commandments? Of course it does. Does it include the other Laws God gave that explain and reinforce the Moral Law? Absolutely! Remember the whole Torah! I think it is significant that the Hebrew word for “remember” in Malachi 4:4 is the same word as is used in Exodus 20:8 where we are told to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

In consequence of continual transgression, the moral law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law. (Review and Herald, 05-06-75, para. 10)

Who decides what is still binding? Does the church? Do we as individuals?

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Deuteronomy 12:32

There is no finite man that lives, I care not who he is or whatever is his position, that God has authorized to pick and choose in His Word. (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 919, para. 2)

Did you catch that? We are forbidden to add or take away from what God has given as His laws! Absolutely no man has the right to do this. So who decides what is to be obeyed in the Christian era? God alone. If Scripture does not say that something ended at the cross, then it continues. If Scripture says that something was finished, then it no longer applies

Galatians does not say that the Law ended at the Cross. It merely says that the Law cannot save us. It never could. Its role has always been to point us to our Savior and to show us what righteous living is. By faith in Jesus, we can partake of the Divine Nature and live the perfect Law of love, the foundation of God’s government. This is true freedom, freedom from the bondage of sin. This is the message of Galatians.

The book of Hebrews is a thorough explanation of what was changed at the cross. Read it carefully. It speaks of the Sacrifices–Christ was a better Sacrifice. It speaks of the Temple Services–we now have a Heavenly Temple. It speaks of the role of the High Priest–Jesus is now our High Priest.

We are told in other places that circumcision was changed. Baptism has replaced it.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:11, 12

We are told that the Passover lamb was replaced with bread and juice.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:15-19

Some people say that the Passover was finished at the Cross. But our Lord called the service He did with his disciples “Passover” and said it would be fulfilled in the Kingdom. It was the lamb sacrifice that ended at the Cross, being replaced by the symbolic bread and juice.

The Covenant Renewed–

In the last days of this earth’s history, God’s covenant with His commandment-keeping people is to be renewed. (Prophets and Kings, p. 299)

God wants to renew His Covenant with us. He wants to pour His Spirit upon us. What is required to again be in Covenant with God?

Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old–perfect obedience. Under the old covenant, there were many offenses of a daring, presumptuous character, for which there was no atonement specified by law. In the new and better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law, if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” Mercy and forgiveness are the reward of all who come to Christ trusting in His merits to take away their sins. In the better covenant we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ (Letter 276, 1904). (SDA Bible Commentary, Volume 7, p. 931, para.10)

Faith in our Savior, Jesus, and obedience to the Torah, the same as in the times of Israel, are still the requirements for us to be in Covenant with God today.

The minds of the people, blinded and debased by slavery and heathenism, were not prepared to appreciate fully the far-reaching principles of God’s ten precepts. That the obligations of the Decalogue might be more fully understood and enforced, additional precepts were given, illustrating and applying the principles of the Ten Commandments. These laws were called judgments, both because they were framed in infinite wisdom and equity and because the magistrates were to give judgment according to them. Unlike the Ten Commandments, they were delivered privately to Moses, who was to communicate them to the people. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 310)

The light given me is that we are to study more than we do the instruction given to Moses by God after He had proclaimed the law from Sinai. The ten commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were then written on tables of stone, to be preserved till the judgment should take place. After the giving of the law, God gave Moses specifications regarding the law. These specifications are plain and explicit. No one need make a mistake.

In the day of judgment we shall be asked whether we have lived in harmony with these specifications. (Australasian Union Conference Record, 03-25-07)

Did you catch that? We will be judged by these Laws. Have we lived in harmony with them? How can we live in harmony with Laws we don’t accept or study?

Friends, if we want to stop wandering in the wilderness, then we must start to live the Elijah Message. We must put our ladder on the right wall. These Laws were not all nailed to the Cross. Only a very few came to an end at that time.

Each of the Ten Commandments has other Laws that enforce, illustrate, and apply them. Which ones reinforce the Sabbath?

Again the people were reminded of the sacred obligation of the Sabbath. Yearly Feasts were appointed, at which all the men of the nation were to assemble before the Lord, bringing to Him their offerings of gratitude and the first fruits of His bounties. The object of all these regulations was stated: they proceeded from no exercise of mere arbitrary sovereignty; all were given for the good of Israel. The Lord said, “Ye shall be holy men unto Me”–worthy to be acknowledged by a holy God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 311)

Remember: The Laws that reinforce the Ten Commandments are still binding.

Someone will say: “Surely, if this is truth and we are to do these things, our church fathers would have understood it and been doing them.” Would they?

Wonderful possibilities are open to those who lay hold of the divine assurances of God’s word. There are glorious truths to come before the people of God. Privileges and duties which they do not even suspect to be in the Bible will be laid open before them. As they follow on in the path of humble obedience, doing His will, they will know more and more of the oracles of God. (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 8, p. 322)

This was written after the essential doctrines of the SDA church were firmly in place. There is more to come!

The question has been asked me, “Do you think that the Lord has any more light for us as a people?” I answer that He has light that is new to us, and yet it is precious old light that is to shine forth from the Word of truth. We have only the glimmerings of the rays of the light that is yet to come to us. We are not making the most of the light which the Lord has already given us, and thus we fail to receive the increased light; we do not walk in light already shed upon us. (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 401, 402)

We have only the glimmerings of the rays of light. That was written in 1890. Have we advanced since then? I’m afraid we have stagnated where our church fathers were. Can we have favor with God in this state?

When God’s people are at ease and satisfied with their present enlightenment, we may be sure that He will not favor them. It is His will that they should be ever moving forward to receive the increased and ever-increasing light which is shining for them. The present attitude of the church is not pleasing to God. There has come in a self confidence that has led them to feel no necessity for more truth and greater light. We are living at a time when Satan is at work on the right hand and on the left, before and behind us; and yet as a people we are asleep. God wills that a voice shall be heard arousing His people to action. (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 708)

Friends, the time is here to go forward with the Loud Cry. We must give the Elijah Message. We are told what that Message is. Let us look at it one more time.

Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:4-6

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: Luke 9:44

*All emphases and highlighting in quotes were supplied by the author of this article.

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The Ladder Against the Wrong Wall–The Hidden 1888 Issue

What was the 1888 conflict all about? Was “Righteousness by Faith” really the main issue? What were Elder E. J. Waggoner and Elder A. T. Jones teaching? What did Ellen White teach? I have personally read several books by church leaders on this subject and I still couldn’t figure it out. Why? There just seems to be something missing. I have struggled for a long time with the proposition that Righteousness by Faith was the main issue. That doctrine was taught by Martin Luther in the 1500’s and Protestantism emerged because of that “new” belief system. If Seventh-day Adventists are Protestants, which they are, then that belief was in the framework long ago. I have heard about Righteousness by Faith and Martin Luther’s work of reformation all my life. How could such a well-established basic truth be the question? This just did not seem to make sense. So I started studying for myself. In this article, I will try to explain what I have found. There is much more to the subject than what meets the eye at a casual glance.

The Law in Galatians–

This seems to be the hub that the wheel turns on. What is the Law in Galatians? Was it the Ceremonial Law or was it the Moral Law? Which belief system controls our theology today? Someone has said, “If your ladder is leaning against the wrong wall, every step you take gets you further from where you ought to be.” So it is with truth.

Let us look at what was written by Elder George Butler, who was the leading opponent of Waggoner, Jones, and Ellen White in 1888.

from Elder Butler’s work, “The Law in Galatians”–

“What law is the principal subject of the apostle’s discourse in the epistle to the Galatians? Is it the moral law? or the typical remedial system and laws peculiarly Jewish? Perhaps there has never been a theological question in all the history of our work concerning which there has been so much disagreement among our ministry and leading brethren as this. Such differences have existed more or less with varying phases, since the rise of the message, and at times have been discussed with more or less warmth. At other periods they have been tacitly left untouched. Generally, a mutual forbearance has been exercised, so that bitterness of feeling between brethren has been avoided.

Leading brethren have been on both sides of the question. In the early history of the work, it is probable that quite a majority of them accepted the view that the moral law was the main subject of Paul’s consideration in the book of Galatians. But there came quite a change in this respect at a later period, when some of our leading brethren, to whom our people have ever looked as safe counselors in questions of perplexity, gave up the view that the moral law was mainly under discussion, and took the position that it was the ceremonial law. Many others who have come later to act a part in the work, have accepted the latter view with strong confidence. It would be quite difficult to ascertain the comparative strength in numbers on either side; but to the best of the writer’s judgment (and his opportunities of forming a fair opinion have not been meager), he would say that at the present time at least two thirds of our ministers hold the latter opinion.” (p. 3)

Here Butler is telling us that there was a change in what Seventh-day Adventists believed in this regard. The early Adventists believed it was the Moral Law while the leaders at the time of Butler believed it was the Ceremonial Law. So why does it matter? Remember: if we put our ladder against the wrong wall, every step takes us further from our desired destination—understanding truth.

What was Butler trying to teach?

“Believing strongly, as we do, that the law principally considered in Galatians is the typical remedial (ceremonial law) system, which passed away at the cross, and is not the moral law, and feeling that an unfair advantage has been taken in urgently teaching the contrary opinion to our young people preparing to labor in the cause, and in making our Instructor lessons and pioneer paper mediums for teaching an opposite view, and hoping to add some information which will be valuable upon the subject, we have felt it not only proper but a duty to bring the subject before the General Conference of our people, the only tribunal in our body where such controverted questions can be properly considered and passed upon.” (Ibid., p. 6)

Jones and Waggoner were teaching the young people that it was the Moral Law and not the Ceremonial Law under consideration in Galatians. This is what prompted Butler to write this article.

This may seem to some to be merely a theological debate. It was more, much more. Here is a quote from Ellen White as to the significance of this debate at the 1888 General Conference. And this is why it is important to you and I today.

An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord’s message through Brethren Waggoner and Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world.” (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 234, 235 written June 6, 1896)

Did you catch that? It is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Latter Rain, that was refused in 1888.

In the last days of this earth’s history, God’s covenant with His commandment-keeping people is to be renewed. (Prophets and Kings, p. 299)

We have been “out of covenant” for all these years and now it is time to renew that covenant.

For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years. (Evangelism, p. 696)

We have wandered in the wilderness for more than 100 years because the light given us through Jones and Waggoner was refused. Will we reject the truth again or will we accept it, receive the Latter Rain, and give the Loud Cry? Jesus is coming soon! If we don’t do our duty, we will be passed by and others will be given the privilege. Let me repeat: this 1888 subject has to do with our Salvation, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Loud Cry. Does it affect our future? Absolutely! It is time for us to study and understand. So let us look at the real problem with Butler’s errors, which have been taught for all these years, and comprehend the truth that Waggoner and Jones taught. Let me promise you, there is much more here than meets the casual eye.

from “Studies In Galatians” by A. T. Jones (articles in the Review and Herald 1899 to 1900)–

“Several letters have been received asking what law is the subject of consideration in the book of Galatians. The answer is: Not any law at all; it is the gospel that is the subject, and the whole subject, under consideration in the book of Galatians. So emphatically is this so, that in the very first part of the first chapter it is declared and repeated, “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again. If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Verses 8, 9. (p. 1)

from The Glad Tidings (as originally published) by E. J. Waggoner, Pacific Press Publishing Co. Oakland, Cal. New York. Kansas City, Mo., 1900–

“It is evident, therefore, that the Galatians were being seduced from God, by something that promised them life and salvation, but by a power other than that of God, namely, their own power. This other gospel was solely a human gospel. The question consequently would be, Which is the true Gospel? Is it the one that Paul preached? or the one the other men set forth? Therefore, we see that this epistle must be an emphatic presentation of the true Gospel as distinguished from every false gospel.” (p. 27)

Do we have that kind of gospel taught in our day as well? We hear things like: “You have the power within you, the power of positive thinking,” etc. This is self-righteousness. It does not require faith or a Savior. Any gospel that teaches that we do not need the Savior, Jesus Christ, is not the same gospel as is in the Bible.

So, were these “Judiazers” that were troubling the early Galatian church, teaching God’s Laws? What does Waggoner say about that?

“We hear much about the “Judaizing teachers,” who sought to pervert the Galatians, and we know that they who were teaching “another gospel” were Jews; but we must not fall into the error of supposing that these “Judaizing teachers” were presenting the Bible, or any part of it, to the new converts, or trying to get them to follow the Scriptures written by Moses. Far from it; they were leading them away from the Bible, and substituting for its teaching the commandments of men. This was what roused the spirit of Paul. The “Jews’ religion” was an entirely different thing from the religion of God, as taught in the law, the prophets, and the psalms.” (Ibid., p. 40)

What does Ellen White say about these things?

The doctrines which the Galatians had received, could not in any sense be called the gospel; they were the teachings of men, and were directly opposed to the doctrines taught by Christ. (Sketches from the Life of Paul, p. 189)

What Law does Waggoner understand Paul to be referring to in Galatians?

from Waggoner “The Gospel in Galatians” (a response to Butler)–

“I pass to page 33, to your closing remarks on the second chapter, where you say:–

‘We have had here nearly two entire chapters in this letter, about one-third of the whole epistle, and hitherto we have not had a single reference to the moral law; but through it all constant reference is made to the other law, that of Moses.’

“I think you could not have had in mind the nineteenth verse of the second chapter when you wrote the above. That verse reads, “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” The ceremonial law never had power to slay anyone. But even allowing that it did once have that power, it had itself died, having been nailed to the cross at least three years before Paul was converted. Now I ask, How could Paul be slain by a law that for three years had had no existence? This verse shows upon the face of it that the moral law is referred to. It is the same law to which Paul refers when he says, “I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” (p. 16)

Let me try to summarize, though I suggest that people read and study for themselves. How do these things that we are reading from Waggoner’s writings fit together? To state it in simple words: Faith in Jesus has always been the only means of receiving the free gift of Salvation. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice. By faith Noah built an ark. By faith Abraham obeyed and left his home for the inheritance promised to him. By faith Moses refused to be called Pharaoh’s daughter’s son. (all from Hebrews 11). The system given to the Hebrews was the Gospel. The Gospel for us is the same Gospel they received. There is no other Gospel and never was any other Gospel! The only way any man has ever been saved is by faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These all received the promises of God by faith whether in Old Testament times or New Testament times. The Moral Law, spoken of in Galatians, merely brings us to Christ and is like the guard rails on the narrow road to heaven. It is God’s standard of righteousness but cannot save a single soul. It shows us our need of a Savior and brings us to that Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel.

I wish to share my testimony that I, too, have found Him to be faithful. His promises and power are sufficient. So many doubt His power to overcome sin in their lives. But I have found Him more than able as long as I am willing to cooperate. It does not matter what circumstances we may have to encounter, by faith He can carry us through; on tender wings He holds us above our trials. He may allow us to be stretched to what feels like our limit of endurance, but He will not forsake us if we do not forsake Him. Our Heavenly Father only has our good in mind when He works in our lives.

So what was so difficult to accept in what Jones and Waggoner taught? I wish to re-quote Waggoner’s above statement: “. . . we must not fall into the error of supposing that these “Judaizing teachers” were presenting the Bible, or any part of it, to the new converts, or trying to get them to follow the Scriptures written by Moses. Far from it; they were leading them away from the Bible, and substituting for its teaching the commandments of men.” (The Glad Tidings, p. 40)

So, in other words, the book of Galatians does not teach that the “Law of Moses” was the Ceremonial Law and was done away with. Nor was that the cause of the great difficulty in the Galatian church. Obedience to that Law was not the issue. Circumcision was not the issue (Galatians 5:6). Salvation by circumcision or law or any means other than Jesus Christ was the issue.

The Law of Moses Nailed to the Cross?–

Unfortunately, these brethren who joined Butler, Uriah Smith, and others, were teaching that the whole Law of Moses was nailed to the cross. This teaching, though contrary to Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy was comfortable to them. And the book of Galatians was the platform on which they stood for this assertion, shaky though it is.

Let’s look again at what was being discussed by these men.

from Waggoner, “The Gospel in Galatians”–

“You very properly connect the book of Galatians with the fifteenth chapter of Acts. You justly claim that in Galatians Paul pursues the same line of argument which was pursued in the council. And you depend on the assumption that the council took no cognizance of the moral law, in order to prove that the moral law does not come into the account in Galatians. But a simple reading of the report of the council shows that the moral law did come in there; and therefore, according to your own argument, the moral law must be considered in the book of Galatians.

“Take for a moment the supposition that the ceremonial law alone was considered by the council; then it necessarily follows, as is plainly stated in the “Two Laws,” page 31, that the council decided that four points of the ceremonial law were declared to be binding on Christians. Now let me ask: 1. Is the decision of the council as binding on us as it was on the primitive Christians? If so, then the ceremonial law was not taken away at the cross, and we are still subject to it.

“2. If the ceremonial law was a yoke of bondage, and that council decreed that a part of it was to be observed by Christians, did they not thereby deliberately place Christians under a yoke of bondage, in spite of Peter’s emphatic protest against putting a yoke upon them? 3. If those “four necessary things” were part of the ceremonial law, and were binding twenty-one years after the crucifixion, when, if ever, did they cease to be in force? We have no record that those four necessary things ever ceased to be necessary things; and therefore, according to the theory that the ceremonial law was a yoke of bondage, it is impossible for Christians ever to be perfectly free. This one thing is certain, if the ceremonial law was nailed to the cross, then the apostles, acting in harmony with the leadings of the Spirit of God, would not declare a part of it be “necessary things.” And whoever claims that the “four necessary things.” enjoined by the council at Jerusalem, were a part of the ceremonial law, thereby denies that the ceremonial law ceased at the cross. I cannot think that you would have taken the position which you have, if you had taken time to carefully consider this matter.

“Peter said, “Why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” Now the fathers had the ceremonial law, and did bear it; they practiced it, and throve under it, as David said: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” Ps. 92:13, 14. Anyone who reads the Psalms will see that David did not regard the ceremonial law as a burdensome yoke, nor think it grievous bondage to carry out its ordinances. It was a delight to him to offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, because by it he showed faith in Christ. Faith in Christ was the soul and life of his service. Without that his worship would have been a meaningless form. But if he had been so ill-informed as to suppose that the simple mechanical performance of the ceremonial law would cleanse him from sin, then indeed he would have been in a grievous condition. There are two yokes, — the yoke of sin (Satan’s yoke), and the yoke of Christ. The yoke of sin is hard to bear, — Satan is a hard master; but the yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden is light. He sets us free from sin, that we may serve him by bearing his mild yoke. Matt. 11:29, 30.

“Now what was the reason that only four things were enjoined upon these troubled converts. It was because these four things covered the danger . . . ” (p. 13-15)

So what was nailed to the cross? What is Waggoner saying here? He is telling us that these laws given by the Council at Jerusalem were not a part of the Ceremonial Law. The Ceremonial Law consisted of sacrifice and oblation, which Daniel 9:27 tells us would cease 3 1/2 years after the Messiah started his ministry. That was when Jesus was crucified. He bore our sins (the yoke of bondage) and nailed our death penalty to the cross. These sacrifices represented our death certificate and the Substitute that would die in our place. What were the Laws that the Council in Jerusalem gave to the Gentiles? They were a part of the “Law of Moses.” They were still binding. Some were from the Ten Commandments and some were not. Fornication and idol worship are forbidden in the Ten Commandments. The injunctions against eating blood and things strangled were a part of the Statutes and Judgments given after the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai and are still binding today. That’s what Acts 15 is telling us. (Acts 15:20). The yoke which is hard to bear is not the “Law of Moses;” it is the yoke of sin and its subsequent penalty, death.

In consequence of continual transgression, the moral law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law. (Review and Herald 05-06-75)

Why was this message so threatening to the early church leaders that they would send God’s Messenger, Ellen White, all the way to Australia to get rid of her, rather than accept the message? What connection does this message have to the Latter Rain or Loud Cry? Let’s see what was said about it.

from A. T. Jones, “The Third Angel’s Message:” 1893 General Conference Sermon Series–

“Well then the latter rain–the loud cry–according to the testimony and according to the Scripture, is “the teaching of righteousness,” and “according to righteousness,” too. Now brethren, when did that message of the righteousness of Christ, begin with us as a people? [One or two in the audience: “Three or four years ago.”] Which was it, three? or four? [Congregation: “Four.”] Yes, four. Where was it? [Congregation: “Minneapolis.”] What then did the brethren reject at Minneapolis? [Some in the Congregation: “The loud cry.”] What is that message of righteousness? The Testimony has told us what it is; the loud cry–the latter rain. Then what did the brethren in that fearful position in which they stood, reject at Minneapolis? They rejected the latter rain–the loud cry of the third angel’s message.” (p. 9)

Why would the leadership take such a risk of receiving the disfavor of God? What was the real issue?

Most of the records of what Jones and Waggoner taught during the pre-sessions and the 1888 Conference have disappeared. I personally went and searched in the Andrews University Library for some of the original transcripts. Uriah Smith started taking notes on the meetings, but strangely, he quit at session 5. So, we have to piece together the evidence. Parts of what Ellen White wrote during that time have disappeared, as well. I will give you one example, though I found more such instances, while searching the 1888 and surrounding materials.

from a sermon by Mrs. E. G. White, March 9, 1890 regarding the Minneapolis meeting–

Well now, how are we going to know anything about that message if we are not in a position to recognize anything of the light of heaven when it comes to us? And we will just as soon pick up the darkest deception when it comes to us from somebody that agrees with us, when we have not a particle of evidence that the Spirit of God has sent them. Christ said, “I come in the name of my Father, but ye will not receive me” [see John 5:43]. Now, that is just the work that has been going on here ever since the meeting at Minneapolis. Because God sends a message in his name that does not agree with your ideas, therefore [you conclude] it cannot be a message from God. How dare you run the risk of trying in the least to shut [remainder missing] (Unpublished Manuscripts, Volume 4, p. 74, para. 2)

The rest of what she said is missing. If they recorded the first part of her sermon, what happened to the remainder? It appears that someone didn’t want us to have it and it was purposely removed or unrecorded.

Here are a couple of clues that I would like to share.

from a letter by A. T. Jones to C. E. Holmes, May 12, 1921–

“I can’t now name anyone who accepted the truth at that 1888 meeting openly – besides Ellen White [obviously]. But later many said they were greatly helped by it. One Battle Creek leader said at that meeting after one of Dr. Waggoner’s meetings: “Now we could say amen to all of that if that is all there were to it. But away down yonder there is still something to come. And this is to lead us to that . . . And if we say amen to this we will have to say amen to that, and then we are caught . . . ” (quoted in “Exposing the Skeleton in the Closet of 1888” by Norman Bradley)

What was the “this” and the “that”?

In 1893 when the subject of pork eating was being discussed using the statute in Deuteronomy 14:8, “Uriah Smith explicitly rejected the applicability of the Mosaic distinction: “We believe there is better ground on which to rest [the prohibition on pork] than the ceremonial law of the former dispensation, if we take the position that that law is still binding, we must accept it all, and then we have more on our hands than we can easily dispose of.” (MR 852 2.1)

“. . . then we are caught” and “. . . we have more on our hands than we can easily dispose of.” What is the subject here? It cannot be merely “Righteousness by Faith” which had been a pillar of Protestantism for centuries before 1888. What I came to understand as I studied these things was that this issue was not merely Righteousness by Faith, friends. It had to do also with the Law of Moses and its applicability to the Christian dispensation. Butler and other leaders, who were ready to dispose of the Law of Moses, based their assumptions on the idea that the Law in Galatians was the Ceremonial Law that was no longer binding. They included everything given through Moses except the Ten Commandments in this disposal. So the real issue in 1888, I believe, was the Law of Moses and its binding claims on Christians today.

from Ellen White–

In consequence of continual transgression, the moral law was repeated in awful grandeur from Sinai. Christ gave to Moses religious precepts which were to govern the everyday life. These statutes were explicitly given to guard the ten commandments. They were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law, and they clearly and definitely explained that law. (Review and Herald 05-06-75)

We are to become familiar with the Levitical law in all its bearings; for it contains rules that must be obeyed; it contains the instruction that if studied will enable us to understand better the rule of faith and practice that we are to follow in our dealings with one another. No soul has any excuse for being in darkness. Those who receive Christ by faith will receive also power to become the sons of God (Letter 3, 1905). (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1110)

We are told in the above quotes that the Laws given to Moses at Sinai were not to pass away but were binding upon us as long as time should last and contained rules that must be obeyed! Where did we get the idea that everything was nailed to the cross?

Here is a quote that shows us the importance of these things.

I recalled the covenant which I had made with God at my husband’s deathbed,–that I would not

become discouraged under the burden, but would labor more earnestly and devotedly than ever before to present the truth both by pen and voice; that I would set before the people the excellence of the statutes and precepts of Jehovah, and would point them to the cleansing fountain where we may wash away every stain of sin. (Sketches from the Life of Paul, p. 269)

So what am I saying? That there is very little in the Books of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) that was nailed to the Cross. Most of it is still valid and binding. The question of what was nailed to the Cross is the real touchy part of the debate in 1888. Yes, there were changes after the Cross. What was nailed to the Cross? Which parts of the Law are no longer binding? What were the changes? Answer: only what we are told was changed and nothing else. If the Bible says it changed, then it changed. If the Bible does not say it was changed, then it remains the same. Where do we find what was changed? In the Book of Galatians? No. It is in the Book of Hebrews. Paul wrote to Jewish Christians and explained in detail what was changed. Study the Book of Hebrews and learn what has been changed. Let’s put the ladder against the right wall.

*All emphases and highlighting in quotes were supplied by the author of this article.