11.

Are certain types of false prophets specifically named and condemned in the Bible?

Answer: Yes. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Revelation 21:8 speak against the following types of false prophets [100]:

A. A charmer

One who casts spells or uses charms.

B. An observer of times

An astrologer, whether by newspaper or in person.

C. A sorcerer

One who claims to contact the spirit of the dead.

D. A consulter with familiar spirits

A person who is known as a medium or channeler.

E. A user of divination

A fortune teller.

F. An enchanter

This is the same as a charmer.

G. A necromancer

This is another name for sorcerer.

H. A witch

A female psychic.

I. A wizard

A male psychic.

J. A numerologist

People who use numbers as influencing our mind in strange ways.

K. Was Joseph Smith a true prophet?

Joseph Smith had 84 secret wives before he died. His own book, the Book of Mormon, says that it is an abomination to God. You can read it in Jacob 1:15 where it is called "wicked practices." It also tells us to keep the Sabbath holy (Mosiah 18:18-23), and they say he had a prophecy before he died saying they should keep Sunday holy. This underscores that Joseph Smith was a phony prophet. The Bible states, "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." 1.Corinthians 14:32. That means the message of any new prophet has to be checked against those of the Bible. They cannot contradict the Bible.

Note: Most of these false prophets claim to have contact with spirits of the dead. The Bible clearly states that the dead cannot be contacted by the living. The supposed spirits of the dead are evil angels, or devils - See: Revelation 16:13-14. Crystal balls, palm reading, leaf deciphering, astrology, and talking with the supposed spirits of the dead are not God's way of communicating with people. The Bible teaches plainly that all who become involved with such things are an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:12). And worse, those who continue involvement will be shut out of God's kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; 22:14-15.

12.

Is a true prophet's work primarily to serve the church or to serve unbelievers?

"Prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." 1.Corinthians 14:22

Answer: The Bible is clear. Although a prophet's message may sometimes edify the public, the primary purpose of prophecy is to serve the church. Ellen White is quoted to have said, `If people would have studied the Bible as they should have, there would be no need for a prophet.' But people did not study the Bible that intensely and there is a cumulative effect with respect to lessening of comprehension of its teachings even over centuries as a result.

13.

Does God's end-time church have the gift of prophecy?

A. God's end-time church would not exist as an official organization between A.D. 538 and 1798. [Click here and here.] Answer: During the time of the church in the wilderness up to the time of the end, God's faithful people had the Bible, but prophecy was needed for the end time church. B. It would arise and do its work after 1798. C. It would keep the Ten Commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath of the fourth commandment. D. It would have the gift of prophecy. E. It would be a worldwide missionary church. F. It would be teaching and preaching Jesus' three-point message of Revelation 14:6-14.

It is important to remember that God's end-time remnant church must fit all six of Jesus' descriptive points. This means that the gift of prophecy must be included. It will have a prophet.

14.

When you join God's end-time church, which has all of the gifts, how will it affect you?

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Ephesians 4:14

Answer: It will anchor you spiritually. You will no longer be uncertain and unsettled in your beliefs.

15.

The apostle Paul, in 1.Corinthians 12:1-18, likens the gifts that Jesus gave the church to parts of the body. What part of the body, best represents the gift of prophecy?

"Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." 1.Samuel 9:9

Answer: Since a prophet is sometimes called a seer (someone who can see into the future), the eyes would best represent the gift of prophecy.

16.

Since prophecy is the eyes of the church, a church without the gift of prophecy would be in what condition?

Answer: It would be blind. Jesus referred to the subsequent dangers when He said, "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew 15:14.

17.

Must God's remnant church have all the gifts that Christ gave?

These gifts are: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers.

Answer: Yes. The Scripture plainly teaches that God's end-time remnant church will "come behind no gift," which means it must have all of the gifts, including the gift of prophecy (1.Corinthians 1:5-8).

18.

Revelation 12:17 points out that God's end-time remnant church will "have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 19:10 says that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Can we be sure this means that the church will have a prophet?

By interpolation Rev. 12:11, the Bible says, reads this way: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their _______________; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Interpolation: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their Spirit of Prophecy; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Answer: Yes. An angel told John in Revelation 19:10 that he was John's "fellowservant", one of his "brethren" who have the testimony of Jesus. This same angel repeated the identical information to John in Revelation 22:9. He said: "I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." Notice this time he called himself a prophet rather than one with the testimony of Jesus. So, obviously, having the "testimony of Jesus" and being a prophet mean the same thing.

19.

Of what other special significance are the words "the testimony of Jesus"?

Answer: The "testimony of Jesus" means that the words of a prophet are from Jesus. We are thus to regard the words of a true prophet as a special message from Jesus to us (Revelation 1:1; Amos 3:7). To bring reproach, in any way, upon a true prophet is an extremely dangerous matter. It is the same as bringing reproach upon Jesus, who sends them and guides them. No wonder God warns, "Do my prophets no harm." Psalm 105:15.

20.

What are the Bible qualifications for a true prophet?

Answer: The Bible testing points for a true prophet are as follows: A. A prophet will live a godly life, Matthew 7:15-20. B. A prophet will be called to service by God, Isaiah 6:1-10; Jeremiah 1:5-10; Amos 7:14-15. C. A prophet will speak and write in harmony with the Bible, Isaiah 8:19-20. D. A prophet predicts events that will come true, Deuteronomy 18:20-22. E. A prophet will have visions, Numbers 12:6.

21.

Did God send a prophet to His end-time church?

Answer: Yes, He did! Here are the brief details. God calls a young Woman God's end-time church begins to form in the early 1840's and desperately needed guidance. So, in harmony with His promise of Amos 3:7, God then called a young woman named Ellen Harmon to be His prophetess. Ellen accepted the call. She had been injured in an accident at age 9 and had to quit school with only three years of formal education. Her health deteriorated until, when called by God at age 17, she weighed only 70 pounds and had been given up to die. She served 70 years Ellen accepted God's call with the understanding that He would enable her physically and keep her humble. She lived an additional 70 years and died at age 87. She insisted that her aim and work were to point the church and its members to the Bible - which was to be its creed - and to Jesus' free gift of righteousness. Ellen fulfilled every test of a prophet mentioned in the study above.

22.

Did Ellen White have visions?

Answer: Yes, many of them. they lasted from a few minutes to six hours. And they meet the Bible standard for visions outlined in number 7 of this Bible Study Guide.

23.

Are Ellen White's words intended to be part of the Bible, or an addition to the Bible?

Answer: No! Doctrine comes from the Bible alone. As an end-time prophet, her aim was to stress the love of Jesus and His imminent return. She urged people to serve Him and accept His righteousness as a free gift. She also directed people's attention to the Bible prophecies for the end time - especially Jesus' three point message for the world today, Revelation 14:6-14 - and urged that they share these messages of hope quickly and worldwide. Overall we can say that the missing inspired books of the prophet Nathan and Iddo tell us that, `All of Scripture is God's word, but all of God's word is not in the Scripture.' 2.Chr. 9:29; 12:15.

24.

Does Ellen White speak in harmony with the Scriptures?

Answer: Yes! Her writings are saturated with Scripture. Her stated and obvious purpose was to point people to the Bible. Her words, contrary to what some detractors have written, never contradict God's Word.

25.

How can I accept Ellen White as a true prophet, since I do not know what she wrote?

Answer: You can't, until you read what she has written. However, you can know that she (1) meets the tests of a prophet, (2) did the work of a prophet, and that (3) God's true end-time church must have a prophet. We urge you to get one of her books and read it. As you read it, ask yourself if it draws you to Jesus and if it is in harmony with the Bible. It was written for you. We think you shall find it absolutely enthralling.

26.

What three-point command does the apostle Paul give us regarding a prophet?

Answer: "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1.Thessalonians 5:20-21. The apostle Paul says that we should not despise or "tune out" a prophet. But rather, we should carefully test what the prophet says and does by the Bible. If a prophet's words and behavior are in harmony with the Bible, we should heed them. This is what Jesus asks of His end-time people today.

27.

How does Jesus regard the rejection of the words and counsel of a true prophet?

Answer: Jesus counts the rejection of a true prophet as rejecting the counsel of God, Luke 7:28-30: "I tell you ... there is no one greater than John ... all the people acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John." [NIV] Jesus pointed out that the mission of John, the messenger, was prophesied in the Bible, Mt. 11:7-10; Lk. 7:25-28. A prophet is also a messenger, Mt. 21:26. Further, He clearly states that spiritual prosperity hinges upon believing His prophets, 2.Chronicles 20:20.

28.

Do true end-time prophets originate new doctrine, or does doctrine come strictly from the Bible?

Answer: True end-time prophets do not originate doctrine, Revelation 22:18-19. The Bible is the source of all doctrine. However, true prophets do: A. Reveal exciting new facets of old-time Bible doctrines that were not obvious until pointed out by the prophet, Amos 3:7. B. Lead God's people to a closer walk with Jesus and a deeper study of His Word. C. Help God's people understand difficult, unclear, or unnoticed portions of the Bible so that they suddenly come to life for us and bring great joy. D. Help protect God's people from fanaticism, deception, and spiritual stupor. E. Help God's people understand end-time prophecies which, verified by everyday news events, suddenly take on new meaning.[However, with respect to interpreting the Book of Revelation we should not try to interprete today's newspaper news, but realize that the `Revalation of Jesus Christ' is broadly based on Old Testament historical events and the work of those prophets of that time. Ex. The `wine' of the harlot woman, being false doctrines, look up in the OT what it says about `abomination(s)'. Such a study will teach you much. See also here and here.] F. Help God's people sense the certainty of Jesus' soon return and the end of the world. For a deepening love for Jesus, a vibrant new excitement about the Bible, and a fresh understanding of Bible prophecies - listen to God's end-time prophet. You will find life taking on glorious new dimensions. Remember, Jesus says He will bless His end-time church with most-helpful prophetic messages. Praise the Lord! He is doing everything heaven can think of for His end-time people. He intends to save His people and take them to His glorious eternal kingdom. Those who follow Him are guaranteed entrance to heaven, Matthew 19:27-29.

29.

Are you willing to test Ellen White's writings by Scripture and accept her counsel if it is in harmony with the Bible?

Your answer: "______________________________."

Your Thought Questions Answered

1.

What happens when a church does not have a prophet?

Answer: "Where there is no vision [prophecy], the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18 When a church does not have a prophet to counsel, guide, and lead it back to Jesus and the Bible, the people will flounder in a disoriented manner (Psalm 74:9) and eventually perish.

2.

Do you think additional true prophets may appear between now and Jesus' second coming?

Answer: Based on Joels' prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), it certainly appears possible. There also will be false prophets (Matthew 7:15; 24:11,24). We must be prepared to test prophets by the Bible (Isaiah 8:19-20; 2.Timothy 2:15), heeding their counsel only if they are genuine and rejecting them if they are counterfeit. God knows when prophets are needed to wake people up, warn them, and turn them to Jesus and His Word. He sent a prophet (Moses) to lead His people out of Egypt (Hosea 12:13). He sent a prophet (John the Baptist) to prepare people for Jesus' first coming (Mark 1:1-8). He also promised prophetic messages for these end-time days. God sends them to point us to the Bible and its crucial end-time prophecies; to strengthen, encourage, and assure us; and to make us like Jesus so we will be "blameless" when the Master returns. Without the help of a prophet, many will be lost through backsliding, sleeping spiritually, and being too busy. So let's welcome prophetic messages and praise God for sending them for our personal good.

!!

3.

Why do most churches today not have the gift of prophecy? "Mischief shall come ... then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the elders." Ezekiel 7:26. "This says the Lord, If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law ... to listen to the words of my prophets, whom I sent to you ... then I will make this house like Shiloh (which was destroyed, Jer.7:12-14) and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth." Jeremiah 26:4-6. "... I gave them my sabbath, to be a sign between me and them, that they may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. But the house of Israel rebelled against me ... they walked not in my statutes and they despised my judgments, and my sabbaths they greatly polluted ... for their hearts went after their idols." Ezekiel 20:14-16. "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18. Read also Deuteronomy 13:1-5. "If there arise among you a prophet ... And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee."

Answer: Because God normally sends prophets to His church only when it is keeping His commandments. Notice how Lamentations 2:9 puts it: "The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord." Please review the following texts: Ezekiel 7:26; Jeremiah 26:4-6; Ezekiel 20:12-16; and Proverbs 29:18. These verses verify that when God's people disregard His commandments, He sends no prophet. When they begin to obey His commands, He sends a prophet to assist, encourage, and guide. So when God's remnant church for the end time emerged keeping His commandments, it was time for a prophet. And God sent one - right on schedule. "I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:10, and the seed of the woman "which keep the commandments ... and have the testimony of Jesus." Rev. 12:17;14:12.

4.

What can I do to make the gift of prophecy meaningful to me?

Answer: The way to make the gift of prophecy meaningful is to study it for yourself and follow it prayerfully so Jesus can guide and preserve you and prepare you for His coming. "I thank my God always ... That in every thing ye are enriched by him, ... Even as the testimony of Christ [spirit of prophecy] was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1.Corinthians 1:4-8

5.

Which of these two - the gift of prophecy or the gift of tongues - will play the major role in God's end-time remnant church?

Answer: The gift of prophecy will play the leading role. In 1.Corinthians 12:28 it is listed as second in importance of all the gifts, while the gift of tongues is listed last. A church without the gift of prophecy is blind. Jesus solemnly warns His end-time church of the danger of blindness and urges them to anoint their eyes with heavenly eyesalve so they will be able to see, Revelation 3:17-18. The eyesalve represents the Holy Spirit, 1.John 2:20,27; John 14:26, who gives all gifts to the church, 1.Corinthians 12:4, 7-11. Heeding the words of God's prophet will help His end-time remnant people clearly understand the Bible and will prevent uncertainty and confusion.

6.

I believe in `the Bible and the Bible only' as the source of doctrine and guidance for Christian living. Therefore, I reject all modern-day prophets. `Sola scriptura' is a worth while principle but many who think they base their faith on that motto are not really consistent in that as we show here.

Answer: You are correct in believing in the Bible as the source of Christian doctrine. However, please remember that the Bible clearly points out that: A. The gift of prophecy will exist in God's church until the end of time, Ephesians 4:11,13. B. Jesus' end-time church will have the gift of prophecy, Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:9. C. To reject a prophet's counsel is to reject Christ's counsel, Luke 7:28-30. D. We are commanded to test prophets and follow their counsel if they speak and live in harmony with the Bible, 1.Thessalonians 5:20-21. People who base their faith on "the Bible only" must follow its counsel regarding prophets. True prophets will always speak harmony with the Bible. Prophets who contradict God's Word are false and should be rejected. If I fail to listen and test prophets, I am not basing my faith upon the Bible, which mandates doing so.

More Recent Detractions on the Subject of God's Prophets

30.

How would you show that prophecy is the equivalent of Scripture? Statement: Detractors claim that prophecy is not the equivalent of Scripture. They say, prophecy is a particular word for a particular congregation (or person) at a particular time through a particular person. Scripture is for all Christians in all places at all time. [Michael Green, To Corinth With Love, (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1982), p. 75, quoted by Bradford, More Than a Prophet, p. 244.] How is that shown to be a mistaken claim?

The Bible says, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1.Cor. 12:29. Paul wishes that all eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. At the same time he states that not all will have this gift," 1.Cor. 14:1; 12:29,31. But then, the " .. household of God ... [is] ... built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets." Eph. 2:20. Prophets are next to apostles listed as the cornerstone or foundation of the church.

Answer: The above authors seem to fail to consider that statements like the above statement could marginalize much of the Bible itself. The epistles of Paul were written to specific congregations and individuals. So were most, if not all, of the Old Testament prophetic messages. The distinction drawn above between Scripture on the one hand, and prophecy directed to specific places or persons on the other, is never drawn by Scripture itself. Both, the Old and New Testament, are inspired by God, 2.Timothy 3:15,16, and consist not at all of private interpretation or human motive, but are exclusively the product of the divine Spirit, 2.Peter 1:20,21. And what the Spirit inspires is to be understood by comparison with itself, 1.Corinthians 2:12-14 and Isaiah 28:9, 10. Scholarly opinion is not needed to explain the Bible. Jesus Himself declared: I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Matthew 11:25.

31.

Question: Are not the examples of a) Balaam and the prophet who cursed Jeroboam's altar, along with b) Nathan's divinely-corrected counsel to David on the building of the temple, evidences for prophetic limitations and fallibility?

And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt build me an house for me to dwell in." 2.Samuel 7:4-5. "And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 17:4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in." 1.Chronicles 17:3-4.

Answer: In fact, we observe that these cases demonstrate the very close divine superintendence over the prophetic gift, one which rapidly corrects misunderstanding of the divine message and quickly punishes disobedience to the divine will. Neither Balaam nor the prophet who rebuked Jeroboam ever spoke for God again after their recorded disobedience to God's commands, and Nathan's miscommunication of God's will regarding the temple was corrected the very night after it was given. God does not have junior prophets. The testimonies of Deborah, Nathan, Elijah, Elisha, Huldah, and John the Baptist were no less authoritative in their application to God's people than were those of Moses, Isaiah, Paul, or Peter. No biblical evidence exists that a non-canonical prophet can be disagreed with at times, while a canonical prophet can't be. No such "hierarchy of prophets," can be found in the Bible. In fact, Jesus declared John the Baptist to be the greatest of the prophets, Matthew 11:9-11. Yet no book of the Bible bears his name.

32.

The sceptic says: `Remember, all Scripture is inspired, but not all scripture carries the same redemptive value. If we lost the genealogies of the Bible, would we miss them as much as the Sermon on the Mount?'

We had better let the Bible speak for itself: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

Answer: Nowhere does the Bible permit itself to be divided into portions of greater or lesser saving value. Such talk becomes exceedingly perilous, as it places human wisdom, perception, cultural preferences, and experience in judgment over the sacred record.

33.

Scholars and their followers may raise many questions, indulge in so much speculation regarding prophets and how they do their work, that the likelihood is greatly reduced that any who follow their logic will ever again tremble at the word of the Lord (Ezra 10:3; Isaiah 66:5).

One of the doubters writes: `For those of us who have never received a revelation from God, it is difficult to understand what is taking place. What we do know is that there are three stages to the prophetic process: a) The revelation, b) The interpretation, c) The application.' - Regarding the revelation, we would exppect that there would be no mistakes because God never offers anything imperfect or faulty. However, it is possible that mistakes could be made at stages 2 and 3 - in the interpretation and application.

Answer: One might just as easily question the scientific, physical process of how God could speak worlds into existence, form the infinitely complex human organism from the dust of the ground, transform Himself into a zygote, or how we might ascertain the physiological methods by which Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead.

34.

The doubter's approach to Scripture, and to Ellen White, is one in which the inspired Word is captive to the limitations of culture, prejudice, superstition, and time. Transcendence is lost, and one is forced to rummage for God's message amid the litter of human opinion. In his words: `We can conclude that what God has revealed to the prophet they can speak with confidence. However there will be many situations where they will be merely giving their own opinion.' How would you answer that?

He offers no scriptural guidance, certainly not from Inspiration, as to how to tell the difference. He makes no effort to harmonize such pronouncements with such statements from Scripture as the following: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2.Peter 1:20,21. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1.Thess. 2:13.

Answer: The doubter's reduction of Ellen White's authority notwithstanding, we can thank God for the following statement from her pen, regarding the transcendence of Holy Scripture: "In God's word only do we behold the power that laid the foundations of the earth, and that stretched out the heavens. Here only do we find an authentic account of the origin of nations. Here only is given a history of our race unsullied by human pride or prejudice." EGW, Messages to Young People, p. 263.

35.

The doubter also denigrates the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah in his effort to prove prophetic fallibility, declaring: `Day after day he stood at the entrance to the temple and plagued the life out of people with his doomsday predictions.' How would you counter such a statement?

He offers not a whisper of biblical evidence that God disapproved of Jeremiah's methods. Repeatedly, in the book of Jeremiah, it is stated that "the word of the Lord" was being delivered by the prophet to Judah and Jerusalem. See Jeremiah 2:1; 3:6; 7:1; 8:1; 10:1; 11:1; 24:1, 3-5; 26:1, 2; 27:1.

Answer: On what biblical grounds does this doubter offer such disrespect to a prophet of the Most High? What do such sentiments accomplish, other than to offer aid and comfort to those who crave smooth preaching and resent the voice of godly rebuke?

36.

The doubter likewise repeats the observations regarding the shortcomings of John the Baptist, using John's private doubts about Jesus and misunderstanding of the Messiah's kingdom as evidence of how wrong prophets can supposedly be. How would you show that such complaints are not true?

"Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1.Cor. 12:29.

Answer: But we must recognize the difference between private doubts and convictions on the one hand, and public instruction and counsel to the church on the other. Whatever errors or personal conflicts John believed or experienced, the Scripture does not record any reflection of these in his public prophetic instruction.

37.

Even more dangerously, the doubter again faults John for teaching the reform of the life of a seeking person as a condition of salvation (Luke 3:11-14), allegedly in contrast with "salvation by grace". How could we explain that?

The Bible says, "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ... But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:16,17,26. "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." Luke 10:25-28.

Here are a few more scriptures on the relationship between the conditions for salvation and grace: "Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile." Romans 2:6-10. In other words, God will give to each person according to that which he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil ... for God does not show favoritism. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Romans 8:13. In other words, For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death (stop doing them) the misdeeds of your body, you will live. "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Hebrews 5:9. That speaks for itself. But if it is not enough click here!

Answer: The problem is not with the salvation theology of John the Baptist, but with the theology of the detractor(s). Jesus and Paul were just as clear as John in teaching that Spirit-empowered obedience is the condition of salvation. [See scriptures above] Our study of the doubter's views will demonstrate that an unscriptural doctrine of salvation forms a key component of his [their] effort to marginalize and reduce the authority of Ellen White's prophetic gift.

38.

The doubter raises familiar but fallacious issues in his effort to culturalize inspired writings: 'There can be no doubt that God does meet people where they are in many of their cultural concepts. Think about the difficulty we have with Old Testament laws such as those that deal with slavery, the treatment of women, and blood vengeance.'

See the writings of Moses for examples.

Answer: For God to meet people in their cultural settings is one thing. Meeting them in their cultural concepts, by contrast, implies that the authority of the written Word is at least partially derived from the surrounding culture, thus necessitating later correction by a subsequent culture. Understandably, doubters or detractors may offer no evidence that the Old Testament, or any part of Scripture, ever endorses slavery, the mistreatment of women, or blood vengeance. The fact that laws were divinely given to mitigate the cruelty of these practices in no way implies divine endorsement of the practices themselves.

39.

The detractors raise similar doubts about the Bible by questioning `the brutality of the Israelites toward the Canaanites,' which they admit Israel did `at the command of God.' Similar comments are made about what are often called the `imprecatory psalms,' in which they say, `The psalmists ask God to do terrible things to their enemies.' How should we answer that?

The Bible says, "And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." Joshua 2:9-11.

Answer: The raising of such open-ended questions, answered by a deeper study of the Word, serve only to reduce respect for, and destroy the transcendence of, the Sacred Writings. Israel's Exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan were attended by supernatural signs visible to the heathen as well as to God's people, (Exodus 7-14; Joshua 2:9-11; 5:1), and did not take place till the iniquity of the Canaanites was full (Genesis 15:16). The destruction of these peoples was to be a divine punishment, unmotivated by spoil or plunder (Joshua 6:18, 19; 1 Samuel 15:3, 14-19), inflicted only when the clear evidence that God was with Israel had been rejected, thus ending the probation of these peoples. Originally, of course, it was God's plan for these nations to be subdued without warfare (Exodus 23:27-30), but as happened so often in Israel's history, a plan other than God's original one was used. But when one considers the supernatural displays and spiritual conditions which accompanied the dispossession of these peoples, it is clear these actions cannot be justly compared - as some have compared them - to the genocidal wars so common throughout history. With the imprecatory psalms, human vengeance is not at work, but rather, the surrender of one's enemies to the impartial vengeance of the divine. Psalm 137:7-9 doesn't command anyone to go do these things. It simply says those who will in fact do them will prosper, thus bringing about Babylon's utter destruction. It is God inflicting punishment, and God's people rejoice in the eminently just, reluctant justice of a holy and loving God (See Isaiah 28:21; Ezekiel 18:23, 31, 32; 33:11).

40.

The doubter says, `Paul makes a statement in 1 Corinthians 13 regarding the partial nature of human knowledge (verses 9, 10, 12), and applies this - as does Paul himself (verse 9) - to the prophetic gift. How should we react to that?

We read, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1.Cor. 13:12.

Answer: The possession by a prophet of mere partial knowledge does not mean the prophet's testimonies to the church must inevitably contain some error. Seeing "through a glass, darkly" (1.Corinthians 13:12) is not the same as seeing incorrectly. Two more examples show that partial knowledge does not mean error is unavoidable: 1st - Detractors may want to study Jeremiah's refusal to answer the false prophet Hananiah until the former received instruction from God (Jeremiah 28:10, 11), and 2nd - and the refusal of Elisha to address the problems of the Shunamite woman because "the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me." (2 Kings 4:27). Here we have two instances providing plain evidence that prophets do not give spiritual counsel unless God supernaturally directs them. In our discussion of Ellen White's ministry we will note how the absence of divine instruction on certain issues, not the absence of authority on her part to settle such issues, is what accounts for her refusal to address certain controversies while she did in fact address others.

41.

This point on the subject from (40) is clarified further when detractors speak of the prophet Samuel "not having the right idea of who was to be the next king of Israel" (1 Samuel 16:6-13). How could we explain that?

We read, "And it came to pass, when they were come, that he [Samuel] looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature ... for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ... but the LORD looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab ... Shammah ... and Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said ... fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. ... And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." 1.Sam. 16:6-13.

Answer: Again we can see how closely heaven guards the inspired counsel and divinely-directed actions of prophets. While Samuel certainly had the momentary, mistaken thought that Jesse's eldest son was the Lord's anointed (verse 6), God quickly corrected Samuel (verse 7), then proceeded to give him explicit guidance regarding each of Jesse's other sons (verses 8-13). Detractors may have had a case for `prophetic error under divine inspiration' had Samuel mistakenly anointed the wrong man, proclaimed him to be God's chosen, then gone back (perhaps even after the new king's coronation), acknowledged he was wrong, then declared who God's real choice was. Obviously, that didn't happen.

42.

Detractors also use the apostle Paul's initial counsel to the ship captain on his way to Rome as evidence that prophets at times give their own opinion, only to have God correct them later. Because Paul earlier expressed his fear that loss of life would result if the ship left Crete (Acts 27:10), only to later assure the sailors during the storm that God's angel had promised none would be lost (verses 22-24), dectrators may claim: 'It would seem that the statement of disaster was Paul giving his opinion in view of the circumstances under which they were going to sail. He was talking without having received a revelation. Later, when God spoke to him, the revelation gave an entirely different message.' Can you explain this now?

We read, And [Paul] said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." Acts 27:10. When in fact God's angel does give him counsel, he makes it clear to the sailors it is God who is speaking (verses 22-24).

Answer: The implication, as we observed before, is that none can be sure when a prophet is speaking for God or giving his or her own judgment, opinion, prejudice, or preconception. But Paul is very clear, in his statement to the ship's officers, that he was giving his own opinion when he first warned of possible danger. Notice how Paul says, "I perceive." He isn't giving inspired counsel, to the church or others, nor does he claim God showed him that disaster would result if the ship put out to sea. (Though, of course, probably on the strength of experience or prevailing `weather reports' he might have heard, his misgivings were certainly vindicated by the events that followed.)

43.

Detractors may embrace a popular evangelical theory that the gift of prophecy, as exercised by the apostles, ceased when the Scriptures were completed. They may declare, `With the close of the Apostolic age, the prophetic gift as exercised by the apostles ended.' One such detractor quotes as authority for this claim, not any verse of Scripture, but rather, the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, with its declaration as to the presumed "disappearance of the prophetic office" at the close of the New Testament.

The Bible, however, does not support this view. Paul declares, regarding the gifts of the Spirit: "Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:6,7. So, how long do we think the gifts, including prophecy, last?

Answer: In other words, all the gifts of the Spirit are stated by Paul to function till the return of Christ. Once again detractors are found to engage in misleading and less than mediocre substantiation of their claims.

The concept of a closed Bible canon, which Ellen White supports [White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 663], is an issue separate from that of prophetic authority. A recent biography of Mormon founder Joseph Smith observes how Ellen White, in contrast with Smith, did not give her writings equality with Scripture. [Richard Lyman Bushman, Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005, p. 128.] The Bible explains about the lesser and the greater light as follows, "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:6-9. "He [John the Baptist] was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me." John 5:35,36. Ellen White declared first of all that John was the lesser and Jesus the greater light, ""The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. He was the lesser light which was to be followed by a greater. He was to shake the confidence of the people in their traditions, call their sins to their remembrance, and lead them to repentance; that they might be prepared to appreciate the work of Christ. God communicated to John by Inspiration, illuminating the understanding of the prophet, that he might remove the superstition and darkness from the minds of the honest Jews, which had, through false teachings, been gathering upon them for generations. But the least disciple who followed Christ, witnessing His miracles, and receiving His divine lessons of instruction and the comforting words that fell from His lips, was more privileged than John the Baptist." [The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, p. 83,84.] Therefore the writings of Ellen White are the lesser light in contrast to the greater light of Scripture [White, Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p. 30.], not because of any lesser authority held by her writings over the conscience, but because, in her words: "Additional truth is not brought out, but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given." [White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 665.] Ellen White's writings originate nothing in the way of doctrinal or moral truth. They merely amplify, clarify, and simplify the precepts and principles found in Scripture. But as we have seen already, the Bible gives no evidence that non-canonical prophets exert any less authority over the faith and duty of believers than those prophets whose writings were later canonized. Whether in the establishment or the clarification of truth, the prophetic voice speaks with the same divine, transcendent authority. In short, the function of Scripture is to establish truth. The function of the writings of Ellen White is to clarify and confirm it. Different function. Same authority. Again we cite Paul's statement to the Thessalonians, which offers no hint of any mixture of human opinion with the divine word in the messages delivered to the church: "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1.Thessalonians 2:13. And to those inclined to pick and choose in her writings which are of God and which are of human origin, the modern prophet offers these solemn warnings: "I have my work to do, to meet the misconceptions of those who suppose themselves able to say what is testimony from God and what is human production. If those who have done this work continue in this course, satanic agencies will choose for them. Those who have helped souls to feel at liberty to specify what is of God in the Testimonies and what are the uninspired words of Sister White, will find that they were helping the devil in his work of deception." [White, Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p. 70] "Yet now, when I send you a testimony of warning and reproof, many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God." [White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 64]

For the entire Text and more click in the Offline Site Introduction The Subversion of Prophetic Authority Ellen White's Authoritative Role Ellen White and Eschatology A Wrong Use of History Ellen White and the Adventist Salvation Controversy

Notes & References [0100] How is it possible in our scientific age for such influences to attract people of all walks of life, even educated people? The reason has to do with the skill and innocent looking front put on by those who are involved in Wicca. They call it white magic, in contrast to black or dark magic. Wicca proponents may say things like, `Worship the goddess.' They may display a `pentogram', a star with 5 rays. Wicca authors portray their craft as not bad, not dangerous, good, friendly and positive. They claim to bring love, healing, appreciation of nature and harmony into the life with the power of natural magic. They may say they honor women, do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not smoke - these things are bad for you. They may suggest do not engage in illicit sex since that is all bad and dark, but instead they say, practice witchcraft. All of these innocent sounding suggestions hide other dangers however. We should realize that there is a big difference from what Wicca claims and states to believe, from what Wicca really is. They convinced themselves that there is no devil and that their craft is nice, good non-judgmental and safe but really it is about exercising power over others. Christian churches which are not preaching the truth about God also do not have the blessings of God, and thereby not His power. Such churches without spiritul energy and uplifting power lose their members easily to Wicca and such drifters alternatives to true faith in God. Others have been hurt by churches or `Christian' people and that is why they got caught up in this craft. Wicca practitioners imagine that the power they are tapping into has nothing to do with Satan, because they say they do not believe in a being called Satan. We can see, therefore, what Wiccans believe and teach is not really the truth of what goes on behind the scene. This assessment may be heard by those who have to deal with social encounter problems among these people, like police, social workers, etc. They can tell you about the dark side of Wicca. Like so many other people's in the past, they are deceiving themselves and they are deceived by the arrayed powers of the arch deceiver himself. The success of Wicca is driven by Hollywood, the Internet and many books. That in itself is suspect. Television is a prime source of misinformation and many lies taught as if they were true. The alternative to faith in God is never a nobler form of life, it is a falling into error and man made effigies which cannot finally succeed and live up to its promises. The Bible teaches that there is a right kind and a wrong kind of power. We must take care not to unsuspectingly tapp into the wrong kind of power, 2. Tim. 3:1-5. The kind of power we need is described in Romans 15:13. The Christian God is a God of hope. We address Christian believes in various articles. Texts on sorcery and abomination: Rev. 9:20-21 on sorcery; Rev. 17:4-5 on abominations; Deut. 18:9-14 on abominations and more; Rev. 18:23 on Babylon who by her sorceries misleads all nations; Rev. 21:8 & 22:15 the fate of sorcerers and others.

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