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| Third Elijah Message |
| IAUA End Time Ministry | |
| Preparing for the End of Time | |
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Chapter ContentsA key concept of the Elijah Message which is often disputed is the idea of a restoration of "All Truth". The Messiah prophesied a restoration of all things. 11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. Peter also knew there would be a restoration of all things. 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Paul speaks of a perfect restoration of truth and touches on the reason why people will reject it. They don't want to be disturbed by the trauma of their partial truth being done away. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. Our Saviour prophesied clearly the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would guide us to "All Truth". 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. When our Savior said "all truthâ, I believe He meant "All Truth". |
Scoffers and SkepticsScoffers and skeptics will become philosophical and discuss vague ideas about objective human knowledge. They challenge earnest seekers of truth with questions. "Have you or anyone else determined what 'all the truth' is?" "Do you or anyone else know how close 'other churches or philosophies' are to 'all the truth'? Isn't that knowledge also necessary to determine whether SDAs are closest to it?" Skeptics will raise false issues with incorrect conclusions. "In the 16th century (four hundred years before the first SDA church was registered in the 1860s), God revealed the apostles' understanding of salvation to Martin Luther, which is Jesus' teaching about how the Father reconciled sinners back to Himself and their responsibilities to Him during their journey to heaven. Is it possible for anyone to have a view of salvation that's closer to the truth than Jesus had? If not, then with regard to salvation, as Protestants, SDAs are equal custodians of that truth with the apostles and Luther." I believe I could get general agreement the Bible is the source of "all the truth". I also believe I could get general agreement very few understand "all the truth" the Bible reveals. I would certainly acknowledge there are some details, which are not quite clear to me. However, I absolutely believe I know all I need to receive salvation as I also believe every person knows all they need. Nevertheless, we are all under obligation to continue to learn and grow in the knowledge of the truth the author of the Bible has revealed. 18 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. The Bible has no intent of providing "all the truth" of the universe. It does provide more than all the truth necessary for our salvation. This is the subject and focus of our concern. I acknowledge I do not know the teachings of every church but I have made a point of searching and studying every significant group I have found, enough to determine whether they contain obvious flaws based on my understanding. The SDA denomination also contains serious flaws but in my subjective evaluation, based on knowledge and not just wishful thinking, is "closest" to the truth. Even the word "close" is necessarily subjective. However, proposing all those who understand Luther's reformation of justification by faith, which is only the beginning of salvation, are "equal custodians" is a mockery of any understanding of truth. |
Living with TruthAn illustration or parable about flirting with the truth compared to living with it. Once upon a time, there was a woman and her friends who loved to get together every weekend and attend a program. I doubt I will offend anyone by calling her Laodicea. Laodicea would often attend many programs during the weekend and even during the week. Laodicea met a man at the meetings who was tall, handsome, muscular and well admired by all her friends. Laodicea began taking his arm and allowing him to escort her at the various meetings. Her friends were all envious and Laodicea was very pleased by all the attention she and her escort would get. Whenever she wanted an escort at a meeting, she would pick him up and take him along. When the program was over, she would tell him what a great time she had, thank him, drop him off, and head home congratulating herself on all the fun she was having. One day he suggested to her, they needed to be in a deeper relationship. Laodicea was thrilled and all her friends began talking about the upcoming wedding. Plans were made and the day arrived. Laodicea picked up her escort and walked him down the aisle. She was thrilled with all the attention she was getting. Then something strange happened. He offered Laodicea a ring of commitment. She laughed and said she was not going to wear that thing. (Now, I am going to give you one clue about the symbols in this illustration or parable. You might need some insight into what is meant by the ring of commitment. The logo on the cover of this book illustrates four of them. I am forbidden to speak about this openly in public around here but I think you can figure it out.) The reception was so much fun and Laodicea enjoyed herself immensely. When the reception was over, Laodicea told him what a great time she had, thanked him, dropped him off, and headed home congratulating herself on all the fun she was having. Every week Laodicea would faithfully pick him up to escort her to the weekend program. He often suggested to her they needed to be in a deeper relationship. Laodicea said everything was just fine, she was perfectly happy with the way things were. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. The question this illustrates is "Are you consummating your salvation by growing in your relationship and an understanding of all truth?" |
Coming into AgreementI was having a long, intense, and detailed discussion about the concepts of Present Truth last week with a fellow believer. We also discussed differences in details of our beliefs. I lamented the fact there is so much confusion and disagreement on the truth. We were discussing the reasons why these problems occur. I suggested the time would come when all those who search and follow truth will come into agreement. The idea there will ever be complete agreement among any group of the followers of God was immediately disputed. I tried to focus and clarify the thought by suggesting the 144k will be in complete agreement on all truth. This was also dismissed as an impossibility. I pondered this question in the light of the Bible and particularly the words of our Saviour. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. I believe our Saviour spoke truly and accurately. All truth means all truth. The obvious rhetorical question is, "What is truth?" Now, I must admit, there are questions, which may cause mild disagreement and may be viewed as non-essential. (I can feel myself getting into a deep pit with this subject.) An example would be, "How far is it appropriate to travel on the Sabbath when going to church?" Even more general, "How far is it appropriate to travel on Sabbath?" Without trying to split those hairs or get wrapped up in a philosophical discussion, I hope we can agree there is some sizable body of critical truth of which a part often causes disagreement. The question can be refined by asking whether God will have a people on earth who agree and obey all His truth. I find thoughtful guidance in these words. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. I believe there will be all truth when there is no deception and we are without fault. One definition of critical truth would be agreement on what God commands. Our Saviour was emphatic on a knowledge of truth. 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. We will be free of deception, confusion, and we will know what our God commands. Complete agreement also means obedience to do what He commands. 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: The 144k are the modern children of Israel. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. It is not a matter of blood or genealogy to be a child of Israel, Isaac, and Abraham. It is a matter of doing what is right and true. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. The children of Israel follow the Law given to Moses with all their hearts. 46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. I believe the Third Elijah Message will restore all truth. Our Saviour believed this. 11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. Peter believed in the restoration of all truth. 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Do you believe God can and will lead His people into all truth? (Book Contents) Next: No Light |
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Revised 2015-08-21 |