A sure foundation for God’s people

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3

James White; Joseph Bates; Hiram Edson; Uriah Smith; J.N. Andrews; J.N. Loughborough; S.N. Haskell; J.H. Waggoner; John Byington; M.E. Cornell; G.I. Butler and E. Farnsworth. These men of faith found the way into the Most Holy. They were led by the Holy Ghost and found it through a belief in a literal Father. Then they were convinced that God had called the Advent people to lead out in a work of responding to God’s call, calling them to ascend to a higher level which we call the platform of truth. This was brought about through much prayer, fasting and diligent study of the scriptures.

According to the Spirit of Prophecy those who reach the top of this platform will have managed to attain what is commonly known among Seventh-day Adventists as the “truth as it is in Jesus”.

What is meant by the truth as it is in Jesus? In the Spirit of Prophecy we are told that believers are able to reach the top of the platform of truth through a belief in the three angels’ messages found in Revelation 14:6–12. It is a correct understanding of The Three Angels’ Messages that leads every believer to stand firmly on this platform.

The pen of inspiration correctly points out that there are three steps that are designed to assist God’s people in reaching the platform; a platform that has made the Advent people what they are today—the knowledge of the principles that they uphold and teach. “I was shown three steps—the first, second and third angel’s messages.” –Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 53

The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which these messages are received.

This leads me to think deeply regarding the meaning of the “manner in which these messages are received.” Can we be careless and lack attention whenever the subject of the three angels’ messages is brought before us? The Spirit of Prophecy states that the destiny of souls depends on how correct these messages are understood.

To simply just know that these messages exist and are to be preached to the world is really not enough; we must know their import and ask God for continued strength to keep moving in order to reach the platform.

“Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where the truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and reformation.” –Prophets and Kings, p. 626

The three steps (three angels’ messages) go upwards and the people of God must travel up these steps in order to reach the required level, the point where God wants them to be on top of the platform.

God’s people are represented to be standing on this platform. But exactly what is this platform? What would be the posts (pillars or landmarks) that are holding this platform together so that it is kept firm?

These steps that are directing God’s people up to the platform of truth are described in the first vision that Ellen White received, a vision that depicts God’s people walking up a narrow way to the holy city. She saw them walking up, and up, and up. What led them in their walk? It was the three angels’ messages represented by the three steps that were leading the people of God to the solid, immovable platform.

The most interesting thing about this first vision is that, as they were going up above the world and the way became too narrow for a solid footing, there were  cords that came down. They would grab hold  of these cords and swing across into the heavenly city. Those who did not walk up the steps could not reach the cords, because the cords did not reach down to the level where they were—the world. The cords only reached down to the level of the platform.

Therefore, those who do not embrace these three messages will not have the required faith to enter the time of Jacob’s trouble, because the cords represent faith—the true faith as it is in Jesus.

Ask yourself if you have given yourself enough time to really put an effort into not only knowing about the three angels’ messages, but to familiarize yourself with the importance of all their requirements. Are you willing to practically apply the three angels’ messages in your life?

Is the message important and still just as relevant today as it was to the Adventist pioneers who lived in the nineteenth century? We read earlier that the destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which these messages are received. With this thought in mind, it should certainly spark a sense of awe in our hearts; it should inspire us to seriously consider these messages and give them the gravity they deserve.

As I stated, the cords only reach as far as the top of this platform where the three steps led. They did not reach down to the ground level where the people in the world are found, those who chose not to walk up the steps to the required level—God’s platform of truth. It is certain, then, that if we do not have the faith to take these three steps we will not have the faith to go through the time of Jacob’s trouble. Oh, we need that faith!

How did our heavenly Father work to lay down this solid foundation? “The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, also the first and second angels’ messages and third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God’s law. The non-immortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.” –Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 30

The message given prior to 1844 was that Christ was coming to this earth in 1844 and there was going to be a judgment. This was accompanied by the cleansing of the sanctuary in heaven.

Besides this we hear that, “I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform.” –Early Writings, p.  259

Do we understand these things as they did in 1844—the three angels’ messages with all its bearings? Have we ensured that we incorporate these in our lessons that we teach to those who attend our baptismal class? Have any ever been baptized that do not fully understand these three angels’ messages, the platform or landmarks? Have some churches knowingly discarded some of these principles of truth in order to gain multitudes into the ranks of their churches, thereby increasing church membership? This has been done many times in the Christian world as there are a variety of standards and principles.

Ellen White says that the message of health reform is the right arm of the third angel’s message. If we believe this we will be practicing vegetarianism, dress reform, and all other related principles as laid down by our pioneers. Souls are not to be baptizing who we know do not live according to these standards.

This is one of the original doctrines of Adventism. It is what the Adventist pioneers built and advocated as right principles of living; what shapes the religion they loved and cherished. These are the principles they adhered to personally, and that they set before the congregation so they can attain to the top of the platform.

Nonetheless, this is only part of what it means to be an Adventist. In fact, Adventism itself has not established any of these pillars since they were in place and practiced before the commencement of Adventism in 1844. Doctrines such as vegetarianism, health reform, dress reform, Sabbath keeping have always been there. The book of Daniel and Revelation were sealed until the time of the end, and it is now at the end of time when God is revealing these truths to His people. Prior to this time, these truths were hidden from God’s people.

These other doctrines have always marked the character of the men and women who have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the service of God. And still today these doctrines define His people who are now living in the period that is commonly known as the Great Anti-typical Day of Atonement—a time that commenced simultaneously with the investigative judgment that is currently going on in heaven since October 22, 1844 (Daniel 8:13–14; Matthew 25:6; Revelation 11:19).

Whilst the three angels’ messages were being proclaimed on earth there came into the scene what is commonly known as the Reformation Movement in 1925! This Movement came as a result of the great apostasy among the majority of the original Seventh-day Adventist church where 98% supported the taking up of arms and joining World War I in Europe. Did the advent of this movement alter any of these platforms or landmarks as laid down by the pioneers? No, not at all. They sought to bring the minds of the believers back to meaning of the original beliefs.

Who were there early reformers? Did they come about to change or discard these grand truths by misrepresenting the three angels’ messages? No, they have placed their emphasis on teaching the people to understand these messages with their bearings (emphasizing the importance of health, dress reform, righteousness by faith, and all the pillars of the truths of Adventism). You be the judge as to who are the true Advent people.

Are you sure that you are standing high above the platform of truth given to God’s people for this time?

Br. Bishop George, South Africa