"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication." (Rev. 17:4.) The woman is a symbol of a counterfeit religious system. From her cup she hands out false doctrines. Being golden, it has an appearance of splendor—inviting. Her costly garments of loud colors and precious ornaments vividly portray the magnificence of this most vile woman and her kingly pomp, and vain glory. By the power of her attraction, so irresistible to the human eye, she has conquered men of the strongest intellect—"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication." Millions with strong mental faculties, men who appear as giants among the inhabitants of the earth, have fallen helpless victims in her trap. The kings of the earth are guilty of spiritual adultery with the "woman" (drunk with false doctrines), thereby becoming entangled in her seductive snares.—2SR:121.3
There are only two sources of spiritual doctrines.
1. From her cup she hands out false doctrines.—2SR:121.3
Any so called Christian organization handing out false doctrines under an appearance of virtue, evidently is governed by the power of the "woman." The origin of all such fallacious teachings can be traced back into the golden cup.—2SR:122.1
These false doctrines are an abomination.
…Her abominations, you note, are made very attractive, being dispensed from a golden cup held in hands that are gorgeously decked with the costliest things of earth.—2TG18:17.3
…We are ready to accept truth, but when the theory is contradicted by the Scriptures, THEN we must not submit to erroneous conclusions, for, he who believes a lie is an abomination unto God.—2SR:19.2
Could Davidians be immune from sipping from that golden cup in the hand of the woman passing them off as "unadulterated truth"?
Eze 9:4—And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
2. …the "golden bowl" is that which contains the inspired interpretation of the Scriptures or the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy,…—2SR:285.3
…The Lord's communication never comes to man in vain." Therefore, the two golden pipes that empty the golden oil into the golden bowl are God's messengers of inspiration through whom present truth is revealed, and the only true interpreters of the Scriptures. The oil represents the revealed Word of God from the Bible as it is explained through His appointed servants, and the bowl describes the publications into which these revelations are compiled. This is the "Testimony of Jesus"—"the Spirit of Prophecy." (Rev. 12:17; 19:10.) The revelation which John received is called "The Testimony of Jesus." (See Rev. 1:9.) Therefore, the testimony of Jesus is also the Spirit of Prophecy, because his testimony is revealed only by the Holy Spirit through a human channel. Thus the Scripture interpreted by Inspiration, is the only testimony that can be, "the testimony of Jesus"—truth without error.—2SR:285.1
…the bowl in which the golden oil is stored, symbolizes the storehouse of Present Truth—the Word interpreted. The only "storehouse" that contains inspired comments on both Testaments is the books of the Spirit of Prophecy. They, therefore, are the "golden bowl."…—6Tr:23.3
Come, my brethren, while there is an abundance of butter for your upkeep, honey to make you glad, and a "golden bowl" full of "oil" to make you "shine."—6Tr:44.1
…Get your doctrine, Brother, Sister, ONLY from the golden bowl (see The Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2),…—11Tr:12.1
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Truth only fits one way, THE Way, Truth is so singular and exclusive from God revealed to man through His appointed mouthpiece that what we SAY we understand reveals transparently our spiritual condition.
Isa. 8:20—To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Some people are praying for "the gift of understanding" (2TG44:31.2) and rightly so. But how many realize and understand that without being first honest that prayer is in vain?
The purpose of this tract being to introduce and to deliver free of charge to every HONEST soul, even to the poorest and to the remotest one of earth, the superabundant product par excellence of the great Universal Dairy, it is therefore necessary to remove from the way of its recipients
The Evil Work of Its Competitor.—6Tr:3.1
Some are mistaking the influence of the golden cup for the power of the golden bowl. That is why we must "try the spirits" (1Jn 4:1).
The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light. {GC 597.2}
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25. Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity
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to know the will of God. A man is traveling and comes to a place where there are several roads and a guideboard indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guideboard, and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find himself on the wrong road.—GC:597.2, 3
We read in Great Controversy, page 397: "The spirit of error will lead us from the truth, and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in an error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and word agree. If a man judges himself by the word of God, and finds a PERFECT harmony through the whole word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil."—1SR:13.2
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Advice to guardians of the spiritual interest of the people of God
I'm not expecting anyone to believe as I do because salvation is an individual matter. However, as my brother's keeper, I have a duty if a fault is observed that I should have courtesy, courage, and compassion to bring it even to my neighbor's attention. We all had better believe as Jesus does without exception of persons because He is the perfect pattern.
It's very simple. Bring substance to sustain your claims rather than searching for character flaws in your servant.
"Finite men should beware of seeking to control their fellow men, taking the place assigned to the Holy Spirit. Let not men feel that it is their prerogative to give to the world what they suppose to be truth, and refuse that anything should be given contrary to their ideas. This is not their work. Many things will appear distinctly as truth, which will not be acceptable to those who think their own interpretation of the Scriptures always right. Most decided changes will have to be made in regard to ideas which some have accepted as without a flaw."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 76.—2SR:27.5
Those who have entered upon the work of teaching, or who have been called to any position of responsibility, should not be satisfied to take the product of the researches of other minds, but they should investigate truth for themselves. If they do not form the habit of investigating themes of truth for themselves, they will become superficial in their life and acquirements. The opinions of your associates may be of value to you, but you should not rely upon them and have no definite ideas of your own. You should examine the truths you have been LED TO believe, UNTIL you know that they are without a flaw. You lose much when you do not bring every point of faith you hold to the law and to the testimony, for you do not see or appreciate the truth as it is. Oh, that all our youth might appreciate the privilege that God has given! It is His will that you should go to the source of all light, and receive the enlightenment of His Spirit (for this will be given to every humble seeker for truth), and THEN you will know that the Spirit and the Word agree, and know that you know what is truth. What assurance this knowledge gives! You
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can then speak with power, proclaiming what you have learned as truth, knowing that you have not followed cunningly devised fables.--TSS 58-61.—CSW:33.1
"…You should examine the truths you have been LED TO believe, UNTIL you know that they are without a flaw.…" except ________________ [fill in the blank under what exception, book and page please]
"Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will ONLY make manifest its strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who, we have reason to believe, desire to know what is truth. Suppose a brother
Reporting Un-Adventist Activities 9
hold a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that POINT in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice, and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing? The only right way would be to sit down as Christians, and investigate the position presented, in the light of God's word, which will reveal truth and unmask error. To ridicule his ideas would not weaken his position in the least if it were false, or strengthen your position if it were true. If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it. There must be no spirit of Pharisaism cherished among us"—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 107—RUA:9.3
So now that we know the name of the last prophet and the last message he brought, are we safe now in our "wealth of knowledge" to advocate contrary to the principles that led us into truth?
Under which conditions do these Berean principles become null and void?
As God's association is it God's will now to teach our constituents that if others come to them, tell them "…Away, away, I am rich and increased with goods: I have need of nothing; I have all the truth. "I am satisfied with my position. I have set my stakes, and I will not be moved away from my position, whatever may come."—Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, p. 65.—7SC7-12:4.7
In order to escape our duty before God and man should our rhetoric amount to the claim of infallibility?
It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial. . . .—TM:30.2
No Claim to Infallibility
We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.—The Review and Herald, July 26, 1892. {1SM 37.3}
In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His word is true, and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turning.—Letter 10, 1895.—1SM:37.4
Are any of us greater than EGW now because we claim to know VTH?
Again,
God gives light to those who love light. He imparts truth to those who search for truth as for something of most precious value…—TMK:217.5
We want to know the truth, the whole truth as it is in Jesus. We cannot afford to cherish ERROR on any point.—HS:232.1
Furthermore,
…If every idea we have entertained in doctrines is truth, will not the truth bear to be investigated? Will it totter and fall if criticized? If so, let it fall, the sooner the better. The spirit that would close the door to investigation of points of truth in a Christlike manner is not the Spirit from above. . . . —9MR:216.4
There was among some a spirit manifested in reference to the investigation of this controverted question that was not after God's order. If we have held as truth some points in doctrine that will not bear close criticism and investigation it is our duty—without revealing the spirit that the churches manifested, which was so unlike Christ, patiently to come to the Word of God in an humble, prayerful, inquiring mind. Then we need to be changed in spirit, to be converted. The truth will lose nothing of its force or beauty or power through research, testing every point which we have considered as truth, if we preserve the meekness of Christ in our research. The Word of God will be found a treasure-house full of precious gems. We may draw from this storehouse very much more than we have done, and may be made wise unto salvation.—1888:825.2
Some have feared that if in even a single point they acknowledge themselves in error, other minds would be led to doubt the whole theory of truth. Therefore they have felt that investigation should not be permitted, that it would tend to dissension and disunion. But if such is to be the result of investigation, the sooner it comes the better. If there are those whose faith in God's word will not stand the test of an investigation of the Scriptures, the sooner they are revealed the better; for then the way will be opened to show them their error. We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. There is but One who is infallible—He who is the way, the truth, and the life.—TM:105.2
…Each one of us must look to God for divine enlightenment. We must individually develop a character that will stand the test in the day of God. We must not become set in our ideas, and think that no one should interfere with our opinions.—Review and Herald, June 18, 1889.—CW:45.1
…If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it; for it is foolish to become set in our ideas, and think that no one should interfere with our opinions. Let everything be brought to the Bible; for it is the only rule of faith and doctrine.—BEcho, October 15, 1892 par. 6
No matter by whom light is sent, we should open our hearts to receive it with the meekness of Christ. But many do not do this. When a controverted point is presented, they pour in question after question, without admitting a point when it is well sustained. O, may we act as men who want light! May God give us His Holy Spirit day by day, and let the light of His countenance shine upon us, that we may be learners in the school of Christ.—GW:301.2
…Though they would not care to acknowledge it, some have already done this. And because the Spirit is to come, not to praise men or to build up their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, many turn away from it. They are not willing to be deprived of the garments of their own self-righteousness. They are not willing to exchange their own righteousness, which is unrighteousness, for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated truth. The Holy Spirit flatters no man, neither does it work according to the devising of any man. Finite, sinful men are not to work the Holy Spirit. When it shall come as a reprover, through any human agent whom God shall choose, it is man's place to hear and obey its voice.—TM:64.3
Worthy of repetition. "…We are ready to accept truth, but when the theory is contradicted by the Scriptures, then we must not submit to erroneous conclusions, for, he who believes a LIE is an abomination unto God."—2SR:19.2
"Light" is truth.—1SR:241.2
Ps 97:11—Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. [Emphasis supplied]
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