About Us
Who We Are
“Unless I am convicted of error by the testimony of Scripture or by manifest reasoning I stand convicted by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God’s word. I cannot or will not recant anything. For to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us.” — Martin Luther
I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more”
— Numbers 22:18
We are Seventh-day Adventists proclaiming the biblical understanding of the Godhead.
“It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial. We are in the school of the Master here, that we may be trained for the school above. We must learn to bear disappointment in a Christ-like manner, and the lesson taught by this will be of great importance to us. 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.” — {Ellen White, Review and Herald, July 26, 1892, par. 6, 7}
“As a people we are certainly in GREAT DANGER, IF WE ARE NOT CONSTANTLY GUARDED, OF CONSIDERING OUR IDEAS, BECAUSE LONG CHERISHED, TO BE BIBLE DOCTRINES AND ON EVERY POINT INFALLIBLE, AND MEASURING EVERYONE BY THE RULE OF OUR INTERPRETATION OF BIBLE TRUTH. THIS IS OUR DANGER, AND THIS WOULD BE THE GREATEST EVIL THAT COULD EVER COME TO US AS A PEOPLE. While I was in Europe I felt deeply moved by the Spirit of God, as I never did before, that there must be altogether a different spirit and element brought into our conferences. If one should hold ideas differing in some respects from that which we have heretofore entertained—not on vital points of truth—there should not be a firm, rigid attitude assumed that all is right in every particular, all is Bible truth without a flaw, that every point we have held is without mistake or cannot be improved. This I know to be dangerous business and it proceeds from that wisdom that is from beneath.” {1888 830.1}
“If a brother differs with you on some points of truth, do not stoop to ridicule, do not place him in a false light or misconstrue his words, making sport of them; do not misinterpret his words and wrest them of their true meaning. This is not conscientious argument. Do not present him before others as a heretic, when you have not with him investigated his positions, taking the Scriptures text-by-text in the spirit of Christ to show him what is truth. You do not yourself really know the evidence he has for his faith, and you cannot clearly define your own position. Take your Bible, and in a kindly spirit weigh every argument that he presents, and show him by the Scriptures if he is in error. When you do this without unkind feelings, you will do only that which is your duty and the duty of every minister of Jesus Christ.” {12MR 376.1}
“Those who sincerely desire truth will not be reluctant to lay open their positions for investigation and criticism, and will not be annoyed if their opinions and ideas are crossed. We are in the school of the Master here, that we may be trained for the school above. We must learn to bear disappointment in a Christ-like manner, and the lesson taught by this will be of great importance to us. 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.” {Review and Herald, July 26, 1892}
”There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. We are living in perilous times, and it does not become us to accept everything claimed to be truth without examining it thoroughly; neither can we afford to reject anything that bears the fruits of the Spirit of God; but we should be teachable, meek and lowly of heart. There are those who oppose everything that is not in accordance with their own ideas, and by so doing they endanger their eternal interest as verily as did the Jewish nation in their rejection of Christ. The Lord designs that our opinions shall be put to the test, that we may see the necessity of closely examining the living oracles to see whether or not we are in the faith.” {RH December 20, 1892, par. 1}
1. We renounce any labels such as “non-trinitarian”, “anti-trinitarian”, “Arian” or “semi-Arian” but we identify ourselves as Seventh-day Adventists who endeavors to hold the same belief that is consistent with what the church taught and believed in the last 25 years (1890 to 1915) of Ellen White’s life, as described in the 1889 Fundamental Principles of SDA.
2. We apologize to all to whom our actions have been apparent for anything that is viewed as disloyalty to the church of Christ which grew out of the Millerite movement and was formally established in 1863 as Seventh-day Adventist Church.
3. We cannot violate our conscience on how we believe about the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in light of how we understand the “HEAVENLY TRIO” as expounded by the Inspiration, both in the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy.
4. We acknowledge that there are variants within Adventism regarding the doctrine of Trinity and we implore the church to acknowledge the same and thereby extend flexibility and latitude on this issue. Consider the following statement:
“If Adventism is to meet the needs of all people around the world, the landmark must remain simple and straightforward. the Bible will be our only creed. Complex theological definitions, the Trinity, for example, may serve the church well in general but cannot be imposed as a test for all Adventists everywhere.
Adventism can expect fresh insights into truth, “present truth” that will enhance the appreciation of old land marks. Such an expectation has always been a part of historic Adventism and is reaffirmed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs voted in 1980. When “present truth” is of a complex nature, it may be more helpful for some in the church that for other. In such case it cannot be imposed on the church as a whole. Remembering our non-Trinitarian past as well as the simplicity of our land-marks should encourage a certain humility in the church and lead us to resist any attempt by one segment of the church to impose its views on the rest.” (Issues: The Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Certain Private Ministries pg. 50; https://archive.org/details/issuesseventhday0000nort/page/50/mode/2up)
5. We fully acknowledge that the Bible does teach a “tri-unity” of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit but our view is not the same as the views held by the Church as how they are expressed in its Fundamental Beliefs and how they are interpreted.
6. We pledge that member or not, office holder or not, we want to use our influence to build up the Seventh-Day Adventist church, focusing primarily on the Three Angels Messages and that which we hold in common.
7. We affirm that One True God of the Bible is referring to the personality of the Father in an exclusive/quantitative sense (Jn 17:3, 1Cor. 8:6). This however does not necessarily negate Christ being God in the qualitative sense (Jn 1:1, Heb 1:8), for He is the eternal, pre-incarnate begotten Son of God, having inherited the same divine substance and attributes of His Father. “The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is truly God in infinity, but not in personality” {Ms 116, 1905} “GOD IS THE FATHER OF CHRIST; CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD. To Christ has been GIVEN an exalted position. He has been MADE equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” {EGW, CCh 76.5}
8. We fully affirm that Jesus is the literal, pre-incarnate, only begotten Son of God (NOT a created being, nor a metaphorical Son), who came forth from the Father (in an offspring sense) from all eternity (prior to the commencement of time and before any creation). “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father.” {1SM 247.4} “CHRIST IS DECLARED IN THE SCRIPTURES TO BE THE SON OF GOD. FROM ALL ETERNITY HE HAS SUSTAINED THIS RELATION TO JEHOVAH. Before the foundations of the world were laid, He, the only begotten Son of God, pledged Himself to become the Redeemer of the human race should men sin. {Ms22-1905.4}
9. While we affirm the “personhood” of the Holy Spirit, we believe the Holy Spirit to be the very omnipresent Spirit of the Father and of His Son (the spiritual manifestation of the character/power/presence/personality of God the Father and of Christ ) which can function independently as a “third person” in his own distinct (invisible/incorporeal) personality but is NOT an entirely separate individual.
10. We fully affirm Christ’s divinity in that He is ontologically equal with God the Father (for Christ is the Father’s natural/real pre-incarnate BEGOTTEN Son, NOT a created being, whom by the virtue of His begetting, inherited all things (same substance, authority, glory, power, appellations) from His Father.
11. We regard the writings of Ellen G. White to be inspired of God, in harmony with the Scriptures, as the direct Testimony of Jesus Christ Himself-the Spirit of Prophecy (Revelation 19:10) and therefore carries with it no less divine authority than the writings of the Bible prophets. As It Reads use the writings of Ellen G. White, not to replace the Scriptures but only to affirm what is already revealed in the Scriptures and also to defend against those who use her writings falsely.
AS IT READS
“The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared, “Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” [Mark 12:24.] The language of the Bible should be explained ACCORDING TO ITS OBVIOUS MEANING, UNLESS A SYMBOL OR FIGURE IS EMPLOYED. Christ has given the promise, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” [John 7:17.] IF MEN WOULD BUT TAKE THE BIBLE AS IT READS, IF THERE WERE NO FALSE TEACHERS TO MISLEAD AND CONFUSE THEIR MINDS, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad, and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error.” Great Controversy 1888, p. 598.3 {GC 598.3} {DD 38.4}
“A great work can be done by presenting to the people THE BIBLE JUST AS IT READS. Carry the Word of God to every man’s door, urge its plain statements upon every man’s conscience, repeat to all the Saviour’s command, “Search the Scriptures.” Admonish them TO TAKE THE BIBLE AS IT IS, to implore divine enlightenment, and then, when the light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray, and fearlessly abide the consequences.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:388. {ChS 144.2}
“Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning. The papal leaders select such portions of Scripture as best serve their purpose, interpret to suit themselves, and then present these to the people, while they deny them the privilege of studying the Bible and understanding its sacred truths for themselves. THE WHOLE BIBLE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE JUST AS IT READS. IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE BIBLE INSTRUCTION AT ALL THAN TO HAVE THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES THUS GROSSLY MISREPRESENTED.”—Darkness Before Dawn p. 7.4 {DD 7.4}
“THE BIBLE, JUST AS IT READS, IS TO BE OUR GUIDE. Nothing is so calculated to enlarge the mind and strengthen the intellect as the study of the Bible. No other study will so elevate the soul and give vigor to the faculties as the study of the living oracles. The minds of thousands of ministers of the gospel are dwarfed because they are permitted to dwell upon commonplace things, and are not exercised in searching for the hidden treasure of the Word of God. As the mind is brought to the study of God’s Word, the understanding will enlarge and the higher powers will develop for the comprehension of high and ennobling truth.”—Review and Herald, Sept 28, 1897; Mind, Character, and Personality vol.1 p. 93.2 {1MCP 93.2}
“God sends them light to undeceive them, but they refuse to take the Word of God AS IT READS. They accept error, choosing the lies of Satan rather than a ‘Thus saith the Lord.’” – Manuscript 19, 1894; Evangelism p. 239
“The word of God, just AS IT READS, contains the very essence of truth.” – Medical Evangelist, Oct 1, 1909
“We are to take the Word of God AS IT READS, the words of Christ as He has spoken them.” – Signs of the Times, Aug. 18, 1887
The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. GC 598.3 (1911)
WE SHALL ALL DO WELL TO HEED THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH IN THE COUNSEL BELOW OF MILLER’S RULES FOR BIBLE INTERPRETATION.
“Those who are engaged in proclaiming the third angel’s message are searching the Scriptures upon the same plan that Father Miller adopted. In the little book entitled ‘Views of the Prophecies and Prophetic Chronology,’ Father Miller gives the following simple but intelligent and important rules for Bible study and interpretation: {RH November 25, 1884, par. 23}
“1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible; 2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by diligent application and study; 3. Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering; 4. To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know, then let every word have its proper influence; and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in error; 5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom is my rule, and not the Bible.” {RH November 25, 1884, par. 24}
“The above is a portion of these rules; and in our study of the Bible we shall all do well to heed the principles set forth {RH November 25, 1884, par. 25}
THREE ANGEL'S MESSAGE
“In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light-bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import,—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:19 (1909). {LDE 45.3}
“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.” {COL 415.5}
The First Angel’s Message reads: “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:7
The verse reads, “give glory to him (why does it not say “them”?).” Does this singular, personal pronoun “him” refer to a unity of three co-eternal Persons—Trinity, or does it refer to a singular God?
The verse continues, “for the hour of his (why does it not say “their”?) judgment is come.” Does this singular, possessive personal pronoun “his” refer to a unity of three co-eternal Persons—Trinity, or does it refer to a singular God?
The verse further states, “worship him (why does it not say “them”?) that made heaven, and earth…” Does the singular, personal pronoun “him” refer to a unity of three co-eternal Persons—Trinity, or does it refer to a singular God?
If “him” or “his” in Revelation 14:7 is referring to the three persons of the Trinity, then you would also have to assume that the writer (John) believed that three persons make a single being (in order to have used the pronouns as he did). Suffice to say, this was not the case.
This is the same John who also wrote, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God [referring to the Father], and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3.
If one is to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages, it stands to reason that he or she ought to know who this “God” is that we ought to fear, give glory to, and worship. This is to be the foundation for the subsequent angels’ (second and third) messages that would follow.
“The Three Angels’ Messages—The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been located by the word of Inspiration. NOT A PEG OR A PIN IS TO BE REMOVED. No human authority has any more right to change the location of these messages than to substitute the New Testament for the Old. The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols. The New Testament is the substance. One is as essential as the other. The Old Testament presents lessons from the lips of Christ, and these lessons have not lost their force in any particular. THE FIRST AND SECOND MESSAGES WERE GIVEN IN 1843 AND 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel’s message. THERE CANNOT BE A THIRD WITHOUT THE FIRST AND SECOND. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.”—Manuscript 32, 1896. {CW 26.2}