|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Commentary on "The Blessings of the Prophetic Gift"
Day 5: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
This lesson starts out with the claim that Moses was the first to write down God's words. Then it goes on to point out that God's word should be placed in our homes where it is constantly in view. After that, it is asserted that the Adventist publishing work was the result of a vision from God.
Problems
First off, it should be pointed out that the references given (Ex. 17:14, 34:27, Deut. 31:24) nowhere state that Moses was the first to write down God's word. For instance, the book of Job is considered to be much older than the writings of Moses and we have no idea who the author is. While this point doesn't affect the theme of this lesson, why state something that can not be supported from the Bible?
Publishing the written word of God certainly is in compliance with the command to spread the gospel message. But, what of the writings of Ellen White? The Adventist publishing activities focus on her written works far more than the printing and distribution of the Bible. Why is this? For that matter, why write a book titled; The Clear Word Bible and call it the Bible with Ellen's words inserted into the body of the text? This has all the appearance of perverting God's word and is not what we are commanded to take to the world.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev. 22:18,19)
God has always intended that his inspired holy word move from the written page to the "door posts" of our homes and into our "hearts", not just the intellect of our minds as the following verse would indicate:
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Ps. 119:11)
We already know from God's word (John 14:16,17,26) that the role of the Holy Spirit includes leading each person into all truth. Therefore, the role of parents is to take the written word of God, the Scriptures, into their homes and through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, introduce their children to the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Summary
As Christian parents, you are the ones responsible to lead your children to a saving knowledge of the gospel message of Jesus Christ through the power and leading of the Holy Spirit. When you consider Rev. 22:18,19, should you not tremble if holding a copy of such a book that Adventist publishers call a bible? When writing, publishing, or simply preaching from material that you consider to be God's holy word, make sure that it really is the pure word of God. If you take away or add to his Word, there is a curse to be aware of.
Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised March 6, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 12
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 12
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 12
Search the Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings