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Commentary on "The Work of the Prophets"
Day 7: Friday, February 13, 2009
This last day continues in the vein begun with Thursday's lesson regarding the union between Protestantism and Catholicism.
One of the suggestions for further study at the top of the page must be addressed. The book The Great Controversy is often used by the Adventist church to show how God has used Ellen White in bringing his final warning to earth's inhabitants. Near the bottom of the page is a suggestion for the student to do a little research regarding Catholic-Protestant relations. I would suggest that anyone interested do a study of The Great Controversy, the sources used, and some of the historical errors that have been included in this work. Then, rather than asking what does this book mean to me, or how has God used this book in my life, ask the first question: Is this true?
In todays study, only a couple of statements need to be addressed. Regarding Catholic-Protestant relations, it is stated that “such a reconciliation seem[ed] impossible. Today, of course, the impossible has become all but inevitable, as time and again Catholics and various Protestants are coming together on a whole host of issues.”
There is no inevitability here, only probabilities. The only inevitable facts in this universe are that man has fallen into sin, God is unquestionably righteous, and Jesus is his way of bringing us back into fellowship with him. Some of us, not just Adventists, are guilty of making much of things other than Jesus. Paul provided a stern warning to those in his day who were making much of things other than Christ and him crucified. The entire issue of any of these unofficial agreements between some Protestants and some Catholics is based on an ignorance of numerous historical facts, and much speculation.
The fact that an organization with over 15 million members is dedicating an entire Sabbath School Quarterly to the discussion of one person's supposed spiritual gifts is an indication that much is being made of one person, and that can come only as less is made of Jesus Christ. The two are not compatible. We cannot make much of Ellen White and at the same time make much of Jesus Christ.
The lesson this week ends with the statement, “Though there's still much to unfold, these events are leading to an amazing fulfillment of prophecy and are another powerful vindication of Ellen White's prophetic gift.”
Continue to vindicate Ellen White's “prophetic gift” at the expense of Jesus Christ and there will be rewards to reap. Lift up Jesus Christ at the expense of Ellen White, and of all men and women who have ever lived, and there will be rewards to reap. We deceive ourselves in thinking that we can do both. Which rewards would you choose?
Summary
- Over 15 million Adventists around the world are dedicating three months to the study of the spiritual gifts of one person. How does this lift up Jesus Christ?
- When our focus is on one sinful human being, regardless of how holy that person may be, we ignore God’s commandment as stated by the apostle Paul. We should know nothing amongst ourselves but Christ and him crucified.
Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised February 5, 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 7
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 7
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 7
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