Hold Fast to the Truth As it is in Jesus

Christ Triumphant - A Devotional by E.G. White

Hold Fast to the Truth As it is in Jesus Today's Text: And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again. Revelation 10:10, 11 The Message:      In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long, continued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress. Those things that have been will be repeated. Old controversies will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising. But God's people, who in their belief in fulfillment of prophecy have acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages, know where they stand.  They have an experience that is more precious than fine gold. They are to stand firm as a rock, holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end.      A transforming power attended the proclamation of the first and second angels' messages, as it attends the message of the third angel. Lasting convictions were made upon human minds. The power of the Holy Spirit was manifested. There was diligent study of the Scriptures, point by point. Almost entire nights were devoted to earnest searching of the Word. We searched for the truth as for hidden treasures. The Lord revealed Himself to us. Light was shed on the prophecies, and we knew that we received divine instruction.      This scripture expresses something of the exercises we were passing through: "Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" [Proverbs 22:17-21.]      After the Great Disappointment there were few who set themselves to seek the Word with all their heart. But some souls would not settle down in discouragement and deny that the Lord had led them. To these the truth was opened point by point, and entwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. The searchers after truth felt that the identification of Christ with their nature and interest was complete. Truth was made to shine forth, beautiful in its simplicity, dignified with a power and invested with an assurance unknown before the Disappointment. We could then proclaim the message in unity. But among those who had not held fast their faith and experience there was great confusion. Every conceivable opinion was presented as the message of truth, but the Lord's voice was "Believe them not; for I have not sent them."      We walked carefully with God. The message was to be given to the world, and we knew that this present light was the special gift of God. The impartation of this gift was the prerogative of God. His disappointed ones, who were still seeking after truth, were led step by step to communicate to the world that which had been communicated to them. The prophetic declarations were to be repeated, and the truth essential for salvation was to be made known. The work moved hard at first. Often the hearers rejected the message as unintelligible, and the conflict began in decided earnest, especially upon the Sabbath question. But the Lord manifested His presence. At times the veil that concealed His glory from our eyes was drawn aside. We beheld Him in the high and holy place.-Manuscript 32, 1896 (Manuscript Releases 17:11, 12). *Note: I have added in the parts that were left out by the compilers for what ever reason, that the true sentiment of the author may be seen. Commentary: My friend, the first, second, and third angels message must be connected with the gospel of Jesus Christ, for He is the One that is to attend these messages and to convict the world of its truth.  Those who are to proclaim these messages must be sanctified by them and filled with His Spirit.  The Great Disappointment had led the true followers of God to diligently search the Scriptures as for buried treasure.  This experience of diligent study brought them to a place where Christ could reveal Himself to them and shed divine light upon the Word of God. This experience of deep heart searching brought them to a place where they could be taught of God.  The errors of Papal Rome were still manifested within the Protestant churches and through the Great Disappointment He led a people to be purified by the fires of affliction that the truth may be revealed to them. The church that came out of the Great Disappointment was depicted as the Church of Philadelphia, a pure church without fault before God.  But today that church is no longer for it has now become the Church of Laodicea, a church without commendation but only rebuke; a church whos spiritual condition is sickening to Him.  Sadly this is the condition of the Seventh-day Adventist church today. How could the once pure church of Philadelphia become the Church of Laodicea which is "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17)?  The answer is that they have forsaken the One true God for the triune god of the trinity.  By the churches adoption of the trinity, they have forsaken the One true God and His Son Jesus Christ, and as such are being led by another spirit.  Christ is no longer leading the church for He is on the outside seeking to gain entrance within the hearts of His people. The trinity is the god of Babylon, and though the church contends that its trinity is not the same trinity as the Catholic Church, it still holds to the principal of three beings in one god.  The Seventh-day Adventist church teaches that Godhead is made up of three co-equal, co-eternal beings who are all God unto themselves, but also collectively God.  It claims that the Son of God is not truly a son, but is only a role that one of the god-beings has assumed for our salvation.  Thus denying the Father and the Son, for if the Son is not really a son, then the Father is not truly a father. On this very point the Scriptures reveal the spirit that is behind the trinity saying "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (1 John 2:22, 23).  The spirit of the trinity is the spirit of antichrist, for in denying the Son it also denies the Father. My friend, now is the time for us to study the Scriptures as for buried treasure, that God may reveal to us the truth, that there is only One true God and He is revealed to us through His Son. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3). Now is the time for us to turn from the worship of the false god of the trinity unto the One true God through His Son Jesus Christ today. God bless, Video of the Week David Clayton - The Godhead and the Gospel God is not a Trinity. Understanding the truth about God's identity and character are critical to having a true understanding of the gospel.