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THE EIGHTH CHURCH: Fact or Fiction? , part 2 quotes

(Click here for the Handout on the 7 Churches Applying to the SDA Church and People)

1) “Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth....

“Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ.”Acts of the Apostles, p 586.

“‘Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks’ (Rev. 2:1). This Scripture shows Christ's relation to the churches. He walks in the midst of His churches throughout the length and breadth of the earth. He watches them with intense interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every assembly of the church.” Testimonies, vol 6, p 418-419.

2) “The messages given to the churches in Asia, portray the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today.” Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 372.

3) “I wish to emphasize the fact, that the churches to which John was told to send the instruction given him represent all the churches in our world...” Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 372.

4) “After the passing of the time of expectation, in [October 22] 1844, Adventists still believed the Saviour's coming to be very near; they held that they had reached an important crisis, and that the work of Christ as man's intercessor before God, had ceased. Having given the warning of the Judgment near, they felt that their work for the world was done, and they lost their burden of soul for the salvation of sinners, while the bold and blasphemous scoffing of the ungodly seemed to them another evidence that the Spirit of God had been withdrawn from the rejecters of his mercy. All this confirmed them in the belief that probation had ended, or, as they then expressed it, ‘the door of mercy was shut.’

“But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the Revelation, addressed to the church at this very time: ‘These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ [Revelation 3:7, 8.] [What church is being addressed by these words after October 22, 1844? Was it the church of Laodicea? No, it was the church of Philadelphia!] Here an open as well as a shut door is brought to view. At the termination of the 2300 prophetic days in 1844...Christ had ended one part of his work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work; and he still presented his blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. ‘Behold,’ he declares, ‘I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’” Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 268-269 (Great Controversy, p 429-430).

5) “I ask the church, Will you remain in the condition of the Laodicean church, or will you change your position?” Manuscript Releases, vol 16, p 147.

“Make diligent efforts to redeem the past. No longer remain in the condition of the Laodicean church.” Counsels On Health, p 430.

6) "...in the case with the Laodicean Church, as a church, is different, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The last church will not be spewed out; it will not be rejected; it will go through triumphantly." Review, November 9, 1939.

"The Laodicean Church is the translation church...this is the very church that will be translated into the Kingdom of God." Review, November 30, 1939. (General Conference president J.L. McElhany)

"...[God's SDA] church is Laodicea which undeniably has its problems. But no less sure is God's offered remedy...The promise that Christ at His coming will ‘present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’" Adventist Review, March 7, 1991, p 10.

“Today we hesitate to claim we’re the remnant; but as for Laodicea, that’s us! Us alone!...No other Christian group vies with us for the dubious privilege of being identified with it....claiming exclusive rights to Laodicea is not politically incorrect. So, unchallenged, we’ve become anchored in the view that Seventh-day Adventists are the sole group envisioned in the apocalyptic concept of that term.” Adventist Review, August 28, 2008, p 5.

"This church to which we belong will emerge a victorious company to stand some day on the sea of glass....Adventism is destined to triumph gloriously....They [God's people] will patiently watch and pray until God in His own time and in His own way purifies His church...The church will fulfill its prophetic role and will triumph. Let us stay with the church so that we can share in that victory." Messenger, October, 1994, p 11.

7) “I call upon my brethren to allow nothing to hinder them from a daily study of God's Word.

“To us to-day comes the message to the church in Sardis: [Revelation 3:1-5 quoted].” Review and Herald, April 21, 1903.

8) “[Revelation 2:4-5 quoted about church of Ephesus].

“I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present condition....Unless there is a reconversion, there will soon be such a lack of godliness that the Church will be represented by the barren fig tree. Great light has been given to her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing much fruit. But selfishness has come in, and God says, ‘I will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’” Review and Herald, February 25, 1902.

9) “[Revelation 3:1-5 quoted about church of Sardis].

“To the church of the present day this message is sent. I call upon our church members to read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation, and to make an application of it. The message to the church of the Laodiceans applies especially to the people of God to-day. It is a message to professing Christians who have become so much like the world that no difference can be seen.

“[Revelation 3:14-18 quoted about church of Laodicea].” Review and Herald, August 20, 1903.

10) “The warning for the last church also must be proclaimed to all who claim to be Christians. The Laodicean message, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must go to all the churches...It is our work to proclaim this message. Are we putting forth every effort that the churches may be warned?” Testimonies, vol 6, p 77.

11) “The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth. --Manuscript 129, 1905.” Selected Messages, book 2, p 390.

12) “The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be build on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.

“Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth?...

“I am instructed to say that those who would tear away the foundation that God has laid are not to be accepted as the teachers and leaders of His people. We are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Letter 242, October, 1903, Battle Creek Letters, p 81-82, (see also Selected Messages, book 1, p 204-206 & Special Testimonies, Series B#7, p 39-42).

13) “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.


	"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries home \| Sermon Quotes THE EIGHTH CHURCH: Fact or Fiction? , part 2 quotes (Click here for the Handout on the 7 Churches Applying to the SDA Church and People) 1) “Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth.... “Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ.”Acts of the Apostles, p 586. “‘Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks’ (Rev. 2:1). This Scripture shows Christ's relation to the churches. He walks in the midst of His churches throughout the length and breadth of the earth. He watches them with intense interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every assembly of the church.” Testimonies, vol 6, p 418-419. 2) “The messages given to the churches in Asia, portray the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today.” Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 372. 3) “I wish to emphasize the fact, that the churches to which John was told to send the instruction given him represent all the churches in our world...” Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 372. 4) “After the passing of the time of expectation, in [October 22] 1844, Adventists still believed the Saviour's coming to be very near; they held that they had reached an important crisis, and that the work of Christ as man's intercessor before God, had ceased. Having given the warning of the Judgment near, they felt that their work for the world was done, and they lost their burden of soul for the salvation of sinners, while the bold and blasphemous scoffing of the ungodly seemed to them another evidence that the Spirit of God had been withdrawn from the rejecters of his mercy. All this confirmed them in the belief that probation had ended, or, as they then expressed it, ‘the door of mercy was shut.’ “But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the Revelation, addressed to the church at this very time: ‘These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ [Revelation 3:7, 8.] [What church is being addressed by these words after October 22, 1844? Was it the church of Laodicea? No, it was the church of Philadelphia!] Here an open as well as a shut door is brought to view. At the termination of the 2300 prophetic days in 1844...Christ had ended one part of his work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work; and he still presented his blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. ‘Behold,’ he declares, ‘I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’” Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 268-269 (Great Controversy, p 429-430). 5) “I ask the church, Will you remain in the condition of the Laodicean church, or will you change your position?” Manuscript Releases, vol 16, p 147. “Make diligent efforts to redeem the past. No longer remain in the condition of the Laodicean church.” Counsels On Health, p 430. 6) "...in the case with the Laodicean Church, as a church, is different, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The last church will not be spewed out; it will not be rejected; it will go through triumphantly." Review, November 9, 1939. "The Laodicean Church is the translation church...this is the very church that will be translated into the Kingdom of God." Review, November 30, 1939. (General Conference president J.L. McElhany) "...[God's SDA] church is Laodicea which undeniably has its problems. But no less sure is God's offered remedy...The promise that Christ at His coming will ‘present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’" Adventist Review, March 7, 1991, p 10. “Today we hesitate to claim we’re the remnant; but as for Laodicea, that’s us! Us alone!...No other Christian group vies with us for the dubious privilege of being identified with it....claiming exclusive rights to Laodicea is not politically incorrect. So, unchallenged, we’ve become anchored in the view that Seventh-day Adventists are the sole group envisioned in the apocalyptic concept of that term.” Adventist Review, August 28, 2008, p 5. "This church to which we belong will emerge a victorious company to stand some day on the sea of glass....Adventism is destined to triumph gloriously....They [God's people] will patiently watch and pray until God in His own time and in His own way purifies His church...The church will fulfill its prophetic role and will triumph. Let us stay with the church so that we can share in that victory." Messenger, October, 1994, p 11. 7) “I call upon my brethren to allow nothing to hinder them from a daily study of God's Word. “To us to-day comes the message to the church in Sardis: [Revelation 3:1-5 quoted].” Review and Herald, April 21, 1903. 8) “[Revelation 2:4-5 quoted about church of Ephesus]. “I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present condition....Unless there is a reconversion, there will soon be such a lack of godliness that the Church will be represented by the barren fig tree. Great light has been given to her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing much fruit. But selfishness has come in, and God says, ‘I will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’” Review and Herald, February 25, 1902. 9) “[Revelation 3:1-5 quoted about church of Sardis]. “To the church of the present day this message is sent. I call upon our church members to read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation, and to make an application of it. The message to the church of the Laodiceans applies especially to the people of God to-day. It is a message to professing Christians who have become so much like the world that no difference can be seen. “[Revelation 3:14-18 quoted about church of Laodicea].” Review and Herald, August 20, 1903. 10) “The warning for the last church also must be proclaimed to all who claim to be Christians. The Laodicean message, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must go to all the churches...It is our work to proclaim this message. Are we putting forth every effort that the churches may be warned?” Testimonies, vol 6, p 77. 11) “The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth. --Manuscript 129, 1905.” Selected Messages, book 2, p 390. 12) “The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be build on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. “Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth?... “I am instructed to say that those who would tear away the foundation that God has laid are not to be accepted as the teachers and leaders of His people. We are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Letter 242, October, 1903, Battle Creek Letters, p 81-82, (see also Selected Messages, book 1, p 204-206 & Special Testimonies, Series B#7, p 39-42). 13) “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.