Do You Believe? Part 2

Part 2

Fundamental Beliefs

One cannot but wonder whether the author of the document under review and those of like mind who say no to the tenets of last generation theology have considered the official statement of beliefs that our church follows. These statements, voted by the highest authority which Seventh-day Adventists worldwide recognize, namely, the General Conference in session, reveal beyond a doubt that last generation theology and the Advent message are one and the same thing. Fundamental Belief[1] number 13 states: “The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.”

Note carefully, the church that proclaims the approach of the second advent also follows the work of Christ in the ongoing judgment above, which coincides with a work of repentance and reform in their own lives. This is last generation theology. This is part of the worldwide witness (that is, the vindication of God’s character) that God’s people are called to give. This understanding is closely related to our understanding of the sanctuary message.

Our twenty-second fundamental belief states as follows: “We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives.”[2] This is last generation theology; the people who have the hope of seeing Christ return must allow Him to transform them into His likeness. These ideas are not the fanatical views of a misguided faction. This is our Bible-based belief as a denomination.

Again, Fundamental Belief number 11 states: “By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church.”[3]

As one surveys the matter, one truth becomes increasingly clear: it would be a much easier feat for those opposing Adventist teaching on the final generation to secede and start a new denomination altogether. Otherwise, they face the ominous task of having the church’s fundamental beliefs rewritten, a task that, thankfully, is not left to one random individual here or there. 

Prominent speakers

Our author remarks that the ideas associated with last generation theology are being promoted by several “prominent speakers.” If by this he means that certain prominent speakers are actively preaching the three angels’ messages, then we must concede that he is right. One of the “prominent speakers” that has indeed borne a faithful witness to the message of the church is none other than the current General Conference president, Pastor Ted Wilson. We thank God for him! May many more of our prominent leaders, pastors, professors and administrators join him in proclaiming worldwide the message that planet Earth needs at this very hour!

Conclusion

Contrary to the author’s unsupported and false assertion, last generation theology is not the brainchild of M. L. Andreason or any Adventist pioneer. It is not an aberrant theological current concocted by Jones, Waggoner and Prescott. Last generation theology, in its true expression, is nothing less than the message God has entrusted to the Seventh-day Adventist church to proclaim to the world. It is the three angels’ messages. It is that harmonious system of truth bequeathed to us by the God whose way is in the sanctuary. It is the last message for a dying planet, God’s final appeal in the very hour of His judgment. It is time for every Adventist on this planet to decide if he or she will stand with the message or deny the message. The author of the article has made His decision. He will not even wait around for the Sunday crisis, but will distance himself from the message, even while claiming to be a part of God’s people. And you, dear reader, what will you do? What is your decision?

With heartfelt earnestness, we would appeal to our people. Do not take part in this effort to recast and reconstruct our faith. Do not take part in this great delusion that will rob you of the joy of meeting your Savior in peace. Do not embrace this new Adventism that has no place in its theology for the Most Holy Place and all that therein transpires. Do not believe this strange gospel that has no place for sanctification and purity. We appeal to the reader to shun the very appearance of this “ecumenical Adventism” that some wish to impose, one that is accepted, admired and applauded in the world, for it will disqualify you from standing with the Lamb on Mt. Zion. That other Adventism will close to you the pearly gates.

And so we conclude this entreaty just where we began, with a question for the reader’s personal contemplation: do you believe in last generation theology? For your own soul’s sake, and for the glory of God, we sincerely pray you do!