EGW says that not one pillar of our faith should be changed or removed
what are the pillars from that time that we need for our foundation?
Hi Nb, the central quote that I'm aware of on this is the one below, in particular the second paragraph. It was written in the context of the 1888 Message, and also shows up in a similar form on CW 30.
The key point being made here is that the landmarks are very important, but observance of them must be driven by what is in the heart. There is no value in focusing on external lists of behaviors as an end in themselves.
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There is a bracing of the mind, an opposition of the soul brought to the investigation of the Scriptures. This leaves such souls where Satan can impress them. In Minneapolis God gave precious gems of truth to His people in new settings. This light from heaven by some was rejected with all the stubbornness the Jews manifested in rejecting Christ, and there was much talk about standing by the old landmarks. But there was evidence they knew not what the old landmarks were. There was evidence and there was reasoning from the word that commended itself to the conscience; but the minds of men were fixed, sealed against the entrance of light, because they had decided it was a dangerous error removing the "old landmarks" when it was not moving a peg of the old landmarks, but they had perverted ideas of what constituted the old landmarks. {1888 518.1}
The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, "The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary. {1888 518.2}
refulgent wrote: The key point being made here is that the landmarks are very important, but observance of them must be driven by what is in the heart. There is no value in focusing on external lists of behaviors as an end in themselves.
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ABSOLUTELY. !! But we must not compromise the old landmarks and pillars.
Not one pillar of our faith is to be moved. Not one line of revealed truth is to be replaced by new and fanciful theories.. 18LtMs, Lt 247, 1903, par. 6
this is what she says . If we dont know the pillars then how will we know if they have been changed or deleted?
Those who seek to remove the old landmarks are not holding fast; they are not remembering how they have received and heard. Those who try to bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary or concerning the personality of God or of Christ, are working as blind men. They are seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor. {MR760 9.5}
(2)
In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. {Mar 192.4}
Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth. {GC 488.1}
Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour's mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleasure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest, prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days. {GC 488.2}
Baptism Vows For The Seventh Day Adventist Church(1874)
1. Do you accept all the Bible as the inspired word of God, and do you take it as your only rule of faith? Is it your purpose to ever walk according to its teachings? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Acts 20:32.
2. Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour for salvation from sin, for a real change of heart, and will you permit Him by the Holy Spirit to live in you daily? John 1:12, 13; Gal. 2:20.
3. Have you repented of, and confessed all known sin to God, and do you believe that He, for Christ's sake has forgiven you, and as far as possible have you tried to make matters right with your fellow men? 1 John 1:9; Matt.5:23-26; Eze.33:15.
4. Is it your purpose, by the grace of God, to live a true Christian life, by surrendering all soul, body, spirit to God, to do His will in all things and keep the commandments of God? Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:17; Rev. 14:12.
5. Will you seek to maintain a true spiritual experience by the daily study of God's Word and prayer, and will you endeavour by your consistent life and personal effort to win souls to Christ?
6. Do you believe and accept the great truths of the Word of God concerning the personal, visible, literal, imminent return of Christ Acts 1:9-11; immortality only through Christ 2 Tim. 1:10; the unconscious state of the dead Eccl. 9:5, 6; the destruction of the wicked Mal. 4:1-3; and the other kindred truths that comprise the special message of Revelation 14:6-12?
7. Is it your purpose to keep the seventh day of the week from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset as the Lord's holy day according to the fourth commandment? Luke 23:56; Ex. 20:8-11.
8. Will you practice the Bible plan for the support of God's work by rendering unto Him first the tithe, or one tenth of all your increase Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:8- 10; and then offerings as you may be able, according to His prospering hand?Deut. 16:17; Luke 6:38.
9. Is it your purpose to obey the command to eat and drink to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10:31 by abstaining from all intoxicating liquors Pro. 23:29-32, tobacco in all its forms 1 Cor. 3:16, 17 swine's flesh Isa. 66:15, 17, narcotics, tea, coffee, and other harmful things?
10. Are you willing to follow the Bible rule of modesty and simplicity of dress, refraining from the wearing of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, beads, rings, etc., and from any lack of dress that is out of keeping with the Bible rule of modesty? 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Ex. 33:5, 6; Gen. 35:2-4.
11. Do you believe in and have you accepted the ordinance of humility John 13:1-17, and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor. 11:23-33.
12. Is it your purpose to come out from the world and be separate in obedience to God's command in 2 Cor. 6:17, by refraining from following the sinful practices of the world, such as dancing, card-playing, theatre-going, novel reading, etc. and by shunning all questionable worldly amusements? 1 John 2:15; James 1:27; 4:4.
13. Will you seek to build up the interests of the church by giving the Sabbath your hearty and practical support and attending, as far as possible, all services of the church? And will you endeavour by God's help to do your part in the work of the church? Luke 4:16; Rom. 12:4-8.
14. Do you recognize that the remnant church has the Spirit of Prophecy, and that this has been manifested to this church through the writings of Ellen G. White? Rev. 12:17; 19:10.
15. Do you believe in baptism by immersion only? Are you ready to follow your Lord and Master in this sacred rite? Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-5.
Baptism Vows For The Seventh Day Adventist Church(1874)
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan, and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and touch not the unclean thing." And to them is fulfilled the promise, "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. {Ev 307.2}
The Christian's Oath of Allegiance. -- As Christians submit to the solemn rite of baptism, He registers the vow that they make to be true to Him. This vow is their oath of allegiance. They are baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus they are united with the three great powers of heaven. They pledge themselves to renounce the world and to observe the laws of the kingdom of God. Henceforth they are to walk in newness of life. No longer are they to follow the traditions of men. No longer are they to follow dishonest methods. They are to obey the statutes of the kingdom of heaven. They are to seek God's honor. If they will be true to their vow, they will be furnished with grace and power that will enable them to fulfill all righteousness. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. {Ev 307.3}
It has been my understanding that the "Old Landmarks", while consisting of several other things too perhaps, involved specifically these 3 things:
1. Seventh day sabbath
2. State of the dead
3. Sanctuary
Yes, I understand that these are the 3 things that specifically differentiate us Seventh-day Adventists from other Christian denominations, but in my mind, these are kind of the 3 pillars.
In other words, we built on the Protestant reformation, and of course believe in doctrines such as righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, etc.
Ellen White does write, regarding the attempt by Kellogg to de-personalize God, that his teaching was attacking the old landmarks.
I do not believe anything health related can be included in the category of "old landmarks".
It has been my understanding that the "Old Landmarks", while consisting of several other things too perhaps, involved specifically these 3 things:
1. Seventh day sabbath
2. State of the dead
3. Sanctuary
Yes, I understand that these are the 3 things that specifically differentiate us Seventh-day Adventists from other Christian denominations, but in my mind, these are kind of the 3 pillars.
In other words, we built on the Protestant reformation, and of course believe in doctrines such as righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, etc.
Ellen White does write, regarding the attempt by Kellogg to de-personalize God, that his teaching was attacking the old landmarks.
I do not believe anything health related can be included in the category of "old landmarks".
Review and Herald, March 25, 1890.
We must not think, Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge. The truth is an advancing truth, and we must walk in increasing light.
(apostate Protestantism), or receiving the mark of Catholicism (which is submitting to Sunday worship), lest they receive the wrath of God poured out in the seven last plagues. It also warns all of God's people to willingly separate themselves from all unclean apostate, harlot churches of Babylon - including the Seventh-day Adventist Church - or become partakers of her sins and receive her plagues. (For further study: Genesis 19:24; Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Psalms 92:7; Ezekiel 22:31; Daniel 3:5-29; Luke 17:29; Acts 2:27; 1 Corinthians 6:15-16, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Amos 3:3; Isaiah 52:11; James 4:12; 2 Peter 3:10; Jude 7; Revelation 12:17, 13:1-18, 14:11-12, 15:2, 16:2, 19:10, 20:10, 14-15; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 278-279, 281, 356, 362-363; Great Controversy, p 444-45, 449, 536, 605; Early Writings, p 219, 221; Testimony to Ministers, p 133; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 976, 979-980; Manuscript Releases, vol 12, p 248, 250; Word to the Little Flock, p 12.)
7. NON-IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL (State of the dead)
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun... for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10.
Death is a state of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness, referred to in the Bible as "sleep". Therefore the scriptures clearly confirm that all apparitions of those who have died, including the Virgin Mary, are the spirits of demons working miracles to deceive, if possible, God's people (see Revelation 16:14). The investigative judgment determines whether the dead will awaken at Christ's second coming being raised in the first resurrection to inherit everlasting life, or remaining in the grave until the second resurrection to be consumed in the lake fire which is the second death. (For further study: Job 14:21; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 22:30; John 11:24-25; Acts 2:29, 34; Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 14:13, 20:5, 21:4; Hebrews 9:24; Isaiah 26:14; Ecclesiastes 3:20; Desire of Ages, p 527; Early Writings, p 262; Acts of Apostles, p 289; Testimony to Ministers, p 457.)
Unity on the Fundamental TruthsWe are one in faith in the fundamental truths of God's word. And one object must be kept in view constantly; that is, harmony and co-operation must be maintained without compromising one principle of truth. And while constantly digging for the truth as for hidden treasure, be careful how you open new and conflicting opinions. We have a world-wide message. The commandments of God and the testimonies of Jesus Christ are the burden of our work. To have unity and love for one another is the great [work] now to be carried on. There is danger of our ministers dwelling too much on doctrines, preaching altogether too many discourses on argumentative subjects when their own soul needs practical godliness.
(apostate Protestantism), or receiving the mark of Catholicism (which is submitting to Sunday worship), lest they receive the wrath of God poured out in the seven last plagues. It also warns all of God's people to willingly separate themselves from all unclean apostate, harlot churches of Babylon - including the Seventh-day Adventist Church - or become partakers of her sins and receive her plagues. (For further study: Genesis 19:24; Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Psalms 92:7; Ezekiel 22:31; Daniel 3:5-29; Luke 17:29; Acts 2:27; 1 Corinthians 6:15-16, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Amos 3:3; Isaiah 52:11; James 4:12; 2 Peter 3:10; Jude 7; Revelation 12:17, 13:1-18, 14:11-12, 15:2, 16:2, 19:10, 20:10, 14-15; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 278-279, 281, 356, 362-363; Great Controversy, p 444-45, 449, 536, 605; Early Writings, p 219, 221; Testimony to Ministers, p 133; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 976, 979-980; Manuscript Releases, vol 12, p 248, 250; Word to the Little Flock, p 12.)
7. NON-IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL (State of the dead)
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun... for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10.
Death is a state of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness, referred to in the Bible as "sleep". Therefore the scriptures clearly confirm that all apparitions of those who have died, including the Virgin Mary, are the spirits of demons working miracles to deceive, if possible, God's people (see Revelation 16:14). The investigative judgment determines whether the dead will awaken at Christ's second coming being raised in the first resurrection to inherit everlasting life, or remaining in the grave until the second resurrection to be consumed in the lake fire which is the second death. (For further study: Job 14:21; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 22:30; John 11:24-25; Acts 2:29, 34; Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 14:13, 20:5, 21:4; Hebrews 9:24; Isaiah 26:14; Ecclesiastes 3:20; Desire of Ages, p 527; Early Writings, p 262; Acts of Apostles, p 289; Testimony to Ministers, p 457.)
sdapillars.org: For without faith in what God said it is imposisble to please Him. Heb. 11:6. Men today are mis-using the Bible for their political movements, for popularity, or fortune. Do they have faith? No! It is claimed today the Ten Commandments are no longer binding, you can't keep them. If so then we can't love anyone. Rom. 13:10;Gal. 5:14;1John 5:3;2John 1:6. Since the first 4 Commandments teach us how to love God, if we can't keep them, then we can't love God. 1John 4:19 We love Him, because He first loved us.
It has been my understanding that the "Old Landmarks", while consisting of several other things too perhaps, involved specifically these 3 things:
1. Seventh day sabbath
2. State of the dead
3. Sanctuary
Yes, I understand that these are the 3 things that specifically differentiate us Seventh-day Adventists from other Christian denominations, but in my mind, these are kind of the 3 pillars.
In other words, we built on the Protestant reformation, and of course believe in doctrines such as righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, etc.
Ellen White does write, regarding the attempt by Kellogg to de-personalize God, that his teaching was attacking the old landmarks.
I do not believe anything health related can be included in the category of "old landmarks".
Review and Herald, March 25, 1890.
We must not think, Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge. The truth is an advancing truth, and we must walk in increasing light.
May I make an observation?
I am not against talking about landmarks and pillars.
But this is not the only possible way to come at this area.
Here is an illustration of what I mean. The Bible contains multiple passages that indicate we are to be completely transformed by means of our walk with Christ, and 1 Thessaloninans 5:23 and 1 John 3:1-3 are two examples.
In my experience, focusing on my walk with Christ is both very challenging and very rewarding, and I would ultimately expect to come up to the highest standard by doing so.
I also have a rhetorical question. Suppose that we rely on trusted leaders and institutions to give us a framework, for example a list of landmarks that we can depend on.
The Spirit of Prophecy talks about a time when every earthly support will be cut off (DA 121). What will we do when that time comes? Suppose that our framework is taken away from us? Will we still be able to walk with God, and know what is true and important?
