LAY PREACHERS AND BIBLE INSTRUCTORS

SEMINARS NOTES
PHASE TWO
Compiled by
The lay preachers and
Bible instruction curriculum
Development committee
TABLE OF CONTENTSCHAPTER TITLE
PAGE
1 the history, development and doctrines of1-24

THE SDA CHURCH

2 History & Beliefs of some Major Christians 25-37
Denominations

3 Understanding Difficult Bible Texts. 38-69

4 The Christians in Business 70-74

5 Self-Reliance 75-81

6 Goal Settings & Time Managements 82-86

7 The Prophetic Gift of E. G white 87-98

CHAPTER 1
The history, Development & Doctrines of the SDA Church
INTRODUCTION
The worship of God on the seventh-day of the creation week was the norm for all believers for
over 4,000 years from the creation (Genesis 2:1-3).There was no any other day of worship from
creation to the flood in Noah’s day (2,000 years). The same was the case from the flood up to
Christ’s birth (another 2,000 years). The first record of another day of worship for Christians
was in AD 321, a change introduction by a Roman Emperor by the name of Constantine. Christ
had nothing to do with the change as the change came 290 years after Christ’s death,
resurrection and Ascension in AD 31. The original Apostles too, had nothing to do with the
change as the longest lived Apostle (john) was long dead (in AD 96/97) when the introduction
of the 1stday as a day of worship came in AD 321.

This new introduction is known in church history as the ‘’first national Sunday-law.” This law
was not enforced until AD 538 up to AD 1798 i.e. a period is known in history as the ‘’Dark
Ages.” Bibles were confiscated and burnt and resisters of this change were killed by fire,
feeding them to the lions, etc. over 50 million Christians died Prophecy about this change was
fulfilled to the letter (Daniel 7:23-25, Revelation 13:2-8 Revelation 12:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-
12).

For 1260 years (from AD 538-1798) the Roman Catholic Church was the dominant Christians
denomination. Unfortunately, this denomination also introduced a number of their pagan
traditions into the Christians church. This led to numerous protests when Bibles resurfaced and
people were able to compare the teachings of the church (RCC) verse what the Bible taught.
This led to the rise of protestant churches we have today.

The rest of this chapter highlights the historical developments of the SDA church up to where
and what it is today. Let the early pioneers be the ones to tell us (from their personal
experiences) how it all happened.
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THE CHURCH ASSOCIATED WITH ‘’TIME OF THE END”.

‘’To ascertain more fully what is meant by the expression-Time of the end- and when it begins,
We will notice another instance where the same term is used,” which is in Daniel 11:35. ‘’ some
of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to
the time of the end: because it (the time of the end) is yet for a time appointed.”

Protestant commentators apply the ‘’little horn power of Daniel 7 to the roman church which
had the civil power in its hands for ‘’ a time, times and a half” (Daniel 12:7). This was the 1260
prophetic days or literal years, extending from 538 to 1798 AD. In 1798-marks the beginning of
that period of time in this prophecy called-the time of the end. ‘’ (GSAM, p79). The dates also
closed the dark-ages period during which God’s two witness (old and new testament) were to
prophesy”, clothed in sack-cloth.” (Revelation 11:3). During this period of persecution, the
scriptures were kept in Greek in the Latin languages the common people did not understand.
‘’this holding back of the scripture is compared to clothing them in sack-cloth.” (GSAM, p79)

These two witness were slain during the reign of terror in France, from 1792 to 1795 during the
first 3 ½ years of the French Revolution, purportedly warring against monarchy and priest craft
while it was actually against God and the bible. Infidel writers like Voltaire, Mir abeam, Diderot,
etc. endeavored to write and despise books bent on corrupting the mind of the people and to
disseminate principles subversive of both natural and revealed religion in 1793 theatrical
performers were loudly cheered for their blasphemous utterances against God. (GSAM. P81)
(revelation 11:7-9), those who killed the two witness also ‘’crucified” the son of God afresh, and
put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:6). When chalier, the governor of Lyons in France died,
fouche ordered that the arrival of chalier’s body be preceded by the destruction of all religions
emblem, and that all church gates be written ‘’ death is an external sleep…….”.

The funeral procession comprised of the assassins of chalier and prostitutes followed by an ass
bearing the cross and communion vessels which were later burnt. The ass was compelled to
drink consecrated wine from the communion (Their French revolution, volume 2 p371)

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THE TWO WITNESSES
Revelation 11:11-12 state that, ‘’after three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered
unto them and they ascended up to heaven in a cloud.” God could no longer allow his word
(the scriptures) to remain in obscurity. The time had come (1798) for the gospel to be preached
unto the entire world. In 1804, the first bible society was organized in Britain. This was followed
by scores of other bible societies. Thus bringing the two witnesses where the whole world could
see and read them, compared to their ascending to heaven in a cloud. Voltaire had declared
during the French revolution that in one hundred years the bible would be obsolete. One
hundred years later, more bibles were circulated in France alone than existed the whole world
at Voltaire’s time. The house where Voltaire’s vain boast was made had been turned into a
bible house (GSAM,p.82).

GOD CAN USE ANYBOBY OR ANYTHING TO ACHIEVE HIS PURPOSE

 He used pharaoh to raise up the deliverer of God’s people, Israel, though pharaoh did
not know God (exodus 5:2)
 He used Cyrus to defeat Babylon to allow the captive Israelites to return to their
homeland (Isaiah 45)
 He used his bitterest enemy, the French. to:

a) Fight and defeat the Vatican to bring to an end the civil rule of the little horn power, end the
dark-age period, and kick-start the ‘’time of the end “period in 1798.

B) Discover the famous ‘’Rosetta stone at fort St Julian, on the Rosetta branch of the Nile river, while
making an excavation. On this stone was inscribed in three forms.

(1)Hieroglyphics-the writings used by priests

(2) The demotic – the form of writing by common people.

(3) The Greek

This stone unlocked the hitherto mysterious demotic and hieroglyphic writings thus helping to furnish
more proof of the correctness of ancient bible records than any other source other than the bible itself.

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 WHAT WORD WERE SEALED UNTIL 1798
Daniel’s inquiry was, ‘’o may lord, what shall be the end of these things?” (Daniel 12:8). The
answer he was given was-‘’the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” (Daniel
12:9) Daniel was concerned with the ‘’when”, how long and what shall be the end? It is these
things that would be closed and sealed up ‘’till the time of the end and not the whole book of
Daniel.

Before 1798, prophecy students had light concerning the 70 weeks prophecy. When it begins in
BC 457, Christ’s public ministry and death and could prove him as the true messiah. What
remained closed up, however, was the fact that the 2300 days had the same beginning as the
70 weeks allotted to the Jews and was only the first part of the 2300 days. They also had no
light as to when the 2300 days would end until the years 1798 when they discerned that the
2300 days had the same beginning as the 70 weeks. (Midnight cries June 15, 1842).

CLOSED DOOR NOW WIDE OPEN

The knowledge concerning the details of 2300 days prophecy remained sealed up until the
lord’s appointed time came, i.e. when the time of the end came-when knowledge would be
increased and many would run to and fro (through the scripture) searching out these things
(GSAM,p.85).

William miller was among many others throughout the world who at about the same time and
without any knowledge of one another, came to the same conclusion aboutthe 2300 days.

All the scores of bible prophecy students agitated by the same spirit at about the same time
and on the same subject came to a common conclusion that the 2300 days prophecy
terminated in 1844.

The milleritesgroup in particular, came to a conclusion that the exact termination date would
be 22ndOctober 1844 for the cleansing of the sanctuary, an events that was typified by the
atonement day under the Jewish sacrificial system in old testaments. The earth was assumed to
be the sanctuary to be cleansed by fire at Christ’s second coming. Hence the first erroneous
conclusion that Christ’s would come back to earth on 22nd October 1844.

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The millerites were also called the Adventists for preaching the second coming of Christ. They
were first day Adventist, an inter-denominational group. Miller himself was a Baptist church
member while Ellen Gould white was a Methodist. They had to leave their congregation under
pressure from their leaders and fellow church member for advocating what was viewed by
others as a ‘’new and strange theory.”

SOME NOTABLE ADVENTIST PIONEERS

Joshua v. himes-born at wickford, R. 1-on May 19, 1805.

 A member of st Paul’s Episcopal church

 Later changed religion to first Christian church in 1823.
 In 1839, vimes became a convert to the advent cause under William miller.
 In 1840 he began the publication of the sign of the times magazine, advocating the
cause into which he threw his whole heart, money and labor. Thousands of converts
were won by vime’ssffors.

Charles fitch

 From Cleveland Ohio, who in 1842 came up with the idea of having charts to illustrate
the vision of Daniel and the revelation, based on Habakkuk 2:2-3
 He died on October 10, 1844

William foe and hazen Foss

 Were each shown vision of the journey of the advent people to the city of God, with
their dangers. They were given warning messages to give to the people and the views of
the trials and persecutions that would follow if they would be faithful in relating what
had been shown to them. Both men shrunk from the assignments.
 The last one to turn down the offer (Mr. Foss), was tried three times but kept refusing
until God told him that he was released and that the burden was to be laid upon ‘’one of
the weakest of the weak, who would do the lord’s bidding.” GSAM,p.182
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 After he had refused and the vision already taken away from Mr. Foss he called people
to explain his experience concerning the vision he was given. People gathered but he
became dump founded and could not remember a thing. In great distress of mind he
declared-‘’God has taken the version from me. I am a lost man.” GSAM,p.183
 From that time on, he never, attended any more Adventist meeting. He lost interest in
religion until his demise in 1893.

Ellen Gould Harmon

 From Portland Maine- born in 1827.

 Was approached by God within two months after the great disappointment in 1844.
 She was a G3 school drop-out.
 Could hardly speak above a whisper at the time of her first vision in the house of Mrs.
Haines while having morning devotion.
 Declared by doctors as having only a short time to live from the time she was hit by a
stone by a friend while coming back from school.
 She never went back to school and remained sickly throughout her busy life until her
eventual death in 1915.

FIRST ADVENTIST SABBATH KEEPERS

 It is a fact beyond dispute that the 7th day Sabbath had been changed by the great
apostate who Daniel predicted should ‘’think to change times and laws. (Daniel 7:25) it
is also a fact that this so long trodden down commandment is now being vindicated by
God’s remnants people under the second and third angels messages of revelation 14:6-
9.
 During the ‘’midnight cry,” in 1844 the lord begun to lead the minds of his people to the
keeping of the 7th day Sabbath in this wise;
A) Rachel Preston, a 7th day Baptist, moved to Washington, N.H. where there was a
church of 1st day Adventists. Preston accepted the Adventist doctrine and joined the
millerites group of about 40 people.
b) Through Rachael’s missionary labors, his group also accepted the 7th day Sabbath of the 4th
commandment.
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C) In the cry of September 5, 1844, the first statement alluding to the 7th day Sabbath was
published as follows; ‘’many persons have their mind deeply exercised respecting a supposed
obligation to observe the seventh day.”
d) The subject was repeated in the following Weeks’s issue of the same magazine of 12th
September, 1855 which carried a more significant statement on the subject as follows;
‘’there is no particular portion of time which Christians are required by laws to set asides as holy
time. If this conclusion is incorrect, then we think the seventh day is the only day for the
observance of which there is any law.” (GSAM, p.251) Rachel Preston, a former 7th day Baptist
member, ignited a fire that was / is unstoppable. From her efforts today we have a great world-
wide movement of destiny which proclaims all the commandments of God and has the spirit of
prophecy. Ms. Preston died at Vernon, VT, on February 1, 1863 at the age of 59 years.
e) T.M. Preble’s Essay
Preble helped draw the attention of the Adventists to the Sabbath question through the essay
he wrote on February 13, 1845 and published in the hope of Israel magazine of February 28,
1845 where he showed the claims of the bible Sabbath and how it was changed to Sunday by
the great
Apostasy of Daniel 7:25. Preble remarked ‘’the little horn changed the times and laws
…it appears to me that all who keep the first day for the Sabbath are the pope’s Sunday
keepers and God’s Sabbath breakers” (Andrew’s history of the Sabbath,” 1887ed.p.506)
f) J.B cooks on the Sabbath question
He supported Preble through a magazine article which showed that there was no
scripture evidence for keeping the 1st day (Sunday) as the Sabbath. He claimed that
Sunday keepers, ‘’sail, perhaps unwittingly, under the pope’s sabbatical flag.” Preble
and cook kept the 7th day Sabbath for only a short time before they died. But they had
set a ball rolling that could not easily be stopped.
g) Joseph bates accepts the seventh day Sabbath
 He was from fairhaven, massecusets. His attention was arrested by, preble &
cook’s writings and presentations.
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 Upon hearing of the existence of the 7th day Adventist Company in Washington, N.H, he
visited the group to study the subject with them. He saw that they were correct and
accepted to join them.
 Elder bates immediately started to preach his newly found truth from coast to coast and
state to state. Soon he embarked on the first book on the Sabbath truth. But bate only
had 121/2 cents for the project of writing and publishing the book. He went ahead in
faith. God provided the means and money kept coming from well-wishers in miraculous
ways and the book was finally completed, published and distributed.
 Bates was an ex-sea captain who had retired. All his pension money ($11,000) was spent
on this book project.
 Bate’s wife was getting worried by her husband’s decision to spend all the money on the
book. Her faith, however, was helped as she witnessed God supporting both the bate’s
family and the book project through unknown well-wishers.

ELDER BATES SKEPTICAL OF VISION

 While visiting New Bedford, mass, in 1846, miss Harmon became acquainted with elder
bates. Bates had embraced the Sabbath truth earlier and was already actively involved
in its spread. Bates loved and treated Ellen as though she was his own daughter. But
bates had doubt about Ellen manifestation to be from God.
 One day while together, bates opened a discussion about stars and planets. Ellen
showed ittle interest for she had no or little knowledge on that subject. On another day
while together again, ellen was taken in vision and was shown different planets and she
started describing what she saw as follows;
a) rosy-tinted belts across the surface of some planets with four moons. Mr bates
remarked-‘’oh she is viewing Jupiter.”
b) Belts and rings in their ever varying beauty and seven moons, bates ‘’she is
describing Saturn.”

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 c) ‘’ I see six moons and the opening nheavens with its glory …’ bates remarked that he
had never before heard any description of the openin g heavens which is nearer to what
he heard from Ellen’s vision.
Bates doubts about the source of Ellen’s vision were abated

MISS ELLEN GOULD HARMON ACCEPTS THE & 7TH DAYS SABBATH.
Ellen and her family (the father Robert, Brother Roberts’s jr. elder sister Sarah, twin sister,
Elizabeth and her mother) were forced by circumstances to leave the Methodist church when
they associated themselves with the Adventists (millerites). When she heard about the 7th day
Sabbath from Joseph bates, Ellen thought Joseph was being too fanatical about the fourth
commandment in relation to other nine. But the lord gave her a view of the heavenly sanctuary.
The temple of God was opened in heaven and was shown the ark with the mercy seat on top of
it. Two angels, one on the either end of the mercy seat and with their faces looking down on it.
This represented how heavenly hosts look with reverential awe towards the law of God. She saw
Jesus raise the cover of the ark and saw inside the ark the two tables of stone on which were
written the 10 commandments. Upon the fourth she saw a soft halo of light encircling it. The
angel told her- “it is the only one of the ten which defilines the living God who created the
heavens and the earth..” GSAM, p256. She was told that if this commandment was kept there
would be no infidel nor atheist. Idolatory would not be heard of.
- Thus the sabbath truth was introduced to Ellen by Joseph Bates and confirmed by
God to her in this vision.

Mrs . Truesdail’s testimony on the plan vision

She was present when Ellen was given the vision of the stars and planets above.

This is her testimony;

‘’sister white was in very feeble health and while prayers were offered in her behalf. The spirit of God
rested upon us. We soon noticed that she was insensible to earthly things. This was her first view of the
planetary world. After counting aloud the moons of jupiter, and soon after those of saturn, she gave a
beautiful description of the rings of the latter. She then said-the inhabitants are a tall, majestic people,
so unlike the inhabitants of the earth. Sin has never entered here.”
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Hiram Edison

_ one of the staunch supporters of the second coming of christ on 22nd october 1844

_ was shown a vision of christ in the sanctuary above, standing up and leaving the holy place

_ this vision unlocked the mystery of the meaning of ‘’Unto 2300 days then the sanctuary shall
be cleansed” (daniel 8:14)

_ by this vision the disappointed small band that remained and continued after 1844 began to
see their errors while which led by the great disappointment.

_ to be cleansed was the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary by christ, our high priest,
entering therein and that day to start a cleansing work of that sanctuary, a work of the
investigative judgement. It was not the earth to cleansed by fire as they had believed earlier
of.

_ this dicovery renewed their previous church denomination.

CHURCH ORGANIZATION

_ Twelve years had passed before these Adventists began to consider the issue of
organizing themselves into other denomination.

_ The majority were opposed to any form of organization . ‘’holding that it was
inconsistent with the perfect liberty of the gospel.”

_ Ellen white, however, always advocated for some form of organization ‘’to prevent
and correct confusion GSAM,p.343.

_ later, many saw sense and agreed to organize.

_ First concern was what name will be known by. Many suggestions were tabled for
consideration. The name “seventh Day Adventist church” was adopted as the one that
would best to suit what the church stands for and believes in. the name itself would
help preaching the distinctive truth of 7th day Sabbath and waiting the second coming
of Christ. The name was adopted in 1860 AD.

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 The first general conference was held in 1863. The form of organization was found in
the new testaments where churches were answerable to region, and region to the
headquarters was in Jerusalem (acts, 15). The expanding work necessitated
expansion in the structural outlook of our church organization, as follows;

GC

DIVISIONS

UNIONS

FIELDS/CONFERENCE

CHURCHES

Ellen white had this to say on unity and order;

The more closely we imitate the harmony and other of the angelic hosts. The more successful
will of the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf if we see no necessity of harmonious
action and are disorderly, undisciplined, and disorganized in our course of action, angels who
are thoroughly organized and move in perfect order cannot work for us successfully they turn
away in grief for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction (disorder), and
disorganization.” (Testimony no. 14, published in 1868). Paul also adds to say our God is a God
of order (1 Corinthians 1:11-18, 1 Corinthians 14:34, 40)

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 _ First state conference to be organized was Michigan state conference in 1861, an
executive committee compromising of a chairman, secretary and three committee
members.

_ Ministerial credentials were introduced to protect the new church against off-shoots
and heresy.

_ Attendees to the GC or state sessions also had to be credentialed. First GC session where
delegated from only six states were credentialed was held on May 20, 1863. The six
states that attended the first GC session ever were Michigan, Wisconsin, lowa,
Minnesota, New York, and Ohio.

_ on May 21, 1863, a constitution was adopted the GC conference on the same day, state
conference constitution was also recommended.

_ General organization formed at the very start of the work includes;

a) GC Association-a legal body to hold title to the church properties.

b) Foreign mission board- to spearhead the spread of the work worldwide.
c) The international tract society- responsible for distribution of reading matter
and correspondence seeking to open up new missions.
d) Religious liberty association- to aid those persecuted for conscience sake, and to
circulate literature on principles of religious liberty.
e) The international Sabbath school Association- to advocate Sabbath school work
in all fields.
f) The medical missionary and benevolent association- to train nurses and doctors
and conduct sanitariums, homes for orphans, the aged, etc.

FIRST LEADERSHIP

First officers of the GC conference- pres-john byington-sec-Uriah smith

Other presidents- James white, j.n. Andrews, Geo I. butler, O. A. Olson, G, A, Irwin, A.G Daniels
etc.

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ESTABLISHING OUR FIRM FOUNDATION

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS OR DOCTRINES

‘’ the principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have
made us what we are. We have to hold to these sure pillars of our faith. The lapse of time has
not lessened their value.”

HOW THEY WERE ESTABLISHED

James white, Elder Joseph bates, Stephen pierce, Elder Hiram Edison, and others were among
those who met after the great disappointment of 22nd October 1844, to search for truth as for
hidden treasure. Ellen white was meeting with them. Often they remained together until late at
night or throughout the night, studying, sharing and praying for light to be shed on them on
certain portions of scripture. Again and again they came together to study the bible. If they
could not agree on an issue, and felt that they could do nothing move, Ellen white-‘’would be
taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be
given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was
given that helped us to understand the scripture in regard of Christ, his mission, and his
priesthood.” (1 SM, p. 206).

OUR FIRM FOUNDATION NOT SPARED BY THE ENEMY OF SOULS

At about the same time our fundamental beliefs were being established- a questionable source,
a book entitled Living temple- was being published. This book contained some sentiments that
did not bear the endorsement of God or that were a snare that the enemy had prepared for the
last days. God gave Ellen white a vision of God’s people moving in a vessel at sea. Suddenly this
vessel found itself headed for a gigantic ice-berg. A voice came to warn of that approaching
danger- ‘’an iceberg! Meet it!”

The enemy of God will try to destroy the pillars of this church and try to disorganize the church
through erroneous theories calling for reformation which calls for leaving the church so that it
disintegrates into independent atoms. But just like ice-berg in Ellen white’s vision did not

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Manage to destroy the vessel carrying God’s church will only be shaken by heresy but will not
disintegrate. Theories which seem to challenge the validity of the foundations of our faith
which Bear God’s endorsements and have stood the test of time should be viewed as works of
the enemy of souls.

DOCTRINES OF THE SDA CHURCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH MANUAL

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Fundamental beliefs of the seventh-day Adventists
Seventh day adventist accept the bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be
teaching of the holy scripture. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church understandind and
expression of the teaching of the scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a general
conference session when the church is led by the holy spirit to a fuller understanding of bible truth or
finds better language of which to express the teaching of God’s holy word.

28 Fundamental Beliefs
1. The Holy Scripture
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine
inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this
Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy
Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the
standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the
trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1
Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.)
2. The Trinity
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons. God is
immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond
human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. God, who is love, is forever
worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Gen. 1:26; Deut. 6:4; Isa. 6:8;
Matt. 28:19; John 3:16 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2.)
3. The Father
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just
and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also those of the Father.
(Gen. 1:1; Deut. 4:35; Ps. 110:1, 4; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:28; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Rev.
4:11.)
4. The Son
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the
character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged.
Forever truly God, He became also truly human, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy
Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but
perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s
power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the
cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister
in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of
His people and the restoration of all things. (Isa. 53:4-6; Dan. 9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3,
14; 5:22; 10:30; 14:1-3, 9, 13; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 3:18; 5:17-19; Phil. 2:5-11; Col.
1:15-19; Heb. 2:9- 18; 8:1, 2.)
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5. The Holy Spirit
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and
redemption. He is as much a person as are the Father and the Son. He inspired the writers of
Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those
who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to
be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness
to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Ps.
51:11; Isa. 61:1; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 5:3; 10:38; Rom.
5:5; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21.)
6. Creation
God has revealed in Scripture the authentic and historical account of His creative activity. He
created the universe, and in a recent six-day creation the Lord made “the heavens and the earth,
the sea, and all that is in them” and rested on the seventh day. Thus He established the Sabbath
as a perpetual memorial of the work He performed and completed during six literal days that
together with the Sabbath constituted the same unit of time that we call a week today. The first
man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given
dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was
finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1-2; 5; 11; Exod. 20:8-11; Ps.
19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Isa. 45:12, 18; Acts 17:24; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Rev. 10:6; 14:7.)
7. The Nature of Humanity
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to
think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and
spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed
God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position. The image of
God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen
nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in
Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of
their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to
care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7, 15; 3; Ps. 8:4-8; 51:5, 10; 58:3; Jer. 17:9; Acts
17:24-28; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Eph. 2:3; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 John 3:4; 4:7, 8, 11, 20.)5
 8. The Great Controversy
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the
character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in
heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan,
God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of
rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the
distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual
devastation at the time of the global flood, as presented in the historical account of Genesis 1-11.
Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of
which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy,
Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of
salvation. (Gen. 3; 6-8; Job 1:6-12; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-18; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:4; 5:12-21;
8:19-22; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:6; Rev. 12:4-9.)
9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God
provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this
atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and
holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and
the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness.
The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The bodily
resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept
the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus
Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53;
John 3:16; 14:30; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21;
Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.)
10. The Experience of Salvation
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we
might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge
our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord,
Substitute and Example. This saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is
the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters,
and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the
Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to
live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance
of salvation now and in the judgment. (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 45:22; 53; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 33:11;
36:25-27; Hab. 2:4; Mark 9:23, 24; John 3:3-8, 16; 16:8; Rom. 3:21-26; 8:1-4, 14-17; 5:6-10;
10:17; 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 1:4; 3:13, 14, 26; 4:4-7; Eph. 2:4-10; Col. 1:13, 14; Titus 3:3-7;
Heb. 8:7-12; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rev. 13:8.)6
 11. Growing in Christ
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. We are also called to follow Christ’s
example by compassionately ministering to the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual
needs of humanity. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing
to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and
every task into a spiritual experience. (1 Chron. 29:11; Ps. 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Matt.
20:25-28; 25:31-46; Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Rom. 8:38, 39; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Gal. 5:22-25;
Eph. 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Phil. 3:7-14; Col. 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 23; Heb. 10:25;
James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4.)
12. The Church
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In
continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and
we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of
the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel.
The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the
Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the
basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which
Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify
and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the
faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and
without blemish. (Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:3-7; Matt. 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38-42;
7:38; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9.)
13. The Remnant and Its Mission
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. (Dan. 7:9-14; Isa. 1:9; 11:11; Jer. 23:3; Mic. 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1
Peter 1:16-19; 4:17; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Jude 3, 14; Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4.)7
 14. Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality,
and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive
among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with
Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation.
Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and
reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has
adopted us as His children. (Ps. 133:1; Matt. 28:19, 20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26, 27; Rom.
12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Gal. 3:27-29; Eph. 2:13-16; 4:3-6, 11-16; Col. 3:10-
15.)
15. Baptism
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our
death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord
and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a
symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit.
It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of
repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.
(Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.)
16. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an
expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is
present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death
until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and
confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed cleansing, to
express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love.
The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; John 6:48-63;
13:1-17; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Rev. 3:20.)8
 17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts that each member is to
employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the
agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all
abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According
to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation,
teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for
the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the
Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, and teaching ministries
particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity,
and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual
gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive
influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and
love. (Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter
4:10, 11.)
18. The Gift of Prophecy
The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an
identifying mark of the remnant church and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen
G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, guidance,
instruction, and correction to the church. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by
which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Num. 12:6; 2 Chron. 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel
2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.)
19. The Law of God
The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in
the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and
relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s
covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy
Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and
not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian
character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our
concern for our fellow human beings. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to
transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Exod. 20:1-17; Deut. 28:1- 14; Ps.
19:7-14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17-20; 22:36-40; John 14:15; 15:7-10; Rom. 8:3, 4; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb.
8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Rev. 12:17; 14:12.)9
 20. The Sabbath
The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the
Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s
unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest,
worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sab-
bath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of
our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of
our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal
covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to
evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3;
Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Lev. 23:32; Deut. 5:12-15; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Ezek. 20:12, 20;
Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11.)
21. Stewardship
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions,
and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use.
We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow human beings, and
by returning tithe and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and
growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the
victory over selfishness and covetousness. Stewards rejoice in the blessings that come to others
as a result of their faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12;
Matt. 23:23; Rom. 15:26, 27; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; 9:7.)
22. Christian Behavior
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. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of
Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple,
modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in
the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are
the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate
exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean
foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use
of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead,
we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who
desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Gen. 7:2; Exod. 20:15; Lev. 11:1-47; Ps. 106:3;
Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 10:5; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 2:4; 4:8; 1 Tim.
2:9, 10; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 John 2:6; 3 John 2.)10
 23. Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between
a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to
God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between a man and a woman who
share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this
relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship
between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a
spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family
relationships may fall short of the ideal, a man and a woman who fully commit themselves to
each other in Christ through marriage may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the
Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall
assist each other toward complete maturity. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of
the final gospel message. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By
their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving, tender, and caring
guide who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God which embraces both
single and married persons. (Gen. 2:18-25; Exod. 20:12; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6;
Matt. 5:31, 32; 19:3-9, 12; Mark 10:11, 12; John 2:1-11; 1 Cor. 7:7, 10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph.
5:21-33; 6:1-4.)
24. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord set up and not humans. In it
Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice
offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest
and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the
holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He
entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry, which was typified by the work of the
high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment
which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient
Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed
with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice
of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among
the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first
resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the
commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation
into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who
believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the
kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation
before the Second Advent. (Lev. 16; Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27;
Heb. 1:3; 2:16, 17; 4:14-16; 8:1-5; 9:11-28; 10:19- 22; Rev. 8:3-5; 11:19; 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12;
22:11, 12.)11
 25. The Second Coming of Christ
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel.
The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the
righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and
taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of
prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near.
The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all
times. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-
18; 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-
21.)
26. Death and Resurrection
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His
redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our
life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to
meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a
thousand years later. ( Job 19:25-27; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Dan. 12:2, 13; Isa. 25:8; John
5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Rom. 6:23; 16; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Tim. 6:15;
Rev. 20:1-10.)
27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first
and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be
utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its
close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The
unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city;
but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin
and sinners forever. ( Jer. 4:23-26; Ezek. 28:18, 19; Mal. 4:1; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Rev. 20; 21:1-5.)
28. The New Earth

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the
redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence.
For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed
away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and
inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (Isa. 35; 65:17-25;

Matt. 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 11:15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5.)

 Why a church manual?
Why does the seventh-day Adventist church have a church manual?
God is a God of order as evidenced in his works of creation and redemption. Consequently,
order belongs to the essence of his church. Order is achieved through principles and
regulations that guide the church in its internal operations and in the fulfillment of its mission
to the world. In order for it to be succesful ecclesiastical organization at the service of the lord
and humanity, it needs order, rule, and discipline. Scripture affirms that ‘’all things be done
decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40)

Ellen G. white pointed out such needs in 1875: ‘’The church of christ is in constant peril. Satan
is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man’s mind, one man’s judgements, is not
suficient to be trusted. Christ would have his followers brought together in church capacity,
observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others
better than themselves.”3T 445.

But church leaders did not quickly produce a book of rules for church governance, even though
the general conference session met annually during the church’s early years and delegates
voted on matters of church order and life. Finally, in 1882, the general conference session
voted to have prepared ‘’instructions to church officers, to be printed in the review and herald
or in tract form.” RH, Dec. 26, 1882. This revealed the growing realization that order was
imperative if organization was to function effectively and that uniformity in order required its
guiding principles to be put into printed form.

However, when the proposal to place the articles in permanent forms as a church manual
came before the 1883 general conference session, delegates rejected the idea. They feared a
manual mighty formalize the church and take from its pastors their individual freedom to deal
with matters of order as they desired.

But this feardoubtless reflecting the opposition that had existed 20 years before to nay kind
of organizationevidently soon lessened. The annual general conference session continued to
take actions on matters of order.

Though the church officially declined to adopt a manual, leaders from time to time gathered
together in book or booklet-form the generally accepted rules of church life. Perhaps the most
impressive was a 184-pages book published in 1907 by pioneer j. n. loughborough entailed

22
 The church its organization, order and discipline, which dealt with many of the topics now
covered by this church manual.

As the church worldwide grew rapidly in the early twentieth century, it’s increasingly
recognized the need for a manual for worldwide use by its pastors and lay members. In 1931
the general conference committee voted to publish a church manual. J. L. mcElhany, later
president of the general conference, prepared the manuscript, which was published in 1932.

The opening sentence of the preface of that first edition observed that ‘’it has become
increasingly evident that a manual on church government is needed to set forth and preserve
our denominational practices and polity.”

Note the word preserve. This was no attempt to suddenly create and impose upon the church
a whole pattern of church governance. Rather it was an endeavor first to preserve all the
goods actions taken through the years and then to add rules required by the church’s
increasing growth and complexity.

Authority and function of the church manual

The church manual has existed in its current format since 1932. It describes the operation and
function of local churches and their relationship to denominational structures in which they
hold membership.

The church manual also expresses the church’s understanding of Christian life and church
governance and discipline based on biblical principles and the authority of duly assembled
general conference sessions. ‘’ God has ordained that the representatives of his church from
all parts of the earth when assembled in a general conference, shall have authority.”

9T 261.
The church manual is divided into two types of materials. The contents of each chapter are of
worldwide value and are applicable to every church organization, congregation, and member.
Recognizing the need for variations in some sections additional explanatory materials,
presented as guidance and examples, appears as notes at the end of the church manual. The
notes have subheadings corresponding to chapter subheadings and page numbers of the main
text.
The standards and practices of the church are based upon principles of the Holy Scripture.
These principles, underscored by the spirit of prophecy, are set forth in this church manual.
They are to be followed in all matters pertaining to the administration and operation of local
churches.
The church manual also defines the relationship that exists between the local congregation
and the conference or other entities of Seventh - day Adventist denominational organization.
No attempts should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempts to
enforce, rules or regulations for local churches operations that are contrary to these decisions
adopted by the general conference sessions and that are set forth in this church manual.
Making changes
The general conference through the years voted important changes concerning the church
manual. Realizing the importance of conducting the worldwide work of the church ‘’decently
and in order,” all changes or revisions of policy that are to be made in the manual shall be
authorized by the general conference session.”General conference report, no. 8,p 197 (June
14, 1946).
In 1948, recognizing that local conditions sometimes call for specials actions, the general
conference committee voted that ‘’each division, including the north American division of the
world fields, prepare a supplements’ to the new church manual not in any way modifying it
but containing such additional matters as is applicable to the conditions and circumstances
prevailing in the division; the manuscripts for these supplements to be submitted to the
general conferences committee for endorsements before being printed,” Autumn council
actions, 1948, p. 19.
The 2000 general conference session authorized the reclassification of some existing church
manual materials into the notes sections as guidance and examples rather than mandatory
materials, and approved the process for making changes. Changes in the church manual,
except for the notes and editorials changes, can be made only by action of a general
conference session, where delegates of the world church have voice and vote. If a local church,
conference, or union conference/mission wishes to propose a church manual revision, it
should be submit its proposal to the next constituent level for counsel and study. If that level
approves the proposal, it submits the suggested revision to the next level for additional
evaluation. If the various levels approve the proposal, it eventually comes before the general
conference church manual committee, which considers all recommendations. If the church
manual committee approves a revision, it prepares it for presentation at an annual council
and/ or general conference session.
Revision of a note follows the same procedure. The general conference Executive committee
may approve changes to the notes at any annual council.
The church manual committee reports proposed nonsubstantive editorial changes to the main
content of the church manual to annual council of the general conference executive
committee, which may give final approval. However, in the event the annual council
determines by one-third votes that an editorial change substantively alters the meaning of a
passage, the proposed change must go to the general conference session.
At the final annual council of a quinquennium, the general conference executive committee
reviews all changes to the notes and coordinates the changes with any proposed amendments
to the main contents of the church manual.
A new edition of the church manual is published after every general conference session. The
most recent edition should always be used. This edition incorporates amendments made at
the 2015 general conference session.
Where to get advice
Church officers and leader, pastors, and members should consults with their conference for
advice pertaining to the operation of their congregation or on questions arising from the
church manual. If they do not reach mutual understanding, they should consult with their
union conference/mission for clarification.
Terms used in the church manual
Church-for editorials and printing economy, ‘’church,’’ with a capital C, in these pages is used
in place of the full term ‘’ Seventh - day Adventist church” and refers to the overall church
organization rather than to a local church or congregation, with the exception of when it is
referred to within a quotation.
Conference, mission, section, delegation, field, union of churches-for purposes of editorial and
printing economy, ‘’conference’’ in these pages means ‘’conference, mission, fields, section,
delegation , union of churches,’’ as the administrative context indicates. Generally, each
congregation is a member of the sisterhood of churches known as a conference, but until the
local organization achieves conference status, under general conference working policy it may
be identified as a mission, section, delegation, or field. In some world divisions, union of
churches in a particular country functions as a conference for local-church purposes and as a
union for other church organizational purposes. ( See chapter 3, ‘’organization and authority.’’)
Pastors and minister- most areas of the world church use ‘’pastors’’ to identify a member of
the clergy, so that term is used in these pages rather than ‘’ministers,’’ regardless of the
responsibilities assigned by the local conference. Use of the term here is not intended to
mandate that usage where the customs is to use ‘’minister’’ pastors referred to in this manual
are those who have been appointed by the conference to oversee the affairs of the local
church or district.
Abbreviation of Ellen g. white’s book are identified on p. 186. Scripture quotations are taken
from the new King James Version unless otherwise indicated, with the exception of when
referred to within a spirit of prophecy quotation.
 CITED REFERENCES
1. Loughborough, j.n. ‘’the great Second Advent movement.’’ Pacific press publishing
association: 2003

2. White, E.G, ‘’experiences and teachings’’ pacific press publishing association: MT. view,
California: 1940.

3. White, E.G, ‘’selected messages,’’ book one: review and heralds; publishing association;
Washington D.C:b1958.

4. GC secretariat, ‘’SDA church manual,’’ 19th ED: 2015.

 CHAPTER 2 THE HISTORY AND BELIEFS OF TODAY’S MAJOR DENOMINATIONS

INTRODUCTIONS
It was not God’s original design that his people should be so fragmented into numerous
denominational as we have today (Eph. 4:4-5)

The problem was started in heaven where Lucifer, the covering cherub rebelled against God
and incited a third of the heavenly angels to follow him (Isa. 14:12-15)

This example of rebellion was copied by Cain who started a way of sacrificing contrary to the
way God had instructed his parents (Gen 3:21, 4:3-5; Heb. 9:22)

Later two lines were established, i.e. the obedient (Sons of God) and the disobedient the
daughters and Sons of men (Gen 6:2). The line of Cain and the line of Seth remain to date. The
line of Seth has not been left alone. Satan has made this line of God’s people as his special
target of attack. His tactics has been and still remains that of divide and rule

 God did it at Babel (Gen 11)

 Satan has copied it in the area of worship

ONLY ONE DAY OF WORSHIP FOR OVER 4000 YEARS

 From creation to the time of noah-2000 years
 From Noah to the time of Christ-2000 years
 Up to that time, all God’s people worshiped their creator God on his great memorial
day, the 7th day of the week (Gen, 2:1-3, exodus 20:10, Leviticus 19: 30, Ezekiel 20:12,20;
Isaiah 58:13-14; Luke 4: 16)
 Jesus came and was born in the line of Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David
(Matthew 1) i.e. the line of God’s people (John 1:11)
 All others were of the line of Cain, rebel, commonly known as gentiles; who did not
know the creator God but worshipped idols (Galatians 4:8-9)

AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OF WORSHIP IS INTRODUCED AMONG WORSHIPERS OF

GOD
 Jesus and his apostles all worshiped God on the seventh-day Sabbath (Luke 4:16; mark
2:29; Acts 13:42, 44; 17:2; 18:4-11; Heb 4:8-11; Rev 1:10)
 The disciples were scattered by persecution but each continued preaching and
spreading Christianity wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4
 Some went to Rome and spread Christianity there where idols gods were worshiped
before. For Example-the sun was worshipped on the first day, the moon on the 2nd day,
Tiu, the god of war, on the 3rdday, woden (god of wisdom) on the 4th day, Thor (god of
thunder) on the 5th day, Freuja (the goddess of love) on the 6th day and the planet
Saturn was worshipped as the god of light on the 7th day.
 Emperor Constantine accepted Christianity and the worship of the creator God on the
7th day in the year 312 AD.
 321 AD, the same Constantine was pressured by his advisors to change the day of
worship of the creator God from the ‘’Jewish ‘’seventh-day Sabbath to the day of the
sun god (sun-day) in honor of Christ’s resurrection.
 First national Sunday law was, therefore passed by Emperor Constantine in 321 AD.
 Christendom was for the first time, divided into two camps- those who worshipped God
on his blessed seventh-day Sabbath (Genesis 2:1-3) and those who worshipped God on
the first day of the sun imposed by Constantine (Daniel 7:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
 In 538 AD persecution of those who resisted the change of day of worship was started
and continued until 1798 (for 1260 years) (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6, 13:5).
 During this period of the dark ages, bible were confiscated and over 50 million saints
were slain
 Heathen traditions crept into the church
 After 1798- when the papacy was jolted by the capture of the pope by general berthier
of France during the French revolution where he died there in prison- bibles re-
appeared and became available in the hands of common people
 People started to discover disparities between what the bible said and what was
practiced by the roman catholic church- the only official church of the dark ages (From
538 to 1798 AD)
 People who first discovered practices that were contrary to bible teaching started to
voice out and were first ex-communicated and many of them later killed (By burning,
fed to lions, crucifixion) for protesting against the ‘’mother’’ catholic church.
 Long after the first protesters died others revived their protests, pulled out of the RCC
and formed their own church
 Thus how all modern churches (other than RCC) are regarded protestants churches
(including the SDA church)

HISTORY AND BELIES OF SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIions

1. Roman Catholics

 Catholic means universal- was the only worldwide Christian church for over 1260 years
form 538-1798 and beyond
 Is currently the largest (with over 450 million membership), the strongest and also
richest
 The church has both religious and political wings combined
 Has two leaders- the white pope and black pope

MAJOR BELIEF OF RCC

 Peter was the rock upon which Jesus built his church. All must obey peter and the pope
after him.
 When the priests say- ‘’HOC est. corpus meun) i.e., ‘’this is my Body’’ – the bread and
wine of the Lord’s Supper become the true body and blood of Jesus. Because it is now
Jesus himself, the biscuit may now be worshipped, the doctrine is called
‘’transubstantiation. it was made a dogma by pope innocent 111, in 1215 AD.
 The priest has power to forgive sins. This also made a dogma by pope innocent in 1215
AD.
 Purgatory is a place near hell where good people go to so that their sins be burnt away
before they enter heaven. A dogma declared by pope Felix v in 1439 AD
 It is good and helpful to bow down to images to give them honor. Authorized by pope
Adrian 1 in 788 AD
 Sunday the first day of the week is the holy day for Christians- in honor of the
resurrection, introduced by Emperor Constantine in 321 AD.
 Baptism may be given to babies by sprinkling.
 Mary is our mediator or friend to help us when we want to come to God.
 Immaculate Conception of Mary, i.e. Mary was born without sin and remained sinless
proclaimed a dogma by pope pius 1X on December. 8, 1854
 Immortality of the soul- after death, man continues to live somewhere else- in heaven,
limbo, hell or purgatory
 Eternal torment- i.e. the wicked will burn forever and ever and never die.
 The apocrypha, i.e. the twelve of the fifteen Jewish books written between 200BC and
the time of Christ should be part of the OT and believed by all Christians including as
part of the bible by the RCC in 1546 AD.
2. THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

 Church was named after Dr. Martin Luther who was born in 1483 AD in Germany
 Luther was miraculously saved from lightening
 In 1517 AD, Tetzel was selling. ‘’indulgences’’ i.e. papers for the forgiveness of sins- raise
money for pope Leo x to complete St. peters cathedral in Rome
 Martin Luther protested against Rome by nailing 95 theses, or reasons why sins cannot
be forgiven for money- on the day of St Peter church on 31 October, 1517.

Main points of Lutherans teachings

 Man is not justified by church ceremonies, penance, purgatory, or goods works but
through Christ.
 God alone has power to forgive sins.
 Jesus alone is our mediator and high priest.
 The bible alone should be our rule of faith.
 Even the general council can makes mistakes.
 The RCC is the anti-Christ and the great Apostate church of Daniel 7, 2 Thessalonians
2:1-4 revelation 13 and revelation 17.

3. THE METHODIST CHURCH

 Was started by John Wesley born in England in 1703

 John survived a fire at age 6, an incidence he saw to be a call from God.
 He started the ‘’Holy club’’ While a student at oxford university-with up to 25 members
 Holy-club rules included- three Audible prayers per day (First of which was to be at
04:00hrs) - a silent prayer every hour-bible- reading and discussion every evening- and
visiting the prisoners, the sick, and the poor every day.
 It is because they had methods or planned programs that they were nick-named
METHODISTS.
 Wesley was a great Evangelist who preached a sermon a day for over 50 years.
 Main teachings of Methodists include:
 Purity of life and separation from the world
 Keeping of God’s law.
 Most early SDA leaders (including En G white) were from the Methodists church. ‘’we
receive our fundamental doctrines of Christianity from martin Luther and our ideals of
what a Christian life should be from john Wesley. ‘’(comparative religion, p, 28)
4. The Baptist church

 Arose soon after 1600 AD in Holland and England after the reformation of martin Luther
and others.
 One early group Baptists was called the 7th day Baptist.
 Their Beliefs include:
 Baptism by Emersion
 The Sabbath
 Love of freedom
 Separation of church and state
 Great leaders include John Bunyan, William Carey, Hirum Judson, Charles Spurgeon, and
Billy Graham.
 SDA received teachings like Sabbath, baptism by emersion, love of freedom and
separation of church and state from Baptist.

5. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

 Also known as the church of England

 First missionaries into England entered from the north, especially between Ireland and
Scotland. These were Sabbath keeper.
 However RC missionaries who entered from the south around 600 AD took over all the
country and published out of the Sabbath- keeping Christians in the north.
 RCC became firmly established in England for over 900 years.
 John Wycliffe (1320-1384)- also known as ‘’the morning star of the reformation’’ was a
priest in the RCC and a highly learned university lecture.
 Wycliffe was the first of the great reformers whose reform went further than those of
Luther, He translated the first complete Bible into English
 After Wycliffe’s death, RCC persecuted his followers- the lollards. And the RCC
regained its power.
 Main teachings of Wycliffe and his followers were:
 Temporal power belonged only to laymen and not to popes, priest and
clergymen.
 Pilgrimages were condemned
 Transubstantiation is blasphemous and folly
 Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ alone
 RCC is the anti-Christ
  The bible is above all popes and councils and should be ready by all.
 Henry viii (1491-1547) king of England who became a strong catholic and received
the title of ‘’defender of the faith’’ from pope Leo x for writing a book against Luther
 However, when the pope could not allow him divorce his wife, Catherine of Spain to
marry Anne Boleyn, Henry viii broke away from Rome and took England with him and
established the Church of England with him as the head of the church in 1534.
 The Anglican church was really part of the old catholic church but separated from the
pope, having an English head instead of a head in Rome
 Today, the church of England has gone back to Rome
6. the Salvation Army

 The church was started by William booth and his wife, Catherine in 1878
 The couple broke- away from Methodist church to work independently among the poor
people of London.
 An east London mission was organized in 1865 to preach to and help the poor.
 The name – ‘’Salvation Army’’ was adopted in 1878.
 The church organized along the lines of a military army with uniforms, officers’ titles,
and band music.

Beliefs of Salvation Army

 A Holy God, Holy bible and a holy people i.e. emphasize of holiness of life.
 Service to the less privileged, drunkards and sinners

7. BRETHREN ASSEMBLIES

 Then chief leader was J.N. Darby (1800-1882) an ex-Anglican clergyman in Plymouth in
England
 The group became dissatisfied with the spiritual deadness of the Anglican church and
left it to start their own ‘’assemblies’’
 BIC is one such assembly

THE CHIEF BELIEFS ARE

 Separation from the world

 Godliness of life (no drinking nor smoking, nor dancing etc)
 Baptism by emersion
 Once saved always saved
 God’s law is abolished- follow own conscience as the Holy Spirit impresses you.
 Christ will come secretly and silently
 On paid ministry-all preaching and ministry to be done by lay-members themselves
(Matthew 23:9)
 Each assembly is completely independent
 Eternal torments and immortality of the souls

8. The church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints (the Mormons)

 Joseph smith lived from 1805-1844

 At age 14, smith went in the bush to pray for a revelation of which is the true religion.
 Smith claims to have seen God the father and Jesus Christ who told him not to join any
religion for they were all wrong
 In 1830, Joseph smith wrote the book of Mormon and organized his new church
 The Mormons are known to be hard workers and good farmers and business men

THEIR DOCTRINES AND BELIEFS

 The president of the church is a prophet of God and his word is infallible
 The bible (book of Mormon, Doctrine and covenant and pearl of great price) are all
sacred and inspired books.
 The living may be baptized on behalf of the dead
 Polygamy is okay if government allows it
 Immortality of the souls
 Blacks are so as a punishment from God
 Adam was really God the father who came to the Garden of Eden with his wife eve to
start the human race.
 Jesus had Mary and Martha and other women as wives.
 Melchizedek and Araronic priesthood were never abolished in the Mormon church
 All people will be saved, even those who died without being baptized- God will reveal
their names to the living and the living will be baptized on their behalf.
9. THE JEHOVAH WITNESSES

 Started as on international bible students’ Association composed of group lost

confidence in organized churches because they supported war, supported some bad
governments and entered into business and others ways of making money
 Pastor Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) became popular as a preacher, traveler, and
organizer among these groups.
 Pastor Russell became the leader of these groups and organized them as a separate
movement under his leadership in 1872
 Judge Joseph Franklin Ruther Ford (1869-1942) became another strong leader and the
church also grew strong. Ruther Ford’s book sold by the millions and became as
important (if not more) as the bible.
 In 1978, Mr. home knorr (born in 1905) was still the church’s leader
 Members of Jehovah’s witnesses tend to interpret the bible by what their leaders say
(same as RCC members)

THEIR MAJOR BELIEFS

 Baptism by emersion
 Unconscious state of man in death
 Purity of life (no Alcohol, no tobacco)
 No blood transfusion
 No saluting of flag or singing national anthem.
 Jesus is not God in the same way the father is God
 Christ has already come- in 1914 and is now here, invisible, in spirit form
 Not all saved saints will go to heaven at Christ’s second coming.

10.Pentecostal churches

 There are many different types- 100 + the largest being the assemblies of God,
Apostolic and four- square Gospels
 Also known as the Holy Ghost movements and are the fastest growing religious groups
today

BELIEFS
 Speaking in tongues (so called) is a sign of baptism of the holy spirit
 Tongues should be experienced by all Christians and need not be understood by man
11.THE PRES BYTERAIAN CHURCH

 The name come from a Greek word which means Elder

 It is a church governed by Elders
 Two types of elders governed the church i.e. the teaching Elder. Who are ordained
ministers and ruling elders who are laymen elected by church member to rule local
churches? The ordained ministers and laymen govern the church together
 John Calvin, the great French reformer who lived in Switzerland advocated this form of
church government (1509-1564)
 John Knox (1513-1572)- revived Presbyterian beliefs and helped Scotland to come back
to bible teachings and rule of faith.

BELIEFS AND TEACHINGS

 The bible is the full inspired word of God which must obeyed strictly.
 Rome has apostasied from the early teachings of Christianity and the bible
 Believes in the democratic form of church government where laymen have an equal
voice with the ministry and are represented in every council and committee
 The SDA adopted this form of church government

12.ZION CHURCH

 Formerly known as BATUMIKIZI CHURCH OF HERBALIST

 Their constitution law
1. Love of every human being
2. Not to feel jealousy
3. Thou shall not kill
4. Thou shall not form a society apart from this
5. Do not drink intoxication liquor
6. Do not have any poisonous medicine
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not quarrel or fight
9. Thou shall not tell lies
10. Do not kneel and pray idols and witchcraft
 BRIEF HISTORY
 1929/30. The church was called mzimu
 1930/31. The church changed name to Mchape
 1931/33. The church was called Mchimi church
 1953. Robson kaonga had the mchimi church registered with governments. Mr.
Kaonga’s colleagues were Kennan sichinga, Mayeso Mutambo, Libumba Sikanyika, and
Mateyo Simukonda.
 1977 The church was called Mutumwa Mchimi church of herbalist
 1982 the name changed to batumikizi church of herbalists under rev: bishop A.
mulambia and rev: Bishop Munyenyembe as vice.
 Today (2011) the church is known as Zion.

13. The new apostolic church

 Another group of apostles from the original 12

 This second group was not faithful and got dismantled (the catholic apostolic church)
 The third group is what was called the New apostolic church with its headquarters in
Germany

BELIEFS AND TEACHINGS

 Infants baptism by sprinkling pouring
 Prayer and offering may be given on behalf of the dead.
 Sunday sacredness
 Holy spirit may be received from chief apostles
 Members not encouraged coming with Bibles for church services.

14. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

 Founded by Alexander camp bell in mid 1840s from Presbyterian church

 Major beliefs include inspiration of the bible but old testament as inferior to the new,
immortality of the souls, Sunday sacredness; communion celebrated very worship day,
and the name church of Christ as the only biblical name for the church
15. THE SDA CHURCH

 Seen as a continuation of the reformation of Martin Luther and other reformer

 It constitutes the remnant church of revelation 12:17 and revelation 14:12, whose work
is to call people back to the worship of God the creator

BELIEFS AND TEACHINGS

 The bible alone is the rule of faith
 Believe in the trinity
 Believe in the virgin birth
 The full and complete atonement of Jesus Christ on the Cross
 The bodily resurrection of Christ
 Christ is the man’s mediator and high priest in heaven
 Salvation results in the new birth, by which man, by miracle, can be transformed into a
new creatures.
 Obedience to the law of God includes the 7th day Sabbath observance and is one sign of
true conversion
 No man can come to God by own good works but by Christ and the constants presence
of the Holy Spirit.
 Baptism b y emersion and for those old enough to understand its meaning.
 Unconscious state of man in death
 Immortality will only be given to the saved at Christ’s second coming.
 The judgment awaits all men at the end of life.
 The millennium marks the 2nd coming when the righteous are taken to be in heaven and
the 3rd coming when Jesus comes back with saints in the new Jerusalem
 The final end of Satan and the wicked is eternal destruction in hell fire
 Spirit of prophecy as an identification mark of the remnant was fulfilled by Ellen g white
(1927-1915)
 Men are saved, not by truth, but by Christ, Christ in his own time will lead into truth
 The earth made new will be home of the saved for eternity.

CONCLUSION
 There are hundreds of denomination the world over each claiming to be the true or
right church
 God seems to make it clear that it was not his original design to have so many
denominations
 Not all those who say lord, lord… but those who do the will of God (Matthew 7:21-23)
there are false religion even within Christendom.
 Some worshippers have replaced God’s commandments by human teachings and are
worshiping God in vain (Matthew 15:9)
 God ‘’planted’’ only one way of worship where now we have hundreds. God will surely
up-root every plant church which he did not originate (Matthew 15:13)
 God wants everything that is done in his name to be done decently and in order-our way
of worship, too (1 Corinthian 14:33-40). Our God is not God of confusions
 God, however, claims to have his own sincere people in every denomination. He plans
to call all such from their various churches into his original church (John 10:14-16/
revelation 12:17, 14:12).
 The original order in worship will be re-established in the earth made new and for the
save of god (Isaiah 66:22-23)
 CHAPTER 3

UNDERSTANDING DIFFICULT TEXTS

INTRODUCTION
The bible has passages which mean different things to different people hence the confusion
that exists among Christians. A few hints will assist one to come to the correct meaning of each
passage as follows;

1) God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthian 14:34)

2) Who was speaking in the passage?
3) To who was the passage directed?
4) What was the context?
5) Was the passage meant for the situation then or it is applicable to all situations at all
times?
6) What do the words used mean in the original languages of Hebrew and / or Greek?

Here below are some of the new testaments passages which have been investigated following
the hints suggested above and their true meanings. God’s purpose is for his followers to be one
even as the Godhead (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) are one (John 17) (1 John
5:7 KJV)
(1) Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men
so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and
teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’’

This text does not mean that men who break God’s commandments will get to heaven,
even though in a minor position. Jesus was clearly stating the attitude that the kingdom
will take toward those who break the least commandment, or teach others to do so.
They will be counted totally unworthy of salvation. They are considered the very lowest
of the low by heavenly beings. Verse 20 enlarges on the fate of such people in the most
emphatic terms: They ‘’shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

(2) Matthew 10:28

‘’ And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Jesus clearly teaches in this text that the soul is not naturally immortal. It can and will be
destroyed in hell. But what does he mean about killing the body, but not the soul? It is
possible for the soul to exist apart from the body? Some say it is, but the bible indicates
otherwise.
The Greek word ‘’psuche’’ has been translated ‘’soul’’ in this text, but in 40 other texts it
has been translated ‘’life’’ for example, Jesus said, ‘’whoever will lose his life [psuche]
for my sake shall find it.’’ Matthew 16:25.
What of Matthew 10:28? Put in the ‘’life,’’ instead of ‘’soul’’ and the text makes perfect
sense in its consistency with the rest of the bible. The contrast is between one who can
take the physical life and him who can take away eternal life. Proof lies in the words of
Jesus: ‘’and I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after
that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom shall ye fear: fear
him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell.’’ Luke 12:4-5.
In other words the word ‘’soul’’ here means not only life, but eternal life notice that
Luke says everything just like Matthew except that he does not say “kills the soul.”
Instead he says “cast into hell,” they mean the same thing. Men can only kill the body
and take away eternal life. Not only will their bodies be destroyed in that fire, but their
lives will be snuffed out for all eternity.
(3) Matthew 15;11
‘’ not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but which cometh out of the
mouth, this defileth a man.’’

As a setting for this text, begin reading from verse 2. The Jews had a tradition requiring
that the hands should be ceremonially washed after each contact with a Gentile. They
chided Jesus and his disciples for not following the custom. Christ responded with the
words of verse 11: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which
cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
In verse 15, Peter said to Jesus, “Declare unto us this Parable,” please notice that this is
a parable and should not be literally applied. In fact, Jesus explained the parable so that
we need not speculate about the meaning. He concluded His explanation with this
word, “for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murder, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, and blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to
eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man.” Verse 19-20.
Get the picture. The Jewish leaders were upset about the custom of ceremonial washing
hands, while at the same time; they had murder in their hearts toward Christ. Jesus was
exposing the absurdity of their posture. The ceremonial uncleanness was only an
imagined defilement. The evil thoughts were true defilement. The question of diet was
not involved at all. There was no eating or drinking at the heart of the issue. It was
ceremonial washing of the hands versus murder in the heart. One defileth, and the
other did not.

(4) Matthew 16:18

“And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gate gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Immediately after Peter’s great confession of Christ as the son of God, Jesus spoke the
words of this text, “Thou art Peter” and Jesus used the same Greek word that is used
161 times in the New Testament for Simon Peter- “Petros,” in fact, the word “Petros” is
never used for any other purpose in New Testament than to designate Peter. The name
means “pebble” or “rolling stone.”
 But then after Jesus called Peter by his name Petros, he said, “upon this rock I will build
my church. “And this time Christ used the word “Petra” for “rock.” The word “Petra”
denotes a huge, unmoving boulder- a veritable Gibraltar.
This word is never used to designate Peter. Instead it is used repeatedly to describe
Jesus himself, as in 1 Corinthians 10:4. In other words the church was not built upon the
unstable Peter (Petros), who had to be rebuked by Christ as Satan’s agents in verse 23,
but upon Christ (Petra), the rock of salvation. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the son of
God constituted a firm rock of truth also, but the shifting character of the unconverted
Peter was not designated by Jesus as the church’s foundation.
Please notice that, after peter’s confession. “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living
God,” Jesus assured Peter. “You‘re right, and this was revealed to you from above and
I’m telling you, Peter, that on this foundation (or rock I will found my church.” It was
that confessed truth of Christ’s divinity which has been the Gibraltar base for the church
through the ages.

Matthew 16:19
(See my comments on John 20:23)

(5) Matthew 16:28

“Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of dearth, till
they see the son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

This verse can be understood only in the light of what immediately followed-the
transfiguration. The very next verse describes that experience and how God spoke out
of the cloud saying, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 17:5.
How did appearance of mosses and Elijah relate to the coming of Jesus? And how can
we know that Christ’s words in Matthew 16:28 were referring to those events? The
answer is in 2 Peter 1:16-18: “for we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when
we made known unto you the power and coming of our lord Jesus Christ. For he
received from God the father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him
from the excellent glory, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. And this
voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the Holy mount
Please take note that this transfiguration experience recorded by Peter is described as
the “coming of our lord Jesus Christ.” Why? Because Moses and Elijah appeared with
him on mount. One of them was translated without seeing death, and the other
experienced a special resurrection. Thus they represent all who will be saved at the
second coming of Christ. Moses symbolized the saints who will be raised to eternal life
at that time, and Elijah represented those who will translate without seeing death.
 Moses’ resurrection is described in Jude 9, where Michael the archangel is pictured as
contending with Satan over the Body of Moses. Some have questioned if this experience
really establishes the resurrection of Moses. But why else would the Angel of the
resurrection be by the graveside disputing over a body? Please note 1 Thessalonians
4:16, where the “voice of the archangel” will open the graves of the dead. Clearly the
archangel was by Moses’ grave for only one purpose- to raise him to life despite Satan’s
efforts to prevent it.

(6) Matthew 18:18

“Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Prior to this text about binding and loosing, Jesus had been talking about the church
taking action to disfellowship a member. In verse 15, Christ advised going alone to the
one who has transgressed. If that doesn’t work, he said, “go again and take two opr
three witnesses.” If they won’t be reconciled after that, Jesus said take it to the church
and “let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.”
When the church take such an action to disfellowship an unworthy member from the
body of Christ, Jesus assured that it would be confirmed in heaven. “Whatsoever ye
shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven.” Verse 18. This was no bestowal of individual power on men,
but an assurance of support for his church as it moved in harmony with his word to
accept members into his body, and to uphold the highest standards for those members.

(7) Matthew 22:31,32

“Have ye not read that … I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob? God is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

It is often overlooked that Jesus was talking about the resurrection when he spoke these
words. He did not mean that Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob was alive then, but they would be
alive in the resurrection because he was the God who could give life to the dead.
Here’s the full text which clarifies the matter: “but as touching the resurrection of the
dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of
Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of then dead,
but of the living.” Verse 31, 32.
 The topic under discussion was the resurrection, not the state of the dead. He alluded to
those patriarchs only in their relation to the resurrection- an assurance that they would
have a part in it. Romans 4:17 makes it clear that God “quickeneth the dead, and calleth
those things which be not as though they were.” Don’t miss the point that, concerning
the raising of the dead, God speaks of their resurrected life as though it were already
accomplished.

(8) Matthew 25:46

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishments: but the righteous into life
eternal.”
It is well to notice that Jesus did not say that the wicked would suffer “everlasting
punishment.” He said “everlasting punishment.” What is the punishment for sin? “Them
that know not God… shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence
of the Lord.” 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
There it is- plainly spelled out. The punishment is destruction, and it is of eternal
duration. In other words, it is a destruction which never ends because there will be no
resurrection from that destruction Paul says, “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
John describes that death as “The second death “in revelation 21:8. That death, or
destruction, will be eternal.

(9) Matthew 28:1

“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.”

Some modern religionists contend, on the basis of this text, that the resurrection took
place late Sabbath afternoon.
They interpret the “end of the Sabbath” as drawing near its close, and “dawning toward
the first day of the week” as approaching sunset on Saturday night.
This interpretation falls completely apart when we consider the account of Mark in the
next gospel. He also describes the same women as they come to the tomb on Sunday
morning. No one can deny that it was “very early in the morning the first day of the
week… at the rising of the sun.” Mark 16:2.
Some have argued that these same women had been there late Sabbath afternoon and
had found the tomb empty and Jesus’ body gone. But this could not be. Why? Because
Mark records their conversation as they approached the tomb on Sunday morning: And
they said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the
sepulcher?” Mark 16:3
 If they had been there Sabbath afternoon and found the tomb empty, why would they
ask for help to roll away the stone 12 hours later? They fact is that Matthew 28:1 is
referring to the Sunday morning visit also. The word “dawn,” as used in the bible,
invariably refers to the early morning as day breaks. It doesn’t “dawn” toward sunset or
darkness
In the light of these facts, we can easily see that the words “in the end of the Sabbath”
actually belong to the preceding verse. The translators had to separate the words,
sentences, chapters, and verses as well as supply all the punctuation marks. The original
inspired manuscript was just one solid line of letters, with no separation between
words.
We have seen that the women came on Sunday morning to learn, for the first time,
about the empty tomb. But something was done late Sabbath afternoon, in the end of
the Sabbath. It is described in the preceding verse. Matthew 27:66: “so they went, and
made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” How do we know
when this sealing took place? Verses 62-64 tell us clearly: “now the next day, that
followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto
Pilate, saying… command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day,
lest his disciple come by night, and steal him away.”
This proves that the sealing took place on the Sabbath following Friday, the preparation
day. It also took place just before dark because the expressed fear was that the disciples
mighty “come by night” and steal the body. So they hastened to set up their watch to
guard the tomb as night approached.
Now we can perfectly understand the two verses with the proper division of the
sentences: “so they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a
watch in the end of the Sabbath. As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,
came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.”

(10 A) Mark 4:11-12

“And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:
but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they
may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any
time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
 The question raised here is whether Christ used Parables to deliberately frustrate a
certain class in their desire to be converted. Revelation 22:17 makes it plain that
“Whosoever will” may come and be accepted into the kingdom. “The Lord is…
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should not perish, but that all should come
to repentance.” 2 peter 3:9 obviously there is no intention of Christ to hide any that
truth that would lead a soul to repentance and conversion.
The meaning is clarified completely when we read the parallel account in Matthew’s
gospel. He gives the reason why they hear not and see not. “For this people’s heart is
waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest any
time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand
with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Matthew 13:15.
Thus the arbitrary act of seeing is not on God’s part, but theirs. Zechariah declared,
‘’Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law.”
Zechariah 7:12.

(10 B) Mark 9:43, 44

“And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed,
than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where
their worm dieth not, and the fire Is not quenched.”

In this verse the word “hell” is translated from the Greek word “gehenna,” which is
another name for the valley of hinnom located just outside the walls of Jerusalem.
There the refuse and bodies of animals were cast into an ever smoldering fire to be
consumed. What might escape the flames was constantly being destroyed by maggots
which fed on the dead bodies. Gehenna symbolized a place of total destruction.
Jesus taught in this verse that the fire of hell could not be quenched or put out by anyone.
Isaiah said, “They shall not be delivering themselves from the power of the flame.” Isaiah
47:14. Yet he hastened to say in the same verse that “there shall not be a coal to warm at,
nor fire to sit before it.” So the unquenchable fire will go out after it has consumed the
wicked as stubble. Jerusalem burned with unquenchable fire according to Jeremiah 17:27
when it was totally destroyed (2 Chronicles 36:19-21).
 The flames and worms of “gehenna” represented the total annihilation and obliteration of
sin and sinners. Earlier apostasy and idols worship in the valley of hinnom (Jeremiah
32:35), And God’s judgments on Israel as a consequence, marked it as a symbol of
punishment and judgments. God warned in Jeremiah 7:31-33 that it would become the
“valley of slaughter” where the “carcasses of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the
heaven.” With the fire of “gehenna” burning before their eyes, Jesus could not have
spoken a more graphic word to the Pharisees to describe the final, total destruction of
sinners.
Those who cite this text to support their doctrine of the natural immortality of the soul
are thrown into a real dilemma. Why? Because the fire and worms are working not upon
disembodied souls, but bodies! According to Jesus, those who are cast into the lake of fire
will go bodily forms, and this text confirms that truth. The verses before and after this text
speak of the hands, feet, and bodies of those who suffer the Gehenna fire. In Matthew
5:30 Christ said, “The whole body” would be cast into hell.
In Isaiah 66:24, the same “gehenna” picture of hell is presented with the unquenchable
flame and the destroying worms. But in this case the word “carcasses” is used, revealing
the fact that the fire consumes the dead bodies, not disembodied souls. Speaking of the
enemies of the lord, Isaiah 51:8 says that “the worm shall eat them like wool” – a picture
of being put out of existed.

(11) Luke 9:60

“Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom
of God.”

This verse reveals one man’s response to Christ’s call of discipleship. From the context
of this passage, it seems quite apparent that the man’s father was not yet dead. If the
father had been dead, the son would have had no opportunity to accompany Christ and
the disciple. In that hot country, with no embalming, bodies had to be buried
immediately. The man was asking to postpone following the lord until his father had
passed away and been buried.
 Christ’s answer exposed the procrastinator. It indicated the high priority of obedience.
Nothing must stand in the way of instant response to the call of Jesus. The bible speaks
of a certain sinner being “dead while she liveth.” 1 timothy 5:6.
In Luke 9:60, Jesus was rebuking the man with these words: “Let the [spiritually] dead
bury their [physically] dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” In other
words, make your decision while the call is strong and the conviction of truth is urgent.
Delay could results in discouragements and loss of interest.

(12) Luke 15:22

“But the Father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put
a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.”
Some have used this scripture to justify the wearing of jewelry, but remember that this
story is a parable and all the characters and events are symbolic of spiritual realities.
God is represented by the Father in the story, and the children could be any of us who
profess to be in his family.
Primarily the love and compassion of God is portrayed in dealing with the backslider. His
willingness to forgive and accept the repentant prodigal stands out as the major theme.
All the actions of the Father toward the returning son represent specific attitudes of
God in restoring those who seek forgiveness.
The placing of the father’s coat around his son’s rags symbolizes the imputed
righteousness of God, which must cover our miserable sins and failure. The sign of
servitude was removed when the Father commanded that shoes be placed on his feet-
an act signifying acceptance into the right of son ship. Then, finally, the signet ring was
placed on the prodigal’s finger to represent the restoration to full authority in
conducting the family business interests. Such rings were not worn as ornaments, but
for the practical necessities of signing official documents and discharging legal obligation
(Ester 3:10; 8:2). To use these parabolic incidents to defend modern ornamentation is
totally unreasonable and unbiblical.

(13) Luke 16:16

“the law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is
preached, and every man presseth into it.”
 The “law and the prophets” refers to all the writings of the Old Testament. Some who take a
superficial view of this text conclude that the whole body of Old Testament scriptures lost
their authority when John began to preach. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus
was merely stating that before John’s ministry, the “law and the prophets” were all that
men had. They constituted man’s primary guide to salvation.

Was Jesus implying that those ancient scripture would end when the gospel began to be
proclaimed? Not at all. The word the word “until” is used in other passages to show
continuing force application. Refer to Matthew 28:15 and Romans 5:14, where the same
Greek word “mechri” is used.

Jesus emphatically affirmed the authority of the old testaments scriptures, declaring that
not a “jot” or “title” would be removed. In truth the only bible available to the first
generation new testaments church was the writings of the old testaments. Believers found
their strongest confirmation of faith in it. On one occasion Jesus set forth those writings as
sufficient to guide men to heaven (Luke 16:29-31) Paul repeatedly appealed to the law and
the prophets in support of his messages (Acts 26:22; 28:23).

“Since that time” refers to the time since John began to preach, when additional light had
been shining on the pathways of salvation. That new revelation of truth, especially through
Christ and his teachings, had brought huge crowds into the way of light and truth. Jesus
described it as “every man presseth into it.”

(14) Luke 16:22,23

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s
bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in
torments and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Either this story about the rich man and Lazarus is literally true or it is a parable. Here are
four reasons why it could not possibly be literalistic:
 1. The beggar died and was taken by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. No one
believes that Abraham’s literal bosom is the abode of the righteous dead. it is a
figurative or parabolic expression. Incidentally, the Angel will gather the saints,
but according to Matthew 24:31, this will take place at the coming of Jesus, not
at a person’s death.
2. Heaven and hell were separated by a gulf, and yet the persons in each could
converse with each other. There are probably few individuals in the world who
believes that this will be literally true of the saved and the lost (Luke 16:26).
3. The rich man was in hell with a body. He had eyes, a tongue, etc, (Luke 16:24).
How did his body get into hell fire instead of into grave? I know of no one who
teaches that the bodies of the wicked go into hell as soon as they died. This story
could not be literal.
4. The request for Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and come through the
flames to cool the rich man’s tongue is obviously not literal. How much moisture
would be left and how much relief would it give? The whole story is unrealistic
and parabolic.

The rich man undoubtedly represented the Jews in the parable because only Jew would pray
to “Father Abraham,” The beggar symbolized the Gentiles, who were counted unworthy to
receive the truth. In Matthew 15:27, the Canaanite woman acknowledged that her people
were beggars at the table of the Jews.

Christ probably chose the Name of Lazarus to use in the Parable because later he would
actually raise Lazarus from the dead. And the climatic point of the entire parable is found in
verse 31: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though
one rose from the dead.” Sure enough, they didn’t believe even when one named Lazarus was
raised before them.
(15) Luke 17:34-36
“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and
the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken,
and the other shall be left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken and the
other shall be left.”
Secret rapture advocates take this text as evidence of a secret coming of Christ to
snatch away his saints. But to get the whole picture, begin reading in verse 26. Jesus
described Noah’s day and Lot’s day and said: “even thus shall it be in the day when the
son of man is revealed.” Verse 30. Then he added, “I tell you, in that night there shall be
two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. …”
How was it in the days of Noah and Lot? Some were taken and some were left. Those
taken were taken to safety, and those left were left dead. Jesus said. “This is the way it
will be when I come. Some will be taken and some will left.” In Fact, verse 36 and 37
make it very plain what Jesus meant: “two men shall be in the field; the one shall be
taken and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, where, lord? And he
said unto them, wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.”
The disciple wanted to know where the others would be left, and Christ asserted they
would be left dead. In one other text Jesus used similar languages: “for wheresoever the
carcass [dead body] is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” Matthew 24:28.
Some may object and say that eagles are not known to gather in flocks and feed on dead
bodies, but here’s what the bible says concerning them: “doth the eagle mount up at
thy command, and make her nest on high? … her young ones also suck up blood: and
where the slain are, there is she,” Job 39:27-30.
The obvious meaning of Christ’s word is that, just as in Noah’s day and Lot’s day, the
righteous will be taken to safety and the wicked slain (by the brightness of his coming).
The bodies of the wicked will be scattered over the earth for the birds of prey.
There is no secret rapture here the term is unknown in the bible, and so is the doctrine.
(16) Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in
paradise.”
Some have assumed from this verse that souls go to their reward immediately after
death, a teaching which goes contrary to scores of the bible texts. Notice two things
wrong with this assumption. First: even though Jesus told the thief, “verily I say unto
thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise,” three days later he told Mary that he
had not yet ascended to his father.
Here is the evidence that his father was in paradise: revelation 2:7 says the tree of life
“is in the midst of the paradise of God,” and revelation 22:1-2 describes the tree of life
by the side of the river of life which flows, in turn, from the throne of God. So there is
no question about the father’s throne being located in paradise. The question is: how
could Jesus have told the thief that he would be with him in paradise that day when he
did not go there until three days later?
In the second place, Jesus and the thief did not even die on the same day. When the
soldiers came just before sunset to take the bodies off the cross, Jesus was already dead
(john 19:32-34). The thieves were very much alive, and their legs were broken to hasten
death and to prevent them from escaping. They undoubtedly lived past sunset into the
hours of the Sabbath and possibly longer. So how could Jesus assure the thief of being
with him in paradise that day when they did not both die on “that day”?
The apparent contradictions clear up when we consider that the punctuation of Luke
23:43 was added by uninspired men when our English bible was translated. They placed
a comma before the word “today,” when in reality it should have been placed after the
word “today.” Then the verse would correctly read: “verily I say unto thee today, thou
shalt be with me in paradise.” In other words, Jesus was saying: “I give you the
assurance today, when it seems I can save no man-today, when my disciple has
forsaken me and I’ m dying as a criminal dies, I assure you of salvation.’’
Please notice that the thief did not ask to be taken to paradise then. He asked, “Lord
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” That’s exactly when he will be
remembered and taken into that kingdom.
 (17) John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

John certainly does not mean that no grace or truth existed before Christ came, but
that the “fullness” of Grace was revealed in Christ. In contrast to the old covenant
system reflecting in the Law of Moses, the Life and ministry of Christ completely
overshadowed it. John uses superlative expressions like these to describe the coming
of Jesus into the world: “Glory,” “full of Grace and truth” (verse 14). “His fullness,”
“grace for Grace” (verse 16). It was like twilight giving way to noonday brightness.
But take note that grace had been in the world from the beginning. Paul speaks of
“grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 timothy 1:9.
Jeremiah spoke of “grace in the wilderness” (Jeremiah 31:2) Noah found grace in the
eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8). And so did many other Old Testament characters. But
the fullness of Grace appeared in the person of Jesus. The law revealed the will of
God, but grace gave the power to keep it. “where sin abounded [through the law
operating to expose it], grace did much more abound” Romans 5:20.

(18) John 2:3-6

“And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said unto him, they have no wine.
Jesus said unto her, woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.
His mother said unto the servants, whatsoever he said unto you, do it. And there were
set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews,
containing two or three firkins apiece.”

Although the fermented and unfermented wines are translated from the same original
word, the biblical context established that no alcoholic drinks are approved In God’s
word.
Jesus certainly would not go contrary to the Old Testaments scripture which specifically
forbade fermented wine. Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-32 indisputably condemn
the use of Alcoholic beverages. Would Christ disobey the scriptures? It is
unconceivable.
It is true that wine is often approved for use in the Bible, but this is the pure juice of the
grape without fermentation. Here is evidence that this kind of wine is a blessing: “thus
saith the Lord, as the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, destroy not; for a
blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all.”
Isaiah 65:8. This wine is “in the cluster,” or fresh from the grape. It is a blessing, but not
the “strong wine,” “mixed wine,” or alcoholic beverages.

(19) John 3:13

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven,
even the son of man which is in heaven.”

The subject of conversation between Christ and Nicodemus centered in the mysteries
of the Holy Spirit and new birth. Nicodemus professed ignorance concerning the
subject of conversion, and Jesus reacted with surprise. Then he said to Nicodemus, “if I
have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of
heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down
from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven,” verses 12, 13
In other word, Nicodemus would have a harder time accepting Christ’s words about
heavenly things because no man had even been there to come back and report on it.
Jesus alone had come from there to testify about those heavenly things, and
Nicodemus would have to accept in purely by faith. The question was: who is qualified
to testify of those spiritual, heavenly truths? Jesus said, “We speak that we do know,
and testify that we have seen; and ye believe not, how ye shall believe, if I tell you of
Heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to Heaven,” verse 11-13.
Throughout the chapter we are directed back to the point of his own Authority and
credentials as a faithful witness of heavenly truth. “He that cometh from above is
Above all: He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the Earth: he that cometh
from Heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no
man receiveth his testimony he that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal
that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God
giveth not the spirit by measure unto him verses 31-34
 Jesus assured Nicodemus that he was a reliable and true witness of the truth because
he came down from heaven with the Father’s words. No man could make such a claim;
therefore a man could speak only of earthly things. Some have used these verses to
support a theory that no one has been, or ever will go to heaven. This could not be true
because of texts to the contrary. The saints will certainly be there for 1, 000 years
before the holy city descends to this earth. Here’s evidence:
1. John 13:36-14:3: here Jesus promised peter that, afterward, he would follow him
where he was going. Then Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” All the
saints will follow Jesus to that place in the Father’s house, when he comes the
second time.
2. Matthew 5:12: Jesus promised a reward “in Heaven” to those who were
persecuted for his sake.
3. 1 Peter 1:4 Peter spoke of the incorruptible inheritance “reserved in heaven for
you.”
4. Revelation 19:1: the revelator “heard a great voice of much people in heaven,”
this group of people in heaven is later identified as the bride of Christ, which is
the church (verse 7, 8).
5. Revelation 4:1-2 and 5:1-9: these verses clearly describe a multitude in heaven
who has been redeemed from the earth.

(20) John 5:24

“Verily, Verily, I say into you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me,
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto
life.”

The Christians receives everlasting life as a gift when he accepts Jesus. “And I give unto
them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:28. “He that hath the son hath life;
and he that hath not the son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12.
Are these Verses talking about temporal life or eternal life? Does accepting Christ save us
from the first death or the second death? The answer is obvious. Jesus said, “He that …
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and is passed from death unto life.”
John 5:24. Please note that this death had to be second death. Receiving everlasting life did
not take away the first death-only the second. Although the scripture tells us that the
apostle Paul had eternal life (2 Timothy 4:7-8), he still suffered the first death. Paul said, “It
is appointed unto men once to die.” Hebrews 9:27. This is true of good or bad, saved or lost.

Please note that the eternal life received when we accept Christ does not save us from the
first death, but only from the second. “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death.” Revelation 2:11. Only the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the
second death (revelation 21:8). Because the Christians have everlasting life through the son,
he will never die. The second death cannot touch him, and he will live for eternity. Dying the
first death will not take away that promise of life without end, which is the gift of God.

(21) John 7:39

“(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: For the
Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”

This does not mean that the Holy Spirit had not operated before Pentecost, but only that
he had not been manifested in his fullness. Only after Jesus was glorified at his ascension
was the assembled praying, waiting disciples to receive the Holy Spirit according to the
promise (Acts 1:8, 9; 2:1-4).

The Holy Spirit had been manifested at the time of Creation (Genesis 1:2) and Just before
the flood (Genesis 6:3). David prayed, “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” Psalms 51:11.
The scripture record also that “The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.” 1 Samuel 16:14.
But only after tarrying at Pentecost did the disciple receive the promised blessing of the
fullness of the Holy Spirit, at the Time appointed by Christ.

(22) John 8:51

(See my comments on John 5:24.)

 (23) John 9:31

“Now we know That God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and
doeth his will, him he heareth

If God hears no sinner’s prayer, then how can one be saved? It is true that sin separates a
soul from God, “if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalms 66:18.
But here is one prayer of the sinner that God will always hear: “And the Publican… smote
upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

The publican obviously was not trying to hold or “regard” sin in his heart. He wanted
deliverance from it. He was earnestly and humbly seeking forgiveness. Such sinners will
always be heard and forgiven. Not only was the publican’s prayer answered, Jesus said,
“This man went down to his house justified.” Luke 18:14. He was fully accepted forgiven,
and placed in the family of God.

(24) John 10:28

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man
pluck them out of my hand.”

Two wonderful assurances are given in this text. God’s faithful obedient children have
eternal life as a qualitative factor even while waiting for Jesus to come. Secondly, no
man is able to take that “eternal life” quality away from them and separate them from
the Father.

Let’s look at these statements carefully. How can it be said that we have life before
Jesus comes to bestow immortality upon us? In John 5:24, Jesus said, “He that heareth
my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
The born-again Christian immediately begins to partake of the divine nature of Jesus.
Peter describes the Faith process as claiming the Promises of salvation that “ye might be
partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4. As long as this faith relationship continues
and God’s sheep hear his voice and follow him, there is the sharing of the very life of
Christ. Although no human being can deprive the Christian of that shared eternal life,
the Christian can always choose to take himself away from Christ by severing the
relationship which provides the divine nature (eternal life). In the case, he removes
himself from the Father’s hand and severs himself also from the source of everlasting
life.

(18) John 11:26

“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’’

Jesus introduced this text with these words, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die.” Verses 25, 26.
It is quite apparent that Jesus was talking about the second death when he said “shall
never die.” This person had already lived the first life, died, and lived again in the
resurrection. Revelation 2:11 assures that the overcomer “shall not be hurt of the
second death.” Although “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrew 9:27), those
who are accepted by Christ shall never die that second eternal death.

(19) John 20:23

“whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whose soever sins ye
retain, they are retained.”

They key to understand this verse is found in verse 21 of this chapter: “As my Father
hath sent me, even so send I you.
How had the Father sent the Son into the world? To speak his own words? Jesus said,
“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he Gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.” John 12:49. Again Christ
said, “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”
John 8:28. “my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” John 7:16. “I came down
from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38.

Clearly then, Jesus sent his disciple as the Father had sent him. They were not to speak
their own words, but his. Paul said that he was only an Ambassador does not speak his
own words, but the words of the one he represents. Now we will read the entire text of
Paul’s words to see what Christ’s ambassador will speak for him: “God … hath reconciled
us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the Ministry of reconciliation: to wit.
That God was in Christ. [Reconcile the world unto him]. Not imputing their trespasses
unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are
ambassador for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s
stead, be ye reconciled to God.”2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
Please note that, as an ambassador for Christ, one can carry only his word to the people.
And that word of reconciliation which he has given for the people is that their
trespasses are not imputed to them. This is the only way anyone can remit sins. He can
pass along Christ’s word about forgiveness and assure them of acceptance as they meet
the requirements of that word.

(20) Acts 10:13

“And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.”
This chapter gives the interesting account of the Gentile Cornelius, who prayed for the
truth. God appeared to him and told him to send men to Joppa and to invite Peter to
come and teach him (verse 3-6).
As the servants of Cornelius approached Joppa, Peter fell into a trance on the housetop
and saw a sheet let down from heaven. In the sheet were all manner of beast, creeping
things, and Fowls-moles, bats, buzzards, Etc. a voice invited Peter to eat them, but he
said, “not so Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” Verse
14.