Studies for Restitution

Whom the heaven must receive
until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of
all his holy prophets since the world began.
Acts 3:21

INSPIRED COUNSEL
WHO IS THE REMNANT?

Study to show thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

Prepared by: R
estitution Ministries,
P. O. Box 7137 Kariong
NSW 2250, Australia
www.acts321.org


WHO IS THE REMNANT?

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

REV 19:10….the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

How has the dragon made war with God's remnant, the commandment keepers who have the spirit of prophecy?

DAN 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many:

craft = skill in deception, trickery, guile and cunning.

The three stages of God's true remnant church after the ministry of Jesus was 1ST, the apostolic church, up to 538, 2ND, the church in the wilderness 538-1798 and 3RD, the final remnant, beginning in 1844 and going through unto the 2nd, coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

History well records the atrocities of the dark ages, (538-1798.) The open slaughter of many millions (50-150) of Bible believing Christians. But did the dragon stop there? No, Daniel 8:25 tells us which method would be employed. So, shouldn't we be on guard against deception and against any type of change of God's sanctifying truth. Absolutely!

B Echo Dec 16 1895 To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of the last day. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.

6T 77 The warning for the last church also must be proclaimed to all who claim to be Christians. The Laodicean message, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must go to all the churches:

This is certainly the last remnant church of God.

(see "last remnant" and "last church" on cd rom )

Q. Who is the remnant in REV 12:17?

A. Commandment keepers and those who have the testimony of Jesus, (the Spirit of Prophecy.)

Q. How do you have the spirit of prophecy?

A. By believing, accepting and abiding in this inspired counsel.

Q. Why is this important? Or why is counsel given?

EPH 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (v12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (v13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

1COR 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

1COR 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1COR 14:33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

RH NOV 17 1891 The evidences, from a Bible standpoint, of the authenticity of the work of the Spirit of Prophecy in connection with the last church are all-sufficient, but a closer acquaintance with the work of Sister White seems to be demanded, in order to satisfy the honest inquirer that it fills the requirements of God's Word.--

INSPIRED COUNSEL

8T 268-269 The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each.

Why not the individuality of the Holy Spirit, if he be co-equal?

GC 598. The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretence of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: "Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God." Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Christ has given the promise: "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." John 7:17. If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error.

Clearly these souls are in a lost state because of learned men teaching error instead of truth.

1SM 206-207 The Firm Foundation of Our Faith

Many of our people do not realise how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid……

What influence is it would lead men at this stage of our history to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the foundation of our faith--the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years.

Did God allow this error for 50 years?

If the prophet and all the pioneers were in error during this 50 year period, then clearly this was not a firm or true foundation.

1SAT 345 I have been hoping that there would be a thorough reformation, that the principles for which we fought in my girlhood, and which were brought out in the power of the Holy Spirit, would be maintained. Night after night in our early experience our brethren studied out the truths which we now hold. When they came to something that they could not understand, they would get down on their knees, and would remain there for hours sometimes. Sometimes the sun would rise before they would give up the struggle. At times, when they said, "We can do nothing more," the power of God would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and instruction would be given me. Then I could explain what they could not understand. I would read the Scriptures to them, never looking at the printed page. Thus light was given in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood, and the great points of our faith were firmly established.

But during this period of our experience, my mind was locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. It was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. Thus it was every point of our faith was established in harmony with the Word of God.

At this time I was living in the house of Father Andrews. He was helpless with rheumatism, and was constantly in great suffering. I knelt by his side and, laying my hands on his head, asked Jesus to make him whole. The power of God came upon him and he walked back and forth across the room,praising the Lord.

Which of the pillars of our faith are more important than knowing God?

5BIO 411-412 Those who seek to remove the old landmarks are not holding fast; they are not remembering how they have received and heard. Those who try to bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary or concerning the personality of God or of Christ are working as blind men. They are seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor.

Do the old landmarks or an anchor have anything to do with the firm foundation?

What about the personality of the Holy Spirit, is this not an issue also?

BTS MAR 1 1915 The truths that have been substantiated by the manifest working of God are to stand fast. Let no one presume to move a pin or foundation-stone from the structure. Those who attempt to undermine the pillars of our faith are among those of whom the Bible says that "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."

The substantiated truths are accredited to God not man.

A pin or foundation stone covers everything.

5BIO 412.4 When men come in who would move one pin or pillar from the foundation which God has established by His Holy Spirit, let the aged men who were pioneers in our work speak plainly, and let those who are dead speak also, by the reprinting of their articles in our periodicals. Gather up the rays of divine light that God has given as He has led His people on step by step in the way of truth. This truth will stand the test of time and trial.--

Can this statement refer to James White also?

The unity that existed between the 1844 brethren, after the foundation was laid was in spirit and in truth. As in Christ and His diciples,MH422.

6BIO 77.2 And now, after half a century of clear light from the word as to what is truth, there are arising many false theories, to unsettle minds. But the evidence given in our early experience has the same force that it had then. The truth is the same as it ever has been, and not a pin or a pillar can be moved from the structure of truth. That which was sought for out of the Word in 1844, 1845, and 1846 remains the truth today in every particular.--Letter 38, 1906.

If Ellen White matured into a different understanding about the personality of God and Christ, how could she have written this letter in 1906.

1SM 208 But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.

SpTB07 58 The past fifty years have not dimmed one jot or principle of our faith as we received the great and wonderful evidences that were made certain to us in 1844, after the passing of the time.. Not a word is changed or denied. That which the Holy Spirit testified to as truth after the passing of the time, in our great disappointment, is the solid foundation of truth. Pillars of truth were revealed, and we accepted the foundation principles that have made us what we are--Seventh-day Adventists, keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.

What is a jot? Not a word is changed or denied.

1SM 161 When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth. The truth for this time God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what is truth.

How could there have been such a drastic change to the doctrine of God, when the power of God testified as to what is truth?

RH July 26 1892 par7 We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.

This is the unity that is necessary today, and will be again.

2SM 75 In the work in which my husband and I were called by the providence of God to act a part, even from its very beginning in 1843 and 1844, we have had the Lord to devise and plan for us, and He has worked out His plans through His living agents.

If the Lord devised and planed for them, how could they have been in error?

A FIRM PLATFORM

EW 258 I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps-- the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my accompanying angel, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. (approbation = commendation, praise, official recognition, approval.)

The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received." I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it.

If God, the master builder, looked upon you with approbation for standing upon the firm foundation. And pronounced a woe against anyone who would move a block, or stir a pin of His foundation. Would you even remotely consider stepping off or tampering with His foundation?

1SM 204-205 The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.

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

I hesitated and delayed about the sending out of that which the Spirit of the Lord impelled me to write. I did not want to be compelled to present the misleading influence of these sophistries. But in the providence of God, the errors that have been coming in must be met

5BC 1093 The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence (MS 30, 1890).

If the trinity is truth? That means;

1 God allowed His last remnant church to be founded in error.

2 The prophet of the Lord was in error. (Isa 8:20)

3 That would make her a false prophet. (Isa 8:20)

4 After the passing of time (1844) God had no remnant, because all our pioneers and prophet were in error.

5 Who then could claim to be the remnant?

6 To be a remnant you must be the same as the original.

7 The truth about the trinity was brought to us, after 70 years of the prophetic movement being established. And after 70 years of preaching error, when the prophet and the S.D.A. church was raised to restore truth.

8 The Roman Catholic Church (Babylon) and all her daughters had the truth while God's remnant church was in error.

9 How can you call others out of Babylon, when you are in confusion.

10 This truth was brought to the remnant church through the writings of those outside the remnant.

11 God wasn't able to show the remnant this truth, but man was.

12 No, absolutely not.. It is not possible that God allowed such an important teaching, such as one, of knowing whom we should worship, to be founded in error. No No this is not the work of God.

Whom the heaven must receive until
the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of
all his holy prophets since the world began.'
Acts 3:21

Restitution Ministries is run by Seventh-day Adventist lay members who are committed to the proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel. 'Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.' 2Corinthians 4:1,2,13

The purpose of our literature work is not monetary gain, but the spread of truth. Hence these books are offered at no charge. The support of literature is based on the free-will offering of those who are able, as the Lord has prospered them. 'Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.' Exodus 35:2 So your support will keep us printing. Proceeds will go to further the spreading of the Gospel to others. Because these books are free, we strongly encourage bulk orders for you to share with others that only you can reach. If you are unable to financially give, please do not let this hinder you from making an order still, but we plead the support of your prayers before the Lord.