[Note:-- The above statement is from a 32-page article titled, An Appeal For Missions. The document was signed, "Ellen G. White, Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia, Oct. 21, 1898." This communication was received in Philadelphis, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1898, accompanied by a request "that the Foreign Mission Board publish and circulate it widely in tract form -- before the holidays if possible." (S. D. A. Foreign Mission Board.)]
The apostle Paul warned that before the coming of the Lord there would be a "falling away" in the Christian church. The man of sin would be revealed. He would exalt himself "above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God" would sit in the temple of God, "shewing himself that he is God." Then Paul stated that, "the mystery of iniquity doth already work." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,7).
"Terrible were the trials that were to beset the true church," Ellen White wrote. "Even at the time when the apostle was writing, the `mystery of iniquity' had already begun to work." (The Acts of the Apostles, page 266, emphasis supplied).
We have read the phrase, "the mystery of iniquity" many times in the Spirit of Prophecy. What is the mystery of iniquity? It is simply a man claiming to be God, or a denominational Church leadership or Conference, considering themselves to be "the Voice of God on earth to the people."
The Mystery of Iniquity It has ever been the design of Satan to draw the minds of the people from Jesus to man, and to destroy individual accountability. Satan failed in his design when he tempted the Son of God; but he succeeded better when he came to fallen man. Christianity became corrupted. Popes and priests presumed to take an exalted position, and taught the people to look to them for the pardon of their sins, instead of looking to Christ for themselves. (Early Writings, page 213, emphasis supplied).
If men resist the warnings the Lord sends them, they become even leaders in evil practices; such men assume to exercise the prerogatives of God--they presume to do that which God Himself will not do in seeking to control the minds of men. Thus they follow in the track of romanism. They introduce their own methods and plans, and through their misconceptions of God they weaken the faith of others in the truth and bring in false principles that work like leaven to taint and corrupt institutions and churches. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, page 181, emphasis supplied).
"A spirit of authority is not to be exercised, even by the president of a conference," Ellen White warned, "for position does not change a man into a creature that cannot err." (Testimonies to Ministers, page 496, emphasis supplied).
=================
Find the date below
"The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear," Ellen White stated further. "It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised. The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences...they are following in the track of Romanism." (ibid., Testimonies to Ministers, pages 361, 362 (1895); Last Day Events, page 49; "Appeals for Truth and Loyalty," Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A, No. 9, 1897, Pages, 3-15, emphasis supplied).
In several ways this illustrates the dangers incurred by an individual church member, who presumes to deny the authority of the duly constituted officials and governing bodies of the Church. In the first place, it is true that for a period in its history, the Seventh-day Adventist Church had an aversion to Roman Catholicism and especially to the papal form of church government. . .. While, however, Adventist doctrine continues to teach that church government by one man is contrary to the Word of God, it is not good Seventh-day Adventism to express, as Mrs. Tobler has done, an aversion to Roman Catholicism as such. The term "hierarchy" or "hierarchical" has no such adverse connotation in Seventh-day Adventist theology as Mrs. Tobler suggests. (United States District Court, Northern District of California. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vs. Pacific Press Publishing Association, Civ. No. 74-2025 CBR. Reply Brief for Defendants in Support of Their Motion for Summary Judgment, emphasis supplied).
Although it is true that there was a period in the life of the Seventh-day Adventist Church when the denomination took a distinctly anti-Roman Catholic viewpoint, and the term "hierarchy" was used in a pejorative sense to refer to the papal form of church governance, that attitude on the Church's part was nothing more than a manifestation of widespread anti-popery among conservative Protestant denominations in the early part of this century and the latter part of the last, and which has now been consigned to the historical trash heap so far as the Seventh-day Adventist Church is concerned. (ibid., Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vs Pacific Press Publishing Association, Civ. No. 74-2025 CBR, Reply Brief, Footnote #2,.page 41, emphasis supplied).
When you and I joined the General Conference family something special happened to us. When we began work in the General Conference office we became part of what inspiration describes as God's highest authority on earth. . .. All of us are something special in God's sight. Our relationship to our church, to the world field, to one another, and to the work intrusted to us is unique. These three buildings are not ordinary buildings. . .. These buildings constitute a consecrated place where God, through His appointed servants--you, me--directs His worldwide work. As those of us here on the General Conference staff continue our unique service for Him, let us remember that we are daily, hourly, momentarily a part of a group of leaders that constitute the highest authority of God upon earth. . .. (Robert H. Pierson, General Conference President, The Ministry, June 1976, emphasis supplied).
If the mystery of iniquity is man taking the place of God, then the opposite to the mystery of iniquity would be God taking the place of man! It is just that simple, dear reader.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," the apostle Paul wrote, "who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7, emphasis supplied).
"And being found in fashion as a man," Paul concluded, "he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8, emphasis supplied).
The Papacy would exalt the Pope of Rome as God on earth. Protestant churches would later claim that their tribunals would be the Voice of God to the people. This assumption by man is the Mystery of Iniquity!
"Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts," Ellen White prophecied. "This is the mystery of iniquity, the devising of satanic agencies, carried into effect by the man of sin." ("The Final Test of God's People," Signs of the Times, February 22, 1910, emphasis supplied).
Now, for the Papacy and Protestant tribunals to make a valid claim to the authority that belongs only to God, they must first establish that the "opposit" of the mystery of iniquity did not take place. They must establish that Jesus, the Son of God, did not really become a man like as we are! This assumption by the Church tribunals of man, however, flies directly in the face of Scripture.
"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh," the apostle Paul wrote, "God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8:3, emphasis supplied).
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For both he that sanctifieth [Jesus] and they who are sanctified [man] are all of one [flesh]: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, forasmuch then as the children [mankind] are partakers of flesh and blood, he [Jesus] also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; For verily he [Jesus] took not on him the nature of angels; but he [Jesus] took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him [Jesus] to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:9, 11, 14, 16-18, emphasis supplied).
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities," Paul concluded, "but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, emphasis supplied).
This false teaching of the "mystery of iniquity" also involves the heretical doctrine of the Nicholaitans. The false doctrine that Jesus did not come in fallen human nature, such as we have, makes Christ our substatute only, without Christ being our example. Justifacation without Sanctification is a false doctrine of the Nicolaitans and is also a portion of "the myatery of iniquity.". Then the "new theology" Christian would simply say, "I am saved! Christ is my substatute, not only for my past sins, but also for the sins I am planning on commiting tomorrow!" Can you not see, dear reader, that there is no victory in this false doctrine?
"The doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of Christ has made the law of God of no effect; that by 'believing' we are released from the necessity of being doers of the word," Ellen White wrote. "But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ so unsparingly condemned." (Signs of the Times, January 2, 1912; See also, 7BC, page 957, emphasis supplied).
Those who are teaching this doctrine today have much to say in regards to the faith and the righteousness of Christ; but they prevert the truth and make it serve the cause of error. They declare that we have only to believe on Jesus Christ, and that faith is all sufficent; that the righteousness of Christ is to be the sinner's credentials; that this imputed righteousness fulfills the law for us, and that we are under no obligation to obey the law of God. This class claim that Christ came to save sinners, and that He has saved them. "I am saved," they will repeat over and over again. But are they saved while transgressing the law of Jehovah? No; for the garments of Christ's righteousness are not a cloak for iniquity: such teaching is a gross deception, and Christ becomes to these persons a stumbling block as he did to the Jews, to the Jews because they would not receive Him as their personal Saviour; to these professed believers in Christ, because they separate Christ and the law, and regard faith as a substitute for obedience. They separate the Father and the Son, the Saviour of the word. Virtually they teach, both by perception and example, that Christ, by His death, saves men in their transgressions. (ibid., Signs of the Times, February 25, 1897, emphasis supplied).
Men may talk of freedom, of gospel liberty. They may assert that they are not in bondage to the law. But the influence of the gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon the salvation of Christ as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in transgression of the law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind, and he fully understands the requirements of God, and realizes the extent of his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the strength obtained from his Saviour, and lead a new and purer life. "Whosoever abideth in Him," says John, "sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him." (ibid., Signs of the Times, February 25, 1897, emphasis supplied).
1. The contemporary Seventh-day Adventists Church teaches that Jesus did not become a man like unto His brethren.
Although born in the flesh, He was nevertheless God , and was exempt from the inherited passions and pollutions that corrupt the natural descendants of Adam. (Questions on Doctrine, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1957 (page 383, emphasis supplied).
He [Jesus] was like Adam before his fall.... (Leroy Edwin Froom, Movement of Destiny, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1971, page 428, emphasis supplied).
2. The General Conference, while in session, considers itself to be the Voice of God to the peop!e.
"The General Conference, while in session," William Johnsson stated, "is the voice of God on earth to Seventh-day Adventists." (William G. Johnnson, Editor, Adventist Review, quoted on the John Ankerberg television program, CBN, 1984, emphasis supplied).
The voice of God to the people? How does the Spirit of Prophecy respond to this papal assumption?
The people have lost confidence in those who have the management of the work. Yet we hear that the voice of the Conference is the voice of God. Every time I have heard this, I have thought it was almost blasphemy. The voice of the conference ought to be the voice of God, but it is not, because some in connection with it are not men of faith and prayer, they are not men of elevated principle. There is not a seeking of God with the whole heart. . .. (Ellen G. White, Manuscript 37, 1901, page 8; Manuscript Release 365, emphasis supplied).
"We are not to turn from One Mighty in counsel to ask guidence of men," Ellen White counseled. "Let those who are inclined to do this read and recieve the Bible as the word of God to them. The Bible is the voice of God to His people." (Review and Herald, Vol. 5, p. 224, emphasis supplied).
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet," Jesus warned, "stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand." (Matthew 24:15, emphasis supplied).
"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh," Jesus warned. "And they [the Jews] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations [a.d. 70]: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles [nations], until the times of the Gentiles [nations] be fulfilled." (Luke 21:20, 24) (emphasis supplied).
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations [Gentiles]," Jesus said, "and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14).
"And then shall that Wicked [Satan] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming," the apostle Paul prophesied. "Even him [Jesus], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause [reason] God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Let not those who have the truth as it is in Jesus give sanction, even by their silence, to the work of the mystery of iniquity. Let them never cease to sound the note of alarm. Let the education and training of the members of our churches be such that the children and youth among us shall understand there are to be no concessions to this power, the man of sin [papacy]. Teach them that although the time will come when we can wage the war only at the risk of property and liberty, yet the conflict must be met, in the spirit and meekness of Christ; the truth is to be maintained and advocated as it is in Jesus. Wealth, honor, comfort, home -- everything else -- is to be a secondary consideration. The truth must not be hid, it must not be denied or disguised, but fully avowed, and boldly proclaimed. (Ellen G. White, "No Concessions to the Mystery of Iniquity," Selected Messages, Book 2, pages 369, 370, emphasis supplied).
Those who engage in the solemn work of bearing the third angel's message, must move out decidedly, and in the Spirit and power of God, fearlessly preach the truth, and let it cut. They should elevate the standard of truth, and urge the people to come up to it . It has been lowered down to meet the people in their condition of darkness and sin. It is the pointed testimony that will bring up the people to decide. A peaceful testimony will not do this. The people have the privilege of listening to this kind of teaching from the pulpits of the day. But God has servants to whom he has entrusted a solemn, fearful message, to bring out and fit up a people for the coming of Christ. There is as great a difference in our faith and that of nominal professors, as the heavens are higher than the earth. (Spiritual Gifts. Vol. 2, pages 299, 300, emphasis supplied).
"God has committed to us the special truths for this time to make known to the world," Ellen White reminded. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 236).
In these last hours, "God has given to us," Seventh-day Adventists "the special truths for this time to make known to the world." He has not given this message to the Sunday-keeping churches of Babylon. Our commission is to call the people out of Babylon, not to join hands with Babylon! We are not to please the churches of the world by emphasizing doctrines SDA leadership alleges we hold in common with them.
"The world is against us, the popular churches are against us," Ellen White stated, "the laws of the land will soon be against us." (ibid., 5T, p. 236, emphasis supplied).
How can we "recognize" the "popular churches" that are "against us" as being "a part of the divine plan for the evangelization of the world?" Notice also that the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church holds "in high esteem the Christian men and women" who teach the false doctrines of the Protestant churches, the churches that the Scripture calls the harlot daughters of Babylon.
"God has presented to me the dangers that are threatening those who have been given the sacred work of proclaiming the third angel's message," Ellen White warned. "They are to remember that this message is of the utmost consequence to the whole world. They need to search the Scriptures diligently, that they may learn how to guard against the mystery of iniquity, which plays so large a part in the closing scenes of this earth's history." ("Comment on Revelation 14," Seventh-day.Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, page 980, emphasis supplied).
The Lord presented to Ellen White that in the closing work we should search the Scriptures daily and "guard against the mystery of iniquity," because the mystery of inquity "plays so large a part in the closing scenes of this earth's history." In order to guard against the mystery of inquity we must be ever vigilant to recgonize the "mystery of inquity" whenever and wherever it appears. May the Lord of the remnant help us.