Our Sins Purchased.

The Churches of Galatia

Galatia was a province in Asia Minor, so called from the fact that it was inhabited by Gauls,--people who came from the country now known as France. They settled in the territory which took its name from them (Gaul-atia--Galatia), in the third century before Christ. They were, of course, pagans, their religion being quite similar to that of the Druids, of Britain. Paul was the one who first preached Christianity to them, as we read in Acts 16:6; 18:23. The country of Galatia also included Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, which were visited by Paul, with Barnabas, on his first missionary journey. Acts 14.

Act 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 

Act 18:23  And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. 

Act 14:1  And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 

Act 14:2  But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 

Act 14:3  Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

Act 14:4  But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

Act 14:5  And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 

Act 14:6  They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 

Act 14:7  And there they preached the gospel. 

Act 14:8  And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 

Act 14:9  The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 

Act 14:10  Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 

Act 14:11  And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 

Act 14:12  And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 

Act 14:13  Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 

Act 14:14  Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 

Act 14:15  And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 

Act 14:16  Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 

Act 14:17  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 

Act 14:18  And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 

Act 14:19  And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 

Act 14:20  Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 

Act 14:21  And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 

Act 14:23  And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria

Act 14:24  And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 

Act 14:25  And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 

Act 14:26  And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 

Act 14:27  And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 

Act 14:28  And there they abode long time with the disciples. 

Grace and Peace Be to You

This is the word of the Lord, let it be remembered, and therefore means more than man's word. The Lord does not deal in empty compliments. His word is substantial; it carries with it the thing which it names. God's word creates, and here we have the very form of the creative word. 15 God said, "Let there be light; and there was light," and so on through the whole creation, "He spake, and it was." So here, "Let there be grace and peace to you," and so it is. "The grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Titus 2:11. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. "Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord." Is.57:19. God has sent grace and peace, bringing righteousness and salvation to all men-even to you, whoever you are, and to me. When you read this third verse of the first chapter of Galatians, do not read it as a sort of complimentary phrase,--as a mere passing salutation to open the real matter at hand,--but as the creative word that brings to you personally all the blessings of the peace of God, that passeth all understanding. It is to us the same word that Jesus spoke to the woman: "Thy sins are forgiven." "Go in peace." Luke 7:48-50. Peace is given to you; therefore, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." 

Gal 1:3  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 

The Gift of Christ

This grace and peace come from Christ, "who gave Himself for our sins." "Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Eph.4:7. But this grace is "the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2Tim.2:1. Therefore we know that Christ Himself is given to every one of us. The fact that men live is an evidence that Christ has been given to them, for Christ is "the life," and the life is the light of men, and this life-light "lighteth every man that cometh into the world." 16 John 1:4,9; 14:6.

Joh 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

Joh 1:9  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

In Christ all things consist (Col.1:17),

Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 

and thus it is that since God "spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all," He can not do otherwise than, with Him, freely "give us all things." Rom.8:32.

Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 "His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2Pet.1:3. The whole universe is given to us in Christ, and the fullness of the power that is in it is ours for the overcoming of sin. God counts each soul of as much value as all creation. Christ has, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man (Heb.2:9),

Heb 2:9  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. 

so that every man in the world has received the "unspeakable gift" (2Cor.9:15).

2Co 9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 

"The grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many," even to all; for "as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Rom.5:15,18. 

Christ Not Divided

The question is asked, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you?" (1Cor.1:13), the answer obviously being in the negative. In that Christ is given to every man, each person gets the whole of Him. The love of God embraces the whole world, but it also singles out each individual. A mother's love is not divided up among her children, so that each one receives only a third, a fourth, or a fifth of it; each one is the object of all her affection. How much more so with the God whose love is more perfect than any mother's, and who Himself is love! 17 Is.49:15.

Isa 49:15  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. 

Christ is the light of the world, the Sun of Righteousness. But light is not divided among a crowd of people. If a room full of people be brilliantly lighted, each individual gets the benefit of all the light, just as much as though he were alone in the room. So the life of Christ lights every man that comes into the world, and in every believing heart Christ dwells in all His fullness. Sow a seed in the ground, and you get many seeds, each one having as much life as the one sown. So Christ, the true Seed, whence everything of worth comes, gives to all the whole of His life. 

Our Sins Purchased

Christ "gave Himself for our sins."

Gal_1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father

That is to say, He bought them, and paid the price for them. This is a simple statement of fact; the language used is that commonly employed in referring to purchases. "How much did you give for it?" or, "How much do you want for it?" are frequent questions. When we hear a man say that he gave so much for a certain thing, what do we at once know?--We know that that thing belongs to him, because he has bought it. So when the Holy Spirit tells us that Christ gave Himself for our sins, of what should we be equally sure?--That He has bought our sins, and that they belong to Him, and not to us. They are ours no longer, and we have no right to them. Every time we sin we are robbing the Lord, for we must remember that Christ has purchased not merely the specific acts of sin that we have committed, and that are in the past, but the sins that are in us, and which break forth. In this faith there is righteousness. 

He Has Bought Us, Too

This follows from the fact that He has purchased our sins, to deliver us from ourselves. Our sins are part of ourselves; nay, they are the whole of us, for our natural lives are nothing but sin. Therefore, Christ could not buy our sins without buying us also. Of this fact we have many plain statements. He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." Titus 2:14. "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price." 1Cor.6:19. "Ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ." 1Pet.1:18,19, R.V. 

"Accepted in the Beloved."

How often the Gospel worker hears some one say, "I am so sinful that I am afraid the Lord will not accept me;" and even people who have long professed to be Christians, often mournfully wish that they could be sure of their acceptance with God. Now the Lord has given no ground for any such doubts. The question of acceptance is forever settled by what we have just read. Christ has bought us, together with all our sins, and has paid the price. That shows that He has accepted us. Why does a man go to the shop and buy an article?--Because he wants it. If he has paid the price for it, having examined it so as to know what he was buying, does the merchant worry lest he will not accept it?--Not at all; the merchant knows that it is his business to get 19 the goods to the purchaser as soon as possible. If he does not deliver the goods to the purchaser, he is guilty of fraud. The buyer will not indifferently say, "Well, I have done my part, and if he doesn't care to do his, he need not--that's all; he may keep the things if he wants to." No; he will visit the shop, and say, "Why have you not given me what belongs to me?" He will take vigorous measures to come into possession of his property. Even so it is not a matter of indifference to Jesus whether we surrender ourselves to Him or not. He longs with an infinite yearning for the souls that He has purchased with His own blood. "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10. God has "chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world," and so "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph.1:4-6. 

The Glad Tidings

By E. J. WAGGONER

(Excerpt-  To be continued)

*******

1978 Jan -- XI -- 1(78) -- THE SHAKING OF ADVENTISM -- This is the title of a book, written by Geoffrey J. Paxton, and published by Zenith Publishers, Inc., of Wilmington, Delaware. Paxton in his preface indicates that       "this book had its first form in a thesis presented to the Department of Studies in Religion within the University of Queensland, Australia."  (p. 7)        He claims that the book       "approaches Adventism from a perspective which has not been adopted before"        seeking       " 'to get inside the skin' of the Adventist and look at his movement from that vantage point." (Ibid.)

After reading this book, I was impressed with one fact. It is an ill disguised attempt to justify the theological switch that Brinsmead made after his first decade of preaching and writing; and to place Brinsmead in the forefront of the "new look" in Adventism which is presently being advocated by Dr. Desmond Ford, formerly of Avondale College, and now of Pacific Union College. The last three chapters of a seven chapter book, Paxton places Brinsmead in #1 prominence in the theological history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the period from 1950 to the present. In the section noting "The Ford-Brinsmead Mateship" (pp. 128-135), Paxton indicates that while evidence will not support the conclusion "that Ford became a follower of Brinsmead's theology", nevertheless it can be said "that Brinsmead's rediscovery of the Reformation gospel and its articulation in Present Truth magazine gave Ford's perspective a sharpness which it hitherto lacked."

A pivotal date for Paxton is 1970. He writes:       Prior to 1970, Adventism's view of the gospel was a synthesis of Protestant and Roman Catholic elements. It was this synthesis which bound all Adventist theologians together in their articulation of the gospel. The synthesis was to be found even in those theologians who stood closer to the Reformation perspective (e.g., Heppenstall, Ford, and LaRondelle). (p. 135)

Since 1970, Brinsmead has never ceased to stress the all-sufficiency of justification and to deliver attacks on anything that would in any way downgrade this article of the Christian faith. For both Brinsmead and Ford, the centrality of justification lies at the heart of the gospel of Paul and the Reformers. (p. 137)

Then in a footnote, Paxton claims       "that Heppenstall is the forerunner of the Ford-Brinsmead theology,"        and chides LaRondelle that       "if he is consistent with himself at his best [his doctoral dissertation], must also come out on the side of Reformation theology." (p. 136)

If the above appraisal of the book is on target, then we can look for one, and possibly two things to happen. Brinsmead will again be restored to fellowship in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good and regular standing, for how can Ford be

p 2 -- retained as a professor of religion in one of the church's major colleges, and Brinsmead, kept out of the same Church. Secondly, Paxton will become a Seventh-day Adventist in name accepting the "new look" theology as he has defined it in his book. In other words, Paxton has written his own "Baptismal Vows" by which he will seek to become a member of the Church.   1

We are indebted to this book for defining clearly what the doctrinal issues are within the Church at the present time. Paxton states - "From Brinsmead's writings it is supremely evident that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is that which casts out any notion of perfection in this life." (p. 145) Compare this with the statement - "Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully." (Early Writings, p. 71) In the area of Christology, Paxton affirms that beginning in the 1950's,"Froom thought it was time for Adventism to move forward again by an uninhabited confession of Christ's, sinless human nature and finished atonement." (p. 97) In this he was joined by R. Allan Anderson and W. E. Read, whom Paxton lists as co-authors with Froom of the book, Questions on Doctrine. (p. 88) Thus there are three decisive areas that separate the "new look" in Adventism from the historic faith committed to us by God in 1844, and again renewed and emphasized in 1888 - the Incarnation, the Atonement, and the Perfection of the Saints.

Paxton in writing this book indulges in the "smear technique". Any presentation of the good news of God to fallen man that does not coincide with his definition of the Reformation theology in regard to justification by faith is called either Roman Catholic teaching, or Council of Trent theology or both.   2    He also seeks to smear the messages of Jones and Waggoner as of 1891 and after as possessing the nucleus of "pantheism." (p. 66)

The most serious indictment of the book concerns Paxton's scholarship and ability to be honest with his sources. In two examples which we will cite, he has either distorted his source material, or quoted it out of context. Since he claims this book had its first form in a thesis presented to the Department of Studies in Religion at the University of Queensland, if this thesis contained the same distortion of sources, then the integrity of the research produced under the guidance of the graduate schools of the University is open to serious question. Paxton's whole thesis rises or falls on the concept whether or not the Adventist considers himself "a [spiritual] son of Luther and Calvin." Paxton so contends. He writes:       The Adventist views himself as standing in the line of the Protestant Reformation. He regards himself as Protestant in the truest sense of the word. Where other Christians would not claim to stand in the line of the sixteenth-century Reformers, the Adventist is in no doubt about it. He is a son of Luther and Calvin.(p. 18)

The whole of the book which follows seeks to judge all that has been said or written by Adventist authors according to this premise. He further narrows the area of judgment to one single doctrine - justification by faith - which he defines, quoting Luther,       "we are pronounced righteous and are saved solely by faith in Christ, and without works." (p. 37)

To support this criteria, he quotes from what he states to be "the prestigious testimony" of Mrs. Ellen G. White. But he fails to quote the whole. We shall quote the

p 3 -- reference as Paxton quotes it, and then the reference in full context, the omitted parts underscored. Paxton stated:       A frequent theme in Adventist writing and speaking is that of forwarding the Reformation. Mrs. White speaks of this as follows: "The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world's history. Luther had a great work to do ... ." (p. 19)

(Note he ceased his quotes in middle of a sentence, and placed a period where no period existed.) The full quotation reads:       The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world's history. Luther had a great work to do in reflecting to others the light which God permitted to shine upon him; yet he did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From that time to this, new light has been continually shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have been constantly unfolding.(Great Controversy, pp. 148-149)

If Paxton had been honest with truth, and had quoted this reference in full, he could not have proceeded another word forward in his book, or thesis, for this quote in full, alone, destroys his entire basis for judgment of Adventism, and the criteria which he used.

Yes, we stand "in the line of the Protestant Reformation." We believe that "the great doctrine of justification by faith" was clearly taught by Luther, (ibid., p. 253) but we also believe with John Robinson, as stated in his Farewell to the Pilgrims sailing for the New World -       "Luther and Calvin were great and shining lights in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God." (Bancroft, History of the United States, Vol. I, p. 205; See also, Great Controversy, p. 292)

The second misuse of the writings of Ellen G. White was in connection with the 1888 message, and his use of the Spirit of Prophecy to summarize it. We shall again quote Paxton as Paxton quotes, and then give in full the source. First Paxton:       ... justification by faith is ... the third angel's message in verity ... . As yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. (p. 67)

Now as Sister White wrote it in full:       Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity." The prophet declares, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Brightness, glory, and power are to be connected with the third angel's message, and conviction will follow where ever it is preached in demonstration of the Spirit. How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God? As yet, we 

certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. (Review & Herald, April 1, 1890)

p 4 -- This deceptive use of sources casts a shadow over all that is written in the book, and raises serious questions as to the motive Paxton had in writing this thesis. Other errors of a historical nature also appear in the book, for example in a foot note, Paxton affirms - "The human nature of Christ and the atonement were matters left unsettled in 1888." (p. 89) Jones's presentations during the 1890's and Wag goner's book, Christ and His Righteousness leave little doubt as to the stand taken by the Lord's messengers on the doctrine of the Incarnation. The book, Desire of Ages, copyrighted in 1898, leaves no doubt on the nature of the Incarnation. Pre-publication drafts of this book were quoted from by Jones in his presentations at the General Conference Session, 1895.

The time has come for us to take a good hard look at the truth committed to us by God in the 1844 Movement. This we shall attempt to do in the thought papers for 1978.

_________

1 -- Usually reliable sources have indicated that Brinsmead is already or in the process of becoming a member of the Church again in good and regular standing. This source further indicates that Paxton "is now keeping the sabbath " and "has accepted the health message and nature of man."

2 -- "'Seventh-day Adventists claim to be the special 'remnant-heirs' of the Reformers. Notwithstanding this, in the period of 1844-1950 the fundamental theology of the Adventist gospel sometimes has more affinity with the Roman Catholic Council of Trent than with the Protestant Reformers," (Paxton, p. 77)

_____________

THE FULL NEWS RELEASE -- In the December issue, we reported on another first for the Seventh-day Adventist church in 1977. This was based on a Religious News Service report released May 19, 1977, in their Foreign Service section. We have since secured the full text of this release, and reproduce it here for you with comments. Our comments will be bracketed, and in different type.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) -- Pope Paul, receiving participants of the Conference of Secretaries of World Confessional Families, urged unceasing pursuit of the goal of "full unity in Christ and in the Church" despite "all obstacles." 

"It is a joy for us to receive such an important group and to welcome you to the See of Peter," said the Pope. "In you we greet representatives of a considerable portion of Christian people and through you we send our greetings of grace and peace in the Lord to your confessional families."

[The Pope here recognizes the full import and significance of a "corporate" entity.

p 5 -- He was saying that through the representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, there present, he was receiving every Seventh-day Adventist, and via that representative, he was sending greetings of grace and peace to each. Thus every member of the Church received a greeting from the Pope, scripturally, "the man of sin" - the antichrist! AND, not only that, every member of the church gave through their representative a gold plated medallion to the Pope! See next article.]

The Conference, a grouping of Anglican, Protestant, Orthodox, Old Catholic, and other Christian church bodies, which was formed in 1957, met in Rome (May 16-18) for the first time. 

The Vatican Secretariat for Christian Unity and the Seventh-day Adventists became regular participants in the Conference in 1968.

[In 1967 - the year that Luke 21:24 was fulfilled - the General Conference Committee approved the appointment of Dr. Earle Hilgert, then professor of New Testament at Andrews University to be our representative on the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. We are presently represented by Dr. Raoul F. Dederen of Andrews. This now reveals that the very next year, we with the Secretariat for Christian Unity from the Vatican Curia joined the World Confessional Families. For more on the significance of these events in the light of Luke 21:24, the Adventist Laymen's Foundation published a monograph - The Times of the Gentiles Fulfilled. May be requested through Adventist Laymen's Foundation, P.O. Box 69, Ozone AR 72854 with $1 for postage.]    (((https://alfiowa.com/store/))))

"We are pleased," Pope Paul told the Conference participants, "to give expression in your presence to our common faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the one mediator with the Father, the Saviour of the world. Yes, brothers, with the Apostle Peter we proclaim that there is salvation in none else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

{Compare these utterances of the Pope with the statement of the sainted doctor of the Catholic Church - Alphonsus Maria de Liguori - who wrote:       " ... all graces are dispensed by Mary, and that all who are saved are saved by the means of this Divine Mother. It is a necessary consequence that the salvation of all depends upon preaching Mary, and exciting all to confidence in her intercession." The Glories of Mary, p. 8.       The imprimatur of Nicholas Cardinal Wiseman, Archbishop of Westminister is affixed. And incidentally, this is transcribed from a photocopy of the book which is in the General Conference Library, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.

Well do we need to consider the words of Great Controversy:       The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. (2 Thess. 2:3-4) It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon, she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. "Faith ought not to be kept with heretics, nor persons suspected of heresy," she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ?

p 6 -- As the Protestant churches [Is the Seventh-day Adventist church exempt?] have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil; and as the inevitable result, they will finally believe evil of all good. Instead of standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, they are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their bigotry. (pp. 571, 572.)

In the light of this warning from the servant of the Lord, how can we then bestow upon the Pope a gold plated medallion thus honoring a record stained in the blood of saints for a thousand years!}

The pontiff went on to remark that        "on her part,"       the Catholic Church is solemnly committed by the Second Vatican Council to        "an ecumenism based on increased fidelity to Christ the Lord and on conversion of hearts. At the same time she realizes that nothing is so foreign to ecumenism as a false conciliatory approach. Strengthened by the power of God's work,"       he urged,        "Let us then, despite all obstacles, pursue the goal of full unity in Christ and in the Church ... " 

Later, in Vatican Radio interviews, two officers of the Conference of Secretaries of World Confessional Families, expressed satisfaction with the Rome meeting. 

Bishop John Howe, secretary of the Anglican Consultative Council, who is president of the Conference, said it had been        "a satisfactory meeting"       because        "we had secretaries here from the world organizations of nearly all the Churches including the (Vatican) Secretariat for Unity."       "It was a brotherly discussion,"       said the Anglican prelate,        "and we have been able to decide how we shall work together more with the World Council of Churches in understanding the ecumenical role that all of us have." 

Dr. Bert Beach, the Conference secretary, who is secretary of the Northern Europe-West Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, noted that the audience with Pope Paul marked the first time in history that the Seventh-day Adventist Church, through an official representative, had met with a Roman pontiff. Dr. Beach also said it had been "a pleasure" to be able to attend the Conference meeting in Rome, and that the meeting had provided "a good opportunity" for reflecting on "the work that has been accomplished" by the Conference since its founding. (pp. 9-10)

[A question still to be answered: - Who paid for Dr. B. B. Beach's trip to this meeting in Rome, as Italy is outside of the territory of the Northern Europe-West Africa Division? For more questions, see next article.]

" Truth is violated by falsehood,

but it is outraged by silence "

Henri Frederic Amiel

p 7 -- A VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS TO THE CHURCH -- In the August 11, 1977, Review(p. 23), Elder W. Duncan Eva, a vice president of the Church, reported on the meeting of Dr. B. B. Beach with the Pope. He wrote:       In connection with a recent consultative meeting of secretaries of World Confessional Families held in Rome, B. B. Beach, secretary of the Northern Europe-West Africa Division, one of the 15 participants and the only Adventist in the group, presented a book and a medallion to Pope Paul VI on May 18.

The book presented was Faith in Action and the "gold covered" medallion was a symbol of the Seventh-day Adventist Church." The fact that this medallion had inscribed the words - "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" - does not alter the fact that the Church through an official representative has presented a gift of gold to the antichrist! This is in reality not a "distinctive" message to the Pope for in the Catholic catechisms it is taught - "Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day." (A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, No. 2, p. 50) The distinctiveness of the Sabbath commandment is - "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Exodus 20:10.

Elder Eva concluded his report with this paragraph:       The Conference of World Confessional Families usually meets once a year. It is not an organization, but an informal, unstructured forum for consultation and the exchange of useful information.

Now you can go back to sleep again on your comfortable pew. It wasn't so bad after all, just a consultative, unstructured forum - BUT, wait, before you finally doze off in that Laodicean slumber, recall that the President of the (non-organized?) World Confessional Families in that Vatican Radio interview along with Dr. Beach stated that as a result of this meeting in Rome, that they had been able to decide "how we shall work together more with the World Council of Churches in understanding the ecumenical role that all of us have."

After reading this Review article, we sent the following letter to Elder Eva dated November 20, 1977:

Dear Elder Eva; 

Yesterday, while pursuing through recent past issues of the Review to get up to date, I observed a news item article on p. 23 of the August 11, issue, written by you.

I would appreciate some further information regarding the medallion struck which was given to Pope Paul. Was this a single issue of the medallion, or can other such medallions be obtained? What karat weight was the gold used in plating the medallion? Could you give me the over-all cost of the designing, casting, and production of this gift? 

Also, I am interested in what committee authorized this gift, and who was

p 8 -- responsible for defraying this expenditure? Religious News Service quotes Dr. B. B. Beach as stating that this "audience with the Pope marked the first time in history that the Seventh-day Adventist Church, through an official representative, had met with a Roman pontiff." (May 19, 1977) Would you care to comment on the accuracy of this report?

Looking forward to your reply, I remain, 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed Wm. H. Grotheer) 

The secretary to Elder Eva Mrs. Monica Norman replied acknowledging the letter and stated:

Elder Grotheer: 

This is just a little note to thank you for your letter of November 20 to Elder Eva regarding the news item in the Review of August 11.

Elder Eva is away from the office until the end of December and as we do not have any information apart from what the article tells you, I am sorry we will not be able to help you until Elder Eva returns.

Since this "thought paper" will be in the mails before Elder Eva will have time to reply, we shall give you what information we receive, when we do receive it. It will remain, "Unfinished Business."

ANOTHER PRIEST IN AN ADVENTIST PULPIT -- The Times Record (Brunswick, ME) for November 18, 1977 has a picture of members of the Brunswick Area Church Council planning for the Union Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 20, at 4 p. m. in the Brunswick Seventh-day Adventist Church. One member pictured is Elder Erling Odell, chaplain of the Adventist Parkview Memorial Hospital. He is vice president of the Council, and a member of the committee which plans ecumenical services for the area.

A special bulletin for this service noted Father Emile Guilmette as the one who gave the sermon. In telling of this service, the church's newsletter, The Lamplighter, for November, stated:       The committee (Special Services Committee of the Brunswick Area Church Council) has invited various people of the community to participate in the event. The guest speaker is to be Rev. Fr. Emil Guilmette, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick. In remarks to Chaplain Erling Odell at a recent church council meeting, Pastor Guilmette said he felt it a great honor to have been

p 9 -- invited to speak at our church, and that he would give much prayerful study to the preparation of an appropriate message. Father Guilmette recently returned from Rome where he attended an important meeting of Roman Catholic leaders. He will make reference to this meeting in his address, which should be of considerable interest to our Adventist members. (p. 3)

The church newsletter also noted the Pastor - Elder Jamile Jacobs - "expressed pleasure" in accepting the request of the Church Council for the services to be held in the Seventh-day Adventist Church at which the priest was the guest speaker.

An interesting aspect of this meeting was that it was held on Sunday - not Thursday, the traditional day - and in the Adventist Church. Well did the servant of the Lord state:       The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands, and conformed to worldly customs, will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. (5 Testimonies p. 81)

FILL-IN FOR YOUR INFORMATION -- In the December issue of Watchman, What of the Night? we brought you information in regard to Billy Graham's Crusade in Hungary. The Voice of Prophecy News (November, 1977) showed a picture described as "a Hungarian National treasure" which was presented to Graham by Sandor Palotay, a Seventh-day Adventist serving as president of the Council of Free Churches in Hungary. Since that write-up we have received further information as to the Council of Free Churches in Hungary and Palotay. Under dateline, Budapest, Hungary, the Southern Tidings (September, 1977) reported that Sandor Polatai "extended the invitation to Graham while in the United States for a General Council meeting of the Baptist World Alliance." (p. 9) The Week in Religion a publication of Religious News Service noted that "Mr. Graham's visit ... was sponsored by the Council of Free Churches, an alliance of Baptist, Pentecostal , Methodist, Seventh-day Adventist, and other denominations." (Oct. 14, 1977, p. 1) Put this all together if you can, I can't!

"Watchman, What of the Night? " Thought Paper.  Adventist Laymen's Foundation.  (Excerpt) Jan 1978