Contradictory Statements

Submitted by visitors to this web site

 

Israel forever rejected? Or not?

Jan. 2019, via e-mail from Brian, Canada

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 107 Sabbath School Worker, April 1, 1889, par. 8 Acts of the Apostles, pp. 355-356
I saw that God has forsaken the Jews as a nation...as a nation they are forever forsaken of God. ...the Scriptural record of the history of Israel, a nation so highly favored of the Lord...and the sad results are pictured before us in a nation rejected of God. Even though Israel rejected His Son, God did not reject them. ... Through unbelief and the rejection of Heaven’s purpose for her, Israel as a nation had lost her connection with God. ... Israel had stumbled and fallen, but this did not make it impossible for them to rise again.

 

Who said "Do not Touch"?

Oct. 2009, via e-mail from Tom Swift

Did God tell Eve not to touch the fruit? Or did she make up the statement on her own? Both these can't be true!

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4A (1864), p. 120 Review and Herald, Feb. 24, 1874
I inquired the cause of this wonderful degeneracy, and was pointed back to Eden. The beautiful Eve was beguiled by the serpent to eat of the fruit of the only tree of which God had forbidden them to eat, or even touch it lest they die. Eve had overstated the words of God's command. He had said to Adam and Eve, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." In Eve's controversy with the serpent, she added the clause, "Neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

 

Peter or Paul?

Sep. 2009, via e-mail from anonymous

Ellen White: "'The love of Christ constraineth us,' the apostle Peter declared." (Review and Herald, Oct. 30, 1913)

Sorry, but Paul wrote that: "For the love of Christ constraineth us..." (2 Cor. 5:14)

 

Changes Meaning of John 16:26!

Dec., 2008, via e-mail from George Hill, USA

Ellen G. White John 16:26
At the very first expression of penitence, Christ presents the humble suppliant's petition before the throne as his own desire in the sinner's behalf. He says, "I will pray the Father for you."
{Youth Instructor, Jan. 16, 1896 par. 4; see also Review and Herald, May 18, 1876 par. 38}
KJV: At that day ye shall ask in my name, and I say NOT unto you, that I will pray the Father for you."

ESV: "In that day you will ask in my name, and I DO NOT SAY to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf."

NLT2: "Then you will ask in my name. I'M NOT SAYING I will ask the Father on your behalf."

I will pray, and I will not pray is a major difference!

 

Contradicts Her Own Son, in the Same Book!

Sep., 2006, via e-mail from Angela Wingerman, USA

Ellen G. White said she did not use the words of others to describe what God had shown her in vision Willie C. White said his mother found pleasure in using words of others to describe what God had shown her in vision
"Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing out my views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in what I have seen are my own, unless they be spoken to me by an angel, which I always enclose in marks of quotation." (Ellen G. White, "Review and Herald" October 8, 1867; Selected Messages Book 3, p. 49) "She admired the language in which other writers had presented to their readers the scenes which God had presented to her in vision, and she found it both a pleasure, and a convenience and an economy of time to use their language fully or in part in presenting those things which she knew through revelation, and which she wished to pass on to her readers." (Willie C. White, Selected Messages Book 3, par. 460, Appendix C)
 

Another Bible Contradiction!

May, 2006, via e-mail from Tom Swift, USA

You tell me! Am I crazy? Or is Ellen White adding words to and changing what God said?

The Original True Word of God Ellen White's Modification to God's Word
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. (Gen. 9:1-3) "God gave man no permission to eat animal food until after the flood. Everything had been destroyed upon which man could subsist, and therefore the Lord in their necessity gave Noah permission to eat of the clean animals which he had taken with him into the ark." (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 373)

Can it be any more obvious? God didn't just say it once. He said it twice! He said every "thing that liveth" and then He added, "all things." One question: Are unclean animals alive? If yes, then Ellen White added words to God's word which proves she was a liar:

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Prov. 30:6)

 

White Contradicts Her Own Testimony on X-rays!

December, 2005, via e-mail from Tom Swift, USA

Get this, on June 17, 1906, she warned Adventists not to get X-ray treatments:

"I have been instructed that the X-ray is not the great blessing that some suppose it to be. If used unwisely, it may do much harm. The results of some of the electrical treatments are similar to the results of using stimulants. There is a weakness that follows." ("Testimonies and Experiences Connected With The Loma Linda Sanitarium", p. 19, Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 390)

Then, five years later, she turns around and gets X-ray treatments herself at Loma Linda!

"For several weeks I took treatment with the X-ray for the black spot that was on my forehead. In all I took twenty-three treatments, and these succeeded in entirely removing the mark. For this I am very grateful." (Letter 30, 1911, to her son J. E. White, Selected Messages Book 2, p. 303)

I guess whoever "instructed" her did not make much of an impression on her!

 

White Contradicts Genesis 14

October, 2005, via e-mail from Eduardo Martínez, Spain

In Genesis 14 it is clearly indicated that there were two sets of military alliances involved. First of all, we have four invaders, namely,

"Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim" (verse 1; cf. verse 9), Kedorlaomer being the leader.

On the other hand, we have five local kings of the land of Canaan, namely,

"Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)" (verse 2; cf. verse 8, where only the towns are mentioned).

The Bible explicitly summarizes the number of allies for us as "four kings against five" (verse 9), the four being foreign, and the five being local. It is obvious that Kedorlaomer had three allies. And yet, Patriarchs and Prophets says:

"Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan fourteen years before, and made it tributary to him. Several of the princes now revolted, and the Elamite king, with four allies, again marched into the country to reduce them to submission." PP 134 (emphasis supplied)

 

Are Eggs Hindering Parents' Prayers?"

April, 2005, via e-mail from Angela Wingerman, USA

1870--EGW said God would not answer the prayers of parents who fed eggs to their corrupt, unruly, evil children:

"You should be teaching your children. You should be instructing them how to shun the vices and corruption's of this age. Instead of this, many are studying how to get something good to eat. You place upon your tables butter, eggs, and meat and then your children partake of them. They are fed with the very things that will excite their animal passions, and then you come to meeting and ask God to bless and save your children., How high do your prayers go? You have a work to do first. When you have done all for your children which God has left you to do then you can with confidence claim the special help that God has promised to you. You should be studying temperance in all things. You must study in what you eat and in what you drink. And yet you say: 'It is nobody's business what I eat or what I drink, or what I place upon my table.' It is somebody's business, unless you take your children and shut them up, or go into the wilderness where they will not be a burden to others, and where your unruly, vicious children will not corrupt the society in which they mingle." (Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 362)

1897--Twenty seven years after Ellen G. White told parents not to feed eggs to their corrupt, unruly children, she had this amazing dream showing raw eggs in wine as nourishing food:

"I dreamed of having the care of a child that was weak, and seemed unable to rally. I thought the same physician stood by the cradle, and said, 'Have you any wine in the house? Beat up a raw egg and give it to the child with grape wine three times a day. He will rally.'" (Letter 112a, 1897, Manuscript Releases Vol. 3, p. 321)

 

Was Jesus Ugly or Beautiful?"

March, 2005, via e-mail from Angela Wingerman, USA

"Christ, the Majesty of heaven, laid aside His robes of royalty and came to this world...He traveled on foot, teaching His followers as He went. His garments were dusty and travel-stained, and His appearance was uninviting. But the simple, pointed truths which fell from His divine lips soon caused His hearers to forget His appearance, and to be charmed, not with the man, but with the doctrine He taught..." (Testimonies Vol. 4, p. 373)
VERSUS
"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies. He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief ...." (The Desire of Ages, p. 254)
 

EGW Calls Sabbath Laws "Senseless Restrictions"

July, 2004, via e-mail from Robert Sanders, USA

God commanded the Jews not to light a fire in their dwellings on the Sabbath day.

"For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death. Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” (Ex 35:2 - Ex 35:3 NIV)

The Desire of Ages, page 204, paragraph 1:

The Jews had so perverted the law that they made it a yoke of bondage. Their meaningless requirements had become a byword among other nations. Especially was the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of senseless restrictions. It was not to them a delight, the holy of the Lord, and honorable. The scribes and Pharisees had made its observance an intolerable burden. A Jew was not allowed to kindle a fire nor even to light a candle on the Sabbath. As a consequence the people were dependent upon the Gentiles for many services which their rules forbade them to do for themselves. They did not reflect that if these acts were sinful, those who employed others to perform them were as guilty as if they had done the work themselves. They thought that salvation was restricted to the Jews, and that the condition of all others, being already hopeless, could be made no worse. But God has given no commandments which cannot be obeyed by all. His laws sanction no unreasonable or selfish restrictions.

EGW accuses the Jews of perverting the Sabbath, making it a yoke of bondage and calls God's law "senseless restrictions". Then EGW blames the scribes and Pharisees of making the Sabbath "an intolerable burden" because the Jews were not allowed to "kindle a fire or light a candle on the Sabbath." It was God that commanded not lighting a fire on the Sabbath, not the scribes and Pharisees. This shows she is a false prophetess.

 

Okay for Pregnant Mothers to Drink Wine?

Sep., 2002, via e-mail from W.C., USA

Here is her advice to a pregnant lady:

B has been very deficient. While in her best condition of health, his wife was not provided with a plenty of wholesome food and with proper clothing. Then, when she needed extra clothing and extra food, and that of a simple yet nutritious quality, it was not allowed her. Her system craved material to convert into blood, but he would not provide it. A moderate amount of milk and sugar, and a little salt, white bread raised with yeast for a change, graham flour prepared in a variety of ways by other hands than her own, plain cake with raisins, rice pudding with raisins, prunes, and figs, occasionally, and many other dishes I might mention, would have answered the demand of appetite. If he could not obtain some of these things, a little domestic wine would have done her no injury; it would have been better for her to have it than to do without it. (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 383)

Later on, she wrote:

"Neither let her drink wine nor strong drink," was the angel's instruction for the wife of Manoah, "nor eat any unclean thing; all that I commanded her let her observe." The child will be affected for good or evil by the habits of the mother. She must herself be controlled by principle, and must practice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the welfare of her child. (Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods (1926) Chapter 9 - Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation, p. 30)

Comments: As a nurse who works with mothers and babies, I have strong objections to the belief that any pregnant person would be told any amount of any alcohol is acceptable.

 

"Was His Visage Marred? Or Not?"

June, 2002, via e-mail from Bob, USA

Desire Of Ages, p. 735 Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, p. 207
There stood the Son of God, wearing the robe of mockery and the crown of thorns. Stripped to the waist, His back showed the long, cruel stripes, from which the blood flowed freely. His face was stained with blood, and bore the marks of exhaustion and pain; but never had it appeared more beautiful than now. The Saviour's visage was not marred before His enemies. Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. There the glorious Son of God was "wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." He bore insult, mockery, and shameful abuse, until "His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men." [Isa. 52:14]

Editor's Note: Ellen White did write Jesus' visage was marred during the wilderness temptation (DA 118) and at the Garden of Gethsemane (DA 690). Neither of these is the fulfillment of Isaiah 54:14. First, Isaiah 54:14 says that "many" were astonished at the sight of Jesus. This could not possibly have been in the garden, in the dark, where few people were around. It had to have been in a lighted area with a crowd of people around, such as in the judgment hall or on the road to Golgotha. His visage was marred, not so much by sweat, but by a crown of thorns and having been beaten in the face. Secondly, the verse says his form was marred, which leaves the impression his body was injured. This happened during the flogging that tore the flesh on his trunk, both back and front, to shreds. His form was not marred in the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

"Passing Through the Red Sea"

June, 2002, via e-mail from Ray Pitts, USA

Read carefully these two stories by Ellen White. See the big difference between Testimonies and Spiritual Gifts? They both can't be right!

Testimonies for the Church volume 4 Spiritual Gifts
In the darkness and confusion they rush on in their pursuit, not knowing that they have entered upon the bed of the sea and are hemmed in on either hand by beetling walls of water. They long for the mist and darkness to pass away and reveal to them the Hebrews and their own whereabouts. The wheels of the chariots sink deep into the soft sand, and the horses become entangled and unruly. Confusion prevails, yet they press on, feeling sure of victory. At last the mysterious cloud changes to a pillar of fire before their astonished eyes. The thunders roll and the lightnings flash, the waves roll about them, and fear takes possession of their hearts. Amid the terror and confusion, the lurid light reveals to the amazed Egyptians the terrible waters massed up on the right hand and on the left. They see the broad path that the Lord has made for His people across the shining sands of the sea, and behold triumphant Israel safe on the farther shore. (pp. 24, 25) ....In the morning, as they came up to the sea, lo, there was a dry path, the waters were divided, and stood like a wall upon either side, and the children of Israel were half way through the sea, walking on dry land. They waited a while to decide what course they had better pursue. They were disappointed and enraged, that, as the Hebrews were almost in their power, and they were sure of them, an unexpected way was opened for them in the sea. They decided to follow them. "And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.... (3SG pp.234, 235)

...They overtook the Hebrews at the Red Sea. This place was appointed for the last display of the power of God before the infatuated Egyptians. In the morning, they came up to the Red Sea and saw the Hebrew host walking upon a dry path prepared for them in the sea, while high walls of water stood upon either side, congealed by the power of God.... (1SG p. 219)

 

"Who is the Wave Sheaf?"

May, 2002, via e-mail from Dr. Adrian Bury, Hungary

In the quote below, the wave sheaf from the festival of first fruits (Lev 23: 15 ff.) is not Jesus, but others who were raised from the dead at the same time as He was:

‘But he waves them back. Not yet; he cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of his Father. He points to his wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet: He lifts his hands bearing the prints of the nails. He points to the tokens of his triumph; he presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at his second coming. He approaches the Father…’ Desire of Ages, p. 834.

In the quote below, the wave sheaf is Jesus himself, and there will be no others raised (permanently) until he comes again. I believe this latter quotation reflects correct Biblical teaching:

‘The sheaf of first fruits, which at the time of the Passover was waved before the Lord, was typical of the resurrection of Christ. Paul says, in speaking of the resurrection of the Lord and of all His people: “Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Corinthians 15: 23. Like the wave sheaf, which was the first ripe grain gathered before the harvest, Christ is the first fruits of the immortal harvest of redeemed ones that at the future resurrection shall be gathered into the garner of God.’ The Great Controversy, chap 22, p. 399.
 

"Two Meals a Day--When??"

August, 2001, via e-mail from Elaine Bowerman, USA

"For thirty-five years I have practiced the two-meal system" (CD 178)
Note: This would place the commencement of her eating of two meals a day in 1868.

"No eating should be allowed between our meals. I have eaten two meals each day for the last twenty-five years." Ms. 15, 1889 (3 SM 294)
Note: This statement places the commencement of her eating of two meals a day in 1864.

"For thirty years, I have taken only two meals a day, and I have not eaten between meals." Letter 324, November 27, 1905, to Elder W. W. Simpson, an evangelist in Los Angeles, California. (TDG 340)
Note: This statement places the commencement of her eating of two meals a day in 1875.

"For more than twelve years we have taken only two meals each day, of plain, unstimulating food." Health Reformer, May 1, 1877.
Note: This statement places the commencement of her eating two meals a day in 1865, or perhaps a little earlier.

"For seventeen years we have eaten only two meals a day while engaged in almost incessant labor." HR, November 1, 1880.
Note. This statement places the commencement of eating of two meals a day in 1863.

"I have lived for eight months upon two meals a day." {CD 482.3} (1864)
Note: This must have been the beginning!

"For more than forty years I have eaten but two meals a day." Letter 50, 1908 {CD 492.4}
Note: Statement places the two-meal system in 1868 or before.

 

Butter Contradiction

May, 2001, via e-mail from Elaine Bowerman, USA

Here is a letter written February 15, 1874, from Santa Rosa, California, to "My dear Clarence [Willie]":

You cannot live too plainly when you are studying so constantly. Your father and I have dropped milk, cream, butter, sugar, and meat entirely since we came to California. We are far clearer in mind and far better in body. We live very plainly. We cannot write unless we do live simply. Your father bought meat once for May while she was sick, but not a penny have we expended on meat since. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 322)

Contrast that letter with Letter 76 written in 1895

We have a large family, and besides have many guests, but neither meat nor butter is placed upon our table. We use the cream from the milk of the cows which we feed ourselves. We purchase butter for cooking purposes from dairies where the cows are in healthy condition, and have good pasture. (Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 488)

First the White's drop butter "entirely" from their diet in 1874, but by 1895, they were using it again. Apparently butter is unfit for use at the table but fine for cooking! And what, pray tell, is the difference between cream and butter? They both are from the same material.

From what I read on "the light given" to Ellen White on diet reform, I can only conclude that nothing in her writings is consistent but her inconsistencies.

 

Great Controversy Contradiction

Mar., 2001, via e-mail from Elaine Bowerman, USA

Quoting from The Great Controversy, we read:

"These having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the first fruits unto God and to the lamb.' . . . These are they which came out of great tribulation, they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. . . . (page 649)

The following quote is from Adventist pioneer, J.N. Loughborough:

If there is still a doubt of the resurrected Sabbath keepers' being numbered with the 144,000, consider the following from Sister White's words in 1909. At the general Conference in 1909, Elder Irwin had a stenographer accompany him in a call upon Sister White. He wished to ask her some question, and have an exact copy of the words of the replies. Among other questions was this one: "Will those who have died in the message be among the 144,000?" In reply, Sister White said: "Oh, yes, those who have died in the faith will be among the 144,000. I am clear on that matter. These were the exact words of question and answer, as Brother Irwin permitted me to copy from his stenographer's report." (J.N. Loughborough, Questions on the Sealing message, page 31, published 1916.)

Obviously, Loughborough is trying to show, from the writings of Ellen White, that the Sabbath keepers who are raised during the special resurrection of Daniel 12:2, will go through the time of Jacob's trouble and be translated and among the 144,000.

PLEASE COMPARE THE ABOVE STATEMENT RE: THE 144,000 AND TIME OF TROUBLE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT FROM THE PEN OF ELLEN G. WHITE ON THE DEATH OF MRS. HASTINGS:

I hardly know what to say to you. The news of your wife's death was to me overwhelming. I could hardly believe it and can hardly believe it now. God gave me a view last Sabbath night which I will write.... I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good. {2SM 263.3} (1850).

In one case we have those faithful Sabbath keepers raised during the special resurrection and enduring the time of trouble with the 144,000. In the other case, we have Mrs. Hastings resting during the time of trouble and joining the 144,000 later.

 

Yet Another Great Controversy Contradiction!

Oct., 2000, via e-mail from L. Russell, USA

On page 557 of The Great Controversy, Ellen White wrote (emphasis added):

"The apostles, as personated by these lying spirits, are made to contradict what they wrote at the dictation of the Holy Spirit when on earth. THEY DENY THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE, and thus tear away the foundation of the Christian's hope, and put out the light that reveals the way to Heaven. SATAN IS MAKING THE WORLD BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS A MERE FICTION, OR AT LEAST A BOOK SUITED TO THE INFANCY OF THE RACE, BUT NOW TO BE LIGHTLY REGARDED, OR CAST ASIDE AS OBSOLETE. And to take the place of the Word of God he holds out spiritual manifestations. Here is a channel wholly under his control; by this means he can make the world believe what he will. THE BOOK THAT IS TO JUDGE HIM AND HIS FOLLOWERS HE PUTS IN THE SHADE, JUST WHERE HE WANTS IT; the Saviour of the world he makes to be no more than a common man. And as the Roman guard that watched the tomb of Jesus spread the lying report which the priests and elders put into their mouths to disprove his resurrection, so do the believers in spiritual manifestations try to make it appear that there is nothing miraculous in the circumstances of our Saviour's life. After thus seeking to put Jesus in the background, they call attention to their own miracles, declaring that these far exceed the works of Christ."

Then, on page 588 of the same book, Ellen White writes (emphasis added):

"As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. AND AS THE SPIRITS WILL PROFESS FAITH IN THE BIBLE, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power."

So, according to what Ellen White has written...

Page 557 Page 588
Evil spirits will impersonate the apostles. Satan and other evil spirits will impersonate angels of light.
These "apostles" will "call attention to their own miracles" so that Satan "can make the world believe what he will." These "angels of light" will perform "undeniable wonders" in order to "deceive and ensnare."
These "apostles" will "DENY THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE." These "angels of light" will "PROFESS FAITH IN THE BIBLE."

It seems to me that there is an obvious contradiction here. The "apostles," on one hand, will be "DENY(ING) THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE." Meanwhile, the "angels" will be "PROFESS(ING) FAITH IN THE BIBLE." Shouldn't Satan and his fallen angels be cooperating since each of them has the same goal, which is to "deceive and ensnare" all Christians? Didn't Jesus say that "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand (Matthew 12:25-26,NIV)?"

 

Hastening the Lord's Coming

Sept., 2000, via e-mail from Sister C.H., USA

By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord's return. The Desire of Ages, p. 633. (1898)

By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to the earth in power and great glory. God's Amazing Grace, p. 353

It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain. Christ Object Lessons, p. 69 (1900)

VERSUS
Let no one overtax his God-given powers in an effort to advance the Lord's work more rapidly. The power of man cannot hasten the work; with this must be united the power of heavenly intelligences. . . . Though all the workmen now bearing the heaviest burdens should be laid aside, God's work would be carried forward. Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 298 (1902).

 

God's Attitude Toward Erring Children

Sept., 2000, via e-mail from sister Elaine Bowerman, USA

Here are a few quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy that should make your children's day:

God loves honest-hearted, truthful children, but cannot love those who are dishonest. Be obedient, dear children. . . . But wicked children God does not love. He will not take them to the beautiful City, for he only admits the good, obedient, and patient children there. . . . When you feel tempted to speak impatient and fretful, remember the Lord sees you, and will not love you if you do wrong. When you do right and overcome wrong feelings, the Lord smiles upon you. . . . Although he is in heaven, and you cannot see him, yet he loves you when you do right, and writes it down his book; and when you do wrong, he puts a black mark against you. Now, dear Willie, try to do right always, and then no black mark will be set down against you; and when Jesus comes he will call for that good boy Willie White, and will put upon your head a wreath of gold, and put in your hand a little harp that you can play upon, and it will send forth beautiful music, and you will never be sick, never be tempted then to do wrong; but will be happy always, and will eat of rich fruit, and will pluck beautiful flowers. Try, try, dear boy, to be good. An Appeal to Youth, 1864, pp. 42, 62, 63

These tender words were written by an inspired, loving mother to her sons in 1864. What joy must have surged through the youthful hearts of Ellen White's children at the constant thought that their every action might displease God. What a merry hell she must have created for her offspring.

However, Mrs. White apparently had a change of heart over the next 28 years, because she later advised parents:

Do not teach your children that God does not love them when they do wrong; teach them that he loves them so that it grieves his Spirit to see them in transgression, because he knows they are doing injury to their souls. Do not terrify your children by telling them of the wrath of God, but rather seek to impress them with his unspeakable love and goodness, and thus let the glory of the Lord be revealed before them. Signs of the Times, Feb. 15, 1892

Do you have a contradictory statement?

e-mailE-mail us

Category: Contradictions
Please SHARE this using the social media icons below