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Reformers and Today

Reformers and Today

Perhaps you remember singing the old hymn “Faith of our Fathers,” whose first stanza is:

Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!

Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death (Frederick W. Faber, pub.1849).

I guess the meaning behind this song depends on who we identify as our fathers of faith—do we mean Abraham, the father of the faithful? He would be a good choice, as Paul says that all who have faith like Abraham are heirs of the promises to Abraham. Or do we mean others?

Recently, a listener emailed the following:

I was reading in the book The Great Controversy the chapter titled, Protest of the Princes. Starting on page 209 is described how Luther responded to the fear of the reformers.

“One of the principles most firmly maintained by Luther was that there should be no resort to secular power in support of the reformation, and no appeal to arms for its defense. … He declared that the doctrine of the gospel should be defended by God alone. … The least man meddled in the work, the more striking would be God’s intervention in its behalf.”

And here is where it gets powerful,

“All the politic precautions suggested were in his view attributable to unworthy fear and sinful mistrust.”

This got me to thinking about our current and end time situation in this country and on this earth. I’m wondering if you could write a blog connecting the faith of the reformers to the faith we need at the end time. I was struck again with the thought, “The battle is the Lord’s.” If we rest in this thought we have nothing to fear regarding the path of destruction our country is now engaged, the war in the Middle East, etc. A sense of peace came over me with this thought.

Thank you for your ministry and for Come and Reason. What a blessing it has been to me.

I want to thank this listener for the email; it really got me thinking! So many ideas were triggered here, such as:

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (The Life of Reason by George Santayana).

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Christian Experience and Teaching, 204, E.G. White).

I immediately recognized the great value of learning from history, of studying the Reformation, of embracing the truths that the great Reformers discovered. I love their courage, their spirit of integrity, their longing to follow Jesus, their willingness to question, their refusal to bow to external pressure to violate their consciences, their deep study of Scripture, and their advancement in truth as they understood. Yes, all of these attributes are to be valued and emulated.

But does that mean we should rest satisfied with every belief that the Reformers developed—or should we, instead, embrace and apply the motives and godly principles they practiced? If we live out the principles of the Reformation, then we are people who study for ourselves, do not rest satisfied with tradition, do not allow others to tell us the answers, have a deep desire to know God personally, have a burning love for truth, and want to grow in truth. To that end, we recognize that God is infinite and we are finite, meaning there is always more truth to discover, apply, and grow in. So it would be a betrayal of the Reformers to rest satisfied with their understanding of things; to be like the Reformers, we must advance in truth as they did.

I am so thankful for Martin Luther and the other Reformers like Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Wesley—what incredible men used by God to advance the kingdom of heaven! But these godly people were human, meaning they did not know all things; they could only assimilate so much and advance so far in God’s infinite truth. For instance, Luther did not accept all 66 books of the Bible as inspired. He considered James, Jude, Hebrews, and Revelation to not be part of the canon of Scripture and placed them in the back of the Bible. Luther never accepted the war in heaven (Revelation 12:7). He struggled with finding harmony between faith and works. He never freed his mind of the Roman view of God’s law, and he invented penal-substitution theology to counter the Catholic doctrine of purgatory. There are many things that Luther didn’t get right—despite being used mightily by God to advance the movement back to God’s truth.

We have the privilege of learning what Luther discovered, but to be a true Reformer, we should never rest satisfied with what previous generations worked out, nor with our own current understanding; instead, the true Reformer develops a heart that loves to advance in the truth. We will be people who love to grow, discover, and move forward in new epiphanies, deeper comprehension, and closer intimacy with God, which occurs as we press forward in the knowledge of God, His kingdom, His design laws, methods, and principles.

Thus, we don’t always teach things the exact way the Reformers did because truth is unfolding. But while the truth is unfolding, the principles are the same. God’s character doesn’t change; His design laws do not change. Thus, we can embrace the attitude that Luther took toward the use of state powers to advance God’s kingdom and apply that principle to our day—we can never advance God’s cause by using Satan’s methods.

And Satan’s methods are the methods of force, coercion, imposed law, legal enforcement, politics, deceit, manipulation with fear, propaganda, and the power of the state. All the governments of this planet are Satan’s. Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world. So, if we are true Reformers, if we are advancing in the truth with the spirit of the Reformation, then we will apply the same principles of God’s kingdom that inspired the Reformers—such as the principle of truth presented in love, while leaving others free.

When we see the principles of force, coercion, manipulation, deceit, misrepresentation, and other factors used to pressure people to violate their own conscience, we can be sure that such a movement is not inspired by the Spirit of God, and that no matter the cause—even to “save lives” or “save the planet”—such methods advance Satan’s kingdom, not God’s.

If you would like to read more about the advancing truth of the Reformation, we encourage you to check out our new magazine, The Lie That Deceived Angels, Infects Christianity, and Delays the Second Coming of Christand if you agree with us, then join us in taking the final message of mercy to the world to hasten the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

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Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana