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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 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

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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

 

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The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

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Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, 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 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

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 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY