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The Alpha and Omega Page 5 +++++ Dr. Leroy Moore writes that M. L. Andreasen insisted
that "QOD was the omega of apostasy predicted by Ellen White" (p.
15). One who was in the midst of the controversy during the decade following
the release of the book, Questions on Doctrine, has no alternative but
to concur with Andreasen. The statements found in the Writings need careful
consideration. In Page 6 the Scriptures, the expression, "Alpha and
Omega" refers to Deity, both the Almighty (Rev. 1:8) and "the Son of
man" (Rev. 1:11). Why Ellen White so chose those words to cover a two-fold
apostasy that came and would come in the Church, I have never read as to why. I
do not know the answer and I do not know of the Estate having discussed the
reason for the use by Ellen White. In 1903, Dr. J. H. Kellogg published a book,
The
Living Temple, a copy of which was sent to Ellen White which she left
unread in her library. Finally, at the insistence of her son, Willie, they read
together the preface, the first chapter, and paragraphs from other chapters.
From this reading, she would write -"Living Temple contains the
alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while
and I trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our brethren and sisters
not to enter into controversy over the presence and personality of God” (Special
Testimonies, #2, p. 53). While Andreasen considered QOD the omega of apostasy,
Dr. Moore apparently does not, and faults Andreasen for the forthrightness of
his response to the apostasy which he perceived to be involved in the
compromises with the Evangelicals - Barnhouse and Martin. Further, the points
at issue cannot be considered "poles of truth." In the context of the
statements on the apostasy, Ellen White declared - "We have a truth that
admits of no compromise" (ibid., p. 55). The question as to the omega of apostasy has further
implications. Ellen White resisted the influences intended in the publication
of Living Temple, and it was not accepted by the Church. However, in the
discussion of the "omega" to follow, Ellen White wrote: In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given (ibid., p. 50; emphasis supplied). This can mean only one thing. There would be a split
somewhere along the line between those who received the warning, and those who
did not. It is not a matter of polarity, it is simply the matter of "the
righteousness of Christ, which is pure unadulterated truth" (TM, p.
65). It was not an accident that at the very time QOD was being promoted by
Church leadership, A. L. Hudson was moved by the Spirit to revive the
manuscript by Wieland and Short, 1888 Re-Examined, as well as publish
Andreasen's, Letters to the Churches. If we had received the
righteousness of Christ, we would have been able to discern the error in QOD
and the two issues - 1888 and QOD coming at the same time would have served as
a warning to help us identify the "omega" of apostasy. This raises some other questions which must be
squarely faced. For the Church to accept the compromises with the Evangelicals,
which were worked out by a few men seeking to speak for the whole body, brings
the Church to "the balances of the sanctuary." This warning is also
primarily confined to the Writings as is the alpha and omega of apostasy. Let
us carefully note: In the balances of the sanctuary, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence, "Found Wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged (Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 247). This is not a "perhaps" statement. "Is
to be" is positive; as is also "She will be judged." Again comes
the issue - Do we Page 7 believe that God has given a gift to help guide us
through the perils of earth's final days, and that the identification of the
omega of apostasy clearly indicates that that time has been reached. Do we then
need to revisit QOD to condemn a man whose close relationship with God could
lead him to discern the Omega? God Forbid! In 1905 Ellen White would write prophetically:
One thing it
is certain is soon to be realized, - -the great apostasy, which is developing
and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord
shall descend from heaven with a shout. We are to hold fast the first
principles of our denominated faith, and go forward from strength to increased
faith. Ever we are to keep the faith that has been substantiated by the Holy
Spirit of God from the earlier events of our experience until the present time.
We need now larger breadth, and deeper, more earnest, unwavering faith in the
leadings of the Holy Spirit. If we needed the manifest proof of the Holy
Spirit's power to confirm truth in the beginning, after the passing of the
time, we need today all the evidence in the confirmation of the truth, when
souls are departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and
doctrines of devils. There must not be any languishing of soul now (Special
Testimonies #7, pp. 56, 57). |