Meat, a test of fellowship.

Meat, a test of fellowship.

Vegetarianism – A Test of Fellowship? Why make this issue a test?

Why do we make this issue a test? When SOP in Volume 9 says it should not be.

Before we go into those particular points in the SOP. I want us to look at some other subjects and then apply them to that point.

II Peter 1:12. “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”

You see, there is something in the bible called present truth. Although many things are true, present truth is of important value to us.

“Opposition is the lot of all whom God employs to present truths specially applicable to their time. There was a present truth in the days of Luther,--a truth at that time of special importance; there is a present truth for the church today. {GC 143.3} It mentioned Martin Luther. Let us consider this great man of God. Was he a man of God or was he not a man of God? Was he faithful till he died? Yes. He was that man began the Reformation in the 16th century. Did he keep the Sabbath? No. Did Martin Luther have light on the Sabbath? Did he understand the Sabbath truth? Martin Luther did not have the light? Yes he did.

“Carlstadt differed essentially from Luther in regard to the use to be made of the Old Testament. With him, the law of Moses was still binding. Luther, on the contrary, had a strong aversion to what he calls a legal and Judaizing religion. Carlstadt held to the divine authority of the Sabbath from the old Testament; Luther believed Christians were free to observe any day as the a Sabbath, provided they be uniform in observing it.” History of the Sabbath J N Andrews page 460.

Carlstatdt was teaching the Sabbath must be observed. Luther was saying it doesn’t matter. Now, from the words Martin Luther himself, we find that actually Martin had to study the writings of Carlstadt in order to say the Sabbath should not be kept. He goes on further to say; “Indeed if Carlstadt were to write further about the Sabbath, Sunday would give way, and the Sabbath-that is to say, Saturday – must be kept holy.’ Martin Luther recognised it. If was right in his writings, then Sunday would have to give way. Martin was not about ready to do that. He understood what Carlstadt was saying; “He would truly make us Jews in all things, and we should come to be circumcised: for that is true, and cannot be denied, that he who deems it necessary to keep one law of Moses, and keeps it as the law of Moses, must deem all necessary, and keep them all.” History of the Sabbath. Page. 460 JN Andrews. Well, he was taking things a little bit too far – Luther. But he understood the reasons for the observance of the Sabbath. Why then do we consider him a man of God? He rejected the light on the Sabbath. Its quite simple; “I saw that the present test on the Sabbath could not come until the mediation of Jesus in the holy place was finished and He had passed within the second veil; therefore Christians who fell asleep before the door was opened into the most holy, when the midnight cry was finished, at the seventh month, 1844, and who had not kept the true Sabbath, now rest in hope; for they had not the light and the test on the Sabbath which we now have since that door was opened. {EW 42.3} Notice these two points. Prior to 1844, Christians did not have the light, oh they did have the light, it was there in Carlstadt time. In 1812 the Seventh Day Baptists were organised. There was light before 1844, but it says LIGHT AND THE TEST must be combined together. In 1843 if you made the Sabbath a test, you were premature. There was nothing wrong with that light but it was premature. When they had both the light and the test. Only then could you make that a testing point. How do we know 1844 was that date? By prophecy. In that time the ark of the covenant was to be revealed in heaven and the law was to be revealed to Gods people. So there was to be a restoration to Gods people in that area. Prophecy is very important. Many times we do things prematurely because we misinterpret prophecy. The Jews till today there problem is they messed up on prophecy. They take the second coming of Christ and put it for the first, and have no room for the first coming. Therefore till today they are waiting for Jesus to come again the second time. The same thing happens on this issue of diet. We must understand when we are to make it a test and when we are not to make it a test. For example, in 1844, the pioneering Adventists, they were good Adventists. 1845 – They have gone through the great disappointment, they were ridiculed by the other churches and they were Gods remnant people and they were worshipping on Sunday. It was not until 1846, 1847, and finally 1848 that they actually understood the Sabbath to be a point of distinction. 1858 when pork was not a test. What about in the year in 1858? What kind of people were Adventists? In 1858, what light did they have in regard to the diet question? Many will think, they can eat clean meats; “Those who labor with their hands must nourish their strength to perform his labor, and those also who labor in word and doctrine must nourish their strength; for Satan and his evil angels are warring against them to tear down their strength. They should seek rest of body and mind from wearing labor when they can, and should eat of nourishing, strengthening food to build up their strength; for they will be obliged to exercise all the strength they have. I saw that it does not glorify God in the least for any of His people to make a time of trouble for themselves. There is a time of trouble just before God's people, and He will prepare them for that fearful conflict.” {1T 206.2} They should eat good nourishing food to build up their strength. There is a time of trouble coming, we should make a time of trouble prematurely. Now what type of good nourishing food did Sr White say we should have; “I saw that your views concerning swine's flesh would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to abstain from swine's flesh, He will convict them on the matter. He is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine's flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church their duty.” {1T 206.3} What happens there? In 1858 we must have nourishing food, and one of those good nourishing foods is PORK! That’s right, and in your judgement you have made pork eating a test. To be a good SDA in 1858, you kept the Sabbath and you also ate pork. It was good nourishing food. So, when individuals were making the issue of pork a test, it was premature. Was there anything wrong with their doctrine? No. In the foot note James White wrote; [THIS REMARKABLE TESTIMONY WAS WRITTEN OCTOBER 21, 1858, NEARLY FIVE YEARS BEFORE THE GREAT VISION OF 1863, IN WHICH THE LIGHT UPON HEALTH REFORM WAS GIVEN. WHEN THE RIGHT TIME CAME, THE SUBJECT WAS GIVEN IN A MANNER TO MOVE ALL OUR PEOPLE. HOW WONDERFUL ARE THE WISDOM AND GOODNESS OF GOD! IT MIGHT BE AS WRONG TO CROWD THE MILK, SALT, AND SUGAR QUESTION NOW, AS THE PORK QUESTION IN 1858.-- J.W., NOTE TO SECOND EDITION.] FOOTNOTE. 1T 206. When would that time come? When would the time come to give up pork? We know biblically speaking, God would never permit his people to eat pork, but they were blinded. 1844 Egyptian blindness They were coming out of Egyptian blindness. They left Egypt in 1844 and God was educating his people. When would be the time when God would say pork was not for his people? “God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run ahead of the angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace every step, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw that the angels of God would lead His people no faster than they could receive and act upon the important truths that are communicated to them.” {1T 207.1} God is going to reveal himself to his people as fast as they are able to bear it. “But some restless spirits do not more than half do up their work. As the angel leads them, they get in haste for something new, and rush on without divine guidance, and thus bring confusion and discord into the ranks. They do not speak or act in harmony with the body. I saw that you both must speedily be brought where you are willing to be led, instead of desiring to lead, or Satan will step in and lead you in his way, to follow his counsel. Some look at your set notions, and consider them an evidence of humility. They are deceived. You both are making work for repentance.” {1T 207.1} Can you believe it? These people were making work for repentance and they were telling people not to eat pork. That was a bible doctrine, but what was wrong? The wrong was the timing, it was premature. It was only as Gods people were able to bear that light that it became an issue. This paragraph gives the important reason when pork was to be made a testing issue. Sacred things would not be discerned from eating pork. “God has given you light and knowledge, which you have professed to believe came direct from Him, instructing you to deny appetite. You know that the use of swine's flesh is contrary to His express command, given not because He wished to especially show His authority, but because it would be injurious to those who should eat it. Its use would cause the blood to become impure, so that scrofula and other humors would corrupt the system, and the whole organism would suffer. Especially would the fine, sensitive nerves of the brain become enfeebled and so beclouded that sacred things would not be discerned, but be placed upon the low level with common things. Light showing that disease is caused by using this gross article of food has come just as soon as God's people could bear it. Have you heeded the light?” {2T 96.2} When did the light come? Only when Gods people were able to bear it. When they were unable to bear it, it was premature and they were told to repent of that message. 1905 When pork became a test “The tissues of the swine swarm with parasites. Of the swine God said, "It is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass." Deuteronomy 14:8. This command was given because swine's flesh is unfit for food. Swine are scavengers, and this is the only use they were intended to serve. Never, under any circumstances, was their flesh to be eaten by human beings. It is impossible for the flesh of any living creature to be wholesome when filth is its natural element and when it feeds upon every detestable thing.” {MH 313.3} We have learned some very important lessons in regards to the use of Swines flesh although we are clearly taught we are not to make this point a test back in 1858, there must come a time when it is a test. That time came when the people of God were able to bear the light. God gave the light for their own benefit, not to punish them. He revealed it to his church. Volume 9 Why she wrote meat eating should not to be made a test of fellowship. “We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over others.” {9T 159} So this statement may seem very clear, we are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship. The statement in Volume 1 was also very clear, it said we make great error in making pork eating a test? What about this statement? Is there a statement that says flesh eating will be made a test? Let us take a look. The time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet… Keep in mind that this next statement we are about to read, is in the exact same article, keep it in mind. In that same article, not in a different one, we find this; “While working against gluttony and intemperance, we must recognize the condition to which the human family is subjected. God has made provision for those who live in the different countries of the world. Those who desire to be co-workers with God must consider carefully before they specify just what foods should and should not be eaten. We are to be brought into connection with the masses. Should health reform in its most extreme form be taught to those whose circumstances forbid its adoption, more harm than good would be done. As I preach the gospel to the poor, I am instructed to tell them to eat that food which is most nourishing. I cannot say to them: "You must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream. You must use no butter in the preparation of food." The gospel must be preached to the poor, but the time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet.” {9T 163.1} What does that say? It says the time has not yet come. It does not mean the time will never come, it says that time has not yet come. Why did Sr White write this? Why? A little bit of digging to find the back ground of this statement; 1908 - The letter Sr White penned to AG Daniells GC President “On March 29, 1908, she had penned a letter to Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, relating to the experience of church members in Washington, D.C. After expressing her agreement with plans for the erection of a meetinghouse in Takoma Park, she pointed out the responsibility of the believers and workers in Washington to witness to the thousands of residents in that area who had not yet heard the third angel's message. Workers were to "bring to mind the words of Christ, 'Ye are the light of the world.' . . . 'Ye are the salt of the earth.'" {6BIO 199.3} Then under a subheading of "Backsliding in Health Reform," she wrote: {6BIO 199.4} This is what she wrote at that time. This article became the article in Volume 9 but with some modifications. She modified it herself. Why? I want us to look at the original intent that Sr White had before the statement was given that we are not to make flesh food a test of fellowship. “I am instructed to bear a message to all our people on the subject of health reform, for many have backslidden from their former loyalty to health reform principles. The light God has given is being disregarded. {6BIO 199.5} A true reformation needs to take place among the believers in Washington on the matter of healthful living. If the believers there will give themselves unreservedly to God, He will accept them. If they will adopt in the matter of eating and drinking the principles of temperance that the light of health reform has brought to us, they will be richly blessed. {6BIO 199.6} Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh meats, tea and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetites for foods which they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people. {6BIO 199.7} Before when? A perfected people. This next paragraph is important. This paragraph was change when she entered into dialogue. Will we Sign a pledge to give up meat? “The Lord has given clear light regarding the nature of the food that is to compose our diet; He has instructed us concerning the effect of unhealthful food upon the disposition and character. Shall we respond to the counsels and cautions given? Who among our brethren will sign a pledge to dispense with flesh meats, tea, and coffee, and all injurious foods, and become health reformers in the fullest sense of the term? {6BIO 200.1} Near the close of the letter of appeal, she wrote: “I am sure if you will begin in Washington to do this work of reform--in the school, in the printing office, and among all our working forces--the Lord will help you to present a pledge that will help the people to return from their backsliding on the question of health reform. And as you seek to carry out the will of the Lord in this particular, He will give you clearer understanding of what health reform will do for you. . . . {6BIO 200.2} Because of the example set by influential men in the indulgence of appetite, the truth has not made the impression on hearts that it might have done. I appeal to you now to set an example in self-denial. Cut off every needless indulgence, that God may bless you with His approval and acceptance.--Letter 162, 1908. {6BIO 200.3} What happened? She sent a letter to in 1908 an appeal to the leadership of the church to sign a pledge that they will refuse flesh, tea, coffee and other injurious foods. A little bit further; Ellen White held the letter for a few weeks, then sent it in late May, 1908. Copies were sent at that time also to several members of the General Conference Committee. Dr. W. A. Ruble, secretary of the General Conference Medical Missionary Council and a member of the General Conference Committee, who was promoting health reform interests in the denomination, sought permission almost immediately from Mrs. White's office to duplicate and circulate the letter. In response W. C. White replied: {6BIO 200.4} The letter not circulated. What did he want to do? Immediately circulate the letter. Oh but you read on, AG Daniels got a hold of that, wait a minute, you don’t understand the situation of all the people around the world and you need to be more understanding. The letter was not circulated. It was in this environment that the leadership of the church refused to even sign the pledge among themselves, that she came to write this statement, we are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship. Why not? It is Impossible to make something a test of fellowship when the General Conference leadership is not prepared to sign the pledge. But she did write in that article; “The gospel must be preached to the poor, but the time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet.” 9t page 163. Between that time and the second coming of Jesus is there going to be a time to make flesh food no longer a part of Gods remnant people? From what we have studied of the children of Israel, they never made it as they refused that diet. What about Gods remanent people in these last days? Is Jesus going to come or not going to come? Look at some other prophecies; No meat will be used by his people. “We are built up from that which we eat. Shall we strengthen the animal passions by eating animal food? In the place of educating the taste to love this gross diet, it is high time that we were educating ourselves to subsist upon fruits, grains, and vegetables. This is the work of all who are connected with our institutions. Use less and less meat, until it is not used at all. If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people.” {CD 407.2} What? In 1844 we are to begin a process we are to use less and less until no meat will be used by his people. Are you one of those people? No meat will be used. 1890 Meat eating will eventually be done away “Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to his original design, --that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat-eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it. I cannot think that in the practice of flesh-eating we are in harmony with the light which God has been pleased to give us. All who are connected with our health institutions especially should be educating themselves to subsist on fruits, grains, and vegetables. If we move from principle in these things, if we as Christian reformers educate our own taste, and bring our diet to God's plan, then we may exert an influence upon others in this matter, which will be pleasing to God.” {CTBH 119.1} 1898 The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch or taste the flesh of dead animals. The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch or taste the flesh of dead animals. Then let not these things be prescribed by any physicians who have a knowledge of the truth for this time. There is no safety in the eating of the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cows will also be excluded from the diet of God's commandment-keeping people. In a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation. Those who take God at His word, and obey His commandments with the whole heart, will be blessed. He will be their shield of protection. But the Lord will not be trifled with. Distrust, disobedience, alienation from God's will and way, will place the sinner in a position where the Lord cannot give him His divine favor. . {CD 411.3} Who? His people. 1899 Give up using any animal food. “The light given me is that it will not be very long before we shall have to give up using any animal food. Even milk will have to be discarded. Disease is accumulating rapidly. The curse of God is upon the earth, because man has cursed it. The habits and practices of men have brought the earth into such a condition that some other food than animal food must be substituted for the human family. We do not need flesh food at all. God can give us something else.” {CD 384.5} Does this mean that no meat at all will be used by Gods people? Is that the intention of these statements. Let us go back to 1844. Another prophecy, these are all prophecies. We are not to only look at the current situation. We must progress and go on to perfection. The Butchers shop “A positive injury is done to the system by continuous meat eating. There is no excuse for it but a depraved, perverted appetite. You may ask, Would you do away entirely with meat eating? I answer, It will eventually come to this, but we are not prepared for this step just now. Meat eating will eventually be done away. The flesh of animals will no longer compose a part of our diet; and we shall look upon a butcher's shop with disgust.” . . . {CD 407.1} These are very important prophecies. The person that picks up Volume 9 are saying meat eating is not to be made a test of fellowship. Which book are you going to pick up? Volume 1 says pork eating is not to be made a test of fellowship. Brethren we must understand, it was not to be made a test of fellowship then as they were not ready. Like pork, it became when they were ready. What about the issue of flesh foods altogether; The Progressive Time Line: 1884 – No meat will be used 1890 – Meat eating will eventually be done away 1898 – Will not touch or taste 1899 – Give up using any animal food 1884 - Gods people will eventually do away with flesh “Would you do away entirely with meat eating? I answer, It will eventually come to this,” CD 407. All I have to ask, who are Gods people? Who are going to bear that ark? Are you one of those people? Carrying the pot of manna. We have been talking about the second coming of Jesus, oh we want Jesus to come soon. You do? There must be some changes on our part. 1905 - We are obliged to adopt a different diet. We shall soon reach a time when we must understand the meaning of a simple diet. The time is not far hence when we shall be obliged to adopt a diet very different from our present diet. . . . {MM 281.2} What do you understand by the word obliged? A requirement or option? Again, why was it not time for meat to be made a test of fellowship. We read what was happening in Washington about flesh a test of fellowship. 1901 - Not proper food for them to eat. We want the pervading truth of God's word to get hold of every one of our people before this conference is over. We want them to understand that the flesh of animals is not the proper food for them to eat. Such a diet cultivates the animal passions in them and their children. God wants to educate our children in right habits of eating, dressing, and working. He wants us to do what we can to repair the broken-down machinery. [EFFECT ON CHILDREN OF MEAT AND RICH FOODS--348, 350, 356,357, 361, 578, 621, 711] {CD 390.5} Who is she talking to? She is talking to General Conference delegates. She is appealing to them that flesh of animals is not the food they should eat. If the delegation in session is still eating meat, can you tell your friend, oh you want to join our church but you must quit eating meat. But we are delegates, we can eat meat. No, the reformation must begin where, among the ministers, and as such, the reformation on the dietary question must be begin at the General Conference before you make it a test of fellowship. 1903 - We reject God by not adopting the diet. God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it rejected God. {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 24} if church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its place. Those who refuse to receive and practice the light will be left in the background.--Manuscript 78, 1900. {CME 45.5} If health reform is being moved on without them, then we find the candlestick has been removed out of its place. I mentioned a statement about the ministers; “The ministers must be converted before they can strengthen their brethren. They should not preach themselves, but Christ and His righteousness. A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform as it stands connected with the third angel's message as part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth. {1T 469.4} We find here that the problem has been with the ministry. They have been holding back the truth. They refused to adopt health reform, therefore it could never go down to the people like it should. We have to talk about giving the third angels message to the world. If we do not give the health message clearly, are we giving the third angels message to the world? When it says its part and parcel of the same work? “The gospel of health has able advocates, but their work has been made very hard because so many ministers, presidents of conferences, and others in positions of influence have failed to give the question of health reform its proper attention. They have not recognized it in its relation to the work of the message as the right arm of the body. While very little respect has been shown to this department by many of the people, and by some of the ministers, the Lord has shown His regard for it by giving it abundant prosperity. When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body. {6T 327.2} 1902 - Can we place confidence in a minister who eats flesh? This statement that was written in 1902 from Counsels on Diet and Foods page 402, after the light was given to the people and ministers, there is a question; “Can we possibly have confidence in ministers who at tables where flesh is served join with others in eating it?” CD 402. Can you have confidence in a minister who eats meat? Brethren this is a question that was inspired by God. God is asking this question. Can we trust a minister who eats meat? On the hand; Ephesians 5:27. “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or winkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Is this the church that God wants? Yes, its going to be a church without blemish. Now what must happen before we can stand before God a perfected people? “Those who have received instruction regarding the evils of the use of flesh foods, tea and coffee, and rich and unhealthful food preparations, and who are determined to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, will not continue to indulge their appetite for food that they know to be unhealthful. God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.” {9T 153.4} This change in the diet, this refusal of flesh foods and other harmful things, these things must be removed, before they can stand before him perfected. It must happen before Jesus comes again. We talked about receiving great light. Do we want that light? “Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light” {TM 507.1} Do you want greater light, then you must accept the light that God has given us on this subject. Conclusion – our duty “It is a duty to know how to preserve the body in the very best condition of health, and it is a sacred duty to live up to the light which God has graciously given. If we close our eyes to the light for fear we shall see our wrongs, which we are unwilling to forsake, our sins are not lessened but increased. If light is turned from in one case, it will be disregarded in another. It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the Ten Commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God's law.” {2T 70.1} If we violate the laws of health, we are actually violating the Ten Commandments. We ready earlier, about God having a people bearing the ark; “When God shall work His strange work on the earth, when holy hands bear the ark no longer, woe will be upon the people.” 5T 72 Yes, there may be a people who refused the pot of manna, they refuse to bear the ark on this point. What shall we do? Give up? No. “Satan has laid every measure possible that nothing shall come among us as a people to reprove and rebuke us, and exhort us to put away our errors. But there is a people who will bear the ark of God.” {TM 411.1} Praise the Lord, there is a people, God has a people who bear the ark of God. A people who will take this health message and carry it to the ends of the earth. I have a question for you, are you among those people? Are you among those people preparing for the Second Coming of Christ?

You are visitor number -

This page hosted by
Get your own Free Home Page