THIS IS LOR!

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Wayne and his associates claim to be god, the son of god, and jesus christ. With authority such as that comes a sense of power and grandeur to the deluded minds that imagine they are divinity. They say they are the three angels of Revelation 14, and the destroying angels of Ezekiel 9, which slay the sinful Christians. They not only claim deity, but also infallibility, eternity, and immortality as well. Wayne says that because he is sinless, he cannot become sick and can never die. He maintains that it is impossible for sinless people to die. We consider these individuals to be deceived, but they base their ideas on the theory that sinless people automatically become god, and god cannot die. This, in turn, is derived from New Age, which in turn comes from ancient Hinduism: the soul cannot die, and everyone is god.

Interestingly enough, although the leaders are divine and infinite and Infallible in wisdom, for some strange reason their followers are not. This is an obvious flaw in their theory that we would think their followers would recognize, but once locked into hypnotic submission to their superiors, they do not do much independent thinking. They are told that they share in the sinlessness of the leaders, so it would seem that they should also share in that immense god-wisdom that they claim to have. But, instead, they are considered by the leaders to be ignorant dupes that cannot think for themselves. They are treated as indentured servants. Everything must be decided for them. They are kept in a country location and are refused permission to leave it unaccompanied by a leader or subsidiary speaker. And this condition does not change until they have had enough "advance training" to be considered safe.

THE TEACHINGS OF LOR

The following is not an exhaustive list of LOR errors, for since it has moved directly into New Age Hinduism, it really has no relationship to Christianity now, except for some outward forms and expressions. BUT the situation is entirely different in the initial presentations they make to Adventists! Because its leaders apostatized from Adventism they know the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy well, therefore they initially present a basic set of doctrinal errors that may, on the surface, appear to have some Scriptural support.. We will mention and refute each of these with referenced replies.

There is also a second level of teaching, which is not revealed at first. Some of these will also be mentioned in the following listing, but more will be discussed elsewhere in this study. In certain instances, part of the second or third level of teaching will be affixed to the end of the "LOR error" statements below, but you should be able to tell them apart. (Example: "LOR ERROR: The closer we come to God and Christ, the more perfect and sinless we will appear in our own eyes. (initial claim to the inquirer) For we have become god! (later disclosure to the captured). ")The inner teachings of heathenism that form the heart of LOR, we discuss elsewhere.

1-LOR ERROR: Christ offers you the gift of absolute, perfect, and eternal sinlessness right now, If you will accept it from a LOR representative.

TRUTH: Christ offers you the gift of a full conquest of sin, but it is only the result of daily surrender and faithful resistance to sin and obedience to His Written Word. 8T 31 5-316; GC 632, 621 ; 15M 91; AA 560; TM 454; GC 469470.

2- LOR ERROR: I have never sinned and never again can sin. You can have this gift right now. Receiving it, you can boast to others of your sinlessness, just as I now do.

TRUTH: No one is to claim to be sinless. "The claim to be sinless is in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from holy." GO 473, 471; ST March 23. 1888; AA 561-582; St. 7.

3-LOR ERROR: It is not necessary to strive against sin or resist temptation . All this will henceforth be done automatically in you. Good intentions on your part right now are all that is needed to save you eternally. Just reach out and accept the gift that I offer you.

TRUTH: The people of God must daily resist sin and temptation, and this can only be done through the strength of Jesus Christ. Apart from a moment-by-moment walk with Him, they are powerless to resist Satan's devices. And human resolutions, by themselves, are powerless to save anyone. AA 560-561; 4T 12; Heb 12:4. 8T Feb 26, 1885. "There needs to be a continual reaching out Of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him." 8T 316.

4-LOR ERROR: The closer we come to God and Christ, the more perfect and sinLESS we will appear in our own eyes. For we have become god!

TRUTH: The closer we come to Christ, the more sinFUL we will appear in our own eyes. SC 64-65.

5-LOR ERROR: The person who claims to be without sin, vindicates God.

TRUTH: The person who claims to be without sin, makes God a liar. 1 John 1:8,10; UL 59.

6-LOR ERROR: I have been instantaneously sanctified, and - right now you can be instantaneously sanctified. Without any effort or work on your part now-or ever again in the future,-you can have full sanctification of the Spirit.

TRUTH: No one has ever been instantly sanctified, and no one ever will be instantly sanctified. GC 4571; 2SM 27,32,34.

7-LOR ERROR: The work of sanctification is an immediate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

TRUTH: The work of sanctification is progressive. It is a lifelong work of obeying God through the enabling grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. M 560-561, 565; 4T 367.

8-LOR ERROR: We need only reach out for the gift once, and thereafter will forevermore have it.

TRUTH: "There needs to be a continual reaching of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him." 4T 316.

9-LOR ERROR: All who are sanctified will be free from sin.

TRUTH: The sanctified in Christ never claim to be free from sin. GC 474,469; 1SM 314; ST March 23, 1888.

10-LOR ERROR: Sanctification is a single act of God outside and apart from you. All you need do is accept it, and you will be free from temptation and sin through all eternity to come.

TRUTH: Sanctification is a progressive work (GC 470). It is the work of a lifetime (AA 532, 560). It is a lifelong work (OHC 163; 4T 367).

11-LOR ERROR: Sanctification is possible only when a sinless human being offers it to you.

TRUTH: Sanctification is possible only through the Holy Spirit. GC 467. 469.

12-LOR ERROR: The true Christian never feels the promptings of the old, sinful nature. If he does, he is not really a Christian.

TRUTH: The true Christian will ever feel the promptings of the old, sinful nature, but will, in the strength of Christ, maintain a constant warfare against it. Phil 2:12-13; AA 560; TM 454; GC 469470.

13-LOR ERROR: The work of the Christian is to sit back and enjoy life, for once he is converted, whatever he does thereafter will be perfect, holy, and right. He does not thereafter need to study God's Word, meditate, or pray.

TRUTH: The work of the Christian is to persevere in the fight of faith, and to agonize, wrestle, and strive against temptation to sin. He is to study God's Word, meditate, search his soul, and pray. 8T 315-316; GC 632, 621; 1 SM 91.

14-LOR ERROR: Good works are not necessary. The converted Christian need not strive to do right; he automatically does it. All of his whims and impulses are now sanctified.

TRUTH: The Christian must ever be careful to maintain good works. Titus 2:11-14; 3:8; 2:7; Eph 2:10. We are to work and God works with us. 1SM 240241;453,455,468.

15-LOR ERROR: We can have a complete victory over sin-but it is obtained apart from any action on our part other than an initial acceptance.

TRUTH: We can have a complete victory over sin, but we must work with Christ patiently in obtaining it. Rev 14:12; 12:17. In the same way that he obtained it, we can have the victory that Enoch had (3BC 1151; SO 296; 1BC 1187; 6T393). This victory is to be as complete as was that of Adam before the fall (SD 242; DA 311-312). (For many, more quotations on this-quoted out, write for a copy of our two tracts, You can Overcome [IC-1] and The Center of the Crisis [IC-2].)

16-LOR ERROR: Justification and sanctification are the same thing, for both are started and completed at the time of initial conversion.

TRUTH: Justification occurs each time we come to Christ, and every time we later come to Him in genuine faith, repenting of our sins. Sanctification is growth in grace and is actually our ongoing, daily obedience to His Written Word. TM 97.

17-LOR ERROR: Once you receive "the gift" we offer you, you never again will be bothered by sin, for it will be totally removed from your life.

TRUTH: We must persevere in the fight against sin, and strive, agonize, will, deny self, and advance to perfection (2 Cor 7:1; 2 Peter 1:5-10; COL 331; SO 198; OHC 149; 313; CT20). We are to exert every energy of the soul in the work of overcoming (5T 472, 215). There will be need of constant warfare against the promptings of sin (GC 469). We are called upon to cleanse ourselves, perfecting holiness in the strength of Christ (2 Cor 7:1). God will give faith and grace to overcome our defects (GC 489). After conversion, there will be an arduous struggle, a lifelong battle against temptation and sin (OHG 163; 4T 367). Christ continually resisted sin and we are to do the same (AA 531 ; 3T 365). The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued (AA 237). We are to work earnestly to reach perfection of character (SO 154).

18-LOR ERROR: Probation closes for you right now, in accordance with whether or not you receive my message. If you receive it, you will receive the seal of God. You cannot sin later, and if you were to, -you would be forever lost.

TRUTH: It is the highest of conceit to think that if others do not receive my "new light," their probation immediately closes. Only God has the saving truth that you need, and it is found alone in His Written Word, the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. The seal is applied by the sealing angel (not by LOR agents) prior to the general close of probation, at the time when the latter rain falls (1SM 111), at the time of the National Sunday Law (7BC 976, 978, 989, 990; 5T 475-476). Jesus makes the decision, not man (GOL 74). Satan will appear as Christ just before the close of probation (lBG 911; TM 62; 2SM 51; 7BC 985).

19-LOR ERROR: There are no sinners in the true church. Any church with sinners in it must be a false church and part of Babylon.

TRUTH: There will be tares (sinners) and wheat in the church till the final harvest. It is not for us to decide which is which. Christ decides this, and angels will remove them at the close of time (TM 47; COL 73, 75; 2SM 114.

20-LOR ERROR: All suffering comes from our own actions and from nothing else. We are the cause of all the suffering we experience, even though it may appear to be an accident or caused by others.

TRUTH: Suffering is caused by Satan, but is over-ruled by God for purposes of mercy OA 471. We do not need Hindu Karma to explain life and our future to us. The Word of God is much better.

BIBLE AND SPIRIT OF PROPHECY QUOTATIONS

There are many passages of Scripture which directly oppose the teachings of LOR. Not having space in this six-part study to include them all, we will quote only some of the most significant, and will include a much larger collection of quotations in a tractbook which we will make available for those who would like to obtain additional information on LOR. Information on that tractbook and how to obtain your own copy will be given on the last page of the sixth tract in this set.

The following Inspired statements will be found to be INVALUABLE in clarifying the error in certain key teachings of LOR, which will include: (1) God will only accept those who are now sinless; (2) Sanctification is instantaneous; (3) Feelings and miracle working are extremely important in the life of the true Christian; (4) The Scriptures are not important in making the important decisions of life. A much larger range of quotations will be found in the tractbook, mentioned above.

1-THE CLAIM TO SINLESSNESS

"We are never to rest In a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying " am saved.' When this idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayer, and for earnest endeavor to press onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. "-1 Selected Messages, 314.

"Let this phase of doctrine be carried a little further, and it will lead to the claim that its advocate cannot sin." -General Conference Bulletin, 1901; 419.

"So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sin to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, . . there will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him." -Acts of the Apostles, 561.

"There is no one, however earnestly he may be striving to do his best, who can say, 'I have no sin.' He who would say this would be under. dangerous deception. 'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.' 1 John 1:8. "-Upward Look, 53.

"We are to represent to the world the beauty of holiness, and we shall never enter the gates of the city of God until we perfect a Christ like character. If we with trust in God, strive for sanctification, we shall receive it." -Upward Look, 99.

"The claim to be without sin is in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from holy. It is because he has no true conception of the infinite purity and holiness of God, or of what they must become who shall be in harmony with His character; because he has no true conception of the purity and exalted holiness of Jesus, and the malignity and evil of sin, that man can regard himself as holy. The greater the distance between himself and Christ, and the more inadequate his conceptions of the divine character and requirements, the more righteous he appears in his own eves."-Great Controversy, 473.

"Those who are really seeking to perfect Christian character win never indulge the thought that they are sinless." -Sanctified Life, 7.

"When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God."-1 Selected Messages, 360.

"Those who are really seeking to perfect Christian character will never indulge the thought that they are sinless. Their lives may be irreproachable, they may be living representatives of the truth which they have accepted; but the more they discipline their minds to dwell upon the character of Christ, and the nearer they approach to His divine image, the more clearly will they discern its spotless perfection, and the more deeply will they feel their own defects."-Sanctified Life, 7.

"We feel sad to see professed Christians led astray by the false and bewitching theory that they are perfect, because it is so difficult to undeceive them and lead them into the right path. They have sought to make the exterior fair and pleasing, while the inward adorning, the meekness and lowliness of Christ, is wanting . . -Sanctified Life, 10.

2- THE CLAIM OF INSTANTANEOUS SANCTIFICATION

"There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. It is an every-day work. Says Paul, l die daily.' (1 Corinthians 15:31). He received a conversion daily to God. As the truth and Spirit of God revealed to him the defects of his character, he put away his wrong, died to self, and 'cleansed himself' from an filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.' (2 Corinthians 7:1). Satan is most successful when he can cover up minds in kind of pious sanctified consecration which has no part in the sanctification brought to view in the Word of God." Upward Look, 231.

"When persons claim that they are sanctified; they give sufficient evidence that they are far from being holy. They fail to see their own weakness and destitution. They look upon themselves as reflecting the image of Christ, because they have no true knowledge of Him. The greater the distance between them and their Saviour, the more righteous they appear in their own eyes. "-Sanctified Life, 7.

The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man's sanctification, and man is to cooperate with Him, putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. "-Acts of the Apostles, 532.

Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly living for Christ. . It is only by long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We know not one day how strong will be our conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point at which we can reach and say, 'I have fully attained.' Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience."-Acts of the Apostles, 560-561.

"These professedly sanctified persons are not only deluding their own souls by their pretensions, but are exerting an influence to lead astray many who earnestly desire to conform to the will of God. They may be heard to reiterate again and again, 'God leads me! God teaches me! l am living without sin!' Many who come in contact with this spirit encounter a dark mysterious something which they cannot comprehend, but it is that which is altogether unlike Christ, the only true pattern. .

"There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as Life shall last. Those who are battling with daily temptations, overcoming their own sinful tendencies, and seeking for holiness of heart and life, make no boastful claims of holiness. They are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Sin appears to them exceedingly sinful.

"There are those claiming sanctification who make a profession of the truth, like their brethren, and it may be difficult to make a distinction between them; but the difference exists, nevertheless. The testimony of those claiming such an exalted experience will cause the sweet Spirit of Christ to withdraw from a meeting, and will leave a chilling influence upon those present, while if they were truly living without sin, their very presence would bring holy angels into the assembly, and their words would indeed be 'like apples of gold in pictures of silver.'(Proverbs 25:11).-Sanctified Life, 7.

 3- OUR FEELINGS ARE NOT TO DECIDE OUR RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS

'Many make a serious mistake in their religious life by keeping the attention fixed upon their feelings and thus judging of their advancement or decline. Feelings are not a safe criterion. We are not to look within for evidence of our acceptance with God. -5 Testimonies, 199.

"It is not your feelings, your emotions, that make you a child of God, but the doing of God's will." -5 Testimonies, 515.

Some are not satisfied with a meeting unless they have a powerful and happy time. They work for this and get up an excitement of feeling. But the influence of such meetings is not beneficial. When the happy flight of feeling is gone, they sink lower than before the meeting because their happiness did not come from the right source. The most profitable meetings for spiritual advancement are those which are characterized with solemnity and deep searching of heart; each seeking to know himself, and earnestly, and in deep humility seeking to learn of Christ."-1 Testimonies 412.

"I saw that the Christian should not set too high a value, or depend too much upon a happy flight of feeling. These feelings are not always true guides. It should be the study of every Christian to serve God from principle, and not be ruled by feeling. By doing so, faith will be brought into exercise, and will increase. I was shown that if the Christian lives a humble, self-sacrificing life, peace and joy in the Lord will be the result. But the greatest happiness experienced will be in doing others good, in making others happy. Such happiness will be lasting:'-1 Testimonies 161.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them:'-Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers, and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity: he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. -Great Controversy, 593.

"It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.

The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: 'Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God." -Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Christ has given the promise: "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine."-John 7:17. If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error. "Great Controversy, 598-599.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.

"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ."-1 John 4:1-6.

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame-the power of the Word. God does not control our minds without our consent: but if we desire to know and to do His will. His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

"Says the apostle, 'The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.' On every side we see men easily led captive by the delusive imaginations of those who make void the Word of God; but when the truth is brought before them, they are filled with impatience and anger. But, the exhortation of the apostle to the servant of God is, 'Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. . '

"We must cherish carefully the words of our God lest we be contaminated by the deceptive workings of those who have left the faith. We are to resist their spirit and influence with the same weapon our Master used when assailed by the prince of darkness-'It is written.' We should learn to use the Word of God skillfully. The exhortation is, 'Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.' "-Evangelism, 625-626.

"The doctrines must be plainly understood. The men accepted to teach the truth must be anchored; then their vessel will hold against storm and tempest, because the anchor holds them firmly. The deceptions will increase. "Letter 1, 1897; 2 Selected Messages, 58.

"Satan is now more earnestly engaged in playing the game of life for souls than at any previous time; and unless we are constantly on our guard, he will establish in our hearts, pride, love of self, love of the world, and many other evil traits. He will also use every possible device to unsettle our faith in God and in the truths of His Word. If we have not a deep experience in the things of God, if we have not a thorough knowledge of His Word, we shall be beguiled to our ruin by the errors and sophistries of the enemy. False doctrines will sap the foundations of many, because they have not learned to discern truth from error. Our only safeguard against the wiles of Satan is to study the Scriptures diligently to have an intelligent understanding of the reasons of our faith, and faithfully to perform every known duty. The indulgence of one known sin will cause weakenss and darkness, and subject us to fierce temptation."-The Review and Herald, November 19, 1908; 2 Selected Messages, 58.

"Except those who are kept by the power of God through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion." -Great Controversy, 562.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.'-Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God's work, the prince of darkness is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested."-Great Controversy, 593.

"The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of the faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go in the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure." -1 Selected Messages, 204-205.

5- THE PLACE OF MIRACLES

"The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles. It was this he helped to make a test question with the Israelites at the time of their deliverance from Egypt. "-Manuscript 43, 1907.

"Let not the days pass by and precious opportunities be lost of seeking the Lord with all the heart and mind and soul. If we accept not the truth in the love of it, we may be among the number who will see the miracles wrought by Satan in these last days, and believe them. Many strange things will appear as wonderful miracles, which should be regarded as deceptions manufactured by the father of lies."-Letter 136, 1906.

"I am instructed to say that in the future great watchfulness will be needed. There is to be among God's people no spiritual stupidity. . Evil spirits are actively engaged in seeking to control the minds of human beings. Men are binding up in bundles, ready to be consumed by the fires of the last days. Those who discard Christ and His righteousness will accept the sophistry that is flooding the world. Christians are to be sober and vigilant, steadfastly resisting their adversary the devil, who is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Men under the influence of evil spirits will work miracles. They will make people sick by casting their spell upon them, and will then remove the spell, leading others to say that those who were sick have been miraculously healed, this Satan has done again and again." -Letter 259, 1903.

"We need not be deceived. Wonderful scenes, with which Satan will be closely connected, will soon take place. God's Word declares that Satan will work miracles. He will make people sick, and then will suddenly remove from them his satanic power. They will then be regarded as healed. These works of apparent healing will bring Seventh-day Adventists to the test. Many who have had great light will fail to walk in the light because they have not become one with Christ. " -Letter 57, 1904.

"Some declare their unbelief in the work that the Lord has given me to do because, as they say, 'Mrs. E.G. White works no miracles.' But those who look for miracles as a sign of divine guidance are in grave danger of deception. It is stated in the Word that the enemy will work through his agents who have departed from the faith, and they will seemingly work miracles, even to the bringing down of fire out of heaven in the sight of men. By means of 'lying wonders' Satan would deceive, if possible, the very elect.

"It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who will be alive on the earth when past woes and celestial glory will be blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By the means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God's people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan would counterfeit any miracle that might be worked. God's tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12-18: 'The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep.'-Exodus 31:12-13. They are to take their stand on the living Word-'It is written.' This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God will in that day be without hope and without God in the world."-2 Selected Messages, 54-55.

"Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of many are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in God's word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan's power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ."-1 Testimonies, 302.

6-THE DANGER OF SPIRITUALISM

"The teachers of spiritualism come in a pleasing, bewitching manner to deceive you, and if you listen to their fables you are beguiled by the enemy of righteousness and will surely lose your reward. When once the fascinating influence of the archdeceiver overcomes you, you are poisoned, and its deadly influence adulterates and destroys your faith in Christ's being the Son of God, and you cease to rely on the merits of His blood. Those deceived by this philosophy are beguiled of their reward through the deceptions of Satan. -1 Testimonies, 297-98.

"There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the most effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind is brought under the control of another so that the individuality of the weaker is merged into that of the stronger mind. One person acts out the will of another. Thus it is claimed that the tenor of thoughts may be changed. . It is not God's purpose that any human being should yield his mind and will to the control of another, becoming a passive instrument in his hands. No one is to merge his individuality in that of another. He is not to look to any human being as the source of healing. His dependence must be in God. In the dignity of his God-given manhood he is to be controlled by God Himself, not by any human intelligence. "God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need of personal guidance. He desires to bring the human into association with the divine, that men may be transformed into the divine likeness. Satan works to thwart this purpose. He seeks to encouraged dependence upon men. When minds are turned away from God, the tempter can bring them under his rule. He can control humanity.

"The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan, to introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly Christian people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more certain to separate man from God, than is this. Innocent though it may appear, if exercised upon patients it will tend to their destruction, not to their restoration. It opens a door through which Satan will enter to take possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled by another, and of the mind that controls." Ministry of Healing, 242.

"Spiritualism is about to take the world captive. There are many who think that Spiritualism is upheld through trickery and imposture, but this is far from the truth. Super-human power is working in a variety of ways, and few have any idea as to what will be the manifestations of Spiritualism in the future. The foundation for the success of Spiritualism has been laid in the assertions that have been made from the pulpits of our land. The ministers have proclaimed as Bible doctrines [falsehoods] that have originated with the archdeceiver. "-Evangelism, 602-603.

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; have their conscience seared with a hot iron."-1 Timothy 4:1-2.

"All whose faith is not firmly established upon the word of God will be deceived and overcome. "-Great Controversy, 560.

"Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism." -Great Controversy, 561.

7-TOTAL SUBMISSION OF THE WIFE AND MIND CONTROL

"God requires that the wife shall keep the fear and glory of God ever before her. Entire submission is to be made only to the Lord Jesus Christ, who has purchased her as His own child by the infinite price of His life. God has given her a conscience, which she cannot violate with impunity. Her individuality cannot be merged into that of her husband, for she is the purchase of Christ. It is a mistake to imagine that with blind devotion she is to do exactly as her husband says in all things, when she knows that in so doing, injury would be worked for her body and her spirit, which have been ransomed from the slavery of Satan. There is One who stands higher than the husband to the wife; it is her Redeemer, and her submission to her husband is to be rendered as God has directed -'as it is fit in the Lord.' "-Adventist Home, 116.

"To direct the child's development without hindering it by undue control should be the study of both parent and teacher. Too much management is as bad as too little. The effort to 'break the will' of a child is a terrible mistake. Minds are constituted differently: while force may secure outward submission, the result with many children is a more determined rebellion of the heart. Even should the parent or teacher succeed in gaining the control he seeks, the outcome may be no less harmful to the child. The discipline of a human being who has reached the years of intelligence should differ from the training of a dumb animal. The beast is taught only submission to its master. For the beast, the master is mind, judgment, and will. This method, sometimes employed in the training of children, makes them little more than automatons. Mind, will, and conscience, are under the control of another. It is not God's purpose that any mind should be thus dominated. Those who weaken or destroy individuality assume a responsibility that can result only in evil. While under authority, the children may appear like well-drilled soldiers; but when the control ceases, the character will be found to lack strength and steadfastness. Having never learned to govern himself, the youth recognizes no restraint except the requirement of parents or teacher. This removed, he knows not how to use his liberty, and often gives himself up to indulgence that proves his ruin. "-Education, 288.

 "On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to withstand it. Unmindful of the angels' caution, she soon found herself gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration upon the forbidden tree. The fruit was very beautiful, and she questioned with herself why God had withheld it from them. Now was the tempter's opportunity. As if he were able to discern the workings of her mind, he addressed her: 'Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?' Eve was surprised and startled as she thus seemed to hear the echo of her thoughts. But the serpent continued, in a musical voice, with subtle praise of her surpassing loveliness; and his words were not displeasing. Instead of fleeing from the spot she lingered wonderingly to hear a serpent speak. Had she been addressed by a being like the angels, her fears would have been excited; but she had no thought that the fascinating serpent could become the medium of the fallen foe." -Patriarchs and Prophets, 54.

"Let the woman decide that it is the husbands prerogative to have full control of her body, and to mold her mind to suit his in every respect and run in the same channel of his own, and she yields her individuality. Her identity is lost, submerged in her husband. She is a mere machine for his will to move and control, a creature of his will and pleasure. He thinks for her, decides for her, and acts for her. She dishonors God in this passive position. She has a responsibility before God which it is her duty to preserve. "-E.G.W. Pamphlets In the Concordance, vol. 1, 58.

"Could the instructors of children and youth have the result of their mistaken discipline mapped out before them, they would change their plan of education. . God never designed that one human mind should be under the control of another. And those who make efforts to have the individuality of their pupils merged in themselves, to be mind, will, and conscience for them, assume fearful responsibilities." Counsels to Teachers, 76.

8-BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS

"Some have thought it an evidence of intellectual keenness and superiority to perplex minds in regard to what is truth. They resort to subtlety of argument, to playing upon words; they take unjust advantage in asking Questions. When their Questions have been fairly answered, they will turn the subject [and] bring up another point to avoid acknowledging the truth. We should beware of indulging the spirit which controlled the Jews." Testimonies to Ministers, 108.

"But the fact that a movement to establish error is connected with a work which is in itself good, is not an argument in favor of the error. We may disguise poison by mingling it with wholesome food, but we do not change its nature. On the contrary, it is rendered more dangerous, as it is more likely to be taken unawares. It is one of Satan's devices to combine with falsehood just enough truth to give it plausibility. "-Great Controversy. 587.

I saw that many of these shepherds had denied the past teachings of God; they had denied and rejected the glorious truths which they once zealously advocated and had covered themselves with mesmerism and all kinds of delusions. I saw that they were drunken with error and were leading on their flock to death. Many of the opposers of God's truth devise mischief in their heads upon their beds, and in the day they carry out their wicked devices to put down the truth and to get something new to interest the people and divert their minds from the precious, all-important truth."-Early Writings, 123-124.

"The sciences of phrenology, psychology, and mesmerism are the channel through which he comes more directly to this generation and works with that power which is to characterize his efforts near the close of probation.

"Read 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. 'Then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish: because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. "-1 Testimonies, 290.

"But how do men fall into such error? By starting with false premises, and then bringing everything to bear to prove the error true. In some cases, the first principles have a measure of truth interwoven with the error, but it does not lead to any just action, and this is why men are misled. In order to reign and become a power, they employ Satan's methods to justify their own principles. They exalt themselves as men of superior judgment, and they have stood as representatives of God. These are false gods." - Testimonies to Ministers, 363-364.

"Not every one that saith unto me, lord, lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

"Many will say to me in that day, lord, lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart form me, ye that work iniquity."-Matthew 7:21-23.

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"-Romans 6:16.

"While they (false prophets) promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. "-2 Peter 2:19.

"You take passages in the Testimonies that speak of the close of probation, of the shaking among God's people, and you will talk of a coming out of a purer, holier people that shall arise. Now all this pleases the enemy. We should not give the impression that if our particular ideas are not followed it is because the ministers are walking in darkness. "-1 Selected Messages, 179.

"Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of becoming like Christ. obedient to an the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God's word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of Truth. Man's obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ's righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Savior to heal the disorders of His sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome. These belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help."-Acts of the Apostles, 532.

9- THE SPIRIT OF GENUINE RELIGION

"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. 'Everyone of us shall give account of himself to God: No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, 'let everyman be fully persuaded in his own mind.' "Desire of Ages, 550.

"Keep the eye fixed on Christ. Do not fix your attention on some favorite minister, copying his example and imitating his gestures; in short, becoming his shadow. Let no man put his mold upon you. "-Evangelism, 630.

 "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? -Isaiah 2:22.

"A strange thing has come into our churches. Men who are placed in positions of responsibility that they may be wise helpers to their fellow-workers, have come to suppose that they were set as kings and rulers in the churches, to say to one brother, do this, do that; and to another, be sure to labor in such and such a way. There have been places where the workers have been told that if they did not follow the instruction of these men of responsibility, their pay from the conference would be withheld. .

"For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in positions of responsibility to lord it over God's heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things must be changed. There must be a reform. "-Testimonies to Ministers, 477-478.

"Religion, like all things else, was a matter of authority. The people were expected to believe and practice as their superiors directed. The right of man as man, to think and act for himself, was wholly unrecognized.

"Christ was establishing a kingdom on a different principle. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ's disciples, it is said, 'All things are for your sakes.' -2 Corinthians 4:15.

"But Jesus called them unto Him, and said. Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister: and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."-Mathew 20:25-28.

"If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. So, in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they would 'come and see.'!

While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathaniel, we need to study God's word for ourselves and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. "-Desire of Ages, 141.

"The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man-the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. Desire for goodness and purity are right, so far as they go; but if we stop here, they avail nothing. Many will go down to ruin while hoping and desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield to God. They do not choose to serve Him." Ministry of Healing, 176.