God delays becaus He is merciful

Wake up Remnant People of God
Ezekiel 12
22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

23 Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

24 For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

25 For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

26 Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come , and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.

28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

The parable of the virgins in Matthew 25 will come to past within The SDA church

 I bore my testimony in the ministers' meeting, and the Lord gave me a large measure of His Spirit. I entreated my brethren standing in positions of responsibility not to grieve the Spirit of God away from their hearts by their unwillingness to receive the testimonies that God has sent them in reproof and warning. I saw that they were dishonoring God by much talking. Their hearts were not free from prejudice. I said to them, Do not receive the word of any man, but go to the Scriptures for yourselves. Do not turn away from the messages that God sends, as you did at Minneapolis. Prayerfully consider every point, with hearts open to conviction. Receive every ray of light sent you. That which has been set before you deserves candid consideration. Truths that have been buried under a mass of rubbish are to be revived, and reset in their original setting.

 Manuscript Release Vol 3 pg 415 

The dust and rubbish of error have buried the precious jewels of truth, but the Lord's workers can uncover these treasures, so that thousands will look upon them with delight and awe. Angels of God will be beside the humble worker, giving grace and divine enlightenment, and thousands will be led to pray with David, "Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Truths that have been for ages unseen and unheeded, will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of God's holy word. The churches generally that have heard, refused, and trampled upon the truth, will do more wickedly; but "the wise," those who are honest, will understand. The book is open, and the words of God reach the hearts of those who desire to know his will. At the loud cry of the angel from heaven who joins the third angel, thousands will awake from the stupor that has held the world for ages, and will see the beauty and value of the truth.

Iasaih 6 :8-10  Tears,foolish virgins

 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

In Christ time the same happened 

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Christ had bidden his people watch for the signs of his advent, and rejoice as they should behold the tokens of their coming King. "When these things begin to come to pass," he said, "then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." He pointed his followers to the budding trees of spring, and said: "When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." [Luke 21:28, 30, 31.]

Great controversy pg 308

Those who are in responsible positions are not to become converted to the self-indulgent, extravagant principles of the world, for they cannot afford it; and if they could, Christlike principles would not allow it. Manifold teaching needs to be given. "Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." Thus the word of the Lord is patiently to be brought before the children and kept before them, by parents who believe the word of God. "For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept uponprecept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." Why?--because they did not heed the word of the Lord that came unto them. 

This means those who have not received instruction, but have cherished their own wisdom, and have chosen to work themselves according to their own ideas. The Lord gives these the test, that they shall either take their position to follow His counsel, or refuse and do according to their own ideas, and then the Lord will leave them to the sure result. In all our ways, in all our service to God, He speaks to us, "Give Me thine heart." It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart.

God requires certain things of His people; if they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing, the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom, until this scripture [Isaiah 28:13] is fulfilled. You are not to say, I will follow the Lord's guidance up to a certain point that is in harmony with my judgment, and then hold fast to your own ideas, refusing to be molded after the Lord's similitude.

Sunday law and the latter rain

While many are waiting for the the sunday law to kick start a series of events in the End Time and in  Adventism. Much disappointment awaits them.

To wait and watch for the sunday law and do nothing is the biggest mistake Seventh day Adventist can make .

1 For one The latte rain will fall progressively. Then the sudden outpouring that everyone is expecting will come.

2. Leading up to the sunday law the  latter rain  would of already soak the 144000, A few would of already put away sin in  his or her own life in preparation to receive the latter rain drenching.

 3 Perfection,which many in the church think and preach as an illusive dream would of been attain by the 144000 and the time of trouble would be just the polish to finish off gems prepared to meet The Bridegroom.

4 I forgot to mention the sunday law would be passed progressively ,No time would we wake up and here the sunday law is past and enforced by death. It will be passed in some countries forced more so USA then in others .No enforcement would be impressed.

Then it will be enforced stronger ,then forcefully impressed upon all and then be punishable by death.

Some seem to remove probation from the whole equation ,the sealing must take place .

Judgment begins at the house of God. If you have doubts about that see Ezekiel 9

Now is the time for all who have been under the banner of truth to make a turn around.

Now is the time to bruise our knees in petition asking God to remove every sin from us and SIN NO MORE.

The latter rain is drizzling at this time.

Wake up and feel the moisture remnant people. 

See this PDF file that address this matter fully.

click here

I cannot be ashamed of a past where God had his hand in

This is indeed a great article written for all Seventh Day Adventist to read.

Non Christians and none SDA's a like may take a peek ,and understanding. The foundations of the church would be revealed.To God Truth is constant ,It is standard however to man Truth will be progressive because we are ever learning ever discovering Gods truth. But the truth however progressive to us due to our limited sinful minds remains a constant a standard,the way,the light royalblood. Confusing ? read on.

Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines and Progressive Revelation

by P. Gerard Damsteegt

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 2/1 (1991): 77-92.

Progressive revelation has played an important role in the development of the Seventh-day Adventist church and its theology. By "progressive revelation" I mean God's continuous unfolding of prior revealed truth.1 Without such progressive revelation, the unfolding of inspired truth building on truth previously revealed and never denying it, the Seventh-day Adventist Church would not exist.

Throughout their history Seventh-day Adventists have looked forward to discovering or receiving additional truth that would harmonize with prior truth. Ellen G. White, one of the principal founders of our church, kept this hope alive with statements such as: "Truth is an advancing truth"2 and, "There are mines of truth yet to be discovered by the earnest seeker."3

In speaking of "truth" she always meant truth as given by God in His divine Word.

The preamble to the 1980 statement of Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists reflects this attitude:

Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word.4

This article looks at some trends among Seventh-day Adventists, having to do with the operation of progressive revelation.

Some Current Trends

Historically, Seventh-day Adventists have viewed new light as something positive, a continuation or unfolding of previous revelation.

At times, however, some members have been skeptical of progressive revelation out of fear that it would destroy the foundations of Adventism. Such a fear was displayed at the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference and during its aftermath. Ellen G. White responded frequently with appeals for openness to further understanding.

Today some members feel a need for significant changes in methods of Biblical interpretation and doctrine, and a transformation of the understanding of the Adventist experience. Among the underlying assumptions for their thinking is that our doctrines are not based simply on the Scriptures but rather they represent our church's understanding of what the Bible teaches at a particular time and place. They claim that our doctrines reflect the specific culture in which our community operated at the time of its formation. Consequently, the time has come they say, for indigenized theologies such as an African Adventist theology, an Asian Adventist theology, and a European Adventist theology.

The role of doctrine in the community of believers is both to safeguard the faith once delivered and to communicate the community's religious experience. At the first formulation of doctrines these two dimensions are integrated into the lives of the believers. Doctrine clearly reflects harmony with the religious experience of the pioneers.

After the passing of the founders, a second, third, and fourth generation come onto the scene who, living in a changing society with different challenges and having a different religious experience, can still affirm the truth in one way or another but may feel it has lost its relevance. Thus there arises a call for change in doctrinal formulation, for a "present truth" adapted to current times and places.

The view just presented gives the impression that doctrines are open-ended, that they are molded by the interaction of the community of believers in its socio-cultural settings with the Scriptural testimony as understood in those settings, that whatever the community later decides on is acceptable as progressive revelation. But this view is not necessarily correct.

Doctrinal Developments

Analysis of the doctrinal statements of the Seventh-day Adventist church over the years is revealing. The early statements of 1872 and 1889 show clearly the impact of the 1844 experience on the Adventist pioneers. They thus demonstrate an integration of belief and religious experience.

The 1872 statement consists of 25 articles. These articles include the main truths of traditional Christendom, such as the doctrines of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures, baptism, and the new birth, but clearly call attention to the distinctive doctrines that came as the result of proper progressive revelation and that contributed to the founding of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

The 1872 formulation of Adventist doctrines gave an explanation of the nature and historical fulfillment of prophecy, revealing that the mistake of Adventists in 1844 was not related to the prophetic time calculations but to the nature of prophesied events. Christ began the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary as the antitype of the Day of Atonement in 1844 as Scripture taught. They call the period since 1844 a time of investigative judgment, during which the blotting out of sins takes place for the righteous dead as well as the righteous living. Since the 1840's God has sent a proclamation symbolized by the three messengers of Revelation 14 that magnifies the law of God and its role in preparing people for the second advent of Jesus Christ.

In 1889 three additional articles were provided, concerning Christian conduct, modesty of dress, and tithing and freewill offerings&emdash;bringing the number of articles to 28.

In 1980 a thorough revision and rewriting of the Fundamental Beliefs was undertaken in which the articles were arranged more or less in categories of systematic theology: the Doctrine of God (1-5), the Doctrine of Man (6-7), the Doctrine of Salvation (8-10), the Doctrine of the Church (11-17), the Doctrine of the Christian Life (18-22), and the Doctrine of Last Things (23-27).

This new arrangement undoubtedly has advantages for comparing Seventh-day Adventist beliefs with those of other churches. However, in the process the Seventh-day Adventist distinctive doctrines lost some of their distinctiveness, because of the usage or superimposition of categories taken from the discipline of systematic theology.

Will people who join the Adventist Church exclusively on the basis of a limited exposure to the 1980 Fundamental Beliefs have a different religious experience and doctrinal view than earlier Adventist believers? This may indeed be so, because the belief system and faith experience are not as integrated as was the case for earlier believers and can lead to an attitude that some doctrines are irrelevant or outdated. On the other hand, those persons who have been exposed to the structure of doctrines in categories of systematic theology as set forth in the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe (1988) may develop a greater understanding of them than those who do not have such an opportunity.

Some Adventists have attempted a rewriting of the Fundamental Beliefs in the context of Christ and the cross. Others have called for doctrinal changes in order to increase the relevance of our beliefs to the religious experience of the present generation even though it was as recent as 1980 that the current rewriting was undertaken and voted at the General Conference session held in Dallas. For the very purpose of updating them and bringing them together into a more relevant and harmonious unity.

What direction should the Adventist Church take to make its beliefs more relevant to its members as well as to the Christian community and the world at large? It seems that no matter how carefully one tries to rewrite the doctrines, or change their sequence and or categories, there will continue to be a demand for change, additions, and eliminations.

How to Understand Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines

In conversations between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Paul Schwarzenau, the WCC representative, made a significant observation. He said,

Prior to and underlying every particular church doctrine, however objectively it may be based on biblical exegesis and theological argument, are experiences of faith which have left an indelible mark on that doctrine and are the source which consciously or unconsciously determines the questions, inquiries and teachings of the church in question. The living resonance of the Protestant, "Scripture principle" rests on the fact that Luther had earlier experienced in the depths of despair the converting power of the Gospel (his so-called "tower experience"). And it is very much to the point that Adventist doctrine is rooted in and derives strength from an event which Adventists later referred to as "the great disappointment" (October 22, 1844).5

Schwarzenau concluded that "the full truth of a church's doctrine is therefore not yet grasped so long as, in its details or as a whole, we see it in isolation from such events and as mere doctrine."6

Anyone who wants to understand the soul and genius of the Advent movement and wishes to perceive the full truth and continual relevance of its beliefs will never succeed as long as the current fundamental beliefs are studied in isolation from the action of God in the 1844 Advent experience.

The 1844 Advent experience "opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God's hand had directed the great Advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people."7

It was a progressive revelation that illuminated the past, present, and future of God's loyal remnant people.

Many arguments used by those who seem to be dissatisfied with the relevance of doctrinal formulation have to do with a failure to see Adventist theology in the context of God's opening providence at the time of the origin and rise of the Advent movement. The need to participate mentally in the 1844 Advent experience is one of the most crucial challenges for every Seventh-day Adventist and those desiring to understand the movement.

Emphasizing the crucial significance of understanding the past Adventist experience, Ellen G. White stated: "As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. 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."8

She considers it of sacred importance for ministers and people to recapture God's providence in this original Advent experience. A revival of this experience is indispensable to the relevancy of the church's doctrines for believers and its proclamation to the world. She challenged believers "to revive and recount the truths that have come to seem of little value to those who do not know by personal experience of the power and brightness that accompanied them when they were first seen and understood. In all their original freshness and power these truths are to be given to the world."8 Yet as vital as this experience is, Ellen G. White called on believers to search for additional light, because God is more than willing to bestow additional light that harmonizes with previous light.

The questions now to be explored are: In what way should we expect progressive revelation to affect Adventist doctrines? What new doctrinal developments can we expect in the near future? Will some doctrines be replaced by others? How does new light change doctrine and the interpretation of Scripture? Is appropriate change to be determined by majority opinion? But before coming to these questions let us examine briefly the principles under which proper progressive revelation operates.

Operating Principles of Progressive Revelation

Ellen G. White's comments have been quite influential. Many believers have quoted her views, especially those who have advocated a need for a change in doctrinal formulation. It is, therefore, most appropriate to analyze her views on advanced or new light.

A. Nature and relevance of advanced light.

The light of truth advances constantly (Prov 4:18). Ellen White wrote that "we shall never reach a period when there is no increased light for us ''10 "In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation.''11 This further development of truth and the new light, also designated as present truth, "is a test to the people of this generation"&emdash;who are accountable for truth that past generations were not accountable for.12

B. Its true source.

God is the source of advanced truth. "If God has any new light to communicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand it, without their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing those who are in darkness and error."13

C. Particular areas of advancement.

The areas of advancement are associated in a special way with the practical dimension signs of Christian life. They touch upon matters necessary for the perfection of the faith and of the faithful.14 New light is intended to lead God's people "onward and upward to purity and holiness.''15

One particular area of potential advancement is light on the character of God. Ellen G. White wrote, "It is our privilege to reach higher and still higher for clearer revealings of the character of God.''16 And because Christ is the key to our understanding of God, it is vital for us to wrestle with truth "as it is in Jesus." We must bring "Jesus before the churches and before the world."17

Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The student of Scriptures looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens and broadens as he gazes into its depths. Not in this life shall we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put to the stretch our highest imagination.. The most diligent seeker will see before him a boundless, shoreless sea.18

Another special area for advancing light is Christ's righteousness.19 It is God's desire that finally "one interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other,&emdash;Christ our righteousness."20 When this one interest does prevail, the brilliance of God's final message of mercy will illuminate the entire world. (See Rev 18:1.)

Additional light is to be expected also on final events,21 the book of Revelation 22 and the antitypical significance of the Jewish economy.23

D. Conditions for Reception.

The prerequisites for the bestowal of new light mentioned by Ellen White generally focus on individual spirituality. They involve diligent and prayerful study of the Bible,24 living a righteous life,25 growing in grace,26 having a vital connection with Christ,27 walking obediently in present light,28 purging sin from the life,29 having an attitude of humility,30 following the light of health reform,31 accepting and applying the old truths,32 accepting the Spirit of Prophecy,33 being chosen and illuminated by the Holy Spirit,34 and advancing in proportion to the light.35

E. Harmony with previous revelation.

Ellen G. White stressed a close relationship between old truth and new truth:

1. New Perspectives of Old Truth. The long established truths of redemption continue to offer new perspectives, "though old, they are ever new, constantly revealing to the seeker for truth a greater glory and a mightier power."36

2. An Unfolding of the Old. "The old truths are all essential;" "new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it.... It is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the old does not really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form."37

3. In Harmony with the Foundations of Adventism. New truth always will be in harmony with previous truth and will not divert the attention from Christ or the special Seventh-day Adventist mission.38

Progressive revelation understood in the proper sense in no way diminishes the relevancy of the truths upon which the Seventh-day Adventist church was founded. Ellen G. White cautioned: "Let not any man enter upon the work of tearing down the foundation of truth that has made us what we are."39 "Not one pillar of our faith is to be removed. Not one line of truth is to be replaced by new fanciful theories."40

The truth for this time, God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what is truth. One will arise and still another, with new light which contradicts the light that God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit.... We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories.... And while the Scriptures are God's word, and to be respected, the application of them, if such application moves one pillar from the foundation that God has sustained these fifty years, is a great mistake.41

4. In Harmony with the Landmarks. Ellen G. White strongly defended the theological landmarks of Adventism that were discovered around the time of 1844. "Those who seek to remove the old landmarks are not holding fast," she said. "They are seeking to bring in uncertainties as to set the people of God adrift without an anchor."42

In 1889 she defined the landmarks as follows:

The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angel's messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, "The Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The non immortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.43

5. In Harmony with the Historicist Hermeneutic. Seventh-day Adventists interpret Scripture in a way similar to that of the Reformers and William Miller. Ellen White had a high regard for Miller's rules of interpretation, five of which she especially recommended."

Miller's rules were part of the historicist method of prophetic and Biblical interpretation.

The Acceptance of Progressive Revelation by the Church

Great care must be taken in the introduction of purportedly "new light."

A. Attitudes towards new light:

Ellen White called for an openness to new light and strongly opposed the attitude that we have all the truth for our time.45 New light is not a private affair, for no one should claim that he or she has all the light.46

The investigation of new ideas is important. She stated:

Our brethren should be willing to investigate in a candid way every point of controversy. If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need it. We are all under the obligation to God to know what He sends us.47

Ellen White illustrated the correct attitude toward new Scriptural insight with her personal experience in 1844.

In 1844, when anything came to our attention that we did not understand, we kneeled down and asked God to help us take the right position; and then we were able to come to a right understanding and see eye to eye. There was no dissension, no enmity, no evil-surmising, no misjudging of our brethren.48

B. Procedure for discussing new light:

The way in which new light should be discussed is crucial. The Bible must be studied "with fasting and earnest prayer before God."40

The Bible is the norm for the evaluation of any new point. It is the "standard for every doctrine and practice.... It is the word of the living God that is to decide all controversies.... God's Word is our foundation of all doctrine."50

The baptism of Holy Spirit is indispensable for the elimination of the spirit of prejudice. "When the Spirit of God rests upon you there will be no feeling of envy or jealousy in examining another's position; there will be no spirit of accusation and criticism, such as Satan inspired in the hearts of the Jewish leaders against Christ.''51

C. Tests of new light:

The following tests are recommended to determine the genuineness of new light:

1. Is it Christ-Centered? Ellen White recommended a simple test to determine new light: "Does this light and knowledge that I have found, and which places me at variance with my brethren, draw me more closely to Christ? Does it make my Savior more precious to me and make my character more closely resemble His?"52

2. To the Law and to the Testimony. God "has given direction by which we may test every doctrine,&emdash;'To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them' [Isa. 8:20]. If the light presented meets this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because it does not agree with our ideas."63

3. Does it Produce Fruits of Righteousness? The most convincing testimony that we can bear to others that we have the truth is the spirit which attends the advocacy of that truth. If it sanctifies the heart of the receiver, if it makes him gentle, kind, forbearing, true and Christlike, then he will give some evidence of the fact that he has the genuine truth. But if he acts as did the Jews when their opinions and ideas were crossed, then we certainly cannot perceive such testimony, for it does not produce the fruits of righteousness.64

Implications for Adventist Doctrines

From the above discussion of the way progressive revelation operates it is clear that the doctrines Adventists hold are not open-ended or in a state of flux, ready to be changed at any time. We shall briefly list some implications of progressive revelation.

A. The impact on current doctrine.

New light will not manifest itself in a form that is altogether different from the light the church already possesses. It will take the form of a further advancement of present truth. It is a fuller, clearer, and brighter unfolding of the old truth. There will be harmony with the theological landmarks, the Spirit of Prophecy, and historicist principles of Bible interpretation. Thus it will not replace, substitute, radically change, or tear down the foundations of Adventist faith and practice.

B. Expected new doctrinal developments.

Further developments can be expected, particularly in the areas of presenting the truth "as it is in Jesus." All teachings should be viewed in the light of Christ our Righteousness. Christ our Redeemer is "the center of all our faith and hope."55 The ''sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster."56

C. Conditions for changes.

All changes, whether in doctrinal positions or elsewhere, are controlled by the careful application of the revealed guidelines for the reception of new light.

First and foremost, the spirituality of those calling for change and claiming new light need to be examined. This is vital because God reveals new light only to those who diligently and prayerfully study the Scriptures, who live righteous lives, are growing in grace, and have a living connection with Christ. They have purified sin from the life, and attempt to walk obediently in the present light. They live in harmony with and support the full messages of the Spirit of Prophecy and are advancing in proportion to the light already given.

Suggestions for doctrinal change should be investigated, not simply by administrators, but by brethren of experience, who are diligent Bible students. The investigation should be done with fasting and prayer, calling upon God for a baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Personal investigation is crucial. No one is infallible. No one should rely on the views of others. The Bible must be the norm by which any light is to be investigated and tested.

Every one should be clear on what the old landmarks are and support them. All prejudice should be eliminated so that everyone involved approaches the investigation with an open mind. Finally, the tests for new light must be applied: Is it in harmony with the law and the testimony, the Bible in its entirety? Does it support the Spirit of Prophecy, or is it in disharmony with it? Does the change produce a greater Christ-centeredness? Will it bring fruits of righteousness based on the foundation of the Bible as the Word of God?

During the investigation there should be ample time given to the study of the Scriptures in all its aspects. Nothing can be rushed. Nothing can be decided by a majority vote. When the procedures outlined above are followed, God will not leave His church in doubt about what direction it should take. When God is leading His people into further truth, the study of the Scriptures, together with prayer and fasting, will lead the body of believers as a whole to a general consensus just as He did in 1844 at the time of the Great Disappointment and its aftermath.

D. Change by majority vote.

When the church follows proper guidelines for the evaluation of new light it can expect unity of faith and practice. If the body of the church, i.e., the General Conference in session, has taken an action on a point, then it is best for believers to let an issue rest for awhile, because further agitation at the time has the potential to divide and destroy the unity of the church. Majority votes by groups or committees are not the way to decide on Bible truth and doctrinal change.

During the Reformation the majority of Christians continued to follow the traditions of an apostate Christianity. The Reformers were a minority who dared to challenge the apostasy in Christendom with the Bible as the final norm of faith and practice.

It happened the same way during the nineteenth century second advent movement that had a great impact on many Christian denominations. Yet it was only a remnant of these churches that decided to submit themselves to the full teachings of the Bible. That remnant separated itself from other ecclesiastical organizations which placed creedal statements and man-made traditions above the Word of God.

These experiences in the history of the Christian Church are a lesson for us today. It is possible that, as in the past, a part of God's people will gradually slip into apostasy, give up their respect for the Bible as the final authority for all faith and behavior, and depart from Bible doctrines and practices.

When this takes place, a remnant, inspired by Scripture and the Testimony of Jesus, will continue to call upon God's people to return to the Word of God. Their mission will be successful in spite of heavy losses. The firm assurance is given that at the very end of time

God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority&emdash;not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord'' in its support.57

Endnotes

1 For a critical discussion of contemporary usages of the concept of "progressive revelation," see Gerhard E Hasel's essay, "The Totality of Scripture," in this issue.

2 Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 33.

3 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 5:204.

4 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 1986 ed., p. 23.

5 Paul Schwarzenau, So Much in Common (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1972), p. 106.

6 Ibid., p. 107.

7 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 423.

8 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196.

9 Ellen G. White, Diary, Jan. 31, 1890; Ellen G. White 1888 Materials 2:574.

10 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, 1:404; White, Testimonies, 5:650.

11 White, Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 127, 128.

12 White, Testimonies, 2:693. Cf. Ellen G. White, Early Writings, pp. 42,43.

13 White, Early Writings, p. 124.

14 Cf. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 48.

15 White, Testimonies, 5:534.

16 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 464.

17 Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259.

18 White, Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 128, 129.

19 Ellen G. White, MS 9, 1890; 1888 Materials, 2:537. 92 Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

20 White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259.

21 White, Testimonies, 2:692, 693.

22 White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 133.

23 Ibid.

24 Ellen G. White, Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 27; White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259; White, Writers and Editors, p. 35.

25 White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 34, 35.

26 White, Testimonies, 5:706.

27 White, Editors, p. 35; White, Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 130, 131.

28 Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 310; cf. White, Testimonies, 2:67.

29 White, Ministry of Healing, pp. 464, 465.

30 Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, "Be Zealous and Repent," Dec.23,1890.

31 White, Testimonies, 2:67, 70.

32 White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127; White, Testimonies, 5:369.

33 White, Life Sketches, pp. 198-200.

34 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 297; White, "Be Zealous."

35 White, Testimonies, 5:534.

36 White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127; c£ ibid, p. 130.

37 Ibid., pp. 127, 128.

38 White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 49.

39 Ellen G. White, MS 62, 1905, p. 5.

40 Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry, p. 96.

41 White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 32; cf. White, Selected Messages, 2:115; Ellen G. White, MS 62, 1905, p. 5.

42 White, MS 62, 1905. p. 5.

43 Ellen G. White, MS 13, 1889, p. 3., 1888 Materials, 2:518.

The Latter rain is drizzling the shower is soon to come

He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many. Those who do not realize the necessity of what is to be done will be passed by, and the heavenly messengers will work with those who are called the common people, fitting them to carry the truth to many places.--15MR 312 (1905)...

In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. . . . God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications. God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals...

To souls that are earnestly seeking for light and that accept with gladness every ray of divine illumination from His holy Word, to such alone light will be given. It is through these souls that God will reveal that light and power which will lighten the whole earth with His glory....
..
It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought that is needed. This is of more value than brilliant talent, tact, or knowledge. An ordinary mind, trained to obey a "Thus saith the Lord," is better qualified for God's work than are those who have capabilities but do not employ them rightly.....

The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them.

source : Last Days Events ,204-205.

Royalblood :The latter rain will fall and many Seventh Day Adventist steep in Laodiceanism will one day wondered "wait a minute, what just happened here?" The door would be shut and the Bride groom with and the wedding party the wise would of already been inside . Sadly there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth

Prophecy and history in the church shows in every age a sealing and some members being cut off

Prophecy repeats itself just like History does. This is so because God is the same and man is the same. We can tell how people would react in the church and in the world when the end is near. The recording below highlights exactly what would happen in the church. SDA members should listen ,ensure that you are not numbered among the foolish virgins.

Note this is not a sermon but teaching . The time for sermonizing in the church is over we should be teaching.

How Diet affects your spirituality 2Timothy 3:7

Some of us have been like this for years in the church.I too was like this till i gave God control of every facet of my life.

2Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
What you Eat does affect your spirituality

Remnant people, you need to, you need to hear this.The Latter Rain is falling Can you not see it ?.

Every S.D.A member regardless of age, gender, status, church office, country need to here this!
We are closer to the end than we may be willing to admit. If you are fighting with presumptuous sin in your life, you need to let go of that now. Soon the pronouncement would be made :
Revelation 22:11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Wake up my beloved remnant people. The very people mentioned in Revelation 12:17 & Revelation 14:12

Its time to make a move. Time is at hand

The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are "the times of refreshing" to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus." Acts 3:19, 20.
Great Controversy 611-612

I was shown that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Councel on Diet and Foods 33

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because
thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest
to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget
thy children.

"No man knoweth the day nor the hour," was the argument most often brought forward by rejecters of the Advent faith. The scripture is, "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only." [Matthew 24:36]. A clear and harmonious explanation of this text was given by those who were looking for the Lord, and the wrong use made of it by their opponents was clearly shown. The words were spoken by Christ in that memorable conversation with his disciples upon Olivet, after he had for the last time departed from the temple. The disciples had asked the question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" [Matthew 24:3, 33, 42-51]. Jesus gave them signs, and said, "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." [Matthew 24:3, 33, 42-51]. One saying of the Saviour must not be made to destroy another. Though no man knoweth the day nor the hour of his coming, we are instructed and required to know when it is near. We are further taught that to disregard his warning, and refuse or neglect to know when his advent is near, will be as fatal for us, as it was for those who lived in the days of Noah not to know when the flood was coming. And the parable in the same chapter contrasting the faithful and the unfaithful servant, and giving the doom of him who said in his heart, "My Lord delayeth his coming," shows in what light Christ will regard and reward those whom he finds watching, and teaching his coming, and those denying it. "Watch therefore," he says; "blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing." [Matthew 24:3, 33, 42-51]. "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on these as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." [Revelation 3:3.]

The events of the future will be discerned by prophecy ,and will be understood

Review and Herald April 4,1893

Prophecy school The Scope of Daniel 11:40- 45

part1


part2


part 3


part4


part5


part6

Live what you profess

The Spirit of Prophecy informs us that - “Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” Testimony to Ministers, p.507

The world in church(Creeping compromise)

The dress question has probably been the most sensitive area in which to draw lines based upon biblical principle. Disagreement over definition of terms has frightened many ministers away from the subject. What is modesty and immodesty? Other concerned church spokesmen have been troubled by the angry charge of liberals that dress critics themselves are obsessed with evil minds.

Some have even made a gross misapplication of righteousness by faith and have taken the position that any discussion of external conduct constitutes a legalistic denial of Christ's imputed righteousness.

Does this subject merit a few specific observations? Has it been overemphasised? How many books have rolled from our church presses on the subject? No one can say that it has suffered from overexposure. Hardly a tract or leaflet has expounded on the matter, and few of our books give it any appreciable recognition as a spiritual problem.

But is it spiritual problem? Listen to this statement from Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 647: "Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people.Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches, and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God." If this could be said of the dress problem over a hundred years ago, what could be said about it in these days of unisex, the bikini, and toplessness?

Although the miniskirt comes and goes on the fashion scene, there will always be an element of nudity in prevailing styles that needs to be recognised as immodest and unchristian. Lest some should quibble over that word "modesty" let us not try to define it precisely here. But there can be no debate over the fact that anything which hurts a fellow Christian is wrong. And certainly any kind of dress which causes our fellowman to commit sin must be classified as wrong.

Then let us be honest enough to admit that the exposed human body is quite capable of stirring up sin in both thought and action. Too many have acted very naïvely toward this mushrooming problem of nudity. It is time to speak very plainly so that both men and women understand the true nature of this evil.

Ann Landers printed this letter in her column at the height of the miniskirt craze several years ago:

"Dear Ann Landers:

"Here's a message from a dirty old man--age 22. I'm a college senior and the point of view I express here reflects the thinking of a lot of guys. There is nothing so ludicrous as a chick in a thigh-high mini, sitting on a chair or sofa, tugging at her skirt, trying to pull it down to cover her status of respectability. She blushes ten shades of red and asks with eyes big as saucers, 'Am I sitting all right?' Or, 'Is anything showing?'

"If they don't want anything to show, why don't they buy a skirt with some material in it? More than once I've gotten a dirty look because I was caught popping an eyeball.

"Please tell the Great Pretenders who feign insult to come off it. The reason why they go half naked is because they want to create a little unrest. Tell them that act should have been cancelled when they accepted the hike of the hem and said 'to Blank' with decency."

Many women have brushed aside criticism of their short dresses by blaming everything on the dirty old men with their evil thoughts. But is that the basic fault? Some months ago I received a telephone call while holding an evangelistic series in the state of Texas. A barber who listened to my daily radio program wanted a personal interview in my motel room. Being a Catholic he did not feel free to attend the public service, but he indicated on the phone that he desperately needed some spiritual counsel.

This man turned out to be a wonderful Christian gentleman. He spoke of his great desire to be saved and to live a godly life. Then he confided the problem. Mini-skirted women came into his barber shop day by day. He prayed and struggled to keep his thoughts pure. With tears in his eyes he asked me, "Is God going to destroy me because I cannot always keep my thoughts clean and holy? Please tell me what to do. I want to be saved and I want to keep my mind upon God, but how can I do it with these half-dressed women before my eyes?"

I felt sorry for that barber. He was wrestling with the same problem that every Christian man and boy has to face. It is not confined to "dirty old men." Every man, woman, and child in the world has a carnal nature by birth. But the male struggle to keep the thoughts straight is based upon more than the fleshly nature. It is rooted in the fact that God created men with a completely different sexual makeup than women.

God made man in the beginning with a very sensitive sexual nature that could be quickly aroused by the sight of female nudity. Woman, on the other hand, was created with a sexual nature which would not be so easily stirred, especially by sight. She was made to be more responsive to touch and tenderness. Her more subtle sexuality could be drawn out by the physical attentions involved in the conjugal relationship.

God gave man his emotional sex nature for the purpose of making marriage more pleasurable and happy. The husband was to be the aggressive one in the relationship. Under this beautiful plan of God, the sex instinct of both husband and wife could be lawfully stirred. But mark this: God never intended for man's sex emotions to be stimulated outside the marriage chamber. And in order to protect him God placed within the woman a delicate sense of modest reserve, so that she would not expose her body except to her own husband.

The plan was perfect, but it has broken down in one area. Satan has managed to destroy to a very great extent that inherent modesty with which the Creator endowed womanhood. Under the growing curse of transgression, women have thrown off the moral restraints. Uninhibited nudity or provocative haft-dress has become the accepted norm of modern fashion. On every side, the Christian, as well as the non-Christian, is forced to look upon scenes of nakedness which are utterly foreign to the original plan of the Creator.

What has been the effect of this perverted order of things? It has produced a sex-saturated society whose moral qualities just about match those of the antediluvians. Jesus said, "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:37. And what were the conditions of Noah's day which would be duplicated in the end of time? Genesis 6:5 says that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."

We have only to look at the sorry state of today's entertainment and communication media to know how fully this prophecy has been fulfilled. Pornography has been legitimatise. The TV channels are crowded with lewd sex, either implicit or explicit. The world of advertising, and even the daily news commentaries, are sprinkled with profanity and suggestive double-talk. The imagination of modern man seems obsessed with the subject of sex, often deviant and perverted. Homosexuality has not only received the tolerant coexistence which it sought after, but has been given recognition by the majority of psychiatrists as normal sex behaviour.

And what about the Christians who are surrounded by this glorification of the flesh? Unfortunately, it has not been left outside the church doors. Slowly the world edged into the remnant church. By degrees the sight of knees and thighs even in the sanctuary began to be tolerated. The sense of outrage disappeared as we got used to the weekly display.

What about the Christian men whose inherent sex nature is so easily influenced by this nudity? Do they respond to the external stimuli by thinking evil thoughts and committing mental adultery? By the grace of God true Christians can lay hold of victory, even over the imaginations of the heart. Through submission and prayer any man can claim the power of a pure mind, but the styles of dress make it a more difficult struggle.

Jesus made it clear that men are easily led into wrong thinking. He said, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5:27, 28.

And what can be said for the women who dress in such a way that they stimulate this kind of thinking? They are equally guilty before God. For this reason no tree Christian woman, who understands the effect of such a course, will wear the revealing clothes which create such illicit desires. As the dress inches above the knee, the climate of sin is created. For the carnal man, who has not the power of the gospel in his life, there is no chance whatever to resist the temptation. Every miniskirt is fuel which triggers the mind to think the most debased thoughts of which the carnal nature is capable. Christian women should have no share in this kind of enticement.

Indeed, the second greatest commandment of Jesus would be violated by such a course. Christ said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' How could a woman wear clothing that was designed to cause her neighbour's husband to commit mental adultery and not be guilty of breaking that law of love? Would she love her neighbour as herself if she wilfully did something to cause her neighbour's husband to sin against his wife and against God?

We are dealing here with actions which cause others to sin. Moral issues are directly involved. We are counselled to close every door of temptation.

"Our example and influence must be a power on the side of reform. We must abstain from any practice which will blunt the conscience or encourage temptation. We must open no door that will give Satan access to the mind of one human being formed in the image of God." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 360.

Because the female reaction to nudity is so different from that of the male, women often minimise the spiritual problem we are talking about here. Too often their attitude is that men just ought to use more power of serf-control and stifle their mental images. They fail completely to grasp the significant difference which God Himself put into the male nature. That nature cannot be reversed by any human effort or determination. It can be controlled by complete Christian commitment, but Christian women must co-operate in closing the avenues of the soul to temptation.

"Our only safety is to be shielded by the grace of God every moment, and not put out our own spiritual eyesight so that we will call evil good, and good, evil. Without hesitation or argument, we must close and guard the avenues of the soul against evil. It will cost us an effort to secure eternal life. It is only by long and persevering effort, sore discipline, and stem conflict, that we shall be over-comers." Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 324.

Perhaps we can better understand Satan's way of operating today if we remember some of his classic manoeuvres in the past. In 1 Corinthians 10 we read that the experiences of ancient Israel were written for our admonition and example. Reference is made to their leaving Egypt, journeying through the wilderness, and entering the promised land. There is a direct parallel between God's people then and God's people today.

We cannot ignore the fact that Satan's final, win-or-lose-all attack against Israel to keep them from entering the promised land involved the illicit interlude at Baalpeor. The amoral pagan women of Moab swarmed into the camp of Israel with breezy abandon and caused thousands of the men of Israel to fall into sin. God described the scene thus: "For they vex you with their wiles wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor." Numbers 25:18.

Is there not a striking parallel with the way Satan is seeking to keep modem Israel from entering the heavenly Canaan? Through the wiles of sexual license stirred up by brazen nudity, a last-ditch effort has already been launched to subvert the moral integrity of the remnant church. In the judgement plague which swept the camp of the Israelites, 24,000 died-24,000 men who were overwhelmed by the exotic beauty of the seductive women, and lost the privilege of entering the promised land.

How many thousands of God's people today will be enamoured and destroyed by a duplication of such fleshly lusts? Paul, after reviewing the tragic scene at Baalpeor made this appeal: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:11, 12.

Not one man or woman can boast of any great strength against the pervasive glamour of this worldly age. Just as the senses were captivated by the invading beauties of Moab in the camp of Israel, so the homes of modem Israel are being invaded by the dazzling allure of full-colour televised nudity and carnality. Many who think they are standing are sadly compromised already and do not even recognise it.

The undress parade of the latest styles and fashions have also breached the spiritual defences of many in the church. Only time and eternity will reveal how many minds have surrendered to the sensual appeal of immodest clothing. We wonder if Baalpeor could have been any more bold in its deliberate assault on the morals of Israel. Note the public boast of Mary Quant, the inventor of the miniskirt. This fashion designer declared that her creation was for the purpose of making sex (illicit) more available in the afternoon. In an interview she was asked what kind of person today's woman wants to be, and she answered, "A sexual creature. She displays her sexuality instead of this coy business of hiding it. Today she dresses to say, 'I am sexy. I like men. I enjoy life.'" Then she made this bold statement: "Miniclothes are symbolic of those girls who want seduce a man."

We think the Israelites were n~fve and stupid to fall for Balaam's clever sexual intrigue in days of old, but what can we say for the thousands of Seventh-day Adventist women who blithely donned their miniskirts in the face of Mary Quant's confession?

One of the first evidences of Satan-control is the taking off of the clothes. We have proof of that in Luke 8 where the poor demon-filled man was chained in the Gadarene graveyard. The Bible describes him as "a certain man, which had devils long time and ware no clothes." Luke 8:27. Later, when he had been delivered of the legion of evil spirits, he is described as "sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind." Verse 35. Evidently his first act upon being set free from Satan's power was to clothe himself again. And the clear implication is that only people not in their fight minds would go around without clothes.

Can we conclude that the mass craze for nudity may be based upon modern devil possession? Do the statistics of mental and emotional sickness not support the conclusion also that great numbers of people are not really in their right minds? And these people are being exploited today by Hollywood promoters, smut writers, lewd cultists, and weird designers. They threaten to strip away all modesty and decency from humanity. Their devilish productions constitute a burning insult to the modesty of the human race.

Paul Harvey, noted newspaper columnist, cited the alarming coincidence of crime statistics and short skirts. FBI crime files reveal that forcible rape shot upward almost in proportion to the rise of the hemline. The consensus of law enforcement officers in 50 states agreed that there is a correlation between the miniskirt and sex crimes. Of the law enforcement officers who responded to the question, "Does the short skirt invite sex crimes?" 91 percent answered in the affirmative. The view was summed up by the juvenile division commander of one large city when he said, "Some sex crimes are committed by individuals aroused by their sensory perception, and short dresses of some girls could provoke such an attack."

A newspaper article from Toronto, Canada, confirms that Canadian police agree with the U.S. report: "'91 percent of Toronto policemen think a woman in a revealing miniskirt is more likely to be a rape victim than is her more modest sister,' a spokesman from the Toronto force said Tuesday. Since 1964, the year the mini was introduced to the female fashion market, rapes have increased by 68 percent in the U.S. and by 90 percent in England," said The Law Officers, a police publication. "Abbreviated costumes are no doubt a factor in offences against women," said Sgt. George Gough of Toronto's Morality Squad. "When a girl in a short skirt is followed by a man after she gets off a street car at night, there isn't much doubt as to what attracted her assailant."

Dr. Luchenstein, physician at Tombs Prison in New York City, worked with 170,000 prisoners over a twelve-year period. He said, "The so-called crimes of passion are increasing alarmingly, and will continue to do so... until the principal cause is eliminated. This, it seems to me, is the present style of dress, which, to say the least, is immodest. Immodest dress has a direct bearing on crime incitation, no matter how innocent the wearer may be."

Lest any should conclude from this data that the male of the human species is the pawn of uncontrollable urges, let me hasten to say that every individual remains accountable to God on the basis of personal decision. Each man carries the responsibility of sovereign judgement and wilful choice, providing no excuse for transgression of God's law.

Finally, we stand or fall not because of the force of temptation, but by the deliberate action of the mind to obey the truth or reject it. The influence of provocative dress habitually prevails over the mind which is not fortified with the Holy Spirit.