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New Light or Not?
Larry Kirkpatrick
New light. Many think they have it. What is it? Who has it? Who doesn't? What principles govern explorations of it?
Light in the Bible
The phrase "New light" does not occur in the Bible, although the word and the concept "light" does many times. The Bible contains many references concerning light. For example, in Psalms 36:9 "For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light." Life and light are associated together. It is something we need. It guides. In God's light only do we see light. It is necessary to be in God's light in order to rightly see light. There is a necessity of walking with God if one would understand truth-claims aright.
Light leads us. Psalms 43:3 says, "O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles." Light not only leads, but leads us to God's dwelling place. His tabernacle was where He dealt with the sin problem, made atonement, removed sin from His people. God must send out His light to us. We must permit it to lead us. It will lead us away from sin and to God if we are active about pursuing its ever-moving target. His light is His special agency of guidance for the Christian.
Is light for just anyone? Psalms 97:11 tells us that "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Light is especially for those willing to walk in it. Light is the privilege of the follower of God.
In Psalms 119:105 we learn that "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Heaven's light is explicitly connected here to God's Word. His revelation to us in inspired writings, His nourishment for us in giving us His commandments to be lived, are help for us. Notice in this quotation also that the light is able to move with the follower of God. The imagery we have here is that of a path, of one following that path, of a light shining on the path. It is a picture of travel through dimness all around but movement in safety as the light illumines where we place our steps.
Furthermore we have Psalms 119:130 "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." We want God's light to enter, to give understanding. If the light is kept out, if it does not enter, there is no expectation that we will have any understanding but our own. So we want God's, not our own, and to have that we must permit it to shine inside even if we are afraid of what it might reveal.
Another truth is found in John 3:21: "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." It is in the nature of doing truth that it causes one to draw closer to the light. It is the nature of one who follows the light to be responsible
One more is Ephesians 5:13: "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." Light makes manifest, it reveals. It not only reveals error but truth. The Holy Spirit convicts not only of sin but of righteousness. Light reveals both the positive and the negative. This text brings us full circle again to "In His light we see light." God will make manifest to us if we are willing to watch what He shows. Then we must be willing to progress on His pathway. Light makes manifest, makes evident, makes visible. So we must be willing to see.
New Light
When we come to the writings of Ellen G. White we find the phrase "new light." Perhaps the best definition-giving material is given in the following quotation:
Wherever the truths of the gospel are proclaimed, those who honestly desire to do right are led to a diligent searching of the Scriptures. If, in the closing scenes of this earth's history, those to whom testing truths are proclaimed would follow the example of the Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily, and comparing with God's word the messages brought them, there would today be a large number loyal to the precepts of God's law, where now there are comparatively few. But when unpopular Bible truths are presented, many refuse to make this investigation. Though unable to controvert the plain teachings of Scripture, they yet manifest the utmost reluctance to study the evidences offered. Some assume that even if these doctrines are indeed true, it matters little whether or not they accept the new light, and they cling to pleasing fables which the enemy uses to lead souls astray. Thus their minds are blinded by error, and they become separated from heaven. (Acts of the Apostles, p. 232).
Here we see that we are dealing with "the truths of the gospel," "testing truths . . . proclaimed," "messages brought," "unpopular Bible truths . . . presented," "doctrines," all these are placed more or less in parallel to "new light." New light thus is (1) based on divine revelation, (2) has a testing quality in itself, (3) comes in specific units of truth which may be viewed as consisting in "messages" or "doctrines," and (4) is brought to people by God's working.
But we learn more. "Study" and "investigation" are necessary in weighing that which is presented as light. The Christian enterprise is thus marked not by passivity but activity. That which is brought to us may not seem appealing to us if we have beforehand acquired a taste for pleasing fables, and become blinded by error. The closing scenes of this earth's history demand those who emulate the noble Bereans, testing that which is presented to them as light.
Let us not forget one of the qualities for which our Lord commended the church of Ephesus: "Thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. (Revelation 2:2). Testing those who claim to bringers of God's light is that for which God repeatedly commends His people. He will give us light to see light, and to reject sidetracks and merely speculative smoke and mirrors.
A Dangerous Class of Professed Reformers
It is important that we realize, as those who profess a message that aims so high, there is a risk of some among us being manipulated through our intense desire for purity and our penchant to so often fall short. There is a risk not only to a certain group of us that tend this way but there is also a risk from a certain class who hone and perfect their programs of manipulation.
As Mrs. White pointed out, "We read in the Bible of a good conscience; and there are not only good but bad consciences. There is a conscientiousness that will carry everything to extremes, and make Christian duties as burdensome as the Jews made the observance of the Sabbath. The rebuke which Jesus gave to the scribes and Pharisees applies to this class as well: 'Ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God.' One fanatic, with his strong spirit and radical ideas, who will oppress the conscience of those who want to be right, will do great harm. The church needs to be purified from all such influences." (Historical Sketches, p. 212). Notice that there is a class that will use spiritual means to an end
[There are] agents of Satan who. . . work first to gain sympathy and secure confidence in them[selves] as holy, self-sacrificing men of God. As his special messengers, they then begin their artful work of drawing away souls from the path of rectitude, by attempting to make void the law of God. . . . Men professing to have new light, claiming to be reformers, will have great influence over a certain class who are convinced of the heresies that exist in the present age and who are not satisfied with the spiritual condition of the churches. With true, honest hearts, these desire to see a change for the better, a coming up to a higher standard. If the faithful servants of Christ would present the truth, pure and unadulterated, to this class, they would accept it and purify themselves by obeying it. But Satan, ever vigilant, sets upon the track of these inquiring souls. Someone making high profession as a reformer comes to them, as Satan came to Christ, disguised as an angel of light, and draws them still farther from the path of right. (Counsels on Health, pp. 623, 625).
We see here that those who are susceptible (1) are misled by these to place confidence in the professed reformers, (2) are convinced of the heresies that exist around them in the present culture, (3) see the spiritual state of the churches as poor, (4) have true and honest hearts desiring change for the better, (5) and are seeking to uphold a higher standard. Such persons are targeted by Satan who sends to them his agents in disguise as reformers who claim new light.
The nature of this (in this case) dangerous new light is as follows: "We are to pray for divine enlightenment, but at the same time we should be careful how we receive everything termed new light. We must beware lest, under cover of searching for new truth, Satan shall divert our minds from Christ and the special truths for this time. I have been shown that it is the device of the enemy to lead minds to dwell upon some obscure or unimportant point, something that is not fully revealed or is not essential to our salvation. This is made the absorbing theme, the 'present truth,' when all their investigations and suppositions only serve to make matters more obscure than before, and to confuse the minds of some who ought to be seeking for oneness through sanctification of the truth." (Counsels to Writers, p. 49).
While we watch for new light, we are to "be careful how we receive everything termed new light." We are here called to great caution. We are told that that will be brought to us which will be "termed" new light. And since we have learned to be careful about that which is presented as being new light, much that comes is so subtle it does not even bear the label "new light." It is simply placed before us as great insight to be accepted.
The essence of the problem with false light is that it is a Satanic deception diverting our attention from what are to be our two foremost foci: "Christ and the special truths for this time." In place of those two categories of material we are often offered as new light that which is obscure, or not fully revealed. If not a point of obscurity, then it will be some unimportant point that is not essential for our salvation.
That point of focus will become the all-absorbing theme to which everything is drawn, the sieve through which everything is strained. All the energy that goes into the endeavor to glue the false into some valid position with the true only brings more confusion and obscurity to the understanding. It distracts from "seeking for oneness through sanctification of the truth."
When such messages are full grown, here's where they lead: to disaffection. "Individuals who will strike out upon some new light and some new truth, independent of the body, are pursuing a course directly contrary to the word of God. If they have any influence over others, it is to disaffect them and lead them away from the watchcare, counsel, and strength of the body." (Signs of the Times, October 23, 1879 par. 8).
"From that which the Lord has been pleased to show me, there will arise just such ones all along, and many more of them, claiming to have new light, which is a side issue, an entering wedge. The widening will increase until there is a breach made between those who accept these views and those who believe the third angel's message." She continues in the next paragraph: "Just as soon as these new ideas are accepted, then there will be a drawing away from those whom God has used in this work, for the mind begins to doubt and withdraw from the leaders, because God has laid them aside and chosen "more humble" men to do His work. This is the only interpretation they can give to this matter, as the leaders do not see this important light." (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 409).
Thus, the exploration of new light must be a careful one. We are forewarned where it can go wrong. What can we do to make it go right?
Starting Points
There are found in the Ellen G. White writings some very powerful principles for how we should explore that which is termed new light. We are repeatedly warned "We must not look with suspicion upon any new light which God may send" (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 33). New light has much to do with how we discern and perceive. "Christ in His teaching presented old truths of which He Himself was the originator, truths which He had spoken through patriarchs and prophets; but He now shed upon them a new light. How different appeared their meaning! A flood of light and spirituality was brought in by His explanation. And He promised that the Holy Spirit should enlighten the disciples, that the word of God should be ever unfolding to them. They would be able to present its truths in new beauty." (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127).
Again, "The old truths will be presented, but they will be seen in a new light. There will be a new perception of truth, a clearness and a power that all will discern. Those who have the privilege of sitting under such a ministry will, if susceptible to the Holy Spirit's influence, feel the energizing power of a new life. The fire of God's love will be kindled within them. Their perceptive faculties will be quickened to discern the beauty and majesty of truth." (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 130).
Honest seekers may have fresh perceptions of the beauty of truth. But they need to seek truth together. As the early Adventists united in a spirit of seeking for God in fellowship with Him and with one another, we too need to seek together. God's Spirit is raising up a people in harmony with Him and with one another, not a discordant gaggle of fanatics unwilling to observe any order. In the following lines we have one of the best descriptions about how to seek unitedly for the truth in the Spirit:
God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit up His people. They will not be at variance, one believing one thing, and another having faith and views entirely opposite; each moving independently of the body. Through the diversity of the gifts and governments that He has placed in the church, they will all come to the unity of the faith. If one man takes his views of Bible truth without regard to the opinion of his brethren, and justifies his course, alleging that he has a right to his own peculiar views, and then presses them upon others, how can he be fulfilling the prayer of Christ? And if another and still another arises, each asserting his right to believe and talk what he pleases, without reference to the faith of the body, where will be that harmony which existed between Christ and His Father, and which Christ prayed might exist among His brethren?
Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibility before God, we are not to follow our own independent judgment, regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren; for this course would lead to disorder in the church. It is the duty of ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; but their relations to one another, as well as the doctrines they teach, should be brought to the test of the law and the testimony; then, if hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us. Some are inclined to be disorderly, and are drifting away from the great landmarks of the faith; but God is moving upon His ministers to be one in doctrine and in spirit.
It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial. . . . We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.
When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the inspired word. 'The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.' 2 Timothy 2:24, 25." (Christian Experience and Teachings, pp. 201-203).
We mark several points from the above. (1) God is leading out not a person but a people. (2) They will not be at variance with each other, having faith and views entirely opposite. Our doctrinal profession will be united. Our lifestyle practice will be united. (3) We will move with the body, not independent of the body. (4) Gifts placed in the church will bring us along in unity. (5) Those who persist in pushing their own peculiar views and pressing them upon others without regard for the faith of the body are in violation of the prayer of Christ for unity in John 17. (6) We are not to follow our own independent judgment regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren as that would lead to disorder in the church. (7) The teachings of all, including ministers, must be brought to the test of the law and the testimony. (8) If hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us. (9) There are those in the church who are inclined to be disorderly and to drift away from the great landmarks of Seventh-day Adventism. (10) God is moving His ministers to be one in doctrine and spirit. (11) We have many lessons to learn and many, many to unlearn. (12) God and heaven alone are infallible. (13) Potential new light should be frankly explained by its proponents. (14) The Scriptures should be searched with a spirit of candor to see if the points can be substantiated. (15) Gentleness and patience are preferred to strife.
The picture presented by the 15 points extracted from this passage is one of exploring unitedly for truth. It is not a picture of one individual aggressively obsessing over a point and enforcing it upon the consciences of his audience. It is a picture of people working together, seeking truth together, not engaging in a war with one or two pathologically independent individuals. Another clear part of the picture is that of comparing doctrines and points of teachings with the inspired writings to see whether they are so.
Departure Points
There are some obvious warning signs we can keep an eye out for also when people come to us claiming to have light. One of these warning signs is the "tendency" of the new idea: "Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation, whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God's word, yet souls will be deceived." (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 49).
Indeed, here we have another warning, a very firm one in the same vein: "When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No aftersuppositions, contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth. 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." (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 31).
Here is a crucial principle: "new light" will always harmonize with other light. It will never contradict it, never cause us to go backward and give up that which the power of God has testified already is truth. This truth exists side by side with the fact that we have "many, many lessons to unlearn." It does seem possible however that the "many, many" lessons to unlearn may have more to do with feeling satisfied with the truth we have
The prophetic elements of our message are sometimes misused. "It is true that there are prophecies yet to be fulfilled. But very erroneous work has been done again and again, and will continue to be done by those who seek to find new light in the prophecies, and who begin by turning away from the light that God has already given. The messages of Revelation 14 are those by which the world is to be tested; they are the everlasting gospel, and are to be sounded everywhere. But the Lord does not lay upon those who have not had an experience in His work the burden of making a new exposition of those prophecies which He has, by His Holy Spirit, moved upon His chosen servants to explain." (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 111). We thank God for anchors such as these truths that enable us to measure what is presented as coming from God with what has come to us from God.
Another challenge we have already mentioned is the thrust toward independence. The messenger of the Lord tells warns us as follows.
God has not passed His people by, and chosen one solitary man here and another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted with His truth. He does not give one man new light contrary to the established faith of the body. In every reform men have arisen making this claim. Paul warned the church in his day, 'Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.' The greatest harm to God's people comes through those who go out from among them speaking perverse things. Through them the way of truth is evil spoken of.
Let none be self confident, as though God had given them special light above their brethren. Christ is represented as dwelling in His people; and believers, as 'built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.' 'I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,' says Paul, 'beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.' (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 45).
Here often is where the problem comes out at the end. One person insists on their views, and after a thorough investment of energy by numerous parties, they cannot receive his views as truth and have demonstrated something of those view's falsity. But the advocate of claimed new light continues right on his pathway just as before., and just as persuaded as before, if not more so. And so it goes. But still it is true that God will not give one person light that is contrary to the established faith of the body.
There may be a current wave of disrespect for the ministers of the Lord. But we must take into our accounting also such counsels as the following: "There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment; for 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety.'" (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 291-293). That was not written by a pastor but by the prophet to God's end-time remnant church. Perhaps there is something to its counsel!
An Appeal to Seek Carefully
Another long passage from the writings of Ellen G. White makes many helpful points.
Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God's word, and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative, and seek to avoid discussion.
The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among God's people, should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminating between truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves, to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition, and worship they know not what.
I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth, know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others, who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested, they knew not their great ignorance.
And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe, but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith, and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a departure from the living God, and a turning to men, putting human wisdom in place of divine.
God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Scriptures, and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold.
God would have all the bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God, so that when the testing time shall come, and they are brought before councils to answer for their faith, they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.
Agitate, agitate, agitate! The subjects which we present to the world must be to us a living reality. It is important that in defending the doctrines which we consider fundamental articles of faith, we should never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound. These may avail to silence an opposer, but they do not honor the truth. We should present sound arguments, that will not only silence our opponents, but will bear the closest and most searching scrutiny. . . (Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 38-40).
Thus we see that if we are alive, if we are growing spiritually, there will be a continuous flow of new light! Not that every point will be like an altogether new doctrine, but that a living Christian experience will mean God is teaching His people. We must also watch out for the danger of growing satisfied with what we know. We should never discourage further investigation of the inspired writings. But what investigation is made should be accomplished within scope of the truth that "No aftersuppositions, contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained."
Many are worshipping they know not what. That mustn't be you are me! We must never cheapen our sense of the importance of the work of the truth for this time. Remember, Satan wants to take our eyes off of two all-important points: "Christ and the special truths for this time." God will permit heresies to come in amongst us to sift us if other means of arousing us to search the Scriptures fail. Prayer and fasting have a place in the examination of truth claims in harmony with the Word. We are to advance so that at no point in our understanding of truth are our ideas of what it is and what it means ill-defined. We should fortify ourselves only with the soundest arguments.
Conclusion
We need to be thoughtful when we deal with that purporting to be new light. There are riches for us to mine, and land-mines for us to avoid! We have much counsel. Let us take advantage of it and become intelligent about what we do in response to claims of new light. Then we will sift out the empty calories and savor that which enhances and expands the work of our God.
"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 obligation to God to know what He sends us." (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 43).
"The different parties of professed Advent believers have each a little truth, but God has given all these truths to His children who are being prepared for the day of God. He has also given them truths that none of these parties know, neither will they understand. Things which are sealed up to them, the Lord has opened to those who will see and are ready to understand. 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." (Early Writings, p. 124).
"There must be no combative or controversial spirit in the advocacy of truth." (Evangelism, p. 142).
"The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's Word; yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse." (The Faith I Live By, p. 295).
"Even now there seems to be a burning desire to get up something startling, and bring it in as new light. Thus men are weaving into the web as important truths a tissue of lies. This imaginary food that is being prepared for the flock will cause spiritual consumption, decline, and death." (Review and herald, January 22, 1901).
"I was shown the danger that will threaten the church, because here and there persons will be rising up, proclaiming that they have new light. They may be those who have been regarded as humble Christians, and very conscientious in all their doings, but they do not have a good conscience. Reason and common sense are laid aside, and they become fanatical. Religious fanatics will certainly appear among us, and they will cause much care and much grief to those who have the honor of the cause of God at heart. They will not consider it their duty to counsel with their brethren." (General Conference Bulletin, October 1, 1896 par. 12).
"Disappointment may prove to be the greatest of blessings to us. We must learn that others have rights as well as we have, and when any of our brethren receive new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented on a new subject can be substantiated by the inspired word." (Review and Herald, July 26, 1892 par. 8).
"Those who put the whole strength of their mind into one subject, are greatly deficient on other points. The subject before them enchains their attention, and they are led on and on, and go deeper and deeper into the matter. They become interested and absorbed, and see new light and beauty as they advance. But there are few minds that can follow them, unless they have given the subject the same careful thought. There is danger of such men planting the seed of truth so deep that the tender, precious blade will never find the surface." (Signs of the Times, October 28, 1886 par. 7).
"Christ is continually unfolding old truths in a new light. The only way in which we will be prepared to have a more perfect apprehension of truth, is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ." (Signs of the Times, October 29, 1894 par. 2).
"Those who are deceivers are those who have turned away their ears from hearing the truth, and who have opened the door of their heart for the entrance of the sophistries of Satan. At first those who are finally deceived do not believe what they assume themselves; but as they misinterpret the Scriptures, as they claim to have received new light, as they enter into by-paths, as they repeat their own falsehoods, they come to look upon their theories as matters of importance. They deceive others, presenting the arguments that were prepared by the synagogue of Satan. Every repetition of their errors confirms them in their false theories. They are inspired by the Satanic agencies to present falsehoods before others, and finally come to believe a lie, deceiving and being deceived." (Signs of the Times, December 5, 1895 par. 3).
"When new light is presented to the church, it is perilous to shut yourselves away from it. Refusing to hear because you are prejudiced against the message to the messenger will not make your case excusable before God. To condemn that which you have not heard and do not understand will not exalt your wisdom in the eyes of those who are candid in their investigations of truth. And to speak with contempt of those whom God has sent with a message of truth, is folly and madness. If our youth are seeking to educate themselves to be workers in His cause, they should learn the way of the Lord, and live by every word that proceedeth out of His mouth. They are not to make up their minds that the whole truth has been unfolded, and that the Infinite One has no more light for His people. If they entrench themselves in the belief that the whole truth has been revealed, they will be in danger of discarding precious jewels of truth that shall be discovered as men turn their attention to the searching of the rich mine of God's word." (Counsels on Sabbath-School Work, p. 32).
"New light will ever be revealed on the word of God to him who is in living connection with the Sun of Righteousness. Let no one come to the conclusion that there is no more truth to be revealed. The diligent, prayerful seeker for truth will find precious rays of light yet to shine forth from the word of God. Many gems are yet scattered that are to be gathered together to become the property of the remnant people of God. But light is not given simply to be a strength to the church, but to be shed upon those who are in darkness. The people of God are to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Christ has said of His people, "Ye are the light of the world," and it is the mission of the light to shine out and illuminate the darkness." (Counsels on Sabbath-School Work, p. 34).
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