p. 9 | The Message Unchanged by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1904

The Message Unchanged

By George B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

WITH God the past and the future are alike outspread. From ancient times he has foreseen every step, and made provision for every circumstance which will arise in the mysterious drama being enacted in the earth. The destiny of nations is with God; he holds the program of events in his own hands.

Ever in the past when his judgments were to be visited upon the inhabitants of the earth to stay them in their impious and heaven-daring schemes, warnings have been sent through human agents to prepare them for the terrible ordeal, that they might be rescued from the coming destruction. These warnings have always come exactly on time to meet the emergencies and needs of the hour,—not a day late,—neither have they because of unbelief been drawn out beyond certain limits. The warnings of the past were always adapted to the circumstances of the times in which they were given, and accomplished their work on time.

The message Noah preached was heaven-born, correct in every detail as first given, and just as God wanted it given to warn the world of the coming flood. He knew how long it would take to accomplish the work, and gave a message that would be timely and up to date till the flood came. Imagine this solemn proclamation given to Noah being changed, set in the background after a time, and a new theology thought to be more advanced and progressive brought to the front! and as the closing years of the generation that was to witness this terrible overthrow from the hand of the Almighty were being ticked off, but little being said about the deluge, lest prejudice be aroused and the work hindered! Some may have arisen after a time and departed from the old pillars of the message given to Noah in the beginning, asserting that what had been preached for fourscore or fivescore years was hardly the message now, and to adhere to these truths was narrow; that we must be more progressive, and not make a “hitching-post” of these truths, which were good enough in their time, but go on into greater light. But Noah was unmovable, as firm as a rock. He adhered to the old landmarks of his message, and entered the ark at last.

The closing-event on the program of events will be no exception. When the strongholds of kings are to be demolished, and the arrows of his indignation is to strike down his foes, and desolation and ruin such as no mortal mind can picture is to take place, the Lord will announce the startling event. The message will begin on time, close on time, and from the beginning be given in the exact setting necessary to warn the world. It will never be changed, and the woe of God is upon any effort to move a block or stir a pin. The nearer we come to the closing scenes of earth’s history, the more clear and distinct will ring out the cry from consecrated souls, “Behold, he cometh with clouds.”

But there must be a reaching out for the fundamental pillars of the message which have stood from the beginning; for the enemy has been plotting their overthrow. How thankful we should be that connected with this message is a gift which can unmask before us the schemes of Satan and his generals. It is the same now as in the days of Elisha. 2 Kings 6:8-12. We read the following from the pen of Sister White in the REVIEW of Nov. 19, 1903:—

“Satan has laid his plans to undermine our faith in the history of the cause and work of God. I am deeply in earnest as I write this. Satan is working with men in prominent positions to sweep away the foundations of our faith. Shall we allow this to be done, brethren?”

Every loyal heart will respond, “No; this shall not be done.” Many years ago this same warning was written out for our admonition:—

“Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth, and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over his people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty. Satan knew this, and was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth.”—Early Writings, page 35.

The covering here spoken of we are told in Isa. 30:1 is the Holy Spirit. Then that which will bring the Holy Spirit in its fulness and power to this denomination is purity of heart and an unwavering allegiance to the message.

“I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.”—Id., page 36.

If there was ever a time when God’s people should be diligently searching the Word for light that the clear outlines of the message may be readily perceived, that time is now. If we fail to do this, our feet will surely slide.