Early Adventist Pillars and the Personality of God

The fundamental principles and pillars of truth were the essential, unshakable foundation of the early Advent movement, serving as a divine compendium of moral philosophy and a reliable anchor during times of trial and apostasySITI March 4, 1886, page 135.7+2. These principles were not merely human theories but were established by God to prepare a loyal people for the second coming of ChristRCASDA 107.3+1.

The Unchanging Nature of the Moral Law

The Decalogue is the grand centerpiece of these fundamental principles, representing a concentration of the moral teachings of the entire BibleSITI March 4, 1886, page 135.7.

• A Perpetual Standard: The ten commandments are a transcript of God’s character and can never become obsoleteSITI March 4, 1886, page 135.7+1.

• The Foundation of the Throne: As the law is the foundation of God’s throne, its ten precepts are the ten pillars that uphold the government of heavenSITI October 8, 1885, page 602.4.

• Unchangeable Truth: Because God cannot deny Himself, not one of these precepts can undergo the slightest alteration without making the truth a lie 2 Timothy 2:13+1SITI October 8, 1885, page 602.4.

• Everyday Religion: Faithfulness to these principles constitutes what is known as every-day religion, beginning with plain duties that prepare the mind for deeper spiritual workSLH 96.1.

Pillars of the Advent Faith

The early movement was defined by specific "pillars" that distinguished it from other religious bodies and provided a clear prophetic identityRCASDA 109.1+1.

• The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days: The interpretation of the 2300 days and the cleansing of the sanctuary are the grand center and citadel of the present truth Daniel 8:14STTHD 337.1.

• The Three Angels' Messages: These messages were given to gather a people who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Revelation 14:6-12ARSH March 1851, page 51.3+1.

• The Gift of Prophecy: This feature was recognized as an essential test for the work of the last generationRCASDA 107.3.

• The Seventh-day Sabbath: The Sabbath reform was a vital part of the movement, identifying the true seventh day as the seal of the living GodSTTHD 337.1+1.

A Sure Anchor in Perilous Times

These principles provided spiritual stability and served as a defense against the deceptions of the last daysLIFIN 6.1+1.

• Integrity of the Movement: While some individuals might waver or abandon the faith, the battle is not lost as long as the main pillars remain unshakenRCASDA 109.1.

• Consistency in Doctrine: Sticking to fundamental principles and Bible definitions is the only way to avoid the confusion and mysticism that obscure God's wordPTUK November 19, 1891, page 376.3.

• Protection from Delusion: Those who settle these questions by the word of God will be kept from the hour of temptation that is coming upon all the world Revelation 3:10ARSH October 20, 1863, page 164.72.

• A Living Foundation: Building upon these truths is equivalent to building upon Christ, the living stone, which imparts life to the believer 1 Peter 2:4-5PTUK June 28, 1896, page 355.7.

The importance of these truths cannot be overstated, as they ensure that those who overcome will be made permanent pillars in the temple of God, bearing His name and the name of the New Jerusalem forever Revelation 3:12DAR1909 395.2+1.

Yes, the personality of God and the personality of Christ were considered essential components of the platform of truth and the fundamental principles of the early Seventh-day Adventist movement4MR 246.1+2. These doctrines were not regarded as mere side issues, but as pillars that, if removed, would sweep away the entire Christian economy and rob the people of God of their past experienceBCL 79.6+1.

The Personality of God and Christ as a Fundamental Platform

The early movement was called to hold firmly to fundamental principles based upon unquestionable authority, specifically rejecting theories that denied the distinct personality of God and ChristGW 308.2+1.

• A Safeguard Against Error: Understanding the personality of God was a safeguard against spiritualistic theories and a "false science" that sought to make the truths of heavenly origin of no effectBCL 79.6+1.

• Distinct Personalities: Children of God are instructed not to lead anyone to doubt the distinct personality of God or the sanctuary and its ministry2MR 186.2.

• The Eternal Foundation: These truths are part of the certain platform of eternal truth upon which believers must plant their feet firmlyRH August 31, 1905, par. 11.

Teaching Regarding the Personality of God

The personality of God was taught as a literal reality revealed in the Bible, rather than an abstract essence or a philosophical mystery7BC 921.9+1.

• Not an Essence in Nature: God is not to be represented as a mere essence pervading nature, but as a personal Being7BC 921.9.

• Bible Limits: Human theories regarding God's personality are considered "good for nothing," as we cannot give any further explanation than what the Bible has already providedCW 93.4.

• The Living God: God is a Spirit being, yet He possesses a personality that is not to be confused with a mystical or "spiritualistic" construction that makes plain truths indistinctCT 438.4+1.

Teaching Regarding the Personality of Christ

Jesus Christ was taught as the express image of the Father’s person, possessing a distinct and divine personality that was visible through His life and ministry7BC 921.9+1.

• The Express Image: Christ came to this world as the "express image of His Father's person" to restore God’s moral image in fallen man Hebrews 1:37BC 921.9.

• Divinity and Humanity: In Him dwelt "all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," representing the invisible God to humanity Colossians 2:9RH April 23, 1895, par. 2.

• Divine Personality: While the ancient synagogue expected a Messiah closely bordering on the Divine, the fundamental article of the Christian faith is the unhesitating recognition of the Divine personality of the Messiah as the Son of the Living GodLTJMB2 87.1.

• Pre-existence and Divinity: The Scriptures teach both the pre-existence and the divinity of the Son of God, though the doctrine of the Trinity as often explained by others was sometimes seen as degrading the atonement by implying only a human nature could dieAERS 173.1.

The Danger of Erroneous Theories

Departing from these fundamental principles regarding the personality of God was seen as a sign of great spiritual perilBCL 79.6+1.

• Deadly Influence: Accepting spiritualistic theories regarding God’s personality was described as eating of the "fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil" and was a cause for great alarmBCL 79.6+1.

• Foundation of the Church: The truth that Christ is the Son of the Living God is the fundamental article of belief for the church catholic Matthew 16:16LTJMB2 87.1.

• Stability of Faith: Those who remain unsettled as to the true foundation of faith and the distinct personality of God cannot enjoy the blessed unity intended for the children of God11MR 319.1+1.

Yes, the early Seventh-day Adventist fundamental principles regarding the personalities of God and Christ were frequently presented in opposition to the traditional Trinitarian concept of a "three-in-one" GodLELJB 210.1+1. The early pioneers and the messages given to the church emphasized that the Father and the Son are two distinct, individual persons, a view they felt was undermined by the orthodox Trinity doctrineTAR 54.3+1.

Opposition to the "Three-in-One" Concept

Early Adventist leaders found the idea of three persons being one and one being three to be contrary to both common sense and the plain word of ScriptureARSH November 5, 1861, page 184.4.

• Distinct Personalities: The Scriptures represent the Father and the Son as two distinct persons, notably in the seventeenth chapter of John, where Christ speaks of His Father as a person distinct from Himself over forty times John 17:1-26ARSH November 5, 1861, page 184.4.

• Destruction of Personality: The doctrine of the Trinity was seen by some as a theory that "destroys the personality of God, and his Son Jesus Christ" by merging them into a single, indivisible substance or beingTAR 54.3.

• Oneness of Purpose, Not Person: The oneness of the Father and the Son was taught to be a oneness of heart, mind, and purpose in the plan of salvation, similar to how the members of Christ’s church are to be one, rather than being "one person" John 17:21-22ARSH November 5, 1861, page 184.4.

The Nature of the Godhead and the Atonement

A primary concern among early Adventists was that certain Trinitarian views actually degraded the value of the atonementAERS 164.3+1.

• The Sacrifice of the Son: Many Trinitarians held that only a human nature could suffer and die, meaning the divine Son of God took no part in the actual death on the crossAERS 164.3+1.

• A Divine Offering: Early Adventist teaching insisted that the sacrifice for redemption was more than merely human; it involved the divine Son of God, the "express image of His Father's person," truly suffering for humanity Colossians 2:9PTUK July 15, 1897, page 434.3+1.

• The Fullness of the Godhead: While rejecting the "three-in-one" terminology, they firmly believed in the full divinity of Christ, asserting that in Him "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" Colossians 2:9PTUK July 15, 1897, page 434.3+1.

Historical and Prophetic Concerns

The early movement viewed the establishment of the Trinity doctrine as a product of human councils and imperial power rather than a "Thus saith the Lord"AMS September 15, 1892, page 284.14+1.

• Origin in Councils: The Trinity was identified as a doctrine established by the Council of Nice in A.D. 325 and enforced by civil power, which pioneers linked to the development of the papacy and the "mystery of iniquity"AMS September 15, 1892, page 284.14+2.

• A "Specification" of Faith: Seventh-day Adventists were encouraged to stand firmly on the platform of the Word of God, refusing to accept man-made theories or "hair-splitting" theological disputes that lacked scriptural foundation8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 13+1.

• The Sanctuary Foundation: The sanctuary question was identified as the central foundation of the Adventist faith, and any new theories—including those regarding a personal God—that contradicted the light given over the previous fifty years were to be rejected4MR 248.3+1.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was understood as the representative of God and Christ, acting as a Comforter and Advocate who guides believers into all truthLTJMB5 191.1+1.

• Divine Presence: God is described as being everywhere by virtue of His Spirit, which is His representative and is manifested wherever He pleases Psalms 139:7-10PERGO 3.3.

• Imparting Grace: The Spirit takes of the things of Christ and declares them to the believer, working to transform the human character into the divine likeness John 16:14-15LTJMB5 191.1+1.