Standing on the Pillars of Early Advent Faith

There is a deep and sacred importance in standing upon the foundations that were laid by the pioneers through earnest prayer and diligent study of the Word after the passing of the time in 18441SM 206.4+1. Ellen White herself noted that many do not realize how firmly the foundation of the faith was laid by men like James White, Joseph Bates, Stephen Pierce, and Hiram Edson1SM 206.4+1. These pioneers searched for the truth as for hidden treasure, and the Lord gave clear explanations of the Scriptures to help them understand Christ, His mission, and His priesthood1SM 206.4. 🛡️

The Integrity of the Foundation

The "line of truth" extending from those early days is intended to lead us all the way to the city of GodEW xxii.4.

• Distinct Personalities: The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, showing that God is the Father and Christ is the SonCCh 76.4.
• A Personal God: Christ and the apostles taught the truth of the existence of a personal God, and Christ is the express image of His Father's person and character Hebrews 1:310MR 114.2+1.
• The Counsel of Peace: The plan of salvation was a collaboration where the "counsel of peace" was between them both—the Father and the Son Zechariah 6:13CIHS 139.1.

Warnings Against Changing Landmarks

Maintaining these original truths is a safeguard against errors that can unsettle the faith of believersBCL 79.6.

• Spiritualistic Theories: Warnings were given that accepting spiritualistic theories regarding the personality of God could sweep away the whole Christian economy1SM 203.4+1.
• Robbing the People: Such changes can rob the people of God of their past experience and replace it with a false science that makes the truth of heavenly origin of no effect1SM 203.4+1.
• Consistency in Truth: The light given in the early years helped the church understand the character of God and was meant to be carried through to the endEW xxii.4+1.

The Simplicity of the Word

Standing with the Bible "as it reads" ensures that the mind is receiving daily supplies from the fountain of eternal truthFE 536.2.

• The Record of Creation: It is the Word of God alone that gives an authentic account of creation and our redemption, which cost the life of Him who was equal with the Father from the beginningFE 536.2.
• Beholding the Son: By looking at Jesus, we see a person, and we learn that the Father is a person with a form like His SonEW 77.1.
• Equality and Majesty: Christ possessed divine majesty and was equal with God, yet He humbled Himself to become a servant for our sake Philippians 2:6-72T 200.1+1.

Choosing to remain steadfast in the faith and the "unquestionable authority" of the established principles is a way to ensure the soul is brought into harmony with HeavenST June 3, 1886, par. 14+1. The three highest powers in heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—are pledged to work with those who remain loyal to the truth7MR 267.2+1. 🌟