Restoring Integrity and Hope in the Korean SDA Church

Yes, there is absolute hope for the church because God has a distinct people on earth, a church that is second to none and superior in its facilities to teach the truth, which He will never disorganizeLDE 43.2+1. While challenges regarding government support and financial integrity are serious, the following principles provide a clear path for restoration and steadfastness:

The Church and Governmental Support

The history of faith shows that relying on the state for the support of religious or educational programs is a dangerous snare that can lead to the corruption of principlesSITI February 24, 1904, page 4.8+1.

• A Perilous Path: Seeking or accepting governmental support often gathers an "unemployed" or dependent spirit, eventually leading those involved to sell their voices to the highest bidderSITI February 24, 1904, page 4.8.

• The Loss of Independence: When churches accept public money for education, they often find it "utterly impossible" to retrace their steps, leading to a compromise where worldly policies guide programs instead of divine principlesTM xix.1+1.

• A Better Way: The church is called to be on a self-supporting basis, as governmental support is often a "raid on the treasury" that compels the public to support opinions they do not believeARSH December 20, 1898, page 815.7+1.

Integrity in Financial and Mission Work

God requires a high, holy, and sanctified rectitude in all business transactions within His church21LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, par. 29.

• The Danger of Greed: It is a betrayal of sacred trust to use the cause of truth for personal gain or to prioritize "money, money, money" over the teaching of the truthTM 36.1+1.

• God’s Standard: Those who lead out in mission work must not show a "grasping spirit" or use their positions to oppress others for wealthGCB April 1, 1903, page 32.10+1.

• Accountability: Every transaction should be conducted with the thought: "Is this transaction of such a character that I shall not be ashamed to have it appear in the day of judgment?" Revelation 22:10-1221LtMs, Ms 135, 1906, par. 29.

• Rebuking Usury: Just as Nehemiah rebuked the nobles for exacting usury from their brothers, church leaders today must ensure that the "bondage" of financial strain is not made heavy upon the people Nehemiah 5:7-18.

The Church Is Not Babylon

Despite the presence of "Pharisaism" or unfaithful individuals, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not BabylonLDE 43.2+2.

• A Divine Promise: God has not given anyone a message to call the Seventh-day Adventist Church Babylon or to call His people to come out of her1MR 297.4+1.

• The Role of Reproof: The Lord reproves, rebukes, and chastens His church, but it is only that He may heal and restore, not cause it to perishGRC 11.3+1.

• The Remnant People: There is but one church in the world standing in the breach, and those who turn their weapons against the church militant do not bear divine credentialsLDE 43.2+1.

The Hope for Individual and Corporate Reform

Hope remains because God calls for a "new leaven," which is the grace of Christ, to expel the corruption of the human heart16MR 216.2+1.

• The Power of Toil: God’s purpose is to remove evil through honest toil and labor, thwarting the plans of the enemyFE 513.1.

• A Call to Volunteers: God is looking for volunteers who will do their very best to represent Christ in thought, word, and act, ensuring that every institution bears the seal of GodGCB April 1, 1903, page 32.10.

• Individual Steadfastness: Even in "very bad circumstances," the deep work of truth in the heart can keep a soul true and steadfast18MR 260.3.

• The Final Triumph: Despite the "whirlwind" of evil in the world, the righteous have an everlasting foundation and will eventually be clothed in white raiment Proverbs 10:25+1.

The Lord is faithful; He will establish you and keep you from evil if you stand fast and hold to the truths you have been taught 2 Thessalonians 3:3AA 267.1. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, for the Lord has set before the church an open door that no man can shut Revelation 3:2-8RH March 26, 1889, par. 1.