This study on the flat earth and the gospel will take a look at:
- God speaking through Ellen White
- Conundrums or problems where you can’t have both. You must choose one or the other.
- Look at several questions that need to be answered by those people that say the shape of the earth is a part of the gospel.
1. God speaking through Ellen White
It is supposed that matter is placed in certain relations and left to act from fixed laws with which God Himself cannot interfere; that nature is endowed with certain properties and placed subject to laws, and is then left to itself to obey these laws and perform the work originally commanded. { 8T 259.3}
This is false science; … { 8T 259.4}
That means there is a false science and a true science.
The quote from Testimonies to the Church, Volume 8 continues:
This is false science; there is nothing in the word of God to sustain it. God does not annul His laws, but He is continually working through them, using them as His instruments. They are not self-working. God is perpetually at work in nature. She is His servant, directed as He pleases. Nature in her work testifies of the intelligent presence and active agency of a being who moves in all His works according to His will. It is not by an original power inherent in nature that year by year the earth yields its bounties and continues its march around the sun. The hand of infinite power is perpetually at work guiding this planet. It is God’s power momentarily exercised that keeps it in position in its rotation. { 8T 259.4}
People that say you need to accept evolution with the globe are completely contrary to the word of God.
Was Ellen White was an evolutionist? No. Did she reject Genesis chapter 1? No.
When someone says you reject Genesis 1 when you accept a globe then you’ve just thrown Ellen White out of the window.
I speak to the people that shall assemble in the tent meeting in Melrose. My mind is deeply exercised this morning. I have had matters presented to me to give to our people. An urgent request came to me from a man who desired to discuss with me in regard to the round world—to him a very important matter. { 21MR 421.3 }
My answer was, “I have a message to this people in regard to the life they must live in this world to prepare them for future life which measures with the life of God. We have nought to do with the question whether this world is round or flat. [The important thing] is to serve God with full purpose of a renewed heart, sanctified and made holy by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.” { 21MR 421.4 }
Every issue will be brought in in various places by some persons who are not worked by the Spirit of God. Last night the Lord gave me words to speak to the people. Satan has a multitude of questions to bring in through various minds and ingenuity as all-important. Take the Word, plainly stating the truth for 1904; and the messenger that was sent of God had a message the same as the people need now. He was John the Baptist. { 21MR 421.5 }
I am pleased to tell you the Lord strengthened me on Sabbath to bear a decided message. To His name be all the glory. I know the impression was made by His Holy Spirit. On Sunday afternoon I urged the truth with more decided firmness and power. A man was present who had expressed a desire to see me and talk with me in regard to the round and flat world. I sent him a message that when Christ gave my commission to do the work He had placed upon me, the flat or round world was not included in the message; the Lord had taken care of His house, His world here below, better than any human agency could care for it; and until the message came from the Lord, silence was eloquence upon that question. 19LtMs, Lt 390, 1904, par. 2
We see in the quote above that the flat or round world was not included in the message God gave Ellen White yet she was a part of the third Elijah (a group of people to prepare the world for the second coming of Christ). If this was salvational then God fell down on His job of giving the message to prepare a people for the second coming of Christ.
We will now analyze a few statements from Ellen White.
I am pleased to tell you the Lord strengthened me on Sabbath to bear a decided message. To His name be all the glory. I know the impression was made by His Holy Spirit. On Sunday afternoon I urged the truth with more decided firmness and power. A man was present who had expressed a desire to see me and talk with me in regard to the round and flat world. I sent him a message that when Christ gave my commission to do the work He had placed upon me, the flat or round world was not included in the message; the Lord had taken care of His house, His world here below, better than any human agency could care for it; and until the message came from the Lord, silence was eloquence upon that question. 19LtMs, Lt 390, 1904, par. 2
Question: Did the message about what shape the earth is ever come from the Lord? No.
Question: Did God ever give insight on the topic? Yes, He did. We will look at this.
Note: The statement never told Ellen White what the shape of the earth was but it does not mean that God was quiet on the topic. God certainly did reveal to her a lot of information about this topic.
Let us look at another quote:
When at one time a brother came to me with the message that the world is flat, I was instructed to present the commission that Christ gave His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations: …and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.] In regard to such subjects as the flat-world theory, God says to every soul, “What is that to thee? follow thou Me. I have given you your commission. Dwell upon the great testing truths for this time, not upon matters that have no bearing upon our work.” { GW 314.1}
Note from the above quote that:
- Ellen White says she “was instructed.”
- Ellen White was instructed by God (“God says to every soul”)
- It is “every soul” that God is communicating to.
- The flat world theory is not a part of the gospel commission.
- The flat world theory is not a great testing truth.
- The flat world theory is a matter of no bearing.
Next quote:
There is to be an avoidance of controversy. We are to speak the truth in love. False doctrines of every kind will be brought in to divert the mind from a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Wherever we go, we shall find men ready with some side issue. While I was at Melrose, a man came with a message that the world is flat. I was instructed to present the commission that Christ gave His disciples just before His ascension, as recorded in Matthew 28:16-20.—Manuscript 10, 1905, 1. (“Non-Essential Subjects to be Avoided,” September 12, 1904.) { 6MR 245.2 }
Note from the above quote that the flat world theory:
- Is in connection with false doctrines.
- Is a controvery to be avoided.
- Is not a plain “thus saith the Lord.”
- Is a false doctrine to divert the mind.
- Is a side issue.
God may not have revealed to Ellen White the shape of the earth but he certainly did reveal to her the importance of this topic. Are we to be pressing it now? Are we to even be talking about it? Are we to be trying to push the shape of the earth one way or the other? Not according to these statements.
Next quote:
It is better to pray and humble the soul before God and let the world, round or flat, be just as God has made it. Try most earnestly by faithful continuance in welldoing to seek for a clear title in the inheritance in the earth made new. Better lead the flock of God to drink at the higher streams; better by precept and example seek God while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. There is a revival needed in the church. When the teachers are drinking fresh draughts from the well of Bethlehem, then they can lead the people to the living stream. My soul is weighed down with the burden of the condition of things in New York. May the Lord raise up helpers, men whom He can teach, humble men whom He can lead to bear a clear, sharp testimony in faith. God help you to seek His face, to walk carefully, to put self out of sight, and exalt Jesus. { 21MR 413.2 }
I hope Brother Wilcox will be a truly converted man. This is his great need at the present time. He wants meekness, he wants humility, he wants genuine piety, and without it he is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. His soul and your soul need the indwelling of Jesus. Whether the world is round or flat will not save a soul, but whether men believe and obey means everything.—Letter 43, 1887. { 21MR 413.3 }
Note from the above quote that the flat world theory:
- Is not a part of the inheritance.
- Is not a part of drinking at the higher streams.
- Is not a part of a revival.
- Is not a part of the living stream.
- Weighs down the heart of Ellen White.
- Is not a part of conversion or meekness or humility.
- It doesn’t save a soul.
Next quote:
My answer was, “I have a message to this people in regard to the life they must live in this world to prepare them for future life which measures with the life of God. We have nought to do with the question whether this world is round or flat. [The important thing] is to serve God with full purpose of a renewed heart, sanctified and made holy by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.” { 21MR 421.4 }
Every issue will be brought in in various places by some persons who are not worked by the Spirit of God. Last night the Lord gave me words to speak to the people. Satan has a multitude of questions to bring in through various minds and ingenuity as all-important. Take the Word, plainly stating the truth for 1904; and the messenger that was sent of God had a message the same as the people need now. He was John the Baptist. { 21MR 421.5 }
Note from the above quote regarding the flat world theory:
- We shouldn’t have anything to do with the flat world theory.
- The flat world theory is brought in by those who are not worked by the Spirit of God.
- The flat world theory is brought in by Satan – NOT God – as an all-important thing.
- It’s not a part of the Word.
Next quote:
Let those who are presenting theories as to whether the earth is round or flat, leave this question, for God has not given it to them to solve, and earnestly inquire, “What shall I do that I may have everlasting life?” Let them heed the answer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” { 21MR 419.6 }
Nonessential questions will be brought in by those who do not purify their souls by obeying the truth. They fall far short of the standard of loving God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. I am bidden to say that sophistries will be brought in to take the place of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. The message is given, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” This word has been fulfilling among our people. { 21MR 420.1 }
The Lord calls upon every member of the church to be on guard. The Voice said, Be on guard. The Lord Jesus has warned us in His Word of what shall be. Will anyone say of this warning, This does not agree with our ideas, and pay no attention to the warning? The Lord has lifted the danger signal that all may hear and take heed to the warnings. The great danger is in exalting man. Human beings cannot bear exaltation. Jesus invites us, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”—Letter 280a, 1904. { 21MR 420.2 }
Note from the above quote regarding the flat world theory:
- It is not given of God.
- It’s a non-essential question brought in by those who do not purify their souls by obeying the truth and fall far short of the standard.
- It is a sophistry to take place of the pure gospel.
- It is a departure from the faith and a giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
- We are to be on guard against it according to Jesus Himself.
- It is an exalting of man. The flat world theory is not an exalting of Jesus.
It has been said “you can have your pioneers. I have the whole New York conference.
In answer to that comment we look to Jesus who speaking of the pioneers said they were to hold that fast which thou hast (Revelation 3:11). Jesus also said of the pioneers prophesy again (Revelation 10:11). Review and Herald, May 25, 1905 talks about the pioneers “Men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Jesus also said through the spirit of prophecy: believe on “their word” who have been led by the Lord. 2SM 111.2
Next quote:
In your letter to me you make inquiry in regard to yourself, if you were one who was to be blamed. You are one who thought that your course of action was all right, but you have not moved in wisdom. { 21MR 412.1 } … When the burden was rolled upon me in regard to New York, light was plainly given that your course had not been perfect before the Lord. You have helped to place matters where they now are, … { 21MR 412.3 } … My soul is weighed down with the burden of the condition of things in New York… { 21MR 413.2 }
What was going on in New York at the time was not good. The flat world theory was being pushed very heavily. The New York conference at one point voted to accept the flat world theory and here we have Ellen White writing to people in New York saying my sould is weighed down with the burden of the condition of things in New York.
We will now take a look at a few conundrums.
2. Conundrums (you can’t have both)
One has to choose one or the other.
Conundrum 1 – The flat earth is foundational
Some people who believe in the flat earth theory will say if you deny the flat earth you are denying Genesis chapter one. You are denying the three angel’s messages or angel number one or angel number three depending on who you talk to.
A choice is needing to be made:
The flat earth is foundational
VS
The flat earth is never recognized as a fundamental principle.
Were the pioneers wrong on the flat earth theory and the flat earth is actually foundational or were God’s people right for never recognizing it as a fundamental principle.
Conundrum 2 – The heliocentric (round world) model is more dangerous than the Trinity and original sin
A choice needing to be made:
The heliocentric model is more dangerous than the trinity and original sin
VS
“I learn by letters from New York that Brother Brown has accepted and is now preaching the flat world theory. … My brother, our work is to teach the third angel’s message. Stick to the message. It is a weakness of Elder Wilcox to get hold of hobbies and to stick to some things that he had better let alone.” 21MR 412.6
You can’t have both of these options. They are contrasted with one another.
Any kind of theory or hobby that Satan can lead the minds of men to dwell upon, he will draw their attention to, so that they shall not be engaged in giving the solemn message for this time…{ 21MR 413.1 }
It is better to pray and humble the soul before God and let the world, round or flat, be just as God has made it. Try most earnestly by faithful continuance in welldoing to seek for a clear title in the inheritance in the earth made new… My soul is weighed down with the burden of the condition of things in New York. { 21MR 413.2 }
… Whether the world is round or flat will not save a soul, —Letter 43, 1887. { 21MR 413.3 }
Note from the above quote regarding the flat world theory:
- It’s not a part of the third angel’s message (solemn message for this time).
- It will not save a soul
Is the heliocentric model more dangerous than the trinity and original sin?
The trinity doctrine is the omega of deadly heresies and if one does not understand the definition of sin then you certainly won’t understand the first, second or third angel’s messages.
Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel’s message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days; but while “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,” “the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand.” How true this is! Sin is the transgression of the law of God; and those who will not accept the light in regard to the law of God will not understand the proclamation of the first, second, and third angel’s messages. The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth’s history. { TM 115.3}
The next quote is from Gleason’s book entitled “Is the Bible from Heaven? Is the Earth a Globe?”
“Further, this people claim to be giving that everlasting Gospel, styled the “Third Angel’s Message” of Rev. 14:6-12. Some prominent ones among this people have taught that this subject of the shape of the earth was no part of the “Third Angel’s Message,” and therefore no part of the truth for them to receive; consequently, they are to have nothing to do with it. It has been an adage with some truth-loving people, that an unpopular truth was more acceptable than an unpopular error. We do find some, sorry to say, that cling to the popular error, at the sacrifice of the unpopular truth.” (Is the Bible from Heaven? Is the Earth a Globe?, Alex Gleason, page 382)
Compare the quote from Gleason with what Ellen White says in the 21MR 412.6:
I learn by letters from New York that Brother Brown has accepted and is now preaching the flat world theory. … My brother, our work is to teach the third angel’s message. Stick to the message. It is a weakness of Elder Wilcox to get hold of hobbies and to stick to some things that he had better let alone. 21MR 412.6
Alex Gleason who was an Adventist that was really pushing the flat earth theory in New York is diametrically opposed to what God has said through Ellen White. Which one do you choose? Gleason? Or Ellen White?
Conundrum 3 – Gleason was guided by God
A choice needing to be made:
Gleason was guided by God and Ellen White was guided by the devil
VS
Ellen White was guided by God and Gleason was guided by the devil.
We now arrive at our last section of the study:
3. Questions regarding the flat earth theory.
- Do you have a single statement saying the earth is flat? Because I have half a dozen saying that it is a globe.
- Do you have a single statement saying that the shape of the earth matters? Because I have half a dozen saying that it does not matter.
- Do you have a single statement saying there will be new light on the subject? Because I have a statement saying it is not to be a part of our message.
- Which one is a man-made theory? God says the flat world is a theory. Who deals with theory God or man? Therefore the flat world is the man-made theory and is the word of man and not the word of God.
God says the flat world is a theory. He says it through the writings of Ellen White multiple times (ie. “the flat world theory” or “the flat earth theory”)
Gleason says this is a part of the third angel’s message and Ellen White says it is not. Which one was inspired?
Summary
The flat earth theory is not a part of the gospel commission, not a great testing truth. It is a matter of no bearing. It’s a controversy. It’s a false doctrine to divert the mind. The flat world theory is not a plain “thus saith the Lord”. It’s a side issue. It is not a part of the inheritance. It’s not a part of drinking at the higher streams. It’s not a part of a revival. It’s not a part of the living stream. It weighs down the heart of Ellen White. It is not a part of conversion or meekness or humility or genuine piety. The flat earth theory doesn’t save anyone. We shouldn’t have anything to do with it. It is brought in by those who are not worked by the Spirit of God. It is brought in by Satan – NOT God – as an all-important thing. It is not a part of the word. It is not given of God. The flat world theory is a non-essential question brought in by those who do not purify their souls by obeying the truth and fall short of the standard. It is a sophistry to take the place of the pure gospel. It is a departure from the faith and a giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We are to be on guard against the flat world theory. It is an exalting of man. It’s not a fundamental principle. The theory is not as important as the trinity or original sin. Accepting the flat world theory is a rejecting of Ellen White. There is not a single statement in the writings of Ellen White saying the earth is flat. There is not a single statement in her writings saying the shape matters or that there will be new light on it. The flat world theory is a man made theory.
Let those who are presenting theories as to whether the earth is round or flat, leave this question, for God has not given it to them to solve, and earnestly inquire, “What shall I do that I may have everlasting life?” Let them heed the answer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” { 21MR 419.6 }
Nonessential questions will be brought in by those who do not purify their souls by obeying the truth. They fall far short of the standard of loving God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. I am bidden to say that sophistries will be brought in to take the place of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. The message is given, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” This word has been fulfilling among our people. { 21MR 420.1 }
The Lord calls upon every member of the church to be on guard. The Voice said, Be on guard. The Lord Jesus has warned us in His Word of what shall be. Will anyone say of this warning, This does not agree with our ideas, and pay no attention to the warning? The Lord has lifted the danger signal that all may hear and take heed to the warnings… —Letter 280a, 1904. { 21MR 420.2 }