The Second Angel in Revelation 14:8:
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 14:8
First angel = judgment (1844)
Second angel = Babylon is fallen (after 1844)
Babylon means “confusion.”
The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries.
Great Controversy page 383
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: (5) And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Revelation 17:4-5
What is a harlot/whore?
Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: (13) But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: (14) For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: (15) Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; (16) And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
Exodus 34:12-16
No outward shrines may be visible, there may be no image for the eye to rest upon, yet we may be practicing idolatry. It is as easy to make an idol of cherished ideas or objects as to fashion gods of wood or stone. Thousands have a false conception of God and His attributes. They are as verily serving a false god as were the servants of Baal. Are we worshiping the true God as He is revealed in His Word, in Christ, in nature, or are we adoring some philosophical idol enshrined in His place? God is a God of truth.
Testimonies to the Church Volume 5, pg 173-174
And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. (34) And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side:
Judges 8:33-34
The spirit of world conforming and indifference to the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground in churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries of Christendom; and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination.
Great Controversy p. 389.2
The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries.“announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt.”
Great Controversy p. 382.3
THE PROPHECY
About the time that Living Temple was published, there passed before me in the night season, representations indicating that some danger was approaching, and that I must prepare for it by writing out the things God had revealed to me regarding the foundation principles of our faith. A copy of Living Temple was sent me, but it remained in my library, unread. From the light given me by the Lord, I knew that some of the sentiments advocated in the book did not bear the endorsement of God, and that they were a snare that the enemy had prepared for the last days. I thought that this would surely be discerned, and that it would not be necessary for me to say anything about it.
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 202.3
In the controversy that arose among our brethren regarding the teachings of this book, those in favor of giving it a wide circulation declared: “It contains the very sentiments that Sister White has been teaching.” This assertion struck right to my heart. I felt heartbroken; for I knew that this representation of the matter was not true. {1SM 203.1}
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 203.1
We see from the quote above that Ellen White denies that the teachings from “Living Temple” can be sustained from her writings.
Finally my son said to me, “Mother, you ought to read at least some parts of the book, that you may see whether they are in harmony with the light that God has given you.” He sat down beside me, and together we read the preface, and most of the first chapter, and also paragraphs in other chapters. As we read, I recognized the very sentiments against which I had been bidden to speak in warning during the early days of my public labors. (Note 1 – see below) When I first left the State of Maine, it was to go through Vermont and Massachusetts, to bear a testimony against these sentiments. (Note 2 – see below) Living Temple contains the alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I trembled for our people. I knew that I must warn our brethren and sisters not to enter into controversy over the presence and personality of God. The statements made in Living Temple in regard to this point are incorrect. The scripture used to substantiate the doctrine there set forth, is scripture misapplied. {1SM 203.2}
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 203.2
Note 1 – It is apparent that the ideas she found in “Living Temple” were ideas that she “had been bidden to speak” against earlier in her ministry. These were not new ideas to be introduced to the advent movement. These ideas were already apart of most of the other religions.
Note 2 – Notice that she says there that “’Living Temple’ contains the alpha of these theories”, and “that the omega would follow”. The question is what kind of theory is she talking about? She answers that question in the last part of the quote when she says “that I must warn our brethren and sisters not to enter into controversy over the presence and personality of God” the alpha and omega obviously must deal with the PRESENCE AND PERSONALITY OF GOD! Remember that a false conception of God and His attributes constitutes idolatry/harlotry. Notice she also clearly states that the omega of these theories would follow in a little while.
In a vision of the night I was shown distinctly that these sentiments have been looked upon by some as the grand truths that are to be brought in and made prominent at the present time. I was shown a platform, braced by solid timbers–the truths of the Word of God. Some one high in responsibility in the medical work was directing this man and that man to loosen the timbers supporting this platform. Then I heard a voice saying, “Where are the watchmen that ought to be standing on the walls of Zion? Are they asleep? This foundation was built by the Master Worker, and will stand storm and tempest. Will they permit this man to present doctrines that deny the past experience of the people of God? The time has come to take decided action.”
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 204.1
It is important to note here that Kellogg was attacking the doctrine of the Godhead that the pioneers had been guided to by the Spirit of God.
But in his recent writings, his tendencies toward pantheism have been revealed. {SpTB07 39.2}
Special Testimonies” series B No. 7 pg 39
Kellogg did have pantheism in his book. Notice that Kellogg shifts his theology slightly.
He [Kellogg] then stated that his former views regarding the trinity [non-trinitarian] had stood in his way of making a clear and absolutely correct statement; but that within a short time he had come to believe in the trinity, and could now see pretty clearly where all the difficulty was, and believed that he could clear the matter up satisfactorily. He told me that he now believed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and his view was that it was God the Holy Ghost, and not God the Father, that filled all space, and every living thing.
Letter from A.G. Daniels to Elder W.C. White (Ellen’s son) concerning a conversation he had with Kellogg. October 29, 1903
as far as I can fathom the difficulty which is found in the Living Temple, the whole thing may be simmered down to this question: Is the Holy Ghost a person? You say no. I had supposed the Bible said this for the reason that the personal pronoun “he” is used in speaking of the Holy Ghost. Sister White used the pronoun “he” and has said in so many words that the Holy Ghost is the third person of the Godhead. How the Holy Ghost can be the third person and not be a person at all is difficult for me to see.
Letter from J.H. Kellogg to Elder G. I. Buttler (October 28, 1903)
Notice the issue at hand is this: is the Holy Ghost a “person” (God the Holy Spirit). Kellogg originally thought that he could sustain his “God the Holy Spirit” sentiments from sister White’s writings and was confused and upset when he was told he could not.
I am compelled to speak in denial of the claim that the teachings of Living Temple can be sustained by statements from my writings. There may be in this book expressions and sentiments that are in harmony with my writings. And there may be in my writings many statements which, taken from their connection, and interpreted according to the mind of the writer of Living Temple, would seem to be in harmony with the teachings of this book. This may give apparent support to the assertion that the sentiments in Living Temple are in harmony with my writings. But God forbid that this sentiment should prevail.
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 203.3
It will be said that Living Temple has been revised. But the Lord has shown me that the writer has not changed, and that there can be no unity between him and the ministers of the gospel while he continues to cherish his present sentiments. I am bidden to li? my voice in warning to our people, saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked”
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 199.3
I believe this Spirit of God to be a personality you don’t. but this is purely a question of definition. I believe the spirit of God is a personality; you say, no, it is not a personality. Now the only reason why we differ is because we differ in our ideas as to what a personality is. Your idea of personality is perhaps that of semblance of a person or a human being.
Letter from J.H. Kellogg to Elder G. I. Buttler (February 21, 1904)
And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him
Daniel 2:1
The difference between the alpha and omega of heresy is only a slight theology shift and both concern the presence and personality of God.
Ellen White denies that her views of the Godhead in any way harmonize with Kellogg’s Trinitarian views of the Godhead. Kellogg recognizes that his definition of the Holy Spirit’s personhood is different than that of Adventist’s leadership’s definition; particularly that of Ellen White’s. Kellogg’s heresy was the alpha and the omega would come soon. The omega of heresy is a false concept of God and if it is accepted by a group of Seventh Day Adventists then it would constitute their fall into harlotry. Thus the 2nd angel’s message.
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles (now called the 28 fundamentals beliefs) that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 204.2
I want you to notice that she is not talking about a great “reformation” in the Catholic religion or the Pentecostal churches, etc. she is talking about the omega of apostasy in the Seventh-day Adventist church. She says that in this “reformation” that there would be doctrines thrown out. The principles of truth that God has given in His wisdom to the remnant church would be discarded! Our religion would be changed.
Do we believe that we are living in the last days? If yes, then we must realize that the prophecy of the omega must have already come true! Let us ask ourselves these questions:
- Are there any doctrinal changes that have taken place that concern the presence and personality of God?
- Does this change in fundamental principles change our religion?
- Would the old principal belief be counted as error?
Answer: YES, YES, and YES!
Ellen predicted that there would be books of a new order written. Froom wrote in his book “Movement of Destiny” (how appropriate) pg 322:
May I here make a frank personal confession? . . . I was compelled to search out a score of valuable books written by men outside our faith
Movement of Destiny, LeRoy Froom p. 322
Why? The book continues to give the reason why:
There were no previous pathfinding books on the question in our literature.”
Movement of Destiny, LeRoy Froom p. 322
There were obviously no books of this order until Froom started a new order of books such as Movement of Destiny, The Coming of the Comforter, Questions and Answers on Doctrines, etc. Since then there has been a flood of books “of a new order”.
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation.
www.adventist.org/fileadmin/adventist.org/files/articles/official-statements/28Beliefs-Web.pdf
Quote from the 28 fundamental beliefs “God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit” this quote shows that the Holy Spirit has been deified as a third god when in fact it is the non-bodily personal presence of God Himself. This teaching does seriously change our religion, the following is a quote from George Knight who is a Seventh-day Adventist church historian:
Most of the founders of Seventh-day Adventism would not be able to join the church today if they had to subscribe to the denomination’s Fundamental Beliefs. More specifically, most would not be able to agree to belief number 2, which deals with the doctrine of the Trinity. For Joseph Bates the trinity was an unscriptural doctrine, for James White it was that “old Trinitarian absurdity,” and for M. E. Cornell it was a fruit of the great apostasy, along with such doctrines as Sundaykeeping and the immortality of the soul.”
Ministry, October 1993, p10
If our pioneers could not join then our religion has most definitely changed.
Regarding the doctrinal change of Christ, William Johnson, the Editor of the Adventist Review wrote on Jan 6, 1994:
Adventist beliefs have changed over the years. Most startling is the teaching regarding Jesus Christ. Many of the pioneers, including James White, J.N. Andrews, Uriah Smith and J.H.Wagoner, held to an Arian or semi-Arian view. That is, that the Son at some point in time, before the creation of our world, was generated by the Father. The Trinitarian understanding of God, now part of our fundamental beliefs, was not generally held by the early Adventists. Even today, a few do not subscribe to it.
Adventist Review January 6, 1994 p. 10, by William G. Johnsson,
Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature.
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 197.4
One thing it is certain is soon to be realized, – the great apostasy, which is developing and increasing and waxing stronger, and will continue to do so until the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout.
Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, p. 57
Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth?
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 205.1
I hesitated and delayed about the sending out of that which the Spirit of the Lord impelled me to write. I did not want to be compelled to present the misleading influence of these sophistries. But in the providence of God, the errors that have been coming in must be met.
Selected Messages Book 1 p. 205.2
I am charged to tell our people that they do not realize that the devil has device after device, and he carries them out in ways that they do not expect. Satan’s agencies will invent ways to make sinners out of saints. I tell you now, that when I am laid to rest, great changes will take place. I do not know when I shall be taken; and I desire to warn all against the devices of the devil. I want the people to know that I warned them fully before my death.
Manuscript 1, February 24, 1915
And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god <0430>.
Judges 8:33
SUMMARY
The omega of heresy is a false concept of God and it is accepted by a group of Seventh Day Adventists, as prophesied by Ellen White, which constitutes their fall from purity into harlotry (2nd Angels message – Rev 14:8). This apostasy will continue until the second coming.
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 14:8
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
1 Kings 18:21
Will you follow the God of the Bible, the pioneers and the fundamental principles of the Philadelphian church?