Compare these SOP passages of quotes reguarding truth & the nature of revealed truth.

Quoted passage #1. 1st volumn Selected Messages

"There is not always perfect order or apparent unity in the Scriptures. The miracles of Christ are not given in exact order, but are given just as the circumstances occurred, which called for this divine revealing of the power of Christ. The truths of the Bible are as pearls hidden. They must be searched, dug out by painstaking effort. Those who take only a surface view of the Scriptures will, with their superficial knowledge, which they think is very deep, talk of the contradictions of the Bible, and question the authority of the Scriptures. But those whose hearts are in harmony with truth and duty will search the Scriptures with a heart prepared to receive divine impressions. The illuminated soul sees a spiritual unity, one grand golden thread running through the whole, but it requires patience, thought, and prayer to trace out the precious golden thread. Sharp contentions over the Bible have led to investigation and revealed the precious jewels of truth. Many tears have been shed, many prayers offered, that the Lord would open the understanding to His Word. {1SM 20.1}

The Bible is not given to us in grand superhuman language. Jesus, in order to reach man where he is, took humanity. The Bible must be given in the language of men. Everything that is human is imperfect. Different meanings are expressed by the same word; there is not one word for each distinct idea. The Bible was given for practical purposes. {1SM 20.2}

The stamps of minds are different. All do not understand expressions and statements alike. Some understand the statements of the Scriptures to suit their own particular minds and cases. Prepossessions, prejudices, and passions have a strong influence to darken the understanding and confuse the mind even in reading the words of Holy Writ. {1SM 20.3}

The disciples traveling to Emmaus needed to be disentangled in their interpretation of the Scriptures. Jesus
walked with them disguised, and as a man He talked with them. Beginning at Moses and the prophets He taught them in all things concerning Himself, that His life, His mission, His sufferings, His death were just as the Word of God had foretold. He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures. How quickly He straightened out the tangled ends and showed the unity and divine verity of the Scriptures. How much men in these times need their understanding opened. {1SM 20.4}

The Bible is written by inspired men, but it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers. {1SM 21.1}

It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.-- Manuscript 24, 1886 (written in Europe in 1886). {1SM 21.2}

Unity in Diversity

There is variety in a tree, there are scarcely two leaves just alike. Yet this variety adds to the perfection of the tree as a whole. {1SM 21.3}

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing? {1SM 21.4}

The Lord gave His word in just the way He wanted it to come. He gave it through different writers, each having his own individuality, though going over the same history. Their testimonies are brought together in one Book, and are like the testimonies in a social meeting. They do not represent things in just the same style. Each has an experience of his own, and this diversity broadens and deepens the knowledge that is brought out to meet the necessities of varied minds. The thoughts expressed have not a set uniformity, as if cast in an iron mold, making the very hearing monotonous. In such uniformity there would be a loss of grace and distinctive beauty. . . . {1SM 21.5}

The Creator of all ideas may impress different minds with the same thought, but each may express it in a different way, yet without contradiction. The fact that this difference exists should not perplex or confuse us. It is seldom that two persons will view and express truth in the very same way. Each dwells on particular points which his constitution and education have fitted him to appreciate. The sunlight falling upon the different objects gives those objects a different hue. {1SM 22.1}

Through the inspiration of His Spirit the Lord gave His apostles truth, to be expressed according to the development of their minds by the Holy Spirit. But the mind is not cramped, as if forced into a certain mold.-- Letter 53, 1900. {1SM 22.2}
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Quoted passage #2 Volumn 9 Manuscript releases (9MR)

MR No. 667 - Prophetic Interpretation

The Book With Seven Seals Contains the History of the World.-- "And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (Revelation 5:1-3). {9MR 7.1}

There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close. {9MR 7.2}

This roll was written within and without. John says: [Revelation 5:4, 5, 8-14; 6:8-11; 8:1-4; quoted.] {9MR 7.3}

The same spirit is seen today that is represented in Revelation 6:6-8. History is to be repeated. That which has been will be again.--Letter 65, 1898, pp. 6-9, 12. (To Brethren Griggs and Howe, August 23, 1898.) {9MR 7.4}
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Quoted passage # 3.
(12 MR)
"MR No. 984 - The Matchless Christ Offers His Spirit to the Humble and Contrite

We ask of Paul, the great apostle, and he answers, "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" [1 Tim. 3:16]. {12MR 296.1}

Again we ask John, What of Christ? [John 1:9-14, 29, quoted]. We hear the testimony of Isaiah: [Isa. 62:1-3; 63:1-4, quoted]. We ask John what he saw and heard in the vision at Patmos, and he answers: [Rev. 5:1-3, quoted]. {12MR 296.2}

There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close. {12MR 296.3}

This roll was written within and without. John says: "I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon" [verse 4]. The vision as presented to John made its impression upon his mind. The destiny of every nation was contained in that book. John was distressed at the utter inability of any human being or angelic intelligence to read the words, or even to look thereon. His soul was wrought up to such a point of agony and suspense that one of the strong angels had compassion on him, and laying his hand on him assuringly, said, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof" [verse 5]. {12MR 296.4}

John continues: [verses 6, 7, quoted]. As the book was unrolled, all who looked upon it were filled with awe. There were no blanks in the book. There was space for no more writing. [Rev. 5:8-14; 6:8-11; 8:1-4, quoted.] {12MR 297.1}

The psalmist prayed: [Ps. 141:1-3, quoted]. We have every evidence that the humble, contrite prayer offered to God is regarded as precious in His sight. Not one is lost. The promise is: [Luke 11:9-13, quoted]. {12MR 297.2}

This invitation is for all. The Saviour seeks to impress the truth by an illustration. Will the father whose child asks for bread, give him a stone? If he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? This is presented as an impossibility. Drawing the contrast between the heavenly and earthly parent, Christ adds, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" {12MR 297.3}

Let us ask Isaiah what he has from the Lord in regard to this matter: [Isa. 57:15-21; 66:1,2, quoted]. {12MR 297.4}

The Lord hears the prayers of all who come to Him in their necessity, all who are humble and contrite in heart. The Lord hears, and He will manifest Himself unto them, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones. . . .

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Edward F. Sutton

Somebody else asked the question of this topic, What is Truth? which was recorded in the Bible.

John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

Why did Pilate ask that question?

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

<font color=blue>John 18:
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? <font color=purple>Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.<font color=blue>
38 Pilate saith unto him, <font color=orange>What is truth?<font color=blue> And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

<font color=red>Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ had taught what they hoped He would teach. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid, "and they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King." Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end. {DA 725.6}

<font color=blue>Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge. Pilate was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man who stood in the way of the Jewish dignitaries. Turning to Jesus he asked, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" The Saviour answered, "Thou sayest it." And as He spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining upon it. {DA 726.1}

<font color=red>When they heard His answer, Caiaphas and those that were with him called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged. With noisy cries, priests, scribes, and rulers demanded that He be sentenced to death. The cries were taken up by the mob, and the uproar was deafening. Pilate was confused. Seeing that Jesus made no answer to His accusers, Pilate said to Him, "Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing." {DA 726.2}

<font color=blue> Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but did not touch Him. He stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man. {DA 726.3}

<font color=red>Pilate was astonished at His bearing. Does this Man disregard the proceedings because He does not care to save His life? he asked himself. As he looked at Jesus, bearing insult and mockery without retaliation, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous and unjust as were the clamoring priests. Hoping to gain the truth from Him and to escape the tumult of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus aside with him, and again questioned, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" {DA 726.4}

<font color=blue>Jesus did not directly answer this question. He knew that the Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate, and He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. "Sayest thou this thing of thyself," He asked, "or did others tell it thee of Me?" That is, was it the accusations of the priests, or a desire to receive light from Christ, that prompted Pilate's question? Pilate understood Christ's meaning; but pride arose in his heart. He would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. "Am I a Jew?" he said. "Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done?" {DA 726.5}

<font color=red>Pilate's golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave him without further light. While He did not directly answer Pilate's question, He plainly stated His own mission. He gave Pilate to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne. {DA 727.1}

<font color=blue>"My kingdom is not of this world," He said; "if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice." {DA 727.2}

<font color=green> Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it. It had a self-commending power, and this was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth. He desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed. {DA 727.3}

<font color=red> Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred with a great longing to know what it really was, and how he could obtain it. "What is truth?" he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour; for the priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the Jews, he declared emphatically, "I find in Him no fault at all." {DA 727.4}

<font color=blue>These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Saviour. As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds. They had long plotted and waited for this opportunity. As they saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government. They accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus, who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar. {DA 727.5}

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Edward F. Sutton

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[This message has been edited by Daryl Fawcett (edited September 09, 2000).]

My belief is that "Truth" is ultimate, and only God knows it all. The knowledge of truth is progressive.
We understand more of 'available' ultimate truth in the N. T. than in the O.T. There are details revealed in vision to Ellen White that are not in either the O.T. or N.T.
There is 'Present Truth'. This is a truth that God has chosen to bring out as important at that time and place in history.
For example: Justification by Faith vs. Salvation by faith and works, in the time of Luther, etc. The Sabbath truth with the Seventh-day Baptists. The Sanctuary Message & the 'Three Angel's Messages' with SDA's.
This does not mean that God is confined to revealing those special truths, but it is HIS emphasis at that time in a given time and location. What God was revealing in China in the 1300's may be different that Present Truth in England with Wycliffe in those years.
There is also an element of 'Present Truth' for each of us every day IF we are listening to the Holy Spirit. Why? The path of following Jesus becomes clearer and God trusts us with more and more truth, as we are ready for it. The Holy Spirit then urges us to follow. If we do not follow it, we gradually get left behind more and more from where we ought to be.
What God is most interested in, is not the 'amount' of truth we have, though that too is important, but our attitude to new truth, to the progressive revealing of 'Present Truth' to us. When we are truly surrendered to HIM, HE will keep on revealing more and more to us -- from all inspired sources, as well as directly by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.
Oh, that I personally, and we each, may daily be at that point where we want to know more and more, and follow more and more fully in loving obedience.
This will come as Jesus becomes our personal friend, and our love grows!

Amen, Pastor John and welcome back as we haven't heard from you lately.

Truth is progressive, but truth is also always truth meaning that it can't be truth in one age or culture and suddenly not truth in another age or culture. Truth is never regressive.

I would have a problem with moving from not believing in The Trinity or Godhead, for an example only, to believing in The Trinity or Godhead, and then moving back to not believing in The Trinity or Godhead again.

See what I mean?

However, if we were to do just that; move back and forth between what is truth and what isn't truth, then I would always be asking or wondering in my mind, What Is Truth?

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

[This message has been edited by Daryl Fawcett (edited September 10, 2000).]

Progressivly revealing truth is like building a wall or a building. First you start with the foundation, then the blocks and framing, then the other needed things to tie it together, then seal it under a roof and put people in it and furnish it according to their needs.

Present truth of the past is still true, but no longer the needed message of present truth for today. If has become permenant truth that present truth needs as part of it's foundation as the building nears being ready for occupation. It will always stay and be a vital part of the building.

There are two forms of revealed truth.
1. Truth that is espoused or professed but denied in the life.
2. Truth that is espoused and professed and lived out as a walking representation of the "commandments of God and the faith of Jesus".

There is a 3rd form of truth.
3. That which you do not know, or can not understand, or has not been revealed, or is withheld from being revealed because it is too much for you or humanity to endure.

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Edward F. Sutton

I think Pastor Andrew answered the question on What is truth? when he referred to Jesus Christ who said in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

In other words, Jesus is the truth!

And as Pastor Andrew posted, "Next question."

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

[This message has been edited by Daryl Fawcett (edited September 22, 2000).]

The Bible also is the written truth.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

When Jesus said "ye shall know the Truth; and the Truth shall set you free;"He also meant that the opposite had to be true. If Truth sets you free; then error puts you in bondage. We must learn to discover not only the Words of the Bible; but also the meaning of these Words.

Taking John 17:17, Jesus never said the Word would set us free. It's the Truth of the Word that sets us free. "If you abide in my Word; you shall know the Truth, and the truth shall set you free." (Jo.8:31-32).

Then Jesus went on to say: "So if the Son sets you free; you will be free indeed." (see Jo.8:36).

Even Satan "knows the truth;" but has it set him free? There are people who know the Bible frontwards and backwards, but do not have changed hearts and lives; and are committing the most heinous acts imaginable.

Sometimes Jesus gets lost in the Bible...As he Himself stated: "You diligently study the Scriptures; because you think that by them you posess eternal life..." (Jo.5:39-40).

And, as Daryl pointed out above; Jesus Himself is the Truth...The Word should lead us to Jesus..

Our Saviour continues this thought, saying: "These are the Scriptures that testify about Me; yet, you refuse to COME TO ME to have life."

What is it that really happens in a believer who starts out so strong and on fire for the Lord; and then 10 years down the road; they leave God's Church because of discouragement? What kinds of error; might be putting this believer in bondage to guilt, anger, discouragement; feeling unfulfilled, etc.?

If the Truth sets us free; and Christ is the Truth; what must it mean then, to have Christ living in us? How can we experience the joy of the Lord daily? What role does "the Truth" play in this? If "the Truth" sets us free; then why do we still struggle with sin?

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"We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone!" (Eph.2:20).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

I am sure you all have noticed that Ellen White often used the expression "The truth as it is in Jesus." What is the truth as it is in Him? I will only share with you what she has said it means. For one thing she was shown that unless God's people teach the truth as it is in Jesus, they cannot see eye to eye! This is found in 7 BC 914.

Therefore when we, as a people, learn to teach this truth with the Spirit of the True Educator, we will be of one mind and of one heart! What is the truth as it is in Jesus? By comparing three statements found in the book Testimonies to Ministers, in regard to the message God gave to His servants in 1888, anyone can see and understand for himself, what this truth is, a truth which is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare. 1 SM 360.

One statement tells us about the fact that this truth was exactly what the people needed because many had lost sight of Jesus and they needed to have their eyes directed to Him. Just as Moses in the wilderness directed the eyes of the dying to the serpent of brass, lifted up in the midst of them, Jon the Baptist directed the eyes of the people to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. Commenting on the serpent of brass, Ellen White wrote these words: "The necessity of faith in the merits of Christ was presented to their minds." P.P.431. In Vol.5 of the Testimonies, p.744, we read the same truth: "Looking unto Jesus and trusting in His merits we appropriate the blessings of light and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Back to Testimonies to Ministers, we read on page 93 that "For years the church had been looking to man, but not looking to Jesus. Therefore God gave His servants a testimony that presented THE TRUTH AS IT IS IN JESUS, which is THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE, in clear and distinct lines."

On page 97 she makes it so clear what this truth is that no one needs to wonder any longer. Speaking of the messengers whom God had sent with this precious truth, she says: "God has given them His message. They bear the Word of the Lord: THERE IS SALVATION FOR YOU BUT ONLY THROUGH THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS BEEN OFFERED TO YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN."

Then on page 91 and 92 of the same book, she mentions that their message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Savior, His merits and His changeless love for the human family! In clear trumpet tones we hear these words: "The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power that their faith might lay hold upon its merits." 92.

This is the truth as it is in Jesus! The truth that saves! The truth that works by love and purifies the soul. Gal.5:6. The following statement makes it clear what it is we must do in order to be saved: "Our part is to lay hold by faith of the merits of the Savior." FE 430.

When we seek to gain Heaven through the merits of Christ, the soul makes progress. Why? Because, "The merits of Christ blot out transgressions and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of Heaven." "The sinner must ever look toward Calvary; and with the simple faith of a little child he must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting His righteousness and believing in His mercy." Evangelism, p.186, 185.

In other words, through faith in the merits of His sacrifice, the people were invited to receive His righteousness which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. T.M.92.

This is the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare!

In the book The Great Controversy, we can read these words: "The merits of a crucified and risen Savior are the FOUNDATION of the Christian's faith." p.73.

I believe that as we daily trust wholly in the merits of the blood of Christ for the remission of sins and our acceptance with God, the Holy Spirit is given to us to help our infirmities and to form a Christian character. The Holy Spirit also leads us into all truth! There is a growth in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

THE MERITS OF HIS SACRIFICE ARE SUFFICIENT TO PLEAD BEFORE THE FATHER IN OUR BEHALF!

[This message has been edited by adventbeliever (edited February 15, 2001).]