Should we be open to new light? At what point in the history of the Church did God stop revealing new light? Or is God still bringing to light new truths or shining new light on old truths?

Do we maintain the status quo of truth, as it was at some point from the past? If so, at what point in history should we drop anchor? Or is there room for progressive revelation of truth?

How should we respond to anyone in the church who presents "new light" or presents a familiar truth in a new way or sheds new light on an old truth?

Just a few questions to ponder and discuss.

Tom

[ July 31, 2002, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: Tom Wetmore ]

Does not EGW suggest that in eternity we will grow in spirituality? If so, how can we expect to live without new light in this world?

It sort of reminds me of the commercial on TV where the guy is sitting in front of his computer and a message comes over "You have reached the end of the internet..." His puzzlement was sort of, "Now what do I do? I have done everything and there is nothing left."

I sense that some sort of feel the same way about truth.

Tom

I agree that there can always be new light. But we have to test every new idea by the scripture and by common sense. It's also determined by the character of the presenter. Not that anyone's character must be dissected under a microscope, but that a person who presents new light should also be someone who is not obsessed with the need to force others to conform. Christ spoke with authority and power, but not ever by putting others down, humiliating, or coercing. His power was in the sensible content of his words, not in a shouting tone of voice. "Come, let us reason together" was his modus operandi. He honored everyone's right and ability to choose. He didn't treat people like morons who have to herded around like dumb sheep. Hitler is the one who had to dominate what he called "The ignorant masses". Anyone who thinks they have new light only needs to put it out there, and advertise it around. They don't need to "yell" in their manner of writing. We all know when someone is trying to yell at us on the forums or in an e-mail, to make us see their point. I would dig in my heels and begin to question the divine influence of such a person's "new knowledge". They are afraid that no one will pay any attention if they aren't forceful. But they don't seem to realize that it's God who calls the attention, when He feels someone is ready to receive it. In the movie, "Field of dreams", about building a baseball park in a cornfield, there is this great saying: "Build it, and they will come". Advertising is fine, but making people feel stupid or wrong never causes them to listen up, or makes them budge, no matter how right you are. And God knows this better than anyone.