by anni » Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:19 pm
Dear Eugene,
it´s time to express some public Thanks, to you, and to God above all.
About two weeks ago I came across your forum for the second time; the first time, about a year ago, had been helpful already; nevertheless this second time now it´s been a true revelation; it has been light and bred for my faith.
Both times I can see clearly God´s guidance, for both times I dropped into the forum it has been in moments of culmination of soul-troubleing questions and doubts, and of particularly deep mourning over the confusion and apostasy among God´s supposed people. My prayers have seldom been so desperate and at the same time so faithfull and "demanding", and both times the perfect response was given within days - and each time, part of it was making me drop into your page and by some providencial way get to the precise thread necessary.
I completely embrace your vision of the Omega of apostasy, and the same way I now almost immediatly embraced your view of the conditional nature of prophecy and your interpretation of Daniel and Revelation with multiple scenarios. I have read your book, I am still studying and rereading it. It truly has had a powerful spiritual, mind-clearing and faith-backening impact on me. Many of urgent questionsmarks have been swept away; but it is more than that: I find Ellen White´s call reflected in those studies: that we need more than knowledge: we need enlightenment. I have dived into your experience that the study of biblical prophecy is truly an encounter with the divine mind; and therefore a revelation in a much deeper and higher sense than one usually takes it for.
Also, I seldom have found such a realistic approach to Ellen White, recognizing and respecting her high calling and at the same time recognizing and "respecting" her human and sinful nature, not idolizing her as infallible prophet, but nevertheless clearly recognizing God´s solemn voice through her.
In this very moment, Ellen White is sharply questioned and attaqued by my closest brethren and friends, and so are the fundaments of the Sanctuary doctrine: the 2300 day/years and its beginning, etc. A sober study is not possible; they are convinced to be the only loyal to Scripture. Some minds now seem really inaccessible, driven by a spirit that makes these persons seem so far away; being like strangers all of a sudden.
I can´t describe the pain and worry I feel, I know you do know it perfectly; there is no need for words.
These are times that really burden the soul; watching brethren change the banners even without even recognizing it; and not only have them lead themselves astray but lead others, those weak in faith and vulnerables, into a faith-killing darkness and desperation.
I hear the question you posed in this thread ecoing in my mind:
What are the practical differences between the avowed enemies of the Seventh-day Adventist movement and those Adventists that spend all their free time criticizing Ellen White and her prophetic ministry and writings?
I fear there are none. Or rather: these adventists are worse enemies than those avowed opposers. For they destroy from within. And they destroy more than doctrine. They destroy brotherly ties and corporate power which we need so much in these times.
May God have mercy on them and may they find the way back.
God bless this forum.
From the old continent:
Anne