 OPERATING PRINCIPLES OF NEW LIGHT
Ellen G. White's comments on new light have exerted a strong
influence in the church. Many have quoted her views, especially those
who have advocated changing the church's beliefs or practice. So it
is important for us to review what the Lord has revealed to her on
new or advanced light.
Its Nature and Relevance.
The light of truth advances constantly (Prov 4:18). Ellen White
wrote that "we shall never reach a period when there is no increased
light for us."5 "In every age there is a new development of truth, a
message of God to the people of that generation."6 This development
of truth, also designated as present truth, "is a test to the people
of this generation," who are accountable for truth that past
generations were not accountable for.7
To say, then, that something is "present truth" should not imply
that what is truth today was not truth in previous generations.
Rather, truth that Scripture taught but which had been overlooked or
forgotten now shines with new luster. When this happens, God does not
condemn the previous generations. "The times of this ignorance God
winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts
17:30).
Given to the Remnant.
Ellen White taught that the believers should not consult
non-Adventists regarding new light for the time of the end, for God
would reveal new light directly to His remnant church. She said: "If
God has any new light to communicate, He will let His chosen and
beloved understand it, without their going to have their minds
enlightened by hearing those who are in darkness and error."8
What does this statement mean for us today? It means, for one
thing, that we don't have to go to a charismatic church to discover
new light about tongues or to seek for an experience of "laughing in
the Spirit" or other exercises that take place at such meetings. When
God wishes to communicate new light, He will reveal it to His people
without the intermediation of those who lack the advanced light of
truth we already have.
When we are seeking light on subjects of spiritual significance to
God's people, where shall we turn? Shall we search for new light on
soul-winning in the seminaries of other denominations? Shall we seek
God's new light on such issues as homosexuality and the age of the
earth from the scientists of this world? When we want to know how the
Lord would have us manage our hospitals, shall we inquire of the
health-care conglomerates? Will the universities of the world provide
the models we need for our educational system in these last days?
Though we believe God will give new light to the remnant, we are
not to glory in ignorance of what others may have learned or
arrogantly claim to know all there is to know. But we are to
recognize that on matters of spiritual import to God's people, we
must diligently search first the channels of light that He has
already given us, for it is in this way that He has promised to
reveal new light to meet our needs for this time. It may well be that
truths overlooked or long forgotten will begin to glow with fresh
meaning. We will know that God has given light to His remnant.
Areas of Advancement.
The areas of new light are associated in a special way with the
practical dimensions of Christian life. They touch upon matters
necessary for the perfection of the faith and of the faithful.9 New
light is especially intended to lead God's people "onward and upward
to purity and holiness."10
One particular topic in which we may advance is the knowledge of
God's character. Ellen G. White wrote, "It is our privilege to reach
higher and still higher for clearer revealings of the character of
God."11
Another area is the way we are to share the teachings of
Scripture. Because Christ is the key to our understanding of God, it
is important for us to present the truth "as it is in Jesus." We must
bring "Jesus before the churches and before the world."12 Here the
advancement of truth seems to have no limits: "Truth in Christ and
through Christ is measureless. The student of Scripture looks, as it
were, into a fountain that deepens and broadens as he gazes into its
depths. Not in this life shall we comprehend the mystery of God's
love in giving His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The work
of our Redeemer on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will
put to the stretch our highest imagination. . . . The most diligent
searcher will see before him a boundless, shoreless sea."13
Christ's righteousness is another special subject for advancing
light.14 It is God's desire, Mrs. White wrote, that finally "one
interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every
other--Christ our righteousness."15 When this one interest does
prevail, the brilliance of God's final message of mercy will
illuminate the entire world (see Rev 18:1).
We may expect additional light also on final events,16 the book of
Revelation,17 and the antitypical significance of the Jewish
ceremonial system.18
Conditions for Reception.
New light is not given indiscriminately to everyone. Its bestowal
relates closely to the level of individual spirituality. Recipients
of advanced light, Ellen White said, have the following
characteristics: They
- are persons involved in diligent and prayerful study of the
Bible19
- live a righteous life20
- grow in grace21
- have a vital connection with Christ22
- walk obediently in the present light23
- purge sin from the life24
- have an attitude of humility25
- follow the light of health reform26
- accept and apply the old truths27
- accept the Spirit of prophecy28
- are chosen and illuminated by the Holy Spirit29 and
- advance in proportion to the light.30
Relationship to Established Truth.
New truth develops from the truth already revealed in the Word of
God. Ellen G. White frequently stressed the close relationship
between old truth and new truth. This is clear from the following
characteristics of new truth.
1. New Perspectives of Old Truth. The long-established truths of
redemption continue to offer new perspectives. "Though old, they are
ever new, constantly revealing to the seeker for truth a greater
glory and a mightier power."31
2. An Unfolding of the Old. "The old truths are all essential"
Mrs. White said, and "new truth is not independent of the old, but an
unfolding of it. . . . It is the light which shines in the fresh
unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects
the new does not really possess the old. For him it loses its vital
power and becomes but a lifeless form."32
3. Harmony with the Foundations of Adventism. New light in no way
diminishes the relevancy of the truths upon which the Seventh-day
Adventist church was founded. Ellen G. White cautioned: "Let not any
man enter upon the work of tearing down the foundations of the truth
that have made us what we are."33 "Not one pillar of our faith is to
be removed. Not one line of truth is to be replaced by new and
fanciful theories."34
"The truth for this time, God has given us as a
foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what is truth. One
will arise and still another, with new light which contradicts the
light that God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit.
. . .
"We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message
that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather
together a mass of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their
asserted theories. . . . And while the Scriptures are God's word, and
are to be respected, the application of them, if such application
moves one pillar from the foundation that God has sustained these
fifty years, is a great mistake."35
The pillars of our faith, the special points of our faith, are
based upon a foundation of confidence in the totality of Scripture as
"given by inspiration of God" and "profitable for doctrine" (2 Tim
3:16). New light, then, will not weaken this foundation by suggesting
that the Bible writers were mistaken in their views or that their
messages were culturally conditioned for a pre-scientific era. Such
viewpoints are out of harmony with the historic Seventh-day Adventist
teaching about the Bible itself, and they open the door to attacks on
the distinctive teachings of our church.
4. Harmony with Miller's Approach to Scripture. Ellen White had a
high regard for the way William Miller, God's chosen instrument in
the Great Second Advent movement, interpreted the Bible. She called
Miller's rules of interpretation "simple but intelligent and
important rules for Bible study and interpretation." She pointed out
that all involved in the mission of Adventism use the same approach
to the Bible: "Those who are engaged in proclaiming the third angel's
message are searching the Scriptures upon the same plan that Father
Miller adopted."36
Ellen White especially highlighted these rules:
1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the
subject presented in the Bible;
2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by diligent
application and study;
3. Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hid from those who
ask in faith, not wavering;
4. To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on
the subject you wish to know, then let every word have its proper
influence; and if you can form your theory without a contradiction,
you cannot be in error;
5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of
itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should
guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his
sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire,
creed, or wisdom is my rule, and not the Bible."
Commenting on these principles from William Miller, Mrs. White
said that "in our study of the Bible we shall all do well to heed the
principles set forth."37 In evaluating today's claims of "new light"
on Bible interpretation--whether called "principle approach,"
"contextual method," "case-book approach," "dynamic approach,"
"developmental approach," or some other name--we must test them
against the historic Adventist methods of interpretation upheld by
Miller, Ellen G. White, and our pioneers.
THE CHURCH'S RESPONSIBILITY
Great care must be taken in introducing purportedly "new light."
In her concern for the church, Ellen G. White went to great lengths
to establish sound practices to follow before accepting new light
into the church.
Openness.
Ellen White called for the church to be open to new light. She
strongly opposed the attitude that we have all the truth for our
time.38 New light is not a private affair, however, for no one should
claim that he or she has all the light.39 "God has not passed His
people by, and chosen one solitary man here and another there as the
only ones worthy to be entrusted with His truth. He does not give one
man new light contrary to the established faith of the body. . . .
Let none be self-confident, as though God had given them special
light above their brethren."40
The investigation of new ideas is important.
Mrs. White stated: "Our brethren should be willing to investigate
in a candid way every point of controversy. If a brother is teaching
error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and
if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side.
We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth,
we need it. We are all under obligation to God to know what He sends
us."41
Ellen White illustrated the correct attitude toward new light with
a personal experience from 1844. "In 1844, when anything came to our
attention that we did not understand, we kneeled down and asked God
to help us take the right position; and then we were able to come to
a right understanding and see eye to eye. There was no dissension, no
enmity, no evil-surmising, no misjudging of our brethren."42
Since new light is not a private matter, the church can be open to
it, seeking God and searching the Scriptures for the unity that can
only be found in truth. In such a setting, the proponents of "new
light" must not feel free to ignore the consensus of the worldwide
church when they have presented their case to the body.
Procedure for Discussion.
The manner in which new light should be discussed is crucial. A
matter frequently overlooked but absolutly necessary is that the
Bible must be studied "with fasting and earnest prayer before God."43
The Bible is the "standard for every doctrine and practice. . . .
It is the word of the living God that is to decide all
controversies."44 "God's Word is our foundation of all doctrine."45
The instrument, therefore, to determine whether any proposed "new
light" is part of God's plan for His people is Scripture--not
feelings, opinions, surveys, petitions, referenda, or other means, as
appropriate as these may be in other spheres. Our question must be,
"What does the Bible say?"
Everyone involved in the investigation of new light should be free
from the spirit of prejudice. Such freedom can be achieved only
through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. "When the Spirit of God rests
upon you, there will be no feeling of envy or jealousy in examining
another's position; there will be no spirit of accusation and
criticism, such as Satan inspired in the hearts of the Jewish leaders
against Christ."46
Tests of New Light.
Ellen White recommended the following specific ways to determine
the genuineness of new light:
1. Is it Christ-Centered? "Does this light and knowledge that I
have found, and which places me at variance with my brethren, draw me
more closely to Christ? Does it make my Saviour more precious to me
and make my character more closely resemble His?"47
2. Does it Harmonize with All of Scripture? God "has given
directions by which we may test every doctrine,--'To the law and to
the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them' [Isa. 8:20]. If the light
presented meets this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because
it does not agree with our ideas."48
3. Does it Produce Fruits of Righteousness? "The most convincing
testimony that we can bear to others that we have the truth is the
spirit which attends our advocacy of that truth. If it sanctifies the
heart of the receiver, if it makes him gentle, kind, forbearing, true
and Christlike, then he will give some evidence of the fact that he
has the genuine truth. But if he acts as did the Jews when their
opinions and ideas were crossed, then we certainly cannot receive
such testimony, for it does not produce the fruits of
righteousness."49
Advancement in light should be accompanied by advancement in
character. Does the "new light" lead its proponents to exhibit the
loving character of Christ? Does it make them gentle and humble? Or
does it result in self-confidence, arrogance, and defiance?
If Seventh-day Adventists had always used the above procedures and
tests in dealing with new light and proposed changes in doctrine and
practice, the atmosphere in the church might have been much different
and we could have avoided much of the strife and controversy that
continues to affect the church in some quarters. To redeem the
situation we must make a commitment to follow the instructions the
Lord has so graciously revealed to His people through the Spirit of
Prophecy.
CONCLUSION
We can be most thankful to the Lord that He has graciously
revealed clear instructions on how we should respond to "new light."
Ellen White gives us reasons why her counsels are vital in our era,
when claims of "new light" seem to abound:
"I am instructed that the Lord, by His infinite power,
has preserved the right hand of His messenger for more than half a
century, in order that the truth may be written out as He bids me
write it for publication, in periodicals and books. Why?--Because if
it were not thus written out, when the pioneers in the faith shall
die, there would be many, new in the faith, who would sometimes
accept as messages of truth teachings that contain erroneous
sentiments and dangerous fallacies. Sometimes that which men teach as
'special light' is in reality specious error, which, as tares sown
among the wheat, will spring up and produce a baleful harvest. And
errors of this sort will be entertained by some until the close of
this earth's history."50
In the coming days, as the church continues to be bombarded with
all kinds of "new light"--new methods of interpretation, new
theologies, new lifestyle practices, new forms of worship, new
suggestions for ecumenical alliances, etc.--let us "test all things;
hold fast what is good" (1 Thess 5:21). It is high time that we study
these issues together with prayer and fasting, calling for a fresh
baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then we will be able to discard those
teachings that do not measure up to Bible truth. May the Lord guide
us in our struggle to preserve the truth as it is in Jesus so that we
may experience a "revival of true godliness" which is "the greatest
and most urgent need of all our needs."51
ENDNOTES
5 Selected Messages, 1:404.
6Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127.
7 Testimonies for the Church, 2:693. Cf. Early Writings,
pp. 42, 43.
8 Early Writings, p. 124.
9 See Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 48.
10 Testimonies for the Church, 5:534.
11 The Ministry of Healing, p. 464.
12 Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259.
13 Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 128, 129.
14 Ellen G. White, 1888 Materials, 2:537; also in Sermons
and Talks, 1:121.
15 Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259.
16 Testimonies for the Church, 2:692, 693.
17 Christ's Object Lessons, p. 133.
18 Ibid.
19 Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 27; Sons and
Daughters of God, p. 259; Counsels to Writers and Editors,
p. 35.
20 Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 34, 35.
21 Testimonies for the Church, 5:706.
22 Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 35; Christ's
Object Lessons, pp. 130, 131.
23 My Life Today, p. 310; cf. Testimonies for the
Church, 2:67.
24 The Ministry of Healing, pp. 464, 465.
25 "Be Zealous and Repent," Review and Herald, Dec. 23,
1890.
26 Testimonies for the Church, 2:67, 70.
27 Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127; Testimonies for the
Church, 5:369.
28 Life Sketches, pp. 198-200.
29 Gospel Workers, p. 297; "Be Zealous and Repent,"
Review and Herald, Dec. 23, 1890.
30 Testimonies for the Church, 5:534.
31 Christ's Object Lessons, p. 127, cf. pp. 130, 131.
32 Ibid., pp. 127, 128.
33 Ellen G. White Manuscript 62, 1905, p. 5. This statement
appears in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White, 5:411. The entire
manuscript is published as Manuscript Release #760 in "The Integrity
of the Sanctuary Truth," a document available from the Ellen G. White
Estate; the quoted statement appears on p. 9.
34 Medical Ministry, p. 96.
35 Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 32; cf. Selected
Messages, 2:115.
36 "Notes of Travel," Review and Herald, Nov. 25, 1884.
37 Ibid.
38 Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 33.
39 Testimonies to Ministers, p. 107; The Great
Controversy, p. 343. For biblical support she referred to Job
11:7; Isa 55:8, 9; 46:9, 10.
40 Testimonies for the Church, 5:291.
41 Gospel Workers, pp. 300, 301.
42 Ibid., p. 302.
43 1888 Materials, 2:517.
44 1888 Materials, 1:201.
45 1888 Materials, 1:46.
46 Review and Herald, Feb. 18, 1890.
47 Testimonies for the Church, 3:444.
48 Gospel Workers, p. 301.
49 1888 Materials, 2:632.
50 This Day with God, p. 126, emphasis supplied.
51 Selected Messages, 1:121.
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