ORGANIZATION

A. C. Sas

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, VA 24019, U. S. A.
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Reform Movement is organized. The truth, yes, the truth is
the most important and then comes the fruit of the truth —
organization.
Has the Reform Movement the right to exist as an
organized church? What gives them this right? The Spirit
of Prophecy will answer:
“Christ has a church in every age. Obedience to the
commandments of God gives us a right to the privileges of
this church. There are those in the church who are made no
better by their connection with it. They themselves break
the terms of their election. If we comply with the conditions
God has made, we shall secure our election to salvation.
Perfect obedience to his commandments is the evidence
that we love God.” The Review and Herald, July 17, 1900.
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ORDER AND ORGANIZATION
When our Lord Jesus Christ was on earth during His
ministerial work, He established the apostolic church and
had appointed the officers of the first organized church in
the Christian era. Jesus departed from the organized Jewish
church, and laid the foundation of the organization of the
Christian church. The twelve disciples whom the Lord
ordained were the first officers of the new church, in 27
A.D. The Bible tells us:
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into
a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to
God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples:
and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named
apostles.” Luke 6:12, 13.
“The first step was now to be taken in the organization
of the church that after Christ’s departure was to be His
representative on earth.” The Desire of Ages, p. 291.
These disciples of Jesus who became apostles
continued the work of preaching the gospel after the death
of Christ. The church was well organized as we can see by
the election of the 7 deacons. When the apostle Paul, before
his conversion, was persecuting the members of the church
of God, the same Jesus who organized the church appeared
unto him in vision. When Saul asked the Lord: “what wilt
thou have me to do?” the answer was given: “Arise, and go
into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”
Acts 9:6.
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 Saul could have reasoned that he knew the Scriptures,
and in the city no one could know the Scriptures better than
him. Again, the Lord could tell Saul straight away what he
should do. But no, He should contact the established
organized church, and they have to tell him what he should
do.
“Thus Jesus gave sanction to the authority of His
organized church, and placed Saul in connection with His
appointed agencies on earth. Christ had now a church as His
representative on earth, and to it belonged the work of
directing the repentant sinner in the way of life.” The Acts
of the Apostles, p. 122.
“The Redeemer of the world does not sanction
experience and exercise in religious matters independent of
his organized and acknowledged church. Many have an
idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light
and experience, independent of his recognized followers on
earth. But in the history of the conversion of Saul,
important principles are given us, which we should ever
bear in mind. He was brought directly into the presence of
Christ. He was one whom Christ intended for a most
important work, one who was to be ‘a chosen vessel’ unto
him; yet he does not personally impart to him the lessons of
truth. He arrests his course and convicts him; but when
asked by him, ‘What wilt thou have me to do?’ the Saviour
places him in connection with his church, and lets them
direct him what to do.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p.
316.
Later on when the church progressed and the persecutor
became persecuted the Lord used Paul as His representative
and revealed to him many mysteries which other apostles
could not understand. But even then Paul recognized and
respected the authority of God’s organized church.
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is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His voice? Shall we not
trim our lamps, and act like men who look for their Lord to
come? The time is one that calls for light bearing, for
action.” Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 514, 515.
Therefore, there is no condemnation for the Reform
Movement in the words of Sister White, because the
Reform Movement is proclaiming the truth, strengthening
the pillars, stepping on the foundation and not down from
it. The point is to keep the sacred truth of the Advent
message, and as a result some form of organization must
exist, which is the fruit of the truth. Organization is
necessary, for the Testimony says:
“To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying
the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and
the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church
property, for the publication of the truth through the press,
and for many other objects, organization was
indispensable.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 26.
“Some have advanced the thought that as we near the
close of time, every child of God will act independently of
any religious organization. But I have been instructed by
the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every
man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under
law, each influencing the other to do the will of God,
yielding their common obedience to the law that controls
their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may
advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw
together.” Gospel Workers, p. 487.
The gospel, the pure doctrines under the threefold
angel’s message must be preached and this cannot be done
without some form of organization. For this reason the
constantly at work, constantly adding, constantly giving to
the field the talent that has come from it.” Spalding and
Magan Collection, p. 163. (Verbatim report of remarks by
Mrs. E. G. White, at a meeting held in Battle Creek College
library, April 1, at the General Conference of 1901.)
The Reform Movement can never be accused of giving
up the fundamental doctrines, the pillars of faith. On the
contrary, it keeps them and teaches them and this is the
reason why they were separated and had to organize
themselves apart from the nominal Adventist church that
has given up some of the fundamental doctrines. The
Reform Movement exists as a fulfillment of prophecy. The
last call for reformation was made in 1915. We read about
last call:
“It will be well for us to consider what is soon to come
upon the earth. This is no time for trifling or self-seeking.
If the times in which we are living fail to impress our minds
seriously, what can reach us? Do not the Scriptures call for
a more pure and holy work than we have yet seen?
“Men of clear understanding are needed now. God calls
upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy
Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation. I see
a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for His laborers to
come into line. Every soul should now stand in a position of
deeper, truer consecration to God than during the years that
have passed. . . .
“I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have
recently passed before me in the night season. There
seemed to be a great movement — a work of revival —
going forward in many places. Our people were moving
into line, responding to God’s call. My brethren, the Lord
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“Notwithstanding the fact that Paul was personally
taught by God, he had no strained ideas of individual
responsibility. While looking to God for direct guidance,
he was ever ready to recognize the authority vested in the
body of believers united in church fellowship. He felt the
need of counsel; and when matters of importance arose, he
was glad to lay these before the church, and to unite with his
brethren in seeking God for wisdom to make right
decisions.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 200.
In every age God has had His embassy on earth — His
church. Although sometimes the church was made up of
only a few souls, the Lord always maintained a channel of
light on earth.
The gates of hell could not blot out the ‘city of refuge’
or ‘God’s fortress’ (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11), amidst
trials and persecutions throughout the centuries.
When the Seventh-day Adventists were established as a
church they were not well organized, and there was much
confusion among them. Ministers went out to preach,
baptize, and perform the ordinances on their own account.
There was no order, no organization. By the guidance of the
Spirit of Prophecy they soon understood the need of
organizing the believers in church capacity. The Testimony
reads:
“As our numbers increased, it was evident that without
some form of organization there would be great confusion,
and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To
provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the
work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the
ministry from unworthy members, for holding church
property, for the publication of the truth through the press,
and for many other objects, organization was
indispensable.
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 “Yet there was strong feeling against it among our
people. The first-day Adventists were opposed to
organization, and most of the Seventh-day Adventists
entertained the same ideas. We sought the Lord with
earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light
was given by His Spirit that there must be order and
thorough discipline in the church — that organization was
essential. System and order are manifest in all the works of
God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven,
and it should be the law of God’s people on earth.”
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 26.
Notice the main reasons for organization:
— For the support of the ministry,
— To carry the work in new fields,
— For protecting the churches and the ministry
from unworthy members,
— For holding properties,
— For publishing the truth through the press, etc.
The conclusion to what they have come was in
accordance with the Bible truth.
The apostle Paul mentions the various offices in the
church:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity
of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto
a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness
of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie
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management, the same tone, the same order. The Lord
wants those who have a knowledge of the truth to come to
their senses. He wants them to arouse. It is time for us to
arise and shine because our light has come, and the glory of
the Lord has risen upon us. . . .
“From the light God has given me, everything
connected with this conference is to be regarded as most
sacred. Why? Because at this time the work is it to be placed
upon a proper basis. Wrong principles have been followed.
For the last fifteen years wrong decisions have been made;
and now God calls for a change.—Ms. 43, 1901, pp. 3, 4. (A
Talk in the Battle Creek Library, April 1, 1901.)”
Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, p. 76.
“Now from the light that I have, as it was presented to
me in figures: There was a narrow compass here; there
within that narrow is a king-like, kingly ruling power. Here
the outlets are blocked. And the work all over our field
demands an entirely different course of action than we have
had. We have heard enough, abundance, about that
‘everything must go around in the regular way.’ When we
see the regular lines are altered and purified and refined,
and the God of the heavens mold is upon the regular lines,
then it is our business to establish the regular lines. But
when we see message after message that God has given has
been accepted, but no change, just the same as it was
before, then it is evident that new blood must be brought
into the regular lines. The leaders of the regular lines, they
must have and entire change, an entire new organization,
and to have a committee that shall take in not merely half a
dozen, that is to be a ruling and controlling power, but it is
to have representatives of those that are placed in
responsibility in our educational interests, in our
Sanitariums, that are working, and the life in them,
 When the apostasy started entering in the church, the
Spirit of Prophecy called for a reformation among God’s
people. We read this as follows:
“God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual
reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are
lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the
Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His
children.
“A revival and reformation must take place under the
ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are
two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of
spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart,
a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a
reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and
practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of
righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the
Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed
work, and in doing this work they must blend.” Selected
Messages, book 1, p. 128.
A reformation must take place, and this means
“reorganization, change in ideas, and theories, habits and
practises.” This reorganization should consist in coming
back to the “landmarks” or principles. A new organization
should not take place if this would consist of giving up
fundamental principles; on the other hand Sister White
invited the church to start a new organization, that is to
come back to the obedience to the principles:
“A New Order Urged for the General Conference in
1901 — God forbid, brethren, that this Conference [1901
General Conference session] should close as our
conferences have closed in the past, with the same
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in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow
up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and
compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to
the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh
increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Ephesians 4:11-16.
In 1863 the Seventh-day Adventists organized their
General Conference. The highest responsibility in the
church falls on the officers of the General Conference. God
provided means by which this could be carried out. We read
about this arrangement:
“Every member of the church has a voice in choosing
officers of the church. The church chooses the officers of
the state conferences. Delegates chosen by the state
conferences choose the officers of the union conferences;
and delegates chosen by the union conferences choose the
officers of the General Conference. By this arrangement,
every conference, every institution, every church, and
every individual, either directly or through representa-
tives, has a voice in the election of the men who bear the
chief responsibilities in the General Conference.”
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8. pp. 236, 237.
We see in this Testimony that delegates should come
together to elect the leaders of the church in its highest
offices. When they come together from all parts of the
world they do not only nominate the leaders but also
discuss doctrinal points, administrative problems, etc. The
decisions taken there which are not contrary to the Bible
and the Testimonies should be received and accepted by the
people as the voice of God. If the church maintains itself
loyal to the commandments of God, its decisions are
sanctioned in heaven.
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 “I have often been instructed by the Lord that no man's
judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any
other one man. Never should the mind of one or the minds
of a few men be regarded as sufficient in wisdom and power
to control the work and to say what plans shall be followed.
But when, in a General Conference, the judgment of the
brethren assembled from all parts of the field is exercised,
private independence and private judgment must not be
stubbornly maintained, but surrendered. Never should a
laborer regard as a virtue the persistent maintenance of his
position of independence, contrary to the decisions of the
general body.
“At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the
general management of the work have, in the name of the
General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and
to restrict God’s work, I have said that I could no longer
regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by
these few men as the voice of God. But this is not saying
that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an
assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all
parts of the field should not be respected. God has ordained
that the representatives of His church from all parts of the
earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have
authority. The error that some are in danger of committing
is in giving to the mind and judgment of one man, or of a
small group of men, the full measure of authority and
influence that God has vested in His church in the judgment
and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for
the prosperity and advancement of His work.” Testimonies
for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 260, 261.
Why is it that organization is so important today. It is
because many self-sent messengers arise and interpret the
Bible at their own taste. The only way to be secure is not
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any stand in the way, to hinder the advancement of the work
in the lines that God has appointed, they will displease God.
No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist
people what they are is to be weakened. We have the old
landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to
stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the
world.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 17.
Some doctrinal points which were considered as pillars
of the faith are:
a)The Second Coming of Christ;
b)The Sabbath;
c)The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus;
d)The threefold angel's message;
e)Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary;
f) The sealing of the 144,000;
g)The mortality of the soul;
h)The Gift of Prophecy;
i) Temperance, and many others.
These points are of vital importance and nothing should
be taken off them. Nothing clearer than this. The Advent
movement was recognized by God as His church not
because of the good organization but because of these
points of truth. Organization was a fruit of the truth, and not
truth a fruit of the organization.
doctrines. The important point in this question is the
fundamental truths, which constitute the pillars of faith
should be maintained. No change should be made in the
foundation. We read in Early Writings:
“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm,
giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the
established faith of the body. God looked upon them with
approbation. I was shown three steps, — the first, second,
and third angel’s message. Said my accompanying angel,
‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these
messages. The true understanding of these messages is of
vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the
manner in which they are received.’ I was again brought
down through these messages, and saw how dearly the
people of God had purchased their experience. It had been
obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God
had led them step by step, until He had placed them upon a
solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the
platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing
immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find
fault with the foundation. They wished improvements
made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the
people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to
examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that
nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those
who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was
the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him.”
Early Writings, pp. 258, 259. (Compare it to Testimonies
for the Church, vol.6, p. 144).
“There is to be no change in the general features of our
work. It is to stand as clear and distinct as prophecy has
made it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world,
supposing that by so doing we could accomplish more. If
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to advocate independency. Private opinions should not
prevail when delegates from all parts of the world make a
decision. No new light, no new interpretation of the
Scriptures should be accepted if they do not come through
the right channel. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us:
“There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared
for those who have the light of truth; and the only safety for
any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new
interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it
to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble,
teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see not
light in it, yield to their judgment: for ‘in the multitude of
counselors there is safety.’ ” Testimonies for the Church,
vol. 5, p. 293.
It is the plan of Satan that people should act
independently. He tries to convince people that
organization is not necessary, whereas this is the only
safeguard of the church.
“Oh, how Satan would rejoice if he could succeed in his
efforts to get in among this people and disorganize the work
at a time when thorough organization is essential and will
be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings and to
refute claims not endorsed by the word of God! We want to
hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down
of the system of organization and order that has been built
up by wise, careful labor. License must not be given to
disorderly elements that desire to control the work at this
time.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 258.
As a human body has many members but one depends on
the other, so is also the church. Christ is the head, and we
are the members of His body, the church. No members can
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live if cut off from the body. So it is also in the spiritual
sense. Independent individuals cannot live spiritually if
they do not belong to the organized body, whose head is the
Lord. The different offices in the church represent the
different positions of the members in the body. Read 1
Corinthians 12:12-28. Paul is speaking specially in verse
28 the different offices that should exist in the church. All
working together have the same goal — the perfection or
unity in the faith.
“The spirit of pulling away from fellow-laborers, the
spirit of disorganization, is in the very air we breathe. By
some, all efforts to establish order are regarded as
dangerous, — as a restriction of personal liberty, and hence
to be feared as popery. These deceived souls regard it a
virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act
independently. They declare that they will not take any
man’s say-so; that they are amenable to no man. I have been
instructed that it is Satan’s special effort to lead men to feel
that God is pleased to have them choose their own course
independent of the counsel of their brethren. Herein lies a
grave danger to the prosperity of our work. We must move
discreetly, sensibly, in harmony with the judgment of God-
fearing counselors; for in this course alone lies our safety
and strength. Otherwise God cannot work with us and by us
and for us.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 257.
The Spirit of Prophecy does not suggest that in these last
days people should act and think as they please. No
independency is allowed. The servants of God should act
‘subject to the sanctified mind of the whole’ (the organized
church, whose members come together in a general
council), and their decisions should be respected. So it was
in the past and so it must be today.
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truth would be “lightly regarded,” etc. There would be a
radical change in the fundamental doctrines. Such an
organization should never take place. This would be
apostasy from the truth. The head of such a process of
reorganization, or new organization, was Dr. J. H. Kellogg,
the manager of the Sanitarium, and the Battle Creek
Publishing House. Many times the prophetess warned the
leaders of the church against this apostasy which was about
to rise. This apostasy affected deeply the center of the
church. We read about it:
“After I received word in regard to the excellent
meeting of confession and unity that had been held in Battle
Creek I was writing in my diary and was about to record the
thankfulness I felt because a change had come, when my
hand was arrested, and there came to me the words: ‘Write
it not. No change for the better has taken place. Teachings
that are turning souls from the truth are being presented as
of great worth. Doctrines are being taught that lead into
bypaths and forbidden paths; doctrines that lead men to act
in harmony with their own inclinations and to work out
their unsanctified purposes; doctrines that, if received,
would destroy the dignity and power of God’s people,
obscuring the light that would otherwise come to them
through God’s appointed agencies.’ ” Testimonies for the
Church, vol. 8, p. 231.
History shows that a sad defection really took place.
There was a split, and over 4000 members left the church,
among whom there were many ministers and teachers.
Pantheism was their doctrine. New theories, new doctrines
were taught in this new organization and this was nothing
less than “apostasy from the truth.”
A new organization or reorganization should take place
but never in the sense of giving up the fundamental
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wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be
discarded. Our religion would be changed. The
fundamental principles 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 founder of this system would go
into 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.
“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 no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything
that is not in harmony with the truth?
“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, pp. 204, 205.
There was a process of a specific reorganization in the
medical work which affected also the heart of the
denomination. Against this process of new organization
was the church warned. If such an organization would take
place, our “religion would be changed,” the “fundamental
principles” would be “accounted as error,” the Sabbath
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“When dissension arose in a local church, as later it did
arise in Antioch and elsewhere, and the believers were
unable to come to an agreement among themselves, such
matters were not permitted to create a division in the
church, but were referred to a general council of the entire
body of believers, made up of appointed delegates from the
various local churches, with the apostles and elders in
positions of leading responsibility.” The Acts of the
Apostles, p. 96.
“The council which decided this case was composed of
apostles and teachers who had been prominent in raising up
the Jewish and Gentile Christian churches, with chosen
delegates from various places. Elders from Jerusalem and
deputies from Antioch were present, and the most
influential churches were represented. The council moved
in accordance with the dictates of enlightened judgment,
and with the dignity of a church established by the divine
will. . . .
“The entire body of Christians was not called to vote
upon the question. The ‘apostles and elders,’ men of
influence and judgment, framed and issued the decree,
which was thereupon generally accepted by the Christian
churches. Not all, however, were pleased with the decision;
there was a faction of ambitious and self-confident brethren
who disagreed with it. These men assumed to engage in the
work on their own responsibility. They indulged in much
murmuring and fault-finding, proposing new plans, and
seeking to pull down the work of the men whom God had
ordained to teach the gospel message. From the first the
church has had such obstacles to meet, and ever will have
till the close of time.” The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 196,
197.
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 “Some have advanced the thought that, as we near the
close of time, every child of God will act independently of
any religious organization. But I have been instructed by
the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every
man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under
the law, each influencing the other to do the will of God,
yielding their common obedience to the law that controls
their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may
advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw
together.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 258.
This is a very important point which should be
understood: Does the church as an organized body teach
and obey the commandments of God in all times and under
all circumstances? If it does, it is the highest authority of
God on earth. If it does not, it cannot be God’s embassy.
Therefore we have to be sure which one is the organized
church that keeps the commandments of God and the faith
of Jesus. Being a member of it we receive nourishment, and
are guided by the head of the body, even the Lord Jesus
Christ.
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NO NEW ORGANIZATION
Is the Reform Movement right in being organized apart
from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the light of
Selected Messages, book 2, p. 390? The Testimony says:
“We cannot now enter into any new organization; for this
would mean apostasy from the truth Manuscript 129,
1905.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 390.
Let us quote the whole paragraph:
“The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall
be rehearsed as we enter upon the closing work. Every truth
that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to
the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be
strengthened. We cannot now step off the foundation that
God has established. We cannot now enter into any new
organization; for this would mean apostasy from the truth.”
Selected Messages, book 2, p. 390.
This Testimony was given in the year 1905. In this
paragraph we see that there was a danger in stepping off the
foundation, giving up the truth and putting down the pillars
of our faith. One year before, in 1904, Sister White wrote a
similar Testimony, which reads as follows:
“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
pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process or
reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what
would result? The principles of truth that God in His
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