DiggingforTruth

Unfortunately, the statement "None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict" has a subtle subtext. Who defines what is "the truths". The denomination has abandoned its early beliefs and now "the truth" is defined by the leadership. This struggle is not new but has grown to become a monster, which distorts everything. Plain simple Bible truth is rejected because it does not agree with those who are in charge. The denomination forgets this statement:

"We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed." {RH, July 26, 1892 par. 7}

If we let leadership define "the truth" than there will be some cases where they are wrong. In these cases it is even more important to understand this text from the inspired writings, which make it clear it is the "truths of the Bible" that we need so badly.

Let us remember what EGW says about 'leaders' on page 595.2 in the same Chapter.
"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will."

These comments are serious but true.  AT Jones very ably defined the 2 great principles of church organisation.  He said church organisation is founded upon 'The preiesthood of all believers' and 'All ye are brethren.'  The SDA church is evolving into a hierarchical organisation where some people are seen as experts and others are followers.  This negates both principles, and destroys the real reason why we are in an organisation. Instead of 'It is written' people say 'my pastor says,' or some leading SDA preacher says.  Too few are prepared to search the scriptures daily and to learn from God themselves so they can stand for the truth when all around us compromise. How can we have a revival of primitive godliness in such a situation.  We need to wake up.