Reasoning from Scripture
The online debate over Last Generation Theology between Kevin Paulson and David Leone.
“Perfection of character is attainable by every one who strives for it. This is made the very foundation of the new covenant of the gospel. The law of Jehovah is the tree; the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it bears.”
Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 212.
This is a far more beguiling deception than the mainstream evangelical heresy of “once saved, always saved.” This evangelical Adventist version of this heresy tells people that while the overt rejection of Jesus and His Holy Spirit will cost the Christian salvation, acts of sin presumably will not.
All who are saved at last—whether the thief on the cross or those who stand without a Mediator at the close of time—will be saved exclusively through the justifying and sanctifying righteousness of Christ (Eph. 1:7; II Thess. 2:13), both through Christ’s work for us (II Cor. 5:21) and His work in us (Titus 3:5). The only difference with the Last Generation saints is that all sins of ignorance will have been revealed and eliminated from their lives before probation closes.
The evidence is substantial, from both Scripture and Ellen White, that Last Generation Theology commands support from throughout the inspired writings. Those who preach and teach this theology do so on the basis of overwhelming clarity from throughout the Bible and the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy.
“In the creation, ‘He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.’ He ‘calleth those things which be not as though they were’ (Psalm 33:9; Rom. 4:17); for when He calls them, they are.”
Ellen G. White, Education, p. 254.
“Our position has been one of waiting and watching, with no time proclamation to intervene between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the time of our Lord’s coming.”
Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 270.
God’s reverence for creaturely choice goes hand in hand with the Bible doctrine of salvation.
Critics of the classic Adventist sanctuary doctrine certainly seem to think their attacks will acquire increased credibility through repetition. What sociologists call “urban legend” frequently develops in this manner.
Introducing a new frontier of heresy.
Sacrificing eternity for the sake of family and friendship ties didn’t end with the Sodom story.
A Christian majority may be tempted to assume that state support of Christianity would be benevolent because Christianity is true or morally beneficial. History counsels caution. Once government acquires power to define and support “Christianity,” government must determine which Christianity qualifies. It must choose among denominations, doctrines, moral teachings, institutions, and religious authorities. What begins as governmental protection of religion can become governmental supervision of religion. The church may believe it has gained a powerful ally, only to discover that the state has become its regulator.