In 2018, the Pacific Press published a book titled God’s Character and the Last Generation. The book is a critical analysis of Last Generation Theology (LGT) by a group of twelve theologians from Andrews University. It was edited by Jiri Moskala and John Peckham.
Here are six points made in the book that are refuted/responded to,
As a convert to the Seventh-day Adventist church, I don’t have generations of theological bickering in my DNA.
When I came into the SDA church in 1989 after studying for two years to disprove the Adventist Message, I accepted the concept of the great controversy—a panoramic view of redemptive history. I am very grateful for the Adventist Message.
It teaches us that we cannot get into heaven without gratitude (Psalm 100:4).
It teaches us that our task is to help people get ready for the end times. Our warning for the world in the Three Angel’s Messages presupposes that change is needed in our lives, reverence for God and the rendering of glory to Him are part of that warning (Revelation 14:6). Repentance precedes these changes. I need it. You do as well.
There are three distinct phases of my life that define my relationship to the Lord. Before Christ, I was a child of wrath on the broad road to destruction (Ephesians 2:3). The day came when I looked up to heaven and said “I need you.” That began a wonderful journey, made possible by first humbling myself and acknowledging Him.
Next came trust, as I read the Bible and heard His voice. “I trust you.” There are three great heavenly Beings out for my best good, and they are completely trustworthy.
Next comes love, as I opened my heart to Him, the Lover of my soul. A relationship with God leads me to trust Him and walking with Him leads me to love Him. “I love you.” As the first initiative was God’s we can say with Paul, “The love of Christ compels me.”
I need You. I trust You. I love You. Simple and yet profound.
The Great Controversy teaches us that we are in enemy territory on Earth, waiting for the return of our Lord. The enemy has not only filled people with lies, indeed the whole earth groans under the weight of falsehood (Romans 8:22). Our universe has been touched by these lies, as our Father is accused of things that Satan himself is guilty of (John 8:44). Example: In Isaiah 14:17, the people who behold the final judgment of Satan will say: “Is this he….who opened not the house of his prisoners?” Satan attempts to paint God in this light by the lie of eternal torment. No, that is Satan’s character, not the Father’s. It is a lie from the enemy (1 John 5:19).
These lies will be set straight in the universe by a revelation of truth about God in the lives of His people. What a beautiful and awesome reality, one that make us simultaneously tremble with fear and shiver with delight (Isaiah 6:5'; Psalm 1:2).
Don’t fall for the short-circuited narrative of Abdication Adventism which teaches that your life is destined to perpetually fall and fail even in the midst of the refiner’s fire of the Time of the End. Stephen’s last sermon and Abel’s sacrifice are a type of the end time people of God. Christ can live in those who are crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20; Acts 7:54-60) and they do glorify Him.
Dear Adventist, don’t make it complicated. Keep it simple. “I need You, I trust You, I love You.”
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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalms 100:4)
“Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy has now been made plain. The results of rebellion, the fruits of setting aside the divine statutes, have been laid open to the view of all created intelligences. The working out of Satan's rule in contrast with the government of God has been presented to the whole universe. Satan's own works have condemned him. God's wisdom, His justice, and His goodness stand fully vindicated. It is seen that all His dealings in the great controversy have been conducted with respect to the eternal good of His people and the good of all the worlds that He has created.... The history of sin will stand to all eternity as a witness that with the existence of God's law is bound up the happiness of all the beings He has created. With all the facts of the great controversy in view, the whole universe, both loyal and rebellious, with one accord declare: “Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”
Before the universe has been clearly presented the great sacrifice made by the Father and the Son in man's behalf. The hour has come when Christ occupies His rightful position and is glorified above principalities and powers and every name that is named. It was for the joy that was set before Him—that He might bring many sons unto glory—that He endured the cross and despised the shame. And inconceivably great as was the sorrow and the shame, yet greater is the joy and the glory. He looks upon the redeemed, renewed in His own image, every heart bearing the perfect impress of the divine, every face reflecting the likeness of their King. He beholds in them the result of the travail of His soul, and He is satisfied. Then, in a voice that reaches the assembled multitudes of the righteous and the wicked, He declares: “Behold the purchase of My blood! For these I suffered, for these I died, that they might dwell in My presence throughout eternal ages.” And the song of praise ascends from the white-robed ones about the throne: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12.6 ) — The Great Controversy, 670, 671.
