The Minneapolis Conference of 1888 — Christ Our Righteousness Study Guide

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Daniells recounts the 1888 General Conference session in Minneapolis, where A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner presented righteousness by faith and met strong opposition from respected leaders. He describes the spirit of controversy, the confusion of the message with side issues, and Ellen White's wholehearted endorsement of the message alongside her rebuke of the manner in which it was resisted. His purpose is not recrimination but repentance: the message was heaven-sent, it was largely rejected, and the loss must be confessed.

Key points

The 1888 message was righteousness by faith presented with power, not a novelty.
Opposition centred as much on personalities and party spirit as on doctrine.
Ellen White endorsed the message emphatically and rebuked the spirit of resistance.
Daniells' aim is confession and recovery, not the assigning of blame.

Key passages

Hosea 6:1-3
Revelation 3:14-20
2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Hebrews 3:7-8

Study questions10 total

1.
What, according to Daniells, was actually presented at Minneapolis in 1888?
Comprehension
2.
Why did opposition arise from men who were sincere, experienced, and doctrinally sound?
Comprehension
3.
Read Revelation 3:17-20. How does the Laodicean message illuminate the Minneapolis experience?
Scripture
4.
Distinguish between rejecting a doctrine and resisting the Spirit who brings it.
Doctrinal Clarity
5.
Contrast Ellen White's response to the message with that of the leading brethren. What accounts for the difference?
Contrast
6.
Why does Daniells insist the issue was spiritual rather than merely theological?
Doctrinal Clarity
7.
Read 2 Chronicles 36:15-16. What pattern of national history does Daniells fear repeating?
Scripture
8.
What would genuine corporate repentance for 1888 look like, in Daniells' view?
Comprehension
9.
Have you ever resisted truth because of who brought it? Describe the situation honestly.
Application
10.
How can a congregation today receive correction without defensiveness?
Application