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Study 13 of 18

Revisiting 1888, Part 1 — Progression of Light

The 1888 message is a vital, heaven-sent light designed to prepare God's people for His return.

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

Synopsis

This session explores the significance of the 1888 message, described as a "most precious message" sent by God to prepare His people for the final crisis. Despite the personal failures of the messengers, Jones and Waggoner, the message itself remains divine truth. Ellen White strongly endorsed their presentations as clearer expressions of the truths she had been trying to share for decades. The study emphasizes that the message was designed to bring joy and hope, revealing that righteousness is a gift available now, which fits believers for the judgment. By understanding the progression of light, we see how God provides varied perspectives through different minds to meet the needs of all seekers. The 1888 message is not merely historical but remains essential for our current generation to stand in the day of God.

Key points

  • The 1888 message is God's specific provision to prepare a people for the second coming.
  • A messenger's later failures do not invalidate the truth of a message previously sent by God.
  • Ellen White recognized the 1888 message as a clearer teaching of Righteousness by Faith.
  • Diversity in the presentation of truth is necessary to reach different temperaments and minds.

Key texts

  • Ezekiel 33:11
  • Romans 9:28
  • Galatians 3:24

From the book

Chapter 13 · Romans 3:21-26 · Read this chapter

  • “The Lord’s righteousness is a gift; we can have the righteousness of Christ as a gift, and we can have it now.” (ch. 13)
  • “Should the Lord’s messengers, after standing manfully for the truth for a time, fall under temptation, and dishonour Him who has given them their work, will that be proof that the message is not true? No, because the Bible is true.” (ch. 13)
  • “God sent these men to bring a truth that we should not have had unless God had sent somebody to bring it to us.” (ch. 13)

Put it into practice

  • Study the historical context and endorsement of the 1888 message.
  • Separate the validity of a divine message from the personal history of its messengers.
  • Seek the "additional light" promised through the 1888 messengers to prepare for the end.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What was the core reaction of the sister who heard the 1888 message?

  2. Scripture

    2. Why were the writings of Jones and Waggoner difficult to find for many years?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Does the later fall of a messenger prove their previous message was false?

  4. Contrast

    4. How did Ellen White compare her own teaching to Waggoner's presentation?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. Why does God use different writers to present the same truth?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What is the primary purpose of the 'most precious message' sent in 1888?

  7. Contrast

    7. What role did the Holy Spirit play in the presentations of Jones and Waggoner?

  8. Application

    8. How does the idea of 'progression of light' change your approach to historical Adventism?