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~~~~~ ~~~~ {~~} top ~~~~~ ADVENTIST LAYMEN'S FOUNDATION OF CANADA (ALF) Publisher
of the All the Specials and Commentaries are in the last file of the year. There are 4 files for each year: jm=Jan-Mar; aj=Apr-Jun; js-=Jul-Sep; od=Oct-Dec WWN is a thought paper that was published monthly continuously from Jan, 1968 to the end of Dec. 2006 . by the Adventist Laymen's Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.(ALF), with William H. Grotheer as the Editor of Research & Publication. The Nov. 1977 issue discusses "What is the "Watchman, What of the Night?"
SHORT STUDIES - William H. Grotheer - top Interpretative
History of the Doctrine of the Incarnation as Taught by the Seventh-day
Adventist Church, An Bible
Study Guides End Time Line Re-Surveyed Parts 1 & 2 - Adventist Layman's Foundation Excerpts
- Legal Documents Holy Flesh Movement 1899-1901, The - William H. Grotheer Hour and the End is Striking at You, The - William H. Grotheer In
the Form of a Slave Jerusalem
In Bible Prophecy Key
Doctrinal Comparisons - Statements of Belief 1872-1980 Pope
Paul VI Given Gold Medallion by Adventist Church Leader Sacred Trust BETRAYED!, The - William H. Grotheer
Seal of God Seventh-day
Adventist Evangelical Conferences of 1955-1956 SIGN of the END of TIME, The - William H. Grotheer STEPS
to ROME Times
of the Gentiles Fulfilled, The - A Study in Depth of Luke 21:24 Remembering ~~~~~ OTHER BOOKS, MANUSCRIPTS & ARTICLES: Additional
Various Studies -- Bible As History - Werner Keller Place of the Bible In Education, The - Alonzo T. Jones Facts of Faith - Christian Edwardson Individuality in Religion - Alonzo T. Jones Letters to the Churches - M. L. Andreasen "Is the Bible Inspired or Expired?" - J. J. Williamson Sabbath, The - M. L. Andreasen Sanctuary
Service, The So Much In Common - WCC/SDA Daniel and the Revelation - Uriah Smith Spiritual Gifts. The Great Controversy, between Christ and His Angels, and Satan and his Angels - Ellen G. White Canons of the Bible, The - Raymond A. Cutts Under
Which Banner? - Jon A. Vannoy TOP
Due to his failing health, Elder Grotheer requested that ALF of Canada continue publishing thoughts through its website www.AdventistAlet.com which developed into frequent Blog Thought articles plus all of the Foundation's historical published works written and audio. As of 2010, with the official closing of the ALF of USA , The Adventist Laymen's Foundation of Canada with its website www.Adventist Alert.com is the only officially operating ALF branch established by Elder Grotheer worldwide. We are thankful for the historical legacy that is now available through The Adventist Laymen's Foundation of Canada, info@AdventistAlert.com The MISSION of this site -- is to make available the articles from the thought paper "Watchman, What of the Night?" It is not our purpose to copy WWN in whole. Any portion of the thought paper may be reproduced without further permission by adding the credit line - "Reprinted from WWN, Adventist Laymen's Foundation of Canada." top {~~~} |
Saving
Faith -- by
Dr. E. J. Waggoner --
An
article written by Dr. E. J. Waggoner first published in the Aug.
1, 1890 issue of Bible Echo, in the book Lessons on Faith
where the article was reprinted, entitled "SAVING FAITH". "But
the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not
in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ
down from above); or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to
bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word
is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word
of faith, which we preach: that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised
him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:6-9. May
we accept these words, especially the statement in the last verse,
as literally true? Shall we not be in danger if we do? Is not something
more than faith in Christ necessary to salvation? To the first of
these questions we say, Yes; and to the the last two we say, No; and
refer to the Scriptures for corroboration. So plain a statement cannot
be other than literally true, and one that can be depended on by the
trembling sinner. As
an instance in proof, take the case of p
6 --
the Jailer at Philippi. Paul and Silas, after having been inhumanly
beaten, were placed in his care. Notwithstanding their lacerated backs
and their manacled feet, they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight,
and suddenly an earthquake shook the prison, and all the doors were
opened. it was not alone the natural fear produced by feeling the
earth rock beneath him, nor yet the dread of Roman justice if the
prisoners in his charge should escape, that caused the jailer to tremble.
But he felt in that earthquake shock a premonition of the great Judgement,
concerning which the apostles had preached; and, trembling under his
load of guilt, he fell down before Paul and Silas, saying, "Sirs,
what must I do to be saved?" Mark well the answer; for here was
a soul in sorest extremity, and what was sufficient for him must be
the message to all lost ones. To the jailer's anguished appeal, Paul
replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved." Acts 16:30, 31. This agrees exactly with the words which
we quoted from Paul to the Romans. On
one occasion the Jews said unto Jesus, "What shall we do, that
we might work the works of God?" Just the thing that we want
to know. Mark the reply: "This is the work of God, that ye believe
on him whom he hath sent." John 6:28, 29. Would that these words
might be written in letters of gold, and kept continually before the
eyes of every struggling Christian. The seeming paradox is cleared
up. Works are necessary; yet faith is all-sufficient, because faith
does the work. Faith comprehends everything, and without faith there
is nothing. TOP
The
trouble is that people in general have a faulty conception of faith.
They imagine that it is mere assent, and that it is only a passive
thing, to which active works must be added. But faith is active, and
it is not only the most substantial thing, but the only real foundation.
The law is the righteousness of God (Isa. 51:6, 7), for which we are
commanded to seek (Matt. 6:33); but it cannot be kept except by faith,
for the only righteousness which will stand in the Judgement is "that
which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of
God by faith." Phil. 3:9. Read
the words of Paul in Rom. 3:31: "Do we then make void the law
through faith? God forbid; yea, we extablish the law. " Making
void the law of God by man is not abolishing it; for that is an impossibility.
It is as fixed as the throne of God. No matter what men say of the
law, nor how much they trample upon it and despise it, it remains
the same. The only way that men can make void the law of God is to
make it of none effect in their hearts, by their disobedience. Thus
in Num. 30:15, a vow that has been broken is said to have been made
void. So when the apostle says that we do not make void the law through
faith, he means that faith and disobedience are incompatible. No matter
how much the law-breaker professes faith, the fact that he is a law-breaker
shows that he has no faith. But the possession of faith is shown by
the establishment of the law in the heart, so that the man does not
sin against God. Let no one decry faith, as of little moment. But
does not the apostle James say that faith alone cannot save a man,
and that faith without works is dead? Let us look at his words a moment.
Too many have with honest intent perverted them to a dead legalism.
He does say that faith without works is dead, and this agrees most
fully with what we have just quoted and written. For if faith without
works is dead, the absence of works shows the absence of faith; for
that which is dead has no existence. If a man has faith, works will
necessarily appear, and the man will not boast of either one; for
by faith boasting is excluded. Rom.3:27. Boasting is done only by
those who trust wholly in dead works, or whose profession of faith
is a hollow mockery. Then
how about James 2:14, which says: "What doth it profit, my brethren,
though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save
him?" The answer necessarily implied is, of course, that it cannot.
Why not? - Because he hasn't it. What doth it profit if a man say
he has faith, if by his wicked course he shows that he has none? Must
we decry the power of faith simply because it does nothing for the
man who makes a false profession of it? Paul speaks of some who profess
that they know God, but who deny him by their works. Titus 1:16. The
man to whom James refers is one of this class. The fact that he has
no good works - no fruit of the Spirit - shows that he has no faith,
despite his loud profession; and so of course faith cannot save him;
for faith has no power to save a man who does not possess it. END.
TOP What
is Man? -- The
Gospel in Creation, pp. 137-138 --
"And
the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul
[living creature]." Like
the beasts, he was taken from the ground. He is but "dust and
ashes." He cannot boast at all, not even over the beasts that
are placed under him; for it is simply by the power of God, who can
make of the same clay a vessel to honor and one to dishonor, that
he is any different from them. The earth is the source whence all
animate creatures spring. "All are dust, and all turn to dust
again." After death and decomposition the dust of the prince
cannot be distinguished from the dust of the pauper, not even from
that of his dog. If at the last he does not share the fate of the
beasts, and go into oblivion, it is only because he has had humility
enough to accept the wisdom that come from God; for "man that
is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."
"Oh, why should the spirit of mortal man be proud?" Man
is made from the dust, that he may remember that he is nothing in
himself; but also in the image of God, that he may know the infinite
possibilities before him - association with God Himself; of himself
having no more might than the dust upon which he walks, but capable
of the greatest things through the power and goodness of God. And
strange as it may seem, his capabilities are the greatest when he
is most sensible of his weakness. "When I am weak, then am I
strong." End. TOP
A
Convicting Jewish Witness --by
David L. Cooper D.D. -- One day as I was
journeying from Los Angeles to Denver, I had a most delightful interview
with an elderly Jewish man. I was sitting in the carriage reading
my Hebrew Testament when this man appeared at my side. "You cannot
read that," he declared. Immediately I gave him a practical demonstration
by reading a passage. With a shrug of the shoulders he asked, "Where
did you learn that?" Moving over I invited him to a seat beside
me and introduced myself. My new acquaintance told me his name was
Baron. Then we settled ourselves for a chat. "Can you read this Mr. Baron?"
I asked. "Mr. Baron are you acquainted with
this book?" I enquired. He turned to the title page. He read
the words, "New Testament." He had never seen it before. Reaching for my grip I pulled out my
Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and said; "Mr. Baron I want to ask
you a question. What is the meaning of the word Elohim?" "Let us turn to the Ten Commandments,
and notice the 2nd Commandment - 'Thou shalt have no other Gods before
me.' "It is plural and means many - more
than one," he replied and added, "It means all those heathen
gods". Turning back to the first verse of the
book of Genesis I said, "You admit that Elohim in the passage
we have just seen means 'Gods."' He nodded. "Mr. Baron what is the meaning of
Shema (The rabbinical name of the great confession of Deuteronomy
6:4)? I want to ask you particularly about the meaning of the Hebrew
word Elohenu? My instructors have taught me that it meant 'Gods,"'
I continued. "Then Mr. Baron," I concluded,
"If all these words ending in enu means 'fathers,' 'sicknesses,'
'transgressions' and 'sins,' surely Elohenu means 'Gods' - plural."
For an answer my Jewish friend threw out both hands in a gesture of
helpless perplexity. "But the Rabbi's," he breathed - "We are not interested in the Rabbi's
just now," I told him. "You admit that it is right that
we should translate it plural do you not?" He slowly nodded.
I continued, "One more question - What is the meaning of Echad?" I then took him to various passages of
the Old Testament and concluded with the words, "The Scriptures
teach that there is a Godhead of more than one, and that the second
person of the Godhead came to earth to dwell among us and gave his
life for us all." His face was a study. He said, "I
am old now, if I had only met you many years ago, how different my
life would have been." He then said, "I certainly would
have changed my religion." I urged him to change then and there.
This was bringing home the truth to a Jew in a language that he understood
clearly.
Another Comforter
-- A study on the Holy
Spirit -- by W. H. Grotheer --
The designation of the Spirit of truth as
"Another Comforter" reveals as no other name could, His
relationship with Deity, and His work and ministry in the Plan of
Redemption. But much study must precede the significance of this name
since this designation was not given the Holy Spirit till one of the
last books of the New Testament was written. In reviewing the Seminar studies presented
on the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit at the Adventist Laymen's Annual
Fellowship, the reader needs to clearly understand the preparation
behind the presentation. We adopted the approach of William Miller
as he began his study of the Bible. Sylvester Bliss in his
Memoirs of William Miller quotes Miller's own explanation
of how he began his investigation of the Scriptures. Miller stated:
- I determined to lay aside all my prepossessions
[presuppositions], to thoroughly compare Scripture with Scripture,
and to pursue its study in a regular and methodical manner. I commenced
with Genesis, and read verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the
meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded as to leave
me free from embarrassment respecting any mysticisms or contradictions.
Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with
all collateral passages; and, by the help of Cruden, I examined all
the texts of Scripture in which were found any of the prominent words
contained in any obscure portion. Then, by letting every word have
its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized
with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty.
In this way I pursued the study of the Bible, in my first perusal
of it, for about two years, and was fully satisfied that it is its
own interpreter. (p. 69) After having read every text in the New
Testament where the word, "spirit" or "Holy Spirit"
is found, we determined that "spirit" is applied to different
beings and forces at work in the world,and within man. Angels are
designated as "ministering spirits." (Heb. 1:14) Demons
are noted as "unclean spirits." (Rev. 16:13-14) A deep human
emotion is based in what is termed, "spirit." (Mark 8:12) The perception of one's p 2 -- presence, though
the person is not present, is noted as being present in "spirit."
(I Cor. 5:4) This study was approached with one vital
presupposition: The "form of God"
in which Jesus existed prior to Bethlehem was SPIRIT for God is Spirit.
(John 4:24) This SPIRIT exceeds that of angels for they are only "ministering
spirits." (Heb. 1:14) This SPIRIT is immortal, eternal, and indestructible. In noting each reference in the New Testament
which referred to the Holy Spirit, we arranged the books of the New
Testament in the chronological order in which they were written. [This
review will not necessarily follow that format] This was done for
two reasons: 1) The revelation which
God gives is progressive; and 2) God
in giving revelation limits Himself and the fullness of that revelation
to the perceptive capacity of the human instrument who is willing
to be the medium of revelation. We asked ourselves why so little is known
of the "nature" of the Holy Spirit? Then we asked ourselves
why so little was perceived as to whom Jesus was until after the coming
of the Holy Spirit? The answer to the second question helped us to
perceive the answer to the first. Jesus came not to do His own will,
but the will of God. (John 6:38) He came to glorify the Father. (John
17:4) He did not even come in His own name. (John 5:43) His was a
life of selfless projection of the Father's glory - grace and truth.
(John 1:14) Likewise the ministry of the Holy Spirit - He would not
speak of Himself. He would glorify Jesus and the work which Jesus
accomplished. (John 16:13-14) The very first New Testament reference
written in regard to the Holy Spirit clearly declares the Holy Spirit
as distinct from a "power," per se. It reads:
- For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but
also in power, and in the Holy Spirit. (I Thess. 1:5) This same distinction is also seen in
I Cor. 2:4. [We shall use the word "Spirit"
in place of "Ghost" in all quotes from the Bible.] Many references in the New Testament
which mention the Holy Spirit speak of His work in making effective
for the believer the salvation provided alone in Jesus Christ. Examples
of this can be found in II Thess. 2:13; I Cor. 6:11 and Titus 3:5.
Further the Holy Spirit is set forth as a Teacher who searches the
deep things of God. (I Cor. 2:10, 13) He bestows "gifts"
as "He wills." (I Cor. 12:4, 11) He is the builder of the
Church. (Eph. 2:22) He speaks. (I Tim. 4:1) He can be grieved. (Eph.
4:30) He can be insulted. (Heb. 10:29) He can be lied to. (Act, 5:3)
All of these statements in regard to the Holy Spirit indicate not
a power, nor a mere influence, but rather a Person. The fourth book written of the New Testament
canon (Chronologically) closes with a three-fold benediction - "The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." (II Cor. 13:14) Language
cannot be clearer that the Holy Spirit is as much a Person as are
either God or the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet in this same letter, Paul
emphatically declares - "The Lord is that Spirit." (II Cor.
3:17) In this third chapter, Paul is contrasting the ministration
of the letter under Moses, and the ministration of the Spirit under
Christ. While declaring that the Lord is that Spirit, Paul differentiates
between Lords in verse 18. Note it carefully using the margin which
gives the literal Greek rendering. It thus reads: But
we all, with open face beholding as in a p 3 -- glass the glory
of the Lord [Jesus] , are changed into the same image from glory to
glory even as by the Lord the Spirit. (3:18) The close identification between "the
Lord Jesus Christ" and "the Lord the Spirit" is seen
elsewhere in the New Testament. Paul declares that Isaac was born
"after the Spirit." (Gal. 4:29) Yet in noting the Old Testament
account, the "Lord" who appeared to Abraham in the plains
of Mamre said - "I will certainly return unto thee according
to the time of life; and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son."
(Gen. 18:10) It was repeated a second time by the same "Lord."
(18:14) In Hebrews, it reads - "The Holy Spirit saith" (3:7)
- "the Holy Spirit . . . said before." (10:15) - yet both
quotes are from the Old Testament. Gabriel told Daniel that the only
One who held with him in "the scripture of truth" was
"Michael your prince." (10:21) This is further illuminated
in the Epistles of Peter. There we are told that "holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (II Peter 1:21)
But in his first letter, Peter indicates that these holy men - prophets
- "searched dilligently ... what manner of time the Spirit of
Christ which was in them did signify." (I Peter 1: 10-11) Thus
the New Testament closely identifies the Holy Spirit - the Lord the
Spirit - with Michael the "Lord" of the Old Testament. TOP Paul tells us that God sent forth TWO
into the world. "God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made
under the law." "God [also] hath sent forth the Spirit of
His Son" that we might understand Him as "Father."
(Gal. 4:4, 6) This same duality and relationship appears in the symbolism
of the book of Revelation. When the door was opened in heaven, John
beheld the Throne of God, and before the Throne were "seven lamps
of fire" which are declared to be "the seven Spirits of
God." (4:5) Yet when the Lamb "as it had been slain"
is introduced from"the midst of the Throne" with "seven
horns (fullness of power) and seven eyes (complete omnipresence)",
- these are declared to be "the Seven Spirits sent forth into
all the earth."(5:6) In the book of Romans, the setting forth
of the Holy Spirit is concentrated in Chapter 8. The message there
has been largely ignored. We have contrasted this chapter with Romans
7, and ended the contrast with 8:16, as if an entirely different subject
began. While the first part of Romans 8 speaks of "the sons of
God" resultant from the leading of "the Spirit of God"
(8:14), there is yet another "manifestation of the sons of God."
(8: 19) In this the Spirit has an important part to play. Though we
have "the first fruits of the Spirit" (8:23), we still have
the fallen sinful nature. This, the Spirit helps - our "infirmities."
This is the same word as found in Matthew 8:17, designating what Christ
took in taking upon Himself our humanity. It is also the same word
as found in Hebrews 4:15 which tells the why of the compassion of
the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit that is to make
intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Until "the
redemption of the body" at the second coming of Jesus Christ,
the saints can know they will have an intercessor at the Throne of
God - the Lord the Spirit. While the Man Christ Jesus steps aside
(Compare I Tim. 2:5 & Rev. 15:8), the Holy Spirit continues His
ministry until the living saints are translated. TOP In the synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark
and Luke - the Holy Spirit is pictured in direct relationship to Jesus
Christ in two experiences - His birth and baptism. The conception
is spoken of as "out of the Spirit." (Matt. 1:18, 20b: "of"
is the translation of the Greek preposition, ek, literally,
"out of.") Luke records the announcement to Mary by Gabriel
of God in "flesh appearing." Gabriel stated:
The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest
shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy [spirit] which shall
be born of thee shall be called the God. (Luke 1:35) The word, "thing" is supplied
in the KJV because the adjective "holy" is in the neuter
gender. But this adjective is the same as the adjective describing
"Spirit" in the same verse, and thus the missing word to
be modified could likewise be the word, "spirit. " This
concept is well stated in the Writings: "He (Christ) united humanity
with divinity: a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh." (4BC:1147)
That "divine spirit" dwelling in a temple of flesh was called
"the Son of God." In Mark, there is a key reference
to the Holy Spirit in relationship to the final witness. In Jesus'
prophetic discourse, He stated: When
they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand
what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall
be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak,
but p 4 -- the Holy Spirit.
(Mark 13:11) So fully will God's witnesses be infilled
with the Holy Spirit at that hour, that when they speak, the voice
which comes forth will be the Holy Spirit. It will be the"manifestation
of the sons of God" as foretold in Romans 8:19. And Jesus gives
the time when this shall occur - "the gospel must first be published
among all nations." (Mark 13:10) He also tells us where this
witness will be given - in councils, in churches, and before rulers
and kings. (13:9) TOP The book of Acts could well be called
the Acts of the Holy Spirit. In this book, the Holy Spirit is presented
as One in full command of the Church, and its spokesmen, and as One
functioning as the Vicegerent of the Lord Jesus Christ. The very introduction
sets forth the role of the Spirit as the Vicegerent. Afer Jesus was
taken up into heaven, "He through the Spirit" continued
to give "commandments unto the apostles." (Acts 1:2) These
apostles and others as "spokesmen" were "full of the
Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 7:55; 11:24; 13:9) TOP The Book of Acts presents the Spirit
as in full command of the Church and its spokesmen. He speaks to Philip
- "Go near and join thyself to this chariot." (Acts 8:29)
Philip obeys, and another witness is born into the kingdom of God,
the Ethiopian eunuch. Then the Spirit transports Philip to another
place. (8:39) To Peter, as he meditated on the unusual vision he had
received, the Spirit said, "Behold three men seek thee . . .
I have sent them." (10:19-20) To the leaders of the church
in Antioch, the same Holy Spirit said - "Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." (13:2)
And Paul on his second missionary tour desired to go to certain areas
to preach the gospel, but was "forbidden of the Holy Spirit."
(16:6-7) Thus, the Spirit is pictured as functioning in His own right,
as a Person directing the Church of the Living God. The Book of Acts also reveals an experience
which sets forth the Holy Spirit as God. When two members sought to
deceive the Apostles, Peter said they lied "to the Holy Spirit.
" Then he explains the extent of that deception - "Thou
hast not lied unto men, but unto God." (5:3-4) The Holy Spirit
is As we continue our study
of the revelation of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, we turn
first to the prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.
The primary references are found in the letter to the church at Ephesus.
There Paul sets forth the Holy Spirit as the builder of the Church.
(Eph. 2:22) Then he specifically warned the church - "Grieve
not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption." (4:30) In Hebrews, the Holy Spirit is portrayed
as One who speaks. "The Holy Spirit saith" (3:7); and "The
Holy Spirit . . . had said before" (10:15). The first quote is
from the 95th Psalm, while the second is taken from Jeremiah. (31:33)
The early church recognized that the Holy Spirit spake "by the
mouth of David." (Acts 1:16) However, Jeremiah clearly says that
what he wrote was a "Thus saith the Lord." (31:31) There
is a relationship between the "Lord" of the Old Testament,
and the Holy Spirit of the New. As noted in Part I, Paul declared
- "Now the Lord is that Spirit." (II Cor. 3:17) We also
noted the same picture in the epistles of Peter. Peter wrote that
"holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
(II Peter 1:21) Yet these men - prophets - searched "what manner
of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify."
(I Peter 1:10-11) Peter also adds that this "Spirit" was
"sent down from heaven" as a co-laborer with the Apostles
as they preached the gospel. (I Peter 1:12) The final writings of the New Testament
- those of the beloved John - give a full revelation of the Holy Spirit
which completes the picture and solves for us the problems intimated
in the rest of the New Testament, occasioned by the Incarnation. In
fact, the test by which we can know we are confronted by the true
Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit is indeed guiding a professed messenger
of the gospel involves the doctrine of the Incarnation. John wrote
- "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God." And how do we know?
"Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come p 5 -- in the flesh is of
God." (I John 4:2) TOP There is in the first Epistle of John
an interpolation which John did not write, but which those who hold
to papal trinitarianism grasp as evidence of the Trinity. In I John
5:7-8, the words beginning with "in heaven" in verse 7,
and ending with "in earth" in verse 8 appear in no Greek
manuscript of the New Testament prior to the 11th Century. These words
were first found in a Latin treatise of the 4th Century, and inserted
into the Sacred Scriptures during the noonday of the Papacy. The verses
should read: "For there
are three that bare record, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood:
and these three agree in one." The book of Revelation while using symbolic
language adds much to our understanding of the Holy Spirit. When the
door was opened in heaven, and John was asked to enter, he saw a throne
on which sat the Eternal One - He "which is, and which was, and
which is to come." Before the throne were seven lamps of fire
which are stated to be "the seven Spirits of God." (4:5)
Then John beheld "a Lamb as it had been slain" with seven
horns and seven eyes. These horns and eyes are declared to be the
same "seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."
(5:6) With the fulness of omnipotence, and the completeness of omnipresence,
the Holy Spirit is sent forth into "all the earth."
But the symbolism indicates that when the "Lamb" as the
sacrifice appeared, the Spirit of God was so closely identified with
the "Lamb" so as to be even as the horns and eyes are to
an animal. TOP This Spirit speaks to the seven churches.
(Rev. 2:7, 17) Yet the messages are declared to be coming from Christ
to the same seven churches. (Rev. 2:1, 8, etc.) There is one voice.
The voice of the Spirit is also heard speaking of those who have heeded
the Three Angels' Messages. (Rev. 14:13) First John hears "a
voice from heaven" pronouncing a blessing; then comes the voice
of the Spirit which was sent forth into all the earth - the same area
to be covered by the angel messages. (Rev. 14:6) The same Person who
directed the Church in its beginning as revealed in the Book of Acts
also directs the giving of the final messages of God to earth's inhabitants.
In fact, the New Testament presents the Holy Spirit as the new commander
of the "ministering spirits" in the warfare between good
and evil till earth's last hour, when Jesus himself shall return as
Lord of lords and King of kings. There is one final picture in the book
of Revelation: - "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
(Rev. 22:17) Even as Revelation pictures Jesus and the Spirit speaking
as one voice so also does the bride of Christ and the Spirit speak
ultimately as one voice. A question: Is this symbolism suggesting
that even as the Holy Spirit consumated the Incarnation so that He
might be one flesh with us, so also the same Spirit effects the "bride"
of Christ so that she might be one spirit with Him? We turn now to the final revelation in
the New Testament concerning the Holy Spirit - the Gospel of John.
Here Jesus is recorded as promising to give "another Comforter"
to His followers on earth. (John 14:16) In speaking of this "Comforter"
in relationship to Himself, He chose the word, allos, rather
than heteros. Both words mean, another, in the Greek, but with
a difference in the comparison. Thayer in his Greek Lexicon remarks
"Every heteros is an allos, but every allos
is not a heteros." (p. 29T To see this difference, we
have only to note how these words are used in other New Testament
references: Romans 7:23 - "But I see another
(heteros) law in my members, warring against the law of my
mind." Acts 7:18 - "Till another
(heteros) king arose, whi& knew not Joseph." TOP Galatians 1:6-7 - "I marvel
that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace
of Christ unto another (heteros) gospel: which is not another
(allos); but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ." From these illustrations, it can be seen
that allos distinguishes between two of the same kind, and
which are on an equal level, while heteros denotes two of a
different kind not on the same level. In other words, Jesus
was saying that the Holy Spirit was of the same kind as He, but a
distinct Being from Him. This is further illustrated in the fact that
Jesus called the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" (paracletos).
In his first Epistle, John speaks of Jesus as "an Advocate"
(paracletos) I John 2:1. As Jesus continued the conversation in
the upper room, He comforted the disciples with the assurance that
He would not leave them orphans, but stated - "I will
come to you." (John 14:18, margin) Though He had stated that
the Holy Spirit was a distinct Person from Himself, He indicated that
in the coming of the Spirit, He would be coming to them. The only
way that I have found to express this relationship is to use the term
- Alter-Ego. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as a result of the Incarnation
are in an Alter-Ego p 6 -- relationship. John as he f urther reports that upper
room conversation notes Jesus as referring to the Holy Spirit as "He"
- "That One" (ekeinos). The text reads - "But
the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send
in my name, He (ekeinos) shall teach ,you all things."
(John 14:26) This same designation is used again by Jesus in John
16:7-8, 13-14. The Gospel of John clearly presents the Holy Spirit
- the Spirit of truth, the paracletos - a distinct Being, the
Allos of Jesus Christ even to the coming "in (His) name." There is a final revelation we dare not
overlook. It was the Holy Spirit who overshadowed Mary. The result:
- Jesus - a new distinct Being - the God-man. In the final hour,
there will be earth-people who, when demanded to testify for their
faith, will open their mouths to speak. But they will not speak themselves,
for being so fully possessed of the Spirit, it will be the Holy Spirit
which will speak. (Mark 13:11) Then when all things are made new,
the Revelation indicates that "the Tabernacle of God", even
Jesus, (John 1:14, Gr.) will dwell with man, and "God Himself
shall be with them, and be their God." (Rev. 22:3) Again Two
as revealed in the Old Testament. But the same revelation in the same
context declares the Holy Spirit speaking as one voice with "the
bride." (Rev. 22:17) Is not this the same experience as recorded
in Mark 13:11, which describes earth's final witnesses? Then could
it not be suggested that "the bride" of Christ becomes in
consort with the Lamb, the "third" in the picture as a result
of the Incarnation, and the wonder of the Plan of Redemption? Even
as the "how" of the Incarnation remains a mystery to angels
as well as to man, so also "how" this ultimate plan of God
will be accomplished remains mysterious. We only read, and wonder,
and in faith say as did Abraham - "Amen." (Gen 15:6) The word translated, "believed"
in Gen. 15:6 is the Hebrew word, amin. In the Greek it is amen
(verily in John 3:3). In English, we say - Amen (So be it). Some idea of "the mystery, which
was kept secret since the world began" but is made manifest in
the revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be perceived when
one recognizes that "human beings were a new and distinct order."
(R&H, Feb. 11, 1902) Man made "in the image of God"
was "designed to be a counterpart of God." (R&H,
June 18, 1895) The significance of what this "counterpart"
design of God is to be can be perceived in part by a comparison of
Scripture. When Christ returns the second time, there will be two
groups of the redeemed: 1) The "corruptible"
- those who have died. These put on " incorruption."
2 ) The "mortal" - those
who are alive on the earth - put on " immortality." Here
is a significant word use in the Greek. The word translated, "immortality",
here in I Cor. 15:53-54 is athanasia, and is used in only one
other place in the New Testament also in Paul's writings. This other
use in I Timothy 6:16 is in reference to God - "Who only hath
immortality." Truly Christ became one flesh with us
that we might become one spirit with Him. In a special sense in the
revelation which God gave to Him to show to His servants (Rev. 1:1),
this applies to the group which that revelation designates as "the
remnant of her seed," "the bride" of Christ -
the 144,000. This experience can only be ours in this
final generation as we permit the mind of Jesus to be our mind. That
mind calls for a complete emptying of self, the ekenosen of
Philippians 2:7, which in the KJV reads He "made Himself of no
reputation." The Greek reads - "But Himself, He emptied."
End. TOP
1976
- A Letter and a Reply: -- Since
the first Thought Paper was published in January, 1968, we have endeavored
to keep each issue as free as possible of "personalities". What we
have written which involved individuals was not regarding their personal
idiosyncrasies, but only those acts for which all of us in responsible
positions must stand accountable. We have at no time written behind
one's back, but said what had to be said plainly and openly in a way
which we believe that Christ would have said it. We do not profess
to have achieved this objective perfectly, but we have tried to keep
this goal ever before us. When accusations and innuendos continue
to be made behind one's back so that honest people might be deceived,
it becomes necessary to speak forth so that the facts may be known,
and that those persons who want to know, can know and make intelligent
decisions in regard to the matter. The copy of the letter below is
one exhibit of such behind-one's-back activity, and our reply follows. General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists February 26,1976 Division Presidents Dear Fellow Leaders: I understand that (WWN) has been sending
you some of his material from time to time. I happen to be on his
mailing list, too. I understand from one or two of you men that you
have been under the impression that this man is a Seventh-day Adventist
minister in good and regular standing. I feel that it is the best
thing for me to tell you that he is not a Seventh-day Adventist church
member. He used to be a worker. He has been disconnected from the
church for several years on what grounds I do not know, but his subsequent
activities lead me to believe that the brethren must have had good
grounds for separating him from the organized work. p 2 -- He has set up his own organization,
and he has done it in such a way that he can ordain his own ministers,
grant them credentials, and do all of the other things that usually
a church does. I think that the kind of material that he sends out
is self-evident. If he were interested in the unity of the church
and the preparation of a people for the coming of the Lord, he would
not write in the caustic, critical manner in which he does. I wish that you would warn the folk in
your division and if he is sending his material out your way, you
will know what to do with it. What a wonderful thing it would be if
some of the people with mimeographs would direct their efforts into
a finished work instead of pulling down. God bless you all. Cordially yours, (Signed) Robert H. Pierson July 12, 1976 Elder Robert H. Pierson, President Dear Elder Pierson: Your letter dated February 26, 1976 which
was sent to all Division Presidents and Division Ministerial Secretaries
has come to my desk. It is sad that it came in a round about way,
and that you did not manifest enough Christian courtesy to send me
a carbon copy when you sent it to each of these men. Before publishing
any issue that I might have with you directly, I have, as I am doing
now, written to you prior to such publication. Further, what I have
had to say in regard to your official actions in monthly thought papers,
I have placed you on the regular mailing list so that you might know
just what had been written and why it was written. I have documented
the same so that it could be verified. This is not the case with your
letter which contains gross misrepresentations. In your letter you state "that the brethren
must have had good grounds for separating p 3 -- year, they were allowed
to "lapse". At no time have my credentials ever been taken from me,
nor requested from me. You also state in your letter that "he
has set up his own organization, and he has done it in such away that
he can ordain his own ministers, grant them credentials." Nowhere
in our charter granted by the State of Mississippi, which is a public
document by the way, nor in our By-Laws have we been granted the authority
to ordain men to the ministry, neither have we attempted to do so!
Our charter reads that we support that which is in harmony with "the
tenets upon which the Seventh-day Adventist church is based, viz:
the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White." We do have power to
grant credentials to "any minister ordained according to the rites
of the Seventh-day Adventist church." This was written into the charter
so that any minister who seeks to speak forth against the evils prevailing
in the church, and who can no longer receive support from the church
because he chooses to so speak, may still continue to exercise his
rights legally as an ordained minister of the Gospel. My brother, if you cannot write honestly
concerning your fellow men whom you can see, how can you write truthfully
about Jesus Christ and the Father whom you have not seen? In your letter you state that you do
not know "what grounds" were given to disfellowship me from the church
several years back. Has one of your division presidents been so derelict
in his responsibilities that he did not inform you of the committee
he appointed to hear the case, and did he not give you a copy of the
report issued by the committee? Let me refresh your memory by outlining
for you the facts involved. TOP When the charter of the Adventists Laymen's
Foundation of Mississippi was granted, action was forthcoming to remove
me from the church roll on the grounds of insubordination as I was
not recognizing properly constituted church authority. It was first
attempted by board action alone, and then under pressure of the fact
that such was not in keeping with the Church Manual, a business meeting
was called for the purpose. At this business meeting, attended by
the local conference president, action to disfellowship me was taken
without me being able to speak in my own defense as is guaranteed
in the Church Manual. Interestingly, also, is the fact that not another
single board member of the Foundation at that time, and none since,
have been called in question as to their membership. If I were in
"sin" because I was a member of the board, then were not all members
of the same board also in "sin"? So I appealed the unScriptural and unconstitutional
action taken. A committee of administrators, pastors, and laymen was
set up, who came to Mississippi to hear the case. They issued a report
entitled -"(WWN) Hearing Committee". Among the recommendations made
was that the Foundation be dissolved and that"any assets of the Foundation
be paid over to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and an accounting
be given of prior receipts and expenditures." In 1972, I was totally
unaware that you and other church leaders were playing in the legal
"crap game" the world uses with the money the laity entrusted to you.
(I use the term, "crap game" because that is how a Seventh-day Adventist
layman in good and regular standing, and who is himself a stock broker,
described the transactions of the stock market.) Now let me assure
you that at no time has the Foundation had enough money to cover the
paper and/or real losses sustained by your administration in the stock
market. Further, at no time have we had enough money to invest in
such a game, and even if we did, we would not play the stock market.
We believe that the funds placed with the Foundation are a sacred
trust to be used in harmony with the will of God for this time so
that His -P 4 -- people might be warned
of the apostasy in high places. TOP Now there are other aspects of this Committee
report that you may not know. In a letter from one of the members
of the committee after the hearing, I was told that if I met the conditions
noted in the above paragraph, and others such as personally recognizing
myself as no longer a minister of the Gospel, then I could be restored
to church membership "on a basis different than would be in the case
in most circumstances." This was explained verbally to me by the individual
to mean that I would not need to be rebaptized, nor make a profession
of faith. Now let the implications of this fact sink into your thinking.
Further, I received a letter from still another member of the same
hearing committee which stated -"On several occasions he [Elder L.
L. Bock, the chairman] made it emphatically clear that whatever the
problem was, it was certainly not in the area of theology." Now let us do a little reasoning together.
You know that I was once a minister in the organization -some twenty-five
years holding regular credentials, the prime years of my life. From
your viewpoint, I am now a lost sheep of the house of Israel. Have
you as the first minister of the church as you style yourself, adopted
a shepherd's role, and made any attempt to find the "lost sheep"?
If I am in a lost condition, should you not seek to rescue me as you
encourage your ministers to seek the lost in the world? Did not Christ
die for me, as well as for them? Is my soul of no value to you? Or
are you afraid if we sat down together, you could not defend the heresy
and error you have placed your imprimatur upon? Elder Pierson it is time that you come
clean with truth, and not continue to hide behind assumed ignorance
and misrepresentations in dealing with your fellowmen for whom Christ
died as well as you. May the Lord help you to be intellectually
honest and forthright, and what I request for you of the Lord, I ask
likewise for myself. Sincerely yours, (Signed, The Editor)
TOP P 5 -- COMMENTS
AND OBSERVATIONS --
It is written - "We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our
work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden
treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. They
moved forward step by step under the influence of the Spirit of God."
(Counsels to Writers, p. 28) Note the list of the early pioneers who
searched for truth as for hidden treasure: "My husband, Elder Joseph
Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and others who were keen, noble,
and true, were among those who, after the passing of time in 1844,
searched for truth as for hidden treasure." (Special Testimonies,
Series B, No. 2, p. 56) Now take special note: - "In all the
land saith the Lord; TWO PARTS therein shall be cut off, and die;
but the THIRD PART shall be left therein. God says He will bring the
THIRD PART through the fire, and refine them. They shall call upon
Him, and He will hear them. He will say IT IS MY PEOPLE; and they
shall say the LORD IS MY GOD." {Sic. - see Zech. 13:8-9.] First part,
Sardis, the nominal church or Babylon. Second part, Laodicea, the
nominal Adventist. Third part, Philadelphia, the only true church
of God on earth, for they ask to be translated to the city of God.
Rev. iii.12; Heb. xii.22-24. In the name of Jesus, I exhort you to
flee from the Laodiceans, as from Sodom and Gomorrah. Their teachings
are false and delusive; and lead to utter destruction. Death! Death!
eternal DEATH!!! is on their track. Remember Lot's wife. Joseph Bates,
Fairhaven, Mass., Nov. 10, 1850. (This is from the Review & Herald,
November 1850, p. 8, published in Paris,Me.) ~~~~~~~ Some have written regarding a question
which was asked in the thought paper for May, 1974 (VII -5). It read:
"Could it be that the beast of Revelation 17 is
the prophetic symbolism of the first beast of Revelation 13 in its
'healed' state?" This should have read -"Could it be that
the woman riding the beast which comes from the 'bottomless pit' is
the prophetic symbolism of how and in what combination the first beast
of Revelation 13 will appear in its 'healed' state?" Babylon the great
-the Harlot of Revelation 17 -is composed of three sectors (Rev. 16:
19) rather than just the Papacy as is represented by the first beast
of Revelation 13. The beast of Revelation 17 is "the eighth, and is
of the seven", not "seventh." This beast underlies all seven. See
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 62 for the identification . Inasmuch
as we are studying the book of Revelation in the Sabbath School, it
should be noted that the lesson on this subject for the third quarter
will give another interpretation to this prophetic symbolism. The
lesson states: "From another vantage point this beast of chapter 17
is seen as the image to the beast in Revelation 13." (See Lesson 7.
p. 56) - TOP Further Background
Information on Zaire -- "At
the time of our little visit today I should like to tell you something
about a rather unusual development in the Trans-Africa Division. That
portion of Africa formerly known as the Congo is now the country of
Zaire. Early in the year 1972 the General Conference officers received
a letter from Elder M. L. Mills, president of the Trans-Africa Division,
which gave information concerning recent developments in the Zaire
Republic as it related to our denominational work. Apparently President
Mobuto had become dissatisfied with the proliferation of religious
sects in the country, and the government adopted a procedure to reduce
the number drastically. The new law required that all religious groups
be registered , with the government with the exception of three; namely
Roman Catholics, Kimbangists (a purely Zaire oriented church) and
the Church of Christ [CCZ]. The new law laid down certain regulations
for any other church organization which might wish to function in
the country. One of the requirements in connection with the application
for recognition was a deposit of 100, 000 Zaires (the unit of local
currency) in a bank in the country of Zaire. This amount represents
approximately six months of the Seventh-day Adventist church's operating
budget in the entire country of Zaire. The General Conference officers
advised the Trans-Africa Division to make the deposit, and in due
course, recognition was given to the Seventh-day Adventist church
in this country." -- From a letter dated, September 25,1972, signed
by J. C. Kozel, Assistant Treasurer of the General Conference. This information raises some very important
questions that are left unanswered in this letter, or in the Review
and Herald article on the subject dated, October 19, 1972. 1. Was the deposit returnable?
Under what conditions? Has the money been returned since new regulations
of the government placed our church as a "community" in the united
Protestant Church of Christ of Zaire (CCZ)? 2. Or was this deposit like a
performance bond? If our "community" as one of the groups in CCZ refuses
to take part in the organic union called for by the president of CCZ,
will the deposit be forfeited? 3. Has the deposit been placed
into the operating budget of CCZ, since we agreed to become a part
of the united Protestant Church of Zaire (CCZ)? Unless the questions concerning the events
in Zaire are clearly answered and documented, one wonders if the price
of a "sell-out" has risen somewhat in the past 1900 years from thirty
pieces of silver to 100,000 Zaires! See January, 1973 thought paper special
entitled "A Cover-up?" for a review of the report from the Review
& Herald as compared with a report in Christianity Today.
--- END --- TOP Letter in Answer to
a WWN Reader -- RE: Lakes of Fire --
Now to your question in regard to "the Lakes of
Fire." There are two lakes of fire in prophetic symbolism. The term
-"the lake of fire" -while a literal experience at the close of the
1,000 years, is also the terminology for the final, eternal, and irrevocable
judgment of God against all elements and factors that had their source
in sin - even death and hell (grave). See Rev. 20:14. It is declared
to be the second death. Now in the light of this, note Rev. 19:20
- only the beast, and false prophet were cast in prior to the 1,000
years. These prophetic symbols are representations of systems not
individuals. Thus at the second coming of Christ, these systems end,
never more to be resurrected - they are consigned to "the lake of
fire." Only the dragon of the triumvirate -because he is not only
a system, but an individual spirit or angel acting behind the system
remains for the Lake of Fire after the 1,000, and then he is consigned
where the beast and false prophet "were" assigned. The "are" of the
KJV is supplied. See Rev. 20:10. After the 1,000 years, the wicked are
no more either Catholic, or Protestant - these are gone forever, and
to the minds of the unsaved are totally discredited. They had turned
on the Woman. See Rev. 17:16-17. But the dragon marshals in person
the nations - Gog and Magog. To him, to whom through the beast and
false prophet all had been caused to worship in one great deception,
they now lend their allegiance as the only possible way out of their
dilemma. Then the end comes as they come to take the city. I believe that this fits the picture
completely as given in the Word, and the Great Controversy.
If you have further questions, or objections, I shall be most happy
to give due consideration to them. --- END --- TOP Trademark of the
name Seventh-day Adventist [Perez Court Case] --
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT --
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN
DISTRICT OF FLORIDA GENERAL CONFERENCE CORPORATION
OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS and GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH- DAY ADVENTISTS,
an Unincorporated Association, Plaintiffs, p 2 -- currently known as the
ETERNAL GOSPEL CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, and
MINTSTERIO ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA DEL EVANGELIO ETERNO, INC, (ETERNAL
GOSPEL Of THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST MINISTRY, INC,), a dissolved Florida
corporation, and ETERNAL GOSPEL CHURCH OF LAYMEN
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, a Washington state Corporation Sole, 1. The Court
has jurisdiction of this matter pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§
1121 and 1128 and pursuant to 38 U.S.C.§§ 1331, 1337, 1338,
2201 and 2202. 2. Venue is
proper in this district pursuant to 28 U. S.C. § 13 91 (b) . 3. Plaintiff,
GENERAL CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS is a corporation
of the District of Columbia, having its principal place of business
at 12501 Old 4. The Defendant
Raphael Perez is the managing agent and minister of THE
ETERNAL GOSPEL CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS (hereafter "Defendant's
church"), an p 3 -- Line Missing -- TOP Defendant MINISTERIO ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO
DIA DEL EVANGELIO ETERNO [1] , and the sole shareholder of ETERNAL
GOSPEL CHURCH OF LAYMEN SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, a Washington "sole"
corporation. The other Defendants named in the amended complaint have
not been served and Plaintiff is proceeding without their being served.
The Defendants will be hereafter referred to as "Defendant." 5. The Lanham
Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq. provides that no person shall,
without consent of the registrant, use in commerce any trademark if
"such use is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake or
to deceive." Id. at § 1114(l)(a). 6. Terms which
may be registered as trademarks fall into four categories of strength
(1) generic; (2)
descriptive; (3) suggestive;
or (4) arbitrary. American
Television v. American Communications, 810 F.2d 1546, 1548(11th
Cir. 1987); University of Georgia Athletic Ass'n v. Laite,
756 F.2d 1535, 1540 (11th Cir. 1985) "'Generic" terms are
those which name "'the genus or class of which an individual
article or service is but a member." "Descriptive"
terms "identify a characteristic or quality of an article of
service." "Suggestive" terms suggest characteristics
of the goods and services and "require an effort of the imagination
by the consumer in order to be understood as descriptive."' "Fanciful"
or "'arbitrary," terms are words or phrases that bear no
direct relationship to the product, Generic terms represent the weaker
end of the spectrum and arbitrary terms reprezent the stronger. Vision
Ctr. v. Optiks, 596 F.2d 111, 115 (5th Cir. 1979), cert. denied,
444 U.S. 1016, 100 S.Ct. 668, 2 L.Ed.2d 646 (1980). 7. Generic terms may
never be registered as trademarks under the Lanham Act. 15 U.S..C.
§ 1052(e). Descriptive terms may not be registered as trademarks
under the Lanham Act, unless the holder shows that the mark has acquired
"secondary meaning." 15 U.S.C. § 1052(e)(1), (f); Citibank,
N.A. v. Citibanc Group Inc., 724 F.2d 1540, 1549 (11th Cir. 1984);
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. v. Hunting World, Inc., 537 F.2d
4, 10 (2d Cir. 1976). Proof of secondary meaning in a trademark requires
a showing that the mark has become distinctive of the trademark holder's
product or services. 8. Five years
after registering a mark, the holder may file the affidavit required
by § 1065 and have its marked declared "incontestable."
15 US.C. § 1065(3). Once a mark has become "incontestable,"
its validity is presumed, subject to certain enumerated defenses set
out in 15 U.S.C. § 1115 (b). [2] Park 'n Fly, Inc. v. Dollar
Park and Fly, Inc., 469 U.S. 189, 105 S.Ct. 658, 83 L.Ed.2d 582
(1985). Dieter v, B&H Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc.,
880 F.2d 322, 327(11th Cir. 1989). 10. In order
to establish a likelihood of confusion all factors do not have to
be resolved in favor of the Pliaintiff. Safeway Stores, Inc. Safeway
Discount Drugs Inc,, 675 F2d 1160, 1167 (11th Cir. 1982). Applying
the seven factors to the evidence in this case, the Court finds Plaintiff's
and Defendant's marks are (1)
trademarks utilized on identical religious "products" and
service marks used in conjunction with identical religious "services,"
(2) the marks are patently similar due to the
Defendant's utilization of Plaintiff's entire SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST
mark, (3) the Church related
products, Church services and Church titles are vastly similar,
(4) the church attending people ("customers")
of both parties are believers in Seventh-day Adventism,
(5) the advertising is similar through publications,
church signs and radio broadcasts, (6)
Defendant's intent is apparent from Defendant's prior knowledge of
Plaintiff's SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST name, and (7)
actual confusion, though unnecessary to prove,
is evidenced by newspaper articles reflecting confusion in the minds
of those attending church services of both entities ("customers"). 11. The underlying
purpose in considering similarity of marks (factor [2] ) as an indicator
of 12. To establish
secondary meaning, the owner of p 5 -- First line is missing
-- TOP primary significance of a term is to
identify the source of the product rather than the product itself.
Inwood Laboratories, Inc. v. Ives Laboratories, Inc., 456 U.S.
844, n.11. 14. The mark
"SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" was registered (Reg. No. 1,177,185)
as a trademark and a service mark by the Plaintiff with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office on May 7, 1980 and Plaintiff has
filed an affidavit of use of the mark as required by 15 U.S.C. §
1058 (a) and said registration is now valid. The validity of the registered
mark and of the registration, and the Plaintiff's ownership and exclusive
right to use said mark in commerce are incontestable under 15 U.S.C.
§ 1065 and 15 U.S.C. § 1115 (b) as Plaintiff has filed the
required affidavit with the Commission of Patents and Trademarks.
Dieter v. B&H Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc., 880
F2d 322, 327 (11th Cir. 1989). The Plaintiff's registration covers
religious books, magazines, pamphlets, newsletters, brochures, encyclopedias,
dictionaries, commentaries, fliers, bulletins, yearbooks, booklets
and bibles; for establishment and administration of employee health
care and benefit programs and medical insurance programs; for educational
instruction services in academics at grade school, high school and
college level; for film production and distribution services; for
health care services, namely hospital, pharmaceutical, nursing home
and medical laboratory services; and for conducting religious observances
and missionary services, church services, namely rendering ministerial
and religious counseling services. 15. on July
2, 1998, the Plaintiff registered (T98000000764) the mark "SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTIST" in Florida under Chapter 495, F.S. § 495.181,
F.S. requires that ". . . in construing (the Florida statute)
due consideration and great weight be given to the interpretations
of the federal courts relating to comparable provisions of the Trademark
Act of 1946, as amended (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq)." TOP 16. Defendant
Raphael Perez was a member of a Seventh-day Adventist Church of Plaintiff
in West Palm Beach, p 6 -- Florida. He, along with
approximately 40 to 50 other mernbers left Plaintiff's Seventh-day
Adventist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1991 to form his own
church (Defendant's 17. Perez then
attempted to join the Florida Conference (another Conference of the
Plaintiff General Conference). He and his church were again denied
admission due to his refusal to stop the anti-Catholic radio broadcasts. 18. The Defendant's
Church never gained admission into the Southeastern Conference or
any other Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Defendant
Perez did not gain employment, ordination or licensing as a minister
of the Southeastern Conference or any other conference of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church. 19. Prior to
the time Defendant began using "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" and
Plaintiff's acronym "SDA" he knew of Plaintiff's use of
"SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" and Plaintifffs 20. Since 1992
Perez has continued to operate the Defendant's Church in West Palm
Beach, Florida. His church sign currently says "'ETERNAL GOSPEL
CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY p 7 -- 21. Defendant's
uses of Plantiff's mark are likely to and have resulted in confusion
and damage to the Plaintifffs reputation. 22. In the present
case Plaintiff's trade name, trademark and service mark SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTIST is at least suggestive and at a minitnum is descriptive
(not generic). The words "seventh-day" alone define Saturday
as the seventh day of the week, but alone do not suggest keeping the
seventh day holy within the total doctrines and tenants of Plaintiff
herein. Similarly, the word "Adventist" alone defines the
Coming of Christ but alone does not suggest the specificity 23. However, even
if the Plaintiff's registered mark is "merely descriptive"
since it is "incontestable" under 15 U.S.C. § 1065(3)
and has gained secondary meaning it is valid and enforceable. 24. Plairitiff's trade
name, trademark and service mark SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's
acronym SDA have acquired secondary meaning through the continuous
usage thereof from 1860 forward (well prior to Defendant's first use
in 1992) and, as such, the names SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's
acronym SDA must be protected fully as if the names were strong at
inception. Evidence of the distinctiveness of Plaintiff's marks begins
with the adoption of SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's acronym
SDA over 139 years ago, and the continuous and uninterrupted use of
SEVENTY-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's acronym SDA to date as p 8 -- Line Missing -- TOP the mark SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's
acronym SDA. Through members, workers, ministers and pastors and associated
health and education programs, media centers, publishing houses and
the publications thereof, the mark SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's
acronym SDA have become famous and synonymous with the good will and
quality of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Plaintiff has expended
considerable effort and expense over the last 139 years in promoting
its mark SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's acronym SDA and the
products and services associated therewith, and consequently the mark
is entitled to broad protection. 25. In evaluating
a claim of secondary meaningo consumer surveys are recognized as the
most direct and persuasive evidence of secondary meaning. Investacorp,
Inc. v. Arabian Investment Banking Corporation, 722 F. Supp. 719
(S.D. Fla. 1989) ; Schmidt v. Honeysweet Hams, Inc., 656 F.
Supp. 92 (N.D. GA 1996) . 26. The Roper Survey
conducted by Plaintiff's expert witness Harry O'Neill in the summer
of 1999, 27. The Plaintiff's
acronym "SDA" has obtained secondary meaning with the Plaintiff
and the use thereof by the Defendant will cause confusion. Accordingly
Plaintiff is entitled to enforce its common law rights to the acronym
"SDA." Automated Productions Inc. v. FMB Maschinenbaugesellschaft
mbH & Co., 34 U.S.P.Q. 2d 1505 (N.D. Ill. 1994). TOP 29. Florida's "anti-dilution"
statute [3], provides for injunctive relief if it appears that there
exists a p 9 -- Safeway Discount Drugs,
Inc., 675 F.2d 1160, 1168 (11th Cir. 1982); Freedom Savings
and Loan Association v. Way, 757 F.2d 1176, 1186 (11 Cir. 1985);
Abner's Beef House Corp. v. Abner's Int'l Corp. Inc., 227 So.2d
865, 866 (Fla. 1969). 30. Defendant's use
of the Plaintiff's mark has created both a likelihood of cosfusion
and actual confusion and injury to Plaintiff's business reputation
and dilution of the distinctive quality of Plaintiff's SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTIST name. 31. The Defendant
has raised the defenses that (a)
Plaintiff is estopped on a theory of "issue preclusion'' by virtue
of the prior judgment in General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
v. Seventh-Day Adventist Kinship International, Incorporated,
U.S.D.C. CD Calif., Case No. 87-8113 (hereafter referred to as the
"Kinship case"); (b)
Plaintiff is estopped by virtue of actions taken by the Southeastern
Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church which permitted Defendant
to use the mark; (c)
the Plaintiff's mark is "generic" and not entitled to trademark
protection; (d) Defendant'
use of the Plaintiff's mark is a "fair use" of the mark;
(e) that the use
of the mark by the Defendant' is protected under the First and Fourteenth
Amendments to the United States Constitution. 32. In the Kinship
case, the Plaintiff sued to enjoin Seventh-day Adventist Kinship Internatinal, 33. The Kinship
opinion finding, that the term "Seventh-day Adventist" is
generic when used by a gay support group, is distinguishable from
the case at bar where Defendants use "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST"
in their church name, church publications, radio broadcasts and newspaper
advertising. The Kinship couut opinion supports an analysis
that "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" is not generic when
used as a church name and in connection with religious services and
religious publications. 34. Had the Court in Kinship
found "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" to be generic for the classes
of goods (publications) and services (religious observances, i.e.
churches) protected by Plaintiff's registration, the Court necessarily
would have canceled Plaintiff's Reg. No. 1,177,185 under 15 U.S.C.
§ 1119 which reads: "In any action involving a registered
mark, the court may order the cancellation of registrations, in whole
or in part p 10 -- and otherwise rectify
the register with respect to the registrations of any party to the
action. Decrees and orders shall be certified by the Court to the
Commissioner, who shall make appropriate entry upon the records of
the Patent and Trademark Office, and shall be controlled thereby." 35. The Kinship Court
did not order the cancellation of Plaintiff's Reg. No. 1,177,185,
as is 36. The contemporary
historical evidence does not show that the term "SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTIST" was generic, i.e. established as the name of either
the religious faith or its 37. The Court finds
that "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" has not become generic. The
Plaintiff's surveys, as well as its use of the name, convince the
Court that most of the public identifies "'SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST"
as the name of the Plaintiff Church and not a religion. Whether "SEVENTH-DAY
ADVENTTST" is generic when used to refer to a religion, does
not answer the question of whether it is generic when used as a church
name by the Defendant Church. See Christian Science Bd. v. Evans,
520 A. 2d at 1360 (Garibaldi, J. dissenting). The Court finds that
when used as a church name "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" is not
generic. 38. The Defendant
began use of the Plaintiff's name while the Defendant was attempting
to become admitted as a member church of the Plaintiff. The defenses
of laches and acquiescence should not arise from the use while Defendant
was seeking admission to the Plaintiff's Southeastern Conference.
See National Board of Young Women's Christian Association v. Young
Women's Christian Association of Charleston South Carolina , 335
F. Supp. 615 (D.So. Carolina 1971) and cases cited therein, where
the Court found that a religious organization is entitled to protection
agains the use of its name by those who secede from the organization.
The YWCA court found that use of the name while the Defendant was
affiliated with Plaintiff accrued no rights to use the p 11 -- name -- The Rest of
the Line is Missing -- 39. The laches defense
requires proof of three elements: (1)
a delay in asserting a right or claim; (2)
that the delay was not excusable; (3)
that the delay caused the Defendant undue prejudice. A Court must
also consider the public's interest in the trademark. Thus, even though
a Defendant might suffer some prejudice, the public interest in avoiding
confusion might out weigh that prejudice. Conagra Inc. v. Singleton,
743 F.2d 1508, 1517 (11 Cir. 1984). 40. The mere passage
of time does not constitute laches unless the passage of time is shown
to have lulled Defendant into actions in reliance thereon. Friend
v. H. A. Friend and Co., 416 F.2d 526,533 (9th Cir. 1969); John
Walker & Sons, Ltd. v. Bethea, 305 F. Supp. 1302, 1311 (DC
SC 1969). 41. Plaintiff allowed
Defendant to use its mark conditionally and on a limited basis in
1991-1992 when Defendant was attempting to gain admission to Plaintiff's
SEC. Defendant's used Plaintiff's mark on the radio in Florida in
1991-1992. Plaintiff advised Defendant it could no longer use Plaintiff's
mark in 1992 when it denied Defendant's application to join the SEC.
Defendant began its newspaper ads in 1994. This case was filed in
1998. The Court finds no inexcusable delay by Plaintiff or undue prejudice
to the Defendant. TOP 42 . Acquiescence
is an equitable defense that denotes active consent by a senior user
to another's use of the mark. The difference between acquiescence
and laches is that laches denotes passive consent and acquiescence
denotes active consent. Coach House Restaurant v. Coach and Six 43. The Plaintiff's
Southeastern Conference permitted Defendant's use of Plaintiff's mark
on the radio in 1991 and 1992 while the Defendant was attempting to
gain admission to a Plaintiff's Southeastern Conference. When Plaintiff
denied the Defendant's admission into the conference the Defendant
knew he no longer had Plaintiff's permission to use Plaintiff's name.
The record does not p 12 -- support Defendant ---
The Rest of the Line is Missing -- 44. However even if
proved, the defense of acquiescence is not absolute. Upon a showing
that 45. The Court finds
from the evidence that Defendant's use of the Plaintiff's mark has
and will cause inevitable confusion which can only be effectively
avoided by the Court enjoining the Defendant's use of the Plaintiff's
mark. 46. Section 1115(b)(4)
of the Lanham Act authorizes non-trademark use of a descriptive term
only where the term is "used fairly and in good faith."
The holder of a protectable descriptive valid mark has no legal claim
to an exclusive right in the primary, descriptive meaning of the term;
consequently, any one is free to use the term in its primary, descriptive
sense "so long as such use does not lead to customer confusion
as to the source of the goods or services." Zatarians, Inc.
v. Oak Grove Smokehouse, Inc., 698 F.2d 786, 791 (5th Cir. 1983).
It is the Defendant's burden to prove that its use is
(1) not as a trademark (2) done
fairly and in good faith and (3) only
to describe to users its goods. Burger King Corporation v. Pilgrim's
Pride Corporation, 705 F. Supp. 1522 (S.D. Fla. 1988). TOP 47. The fact that
the Defendant's use of Plaintiff's mark has lead to actual confusion
precludes 48. Defendant's use
of SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST and Plaintiff's acronym SDA in its church
name(s) and radio and newspaper advertisements is a service and trademark
use, because they are each an identifier of source or origin. 49. The very intent
in Defendant's adoption of the name SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST is to tell
the public who the Defendant is, namely, an identifier of source.
Furthermore, Defendant's good faith is at issue: its choice of these
phrases when other phrases were readily available indicate a clear
intent to trade on the good will and product identifier of Plaintiff.
Sierra On-Line, Inc. v. Phoenix Software, Inc., 739 F.2d 1415,
1422 (9th Cir. 1984) 50. Defendant intentionally
used "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST" and Plaintiff's acronym "SDA"
as an origin-indicating mark and, accordingly, Defendant's fair use
defense fails. p 13 -- 52. It is well established
that religious institutions are entitled to the protection of the
trademark Nothing in the Constitution prohibits
a religious organization from owning property - and a trademark is
a property right - or prohibits the government from protecting that
property from unlawful appropriation of others. By granting to a religious
organization the exclusive use of a name, the Patent Office only deprives
other religious groups of the use of that particular name, and such
grant does not deny such other religious organizations the opportunity
to establish competing groups having the same purpose but with different
names. YWCA at p. 624-25. The Court finds that enforcement of Plaintiff's
trademark rights will not violate any constitutional rights of the
Defendants. Employment Division v. Smithe, 494 U.S. 872 (1990). IT IS HEREBY ORDERED and ADJUDGED the
Defendants and all of their owners, officers, agents, servants, employees,
attorneys, their heirs, successors and assigns, and all persons acting
in concert or participation with them shall be enjoined from using,
the designation "SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST," the Spanish equivalent
"ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA," and Plaintiff 's acronym "SDA"
or any other word or words confusingly similar to Plaintiff's mark
or infringing Plaintiff's mark or competing unfairly with Plaintiff
through the use of any word, symbol or device confusingly similar
to Plaintiff's mark or any copy or colorable imitation thereof. DONE and ORDERED in chambers at the James
Lawrence King Federal Justice Building and United States District
Courthouse, Miami, Florida, this 27th day of April, 2000. TOP Signed: James Lawrence King, United States
District Judge p 14 -- cc: Robert E. Pershes,
Esq. [1] The Spanish
equivalent of ETERNAL GOSPEL CHURCH OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS. [2] The defenses
to an incontestable mark are: (1) obtained fundamentally; (2) abandoned;
(3) allow others to use the mark so as to misrepresent the source
of the goods or services; (4) non-trademark use, used fairly, used
in good faith, only to describe the goods or services of such party;
(5) lack of knowledge of regrestrant's prior use; (6) prior use of
non-registered user's marks; (7) used to violate antitrust laws of
U.S.; (8) mark is functional; and (9) equitable principals, including
latches, estoppel and acquiescence are applicable. [3] F.S.§ 495,151 Every person, association, or union of
workers adopting and using a mark, trade name, label or form of advertisement
may proceed by suit, and all courts having jurisdiction thereof shall
grant injunctions, to enjoin subsequent use by another of the same
or any similar mark, trade name, label or form of advertisement if
it appears to the court that there exists a likelihood of injury to
business reputation or of dilution of the distinctive quality of the
mark, trade name, label or form of advertisement of the prior user,
notwithstanding the absence of competition between the parties or
of the confusion as to the source of goods or services. --- END
Numerology A Doctor in Canada wrote me a letter
in which he asked - "Have you ever commented on the numerology that
seems to be consistent in the Bible?" He cited certain common Biblical
numbers of time and groups such as three, seven, twelve, forty, seventy
and one hundred and twenty. It must be recognized that numerology
has problematical factors, and yet certain periods of time are repeated,
and others divided into equal increments. Το his letter,
I replied: Your letter notes various time periods
and dates. I have meditated on some of these myself especially the
times involved with the demise of Israel as the people of God. In
AD 31, the hierarchy crossed the unseen line and crucified the Messiah.
Three and one half years later (AD 34), the nation of Israel fulfilled
its allotted "70 weeks." The times of the Gentiles (nations) began.
Thirty six years later in AD 70, judgment fell on the nation, city,
and temple. This closely parallels 40 years as a generation. If however,
you use AD 31, the time period is 39 years. In 1967 the "times of the Gentiles"
were fulfilled (Luke 21:24); Jerusalem passed once again to Jewish
control. Then 13 years later, 1980, Jerusalem was made the capital
of all Israel by the vote of the Knesset. Another thirteen years,
1993; and the Papacy recognized Israel as a State and press releases
suggested Papal interest in Jerusalem which could mean the fulfillment
of Daniel 11:45 if carved through. Another 13 years would bring us
to 2006, just ahead of us. But three 13 year increments equal 39 years,
just one year shy of a Biblical generation, but exactly equal to the
time of AD31 – AD70! However, if you add 40 years to 1967 you get
2007, also "even at the door." If God is working in 13-year increments
— "3" a perfect number is involved in the events from 1967 to 2006.
All of this makes for something to think about, and react to in a
full preparation for the coming of Christ with our lamps trimmed and
burning for light in the gross darkness of the present time. whg Watchman What of the Night? "The hour
has come,
the hour
is striking
and striking at
you, the hour and the
end!"
Eze.
7:6 (Moffatt) January 30, 1994 TO WHOM
IT MAY CONCERN: DO
YOU BELIEVE THE
MESSENGER OF THE LORD? After
the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every
conceivable power
of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by
many voices crying,
"Lο, here is Christ, Lo he is there. This is the truth, I have
a
message from
God, he has sent me with great light." Then there will be
a removing of the landmarks,
and an attempt to pull down the pillars of our faith. Α more
decided effort will be made to exalt the false Sabbath, and to cast
contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He has blessed
and sanctified. This false Sabbath is
to be enforced by an oppressive law. Satan and his angels are wide-awake
and intensely
active, working with energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities
to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men
the knowledge of God. But while Satan works with his lying
wonders, the time 'will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelation,
and the mighty angel
that
shall lighten the earth with his glory, will proclaim the fall of
Babylon, and call upon God's people
to forsake her. (Review &
Herald, December 13,
1892) Note
the three conjunctive adverbs of time - "After" - "Then" - "But while." Question
#1 - If the truth has not been proclaimed as a witness to all nations
and needs to
be given by "short wave" etc., then there has been no attempt to
pull down the
pillars,
nor remove the landmarks.
Why then are you bashing the Church? Perhaps that which is being proclaimed
by the Church is merely advancing
truth
and one needs to walk in its increasing
light. (See R&H, March 25, 1890) and remove the landmarks, it means simply
that the truth has been proclaimed
to all nations
as a witness. What then is the purpose of extorting under
a false premise, monies
for "short wave," etc.? You cannot
have it both ways. Do you really believe the Messenger of the Lord
which
you
profess as the "voices" of the "Historic Adventist Movement"? This message was sent by FAX to Grosboll, Trefz,
Osborne, Vierra and Balsiger, January, 1994. ©2002-2022
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