Last Generation Theology

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Last Generation Theology (LGT) or "final generation" theology is a belief system of overcoming sin held by some members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which claims that perfection will be achieved by some people in the last generation before the Second Coming of Jesus much like the 144000 described in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament. The belief is there will be an end time remnant of believers who are faithful to God, which will be manifest shortly prior to the second coming of Jesus. Some bring up the claim it is related to "historic Adventism", but as one supporter claims, it differs in that it forms an extension or development of "historic" or mainstream Adventist beliefs, or takes them to their logical conclusion. The Seventh-day Adventist Church itself states in their 13th fundamental belief.[1] that the "remnant" is the church itself, called out of the world to proclaim the three angels message.

Doctrine

The Last Generation Theology understanding is best seen in light of the doctrinal development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Seventh-day Adventists have had four generally recognized statements of belief, prepared in 1872, 1931, 1980, and 2005. The 1872 and 1931 statements of belief were prepared for use at the informational level, for those outside the movement who desired to understand what Seventh-day Adventists stood for. Adventism is rooted in Reformationism and Restorationism.

Adventist teach that Jesus Christ was not only the Substitute but also the Example for man, and that Christians through the process of sanctification, the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in them through the Holy Spirit.[2] The "final generation" teaches as described in the Bible of the 144000 that they will cease from sin before the close of probation and before the time of trouble (Daniel chapter 12 verse 1; Jeremiah chapter 30 verse 7; Isaiah chapter 26 verse 20) just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and feel that the close of human probation has been delayed by sin and unbelief in the Laodicean church, but can be accelerated through their consistent living of holy lives (consistent obedience to the Ten Commandments by the enabling power of GOD through the power of the Holy Spirit).[3]

Cleanse and Close

In 2005 Kirkpatrick's book, Cleanse and Close: Last Generation Theology in 14 Points packaged the concepts that had been developing since the mid 19th century, and identified them as LGT.

The LGT14 represent a consensus statement developed by current and retired ordained denominational workers and other Seventh-day Adventists. According to its advocates, LGT14 is intended as a reinforcement of the church's official 28 Fundamental Beliefs, an emphasis on neglected ideas related to that list, and not as a replacement statement.

Christology - The human nature of Jesus Christ

Early Adventists, as well as some Last Generation Theology modern Adventists [4] covering the nature of Christ, state that Jesus Christ was born with Adam's fallen nature including the propensity to sin that has been passed on to all of humanity.[5] Such a belief is based on the following texts

"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh" Romans 8:3 (NKJV)
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
"...concerning his Son (Jesus), who was descended from David according to the flesh..." Romans 1:3 (ESV)
"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17 NKJV

Last Generation Theology Adventists believe that Jesus was beset with all of the moral weaknesses and frailties that ordinary humans experience, and some even hold that it was including the inclination to sin, or propensity to sin. This view of Jesus' nature was widespread in Adventism prior to the 1950s.

Despite this, he managed to resist temptation both from within and without, and lived a perfectly obedient life. Jesus is therefore set forth as the supreme Example in whose footsteps Christians must follow. The fact that he overcame sin completely, despite having no advantage over other human beings, demonstrates that we too can live a life of complete obedience by trusting in him. Ellen White states "The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God’s power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset."[6]

and...

"Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal"

— Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 112.

Original Sin

Last Generation Theology does not believe in "original sin" or "ancestral sin", but holds to the mainstream Adventist view, that while damaged by Adam's fall, sin occurs in the actual sins that a person commits. Early Adventists (such as George Storrs, Ellen White and Uriah Smith) tended to de-emphasise the corrupt nature inherited from Adam, while stressing the importance of actual, personal sins committed by the individual. Adventism looks at the "sinful nature" in terms of physical mortality rather than moral depravity as those who believe in original sin. Adventist Joe Crews states...

There is a very important difference between the inclination to sin and the guilt of sin, and it is that small degree of difference that has triggered a series of other doctrinal errors. Said the prophet, "The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son" (Ezekiel 18:20).

— Joe Crews, Christ's Human Nature[7]

Adventists hold to the belief that sin is wilful transgression of God's law. Sin is a choice. They base their belief on scripture such as "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) [8]

Victory Over Sin

Last Generation Theology believes that true followers of Christ will need to cease from sin before the second coming of Christ.[9] They therefore believe that victory over sin is possible in this lifetime. The Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches that one can achieve victory over sin, but through the power of Christ not of one's own power.[10] It bases its belief on a wide range of Bible texts such as...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. ~ 1 John 3:4-9

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9

Now to Him (Jesus) who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, ~ Jude 1:24

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"

She said, "No one, Lord."

And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." ~ John 8:10-11

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48

For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. ~ Leviticus 11:45

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. ~ Revelation 14:12

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. ~ John 8:34-36

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ~ Exodus 20:6

Salvation

Some claim that Last Generation Theology Adventists tend to place a greater emphasis on sanctification than just justification, believing that both are necessary for salvation; this view is often described as "righteousness by faith".[11] Adventist theologian Richard Rice, speaking on views of salvation in Adventism says, "the Reformers themselves held that justification and sanctification are inseparable".[12] A few texts that Adventists use are...

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ~ Romans 8:12-14

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ~ Galatians 5:19-24

Atonement

Last Generation Theology Adventists as well as mainstream Adventist define the atonement in terms of God’s continuing work to cleanse our character from sin as well as payment of the penalty for sin at the cross. The work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary is regarded as a continuation of the work of atonement begun on the cross, rather than the application of the benefits of an already completed atonement. For example it is written...

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ~ Romans 8:33-34

The completion of this ministry by Christ in the heavenly sanctuary will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.[13]

Hastening Eschatology

One of the governing principles of Last Generation Theology is a belief that believers can hasten the coming of Christ. This is strongly stated by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter chapter 3 where he ties character development with the idea that we should "hasten" the coming of Christ. Christ is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". LGT adherents apply all the above principles to this "hastening" principle and refer to Biblical texts such as 2 Peter 3 and Ellen White's statements in the book Christ's Object Lessons, i.e. page 69:

"'When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.' Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain."

History

Andreasen and Questions on Doctrine

In 1957 the church published the major book 'Questions on Doctrine (QOD), after discussions with fundamentalist/evangelical Christian leaders. The book has been the most controversial ever in the history of the Adventist church.[14] Its harshest critic was M. L. Andreasen, who urged church leaders not to publish QOD. The controversial parts were the book's view of Christology and the atonement. Proponents of LGT believe the book presents substantial changes to the church's doctrinal position in these areas and downplayed the concept that a last generation could, by the power of the gospel, be made holy, and stop sinning.

Andreasen has been recognized as the denomination's most influential theologian during the 1930s and 1940s.[15] In his book, The Sanctuary Service, Andreasen presented his views regarding the atonement and related topics in the closing chapter, "The Final Generation".

Robert Pierson

Robert Pierson served as a president of the General Conference. In his sermons he often presented Last Generation Theology concepts.[16] He was a driving force in the 1973 and 1974 Annual Council Appeals published by the world church for all its members - appeals that have been persistently republished since their first appearance.[citation needed] He authored 28 books.[17]

Herbert Douglass

Herbert Douglass was a prominent figure in the 1970s advocating Last Generation Theology, publishing articles in what is now the Adventist Review supporting LGT,[18] along with editor Kenneth H. Wood. He has been a leading theologian within the Adventist church. A key contribution to LGT by Douglass was his articulation of what came to be known as "The Harvest Principle".[19] He referred to Mark 4:26-29 and Rev 14:14-16, and argued that God is waiting for a ripe harvest, and as soon as that harvest "is fully ripe", He will thrust in His sickle and reap the earth - the Second Coming of Christ will at last come to pass.[18]

Recent supporters

Dennis Priebe is a recent supporter of Last Generation Theology and has published Face-to-Face With the Real Gospel in 1986.[20] Priebe, in turn, influenced Larry Kirkpatrick. By 1997 he was publishing on the internet and has been active since.[21] In 2005 he published a summary of his view of LGT in a book entitled Cleanse and Close: Last Generation Theology in 14 Points.

The morning speaker for the 2002 meeting of what is now Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC) included several advocates of LGT, such as the morning devotional speaker, Peter Gregory.[22] Kirkpatrick also supported the 2002 meeting.[23]

Elder Ted N. C. Wilson, current General Conference President of Seventh-day Adventists is a supporter of Last Generation Theology. He presented LGT principles in his first address to the 59th GC session in Atlanta on July 3, 2010 and in his Divine Worship message to the GYC convention on January 1, 2011.[24]

In relation to the larger church

Last Generation Theology and its significance among Seventh-day Adventist believers is attested by the wide range of Adventist scholars, the publishing of books like QOD and Issues which are more mainstream, the counter-publishing of the 1973 and 1974 Appeals, and the persistent historical presence of its advocates in significant church positions (M. L. Andreasen, Robert H. Pierson, C. Mervyn Maxwell, Kenneth Wood, Herbert E. Douglass, Joe Crews of Amazing Facts, Dennis Priebe, J. R. Zurcher, etc.) point to a train of thought within the larger church.

The beliefs of a church are often defined on the basis of formally voted policy statements.[citation needed] However, this is but one element in the development of a meaningful understanding of the identity of a religious group. The historical-theological development of a group is also very meaningful in defining the beliefs of a Church. Last Generation Theology and the discussion surrounding it offers a window to contributory streams of thought that inform the identity of Seventh-day Adventism[citation needed].

Institutions

Institutions which hold to Last Generation Theology include Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC),[25] Iona Missions, Amazing Facts,[26] greatcontroversy.org.[27]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Fundamental Beliefs, Scroll to 13th.
  2. ↑ LGT14: See principle # 5
  3. ↑ LGT14: See principle # 12
  4. ↑ Half Adam? a sermon by Larry Kirkpatrick
  5. ↑ Christ's Human Nature by Joe Crews
  6. ↑ [Ellen G. White, 7BC p. 929 par. 6]
  7. ↑ Joe Crews, Christ's Human Nature
  8. ↑ Are We Born Saved or Lost? See quote in article "Wilful choice makes one a sinner (1 John 3:4; Isaiah 59:2)."
  9. ↑ Victory Over Sin
  10. ↑ Sabbath School Quarterly, "Victory Over Sin".
  11. ↑ Current Issues In Justification by Dennis Priebe
  12. ↑ Rice, Richard (March 1980). "Dominant Themes in Adventist Theology" (PDF). Spectrum (Roseville, California: Adventist Forums) 10 (4): 58–74. ISSN 0890-0264. Retrieved 2008-04-23.  page 65
  13. ↑ See Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief # 24
  14. ↑ George R., Knight (October 24, 2007). "Keynote address. Questions on Doctrine: Symbol of Adventist Theological Tension". Questions on Doctrine 50th Anniversary Conference. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University. p. 1. Retrieved 2012-04-14. 
  15. ↑ Knight, George R. (2000). A Search for Identity: The Development of Seventh-Day Adventist Beliefs. Silver Spring, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-8280-1541-7. 
  16. ↑ One Robert H. Pierson sermon
  17. ↑ Radiant With Hope (biography of Robert H. Pierson), by Geoffrey E. Garne. ISBN 0-912145-19-6
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Douglass, Herbert (October 4, 1973). "Hastening the Harvest: Readings for the Week of Prayer, November 3–10. Sunday, November 4: Why Jesus Waits". Review and Herald (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association) 150 (40): 5–8. Retrieved 2012-04-14. 
  19. ↑ Vance, Laura Lee (1999). Seventh-Day Adventism in Crisis: Gender and Sectarian Change in an Emerging Religion. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-252-06744-0. 
  20. ↑
  21. ↑ Articles dating back to 2000
  22. ↑ Some of Peter Gregory's Sermons that match LGT Theology, he and others have been speakers for GYC
  23. ↑ GYC Journal: Larry Kirkpatrick
  24. ↑
  25. ↑ GYC 2010: No Turning Back. This site presents messages from many speakers.
  26. ↑ Dennis Priebe and Joe Crews among others at Amazing Facts have advocated LGT
  27. ↑

Bibliography

External links

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