Ellen Chat Conversation

The relationship between God and Adam was established upon a foundation of loyalty and probation. Before the Fall, Adam was placed in a state of trial to determine his future status. Had he remained faithful through this initial test, he would have been granted immortality and an exaltation equal to that of the angels (Con 10). During this period, Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with the divine will, reflecting God's character and enjoying direct communion with their Creator without any obscuring shadows (1SM 290.2),. While Adam was created upright and holy, his disobedience to the Father's express commands resulted in the loss of divine favor and the entrance of misery for the human race (4T 293.2). However, the plan for man's recovery was not an afterthought. An "everlasting covenant" or "covenant of grace" had existed in the mind of God from eternal ages, providing a way to meet the emergency of sin before it ever occurred (TA 25.2).

This plan was a result of a specific covenant made between God the Father and His Son to rescue humanity from Satan's bondage (6MR 112.1), (3SM 130.2). Immediately following the Fall in Eden, this covenant of grace was formally revealed to man. It was presented as a divine promise that the "seed of the woman" would eventually triumph over the serpent (PP 370.2). This covenant offered pardon and the assistance of divine grace to enable future obedience, promising eternal life to all who would exercise faith in the coming Redeemer (PP 370.2).

Thus, while Adam failed the initial test of his creation, he was immediately brought under the provisions of this redemptive covenant (4T 293.2).

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The church has a solemn responsibility to maintain its purity and health by addressing persistent wrongdoing among its members. When an individual continues to walk contrary to the Word of God and refuses to live the life of Christ, faithful leaders must labor for them (15MR 167). If the erring member remains unrepentant and refuses to change their course after patient instruction and the following of Christ's specific steps for reconciliation, the church is required to separate that person from its fellowship (15MR 163). This action is necessary to ensure that the individual does not become a stumbling block to others and to prevent the dishonoring of God's name (15MR 163), (15MR 167).

The process of disfellowshiping is a serious and painful duty that should only be undertaken as a final resort after every possible effort to reclaim the soul has failed (Ev 368.2). It is not the prerogative of a small group or a board to make this decision in isolation; rather, the matter must be brought before the entire church body for action (PaM 253.1), (GW 500.3), (7T 262.3). When the church faithfully follows the instructions given by Christ regarding discipline, it clears itself of responsibility before God (CCh 257).

If the church neglects to remove the evil that has been clearly identified, it risks the spread of that influence throughout the entire body (CCh 257). Those who sympathize with the wrongdoer or choose to remain on the wrong side after receiving instruction may also face suspension to preserve the integrity of the community (15MR 163). Ultimately, the removal of an unrepentant member's name from the church books is essential to preserve the health and purity of the church so that she may stand unsullied before God (CCh 257.4), (3TT 202.2).

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The primary objective in dealing with those who have been separated from church fellowship is their eventual restoration and the protection of the community's spiritual health. Church members and leaders are encouraged to exercise great caution, patience, and forbearance, recognizing that every individual case is unique and requires divine wisdom to navigate (9MR 196.4). The goal of any disciplinary action is not to drive the soul further away but to lead them to a realization of their errors so they might eventually yield them up and be fully reunited with the body of believers (9MR 196.3). When a member is disfellowshipped, they must be clearly informed of the reasons why the church can no longer hold them in fellowship (15MR 163).

This transparency is intended to help the individual understand the gravity of their course of action. However, the church must be careful not to exercise an injudicious or unchristian spirit during this process, as a harsh approach can result in the loss of precious souls who might otherwise have been saved (12MR 287.2). In some instances, those who have been cut off may actually possess a spirit more worthy of the church than those who pushed for their removal through a spirit of strife rather than the meekness of Christ (12MR 287.2). Maintaining a connection that allows for continued influence is a vital consideration. If individuals are cast out too hastily or treated with an unholy influence, the possibility of saving them may be lost entirely (9MR 196.3).

Instead, the church should move judiciously and carefully, seeking to win them back to the truth through the manifestation of a Christlike manner (20MR 260.6). While the church must separate itself from those who persist in disobedience to God's commandments to avoid becoming a stumbling block to others, the underlying motivation must always be the redemption of the erring and the honor of God's name (15MR 167).

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The Old Testament is not a separate or superseded religious system, but rather a compacted prophecy of the gospel that presents the same truths found in the New Testament through figures and symbols (5MR 210.2). It serves as the foundational ground where practical godliness was first sown, containing the precious grains of truth that Christ later scattered throughout His earthly teaching (5MR 210.2). To view the Old Testament as merely an outdated economy is a mistake, as it is as verily the gospel in types and shadows as the New Testament is the gospel in its unfolding power (3TT).

The entire system of Judaism was designed to point toward the Redeemer, with every page of history, precept, and prophecy irradiated by the glory of the Son of God (DA 211.5). From the initial promise given to Adam through the entire legal economy, the footsteps of Christ were made plain (HLv 135). This divine system utilized specific symbols to teach the plan of salvation: every animal sacrifice pointed to Christ's death, every cloud of rising incense represented His righteousness, and even the sound of the jubilee trumpet proclaimed His name (DA 211.5).

Christ Himself was the guide and teacher of ancient Israel, speaking from the pillar of cloud to provide instruction on both moral duty and physical health (DA 824.3). He taught that health is the reward of obedience to divine laws, promising that those who diligently hearkened to His commandments would be preserved from disease (CD 121.1). This connection between physical well-being and spiritual life remains a vital principle, as health reform is as closely related to the gospel message as the arm is to the human body (TSDF 88).

Ultimately, the Old and New Testaments form an inseparable whole, with each shedding light upon the other to reveal the glory of God in Christ (CT 462.3). While the Old Testament contains the riches of Christ as manifested to the patriarchs and symbolized in the sacrificial service, the New Testament reveals the treasure of His life, death, and resurrection (COL 126.3). To reject the Old Testament is to virtually reject the New, for the law is the gospel embodied, while the gospel is the law unfolded (COL 128.2).

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