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Formal Debates
Saturday or Sunday?
Debate #2
David F. Smith
Vs.
Gene Frost
Proposition: "The Bible clearly teaches that the fourth commandment of the decalogue -- viz., 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' -- is binding on Christians under the new covenant."
Affirms: David F. Smith (Seventh-day Adventist)
Denies: Gene Frost (Christian)
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How it all began! Mr. Smith places an ad in the newspaper to which Mr Frost
replies.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Wednesday, December 14, 1949
$200 FOR ONE TEXT
I hereby offer $200 for one Bible text from the Bible -- either the King James (Protestant) Version or the Douay (Catholic) Version -- stating that Sunday -- the first day of the week should be observed by Christians as a day of rest and worship. A text meeting any one of the 7 specifications below will be sufficient to claim the $200.
SIGNED:
DAVID F. SMITH, Pastor
Seventh-day Adventist Church
1. ONE TEXT stating that SUNDAY is the SABBATH or the Lord's day.
2. ONE TEXT that says the WEEKLY SABBATH has been changed.
3. ONE TEXT that commands Christians to keep the FIRST day as a day of rest and worship.
4. ONE TEXT that says JESUS ever kept the FIRST day, or SUNDAY, as the SABBATH, or enjoined anyone else to do so.
5. ONE TEXT that shows he EVER MENTIONED the day when on earth.
6. ONE TEXT that applies to the FIRST DAY of the week any sacred title or pronounces any penalty for its non-observance.
7. ONE TEXT that states, WHEN, WHERE, and by WHOM the weekly Sabbath was ABOLISHED.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
SUNDAY NITE DEC. 18!
Every text in the Bible mentioning the first day of the week or Sunday will be read at this meeting! Supporting musical program includes
PIANIST JOHN FLETCHER.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Thursday, December 22, 1949
THE $200 TEXT
In Wednesday's (December 14, 1949) issue of the Review-Journal there was an attractive ad placed by Mr. David F. Smith of the Seventh-day Adventist Church offering $200 for one text meeting any one of seven specifications. I hereby submit the requested text in the same public way in which the offer was made and make some observations of the sabbath (with no additional charge) to claim the $200. I shall give the text from the King James version to meet specification number seven: "One TEXT that states, WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the weekly Sabbath was ABOLISHED."
"Abolish" means "to do away with wholly; to annul; to make void; as to abolish a law or custom, taxes, or folly." (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary) Before I give the $200 text showing WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM abolished, let us first notice WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the sabbath was GIVEN. Study the following texts:
Exodus 3l:13 (17), "Speak thou (Moses) also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths shall ye keep: for it is a sign between me and your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you."
Deuteronomy 5:15, "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day."
Nehemiah 9:l3-l4, "Thou (God) camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath . . . by the hand of Moses thy servant."
The sabbath was GIVEN:
WHEN -- After the children of Israel were delivered from Egyptian bondage, they came unto Mount Sinai where God gave them the law (Exodus 20) in which He MADE KNOWN unto them the holy sabbath. In Exodus 16, as they came unto the wilderness of Sin, it is evident that they had not previously observed a sabbath because Moses had to explain, "Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath." The next day he instructed, "Today is a sabbath unto the Lord." There is no record of the sabbath being MADE KNOWN unto any people before this time!
WHERE -- "Thou camest down also upon MOUNT SINAI . . . and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath."
BY WHOM -- "THOU (God) . . . madest known unto them thy holy sabbath . . . by the hand of Moses thy servant."
Let us also ask TO WHOM and WHY:
TO WHOM -- "Verily my sabbaths shall ye (children of Israel) keep: for it is a sign between me and your generations." "It is a sign between ME and the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL."
WHY -- "It is a SIGN between me and your generations; THAT YE MAY KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD THAT DOTH SANCTIFY YOU."
Now we shall see what happened to the law given to the children of Israel on Mount Sinai, graven in stones, by which God MADE KNOWN His holy sabbath. What happened to the law happened to all of its parts, including every part -- including the sabbath!
Here Is The Text
Worth $200
2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 14,"If the ministration of death, written and ENGRAVEN IN STONES, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which IS DONE AWAY was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious . . . Their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in reading of the Old Testament; which vail IS DONE AWAY IN CHRIST."
When any law is done away, all of its parts vanish with it of necessity. For any part of the previous law to be of power it must be re-enacted into the new law. It cannot remain by reason of the old! The sabbath was "done away" in the law that MADE IT KNOWN.
Will Mr. Smith please remit the $200? His honesty and the integrity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are now at stake. Let's not have him say that the words "sabbath," "when," "where," "by whom," and "abolished" are not in the text and excuse himself of his obligation. He did not ask for a text using the words, but that "states" (To set; settle; fix. To set forth in detail or in gross; to narrate. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary) those points.
In the event he cannot see the points, let us examine the text and see what it "sets forth."
ABOLISHED -- The text uses the expressions "done away" speaking of the whole law of which the sabbath is a part. So if "done away" in whole, "done away" in part -- out goes the sabbath! The text quoted next will "settle" this point even more firmly.
BY WHOM -- "Done away in CHRIST."
WHEN -- The expression "IN CHRIST" begs the time. Paul shows this to be his death in Hebrews 8:7; 9:16-17. Thus he speaks in Colossians 2:14-16, "nailed to the cross." That is when!
2 Corinthians 3:7-14 "states" WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the sabbath was ABOLISHED! It therefore satisfies the specification and claims the $200.
The Clincher At No
Additional Cost
Colossians 2:14-16,"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
The text mentions "sabbath" and "nailed to his cross," satisfying the inquiries of
WHEN -- The time of "his cross," AD 33.
WHERE --"his cross" was just out of Jerusalem.
BY WHOM -- "his" is Christ (verse 11 and 17).
The $200 well-earned!
Notice that the sabbath has not only been "nailed to his cross," but "let no man therefore judge you in respect of an holy day"!
Demonstrating fair sportsmanship, I'll give Mr. Smith a chance to earn back the $200 which should be forthcoming. I'll return the $200 for the text
1. That names the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2. That commands a Christian to keep the sabbath.
P.S. Please send the $200 to:
Gene Frost, Minister
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1330 South Third
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Sunday, January 1, 1950
THE $200 TEXT
Planning an audience participation at my church, I offered $200 for a text. The date, time and place for this meeting when claims for the money would be considered were printed plainly in the newspaper advertisement. A number of my own congregation, plus a number of friends of different faiths attended this meeting. During the service I made a public call for any text to be suggested by the audience that might be considered for the reward money. NO TEXTS WERE OFFERED BY THE AUDIENCE.
Three days after the announced time for this meeting had passed a strange claim appeared in the newspaper ad, advanced by one, Gene Frost, who claimed a right to the reward money. It seems that if this party had honestly felt that he had a right to the reward money -- then he would have ATTENDED THE MEETING WHEN IT WAS TO BE GIVEN AWAY.
I would not have troubled to reply, had the ad not con- tained several misstatements of fact, which should be answered.
Sabbath Before Sinai
Misstatement No. 1 implied that the Sabbath was not given before it was presented to the Jews at Mt. Sinai.
Obviously before a band of ignorant slaves could be made into a great nation for God, they needed instruction. But to imply that such principles of right were not in effect before this time is contrary to Scripture. In Rom. 3:20 the Apostle Paul writes, "For by the law is the knowledge of sin." In Rom. 4 :5, he states, "Where no law is there is no transgression."
In Rom. 3:23 and 5:l2 he states twice that all have sinned. Now if all have sinned, and yet where no law is there is no transgression; this indicates that the law has been in existence since the beginning of human life on this planet. He amplifies this further in Rom. 3:23 by stating "For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed WHEN THERE IS NO LAW."
What law is the apostle talking about, which reveals sin? In Rom. 7:7 he states, "I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." What law is it that contains the rule against coveting? As every Sunday school child knows, this rule is a part of the TEN COMMANDMENTS -- the law that at Sinai was graven in tables of stone by the finger of God.
The apostle states further in Rom. 7:12, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good." The enemies of the Law of God are shown up in their true light where the Apostle writes in Rom. 8:6,7. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is ENMITY AGAINST GOD for it is NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD neither indeed can be."
Sabbath Made at Creation
Sabbath keeping was enjoined upon the ISRAELITES while they were traveling toward Sinai (Ex. 16) but it was made for MAN at the creation of the world. Gen. 2:2, 3: "And on the seventh day God, ended His work which He had created and made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and SANCTIFIED it: because in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Mark 2:27: "And He said unto them, The sabbath was MADE for MAN and not man for the Sabbath."
The two oldest religious institutions observed by man are marriage and the sabbath. They are the twin institutions which come to us from the garden of Eden. The Sanctification of both, by God Himself, is recorded in the SECOND chapter of Genesis. This is even before the entrance of sin, which in the Genesis Narrative, takes place in the THIRD chapter.
Neither marriage or the Sabbath could have been abolished with the law that was done away at the cross, because this law was added "BECAUSE OF TRANSGRESSION." (Gal. 3:19) Marriage and the Sabbath were made for man BEFORE sin entered the world, hence obviously were not added because of transgression.
Sabbath Memorial
The Sabbath was made to be MEMORIAL of the creation of the world. "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath day of the Lord thy God . . . FOR in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, WHEREFORE the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it." Ex. 20:5-11. The law which was abolished at the cross is positively identified in Col. 2:14. "Blotting out the HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES that was out of the way, nailing it to his cross . . . Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: WHICH ARE A SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME . . ."
That the handwriting of ordinances is a different law from God's great moral law, the ten commandments, is obvious from the following texts:
LAW OFGOD
Spoken by God.Deut. 4:12, 1
Written with finger of God in tables of stone. Ex. 31:18.
Placed in ark. Deut. 10:1-5.
Perfect. Ps. 19:7.
Stand fast forever. Ps. 111:7, 8.
Not destroyed by Christ. Matt. 5:17.
Christ to magnify it. Isa. 42:21
Gives knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20.
Law of liberty. James 9:10-12.
Heart of new covenant. Heb. 8:10 and 10:16
HANDWRITINGOFORDINANCE
Spoken by Moses.Lev. 1:1-3.
Written by Moses in a book. Deut. 31:24.
Inside of ark. Deut. 31:24-26.
Made nothing perfect. Heb. 9:17.
Nailed to cross. Col. 2:14.
Abolished by Christ. Eph. 2:15.
Taken away by Christ. Col. 2:14.
Added because of sin. Gal. 3:19.
Contrary to us. Col. 2:14.
Old covenant promises. Heb. 8:5-9.
Since the abolishment of the handwriting of ordinances we are to let no man judge us of the holydays or sabbath days WHICH ARE A SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME. The Hebrew festival of the passover was a sabbath which POINTED FORWARD to Christ. After Christ came there was no point in observing it further. He instituted the communion to be observed by Christians from henceforth. In 1 Cor. 5:7 the Apostle Paul shows how it pointed forward to Christ, when he states its fulfillment: "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." There were many other ceremonial sabbaths which similarly pointed forward to Christ. They were MONTHLY sabbaths and YEARLY sabbaths. These were a part of the handwriting of ordinances and were abolished at the cross.
However the WEEKLY sabbath was not a shadow of things to come. It is a memorial of an event in the PAST -- the creation of this world, as shown above with proof. Hence even though I can quote 2 Col. 2:14-6 by memory, still I am looking for a text that states where and by whom the weekly sabbath was abolished. Even though the time limit in the text contest has long since expired, I would be happy to pay $200 for such a text.
Ministration of Death
2 Cor. 3:7, "But the ministration of death, written and graven in stones, was glorious . . . how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?" This, as Mr. Frost supposed, DOES refer to the ten commandments. The giving of the law was the ministration of death to sin and sinners. For, "Sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3 :4 and "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23.
This ministration of death IS to BE DONE AWAY in the experience of all who accept Jesus and allow Him to save them from sin. But Matt. 1 :21 does not say that Jesus will save His people IN their sins. It says FROM their sins. To be saved from drowning means actually escape the watery death. To be saved from prison means actually to be released from behind its iron bars. As the Apostle Paul aptly argues, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Rom. 6:1, 2.
The ministration of death, graven in stones, is abolished every time a sinner comes to Christ, accepts his saving power and STOPS SINNING. "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: Yea we ESTABLISH THE LAW." Rom. 3:31.
The penalty -- the ministration of death -- is abolished when we accept Christ's sacrifice for sins, but by what streak of presumption could we go ahead and continue to break those commandments, and make of none effect the blood of the Son of God. (Heb. 10:28, 29) If the ministration of death was glorious, should not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
When this divine miracle takes place in us and we become TRUE followers of Christ and his apostles, then the law is "Written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the HEART." 2 Cor. 3 :3.
Anti-law Teachers
John Wesley, noted founder of the Methodist Church, says:
In the highest rank of the enemies of the gospel of Christ, are they who openly and explicitly "judge the law" itself, and "speak evil of the law": who teach men to break (to dissolve, to loose, to untie the obligation of) not one only, whether of the least, but all the commandments at a stroke. The most surprising of all the circumstances that attend this strong delusion, is that they who are given up to it, really believe that they honor Christ by overthrowing his law, and that they are magnifying His office while they are destroying His doctrine!
Yea, they honor Him just as Judas did when he said, "Hail, Master," and kissed Him. And He may as justly say to every one of them, "Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" It is no other than betraying Him with a kiss, to talk of His blood, and take away His crown, to set light by any part of His law, under pretense of advancing His gospel. Nor indeed can anyone escape this charge, who preaches faith in any such manner as either directly or indirectly sets aside any branch of obedience: who preaches Christ so as to annul, or weaken in any wise, the least of the commandments of God."
Wesley's Works,
Sermon 95.
As To The Future
While, after prayerful consideration, I have decided that it would be best to answer, in a respectful manner, the charges published in the paper on Dec. 21 -- I am not at all convinced that the cause of Christ would be advanced, by having this discussion continue in print from week to week. While men of good will everywhere are praying for "peace on earth" I do not think it would be fitting or proper for two ministers who are striving to preach the gospel, to carry on a private war through the public press.
However, any who are interested in pursuing this subject are cordially invited to attend the announced services at the Seventh-day Adventist church, and to read the following books on the subject:
M. L. ANDREASON, The Sabbath -- Which Day and Why?
Cloth $1.50.
CHARLES L. TAYLOR, The Marked Bible
Paper bound 50c
x
(The true story of a young ex-convict's conversion.
Contains arguments pro and con by Catholic priests
and ministers of several denominations on the
Sabbath question.)
FRANK H. YOST, Ph.D. The Early Christian Sabbath
Paper 50c.
ROBERT LEE ODOM, The Lord's Day on a Round World
Cloth $1.50.
(Publishers will be furnished on request, or you may order through the secretary of the local Seventh-day Adventist Church).
David F. Smith, Pastor,
Seventh-day Adventist Church.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Thursday, January 5, 1950
THE $200 TEXT
I was happy to see Mr. David Smith's reply in the Sunday (January 1, 1950) issue of the Review-Journal to what he thought was a "strange" answer to his ad offer of December 14th.
I was disappointed, however, to see Mr. Smith delve in personalities and make excuses for not fulfilling his ad offer. Since he did attack my honesty, I must defend it for the sake of the truth. He said:
It seems to me that if this party had honestly felt that he had a right to the reward money -- then he would have ATTENDED THE MEETING WHEN IT WAS TO BE GIVEN AWAY.
What I "honestly" believed was that Mr. Smith would be as honest as his challenge. His excuse might appear legitimate where the facts are unknown. His offer boasted:
I hereby offer $200 for one Bible text from the Bible -- either the King James (Protestant) Version or the Douay (Catholic) Version -- stating that Sunday -- the first day of the week should be observed by Christians as a day of rest and worship. A text meeting any one of seven specifications below will be sufficient to claim the $200.
Signed: David F. Smith
Pastor, Seventh-day Adventist Church
(I answered specification 7: "One TEXT that states, WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the weekly Sabbath was ABOLISHED.")
This, Mr. Smith, is the offer. Where is the statement that "plainly" limits its fulfillment as to date, time, and place? You ought to be ashamed of this apparent misstatement of fact! Mr. Smith now says, "Even though the time limit in the text contest has long since expired, I would be happy to pay $200 for such a text." Mr. Smith, "would" or "do" you intend to stand by your ad boast?
I have something more to say about this matter of honesty. I was honest enough to give the text he requested stating WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the sabbath was ABOLISHED, which text Mr. Smith has voluntarily admitted referred to the ten commandments! But he didn't give the text that I requested:
1. That names the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Is he honest in promoting an organization unknown to the pages of God's Word, that exists without one mention in the Holy Record?
2. That commands a Christian to keep the sabbath? I was honest enough to stand for what I believe -- was he?
I mention these things to keep the record straight.
My Attitude
My motive for meeting the challenge of Mr. Smith was not mercenary, but for the sake of the truth. Man cannot be saved by false doctrine, even though it is propagated under the guise of religion. While I hate the false doctrines of men, I love the souls involved. It is with the prayer that the truth of God's Word will lead souls out of the false way that I challenge Seventh-day Adventist doctrine. I am asking Mr. Smith to leave out personalities in future discussions and let us examine the issue before us in the light of God's Word for the edification of all men. When man resorts to dealing in personalities, I know that he is unable to support his doctrine scripturally.
The Issue
The issue before us is not whether God ever gave a sabbath, which is the seventh day, for on this we agree. The issue is, to whom did God make it known and when. Or, more aptly, is the Seventh-day sabbath enjoined on Christians in this present dispensation?
In my previous article I showed WHEN, WHERE, BY WHOM, TO WHOM and WHY the sabbath was GIVEN: On Mount Sinai after their deliverance from Egypt (Neh. 9:13-14, Exodus 16, 20), God (Neh. 9:13-14. Deut. 5:15) gave to the children of Israel (Exodus 31:17) the sabbath, a sign that they might know that He is the Lord that sanctifieth them (Exodus 31:13).
In answer, he says that the sabbath was made at CREATION. He quotes Genesis 2:2-3 and fails to give it his attention. Moses said, as the accepted author of Genesis, "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." WHEN did he bless and sanctify the seventh day as a sabbath? Not possibly at CREATION, for he blessed it because He HAD RESTED. "Had rested" is past perfect tense of the verb and refers to an action already completed in the past. The seventh day was sanctified sometime following creation, his rest. It could not have been the day He rested because He blessed it because He HAD RESTED! There is no indication that it was ever made known before Mount Sinai. Mr. Smith says, "Obviously before a band of ignorant slaves could be made into a great nation for God, they needed instruction." WHY did they need instructions to keep the sabbath if it had already been given? Certainly, "Sabbath keeping was enjoined upon the Israelites while they were traveling toward Sinai," as Mr. Smith says! It was not given or sanctified before!
In his attempt to show that the sabbath was given at creation, Mr. Smith quotes Romans 4:15, "Where no law is, there is no transgression." This to him "proves" that the sabbath was given at creation, though there is no mention of either creation or the sabbath. He assumes the very thing he sets out to prove. He reasons that "law" refers to the ten commandments. If so, it "worketh wrath" (verse 15) and "faith is made void" (verse 14). Further, Paul says that Christ has "abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments!" (Eph. 2:15) If every transgression means that the ten commandments have been broken, as he is forced to affirm, which of the ten did Adam and Eve break? The men of Israel in 1 Sam. 14:33? All of his arguments are based on assumption. He can answer his own arguments by answering the following question: Does God have any commandments besides the ten? I predict that he will not answer.
More Assuming
The Adventists assume:That the "law of God" and the "law of Moses" were two different laws.
The Bible teaches: That they are one and the same law, and uses the expressions interchangeably. "This Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the LAW OF MOSES . . . Ezra the priest, a scribe of the LAW OF GOD." (Ezra 7:6, 12) The expressions are also used interchangeably in Nehemiah 8:1, 8, and again in Luke 2:22, 23.
The Adventists assume: That Moses gave the law of Moses, not God.
The Bible teaches: That God gave the law of Moses. "This Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the LAW OF MOSES which the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL HAD GIVEN." (Ezra 7:6).
The Adventists assume: That God alone gave the law of God.
The Bible teaches: That Moses gave the law of God. "And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the LAW OF THE LORD GIVEN BY MOSES." (2 Chron. 34:14)
This all proves that the Adventists are wrong in teaching that the ''law of God" and the ''law of Moses'' are two separate laws. There was only one law. What Moses gave was by God's authority.
This law (including the sabbath) I have already shown was done away. WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM. (Re-read my first reply in the Review-Journal, December 22, 1949.)
Smith Admits The Sabbath
Was Done Away
Notice in his reply with reference to 2 Corinthians 3. Mr. Smith said, "This, as Mr. Frost supposed, DOES refer to the ten commandments." That's fine -- the disagreement ceases. 2 Cor. 3:11, "For if that (the ten commandments according to Mr. Smith) which IS DONE AWAY was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious." The ten commandments -- including the SABBATH -- DONE AWAY! "Let no man therefore judge you in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come!" (Col. 2:16) Mr. Smith affirms my claim for the $200. Again his honesty and integrity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are at stake!
A Play For Sympathy
Mr. Smith next makes a play for sympathy to the Methodists, though I fear they'll not hear his cry. With all due respect to John Wesley, my friends, he is not God, neither is his word the Word of God. Mr. Smith evidently fears the power of God's Word against him and now seeks consolation in the words of man.
The Public Should Know
1. That the Adventists do not keep the sabbath. Keeping the sabbath requires the following:
(1) Doing no work. (Ex. 20:9-10)
(2) No baking or boiling. (Ex. 16:23)
(3) Bearing no burden. (Jer. 17:21-22)
(4) Offering two lambs. (Num. 28:9-10)
If they argue that these things were abolished because they are not in the ten commandments, why then do they refuse to eat pork? There is no prohibition against eating pork in the ten commandments. The doctrine of abstaining from meat today is of the devil. (1 Tim. 4:1-4)
2. That the Seventh-day Adventist Church denomination is not in the Bible.
3. That they are "deceitful workers." (2 Cor. 11:13) They conceal their identity as long as possible in their personal work, and their broadcasts and public services are presented under titles that do not reveal their true identity.
4. That Adventists assume the major premise in nearly all that they teach.
With love for their souls, I cry out, "Come out from this error!" Study the Scriptures -- prove all things!
As To The Future
For those interested in a full investigation of the issues involved, I am willing to pursue this subject. I am willing to sign the following proposition with Mr. Smith, and to make possible a copy of our respective articles to those interested. I suggest the following agreement:
1. To conduct a written discussion.
2. The purpose of this discussion is that it may be published in full with the ad and articles leading up to said discussion.
3. Each disputant will write four articles to the proposition.
4. Length of each article will be 4000 words, not varying more than 100 words shorter or longer.
5. The proposition: "The Bible clearly teaches that the fourth commandment of the decalogue -- viz., 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' -- is binding on Christians under the new covenant."
_____________, affirms.
Gene Frost, denies.
I am asking everyone interested in this discussion to please forward to me his name and address. Mr. Smith has indicated that there will be no further correspondence through the public press. In order to inform you of further developments, drop me a postal card (P.O. Box 1896) or telephone 2471-W or 3127 M.
I, too, can supply you with a book, though I do not choose to be unfair and send one, the contents of which have not been subjected to investigation by a sabbath advocate. Therefore, I recommend the Dugger-Porter Debate, a discussion of the Sabbath and the Lord's Day. Price: $1.00 (paper bound), $1.50 (cloth).
GENE FROST, Minister
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1330 South Third
Debate agreement
January 11, 1950
AGREEMENT
1. To conduct a written discussion.
2. The purpose of this discussion is that it may be published in full with the ad and articles leading up to said discussion.
3. Each disputant will write four articles to the proposition.
4. The length of each article will be 4,000 words, not varying more than 100 words shorter or longer.
5. The proposition:
The Bible clearly teaches that the fourth commandment of the decalogue -- viz., "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" -- is binding on Christians under the new covenant.
DAVID F. SMITH, affirms.
GENE FROST, denies.
The debate:
The Bible clearly teaches that the fourth commandment of the decalogue --
viz., "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" -- is binding on
Christians under the new covenant.
SMITH'S FIRST AFFIRMATIVE *
[ * See correspondence below. ]
Some law is binding on Christians since the death of Christ, for James in
his epistle written A.D. 60 urges us to keep it. (Read Chapters 1 and
2) Whatever law this is, James insists that EVERY PART OF IT is
binding. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet offend in one
point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10.
What law was binding on Christians in the time when James wrote his
epistle? If the ten commandments recorded in Exodus 20 are binding, then
the fourth one, which is the sabbath commandment, is binding. If the ten
commandments have been abolished prior to A.D. 60; then we must seek out
the new law for Christians to see whether the sabbath is included.
The New Testament plainly indicates that there are some Old Testament
requirements that are binding on Christians since the cross. "And that
from a child thou hast learned the holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ." 2 Tim.
3:15. Paul is writing to Timothy, the young minister at the church of
Ephesus. (1 Tim. 1:2 and 4:6) This second letter was written from Rome
when Paul was about to be brought before Nero the second time, about A.D.
66. All authorities agree that the earliest of the New Testament Books
were not written before about 54 A.D.
This means that the Scriptures Timothy was taught out of as a child, could
be none other than the Old Testament. Christ called the Old Testament
"Scripture" when He said to the Jewish leaders, "Search the Scriptures, for
in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of
me." John 5:39. Under the word "Scripture" in Cruden's concordance we
read:
The word as used in the Bible refers almost invariably to the sacred
writings, which at that time consisted of the Old Testament. It is also
used of a part of it, especially when that part is to be quoted in a later
passage.
The Old Testament, which Timothy was taught as a child is able to make him
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, says Paul.
Now let us read the verse which follows, "ALL SCRIPTURE is given by
inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.
What could the apostle mean here when he tells us that ALL scripture is
profitable? Could we by any twist of the imagination think that he means
only part of it? Some would say, yes the Old Testament is all right for
the stories it has, and for the inspiration of Psalms. We can learn
things by reading it, but we do not have to follow it in New Testament
times. But is this what the BIBLE SAYS here in 2 Tim. 3:16? It says ALL
scripture is profitable for DOCTRINE.
What is doctrine? Webster's dictionary says, "That which is taught, the
principles, belief, or dogma, of any church, sect or party." According to
this text written by Paul ALL scripture is profitable then to give us the
principles of belief of the Christian church. It is not only profitable
for doctrine, but also for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, as mentioned in this text.
How could Paul tell us any plainer than in these words that the Old
Testament is the guide book of the Christian as well as the new? He
states that it is profitable for all these phases of Christian teaching.
He says it can make one wise unto salvation.
Peter warns us that Paul has written some things hard to be understood, and
that some who are unstable, wrest these and other scriptures to their own
destruction. (2 Pet. 3:15,16) What should we do with the parts of
scripture that we cannot understand? "The secret things belong unto the
Lord our God, but those things which are REVEALED belong unto us and to our
children for ever . . ." Deut. 29:29
There is no statement of Paul's which is plainer nor easier to understand
than verses 15 and 16 of 2 Timothy, chapter 3. So we KNOW that there are
things in the Old Testament that are profitable for doctrine, etc., under
the new covenant. Paul has specifically and plainly told us the forms of
worship which are no longer to he observed, also. So why not put the two
together? Is not this the wise plan to take exactly what the Bible tells
us, rather than to read into it something that is not there?
Now what are these old Testament forms of worship which are not required in
the new? Paul specifically points them out so that there need be no
question. CIRCUMCISION is one. (Gal. 6:15) In fact the arguments
about the law in Galatians were given because someone was urging
circumcision upon the Galatian church. ''They constrain you to be
circumcised.'' Gal. 6:12
THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD was also not to be continued. (Heb. 7:11, 12)
And of course the change in the priesthood indicated a change in the law
which regulated the priesthood. However the ten commandments say nothing
about the priesthood, so there is no indication here of a change in the ten
commandments.
THE HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES, which were a shadow of things to come, were
also abolished. Col. 2:14-16. In this list all forms of worship
involving meat, drink, holyday, new moon, and sabbath days WHICH ARE A
SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME are abolished. (Vs. 17).
The Levitical law tells of many ceremonial MEAT and DRINK offerings.
These pointed forward to Christ, and therefore come under the list
mentioned in Col. 2 which are "Shadows of things to come." See Heb.
9:9-12. An illustration in point is THE PASSOVER LAMB which was to be
eaten with bitter herbs. This pointed forward to Christ, as indicated in
1 Cor. 5:7, "Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us."
But does the, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink"
statement of Col. 2 abolish ALL regulations regarding eating and
drinking? No. We find that there are OTHER OLD TESTAMENT REGULATIONS
that are still in force in the New. The Bible mentions some specifically
in Acts 21 :25. Abstain from THINGS STRANGLED, from things OFFERED TO
IDOLS and from BLOOD. These are Old Testament regulations which Acts
definitely mentions as being in force in the New!
Because of the law against the use of blood, the Jews were careful to kill
animals in such a manner as to permit free bleeding. We find this idea in
the warning given by the church council against things strangled. The law
against eating blood is found in Deut. 12 :23, 24, as well as in a number
of other places in the Old Testament.
Why do I mention this about meats in seeking to prove that the sabbath of
the fourth commandment is still binding? The above mentioned text (Col.
2:14-l7) is used repeatedly as an evidence by those who think the sabbath
is abolished, and so we must consider the text as a whole to see what it
teaches. The above scriptures prove conclusively that the reference to
meat and drink does not abolish all Old Testament regulations regarding
eating and drinking. AND DOES IT NOT FOLLOW as the night the day that
NEITHER does the reference to a holyday and sabbath days in the same verse
abolish ALL SABBATH REGULATIONS of the Old Testament!
It merely abolishes those that it SAYS it abolishes: Those which are a
shadow of things to come! (verse 17)
Now let us candidly compare these ceremonial sabbaths, which were shadows
of things to come with the sabbath of the 4th commandment. Three typical
ones are the passover sabbath (treated above), The Feast of Tabernacles,
and the Day of Atonement. At the feast of tabernacles the people offered
the first-fruits of their crops to the Lord. It pointed forward to Christ
in that He became the "First-fruits of them that slept." (1 Cor. 15 :20,
23) On the day of atonement, the high priest entered the most holy place
of the sanctuary, and sprinkled the blood of a lamb before the ark of God
to make an atonement for the sins of the people. That this pointed
forward to the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, is indicated in Rom.
5:11. ". . . Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the
atonement."
By way of contrast let us now consider the weekly sabbath -- the sabbath of
the fourth commandment. "And God blessed the sabbath day and sanctified
it BECAUSE in it he HAD RESTED from all his work which he had created and
made." At the sabbath's first mention it points BACKWARD to a completed
task. In the fourth commandment again a pointing backward is indicated:
"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy GOD . . . FOR in six
days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and
rested the seventh day."
The sabbath is a memorial. When we erect a memorial of some great
statesman it POINTS BACKWARD reminding us of the life he lived for his
country. The inscription gives dates of the past, his birth and death,
and perhaps a mention of some of his most famous deeds. The sabbath is
not a memorial of the dead but of the living, it is to turn our thoughts to
him every time we REMEMBER that in six days he created the heavens and the
earth. The fourth is the only commandment that begins with the word
REMEMBER. The sabbath command is the only one that gives a reason for
keeping it, the fact that God created the heavens and the earth.
It has been shown conclusively that there are Old Testament teachings which
are PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE under the new covenant. (2 Tim. 3:15,16) It
has been proven that Col. 2:14-17 does not abolish all Old Testament
commands even regarding eating and drinking for New Testament Christians.
(Acts 21 :25) It not only does not abolish all commands in the respects
listed in the text but SPECIFICALLY LIMITS ITSELF to those things pointing
forward to Christ.
Thus the sabbath of the fourth commandment escapes the abolishment of Col.
2:14-17 on THREE COUNTS.
(1) That this text does not abolish all Old Testament commands.
(2) That this text does not even abolish all Old Testament commands
regarding the activities which it specifically mentions (as in meat and
drink).
(3) It specifically limits its abolishment to those things which were
shadows of things
to come, while the sabbath of the fourth commandment is to be remembered
because of THE CREATION OF THIS EARTH which is in the past. (Ex. 20:8-11)
It has been argued that in the phrase "sabbath days" in Col. 2 :16, that
the word "days" is in italics, and that the text should read, "Or of the
sabbath." Such an argument is merely a play on words and an insult to the
intelligence of any scholarly audience. The original Greek here
is . The form is the genitive plural, and is translated
literally, "or of sabbaths." See any diaglott or analytical Greek
lexicon. THEREFORE, in no sense does the weekly sabbath find itself
included under the items named abolished in Col. 2:14-17.
Now let us continue with our list of Old Testament forms of worship which
are abolished in the New Testament. CEREMONIAL WASHINGS AND ANIMAL
SACRIFICES are mentioned specifically as no longer necessary. (Heb.
9:10-14) Also the SANCTUARY built on the plan given to Moses is called a
figure of the true one in heaven, where Jesus now ministers as our high
priest in this dispensation. (Heb. 9:24, 8:1,2)
The teachings of the Bible are specific. God does not leave his will for
us to be learned by guesswork. All Old Testament rules no longer binding
under the old covenant are SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT in the New Testament.
Even such a minor ordinance as circumcision, we find discussed repeatedly,
so that there will be no mistake. The end of the priesthood, (Levitical)
the end of ceremonial washings, the end of those things having to do with
meats, drinks, holydays and sabbaths which were a shadow of things to come,
the end of the sanctuary service, the end of animal sacrifices.
BUT WHERE in all this do we find the end of the SABBATH of the fourth
commandment? It is conspicuous by its absence. ALL these minor
details of worship are SPECIFICALLY ENUMERATED. Does it not follow that
if the SABBATH was to have been abolished, it would have been MENTIONED?
God is not the author of confusion. Can we accuse him now of being so
inconsistent as to abolish the sabbath and not even REFER to it, with its
honored place among the ten great rules graven in stone by the finger of
God; and at the same time to take great space to enumerate all these OTHER
things which did not even merit being included with the ten commandments?
WHERE IS IT??? I sincerely want to know. I will still give $200 for a
text stating when, where, and by whom the weekly sabbath was abolished.
What has been said of the sabbath is true of the OTHER COMMANDMENTS of the
ten. Nowhere in the New Testament do we find that the rule against
idolatry, or graven images, or blasphemy, or dishonor to parents, or
murder, or adultery, or theft, or false witness, or coveting is no longer
to be observed. While WHOLE CHAPTERS and BOOKS of the New Testament are
given to discussing the items of the ceremonial law which are no longer in
effect: WHY -- if the ten commandments were abolished -- is there not a
single mention of the least item of these great principles being done away?
The absence of any New Testament evidence that the sabbath has been done
away is a powerful argument for its continued existence. Those who would
put forward a new day for the veneration of Christians, must first show
where the old came to an end. This they are unable to do.
But how about its importance? This is the next question that comes to our
minds. Suppose that it does exist as a forgotten law -- still in force on
the statute books of God, but forgotten by man. Is it important enough
that he should turn against present day customs and usage, and order his
life by the pure faith once delivered to the saints?
If this rule had been forgotten by all New Testament characters, we might
well question its importance. But the fact that we have INSTRUCTION in
the NEW TESTAMENT on HOW TO KEEP IT indicates that the Lord did consider it
important for the New Testament Christians. In fact the sabbath comes in
for more than its share of comment on how to keep it, compared with the
amount of space given to the keeping of the other 9 commandments.
(1) "It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the sabbath, and justifies his
deed with these words. He also indicates that it is proper to act in
cases of emergency to relieve suffering, by giving the example of the ox in
the ditch. (See Matt. 12:10-12)
(2) It is proper to attend religious services. "And Jesus . . . came to
Nazareth where he had been brought up, and AS HIS CUSTOM WAS, he went into
the synagogue on the SABBATH DAY and stood up for to read." (Luke
4:14-16) "And he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and
persuaded the Jews and the Greeks." (Acts 18:4).
(3) "In it thou shalt not do any work." (Ex. 20:8-11) "And they
returned and prepared spices and ointments, and rested the sabbath day
ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT." (Luke 23:56)
(4) In emergency it is proper to take measures to relieve our own hunger
or discomfort on the sabbath. "And at that time Jesus went on the sabbath
day through a field of corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began
to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat." Matt. 12:1. That Jesus
considered this to be an emergency is indicated by the fact that he
justified this deed to the Pharisees by quoting another emergency, when
David, fleeing for his life ate of the shewbread, which was for the priests
only. (Matt. 12:3, 4)
(5) The day of preparation is for all work that can be taken care of
before the sabbath. (Luke 23:54)
(6) It is proper to go out among the beauties of nature. "And on the
sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be
made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither."
(Acts 16:13)
It has been conclusively shown that there is no evidence that the weekly
sabbath is abolished. It has also become evident that the New Testament
contains teaching on how to keep the sabbath. It will now further
indicate that the Bible "clearly teaches" that the sabbath is binding if we
find that the ten commandments in whose very heart the sabbath rule is
found, are binding on Christians under the new covenant.
A favorite text of those who would seek to show the ten commandments
abolished is 2 Cor. 3:7, "But if the ministration of death, written and
graven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not
stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which
glory was to be done away: shall not the ministration of the spirit be
rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory much
more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even
that which was made glorious had no glory IN THIS RESPECT, by reason of the
glory that excelleth. For if that which was done away was glorious, much
more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such
hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail
over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the
end of that which is abolished." (2 Cor. 3:7-13)
All that this long scripture plainly claims abolished is the glory of
Moses' face. This was to be done away. He covered it with a vail so
that the people could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is
abolished. Some who are anxious to read into this that the law is done
away, apparently would have us believe that because the passage ends with
the word "abolished" therefore everything mentioned in the texts foregoing
is abolished. But the scripture DOES NOT SAY SO. If we took this
extreme view then the ministration of condemnation is abolished, in which
case no one will be lost, everyone will be saved, John 3:16 is
meaningless. Paul's missionary journeys were not necessary, and the
people who take the trouble to be religious today are going through a lot
of useless motions.
The scripture DOES plainly state that the ministration of death, written
and engraven in stones is not as glorious as the ministration of the
spirit. It further amplifies this truth by stating that if the
ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of
righteousness exceed in glory.
What is the purpose of this ministration of death and condemnation by the
Law? "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to
them that are under the law: that EVERY MOUTH may be stopped, and all the
world may become guilty before God." (Rom. 3:19) The purpose of the law
is to let us know that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of
God." (Rom. 3:23) We must come to this place before we realize our need
of a Savior. This is how the law is our schoolmaster to bring us to
Christ. (Gal. 3:24)
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea we establish
the law." Rom. 3 :31
The third chapter of 2 Corinthians, far from proving that we do not need to
order our lives in harmony with the ten commandments, merely indicates the
three steps in the Christian life, sometimes referred to as the three "R's"
of Christianity. They are: (1) Ruin by the fall. (2) Redemption through
the blood. (3) Regeneration by the spirit. The ministration of death
has to do with the first "R." After the sinner knows that he is under
condemnation, THEN he comes to Christ for redemption (the 2nd "R"). And
if the ministration of death was glorious is not the ministration of the
spirit rather glorious? After receiving forgiveness of sin he receives
cleansing from sin the new birth, the regeneration of the spirit, (3rd "R")
and if the ministration of condemnation was glorious is not the
ministration of righteousness exceeding in glory?
Are we justified by the deeds of the law? According to Rom. 3:19, 20 the
law was given that every mouth may be stopped and ALL THE WORLD become
guilty before God. THEREFORE by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be
justified in his sight." Why? Because everyone has broken it. Paul is
not making a rule, he is just stating a fact. Simple, isn't it?
Everyone broke it, so naturally no one can be justified by keeping it. NO
ONE EVER HAS kept it except Jesus.
The purpose of the law is to show us our sins. James compares the law to
a mirror. (Jas. 1 :23-25) We look at it and it shows up the blemishes
in our lives. But will my face be clean if I smash the mirror to bits?
Not at all. The mirror is to help me. Neither will the enemies of the
law clean up their sinful hearts by trying to show it abolished. WE NEED
IT. The law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
"For by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin (lawbreaking, 1 John
3:4) that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we that are dead to
sin, live any longer therein?" (Rom. 6:1, 2)
Some law is binding on Christians since the death of Christ. There is not
one scrap of evidence in the New Testament proving that the ten
commandments were abolished. The Bible makes plain the forms of worship
which were done away, but THE WHOLE TENOR of New Testament teaching is to
uphold the ten commandments. The Holy Spirit seems to exhaust human
vocabulary, using comparison, and admonition, and precept and example and
illustration to make these things plain.
Some law is binding on Christians in the new covenant. Whatever law this
is James says that every PART of it is binding. We have found many parts
of the ceremonial law not binding, so this could not be it. THE ONLY LAW
-- containing the commands against murder and adultery, of which NO PART is
said to be abolished in the New Testament, is the TEN COMMANDMENTS. "For
whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet offend in one point, he is guilty
of all. FOR HE that said DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY said also DO NOT KILL."
Jas. 2:10-12
What law was binding on Christians in the time when James wrote his
epistle? There can be no doubt. There is no question about it. That
law, which is Christ said He came not to destroy; that law, which Paul
tells us is holy, just and good ; that law, which James tells us we will be
judged by is none other than the ten commandments, graven in stone by the
finger of God.
If the ten commandments are binding on Christians today, then the sabbath
command of the fourth commandment is binding also. If we break the
sabbath we commit sin. We are sinners and stand condemned, and the wages
of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23)
"TURN away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy
day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable . .
." Isa. 58:13.
FROST'S FIRST NEGATIVE *
[ * See Correspondence below. ]
I am happy to enter this discussion with my friend, David Smith, who is
endeavoring to prove that Christians under the new covenant must keep the
sabbath of the law. I appreciate being able to continue the discussion
begun in the newspaper and to have this opportunity of delving deeper into
this subject with my opponent.
While my friend failed to define the proposition I believe that it is clear
enough in wording that there should be no question to its import.
My opponent, knowing that the sabbath is nowhere commanded under the new
covenant, must resort to the old. But this does him no good, affirming it
is binding on Christians under the new covenant, unless he can prove that
the old law is the new law or part thereof. This he makes a feeble
attempt to do. However, all that is necessary to refute his assumption is
to prove that the old law is done away. If the old law is done away it is
impossible for the affirmative to make it the authority in the new. This
I intend to do at this time, and at the same time showing its location
historically in the scheme of redemption.
In contending for the observance of the sabbath day of Exodus 20,
Adventists overlook the significance of history which is summarized by the
apostle Paul in Galatians three. This became apparent in our newspaper
discussion which yet remains to be answered by David Smith. Since this
discussion is to include, according to our "agreement," the newspaper
discussion, I shall not redevelop the points already made but will merely
summarize and await Mr. Smith's reply.
Four hundred and thirty years before the law was given at Mount Sinai, God
made the promise to Abraham, "In thee shall all nations be blessed . . .
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed,
which is Christ." (Gal. 3:8, 16) At Sinai God made a covenant with the
children of Israel, even the law. It was in this law that the sabbath was
given or made known: "Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest
with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good
statutes and commandments: and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath . .
. by the hand of Moses thy servant." (Deut. 9:13-14) But this law
"cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For
if inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to
Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added
because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise
was made; . . . But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut
up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law
was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a
schoolmaster." (Gal. 3:17-25)
This history is too plain to be misunderstood even with expert help of
Adventist teachers. The law was "added . . . till" Christ should come.
Before he came, they "were kept under the law," but now that he "is come,"
we are no longer under the law! This law, written and engraven in stones
is abolished according to Paul in 2 Corinthians 3, the text satisfying the
$200 offer. In Col. 2:14 he says that Christ took it out of the way,
nailing it to his cross." Rom. 6: 14 and Gal. 5:18, we "are not under the
law." Rom. 7:4, "ye also are become dead to the law." Rom. 7:6, "we are
delivered from the law." Rom. 10:4, "Christ is the end of the law."
(Eph. 2:15)
The old law is done away; therefore, it could not be the new or in the new
in whole or in part. Smith is prone to think that if any principles of
Old Testament law are contained in the New Testament they are there by
virtue of Old Testament authority. But not so! When a new law is given,
it may or may not contain some of the principles of the former law. Just
because some of the first's principles are adopted into the second, it does
not obligate the legislature to place all of the first into the second, nor
does it obligate those under the new law to keep the first law. Let me
illustrate. This country at one time was under the law of England.
When we broke relationship with that country we severed responsibility to
her law. When our lawmakers drafted a new law, they placed some of the
good principles of the English law in it. But this did not obligate them
to adopt the entire English law, nor did it obligate the freed people to
continue observance of the old law. When a law is abolished, it is
abolished! If any principle of the old law is to be in the new, it must
be adopted therein. This, of course, must be so stated in the new law.
Mr. Smith thinks that if any principles of the law of England are in the
laws of the U.S., all of the English law must be kept unless they are
"SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT" in the law of the U.S. This is his argument
with reference to the new covenant and the old. Absurd.
My opponent needs to understand what a testament is. Testament means
"will" and "covenant." (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon, on diathaka,
"testament".) "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity
be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are
dead otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."
(Heb. 9:16-17) Hence, the testament of Christ, or the New Testament, is
the law that went forth after his death. For a law to be binding on
Christians under the new covenant, the law must be found in the new will.
Nothing is in a will unless so stated. So with a covenant. One may not
add to the things mentioned and only the things mentioned are binding.
"Brethren, I speak after the manner of men though it be but a man's
covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth
thereto." (Gal. 3:15) Hence, if my Adventist friends would have
Christians under the new covenant keep the sabbath they must find the new
testament command. Where in the will of Christ is a Christian commanded
to keep the sabbath? "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we
keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3-4)
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word
spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience
received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so
great salvation: which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was
confirmed unto us by them that heard him." (Heb. 2:1-3) The will of
Christ which was at the first began to be spoken by the Lord was confirmed
by them that heard him. Therefore, under the new covenant we live
according to His word as confirmed by the apostles. (John 14: 26,
16:13) If the sabbath is to be observed today we must find it commanded
in the New Testament, not before it first began to be given. If the
sabbath is taught without such commandment the teacher transgresses the New
Testament! Such a teacher has not God nor Christ, and is a liar (John 9,
1 John 3:4) Further, the apostle Paul wrote, "But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now
again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8-9) My disputant must show us
in the gospel that Paul preached the command to keep the sabbath or, in the
language of Paul, "let him be accursed."
We are not under the law but under the new covenant! (Heb. 8:6-13) It
is not enough to find the sabbath given in the law which has been done
away. Let us have the Adventists give the text commanding a Christian to
keep the sabbath.
Now let us further investigate some of the claims made by Mr. Smith. In
trying to bring the Old Law into the New, as I have already pointed out,
Mr. Smith assumes a rule that all the Old Testament is included in the New
unless "SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT" not in it. This is contrary to law,
logic, and the scriptures as already shown. I ask my opponent for the
scripture teaching his rule. It, like many other doctrines of the
Adventists, is not to be found outside of Adventist theories and
assumptions. However, if Mr. Smith's rule were true it would not help him
for in Col. 2:14-16 it is SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT to "let no man pass
judgment on you in questions of a sabbath." I'll have more to say of this
presently.
The affirmative next makes a quibble on 2 Tim. 3:15-16. Certainly the Old
Testament is true and ought to be taught, for "all these things happened to
them for ensamples; and they are for our admonition," "for whatsoever
things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (1 Cor.
10:11, Rom. 15:4) This is far from saying that the Old Testament is
written for our authority as Mr. Smith would like to imply. Rather, Jesus
is our "authority," "and hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments." (Matt. 28:18, 1 John 2:3).
Col. 2 :14-16 seems to bother my Adventist friends. No wonder. Here we
have a command that SPECIFICALLY POINTS OUT that the sabbath along with the
holyday and feasts be not observed. "Blotting out the handwriting of
ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out
of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and
powers, he made shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no
man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, in respect of an holyday, or
of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to
come; but the body is of Christ." The law having been abolished, "nailed
to his cross," let no man judge you of the sabbath (which, after all, is a
part of that law which has been abolished: therefore). In 1 Chronicles
23:30-31, 2 Chronicles 2:4, 18:13, 31:3, Neh. 10:33, we have set forth the
feasts as kept by the Jews. In these references we have the services
specified as morning and evening (being the daily service), in the
sabbath (being the weekly service), the new moon (being the monthly
service), the solemn or set feast (being the annual service as outlined in
Leviticus 23). The Jews observed feasts daily, weekly, monthly, and
yearly. Now notice Col. 2 :16: "Let no man judge you in meat or drink
(daily), or in respect of an holyday (yearly), or of the new moon
(monthly), or of the sabbath days (weekly)." Hence, the weekly sabbath is
SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT!
These are a shadow of things to come, therefore my friend reasons that the
weekly sabbath could not be included as it was a memorial pointing back to
creation. My opponent then leads us to believe that the sabbath is a
memorial for us, but he misses the boat. I have shown him before, but he
refuses to look, that the sabbath with all the law was given to the Jews:
"Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: it is a sign between me and you
throughout your generations ... It is a sign between me and the children
of Israel." (Ex. 31:13, 17) Remember that the law (sabbath included)
was "added . . . till" Christ came. All these things were a shadow and
must continue in force till the body, Christ should come. Paul therefore
says, "the body is of Christ." Evidently there was some effort being
made to bind the disciples at Colosse under the law, forcing them to be
circumcised and submit to the law. Paul corrects this false teaching,
saying that the law was ''nailed to the cross.'' The Christ had come and
the law had served its purpose. Therefore let no man judge you in the law
which are a shadow of things to come, even Christ. "Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of man,
after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: for in him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him," et
cetera. (Read verses 6-17) Also consider Hebrews 4:3-11.
I noticed with particular interest Mr. Smith's comments: "It has been
argued that in the phrase 'sabbath days' in Col. 2:16, that the word 'days'
is in italics, and that the text should read, 'Or of the sabbath.' Such
an argument is merely a play on words and an insult to the intelligence of
any scholarly audience." Maybe my opponent will compliment the
intelligence of this audience by telling us just what is the significance
of the italicized word. I shall eagerly await his answer. Too, he might
explain why some translations omit the word "days." Again, since he has
made reference to the Greek, maybe he will tell us the Greek word for
"days" in Col. 2:16.
I was surprised to see David Smith bring up the $200 text again. I was
under the impression that he had had enough of "texts" and especially 2
Corinthians 3. I attended his service at which time he advertised to
"answer all doctrinal charges" made in the paper, but I failed to hear any
mention of the text. In fact, my opponent seems to have overlooked all of
the scriptures discussed in the paper except two! (We agreed on one all
along.) Now since he is bringing in 2 Corinthians 3, maybe he will answer
the arguments made in the paper.
My friends would have us to believe that only the glory of the law was
abolished but not the law itself. And so he wants to bring an unglorious
law into the new law! But notice the eleventh verse (2 Corinthians 3):
"For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious." To what does "that" refer? If it refers to
"glory" then we accuse Paul of unintelligent tautology and the glory of the
law is not done away as stated ; hence, a contradiction. But notice
verses 7-8 "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in
stones was glorious . . . how shall not the ministration of the spirit be
rather glorious?" What was glorious? "The ministration of death,
written and engraven in stones was glorious." What happened to it? "Is
done away." Notice that my friend has already admitted in the paper that
this refers to the ten commandments! The $200 that Mr. Smith and the
Seventh-day Adventist Church have again offered ought to be forthcoming.
His honesty and the integrity of the SDA church are at stake.
Next our attention is called to Rom. 3 :31, ''Do we then made void the law
through faith?" The article is not found before ''law," but is found
before "faith" hence, "Do we then make void law through THE faith?" (See
translation notes, Revised Version) Do you mean to affirm, Mr. Smith,
that every time law is mentioned that it refers to the law of Moses or the
ten commandments? And answer this: Does God have any law besides the ten
commandments?
We are next given James 2:10-12 to prove (?) that the ten com- mandments
are binding. Has Mr. Smith ever noticed that in the eighth verse there
is quoted a commandment not found in the ten? Does this mean that we are to
keep all the law in which it is found? But James does not mention the
sabbath commandment at all. He did not say keep it. He referred to the
"law of liberty." (v. 12)
All of the scriptures used to show the "importance" of the sabbath save
one, refer to its observance before the New Covenant was established.
(Heb. 9:16-17) The one quoted under the New Testament is Acts 16:13,
"And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer
was wont to be made." This says nothing of keeping the sabbath. What my
friend must find to sustain his contention is a command for Christians to
keep the sabbath, or an example of a Christian who kept it under the new
covenant. To date my opponent has done neither. His best has been to
assume and flit through the archives of the Old Testament. Our discussion
is not whether or not the sabbath has ever been commanded or its importance
to those to whom it was given. Our proposition reads that Christians
under the new covenant must keep the sabbath. My opponent says, "Yes.''
Let's have the scripture!!!
I believe that this answers all arguments he has made in support of his
proposition. If anything has been overlooked, I ask that he call it to my
attention. I don't want to overlook anything.
I shall present some things more for Mr. Smith to consider now. The
sabbath was a sign between God and the children of Israel. (Ex. 31:13,
17) It then could not be binding on any other people than the Jews and
those proselyted to the Jewish religion. It could not continue in force
longer than the Jews were the peculiar people of God. Notice now : (1)
None during the Jewish age could acceptably come to God except by
identifying himself with God's sanctified. (2) The sabbath was not in
force previous to the giving of the Sinaitic law. (3) It was never given
to others than the Israelite people. (4) It could not continue in force
longer than the law of which it is a part is in force. Paul said in
Romans 3:19, "Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to
them that are under the law." Therefore, if the sabbath was in force
today without change, no Gentile as such would be bound to observe it.
Even the Seventh-day Adventist Churches that are made up of Gentiles would
not be obligated to keep it. It was not given to the Gentiles as such.
Furthermore, the law (including the sabbath commandment) was never intended
to be permanent, nothing more than "added ... till" Christ should come
fulfilling the promise. This change from the covenant given at Sinai was
frequently foretold by the prophets during the existence of the Sinaitic
covenant. Jeremiah foretold the change: "Behold, the days come, saith the
Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with
the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the
land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto
them, saith the Lord: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with
the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws
in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts and I will be their
God, and they shall be my people." (Jer. 31:31-33) This scripture is
quoted in Hebrews 8:7-10 by the apostle Paul showing that the covenant
containing the sabbath law was abolished in Christ. Again, the
abolishment is foretold by Jeremiah in 32:40 and 33:14. Isaiah foretells
the change in 55:3 and Ezekiel in 37:26. Even the expressions regarding
the sabbath show that it was limited to the Jewish age. Exodus 31:16,
"Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the
sabbath throughout their generations." This shows that it was not
permanent. You never read, "Thou shalt not kill throughout your
generations." Or, "The children of Israel shall not commit adultery
throughout their generations." Of course not! But, "the children of
Israel shall keep the sabbath . . . throughout their generations." The
expression shows that the sabbath was not to be permanent. It was limited
to the generation of Jews. When they ceased to be the sanctified people
of God, the law having been abolished, the sabbath was no longer binding.
It was done away with all the law.
Even after the death of Christ, after the law had been "nailed to the
cross," men contended that the law should be kept (which included the
sabbath). From the very infancy of the church it was a subject of hot
controversy, "Shall we keep the law?" Some teachers of Judaic tendency
insisted that Christians keep the law. You remember that Paul and
Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem that with the apostles and elders there
they might reach a decision on the issue. The apostle Peter on the
occasion stood forth and related his experience in the conversion of the
Gentiles of the house of Cornelius. He concluded, "Now therefore why
tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither
our fathers nor we are able to bear?" (Acts 15:10) This yoke was the
Sinaitic law. Even David violated the sabbath and ate bread in the temple
which was unlawful to do. Have you not read that the priests profane the
sabbath and are blameless? They could not bear it. Hence, the apostles,
elders and brethren wrote letters to the churches saying, "Forasmuch as we
have heard, that certain went out from us have troubled you with words,
subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law, to
whom we gave no such commandment."
In practically every letter the apostle Paul wrote to the churches he spent
much time and effort in the discussion of keeping the law. To the church
at Rome: 3:20, 7:4-7. To the Corinthians: 2 Cor. 3:3-11. To Galatia:
3:10-25. To Ephesus: 2:14-15. To the Colossians: 2:14-16. To the
Hebrews: 8:6-13, 10:28-29, 12:18-25. Et cetera. Of all topics discussed
in the New Testament, none is so fully treated as the matter of keeping the
law and none so repudiated by the weight of evidence as the modern doctrine
commanding men to keep the sabbath.
I emphasize: Sabbath keeping is without New Testament authority. I
challenge any man to produce the text commanding a Christian to keep the
sabbath!
In the newspaper, my opponent attempted to establish two laws at Sinai.
One he designated the ''Law of God'' and the other "Handwriting of
Ordinances.'' This line of argument he has since dropped, as well as
other arguments made in the paper, unless he intends to develop it in his
contention in James 2, but we will wait for that. Before he has more to
say along that line, I recall to him my newspaper reply, and ask, Where are
the scriptures that say that the "ten commandments'' and the "rest of the
law" are "two separate laws"? If the Adventists be right in this
contention (and they are not), then there are three laws: two at Sinai and
one by promise in Christ make three. But of course this is just not so.
There was only one covenant made at Sinai. "Tell me, ye that desire to be
under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham
had two sons, the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free woman. But he
who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman
was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two
covenants; the one from mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is
Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem
which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is
above is free, which is the mother of us all." (Gal, 4:21-26) Get it!
Paul says there are two Covenants -- Adventists affirm three. Paul said
there is "one from mount Sinai" -- Adventists say "two." So Adventists
hopelessly contradicts the Bible. (And itself as I shall point out as the
discussion progresses.) But further: Agar, the bondwoman, is mount
Sinai. (v. 22, 25) Now notice verses 30-5:1 --
Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not
be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not
children of the bondwoman but of the free. Stand fast therefore in the
liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with
the yoke of bondage.
One law was given at Sinai and we are free from it. Notice, too, that
Paul said the son of the bondwoman (law at mount Sinai) shall not be heir
with the son of the freewoman (the law of liberty). Yet, my opponent has
endeavored to make ALL the law heir with the will of Christ except the
parts "specifically pointed out" -- the very thing that Paul said should
not be!
Rewording the proposition to affirm the truth, we have: "The Bible clearly
teaches that the fourth commandment of the decalogue -- viz., 'Remember the
sabbath day, to keep it holy' -- is NOT binding on Christians under the new
covenant."
SMITH'S SECOND AFFIRMATIVE *
[ * See Correspondence below. ]
The third paragraph of Mr. Frost's First Negative says, "My opponent,
knowing that the sabbath is nowhere commanded under the new covenant, must
resort to the old." Here I have received credit for knowing something
which I do not know. If this is the case someone should enlighten me.
We read in the book of Hebrews about the new covenant, "For if that first
covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been found for the
second. For finding fault with them he saith, "Behold the days come saith
the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with
the house of Judah ... For this is the covenant that I will make with the
house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will PUT MY LAWS INTO
THEIR MINDS, AND WRITE THEM IN THEIR HEARTS: and I will be to them a God,
and they shall be to me a people." Heb. 8:7-10.
Far from failing to find the sabbath under the new covenant, I find that
man's relation to the law of God is more intimate and personal under the
new than it was under the old, "Not with ink but with the Spirit of the
living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
(See 2 Cor. 3:3)
Also in paragraph 3 Mr. Frost states that it will be necessary for me to,
"Prove that the old law is the new or part thereof." This reference to
the new law fills me with the greatest of curiosity. What is it? When
was it given? I read on in Mr. Frost's First Negative searching for clues
as to its identity.
In paragraph 8 these words appear, "Hence the testament of Christ, or the
New Testament, is the law that went forth after his death." Here Mr.
Frost indicates that a law went forth after Christ's death. Perhaps this
is the "new law" which means so much to him
But if so, where, when, and by whom was it given? There is no question as
to the essence and authorship of the ten commandments, proclaimed by God to
the Israelites from Mt. Sinai amid heaven's thunder and smoke, and engraven
by the finger of God in tables of stone for Moses to carry down from the
mount. There is no question as to the essence and authorship of the
Sermon on the Mount, enunciated in beautiful simplicity by Jesus before the
multitudes on the grassy hillside, and recorded by his disciple Matthew.
Nor is it difficult to find the disciple John's "new" commandment which is
really just a restating of the old. See 1 John 2 :7, "Brethren I write no
new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the
beginning . . ." See also Lev. 19:18 . . ." Thou shalt love thy neighbor
as thyself."
So now WHERE is the "new law" given, which according to Mr. Frost's
arguments was given after the death of Christ, and which contains all of
the ten commandments but the sabbath command? "Surely if the ministration
of death was glorious, shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather
glorious?" If the old law was given from a mountain top by the voice of
God, with thunder and lightning, should not at least an equally noticeable
manifestation be given at the presentation of the new? Jesus said, "These
things were not done in a corner."
A few random quotes from the Old Testament scattered here and there in the
New, certainly will not suffice. In fact these only serve to indicate
that the Old Testament law was considered binding by New Testament writers
or they would not have quoted from it.
We shall wait respectfully now for the chapter and verses containing the
presentation of the "new law" en total. We would also like to know when
and by whom it was presented, with chapter and verse. In paragraph 8 of
his first negative Frost says, "Nothing is in a will unless so stated."
SO WILL HE FIND THE NEW LAW FOR US IN THE WILL OF CHRIST?
I will accept Mr. Frost's definition that a testament is a will. "For a
testament is of force after men are dead." True. If a wealthy uncle
leaves you $5000 you do not get it until after his death. It is of no
strength at all while the testator liveth." Even if the relatives sit
around the dying man's bed like hungry vultures, the will, giving them the
money, does not go into effect until the man dies.
But when was the will MADE? It had to be made BEFORE the rich man died,
or else no court in the land would hear it. "Brethren, I speak after the
manner of men; though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed,
no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." Gal. 3:15. Christ's will was
confirmed and went into effect at the time of his death. To add anything
to it later would be forgery of the basest sort.
Even if the Apostle Paul had added anything later -- which he didn't -- it
would have been forgery. "For other foundation can no man lay than that
which IS LAID which is Jesus Christ.'' Therefore on the basis of whether
it is a part of the last will and testament of Jesus Christ: Sunday
observance was THREE DAYS TOO LATE ever to become a part of the Christian
religion. Even if the disciples had observed that first Sunday -- which
they didn't -- Sunday observance would still have been three days too late
to ever become a part of the will of Christ, because it was not written
into the will of Christ before He died.
To fulfill the specifications necessary for a will -- the testament of
Christ should have been given in the presence of witnesses BEFORE his
death, and its provisions followed AFTER his death. However as far as a
new law, or revoking of the weekly sabbath, or the introduction of this
Sunday business -- WHERE is it? We do not find it given before Christ's
death, neither do we find it observed by apostles after his death.
Neither Sunday-keeping nor Sabbath-breaking have a leg to stand on if they
seek for it in the will of Christ. There is not one scrap of Bible
evidence to support such a contention.
In paragraph 3 again quoting Mr. Frost, ''However all that is necessary to
refute his assumption is to prove that the old law is done away. If the
old law is done away it is impossible to make it the authority in the
new." Shall we not pause here for sober reflection? A house of argument
built upon these "if's" is worse than on a sandy foundation. And about it
being authority for the new. Suppose there isn't any new? Will not my
most able opponent be embarrassed if he seeks to outline my task of proving
that the old law is in the new law when there isn't any new? Well, at any
rate I shall be waiting word as to when, where, and by whom it was
proclaimed. Also for the context of this new law.
It has been requested that I present something as to the historical
significance of the law. Evidently the proofs presented in the newspaper
article in which I answered the first challenge, were not deemed sufficient
by my opponent. I would like to request that the reader go over the
points in that article, so that I will not have to repeat them here. This
will allow me space to provide the following additional proofs.
"Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven,
and gave them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments: and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath . . . by the hand
of Moses thy servant." Neh. 9 :13-I4.
Those of the Campbellite persuasion seek here to place great emphasis on
the two words "Madest Known." They feel that this indicates that no
sabbath law was in existence prior to Sinai. And they conclude that it
was a temporary provision for the benefit of Jews only, rather than for the
whole human race for all time.
In Ezekiel 20:5 we find these words: "And made myself known unto them in
the land of Egypt." Does that mean that before he made Himself known to
the Hebrews in the land of Egypt God had no existence? It is just as
reasonable as to conclude from the other "madest known" phrase above, that
before Sinai the sabbath had no existence.
The argument is also advanced that Sabbath observance is not specifically
mentioned until Exodus 16. Therefore it was not kept before that time.
Exodus 16 is 1 month before the Law given on Mt. Sinai as recorded in
Exodus 20. In the book of Acts there is no record of meeting to break
bread after Pentecost until the one mentioned in Acts 20. Therefore
according to this kind of reasoning there was no meeting to celebrate the
communion for a space of about 27 years.
Jesus himself overthrows the argument that the sabbath did not exist before
Sinai, with the statement, "The sabbath was made for man." Mark 2 :27.
We read in Genesis 2:7 that Adam was a man. We read in Genesis 2:1-3 the
record of the creation of the sabbath.
The law of the ten commandments existed before sin came into the world.
If there had been no law there could have been no sin. "For where no law
is there is no transgression." Rom. 4:15. "Sin is not imputed when
there is no law." Rom. 5:13. "Sin is the transgression of the law."
John 3:4. The law is the agency which points out sin, "For by the law is
the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20. What law gives this knowledge of
sin? Paul answers, "Nay I had not known sin but by the law; for I had
not known lust, except the law had said, "Thou shalt not covet." Rom.
7:7. What law contains the commandment against coveting? It is the ten
commandments. James tells us that if we break one of those commandments
we break all. James 2:10-12.
It has also been alleged by my opponent in a previous statement that no
Gentile was ever commanded to keep the sabbath. In Isaiah 56:2, 6, 7 we
read, "Blessed is the man that doeth this and the son of man that layeth
hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his
hand from doing evil . . . also the son of the stranger [foreigners,
A.R.V.] that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the
name of the Lord, to be his servants, everyone that keepeth the Sabbath
from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring
to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer."
This is speaking of strangers -- gentiles -- not those that join themselves
to the Jews, but those that join themselves to the Lord. Well here is the
text. Also in Acts 13:42, 44 and 17:1-4, and 18:4, 11 we have specific
instances of Gentiles observing the sabbath in New Testament times. The
next question is, "If we are honest what shall we do about it?''
Which law was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to
whom the promise was made? There was obviously more than one law given in
the Old Testament, because God said, "How long refuse ye to keep my
commandments, my statutes, and my laws." That there was a law in
existence before sin entered, and that that law was the ten commandments,
I have already shown with proof texts.
Now what law is it that came later, which was added because of
transgression? This is the ceremonial law. That this is a separate
law is indicated in Lev, 7:1, "Likewise THIS IS THE LAW of the trespass
offering: it is most holy." See also verse 11, "AND THIS IS THE LAW of
the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord."
See also verse 37, "THIS IS THE LAW of the burnt offering, of the meat
offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the
consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings." Compare this
with the law of Col. 2:14-17 for a striking identification of the
handwriting of ordinances! Part of this law said that a lamb or other
animal must be sacrificed when man confessed his sins. We find this law
in effect very soon after sin entered. God commanded Cain and Abel to
offer a lamb as a sacrifice.
The sacrifice system, added because of transgression, continued until the
promised seed should come. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming down to
the water where he was preaching, he announced the fulfillment of all these
ceremonies which pointed forward to Christ. He said, "Behold the Lamb of
God, which taketh away the sins of the world." When Christ died on
Calvary He cried, "It is finished" and an unseen hand tore the veil in the
temple from top to bottom. Matt. 27:50,51.
This veil separated the holy from the "most holy" place in the temple.
Only the high priest could go into this most holy place, and then only once
a year on the day of atonement. The rending of the veil indicated that
these things all pointed forward to the true sacrifice of Christ on the
cross, and that at the time of his death the most holy place came to an end
of its usefulness.
We read in Daniel 9:26, 27, "And after threescore and two weeks shall
Messiah be cut off, but not for himself . . . And he shall confirm the
covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall
cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease."
However much of Daniel's book might be difficult for the average reader to
understand, this much is beyond cavil, that Messiah was to be cut off, but
not for himself, and that he was to cause the sacrifice and the oblation to
cease.
The apostle Paul enunciates the same truth in Col. 2:11, 16, 17.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances, which was against us, which was
contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross . . .
Let no man therefore judge you in meat (offerings) or in drink (offerings)
or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days
WHICH ARE A SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME, but the body is of Christ.
Notice carefully the following:
These are the feasts of the Lord which ye shall claim to be holy
convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt
offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything
upon his day: BESIDE THE SABBATHS OF THE LORD, and beside your gifts, and
beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give
unto the Lord. Lev. 23:37, 38.
Compare this verse 37 with Col. 2:16, and we find it quoted almost word for
word. Here the book of Leviticus mentions these things BESIDE the
sabbaths of the Lord and offerings as if they are two separate commands!
We find the type of sabbath which will be feasts illustrated in the next
verse, Lev. 23:39 --
Also in the 15th day of the seventh month when ye
have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep
a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day
shall be A SABBATH, and on the eighth day shall
be a SABBATH.
Mr. Frost's contention that holyday represents yearly, new moon represents
monthly, and sabbath days represents the weekly sabbath, is partially true
but not all true. Note Leviticus 25 :8. "And thou shalt number seven
sabbaths of YEARS unto thee, seven times seven years, and the space of the
seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years." Far,
far from the word "Sabbaths" referring only to the weekly rest day, we find
it here referring to SEVEN YEAR PERIODS! Which means that Mr. Frost's
contention that the weekly sabbath is pointed out in Col. 2:14-17 is based
on a faulty premise and cannot be true. Also, I would like to ask my
opponent what future event the weekly sabbath is a shadow of, if it is a
shadow of thing to come.
This ceremonial system was filled with many sabbaths and holy days which
came on monthly dates, and commemorated feasts and ceremonies which pointed
forward to Christ. Many types of food and drink offerings were included
in the ceremonial system. That "Let no man therefore judge you in meat or
in drink" applies only to these things which were shadows of things to
come, is proven by the fact that the Apostolic council warned us against
Blood and things strangled, and that Paul states that a drunkard shall not
enter the kingdom of heaven.
The ten commandment law cannot be confused with this handwriting of
ordinances. They are two separate and distinct laws. Note the following
comparison:
Moral Law
Ceremonial Law
Written by God in tables of stone. Exodus 32:16
Placed inside the ark.
1 Kings 8:9
To point out sin.
Rom. 7:12
Do we make void the law through faith? Go forbid --
yea we establish the law.
Rom. 3:33
I, myself, with the mind, obey the law of God. Rom. 7:25
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal,
sold under sin.
Rom. 7:14
It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail.
Luke 16:17
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works ..... There remaineth therefore a rest (Margin, keeping of a sab- bath) unto the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works AS GOD DID FROM HIS! Heb. 4:4,9.10
If thou wilt enter into life,
keep the commandments. Matt. 19:17
Now the end of the command- ment is charity out of a pure conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto VAIN JANGLING; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say nor whereof they affirm. But WE KNOW THAT THE LAW IS GOOD if a man use it lawfully. 1 Tim. 1:5-8
Written by Moses in a book. Deut. 31:24
Placed in a pocket in the side of the ark. Deut. 31:26
Added because of sin.
Gal. 3:19
How turn ye back again
to the weak and
beggarly elements?
Gal. 4:9
Be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Gal. 2:16
Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Heb. 7:1
For there is verily a dis- annulling of the command- ments going before for the weakness and unprofitable- ness thereof. Heb. 7:18
x
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink,
or in respect of an holyday,
or of the sabbath days
WHICH ARE A SHADOW
OF THINGS TO COME.
Col. 2:16, 17
x
x
x
For the law made nothing perfect.
Heb. 7:19
Mr. Frost has tempted me to use valuable space to repeat a comparison of
the moral and ceremonial laws, by accusing me of abandoning this line of
argument. I have fallen for this seduction in the hope that a second look
at the truth might help to clear the cobwebs of confusion from his mind.
He makes a cavil as to the number of laws in existence. There are
certainly more than two. The civil law of Israel would make a third.
The purpose of this comparison is to indicate that Paul MUST be talking
about at least two different laws or else he clearly contradicts himself.
If he is then we cannot take what he says about one law and apply it to the
other one.
Seeking to add confusion to the plain truth about the covenants, Mr. Frost
raises a question as to how many covenants there are in the Bible. He
states with great assurance that Adventists maintain that there are
three. Well there are three, but there are also more than three. Even a
most superficial reading of the Bible indicates many covenants.
A few are God's covenant with Noah, that he would not destroy the earth
with a flood. His covenant with Abraham, that in his seed would all
nations of the earth be blessed. His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai,
his covenant with David that the rulers on the throne would be of his seed
until Messiah should come.
Friend Frost also wastes space on "Smith's" rule that things in the Bible
which we are to follow should be specifically pointed out. He wants
chapter and verse for this which any child should know without being
told. But if it will help any, how about Deut. 29:29? "The secret
things belong unto the Lord our God, but the THINGS WHICH ARE REVEALED
belong to us and to our children forever."
The comparison presented by my opponent as regards the laws of England, and
the United States is irrelevant, and makes no point at all. Mr. Frost
states that, "When we broke relationship with that country, we severed
responsibility to her law."
There is no indication in Scripture of this type of break with the true
Jews, or with the ten commandments. Paul tells us, "If ye are Christ's,
then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Rev. 3 :9 states that those who say they are Jews but are not, will have to
kneel before the feet of the members of the Christian Philadelphian
church. Paul tells us that the new covenant will be made with the "House
of Israel." Heb. 8:8-10 Is not cutting ourselves off from the house
of Israel and from God's ten commandment law, cutting us off also from the
benefits of the new covenant promises? Paul in Rom. 11 presents the
Gentiles as being grafted into the Israelite tree. And in verse 21, we
have this warning, "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed
lest he also spare not thee."
And they also if they abide not still in unbelief, shall
be gaffed in, for God is able to graff them in again. For if THOU wert
out of the olive tree which is WILD BY NATURE, and wert GRAFFED contrary to
nature into a GOOD OLIVE TREE: How much more shall these WHICH BE THE
NATURAL BRANCHES be graffed into their own olive tree?
For I would not brethren, that ye should be ignorant of
this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness
IN PART is happened to Israel. UNTIL the fullness of the GENTILES be COME
IN. And so all ISRAEL shall be saved, as it is written, There shall come
out of ZION the deliverer and shall turn away ungodliness from JACOB. For
THIS IS MY COVENANT unto them WHEN I shall TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS. Rom.
11:23-27.
God's covenant is an everlasting covenant. Heb. 13:20. He tells us in
Ps. 89:34, "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone
out of my lips." It is impossible for God to lie. Heb. 6:18. God
confirmed his covenant by an oath. Heb. 6:13, 17.
In verse 13 we are told that God sware unto Abraham. In making his
covenant with Abraham, we read that the Lord and Abraham each passed
between the cut carcasses of animals in confirming the oath. This was a
custom of those times to indicate that the person making it would die
before he should change or break the covenant.
Surely in all these texts there is sufficient evidence for anyone, that God
did not and will not change or abolish HIS covenant. Now WHOSE COVENANT
is it that has been abolished?
"But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is
the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon BETTER
PROMISES." Heb. 8:6. Whose promises were at fault? The covenant was a
contract or agreement between God and Israel. Surely God's promises were
not at fault. It is impossible for God to lie.
Then whose promises WERE at fault? Israel's of course. And we read this
in verse 8 of the same chapter. "For finding fault with THEM he saith,
behold the days come saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with
the HOUSE OF ISRAEL and with the HOUSE OF JUDAH."
What was this promise which the Jews failed to keep which necessitated the
drawing up of a new contract or covenant?
And he (Moses) took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of
the people: and THEY SAID, ALL THAT THE LORD HATH SAID WILL WE DO AND BE
OBEDIENT. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it upon the people, and
said, "Behold the BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, which the LORD hath made with YOU
concerning all these words. Exodus 24:7, 8.
Now, which are the BETTER PROMISES upon which the new covenant is based?
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write
them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me
a people.
The fault of the old covenant is that it was based upon the people's
promises. The contract became of no effect, when they broke them.
"Because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not saith
the Lord." Heb. 8 :9. Last Part.
God has never changed His part of the agreement. He merely wishes the
people to enter into covenant relationship with him again. And this time,
instead of being based upon the people's promises to keep his law, it will
be based upon his promise to write it in our hearts. He will enter into
this covenant with us as soon as he forgives our sins. Rom. 11 :27.
Herein we will find perfection in Christ.
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the EVERLASTING COVENANT,
make you perfect in every good work to do his will . . . Heb. 13 :20, 21.
Every one that has ever been saved, Old Testament or New, has been saved
under the NEW COVENANT provisions. We read about the old in Heb. 8:7 and
7:19 indicating that it had faults, and that it made nothing perfect. The
new covenant was also recorded in the Old Testament. See Jeremiah 31
:31-33.
Those saved in Old Testament times were saved by FAITH. Read the 11th
chapter of Hebrews. David the Psalmist was saved by GRACE. Read Rom.
4:6 also 4:13,
For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was NOT to Abraham
or to his seed THROUGH THE LAW, but through the righteousness of FAITH!
Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures (What Scriptures? New Testament was
not yet written) and they which testify of me." John 5:39. Also in Luke
24:44-48 Jesus mentions things in the Old Testament which were written
concerning him. Acts 8 :34-37: Philip preached from Old Testament
scriptures (Isa. 53) to the eunuch, and then baptized him.
Let me ask, where do our anti-sabbatarian friends go for doctrine? 2 Tim.
2:15-17 says that ALL Scripture is profitable for DOCTRINE. While
referring specifically to Old Testament Scriptures (See verse 15) Paul in
verse 16 dogmatically includes all. He doesn't say for ensamples only he
says for DOCTRINE.
It is that spirit of antichrist which will, "Seek to change times and the
law." Dan. 7:25. Shall we not return to the pure faith once given to
the saints, and have the Bible and the Bible only as our rule of faith and
practice?
Argument often does not help us as we seek to learn new truths because of
the spirit of strife that is so easily engendered. But
I would plead with my brethren of all anti-sabbath persuasions
to examine this and all other evidence on the topic prayerfully.
Be willing to do His will no matter what it might be, or what inconvenience
it might cause, and in the end you will understand
it the way Christ would have you, for "If any man will do his will,
he shall know of the doctrine . . ." John 7:17.
FROST'S SECOND NEGATIVE *
[ * See Correspondence below. ]
I rejoice to have this discussion continue. My good opponent has had over
seven months in which to prepare his second affirmative article and to deal
with my first reply. I am happy that he has had time to consult the
ablest supporters of Adventism and to otherwise thoroughly inform himself
of the Adventist cause, in that when this discussion is completed it cannot
be said that this effort does not fully represent Adventist doctrine.
Therefore, the weakness of his effort does not reflect on his ability or
preparation, but lies in the falsity of the proposition that he affirms.
With all the time at his command, I regret that he should overlook much of
my reply and continue his affirmative in many instances as if I had never
spoken.
Nevertheless, I shall take up his arguments and examine them.
David Smith endeavored in his first affirmative to prove that all of the
Old Testament is binding as part of the New unless "specifically pointed
out." In his second affirmative article he tries again to establish this
rule, for he says that Old Testament quotes "serve to indicate that the Old
Testament law was considered binding by New Testament writers." I just
wonder if he'll accept his own statement. If all of the Old Testament
quoted in the new establishes the authority of the same in the New
Testament, then he will have what he calls the "ceremonial law" as New
Testament authority. My friend is in hopeless contradiction with
himself. Anyway, I answered this argument, saying,
My opponent, knowing that the sabbath is nowhere commanded under the new
covenant, must resort to the old. But this does him no good, affirming it
is binding on Christians under the new covenant, unless he can prove that
the old law is the new law or part thereof. This he makes a feeble
attempt to do. However, all that is necessary to refute his assumption is
to prove that the old law is done away.
I then presented conclusive arguments that the Old Testament has been done
away, to which Mr. Smith has made no reply. These arguments remain
untouched and stand as a barrier against Adventism.
My friend assumes that all of the Old Testament is the New Testament
"unless specifically pointed out" as not being in the New. He is
evidently confused by the adjectives "old" and "new." Ask him for a New
Testament command and he runs to the Old and cries, ''That's new !''
Assumptions will not do. So I asked David Smith for his "rule" that
everything is IN except what is pointed OUT. He gives us Deuteronomy
29:29: "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things
which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.'' Since his
''rule'' is not a REVEALED thing (that is, not in God's Word) it must be
one of the SECRET things of God. Well, it is no longer a secret -- Smith
has told it. I am wondering, "How did you discover this secret rule of
God, Mr. Smith?" This sort of thing has every indication that the
Adventists have a new prophet! First, Ellen White, the celebrated prophet
of Adventism, "entered" heaven and received her sabbath message. Now,
David Smith has learned a SECRET thing of God. "Did you 'enter' heaven to
learn this 'rule,' Mr. Smith?" This is most interesting. Tell us more.
With reference to Hebrews 8, my opponent begs that it is the same Old
Testament law, the same ten commandments and all, given at Sinai, but given
differently is all. His point is that the covenant is the same, just
given differently. Throughout, he denies that anything is "new" about the
covenant. Well, let's see about that. Mr. Smith in his quotation jumped
from verse 8 to verse 10. Let us supply the missing ninth verse that
completely upsets his argument: "I will make a new covenant with the house
of Israel and with the house of Judah: NOT according to the covenant that I
made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead
them out of the land of Egypt." God said that this new covenant is NOT
according to the Sinaitic covenant. David Smith says that it is the same
one! Who is right about the matter, God or Smith? (Rom. 3:4) Toward
the last of his article, he argues that God's covenant is not new, only
their agreement is new. But we notice in verse 9 which Mr. Smith
overlooked that God did not refer to their agreement which they made with
him, but to the covenant which He made with them. It was the covenant
that God made that was done away. In Exodus 19 :5. God said: "If ye
will ... keep my covenant." He did not say, "If you will keep your
agreement." God said that they broke his covenant, not just their
agreement. (Heb. 8:9) So it is a "new covenant" that God has given, not
merely a new agreement. Now what was this covenant God made? Deuteronomy
4:13 says that the Lord "declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded
you to perform, even ten commandments: and he wrote them upon tables of
stone." This covenant, even the ten commandments written upon tables of
stone, Israel broke and God took away. (Heb. 8, 2 Cor. 3:7-11) Hebrews
8 stands in spite of my opponent's attempt to remove it. It stands an
impassable barrier to Adventism!
My friend Smith gets all excited when I speak of a ''new'' law.
Adventists have been under the impression that without the old Mosaic law
there can be no "law and order." But they are wrong about that, too.
As I have pointed out, some disciples were of Judaistic tendency, as my
friend Smith is, and desired to be "under the law." This matter came to
the attention of the apostles and brethren and was discussed. Peter said,
"Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" The
brethren concluded, "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went
out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye
must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such
commandment." (Acts 15:10, 24) The law was a law of bondage. (Gal.
4:24) The law was nailed to the cross: therefore, we are freed from
bondage. Col. 2:14) Now notice: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty
wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the
yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1) Those that were under the law were judged
by the law of bondage. (Rom. 2:12) But we are not judged by the law of
bondage, it having been nailed to the cross, but by the words of Christ,
the law of liberty. (John 12:48, James 2:12)
Adventists ask the question: "Are we free to commit crime since the
cross?" Of course not. Now get it:
For if the words spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and
disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if
we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the
Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. (Heb. 2:1-3)
The law has served its purpose. (Gal. 3:17-25) Christ has come, given
us the words of life, died upon the cross, and fulfilled the law. Now we
are directed in all our worship by the New Testament. (Heb. 8:6-13)
My arguments still stand untouched.
David Smith cannot understand how that a law given amid heaven's thunder
and smoke" could be done away or how a better law with better promises
could be given. The Bible was given to instruct men just like my friend
Smith. Hear the Word of God:
For we are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned
with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of
a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated
that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not
endure that which was commanded, and if so much as a beast touch the
mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: and so
terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) but
ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general
assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to
God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to
Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him
that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on
earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that
speaketh from heaven. (Heb. 12:18-25. Compare Isa. 2:3)
Let me answer Mr. Smith's question in particular. "So WHERE is the 'new
law' given . . .?" In the new covenant: that was revealed to and reported
by the apostles as written and practiced in the New Testament. (1 Pet. 1
:12, John 16:13, Eph. 3:3, Jude 3)
David Smith says that the will "had to be made BEFORE" death. How much
before? Can a man 's will be made before he is born? Yet, Adventists
would have the old Testament, given 1500 years before, the "will" of
Christ. Please, Mr. Smith, notice Hebrews 2 which thus far you have
ignored: "which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord." The will of
Christ was at the first spoken, and after his death went into effect being
"confirmed unto us by them that heard him." (1 Pet. 1:12, Luke 24:48)
Again I will ask Mr. Smith Where is the New Testament command for a
Christian to keep the sabbath?" Find it anywhere in the will of
Christ. It is not there -- "Oh, but it is in the Old Testament." We are
not under the OLD. Where is the command in the NEW? It is not there --
the Adventist church is not there -- Adventist doctrine is not there!
Noticing the statement, "Christ's will was confirmed and went into effect
at the time of his death. To add anything to it later would be forgery of
the basest sort." I ask, Are the writings of the apostles a part of the
New Testament? Are they guilty of forgery? Do they speak the truth?
Take hold of these questions and answer them in the light of your argument.
I do not know what David Smith could mean by "Sunday-keeping." If he
means worshipping, such as taking of the Lord's Supper, on Sunday, then he
is far from correct in his statement concerning it. He, himself, gives
the reference and affirms the fact of Acts 20:7. Throughout this
discussion we have had Smith versus the Bible, and now we have Smith versus
Smith ! His terminology ''sabbath-breaking'' is improper for how can one
"break" an observance no where commanded ? While on the subject, let me
ask, how is one supposed to ''keep'' the sabbath, today ?
Smith refers to Genesis 2. I have already answered his assumption. As
if I had never spoken, he continues, "If there had been no law there could
have been no sin." So, he assumes that there must have been ten in the
beginning. Every time law is mentioned, except where it says it is
"done away," Smith assumes it means the ten commandments. Tell us, Mr.
Smith, the stated command that Adam broke whereby he should die. (Gen.
2:16-17) And answer this, If man breaks any stated command of God other
than the decalogue, is he guilty, or only if he breaks the ten?
Now we pass to the sabbath and the Gentiles. I made the argument that
whatever the law says, it says to them that are under the law. The law
was given to the children of Israel and not to the Gentiles. (1 Kings
8:21, Rom. 2:14) Therefore, the Gentiles as such are not bound to the
law or to observe the sabbath. Without noticing my argument, Smith
advances Isa. 56 :2-7 in the affirmative. Let him tell us why the
Gentiles are called "strangers" and he'll answer his own argument.
"Strangers" to what? Those that embraced the Mosaic covenant, that is,
became proselytes, of course were obligated to keep the law they were
under. Where is the command for a Gentile as such to keep the sabbath?
As for Acts 13, 17, and 18 being examples of Gentiles observing the sabbath
in the New Testament, "Mr. Smith, have you ever preached on Sunday ? Did
this make you and your audience 'Sunday-keepers'?''
On Col. 2:14-16 my arguments stand untouched. I am waiting for Mr. Smith
to answer the questions I asked in my first article. He will have enough
of Col. 2 before this discussion is concluded.
Next my opponent tries to establish three laws at Sinai : moral,
ceremonial, and civil. He presents a chart that he supposes does just
that. Nevertheless, charts cannot replace scripture. I answered his
chart in the newspaper and it remains untouched. But we'll look at it
again. In the newspaper he tried to establish "two laws" at Sinai: a
"moral law" which he also calls the "law of God," and a "ceremonial law"
which he also calls "handwriting of ordinances." He makes a distinction
that God does not make. Smith speaks of the "Law of God" in contrast to
the "Ceremonial Law" which they (Adventists) sometimes call the "Law of
Moses." But notice. The Bible teaches that they are one and the same
law, and uses the expressions interchangeably.
This Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the LAW OF
MOSES . . . Ezra the priest, a scribe of the LAW OF GOD. (Ezra 7:6,
12)
The Bible teaches that God gave the law of Moses, and that Moses gave the
law of God, that is, the whole law given by Moses was by God's authority.
This Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the LAW OF
MOSES which the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL HAD GIVEN. (Ezra 7:6)
Hilkiah the priest found a book of the LAW OF THE LORD GIVEN BY MOSES. (2
Chron. 34:14)
Of course, this was in the newspaper. Why hasn't David Smith tried to
remove this barrier to his theory? He is afraid to take hold of it. His
assumption that "two" or "three" laws given at Sinai is in vain. I have
asked for the scripture and have received nothing but silence. The
apostle Paul states in Gal. 4 that there was only "ONE covenant" from
Sinai, the law. Mr. Smith says there were "three." He accuses me of
adding ''confusion to the plain truth." Now look who is adding confusion
-- let the Adventists clear it up for us. I said that Adventists teach
that "two" laws were given at Sinai. Mr. Smith clears this up and says,
not two, but THREE! Now I see. It is not a bit confusing to see that
when Paul said ONE at Sinai, he meant THREE! See how Adventists clear
away the ''confusion'' ?
I want my opponent to clear this up for us. Where does he read of "two,
or THREE" laws at Sinai? We read nothing of a ''moral law,'' and nothing
of a ''ceremonial law"; yet, these expressions are a large part of the
Adventist vocabulary. Moses spoke only of "the law"; the prophets spoke
only of "the law"; the Lord spoke only of "the law"; Paul spoke only of
"the law"; "the law" is found fifty-one times in the book of Romans,
twenty-nine times in the book of Galatians, but "the laws" not once in all
the Bible!
We have noticed that our champion of Adventism assumes the major premise in
almost every point he undertakes. I am ready to ask, do the Adventists
know that their assumptions are infallibly correct? Did not their leaders
think themselves correct when predicting the coming of Christ in 1843 and
again in 1844? Yes, but they failed both times. Is there any assurance
that their assumptions now are any more correct than they were then? For
this reason, I will not accept assumptions, but demand of Mr. Smith
scripture for all that he advances. He talks of a "ceremonial law,'' of a
''moral law,'' of "laws'' at Sinai, et cetera. Just to assume will not be
sufficient in this discussion, but ''if any man speak, let him speak as the
oracles of God." (1 Pet. 4:11) In the New Testament we have ''preach
the gospel'' fifty times, "preach Christ" twenty-three times, "preach the
word" seventeen times, "preach the kingdom" eight times, but "preach the
law" or "preach the sabbath" not once! Adventists are constantly
preaching the sabbath, while Paul in all his epistles mentions it but once,
Col. 2:16, and then condemns it!
To focus this discussion early, I am asking Mr. Smith, how much did "the
law" contain ?
Law. . . . When the word is used with the article,
and without any words of limitation, it refers . . . nine cases out of ten
to the Mosaic law, or the Pentateuch.
( Smith's Bible Dictionary )
Take a few examples: 1 Cor. 14:34 : Women ''are commanded to be under
obedience, as also sayeth the law." Where does it say it? Genesis
3:16. So Genesis is in the law. Again, Rom. 7:7: ''The law had said,
Thou shalt not covet." This refers to Exodus 20:17. So Exodus is in the
law. Again, Matt. 12:5: ''Have ye not read in the law, how that on the
sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are
blameless?" Where is this found? In Numbers 28:9. So Numbers is in
the law. Again, Matt. 22:36: "Master, which is the great commandment in
the law?" Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. So
Deuteronomy and Leviticus are in the law. Hence, the law equals the five
books of Moses, or the Pentateuch.
We are not under the law. (Rom. 6:14 and Gal. 5:18) "Christ is become
of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are
fallen from grace." One cannot keep a part of the law without becoming "a
debtor to do the whole law." (Gal. 5:1-4)
With reference to Smith's argument on Gal. 3 :29, I refer him to my
argument on the entire chapter.
Will he accept all the chapter (including verse 27)? If only he would
give some attention to my arguments. Silence has proved to be the way in
which David Smith "answers all doctrinal charges."
To what covenant does Psalms 89:34 refer? (See verse 35 and compare with
Acts 2:29-36) How well 2 Tim. 2:15 applies just here: "Study to show
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth." Smith refers to the covenant made
with Abraham. This covenant is not the Mosaic covenant. The Mosaic
covenant ''was added'' until the promise to Abraham should be fulfilled.
(If Mr. Smith had just read my first article, he would have known this.)
Next, my opponent refers to the conversion of the eunuch. He thinks that
any time one preaches from the Old Testament that he accepts and is under
the Old Law. He made this argument in his first article I have replied.
Let him consider it.
The conversion of the eunuch poses some interesting observations.
Throughout the Word reference is made to the prophets for they testified of
Jesus, being evidence that He was the Messias. Smith goes to the Old
Testament for authority; the disciples went in order to preach Jesus. The
Old is not for "eternal life" but for testimony. The Jews were like my
Adventist friends. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." Now let's see how
Phillip used the Old Testament scriptures. Did he begin in Isaiah 53 and
conclude pointing out the merits of the Old Law, proclaiming the sabbath,
as an Adventist would have done? No. He "began at the same scripture,
and preached unto him Jesus." He did not preach the merits of the Old,
but about the author of the New! David Smith would have us believe that
the eunuch was converted by the law. I ask my friend, Was the eunuch
justified by the law? Did Philip preach the law that "brought us to''
Jesus, or did he preach ''Jesus''? Why did the eunuch desire to be
baptized?
David Smith, in his attempt to establish the sabbath in the beginning, runs
headlong into Nehemiah 9 :l3-l4. "Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai
. . . and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath." In his desperation,
Smith presents Ezek. 20:5 to offset Neh. 9: "and made myself known unto
them in the land of Egypt." So, Smith asks, "Does that mean that before
he made Himself known to the Hebrews in the land of Egypt God had no
existence?" No, for we read that "In the beginning God . . ." (Gen.
1:1) Now for a parallel, my friend must find the scripture that the
''sabbath was in the beginning,'' but he can't because Jesus said that man
was made and later the sabbath. (Mark 2:27) I have shown conclusively
when. So, he has no parallel. My friend is guilty of "begging'' the
question he attempts to ''prove.'' Now, will Mr. Smith tell us whether or
not the sabbath was ''known'' to the ''children of Israel'' before Sinai,
before it was "made known" in the covenant written on tables of stone which
covenant was not made before? (Neh. 9 :13-14, Deut. 5: 2-22) The truth
remains that the sabbath was given for a sign between God and Israel.
(Ex. 31:13, 17) It was not made known before Sinai. If so, to whom?
Book, chapter and verse?
I have followed Mr. Smith's article throughout. If anything has been
overlooked, I shall be happy to take it up if he will bring it to my
attention. Now to consider some things more.
The Spirit guided the apostles into "all truth." (John 15:13) It has
been delivered once for all. (Jude 3) Paul says that if anyone preaches
any other gospel than this truth which is already delivered "let him be
accursed." (Gal. 1 :8-9) If the proposition that Christians are to keep
the sabbath is truth, then we ought to find it in the gospel that the
apostles preached. If not, a perverted gospel is preached and the
preacher stands under condemnation. Now, wherein the gospel that Paul
preached is the command for a Christian to keep the sabbath? Nowhere.
Then, what about those that teach it? They teach not the truth and are
condemned, per Galatians 1. Where do the Adventists get this doctrine
that is nowhere preached in the "gospel"? From their "prophet," Ellen G.
White. When? After "the faith" was delivered once for all. (Rom.
14:23) Notice my opponent's statement concerning Christ's will: "To add
anything to it later would be forgery of the basest sort." Adventist
doctrine, therefore, is not of the faith, truth, or gospel, but is a
doctrine that was delivered too late, and, therefore, by a false prophet,
David Smith in agreement. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out
into the world." (1 John 4:l)
I have shown that we "are not under the law," "become dead to the law,"
"delivered from the law," and that "Christ is the end of the law." (Rom.
6:14, Gal. 5:18, Rom. 7:4, 6, 10:4, Eph. 2:15) Mr. Smith has not replied
to it. Notice that this says "the law." Adventists attempt to make the
''agreement'' and ''the law" two distinct things. They claim that we are
delivered from the "agreement" but not from "the law." So notice now that
we are delivered from "the law." Which shall we believe, Adventism or the
Bible?
In the New Testament there is neither teaching nor example for Christians
to keep the sabbath. Rather we find that the disciples worshipped (not as
a sabbath) on the first day of the week as my good opponent has conceded on
Acts 20:7. (Acts 2:42)
What is the greatest commandment in the law ? Jesus said, ''Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.'' This commandment
of the law is found in Deuteronomy 6:5. "And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'' This reference is to Leviticus
19:18. The greatest commandments of the law are not even in the
decalogue. ''On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.'' (Matthew 22:37-40) All the law hangs on the greatest
commandments which are found, according to the Adventists, in what they
call the "ceremonial law" that was done away. Therefore Col. 2:14,
"nailed to the cross" -- "all the law" as of Matthew 22:40! "Therefore
let no man pass judgment on you in questions of . . . a sabbath." (Col.
2:16)
To the "$200 Text," 2 Cor. 3, David Smith has made no reply. That 2 Cor.
3 refers to the ten commandments given at Sinai, Mr. Smith has already
admitted. Verse 11 proves that it "is done away." Mr. Smith was unable
to face the force of this text against his sabbath theory, so he has
remained silent. Since this is the text claiming the $200, I think he
should deal with it. His honesty and the integrity of the SDA church are
at stake on this text -- and David Smith has surrendered it.
I asked my disputant a number of questions in my first article. Is he
afraid of them? I have asked a number in this reply. When he answers
these questions he will have the answer to his own assumptions. I am
asking that he go back and answer these questions in the light of the
arguments he made. When he chooses to take hold of the issue, this debate
will get under way.
With the old law, the old covenant, done away, where is my opponent's
command for Christians to keep the sabbath under the new covenant? I
will continue to ask for the text throughout this discussion. On this
question pivots the entire discussion. Adventism stands or falls by its
ability to produce the text!
SMITH'S THIRD AFFIRMATIVE *
[ * See Correspondence below. ]
Friend Frost is clever at finding difficulties which do not exist, by
pretending to misunderstand my statements. This is the old ''straw man"
technique. Build an imaginary fallacy out of something you pretend to see
in the other man's argument: then mercilessly tear it to pieces. Such
reasoning is fallacious, of course, but an old debater's trick.
A good example of this is Mr. Frost's play on words regarding, "Things
specifically pointed out." Every Bible student follows this rule in the
general intent including Frost himself. If the good Book doesn't say it,
we don't believe it. But friend Frost a la the old straw man trick has
wasted two pages of his manuscript space trying to prove that Smith would
establish a new rule for Bible study.
Another favorite of debaters who can't answer an argument, is to sneer at
it as if it is unworthy of notice, and then to say in a loud voice. "I
DEMAND an answer to the following questions!" This of course is an
attempt to lead the minds of his readers away from the argument he is
afraid of, and transfer their attention to his questions. I invite the
reader to candidly examine Frost's first and second negatives to see how
many times he has employed this trick. He even repeats questions already
answered hoping they will be answered two or three times while his opponent
wastes valuable space. The affirmative has asked very few questions,
seeking not to take advantage in any way, but evidently the opposition
doesn't think questions important, as even these few have not all been
answered.
While this debate is stated in the proposition to be on the Sabbath issue,
friend Frost digresses to introduce new topics. He seeks also to debate
on whether Mrs. E. G. White is a true prophet, and to poke fun at Wm.
Miller's prophecies of the end of the world. Evidently he cannot find
sufficient material to support his contentions by staying with the subject
of the proposition, and in his desperation must go far afield.
Frost's statement that Seventh-day Adventists received the sabbath doctrine
from Mrs. E. G. White is false. I hope this false statement stems from
ignorance rather than a desire to deceive. The facts happen to be that
the group who later were called Seventh-day Adventists, learned the Sabbath
truth from the Seventh-day Baptists, who in turn, trace their origin to
some of the Moravian and Waldensian groups who had kept the sabbath since
apostolic times.
Rachel Preston, a Seventh-day Baptist, first introduced the sabbath idea
among the Adventists. Among the first of these to believe the sabbath
binding on Christians under the new covenant, was Joseph Bates, a retired
sea captain. He and many others believed and taught it before it was
accepted by Mrs. White. The Bible prophets did not have everything
revealed to them at once, but learned God's will a step at a time. You
will recall that Peter and Paul were in sharp disagreement at one time, and
Peter was wrong -- and this after Pentecost, too. And so it was with Mrs.
White and the Sabbath. She did not see it until after others had been
teaching it for many months.
The statement that the end of the world was predicted by Seventh-day
Adventists is another false statement. They were organized in 1860 and
have never set a date for the end of the world. They trace their ancestry
through the ancient Christians of Europe to the times of the apostles, and
are calling the world to return to the original faith once given to the
saints. The organization in 1860 as a holy society dedicated to the
carrying of the gospel to all the world is in harmony with the instruction
of Matt. 28:18-20.
At the time of the first expected end of the world in 1843 Mrs. White was
still a young girl, who would reach the age of 16 in November of that
year. At the second disappointment in November of '44 she had barely
turned 17. Mrs. White (then Ellen Harmon) made no claims as to receiving
visions from heaven until after this time. The Harmon family had been
members of the METHODIST church until 1843. They were influenced by Wm.
Miller's teaching, and were disappointed when Christ did not come as
expected. LATER when Mrs. White began to have visions and to write and
teach she taught and wrote extensively against date setting, saying that no
man knows the day or hour of Christ's return. (Matt. 24:36)
Wm. Miller, who predicted the end of the world in 1843 and 1844 was in no
sense a Seventh-day Adventist. He rejected the teaching of Joseph Bates
and others about the sabbath. Wm. Miller died believing Sunday to be the
only day of religions significance. In this sense we might say he was a
bit akin to Mr. Frost and his fellow believers, BUT -- can we blame them --
or any other religious group -- for HIS predictions about the end of the
world?
It is disappointing that friend Frost ignores and sneers at the plainest
Bible texts, and resorts to personal attacks and malignments and scurrilous
statements instead. It has made me feel that the debate wasn't worth
continuing on that sort of a basis. However he has cried so loud that the
integrity of Adventism is at stake, that I have decided to write this one
more article.
Really it is difficult to see that anything is at stake. No one is
excited except Frost. And why he should be is a matter of wonder unless
it is because he is uncertain of his own position. Grandly he wrote that
before the last article I had opportunity to consult the ablest leaders of
Adventism, and 7 months for most labored preparation. What makes him
think his attacks are worthy of such notice or concern, I do not know.
The writer of the affirmative happens to be a busy person with many more
things to do than preach once or twice a week and argue with other
ministers. In order to carry on this debate in even as tardy a manner as
I have done, I have had to hold back work which I am far more interested
in. I have articles waiting which were started before this debate, and
the editor of the religious magazine who requested them is still waiting,
while I spend time on this business. I pray to God that it may be of some
service somewhere, and that some honest person may read all three of my
articles supporting the sabbath prayerfully, not taking what Frost tries to
make me say in his attacks, but what is actually stated in the context of
the articles themselves.
In my second affirmative I gave the New Testament regulations as to how a
Christian should keep the Sabbath now. In Frost's second negative he
again asks this question. Evidently here was at least two pages of my
argument that he skipped reading.
Frost cries that his "conclusive" arguments that the Old Testament has been
done away have not been replied to. He forgets among other things 2 Tim.
3:15-17. He acknowledged it in his first negative with, "Smith makes a
feeble attempt with 2 Tim. 3:16.'' Well Smith may make a feeble attempt
but 2 Tim. 3:16 is a MIGHTY text. It stands as an impassable barrier
against the teachings of Alexander Campbell and his followers.
Shall we not notice again what it says? ALL SCRIPTURE is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for DOCTRINE . . . (Mr. Frost gets
his doctrines from the New Testament only) FOR REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS." Do you, Mr. Frost, get any instruction in
righteousness from the Old Testament?
No, you don't. You use it for "ensamples" for inspiration and information
only. But this isn't what the BIBLE SAYS you should do. WHEN WILL YOU
START FOLLOWING THE BIBLE?
Friend Frost feels that Hebrews 8 is a barrier to Seventh-day Adventists.
Let me enlighten him. Not only is it not a barrier -- it is part of our
doctrine. We teach it and preach it. We find no barriers in the
Bible: it is our creedbook. We are not like other churches who have
trouble with this text or that one. We teach what the good Book SAYS even
if it is inconvenient. This is the reason why we are willing to be
different from the rest of the world and go to the inconvenience of
observing the seventh day of the week, or Saturday as the Sabbath.
And the reason other ministers malign us and misrepresent us I sometimes
think is because they are afraid we might be right, and IT BOTHERS THEM.
I eliminated verse 9 of Hebrews 8 in my former argument to save space, and
not because I found anything damaging in it. If we included every verse
in the chapters we are discussing this argument would take many volumes.
But simply because I skipped it Frost feels there must be something in it
that I am afraid of, and has seized upon it gleefully, boastfully hoping
that somewhere in it is a barrier to Adventism.
But where is it? Certainly not in the phrase, "Not according to the
covenant which I made with their fathers, etc." This is simply a
continuation of the explanation in the foregoing verses, which state that a
better covenant would be made upon better promises and that God found fault
with them, the Children of Israel. This in no way effects my original
contention that a covenant is an agreement, and that the Lord sought to
make a new covenant or agreement with the children of Israel.
Frost continues to play on words saying,
God said, "If ye will keep my covenant." He did not say, "If you will
keep your agreement."
This argument is absolutely laughable. Has friend Frost never looked up
the word "covenant" in the dictionary? Mine says, "An agreement entered
into by two or more persons or parties: a compact."
God said, "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone
out of my lips." God keeps his agreements with people. But the people
broke theirs with God. "Finding fault with THEM he saith I will make a
new covenant with the house of Israel," etc. Verse 6 says Jesus is the
mediator of a better covenant established upon better PROMISES.
This word "promises" is the clue to the difference in the covenants
according to the Bible itself. The new one was to be established upon
better promises. Whose promises had to do with the old covenant? Ex.
24:7, "AND he took the book of the COVENANT and read in the audience of the
people: and they said ALL THAT THE LORD HATH SAID WILL WE DO AND BE
OBEDIENT. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and
said behold the blood of the COVENANT WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE WITH YOU
concerning THESE WORDS."
Here is the people's promise and you know that they broke it. Now the
Lord said the new Covenant would be established upon BETTER PROMISES.
Who makes the promises of the new covenant? Heb. 8:10 "For this is the
covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days SAITH
THE LORD: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their
hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."
The first covenant was on the PEOPLE's promise. The second covenant is
GOD'S promise. So it is a better covenant based upon better promises as
Heb. 8:6 says.
Friend Frost tells us that the law was given for the Jews only, and that
Gentiles were not bound to keep the sabbath. Has he noticed Romans,
chapters 3 and 4? Rom. 4 :15 tells us that where no law is there is no
transgression. And yet Rom. 3:9 tells us that both Jews and Gentiles are
under sin, and verse 19 says, "Now we know that what things soever the law
sayeth it sayeth to them that are under the law: that EVERY mouth may
become stopped, and ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD."
''Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law:
for I had not known lust, except the law had said thou shalt not covet."
Rom. 7 :7
''For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.'' Rom. 6:23
Do we see now how the law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ?
Without it there would be no sin, no death penalty, no need of a Savior.
Everyone who admits that he needs Jesus for salvation admits that the law
is still binding. Everyone who thinks sinners are lost admits that the
law is still binding. The law shows us that we are sinners under the
death penalty, then we turn to Jesus for the Salvation he offers.
Mr. Frost uses the terms ''old law'' and ''new law.'' Where does he find
these in Scripture? Is he not speaking where the Bible is silent?
Now for the question on the greatest commandment in the law. Can it be
that Mr. Frost does not know that to love God with all our hearts is the
summing up of the first four commandments -- for these have to do with our
duty to God -- and loving our neighbor with all our hearts is the summing
up of the last six? On the last six we find this pointed out specifically
in Rom. 13:8-10.
It has been asked which commandment Adam broke. How about number eight,
''Thou shalt not steal?'' Gen. 2: 16, 17 God told Adam he could eat of
all the other trees, but this one was forbidden. He wasn't even to touch
it.
How about also the sixth commandment, ''Thou shalt not kill?'' God had
said that they would die if they should eat of this tree. By disobeying
they brought death upon themselves and the human race. Is not suicide --
even slow suicide -- a breaking of the sixth commandment ?
How about the first commandment which says, "Thou shalt have no other gods
before me?" Satan had told them to eat the fruit. God had said not to
eat of it. They obeyed Satan in preference to God. Was this not having
other gods BEFORE Him?
So here we see 3 of the commandments plainly transgressed by Adam and
Eve. This is in harmony with what Paul tells us in Rom. 5:13 "For until
the law sin was in the world, BUT SIN IS NOT IMPUTED WHEN THERE IS NO
LAW." Verse 14 refers to "Adam's transgression." Adam could not have
had a transgression if there were no law for, "Sin is the transgression of
the law." 1 John 3:4.
Another question asked by Frost is, "If man breaks any stated command of
God other than the decalogue, is he guilty, or only if he breaks the ten?"
One cannot break any other stated command of God without breaking one of
the ten. These ten rules stated in the briefest form, cover the whole
field of human conduct. It is not just the bare latter (sic) of the law
that we are to keep, but the spirit of it. Jesus indicated this in his
sermon on the mount. As in the seventh commandment, he said even one who
should look upon a woman lustfully commits adultery in his heart. As to
the 6th against murder, he said even he that hateth his brother is a
murderer. The prohibitions against swearing did not just include use of
God's name as such. "Swear not by the heaven for it is God's throne,
neither by the earth for it is his footstool." Matt. 5:34, 35.
Eating too much or otherwise abusing one's stomach might be the breaking of
the first commandment according to Paul in Phil. 3:19, "Whose god is their
belly." Sometimes we break more than one commandment at a time as Prov.
30 :9 states. "Lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in
vain." Surely a person who calls himself a Christian and then steals, is
taking God's name in vain. Jas. 2 :10 tells us that if we break one
commandment we break all.
And how could one hold back in tithes and offerings without being guilty of
breaking commandment number 8? Mal. 3 :8 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye
have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings."
How could we disobey any command of God without breaking commandment number
1? Would we not be having other gods before him, even if that god was
our own self-will? Could that not be a god as easily as our stomach as
Paul mentions in Phil. 3:19?
Mr. Frost asks for the command for the Gentiles to keep the Sabbath. He
got it. Isa. 56:2-7. He makes a quibble about the word "strangers"
but admits it is used of Gentiles. Enough said. He got his text.
Mr. Frost complains that his argument on Col. 2:14-17 remains untouched.
I didn't know he had an argument. The things I said about this text still
stand, too. Go back and read them in affirmatives one and two. Perhaps
friend Frost thinks he had something where he wrote in, "Holydays (yearly)
or of the new moon (monthly) or of the sabbath days (weekly)." But this
is interpolation. Would he add to the sacred words of Scripture and
risk the plagues of Rev. 22:18? Actually as all Bible students know the
yearly, monthly, and weekly feasts were all called "Sabbaths.'' The day
of atonement (yearly) was a Sabbath. Lev. 23:23-32.
Friend Frost is aghast because I refer to the civil, ceremonial, and moral
laws. It is too bad that he hasn't an analytical enough mind to notice
this. He informs me that the Pentateuch is referred to as the law.
Correct! Sometimes even more than the Five books of Moses is referred to
as the law. Note where Jesus says, "Is it not written in your law, I said
ye are gods?'' Here he quotes from Psalm 82:6, which would also include
Psalms in the law. The whole Old Testament is referred to as the law and
the prophets.
But there are also many laws in the law which is the five books of Moses.
Note this statement, "And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to
keep my commandments and my LAWS?" (plural) Well, do I have Bible for it,
or don't I? (Ex. 16:28)
Oh yes, another question on Col. 2:16. Mr. Frost wishes to know the
significance of the word "days" in italics. The text should read
literally according to Robertson, the great Greek scholar, "Or of
sabbaths."
That these things mentioned in Col. 2:14-17 are limited, I have already
proven in former arguments. It does not finish the sentence at the end of
verse 16 but goes on, "or of the Sabbath days which are a shadow of things
to come." The handwriting of ordinances having to do with all those
things which were a shadow of things to come were abolished.
They are still useful to us to study as they are some of the proofs of the
divinity of Christ. But since they were no longer pointing forward at the
time of his death, they came to an end, and the vail in the temple was rent
from top to bottom.
The ten commandments were not shadows of things to come. They are simply
a summing up of the law of God's government. They indicate a situation
which will always exist. We will even keep the Sabbath in heaven
according to Isa. 66:22, 23.
1 John 5:2, 3 tells us, By this we know that we love the children of God,
when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God
that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous."
The same text next shows that this can only be done through faith in
Christ. See verses 4 and 5.
Rev. 14:12 tells us, "Here is the patience of the saints, here are they
that keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus."
2 Cor. 3 is mentioned again, and this is the text with which friend Frost
claims he has a right to the $200. (However I wonder if he really thinks
he has a claim to this money, since he did not show his face at the meeting
at which I advertised I would give it away.)
He states in his first negative,
"The ministration of death, written and graven in stones was glorious."
What happened to it? Is done away.
The ministration of death is done away WHENEVER the ministration of the
spirit, which is more glorious takes over. Here is the experience of
every Christian, his life before the new birth is compared to Old Testament
glory; the converted life to the glory of the gospel dispensation.
That Paul is using this to refer to personal experience is indicated in
verse 4, "And such trust have WE through Christ to God-ward" and in verse
12, "Seeing then that we have such hope we use great plainness of speech,"
and verse 18, "But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory
of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.
Do you see it? We are changed from the lesser glory of condemnation to
the greater glory of the ministration of the spirit. It is not something
back in history, it is something that happens to us now. We ARE CHANGED
(present tense) from glory to glory.
Let me ask Mr. Frost where in 2 Cor. 3 does it say that the ten
commandments are abolished or done away? Read it 100 times and see if you
can find it. If it said that I not only would hand over the $200, I would
quit being a Seventh-day Adventist today.
It only indicates that the ministration of death was to be done away. Let
me ask has the ministration of death been done away? People are still
dying. It is done away by promise when the ministration of the spirit
takes over in our hearts.
WHEN is the ministration of death done away once and for all?
"SO when this corruptible shall have put on INCORRUPTION and this mortal
shall have put on IMMORTALITY, THEN shall be brought to pass the saying
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. 15:54.
Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets, I
am not come to destroy but to fulfill.'' In this text the words destroy
and fulfill are used in contrast to one another as if they have opposite
meanings. But some would have us believe they mean the same thing, that
when Christ fulfilled the law he destroyed it, but He says, I am NOT come
to destroy.
How is the law fulfilled? By keeping it. But someone asks, can you
prove that Jesus kept the law? Yes I can. Note this, "If ye keep my
commandments ye shall abide in my love, even as Ihave kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10.
Is fulfilling the law keeping the law? Note Rom. 13:8-10. Here Paul is
listing some commandments that have to do with our duty to our neighbor.
Those against killing, stealing, false witness, and coveting are mentioned
in verse 9. In verse 10 he says, love worketh no ill to his neighbor
THEREFORE love is the fulfilling of the law.
In other words if we love our neighbor, we won't kill him, we won't run off
with his wife, we won't steal his money. If we love him we will fulfill
the law. And Jesus said he was not come to destroy the law but to fulfill
it. That puts it in a new light, doesn't it? (Matt. 5:17)
"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law
to fail.'' Luke 16:17.
Jesus expected that the Sabbath would still be a Christian institution, to
be enjoyed by his followers 40 years after his death. It was to be a
blessing and not a burden. "The sabbath was made for man and not man for
the Sabbath." And that the happiness of this day should not be marred by
the terrors of war, he advised his disciples in his prophecy of the
destruction of Jerusalem, "Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter,
neither on the Sabbath day.'' Matt. 24:20.
The city of Jerusalem was not destroyed until 70 A.D. Some years ago a
minister of another faith argued that the gates would be locked on the
Sabbath, and that this was the reason for Christ's words. He quoted from
Nehemiah, at whose insistence the gates were locked for a time to hinder
commercial traffic on the Sabbath.
There is nothing to indicate that the gates were locked in Christ's time.
We find He and the disciples entering and leaving the city at will, but
just to make certain, I asked Rabbi David Cohen of Las Vegas if the Jews
were imprisoned in the city, and could not escape if an attack came on the
Sabbath. He stated that this was not the case, and that even if trade
were forbidden, individuals would be permitted to enter and leave the city.
So in Matt. 24:20 we have evidence that the Sabbath should continue to be a
day of meaning to Christians 40 years after his death.
In Luke 23:54-56 we have an example of the Sabbath being observed by his
followers after his death. "And they returned and prepared spices and
ointments, and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment."
In Heb. 4 we find a direct command for Sabbath observance. It is not in
verses 7 and 8 as some believe. I have known people to start keeping the
Sabbath because they understood it to read, "for if Jesus had given them
rest, then would he NOT afterward have spoken of another day."
But of course this is evidently not the intent of the text unless it has a
double meaning. In the Greek language, Jesus and Joshua are the same
name, Joshua merely being the Hebrew form. Most Bible scholars believe
that it should read "Joshua" here instead of "Jesus."
The children of Israel entered the land of Canaan in Joshua's time, and
they thought that they would here find rest from their wanderings. But
Paul says they did not find the spiritual soul rest which they should have
found. "Again he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so
long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice harden not your
hearts.
For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he (David) not afterward have
spoken of another day." When did he do this? By saying "Today, if ye
will hear his voice, etc."
Now for the text which DOES command Christians to observe the sabbath: Heb.
4:10, 11. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from
his own works AS GOD DID FROM HIS!" How did God cease from his? Verse
4 ''For he spake in a certain place of the 7th day on this wise, AND GOD
DID REST THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS."
Where is our definite command? Heb. 4:11 "LET US LABOR THEREFORE TO
ENTER INTO THAT REST!"
What rest? "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased
from his own works as God did from his." Verse 10.
"If they believe not Moses and the Prophets they WOULD not believe even
though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:31.
In view of the foregoing texts, as well as the whole tenor of Scripture
teaching, I must continue to affirm that the seventh day of the week, or
Saturday, is the Sabbath which is binding upon Christians under the new
covenant.
FROST'S THIRD NEGATIVE
I am most pleased that David Smith decided to reply to my second negative
article so that we may continue our investigation into the claims made by
that institution known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mr. Smith has
made a number of personal charges that deserve no reply -- my articles are
my defense. I will let the reader decide whether I have gone after Mr.
Smith personally or whether it is his doctrine that is suffering. If Mr.
Smith feels hard hit when his doctrine is exposed, I have no apology to
make. I refuse to be sidetracked from my task of exposing the
fallaciousness of sabbatarianism by his complaints.
I am happy to note that my opponent's services are in such demand by his
brethren indicating that he is certainly qualified to represent the
Seventh-day Adventist Church in this discussion. When this discussion is
completed it cannot be said that the weakness of my opponent's contention
and that of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is because of the man: the
weakness is in the entire system. As I say these things, I want Mr. Smith
and all of my Adventist friends to know that this investigation is prompted
not by any hate but by love for souls. Falsehoods will damn the soul:
only truth can make one free. Because of the false teachings propagated
by this false institution which was established by a false prophet, I have
met the challenge of David Smith with the prayer that the truth will lead
him and all from the error of what is generally called Adventism.
Mr. Smith made three charges relative to this discussion in the opening
paragraphs of his reply. First, he accuses me of building a "straw man"
in reference to his rule. He begs that the "rule" in question is one that
I follow. I deny it. The rule in question is whether we are to follow
all the Old Testament except specific portions mentioned in the New as no
longer binding. The truth of the matter is that the Old Law was nailed to
the cross, and under the new covenant we are directed by what the Lord says
do. We are not at liberty to go beyond and add any of the old to the
new. Mr. Smith's rule, and I do not follow it, is that we are under all
the old testament except for parts specifically mentioned not to follow:
"All Old Testament rules no longer binding under the old covenant are
specifically pointed out in the New Testament." It is not enough that God
said we are not under the law -- David Smith demands that God mention every
part and specifically say that we are not under this "part," nor this
"part," nor this . . . et cetera. This is David Smith's rule and it is
not found in God's revealed word. God doesn't have to name every part of
the law abolished. When He said the law is done away, that included all
of its parts. Mr. Smith, you ought to be ashamed of falsely accusing me
of misrepresenting your position, and then trying to ''saddle'' me with
it! This is your position and if it is a "straw man" set on fire,
remember that you built it!
Second, I am accused of asking questions to waste my friend's space. Such
is not true. The questions I have asked have been for the purpose of
clarifying the position taken by my opponent and to bring it into full
view. The reason he objects to these questions is because if he attempts
to answer them the reader will see the falsity of his arguments (as I will
point out through this article). My friend is afraid of these
questions. If this is not the case, let him try to answer them.
Thirdly, Mr. Smith thinks I lack sufficient material to meet the Adventist
theory of sabbatarianism and accuses me of leaving the subject to debate
whether Mrs. White was a true prophet, et cetera. My friend, you are
mistaken. I have a Bible that's full of material to meet the attack of
Adventism. It is true that I would like to debate my friend on the
propositions involving the "calling" of Mrs. White and the "origin" of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church, but in another discussion. He may accept
this notice as an invitation to do just that. But I predict that he will
have had enough of defending Adventism before this present debate is
finished. I have not gone afield when I point out that the Adventists
adopted the sabbath because of Mrs. White. But it is Mr. Smith who takes
up five paragraphs in defense of the Seventh-day Adventists. I am
prepared to point out that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is of man and
not of God if Mr. Smith will agree to a discussion on this subject. In
answer to Mr. Smith's present defense of its origin, I will quote a
Seventh-day Adventist in reply. Not only am I misinformed according to
David Smith but also "Elder A. T. Jones, Battle Creek, Mich., U.S.A.
(Seventh-day Adventist)" in the Popular and Critical Bible Encyclopedia,
Vol. 1, p. 62. Mr. Jones affirms that Seventh-day Adventists are the same
Adventists connected with the prophetic failure of 1840-44.
Strictly speaking, the denomination of Seventh-day Adventists originated in
1845. A large number who at that time, or shortly afterward, became
Seventh-day Adventists were formerly Adventists. They had been actively
connected with the great Advent movement of 1840-44.
Mr. Smith is wrong on his facts about the Baptists, too. But all of these
things we can straighten out in the discussion that I propose.
The first text that Mr. Smith brings to our attention is 2 Tim. 3:15-17.
He says that I acknowledged the text in my first negative with, "Smith
makes a feeble attempt with 2 Tim. 3:16." Is that what I had to say about
2 Tim. 3:15-17 in my first negative? I suggest that we go back and read
the first negative. I did more than acknowledge -- and he hasn't replied
to what I did say except to "sneer" at what the Bible said! Where does my
friend get the Old Testament for New Testament authority? Not from 2 Tim.
3:15-17. It doesn't say one thing about "authority." The word
"doctrine" is from the Greek didaskalia and means, "teaching, instruction ;
teaching i.e., that which is taught, doctrine." (Thayer's Greek-English
Lexicon). Mr. Smith says, "Mr. Frost gets his doctrine from the New
Testament only." That is not so! Why, I have taught my friend a lot
from the Old Testament in this discussion. If he had read my first
negative a bit more carefully he would have noticed that I said (about 2
Tim. 3:15-16), "Certainly, the Old Testament is true and ought to be taught
. . ." I teach the Old Testament in just the way that Paul has
instructed.
Next, my friend asks, "Do you, Mr. Frost get any instruction in
righteousness from the Old Testament?" Yes, I do. Now, let me ask Mr.
Smith a question (and I'll let him answer it). Do you accept "ALL
Scripture" for the dogma and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church? Don't dodge the question and make excuses, but tell us whether or
not the Adventist church accepts all scriptures -- including of course that
which you call the "ceremonial law" -- as the principles, belief, or dogma
of the Adventist church?
Mr. Smith claims that 2 Tim. 3:16 "stands as an impassable barrier against
the teachings of Alexander Campbell and his followers.'' Maybe so, I can
be no judge of that since I have not read Mr. Campbell's teachings. He'll
have to confront the followers of the man to find out. Since he has
mentioned this before, I had better inform him that he is not debating a
follower of Alexander Campbell, but a follower of Jesus the Christ. And
no doubt about this for I wear His name in the name Christian as a member
of the church of Christ. I do not follow any man, nor a day, nor a theory
about the Lord's advent. Hence, I am not a ''Millerite, '' a
''Seventh-Day'' this or that, or an "Adventist." I believe in doing as
Peter instructs, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of
God.'' (1 Pet. 4:11).
Next, my good friend takes up Hebrews 8. Feeling the force of the ninth
verse he tries to smooth it over, but it still stands against his
teaching. God said:
I will make a new covenant . . . NOT according to the covenant that I made
with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out
of the land of Egypt.
What was this covenant? Mr. Smith thinks it only the agreement made by
the people. But their agreement to keep the contract is of necessity
something different from the contract itself. Now notice:
And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten
commandments. (Exodus 34:28)
God's covenant, the ten commandments, and their keeping (agreement) are two
things. What was God's covenant? The agreement of the people as Mr.
Smith teaches? No, "even ten commandments." (Deut. 4:13) "There was
nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at
Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they
came out of the land of Egypt." (1 Kings 8:9) This is not so
"laughable" after all. (Who talks about others "sneering" at the Bible?)
Mr. Smith doesn't believe there is anything new about the new covenant.
In fact, he states that "The new covenant was recorded in the Old
Testament. See Jeremiah 31:31-33." But Jeremiah says (as quoted in Heb.
8), "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant
. . ." Jeremiah said in the old testament that the new covenant was not
yet made, but the days come. I can't accept both David Smith and
Jeremiah. And Jeremiah was inspired . . .
Again our disputant says, "Everyone that has ever been saved, Old Testament
or New, has been saved under the New Covenant provisions." I challenge
Mr. Smith to prove this assumption. He shows that under the old that men
were saved by grace and faith (and this, incidentally, is not the law).
But where in all the Old is the command given for man to "repent" and "be
baptized" in the "name of Christ for the remission of sins?" Luke 24:47
says that this should be preached beginning at Jerusalem! This was not
done until Pentecost, AD 33, per Acts 2!
Now we notice in verse 7 of Hebrews 8, "For if that first covenant had been
faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." "Then
verily the first covenant had ordinances of divine service . . . and the
tables of the covenant." (9:1,4) "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy
will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the
second." (10:9) Christ "took it out of the way, nailing it to his
cross." (Col. 2:14) We are not under the law." (Rom. 6:14, Gal.
5:18) "We are delivered from the law." (Rom. 7:6) "Christ is the end
of the law.'' (Eph. 2: 15) "There is made of necessity a change also of
the law.'' (Heb. 7:12).
Next, Mr. Smith passes on to the origin of the law. He argues that since
sin is transgression of law (Rom. 4:15), and all have sinned, the ten
commandments must have been given in the beginning and, hence, to Jew and
Gentiles. Such logic! Of course there was law in the beginning: God's
Word is law. But the law in the beginning was not the ten commandments!
Moses said, "The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord
made not this covenant with our fathers." (Deut. 5:2-3) In chapter four
of the same book, "the Lord thy God in Horeb declared unto you his
covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he
wrote them upon two tables of stone." Now, David Smith needn't tell us
that the ten commandments were given from the beginning. God's Word says
not so! Adventists assume that law in Rom. 4:15 means the ten
commandments. Remember, I asked Mr. Smith if every time law is mentioned,
it refers to the ten commandments? I also asked if God has any law
besides the ten commandments. Here is why David Smith objects to
questions: they expose him. If he admits that Law means other than the
ten commandments, he must give up his assumption on Rom. 3 and 4. But if
he says law always means the ten commandments, he must admit that the
decalogue and not the ''ceremonial law" (the imaginary law of Adventism)
has been done away. Either horn of the dilemma he takes exposes him. So
what does he do? Complain about being asked questions. But it doesn't
make any difference how he answers, God's Word says that the ten
commandments were not given before Horeb! And Smith himself in grappling
with Gal. 3 lets this truth get by: "There was obviously more than one law
given in the Old Testament." Well now, how can you know that the law that
Adam and Eve broke was the ten commandment law and not some other law, Mr.
Smith, since there was obviously more than this one law in the Old
Testament? I know that it was not the ten commandment law. First,
because Moses said the decalogue was not established before Horeb, or Mount
Sinai. Second, because God tells what command Adam broke whereby he
should die. I asked Mr. Smith to tell us this stated command that Adam
broke. Our Adventist champion went around the command God mentioned to
"prove" that Adam broke a command that God hadn't given. I gave Mr. Smith
the answer to my question when I asked the question. Too bad he didn't
notice it. It would have saved him a lot of "fixing." The stated
command that Adam broke is found in Genesis 2:16-17, "And the Lord God
commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely
eat: but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of
it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." I
would ask Mr. Smith if this is commandment
one-two-three-four-five-six-seven-eight-nine-ten of the decalogue, but he'd
probably complain.
My disputant refers to Rom. 7:7 in his "fixing" of the decalogue in the
beginning: "I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust,
except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." "What law," Mr. Smith
asks. "Is it that contains the rule against coveting? . . . the ten
commandments -- the law that at Sinai was graven in tables of stone by the
finger of God." Has Mr. Smith noticed that Paul says of this law in the
preceding verse: ''But now we are delivered from the law?" Delivered from
the ten commandments according to David Smith.
Mr. Smith thinks that Isaiah 56 :2-7 fulfills my request for the command
for Gentiles as such to keep the sabbath. But I showed him in my second
negative that the text does not teach what he assumes. Now he says I made
a "quibble." But did he attempt to show us wherein it was a "quibble?"
No wonder he passes hurriedly on. I'm still waiting for the text that
commands a Gentile as such to keep the sabbath as Mr. Smith assumes they
were given.
In his second affirmative, Mr. Smith reasoned that the new covenant brings
the Gentiles into Israel and subjects them to this law of ten
commandments. Yet, he reasons that the ten commandments were given to all
(Jew and Gentiles) from the beginning. My opponent is confused.
Rom. 2:14 ought to settle the point as to the law being given to the
Gentiles, unless he "sneers at the plainest Bible texts." "For when the
Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the
law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves."
My opponent next mentions the law which is our schoolmaster (Galatians
3). Smith tells us in his second article that the law "added" was the
"ceremonial law." But then he says that this law was "in effect" in the
time of Cain and Abel. But this could not possibly be, because Gal. 3:17
states that the law was not given until 430 years after the promise was
given to Abraham. How could this so called "ceremonial law" have been
given to Cain and Abel if it was the law added, given 430 years after
Abraham? (I suppose Mr. Smith will complain about this question, also.)
My good friend is confused. The truth of the matter is that Paul did not
say the ''ceremonial law" was added (and Mr. Smith hasn't given any
scripture that mentions this imaginary law). Paul said that "the covenant
. . . the law . . . was added because of transgressions, till the seed
should come." (Gal. 3:17-19) This covenant given 430 years after was
the covenant given at Sinai, even the ten commandments. (Deut. 4:13)
In his first article Mr. Smith calls the ten commandments the "law
added." In his second article he calls the "ceremonial law" the law
added. Which time did he tell the truth? (He needn't answer this
question.) In the newspaper he says that the ten commandments are done
away in the experience of those who accept Jesus. But in his second
article he says that the ten commandment covenant is not made until our
sins are forgiven. Which time did he tell the truth? Again: In
article one, Mr. Smith said,
Neither will the enemies of the law clean up their sinful hearts by trying
to show it abolished. WE NEED IT. The law is our schoolmaster to bring
us to Christ.
In his second article, referring to the law as our schoolmaster, he asks,
Now what is the law that came later, which was added because of
transgressions? This is the ceremonial law.
According to David Smith's unguarded arguments, Adventists are involved in
a hopeless contradiction. He says that this ''ceremonial law'' was added,
it our schoolmaster. Then he says, "WE NEED IT." We need the
"ceremonial law" to bring us to Christ according to Smith. But then he
contradicts himself saying that this is the law which was nailed to the
cross. We need it, but Jesus took it away! Such logic. But such is
the predicament in which one finds himself when he tries to defend the
''doctrines of men."
I want to give some time now to a comparison of the "Moral Law'' and
"Ceremonial Law" as Adventists try to make the distinction in the law.
Mr. Smith has ignored all of my arguments relative to this ''fixing'' of
THE law. If he wants to ignore them, that's up to him, but the reader
will know that they remain unanswered.
The following is a compilation of the two charts presented by Mr. Smith
with the investigation. This is supposed to be the ''Moral Law'' in
existence, in force, now.
(1) It was spoken by God, Deut. 4:12-13.
And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire . . . and he
declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten
commandments ; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
This is the law, the covenant, that God has changed. It is not in force
today. God said, "I will make a new covenant . . . not according to the
covenant that I made with their fathers," even ten commandments. Instead
of proving that the ten commandments are in force today, this reference
proves that they are not in force but are done away in the covenant that
God changed! God's Word doesn't say what Mr. Smith's chart would have it
say. In fact, God contradicts the chart!
(2) Written with the finger of God, Ex. 31:18, 32:16.
This is the ten commandments written on tables of stone. Instead of
showing the ten commandments in force today, 2 Cor. 3 :7 says, "the
ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious,'' and
verse 11, "for if that which is done away was glorious . . ." This proves
that Mr. Smith's chart is incorrect and shows how the Adventists wrest the
scriptures to fit their theory.
(3) Placed in ark, Deut. 10:1-5, 1 Kings 8:9. 1 Kings 8:9 says,
There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put
there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel,
when they came out of the land of Egypt.
Again, we refer to Heb. 8:9 to show that this is the covenant that God
changed. (See also Heb. 10:9)
(4) Perfect, Psalms 19:7.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
"Law" means here "direction, teaching." The "teaching" of the Lord is
perfect. I wonder if Mr. Smith believes this. Is the "law of Moses" (as
the Adventists call part of "the law") perfect? God gave it. Though
God's teaching is plain and complete to the end for which it is given, it
was not designed in the old covenant to bring to the end (goal) proposed.
(Heb. 7:19) Rather, "by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that
are sanctified." (Heb. 10:14)
(5) Stand fast forever, Psalms 111:7-8.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are
sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and
righteousness.
If this proves that the ten commandments are in force today, it also
includes what the Adventists call the "ceremonial law'' because David said
"all" his commandments. Compare with Heb. 2:2-3.
(6) Not destroyed by Christ, Matt. 5:17.
(7) Easier for heaven and earth to pass away. Luke 16:17.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come
to destroy, but to fulfill. (Matt. 5:17)
I pointed out in my last article that the law refers to the five books of
the Pentateuch. With this David Smith has agreed. Now Jesus said I am
not come to destroy "the law, or the prophets," that is, the whole Old
Testament according to the admission of Mr. Smith. This means that if the
ten commandments were not nailed to the cross when fulfilled, then none of
the Old Testament was. This would make the Bible contradictory, for the
Bible says that there is ''a change also of the law.'' (Heb. 7:12)
Jesus came not to destroy any of the Old Testament, that is, render it
useless without meeting its demands necessary to qualify himself as Christ
according to the law and the prophets, or ''deprive of success." Jesus
reminded his apostle's after his death, ''These are the words which I spake
unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled,
which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the
psalms, concerning me.'' ( Luke 24:44) When Jesus fulfilled all that was
written concerning him, the law had served its purpose in bringing us to
Christ. Christ did not destroy the law when he came, but he fulfilled
it. Now after faith is come we are no longer under the law, the
schoolmaster. (Gal. 3:25) Let me illustrate. Should I have an
appointment with the dentist, and announce to the receptionist, "I have
come, not to destroy my appointment, but to fulfill it," I would complete
all that the appointment called for. I would have fulfilled the
appointment and not destroyed it. But, let me ask, would the appointment
still be in force? No, it was fulfilled. So it was with Christ. When
he fulfilled the law we were delivered from it. It has been fulfilled!
And so we continue with Mr. Smith's chart, showing that rather than proving
what he has intended, it indicates just the opposite, that there is no
division under the law or two laws known as "moral" and "ceremonial." It
further shows that THE law has been done away. Mr. Smith and our
Adventist friends in order to be consistent ought to keep all of the old
testament for Paul said that he who keeps a part of the law, that is, is
circumcised, "is a debtor to do the whole law." But should they be
consistent with themselves, they would have to deny Christ. "Christ is
become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye
are fallen from grace." (Gal. 5:3-4)
These charts are very beautiful and impressive until examined. Then we
see how false teachings must wrest the word of God in order to "fit" the
charts of man's doctrine.
Colossians 2 is the next text brought up for discussion by my honorable
opponent. I asked him a few questions in my first negative relative to an
argument he had presented in his first affirmative. O but how he detests
questions! His argument was,
It has been argued that in the phrase "sabbath days"
in Col. 2:16, the word "days" is in italics, and that
the text should read, "Or of the sabbath." Such an argument is merely a
play on words and an insult to the intelligence of any scholarly audience.
He tried to ward off an investigation of this text by reflecting on the
intelligence of anyone who would question his position. He thought he
could thus hide the truth. But finally, under pressure, he admits that
the text reads literally, "Or of sabbaths." Now, who has insulted the
audience? Mr. Smith has overthrown his own argument. See why I ask
questions. If he answers them he answers his own contentions. By asking
questions, I let Smith debate Smith.
Commenting on Colossians 2, David Smith said in his first article, "The
original Greek here is - - - (Note: he failed to write in the original
which is sabbaton.) The form is the genitive plural." In commenting on
the "importance" of the sabbath my opponent lists Luke 4:16 and Acts
16:13. These he claims, and correctly so, refer to the weekly sabbath.
Now what my friend may not know is that in Luke 4:16 is the same Greek word
as found in Col. 2:16. Tell us, Mr. Smith, how sabbaton in Col. 2:16
means "rest days" other than the weekly sabbath but the weekly sabbath in
Luke 4:16? We can see that if sabbaton means "rest days" other than the
sabbath in Col. 2:16, it means the same in Luke 4:16. Take either horn of
the dilemma. If you say that sabbaton refers to special feasts under the
so-called "ceremonial law" of Adventism, then you claim that "it is proper
to attend religious services" on these days. It places you under the
abrogated "ceremonial system." But if sabbaton does refer to the weekly
sabbath as you affirm in Luke 4:16, then it is the same sabbaton (weekly
sabbath) that is abolished in Col. 2:16! In either case, Mr. Smith and
Seventh-day Adventism is in hopeless contradiction. This is but another
of many instances where Adventism meets itself coming back!
Again, my opponent referred to Acts 16:13, listing it with Exodus 20:8-11
to show the importance of the sabbath. Exodus 20 is the giving of the
decalogue mentioned in our proposition. Now notice: "Sabbath" (the fourth
commandment of the decalogue) of Acts 16 in the original is sabbaton,
genitive plural form. Now notice what Paul says about sabbaton:
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an
holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbaton. (Col. 2:16)
My task is completed in this discussion. Colossians 2:16 proves according
to the references given by David Smith that the "fourth commandment of the
decalogue -- viz., "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy' . . ." has
been abolished!
Leviticus 25:8 does not bear on the argument supported by 1 Chron. 23:30, 2
Chron. 2:4, 18:13, 31:3,
Nehemiah 10:33, as Mr. Smith himself admits that this refers to "seven year
periods'' and not rest years. Further, Hosea 2:11 foretold that the
sabbath would be done away or cease: "I will also cause all her mirth to
cease; her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn
feasts." There is no doubt that all holy days given to the Jews have
ceased. There is a change in the law -- the first, containing these
ordinances, was nailed to the cross.
The law was a shadow of things to come. The law was our schoolmaster to
bring us to Christ. When Christ came the schoolmaster had served its
purpose, hence, we are no longer under the law. Now we walk in Christ
(Heb. 2:2-3), the body, and not in the shadow. David Smith wants us to
walk in the "shadow" instead of in the fulness, the body, which is
Christ. Adventists glory in the shadow rather than in the body of Christ!
2 Cor. 3:7, 11: "The ministration of death, written and engraven in stones,
was glorious . . . For if that which is done away was glorious . . .'' In
his first article, my able opponent states that "ALL that this long
scripture plainly claims abolished is the glory of Moses face." But in
the newspaper he wrote, "The ministration of death, graven in stones, is
abolished every time a sinner comes to Christ." In his last article he
states, "The ministration of death is done away whenever the ministration
of the spirit, which is more glorious takes over." But again he says,
"We are changed (present tense) from glory to glory." It seems to me
that the man is confused. One time it is the "glory" abolished, next the
"ten commandments," and then "we" are changed.
I hope that Mr. Smith will tell us in his final article just exactly what
is done away. To clarify his position I will appreciate the answer to the
following questions. Do you mean that "under the law" means under its
condemnation, and "abolished" means free from its condemnation? What is
meant by the expression, "under the law?"
His arguments concerning the sabbath observed in the New Testament
dispensation, or under the new covenant, were answered in the first
negative.
Hebrews 4:10-11 is not a "command" for Christians to keep the sabbath. It
is a "promise" (verse 1) of rest that one enters when he "hath ceased from
his own works, as God did from His. Let us therefore labor to enter into
that rest."
I have followed Mr. Smith's article from argument to argument. If he is
not satisfied with this expose of Adventism, I suggest that he meet the
arguments rather than complain about "hurting." I now submit this article
to him and all with the prayer that truth will lead from error.
SMITH'S FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE
FORFEITED
FROST'S FOURTH NEGATIVE
My opponent, David F. Smith, who is representing the Seventh-day Adventist
Church in this discussion, has chosen to forfeit his final article in
defense of sabbatarianism. My friend's behavior in this debate is typical
of Adventist preachers. Adventists are known for their issuing of
challenges. But let a challenge be accepted and one sees a first-class
example of "backing down," a play up of martyrdom, and criticism of the
"spirit" of the opposition. The delays and discontinuation by my opponent
testifies to this oft-repeated strategy.
Under investigation, false doctrine is exposed. David Smith complains
because the cherished theory of Adventism is exposed by the light of God's
word. The claims supporting the system of Seventh-Dayism is shown to be
nothing more than arrogant assumptions! And so the system crumbles and
its support proves too great a task for even the best champions of
sabbatarianism. This is the great value of debates.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of
God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John
4:1)
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to
the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a
readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
(2 Cor. 10:4-6)
The Bible Concerning
The Sabbath
The history of the sabbath and the law in which it is found is summed up in
a few new covenant passages. Considering first, Galatians three, we have
here the definite time when the law was given and when it was taken out of
the way. "And I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God
in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after" the
promise was made to Abraham "was added because of transgressions till the
seed should come to whom the promise was made." (verses 17, 19) First,
let us establish what is the law or covenant under consideration. Four
hundred and thirty years after the promise corresponds with the giving of
the law or covenant at Mount Sinai. What was the law or covenant made at
Sinai or Horeb? It was here that Moses said, "he declared unto you his
covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he
wrote them upon two tables of stone." It was in this covenant, the ten
commandments, that the sabbath was made known. Since the law was not
given until Sinai, the sabbath was not made known until then in the law of
which it is a part. This conclusion is drawn by Nehemiah 9:13-14, "Thou
camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and
gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:
and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath.''
The law (containing the sabbath) given at Sinai was added to the promise
given to Abraham to bring us to Christ. The things found in the law,
psalms, and prophets concerning him had to be fulfilled. To this end
Christ came, not to do away with the law without meeting its demands which
would signify his divinity, but to fulfill the Law. (Matthew 5:17)
When Christ fulfilled the law, and faith came by him, the law had served
its purpose and Christ took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.
(Galatians 3:23-25, Luke 24:44, John 17:4, 19:30, Colossians 2:14) When
the first covenant was taken out of the way and replaced by a new covenant,
the sabbath which it contained also ceased. (Colossians 2:14-16, Hebrews
10:9, 7:12)
The old law having been nailed to the cross does not imply that we are
without law and sin is without condemnation. It simply means that instead
of being judged by the old law we are judged by a new covenant, even the
words that Jesus spake. (John 12:48, Hebrews 2:2-3) It is wrong to
murder, steal, worship idols, and so on, not by virtue of the old covenant,
the law, but because these things are condemned in the new. (Galatians
5:19-21) An illustration will serve to impress the point. When this
nation of people was under the rule of England we were subject to her
laws. When we were freed from her control we established a new law. Now
murderers, robbers, and all lawbreakers are judged by the new law -- not by
the old. A lawless man is now punished, not because the law of England
demands it, but because the principle of the new does.
There is a change of the law. (Hebrews 7:12) Galatians 3:19 states that
the covenant given at Sinai, the law of ten commandments, "was ordained by
angels in the hand of a mediator." Thus taught Stephen in Acts 7 :53,
"Who have received the law by the disposition of angels." Hebrews
2:2-3. "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast" -- this would be
the old covenant or law at Sinai -- "and every transgression and
disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if
we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the
Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.'' The old law at
Sinai ordained by angels was stedfast so that all transgressions were
punished. This being true of the old, how can we escape if we neglect the
new which was confirmed by them that heard the Lord. This new was first
begun to be spoken by the Lord. If they under the old were punished, how
shall we under the new escape if we neglect the "great salvation" which,
incidentally, is by Christ and not by the law. (Galatians 3:18, 5:4)
In Romans 7 Paul illustrates the severing of relationship to the law to be
under Christ with his reference to marriage. A woman cannot be married to
two men at the same time without being an adulteress. But if the first be
dead, she is free to marry another. The lesson is, neither can we be
married to the old law and to Christ.
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of
Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised
from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
In Galatians 4, the apostle Paul illustrates this severing of relationship
to the law to be a Christian with reference to the sons of Abraham. One
son of Abraham was born of a bondwoman and represents the covenant at
Sinai, the other son was of a free-woman and answers to Jerusalem which now
is, the new covenant. "Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of
the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." The
lesson is, the old covenant is cast out: for we shall not be under the old
with the new covenant. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever
of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians
5:4)
Many are the passages treating this subject. Time has not permitted in
this discussion to present all that could be said concerning the law that
is done away. It has had to suffice in mentioning the weightier
texts. There is no subject so fully treated in the new testament as the
matter of keeping the sabbath and the law, and none so repudiated by the
weight of evidence.
The $200 Text
2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 14 is the text that satisfies the $200 offer of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the
face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done
away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was
made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that
excelleth, For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that
which remaineth is glorious . . . But their minds were blinded: for until
this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old
testament: which veil is done away in Christ.
This "ministration of death, written and engraven in stones" is the
decalogue containing the sabbath commandment mentioned in the proposition
of this debate. That this is correct has been admitted by my disputant.
This law, the ten commandments, "was glorious." Paul emphatically states
that "that . . . which was glorious," the decalogue, "is done away." The
phrase "is done away" is from the Greek katargeo meaning "to cause to
cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish." (Thayer's
Greek-English Lexicon) The decalogue -- containing the sabbath -- is
abolished.
In verse fourteen and following, Their minds were hardened: for until this
very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not
being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ. But unto this day,
whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. But whensoever
it (marg. -- Or, a man shall turn) shall turn to the Lord, the veil is
taken away. (RV)
The Jews even to this day are so blinded, or hardened in their hearts, that
they cannot see that the old covenant has been annulled or abolished in
Christ. Meyer, and Conybeare and Howson, according to Johnson, translate
the verse: "It not being disclosed that the Old Covenant is taken away in
Christ." The Jews failed to recognize Christ and His authority because
the "veil lieth upon their heart." The trouble is in the heart that is
blinded by prejudice. Such is true of sabbatarians today. With them
"the same veil remains in the reading of the Old Institution: it not being
discovered that it is abolished in Christ. Moreover, till this day, when
Moses is read, the veil lies upon their heart." (Living Oracles
translation) Paul gives us the assurance that when man turns to the Lord
the veil is taken away and he will discover that the old covenant, even the
law of ten commandments, is abolished in Christ. "But whensoever a man
shall turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away.'' When I find people
desiring to be under the law I realize that they have not yet fully
accepted the Lord, for if they had, they would recognize that the law is
abolished and we are under a new covenant. It is like the apostle wrote
to the Galatians:
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
The veil is upon their heart so that they do not even understand why the
law was given (Galatians 3:17-19), that it pointed to Christ (John 5:39),
was fulfilled by him (Luke 24:44), hence having served its purpose is done
away so that we are no longer under the law but under faith. (Galatians
3:25, Romans 1:16-17) The trouble with the advocates of sabbatarianism is
that they have never turned to the Lord and the "great salvation, which at
the first began to be spoken by the Lord," but they continue to turn to an
abolished law for authority.
2 Corinthians 3, as pointed out in the newspaper, satisfies the demands of
the $200 offer, David Smith being witness. I noticed in his last article,
Mr. Smith resorts to his old dodge and states, "I wonder if he really
thinks he has a claim to this money, since he did not show his face at the
meeting at which I advertised I would give it away." In other words, Mr.
Smith reasons that even though I have produced the text I wasn't at a
certain meeting. This objection I have already answered. (Read my
second newspaper article.) Even so, I anticipated such a move by my
friend, so on the day the proposition was signed I had him to sign his
offer as follows which I have on file:
January 11, 1950
I hereby offer $200 for one Bible text from the Bible -- either the King James (Protestant) Version or the Douay (Catholic) Version -- stating WHEN, WHERE, and BY WHOM the weekly Sabbath was ABOLISHED.
Signed, David F. Smith
Minister, Seventh-day Adventist Church
This signed offer is not limited (and neither was the other) in any way as
to time or place. If he doesn't fulfill his offer by virtue of the
newspaper advertisement he can come across on this one.
The reason I have pressed this point has been to test the honesty of David
Smith and the integrity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. If they are
not trustworthy here, how can one know whether anything they say is so?
My motive, as stated before, is not mercenary. In fact, I think it is a
cheap method of advertising carried on by the SDA church to make
merchandise of the Truth! But since they have employed this method and
have offered the money -- do they mean what they say? Can you trust them,
even when it is in writing? The honesty and integrity of the man and the
sect have been at stake by virtue of this challenge and its fulfillment.
By reason of David Smith's own admittance and poor faith in fulfilling the
promise, Mr. Smith has set fire to the "stake." The Adventist system was
founded on a lie and is carried on through deception. My soul aches
for the otherwise honest and sincere people who are mislead by this false
system.
The Adventist and
Sabbatarianism
An organization not much over 100 years old known as the Seventh-day
Adventist Church has attracted our attention to make an investigation into
her claims. I say kindly, yet with conviction, this church exists without
any authority whatsoever from the Lord, was established without Him and His
blessings, is not described or even mentioned anywhere in the pages of
Inspiration, and therefore exists contrary to the expressed desires of the
Savior. The Lord shed His blood in purchase of His church, and thus
bought it and it alone. The saved he adds to it -- there are saved
persons in none other. Of the Lord's church one can read in the pages of
the divine record. There one finds its origin, name, doctrine, faith, and
practise. (Matthew 16:18, John 17:20-23, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:4,
1:22-23, Colossians 1:18, Acts 2:47, Romans 16:16)
The Seventh-day Adventist Church was established too late, at the wrong
place, and by the wrong person to be the church of Christ. Its foundation
is essentially a lie that was espoused by a false prophet. Before the
sabbath doctrine was accepted into the advent theory, the embryo body was
known as Adventist, which name the Seventh-day branch still carries.
William Miller espoused a theory relative to the advent of Christ
predicting his coming in the spring of 1844 and again in the fall of the
same year. Both predictions ended in failure. Deuteronomy 18:22, God
said, "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow
not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken."
Thus Miller is proved to be a false prophet and the movement arising from
his prophecies is of necessity based on a lie. Immediately after the
failure of 1844 Adventists split up into numerous parties, each
contradicting and denouncing the other. Instead of renouncing the whole
theory, as sane men, each set about trying to explain the failure. The
particular Adventists now known as the Seventh-day Adventists explain that
God was the author of the failure, the reason being to "prove" the
people. Ellen G. White, in The Great Controversy, states,
They had done the will of God . . . Yet they could not understand his
purpose in their past experience.
She reasons, and bear in mind that this is the celebrated prophetess of
Adventism for whom they claim inspiration, that 1844 was the correct date,
but for a "cleansing" in heaven and not a return to earth, but God hid this
fact from them and lead them to believe a lie! We notice that she has
moved the speculation into heaven -- on earth man can witness the falsity
of their prophecies.
Seventh-Dayism is connected with the movement of 1844. In fact, Ellen G.
White endorses William Miller and his prophetic failure.
Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none
have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was
that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the lapse of nearly half a
century, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the
platform of truth, still feel the holy influence of that blessed work, and
bear witness that it was of God.
Again,
The preaching of a definite time for the Judgment, in the giving of the
first message, was ordered of God.
God said that if the prophecy does not come to pass, "this is the thing
which the Lord hath not spoken." Adventism teaches that God lied!
Let God be true, but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)
Ellen G. White stamps herself along with the entire Adventist
movement
FRAUD.
In 1864 Joseph Bates was influenced by some Seventh-day Baptist
relatives. He communicated his new found sabbath theory to Mrs. White and
after her famous "vision," sabbath keeping in fashion became part of
Adventist doctrine and gave birth to the Seventh-day Adventist Church
proper. This is the origin of their sabbath doctrine and it is not from
the Bible!
In support of their practice of keeping the sabbath as they do, they resort
to an abolished law, wrest the scriptures to fit the theory, and assume the
proof in nearly every argument they make. I say they keep the sabbath in
a "fashion" because they do not "keep" it as God commanded the Jews, but as
it pleases them. (See the last newspaper article.)
Sabbatarian Assumptions
The following is the substance of their sabbath teaching.
Sabbatarianism assumes that "the law has been in existence since the
beginning of human life on this planet." (Newspaper -- David Smith)
The Bible teaches that the law containing the sabbath was given at Sinai,
and there the sabbath was made known. "The Lord our God made a covenant
with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but
with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day." (Deuteronomy
5:2-3)
Sabbatarianism assumes that "the law of the ten commandments existed before
sin came into the world." (Second Affirmative -- David Smith)
The Bible teaches that the law, the covenant, was added to the promise
given to Abraham four hundred and thirty years after the promise. And
here "it was added because of transgressions," not before. (Galatians
3:17-19)
Sabbatarianism assumes that "the handwriting of ordinances is a different
law from God's great moral law, the ten commandments." (Newspaper --
David Smith)
The Bible teaches no such distinction in the law. Rather Paul says that
Christ "abolished . . . the law of commandments contained in ordinances."
(Ephesians 2:15) The handwriting of ordinances and the law of
commandments contained in them was nailed to the cross! All the old
testament was admittedly done away. David Smith being witness himself
that "the whole Old Testament is referred to as the law and the
prophets." (Third Affirmative)
Sabbatarianism assumes that "the Old Testament law was considered binding
by New Testament writers." (Second Affirmative)
The Bible teaches that the Old Testament is taken out of the way, New
Testament writers being witness. (Ephesians 2, Romans 7, Galatians 3 and
4, 2 Corinthians 3, Colossians 2, Hebrews 2 and 12, for a few.) What
writer in all the New Testament ever stated that the Old Testament is
binding on Christians?
The Sabbatarianism assumes that "the ministration of death is to be done
away in the experience of all who accept Jesus." "The ministration of
death, graven in stones, is abolished every time a sinner comes to
Christ." "The penalty -- the ministration of death -- is abolished when
we accept Christ's sacrifice for sins." (Newspaper -- David Smith)
Adventists reason that ''under the law" means under condemnation or its
penalty. To be delivered from the law means delivered from its penalty.
Therefore to be "under the law" is equivalent to saying that one is a
sinner.
The Bible teaches that "under the law" is under its authority. The evil
consequence of affirming that "under the law" means under penalty for sin
is realized from Galatians 4:4, "God sent forth his Son, made of a woman,
made under the law." According to Adventist reasoning, Christ was born a
sinner! But, of course, such is not true. (Hebrews 4:15) To be
"under the law" is to be subject to or set under the authority of the
law. Therefore when Paul said that we "are not under the law" he said
that we are not subject to it. (Romans 6:14, Galatians 5:18)
Some Facts About
The Sabbath
1. It was given in the law or covenant made at Mount Sinai. It was not
given before. (Deuteronomy 4:13, 5:2-5,12-15, Nehemiah 9:14)
2. The sabbath was given to the children of Israel only, as a sign
between them and God that they should know that He was the Lord that
sanctified them. The seventh day was their sabbath to correspond with
God's rest day at creation. Exodus 31:13, 17.
3. God spoke of it in such a way to show it was limited to the Jewish
age: "the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath
throughout their generations." Exodus 31:16. Principles enacted in the
new covenant are not so spoken of in the old as to signify their
relationship would be to the Jews and them only. For instance, one never
reads, "Ye shall not murder throughout your generations." Yet, we read of
offerings, incense, atonement of animals, Levitical priesthood, and the
sabbath as observed in their generation. All of these things, save the
sabbath, Adventists will admit -- why not the sabbath? Because out would
go Mrs. White, William Miller, all of their speculations and theories --
the very foundation of the SDA church. These things they will not let
go! I cannot see why a man would deny the Lord and the Bible in order to
hold to some organization even though it is profitable. What is it worth
and what will it profit if you lose your own soul?
4. God said, "I will cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her
new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts." (Hosea 2:11)
5. In Amos 8:5 some of the Jews asked, "When will the new moon be gone,
that we may sell corn? And the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat?"
They wanted to know when the new moon and sabbath would be gone.
Sabbatarians say that the new moon is gone, but the sabbath never will be
gone. But God said it would in answering their question:
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will
cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in a clear
day.
This was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross. (Mark 15:33) This was
when the new moon and the sabbath were taken out of the way. (Colossians
2:16)
6. Now let no man, even Seventh-day Adventists, judge you in respect of
the sabbath. (Colossians 2:16.) It was abolished in the law nailed to
the cross. (v. 14)
7. Christians are nowhere commanded to keep the sabbath. Throughout
this discussion, I have asked our Adventist champion for such a text. If
there was such a command he would have given it. It doesn't exist! The
reference of Matthew 24 :20 does not imply the keeping of the sabbath.
The Lord warned against the hardships of flight. Jesus had just mentioned
conditions that would create hardships in flight. Winter created such
conditions, and so would keeping of the sabbath by the Jews create
hardships on Christians desiring to leave the city. If this passage
proves the sabbath to be a holy day, it also proves the winter to be a holy
season. There is nothing here or elsewhere in the new covenant to
indicate a keeping of the sabbath. In the new testament, the disciples
are said to have worshipped on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7, 1
Corinthians 16:2)
In Conclusion
It has been amply proved to satisfy any honest soul that the Seventh-day
Advent movement had its origin in a lie and is promoted today in a blind
zeal to propagate a false doctrine. Let me plead kindly, as a friend who
loves your soul, come out from the false ways of the doctrines of men if
you are ensnared in this or any other such movement. Loyalty to God ought
to prove the greater motive than loyalty to any sect.
CORRESPONDENCE
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DUE FEBRUARY 1, 1950.
Registered mail, signed receipt dated April 21, 1950:
April 20, 1950
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
128 South Tenth Street
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mr. Smith:
Please inform me whether or not you intend to debate the proposition as you signed with me January 11, 1950. You agreed to have your first article to me by February 1, 1950 and that we would make our replies within three week periods.
Please write me immediately of your intentions.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED AND RECEIVED APRIL 28, 1950.
FIRST NEGATIVE ARTICLE DUE MAY 19, 1950.
FIRST NEGATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED AND RECEIVED MAY 4, 1950.
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DUE MAY 25, 1950.
Registered mail, signed receipt dated November 6, 1950:
November 2, 1950
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mr. Smith:
Your second affirmative article is of this date over twenty-three (23) weeks past due. The written discussion should have been concluded by this time, but because of your delay we have not yet reached the mid-way point. I should like very much to conclude this discussion before the end of the year. I shall expect your second article by return mail.
It is necessary for me to write you in care of the Las Vegas Seventh-day Adventist Church, in hopes that this letter will be forwarded to you, since you failed to give me your new address when you moved. I have tried to learn of your new address but efforts have been in vain.
You will please note my change of address when forwarding your article.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Registered mail, signed receipt dated December 7, 1950:
December 5, 1950
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
I wrote you over a month ago concerning our written discussion. As yet I have not heard from you. Please notify me by return mail whether or not you intend to fulfill your part of the signed agreement. If so, forward your second affirmative article immediately. If I fail to hear from you by the first of the year I shall take your silence to be an admission that you cannot defend Seventh-day Adventism because it has no defense, and I shall publicize the same. If you sincerely believe the position you have affirmed, I pray that you will continue the discussion so that I may point out to you and other Adventists the error of Adventist doctrine. Or, if you no longer believe the position that you have signed, I trust that you will be honest enough with God, yourself, and the world to repudiate the false teachings of Adventism.
I trust to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Mail received December 11, 1950:
December 7, 1950
Mr. Gene Frost
739 Virginia Street
Vallejo, California
Dear Gene:
I sat down and answered your letter of about a month ago, but decided I was a little hard on you, so I laid it aside intending to rewrite it sometime.
As you recall, you brought your written article over to me when I was at a church in Las Vegas, packing to leave. I was packing papers and books in boxes, and evidently it went with other papers off my desk into some box. But as to what happened to it I do not know. When I arrived in Ogden, I decided to dig it out and read it to see what you had to say, and I couldn't find it. I was about to write you for another copy, when I heard you had been fired from your Las Vegas church. So I decided you probably wouldn't be interested in an answer. I also heard that you have been circulating your part of the argument without what I have already submitted; indicating that you wouldn't use mine if you had it.
However if you sincerely wish an answer, I will be glad to give it to you. Just send me another copy of your answer to my first argument, and I'll fire one back at you post haste.
I hope that when this is completed you will really use my arguments in full, but judging from your past use of statements by me, I think I can hardly hope for this.
I was amused at your suggestion that I repudiate the "false" teachings of Adventism. Even you should know better than to make such a fallacious statement.
David F. Smith
Registered mail, signed receipt dated December 14, 1950:
December 11, 1950
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
In reply to your letter of December 7 just received, find enclosed a copy of my article which was delivered to you May 4. I do regret that you were unable to reply before leaving Las Vegas as you had planned.
In all my correspondence with you I have refrained from making any personal disparaging remarks. I regret that you have seen fit to write as you have. I shall answer the charges, but I pray that we may keep the discussion on a higher plane than your letter past.
You say that you "heard" that I had been fired. You chose the correct word, "heard," for your information is nothing more than hearsay, nothing more than a malicious lie! For your information, I voluntarily left Las Vegas and voluntarily located in Vallejo. To show you how these hearsays go, I "heard" that you were transferred from Las Vegas because you were incapable of defending your newspaper offer and that the SDA church had "lost face." I would not repeat such hearsay: I have not nor do I now mention it to you disparagingly. Furthermore, I will not believe that you were fired, even though you have not been able to defend your offer.
Your other hearsay is false also. I have not circulated any portion of our discussion. The only thing that has been circulated has been the newspaper articles and the sermon that I preached January 20 which you heard. If you desire some copies of the sermon, I will gladly send you a hundred or so for free distribution. If you recorded your sermon of the Friday before, you may return the favor by sending me a copy of it.
As for assuming that I no longer intended to pursue the discussion, rest assured that I do. (You Adventists shouldn't assume so much, anyway.) I am amused at your statement, "If you sincerely wish an answer . . ." My dear Mr. Smith, if I did not want an answer, why would I have kept after you for so long to reply? And, never fear, I shall print in full your articles and my replies exactly as we agreed, if the printing can be arranged at all.
As for the false teachings of Adventism -- such is the purpose of our discussion. Just you fulfill the agreement here on out and the proof that Adventism is false will be forthcoming (and if you so indicate, I will be happy to show that the movement itself is based on a falsehood and was sponsored by a false prophet.)
Another matter before I close. You made mention of "your Las Vegas church." This might not seem important to you but to me it is a matter of most serious consequence. For your information, I do not have a church. Any church that I labor with will be Christ's church and no doubt about it for it will wear his name. The church belongs to Christ, not to anyone else, or a doctrine, or a movement or a day; hence, the church of Christ!
Now, I'll close expecting to receive your second affirmative article shortly.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Register mail, receipt dated January 13, 1951:
January 11, 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
Having waited exactly one month since you received a second copy of my reply to your first and only article, I am taking the liberty of writing to you again. It was our original intention that articles would be answered within two weeks of receipt. Today is the first anniversary of our signing the agreement for a written discussion and I have received only one article from you. At this rate, we might be able to conclude this discussion sometime in 1953. (I'd begin to question a doctrine that requires four years to prove.)
Now if this delay is being caused by the slow [process of receiving instructions from "general headquarters," that's another matter and ought to show that the source of Adventism is of man and not of God, else one could find it in His Word. (I'd begin to question a doctrine that was conceived by some demented woman and which is nowhere to be found in the Book of Books.
If you are of the same disposition as your letter past, please let me have that "post haste" article post haste. If I fail to hear from you by the first of February (the date your first article was due, 1950), I shall conclude your silence to be an admittance that you are unable to make any defense for Seventh-day Adventism.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Mail received February 2, 1951:
Jan. 31, 1951
Mr. Gene Frost
739 Virginia Street
Vallejo California
Dear Gene:
Your much-desired reply to the first negative will be in the mail this evening. I am having a typist make me a copy first before I sent it along. I am mailing it this evening, and if you do not get it on February 1, you should certainly receive it by the second.
I believe this is your third or fourth deadline which you have set for me, and I do deserve to stand reproved for being so slow.
You flatter yourself that your arguments are so hard they take years to answer. But could it not be also, that they are of so little consequence that one hates to bother?
With kindest personal regards, I am,
Very sincerely yours,
David F. Smith
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED FEBRUARY 1, 1951 AND RECEIVED FEBRUARY
5, 1951
SECOND NEGATIVE ARTICLE DUE FEBRUARY 26, 1951
SECOND NEGATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED FEBRUARY 9, 1951 AND RECEIVED FEBRUARY
12, 1951
THIRD AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DUE MARCH 5, 1951
Mailed, delivered March 9, 1951:
March 9 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
This is a reminder that your third affirmative article
is due. In fact, it should have been placed in the
mail by February 26. [ Note: See following letter. ] Your earliest reply will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Mail delivered March 19, 1951:
March 19, 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
This date my second negative has been in your possession five weeks. I again call your attention to our agreement to reply within two, and at the most three, weeks upon receiving the other's article. This discussion should have been completed before September of 1950. It is my desire to follow the agreement and conclude this discussion as soon as possible. I shall expect your third affirmative by return mail.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Mail delivered April 2, 1951:
April 2, 1951
Dr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am still interested in examining your defense for following the teachings of Ellen G. White relative to the sabbath. I am firmly convinced that the Bible completely refutes the idea that you have affirmed -- perhaps you are realizing that also now. I do not mean to imply that the arguments I have advanced are my own, as you previously implied; rather, I have called to your attention what God's Word says about the matter. Instead of debating me, David, you are struggling against God. I pray that you'll see this before too long.
Concerning the proposition proper, my second negative article has been in your possession for seven weeks. This surely has been long enough to have examined the article and replied. I was impressed by your last letter that you intended to complete the discussion without further delay in that you admitted that you "do deserve to stand reproved for being so slow." Now, what I am wondering is, why this delay? The discussion that should have been completed before last September is now only half complete! What is your purpose in this delaying? Do you intend to fulfill the signed agreement, or is it, like the $200 offer, not to be respected? David, I mean nothing unkind to you personally for I know that you are but the victim of a false system and that you have only repeated what has been instilled in Adventist preachers through the years. What you are doing has been repeated often. Adventists are taught to issue challenges where they think they will be ignored, but when a challenge is answered, Adventism must retreat. I hope, David, that you are more honest than your predecessors have been, and will honor the challenge to which you have set your name. If by reason of blindness this pernicious system has inflicted upon you, you still opine that the proposition you at first signed is true, be honest enough to stand by it. However, David, if you are now convinced of the error of sabbatarianism, be honest and make the correction; don't betray our honesty because of a sense of loyalty you might feel due those that support you. It would be far better to be right, and try to save your friends, than to be loyal to any cause.
To remain silent is not honest. Either continue this discussion without further delay, or be honest enough to admit that Sabbatarianism has no defense.
I will be looking for your reply by return mail.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Mail delivered April 12, 1951 and received April 14, 1951:
Mr. Gene Frost
Vallejo, California
Dear Gene:
I note that you are still seeking to be patient with your slow-poke opponent. I have been snowed under with work as usual, but really do intend to get this next article down right away. When your negative first came, I read it over a couple of times, and started my reply, but got sidetracked after about two pages, and haven't looked at it again.
Will do my best to buckle down and finish it off this next week.
Very sincerely yours,
David F. Smith
Mail delivered May 21, 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
After over three months (14 weeks) since you received my second article, I am still patiently awaiting your third affirmative. I realize that you are busy, but I trust not too busy to defend what you believe is the truth. If you honestly think the proposition you signed is true, then its defense ought to be your first concern. Surely such a discussion, the "consequence" of which affects the destiny of souls, merits your serious attention.
Please try my patience no longer and let me hear from you. If you delay longer, David, someone is going to get the idea that you affirmed a falsehood, and now realizing it you are afraid to face the issue. Further delay will also force the conclusion that you are dishonest in not admitting the error and accepting the truth. Why should you suffer loss of reputation and further jeopardize your soul because of a false doctrine?
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Registered mail, signed receipt dated July 13, 1951:
July 9, 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
Five months having elapsed since you received my negative article without having replied, I am ready to conclude that you do not intend to fulfill the proposition or agreement you signed.
I know of no reason for the repeated delays in the progress of our discussion unless it be that you do not intend to keep your word and are hoping for the issue to be forgotten. Mr. Smith, I am aware of the deceptive means of teaching carried on by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You Adventist preachers are great ones to challenge and rave where no opposition is expected, but let someone rise in support of the Truth of God that you wrest and meet your challenges and you retreat into your sanctuary of silence. This is to inform you that I do not intend to sit quietly by in this matter, but I fully intend to expose both your strategy and false system. If you sincerely believed the position taken by the Seventh-day Adventist and the proposition you signed, there would be no delay or hesitancy to defend it. I had hoped that you were honest in propagating this false system so that God's Word in meeting this doctrine would lead you from the errors of sabbatarianism by reason of your honesty. I am sorry that you have impeached your honesty by remaining silent. I would think much more of you personally (even though you are wrong) if you were honest, than the course you are now pursuing: -- wrong and not honest enough to either defend or admit it.
As I said before, you issued the challenge calling for the $200 text by authority of the Seventh-day Adventist church and I have accepted. Isn't this what you called for? Didn't you expect it? Evidently not. But since you issued the challenge you ought to be honest enough to back it up. I plan to publish the debate, as much as has been presented, all of our correspondence, and a resume of Adventism to fully expose this system and its deceitful strategy, unless you continue this discussion without further delay. I am now demanding that your third affirmative article be in my hands by August 13, 1951 (one month from today). I prefer that you continue the discussion. Let me hear from you.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
THIRD AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED AUGUST 14 AND RECEIVED AUGUST 16
THIRD NEGATIVE ARTICLE DUE SEPTEMBER 6
THIRD NEGATIVE ARTICLE DELIVERED AUGUST 31 AND RECEIVED SEPTEMBER 6.
August 31, 1951
Mr. David F. Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
Enclosed is my third negative. Even though your third affirmative was not mailed until after the date demanding its receipt, I am happy to acknowledge it and make the reply. I am requesting that on this fourth and final article you will show good faith by prompt attention. I know that you are busy. For that matter, so am I, being presently engaged in a gospel meeting in Petaluma while writing this reply. I believe that preachers ought to be busy -- but busy preaching! I can't understand a man too busy to preach and defend what he believes is truth. You do believe sabbatarianism, don't you?
Please submit your reply within three weeks as agreed.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE ARTICLE DUE SEPTEMBER 27, 1951
Registered mail, signed receipt dated _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
October 11, 1951
Mr. David Smith, Minister
Seventh-day Adventist Church
2514 Madison Avenue
Ogden, Utah
Dear Mr. Smith:
Five weeks ago today you received my third negative article. You have had ample time in which to reply according to our verbal agreement. Since you indicated in your third affirmative that it would probably be your last attempt in defense of sabbatarianism, I shall not bother you further for a reply. If a fourth article is not forwarded to me by the last of October 11, I shall conclude by your silence that you have quit the discussion and will arrange publication as I indicated in my letter of July 9th.
Let me thank you, David, for issuing the challenge in the newspaper which gave me opportunity of engaging you in this discussion. I pray that in time truth may lead you from the false way of Adventism.
Sincerely,
Gene Frost
Registered letter of October 11, 1951 returned October 26, 1951
"unclaimed."
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