“The forerunner of Christ’s first advent was a very plain-spoken man. He rebuked sin, and called things by their right name. He thus addressed one class of professed converts who came to be baptized of him in Jordan: ‘O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring therefore fruits meet for repentance...In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the second time, God’s faithful preachers will have to bear a still more pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible, important work is before them; and those who speak smooth things, God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon them.” 1T:321.

A few days ago I received an email of an article written by Vance Ferrell. The subject is “Should We Leave the Church.” Because this is a matter of eternal import, and because he has a wide sphere of influence, I believe it is vital that we examine Mr. Ferrell’s conclusions on this much-disputed subject and see how they square up against the word of inspiration.

Mr. Ferrell begins his article by stating: “Last week I received a letter from a person in the Northwest, who said I was a devil because I was not giving a call out of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. A week or so before that, I received a letter declaring I was doing wrong because I did not make it my first work to tell people that all those, not in the organization, cannot be saved. The individuals who write these letters may be well-meaning in their intentions, but their position is not mine.”

Let us look at what Mr. Farrell himself is saying to counter what those persons apparently stated, and see how it stands compared to inspiration––if it is supported by a “thus saith the Lord” or an “it is written,” for we are told “God does not consult our opinions or our preferences.” 1BC:1083. So we are safe in discarding any opinions or preferences given by Mr. Farrell, myself, or any other person if they are not supported by the word of God, and the principles of His truth, I would confidently state.

Mr. Ferrell states further on: “The issue is not the church, it is obedience. People are not the basis of the great controversy, it is the word of God. Organizational groups are not the center of the crisis, it is God, His character, and whether we will submit and obey Him.” Mr. Ferrell certainly speaks truth when he states that ultimately it boils down to “whether we will submit and obey” God, but he also implies that one’s surroundings have little to do with one’s relationship with God. It is therefore not necessary to separate from the evil as long as one is not separate from the Lord even if obedience requires separation. Following that line of reasoning, then Noah would not have had to go into the ark, Abraham would not have had to leave Ur, Lot would not have had to leave Sodom [And delivered just Lot vexed...For that righteous man dwelling among them…2 Peter 2:7,8.], Christ would not have separated from Jerusalem [see DA:232] Paul would not have had to separate from the corporate, SDA church of his day [see AA:285-6], Martin Luther would not have had to leave the Roman Catholic Church, Ellen White and the pioneers of the Advent Movement would not have had to leave their religious communions, and the Seventh-day Adventist denomination consequently would not have come into existence. In fact, Mr. Ferrell’s sentiment totally denies the inspired statement that tells us: “There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked, an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah; so with Lot; so with the disciples prior to the destruction of Jerusalem; [so with the Reformers, and so with the pioneers of the Advent movement] and so it will be in the last days [now]… Again the voice of God is heard in a message of warning, bidding His people separate themselves from the prevailing iniquity...As in the days of Noah and Lot, there  must be a marked separation from sin and sinners.” PP:166-7.

Mr. Farrell totally ignores the historical fact that every time God’s people have moved and progressed further into the light complete obedience has required separation from the prevailing apostate and sinful group or denomination. Great Controversy: 343 states: “The principles of God’s dealing with men are ever the same.”  So if God has repeatedly and consistently called for His people to separate from sin and apostasy since the beginning of time, is it in accordance with divine principle to hold the position that today He does not call for separation? There is NO support for that conclusion, none!

Mr. Ferrell states further on: “The Seventh-day Adventist denomination has thousands of faithful souls who love their Lord and obey His word. Enter any local Adventist church and you will find many faithful children of God. They are not making a big noise, but are quietly doing the best they can under adverse circumstances in their homes and, frequently in their local church. Scan your sight over the entire world field, and you will find large numbers of true, solid Advent believers, and many faithful workers.” Certainly no one can argue this point. No finite man can say who is faithful and who is not, but we do have the choice of associating and affiliating with an apostate body or separating from it, do we not?

Mr. Ferrell then makes this astonishing statement: “Look at the official teachings of the church. Yes, they were damaged somewhat at the Dallas Session, and the official doctrinal books and magazine articles since then have not helped, but the official teachings are still, for the most part, relatively close to our original positions.” It is correct to say that there is rapidly-growing apostasy in our denomination, but it is a wicked error––a lie––to declare that the denomination is totally evil. That is just not so. Neither the beliefs, the actions, nor the people are totally evil.”

First of all, I emphatically disagree with Mr. Ferrell that “It is correct to say that there is rapidly-growing apostasy in our denomination.” I believe that instead of merely “growing apostasy in our denomination” the facts to follow will undeniably prove that the entire denomination is in apostasy––a significant and vital difference, with eternal consequences for ALL within that corporate body!

 Secondly, it truly distresses me to see that instead of raising his voice in indignation and defending God’s doctrinal principles, Mr. Ferrell actually excuses and trivializes the gross treachery and betrayal by the leadership of the SDA church against the beautiful truths given by God Himself to the church through Ellen White and the other pioneers of the Advent Movement, by stating that the “the official teachings are still, for the most part, relatively close to our original positions.” Doesn’t apostasy itself involve changing the fundamental beliefs––no matter to what degree?  Weren’t we told “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages...Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established.” [CWE:53]?!! Is he implying here that even though corrupted, “the official teachings are still, for the most part, relatively close to our original positions,” and God nevertheless acknowledges and looks favorably upon the SDA church?

The current attitude of the leadership is that we can never truly overcome sin before Christ comes again––that God will overlook certain sins in our lives––but I’ve yet been unable to find anyone who can tell me a) What sins? b) How often can they be committed? and c) By what authority is this permitted?! What about allowing the wearing of jewelry? What about the persecution through litigation of those separated but doctrinally faithful whose only “crime” is to dare to call themselves Seventh-day Adventists?  What about the church’s aggressive ecumenical agenda and cozy relationship with the papacy? What about the church’s published position that such things as sanctification and the nature of Christ are “moot issues”? What about a current Lesson Quarterly that states that 666 does not refer to an individual but to “humanity”? And I could go on and on, but I’m sure Mr. Ferrell has far more documentation in his files than I do illustrating “the official teachings [which]  are still, for the most part, relatively close to our original positions.” Getting only “relatively close” to eternal life means eternal death!!!

Again Mr. Ferrell states: “In regard to church organization, many people tend to swing to one or the other of two extremes. They either fear it, or idolize it. Some want to have nothing to do with organization, while others want it to do their work for them and save their souls. They hope that the work it does in their stead will help get them to heaven. But the truth is that neither the organization nor the church is the issue. The basic issue throughout the ages, and in the Final Crisis, is your and my personal relationship to Jesus Christ, and our obedience to His Inspired Writings. Organizational relationship is only on the periphery of the matter.”

Again, in response, I refer readers back to the last paragraph of page one, and I ask Mr. Ferrell, though Noah had a personal relationship with Christ, if, after building the ark, he would have refused to enter that ark, would he have been spared? What about Lot, would he have been spared if he would have refused to leave Sodom? What about the Christians in Jerusalem in AD 70––would they have been spared if they had refused to separate, or would not they have been  like that man who for 7 ½ years faithfully warned the inhabitants of that doomed city and yet refused to leave it, and was consequently slain?

But rather than continuing examining this letter point by point let us cut to the chase as they say. I would like to address a series of questions, not only to Mr. Ferrell, but to all those who hold similar views such as Jan Marcusssen, the Standish brothers, the Rosenvolds, Ralph Larsen, Lawrence Nelson, Hal Mayer, Ty Gibson, Ron Spears, Bob Jorgensen and any others who are staunchly against separation from the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church of today because they believe that “that church is still God’s church,” and to advocate separation is contrary to God’s will.

QUESTION 1: Do you believe that the following statement by the editors of Seventh Day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 10, page 411––1976 edition; (page 363––1966 edition) Is true or false?

“On the basis of Bible prophecy and the writings of Ellen G. White, SDA’s anticipate the eventual success of the ecumenical movement, both in eliminating the divisions of Protestantism and in reuniting Christendom by bridging the gulf that separated non-Catholic communions from Rome. The ecumenical movement will then become a concerted effort to unite the world and to secure universal peace and security by enlisting the power of civil government in a universal religio-political crusade to eliminate all dissent. SDA’s envision this crusade as the great apostasy to which John the revelator refers as ‘Babylon the great.’ They understand, also, that God’s last message of mercy to the world prior to the return of Christ in power and in glory will consist of a warning against this great apostate movement, and a call to all who choose to remain loyal to Him to leave the churches connected with it. See Rev. 13: 15-17; 14:6-11; 16:12-14; 17:1-6; 18:1-4; GC 444, 445, 573, 588, 589, 615.”

If false, which part of this statement is false, and on what inspired statement do you base that? If true, then what justification is there [again from inspiration] for not separating from ANY church body or group regardless of previous standing, name, profession, or claim, which continues to seek affection and fellowship with the churches of Babylon by following an ecumenical agenda, and which is looked upon BY GOD as being a part of Babylon, and which will consequently partake of the plagues of Babylon?

My answer to this question is that I absolutely and unreservedly hold that this entire statement is totally true and in complete harmony with the word of the Lord.

QUESTION 2: Do you believe that this following statement accurately describes the present corporate, organized, denominational Seventh-day Adventist Church––true or false?

“The enemy of souls [Satan himself] has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith [Indicates a traitorous doctrinal shift into apostasy], and engaging in a process of reorganization [Reorganization is a corporate action––not applicable to individuals]. Were this reformation to take place what would result? [So there will be no doubt as to how to recognize this corporate falling away] The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. [The very principles that make us the remnant church] Our religion would be changed. [Now claiming authority to change fundamental beliefs and doctrines] The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. [Conservative, anti-papal attitude discarded, Ecumenicism, Pentecostalism, Modernism etc. adopted] A NEW ORGANIZATION would be established. [A different church with a different gospel, not the one established and ordained by God] Books of a new order would be written. [KJV and SOP rejected, NIV and non-Adventist expositors preferred, as also Catholic-slanted hymnal] A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. [“Thus saith the Lord–It is written” discarded, no longer valued or desired] The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. [Stop-smoking clinics, Revelation/Marriage Seminars, etc] The Sabbath of course would be lightly regarded, [Letter of law kept, but sacred character diminished. Increasing emphasis on Sunday participation] as also the God who created it. [Doctrinal purity rejected–more relevant to ‘be loving’ and get along. Loss of reverence & sanctity in worship and music etc., not to mention abominable acts taking place in schools and colleges] Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the NEW MOVEMENT. [The apostasy will continue and increase till Christ returns] The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but GOD BEING REMOVED [Hierarchical structure––rule by priests, puts man in place where God should be]  they would place their dependence on human power, which, WITHOUT GOD, is worthless. [Leaders maintain you cannot stop sinning, which you cannot––without God] Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.” [When storm of persecution comes, will be swept into Sunday-keeping/Will urge an “outward compliance with the laws of the land for the sake of peace and harmony.” See 5T: 712. Headed in that direction now] 1SM: 204-205. The only part of this prophecy that awaits fulfillment is the very last phrase of the very last sentence.

If false, then, from inspired sources, what other organization or religious body does it refer to? And if true, again from inspired sources, please give ANY evidence showing what part God has played in ordaining, establishing, or blessing this doctrinal changing, pillar capitulating, principle discarding, God forsaken, new movement, new organization SDA church?

My answer to this question is that I absolutely believe that the Lord showed Ellen White just exactly what the corporate SDA church would become as a result of the fulfillment of the omega of apostasy––and there is virtually infinite evidence to verify that this has been and is being fulfilled. And likewise, since we are told that all of this is the result of the “enemy of souls” Satan himself, I unquestionably believe that God has played NO PART AT ALL in ordaining, establishing, or blessing the present “new movement, new organization” SDA church!

QUESTION 3: Again, do you believe the following inspired statement refers to the SDA church denomination of today––true or false?

“Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God[the 7 last plagues]. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.” 5T:211.

If false, then from the word of inspiration, what church does this commentary on Ezekiel 9 refer to? If true, then, again from inspiration, what justification or truth is there in maintaining that to refuse to separate from this church is to be in accordance with God’s will?

My answer to this question is that there is no doubt whatsoever that this inspired paragraph accurately and literally predicts in the light of all 3 of the previous statements, what will happen to the SDA church and to ALL those who insist on remaining associated with it. [“Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled.” 10MR:261],

QUESTION 4: In light of the following quotation a) What power or agency gives the call to come out of the apostate religious bodies, and b) What part does the corporate, SDA church have to do with “the remnant”?

“I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” EW:261.

My answer is that this call for separation is given by the Holy Spirit through the 3 angel’s messages using human agencies, for we read: “I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention." EW: 118

“I was shown that the third angel, proclaiming the commandments of God  and the faith of Jesus, represents the people who receive this message and raise the voice of warning to the world..” 1T:76.

“The angel represented in prophecy as delivering this message, symbolizes a class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of earth. This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had refused the light from Heaven.” 4SP:177.

“No one hears the voice of these angels, for they are a symbol to represent the people of God who are working in harmony with the universe of heaven. Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order.” 2SM:387.

And again, in view of the first 3 statements, the Lord is calling out His faithful, for it is only those who obey that call to separate from any and all apostate churches, [including the apostate SDA church which has nothing to do with the remnant,] and from any and all individual sins who will be classed as being part of the remnant. We read: “The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are  separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will  follow, to slay utterly both old and young.” 5T:505. This again reiterates the fact that a) Only after separating from personal and corporate, denominational sin can the sealing angel place his mark upon one’s forehead, and b) All who refuse to separate cannot be sealed and will consequently be destroyed. It is not enough to merely separate from individual sin; it is not enough to merely separate from corporate sin––one must separate from BOTH corporate and individual sin despite what Mr. Ferrell or others may declare, state, proclaim, or believe!

QUESTION 5: In light of the previous quotations and the fact that you, Mr. Ferrell, and all others who are speaking out against separation from the corporate SDA church of today, isn’t it a fact that you, in reality are actually giving the call to those outside of the corporate SDA church to “Come out of your apostasy into my apostasy; leave your Babylonian whore and come fellowship with may 8T:250 harlot” true or false?

If false, then what call are you giving according to inspiration? And if true, what inspired counsel can you give to justify such a call?

My answer is that considering all the facts and evidence this is EXACTLY the message that is being given by those within the apostate, corporate, SDA church. It is a false, counterfeit, 3 angel’s message which is not of God, for He NEVER calls people into apostasy, but rather ALWAYS calls for people to separate FROM apostasy!

In closing, Mr. Ferrell makes another statement which bears solemn contemplation as I believe he is treading on very dangerous ground here. He states: “Well, then, what about those outside the organization-who declare that the denomination is Babylon, and that everyone in it is destined to burn in hellfire? That is a devilish teaching, and it is inspired by Satan!” I would like to ask Mr. Ferrell in view of the statements just given, especially 5T:211 and 505 that tell us that the SDA church WILL partake of the plagues of Babylon, who inspired those statements––and are they so far removed from that statement that you claim “is a devilish teaching?

I urge that Mr. Ferrell, [and all those who refuse to acknowledge that it is God who is calling His people out of the apostate SDA church] seriously reconsider that opinion in view of the following. We read: “Notwithstanding they had the most convincing evidence of God’s displeasure at their course, in the destruction of the men who had deceived them, they dared to attribute His judgments to Satan, declaring that through the power of the evil one, Moses and Aaron had caused the death of good and holy men. It was this act that sealed their doom. They had committed the sin against the Holy Spirit, a sin by which man’s heart is effectually hardened against the influence of divine grace...It is through the agency of the Holy Spirit that God communicates with man: and those who deliberately reject this agency as satanic, have cut off the channel of communication between the soul and Heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets:405.

In view of the evidence and facts presented, what Spirit then is it that compels men to separate from sin and apostasy––and what spirit is it that leads men to continue to mingle with those in sin and apostasy? Can it possibly be the same spirit? Does God EVER call anyone into fellowship with apostasy? If it is the same spirit, if God calls for one to separate and for another to join or to remain affiliated with apostasy, please give me the reference for this, for this is what these opposers of separation are intimating.

I earnestly pray that Mr. Ferrell will not only respond to the eternal matters presented in this letter, but will also directly answer the 5 questions presented. And if I do receive a response from Mr. Ferrell, or any of the other named individuals, I will gladly share that response with any who request it.

Dear reader, if you believe this is truth, if you believe this article is in accordance with divine principles, I pray that you will share it with all you can––by email, by downloading and making copies and sending them to all you know, or if you wish, sending me the addresses and I will see to it that they receive a copy.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

THIS, THEN, IS THE ISSUE!

Clarence Settle