Benefits of Atonement Now

By Hazel Holland

The Scriptures clearly teach that we are entitled to the benefits of the atonement NOW, not at some future time.  Christ does not place us on probation first in order to see how well we will perform.  Salvation is by faith in His blood, not in the performance of our good works.  Listen to what the book of Hebrews teaches us.

"But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the age to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Hebrews 9:26).  When the Scripture says, "to do away with sin, or put away sin" it means in the Greek "to put away once and final."  In writing about the events leading up to the death of Jesus on the cross, the apostle John says, "When He had received the drink, Jesus cried, 'It is finished.'  With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." (John 19:30).  It is finished means that the debt of our sins has been paid in full at the cross.  It's done! 

The Scriptures nowhere indicate that Christ entered heaven after the cross in order to continue making atonement for us.  No!  It says that when "this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.  That means He “rested” because His work was finished.

Our forbearers in Adventism failed to take into consideration that after Jesus' resurrection "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12).  Since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool, because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made perfect" (Hebrews 10:12-14).

Clearly these Scriptures tell us that Jesus entered the very presence of God at His ascension to offer Himself to God as our substitute. The yearly Jewish Day of Atonement pointed forward to the Great Day of Atonement where “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people" (Hebrews 9:28).  He has taken care of the sin problem.  It was completed at the cross.  And when He comes again in the clouds of heaven the second time it will "not be to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him"(Hebrews 9:28).

The test is over our faith—faith in His righteousness, NOT over the performance of our good works.  For "the righteous will live by faith"—faith in Christ's finished work of grace (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4).  "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe”(Romans 3:21-22).

Since salvation is by faith in His blood, will you chose to place your faith in Christ's righteousness alone? ♥

Removing The Veil ♥

By Hazel Holland

 ♥"My Beloved Bride... let Me remove the old covenant veil that covers your heart!"♥

Several days ago I was getting ready for work in the bathroom.   I had just finished fixing my hair and was about to put on my make-up, when the new name of a Facebook group suddenly popped into my mind... "Praying Down the Veil".  Suddenly I became overwhelmed by the Lord’s presence.  Then quite unexpectedly He began to speak a word into my spirit.  "Let Me lift the veil from your eyes so that you can see My face and know My heart!"

Immediately I was totally undone.  The tears began rolling down my cheeks as I sensed the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit.  A picture came to my mind of Jesus lifting the veil from our eyes so that we can know Him face to face!  He wants us to look into His eyes with no veil between us so that we can see His heart.  He wants us to see the glory of God in His face!

"Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with  ever-increasing  glory, which  comes  from  the  Lord, who  is  the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

God wants to remove the veil of old covenant teachings that many of us hold on to as our way of life and source of truth.  This veil that covers our hearts keeps us stuck in giving our allegiance to a system of rules and regulations that ends in condemnation and death.  Why would we choose death instead of knowing the heart of the One who gives us Life--Jesus Christ? 

God knows our hearts, and He is working through His Spirit to bring us to the place where we will see this veil of condemnation and death for what it truly is.  Once it is removed from our eyes and hearts we shall rejoice in His goodness as we see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ--a radiance and glory that will never fade away!

Continue reading here:  Let Me Lift the Veil ♥
See also: Gently Broken

No Fear in Love

By Hazel Holland

"He who is holy, let him be holy still."  Revelation 22:11

God has given us His Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance in Him.  He has already placed His seal of approval upon us.  Therefore, as we hear  these words, spoken with such  love and unmistakable clarity by Jesus, “Let him who is holy continue to be holy still,” we may know that the  verdict  in  the  courts of  heaven  has  already  been  decided. Those who have chosen to be  found  in Christ have already been  judged and found not guilty.  Praise God!  Our righteous Judge has already taken the penalty for our sin.

These words, spoken by the angel to John, were never designed to bring terror to our hearts as believers.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  John’s prophetic visions were designed to bring hope and encouragement  to  the  early Christians who were  suffering  severe persecution for their faith.  Not only was the book of Revelation given for their day but also its message is relevant to every generation.  It is especially applicable to our day because the end of all things is at hand... 

There was no  fear  intended  in Jesus' pronouncement: “… Let him who is holy be holy still”, because His perfect love casts out all fear...  “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18).  How can I fear the One who has already taken all my sins upon Himself?  Such love defies human reasoning...  He has already given me His righteousness  in exchange  for my rags!   He has already sealed me by His Spirit!  I will rejoice in my inheritance—Jesus Christ! ♥ (An excerpt from:  "The Naked Truth..." )

Art link: A Man of Sorrows
For further reading:
No Fear in Love (2)
Lamb Power 

Gently Broken

The Righteousness that Saves Me

By Hazel Holland

Having grown up in the Seventh-day Adventist church, I had always understood that it was Jesus Christ’s righteousness plus my obedience to His law that would save me. It was never spelled out as directly as that, but that was what I understood to be the teaching, because of the emphasis the church placed on keeping the law, especially the 4th commandment. Most definitely our “Sabbath-keeping” was a necessary good work that would insure our salvation!

After many years of struggling to do the good works, I remember a time period in my life when the light of the new covenant gospel began to shine into the darkened recesses of my soul. It was like Someone suddenly turned on the blinding headlights of a car. I could see nothing except Jesus and His glorious work for me.

From that time on, although I was still a member of the SDA church, I had a deep longing in my heart to really know the One who gave His life for me. This hunger in my soul propelled me to want to know the truth of the Scriptures, and to search out truth for myself. So when I received a prophetic dream from the Lord in 1996, it only drove me further into God’s Word. I believed that the Holy Spirit would lead me into ALL truth as He opened up my mind to understand the meaning of the symbolism in the dream.

As I avidly continued to pray and study the Scriptures, especially Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians, the words leaped off the page as I saw that God’s saving work for me through Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection completely justified me in His sight. Christ took the punishment for my sins upon Himself, and in exchange credited me with His perfect righteousness. My good works, including my Sabbath-keeping, had no role whatsoever in my being justified before God. Furthermore, none of my good works could ever be added to the righteousness of the One who had saved me. I must completely place my hope and trust in the “good work” that God’s Son alone had done.

This of course was certainly a different message from the one I had grown up believing. The uniqueness of the Adventist message represented bondage to the law, and stood out in stark contrast to the freedom offered me by Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Although good works are the inevitable result of my being declared righteous by God, they in no way lead to my being justified. “For it is by grace (I) have been saved, through faith—and this not from (myself), it is the gift of God— not by works, so that (I cannot) boast. For (I am) God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for (me) to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

As I chose to believe and embrace Christ’s redemptive work through faith alone, I turned away from trusting in the unfinished work of the Holy Spirit in my life as the basis of my acceptance with God. I gave up believing that saving grace is the assistance God gives us through His Holy Spirit to keep the law. Without a doubt the basis of my acceptance with God is Christ’s finished work that took place outside of me on the cross. Justifying righteousness can be found in Him alone, never in what the Holy Spirit does in me.

Recognizing that even my good works fall into the category of filthy rags, I had a new urgency to share with others Jesus Christ’s glorious “good work” that will always trump our good works. As I focused my attention on His saving work on the cross, I noticed that He was not only beginning to equip me for the works He wanted me to do, but I also noticed that I was beginning to study myself right out of Adventism.

Since my hope is now built on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone I let this one defining truth direct my thoughts each day—I can never move beyond the glorious work of the gospel. His “good work” must take center stage in my life as I proclaim the good news of His death and resurrection until He comes. The righteousness that saves me is the righteousness of Another—Jesus Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:21) Thank you, Lord!♥

See: Why I Left Adventism

Parallel between "The Last Samurai" & SDA Leadership

By Hazel Holland

I believe there's an important parallel between “The Last Samurai” and the reluctance of SDA leadership to let go of historical Adventist doctrines that are contradictory to God’s Word.  This parallel is often repeated throughout history when men in positions of leadership and power are blinded by pride, and so consequently make tragic errors in judgment.  Unfortunately, their actions are often exonerated by their followers who also believe the lie, and perpetuate the deception by passing it on to the next generation…

The “Last Samurai” is a fictional character who rebels against the government because of its immorality as it modernizes.  The movie portrays noble motives for the samurai’s rebellion based on honor, honesty, better ethics and a better way of life.  

However, in the real life historical samurai rebellion, the primary motive was self-preservation of their unique and privileged social class.   The true-life samurai rebellion was a last desperate attempt to hold onto a traditional social caste and position of power that crippled the country by marginalizing and denigrating a great many of its people.   Modernization was resisted because it would put an end to the old system.   The movie ignores the historical truth and adopts the myth of the superiority of the old Bushido system.   It is filmed through rose-tinted glasses, portraying a noble fight to preserve a fictional ideal that never quite was...

 

In a similar way, Adventism has always felt it was more correct and more “moral” because it re-instituted the Old Covenant Law.  It returned to the old written code and pointed the finger of accusation at Christians who did not do the same.   It sang the virtues of the old system and claimed that without the Law, we are deficient and morally lost.   

In truth, however, the Bible states that we are no longer under the old code (the Law), because the purpose of the Law was to reveal sin and death so that we might cling to Jesus instead!  The Law was “the ministry of condemnation” and “the ministry of death”.  In the presence of Life Himself how could the ministry of death hold greater appeal?  How could the Adventist pioneers have been induced to prefer condemnation?

Just as the Bushido code climaxed in the act of suicide, the Law’s purpose was to “administer death”.   It was meant only as a tutor to lead us to faith, but now that faith has come we are no longer under the Law.   If we have come alive with Christ in faith then return to serve the Law, we have chosen spiritual death! In trying to heroically hold onto the Law, Adventism is committing spiritual suicide.   Adventism honors the Law of death as the way to perfection, just as the samurai viewed suicide as the summit of perfection and honor!

In the movie and in history, the “last samurai” rebelled against the established governmental authority of the day.  In a similar way, hasn't Adventism—by returning to the Law—rebelled against God’s authority to govern under the New, rather than the Old, Covenant?  Isn't Adventism’s willful rejection of God’s “new” order as insufficient declaring their superior wisdom that “the old way” is better?

For the vast bulk of Adventism’s history it has isolated itself from mainstream Christianity both socially and theologically.  In more modern times there has been a move to associate with other churches while holding tenaciously to the distinctives that set Adventism apart from the rest of Christianity.  As doctrinal  flaws  have  been more and more difficult  for  the  theologians  to defend,  the  focus has changed from theology  to community.  Members are called to loyalty toward their history and identity.

However, Adventism’s history began with spiritual abuse that has been passed on from generation to generation to the present day...  Furthermore, Adventism’s leadership has chosen cover-up and denial rather than discovery regarding the sad distortion of its false foundational teachings.   

As a result of this culture of secrecy its people are paralyzed in their ability to engage in open dialogue regarding their false foundations.  For the most part they do not appear to be any more prepared than the current leaders to call a halt to the unholy marriage of the Old and New. Until the old is put to rest there can be no freedom from fear!  

(Excerpt from "The Naked Truth..." , Chapter 12: Adventism's Ancient Stronghold).
See: Adventism's Bushido 

Thought Provoking Insights (Book Review from Amazon)

By Pegg

I rated this book a #5 because I found it exceptionally thought provoking.

Frankly, several of my friends had recommended Naked Truth to me, but I was resistant for some time. Having a history in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with its prophetess who received visions, I was leery to engage myself.

I became acquainted with the author, Hazel Holland, and Ramone Romero, (wrote the Forward) in an online forum. It was because of their sincerity and the obvious nature of their walk with God that I reconsidered reading the book.

Since learning the really radical "newness" of the New Covenant, I have been curious about the role of the prophet within the Church Era as compared to that we see demonstrated in the Old Testament prophets. I have read and studied, and while I had concluded that the role of the prophet was also "new" (based especially on 1 Corinthians 12-14 and 1 Thessalonians 5) I was unable to pinpoint the change(s) to my satisfaction. To my surprise, Naked Truth turned out to provide an open case study for me. Perhaps even more than the actual "content," I became intrigued with the author's description and application of the revelation. I followed the book from curiosity at first, but the farther I read, the more fascinated I became.

The author speaks with clarity and she develops a compelling message. I believe that in the last chapters of the book she offers a challenge that Spirit-filled believers have to take very seriously. Those who are free must not forget their brethren who remain behind. We are compelled to reach out in love and honesty. It is thus that we may be used as God's means to express the depth of His love for all of His children.

Lastly, I wish to thank the author and publisher for making the book available in kindle format. I likely would not have read it otherwise.

See: Other Amazon Reviews

Good Read (Book Review from Amazon)

By Dinorah Blackman Hines 

As a former SDA, I admire Hazel Holland's courage in writing this book. Hundreds of current members of the SDA denomination have questions regarding the unbiblical doctrines, EG White's unfulfilled prophecies, contradictions found within her own writings, the accusations of plagiarism, the corruption of the church leaders, and the contradictions found between the Bible and EG White's writings, among other issues.

But very few are brave enough to look for the answers for fear of being rejected and ridiculed. Many have left, but still continue to believe that SDAism is the "true church" and so they drag through life in condemnation, living from the memory of the brainwash.

If what you've heard in church doesn't quite add up, this is the book for you. Hazel Holland presents well-researched biblical evidence that removes the mask that this cultic denomination has been hiding behind and leads you into a deep and fresh relationship with the real Jesus.

See: Other Amazon Reviews 

Leaving Our Adventist Nets

By Hazel Holland

Will we leave our Adventist nets at the foot of the cross and follow Him?  Will we leave our comfort zones that we have been holding on to and become teachable in the School of the Spirit?  Will we choose to follow wherever He is leading us?

With each fish that God draws He is saying, "Christ!  Christ!  Christ!" The cry of the Father's heart is for us to know that when we accept the sacrifice of His Son we have everything! ("The Naked Truth..." , p. 120.)

See Art link: Becoming like Children...

Free in Him!

By Hazel Holland

I believe the Lord is saying to each one of us who are survivors of spiritual incest that unless we offer restoration and forgiveness to our spiritual  abusers, we cannot hope to preach the message of Christ’s unconditional love to the world.  Since He has already reconciled the world to Himself by His sacrifice, God wants to bring down the wall of bitterness and offense that separates us from our brothers and sisters within the church.  For God wants to bring new life to both perpetrators and victims alike.  We are all called to be free in Him! (Excerpt from "The Naked Truth..." p. 146.)

See Art link: Called to be Free!

A Second Chance to Get It Right!

By Hazel Holland 

Here are three quotes from Ellen White that are found in my book, "The Naked Truth....", page 111-112, that place people who believe in the false gospel of Adventism in even greater spiritual bondage... 

From reading the writings of Ellen White we see that the only hope many Adventist's have is that they have been given a second probation... a second chance because of the cross... to see if they will keep God's law!  A second chance to get it right!

 “After Jesus opened the door of the Most Holy the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were to be tested and proved, as God proved the children of Israel anciently, to see if they would keep His law.” (White, Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 164). 

 “Christ died for a ruined world, and through the merit of Christ, God elected that man should have a second trial, a second probation, a second test as to whether he will keep the commandments of God or walk in the path of transgression, as did Adam… The conditions of eternal life have been plainly stated… here are the conditions upon which every soul may be elected to eternal life. Your obedience to God’s commandments will prove that you are predestined to a glorious inheritance.” (Adventist Review and Sabbath Herald (Review & Herald Publishing Association, September 28, 1897) par 4 Article, Title: Preach the Word, 5). 

 “If they [His people] will live according to every word He has spoken, every good word and promise will be fulfilled unto them. But if they come short of perfect obedience, the great and precious promises are afar off, and they cannot reach the fulfillment.” (White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 148). 

No wonder God is raising up an army of Former SDAs who will minister His healing love and grace to His wounded and hurting Adventist children when the foundations of Adventism's "house" collapse!!!

There's a Bigger Issue at Stake...

By Hazel Holland

In Chapter 9: "Exposing a Sacred Cow", p. 107-109, there's a bigger issue at stake than the well documented fact that Ellen White (EGW) "borrowed" profusely from other authors without giving them credit.  This issue shows up best in "The Desire of Ages".  (See Dr. Fred Veltman's research on this subject here: http://www.ellenwhiteexposed.com/egw40.htm

The extra prophetic fill-ins in Desire of Ages serve a purpose because the New Testament is largely silent about Sabbath observance, but the Desire of Ages is not. Whether they realized it or not, it appears that the authors of DA were trying to reconcile the New Testament with the Sabbath. They were trying to harmonize Christ with the Law.  They were trying to show that Christ upheld the Law and that He intends for us to be obedient to the Ten Commandments, especially the Sabbath.

Thus the prophetic “fill-ins” serve to give divine credibility to this Ten Commandment-based account of the gospel. They showed through their further revelations that this re-reading of Scripture was the correct view.  Because it was also more emotionally moving, the belief in Sabbath/Ten Commandments became more emotionally fixed and entrenched inside of us.  How could it be wrong if it was so moving?   We thought DA made us appreciate Jesus and Scripture more.

However, the problem with the Ellen White “fill-ins” in DA is that they distract us from the main point of the message of Jesus.  One example of DA’s distracting fill-ins is about the parable of the Good Samaritan. Ellen White said it was a true story, not just a parable, and that the people in that recent event were standing among the listeners when Jesus was speaking. When Jesus finished speaking, EGW said that the Samaritan knew he was vindicated and the priest and Levite were convicted of their wrongdoing.

The problem with the Ellen White’s “fill-ins” is that they distract us from the main point of the parable by adding peripheral information that the Bible is silent about. The point of Jesus’ parable was that God values love and compassion more than He values ceremonial righteousness.  God saw the Samaritan who was theologically very incorrect as being more righteous than the priest and Levite who had “more truth”. 

In essence, this parable shows that righteousness does not come through the Law!!! But that is totally missed and not mentioned here!!!

Unfortunately because of the EGW “fill-ins” in DA, the “wow” shifted away from Jesus’ message to the extra knowledge EGW supplied. Readers of Scripture focus on and are in awe of Jesus, His love and His grace. But readers of “The Desire of Ages” often feel that they already know those things (Jesus, His love and grace) and that those things are somewhat elementary.

Many of us in Adventism have been more impressed by EGW’s further “revelations” and proud of our “bigger” picture. But the deeper insight is not deeper at all—it’s taken us deeper into error and totally misrepresented who Jesus is!!!

Anyone want to share their thoughts about this subject?

The "Old" Has Disappeared...

By Hazel Holland

The "old" has disappeared... and the "new" has come!

Jesus knows the hearts of His children.  He knows that many of us try to hold on to the old wineskin of old covenant law believing it to be better than the new wineskin of the new covenant gospel.  He knows that in the natural realm old wine does taste better than new wine. 

That was why the people at the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle were so surprised when they tasted the new wine.  The old wine—the good wine was always served first, but at this wedding the best wine was served last!   

Do you see the prophetic picture?  Jesus was declaring Himself to be the New Wine—the Best Wine.   The Son of God was declaring Himself to be God’s final Word.

Although we have been accustomed to drinking “old wine,” believing the “old” is better, Jesus came to show us that the “new wine” of the new covenant gospel is far better than the old wine of old  covenant law.  He is defying our expectations just like He surprised the guests at the wedding feast by showing us that the new wine—what came later is better!  Indeed, the host of the wedding banquet did serve his best wine at the beginning.  

But like the glory of the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3), the New Wine surpasses the old!  We thought we had great wine through Moses, but it doesn’t begin to compare with the New Wine of the Spirit...

*Excerpt from "The Naked Truth...", p. 74.

Gospel Seen Through Lens of Law

 By Hazel Holland

In Adventism the glory of the new covenant gospel is seen through the lens of the law (Ten Commandments). Adventism has taken the ministry that brought death (Ten Commandments engraved in letters on stone) and that came with glory, and made it even more glorious that the ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:7-8).

In Galatians 3:23, Paul talks about the law being our schoolmaster. He says, “…we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.” In other words Paul is saying that while we were under law, we were children and were no different from slaves...

So we see that Adventism actually keeps us in childhood—slavery actually!

What’s more, because EGW is considered to be an authoritative source of truth that the corporate SDA church continues to promote, many Adventists remain in slavery to the law because of Ellen White’s insistence on glorifying the old covenant.

Because of this tragic error many Adventists have not been “changed from glory to glory.” Many Adventists have not experienced the freedom of the Spirit. Many Adventists cannot behold Christ because the veil of the law still blinds them (See 2 Corinthians 3:12-18).

(Excerpts from "The Naked Truth...", p. 104-105).

Called to Weep and Laugh in Intercession

By Hazel Holland

Several years ago as I was praying for people God had placed on my heart, I was suddenly overcome with great joy. The weeping I had experienced as I sought God’s heart on their behalves was replaced by a tidal wave of exuberant laughter that felt strangely warm and wonderful. It was like nothing I had ever known before.

Immediately the Lord directed me to turn to Psalm 126. As I read the following verses I sensed that God was giving me a foretaste of the anointing of joy that will come upon the bride of Christ as the final harvest comes in.

“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:1-6).

Many months later I realized that God had also given me these verses of Scripture as a prophetic word for the book I was writing (The Naked Truth: Exposing the Deception of Adventism ). He was giving me a foretaste of His joy in order to encourage me to stand at my post as a “watchman on the walls” of the church, particularly the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church. He had called me to pray and intercede for the “release of the captives” that He had shown me in a vivid prophetic dream in the spring of 1996. Although weeping would last for a night, I knew abundant joy was coming in the morning.

At times over the past twelve years when I was tempted to lose hope of getting the book finished, I would remember this Scripture and I would be driven to spend more time on my face seeking God’s heart. In some of my most difficult moments of discouragement, it seemed like the oil of joy would be poured over me again, and I would be filled with that same exuberant laughter as I remembered that “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). The Lord is going to bring back the captives to Zion. Many hurting, broken and discouraged people who have been in bondage to old covenant teachings will be delivered and set free. By the power of His Spirit God will fill their mouths with exuberant laughter, and loose their tongues with songs of great joy.

Link to original post: Called to Weep and Laugh in Intercession

A Word from God's Heart

By Hazel Holland

Saturday morning, January 13, 2007 God clearly spoke the words, “The Last Samurai” into my mind as I was in the bathroom getting ready for church. I was surprised to hear the title of a movie about a Japanese warrior that I had no interest in seeing at the time it was shown.

As I mused about this word, wondering what was on God’s heart, I received another word two days later on Monday morning, January 15, 2007. God spoke the words, “Custer’s Last Stand” into my mind the same way. Again I received a witness in my spirit that God was drawing another important parallel between “The Last Samurai”, “Custer’s Last Stand”, and the reluctance of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) leadership to let go of their Adventist heritage even when it falls short of being in agreement with God’s Word.

Not having seen “The Last Samurai”, and knowing very little about Japanese history, I emailed my friend, Ramone, in Japan (he wrote the Forward to The Naked Truth: Exposing the Deception of Adventism), hoping to find the needed historical background and content of this movie so that I could discover what God was saying. Ramone not only gave me the historical background of “The Last Samurai”, but also “Custer’s Last Stand.” Along with both background summaries came an interpretation that God had given him for these two words, and it lined up with what I had already received from the Spirit.

As you prayerfully read the background summaries of these two words, along with the interpretation Ramone received from the Lord, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be opened to see how God is pouring forth His heart of concern and love toward His children who remain stuck in the malaise of Adventism. This word is given to forcefully remind us that history has a way of repeating itself. Men in positions of leadership and power who are blinded by pride often make tragic errors in judgment. Unfortunately, they are often exonerated by their followers who also believe the lie, and perpetuate the deception by passing it on to the next generation... 

 Background of “The Last Samurai”

The “Last Samurai” is a fictional character who rebels against the government because of  its  immorality  as  it modernizes.  The movie portrays noble motives for the samurai’s rebellion based on honor, honesty, better ethics and a better way of life.

However, in the real life historical samurai rebellion, the primary motive was self-preservation of their unique and privileged social class. The true-life samurai rebellion was a last desperate attempt to hold onto a traditional social caste and position of power that crippled the country by marginalizing and denigrating a great many of its people.   Modernization was resisted because it would put an end to the old system. The movie ignores the historical truth and adopts the myth of the superiority of the old bushido system.   It is filmed through rose-tinted glasses, portraying a noble fight to preserve a fictional ideal that never quite was.

What is God saying?

Like old “bushido”, the Law also “keeps people in their place.”  This “Ancient Stronghold that  is called a “ministry of condemnation and death”, keeps people from rising above sin and death in their lives, be-

cause a veil covers their eyes.  The abolition of the Samurai class and feudal Japanese society spelled freedom for many people.  Of course it took many years for attitudes to change (and some things are still being changed), but in general, it was this crumbling of an ancient stronghold (“bushido”) that liberated many classes of people in society.

I believe God is saying that “The Last Samurai” applies to many Adventist leaders who are unwilling to let the “old” go.  They are looking through rose-tinted glasses at Adventism’s heritage and insist on holding onto a delusion.  They may feel like they are fighting to the death to preserve a noble code of honor, a noble Adventist history.   But, in truth, it  is a  fictional  ideal, because  the history never  really existed as  they want  to believe.  The mythical heritage of Adventism  they  invoke  is  a creation of imagined self-importance.  It glorifies Adventist pioneers and their teachings while glossing over the deception, error, condemnation and spiritual abuse that existed from the beginning.

Additionally, Adventism has always felt it  as more  correct  and more “moral” because  it  re-instituted  the Old Covenant Law.  It returned to the old written code and pointed the finger of accusation at Christians who did not do the same.  It sang the virtues of the old system and claimed that without the Law, we are deficient and morally lost.  In  truth, however,  the Bible states  that we are no  longer under the old code (the Law), because the purpose of the Law was to reveal sin  and death  so  that we might cling  to  Jesus  instead!   The Law was “the ministry of  condemnation”  and “the ministry of death”.     In  the presence of Life Himself how could the ministry of death hold greater

appeal?  How could the Adventist pioneers have been induced to prefer condemnation?

The old samurai looked upon suicide as noble and as an honorable way out of a situation.   In a sense, it was often seen as the consummation of an honorable life, deed or heroic effort.   It fulfilled the Bushido

code of honor and was, in a way, the perfection of honor.   After the “last samurai” lost the battle and stabbed himself,  his dying words were “It’s perfect”.

Just as the bushidoAdventism is committing spiritual suicide.  Adventism honors the Law of death as the way to perfection, just as the samurai viewed suicide as the summit of perfection and honor?  (For further reading, see Chapter 12,  Adventism's Ancient Stronghold, p.154).

Background of “Custer’s Last Stand”

Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer had gained renown during the 1800’s  for his  valor  in  leading American  army  forces  into  battle with Native Americans in the “Indian wars”.  He is remembered best, however  or his monumental underestimation of  the combined forces of the Sioux and Cheyenne nations  in  the battle of Little Bighorn in eastern Montana. Custer  came with  a  force of between 200- 600 soldiers, while those who were defending their ancient ways of life had amassed an army nearing 1800 warriors.

Some  estimate  that  within  half  an  hour  the  defending  Native   Americans had decimated Custer and all of his soldiers from the Seventh U.S. Cavalry.   America tried to redeem the debacle by calling  it “Custer’s Last stand”, implying that a brave American army officer had nobly given his life to defend his country against the invading savages.  The over-confident, short-sighted  Custer  was  transformed  into  an  icon of bravery and courage.   Truth, however, was much  less complimentary.   The Native Americans were,  in  fact, making  a  last  stand  to defend a way of life that went back many centuries against newcomers who were  trying  to eradicate  them  from  the  face of  the Earth.  The  Americans  had  corralled  them  onto  reservations with  the  arrogant claim of  generosity–giving  them back  a  fraction of  the  land  that was theirs to begin with. The European immigrants had brought with them disease, suffering and death. With the confiscation of their lands went the very commodity that constituted their identity. 

What Are the Parallels?

Historical  revisionism  has  plagued Adventism  from  the  beginning.  Just as Custer’s defeat was recast as a heroic stand against encroaching  evil  so  was Adventism’s  erroneous  date-setting  for  the  Second Coming  reborn  as  the  Investigative  Judgment,  spawning “The  Great Advent Movement”. Adventism’s  last  ditch  strategy was  to  turn  the “Great Disappointment” into a glorious new truth. But just as in many other  distortions Adventist  teaching  has  redefined  the word “truth” to  stand  for error. The words of God will  stand  against  them  as He searches  their motivations  and  continued  cover-up  of His  truth. “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled  in  the  streets,  honesty  cannot  enter.  Truth  is  nowhere  to be  found,  and whoever  shuns  evil  becomes  a  prey. The  Lord  looked and was displeased  that  there was no  justice. He saw  that  there was no one, he was appalled  that  there was no one  to  intervene”  (Isaiah

59:14-16, NIV) Behind propaganda is the desire to hide the truth with bravado.

Perhaps  you,  too,  have  believed  the myths  about Adventism—its noble, heroic heritage, its moral code, its last-day prophet. Perhaps you have taken comfort in the culture that appears to have been prospered by God and believe that the whole package is of great worth. Perhaps you have determined that you will not cheaply throw away this pearl of great price.  Take another look.  The “moral code of great worth” (the law) is Adventism’s “bushido”, Adventism’s ancient stronghold that has brought unexpected bondage and immorality.  The history of “Adventism’s  Stand”  in  refusing  to  jettison  the  failed  1844  prophecy  has  led to numerous doctrines  that do  violence  to  the  gospel. Within  those doctrines hides a stubborn defiance against repentance for willfully covering up the haughty legacy of pride, control, power and an institution built on false prophecy. (For further reading, see Chapter 12: Adventism's Ancient Stronghold, p. 158).

Letting the "Old" Go

By Hazel Holland

Many Adventist leaders are unwilling to let the “old” go, because they are looking through rose-tinted glasses at Adventism’s heritage and insist on holding onto a delusion. They may feel like they are fighting to the death to preserve a noble Adventist history. But, in truth, it is a fictional ideal, because the history never really existed as they want to believe. The mythical heritage of Adventism they invoke is a creation of imagined self-importance. It glorifies Adventist pioneers and their teachings while glossing over the deception, error, condemnation and spiritual abuse that existed from the beginning.

* (Excerpt from Chapter 12: "Adventism's Ancient Stronghold", p. 155).

Repentance is Coming!

When we choose to repent and release our "good" works at the foot
of the cross, will we be free to enter into the joy of His "good" work.

Fear of Deception

This fear of deception prevents many from laying aside
previously held opinions and teachings
to search the Scriptures for 
themselves to discover
Truth.

Next picture: Repentance is Coming!

A Spiritual Earthquake

Just like the dream portrays, discovering the "truth" will cause
a spiritual earthquake among the laity of the SDA church.

Next picture: Fear of Deception

Terrified Slave Children!

 The cartoon-like video pictured hundreds of terrified children who were

frantically clinging frantically to a tall, steep, pyramid-shaped "mountain".

Next picture:  A Spiritual Earthquake!

Pictures Inside The Naked Truth...

The spirit of fear that controls many of 

God's beloved children in Adventism!

Next picture: Terrified Slave Children!

The Central Pillar

By Hazel Holland 

December 20, 2010 (Facebook)

..."Christians in other denominations who were confident of their salvation were not to be trusted. After all, didn’t we have the “truth?”   How could they possibly be so confident when they didn’t have a true understanding of the Sabbath: Adventism’s one, great, untouchable good work? How could they possibly be so confident when they didn’t have a true understanding of the investigative judgment?  Immediately, we judged their works as shallow and their faith suspect, because for most Adventists the Sabbath is their insurance policy in the investigative judgment.

...Unfortunately this confusion over the gospel comes from regarding Ellen White’s writings as a “continuing and  authoritative source of truth” .  Although many theologians, pastors and administrators within the SDA church know that there is no biblical support for this doctrine of an Investigative Judgment, they [for the most part] quietly go about their business trying to keep from making waves. Why?  Because Ellen White strongly endorsed it, calling it the "central pillar of Adventism". 

Sadly this erroneous unbiblical teaching of an investigative judgment has never been publicly confessed, repented of or renounced by the corporate leadership of the SDA Church...  For then wouldn’t it become evident that Ellen White is not a “continuing and authoritative source of truth?” Then we would be forced to admit that we have been wrong on this “central pillar of Adventism.”

Discovering the "truth" will cause a spiritual earthquake

among many of the laity of the SDA church.

Here's a picture  that Lord gave Ramone (with many tears) that connects to these things I have shared. In response to seeing this picture and reading his post, I shared a couple of paragraphs from his post the resonated with my spirit.

"The foundation of Adventism had already been laid in the Sanctuary (Investigative Judgment) doctrine, which had come by rejecting the sufficiency of gospel of grace that Christian churches believed in, and establishing new criteria for salvation that depended on the "present truths" of Adventism. "The Sabbath" was added to this package a few years later. Sabbath thus became rooted not in the Bible, but in being a necessity that you had to do in order to make it through "the investigative judgment".

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. - John 5:24

Christ came to give us rest in Him, in Him Himself. "Come to Me and I will give you rest" is how He said it. Paul wrote that the Sabbath days and all other festivals were shadows of Jesus Christ. Like the sacrificial lambs, the Sabbath was a shadow of the rest for our souls in Jesus. We lay down our works, and enter into His rest. And as Hebrews 4 says, we enter this rest by faith, and we may enter it today -- any day. It is not limited. This is a rest that trusts in the merit of Jesus Christ. It trusts in His work instead of in our works."

Also I love how the background of your painting depicts the peacefulness of the sheep that is in stark contrast to the restlessness of the man! Great imagery! Thanks for sharing through art what God has given you!  
Excerpt from "The Naked Truth, Ch. 3)       

 Facebook Link to Article 

The Meaning of Adventism's "Package"

By Hazel Holland

Excerpt from "The Naked truth..." 

“Our history as a denomination reveals that generations of Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) have been involved, to some degree, in striving to obey the Ten Commandments, especially the fourth.  The idea we inherited from our forbearers was that in order to please God we must obey His law. In the dream our striving to obey the law was represented as our holding on to endless columns of indecipherable fine print inside the magazines (packages) that were impossible to read without the aid of a magnifying glass (p. 59)

The man-made rules and teachings of Adventism that have been added to the old covenant lists of requirements for proper Sabbath observance have replaced the list that the Pharisees added, but both have caused a heaviness on the people.  However, those who were carrying the packages in the dream did not realize this heaviness.  As long as the content of Adventism’s package remained tightly sealed it didn’t appear to be a heavy burden to those carrying it.  It was only after the content of my package was ripped open and exposed to the light of the cross that the growing “weight” of Adventism’s package became unbearable (p. 59).

I remember well my striving in the dream to hold on to Adventism’s package after the brown paper covering was ripped and the “package” contents exposed, because I supposed it was a “gift.”…  As a third generation Adventist I initially felt that the special truths of Adventism had been handed down to me as a “gift” that I was fortunate and privileged to have received.  Therefore, it was my responsibility to become a good steward and take care of this “package” I had received and pass it on.  In a million years I would never have dreamed of discarding this “gift”  or letting it fall to the ground or of throwing it away.  That is why I was so horrified and dismayed in the dream when I was thrown headfirst across the top of a desk and the “package” was ripped open… (p. 34)

In the hope of disguising the darkness of the inner contents of the “package” that people were seen carrying, the corporate leadership of the SDA church has covered up the true nature of the “package” contents by making the outer covering appear attractive and desirable.  In fact each generation of SDAs has tried to package Adventism’s message in such a way as to make it even more desirable and more attractive than the generation before them. However, the attractive packaging does not change the nature of what is inside the “package.”…  No matter how hard we try to make Adventism’s package attractive to others, from God’s perspective Adventism’s “package” can never be dressed up to look like anything but filthy rags! (p. 35)

In essence, the graphic imagery portrayed on the front covers of the magazines ( Adventism’s package) reveal that the Adventist people are having an adulterous relationship with the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).  Fear of being lost has caused many to cling to the false savior—the Law—rather than the Groom—Jesus Christ.  The futility of trusting in our own obedience instead of Christ’s obedience for us is equivalent to spiritual adultery (p. 53).

An equally offensive betrayal of His grace is the belief that He gives us the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to obey the old covenant law.  I believe that God is revealing, through the imagery in the dream, a systemic problem of spiritual pornography and adultery within the body of Adventism about which most members are oblivious.  Yet, unbeknownst to them, they are most certainly victims of this most subtle form of spiritual impurity (p. 54)

One of the most alluring attributes of pornography is its promise of intimacy.  In fact the entire porn industry is founded upon the premise that everyone needs intimacy.  So victims of pornography, having being lured in by loneliness, lust or desire, discover too late that they have become addicted to an empty, false and destructive imitation of their true needs.  This false intimacy momentarily gratifies lust but leaves their deeper needs untouched as they slide toward a black hole of death.  Using the pornographic industry as a metaphor for illegitimate fulfillment of legitimate needs helps to identify some of the ways in which Adventism has appealed to the need for intimacy with God through their man-made solutions (p. 54).

Adventism’s foundational teachings are spiritually destructive in nature precisely because they deceive people into thinking that they will find true intimacy and acceptance with God by striving to obey the Ten Commandments. Consequently, millions have been lured into slavishly striving to obey the Sabbath of the 4th commandment.  Instead of finding the true intimacy with God they desired, they strive, out of fear, to obey a poor facsimile (the law of sin and death) of the real thing—Jesus Christ (p. 54).

Since the truth of the gospel has been perverted by Adventism’s unbiblical teachings, I believe most Adventists are unaware of the fact that the brand of “Christianity” being promoted by the SDA church at large is cultic in nature. From the outside, the church looks good as its slick marketing techniques present worthy programs and admirable community endeavors that can fool the casual observer.  However, all of the spin in the world is no substitute for the intimacy with our Maker that come from living in the reality of the gospel by the power of the Spirit.” (p. 54).

Next post:  The Central Pillar

Lynn's Story

 By Hazel Holland

You can read about Lynn's journey out of Adventsm here at Gently Broken

You'll be blessed beyond measure to see what an awesome God we love and serve!