Deuteronomy 8:2  “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the vital role of recalling God’s faithful guidance through history, applying biblical lessons from the Israelites and early Christians to cultivate unity, uphold sound doctrine, and maintain purity in the church community, ultimately assuring triumph over challenges.

REMEMBER GOD’S LEAD!

As we reflect on our past journey, we must recognize that the hand of God has guided every step. Ellen G. White states, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). Confidence in Christ as our leader builds on His faithfulness throughout history. Sr. White’s reflection fills us with astonishment at what the Lord has done and encourages us to hold onto these memories as a source of strength. Her writings urge us to cherish God’s guidance, using every entrusted advantage to exemplify holiness and share messages of hope, love, and comfort with those lost in sin (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). The Bible further supports this with “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2, KJV) and “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11, KJV). Sr. White also writes, “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 31, 1923) and “The record of the past is to be our guide for the future” (Review and Herald, October 25, 1881, 1881). This reminder anchors us in the truth that God’s leadership is the foundation of our hope. But how do lessons from history shape our future path?

HISTORY’S HIDDEN LESSONS!

As we look forward, we must not only recall God’s work in our past but also learn from historical examples, such as the lessons found in the experiences of the Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land. The records of Israel’s journey offer valuable lessons about faith, leadership, and trust in God, especially as seen in their encounter with Sihon, king of the Amorites, as described in Numbers 21. Faith in God’s promises grows stronger through these accounts of divine intervention and human response. The Bible further supports this with “That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Psalm 78:7, KJV) and “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The history of the children of Israel is written for our admonition and instruction” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 95, 1923) and “God brought His people out from Egypt, that He might establish them in the land of Canaan, as a pure, holy, happy people” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 451, 1890). God’s unchanging principles guide us today just as they directed Israel then. But what specific insights do these events provide for present and future challenges?

INSIGHTS IGNITE ACTION!

Throughout history, the Bible has documented numerous events that offer critical lessons for future generations. One such account is found in the journey of the children of Israel as they traveled toward the promised land. Their encounter with Sihon, king of the Amorites, stands as a testament to the importance of knowing and remembering historical events. When the Israelites requested passage through Sihon’s land (Numbers 21:21-22), Sihon responded with hostility and war (Numbers 21:23). In turn, Israel was forced to defend itself and successfully defeated Sihon and took possession of his lands (Numbers 21:24-25). Knowledge of past events empowers righteous decisions in conflicts. The Bible further supports this with “Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth” (Psalm 105:5, KJV) and “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Corinthians 10:6, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The Lord Himself directed the education of Israel. His care was not restricted to their religious interests; whatever affected their mental or physical well-being was also the subject of divine providence, and came within the sphere of divine law” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 592, 1890) and “The record of His dealings with His people should be repeated for the benefit of those who follow after” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 116, 1990). This series of events provides a valuable lesson about the importance of preserving the details of historical events for future reference. But how does preserving history aid in refuting falsehoods?

The preservation of historical events, even centuries after they occur, serves a significant purpose in guiding future generations. As illustrated in Judges 11, when Jephthah confronted the Amorite king, he was able to defend Israel’s right to the land by recalling the events of their ancestors. The Amorite king falsely accused Israel of wrongfully taking his land, but Jephthah’s knowledge of Israel’s history enabled him to justify their possession of the territory (Judges 11:12-23). This event occurred hundreds of years after the original conflict, demonstrating the enduring value of knowing history in detail. Jephthah’s response serves as evidence that understanding history helps to refute false claims and guide nations in righteousness. The Bible further supports this with “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee” (Deuteronomy 32:7, KJV) and “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4, KJV). Sr. White writes, “During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there was no written revelation. Those who had been taught of God, communicated their knowledge to others, and it was handed down from father to son, through successive generations” (The Great Controversy, p. v, 1911) and “The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body” (The Great Controversy, p. 457, 1911). The Bible emphasizes that these lessons are not just stories of the past but valuable teachings for current times. But does time diminish the relevance of these truths?

The Bible teaches that the passage of time does not diminish the importance of these lessons. As stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” This timeless principle highlights that the experiences of the past bear striking similarities to the events of the present. In The Great Controversy, Sr. White reflects this truth, stating, “The work of God in the earth presents, from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement” (The Great Controversy, p. 343, 1911). God’s dealings with humanity follow the same principles, providing guidance for every generation. The Bible further supports this with “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, KJV) and “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The greatest danger of God’s ancient people arose from their inclination to disregard His word and to follow the example of the nations around them” (Signs of the Times, May 26, 1881, 1881) and “History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 572, 1911). Therefore, it is critical to study and remember past events, as they hold valuable lessons for the future. But what role does this play in understanding the church’s mission?

As Sr. White further emphasizes, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). Our confidence grows from recalling God’s faithfulness and heeding warnings against forgetting His past guidance. As we learn from Israel’s journey, their struggles and triumphs offer timeless truths that remain relevant today. The Bible further supports this with “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5, KJV) and “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land” (Joshua 1:13, KJV). Sr. White writes, “We are to repeat the words of the pioneers in our work, who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work” (Review and Herald, May 25, 1905, 1905) and “The record of His dealings must be kept in mind” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 379, 1993). Whether we face challenges like those in the past or new trials, God’s past dealings with His people assure us that His principles are unchanging and always reliable. But how does allegorical language reveal the church’s strength?

CHURCH MISSION ALLEGORY!

Let’s find that the Bible uses allegorical language to describe the Church’s mission and character. In the Song of Solomon, the Church is likened to an army advancing powerfully and unitedly. This allegory portrays the Church’s ability to succeed as long as it remains united in its mission. Similarly, as the early Christian Church continued to labor together, they advanced in their mission, gloriously proclaiming the Gospel to the world (Acts of the Apostles, pp. 90-91, 1911). Unity fuels the church’s progress and fulfills its divine purpose. The Bible further supports this with “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV) and “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911) and “The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man” (The Desire of Ages, p. 414, 1898). This historical account serves as a reminder of the importance of unity in achieving divine goals. But what model does the early church offer for unity and doctrine?

EARLY CHURCH MODEL!

The early Christian Church, as described in the Bible, serves as a model of unity, faith, and sound doctrine. The allegorical description found in Song of Solomon 6:10 portrays the Church as “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” This vivid imagery highlights the Church’s strength and divine mission. Sr. White emphasizes this in Acts of the Apostles, where she states that as long as the Church remained united, “nothing could withstand her onward progress” (Acts of the Apostles, pp. 90-91, 1911). The Church’s unity was its source of power, advancing from victory to victory as it fulfilled its mission of spreading the Gospel. The Bible further supports this with “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2, KJV) and “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 11, 1911) and “Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection” (The Sanctified Life, p. 85, 1889). This historical account serves as a reminder of the importance of unity in achieving divine goals. But how do warnings against false doctrines protect this unity?

Despite the Church’s strength, Jesus warned His disciples to be vigilant against false doctrines. In Matthew 16:6, He cautioned them to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Initially, the disciples misunderstood this warning, interpreting it as a reference to physical bread. However, Jesus explained that He was referring to the dangerous doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:12). These groups were known for their hypocritical righteousness, placing emphasis on external ceremonies rather than genuine obedience to God. As The Desire of Ages points out, their righteousness was “insufficient and unworthy,” and their works had “divorced righteousness from religion” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309, 1898). This false righteousness is still a danger today, as external adherence to doctrine without internal transformation leads to spiritual ruin. The Bible further supports this with “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, KJV) and “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness” (The Great Controversy, p. 593, 1911) and “Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves” (The Great Controversy, p. 595, 1911). True obedience stems from heartfelt transformation. But what threats arise in the last days?

In the last days, the Bible warns that false teachings will become even more prevalent. 1 Timothy 4:1 states that “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” The Apostle Paul further warns in 2 Timothy 4:3 that people will reject sound doctrine, seeking teachers who cater to their own desires. This rejection of pure truth is dangerous because, as Titus 2:7 emphasizes, sound doctrine must be “uncorrupt, sincere, and pure.” Without sound doctrine, the Church loses its foundation and ability to lead others to Christ. As Sr. White writes in The Great Controversy, “it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions” (The Great Controversy, p. 597, 1911). True faith and a righteous life are inextricably linked to sound doctrine. The Bible further supports this with “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” (Galatians 1:8, KJV) and “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “False doctrine is one of the satanic influences that work in the church, and brings into it those who are unconverted in heart” (Review and Herald, August 8, 1907, 1907) and “The Bible is the standard by which to test the claims of all who profess sanctification” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 229, 1958). Sound doctrine safeguards the community’s spiritual health. But how does the community secure victory over these threats?

To ensure victory over false doctrines and possess a righteousness that endures, we must hold fast to the pure teachings of the Bible. The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV). This call to action requires the use of pure doctrine in all teaching and exhortation, as it alone can lead people to salvation. Obedience to God’s word must come from the heart (Romans 6:17), and it is only through a deep understanding of God’s law that individuals can truly obey Him. As The Great Controversy highlights, without the law, people “have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 468, 1911). True righteousness requires not only hearing but also living according to the pure doctrine of the Bible. The Bible further supports this with “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9, KJV) and “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church must be pure in doctrine and in life” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 367, 1901) and “God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 128, 1958). Pure doctrine fosters enduring righteousness. But how should the church respond to persistent false teachings?

It is important to address how the Church should respond to those who refuse to repent and hold onto false doctrines. In 2 John 1:9, the Bible teaches that only those who abide in Christ’s pure doctrine can truly abide in Him. Therefore, maintaining pure doctrine is essential for both personal salvation and the health of the Church community. The Bible further supports this with “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16, KJV) and “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The Spirit of God, with its vivifying power, must be in every human agent, that every spiritual muscle and sinew may be in exercise” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 174, 1923) and “They will not open their eyes to discern the fact that they have misinterpreted and misapplied the Scriptures, and have built up false theories, calling them fundamental doctrines of the faith” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 54, 1923). Upholding doctrine preserves communal vitality. But what accountability does the entire church bear?

PURITY IN RELATIONSHIPS!

The relationship between the church and its members is of utmost importance, especially concerning those who hold on to false doctrines. While God desires everyone to come to His church, there is a biblical warning about those who refuse to repent and continue to cling to false teachings. In 2 John 1:9, it is clear that only those who abide in Christ’s pure doctrine are truly in fellowship with Him. Without sound doctrine, an individual is separated from Christ and, consequently, from the life of the church. The purity of doctrine is essential for maintaining a faithful relationship with God and ensuring that the church remains spiritually healthy. The Bible further supports this with “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, KJV) and “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject” (Titus 3:10, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church cannot measure herself by the world nor by the opinion of men nor by what she once was. Our faith must be fixed on Christ, and He is the only standard” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 83, 1882) and “False doctrine is one of the satanic influences that work in the church, and brings into it those who are unconverted in heart” (Review and Herald, August 8, 1907, 1907). Doctrine’s purity sustains spiritual health. But how does tolerating falsehood affect the whole community?

God holds the entire church accountable when false doctrines are tolerated within its body. Revelation 2:14 warns about the dangers of allowing individuals who promote false doctrines to remain within the church. This passage reveals that the whole congregation can be affected by the influence of such individuals, leading to division and spiritual decay. To prevent this, Romans 16:17 advises the church to “mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine,” and to “avoid them.” This action is not one of exclusion for its own sake but a necessary step to preserve the unity and purity of the church. God has set a clear order in the church to prevent it from being led astray by falsehoods. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that God has placed leaders in the church, such as apostles, prophets, and teachers, to help maintain doctrinal integrity and guide the congregation toward spiritual maturity. The Bible further supports this with “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8, KJV) and “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (2 Peter 3:17, KJV). Sr. White writes, “To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle” (The Great Controversy, p. 45, 1911) and “The greatest danger of God’s ancient people arose from their inclination to disregard His word and to follow the example of the nations around them” (Signs of the Times, May 26, 1881, 1881). Accountability ensures the church’s integrity. But what historical examples illustrate this?

Historically, the early Christian church faced similar challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity. Sr. White, in The Great Controversy, describes the steadfastness of the faithful few who chose to separate themselves from the apostate church to maintain their commitment to the truth (The Great Controversy, p. 45, 1911). These early Christians refused to tolerate falsehood and idolatry, recognizing that compromising the truth would endanger their souls and the faith of future generations. They were willing to endure conflict and division rather than sacrifice their principles for the sake of peace. Their example reminds us that the preservation of pure doctrine is worth any cost, even if it leads to separation and hardship. The Bible further supports this with “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV) and “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church must be pure in doctrine and in life” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 367, 1901) and “The world knows not Christ. The very men who claim to be His representatives know not Him. They misrepresent His character” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 381, 1990). Steadfastness in truth safeguards future generations. But how does the church navigate worldly influences?

The relationship between the church and the world has always been fraught with tension. James 4:4 warns that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” Throughout history, God’s people have often conformed to worldly customs, hoping to gain favor, only to find that their supposed allies become their greatest enemies. As Sr. White observes in Patriarchs and Prophets, Christians often yield to worldly influences, thinking they will gain security, but this conformity leads to spiritual danger (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 558-559, 1890). The early Christians understood this well. Despite their lack of wealth or power, their unwavering faith and purity of life made them a “terror to evildoers” (The Great Controversy, p. 46, 1911). Their blameless conduct and adherence to sound doctrine distinguished them from the world and fulfilled Christ’s great commission to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). The Bible further supports this with “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, KJV) and “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, p. 57, 1903) and “Separation from the world is required of us, for we cannot remain free from its pollutions and at the same time walk in the love of God” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 45, 1868). Distinction from the world fulfills the gospel mission. But what destiny awaits the faithful church?

We see that the church is ultimately destined to triumph over all challenges. This is evident in the enduring symbols of triumph found throughout history, such as the arches of Rome, which continue to stand as a testament to victory, even as the empires that built them have faded away. Likewise, the church will stand victorious through the ages when it remains faithful and pure. The Bible further supports this with “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:20, KJV) and “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The church is to be fed with manna from heaven and to be kept under the sole guardianship of His grace” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18, 1923) and “God’s people will be tested and proved, that He may discern ‘them that serve Him from them that serve Him not’” (Review and Herald, November 14, 1912, 1912). Faithfulness ensures eternal victory.

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, KJV)

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of God’s historical guidance and church unity, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of remembering history and upholding pure doctrine to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about historical lessons and doctrinal purity in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of historical remembrance, unity, and doctrinal purity in daily life?