What Constitutes “Present Truth”

A careful study of documents of the time reveals what was denominated “present truth” in this formative period. It did not, as some have thought, embrace the wealth of prophetic interpretation, details of which were unfolded during the ensuing two or three decades, but was made up of vital “essentials,” “pillars,” “foundations.” These may be listed as:EGWMR 40.3

1. The second advent of Christ.EGWMR 40.4

2. The binding claims of the Seventh-day Sabbath.EGWMR 40.5

3. The third angel’s message in its fullness, in correct relationship to the first and second angels’ messages.EGWMR 40.6

4. The ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, which ministry would cease not long before the second advent (with emphasis on the work beginning the tenth day of the seventh month, 1844).EGWMR 40.7

5. The nonimmortality of the soul.EGWMR 40.8

These structural doctrines formed the “firm platform” which, in 1858, was described by Ellen White, upon which “nearly all stood firm.” (Early Writings, 259.) These constituted the “landmarks” enumerated by Ellen White thirty years later in connection with a discussion in which some wished to include minor points that were then being considered. Note the following statement:EGWMR 40.9

“There was much talk about standing by the old landmarks. But there was evidence they knew not what the old landmarks were.... They had perverted ideas of what constituted the old landmarks.EGWMR 40.10

“The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angels’ messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God’s law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.”—E. G. White Manuscript 13, 1889. (Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30, 31.)EGWMR 40.11