Ellen White clearly taught Jesus is the great I AM.

[hobie]

Ellen White clearly taught that Jesus is Jehovah, the great I AM of the burning bush with Moses and who led the Children of Isreal and revealed Himself when He came as the Christ. Jesus Claims About Himself - John 8:48-58.
 

48 The answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

With solemn dignity Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.” 

Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2, margin. 

Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer. His claim to be one with God had before stirred them to take His life, and a few months later they plainly declared, “For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God.” John 10:33. Because He was, and avowed Himself to be, the Son of God, they were bent on destroying Him. Now many of the people, siding with the priests and rabbis, took up stones to cast at Him. “But Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (Desire of Ages, 470.1)

Ellen White clearly showed who Jesus was, as seen in more of her writings:

Ellen G. White wrote:The Pre-existent, Self-existent Son of God.--Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God.... In speaking of his pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with God as one brought up with Him.--Signs of the Times, Aug. 29, 1900.

He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent.... He is the eternal, self-existent Son.--Manuscript 101, 1897.

From Everlasting.--While God's Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God.--Review and Herald, April 5, 1906.

Christ shows them that, although they might reckon His life to be less than fifty years, yet His divine life could not be reckoned by human computation. The existence of Christ before His incarnation is not measured by figures.--Signs of the Times, May 3, 1899.

Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life." In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. "He that hath the Son hath life." The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal life.--The Desire of Ages, p. 530 (1898)

[hobie]

I came across this on what Ellen White says on the Deity and Nature of Christ. It clearly shows the form of the GodHead and how Christ is from everlasting and our Creator.

Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was One with the eternal Father,'one in nature, in character, in purpose,'the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. 'His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6). His 'goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting' (Micah 5:2).'Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.

The Jews had never before heard such words from human lips, and a convicting influence attended them; for it seemed that divinity flashed through humanity as Jesus said, 'I and My Father are One.' The words of Christ were full of deep meaning as He put forth the claim that He and the Father were of one substance, possessing the same attributes.'The Signs of the Times, November 27, 1893, p. 54.

Yet the Son of God was the acknowledged Sovereign of heaven, one in power and authority with the Father.'The Great Controversy, 495.

To save the transgressor of God's law, Christ, the One equal with the Father, came to live heaven before men, that they might learn to know what it is to have heaven in the heart. He illustrated what man must be to be worthy of the precious boon of the life that measures with the life of God.'Fundamentals of Christian Education, 179.

The only way in which the fallen race could be restored was through the gift of His Son, equal with himself, possessing the attributes of God. Though so highly exalted, Christ consented to assume human nature, that He might work in behalf of man and reconcile to God His disloyal subject. When man rebelled, Christ pleaded His merits in his behalf, and became man's substitute and surety. He undertook to combat the powers of darkness in man's behalf, and He prevailed, conquering the enemy of our souls, and presenting to man the cup of salvation.'The Review and Herald, November 8, 1892, p. 690.

The world was made by Him, 'and without Him was not anything made that was made.' If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore....

There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incomprehensible.'The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906, p. 8.

The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son, and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both.'Patriarchs and Prophets, 36.

However much a shepherd may love His sheep, He loves His sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R.V. What a statement is this!'the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zechariah 13:7),'the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!'The Desire of Ages, 483.

Still seeking to give a true direction to her faith, Jesus declared, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. 'He that hath the Son hath life.' 1 John 5:12. The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal life.'The Desire of Ages, 530.

Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, 'whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.''The Desire of Ages, 469.

The world's Redeemer was equal with God. His authority was as the authority of God. He declared that He had no existence separate from the Father. The authority by which He spoke, and wrought miracles, was expressly His own, yet He assures us that He and the Father are one.'The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890, p. 1.

Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship.'Patriarchs and Prophets, 305.

Jehovah is the name given to Christ. 'Behold, God is my salvation,' writes the prophet Isaiah; 'I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day ye shall say, Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.' 'In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.''The Signs of the Times, May 3, 1899, p. 2.

The heavenly gates are again to be lifted up, and with ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy ones, our Saviour will come forth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jehovah Immanuel 'shall be King over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.''Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 108.

This is the reward of all who follow Christ. Jehovah Emmanuel'He 'in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,' in whom dwells 'all the fulness of the Godhead bodily' (Colossians 2:3, 9)'to be brought into sympathy with Him, to know Him, to possess Him, as the heart opens more and more to receive His attributes; to know His love and power, to possess the unsearchable riches of Christ, to comprehend more and more 'what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God' (Ephesians 3:18, 19)''This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.''Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 57.

Before the entrance of sin among the angels: Christ the Word, the only-begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,'one in nature, in character, and in purpose,'the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ, the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings.'The Great Controversy, 493.

If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them. 'The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 1 Corinthians 2:14. None who hold this error can have a true conception of the character or the mission of Christ, or of the great plan of God for man's redemption.' The Great Controversy, 524.

[hobie]

Here is from article on Questions on Doctrine (QOD) which was published by the church.

Let me give you the background.

Some of the Adventist beliefs led to pressure by Calvinist theologians and others to have Adventist put as outside of Christian orthodoxy. In the 1950s Donald Barnhouse and Walter Martin came to the Adventist leaders with some questions. Barnhouse was the publisher of Eternity magazine, and Martin was a researcher on cults non-mainstream religious movements held by sometimes self-proclaimed majority Christians to be heretical, error-teaching bodies. Already Martin had written a number of books excoriating other religious groups as cults. His latest project was a book on the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The introduction in QOD says that Martin's book had been planned to particularly emphasize 'those areas wherein Adventist teachings differ from some other Christian groups.'

A group of Adventist Church leaders met with Martin and Barnhouse. Martin and Barnhouse presented their assertions that certain theological views expressed in several of our books in print were unacceptable if we expected to be viewed as orthodox Christians. The Seventh-day Adventists insisted to Martin and Barnhouse that this church was in the process of updating things, and that like every church, Adventists had our own conservative 'lunatic fringe' to deal with.

Three main questions especially concerned Martin and Barnhouse: (1) What we teach about the atonement, (2) What we teach about the role of works in salvation, and (3) What we teach concerning the nature of Jesus' humanity? Other teachings held by Adventists such as the role of Ellen White concerned them also, but those three were the all-consuming ones. Martin and Barnhouse let the Seventh-day Adventist leaders know that their response to what was the church position on these views would have a impact on what they would write. In QOD, that volume's authors wrote,

The critics appear to cite some statements 'out of context,' and it appears it bothered them not the least, the fact that Adventists had 'no formal creed' made it desirable and necessary for Adventist to declare the church's position on the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, and to deny every statement or implication that Christ, the second person of the godhead, was not one with the Father from all eternity, and that His death on the cross was not a full and complete sacrificial atonement.

Differences associated with the Calvinist-Arminian dispute were a major part in the debate (Adventism is soteriologically Arminian), but Martin did not regard conformity to Calvinism as a test of Christian orthodoxy. In 1962 Norman F. Douty published Another Look at Seventh-day Adventism and Herbert Bird, Theology of Seventh-day Adventism, both of which argued that Adventists were still a cult. Dutch Calvinist theologian Anthony Hoekema grouped Adventism together with Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Science in his 1963 publication The Four Major Cults. In this book Hoekema praised Adventists for moving away from Arianism, but argues that Questions on Doctrine failed to truly repudiate the doctrine of Christ's sinful nature, and similarly failed to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies regarding the atonement.

Now looking at the question of "formal creed, the Seventh-day Adventist Church had developed in America out of the Second Advent Movement led by William Miller, a Baptist lay-preacher. The doctrinal emphasis during the early decades of the Church's development and growth reflected similar tenets which marked the Millerite Movement plus those distinctive concepts of faith which set the Seventh-day Adventist Church apart as the instrument used by God to herald the Third Angel's Message. In 1822, William Miller prepared a "brief statement of faith" which was composed of twenty articles, one of which was left incomplete. Among the subjects not included in the twenty articles of faith was the doctrine of the incarnation.

Most of the Statements from 1844-1888 in regard to the human nature which Christ assumed at Bethlehem are to be found in the early writings of Ellen G. White. These statements are specific and clearly enunciated. The first statement appeared in 1858. In describing the time when Jesus made the announcement of the plan of redemption to the unfallen angels, she writes that He told them that - - "He would leave all His glory in heaven, appear on earth as a man, humble Himself as a man, become acquainted in His own experience with the various temptations with which men would be beset, that He might know how to succour those who should be tempted."(Spiritual Gifts, Vol 1., p. 24.).

This was difficult for the angels to accept, and they offered themselves as substitutes; but Jesus informed them that the life of an angel could not pay the debt for sin. He, however, assured them that they would have a part to play in the plan for man's redemption. Note carefully the words – what Jesus Himself said would take place:
"Jesus also told them that they should have a part to act, to be with Him, and at different times strengthen Him. That He should take man's fallen nature, and His strength would not be even equal with theirs." (Spiritual Gifts, Vol 1., p. 25).

In the 1870s as Ellen White began to write more fully on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, comprehensive statements on the Incarnation appeared. Except for two articles on the subject of tithing, all the written material from her pen in the Review for the year 1874 was on the subject of the plan of redemption and the temptations of Christ. In these articles the following specific statements are to be found which define the nature of the humanity Christ took upon Himself in becoming man.

"The great work of redemption could be carried out only by the Redeemer taking the place of fallen Adam....
What love! What amazing condescension! The King of glory proposed to humble Himself to fallen humanity! He would place His feet in Adam's steps. He would take man's fallen nature and engage to cope with the strong foe who (had) triumphed over Adam." (Review & Herald, Feb. 24, 1874).

"The Son of God humbled Himself and took man's nature after the race had wondered four thousand years from Eden and from the original state of purity and uprightness. Sin had been making its terrible marks upon the race for ages; and physical, mental, and moral degeneracy prevailed throughout the human family.

When Adam was assailed by the tempter in Eden he was without the taint of sin. He stood in the strength of his perfection before God. All the organs and faculties of his being were equally developed, and harmoniously balanced.

Christ, in the wilderness of temptation, stood in Adam's place to bear the test he failed to endure. Here Christ overcame in the sinner's behalf, four thousand years after Adam turned his back upon the light of his home. Separated from the presence of God, the human family had been departing every successive generation farther from the original purity, wisdom, and knowledge which Adam possessed in Eden. Christ bore the sins and infirmities of the race as they existed when He came to earth to help man. In behalf of the race, with the weaknesses of fallen man upon him, He was to stand the temptations of Satan upon all points wherewith man would be assailed. . . .

In what contrast is the second Adam as He entered the gloomy wilderness to cope with Satan single-handed. Since the fall the race had been decreasing in size and physical strength, and sinking lower in the scale of moral worth, up to the period of Christ's advent to earth. And in order to elevate fallen man, Christ must reach him where he was. He took human nature, and bore the infirmities and degeneracy of the race. He, who knew no; sin, became sin for us. He humiliated himself to the lowest depths of human woe, that he might be qualified to reach man, and bring him up from the degradation in which sin had plunged him." (Review & Herald, Jul, 28, 1874).

"The humanity of Christ reached to the very depths of human wretchedness, and, identified itself with the weaknesses and necessities of fallen man, while His divine nature grasped the Eternal. . Christ's work was to reconcile man to God through His human nature, and God to man through His divine nature." (Review & Herald, August 4, 1874).

Because man fallen could not overcome Satan with his human strength, Christ came from the royal courts of Heaven to help him with His human and divine strength combined. Christ knew that Adam in Eden, with his superior advantages, might have withstood the temptations of Satan, and conquered him. He also knew that it is not possible for man, out of Eden, separated from the light and love of God since the Fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his own strength. In order to bring hope to man, and save him from complete ruin, He humbled Himself to take man's nature, that, with His divine power combined with the human, He might reach man where he is. He obtains for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam that strength which it is impossible for them to obtain for themselves, that in His name they may overcome the temptations of Satan (Review & Herald, August 18, 1874).

During the first part of the year 1875, the articles from the pen of Ellen White continued to present the temptations of Christ. She commented - "How few can understand the love of God for the fallen race in that He withheld not His divine Son from taking upon Him the humiliation of humanity" (Review & Herald, March 18, 1875). She pointed to the fact that Satan put forth his strongest efforts to overcome Christ on the point of appetite at a time when He was enduring the keenest pangs of hunger. Then she wrote:

"The victory gained was designed, not only to set an example to those who have fallen under the power of appetite, but to qualify the Redeemer for His special work of reaching to the very depths of human woe. By experiencing in Himself the strength of Satan's temptation, and of human sufferings and infirmities, He would know better how to succour those who should put forth efforts to help themselves" (Review & Herald March 18, 1875).

In 1878, Ellen White wrote a letter to a young man setting Christ before him as the "great Exemplar." She quoted Hebrews 2:17 that "Christ was made like unto His brethren." Then she commented:

"He felt both joy and grief as they feel. His body was susceptible to weariness, as yours. His mind, like yours, could be harassed and perplexed. If you have hardships, so did He. Satan could tempt Him. His enemies could annoy Him. . . . Jesus was sinless and had no dread of the consequences of sin. With this exception His condition was as yours. You have not a difficulty that did not press with equal weight upon Him, not a sorrow that His heart has not experienced. His feelings could be hurt with neglect, with indifferences of professed friends, as easily as yours. Is your ρathway thorny? Christ's was so in a tenfold sense. Are you distressed? So was He. How well fitted was Christ to be an example." (Letter 17, 1878)

About this time, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, was published. In this volume a specific contrast between man's fallen nature and Christ's humanity is made. Ellen G. White wrote:

Our Saviour identifies Himself with our needs and weaknesses, in that He became a suppliant, a mighty petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, to come forth invigorated and refreshed, braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, but not in possessing like passions. As the sinless One, His nature recoiled from evil. His humanity made prayer a necessity and privilege (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, pp. 201-202).

Commenting further on the prayer life of Jesus, she penned the following:

"He prayed for His disciples and for Himself, thus identifying Himself with our needs, our weaknesses, and our failings, which are so common with humanity. He was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the passions of our human fallen natures, but compassed with like infirmities, tempted in all points even as we are. Jesus endured agony which required help and support from His Father." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2., pp. 508-509).

As one reads the last two references, it would appear these statements are at variance with what had been written prior to, and contemporary, with these statements. There is neither conflict nor a contradiction when one understands how Ellen White understood and used the word "passion." The following paragraph illustrates her use and understanding of the word as well as the phrase - "the inclinations of the natural heart." It reads:

"No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must first be gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act, before passion can dominate over reason, or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin. ... Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim His very promise. The Lord will hear. He knows how strong are the inclinations of the natural heart, and He will help in every time of need." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 177)

Another statement defining the nature of the humanity Christ assumed appeared in 1877. It reads:

"It was in the order of God that Christ should take upon Himself the form and nature of fallen man, that He might be made perfect through suffering, and Himself endure the strength of Satan's fierce temptation, that He might understand how to succour those that should be tempted." (Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, p. 39)
 

[hobie]

In 1887 Ellen White wrote an article for the Review (Review & Herald, July 5, 1887) regarding pride that was leading to strife for supremacy. She set before the reader Christ's sacrifice as an example to be emulated. In so doing she stated certain facts that involved the nature of the humanity Christ assumed. Three points were clearly enunciated:

1) He was God, but the glories of the form of God He for a little while relinquished.
2) He humbled Himself and took mortality upon Him. As a member of the human family He was mortal.
3) He brought into His human nature all the life-giving energies that human beings will need and must receive.

Around this time, Jones and Waggoner brought their insight into the incarnation in their writings, and then came out in the General Conference of 1888 with the Righteousness by Faith understanding which included of necessity, a discussion of the nature of the humanity which the Son of God assumed. Their concepts on the subject of the incarnation produced opposition. Some of those who were opposed wrote to Sister White. These did not simply write to the prophetess to obtain the light she had been given in regard to the humanity of the Son of man, but to assert their doubts as the basis for questioning. To these questioners, she replied in a morning talk given at Battle Creek, Michigan on January 29, 1890. She revealed that "letters have been coming to me, affirming that Christ could not have had the same nature as man, for if He had He would have fallen under similar temptations." To this reasoning she declared: "If He did not have man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man has been. If it were not possible for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It was a solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as man, in man's behalf. His temptation and victory tell us that humanity must copy the Pattern; man must become a partaker of the divine nature." (Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. i, p. 408.)

To Ellen G. White, the incarnation was "a mystery that will not be fully, completely understood in all its greatness until the translation of the redeemed shall take place. Then the power and greatness and efficacy of the gift of God to man will be understood." However, she cautioned that "the enemy is determined that this gift shall be so mystified that it will become as nothingness." Ellen G. White, Letter 280, 1904 (5BC:1113)

In 1896, Ellen White wrote: "In contemplating the incarnation of Christ in humanity, we stand baffled before an unfathomable mystery, that the human mind cannot comprehend. The more we reflect upon it, the more amazing does it appear. How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fulness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one." Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896.

It is in this union "that we find the hope of our fallen race." Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896, SOP says, "The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God." Ellen G. White, Youth's Instructor, October 13, 1898. Therefore, we need to "fix our minds on the most marvelous thing that ever took place in earth or heaven the incarnation of the Son of God." Ellen G. White, MS 76, 1903 (7BC:904).

SOP tells us: "There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incomprehensible. As "one with the Father", "the Lord Jesus Christ... existed from eternity a distinct person." Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, April 5, 1906.

While Ellen G. White definitely states that "we cannot explain how divinity was clothed with humanity", Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, October 1, 1889. Ellen G. White in her writings during this period unfold various fundamental aspects of what took place when Christ became man. In 1899, she wrote:
"Christ, at an infinite cost, by a painful process, mysterious to angels as well as to men, assumed humanity. Hiding His divinity
laying aside His glory, He was born a babe in Bethlehem." Ellen G. White, MS 29, 1899. In creation, Christ had given "to humanity an existence outside of Himself;" but "in redemption, He takes humanity unto Himself. He makes it a part of His own being." We might then ask - "Was the human nature of the Son of Mary changed into the divine nature of the Son of God? No; the two natures were mysteriously blended in one person - the man Christ Jesus." (Ellen G. White, "The Word Made Flesh" Andreasen Collection # 2.)

So was the divine nature degraded by accepting the human nature formed in the womb of Mary? The answer is clearly no, "In Christ, divinity and humanity were combined. Divinity was not degraded to humanity; divinity held its place, but humanity by being united to divinity withstood the fiercest test of temptation in the wilderness." Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. i, p. 408. What then is meant when the expression - Christ "united humanity with divinity" - is used in the Spirit of Prophecy? Note the following two quotations: "He [Christ] united humanity with divinity: a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh. He united Himself with the temple. Ellen G. White, Youth's Instructor, December 20, 1900 (4BC:1147). In His person, humanity inhabited by divinity was represented to the world. (Ellen G. White, "The Kingdom of Christ" June 13, 1896.)

The nature of the humanity of the Son of God - "a distinct person" in His own right from eternity - is also clearly and unmistakably set forth by the servant of the Lord. While Christ was declared to be the second Adam, He did not accept the nature of Adam in his innocency, but Adam's fallen nature. She wrote: "In Christ were united the divine and the human - the Creator and the creature. The nature of God, whose law had been transgressed, and the nature of Adam the transgressor, meet in Jesus - the Son of God, and the Son of man." (Ellen G. White, MS 141, 1901.)

Neither is there any doubt left as to the condition of the humanity which Christ accepted in connection with Himself. On this point it was written: "Think of Christ's humiliation. He took upon Himself fallen, suffering human nature, degraded and defiled by sin." (Ellen G. White, Youth's Instructor, December 20, 1900 (4BC:1147).)

"Christ did in reality unite the offending nature of man with His own sinless nature, because by this act of condescension He would be enabled to pour out His blessings in behalf of the fallen race. " (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, July 17, 1900.)

Lest she be misunderstood, what she meant by the term, "human nature", or when she stated that Christ became "flesh", Ellen G. White emphasized that it was "in the likeness of sinful flesh.". In an article for the Youth's Instructor, she penned these words - "Let children bear in mind that the child Jesus had taken upon Himself human nature, and was in the likeness of sinful flesh, * and was tempted of Satan as all children are tempted." (Ellen G. White, Youth's Instructor, August 23, 1894.)

SOP says "He [Christ] was not only made flesh, but He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh." Ellen G. White, W-106-1896. We see Sister White used the expression, "likeness of sinful flesh" - which is a Biblical phrase and we have to look to see if she meant that the nature that Jesus assumed was not the nature of Adam after the Fall, but only something which physically resembled it. However, in two published sources it is plainly stated that "He took upon His sinless nature our sinful nature", Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry, p. 181. And "He took upon Him our sinful nature." (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, December 15, 1896.)

While being specific as to the nature that Christ assumed, Ellen White was just as pointed as to the results of such a union. She declared - "In His human nature, He maintained the purity of His divine character." Ellen G. White, Youth's Instructor, June 2, 1898. "In taking upon Himself man's nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the least participate in its sin." Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, June 9, 1898 "No taint of sin was found on Him." (Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, January 16, 1896.)

The article in the Signs of the Times from which the last sentence was quoted bore the title - "Sin Condemned in the Flesh." In this article the various Bible texts, which refer to Christ's sinlessness are quoted, such as, "that holy thing"; "He did no sin"; "knew no sin"; "in Him was no sin"; and that Christ was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners." Then this sentence is written - "This testimony concerning Christ plainly shows that He condemned sin in the flesh." (Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, January 16, 1896.)

Going forward to the events leading up to QOD, the Adventist leaders agreed to receive the questions presented by Martin and Calvinist critics. Martin came armed with dozens. The ensuing dialogue would result in the publishing of two books: one by the Adventist Church, with the working-title, Questions and Answers, and another by Martin, who would delay the publishing of his book, The Truth About Seventh-day Adventism6 until after the Adventists had first published theirs.

'Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine' was the name of the Adventists' eventually-published book. It contained several good and helpful sections. Those are not the problem. But many Adventists were especially concerned about the sections presenting Seventh-day Adventist teachings on the atonement and also the nature of Christ. Some claimed that whereas Adventists previously had believed that the atonement is being completed in heaven by Christ now, QOD now was holding that it was completed at the cross. And that whereas Adventists had held that Jesus took the humanity of humankind after the fall, QOD said it was before the fall. But Herbert Douglas, in his presentation did not lay out or quote from QOD any parts to support this, which caught my attention and led to me to look to see what it is actually there. We have to understand that "in the likeness of sinful flesh" did not mean Christ had a desire to sin or lusts of the flesh or lusts of the eye, he was dead to sin but alive to the Holy Spirit and as it clearly says, He "condemned sin in the flesh." The "Mind of Christ" was sinless as Adam had before the fall.

We look at Romans 6:
Romans 6 King James Version (KJV)
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Jesus took Adam's human nature after the fall, "sinful flesh". But Jesus did not have a tendency to sin, nor did Jesus develop a desire to sin, His spiritual nature was that of Adam before the fall, without sin. Christ inherited our physical weaknesses, for example, Christ had to sleep when he got tired. He had to eat when he got hungry and drink when he got thirsty. He inherited our nature after centuries of deterioration and damage from sin, but yet He had no sin, so no lustful desire or lust in the eye, and we cannot allow us to say that He had sinful desire, thus its ok for us. No, never.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Physically, Christ was like us, feeling pain, frail, weak, prone to get sick if we don't take care of our bodies, and under the consequences of aging. But morally, Christ could be tested by temptation as scripture shows us, but Christ using the same power we have available to us today, resisted and kept from and did not have our ungodly desires or sinful inclinations.

1 Peter 1:18-19
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

My understanding is we have to have the same righteousness as Christ 'in the flesh' had, we must take off our filthy rags and put own His garment He provides, as just as we must do in becoming dead to sin, Christ did, and if with the Holy Spirit we are made dead to sin and ungodly desire, we then allow for Christ to be in us and we in Him, and put on His righteousness and become "alive unto God".

Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 

[hobie]

So Christ has no advantage when it comes to sin....

Now after the publishing of QOD, the group of evangelicals became convinced that Seventh-day Adventists were sufficiently orthodox to be considered within Christian orthodoxy. Barnhouse published his conclusions in the September 1956 issue of Eternity magazine in the article, "Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?" In it, they concluded, "Seventh-day Adventists are a truly Christian group, rather than an anti-Christian cult. In Barnhouse's article it was stated that most Adventists believed in the sinless human nature of Christ. Then Le Roy Edwin Froom in February 1957 published an article on the atonement in Ministry magazine. In this article Froom argued that the atonement was a "full and complete sacrifice". Froom's articulation of the atonement still held to the Adventist belief in Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary going into the Holy of Holies to begin a final atonement for humanity, but then M. L. Andreason came into the picture.

M. L. Andreason, recently retired former dean of the SDA Theological Seminary, a leading denominational scholar on the sanctuary system and the book of Hebrews, author also of the SDA Bible commentary section on Hebrews, began to raise concern with church leadership about beliefs which were being revised without General Conference Session approval. A long series of interactions with church leaders ensued before Andreason published his six 'Letters to the Churches.' Andreason was asked to write all his concerns and the church would publish it and it could be reviewed, but Andreason did not submit it, instead continuing his public letters despite the church leaders request to work with them. When all had run its course, Andreason had had his credentials revoked. At the end, Andreason came to a understanding with the church leaders and reconciled with the church leadership just before he died and his credentials were posthumously restored. The controversy produced by the publishing of QOD led to a decision by church leaders not to continue to publish it and they allowed the book to go out of print. But then there was a decision to republish QOD years later. Ronald Knott at Andrews University Press, George R. Knight at the SDA Theological Seminary, and Woodrow W. Whidden III were some of those favoring or involved in the project. Whidden published an article in the August 2003 Ministry magazine announcing the imminent arrival of the new edition.

Now we have to take in mind that one of the reasons the Calvinist theologians who were the main critics who pushed for Adventist to be labeled a cult was that Adventists oppose the Calvinistic/Reformed doctrines of predestination (or unconditional election), limited atonement and perseverance of the saints ("once saved always saved").

The Seventh-day Adventist church stands in the Wesleyan tradition (which in turn is an expression of Arminianism) in regard to its soteriological teachings. Wesley's views are opposed to the Augustinian/Tridentine version of justification which understood divine acquittal and forgiveness as the fruit of an infused righteousness.

This is significant in two respects. Firstly, there is a very strong emphasis in Adventist teaching on sanctification as a necessary and inevitable consequence of salvation in Christ. Such an emphasis on obedience is not considered to detract from the reformation principle of sola fide ("faith alone"), but rather to provide an important balance to the doctrine of justification by faith, and to guard against antinomianism. While asserting that Christians are saved entirely by the grace of God, Adventists also stress obedience to the law of God as the proper response to salvation. Secondly, Adventist teaching strongly emphasizes free will; each individual is free either to accept or reject God's offer of salvation.

Adventist also do not accept what some call "Original Sin". Adventists have historically preached a doctrine of inherited weakness, but not a doctrine of inherited guilt. Adventists believe that humans are sinful primarily due to the fall of Adam, but they do not accept the Augustinian/Calvinistic understanding of original sin, taught in terms of original guilt. According to Augustine and Calvin, humanity inherits not only Adam's depraved nature but also the actual guilt of his transgression, and Adventists look more toward the Wesleyan model, and this was no less a concern by Calvinist critics.

Adventists teachings de-emphasize the morally corrupt nature inherited from Adam, while stressing the importance of actual, personal sins committed by the individual. They hold "sinful nature" in terms of physical mortality rather than moral depravity. Traditionally, Adventists look at sin in terms of willful transgressions, and that Christ triumphed over sin. Adventism believes that Christ is both our Substitute and our Example.

Now a view that some have brought up in that they point to as relevant to why Andreasen protested QOD was his stand on perfection, which needs to be looked at. In his book The Sanctuary Service (1947), Andreasen taught that sinless perfection can be achieved. This belief was that a final generation of believers, who will live through the "time of trouble" (between the close of probation and second coming of Christ), must and will attain a state of sinlessness comparable to the pre-fall condition of Adam and Eve. This has to be looked at in terms of do we achieve this of ourselves as some hold, or by acceptance of Christ righteousness and the transformation work of the Holy Spirit, I tend to believe that scripture clearly shows it is not of self.

Now here is Dennis Prebie's veiw on the doctrinal conflict QOD brought to the forefront and what theologian M. L. Andreason and Herbert Douglass held were issues with it:
"Herbert Douglass, one who was intimately involved in the 1950s and 1960s struggles over Questions on Doctrine , agreed to express this alternative perspective." ( Ministry, August, 2004, p. 16)

There are some revealing words used in this editorial preface. The historic Adventist view is that Christ took fallen human nature. The new, alternative Adventist view is that Christ took a partly fallen and partly unfallen nature. But here the editor calls the historic Adventist view the "alternative perspective," implying that the new view is really the mainstream and orthodox view, while the historic view is just a different, minority perspective. By careful word choices public opinion is often conditioned to accept new ideas, all the while believing that the "new view" is really the established view.

Douglass begins by quoting George Knight's opinion that "this book...'easily qualifies as the most divisive book in Seventh-day Adventist history. A book published largely to help bring peace between Adventism and conservative Protestantism, its release brought prolonged alienation and separation to the Adventist factions that grew up around it.'"

Douglass continues by describing what happened as QOD was being prepared for printing. "You can imagine our astonishment when we began to see the galleys of the forthcoming book with comments such as this one on pages 8,9: 'The replies were prepared by a group of recognized leaders, in close counsel with Bible teachers, editors, and administrators....These answers represent the position of our denomination in the area of church doctrine and prophetic interpretation....Hence this volume can be viewed as truly representative of the faith and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church..' But as far as we and some others were concerned, these statements did not represent the reality surrounding the production of QOD. Many were troubled by the direction of the book and told the authors so."

Douglass again quotes George Knight's observation that "Milton L. Andreasen, 'the denomination's most influential theologian and theological writer in the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, had been left out of the process in both the formulation of the answers and the critiquing of them, even though he had been generally viewed as an authority on several of the disputed points.'...

"Froom took a poll of Adventist leaders and discovered that 'nearly all of them' felt that Christ had our sinful nature. Further, the recently retired General Conference president, W. H. Branson, wrote in the 1950 edition of his Drama of the Ages that Christ in His incarnation took 'upon Himself sinful flesh.' But Froom and Anderson nevertheless affirmed in what appeared to George Knight to be a 'less than transparent' way that 'the majority of the denomination has always held' the humanity of Christ 'to be sinless, holy, and perfect' despite the fact that certain writers had occasionally gotten into print with contrary views. Unfortunately, this is what they told Walter Martin....One of Froom's letters acknowledged that in QOD 'some of the statements are a bit different from what you might anticipate.'

"Many have felt that if Andreasen, with his undisputed theological experience, had been asked to participate in formulating answers to Martin's questions, theological equilibrium would have prevailed. Here again we must recognize the Calvinistic presuppositions of Barnhouse, Martin, and other confreres. For them the human Jesus was 'impeccable,' that is, incapable of sinning...."

Now here is Julius Lams research on this in his "Questions on Doctrine and M. L. Andreasen: The Behind-the-Scenes Interactions"
:

"Andreasen's entry into the conversations over the Adventist-evangelical dialogues and Questions on Doctrine came quite late in the process partly because he was living in southern California having retired in 1950 after a half century of denominational work[iii] and also because he was not one of the 250 Adventist workers selected to give pre-publication review of Questions on Doctrine.

When he first read Barnhouse's September 1956 Eternity article, in which he declared Adventism evangelical, the 80-year-old retired theologian was living in Glendale, California. Andreasen was immediately troubled by what he read in Barnhouse's article. His concerns centered on Barnhouse's claims that not only were Adventists denying doctrinal positions attributed to them previously, but also were said to be in the course of changing some of their teachings such as the investigative judgment doctrine.

Andreasen was further disturbed by Barnhouse's declaration that those who opposed the 'new position' taken by Adventist leaders belonged to the ''lunatic fringe,'' and 'wild-eyed irresponsibles' . According to Steinweg, Andreasen's biographer, this latter statement seemed to Andreasen 'like a return to the days of the Inquisition' and led him to consider 'a call to take up sentinel duty' to protect what he believed to be historic Adventist orthodoxy.

What actually prompted Andreasen to voice his concerns, however, was Froom's February 1957 article in Ministry entitled 'The Priestly Application of the Atoning Act.' In this article, Froom stated that Christ's death provided 'a complete, perfect, and final atonement for man's sin' and 'a completed act of atonement.'

...Andreasen's central concern was that Froom had put the cross event and the post-1844 heavenly event 'in juxtaposition and on the same basis' which resulted in a 'shallow and confused' understanding of the atonement. In concluding the diatribe against Froom's article, Andreasen expressed the deep apprehension that he felt toward the Adventist-evangelical conferences, the articles by Barnhouse and Martin, and the planned publication of Questions on Doctrine: 'Adventists will not permit any man or group of men to make a 'creed' for them, and tell them what to believe.

....Andreasen issued a document entitled 'A Review and a Protest'[xvii] This document did not contain any new arguments, but summarized and reiterated his objections to Froom's description of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

...Andreasen began issuing a series of manuscripts entitled 'The Atonement,' following the title of his first manuscript of February 15 and numbered retroactively to that document. Between November 4, 1957, and March 13, 1958, he fired off seven more papers, striking each time at the section on the atonement in Questions on Doctrine. During this time, the only concern he had with the book was with 'the section on the Atonement' which he deemed 'utterly unacceptable.' As for the rest of the book, he actually commended it as containing 'so many good things . . . that may be of real help to many.'

....During the same period, the epistolary joust between Andreasen and (GC President) Figuhr continued. Figuhr responded to Andreasen by refuting his attack on Questions on Doctrine. He denied that the book made Christ's heavenly sanctuary ministry unnecessary, but simply emphasized 'the atoning sacrifice of Christ' in its rightful place in the process of atonement.[xxi] He pointed out that even Andreasen himself agreed in his Book of Hebrews that Christ ''accomplished'' and ''finished His work as victim and sacrifice.

......Andreasen fired off a letter to Figuhr accusing him of prevarication and requested formally a public hearing on the Adventist-evangelical conferences, activities of those involved with the conferences, and the content of Questions on Doctrine. Beginning with this letter, Andreasen for the first time broadened his focus beyond the issue of the atonement. He continued in his open letters of May 15 and June 4, charging Questions on Doctrine with removing or changing a number of the 'pillars' of Adventist theology such as the teachings on the mark of the beast, the human nature of Christ, the investigative judgment, and Ellen White

.....Then in February 1959, Andreasen initiated a new series of missives called Letters to the Churches, with the help of a printer in Oregon named A. L. Hudson. Even before joining with Andreasen, he began protesting independently against 'the head-long retreat' that the book was taking toward apostasy in the area of Christ's human nature'predating Andreasen's criticisms by half a year.[xxxvii]

Along with the nine-part series entitled 'The Atonement,' the six-part Letters to the Churches became Andreasen's lasting theological legacy from this era. The six documents released at various times throughout 1959 contained not only Andreasen's key criticisms of Questions on Doctrine, but also accounts of his struggle against the book and the church during this time period. Letters to the Churches contained Andreasen's treatises on Christ's human nature, Ellen White, the atonement and narratives of his recent challenges against the General Conference in which he raised questions about the doctrinal integrity and moral authority of the leaders.[xxxviii] Except for the sections on Christ's human nature, the content of the letters was not new. Most sections of the letters were condensed and polished versions of the 'Atonement' series.

Andreasen's key concern regarding the human nature of Christ was that the new book presented Christ's incarnation as a man who was radically different from all other human beings, contrary to what he believed to be the orthodox Adventist position. Andreasen believed that Christ was born in the flesh with exactly the same set of tendencies to sin as all other human beings. Christ's victory over sin in spite of his innate sinful tendencies was the cornerstone on which Andreasen had built his doctrine of the final atonement and the last generation. The last generation on earth would consist of a group of God's people who would demonstrate to the universe that it is possible to keep the law of God and live a sinless life.

When Andreasen read the statement on p. 383 of Questions on Doctrine which indicated that Christ was 'exempt from the inherited passions and pollutions that corrupt the natural descendant of Adam,'[xl] he interpreted the word 'passion' as the sum total of 'man's emotions.' Working with this definition, Andreasen argued that to exempt a person from passions would be to take away 'all temptations that incite men to action' which 'results in a creature less than a man, a kind of no-man, a shadow man, a non-entity . . . .' Thus, Andreasen contended, to state that Christ was exempt from the passions of humankind would be to rob him of his true and complete humanity' and his last generation teachings of its theological basis.

Andreasen was determined to be heard, but his voice was being continually weakened by the deterioration of his health. He did manage to get at least two more documents out, but by early February, faced with a dramatic decline of his health, Andreasen sought to find peace and reconciliation with his church and asked for a visit by Figuhr. On February 16, Figuhr and Bietz visited Andreasen who was hospitalized at Glendale Sanitarium and Hospital. During this meeting the three men discussed frankly the issues of Andreasen's activities of the previous five years, his suspended credentials and removal from the Yearbook, and financial arrangements for his wife after his death. Andreasen assured the visiting leaders that he did not desire to 'engage in any activity which would harm the church' and showed regret over any 'doubt and confusion' that his recent writings might have created. He further expressed his desire that his letters and pamphlets not be duplicated for distribution'a message directed especially to 'offshoots' of Adventism.[lxviii] Through this conversation, the three men were reconciled. This meeting was especially important for Andreasen because even as he was so deeply agitated by Questions on Doctrine and the General Conference, he wanted to be reconciled to his church. His widow, Gladys, stated that Andreasen had 'spent many nights sobbing his heart out' regarding being so estranged from the church. But after this meeting, she reported, he was able to die a 'happy' man.[lxix] Three days after his meeting with Figuhr and Bietz, on February 19, Andreasen died at the age of 85.[lxx]

On March 1, 1962, the General Conferences Committee voted to revoke its former action to suspend Andreasen's credentials. It also voted to put his name back on the list of the retired workers in the Yearbook...."http://www.oakwood.edu/historyportal/Ejah/ASDAH/QOD and Andreasen.htm

[hobie]

There is much more, but its a bit overwhelming the amount of information, so need to allow time for others to review..

Here is the Ellen White site...

Ellen G. White® Estate: Trinity

[Gustave]

Hobie,

In your understanding of the Bible and of Ellen White could there be any hypothetical situation whereas "God the Father" would / could eternally cease to exist leaving Christ to wing it alone? 

[hobie]

11 hours ago, Gustave said:

Hobie,

In your understanding of the Bible and of Ellen White could there be any hypothetical situation whereas "God the Father" would / could eternally cease to exist leaving Christ to wing it alone? 

Well, now we are getting to the answer of the mystery of the GodHead that Isaiah 9:6 shows us. 

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

So how can that be, well we begin to grasp the understanding of the mystery of the GodHead. How can we understand this, the mystery of the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ, come in the flesh, and how a mere child, born like other children, could also be "The everlasting Father."

1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

The pre-existence of Christ or personal existence of Christ before his conception is shown in the Bible, but the Holy Ghost has to guide us. For some reason, this concept of Christ pre-incarnate or the pre-existence of Christ is very controversial, as people somewhat get confused with the "Title" which refers to Jesus or how He is shown such as the "First and the Last", the "Alpha and Omega" the "Holy One", the "Angel of the Lord". Now we must be clear, Jesus is NOT a created Angel. He is fully Man, fully God, the Messiah, the Christ, and Lord and Saviour. Jesus is Eternal. Jesus was never created. Jesus is Eternal as the Father and Holy Spirit are Eternal. Jesus has always been and always will be and scripture shows existed before He became the earthly child of Mary.

Let us begin with the birth of Christ and we see in Matthew one of the titles, 'God with us'.

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Just as the prophecy in scripture fortold that from the house of David he would come of a virgin birth......
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

[hobie]

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Just as the prophecy in scripture fortold that from the house of David he would come of a virgin birth......

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Here it is clear that Christ is God, but immediately we are posed with a question that must be answered. Here is where many stumble.

Did the Father create or "procreate" another "God?" If He did, This would mean it would be a sin to worship Jesus, because it would violate the first commandment!

';Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.' Isaiah 43:10

The first commandment says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

On two different occasions John was inclined to worship an angel. He was told by the angel, "See thou do it not: I am a fellow servant, and of they brethren that have the testimony of Jesus." (Revelation 19:10)

Worship of a creature was clearly prohibited in the Bible. Worship of the Creator was another matter and we see it time and time again that Jesus accepted worship and was worthy to be worshipped. Of the Canaanite woman it was said, "Then came she and worshipped Him..." (Matthew 15:25). When Thomas recognized Him as the risen Christ he said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28), and the four and twenty elders give worship to the Creator, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

Now in the resurrection the Bible tells us that men that are saved are equal to angels. 'Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.'(Luke 20:36 ) Jesus was not equal to the angels He was equal to God, scripture repeatedly shows us this.

' Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:'(Php 2:6)

If we look further to the context in Philippians 2:5-8, we understand clearly what Paul is saying:

Talking of Jesus Christ, . . .who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Clearly, Paul shows that he believes that Jesus had existed as a divine Being before His birth, and that He volunteered to divest Himself of much of His glory, power, and prerogatives to become a lowly human being and to die to redeem humanity from its sins. Then we see the following in Hebrews which shows of Christ, 'angels of God worship him' and God says to the Son or Christ, 'Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever', so scripture lays out the path that the Holy Ghost can guide us into understanding.

 

'Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.'(Heb 1:4-8 AV).

So you have to look at this issue of worship first, as God alone is entitled to supreme reverence and worship and man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service or worship. So to worship any other is a sin, but then we have the mystery of the Godhead as Christ was not brought into existence, rather He always existed as one with the Father. We see Christ as the Creator, as Jehovah, as the Great I AM, and appeared in different ways more than fifty times in the Old Testament before coming as flesh in the New Testament.

For any creature to claim the right to be worshipped is blaspheme. In fact the Jews falsely accused Jesus of this. 'The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.'(John 10:33 ) Notice these scriptures that show Jesus was worshipped.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

John 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then we have Jesus Himself showing us how He existed prior to the Incarnation and His role, it was not hidden, it is right there in the Bible. Speaking to the Jews, Jesus told them:

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see MY day: and he saw it, and was glad.

The Jews were absolutely amazed at what Jesus sad, because Jesus was only in His early thirties, they could not ponder how He possibly have been alive in Abraham's day, so they reacted.

John 8:57-58 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.

The Jews understood what was being declared, Jesus equating Himself with the eternal 'I AM.' Verse 59 says, 'Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him'

You also have these verses....

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Jesus was directly and actively involved in the creation of man. Indeed you find in Genesis, God said...

'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness' (Genesis 1:26)

Then there is a prediction of Christ's redemptive work on the cross in Genesis 3:15 'And I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel.'

Christ was there at the beginning, from eternity, He is the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Great I Am, Jehovah God...

[hobie]

Now we begin to grasp the mystery of the GodHead and what Ellen White gives us in her writings.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God. [The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906, p. 8.]

In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with God as one brought up with Him.[The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1900.]

Here Christ shows them that, although they might reckon His life to be less than fifty years, yet His divine life could not be reckoned by human computation. The existence of Christ before His incarnation is not measured by figures.[The Signs of the Times, May 3, 1899.]

From all eternity Christ was united with the Father, and when He took upon Himself human nature, He was still one with God.[The Signs of the Times, August 2, 1905, p. 10.]

When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. [The Acts of the Apostles, 38, 39.]

But while God's Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His preexistence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the One in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed. 'The Word was with God, and the Word was God.' Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God.[The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906.]

A human being lives, but his is a given life, a life that will be quenched. What is your life? It is even vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. But Christ's life is not a vapor; it is never-ending, a life existing before the worlds were made.[The Signs of the Times, June 17, 1897, p. 5.]

From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was 'the image of God,' the image of His greatness and majesty, 'the outshining of His glory.' [The Desire of Ages, 19.]

He was one with the Father before the angels were created.[The Spirit of Prophecy 1:17.]

Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.[The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906, p. 8.]

The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. Micah 5:2, margin.[The Desire of Ages, 469, 470.]

In it [God's Word] we may learn what our redemption has cost Him who from the beginning was equal with the Father.[Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 13.]

[hobie]

The mystery of the GodHead is something we will have to study in the eons of eternity, but lets see what Gods Word gives us. Sorry if I repeat myself or punctuation as I grabbing from raw notes or prior postings.

Jehovah is the Hebrew name for God in the Old Testament. He is given as the Creator of the universe and everything in it. The name Yahweh comes from the Hebrew word for "I am," which was translated as 'Jehovah.' Whenever the name 'LORD' is printed in small caps in the Bible, it means 'YAHWEH'. For ancient Jews, the name 'YAHWEH' was so sacred that they would not speak it nor would they write it in full, but gave it as 'YHWH'.

Now the scriptures is very clear that Jesus Christ is not just our Savior, but is also the Creator of the universe, Jehovah 'YAHWEH' of the Old Testament. Notice carefully:

All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that has been made. John 1:3

He [Jesus] was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. John 1:10

God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:9

For by Him [Jesus] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Thus Jesus Christ is our Creator. The One who created, rested. Thus the Sabbath commandment, when correctly understood in the light of both the Old and New Testaments, points to Jesus Christ

Now some may say but God the great Jehovah created the earth in the beginning, but here is were the mystery of the GodHead has to be understood in order to understand who Jesus was.

Jesus is the Jehovah of ALL the Bible. He is the LORD Jehovah that walked in the cool of the day in Eden. Jesus was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus was Jehovah God who gave the Ten Commandments. Jesus was Jehovah God who was in the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day. Jesus was Jehovah God who appeared to Moses in the fiery bush and declared I am that I am.

What Jesus claims about Himself - John 8:48-59
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

With solemn dignity Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by Jesus.

Lets look at this story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus...
Exodus 3:14-15..
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Now scripture shows us even more clearly who Christ is, if we just let the Holy Spirit guide us into truth.

THE FIRST AND THE LAST
Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

Isaiah 44:6
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

Now lets look at who is the Savior:

Isaiah 43:11
I, even I, am the LORD ; and beside me there is no saviour.

Isaiah 45:21
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

Hosea 13:4
Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.

1Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

2Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Jesus is truly the Creator, Jehovah 'YAHWEH', the First and the Last, our Savior and Lord of the Sabbath. It is His day of worship from Creation, the day of rest, made for man not man for the Sabbath..

Genesis 2:1-2
1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

The Sabbath was for all mankind which the Creator gave us. Our Lord and Saviour shows us.

[hobie]

Now, in the letter to the Colossians, Paul gives a description of Jesus which explains Christ's relationship to God the Father and to creation. Let's look at the text...

Colossians 1:15-21
King James Version (KJV)
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Christ's relationship to His Father begins with the phrase "the image of the invisible God." The word 'image,' meaning copy or likeness, expresses Christ's deity. This word involves more than a resemblance, more than a representation. He is God! Although He took on human form, He has the express nature of the Father...
Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

The "Word" of John 1:1 is a divine Person, not a theoretical abstraction. In the incarnation, the invisible God became visible in Christ; deity was clothed with humanity.

Matthew 17:2
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Mark 9:2
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

All that God is, Christ is. The Bible shows us that Jesus is Lord of Creation. The description 'firstborn' speaks of Christ's preexistence. You can see that Jesus is called the first-born, not the first-created. The word "firstborn" (Greek word "prototokos") signifies priority. In the culture of the ancient times, the first-born was not necessarily the oldest child, as it referred not to birth order but to rank. The first-born possessed the inheritance and leadership. Therefore, the phrase ' the firstborn of every creature', expresses Christ's sovereignty over creation.

We also see the phrase recognizes Him as the Messiah, we see in these verses..
Psalm 89:27
Also I will make him [Christ] my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Six times the Lord Jesus is declared to be the first-born of God (see Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6; 12:23; Revelation 1:5). These passages declare the preexistence, the sovereignty, and the redemption that Christ offers.Thus, the phrase "first-born of all creation" proclaims Christ's preeminence.

Now lets look at the point made that Jesus is never called the 'Almighty' in the entire bible. Let us now turn to Revelation 1:8:

Revelation 1:8
I am the Alpha and the Omega, says Jehovah God, the One who is and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.

Clearly, he who is Alpha and Omega, and who is also 'the Almighty' is 'Jehovah God' himself. Now lets look further in the Chapter:

Revelation 1:12-13
King James Version (KJV)
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

John sees one 'like unto a son of man.' Now notice the context from here on, from verses 14 through 16 he is describing how this 'son of man' looked. Now this same son of man says in verses 17 and 18:

Revelation 1:17-18
King James Version (KJV)
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

We notice, that the 'son of man' is the same person who, according to verse 17 and 18, is the 'First and the Last' and who also 'became dead.' Who else is this but Jesus Christ, who is constantly referred to through scripture as the 'son of man' and who 'became dead.' You have to say that the one speaking in verses 17 and 18 is Jesus, because you do not believe God can die. Now if it is true that this is Jesus, how is it that he is also called the First and the Last, which is the same as the Alpha and the Omega? And since God is the one claiming to be the 'Alpha and Omega' in verse 8, Jesus Christ, who also claims this title in verses 17 and 18, must therefore be the same one who spoke in verse 8. Now this poses a problem because he who spoke in verse 8 said that he is the 'Almighty.'

There is another reason to believe that the one speaking in verse 8 is the same person who speaks in verses 17 and 18. Verse 8 says that Jehovah God is the one 'who is coming.' There is another verse which also shows that God is the one coming found in Revelation 22:

Revelation 22:6-7
King James Version (KJV)
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Take note that it is 'Lord [Jehovah] God' who is coming 'quickly.' Now read verse 12 and 13:

Revelation 22:12-13
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

We see that God says that he is coming quickly, and also that he is Alpha and Omega. Now read the rest of the chapter, and note carefully verse 20, which reads:

Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

We now find, that he who we have seen is coming quickly and claiming to be the 'Alpha and Omega' is none other then Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

[hobie]

We read that the world was made by him, "and without him was not anything made that was made." If Christ made all things, he existed before all things, its laid out so clear that no one needs to be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense and was from all eternity.

Now if you look, everywhere where the Bible refers to The Son in the familiar name 'Jesus', it uses the Greek word "Iesous" (#2424). and we see Strong's definition:
2424 Ihsouv Iesous ee-ay-sooce'
of Hebrew origin 03091 ewvy; TDNT-3:284,360; n pr m
AV-Jesus 972, Jesus (Joshua) 2, Jesus (Justus) 1; 975
Jesus="Jehovah is salvation"
1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate

The name Jesus means Jehovah or self-Existent Eternal One, and scripture tells us...

Hosea 13:4
Yet I am the LORD (Jehovah) thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.

Isaiah 43:11.
I, even I, am the LORD (Jehovah); and beside me there is no saviour.

If the Son of God were NOT Jehovah the self-Existent, Eternal One he would not be the Saviour of the world.

Isaiah 42:8
I am the LORD (Jehovah): that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Ezekiel 39:7
So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD (Jehovah), the Holy One in Israel.

But if Christ is the Lord God Jehovah, it all comes together...
John 17:4-5
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Mark 1:24
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Luke 4:34
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God

Acts 2:27
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Acts 13:35
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

1 John 2:20
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

[hobie]

Now the mystery of the GodHead is at least to me, still too much to fully grasp till we get to heaven and study it before our Lord and Saviour. How are they distinct yet they are One, we get this which gives us a hint..

Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

[hobie]

As for the questions on James White and others, here is from one of my friends online, Bob R., posts...

1. Ellen White was raised as a united Methodist - by definition - Trinitarian
2. The first list of SDA doctrinal statements comes from 1872 and did not say anything negative about the trinity - also made no statement that Trinitarians do not make to this very day.
3. The only doctrinal statements that the SDA denomination has ever published in our fundamental-beliefs statements - specifically addressing the Trinity, are of the form One God in THREE persons - the Triune Godhead.
4. James what made a statement in 1855 showing "The sort" of trinity position he opposed...
In 1855 J. James White published an article in the Review and Herald entitled “Preach the Word.” In dealing with Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 4:4 “they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” he wrote, “Here we might mention the Trinity, which does away the personality of God and His Son Jesus Christ, ....”
(-- so not even targetting a "one God" Deut 6:4 in "Three Persons" Matt 28:19 form of "Trinity")

5. 1876 James White made this statement
“Seventh-day Adventists hold the divinity of Christ so nearly with the Trinitarians, that we apprehend no trial here.”38

And a year later he declared his belief in the equality of the Son with the Father and condemned any view as erroneous that “makes Christ inferior to the Father.”38 (2)

37 (The Day Star, Jan 21, 1846)

38 (Review And Herald, Oct 12, 1876)



"The Holy Ghost, we [SDA pioneers] must ever remember, is more than a Divine Influence. He is a Divine Person. He is the CO-EQUAL of the Father and the Son."
---The Present Truth (England), January 7, 1897, Vol. 13, No.1, pg. 8

"The crowning glory of Christ´s [Jesus'] attributes is His holiness. The angels bow before *Him [Jesus] in adoration, exclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord *GOD ALMIGHTY." Revelation 4:8. He is declared to be glorious in His holiness. Study the character of God. By beholding Christ, by seeking Him in faith and prayer, you may become like Him.“ ---E.G. White, CT 402.2

“... in the course of the lessons as opportunity occurs you will impress upon the children the relation in which they stand to God the Father as their Creator; to GOD THE SON as their Redeemer; and to God the Holy Ghost as their Sanctifier."
---E.J. Waggoner, The Present Truth (pioneering SDA periodical), Feb. 15, 1894, pg. 101

“God the Father speaks to GOD THE SON , and says, “Thy throne, Oh God,”. And further the Father says to the Son, “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.” And when he brought him into the world, he said, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” This is he who died for us…the most excellent Saviour of sinners, “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6." --- Signs of the Times May 28, 1885, pg. 326


"Paganism, popery [the Papacy], and infidelity fail entirely to either rightly know or truly represent the ever-living God. It is left for pure Protestantism to proclaim to the world the true God consisting of THREE PERSONS but of one spirit and aim"
---The Signs of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 24, June 12, 1911; p. 371.372

“There are THREE BEINGS in the Godhead: God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Word; and the Holy Spirit. "These three are one." …Canst thou by searching find out God?" ---Review and Herald, Vol. 87; December 15, 1910; No. 50; p. 8

"God is worshipped because He is Creator; and God means the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for all are mentioned as having part in creation ."
---The Present Truth (SDA periodical), Vol. 29, No. 48. Nov. 27, 1913, p. 757

"We art children of a Father with "all comfort" in his holding; Jesus is our "Elder Brother" and his blood for us he gave; While the Holy Ghost, "the Comforter," each heart by truth is molding. So the great, TRIUNE JEHOVAH is omnipotent to save; he Is building mansions" for us... as children, we obey him. And the "image" and the 'likeness" lost, by grace shall be restored"
----Signs of the Times, January 6, 1904, Vol. 30 (No. 1), pg. 1

"…when Jesus declared Himself to the Jews to be I AM, He revealed Himself as THE Jehovah of the Old Testament, the God of Abraham manifested in human flesh.... the fact that the Jesus of the New Testament is THE Jehovah of the Old Testament must not be understood as eliminating the Father, or as a denial of the Godhead---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since the finite cannot comprehend the infinite, it were vain to attempt an analysis of the Godhead... Believe it we must, but explain it, or even fully comprehend it, we cannot; and until we can, we should tread reverently as we approach the subject of the being and nature of the TRIUNE God. This identification of Jesus of Nazareth with Jehovah of the Old Testament opens up a fertile field of study and encouragement....When we are tempted to doubt the power of Jesus to save us from sin and from sinning, we may call to mind that it was as Jehovah that He delivered His people from the bondage of Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land.”
---W.W. Prescott (SDA pioneer), The Saviour of the World, pg. 17

[Gustave]

I'm not seeing in any of your verbose posts that you directly answered the question I asked you. Did I miss your answer somehow or did you not provide an answer. Here it is [the question] again.

Quote

Question Hobie was asked: 

Hobie,

In your understanding of the Bible and of Ellen White could there be any hypothetical situation whereas "God the Father" would / could eternally cease to exist leaving Christ to wing it alone? 

Just answer that.

[Gregory Matthews]

Hobie:  Your posting is so massive that few are going to read it.

[Gregory Matthews]

Gustive, your raise an important issue for which I do not have answers to every aspect of it:

*  God cannot sin.

* God cannot die.

* Christ was both divine and human.

* With Christ in the grave, God was not dead.

 

[hobie]

2 hours ago, Gustave said:

I'm not seeing in any of your verbose posts that you directly answered the question I asked you. Did I miss your answer somehow or did you not provide an answer. Here it is [the question] again.

Just answer that.

My brother, Christ death as fully man did not change the fully God. Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to understanding and unveil the complete mystery of the GodHead. All I can do is leave you with Christs words..

John 10:30 

I and my Father are one.

[Gustave]

5 hours ago, hobie said:

My brother, Christ death as fully man did not change the fully God. Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to understanding and unveil the complete mystery of the GodHead. All I can do is leave you with Christs words..

John 10:30 

I and my Father are one.

That answer isn't relevant to the question I asked you hobie.

Again, what hypothetical situation, in your understanding of Scripture and Ellen White, could result in the God the Father ceasing to exist eternally. This is very direct and simple question.

[Gustave]

1 minute ago, Gustave said:

That answer isn't relevant to the question I asked you hobie.

Again, what hypothetical situation, in your understanding of Scripture and Ellen White, could result in God the Father ceasing to exist eternally. This is very direct and simple question.

Your answer does not require thousands of words copied and pasted. Just a simple straightforward answer.

 

[Gregory Matthews]

Gustave:  I can not speak for Hobi.  I will answer.  As I previously said:  God can not die.  That applies to the Godhead, in whatever manner you might constitute it.

When Christ was subject to death and lying in the grave, God was not dead.   However you might constitute the Godhead, God was not dead while Christ lay in the grave.

[Gustave]

I'd like Hobi to quantify what percentage chance there would be that "The Father" eternally cease to exist (for whatever reason). Given the incredible length of his last several posts within that corpus he must have a position / belief on this question I put to him.

[hobie]

14 hours ago, Gustave said:

That answer isn't relevant to the question I asked you hobie.

Again, what hypothetical situation, in your understanding of Scripture and Ellen White, could result in the God the Father ceasing to exist eternally. This is very direct and simple question.

Does divinity die, there is the answer..

[Gustave]

1 hour ago, hobie said:

Does divinity die, there is the answer..

Could "The Father", for any reason, eternally cease to exist hobie? 

The longer you don't answer this question and curtsy the worse you are looking.