"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries
home  |  English Booklets

THE  GODHEAD--ONE,  TWO,  OR  THREE  GODS


First Printing, 1994

Copyright © 1994 held by

"LET THERE BE LIGHT" MINISTRIES (rs)
PO BOX 1776
Albany, OR 97321
U.S.A.
www.LightMinistries.com

     All rights reserved.  Permission is hereby given to reprint this booklet, provided that it is duplicated in its entirety without any change or comment.

     For additional booklets, as well as to receive a complete list of other materials available, please write:

BOOKLETS
PO BOX 1776
ALBANY, OR 97321
U.S.A.




KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS OF E.G. WHITE WRITINGS

AA........................................ Acts of the Apostles.
AG........................................ God's Amazing Grace.
AUCR................................... Atlantic Union Conference Record.
1-7BC................................... SDA Bible Commentary, vol 1-7.
CH....................................... Counsels on Health.
COL..................................... Christ's Object Lessons.
CT........................................ Counsels to Parents and Teachers.
DA........................................ Desire of Ages.
Ed........................................ Education.
Ev......................................... Evangelism.
FLB...................................... Faith I Live By.
GCB..................................... General Conference Bulletin.
IHP....................................... In Heavenly Places.
LHU..................................... Lift Him Up.
LP........................................ Sketches from the Life of Paul.
MB....................................... Mount of Blessings.
MH....................................... Ministry of Healing.
MLT...................................... My Life Today.
MM...................................... Medical Ministry.
1-21MR................................ Manuscript Releases, vol 1-21.
MYP..................................... Messages to Young People.
NL........................................ Notebook Leaflets.
OHC..................................... Our High Calling.
PK........................................ Prophets and Kings.
PUR..................................... Pacific Union Record.
RC........................................ Reflecting Christ.
1-6RH................................... Review and Herald Articles, vol 1-6.
SC........................................ Steps to Christ.
SD........................................ Sons and Daughters of God.
1-3SM.................................. Selected Messages, book 1-3.
1-4SP................................... Spirit of Prophecy, vol 1-4.
1-4ST................................... Signs of the Times Articles, vol 1-4.
1-9T...................................... Testimonies for the Church, vol 1-9.
TDG..................................... This Day With God.
TM....................................... Testimonies to Ministers.
UL........................................ Upward Look.



THE  GODHEAD--ONE,  TWO,  OR  THREE  GODS

     It is with reverence and extreme carefulness that this issue of the Godhead is being addressed in this booklet.  Many are ignorant of the warnings given us to beware of delving into speculation about things which have been kept hidden by God.  Especially is this true regarding the Godhead and those who make it up.
     "Some zealous ones who are aiming and straining every energy for originality have made a grave mistake in trying to get something startling, wonderful, entrancing, before the people, something that they think others do not comprehend; but often they do not themselves know what they are talking about.  They speculate upon God's Word, advancing ideas that are not a whit of help to themselves or to the churches.  For the time being, they may excite the imagination; but there is a reaction, and these very ideas become a hindrance.  Faith is confounded with fancy, and their views may bias the mind in the wrong direction.  Let the plain, simple statements of the Word of God be food for the mind; this speculating upon ideas that are not clearly presented there, is dangerous business." 2SM 13-14.

     "In regard to the personality and prerogatives of God, where He is, and what He is, this is a subject which we are not to dare to touch.  On this theme silence is eloquence.  It is those who have no experimental knowledge of God who venture to speculate in regard to Him.  Did they know more of Him, they would have less to say about what He is.  The one who in the daily life holds closest communion with God, and who has the deepest knowledge of Him, realizes most keenly the utter inability of human beings to explain the Creator." MM 92.

     Every wind of false doctrine is surely blowing today, and will only continue to increase in intensity until time ends.  But we have been warned:
     "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ..." Ephesians 4:14-15.

     "Every wind of doctrine will be blowing.  Everything that can be shaken will be shaken and only those things that cannot be shaken will remain.  Satan is making the most desperate efforts to induce souls to range under his banner, and all who yield to his deceptions will wage war against the servants of Prince Immanuel.  Watchfulness and prayer must be our safeguards in these days of peril." 1RH 373-74 (Nov 6, 1883).

     This subject about the Godhead is such, that if we have the wrong understanding about who comprises it, or the wrong idea of the nature or character of those who make it up, then our whole picture of God will be distorted.  Thus our attempts to image God perfectly in character, in order to be fit for heaven, is also affected and imperfect.  We are told:
     "Just before us is the closing struggle of the great controversy when, with 'all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness,'  Satan is to work to misrepresent the character of God, that he may 'seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.'" 5T 746.

     Not only will we be unable to represent God perfectly in character if we have a wrong speculative view about Him or the Godhead, but by dabbling into things which God has kept hidden, we would be directly involved in spiritualism!
     "The field into which Satan led our first parents is the same to which he is alluring men today.  He is flooding the world with pleasing fables.  By every device at his command he tempts men to speculate in regard to God.  Thus he seeks to prevent them from obtaining that knowledge of God which is salvation." MH 428.

     So if we dabble and speculate into areas which God has kept hidden about Himself or about the Godhead, we are entering into the field of the Mysteries of spiritualism and false doctrines where Satan rules.  Thus in this issue of the Godhead, and those who make it up, we must be extremely careful and sure that we have the correct understanding--because our eternal destiny will be at stake.

     Throughout Christianity and paganism today, the question of the Godhead is answered by many different ways.  If you would ask the World Council of Churches and its members about their particular belief in the Godhead, they would tell you this:
     "The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."  So much in Common, p 33 (written by the World Council of Churches and the Seventh-day Adventist church).

     To them, along with many others, the Godhead is consisting of three different persons or heads who together make up one God.  This belief is commonly referred to as the Trinity.
     It is important that we have the correct understanding and definition of the word "Trinity" because there is some confusion as to what it means.
     Both Websters and Funk and Wagnalls dictionaries define the Trinity as:
     "The state or character of being three."
     "Any union of three parts or elements in one."
     "A threefold consubstantial (sharing the same substance) personality existing in one Divine Being or substance."
     "The union of one God of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three infinite persons."

     The correct understanding and definition of the Trinity doctrine is that three infinite persons, sharing the same substance, makes up one God; or one God divided into three parts.
     This doctrine of the Trinity destroys the paternal relationship of the Father to His Son!  The end conclusion is that the Father and His Son above are just role playing their perspective parts, and Jesus is not really His son.  This doctrine completely repudiates the whole plan of redemption!  It slights the immense, unfathomable, and infinite love of our heavenly Father to us because it leads the believer to conclude that Jesus is not really the actual Son of God--He is just role playing; hence the Father really didn't give up anything when He sent Jesus to die for us!
     Thus when we look at the cross, with the Trinity doctrine in mind, we do not realize nor fully appreciate the great cost for the plan of our salvation.  Our hearts are not fully broken, and we do not completely yield ourselves to Jesus, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, fighting man-fully and woman-fully the battles of the Lord (see Phil 2:12-13; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7; 1T 433; 5T 97-98, 135; 6T 41).  Salvation can hardly be obtained while believing this doctrine, and many of the pioneers of Adventism, such as James White, Uriah Smith, J.H. Waggoner, etc., openly denied and challenged this false Trinity doctrine of a 3-in-one God.
     In fact, this insidious doctrine of the Trinity "is the central doctrine of Catholic faith.  Upon it are based all the other teachings of the Church."  Handbook For Today's Catholics, p 12.

     That is why it is so important to call all of God's children out from being physically or spiritually connected with Babylon, because salvation cannot be obtained under its influence and teachings.
     All the Babylonian churches united together in the World Council of Churches believe and teach this salvation destroying doctrine of the Trinity, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church!
     The General Conference, which controls the worldwide SDA church and all its membership, states in the 1986 SDA Church Manual:
     "2. The Trinity.
     "There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal persons."  1986 SDA Church Manual, chapter 2, p 23 (see also Seventh-day Adventists Believe...27 Fundamental Beliefs, p 16, 22).

     This is exactly the same teaching that Babylon holds, and which all the delegates, representing the SDA church worldwide, voted to be the correct doctrine and teaching of the church, at the 1980 General Conference session held in Dallas, Texas. (see Adventist Review, May 1, 1980).
     Others believe that there is only one Being who is called God, and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not Gods, yet are part of the Godhead.
     Others believe that there are only two Persons in the Godhead, with the Holy Spirit being a power or force, but not a third Person.
     Still others have a particular belief that the Godhead is made up of three separate God's--God the Divine Father, God the Divine Son, and God the Divine Holy Spirit, with each using their powers in unity with one another for one main purpose--the plan of redemption.
     But which of the above views is the correct one?  It is interesting that all these different and conflicting beliefs seem to be based upon the Scriptures!  It is also very interesting that the particular texts used to prove a belief about the Godhead are, most of the time, the very same texts used to prove a conflicting belief about the Godhead.  Each of the same scriptures are just interpreted differently, with each person believing that their own particular view is the only one correct.
     As this is the case, which of the above views about the Godhead is correct and how can we prove it?  How can we be sure that our own particular belief, that we tenaciously cling to, is the pure truth or a deceptive falsehood?  How has the Lord ordained that His remnant people shall be able to know the correct interpretation of the Scriptures and to be absolutely sure that they stand upon the firm platform of eternal truth and not upon sifting sand?
     "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.

     Which law and who's testimony is being spoken of here as the only safe and secure guide of the remnant into all truth and away from all error?
     "...the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17.

     The Greek word "have" translates, not just to possess, but to follow and to keep (see Strong's Greek Concordance, word #2192).
     What is the testimony of Jesus that the remnant must follow and keep?
     "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10.

     By these two guide-lights--the greater light of the Bible, and the lesser light of the Spirit of Prophecy (see 4RH 486 col 2)--God's remnant people will be able to clearly expose all error and to firmly stand upon the truth!  Especially is this the case in this issue of the Godhead and those making it up.  To try and find out the revealed truths of the Godhead, without either the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy, would be foolish and would lead us directly onto the Devil's ground of spiritualism.
     But so many want to cut, as with a pen knife, the Spirit of Prophecy out of the picture, thinking that they can correctly interpret the Scriptures without the guide-light of the Testimonies.  They proudly claim; "I do not need any other writings with which to guide me safely into all truth.  I can correctly interpret the Bible, and all I need is the Bible and the Bible alone."
     But God tells us plainly that if we give up the visions (Spirit of Prophecy), we shall perish! (see Proverbs 29:18).  And the Spirit of Prophecy tells us the same thing.
     "...one error after another pressed in upon us; ministers and doctors brought in new doctrines.  We would search the Scriptures with much prayer, and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds....The power of God would come upon me, and I was enabled clearly to define what is truth and what is error....I would be taken off in vision, and explanations would be given me....
     "All these truths are immortalized in my writings.  The Lord never denies His word.  Men may get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days." 8MR 319-20 (Letter 50, 1-30-1906).

     "One thing is certain: those Seventh-day Adventists who take their stand under Satan's banner will first give up their faith in the warnings and reproofs contained in the Testimonies of God's Spirit." 3SM 84.

     God has revealed His truth to us through the Testimonies, and by studying the Bible along with these we will be able to clearly define what is truth and what is error.  But if we ignore, reject, and give up some or all of these Testimonies, we will be deluded and caught up in specious errors and false doctrines thinking that we are correctly understanding and interpreting the Bible, when we are actually heading towards eternal ruin.
     God, in mercy, has given His remnant people the Spirit of Prophecy to safely lead them to a correct understanding of His sacred Word.  Through this God-given means we can be completely sure that our particular interpretation of the Scriptures is correct--when it is in harmony with, or in error--by disagreeing with, the Testimonies!
     "The Bible must be your counselor.  Study it, and the Testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word." 3SM 32.

     The Testimonies never contradict the Bible--they are always in harmony, because it is the same Holy Spirit of truth which inspired both.  And this Spirit does not lie.  Thus in reading the Testimonies, you are reading the correct interpretation of Scriptural truth given--not by Ellen White, but given by God through His Spirit!
     "The question is sometimes raised, 'What if Mrs. White should die?'  I answer: 'The books that she has written will not die.  They are a living witness to what saith the Scriptures.'" 1MR 141 (Letter 55, 1-30-1905).

     This is similar to a ship sailing at sea.  The crew must sail with a chart and a compass in order to reach the correct harbor of destination.  The chart shows the correct pathway to the destination, and the compass shows the correct direction on how to reach that destination.  The chart is large and great in comparison with the small compass.  But trying to interpret the chart without the compass leaves you lost without direction; and trying to reach the harbor without the chart leaves you guessing on how to get there.  Both must be used in order to have the correct and unfailing interpretation on how to safely reach the harbor.  It is the same with the Bible (chart) and the Spirit of Prophecy (compass) in order to reach the harbor (heaven).  Using either one without the other, leads to destruction.
     As God has made it this way, it will only be those who have a great amount of pride who still refuse to acknowledge, and continue to rebel against, the wisdom of God in giving His people these Testimonies to safely guide them into a correct interpretation of "What saith the Scriptures."
     "A certain pride is mingled with the consideration of Bible truth, so that men feel impatient and defeated if they cannot explain every portion of Scripture to their satisfaction.  It is too humiliating to them to acknowledge that they do not understand the inspired words." 5T 701.

     "Instead of receiving the Testimonies as a blessing from God, they refuse the means God uses to set them right.  Such apparently may be very zealous for God, but they put their own interpretation upon the Word and make it contradict what the Lord has revealed in the Testimonies.  They think they are doing God's service, but such work God has not given them to do." 10MR 311 (Letter 12, 8-12-1890).

     In this issue of the Godhead, with each contradicting belief being based upon the same Scriptures, and each claiming that they are the only ones correct, the only safe way in which God's remnant people can clearly and safely discover the true understanding of the Godhead, and to avoid being involved in speculation and spiritualism, is by what has already been revealed to us through the Spirit of Prophecy.  With this in mind, let us see exactly what the Testimonies reveal in relation to the Godhead.


THE FATHER

     "There are many issues in our world today in regard to the Creator not being a personal God. God is a being, and man was created in His image.  After God created man in His image, the form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it had no vitality.  Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, breathing, intelligent being.
     "Through Jesus Christ, God--not a perfume, not something intangible, but a personal God--created man...The Lord is a living, personal God." TDG 273.

     "God is a spirit; yet He is a personal being, for man was created in His image.  As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son....The express image of His person..." 8T 263-65 (also see Ed 132, MH 418-19).

     "'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'  Here is shown the personality of the Father." Series B#7, p 62.

     "No finite mind can fully comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One.  We cannot by searching find out God.  To minds the strongest and most highly cultured, as well as to the weakest and most ignorant, that holy Being must remain clothed in mystery." Ed 169.

     We can clearly see, without speculation or fallible human reasoning but from what has already been revealed, that the Father is God.  He Himself is a Being.  He Himself is a Person and has a personality and character all His own.  He is living and can exist by Himself without any other power sustaining Him.  (please see also these texts: Deut 32:6, Isa 63:16 & 64:8, Jer 3:4, Mal 1:6, Matt 5:45 & 6:6-15, John 20:17, Eph 3:14-15, Heb 12:9, James 1:17, 1 John 3:1)

     Truly, He is God--The Father, the first Person in the Godhead.


 JESUS CHRIST

     "A living, personal Saviour came to our world to make of none effect the twistings and serpentine turnings of Satan." TDG 273.

     "The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father." 5RH 227 col 2.

     "John 3:34-36.  In this Scripture God and Christ are spoken of as two distinct personalities, each acting in their own individuality." Manuscript Release #760, p 27 (Manuscript #145, 12-27-1905).

     "John 17:20-21.  These words present God and Christ as two distinct personalities." NL 124.

     "'The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.'  Christ is not here referring to his doctrine, but to his person, the divinity of his character." 5RH 227 col 3.

     "God did for us the very best thing that He could do when He sent from heaven a sinless being to manifest to this world of sin what those who are saved must be in character--pure, holy, and undefiled..." Manuscript Release #701, p 15 (Letter 58, 1-16-1906).

     "'Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.'  Yet this glorious Being loved the poor sinner and took upon Himself the form of a servant, that He might suffer and die in man's behalf." 4T 121.

     We can clearly see, without speculation or fallible human reasoning but from what has already been revealed to us through an "It is written," that Jesus Christ Himself is a Person and has a personality and character all His own.  He Himself is a living Being.  He is the eternal, divine Son of God, entirely distinct and separate from God the Father, yet one with Him.
     But is Christ Himself a God?
     "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." DA 469-70.

     "It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, 'I AM THAT I AM....Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.' Ex 3:14.  This was the pledge of Israel's deliverance.  So when He came 'in the likeness of men,' He declared Himself the I AM." DA 24.

     "Abraham saw the incarnate Saviour, and rejoiced....'Before Abraham was, I AM.'  Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God." 4ST 141 col 3 (see also Ev 615).

     "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." 4ST 142 col 1.

     "He is the eternal, self-existent Son." Ev 615.

     "Revelation 1:18-20.  These are wonderfully solemn and significant statements.  It was the source of all mercy and pardon, peace and grace, the self-existent, eternal, unchangeable One, who visited His exiled servant on the isle that is called Patmos." 7BC 955.

     "Still seeking to give a true direction of her faith, Jesus declared, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived." DA 530.

     "He [Christ] was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent.  He was above all finite requirements.  He was Himself the law in character.  Of the highest angels it could not be said that they had never borne a yoke.  The angels all bear the yoke of dependence, the yoke of obedience....Not one of the angels could become a substitute and surety for the human race, for their life is God's; they could not surrender it.  On Christ alone the human family depended for their existence.  He is the eternal, self-existent Son, on whom no yoke had come....He could say that which not the highest angel could say--'I have power over My own life.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.'" 12MR 395 (Manuscript #101, 1897).

     "'In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men.'  It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God.  The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life.  Physical life is something which each individual receives.  It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the life-giver, takes it again.  But the life of Christ was unborrowed.  No one can take this life from Him.  'I lay it down of myself,' He said.  In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived.  This life is not inherent in man.  He can possess it only through Christ." 5BC 1130 (also 1SM 296-97).

     "He clothed His divinity with humanity.  He was all the while as God, but He did not appear as God.  He veiled the demonstrations of Deity which had commanded the homage, and called forth the admiration, of the universe of God.  He was God while upon earth, but He divested Himself of the form of God, and in its stead took the form and fashion of a man....He was God, but the glories of the form of God He for a while relinquished....He humbled Himself, and took mortality upon Himself.  As a member of the human family He was mortal, but as a God He was the fountain of life to the world.  He could, in His divine person, ever have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but He voluntarily laid down His life, that in so doing He might give life and bring immortality to light.  He bore the sins of the world, and endured the penalty which rolled like a mountain upon His divine soul.  He yielded up His life a sacrifice, that man should not eternally die.
     "Wondrous combination of man and God!  He might have helped His human nature to withstand the inroads of disease by pouring from His divine nature vitality and undecaying vigor to the human.  But He humbled Himself to man's nature....What humility was this!  It amazed angels .  The tongue can never describe it; the imagination cannot take it in.  The eternal Word consented to be made flesh!  God became man!" 2RH 151 col 2 & 3 (also 5BC 1126-27).

     "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...Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God:...Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense.  He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.
     "The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father." 5RH 227 col 2 (also 1SM 247).

     "'He that hath the Son hath life.' 1 John 5:12.  The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal life." DA 530.

     "Jesus speaks of Himself as well as the Father as God, and claims for Himself perfect righteousness." Manuscript Release #701, p 13 (Manuscript #141, 1901).  

     We can clearly see, without speculation or fallible human reasoning, that Jesus has life within Himself that is original, unborrowed, and underived.  He is the eternal, immortal, and self-existent Son, sustaining and living by Himself, without the power of God--the Father continually sustaining Him.
     When Christ was human on the earth, He was totally reliant upon His Father for life and power to sustain His human existence.  But resurrected from the grave, this was not the case anymore.
     "...He did not cease to be God when He became man.  The human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human.  This is the mystery of godliness.  The two expressions "human" and "divine" were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality.  Though Christ humbled Himself to become man, the Godhead was still His own." 5BC 1129.

     "The Godhead was not made human, and the human was not deified by the blending together of the two natures." 3SM 131.

     "The power of the Saviour's Godhead was hidden.  He overcame in human nature, relying upon God for power." 7BC 924.

     "...the Roman guard fell as dead men before the resplendent glory, and Christ in His Godhead shown forth as He burst from the tomb, and rose triumphant over death and the grave." 3ST 211 col 2.
     Thus we have clearly seen that Jesus Himself is a Divine Being or a God, completely distinct from God--the Father.

     Truly, Jesus is God--The Son, the second Person in the Godhead.

     We can already see, just by knowing the truth about the Father and the Son, that the Trinity doctrine--a three in one God--is but a grand, deceptive, spiritualistic falsehood, because the Father and Son are two distinct living Persons, Beings, and Gods.  Each possessing immortality.  Each are self-existing and eternal.  Yet They are both united in one purpose--the plan of redemption for humanity.


THE HOLY SPIRIT

     There are so many winds, beliefs, ideas, speculations, and doctrines blowing around--seemingly based upon the Scriptures--regarding the Holy Spirit; what it is, who it is, it's nature, etc., that many do not know what to believe.  So it might be more beneficial to list some of these major "windy" doctrines that are blowing around, and then show if these agree with the inspired Testimonies of God or not.
     What about the belief that the Holy Spirit is nothing more than another name for the work of the angels?
     "His (Christ's) soldiers are coworkers with heavenly intelligences, and One higher than angels is in the ranks; for the Holy Spirit, Christ's representative, is there." 3ST 386 col 3.

     "They (God's servants) are to contend with supernatural forces, but they are assured of supernatural help.  All the intelligences of heaven are in this army.  And more than angels are in the ranks.  The Holy Spirit, the representative of the Captain of the Lord's host, comes down to direct the battle." DA 352.

     "When Christ ascended to the Father, He did not leave His followers without help.  The Holy Spirit, as His representative, and the heavenly angels, as ministering spirits, are sent forth to aid those who against great odds are fighting the good fight of faith." SD 35.

     What about the belief that the Holy Spirit only came into existence after Christ became Human; meaning that there was no Holy Spirit through all the Old Testament times--through 4000 years, until Christ was born?
     "Before offering himself as a sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow his followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace.  'I will pray the Father,' he said, 'and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth...John 14:16-18.
     "Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption he had been moving upon men's hearts.  But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper.  Not until they were deprived of his presence would they feel the need of the Spirit, and then he would come." 5RH 470 col 3.

     "This was the arrangement of the divine government.  Christ's ascension was the event which in Heaven's order was to mark the descent of the Holy Spirit." 12MR 144 (Manuscript #158, 1898).

     "Apostasy caused the withdrawal of the Holy Spirit from man, but through the plan of redemption, this blessing of heaven is to be restored to those who sincerely desire it." 2MR 11 (Manuscript #3, 1892).

     "'In times past holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit'....The success of the ministry of Elias (Elijah) was not due to any inherited qualities he possessed, but to the submission of himself to the Holy Spirit, which was given to him as it will be given to all who exercise living faith in God." 1MR 364-66 (Manuscript #148, 10-8-1899).

     "The Spirit was not then (ancient times) given in power because Jesus was not yet glorified." 1MR 364 (Manuscript #148, 10-8-1899).

     "The Holy Spirit was eagerly sought for in the schools of the prophets; its transforming influence was to bring even the thoughts into harmony with the will of God and establish a living connection between earth and heaven." 12MR 147 (Manuscript #69, 6-19-1908).

     "The Holy Spirit came into the schools of the prophets, bringing even the thoughts of the students into harmony with the will of God.  There was a living connection between heaven and these schools..." North Pacific Union Gleaner, May 26, 1909.

     What about the belief that God the Father is really the Holy Spirit?
     "'...how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?' Luke 11:13.  The Holy Spirit, the representative of Himself, is the greatest of all gifts.  All 'good things' are comprised in this." MB 132.

     So the Father is not the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit represents the Father and brings Him to us.  The Father sends His representative--the Holy Spirit, calling it His Spirit--or the Spirit of the Father; but the Father is not the Holy Spirit.
     What about the belief that Jesus Christ is really the Holy Spirit?
     "The first chapter of Hebrews contrasts the position of the angels and the position of Christ.  God has spoken words concerning Christ that are not to be applied to the angels.  They are 'sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,' but Christ, as Mediator, is the great Minister in the work of redemption.  The Holy Spirit is His representative in our world, to execute the divine purpose of bringing to fallen man power from above, that he may be an overcomer." 7BC 922 col 1.

     "1 Cor 2:11.  John 16:13.  Only by the aid of that spirit who in the beginning 'was brooding upon the face of the waters;' of that Word by whom 'all things were made;' of that 'true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' can the testimony of science be rightly interpreted.  Only by their guidance can its deepest truths be discerned." Ed 134.

     "The office of the Holy Spirit is to take the things of Christ as they fall from His lips, and infuse them as living principles into the hearts opened to receive them." 14MR 174 (Letter 40, 1890).

     "Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man's behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ, who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving.  The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit's striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart." 1SM 344.

     "While Jesus, our Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure." 2ST 516 col 3 (Oct 3, 1892).

     "John 14:16, 17 quoted.  The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative....The men and women who through the long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives...The presence of the Spirit with God's workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give....
     "To the repentant sinner, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." AA 47, 49, 51-52.

     "The work of His Spirit, the Comforter which He sent down to remain with His people during His absence." LP 119.

     "In the plan of restoring in men the divine image, it was provided that the Holy Spirit should move upon human minds, and be as the presence of Christ, a molding agency upon human character." 3RH 229 col 2 (Feb 12, 1895).

     "The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great.  It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the Holy Spirit is the comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul." 2RH 617 col 3 (Nov 29, 1892).

     "But no distance, no circumstances can separate us from 'the Comforter.'  Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is there, always a Presence, a Person connected with heaven, One given us in Christ's place, to act in His stead." 2MR 32 (Letter 89b, 3-22-1897).

     It is clear to those who will allow God to teach them His truths, that Christ is not the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit represents Christ to us.  Thus Christ can send the Holy Spirit--His representative--calling it His Spirit, or the Spirit of Christ; but Jesus is not the Holy Spirit.  To emphasize this fact, Christ had the Holy Spirit given to Him!
     "Every truth is invested by the God of heaven with an influence proportionate to its character and importance.  The plan of redemption, which means everything to a lost and ruined world, was to be proclaimed, and the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus brought into vital contact with the heart of the world." 4RH 288 (April 30, 1901).

     "When the power of God's grace is felt in our churches, the members will work the works of Christ.  Their natural and hereditary traits of character will be transformed by the Spirit that dwelt in the greatest Minister that ever trod the soil of this fallen world.  The indwelling of this Spirit will enable them to reveal Christ's likeness, and in proportion to the purity of their piety will be the success of their work." 4MR 371 (Letter 54a, June, 1898).

     "The Father gave His Spirit without measure to His Son, and we also may partake of its fullness....To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure.  So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling." 5RH 463 col 2 (Nov 5, 1908).

     So Jesus is not the Holy Spirit, but needed to have the Holy Spirit given to Him in order to be our perfect example while on this earth.  And since Jesus lost His omnipresence by taking humanity (see 6BC 1054 col 1), He must now use the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit in order to meet with His people on earth.  Through the omnipresence of the Person of the Holy Spirit, Christ would be set free from the limiting affects of humanity, and thus could be present and represent Himself at all times and in all places among His people.
     "When God's people search the Scriptures with a desire to know what is truth, Jesus is present in the person of His representative, the Holy Spirit, reviving the hearts of the humble and contrite ones." 12MR 145 (Manuscript 158, 1898).

     "Although our Lord ascended from earth to heaven, the Holy Spirit was appointed as His representative among men....Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth.  The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof.  He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent." 14MR 23 (Manuscript 57a, 1895).

     "Christ tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, and the Comforter is the Holy Ghost, 'the Spirit of truth, which the Father shall send in My name.'  'I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you' [John 14:16-17].  This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter." 14MR 179 (Letter 7, 6-11-1891).

     "John 14:16-18 quoted.  Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption he had been moving upon men's hearts....
     "The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof.  Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally.  Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth.  No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ.  By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all.  In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high....
     "The disciples still failed to understand Christ's words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning.  By the Spirit, He said, He would manifest Himself to them." DA 669-70.

     "He would intercede for them, and would send them His own representative, the Holy Spirit, who would attend them in their work.  This representative would not appear in human form, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who should believe in Christ." 3RH 511 col 3 (Oct 26, 1896).

     "John 14:16-17 quoted.  Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts.  But He assured His disciples that He would send them another Comforter, who would abide with them forever....[Verses 18-19 quoted].  A precious, glorious assurance of eternal life!  Even though He was to be absent, their relation to Him was to be that of a child to its parent.
     "The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.  We do not see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as in another.  It works in and through every one who receives Christ.  Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruits of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." 12MR 260-61 (Manuscript 41, 1897).

     "Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost.'  This is the great gift of heaven.  Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification.  He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel.  Henceforth Christ would live through their faculties, and speak through their words.  They were privileged to know that hereafter He and they were to be one.  They must cherish His principles and be controlled by His Spirit." SD 294.

     "When the time came for Him (Jesus) to leave them, He gave them grace and power to carry forward His work in His name.  They were to shed abroad the light of His gospel of love and healing.  And the Saviour promised that His presence would be always with them.  Through the Holy Spirit He would be even nearer to them than when He walked visibly among men." MH 103-04.

     "But Jesus had assured them that He would send the Comforter, as an equivalent for his visible presence." 3SP 256.

     "And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ had said, He 'shall be in you.'  And He had further said, 'It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.'  John 14:17, 16:7.  Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children.  Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them." SC 74-75.

     "Through the Holy Spirit, that voice which was speaking from the fisherman's boat on the Sea of Galilee would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to the close of time." DA 245.

     "They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour's absence.  While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth....His energizing presence is still with His church." DA 166.

     "When He (Christ) should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy.  After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning....but by faith they were to look to the sanctuary above, where Jesus was ministering for them; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, His representative, and to rejoice in the light of His presence....when Christ was not personally with them (after His ascension), and they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to fast." DA 277.

     "Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, is the riches of the Old Testament.  Christ in His life, His death, and His resurrection, Christ as He is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is the treasure of the New Testament.  Our Saviour, the outshining of the Father's glory, is both the Old and the New." COL 126.

     "...Christ, as Mediator, is the great Minister in the work of redemption.  The Holy Spirit is His representative in our world, to execute the divine purpose of bringing to fallen man power from above, that he may be an overcomer." 7BC 922.

     "While Jesus ministers in the true sanctuary above, He is through His Holy Spirit working through His earthly messengers.  These agencies will accomplish more than the printed page, if they will go forth in the Spirit and power of Christ.  Christ will work through His chosen ministers, filling them with His Spirit, and thus fulfilling to them the assurance, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' Matt. 28:20." CH 545.

     "We fail many times because we do not realize that Christ is with us by His Spirit as truly as when, in the days of His humiliation, He moved visibly upon the earth.  The lapse of time has wrought no change in His parting promise to His apostles as He was taken up from them into heaven: 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'" 4T 529.

     "In this conflict of righteousness against unrighteousness we can be successful only by the divine aid.  Our finite will must be brought into submission to the will of the Infinite; the human will must be blended with the divine.  This will bring the Holy Spirit to our aid; and every conquest will tend to the recovery of God's purchased possession, to the restoration of his image in the soul.
     "The Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is his representative.  Through it he infuses spiritual life into the soul, quickening its energies for good, cleansing it from moral defilement, and giving it a fitness for his kingdom.  Jesus has large blessings to bestow, rich gifts to distribute among men.  He is the wonderful Counselor, infinite in wisdom and strength; and if we will acknowledge the power of his Spirit, and submit to be molded by it, we shall stand complete in him.  What a thought is this!  In Christ 'dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him.'  Never will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God.  The Spirit conforms the renewed soul to the model, Jesus Christ.  Through the influence of the Spirit, enmity against God is changed into faith and love, and pride into humility....
     "The truth will be presented, not as a cold, lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life.  But the power is of God through his Spirit, which works effectually on heart and mind." 4RH 492 col 2 (Feb 10, 1903), (see also MYP 55-56).

     "The divine Spirit reveals its working on the human heart.  When the Holy Spirit operates upon the mind, the human agent will understand the statement made by Christ, 'He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.'  Subjection to the word of God means the restoration of one's self.  Let Christ work by His Holy Spirit, and awaken you as from the dead, and carry your minds along with His.  Let Him employ your faculties.  He has created your every capability that you may better honor and glorify His name." TM 396.

     "The Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the only-begotten Son of God, binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divine-human nature of Christ." 1SM 251.

     "Christ wants to give us a blessing that will make us holy.  Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving.  In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself,--a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life." 4ST 505 col 1 (March 15, 1910).

     "It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal." DA 388.

     "Let educators give the Holy Spirit room to do Its work upon human hearts.  The greatest Teacher is represented in the midst of us by the Holy Spirit." CT 417-18.

     "God cannot bless the one who continues to bring upon himself disease and suffering by a willful violation of the laws of heaven.  But Christ, through the Holy Spirit, comes as a healing power to those who cease to do evil and learn to do well." MH 223-24.

     "Keep cheerful.  Do not forget that you have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ has appointed.  You are never alone.  If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, if you will respond without delay to the knocking at the door of your heart, 'Come in, Lord Jesus, that I may sup with Thee, and Thee with me,' the heavenly Guest will enter.  When this element, which is all divine, abides with you, there is peace and rest....Remember the words of Christ, remember that He is an unseen presence in the person of the Holy Spirit." Letter 124, 1897 (see also AH 350).

     And lest some will believe that the Father's omnipresence is the Holy Spirit, the Father also uses the omnipresence of the Person of the Holy Spirit in order to be with His true people.
     "God is a spirit; yet He is a personal being, for man was made in His image....The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible.  'The Lord's throne is in heaven' (Psalm 11:4); yet by His Spirit He is everywhere present." Ed 132.

     "The God of heaven is not, like the gods of the heathen, confined to temples made with hands; yet He would meet with His people by His Spirit when they should assemble at the house dedicated to His worship....
     "Although God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet He honors with His presence the assemblies of His people.  He has promised that when they come together to seek Him, to acknowledge their sins, and to pray for one another, He will meet with them by His Spirit." PK 49-50.

     "The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands and thousands of holy beings, all waiting to do His will.  Through the agency of His Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men." MH 417.

     "From the beginning, God has been working by His Holy Spirit through human instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen race.  This was manifest in the lives of the patriarchs.  To the church in the wilderness also, in the time of moses, God gave His 'good Spirit to instruct them.' Nehemiah 9:20.  And in the days of the apostles He wrought mightily for His church through the agency of the Holy Spirit." AA 53.

     "He (Christ) taught that both for man's temporal and for his eternal good, God moves upon the heart by the Holy Spirit.  He showed the error of trusting to human power for that transformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God." DA 605.

     "The Holy Spirit is a free, working, independent agency.  The God of heaven uses His Spirit as it pleases Him; and human judgment, and human methods can no more set boundaries to its working, or prescribe the channel through which it shall operate." 4ST 503 col 1 (March 8, 1910).

     "...God is working by His Holy Spirit through human agents..." 3RH 272-73 (July 16, 1895).

     "It is through the medium of His Spirit that God works upon the human heart; and when men willfully reject the Spirit and declare it to be from satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them." 5T 634.

     What about the belief that the Holy Spirit is not a living Person, and can not think and work independent of the Father or the Son, because it is just an extension of, or combination of, the Father and the Son.
     "The time (after Christ's ascension) had now come.  The Spirit had been waiting for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.  For ten days the disciples offered their petitions for the outpouring of the Spirit, and Christ in heaven added His intercession." 6BC 1055 col 1.

     "I then stated that this was according to the mind of the Spirit of God for the Workers to change from field to field..." Manuscript Release #185, p 15 (Letter 23, 9-23-1885).

     "The Holy Spirit unites with the powers of grace that God has provided to turn souls to Christ." 5RH 341 col 2 (July 18, 1907).

     "The more fully they receive the enlightenment of the living Spirit, the more nearly will they harmonize in their understanding of what is truth." 14MR 176 (Letter 7, 6-11-1891).

     "There is, thank God, an ever living Spirit to guide us into all truth." Manuscript Release #491, p 83 (Letter 93, 9-30-1896).

     "Study the will of God...Do not be satisfied with meeting a low standard, but consult the Spirit of God, obey its dictates, serve God in the beauty of holiness, and render glory to His name." 3RH 478 col 3 (June 29, 1897).

     "It is the Spirit itself that teaches and enlightens." SD 30.

     "The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind." 5RH 472 col 1.

     "The Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.  When this witness is borne, it carries its own evidence....The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God." Ev 616-17.

     "...no distance, no circumstances can separate us from 'the Comforter.'  Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is there, always a Presence, a Person connected with heaven, One given us in Christ's place, to act in His stead.  He is always at our right hand, to speak to us soothing, gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer." 2MR 32 (Letter 89b, 1897).  

     "When you will come under the divine guidance, the Comforter will lead you into all truth.  The office of the Holy Spirit is to take the things of Christ as they fall from His lips, and infuse them as living principles into the hearts opened to receive them.  Then we will know both the Father and the Son." 14MR 174 (Letter 40, 1890).

     Lest some will take the position that all these above written Testimonies have been altered in the past to say these things, the following is from a talk given at Avondale, Australia April 15, 1899--meaning that it was written down as it came from Ellen White's own mouth.
     "We have been brought together as a school, and we need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is walking through these grounds..." 7MR 299 (see also Ev 616).

     So the Holy Spirit is not an angel or another name for the work of the angels, because He is higher than angels.  Neither was the Holy Spirit only in existence since Christ became human, because from the very beginning of the work of redemption He had been moving upon men's hearts.  Neither is the Holy Spirit the Father, or the Son, or a combination of the two together.  Neither is the Holy Spirit just a power or force, but is a living Person with a personality who bears witness and comforts us in Christ's place and acts in His stead, who Itself teaches and enlightens us using Its own mind and puts forth Its highest energies in working for our salvation by taking the words of Christ as they fall from His lips to infuse these into our hearts.  The Holy Spirit is as much a Person as God is a Person, and the Spirit shows us He is a Person by walking among us.

     Since the Spirit is a Person, and can walk among us, He also must be able to assume form and shape.  He assumed the form and shape resembling a dove (Matt 3:16, Isaiah 11:2, Luke 3:22, John 1:32).  He assumed the form and shape resembling flaming tongues (Acts 2:2-4).  He literally picked up servants of God from one area and then carried them to a different area in order to continue the spreading of the gospel (see Acts 8:39-40; Ezekiel 3:14-15).  The Holy Spirit even assumes the form of an angel with a writers inkhorn by His side--who seals the servants of the Lord (see Ephesians 4:30), and then returns to the Lord after His sealing work is accomplished (see Ezekiel 9:1-11); and the Holy Spirit is also represented as the mighty angel of Revelation 18:1 (see 2RH 555 col 2, 7BC 984).  And some pioneers--such as S.N. Haskell, and G.B. Starr--believed the Holy Spirit had also assumed human form on this earth during the time of Abraham, appearing and speaking to many as Melchizedek--the King of Salem, the King of Peace, the King of Righteousness, the priest of the most high God! (see Bible Training School, November, 1903, p 90, November, 1904, p 85-86, White Document File #375 for Starr's statement of Ellen White's agreement to this belief, Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7:1-4, 17-22, 1BC 1092-93, Romans 8:26-27, Hebrews 9:14).

     What about the belief that the Holy Spirit is not the third Person of the Godhead?  As God--the Father is the first Person in the Godhead, and as God--the Son is the second Person, is the Holy Spirit the third Person in the Godhead?
     "He (Christ) determined to give His representative, the third person of the Godhead.  This gift could not be excelled....Christ is represented by the Holy Spirit." 3ST 520 col 2 (Dec 1, 1898) (also 6BC 1053, MLT 36).

     "The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit." Series A#10 p 37 (also Ev 617).

     "Evil had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power." 10MR 63 (Letter 8, 2-6-1896) (also Series A#10 p 25, TM 392, UL 51).

     We can clearly see, without speculation or fallible human reasoning, but from what has already been revealed to us through an "it is written," that the Holy Spirit Himself is a living Person.  He Himself has a personality all His own.  And the Holy Spirit Himself is the third mighty distinct Person and power in the Godhead.

     The Godhead has been shown to be made up of three Persons,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and this is exactly what we are told:
     "The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from the three persons--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." 6BC 1074.

     What about the belief that the Holy Spirit is a person, and even the third Person of the Godhead, but that He is not divine and thus cannot be a God Himself?  As the Father is divine or God, and as Christ is another divine God, is the Holy Spirit another divine God also?
     "Through the co-operation of the divine Spirit the labors of the humble men who Christ had chosen stirred the world." Ed 95-96.

     "The work of God was seen in the church but you had no longings for the divine Spirit." Pamphlets, vol 3, p 257 (1869).

     "The divine Spirit reveals its working on the human heart.  When the Holy Spirit operates the mind, the human agent will understand the statement made by Christ, 'He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.'" Series A#10 p 29 (also TM 396).

     "...open the heart to the Divine Spirit...the power of the Holy Spirit is drawing to God all who will be drawn." 2MR 41 (Manuscript #44, 7-24-1900).

     "Man cannot possibly work out his own salvation without the ordained divine power...He cannot of himself move one step toward Christ without the Spirit of God [drawing] him, and this drawing is ever, and will continue until man grieves the Holy Ghost by his persistent refusal.  The Spirit of God does not propose to do our part either in the willing or the doing.  This is the work of the human agent in co-operating with the divine agencies..." 2MR 34-35 (Letter 135, 1898).

     "The Holy Spirit...must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God.  1 Cor 2:11." Ev 616-17.

     "By the Spirit which searches all things, even the deep things of God, have been revealed precious truths which cannot be described by pen or voice." SD 34.

     "...how earnestly should we pray that He who 'searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God,' He whose office it is to bring all things to the remembrance of God's people, and to guide them into all truth, may be with us in the investigation of His Holy Word." TM 111.

     "The Holy Spirit indites all genuine prayer.  I have learned to know that in all my intercessions the Spirit intercedes for me and for all the saints; but His intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will.  'The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities;' and the Spirit, being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded.  1 Cor 2:11." 2ST 516 col 2 (Oct 3, 1892).

     In unmistakably clear words, we can see that the Holy Spirit Himself is a third divine Person and a God, distinct from the Person of God--the Father and the Person of God--the Son.  (please see also these texts: Gen 1:2, Ex 35:21, Job 26:13 & 33:4, Ps 51:11 & 104:30 & 139:7, Isa 40:7, 13-17 & 63:10-11, Ez 3:12, 14, 24-27 & 11:1, 5, Matt 12:31-32, Luke 12:12, John 14:26 & 15:26 & 16:7-14, Acts 2:4 & 5:3-4 & 8:29 & 10:11-20 & 13:2, 4 & 15:28 & 16:6-7 & 20:22-23 & 21:11, Rom 8:16, 26, 34 & 15:13, 1 Cor 2:13 & 12:8, 11, Eph 4:30 (Ez 9:3-4 & 3T 267), 1 Tim 4:1, Heb 9:14 & 10:15, 2 Pet 1:21, Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29 & 3:6, 13, 22 & 22:17).

     Truly, He is GOD--THE HOLY SPIRIT, the third Person in the Godhead.

     We have discovered that the Godhead is not made up of one God with three different persons or heads--as the Trinity doctrine, spiritualism, and even pantheism falsely states.  Pantheism states that there is but one God, but this one God subdivided or split Himself up into many different beings or things.  But the truth is that the Godhead is made up of three different and distinct divine Persons and GODS; GOD--the Father, GOD--the Son, and GOD--the Holy Ghost!
     It is written:
     "When we have accepted Christ, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit have pledged ourselves to serve God, the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit--the three dignitaries and powers of heaven--pledge Themselves that every facility shall be given to us if we carry out our baptismal vows...When we are true to our vows, He says, 'I will receive you.'" 6BC 1075.

     All three are united and co-operating together in one main purpose--the plan of our redemption!
     It is written:
     "The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption." CH 222 (also 6RH 241 col 1, AG 190).

     So, there is not just one great power in heaven, there is not just one eternal, living, divine Person and God, but there are three eternal, living, divine, holy Persons who make up the Godhead!  Thus saith the Lord:
     "The eternal Godhead--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost..." UL 148.

     "There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..." Series B#7 p 62 (also Ev 615, IHP 336).

     And for those who believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, but not a Being, and for those who believe that the above written testimonies have been changed to say these things, the following is a sermon given on October 20, 1906 which was written down as it came from Ellen White's own mouth:
     "You are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life--to live a new life.  You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of the three holiest beings in heaven, who are able to keep you from falling..." Sermons and Talks, p 367-68 (7MR 267).

     The Holy Spirit is indeed a holy Person and a Being.  In fact, any dictionary will tell you that a person is a being, and a being is a person--you cannot be one without also being the other!  So to be the third Person of the Godhead, is the same as calling the Holy Spirit the third Being of the Godhead.

     The Godhead is not a Trinity--not a 3 in 1 God, but inspiration declares the Godhead as being made up of a "heavenly trio"--three powerful, holy, Divine Persons, Beings, and Gods.  Each of these three holiest Beings in heaven have an important and distinct job; using Their own God-ship and powers in union and oneness with each other to save fallen humanity.  God--the Father united through God--the Son united through God--the Holy Spirit united to Their true people.
     Thus saith the Lord:
     "'If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him ['We,' that is, the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost], and make Our abode with him.'" Manuscript Release #669, p 1 (Letter 44, 4-9-1893 [Brackets by Sister White].

     "We are to co-operate with the three highest powers in heaven,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,--and these powers will work through us, making us workers together with God." Series B#7 p 51 (also Ev 617).

     "...in the name of these three great powers--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their effort to live the new life in Christ." Series B#7 p 62.  (please see also these Bible texts regarding all three: Isa 48:16-17, Matt 28:19, Mark 12:36, Luke 1:35 & 3:22, John 14:16 & 15:26 & 16:15, Acts 2:33, Rom 8:27 & 15:16, 2 Cor 13:14, Eph 2:18, Col 2:2-3, Heb 9:14, 1 Pet 1:2, Jude 20-21).

     How many other different ways does inspiration describe the Godhead?
     "Christ made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom.  He made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost....Baptized into the threefold name...at the very entrance of their christian life...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omniscient, receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God.  They are present at every baptism..." 6BC 1075.

     "When you took these vows, you pledged yourself, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that you would live unto God, and you have no right to break this pledge.  The help of the three great powers is placed at your disposal." 5RH 143 col 3 (RC 178).

     "On that occasion (baptism) we pledge ourselves, in the presence of the three great heavenly powers, to come out from the world and be separate." 6MR 167 (Manuscript #130, 10-27-1902).

     "By our baptismal pledge we avouched and solemnly confessed the Lord Jehovah as our ruler.  We virtually took a solemn oath, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, that henceforth our lives would be merged into the life of these three great agencies, that the life we should live in the flesh would be lived in faithful obedience to God's sacred law." 1MR 118 (Manuscript #67, 7-6-1907) (also 1BC 1120, AG 150).

     "The three powers of the Godhead have pledged Their might to carry out the purpose that God had in mind when He gave to the world the unspeakable gift of His Son." 5RH 341 col 1.

     "Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit....Have you been born again?  Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus?  Then cooperate with the three great powers of heaven who are working in your behalf." Manuscript #11, 1901 (also 7BC 908, 4ST 186 col 1 (June 19, 1901).

     "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new life of loyalty to God.  The three great powers in heaven are witnesses; They are invisible but present." 6BC 1074 (also FLB 146).

     "The rite of baptism is administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  These three great powers of heaven pledge Themselves to be the efficiency of all who submit to this ordinance, and who faithfully keep the vow they then make." 6MR 27 (Manuscript #78, 1905).

     "The three powers of the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, are pledged to be their strength and their efficiency in their new life in Christ Jesus." AUCR 10-7-1907.

     "The three highest powers in the universe are pledged to labor with those who will seek to save the lost." 5RH 533 col 2.

     "Baptism is a most solemn ceremony.  When men and women, truly converted are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, these three representatives of heavenly authority behold the scene, and accept the vows made by human agents to walk henceforth in newness of life." 6MR 29 (Letter 174, 12-21-1909).

     "The presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three highest powers in the universe and those in whose name the believer is baptized, is pledged to be with every striving soul.  It will impart grace and strength to all who will watch unto prayer, to all who will purify the soul by obedience to the truth.  And it will make the believer instrumental in leading other souls to accept Christ by faith." PUR 7-2-1908.

     "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three holy dignitaries of heaven, have declared that They will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness." 5BC 1110 (Manuscript #92, 1901)

     "Those who submit to the solemn rite of baptism pledge themselves to devote their lives to God's service; and the three great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, pledge themselves to cooperate with them, to work in and through them.  As men and women thus enter into covenant relation with God, they take the name of Christian.  Henceforth they are to live the life of Christ.  They have been buried with Him, and they are to 'seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.'" 4ST 282 col 1 (March 11, 1903).

     "...the three great powers of heaven pledged Themselves to co-operate with you in your efforts to live the new life in Christ." 5RH 142 col 3.

     "As a christian submits to the solemn rite of baptism, the three highest powers in the universe,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,--place Their approval on this act, pledging Themselves to exert Their power in his behalf as he strives to honor God." 6MR 26 (Letter 53, 1-26-1904) (also 4ST 399 col 1, Aug 16, 1905, RC 107).

     "The three great powers of heaven pledge themselves to furnish to the Christian all the assistance he requires.  The Spirit changes the heart of stone to the heart of flesh.  And by partaking of the word of God, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of His Son, Christians obtain an experience that is after the divine similitude.  When Christ abides in the heart by faith, the Christian is the temple of God.  Christ does not abide in the heart of the sinner, but hearts that are susceptible to the influence of Heaven's instrumentalities, and have been sanctified by obedience to the truth, are representatives of His righteousness." 4MR 368-69 (Letter 53, 1-26-1904) (also 4ST 399 col 1 (Aug 16, 1905).

     "When you gave yourself to Christ, you made a pledge in the presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit--the three great personal dignitaries of heaven." 7BC 959 (also SD 351).

     "Those who proclaim the third angel's message must put on the whole armor of God, that they may stand boldly at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the enemy with the word, 'It is written.'  Keep yourselves where the three great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency.  These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God.  The strength of heaven is at the command of God's believing ones.  The man who takes God as his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall." Southern Watchman 2-23-1904 (also 4ST 512, IHP 176).

     "They pledge themselves to devote their lives to God's service; and the three great powers in heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, pledge Themselves to cooperate with them, to work in and through them." 6MR 166 (Manuscript #118, 10-6-1902).

     "Those who have been baptized and have taken their stand on the Lord's side, separating from the enemy, have pledged themselves to the service of God.  When you went down into the water and were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, these three great powers of heaven pledged themselves to give you power and grace to resist every temptation to dishonor God.  When you rose from the water, you represented the resurrection of Christ." 19MR 235.

     "These three all cooperate in the great work of the covenant made by baptism in the sight of the heavenly universe.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit receive the believing soul into covenant relation with God." 6MR 163 (Manuscript #56, 1900).

     "No requirement is laid upon man that Christ has not obeyed.  We can overcome as He overcame, if we will avail ourselves of the help of the three great powers of heaven, who are waiting to answer the demand made upon Them by God's people for power to defeat satanic agencies." NL 124.

     "As Christians submit to the solemn rite of baptism, He registers the vow that they make to be true to Him.  This vow is their oath of allegiance.  They are baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Thus they are united with the three great powers of heaven.  They pledge themselves to renounce the world and to observe the laws of the kingdom of God.  Henceforth they are to walk in newness of life.  No longer are they to follow the traditions of men.  No longer are they to follow dishonest methods.  They are to obey the statutes of the kingdom of heaven.  They are to seek God's honor.  If they will be true to their vow, they will be furnished with grace and power that will enable them to fulfill all righteousness.  'As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.'" Ev 307-08 (Letter 129, 1903) (Also OHC 157).

     "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost supply the power that makes him victorious in every conflict with the prince of darkness." 6MR 167 (Letter 200, 12-15-1902).

     "Let us not forget our baptismal vow.  In the presence of the three highest powers of heaven,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,--we have pledged ourselves to do the will of Him who, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, declared, 'I am the resurrection and the life.'" 5RH 45 col 1.

     "There is to be the imprint of the sacred name, baptizing the believers in the name of the threefold powers in the heavenly world.  The human mind is impressed in this ceremony, the beginning of the christian life.  It means very much.  The work of salvation is not a small matter, but so vast that the highest authorities are taken hold of by the expressed faith of the human agency....The three great and glorious heavenly characters are present on the occasion of baptism.  All the human capabilities are to be henceforth consecrated powers to do service to God in representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost upon whom they depend.  All heaven is represented by these three in covenant relation with the new life." 6MR 389 (Manuscript #45, 5-14-1904).

     There are some who believe that the writings of Ellen White have been altered or changed in the past to say the above things.  For these, the following are the actual words spoken by sister White in sermons or talks before hundreds of people, and which were then printed for all to read.
     "We are ordained unto God to bear fruit.  Was this not our experience when we were led down into the water and baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?  What did that mean?--it meant that the three great powers in heaven were pledged to keep us so long as we remain one with Christ, united to the vine." 6MR 29 (Sermon given March 10, 1908).

     "In the name of whom were you baptized?  You went down into the water in the name of the three great Worthies in heaven,--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost....Those who have been baptized can claim the help of the three great Worthies of heaven to keep them from falling, and to reveal through them a character that is after the divine similitude....When I feel oppressed, and hardly know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I just call upon the three great Worthies..." Sermon given Oct 20, 1906 (See Manuscript Release #307 p 2, 4, 7MR 267-68).

     "In whose name are we baptized?  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost--the three highest powers in the heavenly courts." Camp-meeting Sermon June 27, 1907 (See Manuscript Release #135, p 4).

     "We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three great, infinite powers are unitedly pledged to work in our behalf if we cooperate with them." Sermon given April 3, 1901 in the early morning meeting at the 1901 General Conference Session (see 1901 GCB, p 36-37, LHU 109).

     For those who still believe that the writings of Ellen White have been changed in the past to say the things above, the following is a talk given by Ellen White, which was written down as the words came out of her mouth in which she is quoting from a printed testimony from one of her own previously published writings (Testimony #34--see 1901 GCB p 212).  This proves that no changes or alterations could have been made at all in her printed writings regarding all of the above quotations which you have read regarding the Godhead or those three holy divine Beings making it up!
     "...'at our baptism we pledged ourselves to Him (Jesus), and received the ordinance in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, these three great powers of heaven pledged themselves to work in our behalf, not only to begin, but to finish our faith." Talk given April 14, 1901 at the 1901 General Conference Session (see 1901 GCB, p 215).

     We can clearly see, without speculation or faulty human reasoning, that the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit Themselves are described as each One being eternal, personal, and one of the holy dignitaries of heaven.  Each are a living Person, a holy Being, and One of the three highest powers in the universe.  Each are One of the three great Worthies, and One of the three highest representatives of heavenly authority.  The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are each one infinite and omniscient, and have their own personality and heavenly character!  Thus the Godhead is made up of three distinct divine Persons, Beings, and God's--making a heavenly trio--united together in one purpose, to make possible the plan of our salvation and redemption.

     But there are some who do not believe the above truths of the Godhead, who believe that their opposite positions and interpretations to be based solidly upon the Scriptures, who also refuse to believe any of the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy which contradicts these beliefs, and who doubt that their beliefs are wrong and spiritualistic in nature.
     How can these individuals possibly be reached with the truth?  Trying to show them Scriptures proving them wrong is useless, because they interpret them differently; hence the Scriptures can not break through their deception.  Trying to show them Testimonies proving them wrong is also useless, because they do not believe the writings, or believe that all of the writings have been altered to say what it does.  So how can these deceived ones be shown that they are directly involved in spiritualistic falsehoods and are spreading occultic doctrines of satanic lies?
     The only way left, to try and break through the spell of deception these precious souls are involved in, is to compare what they believe and teach with what the occult and spiritualistic movement believes and teaches about the same issue.  If their beliefs are the same as the occult, then the doctrine is directly from the devil, is indeed spiritualistic in nature, and these individuals are directly involved in believing and spreading doctrines of devils from the bottomless pit--whether they will admit this or not!
     In sincere hope that these deceived individuals can be brought to a realization of the spell they are under, and brought away from the prison of falsehood they are in to be free in Jesus and His pure truth, let us quote directly from some of their tapes, videos, and booklets regarding their beliefs and teachings of the Godhead, and then compare these statements with what the occult and spiritualistic movement believes and teaches on the same subject.  And please NOTE: in revealing the names of those teaching such things, it is not with any malice against them personally of any sort that this is being done.  These individuals mentioned are precious in God's sight; but they are not keeping their speculative beliefs to themselves, but have preached, taught, and spread such false doctrines--either by sermons, tapes, videos, booklets, etc., far and wide; and some are most zealously doing so.  They all have been warned clearly of the errors in what they believe and teach, yet have continued on in doing so.  Thus other precious souls bought by the blood of Christ are being confused and mislead by these spiritualistic doctrines, and if the trumpet notes of warning are not raised in alerting them and others to the danger, then blood would be on our shoulders for not doing our duty (see Ezekiel 3:17-21, 33:1-20).

     The false spiritualistic beliefs which are being taught about the Godhead are: that Jesus was literally birthed or born out of the person of the Father before creation, and that is how Jesus became the only begotten Son of God; that the Father is the only God, or the only true God in the Godhead, and that there was a time in which the Father existed alone before giving birth to Christ; that the Holy Spirit is not a separate Being or Person other than the Father or the Son, and that He is not the third Being or Person of the Godhead, but is referred to as being the breath, or life, or light, or power, etc., of God, or the combination of Father and Son together.
     Let us now look at each teaching, quoting from those individuals who are spreading the doctrine, and then compare it with what the founders and leaders of the occultic and spiritualistic movement teach.
     The following teach that Jesus Christ was literally birthed or born out of the person of the Father before creation, and that is how He became the only begotten Son of God.

Marty Wold--"My purpose has been...to establish the Bible truth of One God, the Father, out of which came the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON..." Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 12.

Marty Wold, in quoting Edward Edstrom to support his beliefs--"'In the beyond-human-comprehension-ages of eternity, this Father had a divine Son, begotten of Himself.'" Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 10.

Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco--"...the Bible teaches that Christ proceeded forth or came out of the Father..." Godhead Booklet, Part One, p 17, co-authored by all three.

Caleb Alonso--"...[Jesus is the] first born of every creature.  First born; what does it mean by first born?  All the rest were created.  So, after God came Jesus....He is the beginning of the creation of God....
     "Christ was born from the foundation of the world....And that's why He has life in Himself.  The Father gave it to Him originally." Taped Sermon from the home of Rosalee Flores, Riverside, Calif, on Sabbath 12-14-91.

Caleb Alonso--"Where did He [Christ] come from?  He came out of the Father, and down into the world.  He came out of the Father from all eternity, and went down as the incarnation." Video Taped Sermon in two parts from Redlands, Calif, on Sabbath 12-21-91: this quote is from Part One.

Caleb Alonso--"...the Father in His foreknowledge sees the problem with sin, and He decided He's going to have a son that will take care of that problem in advance.  He would give a part of His very life to redeem man....And He [Christ] has come out from His [Father's] very bosom." Video Taped Sermon, Part Two, 12-21-91.

Bill Stringfellow--"Is Jesus a product of His heavenly Father?...Did Christ ever become God's Son--like Isaac became Abraham's?...Christ didn't bring Himself into being...God the Father gave life to Christ....God gave His Son life." Video Taped Presentation from Concerned Publications in Two Parts, "A Special Message For a Special People: The Red Flag Is Waving", March, 1994, the above quote is from Part One.

Bill Stringfellow--"God the Father begat or reproduced or produced a Son." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"God raised His Son from his birth [before earth's creation] to be just like his Father in every way....God brought up His Son to be exactly like Him in every way." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"God begat or brought forth a Son....and He came into being through His Father's omnipotent miraculous powers." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Spiritualism--"Son of God, First-Born...the Second Logos or Higher Self,--the first emanation from the Father, the Absolute, or the First Logos." Dictionary of All Scriptures and Myths, by G.A. Gaskell, p 702 (this dictionary uses the philosophic sacredly held writings of all religions such as Zoroaster, Philo, Swedenborg, Buddah, Hermes, the Qabbalah, etc., in order to derive the definitions--hence the definitions given are mystical and spiritualistic).

Spiritualism--"The eternal Birth or generation of the Son or Divine Word....
     "From our proper Source, that is to say, from the Father and all that which lives in Him, there shines,' says Ruysbroeck, 'an eternal Ray, the which is the Birth of the Son....We are celebrating the feast of the Eternal Birth which God the Father has borne..." Mysticism, p 146, by E. Underhill, quoted in Dictionary, p 702.

     So spiritualism also teaches that the Son of God was literally birthed or born out of the Father from eternity--before anything else was created.  Thus the above individuals are involved in occultic beliefs, are voicing doctrines of devils, and are guilty of spreading spiritualistic lies as being the truth--putting darkness for light.
     This spiritualistic doctrine--that Christ was literally birthed or born out of the Father, gave rise to the spiritualistic belief that God must have female capabilities in order to give birth: the occult teaches that God is both father and mother in one being, or the "father-mother God."  This belief is the foundation of the spiritualistic doctrine of dualism, yin-yang, positive-negative, that both good and evil must exist in order for the universe to survive and for man to achieve God-hood.

     Since the false belief that Jesus became the literal Son of God by literally being born or brought forth out of the Father before the earth was created, is clearly and only a teaching of spiritualism and thus a doctrine of devils: some may ask, "When then does the Bible say that Jesus literally became the only begotten Son of God?"  These following texts may help in this issue.
     "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee." Psalms 2:7.

     "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?" Hebrews 1:5.

     In the words "I will be to him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son" and again "I will declare the decree," shows a future time in which a Father and Son relationship was literally to exist.  These texts also reveal that God and Michael (Jesus) were already in existence before this parental decree was to be made of Michael becoming Jesus the literal Son of God, and God becoming His literal Father.  But when did this decree come to pass?
     "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end....
     "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:30-33, 35.

     "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11.

     "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." Isaiah 9:6.

     "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed...and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." Acts 4:27, 30.

     "And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Hebrews 1:6.

     "And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second Psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee." Acts 13:33.

     With these above texts in mind, it seems clear that Jesus was not literally born out of the Person of the Father as spiritualists teach, but that he literally became the only born or begotten Son of God after He took humanity upon Himself, continuing on as such throughout eternity.  Through the plan of redemption, God literally became Christ's Father when Michael became Jesus in humanity, and Michael literally became the only born or begotten Son of God when he became Jesus Christ in humanity.  There is definitely no role-playing involved here, because God literally became the Father of Jesus, and Jesus literally became the only born of the Father at his birth into humanity.
     "God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God." 8T 268.

     With this understanding, Proverbs 8:22-31--which speaks specifically about Jesus (see 5RH 227-28)--becomes clearer.  In verse 22 the word "possessed" translates "erected" (see Strong's Concordance #7069), and in verse 23 the word "set up" translates "anointed" (see Strong's #5258).  But Christ was anointed or appointed and erected to what purpose before the foundation of the earth was laid?
     "Christ was appointed to the office of Mediator from the creation of God, set up from everlasting to be our substitute and surety.  Before the world was made, it was arranged that the divinity of Christ should be enshrouded in humanity.  'A body,' said Christ, 'hast thou prepared me' (Heb. 10:5)." 1SM 250.
     The words "brought forth" in verses 24-25 translates "to wait patiently" (see Strong's #2342), and the words "brought up" translates "to support, be faithful, steadfast" (see Strong's #539).  So putting all these translations together, we have the correct understanding of what is being stated in Proverbs 8.
     "The Lord (erected) me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.  I was (appointed) from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.  When there was no depths, I was (patiently waiting); when there were no fountains abounding with water.  Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I (patiently waiting).  While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
     "When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: when he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by him, as one (supporting or being steadfast) with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men." Proverbs 8:22-31. (See also these tests: Ps 45:6-7 & 89:27 & 110:1, Isa 9:6 & 43:3, 12-14 & 45:14-15, Jer 23:5-6, Micah 5:2, Matt 11:27, John 1:1-14 & 5:18,23 & 14:1 & 17:5 & 20:28, Rom 9:5, Titus 2:10, Heb 1:8-12 & 13:8, 1 John 5:20).

     No where does this text support the spiritualistic interpretation of Christ being literally born or brought forth or birthed out of the Person of the Father.  But it does lend support that before the earth was created, Michael covenanted with God and was appointed to be humanity's Mediator and Substitute for sin, that Michael was patiently waiting for this time to come about, waiting for that "body" to be prepared for him (see Hebrews 10:5-7), being daily the supporter and delight of God.

     Through the plan of redemption, which was "devised from all eternity" (3ST 96 col 3, Feb 5, 1894), Christ was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8), was also referred to "even as the eternal Son of God" (1SM 247) from eternity, and "from everlasting He was the mediator of the covenant" (5BC 227).  Yet Christ was not literally slain until his death on the cross, He was not literally born or birthed the Son of God until becoming human, and did not literally become our high priest and mediator before God until His ascension; yet He is still one and the same Being existing from all eternity--thus He could claim all of the above as His from all eternity.
     Through the plan of redemption Christ from eternity voluntarily lowered Himself from being equal with God the Father (see Zechariah 13:7, Psalms 55:13) in order to take humanity as His own--not to do His will, but the will of His Father, thus showing the perfect pattern for salvation.  The Father has voluntarily exalted Christ back to His original position of equality with Him which Christ (Michael) had in the beginning (John 1:1, 10:30, 17:5), that at the name of Christ every knee should bow (Phil 2:6-11).  What love does Christ show for us to voluntarily lower Himself from equality with God the Father to become one of us--His creation!  And what love does the Father show to us that through His Son we can become sons and daughters of Him and He our Father!  And what love does the Holy Spirit show for us by supplying the grace and the power to make all this possible and effectual in and through our lives--transforming us from sin to righteousness--bringing Christ and our Father to our side, and being another Comforter and Intercessor!  And all this is possible through the plan of redemption!

     May the Godhead--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--be praised forever and ever, for giving Themselves (CH 222) to bring humanity back from sin and destruction to an even higher position than we would have occupied before sin (see DA 21, 25, COL 163)!

     For those who still have questions, there is really very little revealed to us about the Persons in the Godhead before the time of the creation of angels.  Hence it is God's purpose to keep it hidden, and it should be our response to avoid all speculation or theories about this--thus staying away from all spiritualistic deceptions.  Some things we will never know until we can ask God directly for the explanation.

     The following teach that the Father is the only God, or the only true God in the Godhead, and that there was a time in which the Father existed alone before giving birth to Christ.

Fred Alaback--"The Father is the one supreme being in the universe." Liberty Review, October, 1989, p 10.

Marty Wold--"I do NOT believe that there are THREE co-eternal, self-existent, Persons or Beings that have original life INDEPENDENT of the ONE GOD, the Father." Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 3.

Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco--"The entire gospel is based on the fact that their is one God, the Father..." Booklet, p 9.

Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco--"...the time before the Son was begotten of the Father, when in time past the Father alone existed." Booklet, p 9.

Caleb Alonso--"It's very clear who that one God is--the Father, the supreme Ruler of the universe....There's not three God's, [there's] one God." Video Taped Sermon, Part One, 12-21-91.

Caleb Alonso--"There is one God, and that's the Father, and there's only one God--there's no more God's, but one..." Video Taped Sermon, Part One, 12-21-91.

Bill Stringfellow--"Our heavenly Father is the One Supreme Being in the universe.  He is the source from which comes all life and power....our heavenly Father is the only true God--period!" Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"...there is just One Supreme Being, One God over all and above all." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"There came a definite point in time when God brought forth His Son--way, way back in eternity...Therefore there was a time...when Christ wasn't in existence." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"The Son has not been in existence as long as His Father." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Spiritualism--"Holy is God, the Father of all things, the One who is before the First Beginning." The Secret Teachings of All Ages, p XL, by Manly P. Hall--33rd Degree Mason (Hall is quoting Hermes or Cush who was the interpreter of the Mysteries, or basically the founder of spiritualistic Babylonian religion.  Cush was also the father of Nimrod, who founded Babylon and then based its Mystery religion upon the teachings of his father).

Spiritualism--"...God [The Great Architect of the Universe] as the infinite Parent of all..." Morals and Dogma, p 715, by Albert Pike--33rd Degree Mason, also The Masonic Report, p 20.

Spiritualism--"...the One [God] is the term most suitable for defining the Absolute, since the whole precedes the parts..." Hall, p XV.

Spiritualism--"The Qabbalists [Qabbala is Jewish witchcraft] conceive of the Supreme Deity as an Incomprehensible Principle to be discovered only through the process of eliminating, in order, all its cognizable attributes.  That which remains...is AIN SOPH, the eternal state of Being....all [things are] nourished by AIN SOPH and all with their source in...AIN SOPH, the only Immortal--whence they came." Hall, p CXVII.

     So spiritualism also teaches that the Father is the only God, and that there was a time in which the Father existed alone before giving birth to Christ.  But this is nothing new, because Hermes or Cush is the one who began this spiritualistic doctrine of Babylonian Mysteries right after the flood!

     This spiritualistic belief leads to the concept that if the Father is the only God, then Christ cannot be God, and neither can the Holy Ghost.  Another concept is that the Father is the only True God, and that Christ is a lessor god and not equal with the Father, or was not always a God but was made a God.  These spiritualistic concepts are exactly the same falsehoods that Babylonian churches, ministers, and New Age writers are espousing.

Bill Stringfellow--"...[the] heavenly Father is one, singular...the only true God...Jesus didn't refer to himself as God...One's one and it can't be anymore....they [Hebrews] had One God, and One God only." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"Therefore there was a time before Christ was Sanctified [made a God] by His Father...Christ was one day ordained as a part of divinity.  He wasn't always worshipped, but there came a definite time when God ordained that Jesus be worshipped just like Himself." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Baptist Minister Rodney R. Romney--"...He [Jesus] was not God, and never claimed to be." Journey to Inner Space: Finding God In Us, p 30.

Kenneth Copeland of TBN--"Thus saith the Lord, I Jesus, never claimed to be God." Quoted from 1991 tape by Texe Marrs, "More High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Helen Shookman--"[Jesus said] I am not God....I do not want you to worship me." A Course in Miracles (regarded as a New Age Bible, and written under the direction of a spirit calling itself Jesus), quoted from 1991 tape by Texe Marrs, "High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Jehovah's Witnesses--"Jehovah's Witnesses...believe that the Son is merely 'a god'...[but] he is definitely not Almighty God--Jehovah....And Jesus is only called 'a god' by way of concession."  Jehovah's Witnesses: Answered Verse by Verse, p 42, by David A. Reed.

     But praise God this is not the truth--or we would all be without hope!  Because:
     "The divinity [being God] of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal life." DA 530.

     This spiritualistic belief that there is only one true God, and that He existed alone before all things--including Jesus, would lead you into the pantheistic belief that God just subdivided Himself, His essence or His divine substance, into different parts; such as a Son, or a Holy Spirit, etc.  Thus God would be the continuous source and sustainer of all these parts of His, because He would be in all these parts.  This is exactly the pantheistic belief of the Trinity--one God divided into three parts.  Hence, even though Fred Alaback, Marty Wold, Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco, Caleb Alonso, Bill Stringfellow, etc., teach against the Trinity doctrine, they are actually believing and teaching the same concept as the Trinity--one true God birthing out of Himself others!  Which is nothing more than pure pantheism and spiritualism!

Fred Alaback--"The Father is the one supreme being in the universe.  He is the source from which emanates all life and power." Liberty Review, October, 1989, p 10.

Marty Wold in quoting Edward Edstrom in support of his beliefs--"'AND SO WE SEE ONE God known to His universe through three personal manifestations of Himself: first, the Father--the Eternal Personal Spirit in union and operating through the original divine form of the same God; second, the same Eternal Personal Spirit interacting through the begotten form of the same God; and third, the same one Eternal Personal Spirit at work in, and upholding, all the works of creation above and beyond the 'material' VISIBLE PRESENCE of this Father and Son.  Here we have not three Gods, but one!  Here also we have one God, not two; yet, however two visible, 'tangible', real forms which bring to a 'SENSES' experience the same one Divine Spirit!'" Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 11.

Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco--"That something [Jesus] was the babe of His bosom, ever a part of Himself." Booklet, p 12.

Caleb Alonso--"...I [Father] give you [Jesus] My Spirit, because the Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of the Father..." Video Taped Sermon, Part Two, 12-21-91.

Bill Stringfellow--"He [Father] is the One Supreme Being, and from Him comes all life and power." Video Taped Presentation, Part One, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"...Christ hasn't existed as long as His Father...He got His self-existence through inheritance.  As a matter of fact, Michael got all of the powers and attributes of His Father from His Father....Michael came into existence through His Father and for His Father..." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"God didn't want to give up His Son--the one He'd held in His bosom long before He was begotten....God brought forth a Son...and that Son was trained by the Supreme Being in heaven..." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Spiritualism--"The terms Father, Son, and Spirit are but symbols which stand for three manifestations of God...God goes forth from Himself in the eternal Son, returning to Himself in the Eternal Spirit." Dictionary, p 770.

Spiritualism--"The Father uttered himself and all creatures in the Word, his Son, and the return of the Father into himself includes the like return of all creatures into the same Eternal Source.  The logical genesis of the Son furnishes a type of all evolution or creation; the Son is the unity of all the works of God....God is in all things, and God is all things." Dictionary, p 770.

Spiritualism--"Holy is God, whose will is performed and accomplished by His own powers which He hath given birth to out of Himself." Hall, quoting Hermes the founder of the Mysteries of spiritualism, p XL.

Spiritualism--"'...[God] can unfold His essence in a variety of existences, which, while they are His creatures as to their origin, are parts of His essence as to their contents." Dictionary, p 317.

Spiritualism--"The Absolute [or God--the One Source of all]...is the beginning and final goal of the whole series of essences which exist....the beginning and end of all things..." Dictionary, p 317.

     So spiritualism also teaches that God just subdivided Himself, His essence or His divine substance, into different parts; such as a Son, or a Holy Spirit, etc.  Thus God would be the continuous source and sustainer of all these parts of His, because He would be in all these parts.  And this spiritualistic doctrine is nothing new, but was taught nearly 4,000 years ago by Hermes--who originated the doctrines of Babylonian spiritualistic Mysteries.

     The following teach that the Holy Spirit is not a separate Being or Person other than the Father or the Son, and that He is not the third Being or Person of the Godhead, but is referred to as being the breath, or life, or light, or power, etc., of God, or the combination of Father and Son together.

Marty Wold--"The Holy Spirit is not some separate, self-existent, Being; but is the very Spirit, the Inner Self, the Inner Being, 'the vital presence', the Inner Person and Personality of my Heavenly Father....
     "They, the Father and the Son, share the same 'ONE MASTER SPIRIT." Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 7-9.

Marty Wold in quoting Edward Edstrom in support of his beliefs--"'...the nature of God's Spirit...the Soul of his Maker....
     "'Through a part of Himself, His inner being, His inner self, His ultimate inner reality, the source or seat of His vitality, His inner person, the center of His full person, His soul, His mind, His breath of life, God reaches to the actual 'ends' of His infinite universe 'touching' everything and everyone with His own real presence!...
     "'This eternal Spirit is then the 'life-link' of infinite wisdom, of eternal love, the light and the life of God's creation that is the personal oneness of the Father and the Son.'" Open Form Letter, 8-19-87, p 10-11.

Scott Stanley, John Smith, John Encisco--"...the Holy Spirit is the person, or spirit, of the Father and the Son." Booklet, p 16.

Caleb Alonso--"...the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of the Son is the Holy Spirit...[There] is not another third being other than the Father and the Son." Video Taped Sermon, Part Two, 12-21-91.

Caleb Alonso--"...the Spirit is the light of God, or better, the light of the Godhead." Taped Sermon, 12-14-91.

Caleb Alonso--"Christ gives them the breath of His own life....That is the Holy Spirit." Taped Sermon, 12-14-91.

Bill Stringfellow--"God was giving of Himself when He endowed those waiting disciples [with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost]." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"...there was just 2 of them [divine beings--Father and Son], and there is no way you can change 2 into 3...the Holy Spirit [is] God's Spirit--the Spirit of Christ." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"You see, we've been thinking that the Holy Spirit is a real live being...Really it's the Spirit of God and the Spirit of the Son...Christ's Spirit [is] not an individual being..." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Bill Stringfellow--"The Holy Spirit is the mind, thoughts, words, influence, and power of God and His Son." Video Taped Presentation, Part Two, March, 1994.

Spiritualism--"Put thy trust in the Divine Breath--the Holy Spirit--which is the functioning of the Absolute [God] upon the buddhic plane." Dictionary, p 816.

Spiritualism--"The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Godhead--the infinite source of all.  It is the Breath of Atman,--the infinite power of God.  It is not separate from, but operative through the Christ--the Higher Self." Dictionary, p 366.

Spiritualism--"Medieval theology generally distinguished...the Holy Ghost [as] being the copula [or union] between the Father and the Son." Dictionary, p 770.

Spiritualism--"The difference between the Father and the Son is this--'The Father' is to express God-hidden, 'The Son' is God-manifest, and the 'Holy Ghost' is the knowledge of the Spirit of truth, proceeding from the experience of both, as God hidden, and revealed." Dictionary, p 770.

Spiritualism--"In the heart of the Trinity [or One God] the Creator laughs and gives birth to the child.  The child laughs back at the Creator and together they give birth to the Spirit." Meister Eckhart quoted in The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, p 218-19, by Matthew Fox.

Spiritualism--"I [Father of All Things] order you [Son of Light] to go forth, to become as a guide to those who wander in darkness, that all man within whom dwells the spirit of My Mind (The Universal Mind) may be saved by My Mind in you, which shall call forth My Mind in them....for I am the Mind of the Mysteries...'" Hall quoting Hermes, p XL.

     So spiritualism also teaches that the Holy Spirit is not a separate Being or Person other than the Father or the Son, but is referred to as being the breath, or life, or light, or power, etc., of God, or the combination of Father and Son together.  And this false doctrine of devils is not new, but began to be taught by Hermes--nearly 4,000 years ago!  But the truth of God is just the opposite to this falsehood (see p 18-22).

     You can clearly see that by believing the teachings of Fred Alaback, Marty Wold, John Smith, Scott Stanley, Caleb Alonso, Bill Stringfellow, and who ever else adopts and spreads these teachings, you would be directly involved in spiritualism and under bondage to doctrines of devils, instead of being free in the pure truths of God found in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy!

     It is also very interesting, that the Holy Spirit Himself--as a Person and Divine Being--is being mercilessly attacked.  Why is this?  Because it is only through the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit Itself that the Father and Christ can be with us; it is only through the Holy Spirit Itself that the plan of our redemption can be made effectual in our lives; it is only through the Holy Spirit Itself and Its power that we can overcome sin and become perfect like our God in character; and it is only through the Holy Spirit Himself that Satan's power can be broken and made of none effect!
     "The Holy Spirit was promised to be with those who were wrestling for victory, in demonstration of all mightiness, endowing the human agent with supernatural powers, and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God.  That the Holy Spirit is to be the grand helper, is a wonderful promise.
     "Of what avail would it have been to us that the only begotten Son of God had humbled Himself, endured the temptations of the wily foe, and wrestled with him during His entire life on earth, and died the Just for the unjust, that humanity might not perish, if the Holy Spirit had not been given as a constant, working, regenerating agent to make effectual in our case what had been wrought out by the world's Redeemer?
     "The imparted Holy Spirit enabled His disciples, the apostles, to stand firmly against every species of idolatry and to exalt the Lord and Him alone.
     "The promised Holy Spirit...is constantly at work to draw the attention to the great official sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary, and to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things in the Scriptures, and to open to darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, the truths that make their hearts burn within them with the awakened intelligence of the truths of eternity.
     "Who but the Holy Spirit presents before the mind the moral standard of righteousness and convinces of sin, and produces godly sorrow which worketh repentance that needeth not to be repented of, and inspires the exercise of faith in Him who alone can save from all sin?
     "Who but the Holy Spirit can work with human minds to transform character by withdrawing the affections from those things which are temporal, perishable, and imbues the soul with earnest desire by presenting the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance which is imperishable, and recreates, refines, and sanctifies the human agents that they may become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King?" 2MR 14-15 (Manuscript #1, 11-13-1892).

     "The Comforter is called 'the Spirit of truth.'  His work is to define and maintain the truth.  He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter.  There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood....Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart.  Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul.  It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.
     "The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail.  The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing.  Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power.  It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer." 5RH 471 col 1 (also DA 671, FLB 52, LHU 191, AG 194).

     Satan's hatred is intense against the Holy Spirit!  And he is doing all he can to attack the Holy Spirit Itself--trying to get humanity to deny that the Holy Spirit Itself exists as a third divine Person and Being in the Godhead.  If this is accomplished, and we believe that there is not a Holy Spirit--rejecting Him as being the third Person and third Being in the Godhead, then how can we expect the Holy Spirit Itself to work for us?  How can we expect the Holy Spirit to help us, when we've rejected Him?  Thus the devil wins the battle.
     Those early Christian believers, who did not know that the Holy Ghost existed, did not have the Holy Spirit's power in their lives (see Acts 8:14-17, 18:1-7).  And it will be the same with us if we believe that there is not a third living Person and Being in the Godhead whose name is the Holy Spirit!

     This devilish attack against the Holy Spirit Itself is being made by men who profess to be God's servants and ministers among the separated remnant people of God.  These men may appear as the ministers of righteousness, yet they are voicing the spiritualistic words of the devil (see 2 Cor 11:13-15).  They claim and teach that the Holy Spirit is not a living third divine Person or Being of His own--when He really is; that He doesn't have a name or character all His own--when He really has; and that He does not have a mind of and cannot think on His own--when He really does.
     What they are really saying is that there is no Holy Spirit Itself--it is really just the Father or the Son or both together, but no Holy Spirit Itself.
     But this is nothing new.  As far back as 1851 there were those who were deceiving and trying to convince God's people that there was no Holy Ghost!  And these deceivers were even trying to convince Ellen White of this.
     "These things (people doubting her visions were from God) wounded my spirit, and wrung my soul in deep anguish, well nigh to despair, while many would have me believe that there was no Holy Ghost..." 1RH 13 col 3, (7-21-1851).

     So, for those who are saying that the Holy Spirit is not a personal, living holy Being--the third God in the Godhead--possessing a personality and character all His own, when He actually is and has, they are really denying and condemning the Holy Ghost Itself!  Sister White writes:
     "When men feel competent to pronounce judgment and condemn the Holy Spirit, they do a work for themselves which will be difficult to counteract.  The whole head becomes weak, and the discernment so weak that it is apt to judge unrighteously." 4MR 358 (Letter 6, 10-21-1894).

     These dear souls are greatly in error, have misinterpreted the Scriptures, and are misleading others to destruction by stubborn refusal to recognize the Holy Spirit for the living Being, Person, and God He really is.  We are warned:
     "A spurious light will be accepted in the place of truth by some who feel called upon to be expositors of the Scriptures, because of their calling or position." 11MR 89 (Manuscript #15, 1886).

     "We need to dwell more constantly and earnestly upon the grace of the Holy Spirit.  This we do not discern with our natural eyes, yet by faith we see its office work, and we cannot render to God supreme love and honor if we do not recognize the Holy Spirit which the Lord sends.  The Holy Spirit represents Jesus Christ." 2MR 38 (Manuscript #59, 8-16-1900).

     By their refusal to recognize the Holy Spirit as the third distinct, living holy Being, divine Person, and God of the Godhead--thus believing that He doesn't exist at all, they are not just denying and condemning Him, but are essentially rejecting Him!  She says:
     "Those who reject the Spirit of truth place themselves under the control of a spirit that is opposed to the word and work of God.  For a time they may continue to teach some phases of the truth, but their refusal to accept all the light that God sends will after a time place them where they will do the work of a false watchman....There will always be those who are seeking for something new, and who stretch and strain the Word of God to make it support their ideas and theories." Manuscript Release #723, p 2-3 (Manuscript #125, 7-4-1907).

     We already read that as far back as the flood, followers of these Babylonian Mysteries were active in spreading such satanic falsehoods.  And in 1851, his followers were still active in denying and rejecting the Holy Spirit Itself.  But it didn't end there among the remnant people.
     In 1891, a brother Chapman had come to an erroneous view, seemingly backed up by Scripture, which denied the Person, Godhood or divinity of the Holy Spirit Himself.  And he wrote to sister White asking her if he was correct.  She wrote back to him, and clearly stated:
     "Some are ever seeking to be original, to bring out something new and startling, and they do not realize as they should the importance of preserving the unity of the faith in the bonds of love....
     "We are to pray for divine enlightenment, but at the same time we should be careful how we receive everything termed new light....
     "Your ideas...do not harmonize with the light which God has given me.  The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery not clearly revealed, and you will never be able to explain it to others because the Lord has not revealed it to you.  You may gather together Scriptures and put your construction upon them, but the application is not correct.  The expositions by which you sustain your position are not sound.  You may lead some to accept your explanations, but you do them no good, nor are they, through accepting your views, enabled to do others good.
     "It is not essential for you to know and be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is....There are many mysteries which I do not seek to understand or to explain; they are too high for me, and too high for you.  On some of these points, silence is golden....
     "I hope that you will seek to be in harmony with the body.  I have been shown that you would not exert a saving influence in teaching the truth, because your mind is restless, and unless you drank deeper of the Fountain of life, you would make the mistake that many others have made, of thinking that you have new light, when it is only a new phase of error.
     "You need to come into harmony with your brethren.  You may take certain views of Scripture and, searching the Bible in the light of your ideas, may gather together a large number of texts and claim that they mean this and that, and call for anyone to prove to you that your views are incorrect, but what influence could anyone have upon your mind, when he takes the same Scriptures and interprets and applies them differently?  Both of you claim to found your views on the Bible.
     "It is your duty to come as near to the people as you can, and not to get as far away from them as possible, and by your interpretation make a difference that should not exist.  Here is your danger, of diverting minds from the real issues for this time.  And you are not the only one who seems to be moved with ambition in this direction.  It would not be right or prudent to send you out as a worker to promulgate your peculiar ideas and thus cause division; we have plenty of this now.  We want men of solid experience, who will anchor minds and not send them adrift without chart or compass.
     "Now, my brother, it is truth that we want and must have, but do not introduce error as new truth." 14MR 177-80 (Letter 7, 6-11-1891).

     After 1891, the Lord continued to reveal to sister White more truth regarding the Nature of the Holy Spirit, which she faithfully put down in her writings.  That is why we find so much material regarding the Nature of the Holy Spirit after 1891, which we do not find before.
     Also after 1891, Kellogg began spreading abroad his spiritualistic views about the Godhead, seemingly backed up by the Scriptures, but was leading his listeners to conclude that the three living Persons of the Godhead were not Persons at all, but were nothing more than three essences or vapors (see Series B#7 p 62-63).
     Sister White faithfully met these and other great errors, which were attacking the Nature of GOD--the Father, GOD--the Son, and GOD--the Holy Spirit, with the written word.  She did so, so that when other messages would arise denying GOD--the Father, GOD--the Son, or GOD--the Holy Ghost, His remnant people could firmly stand upon the truth already revealed and refute these errors with an "It is written."
     That is why so many, including Satan, want us to give up or ignore these precious Testimonies from God and stick to the Bible and the Bible alone.  And when the Testimonies are rejected, so that the correct interpretation of the Scriptures is not recognized, then the only thing left to interpret the Scriptures would be man and his fallible, erring, foolish human reasoning and wisdom, and confusion will spread rampant just in proportion as the Testimonies are given up!

     Can you now see why it is written that not one SDA would be saved if they gave up the Testimonies?
     For those who continue to hold divergent views from the truths that have already been revealed through the Spirit of Prophecy regarding the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost, are dealing with their souls salvation.  They had better repent of their pride and rebellion, realizing that human reasoning and wisdom is foolishness with God, and accept the Spirit of Prophecy's interpretation of "What saith the Scriptures."
     "What is it to lose life?  It is when the truth is clearly set before us and we refuse to accept because a cross is involved." 3MR 95 (Manuscript #44, 10-22-1886).

     "The devil may lock arms with the sinner, and say, 'Better let things go as they are.  If you confess, your dignity will be hurt, your influence lost.'  Thus he has gained the victory over and over again." Series B#7 p 23.

     The Testimonies are ordained by God Himself as the means by which His true remnant people can correctly detect truth from error!  Unless these individuals bring themselves into complete--not partial--harmony with what sister White has written regarding GOD--the Father, GOD--the Son, and GOD--the Holy Ghost, they can only expect to continue to misinterpret and wrest the Scriptures, to continue to drift away from the truth, to continue to lose their spiritual discernment, and to continue to mislead other souls of the Lord's flock to their eternal death.
     "It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith, of God's people in the Testimonies.  Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our positions, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition.  When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction." 4T 211.

     "When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth.  No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained.  Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth....One will arise, and still another, with new light, which contradicts the light that God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit." 1SM 161.

     "If you lose confidence in the Testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth....God has spoken.  Who has trembled at His word?" 5T 98.

     Truly, without the visions (Spirit of Prophecy), the people perish!

     Satan's last deception is being masterfully carried out from a multitude of different angles, and from those whom we would never expect, and a great amount of the "would be" elect are being deceived.
     "The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God.  'Where there is no vision, the people perish.'"  2SM 48.

     "It will be one of the great evils that will come to our people to have the Scriptures taken out of their true place and so interpreted as to substantiate error that contradicts the light and the testimonies that God has been giving us for the past half century." MR #737, p 12 (Manuscript 59, May 20, 1905).

     I pray that these individuals will wake up before it is too late, before they "go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken," because they would not give glory to the Lord by hearing, following, and voicing all the words of the Lord--the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy!
     "My brethren seem to judge me as taking positions that are not necessary.  They do not see that God in his own wisdom has made revelations to me which cannot successfully be contradicted or disputed.  All the oppositions or gainsayings to make my testimony of none effect only compels from me, by the urgency of the Spirit of God, a more decided repetition, and to stand on the light revealed with all the force of the strength God has given me.  All the arguments of men, all their opposing influence, is of no force to me.  Whatever may be the position or the doctrines of these men, and however firm may have been my confidence in them heretofore, when they take false positions all their arguments against what I know the Lord has shown me to be truth are vain....Let God be true and every man a liar.
     "Every word is in harmony with the living Oracles, and it is only by wresting the Scriptures from their true meaning, by misapplying and misinterpreting them, and the Testimonies which God has given me, that this can be gainsaid.  Those who do this are like the impenitent Jews, who had eyes, but saw not, ears they had, but they heard not, neither would they understand.  Why?  Lest they should be converted and have to acknowledge that all their ideas were not correct.  This they were too proud to do, and therefore persisted in rejecting God's counsel and the light and evidence which had been given.  Thus they deluded their own souls and the souls of others." Manuscript Release #881, p 1-2 (Manuscript #25, 1-7-1890).

     "When strong minded men once set their will against God's will, it is not easy for them to admit that they have erred in judgment.  It is very difficult for such men to come fully into the light by honestly confessing their sins; for Satan has great power over the minds of many to whom God has granted evidence sufficient to encourage faith and inspire confidence.  Many will not be convinced, because they are not inclined to confess.  To resist and reject even one ray of light from heaven because of pride and stubbornness of heart, makes it easier to refuse the light the second time.  Thus men form the habit of rejecting light...
     "The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not, and why?--Because selfishness, egotism, pride blind their spiritual eyesight.  Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion." Manuscript Release #77, p 6 (Manuscript #21, 2-7-1891).

     "Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken.  Give glory to the Lord your God, before He cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, He turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.  But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive." Jeremiah 13:15-17.

     I also pray that the rest of God's people will be fully warned and will never deny or set aside the Spirit of Prophecy just because it contradicts some beloved interpretation which they think the Bible sustains.  May the words of God be true, and every one else a liar who holds not to all the words of God--the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy!