Chapter 6—Concord of Church Teaching

We are living in days of changing emphasis, particularly as relates to the faith of the great Christian church. Many doctrines which were held as the main pillars of Christian faith fifty years ago, are discarded today. This change of viewpoint discredits the Word of God. Revealed truth of today will not destroy or contradict the revealed truth of yesterday.TOJ 37.1

Is the teaching of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the present time with respect to the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the gift of the Spirit of prophecy, in accord with the teachings of this church in the beginning of its history? We answer unqualifiedly, Yes. The church holds today the same position regarding this doctrine that it has in years gone by. It could not be true to the teaching of the Sacred Canon and believe otherwise, because the doctrine of spiritual gifts is clearly set forth in the Sacred Record, and that record is as true at the present time as in the beginning of the second advent movement.TOJ 37.2

It is interesting in this connection to give a brief review of some quotations expressing the faith of the church through the years, as recorded in the general church paper of the denomination. We do not quote entire statements, but only such portions as bear directly upon the subject in hand. We give, however, with each quotation, the reference where the full text may be found. These statements are from leading men who, because of the official position they occupied, may be most fitly cited as stating the faith of themselves and their associates.TOJ 37.3