“Last Generation Theology” – A thesis for confusion and defamation

Deutsch

Another, relatively new strategy of deliberately sowing unrest among the Seventh-day Adventist community is circulating and causing confusion. The notion of a “Last Generation Theology” is portrayed as the crude idea of ​​a few out-of-touch individuals who not only spread erroneous assumptions but also consider themselves something quite special. A standard doctrine is simply presented here as novel, imaginative phrases.

“Last Generation Theology” – “Something Completely New”

A rather sophisticated, yet characteristically rhetorical, thesis is causing some unrest through disagreements and disputes within the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) community. However, the methodology employed also clearly demonstrates how the great deceiver’s seduction and deception operate and how this can lead to a state of disunity.

One simply takes a recognized and once self-evident truth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s gospel, gives it a postmodern veneer, and thus sows the seeds of a supposed special doctrine from only a few “misguided church members”.

This fictitious phenomenon is even given a name: “Last Generation Theology” (LGT). It is a supposed doctrine, seemingly invented only recently, by a group who consider themselves the last and specially chosen generation, who, as part of the 144,000 (Revelation 7), will experience the return of Jesus Christ.

This doctrine, or view, has become a point of controversy within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and it still has far from many supporters. According to this view, the seemingly postmodern teaching implies that humanity can completely overcome sin, and that this is absolutely necessary for surviving the end times and ultimately achieving salvation. This doctrine is therefore considered “brand new” and is only held by (somewhat detached) church members, it is claimed.

Surprise in two respects

The unsurprising aspect of this whole affair is that the older generation, in particular, is baffled to even consider it a novel, “out-of-the-box” doctrine, when this very insight has been recognized and taught by the pioneers of Seventh-day Adventist Church since (almost) the very beginning. For the “claim” of “Last Generation Theology”—that humanity must, through the power of Jesus Christ, completely overcome sin and reflect the character of Jesus Christ—the Bible actually provides a great deal of information and just as much confirmation.

The following are the main points of the teachings highlighted by the “Last Generation Theology”:
– The perfected generation (sinlessness)
– Justification of God’s nature
– Assumption of Christ’s human nature
– Sanctification as a prerequisite for salvation

What the Bible says about it

The confirmation that this Last Generation Theology is not at all wrong begins with the definition of the 144,000 according to Revelation 7. These are the ones who will be sealed by God and will ultimately experience the return of Jesus Christ. Revelation 14 explains who these 144,000 actually are, or rather, what characteristics they possess.

Revelation 14:3-5:
“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.“

They have therefore not degraded themselves with false idols and idolatry and stand before God without spot or wrinkle. The description of following Jesus Christ wherever He goes requires a look at the Doctrine of the Sanctuary.

But isn’t man justified through Jesus Christ, represented by receiving His pure white linen garment (Revelation 19:8)? Yes, indeed. But Jesus Christ will not put His pure garment of righteousness over yet another worn, old, dirty garment. The motto is new birth, and how is one born? Stark naked!

Jesus Christ is in the Most Holy Place

The penultimate station of Jesus Christ’s high priesthood is the Most Holy Place, when the sanctuary is purified (Daniel 8:14). The “final station” is His subsequent kingship, assumed for eternity. The model for this is the earthly Tabernacle, when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year (Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur) to remove the sins accumulated and known throughout the past year.

And right in the “neighborhood” of the above clear statements, there is another key statement, Revelation 14:12, which encourages the faithful to persevere despite fierce opposition (and also persecution):
“Hier ist das standhafte Ausharren der Heiligen, hier sind die, welche die Gebote Gottes und den Glauben an Jesus bewahren!“

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The problem, however, is that no unjust, impure, or sinful person can follow Jesus Christ into the Holy of Holies, since the “eternal consuming fire” of God’s justice would instantly destroy such a person. Atonement, or justification, occurs only with the purification of sins, not before (judgment). With this, sins are eradicated, removed from the world, and cannot fall back upon the person, which could very well happen. For if a believer confesses their sins but falls away from the faith on the Day of Atonement, or shortly before, the sins will immediately return to them.

Sin – Simply defined

For sinlessness automatically implies adherence to the law. Hardly any concept is as simply and clearly presented as the definition of sin. What exactly is sin? A short verse explains it: 1 John 3:4 “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.“

What is lawlessness? Disregarding or transgressing the law. Which law? God’s law, specifically the Ten Commandments. What does transgressing a commandment lead to? Separation from God, Isaiah 59:1-2.
“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.“

However, he simply reverses a common doctrine, also held by many Christian communities, and arrives at the idea that the separation of man from God is the sin (Info). Man simply has to enter the “sphere of divine love,” and everything will be fine.

Sinlessness, that is, keeping God’s commandments, is also the very visible sign of obedience to God. But the word “obedience” triggers allergic reactions and severe rashes in many people, especially and unfortunately in Christians. Then suddenly the talk turns to “works righteousness.”

Turn everything upside down.

But another core message of Jesus Christ and His saving work is simply turned on its head. “Jesus Christ forgives us despite our continuing sins,” is the claim. That, they say, is salvation. But that’s not what the Bible says. Rather, it says, for example, in Romans 6:18:
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
and in Romans 6:22:
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.“

“Being “free from sin” does not mean being allowed to sin unashamedly at any time, as if Jesus’ grace automatically covered everything like a canopy, but rather being able to overcome the fleshly inclination to sin. However, a person cannot achieve this through their own strength, but receives God’s power through true faith via the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings about the necessary transformation of character in a person, removing and smoothing away everything that might in any way prevent the planned building block of God’s temple from being seamlessly integrated into the temple, whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ himself.

A whole series of biblical confirmations

Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.“

Romans 15:13:
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.“

In Galatians, chapter 5, Paul explains in detail the difference between “life in the flesh” and “life in the Spirit” and how this becomes visible in people (“by their fruits you will know them”).

Romans 6:22 also contains the reference to “sanctification.” This is precisely the process that a believer must undergo: turning away from sin, changing one’s character to become like Jesus Christ (as a human being). This is achieved through the power of God.

There are also “crisp and pragmatic” statements about those who believe that Christians no longer need to follow God’s commandments, 1 John 2:4:
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

1 John 5:3:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.“

Still – justice through grace and faith

This has absolutely nothing to do with works righteousness. No one can be justified by doing the law, because every person has sinned and is therefore dependent on the grace of Jesus Christ. No matter how many good deeds a person performs, it doesn’t work. But doing the law is clear proof of having truly recognized Jesus Christ, of loving Him, or rather God, since He loved us first, even giving His own Son for us, and the obedience and faithfulness to God that automatically follow. To demand to be called a “child of God” on the one hand, but on the other hand refuse to obey God the Father? That’s a huge contradiction.

By obeying God, man glorifies God and His unchanging love and justice (Info). This is in stark contrast to the claims that man is incapable of keeping the commandment. This is a direct copy of one of Satan’s main accusations, or rather, insinuations, which ultimately led to rebellion.

Reflect the character of Jesus Christ

The character of Christ. Hardly any Christian believer would consider the idea that Jesus Christ was burdened with sin. For that would completely preclude the salvation of humankind through His grace. Jesus Christ would then not have risen from the dead. Humanity would thus be lost without alternative. For sin cannot stand before God, and whoever clings to sin will be consigned to oblivion along with their own sin.

When God turns away from the sinner, this is to be understood as protection of the sinner. Not as the behavior of a “sulking brat,” because the consuming fire of God (His face) cannot survive an impure being (Info).

The final “finishing touch”

Achieving sinlessness during one’s “normal earthly existence” is also connected to the fact that the final “character refinement” of those who remain faithful to God will take place during the great tribulation. After the end of the time of grace, when everything is decided, the first plagues will very soon fall upon humanity (Revelation 16). A cry will ring out from the afflicted people to finally silence these rebellious, Sabbath-observing Seventh-day Adventists.

Therefore, only the 144,000 will be able and able to sing the song of Moses or Jesus (Revelation 14:3; Revelation 15:3).

The adversary’s final rebellion, to achieve his goal of leaving no one left who remains unconditionally faithful to God. The coming persecution will likely far surpass the worst attacks on Christians by the Romans and subsequently by the Papacy. For Satan knows full well that his last hour has come, and his wrath against God’s people is correspondingly immense.

Daniel 12:1:
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.“

Unshakeable by the truth

The sealing of God (Revelation 7) will only be given to those who have decided to be faithful to God and will never waver an inch from their faith and knowledge of the truth, no matter what happens. The subsequent period, the great tribulation, is also known as the “tribulation of Jacob.” He serves as an example of someone who, in his distress under persecution by his brother Esau, wrestled with God to receive His blessing. Jacob received the blessing and, incidentally, the epithet “Israel” (“he who wrestled with God”).

Particular attention is paid to the fact that it is Jacob’s own brother, Esau, who intends to kill him with the sword. A not-so-subtle hint regarding the conditions at the time of the end.

Sin will be left on earth

This does not mean, however, that the natural person is freed from their fallen nature during the time of purification. That is not the case. People will still be inclined to sin, but they will be able to overcome these temptations thanks to God’s power and life in the Holy Spirit. For the old ways will have no place in heaven. Only when Jesus Christ returns (Revelation 1:7-8) will those still living receive a new, glorified body, like Christ’s. And those who have already died will be resurrected in their new nature. Their character, however, remains unchanged and undergoes no “adaptation.” Therefore, sanctification is necessary now, not at some later time. For not a single crumb of sin will ever enter heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:50-57:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.“

And again! “The victory comes through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The victory over sin, the overcoming of injustice (Info). It’s not “Last Generation Theology” that’s completely outlandish, but rather the idea that God casts Satan and his followers out of heaven because of sin or lawlessness, and will refill heaven with a whole host of sinful people.

“Last Generation Theology” – Really new?

Is “Last Generation Theology” really a new, peculiar doctrine propagated by a few “out-of-touch” individuals within the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Here is a statement from Ellen G. White:
“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.”
(Christ’s Object Lessons, Page 69, First publication in 1900)

It’s actually quite obvious. To label standard biblical statements as a peculiarity of the last generation is nothing more than the prevailing narrative, just presented indirectly. The argument goes that humanity is incapable of overcoming sin, since Jesus Christ died so that He could (constantly) offer grace and forgiveness. Furthermore, it claims that we Christians are no longer subject to the law. God loves all people, He accepts everyone as they are, which is correct up to this point, but the “extension” of this narrative suggests that humanity can remain as it always has been. This, however, is utterly false.

“No matter if I sin, Jesus forgives me. So why be something I can’t be anyway?” This is the narrative of the gullible and uncritical listeners of fantastical teachers. For, Galatians 6:7:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.“

And anyone who points this out and thus upholds the teachings of the Gospel is summarily labeled an “arrogant crackpot” with their own “Last Generation Theology.” What also lends this labeling a certain typical quality is the use of the term “Last Generation,” given that society has been conditioned for many years to bombard it with accusations of Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z, as well as the “last generation.” In this context, however, this is specifically directed against the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its members.

The truly sad thing about this entirely predictable wave of attacks, however, is that such blatant claims, based on unadulterated faith in God’s Word, don’t simply roll off the (spiritual) body of Jesus Christ (Armor of God, Ephesians 6), but have long since fallen on fertile ground even within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. One simply has to accept that history will repeat itself, and that the Old Testament, in particular, reflects the circumstances surrounding God’s people as a historical example.

The prophet Elijah lamented because he saw all of (northern) Israel as completely apostate. But God revealed to him that there was a remnant of 7,000 people in Israel who had not bowed their knees to Baal (idolatry, false gods). Ezekiel, a contemporary of Daniel and, like him, a prophet during the time of the Babylonian exile, experienced something similar. God also described to him that although His sword would fall upon hopelessly apostate Jerusalem, an angel would first travel around to mark all those who mourned and despaired over the dire situation. All of these would be spared. They are very few, but they exist nonetheless, even today.

Jacob was persecuted by his own brother Esau, and Abel was killed by his own brother Cain.

US preacher Mark Finley has taken up the topic of “Last Generation Theology” and commented on it. – Source.

Bible verses from King James Version (1611)