I just discovered this podcast called "Seeking What They Sought" on Youtube. I watched a few of them and it is interesting. I am going to comment on the one I watched today which was: What is an Adventist, talking with Tim Gillespie. I always find it interesting when a Progressive SDA uses the term "Present Truth" I think they don't really know what it means historically. First, let's look at the transcript:
Jesse: 19:37 this a little bit I I'm curious about if you were to to look at adventism and 19:43 Define it or like make maybe say more so what makes an Adventist what would you 19:49 say what is it what does it mean to be an Adventist
Tim Gillespie: um so I think an Adventist is someone who doesn't 19:55 believe in settled truth um we believe in present truth we're 20:02 non-creedal so we're a group of people we should be as I understand it a group of people who are constantly seeking a better expression and a better understanding of truth.
[A little later he says]: said as Adventist I don't know that we believe in settled truth I've never heard that before my understanding is that we believe in present truth the way 20:57 that God is continuing to unfold truth um and so I think I think Seventh-day…
He continues on a
couple of other points, second coming, Sabbath, and prophetically speaking to
people. So what he apparently believes is that Present Truth is a potentially
constantly changing truth. But of course, if the truth changes the previous version
was not the truth, so logically one should not call something truth if it may
change. Truth is reality it is not a belief about something. One could say "Present belief", that would make sense but not present truth (see article Present truth propaganda for more on how to correctly use Present truth as a specific application of a truth to a specific circumstance.
Unfortunately, historically Present Truth was more a term of advertising to other Christians that our beliefs were the true beliefs. So it was what the church believed was present truth. The term did not originate with Adventists. People who use the term Present Truth should take a look at my article on the subject.
At one point he points out the fallacy of present truth:
should be careful about quoting him but I believe what he said to me was present truth that's why that's why I'm an 23:49 Adventist to which I replied and I don't know that he appreciated this um but I 23:54 replied oh awesome what are you gonna let go of I mean there are things that are 24:01 mutually exclusive correct we can't just if truth is if 24:07 we believe in present truth and we are led to another truth it may preclude a previous truth that we had it 24:14 may be something that our you know there may be truths that are mutually exclusive for instance for instance it... [he moves off on a poor example]
Update: 5-19-24: Using Edge AI Copilot:
Question: Tell me a summary of what
Ellen G. Whites means by the term "present truth"
Certainly! Ellen G. White used the term “present truth” to
refer to the timely and relevant messages that God revealed to her during her
ministry. Let me provide a summary based on her writings:
In August 1849, Ellen G. White wrote about the concept of “present
truth.” She emphasized that it was her duty to share with others what God had
revealed to her regarding the current state of affairs, trials, and temptations
faced by believers. Here are the key points:
The Context: Ellen G. White believed that they were living
in a significant time, with the coming judgments of God imminent. She felt
compelled to convey the messages she received to help guide God’s people.
The Connection Between Commandments and the Shut Door: She
asserted that the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ (which
included the concept of the “shut door”) were inseparable. The time for the
commandments to shine out with importance was when the door was opened in the
Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary (where the Ark containing the ten
commandments was located). This door was opened in 1844 after the mediation of
Jesus in the Holy Place was completed.
Testing on the Sabbath: Ellen G. White believed that the
present test on the Sabbath could not occur until Jesus had passed within the
second veil (the Most Holy Place). Christians who had fallen asleep before this
event (before the door was opened in the Most Holy) were not held accountable
for Sabbath observance. However, now that the door was open, the Sabbath truth
was being tested.
Satan’s Tactics: She warned that Satan was actively trying
to confuse God’s people. He attempted to open the door of the Holy Place (which
Jesus had shut) and close the door of the Most Holy Place (which Jesus had
opened in 1844). Satan aimed to keep minds wavering and prevent acceptance of
the present sealing truth.
In summary, “present truth” refers to the timely messages
and revelations that Ellen G. White believed were crucial for the believers of
her time. These messages were closely tied to the commandments, the sanctuary,
and the Sabbath truth1. It was a call to faithfulness and discernment during a
critical period of history.
For more detailed reading, you can explore Ellen G. White’s
writings on this topic here.2 📖
Learn more 1 egwwritings.org
2 text.egwwritings.org
3 whiteestate.org
4 egwwritings.org +2
more
Tell me a summary of what Charles Spurgen means by the term "present truth "? [interestingly I spelled Spurgeon without the "o" and it shouted at me the correct spelling:) ]
Context and Definition:
- Spurgeon believed that “present truth” referred to the essential and timely messages that were relevant to the current spiritual needs of believers.
- These truths were not abstract or theoretical but had practical implications for Christian living.
Application:
- Spurgeon emphasized the importance of preaching and teaching truths that directly addressed the challenges, temptations, and trials faced by believers in their daily lives.
- He believed that the Holy Spirit guided preachers to proclaim the Word of God in a way that met the specific needs of their congregations.
Dynamic Nature:
- “Present truth” was not static; it evolved as circumstances changed. Spurgeon encouraged pastors to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and adapt their messages accordingly.
- The truths that were relevant in one era might not be the same in another. Therefore, preachers needed discernment to identify what God was emphasizing at any given time.
Faithfulness and Relevance:
- Spurgeon urged ministers to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, ensuring that their preaching remained relevant to the present context.
- He believed that God’s Word was timeless but needed to be applied afresh to each generation.
In summary, Charles Spurgeon’s concept of “present truth” emphasized the dynamic, relevant, and practical aspects of biblical teaching. It encouraged preachers to faithfully address the spiritual needs of their congregations in light of the ever-changing
Certainly! Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian
Science, used the term “present truth” in the context of her spiritual
teachings. Let’s explore this concept:
1.
Definition
of “Present Truth”:
o
Mary Baker Eddy believed that
“present truth” referred to the spiritual insights and revelations that were
relevant to the current moment.
o
These truths were not static but
dynamically adapted to the needs of individuals and society.
2.
Application:
o
Eddy taught that divine truths were
timeless but needed to be expressed in ways that resonated with the present
circumstances.
o
She emphasized the importance of
understanding God’s healing power, the unreality of material limitations, and
the supremacy of spiritual reality.
3.
Christian
Science Perspective:
o
In Christian Science, “present
truth” involved recognizing the spiritual nature of existence and healing
through prayer.
o
Eddy’s major work, “Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures,” conveyed these truths and their practical
application.
4.
Continual
Revelation:
o
Eddy believed that God’s revelation
was ongoing and that individuals could receive fresh insights directly from
divine Mind.
o
As humanity evolved, “present truth”
would continue to unfold.
In summary, Mary Baker Eddy’s
concept of “present truth” emphasized the dynamic, spiritually relevant
insights that could transform lives and bring healing. It encouraged seekers to stay open to
divine revelation and apply these truths in their daily experience12. 🌟
Learn more
1
marybakereddylibrary.org2marybakereddylibrary.org3mary-baker-eddy.com4footstepsoftruth.com5theguardian.com+3 more
Shortened relevant portions from the AI search
William Booth:
1. The Concept of “Present
Truth”:
o Booth believed that
certain biblical truths were relevant to God’s people at specific times
in history.
o These truths were not
static but dynamically revealed by the Holy Spirit to guide believers in
interpreting and applying God’s Word in the present moment.
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