Last Generation Theology
Encyclopedia
Last Generation Theology (LGT) or "final generation" theology is a belief system of overcoming sin held by some conservative members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
, which claims that perfection
will be achieved by some people in the last generation before the Second Coming
of Jesus
much like the 144000
described in the Book of Revelation
of the New Testament
. In Seventh-day Adventist
theology
, there will be an end time
remnant
of believers who are faithful to God, which will be manifest shortly prior to the second coming
of Jesus. Some claim it is related to "historic Adventism
", but as one supporter claims, it differs in that it forms an extension or development of "historic" or mainstream Adventist beliefs, or takes them to their logical conclusion.
Adventist teach that Jesus Christ was not only the Substitute but also the Example for man, and that Christians
through the process of sanctification
, the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in them through the Holy Spirit. But "final generation" teaches that they will cease from sin before the close of probation and before the time of trouble (Daniel chapter 12 verse 1; Jeremiah chapter 30 verse 7; Isaiah chapter 26 verse 20) just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and feel that the close of human probation has been delayed by sin and unbelief in the Laodicean church, but can be accelerated through their consistent living of holy lives (consistent obedience to the Ten Commandments by the enabling power of GOD through the power of the Holy Spirit).
Seventh-day Adventists have had four generally recognized statements of belief, prepared in 1872, 1931, 1980, and 2005. The 1872 and 1931 statements of belief were prepared for use at the informational level, for those outside the movement who desired to understand what Seventh-day Adventists stood for. Adventism is rooted in Reformationism
and Restorationism.
The LGT14 represent a consensus statement developed by current and retired ordained denominational workers and other Seventh-day Adventists. According to its advocates, LGT14 is intended as a reinforcement of the church's official 28 Fundamental Beliefs
, an emphasis on neglected ideas related to that list, and not as a replacement statement.
Last Generation Theology Adventists believe that Jesus was beset with all of the moral weaknesses and frailties that ordinary humans experience, including the inclination to sin. Despite this, he managed to resist temptation both from within and without, and lived a perfectly obedient life. Jesus is therefore set forth as the supreme Example in whose footsteps Christians must follow. The fact that he overcame sin completely, despite having no advantage over other human beings, demonstrates that we too can live a life of complete obedience by trusting in him. Ellen White states "The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God’s power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset."
and...
) tended to de-emphasise the corrupt nature inherited from Adam, while stressing the importance of actual, personal sins committed by the individual. They thought of the "sinful nature" in terms of physical mortality rather than moral depravity. Adventist Joe Crews states...
Traditinally, Adventists state that sin is willful transgression of God's law. Sin is a choice. Such base their belief on texts such as "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. ~ 1 John 3:4-9
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9
Now to Him (Jesus) who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, ~ Jude 1:24
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." ~ John 8:10-11
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48
For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. ~ Leviticus 11:45
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. ~ Revelation 14:12
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. ~ John 8:34-36
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ~ Exodus 20:6
than just justification
, believing that both are necessary for salvation; this view is often described as "righteousness by faith". Adventist theologian Richard Rice
, speaking on views of salvation in Adventism says, "the Reformers themselves held that justification and sanctification are inseparable". A few texts that Adventists use are...
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ~ Romans 8:12-14
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ~ Galatians 5:19-24
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ~ Romans 8:33-34
The completion of this ministry by Christ in the heavenly sanctuary will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
(QOD), after discussions with fundamentalist/evangelical Christian leaders. The book has been the most controversial ever in the history of the Adventist church. Its harshest critic was M. L. Andreasen
, who urged church leaders not to publish QOD. The controversial parts were the book's view of Christology
and the atonement. Proponents of LGT believe the book presents substantial changes to the church's doctrinal position in these areas and downplayed the concept that a last generation could, by the power of the gospel, be made holy, and stop sinning.
Andreasen was recognized as a leading denominational scholar in the early 1900s. In his book, The Sanctuary Service, Andreasen presented his views regarding the atonement and related topics in the closing chapter, "The Final Generation".
served as a president of the General Conference. In his sermons he often presented LGT concepts. He was a driving force in the 1973 and 1974 Annual Council Appeals published by the world church for all its members - appeals that have been persistently republished since their first appearance. He authored 28 books.
served as was a prominent figure in the 1970s advocating LGT, publishing articles in what is now the Adventist Review supporting LGT, along with editor Kenneth Wood. He has been a leading theologian within the Adventist church. A key contribution to LGT by Douglass was his articulation of what came to be known as "The Harvest Principle". Pointing to Mark 4:26-29, he showed how God is waiting for a ripe harvest, and as soon as that harvest has ripened, He will thrust in His sickle and reap the earth - the Second Coming of Christ will at last come to pass.
The morning speaker for the 2002 meeting of what is now Generation of Youth for Christ
(GYC) included several advocates of LGT, such as the morning devotional speaker, Peter Gregory. Kirkpatrick also supported the 2002 meeting.
Elder Ted N. C. Wilson, current General Conference President of Seventh-day Adventists is a strong advocate or at least a supporter of LGT and forwarded LGT principles in his first address to the 59th GC session in Atlanta on July 3, 2010 and in his Divine Worship message to the GYC convention on January 1, 2011.
, Joe Crews of Amazing Facts
, Dennis Priebe, J. R. Zurcher, etc.) point to a train of thought within the larger church.
The beliefs of a church are often defined on the basis of formally voted policy statements. However, this is but one element in the development of a meaningful understanding of the identity of a religious group. The historical-theological development of a group is also very meaningful in defining the beliefs of a Church. Last Generation Theology and the discussion surrounding it offers a window to contributory streams of thought that inform the identity of Seventh-day Adventism.
(GYC) , Iona Missions, Amazing Facts
, greatcontroversy.org .
Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
, which claims that perfection
Christian perfection
Christian perfection, also known as perfect love; heart purity; the baptism of the Holy Spirit; the fullness of the blessing; Christian holiness; the second blessing; and entire sanctification, is a Christian doctrine which holds that the heart of the regenerant Christian may attain a state of...
will be achieved by some people in the last generation before the Second Coming
Second Coming
In Christian doctrine, the Second Coming of Christ, the Second Advent, or the Parousia, is the anticipated return of Jesus Christ from Heaven, where he sits at the Right Hand of God, to Earth. This prophecy is found in the canonical gospels and in most Christian and Islamic eschatologies...
of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
much like the 144000
144000 (number)
144000 is a natural number. It has significance in several religious movements. In the Mayan calendar, a baktun is a period of 144,000 days.-Christianity:...
described in the Book of Revelation
Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament. The title came into usage from the first word of the book in Koine Greek: apokalupsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation"...
of the New Testament
New Testament
The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian biblical canon, the first such division being the much longer Old Testament....
. In Seventh-day Adventist
Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
theology
Christian theology
- Divisions of Christian theology :There are many methods of categorizing different approaches to Christian theology. For a historical analysis, see the main article on the History of Christian theology.- Sub-disciplines :...
, there will be an end time
Christian eschatology
Christian eschatology is a major branch of study within Christian theology. Eschatology, from two Greek words meaning last and study , is the study of the end of things, whether the end of an individual life, the end of the age, or the end of the world...
remnant
Remnant (Bible)
The remnant is a recurring theme throughout the Hebrew and Christian Bible. The Anchor Bible Dictionary describes it as "What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe."...
of believers who are faithful to God, which will be manifest shortly prior to the second coming
Second Coming
In Christian doctrine, the Second Coming of Christ, the Second Advent, or the Parousia, is the anticipated return of Jesus Christ from Heaven, where he sits at the Right Hand of God, to Earth. This prophecy is found in the canonical gospels and in most Christian and Islamic eschatologies...
of Jesus. Some claim it is related to "historic Adventism
Historic Adventism
Historic Adventism is an informal designation for conservative individuals and organizations affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church who seek to preserve certain traditional beliefs and practices of the church. As a general rule, Historic Adventists feel that the church leadership has...
", but as one supporter claims, it differs in that it forms an extension or development of "historic" or mainstream Adventist beliefs, or takes them to their logical conclusion.
Adventist teach that Jesus Christ was not only the Substitute but also the Example for man, and that Christians
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
through the process of sanctification
Sanctification
Sanctity is an ancient concept widespread among religions, a property of a thing or person sacred or set apart within the religion, from totem poles through temple vessels to days of the week, to a human believer who achieves this state. Sanctification is the act or process of acquiring sanctity,...
, the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in them through the Holy Spirit. But "final generation" teaches that they will cease from sin before the close of probation and before the time of trouble (Daniel chapter 12 verse 1; Jeremiah chapter 30 verse 7; Isaiah chapter 26 verse 20) just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and feel that the close of human probation has been delayed by sin and unbelief in the Laodicean church, but can be accelerated through their consistent living of holy lives (consistent obedience to the Ten Commandments by the enabling power of GOD through the power of the Holy Spirit).
Doctrine
The Last Generation Theology understanding is best seen in light of the doctrinal development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.Seventh-day Adventists have had four generally recognized statements of belief, prepared in 1872, 1931, 1980, and 2005. The 1872 and 1931 statements of belief were prepared for use at the informational level, for those outside the movement who desired to understand what Seventh-day Adventists stood for. Adventism is rooted in Reformationism
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
and Restorationism.
Cleanse and Close
In 2005 Kirkpatrick's book, Cleanse and Close: Last Generation Theology in 14 Points packaged the concepts that had been developing since the mid 19th century, and identified them as LGT.The LGT14 represent a consensus statement developed by current and retired ordained denominational workers and other Seventh-day Adventists. According to its advocates, LGT14 is intended as a reinforcement of the church's official 28 Fundamental Beliefs
28 Fundamentals
The 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of...
, an emphasis on neglected ideas related to that list, and not as a replacement statement.
Christology - The human nature of Jesus Christ
Early Adventists, as well as Last Generation Theology modern Adventists covering the nature of Christ , state that Jesus Christ was born with Adam's fallen nature including the propensity to sin, that has been passed on to all of humanity . Such a belief is based on the following texts- "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh" Romans 8:3 (NKJV)
- "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
- "...concerning his Son (Jesus), who was descended from David according to the flesh..." Romans 1:3 (ESV)
- "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17 NKJV
Last Generation Theology Adventists believe that Jesus was beset with all of the moral weaknesses and frailties that ordinary humans experience, including the inclination to sin. Despite this, he managed to resist temptation both from within and without, and lived a perfectly obedient life. Jesus is therefore set forth as the supreme Example in whose footsteps Christians must follow. The fact that he overcame sin completely, despite having no advantage over other human beings, demonstrates that we too can live a life of complete obedience by trusting in him. Ellen White states "The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God’s power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset."
and...
Original Sin
Last Generation Theology does not believe in "original sin" or "ancestral sin", but hold to view like mainstream Adventist, that while damaged by Adams fall, sin occurs in the actual sins that a person commits. Early Adventists (such as George Storrs, Ellen White and Uriah SmithUriah Smith
Uriah Smith was a Seventh-day Adventist author and editor who worked for the Review and Herald for 50 years....
) tended to de-emphasise the corrupt nature inherited from Adam, while stressing the importance of actual, personal sins committed by the individual. They thought of the "sinful nature" in terms of physical mortality rather than moral depravity. Adventist Joe Crews states...
Traditinally, Adventists state that sin is willful transgression of God's law. Sin is a choice. Such base their belief on texts such as "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)
Victory Over Sin
Last Generation Theology believes that true followers of Christ will need to cease from sin before the second coming of Christ. They therefore believe that victory over sin is possible in this lifetime. The Seventh Day Adventist Church through recent publications such as the Sabbath School Quarterly Victory Over Sin . The mainstream Adventist Church bases their belief on a wide range of Bible texts such as...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. ~ 1 John 3:4-9
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9
Now to Him (Jesus) who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, ~ Jude 1:24
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." ~ John 8:10-11
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48
For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. ~ Leviticus 11:45
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. ~ Revelation 14:12
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. ~ John 8:34-36
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ~ Exodus 20:6
Salvation
Last Generation Theology Adventists tend to place a greater emphasis on sanctificationSanctification
Sanctity is an ancient concept widespread among religions, a property of a thing or person sacred or set apart within the religion, from totem poles through temple vessels to days of the week, to a human believer who achieves this state. Sanctification is the act or process of acquiring sanctity,...
than just justification
Justification (theology)
Rising out of the Protestant Reformation, Justification is the chief article of faith describing God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous through Christ's atoning sacrifice....
, believing that both are necessary for salvation; this view is often described as "righteousness by faith". Adventist theologian Richard Rice
Richard Rice
T. Richard Rice is a Seventh-day Adventist theologian and author. He is a leading proponent of "open theism", a term he invented, which describes a controversial understanding of God...
, speaking on views of salvation in Adventism says, "the Reformers themselves held that justification and sanctification are inseparable". A few texts that Adventists use are...
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ~ Romans 8:12-14
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ~ Galatians 5:19-24
Atonement
Last Generation Theology Adventists define the atonement in terms of God’s continuing work to cleanse our character from sin as well as payment of the penalty for sin at the cross. The work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary is regarded as a continuation of the work of atonement begun on the cross, rather than the application of the benefits of an already completed atonement. For example it is written...Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ~ Romans 8:33-34
The completion of this ministry by Christ in the heavenly sanctuary will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
Hastening Eschatology
One of the governing principles of LGT is a belief that believers can hasten the coming of Christ. This is strongly stated by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter chapter 3 where he ties character development with the idea that we should "hasten" the coming of Christ. Christ is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". Adventists reject Universalism, so in this text the word "all" applies to the church and not the whole world. The context is also clear that Peter is talking to the Christian church. LGT adherents apply all the above principles to this "hastening" principle and refer to Biblical texts such as 2 Peter 3 and Ellen White's statements in the book Christ's Object Lessons, ie. page 69:Andreasen and Questions on Doctrine
In 1957 the church published the major book Questions on DoctrineQuestions on Doctrine
Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine is a book published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1957 to help explain Adventism to conservative Protestants and Evangelicals...
(QOD), after discussions with fundamentalist/evangelical Christian leaders. The book has been the most controversial ever in the history of the Adventist church. Its harshest critic was M. L. Andreasen
M. L. Andreasen
M.[ilian] L.[auritz] Andreasen , was a Seventh-day Adventist theologian, pastor and author.He was one of the church's most prominent and influential theologians during the 1930s and 1940s. Andreasen promoted the teaching known popularly as Last Generation Theology, controversial for its views on...
, who urged church leaders not to publish QOD. The controversial parts were the book's view of Christology
Christology
Christology is the field of study within Christian theology which is primarily concerned with the nature and person of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. Primary considerations include the relationship of Jesus' nature and person with the nature...
and the atonement. Proponents of LGT believe the book presents substantial changes to the church's doctrinal position in these areas and downplayed the concept that a last generation could, by the power of the gospel, be made holy, and stop sinning.
Andreasen was recognized as a leading denominational scholar in the early 1900s. In his book, The Sanctuary Service, Andreasen presented his views regarding the atonement and related topics in the closing chapter, "The Final Generation".
Robert Pierson
Robert PiersonRobert H. Pierson
Robert Howard Pierson was a president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In 1935 he went to work in Bombay, India. In 1939, while in India, he was ordained as a minister of the Adventist church...
served as a president of the General Conference. In his sermons he often presented LGT concepts. He was a driving force in the 1973 and 1974 Annual Council Appeals published by the world church for all its members - appeals that have been persistently republished since their first appearance. He authored 28 books.
Herbert Douglass
Herbert DouglassHerbert E. Douglass
Herbert Edgar Douglass, Jr. is a Seventh-day Adventist theologian. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts as the oldest of five children to Herbert Edgar Douglass Sr and Mildred Jennie Munson...
served as was a prominent figure in the 1970s advocating LGT, publishing articles in what is now the Adventist Review supporting LGT, along with editor Kenneth Wood. He has been a leading theologian within the Adventist church. A key contribution to LGT by Douglass was his articulation of what came to be known as "The Harvest Principle". Pointing to Mark 4:26-29, he showed how God is waiting for a ripe harvest, and as soon as that harvest has ripened, He will thrust in His sickle and reap the earth - the Second Coming of Christ will at last come to pass.
Recent supporters
Dennis Priebe is a recent supporter of Last Generation Theology and has published Face-to-Face With the Real Gospel in 1986. Priebe, in turn, influenced Larry Kirkpatrick. By 1997 he was publishing on the internet and has been active since. In 2005 he published a summary of his view of LGT in a book entitled Cleanse and Close: Last Generation Theology in 14 Points.The morning speaker for the 2002 meeting of what is now Generation of Youth for Christ
Generation of Youth for Christ
Generation of Youth for Christ, formerly the General Youth Conference, is an annual conference and expression of Adventist theology which organizes and cordinates Bible studies, online sermons, regional youth conferences, mission trips, global networking opportunities for young people, week of...
(GYC) included several advocates of LGT, such as the morning devotional speaker, Peter Gregory. Kirkpatrick also supported the 2002 meeting.
Elder Ted N. C. Wilson, current General Conference President of Seventh-day Adventists is a strong advocate or at least a supporter of LGT and forwarded LGT principles in his first address to the 59th GC session in Atlanta on July 3, 2010 and in his Divine Worship message to the GYC convention on January 1, 2011.
In relation to the larger church
The existence and significance of a large group of Seventh-day Adventist believers in LGT is attested by the wide range of Adventist scholars, the publishing of books like QOD and Issues which are more mainstream, the counter-publishing of the 1973 and 1974 Appeals, and the persistent historical presence of its advocates in significant church positions (M. L. Andreasen, Robert H. Pierson, C. Mervyn Maxwell, Kenneth Wood, Herbert E. DouglassHerbert E. Douglass
Herbert Edgar Douglass, Jr. is a Seventh-day Adventist theologian. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts as the oldest of five children to Herbert Edgar Douglass Sr and Mildred Jennie Munson...
, Joe Crews of Amazing Facts
Amazing Facts
Amazing Facts is an American Christian ministry. Beginning as a single radio program in 1966 it has expanded into television programming, training, health, prophecy seminars and online Bible study ministries. Its theology is largely that of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.-History:Amazing Facts...
, Dennis Priebe, J. R. Zurcher, etc.) point to a train of thought within the larger church.
The beliefs of a church are often defined on the basis of formally voted policy statements. However, this is but one element in the development of a meaningful understanding of the identity of a religious group. The historical-theological development of a group is also very meaningful in defining the beliefs of a Church. Last Generation Theology and the discussion surrounding it offers a window to contributory streams of thought that inform the identity of Seventh-day Adventism.
Institutions
Institutions which hold to Last Generation Theology include Generation of Youth for ChristGeneration of Youth for Christ
Generation of Youth for Christ, formerly the General Youth Conference, is an annual conference and expression of Adventist theology which organizes and cordinates Bible studies, online sermons, regional youth conferences, mission trips, global networking opportunities for young people, week of...
(GYC) , Iona Missions, Amazing Facts
Amazing Facts
Amazing Facts is an American Christian ministry. Beginning as a single radio program in 1966 it has expanded into television programming, training, health, prophecy seminars and online Bible study ministries. Its theology is largely that of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.-History:Amazing Facts...
, greatcontroversy.org .
See also
- Christian perfectionChristian perfectionChristian perfection, also known as perfect love; heart purity; the baptism of the Holy Spirit; the fullness of the blessing; Christian holiness; the second blessing; and entire sanctification, is a Christian doctrine which holds that the heart of the regenerant Christian may attain a state of...
- Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventist ChurchThe Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
- Seventh-day Adventist theology
- Historic Adventist