Dear Sabbath School Today Readers:
As a contribution to this quarter's subject, “Health and Healing,” we would like to offer a two-part article by Robert J. Wieland, “Healthful Living and the ‘Latter Rain.’” Rather than discuss subjects such as “global warming,” we herewith present the “environment” in the context of the cosmic Day of Atonement, and the Good News inherent in the 1888 “most precious” message that prepares us for the coming of Jesus. Following are excerpts from the article. You may read or download it at: Healthful Living and the Latter Rain
Or, if you would like to receive the PDF file via e-mail, reply to this message with the words “Healthful Living.”
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How Do the Unique Truths in the 1888 Message Impact Health Reform Today?
The message of healthful living has always been a part of “the third angel’s message” since our denominational beginnings in the 1840s. It has also had a prominent part in the special truths that “God in His great mercy” showered upon us in the 1888 message.
From our beginnings as a people, the reason for a health message was not so much the desire to live longer and enjoy pleasure more free from suffering, as to maintain clarity of mind to comprehend the truths in the “Adventist” idea of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary. That sanctuary message was what made the Adventist message unique and appealing to “the remnant” who reverenced the Bible.
The idea of “cleansing” came to be thought central to living in the antitypical Day of Atonement. Tobacco was seen as “the filthy weed,” and its use “defiling.” The emphasis on giving it up was not so much fear of lung cancer or high blood pressure or all the other physical ills that follow its use today, but it was this idea of “cleansing.”
Abundant Scripture was found on the evils of drunkenness, and total abstinence easily became the idea of “cleansing” in the abandonment of alcoholic drinks. In the early literature of the church less is said about the physiological detriments of such intemperance than is the case today. Their use was largely viewed in the light of the Most Holy Apartment ministry.
Thus from the 1844 era to that of 1888, the health consciousness of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was concentrated on a preparation for the second coming of Christ, not a longevity motivation as is the popular emphasis on “health” today. The concern that transcended all was getting ready for the soon-coming close of probation. That idea of a possible better motivation arrived with the proclamation of the 1888 message.