The winds of doctrine continue to blow amongst Davidians. Much of the confusion arises from teachings coming from the unauthorized “New Codes” sermon addresses published by Florence Houteff after the death of Brother Houteff in 1955. These publications and the resultant confusion that emanates from them have been thoroughly addressed in prior posts on this website, the links of which are included here and here for those who are not familiar with the controversy. Yet despite the clear evidence that the content found in these New Codes contradicts that which is published in the original Rod from 1930 to 1954, there are still some who insist and persist by claiming that the Rod itself sustains the heterodox teachings found in these Codes. For example, the idea that the message comes in two sections, the Elijah phase for the S.D.A. church (Laodicea) and the “Jonah phase” for antitypical Nineveh (America). The primary reference given to support this view is quoted below.
We now come to the prophecy of Nahum:
Nah. 1:12, 13, 15 — “. . . Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder…. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.”
Nahum’s burden is concerning the restoration, and the fall of Assyria, the powers which rule them in the day He restores the latter-day Kingdom of Judah; in the day He breaks the Assyrian yoke, in the day He bursts asunder the bands that bind His people. In that day He sends His messenger to bear good tidings to His people, tidings of peace while the world is upset with wars. Through His messenger He is urging His people to perform their vows, for He is to take away the wicked from among them. Assyria is to vacate and give room to Judah. “For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.” Isa. 30:31. Now He pleads:
“Turn ye unto Him from Whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. For in that day [in the day Assyria falls] every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin. Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited. And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord, Whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem.” Isa. 31:6-9.
The purification (Judgment), here you see, is conducted from Zion and Jerusalem. And through Malachi asks the Spirit, “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ sope: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi [the ministry], and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Mal. 3:2, 3. Do you accept Nahum? And since Jonah’s prophecy is a counterpart of Nahum’s, then if you reject Nahum, you automatically reject Jonah, too.” — Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 15, pp. 15-16
If one carefully reads the entire sermon address found in this particular Timely Greetings there in nothing stating that there is a “Jonah phase” of the message or that there is going to be some sort of message given to anti-typical Niveveh (America). In fact, if one searches the entire Rod message the phase “Jonah message” or “Jonah phase” does not exist. Furthermore, the outline of such a two part message, one to the S.D.A. church (Laodicea) and one phase to anti-typical Niveveh, is found no where in the original publications of the Rod. Yet despite these facts the mirage continues on. When one reads the conclusion of this particular sermon brother Houteff himself states plainly . . .
“Moreover, it is now seen that our study of this afternoon is a summary of the message to the Laodiceans, who think that they are rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing more, though they have need of everything. They had better awake to their poverty.”” — Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 15, p. 21
And this message to the Laodiceans, not to antitypical Niveveh, is repeated throughout the presentation multiple times from the mouth of many prophets including Nahum and it involves “the message of the Judgement of the Living and of the restoration of the kingdom of Judah” (1 TG 15:19.1). That is it, no more, no less. Please read and study for yourself. It is a fearful thing to add or subtract from inspiration (Rev. 22:18, 19) and tell the prophet how to teach his message (TM 475). We plea and urge all to repent from such folly and teach only that which has been published from the hand of the prophet and “cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils” (Isa. 2:22).
According to the quotation above (Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 15, pp. 15-16), Jonah’s prophecy is a counterpart of Nahum’s. Nahum’s burden is concerning the restoration, and the fall of Assyria. Can you then explain to us how Jonah’s prophecy reveals the restoration and the fall of Assyria if not by the explanation given in the ‘new codes’? According to you Sr Florence coined the explanation on Jonah’s prophecy and also explained (interpreted) Isaiah 27 so that it made logical sense? By the way that is the only way you determine a true prophet sent by God if the explanation they give on all scriptures make logical sense and has a Present Truth call for the people from God.
Dear Ephraim:
Regarding how we are to understand Jonah’s prophecy whose counterpart in that found in the book of Nahum is to go to the original authorized and authenticated Shepherd’s Rod message written and published by the late V. T. Houteff and therein we shall find our answer. In this case Tract No. 14 and Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, no. 24 and any other comments that are indexed. It is important to acknowledge the following inspired counsels that quickly and authoritatively discount the post postmortem publications of Florence Houteff as part of the inspired canon of the Rod.
Question: “It is claimed by some that Sr. White made the statement that the Loud Cry message would come through the Review & Herald. Is there such a statement?”
Answer: As to the claim that Sr. White said the “Loud Cry message” would come through the Review & Herald, we cannot answer authoritatively from a personal knowledge, for our acquaintance with her unpublished works is more limited than extensive, but from those unpublished writings (and they are not less than a 100) which we have had the privilege of reading, we would be led to scout the possibility of her ever having written or made such a statement. We quote what she counsels in regard to accepting just such reports: “And now to all who have a desire for truth I would say, do not give credence to unauthenticated reports as to what Sr. White has done or said or written. If you desire to know what the Lord has revealed through her, read her published works. Are there any points of interest concerning which she has not written, do not eagerly catch up
and report rumors as to what she has said.” — 5 T 696.”—1 SC 8:8
“Do not weave into “The Shepherd’s Rod” message your own interpretations of the Bible and of Sr. White’s writings, nor any of your constructions on anything that is written therein before first submitting your points to this office. If your claim on a subject, which you may hold as being correct, is found so and accepted as of value by this office after a careful examination, we can have it published and distributed throughout our ranks, if that is your desire. But if we see no light in your verbal presentation or document of your claims, we shall so inform you as quickly as possible. Then if you do not feel clear to yield to our judgment, be you pleased to know that we shall not attempt to block your way of teaching the same, nor oppose those who wish to read or listen to your discourses. “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” is our position. (Rom. 14:5.)”—1 SC 4:1
ANOTHER CONCERN SERIOUS TO ALL
“It is most unfortunate, the situation exposed by the questioner. We are sorry that some have put forward private interpretations of the message, which have troubled the minds of others. Yet it seems unfair to call the message to task because of the unwarranted ideas advanced by some. This is like making the Third Angel’s Message answer to the world for the doctrinal extravagances of the many time-setters that have been in our midst.
“We endorse no teaching or position not found in the publications of the SRod or authorized by this office, as is plainly declared on the first page of the Symbolic Code for October (No. 4).”—1 SC 7:5, 6
“Therefore, let us say with the wise, I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the god of my salvation: my God will hear me,” and will strictly follow only the published message sent to me. (Micah. 7:7)”—4 SC 1-5:3
“We request that all Present Truth followers refrain from teaching anything more or less than has been published in the Code, the books, and the tracts. The messages are plain in themselves, and you need not enlarge upon any point, but rather make sure that you, yourself, are walking in the light only as far as the light of Present Truth leads you.”—2 SC 12:11
“Here is a Rod which speaks; and its voice, the scripture points out, is the voice of God to His people. And since “The Shepherd’s Rod,” the publications which contain the message of “the great and dreadful day of the Lord,” is the only Rod that has ever spoken, (then it is the “Rod” publications which the Lord demands all to hear.)”—GCS 35
WARNING
Do Not Deeper Fall Into the Pit But Get Out
“Teachers of Present Truth, having before them the example of the tragic results caused by conflicting teachings by the S.D.A. ministry and, in addition to this, having been repeatedly warned to teach only that which has been revealed, and published, stand in great condemnation before God when they set forth conflicting or unauthorized
views on any subject. Be absolutely certain that you are teaching according to that which is written, and not according to that which you may think should be or will some day be written.
“Failure to comply with this requirement will disqualify anyone as a worker in this cause.”—3 SC 5, 6:14
FIRST SHOW THYSELF APPROVED
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” (Matt. 3:7-9.)
“No one is wanted on “Mt. Carmel” who has not studied through and through the message of…”The Shepherd’s Rod;” who is not fully convinced on every point of its teaching; and who is not willing to comply with the divine rules and principles which govern the inhabitants on this mount of “green pastures,” except their coming be for a visit only.
“And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from My sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them.” (Amos 9:3.)”—2 SC 12:10
CLOSING THOUGHTS.
The Light Shines Brightest in the Middle of the Road–Safety First
“Satan, represented by human beings, is ever busy distracting Present Truth believers, destroying their influence among the people, and thus making the truth of none effect. His great and lasting victories have not been won by opposing the truth, but rather by professing strictly to advocate every precept of it, and by showing great reverence and zeal for its advancement, thus gaining the confidence of the people, and making them believe him to be a zealous minister of God and a friend of His people. Then, having beguiled them into placing confidence in him, and into being perfectly satisfied that he is leading them on to eternal glory, he easily and quietly leads his victims on to eternal ruin.
“There is but one way of knowing that we are being led, by Christ our Lord, in the straight path to the pearly gates, and that is, by neither adding to nor taking from the Word of Truth, but by carefully following in the way of light, going not a step ahead of it, lingering not a step behind it, nor walking along its side-edges, but by following right
in the middle of the road. Hence, let not your zeal for progress drive you ahead of the light and make you to walk in the darkness; neither let your caution against running too far ahead cause you to drop back and lag behind; nor yet let carelessness verge you toward the edges. Stay in the center of the road, where the light shines the brightest. Do not follow ideas, which stand upon implications, upon enlargements, upon diminishings, of the meaning of authoritative statements. Says Christ: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life.” (Rev. 22:18, 19.)
“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.” (Deut. 18:20.)
“Extremists never walk in the blaze of the light, but are always found ahead of it, and those who are passive invariably walk far behind it, while the careless and the indifferent stray to the edges. But those who are the true children of light never vary a step left or right, front or back from the brightest spot of the Christian’s narrow
road”.”—3 SC 3-4:13
Brethren, you have not answered my question. While the prophet was alive he had understanding of Jonah’s prophecy as a counterpart of Nahum’s prophecy. The only hint of how Jonah’s prophecy is a counterpart is published in the ‘new codes’ with the author being alleged to be VT Houteff. This applies to the explanations of Isaiah 28, 27, etc as well. Do you brethren believe that VT Houteff did not expose the meaning of Isaiah 28 because he did publish it while he was alive?
What you need to do is bring out the errors that are in the ‘new codes’ and how they are misleading people away from the SRod Message. Then please do not use ‘Pseudo Refutations’ like the anti-Rodists do but bring out the error in its full settings. Why are you against the ‘Assyrian War’ when its source is the Bible and the SRod? If the Assyrian Confederacy is an erroneous teaching, can you brethren then explain to us what such verses as Isaiah 8 mean for us? What should we do when the confederacy starts as the Bible says it will start?
Brother Ephraim,
We have answered your question with multiple authoritative references from the Rod about teaching only that which is published. If you choose to ignore the weight of evidence and wish to follow the publications of the apostate wife, then let that be your choice. If you want to continue to publish her unauthorized New Codes publications then you are free to go set up your own website and promote these things to your heart’s delight. Regarding your continued questionings we will let the Spirit of Prophecy answer them.
“Those who train the mind to seize upon everything which they can use as a peg to hang a doubt upon (see also: 5T 675, 728), and suggest these thoughts to other minds, will always find occasion to doubt. They will question and criticize everything that arises in the unfolding of truth, criticize the work and position of others, criticize every branch of the work in which they have not themselves a part. They will feed upon the errors and mistakes and faults of others, “until,” said the angel, the Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work [Mal 3:1-3, Eze 9, Mt 24:36, 46, 3T 266, 5T 80] in the heavenly sanctuary and shall clothe Himself with the garments of vengeance and surprise them at their unholy feast, and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Their taste has been so perverted that they would be inclined to criticize even the table of the Lord in His kingdom.”– Testimonies Vol. 5, p. 689.2
“The interests of the cause of present truth demand that those who profess to stand on the Lord’s side shall bring into exercise all their powers to vindicate the advent message, the most important message that will ever come to the world. For those who stand as representatives of present truth to use time and energy now in attempting to answer the questions of the doubting ones, will be an unwise use of their time. It will not remove the doubts. The burden of our work now is not to labor for those who, although they have had abundant light and evidence, still continue on the unbelieving side. God bids us give our time and strength to the work of preaching to the people the messages that stirred men and women in 1843 and 1844.” — Manuscript No. 760, p. 30.1
“I am very sure that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness, is because they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them. The True Witness condemns the lukewarm condition of the people of God, which gives Satan great power over them in this waiting, watching time. The selfish, and proud, and lovers of sin, are ever assailed with doubts. Satan has ability to suggest doubts and devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue and mark of intelligence in them to be unbelieving and questioning, and quibbling. Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and teachable spirit. All should decide from the weight of evidence.” — Review and Herald, September 16, 1873 par. 10