WHAT DOES
Essential Points of Present Truth for
INSPIRATION MEAN
BY “REGULAR” AND
“IRREGULAR LINES?”
A CURATED STUDY GUIDE
We are living in the most solemn and significant
time of all of this earth’s history, and if ever there
was a time to understand the truth for ourselves – it
is now (see 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)! We are living in
a time when every wind of doctrine is blowing, and
I am seeing sincere believers being tossed to and fro
by these dangerous winds, just as they were in the
time of Christ! Christs’ desire to establish His people
on present truth –so that they are no longer tossed to
and fro, or become confused by these false teachings–
was expressed in the words of the apostle Paul, in his
letter to the church at Ephesus:
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed
to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Ephesians 4:14)
The Importance of Understanding the
Ourselves
2 Tim. 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.”
It’s high time that we know for ourselves what the
truth is, and not place our dependence on men to tell
us what is truth (Jere 17:5). For, the only thing that we
can trust, and the only detector of divine truth is… the
word of God (John 17:17)! Concerning these points,
notice what we are told in the pen of inspiration:
“The fact that there is no controversy or agitation
among God’s people should not be regarded as
conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound
doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not
be clearly discriminating between truth and error.
When no new questions are started by investigation
of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion
arises which will set men to searching the Bible
for themselves to make sure that they have the
truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times,
who will hold to tradition and worship they know
not what.” {5T 707.1}
“I have been shown that many who profess to have
a knowledge of present truth know not what they
believe. They do not understand the evidences of their
faith. They have no just appreciation of the work
for the present time. When the time of trial shall
come, there are (1) men now preaching to others
who will find, upon examining the positions they
hold, that there are many things for which they
 can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested
they knew not their great ignorance. And there are
(2) many in the church who take it for granted
that they understand what they believe; but,
until controversy arises, they do not know their
own weakness. When separated from those of
like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to
explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how
confused are their ideas of what they had accepted
as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a
departure from the living God and a turning to men,
putting human in place of divine wisdom.” {5T 707.2}
“God will arouse His people; if other means fail,
heresies will come in among them, which will sift
them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The
Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake
out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate
for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that
are right upon us. This light should lead us to a
diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical
examination of the positions which we hold.
God would have all the bearings and positions
of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched,
with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in
suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes
truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the
word of God so that when the testing time shall come
and they are brought before councils to answer for
their faith they may be able to give a reason for the
hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.” {5T
707.3}
The Importance of Understanding the
“Regular and Irregular Lines”
One such subject that will become more and more
prominent as we near the end of “the end of time”
is the understanding of how to bring true revival
and reformation to God’s church, for the purpose of
finishing the work! And we shall see as we continue
our study together, we must understand what
inspiration means by “regular and irregular
lines” (at least in principle, even if we use
different words), if we shall form a part of the
team that God will use to finish the work in this
last generation.
What are we told in inspiration is the greatest and
most urgent of all our needs? True Revival and True
Reformation! Notice this in the following inspired
2 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
references:
First, inspiration says – “A revival of true godliness
among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our
needs. To seek this should be our first work.” {ChS
41.4}
So we can clearly see from inspiration that a true
revival is the greatest and most urgent of all our
needs; but that says nothing about reformation. How
does reformation fit in and form a part of the greatest
and most urgent of all our needs? Well, we must
understand that true revival and true reformation in
God’s plan can never be separated. And what God has
joined together, let not man put asunder or separate
(please read Matt. 19:6). Notice the following inspired
quotation, that makes this point clear:
“(1) A revival and (2) a reformation must take
place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.
Revival and reformation are two different
things. (1) Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a
resurrection from the spiritual death. (2) Reformation
signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and
theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not
bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is
connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and
reformation are to do their appointed work, and
in doing this work they must blend.” {ChS 42.2}
So, we can see that revival and reformation must
blend to do one great work, which we have found is
the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. Now,
what does this have to do with “regular and irregular
lines”?
We shall find (as we continue in our study) that the
inspired writings make it very clear that God’s work
on this earth will never be finished by using only the
“regular lines”; that something has come into the
regular lines that is hindering the work of preparing
a people to stand, and that unless there is a revival
and reformation in the regular lines, all will be lost.
We are further taught that the “irregular lines” (when
conducted properly) are a part of God’s plan to purify
the “regular lines”, and to bring true revival and true
reformation to God’s church – so that we might be
prepared to finish the work!
Once we understand the following 3 points, then we
can see how it all fits together:
1. Revival and Reformation is the greatest and most
urgent of all our needs.
2. The “regular lines” have become so corrupted that
it is preventing the bringing in of those things
that will produce true revival and reformation.
3. God has provided “irregular lines”(when worked
properly – after God’s order) to reintroduce His
principles into the church; then this will purify
the so called regular lines, and bring in true
revival and reformation.
Again, I repeat: When we can clearly see the above
three points from inspiration, then it will be easy to
understand that the proper workings of the “regular
and irregular lines” becomes of vital importance to
us, and forms a part of our greatest and most urgent
need!
We have already noticed from inspiration point
#1, which states that revival and reformation is the
“greatest and most urgent of all our needs”; but what
about point #2 (that “the regular lines have become
so corrupted that it is preventing true revival and
reformation, which hinders the finishing work of the
church)?
Let us now look at a few inspired quotations that
bring these points to view:
“Over and over again men have said, ‘The voice of the
Conference is the voice of God; therefore everything
must be referred to the Conference. The Conference
must permit or restrict in the various lines of work.’
As the matter has been presented to me, there is a
narrow compass, and within this narrow compass, all
the openings to which are locked, are those who would
like to exercise kingly power. But the work carried
on all over the field demands an entirely different
course of action. There is need of the laying of a
foundation different from the foundation which has
been laid in the past. We have heard much about
everything moving in the regular lines. When
we see that the ‘regular lines’ are purified and
refined, that they bear the mold of the God of heaven,
then it will be time to endorse these lines. But when
we see that message after message given by God
has been received and accepted, yet no change
has been made, we know that new power must be
brought into the regular lines. The management
of the regular lines must be entirely changed, newly
organized....” {GCB, April 10, 1903 par. 3}
Note: This shows that if the “regular lines” needs to
be purified, evidently the regular lines have become
corrupted. These corrupt practices are preventing the
work from being finished.
“For years the same routine, the same ‘regular way’
of working has been followed, and God’s work
has been greatly hindered. The narrow plans that
have been followed by those who did not have clear,
sanctified judgment have resulted in a showing that is
not approved by God.” {GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 4}
“God calls for a revival and a reformation. The ‘regular
lines’ have not done the work which God desires
to see accomplished. Let revival and reformation
make constant changes. Something has been done in
this line, but let not the work stop here. No; let every
yoke be broken. Let men awaken to the realization
that they have an individual responsibility.” {GCB,
April 11, 1903 par. 5}
“The present showing is sufficient to prove to
all who have the true missionary spirit that the
‘regular lines’ may prove a failure and a snare.
God helping His people, the circle of kings who dared
to take such great responsibilities shall never again
exercise their unsanctified power in the so-called
‘regular lines.’ Too much power has been invested
in unrevived, unreformed, human agencies.”
{GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 6}
“So often the same old difficulties arise and are
presented in regard to disturbing the ‘regular lines.’
But God will work in some way to make His people
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 3
 understand that the regular lines have become Understanding the Danger of Not Knowing
full of irregular practices.” {20MR 142.4 What Inspiration Means by “Regular and
Irregular Lines”
Next notice that God’s answer to the corrupted
“regular lines” is to bring about the introduction of
We can see clearly from inspiration that this subject
“the irregular lines”, but it must be done in harmony
of “regular and irregular lines” is of vast importance
with God’s principle and order:
to the members of the church, in order to finish the
work. But what does “regular lines” mean, and what
“I want my brethren to begin to understand some
does “irregular lines” means? If we misunderstand
things for themselves. God alone, by the quickening,
this, it could lead us to make grave mistakes in these
vivifying influence of His Holy Spirit, can enable
last days. Some say that the “regular lines” represent
men to distinguish between the sacred and the
“the conference”, or the “organized SDA church”. If
common. God alone can make men understand
the “regular lines” does represent “the conference” or
that working on regular lines has led to irregular
the “organized SDA church”, then we would have to
practices. God alone can make men’s minds as they
step out and separate from the conference churches,
should be. The time has come when we should
and break it up in order to heed the inspired council
hear less in favor of the regular lines. If we can get
(yet, such a thing would never finish the work on the
away from the regular lines into something which,
Day of Atonement… More on this later). Let’s review
though irregular, is after God’s order, it may cut
just a few inspired statements, to illustrate why I
away something of the irregular working which
make this statement.
has led away from Bible principles.” {20MR 143.2}
The Need to Break-up the “Regular Lines”
This needs to be understood not only by ministers, but
by every member of the church if we will be a part of
“God calls for a revival and a reformation. The
the team that God will use to finish the work.
‘regular lines’ have not done the work which
God desires to see accomplished. Let revival and
“It is time that church members understood that
reformation make constant changes. Something
everywhere there is a work to be done in the Lord’s
has been done in this line, but let not the work stop
vineyard. No one is to wait for a regular process
here. No; let every yoke be broken. Let men awaken
before they make any efforts. They should take up
to the realization that they have an individual
the work right where they are. There should be
responsibility.” {GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 5}
many at work in what are called “irregular lines.”
If one hundred laborers would step out of the
Note: Did you notice in that quotation what
“regular lines,” and take up self-sacrificing work...
inspiration says was the yoke that is hindering
souls would be won to the Lord. And the workers
the work from being done, as God desires it to be
would understand by experience what it means to
accomplished? “The ‘regular lines’!”
be laborers together with God.” {SpM 195.5}
So, what is hindering the work from being finished?
So strongly were the feelings of the Lord’s messenger
“The ‘regular lines’”! Well, what did inspiration say
concerning the corrupt principles that had taken
needs to be done? Break the yoke! Then, this would
control of the “regular lines”, that she said they
mean that in order to finish the work, the yoke of the
needed to be broken to pieces. Notice the following
“regular lines” would need to be broken up!
inspired quotation:
Let’s look at few more statements on this point:
“God has presented before you how He regarded
the regular lines. The regular lines had need
“The present showing is sufficient to prove to
to be broken as a potter’s vessel is broken, and
all who have the true missionary spirit that the
reconstructed.”--Ms 29, 1903, pp. 1, 3. (General
‘regular lines’ may prove a failure and a snare.
manuscript, “The Southern Work,” Undated.) {3MR
God helping His people, the circle of kings who dared
264.3}
to take such great responsibilities shall never again
exercise their unsanctified power in the so-called

4 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”

‘regular lines.’ Too much power has been invested in
unrevived, unreformed, human agencies.” {GCB,
April 11, 1903 par. 6}
“God has presented before you how He regarded
the regular lines. The regular lines had need to be
broken as a potter’s vessel is broken...” {3MR 264.3}
Note: We can clearly see that if the “regular lines”
truly represented the conference or the organized
church, then our only hope in finishing the work (if
we believe in the inspired counsel) would be to break
up the conference or the conference churches – and
then to start independent churches or so called “self-
supporting” churches (and this is exactly what many
are beginning to do; some very sincere, and others
not so sincere). But this is totally against the “order”
of God, who does all things “decently and in order”!
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of
peace, as in all churches of the saints… Let all things
be done decently and in order” (1Co 14:33, 40). Notice
the words of the Spirit of Prophecy on this point of
not breaking up God’s church:
irregular lines”? Because a misunderstanding of this
point can lead us down the wrong track, and place
us on a road that leads “to hell”. For we are told in the
Bible that there is a way (road or track) that seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death (please read Prov. 7:27; 14:12). Notice how in
The Great Controversy these words of scripture are
echoed; for everything the Bible says, the Prophet
says. And everything the Prophet says, the Bible says.
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but
the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs
16:25. Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin,
when there is every opportunity to know the will
of God. A man is traveling and comes to a place where
there are several roads and a guideboard indicating
where each one leads. If he disregards the guideboard,
and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he
may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find
himself on the wrong road.” {GC 597.3}

“I know that the Lord loves His church. It is not to be

disorganized or broken up into independent atoms.
There is not the least consistency in this; there is not
the least evidence that such a thing will be.” {LDE
51.3}

We are told that in the future –in the last great work,
during The Latter Rain, Loud Cry time – God’s church
will not be independent and disorganized, but that
they would move “in exact order, like a company
of soldiers.” {EW 270.4}

“I tell you, my brethren, the Lord has an organized

body through whom He will work. . . . When anyone
is drawing apart from the organized body of God’s
commandment-keeping people, when he begins to
weigh the church in his human scales and begins to
pronounce judgment against them, then you may
know that God is not leading him. He is on the wrong
track.” {3SM 17, 18}

If you have been prayerfully studying this handout

thus far, it should be becoming more and more
apparent that it is of the utmost importance to know
for ourselves (2 Tim. 2:15) not what I think “regular
or irregular lines” means, but what does inspiration Let’s look at another example to further illustrate
mean… that is, what does God mean by “regular and the point. If we were to take the premise, the false

MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 5

 premise (and we shall prove this beyond a shadow of a
doubt before we conclude this study), or the false idea
that “the regular lines” means the regular organized
church or the conference… what must we do to it if
we really believe the Spirit of Prophecy? We would
have to come out or leave the conference churches,
and go into an independent church - if we wanted to
advance and finish the work. Notice the following
inspired statement:
“It is not the Lord’s will that the work ... shall be
confined to the set, “regular lines.” It has been
found impossible to confine the work to these
lines and gain success.” {SW, December 15, 1903
par. 14}
Then, what shall we do? Read on...
“My Guide said, ‘This work will be sowing seed for
time and for eternity.’ And then the instruction was
given, “The angels of the Lord will go before him. He
will be accounted out of line. But many ought to
be out of the lines....” {3MR 264.2}
“It is time that church members understood that
everywhere there is a work to be done in the
Lord’s vineyard. No one is to wait for a regular
process before they make any efforts. They should
take up the work right where they are. There should
be many at work in what are called “irregular
lines.” If one hundred laborers would step out of the
“regular lines,” ... the workers would understand
by experience what it means to be laborers together
with God.” {SpM 195.5}
Note: We cannot finish the work by staying in “the
regular lines”. This has been true in every age, from
the beginning of time to the end of time. This point
can be further illustrated by recognizing that even
Jesus had to leave the so called “regular lines” in
order to finish His work on earth; and we are to follow
in His footsteps. (John 4:34; 17:4)
“God’s principles are the only safe principles for us
to follow. Pharisaism was filled with regular lines,
but so perverted were the principles of justice that
God declared, “Judgment is turned away backward,
and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the
street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and
he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey”
(Isaiah 59:14, 15). How true these words have proved.”
{20MR 143.3}
6 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
“It is as hard today to break away from the regular
lines as it was in Christ’s day. We have had great
light. Let us not become narrow. Let us break the
bonds which bind us.” {20MR 143.5}
So, it is clear that we must break away from the
regular lines if we will finish the work (there is no
question about this). But I repeat, that if we embrace
the false idea that “the regular lines” equals
the regular church, the organized church, the
conference; then we would have to step out of the
conference into an irregular church, independent
church, or so called “self-supporting church” in
order to bring a true revival and reformation for
a finished work. But if this false idea were to be
accepted by the remnant church today (which
is in its militant state – the church militant),
there would never be a united flock, the work
would never be finished, and Satan’s head would
never be completely crushed (please read Rom.
16:20; Gen. 3:15). In fact, it would lead to one of
the greatest fanatical movements ever witnessed
among Seventh-day Adventists! Notice the following
inspired statement right on this point, speaking
to one who was teaching views similar to that false
idea or premise being advocated today –that we
need to separate from apostate conferences and the
organized body (thinking that stepping out of the
organized conference church would be necessary for
the finishing work, the Loud Cry):
“There are those who pick out from the Word of
God, and also from the Testimonies, detached
paragraphs or sentences that may be interpreted to
suit their ideas, and they dwell upon these, and build
themselves up in their own positions, when God is
not leading them. Here is your danger.” {1SM 179.3}
“You will take passages in the Testimonies that speak
of the close of probation, of the shaking among God’s
people, and you will talk of a coming out from this
people of a purer, holier people that will arise.
Now all this pleases the enemy. We should not
needlessly take a course that will make differences or
create dissension. ...You have much truth, precious
truth, but mingled with suppositions. . . (1) Should
many accept the views you advance, and (2) talk
and (3) act upon them, we would see one of the
greatest fanatical excitements that has ever been
witnessed among Seventh-day Adventists. This
is what Satan wants.” {1SM 179.4,5}
What does Satan want? He wants to destroy the
Remnant Church (please read Rev. 12:17). Why?
Because the devil knows that when the Remnant
Church wakes up, cleans up, and stands up - then the
Day of Atonement (the 10th day of the 7th month -
Lev. 23:27) can come to an end (see also Lev. 16:20-22)!
And then, his head will be completely crushed (Gen.
3:15/Rom. 16:20)! This is what is meant by finishing
the work! This is Seventh-day Adventism. This is
“the real issue”! (More on this later...) What we need
to recognize presently is the fact that Satan is tricky!
And Satan’s trick (his trap or plan) is to divert us from
the real issue, by making us embrace a false premise
that will lead us into a false conclusion and into a
false or wrong path that only ends in destruction and
death:
“Men fall into error by starting with false premises
and then bringing everything to bear to prove the
error true. In some cases the first principles have a
measure of truth interwoven with the error; but it
leads to no just action; and this is why men are
misled. They desire to reign and become a power,
and, in the effort to justify their principles, they adopt
the methods of Satan. ... Thus they follow in the track
of Romanism. They introduce their own methods
and plans, and through their misconceptions of God
they weaken the faith of others in the truth and
bring in false principles that work like leaven to
taint and corrupt institutions and churches.”{7T
181.1,2}
“My brother, you are certainly off the track... God
has not given you any such message to bear. Satan
will use every mind to which he can attain access,
inspiring men to originate false theories or go
off on some wrong tangent, that he may create a
false excitement, and thus divert souls from the
true issue for this time. I presume that some may
be deceived by your message, because (1) they are full
of curiosity and (2) desire for some new thing.” {TM
59.2}
And while we may show no mercy for the organized
church which today is in apostasy (the omega of
apostasy), I know how the Lord loves His church and
we should do the same:
“I know that the Lord loves His church. It is not
to be disorganized or broken up into independent
atoms. There is not the least consistency in this;
there is not the least evidence that such a thing will
be.” {2SM 68.3}
It’s bad enough to embrace the false message
ourselves, but what shall be the result of those who
lead others to believe it as well:
“Those who shall (1) heed this false message and
(2) try to leaven others will be deceived and prepared
to receive advanced delusions, and they will come
to nought.” {2SM 68.3}
“There is in some of the members of the church,
pride, self-sufficiency, stubborn unbelief, and a
refusing to yield their ideas, although evidence may
be piled upon evidence which makes the message to
the Laodicean church applicable. But that will not blot
out the church that it will not exist. Let both tares
and wheat grow together until the harvest. Then
it is the angels that do the work of separation.”
{2SM 69.1}
“I warn the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be
careful how you receive every new notion and
those who claim to have great light. The character of
their work seems to be to accuse and to tear down.”
{2SM 69.2}
“My brother, I would say to you, Be careful. Go not
one step farther in the path you have entered
upon. Walk in the light “while ye have the light, lest
darkness come upon you” (John 12:35).” {2SM 69.3}
It should be extremely clear by now that we need to
correctly understand for ourselves what inspiration
means by the expression “regular and irregular lines”;
for it is a fact that if we misunderstand this point and
embrace a false premise, that it will lead us onto a
false track that will not only create one of the greatest
“fanatical excitements” that we have witnessed
among Seventh-day Adventists, but we would end up
being a part of those hindering the finishing work –
and finally lose our souls in the process. Oh, that God
may anoint our eyes with heavenly eyesalve, that we
may see as He sees (please read Rev. 3:18-20)! Notice
the following inspired statement right on this point:
“I want my brethren to begin to understand some
things for themselves. God alone, by the quickening,
vivifying influence of His Holy Spirit, can enable men to
distinguish between the sacred and the common. God
alone can make men understand that working
on regular lines has led to irregular practices.
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 7
 God alone can make men’s minds as they should
be. The time has come when we should hear less in
favor of the regular lines. If we can get away from
the regular lines into something which, though
irregular, is after God’s order, it may cut away
something of the irregular working which has led
away from Bible principles.” {20MR 143.2}
Note: Although God is calling us to work in “irregular
lines”, it must be after God’s order. Someone may be
thinking, “But an independent church is irregular, or
a (so called) ‘self-supporting church’ is of an irregular
line…” This is true, and no one can deny that. But,
let me hasten to add that just because something is
irregular is not enough to make it right! Irregularity by
itself does not produce true revival and reformation.
Just because something is irregular doesn’t make
it acceptable: The emerging church is irregular;
spiritual formation is irregular; contemplative prayer
is irregular… but it is not after God’s order. So then,
what does inspiration mean by “regular and irregular
lines”? Read on...
Getting an Understanding of What
Inspiration Means by “Regular
and Irregular Lines”
How can I get an understanding for myself concerning
regular or irregular lines (or on any subject for that
matter)? We have to remember the way in which
God, through the Holy Spirit, teaches. Notice what
inspiration says in both the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy:
1Co 2:13 “Which things also we speak, not in the
words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which
8 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual
things with spiritual.”
“The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be
compared with scripture....” {Ed 190.2}
In fact, in Isaiah 28:9,10 we find both an inspired
question and an inspired answer:
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom
shall he make to understand doctrine? them that
are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the
breasts.
Isa. 28:10: For precept must be upon precept, precept
upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a
little, and there a little:”
This is how God led William Miller to study the
prophecies, in harmony with the inspired Bible
method. Notice the inspired commentary on the
method William Miller used to gain a knowledge of
the Bible:
“Endeavoring to (1) lay aside all preconceived
opinions, and dispensing with commentaries, (2)
he compared scripture with scripture by the aid
of the marginal references and the concordance.
He pursued his study in a regular and methodical
manner; beginning with Genesis, and reading verse
by verse, he proceeded no faster than the meaning
of the several passages so unfolded as to leave him
free from all embarrassment. (3) When he found
anything obscure, it was his custom to compare it
with every other text which seemed to have any
reference to the matter under consideration. (4)
Every word was permitted to have its proper bearing
upon the subject of the text, and (5) if his view of
it harmonized with every collateral passage, it
ceased to be a difficulty. Thus whenever he met with
a passage hard to be understood he found an explanation
in some other portion of the Scriptures. (6) As he studied
with earnest prayer for divine enlightenment, that
which had before appeared dark to his understanding
was made clear. He experienced the truth of the
psalmist’s words: “The entrance of Thy words giveth
light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm
119:130.” {GC 320.1}
This is the way we are to study in these last days. We
must learn to study “ broadly and deeply”:
“Do not catch hold of isolated ideas and make them
a test... but study the subject broadly and deeply,
and seek to bring your own ideas and practices into
perfect harmony....” {CTBH 119.3}
We must do this not only for the Bible, but (as 1 Cor.
2:14 says) with anything of a spiritual significance.
In other words, we must study the Spirit of Prophecy
the same way we study the Bible – comparing precept
upon precept, and line upon line; here a little and
there a little:
“The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of
revelation; but they have been buried beneath human
traditions, beneath the sayings and commandments of
men, and the wisdom from heaven has been practically
ignored. Satan has succeeded in making the world
believe that the words and achievements of men are
of great consequence. There are veins of truth yet
to be discovered, but spiritual things are spiritually
discerned. One passage of Scripture will prove a
key to unlock other passages, and in this way light
is shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By
comparing different texts treating on the same subject,
viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning
of the Scriptures will be made evident.” {CT 437.2}
We should look not to battle ideas (with quotation
against quotation), but to see the great harmony that
runs throughout all inspiration. This is what is meant
in the pen of inspiration when it describes the way
Adventists studied, and how they exposed the error
of those that opposed that God appointed movement:
“A clear and harmonious explanation of ...text was
given by those who were looking for the Lord, and the
wrong use made of it by their opponents was clearly
shown... One saying of the Saviour must not be
made to destroy another. “ {GC 370.2}
“There is not always perfect order or apparent
unity in the Scriptures. . . . The truths of the Bible are
as pearls hidden. They must be searched, dug out by
painstaking effort. Those who take only a surface
view of the Scriptures will, with their superficial
knowledge, which they think is very deep, talk
of the contradictions of the Bible, and question
the authority of the Scriptures. But those whose
hearts are in harmony with truth and duty will search
the Scriptures with a heart prepared to receive divine
impressions. The illuminated soul sees a spiritual
unity, one grand golden thread running through
the whole, but it requires patience, thought, and
prayer to trace out the precious golden thread.”
{FLB 11.5}
This is how God wants us to arrive at the right
conclusion; not on one isolated quotation that
appears to contradict, but by looking for harmony
in the great “weight of evidence” of the inspired
writings:
“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 a teachable
spirit, and all should decide from the weight
of evidence. God gives sufficient evidence for
the candid mind to believe; but he who turns
from the weight of evidence because there are
a few things which he cannot make plain to his
finite understanding will be left in the cold, chilling
atmosphere of unbelief and questioning doubts, and will
make shipwreck of faith.” {2MCP 672.3}
But if one will in faith bring all that inspiration says
on any given subject, and sees how they harmonize
(not conflict), then the subject would be to us as it
was to William Miller and the other early Adventists -
clear and harmonious. It would cease to be a point of
contention, and would unite God’s flock (His people)
for a finished work!
“Every word was permitted to have its proper bearing
upon the subject of the text, and if his view of it
harmonized with every collateral passage, it
ceased to be a difficulty.” {GC 320.1}
“If God’s professed people would receive the light
as it shines upon them from His word, they would
reach that unity for which Christ prayed, that
which the apostle describes, “the unity of the Spirit
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 9
 in the bond of peace.” “There is,” he says, “one body,
and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Ephesians 4:3-5.” {GC 379.2}
“Such were the blessed results experienced by
those who accepted the advent message. They
came from different denominations, and their
denominational barriers were hurled to the ground;
conflicting creeds were shivered to atoms; the
unscriptural hope of a temporal millennium was
abandoned, false views of the second advent were
corrected, pride and conformity to the world were
swept away; wrongs were made right; hearts were
united in the sweetest fellowship, and love and
joy reigned supreme. If this doctrine did this for
the few who did receive it, it would have done the
same for all if all had received it.” {GC 379.3}
And if ever there was a time for this experience to be
repeated – the time is now; just before the great and
final crisis over the seal of God and the mark of the
beast, brought to view at the passing of a National
Sunday Law.
“(1) The world is against us, (2) the popular
churches are against us, (3) the laws of the land
will soon be against us. If there was ever a time
when the people of God should press together, it
is now. God has committed to us the special truths for
this time to make known to the world...” {5T 236.3}
Make it Plain - What Are Regular and
Irregular Lines
Now that we have laid a foundation of how to study
to get a proper understanding of what inspiration
means (what God means) on any subject, it is now time
to apply these principles to gain an understanding
of exactly what is meant by “regular and irregular
lines”. Are you ready to study? If ever there was a
time to make it plain, the time is now!
Remember what we read earlier in our study of what
Miller did in order to have a subject made plain:
“When he found anything obscure, it was his
custom to compare it with every other text which
seemed to have any reference to the matter under
consideration. Every word was permitted to have
its proper bearing upon the subject of the text...” {GC
320.1}
10 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
Jesus told us the same thing long before, we must
learn to study and live by “every word...of God” (see
Matt. 4:4). It’s amazing to me that though more is
being said in recent times concerning “regular and
irregular lines”, I have yet to hear anyone start from
a definition of the word itself. And this has led
many to make up their own meaning (or accept a
meaning) that is not consistent or harmonious with
inspiration. This is one of the things that makes men
start with a false premise, and thus end with a false
conclusion. And remember what we read concerning
how dangerous it is to start with a false premise?
“Men fall into error by starting with false premises
and then bringing everything to bear to prove the
error true. In some cases the first principles have
a measure of truth interwoven with the error; but
it leads to no just action; and this is why men are
misled. They desire to reign and become a power,
and, in the effort to justify their principles, they
adopt the methods of Satan.” {7T 181.1}
One of the main false premises that exist today that
leads to so much misunderstanding is to think that
“the regular lines” means the regular, organized
church or the conference etc. Now, I do not disagree
that regular lines have a relationship/connection
(something to do) with the conference; for there
is a connection between the regular lines and the
conference, but the danger is in taking the position
that the regular lines equal the conference or the
conference leaders! As we shall see, the “regular
lines” deal more with “the method” or the “way” that
the conference and many of its leaders are carrying
on the work- then the conference themselves!
And one of the things that leads to this false premise
(or belief) concerning “regular or irregular lines” is a
lack of understanding of what the word means (see
Hos. 4:6). But if we will study broadly and deeply as
we are counseled to in inspiration, we must let “every
word” have its proper bearing upon the subject.
First, what does the word “line” mean? Because
whether you’re dealing with “regular lines” or
“irregular lines” - they are both dealing with “lines”.
And you can’t understand either “lines” without
understanding what a “line” is. Most people have
overlooked the very meaning contained in the word
itself. Let us take a brief look at the definition of the
word “line” in context with the subject that we are
studying (using the very same dictionary Sister White
used and consulted with when selecting a word to
express the thoughts that the Holy Spirit inspired her
with. You can find this dictionary on the E.G. White
CD-ROM):
LINE, n. [L. linea, linum;] - (This word has many
definitions and the meaning depends on the context
it’s used. And of all of the many definitions of what
the word line could mean, when you apply principles
of subject/verb agreement, the context suggests only
one definition – which is #12 in the list
12. Method; disposition; as line of order.
And the word “method” means a way. Notice the
definition:
METHOD, n. [L. methodus; Gr. with, and way.]
2. Way; manner.
So then according to the very word itself, the
word “line” means “a method” or “way” of doing
something! Now, let us see if the Bible and Spirit of
Prophecy proves the same thing (see Is. 8:20). First,
we shall look at inspiration’s use of the word “line”
generally, and then directly applied to our subject of
“regular and irregular lines” specifically:
“My dear young friends, your souls are precious in
the sight of Heaven. Christ has bought you with
His own precious blood, and I do not want you to
be indulging a false hope, and working in false
lines. You are certainly on a false track now, and I
beg of you, for your souls sake, to imperil no longer
the cause of truth for these last days. For your own
souls’ sake, consider that the manner in which
you are working is not the way God’s cause is to be
advanced. The sincere desire to do others good will
lead the Christian worker to put away all thought of
bringing into the message of present truth any strange
teachings leading men and women into fanaticism. At
this period of the world’s history, we must exercise
the greatest of care in this respect.” {3SM 377.2}
“To the men that are working in lines that are not in
accordance with Bible principles he declares that he
will not accept the means gained in this way.” {1888
1358.2}
The word “lines” and ways or methods are used
interchangeable in the Spirit of Prophecy, because
that’s what the word means.
“The relieving of the sick, the helping of the distressed,
is working in Christ’s lines, and demonstrates
most powerful gospel truths representing Christ’s
mission and work upon earth... Even the most hard-
hearted and apparently sin-encased souls may be
approached in this way, and understand something
of the mystery of godliness, and become so charmed
that they will not rest until they have a knowledge of
Jesus Christ and his saving grace. “ {PH165 3.1}
“I have to say, my brother, that I have no desire to
see the work in the South moving forward in the
old, regular lines. When I see how strongly the idea
prevails that the methods of handling our books in
the past shall be retained, because what has been
must be, I have no heart to advise that former
customs shall continue.” {SpM 177.2}
So, we can see in general that a “line” of working is
a “way” or “method” of working, or an established
“custom”. And this is exactly what was going on in
Christ’s day. The Pharisees were more bound to their
regular customs and methods than in following the
words and the way of Jesus (see Mark 7:6-13). Now you
can see why inspiration would say that the Pharisees
were bound up in the “regular lines”! Let’s see this
specifically applied to regular and irregular lines:
“For years the same routine, the same ‘regular
way’ of working has been followed, and God’s work
has been greatly hindered. The narrow plans that
have been followed by those who did not have clear,
sanctified judgment have resulted in a showing that
is not approved by God. God calls for a revival and
a reformation. The ‘regular lines’ have not done
the work which God desires to see accomplished.
Let revival and reformation make constant changes.
Something has been done in this line, but let not
the work stop here. No; let every yoke be broken.
Let men awaken to the realization that they have an
individual responsibility.” {GCB, April 11, 1903 par.
4,5}
Note: What does God say has hindered the work?
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 11
 Inspiration says it is the same routine which is
called ‘the regular way”. What is a routine? A regular
practice, habit or way of doing something. Did you
notice in the last quotation that the expressions
“regular lines” & “regular way” of working were both
put in quotation marks by the Spirit of Prophecy,
and were used interchangeably! Thus showing that
both expressions mean the same thing. It should
be abundantly clear by now that the expressions
“regular” or irregular lines” are not dealing with
types of churches or the conference, but rather a
line of work or method – a way of working.
“My Guide said, “This work will be sowing seed for
time and for eternity.” And then the instruction was
given, “The angels of the Lord will go before him. He
will be accounted out of line. But many ought to
be out of the lines that have been maintained to
be the regular routine, and unless they themselves
come into line, they will say, ‘The temple of the Lord,
the temple of the Lord are we.’ Unless that temple is
purified, cleansed, sanctified, God will not give them
His presence in the temple of which they boast . . .”
{3MR 264.2}
Note: Again we see the expression connecting
the regular line with the regular routine, or way of
working.
“Now from the light that I have, as it was presented
to me in figures: There was a narrow compass here;
there within that narrow is a king-like, kingly ruling
power. Here the outlets are blocked. And the work all
over our field demands an entirely different course
of action than we have had. We have heard enough,
abundance, about that “everything must go around
in the regular way.” When we see the regular lines
are altered and purified and refined, and the God of
the heavens mold is upon the regular lines, then
it is our business to establish the regular lines.
But when we see message after message that God
has given has been accepted, but no change, just the
same as it was before, then it is evident that new
blood must be brought into the regular lines. The
leaders of the regular lines, they must have and
entire change, an entire new organization, and to
have a committee that shall take in not merely half a
dozen, that is to be a ruling and controlling power, but
it is to have representatives of those that are placed
in responsibility in our educational interests, in our
Sanitariums, that are working, and the life in them,
constantly at work, constantly adding, constantly
12 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
giving to the field the talent that has come from it.”
{SpM 163.1}
Note: In this quotation “the regular lines” were
called “the regular way.” The leaders are not the
“regular lines”, for the “regular lines” is the regular,
routine way of working. But the leaders do have
control of the setting up of this wrong method or way
of working that has brought so much apostasy into
our church at the present time. This is what has led
our educational and medical facilities away from the
living fountains and their original purposes into the
broken cisterns of worldly methods and ideas. It is this
that has brought in block parties and barbecues... the
spiritual formation, and emerging church; the use of
celebration music (drums, contemporary bands) are
all a part of Satan’s ingenious methods. These are the
corrupted ‘regular lines’ or ways of working that has
been brought into the church through the alpha and
omega of apostasy!
“The state of things that has existed in the
Conference is not clearly understood by some who
occupy positions in the Conference or by others who
bear responsibilities in other lines of the work. The
work has been increasing; it has been growing. The
light that I have had from the Lord has been expressed
over and over again, not to as many as there are here
today, but to different individuals. The plans upon
which God wishes us to work have been laid down.
Never should the mind of one man, or the minds of
a few men, be regarded as sufficient in wisdom and
power to control the work and say what plans shall
be followed. The burden of the work in this broad
field should not rest upon two or three men.” {GCB,
April 10, 1903 par. 2}
Note: It is the plan, method, or way by which a
person works that is referred to as the “line”. And the
general plan or method of work for the entire church
is called “the regular lines”, not the conference.
The conference sets up and controls this corrupted
regular line or way of working. Again, notice the
following statement:
“Over and over again men have said, ‘The voice of the
Conference is the voice of God; therefore everything
must be referred to the Conference. The Conference
must permit or restrict in the various lines of
work.’ As the matter has been presented to me,
there is a narrow compass, and within this narrow
compass, all the openings to which are locked, are
those who would like to exercise kingly power. But
the work carried on all over the field demands an
entirely different course of action. There is need
of the laying of a foundation different from the
foundation which has been laid in the past. We
have heard much about everything moving in
the regular lines. When we see that the ‘regular
lines’ are purified and refined, that they bear the
mold of the God of heaven, then it will be time to
endorse these lines. But when we see that message
after message given by God has been received and
accepted, yet no change has been made, we know
that new power must be brought into the regular
lines. The management of the regular lines must
be entirely changed, newly organized. There must
be a committee, not composed of half a dozen men,
but of representatives from all lines of our work,
from our publishing house, from our educational
institutions, and from our sanitariums, which have
life in them, which are constantly working, constantly
broadening.” {GCB, April 10, 1903 par. 3}
Note: Did you notice that it said that the regular
lines cannot be endorsed until we see that they are
purified. This means that today the “regular lines”
way of working have become corrupted.
“God desires that His work shall be a rising,
broadening, enlarging power. But the management
of the work is becoming confused in itself. Not
that anyone is wrong or means to be wrong, but
the principle is wrong, and the principles have
become so mixed and so fallen from what God’s
principles are, and the message has been coming
constantly in regard to the principles, sacred,
holy elevating, ennobling, in every institution,
in the publishing houses, and in all the interests
of the denomination, everything that concerns
the handling of the work, it requires minds that
are worked by the Holy Spirit of God; and unless
that evidence is given, unless there is a power that
shows that they are accepted by God to impart to the
responsibilities that have to be handled, then there
should be a renovation without any delay. To have this
conference pass on and close up as the conferences
have done, with the same manipulating, with the very
same tone, and the same order, --God forbid! (Voices,
“Amen”) God forbid, brethren. (Voices, “Amen”.) He
wants every living soul that has a knowledge of the
truth to come to their senses. He wants every living
power to arouse; and we are just about the same thing
as dead men. And it is time that we should arise and
shine because our light has come....” {SpM 163.2}
“The General Conference is itself becoming
corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles.
. . . The voice from Battle Creek, which has been
regarded as authority in counseling how the work
should be done, is no longer the voice of God. --17MR
185 (1896).” {LDE 50.2}
So, the General Conference is regarded as the
authority in setting up “how the work should be
done”. This is the “regular line” (not the conference,
but the wrong principles, ways, or methods that have
been brought in, established, and carried over the
world field). So understanding this we can see that
what we need to step away from is not the General
conference or local conference, but the corrupt way
in which many are doing the work. But let me hasten
to add, that the regular lines didn’t start off corrupt.
After the passing of time in 1844, when God raised
up the Remnant Church (the church of the Most
Holy Place) God also gave her a pure “regular line”
or regular way of working. This way of working was
contained in the Sanctuary. The Bible says “Thy
way, O God, is in the sanctuary” (Ps.77:13). It was in
the Sanctuary, through the Holy Spirit, that we
learned not only the present truth, but the correct
system, plan, and method of how the work should
be done! Notice the following inspired statement:
“The subject of the sanctuary was the key which
unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844.
It (1) opened to view a complete system of truth,
connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand
had directed the great advent movement and revealing
present duty as it brought to light the position and (2)
work of His people.” {GC 423.1}
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 13
 we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light
was given that helped us to understand the scriptures
in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood.
A line of truth extending from that time to the time
when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain
to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the
Lord had given me.” {1SM 206.4}

Note: Did you notice in the previous quotation

that this Remnant Church that God raised up was
taught, not only the present truth in regard to Christ,
His mission, and His priesthood in the heavenly
Sanctuary; but they were also given divine instruction,
“as to how we were to labor effectively.” This
divine instruction as to how they were to labor was
the original or regular method; it was the original,
“regular line” in its purified state! It was this
instruction & experience on the complete system
of truth, and way in which we were to work to
be successful in finishing the work, which was
the true object of attack in both the alpha and
omega of apostasy! Notice the following statement
concerning the omega of apostasy- in light of the
alpha (this is the historical context in which we read
the following quotation):

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the

Note: Please notice that in 1844 God gave His church
supposition that a great reformation was to take
2 great things: 1) a knowledge of the complete system
place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this
of truth, and 2) understanding of the closing work that
reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines
must be done by the church, and the way they were
which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in
supposed to carry on that work to do it effectively and
a process of reorganization. Were this reformation
successfully (so that the work might be finished).
to take place, what would result? (1) The principles
of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the
“Many of our people do not realize how firmly
remnant church, would be discarded. (2) Our
the foundation of our faith has been laid. My
religion would be changed. (3) The fundamental
husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder
principles that have sustained the work for the
[Hiram] Edson, and others who were keen, noble,
last fifty years would be accounted as error. (4) A
and true, were among those who, after the passing
new organization would be established. (5) Books
of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for
of a new order would be written. (6) A system of
hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied
intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The
and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together
founders of this system would go into the cities, and
until late at night, and sometimes through the entire
do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would
night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again
be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it.
and again these brethren came together to study the
Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the
Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and
new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue
be prepared to teach it with power. When they came
is better than vice, but God being removed, they would
to the point in their study where they said, “We can
place their dependence on human power, which,
do nothing more,” the Spirit of the Lord would come
without God, is worthless. Their foundation would
upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a (1) clear
be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would
explanation of the passages we had been studying
sweep away the structure.” {1SM 204.2}
would be given me, (2) with instruction as to how

14 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”

If you read that quotation in light of everything we
have been studying, you would have recognized some
very significant truths that we must understand
in this last generation. It showed that Satan would
introduce a false reformation among us as a people.
It showed this reformation would seek to destroy our
knowledge of present truth, and would account the
true method or way to finish the work as a grievous
error. It would introduce a new way of doing things
not based upon the complete system of truth in the
Sanctuary, but based on a system of intellectual
philosophy, human wisdom (secular humanism)
which is worth nothing! This is what completely
corrupted the true regular lines, and brought in a
system and way of working that will never finish the
work.
This is exactly what happened at the first coming
of Christ. We are literally repeating the history of
ancient Israel:
“We are repeating the history of that people.” {HL
280.2}
“We want to understand the time in which we live.
We do not half understand it. We do not half take it in.
My heart trembles in me when I think of what a foe
we have to meet, and how poorly we are prepared
to meet him. The (1) trials of the children of Israel,
and (2) their attitude just before the first coming
of Christ, have been presented before me again and
again to illustrate the position of the people of
God in their experience before the second coming
of Christ--how the enemy sought every occasion to
take control of the minds of the Jews, and today
he is seeking to blind the minds of God’s servants,
that they may not be able to discern the precious
truth.” {1SM 406.1}
Note: We are in the same position that Jesus was
in when He came on the scene to start His public
ministry. In fact, the remnant church of that day was
in the exact same position as the remnant church
of our day. The regular lines had become corrupted
and brought in a system of working that would have
prevented the Messiah from finishing the work. Jesus
had to step out of the so called “regular lines” and
carry on an irregular ministry in order to finish the
work of the outer court. And we already noted in our
study that we are repeating that same history today,
and the regular lines have again become corrupted.
Like Jesus we must step into the so called “irregular
lines” if we are going to finish the closing work of the
church in the Most Holy Place. Let’s watch for the
inspired parallel in the following references:
“God’s principles are the only safe principles for us to
follow. Pharisaism was filled with regular lines,
but so perverted were the principles of justice that
God declared, “Judgment is turned away backward,
and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the
street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and
he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey”
(Isaiah 59:14, 15). How true these words have proved.”
{20MR 143.3}
“It is as hard today to break away from the regular
lines as it was in Christ’s day. We have had great
light. Let us not become narrow. Let us break the
bonds which bind us.” {20MR 143.5}
“The people whom God had called to be the
pillar and ground of the truth had become
representatives of Satan. They were doing the
work that he (Satan) desired them to do, taking a
course to misrepresent the character of God, and
cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very
priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of
the significance of the service they performed. They
had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing
signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings
they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which
God Himself had appointed were made the means of
blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could
do no more for man through these channels. The
whole system must be swept away.” {DA 36.2}
Note: A system of intellectual philosophy (man’s
human wisdom and tradition) had been set up in
Christ’s day which prevented Israel from doing the
true work of God in His appointed way (they were
actually doing the work of Satan). And God had to
sweep away this whole system. This is not referring
to the Jewish Nation, for that happened later. This is
referring to the system that had corrupted the Jewish
Nation.
“Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated
as a part of religion... With intense interest the
unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and
sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God
should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for
securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He
had declared that the principles of God’s government
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 15
 make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been
destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations
were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon
God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above.
But instead of destroying the world, God sent His
Son to save it. Though corruption and defiance
might be seen in every part of the alien province,
a way for its recovery was provided. At the very
crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son
of God came with the embassage of divine grace.
Through every age, through every hour, the love
of God had been exercised toward the fallen race.
Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of
mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the
fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified
by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace
that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the
plan of salvation should be fulfilled.” {DA 37.1,2}
Note: Just as Satan wanted God to sweep away the
Jewish nation and the world, Satan wants God to
destroy the SDA church because of its corruption.
And why? So that the plan of redemption could never
be finished and then Satan’s head would never be
crushed! His whole plan is to try to defeat the plan
of redemption; his eternal existence is at stake. But
what did Jesus do? He didn’t destroy the world, but
carried out a plan to restore His people and save the
world. In this last generation, history will be repeated!
God has a plan to restore, revive, and reform His
Remnant church (which is now nearing the end of
the omega of apostasy) and prepare it to stand true
to Him when the investigative judgment passes from
the dead to the living, at the passing of a National
Sunday Law (thus enabling the world to be brought
to a condition in which Michael –Jesus our great High
Priest– can stand up, and finish His work on the Day
of Atonement). This is the real issue. This is what
Satan is afraid of! Because at the end of the Day
of Atonement (as we have already seen) his head
will be completely crushed (Gen. 3:15; Lev. 16:20-
22)!
But this is getting ahead of our study... What we want
to see as we prepare to conclude our study is what
did Jesus do during His ministry to bring revival and
reformation? How did He step out of the regular lines
into the irregular lines; because we must follow in
His footsteps today.
16 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
What Shall We Do (Acts 2:37)?
“Nor could the principles of Christ’s teaching be
united with the forms of Pharisaism. Christ was
not to close up the breach that had been made by the
teachings of John. He would make more distinct the
separation between the old and the new. Jesus further
illustrated this fact, saying, “No man putteth new
wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the
bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.”
The skin bottles which were used as vessels to contain
the new wine, after a time became dry and brittle, and
were then worthless to serve the same purpose again.
In this familiar illustration Jesus presented the
condition of the Jewish leaders. Priests and scribes
and rulers were fixed in a rut of ceremonies and
traditions... The effort to unite the teachings of Jesus
with the established religion would be vain. The vital
truth of God, like fermenting wine, would burst the
old, decaying bottles of the Pharisaical tradition.”
{DA 278.4}
Note: This was the “regular lines” during the time
of Christ; not the men themselves, but the condition
they were in (which was one that placed human
wisdom and tradition above the inspired testimony
of Jesus. See Matt. 15:1-9)! This was what needed to be
broken; this way of religion and working that placed
tradition above inspiration.
Now, notice how Jesus moved or stepped out of this
old, regular routine of working through the corrupted
priesthood, and worked in an irregular method. Did
He –before 34 A.D., the close of probation for the
Jewish nation– separate from the Hebrew church
and start an independent movement? No, no! Watch
what He does, how He stepped out of regular lines
into something irregular, while preserving the order
of God and the unity of the Church (for the purpose of
producing revival and reformation within, so that the
work could also be finished without):
“The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need
instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly
honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The
Saviour turned away from them to find others
who would receive the message of heaven. In the
untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market
place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common
people who heard Him gladly, He found His new
bottles for the new wine. The instrumentalities
to be used in the gospel work are those souls who
gladly receive the light which God sends them.
These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge
of truth to the world. If through the grace of Christ
His people will become new bottles, He will fill them
with new wine.” {DA 279.1}
“The leaders in the Jewish nation had signally failed
of fulfilling God’s purpose for His chosen people.
Those whom the Lord had made the depositaries of
truth had proved unfaithful to their trust, and God
chose others to do His work. In their blindness
these leaders now gave full sway to what they called
righteous indignation against the ones who were
setting aside their cherished doctrines. They would
not admit even the possibility that they themselves
did not rightly understand the word, or that they had
misinterpreted or misapplied the Scriptures. They
acted like men who had lost their reason. What
right have these teachers, they said, some of them
mere fishermen, to present ideas contrary to the
doctrines that we have taught the people? Being
determined to suppress the teaching of these ideas,
they imprisoned those who were presenting them.”
{AA 78.3}
God chose others to do the work that the leadership as
a collective agency had failed to do. And these others
that God chose were the common people. These
common people were not of a different church,
but of the same church. These common people (at
this time) did not start new independent synagogues
or separate churches. They were sent to the lost sheep
of the house of Israel, as sheep in the midst of wolves
(see Matt. 15:24; 10:5,6). This was His way of working
until 34 A.D. (the close of probation for that nation).
And we are told that this irregular work will be
repeated in these last days (until the great test of the
National Sunday Law, which will bring the close of
Probation for those who take the test and shake out of
God’s Church all of those whom God is not leading),
for it is written:
“We are made sad as we see in many places so much
left undone that should be done. But the Lord will
use in the accomplishment of His work means that
we do not now see. He will raise up from among
the common people, men and women to do His
work, even as of old He called fishermen to be
His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that
will surprise many. Those who do not realize the
necessity of what is to be done will be passed by,
and the heavenly messengers will work with those
who are called the common people, fitting them to
carry the truth to many places. Now is the time for us
to awake and do what we can.” {15MR 312.5}
“The days are fast approaching when there will be
great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in
angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect.
There will be gods many and lords many. Every
wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who
have rendered supreme homage to “science falsely
so called” will not be the leaders then. Those who
have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not
then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not
keep pace with the light. Those who have proved
themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted
with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men
will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent
of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has
faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time
will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now
hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal....” {5T
80.1}
“The time is not far distant when the test will
come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be
urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded
to worldly demands and conformed to worldly
customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to
the powers that be, rather than subject themselves
to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and
death. The contest is between the commandments
of God and the commandments of men. In this time
the gold will be separated from the dross in the
church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished
from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star
that we have admired for its brilliancy will then
go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 17
 away on the wind, even from places where we see only
floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments
of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s
righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own
nakedness.” {5T 81.1}
“The great issue so near at hand [enforcement of
Sunday laws] will weed out those whom God has not
appointed and He will have a pure, true, sanctified
ministry prepared for the latter rain. --3SM 385
(1886).” {LDE 179.2}
This experience will cause the church militant (with
wheat and tares) to become the church triumphant,
prepared to finish the work during the Loud Cry, in
the power of the Latter Rain (see Zech. 4:6; Rev. 18:1-
4):
“The work is soon to close. The members of the
church militant who have proved faithful will
become the church triumphant.” {Ev 707.1}
“During the loud cry, the church, aided by the
providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will
diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly
that light will be communicated to every city and
town. The earth will be filled with the knowledge
of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing
Spirit of God have crowned with success the
intensely active agencies, that the light of present
truth will be seen flashing everywhere.” {Ev 694.1}
And So I repeat, in the conclusion of our study, that
we must break away from the regular lines if we will
finish the work (there is no question about this). But
this false premise or idea that “the regular lines”
equal the regular church, the organized church, the
conference, has led many sincere people to think
that they have to step out of the conference into an
irregular church, independent church, or a so called
self-supporting church in order to bring revival and
reformation for a finished work. Such a thing we are
told in the testimonies Satan would love to see.
We have looked at every statement in the Spirit of
Prophecy were these expressions “regular or irregular
lines” are used (although we don’t have the time or
space to study every one of them together in this
short booklet), but anyone who prayerfully studies
the subject “broadly and deeply” for themselves will
come to the true light. In fact, no sincere person can
deny what we have seen from inspiration – that the
18 • What Does Inspiration Mean by “Regular” and “Irregular Lines?”
regular lines are the old, corrupt routine or way of
working.
With this understanding there is a sacred harmony
in all the quotations upon this subject. Now, it makes
perfect sense why the prophet would say:
“My Guide said, “This work will be sowing seed for
time and for eternity.” And then the instruction was
given, “The angels of the Lord will go before him. He
will be accounted out of line. But many ought to be
out of the lines that have been maintained to be the
regular routine, and unless they themselves come
into line... Unless that temple is purified, cleansed,
sanctified, God will not give them His presence in the
temple of which they boast . . .” {3MR 264.2}
We recommend that you look up every statement
for yourself. We honestly believe that if one would
simply study for themselves (2 Tim. 2:15) –instead of
listening to the words and opinions of men– that it
would be understood differently from the way many
men and ministries (some sincere, some not sincere)
are advocating, which would lead one to step away
from the organized church body.
Properly understood, we would see as we have seen
in a few of the references previously mentioned that
“regular lines” does not mean “church”. It is controlled
by the conference (no question - we don’t deny that),
but it is not the exact same! Again, why is this so
dangerous? We have seen clearly that the reason
why is because if this false idea were to be accepted
by the Remnant Church today (the church militant)
it would lead to the greatest fanatical movement ever
witnessed among Seventh-day Adventists!
“How many more years will it be before our brethren
receive the clear, keen perception which calls evil
evil, and good good? When will men cease to depend
upon the same routine which has left so much work
undone, so many fields unworked? Is not the present
presentation enough to make men see that a revival
is necessary and a reformation essential? If not, it
is useless for me to repeat the same things over and
over again.” {20MR 143.1}
“I want my brethren to begin to understand some
things for themselves. God alone, by the quickening,
vivifying influence of His Holy Spirit, can enable
men to distinguish between the sacred and the
common. God alone can make men understand
that working on regular lines has led to irregular
practices. God alone can make men’s minds as they
should be. The time has come when we should hear
less in favor of the regular lines. If we can get away
from the regular lines into something which,
though irregular, is after God’s order, it may cut
away something of the irregular working which has
led away from Bible principles.” {20MR 143.2}
“The work carried on all over the field demands
an entirely different course of action. There is
need of the laying of a foundation different from
the foundation which has been laid in the past. We
have heard much about everything moving in the
regular lines. When we see that the ‘regular lines’
are purified and refined, that they bear the mold of
the God of heaven, then it will be time to endorse
these lines. But when we see that message after
message given by God has been received and
accepted, yet no change has been made, we know
that new power must be brought into the regular
lines. The management of the regular lines must be
entirely changed, newly organized....” {GCB, April 10,
1903 par. 3}
“For years the same routine, the same ‘regular way’
of working has been followed, and God’s work
has been greatly hindered. The narrow plans that
have been followed by those who did not have clear,
sanctified judgment have resulted in a showing that is
not approved by God.” {GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 4}
“God calls for a revival and a reformation. The
‘regular lines’ have not done the work which God
desires to see accomplished....” {GCB, April 11, 1903
par. 5}
What are all these lines for anyway? What does God
want to see accomplished by revived, reformed, and
purified “regular” and the “irregular lines” – which are
after God’s order?
“God’s purpose in giving the third angel’s message
to the world is to prepare a people to stand true to
Him during the investigative judgment. This is
the purpose for which we establish and maintain
our publishing houses, our schools, our sanitariums,
hygienic restaurants, treatment rooms, and food
factories. This is our purpose in carrying forward
every line of work in the cause. (“Instruction to
Men in Positions of Responsibility,” October 24,
1902.)” {1MR 228.2}
“The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the
closing work of these last days, should receive close
examination. The scenes connected with the sanctuary
above should make such an impression upon the minds
and hearts of all that they may be able to impress others.
All need to become more intelligent in regard to
the work of the atonement, which is going on in
the sanctuary above. When this grand truth is
seen and understood, those who hold it will work in
harmony with Christ to prepare a people to stand
in the great day of God, and their efforts will be
successful. By study, contemplation, and prayer
God’s people will be elevated above common, earthly
thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into
harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing
the sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their
faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the
worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their
lives and comparing their characters with the great
standard of righteousness. They will see their own
defects; they will also see that they must have the aid
of the Spirit of God if they would become qualified for
the great and solemn work for this time which is laid
upon God’s ambassadors.” {5T 575.1}
* * *
How can we learn to move out of the regular lines
into something irregular, but still do so after God’s
order – so that we can accomplish a GREAT work
in a SHORT time? How can we bring all of these
lines of the cause into existence (publishing houses,
schools, sanitariums & treatment rooms; health food
stores & hygienic restaurants, etc. In short – outpost-
to-community / city missions), so that we can be
prepared and prepare a people to stand? How can we
learn how to live so that we, our families, and those
we love can enter into that system of living that will
prepare us physically and spiritual for the coming
crisis and revolution? The answer to all of these
questions is very simple - Christ’s method alone, or
His line of working (as we have already studied) will
give us true success in all of this!
Did you know that God has designed a specific but
simple plan to accomplish all of this: For the funding
sanitariums and outposts; training workers and
producing revival and reformation; preparing us for
a time when no man can buy or sell (at the passing
of the National Sunday Law), and for the great work
of judging the living (which happens at this same
time); and to still function all the while in reaching
MESSENGERS OF LIGHT MINISTRY • 19
the world during a time of revolution!
Yes, most definitely – “God always has a plan”! But
how can we learn all of these things in a short time? By
a simple program that inspiration calls “The Relief
Work”. Notice the following inspired statements; it’s
almost too good to be true...
“Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last
work in a manner very much out of the common
order of things [that is, out of corrupted “regular”
lines], and in a way that will be contrary to any
human planning [corrupted regular lines]. There
will be those among us who will always want to control
the work of God, to dictate even what movements
shall be made when the work goes forward under the
direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the
message to be given to the world. God will use ways
and means [so called irregular lines] by which it
will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own
hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple
means that He will use to bring about and perfect His
work of righteousness.” {TM 299.2}
What is this simple means that will allow us to do a
great work in a short time? It has something to do
with handling the books “Ministry of Healing” and “
Christ’s Object Lessons”. Listen as inspiration gives
us not a human answer, but an inspired answer:
“A great work is to be done in our world in a
short time, and we must study to understand and
appreciate, more than we have in past years, the
providence of God in placing in our hands the
precious volumes, Christ’s Object Lessons and
Ministry of Healing as a means.” {9T 79.3}
What is this great work called (what does inspiration
speak of concerning this simple means)?
“My heart has rejoiced as I have learned of a revival
of the relief work ... as they have visited homes in
the neighboring cities and villages, (1) the blessing of
heaven has rested richly upon them, and (2) favorable
impressions have been made in behalf of our people
and their work.” {9T 85.1}
What is The Relief Work? The Relief Work is more
than just handling books. It is God’s simple system
that provides the blue print of how to build His divine
way of life, that will prepare us both physically and
spiritually for the most solemn events of the ages;
and will put us in a position to help as many as are
willing to follow Jesus by faith into the Most Holy
Place. For truly, there is another ark to build.
But where will come the training and funding for such
a work? I repeat, God has a simple plan to accomplish
this all at one time. And all of it is to be set in motion
by an inspired plan called “THE RELIEF WORK”. Space
will not allow for all of the details, but please ask us
about how you can be a part of this program. We will
have another intensive special training school in Jan.
2017.
Truly, it’s time to FINISH the work!