Last Generation Theology

[Kazzi Jai]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been studying Last Generation Theology (LGT) so much so that I recently felt impressed to open an online group where like-minded people can meet, share, and learn together.
LGT focuses on Christ’s power to perfect His people before His return. I see it as a call to reflect God’s character fully as part of the final witness to the world.
In the 1950s, Last Generation Theology (LGT) was largely set aside when Evangelical Adventism gained influence, particularly through the book Questions on Doctrine, which sought to align Adventist beliefs with evangelical Christianity. This shift downplayed LGT’s focus on character perfection and the vindication of God's law. Desmond Ford further entrenched this departure by rejecting key doctrines underpinning LGT, including the investigative judgment and the necessity of a perfected final generation. His views led to significant theological shifts and ongoing debates within the church.

I know there are different perspectives on this topic, and I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Do you see LGT as biblically sound, or do you have concerns about its interpretation?
• How do you reconcile its teachings with righteousness by faith and God’s grace?
• What role do you think this theology plays in preparing a people for Christ’s return?

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Blessings

 

[adamjedgar]

I havent heard the term before...although im familiar with Desmond Fords rejection of the SDA fundamental belief surrounding Daniel 8 and 9 and the heavenly sanctuary investigative Judgment.

When i read your post, i began to wonder how we reconcile improving ourselves with the apostle James' statement that our best efforts in righteousness are nothing but filthy rags?

Im just sensing a fine line in the sand between righteousness by faith and self-enlightenment and i wonder if that is why Des Ford rejected the notion of LGT? (again, I'm not familiar with the term so i haven't done any reading on the finer points of the theology there)

 

[Chief]

I have not done as much in-depth studies on this subject as you have done, but I have borrowed thoughts from different sources, which I will share below.

Last Generation Theology (LGT) is a debated doctrine within Seventh-day Adventist eschatology, suggesting that a "final generation" will achieve sinless perfection to vindicate God's character before Christ's return. To gain a deeper understanding of LGT, I have synthesized the views of Pastors Stephen Bohr and Ted Wilson, Professor Walter Veith, and the critical analysis by Reinder Bruinsma and Sam Millen.

• Bohr, Wilson, and Veith emphasize reliance on Christ’s transformative power, asserting that righteousness is a divine gift cultivated through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Bruinsma challenges foundational LGT assumptions, advocating a broader, more attainable understanding of spiritual growth and perfection within the Adventist faith tradition.

Issues Raised​

1. The Unchanging Nature of Salvation​

• Historical Consistency: Professor Veith emphasizes that the Plan of Salvation has remained consistent, with righteousness imputed through faith across all eras—from Abraham to modern believers. This continuous thread of grace underscores that salvation is not contingent on human effort but on divine fidelity.
• Living Without Mediation: Both Veith and Bohr discuss the concept of the last generation living without Christ’s mediatorial work—yet upheld by His prior decree of righteousness, securing their salvation. This suggests a maturity in faith where believers are unwaveringly rooted in Christ.

2. Spiritual Preparation and Unity​

• Christ-Centered Transformation: Pastor Wilson, in agreement with Bohr and Veith, stresses the necessity of humility and daily submission to Christ’s transformative power. Righteousness, as advocated by all three, is derived from Christ's work within rather than any inherent human perfection.
• Sanctification Through Divine Power: These contributors agree that sanctification is a continuous process facilitated by divine empowerment. Pastor Wilson highlights spiritual unity and preparation, urging believers to reflect Christ's character collectively as they navigate end-time challenges.

3. End-Time Implications​

• Preparation and Unity: In the face of eschatological events, the emphasis is placed on preparing through unity in Christ (as per Wilson) and grounding in truth (as per Bohr and Veith). Spiritual readiness involves a collective pursuit of holiness characterized by humility and an unwavering faith in God’s promises.
• Standing Without Mediation: LGT posits a scenario where the final generation lives without Christ’s mediatorial work. However, this does not exclude the presence of divine support through the Holy Spirit. The positions agree that the final verdict of righteousness is secured by Christ’s decree, aligning cosmic forces to recognize the sanctity of the saints.

Critique of Last Generation Theology​

Sam Millen and Reinder Bruinsma offer a critical perspective on LGT, challenging key assumptions and advocating for a nuanced understanding:

1. Historical and Theological Concerns:​

• Historical Origins: Millen discovered that LGT emerged in Adventism through M.L. Andreasen in the 1930s, drawing parallels to the Pharisees' similar belief in achieving perfection for the Messiah's arrival.
• Misinterpretation of Ellen White: LGT proponents emphasize a specific quote from Ellen White about the perfect reproduction of Christ's character. “Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69). Millen argues that this passage refers to unity and love rather than literal sinlessness, aligning more closely with Christ’s teachings about love and the spread of the gospel as precursors to the end times.

2. Concept of Sin and Perfection​

• Misinterpretation of Sin: Bruinsma argues that LGT simplifies sin to mere actions, whereas biblically, sin involves deeper moral failings and a state of imperfection, making sinless perfection unattainable.
• True Nature of Sinless Perfection: Bruinsma draws from Ellen G. White and biblical texts to suggest that perfection is more about spiritual maturity rather than literal sinlessness, opposing the notion that believers can claim faultless lives. Millen criticizes LGT for suggesting that Christ's return is delayed by a lack of human sinlessness, arguing instead that Jesus has already vindicated God's character on the cross. He sees the belief that humans can fulfill Jesus’ role as presumptuous.
• Emotional and Spiritual Harm: LGT’s emphasis on personal behavior and perfection can lead to feelings of failure and spiritual misery. Millen recounts his own struggles with attempting to achieve perfection, which detracted from the joy of his Christian faith.

3. Human Nature of Jesus Christ​

• Complexity of Christ’s Nature: Bruinsma highlights the lack of consensus on whether Christ’s human nature was pre- or post-Fall, questioning LGT’s claim of achievable sinlessness by modeling Christ’s experience. This underscores the broader Adventist debate on Christology and human nature.

4. Implications for Eschatological Beliefs​

• Realistic Expectations: Bruinsma asserts that believers, while maintaining hope for Christ's return, should accept the spiritual imperfection inherent to humanity and rely on divine grace and the Holy Spirit.
• Humility in Theological Pursuits: The article calls for a humble approach, recognizing that human comprehension of divine mysteries is incomplete, as Apostle Paul notes ("we know in part" 1 Corinthians 13:9-12).

Living the Full Christian Experience​

A Relationship-Based Faith:​

• Centrality of Love and Trust: Millen depicts Christianity as fundamentally relational. God’s primary aim is to win human hearts, creating a trust-based relationship. Despite human imperfections, salvation remains secure as long as one's heart is committed to God.
• Analogy of Marriage: He likens the believer's relationship with God to a marriage, where imperfection is natural, but commitment and love persist. Mistakes do not equate to abandonment of the relationship; rather, they provide opportunities for growth and reconciliation.

Freedom from Perfectionism:​

• Rejecting Perfectionist Strain: Millen underscores that striving for perfection is counterproductive and disheartening. Instead, Christians should focus on their relationship with Christ, allowing His presence to diminish the allure of sin naturally.
• Transformation through Relationship: Emphasizing a relationship with Jesus over behavior management, Millen observes a miraculous transformation where the appeal of sin lessens in the light of Christ’s presence, resulting in genuine joy and peace.

Drawing from the insights of Bohr, Wilson, Veith, Bruinsma, and Millen we can begin to paint a picture that aligns Last Generation Theology with key Adventist principles while navigating its unique emphasis on the end-time context. LGT challenges believers to deeply engage with the idea of living in the last days, stressing spiritual readiness, unity, and complete reliance on the righteousness imparted by Christ. It remains critical to balance this focus with an overarching narrative of grace and faith that applies universally to the journey of all believers, steering clear of self-driven perfectionism and embracing the transformative power of Christ's love.

 

[Kazzi Jai]

I have not done as much in-depth studies on this subject as you have done, but I have borrowed thoughts from different sources, which I will share below.

Last Generation Theology (LGT) is a debated doctrine within Seventh-day Adventist eschatology, suggesting that a "final generation" will achieve sinless perfection to vindicate God's character before Christ's return. To gain a deeper understanding of LGT, I have synthesized the views of Pastors Stephen Bohr and Ted Wilson, Professor Walter Veith, and the critical analysis by Reinder Bruinsma.

• Bohr, Wilson, and Veith emphasize reliance on Christ’s transformative power, asserting that righteousness is a divine gift cultivated through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Bruinsma challenges foundational LGT assumptions, advocating a broader, more attainable understanding of spiritual growth and perfection within the Adventist faith tradition.

Issues Raised​

1. The Unchanging Nature of Salvation​

• Historical Consistency: Professor Veith emphasizes that the Plan of Salvation has remained consistent, with righteousness imputed through faith across all eras—from Abraham to modern believers. This continuous thread of grace underscores that salvation is not contingent on human effort but on divine fidelity.
• Living Without Mediation: Both Veith and Bohr discuss the concept of the last generation living without Christ’s mediatorial work—yet upheld by His prior decree of righteousness, securing their salvation. This suggests a maturity in faith where believers are unwaveringly rooted in Christ.

2. Spiritual Preparation and Unity​

• Christ-Centered Transformation: Pastor Wilson, in agreement with Bohr and Veith, stresses the necessity of humility and daily submission to Christ’s transformative power. Righteousness, as advocated by all three, is derived from Christ's work within rather than any inherent human perfection.
• Sanctification Through Divine Power: These contributors agree that sanctification is a continuous process facilitated by divine empowerment. Pastor Wilson highlights spiritual unity and preparation, urging believers to reflect Christ's character collectively as they navigate end-time challenges.

3. End-Time Implications​

• Preparation and Unity: In the face of eschatological events, the emphasis is placed on preparing through unity in Christ (as per Wilson) and grounding in truth (as per Bohr and Veith). Spiritual readiness involves a collective pursuit of holiness characterized by humility and an unwavering faith in God’s promises.
• Standing Without Mediation: LGT posits a scenario where the final generation lives without Christ’s mediatorial work. However, this does not exclude the presence of divine support through the Holy Spirit. The positions agree that the final verdict of righteousness is secured by Christ’s decree, aligning cosmic forces to recognize the sanctity of the saints.

Critique of Last Generation Theology​

Reinder Bruinsma offers a critical perspective on LGT, challenging key assumptions and advocating for a nuanced understanding:

1. Concept of Sin and Perfection​

• Misinterpretation of Sin: Bruinsma argues that LGT simplifies sin to mere actions, whereas biblically, sin involves deeper moral failings and a state of imperfection, making sinless perfection unattainable.
• True Nature of Perfection: By focusing on Ellen G. White and biblical texts, Bruinsma suggests that perfection is more about spiritual maturity rather than literal sinlessness, opposing the notion that believers can claim faultless lives.

2. Human Nature of Jesus Christ​

• Complexity of Christ’s Nature: Bruinsma highlights the lack of consensus on whether Christ’s human nature was pre- or post-Fall, questioning LGT’s claim of achievable sinlessness by modeling Christ’s experience. This underscores the broader Adventist debate on Christology and human nature.

3. Implications for Eschatological Beliefs​

• Realistic Expectations: Bruinsma asserts that believers, while maintaining hope for Christ's return, should accept the spiritual imperfection inherent to humanity and rely on divine grace and the Holy Spirit.
• Humility in Theological Pursuits: The article calls for a humble approach, recognizing that human comprehension of divine mysteries is incomplete, as Apostle Paul notes ("we know in part" 1 Corinthians 13:9-12).

Drawing from the insights of Bohr, Wilson, Veith, and Bruinsma, we can begin to paint a picture that aligns Last Generation Theology with key Adventist principles while navigating its unique emphasis on the end-time context. LGT challenges believers to deeply engage with the idea of living in the last days, stressing spiritual readiness, unity, and complete reliance on the righteousness imparted by Christ. It remains critical to balance this focus with an overarching narrative of grace and faith that applies universally to the journey of all believers, steering clear of self-driven perfectionism and embracing the transformative power of Christ's love.

Hey Chief,
Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, I have watched that Symposium, and many other videos. Dennis Priebe was given the responsibility to educate the SDAs on LGT by Joe Crews who is the original owner of Amazing Facts and handed it to Doug Batchelor. Yes, perfection/sinlessness is only achieved through Christ....we can do nothing but surrender our will to His. It is the law that Satan said could not be kept, and by being sinless we vindicate God's character and show the universe that Satan is wrong.

Christ in us allows that sinless perfection which is required. We see in Revelation 15:8 "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." This tells us that Christ will leave the Most Holy Place to return to earth, and during this time we must be sinless because noone is in the Most Holy Place to mediate for our sins....the Most Holy Place in now closed...if we are still sinning we are lost.

If we then go to Eze 36:23 "And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes." The law is the character of God, and He will sanctify His name in us, saying that we will vindicate His character by keeping the law and being sinless.

Error came into the church in the 1950s which the church still promotes today. By what you posted it would seem Reinder Bruinsma is an Evangelical Adventist...Christian maturity is not what LGT means. It means sinless perfection through Christ before Christ returns.

There is a book that explains what happened in the 1950s which is available online as a pdf titled 'Our Evangelical Earthquake' by Vance Ferrell. This tells the history of how this error entered the church...and is a 'must read' for all SDAs. This is such an important message because SDAs today believe the new theology that they can sin till Christ returns and He will change them...however our pioneers and EGW promoted LGT.

 

[Kazzi Jai]

I havent heard the term before...although im familiar with Desmond Fords rejection of the SDA fundamental belief surrounding Daniel 8 and 9 and the heavenly sanctuary investigative Judgment.

When i read your post, i began to wonder how we reconcile improving ourselves with the apostle James' statement that our best efforts in righteousness are nothing but filthy rags?

Im just sensing a fine line in the sand between righteousness by faith and self-enlightenment and i wonder if that is why Des Ford rejected the notion of LGT? (again, I'm not familiar with the term so i haven't done any reading on the finer points of the theology there)

Hey Adam
I replied to Chief which sheds light on this topic and the things you mentioned.
Blessings Kazzi Jai

 

[Chief]

There is a book that explains what happened in the 1950s which is available online as a pdf titled 'Our Evangelical Earthquake' by Vance Ferrell. This tells the history of how this error entered the church...and is a 'must read' for all SDAs. This is such an important message because SDAs today believe the new theology that they can sin till Christ returns and He will change them...however our pioneers and EGW promoted LGT.

Interesting. I haven't read Ferrel's book. Is this the correct one?

I read Pastor Sam Millen's write-up on the subject; he submits that LGT entered the church in the 1930s. He is of the opinion that LGT is inward-focused rather than focusing on the power of Christ to finish the perfection He began in each believer so that each one can stand before God without a mediator when the decree goes out, "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” (Revelation 22:11 (NKJV)).

 

[Kazzi Jai]

LGT is f

Interesting. I haven't read Ferrel's book. Is this the correct one?

I read Pastor Sam Millen's write-up on the subject; he submits that LGT entered the church in the 1930s. He is of the opinion that LGT is inward-focused rather than focusing on the power of Christ to finish the perfection He began in each believer so that each one can stand before God without a mediator when the decree goes out, "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” (Revelation 22:11 (NKJV)).

Yes, that is the book...
LGT is focused on the power of Christ to finish the work of perfection that He has begun in each believer. This perfection is sinlessness, as Christ was sinless...and through Him we can achieve this.

LGT didn't enter the church in the 1930s, those who want members to believe it is a new theology will say that...but EGW promoted LGT however she never referred to it by that name. Andreasen introduced that name to this belief in his book 'The Sanctuary Service' chapter 21 which is what 1930's is referring to.

There was a man named Charles Fitch (1802-1844) who died before SDA church was formed, he was a Millerite and before that Presbyterian. He promoted LGT and supported it with the following Bible verses:
1 Peter 1:15-16
Luke 1:68, 74-75
Rom 6
2 Peter 1:4-5
1 John 3
2 Cor 7:1
Eze 36: 25-27
Eze 36:23
2 Cor 6: 16-18
1 Thess 5: 23-24
Eph 5:27
Rom 4: 20-22

Here is a link to a great video by Dennis Priebe that explains Fitch's life

Fitch also wrote books and one that is available is titled Guide to Christian Perfection and is available from Booktopia. What is interesting is that Fitch died on 14th Oct 1844 just before 22nd Oct, and in EGW's first vision she mentions that he will be in heaven:

"Here we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree, and a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure, transparent gold. At first I thought I saw two trees. I looked again, and saw that they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood, and the fruit was glorious; it looked like gold mixed with silver. CCh 34.3
We all went under the tree and sat down to look at the glory of the place, when Brethren Fitch and Stockman, who had preached the gospel of the kingdom, and whom God had laid in the grave to save them, came up to us and asked us what we had passed through while they were sleeping. We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, “Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!” and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven's arches ring." CCh 35.1
The gospel Fitch preached was LGT.

As far as where it is written in the SoP...it is written throughout her books. The last book I read it in was DA Ch 31 - The Sermon on the Mount.

It is the rejection of this truth that caused Christ not to return in 1888...he was waiting for us to perfect our character, because it is our character that vindicates God, and it is our character that we take to heaven.

 

[Chief]

I generally steer off putting dates on when Christ will return because the bible says only the Father knows the day and the hour (Mathew 24:36). However, I also know that Christ said that the only sure sign of the time of the end is when the gospel has been preached in all the world for a witness (Mathew 24:14).

In preparation for the second coming of Christ, Jesus admonished us to be like the wise virgins who trimmed their lamps and kept them burning later into the night when the loud cry was heard that the groom was coming (Mathew 25). They were found ready because they had the spirit of God (the oil in their lamps) that was burning bright.

It is only God who is able to keep us from stumbling and present us guiltless before the throne of His majesty (Jude 1:24-25). To that power do I yield (die in Christ) so that He can live in me and perfect His righteous character in me.

I believe that it is possible to be holy and perfect as the Father in heaven is, because it is Him who will finish that work in me. I cannot do it by myself. Human merit is filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). I like the "righteousness" of the thief on the cross.

 

[Kazzi Jai]

Ellen White put the date on...she said 1888.

 

[Chief]

Ellen White put the date on...she said 1888.

She is not infallible.

 

[Chief]

I am not very conversant with the contents of 1888 message, but I have heard it mentioned in passing. I was reading when I stumbled on this "Walter Veith and 1888" article (also attached). It prompted me to watch the video below to establish where it all began. I can say, I am still digging.

One thing I can say is that Christ, the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-49), was subjected to all manner of temptations as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16). We too can overcome because we follow the pattern of Christ and His grace is sufficient when we are at our weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:9).