The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

VII. Spiritualism the Consummation of the Lie of Eden

In dealing with the unavoidable issue of Spiritualism, Mrs. White first touches on popular confusion over the beneficent role of the angels. Then, with sweeping strokes she traces Spiritualism back to its origin: CFF2 732.2

“The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from the pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, so plainly taught in Scripture, that ‘the dead know not anything.’ Multitudes have come to believe that it is the spirits of the dead who are the ‘ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.’ And this notwithstanding the testimony of Scripture to the existence of heavenly angels, and their connection with the history of man, before the death of a human being.” ⁶⁹ CFF2 732.3

1. BUILT ON CONCEPT OF “CONSCIOUSNESS IN DEATH.”

It is the prevailing concept of “man’s consciousness in death” that laid the foundation for the fallacies of Spiritualism. Thus:
“The doctrine of man’s consciousness in death, especially the belief that the spirits of the dead return to minister to the living, has prepared the way for modern Spiritualism. If the dead are admitted to the presence of God and holy angels, and privileged with knowledge far exceeding what they before possessed, why should they not return to the earth to enlighten and instruct the living? If, as taught by popular ‘theologians, the spirits of the dead are hovering about their friends on earth, why should they not be permitted to communicate with them, to warn them against evil, or to comfort them in sorrow? How can those who believe in man’s consciousness in death reject what comes to them as divine light communicated by glorified spirits? Here is a channel regarded as sacred, through which Satan works for the accomplishment of his purposes. The fallen angels who do his bidding appear as messengers from the spirit world.” ⁷⁰ CFF2 732.4

The fallen angels are the source and the channel of Spiritualism. CFF2 733.1

2. SPIRITUALISM CONSTITUTES THE PERFECT “COUNTERFEIT.”

Satan professes to bring the living into communication with the dead, for CFF2 733.2

“he has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness.” ⁷¹ CFF2 733.3

3. EXALTS WICKED TO HONORED PLACES IN HEAVEN

The appealing sophistries of Spiritualism are noted:
“Satan causes those to appear who went into the grave unprepared. They claim to be happy in heaven, and even to occupy exalted positions there; and thus the error is widely taught, that no difference is made between the righteous and the wicked.” ⁷² CFF2 733.4

But Spiritualist teachings directly undermine faith in the Scriptures. They “insinuate the most dangerous errors.” ⁷³ Specifically:
“The law of God is set aside, the Spirit of grace despised, the blood of the covenant counted an unholy thing. The spirits deny the deity of Christ, and place even the Creator on a level with themselves. Thus under a new disguise the great rebel still carries on his warfare against God, begun in heaven, and for nearly six thousand years continued upon the earth.” ⁷⁴ CFF2 733.5

4. MYSTERIOUS PHENOMENA NOT ALL TRICKERY

Ellen White then sets forth the demonic source of Spiritualism’s phenomena, and its consequent peril:
“The mysterious rapping with which modern Spiritualism began was not the result of human trickery or cunning, but was the direct work of evil angels, who thus introduced one of the most successful of souldestroying delusions. Many will be ensnared through the belief that Spiritualism is a merely human imposture; when brought face to face with manifestations which they cannot but regard as supernatural, they will be deceived, and will be led to accept them as the great power of God.” ⁷⁵ CFF2 733.6

5. MIRACULOUS EVENTS WROUGHT BY SATAN’S AGENTS

The source and the significance of the marvels of Spiritualism are likewise set forth:
“It was by satanic aid that Pharaoh’s magicians were enabled to counterfeit the work of God. Paul testifies that before the second advent of Christ there will be similar manifestations of satanic power. The coming of the Lord is to be preceded by ‘the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.’ And the apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days, declares: ‘He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.’ No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.” ⁷⁶ CFF2 734.1

6. NOW EMPLOYS MORE APPEALING APPROACHES

Spiritualism has changed from its earlier and cruder forms to “more refined and intellectual” approaches. ⁷⁷ Its subtlety is set forth in these words: CFF2 734.2

“He who could appear clothed with the brightness of the heavenly seraphs before Christ in the wilderness of temptation, comes to men in the most attractive manner, as an angel of light. He appeals to the reason by the presentation of elevating themes; he delights the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and he enlists the affections by his eloquent portrayals of love and charity. He excites the imagination to lofty flights, leading men to take so great pride in their own wisdom that in their hearts they despise the Eternal One. That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an exceedingly high mountain, and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptation to men in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.” ⁷⁸ CFF2 734.3