Steve Wohlberg

Introduction

Pastor Steve Wohlberg has written two letters that have come out strongly against the messages as given in the dreams of Ernie Knoll. These letters have been widely distributed and posted online, resulting in turning many away from the dreams and reinforcing others to make false claims. In the first letter, he addresses the following primary issues.

• He claims that the Herald’s viewpoint on tithe and personal accountability is wrong.
• He claims that the Herald is an evil angel.
• He makes a number of allegations against the Herald.
• He equates the messages given through Ernie to the deception of fallen angels perpetrated on a group as recorded in Roger Morneau’s book, Beware of Angels.

In the second letter:

• He disagrees with the 1 John 4:1-3 test in the “Love and Rebuke” dream.
• He disagrees with the statements in the “Love and Rebuke” dream regarding Jesus as a created Being.
• He claims that good angels would not provide threats against those who oppose the messages.

We commend Steve Wohlberg for at least contacting Ernie and for using God’s Word to try to disprove Ernie’s dreams. However, it should become apparent to the reader that not all his allegations are truthful. At times he twists the scriptures to imply something that is opposite to what it really says and uses suppositions and speculations.

Who is Steve Wohlberg?

Steve Wohlberg is the founder and director of White Horse Media (www.whitehorsemedia.com). According to his website, he is a television producer, radio host, and international seminar speaker. As a Jewish Christian from Los Angeles, he has been a guest on over 500 radio and television shows and authored a number of books. He earned a B.A. degree in Theology from La Sierra College and a Masters of Divinity degree from Andrews Seminary.

Addressing Wohlberg’s First Letter of March 25, 2008

Tithing and personal accountability

Many of the issues regarding tithing and personal accountability are discussed in chapter 1. However, we will include some new information in this chapter.

History of tithes and offerings

God says:

Counsels on Stewardship, p. 69

The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes before the definite system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God's requirements, they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of His mercies and blessings to them. This was continued through successive generations, and was carried out by Abraham, who gave tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God.

Genesis 14:18-20

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 28:20-22

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Fact
During the time of the Exodus, when God gave His laws and requirements to the Israelites, He stipulated that ten percent of their increase along with their offerings should go to the Levite priests who ministered for the Lord in the tabernacle service and taught the people the ways of the Lord. The tithes and offerings were to be brought to the same place--to those serving the Lord. If you study the following verses, you will notice no difference between the tithes and the offerings in terms of where to bring it, only that the tithe is required and the offering is optional. See Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:20-28; Deuteronomy 12:5-17; 14:22-28; 2 Chronicles 31:5-12; Nehemiah 10:36-38; 13:9-12; Malachi 3:7-10. Tithe is to go to those who minister on behalf of the Lord and teach the way of righteousness. It is also a way to express our appreciation for God’s goodness and generosity.

Throughout history, churches have accepted tithes and offerings to pay their ministers and evangelists. When the Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized, it began receiving tithes for its ministers and gospel workers, including school Bible teachers (Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 215) and medical missionaries (Medical Ministry, pp. 245, 250), who were considered to be the right hand of the gospel. The Church also allowed members to give their tithes and offerings to various self-supporting ministries.

As more self-supporting ministries of the Church developed, a new perception of those ministries with regard to donations came about. So on October 14, 1985, guidelines entitled, General Conference Guidelines on the Use of Tithe, were adopted and voted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the Annual Council Session in Washington, D.C. The original may be found here. The guidelines follow the tradition of many denominations to claim that they are the exclusive storehouse or treasury for God’s tithes. While most of the guidelines are biblically based, we do find some interesting statements, which are excerpted as follows:

2) The "Storehouse" or "Treasury" of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. . . . Following any other plan causes confusion and competition and undermines the Church's financial structure, thus weakening the Church's ability to fulfill its world mission. In order to continue a strong balanced church program around the world, members should not direct the Lord's tithe to projects of their own choosing.

3) Alternate Entryways to the "Storehouse."

a. . . . The Seventh-day Adventist Church family has determined that the normal entryway to the storehouse is through the local conference/mission.

6) Tithe to Institutions. Denominational organizations, such as Christian Record Braille Foundation, Voice of Prophecy, Faith For Today, It Is Written, Breath of Life will not accept funds that are known to be tithe from Seventh-day Adventists. When members send tithe to a denominational organization, they have a responsibility to indicate that it is tithe.

9) Nonacceptance of Tithe. If, according to these policies, a situation arises where it is not permissible for an organization to accept tithe funds, efforts shall be made to obtain authorization from the member to direct the funds to the regular channels. If such authorization is not obtained, the tithe will be returned with an appropriate explanation and an appeal to the person to participate in the Church's plan for sharing the Lord's tithe with the Church worldwide.

11) Leadership Responsibility. Church leadership at all levels is a sacred trust. Failure or refusal to cooperate with agreed-upon policies of the church family regarding the administration of tithe erodes the capacity of the Church to accomplish its world mission. Persons who disregard these policies disqualify themselves from church leadership.

We must first wonder why we are being told to follow what the “Seventh-day Adventist Church family” determines. Are we not to follow what is in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy? Yes, we can follow what the Church family determines, if it does not go against God’s Word. However, in this case it does go against God’s Word.

A number of self-supporting ministries of the Church questioned the tithe policy change, but the threat of losing their leadership positions within the Church or even being disfellowshipped for teaching otherwise led most ministries to comply. In the ensuing 25 years since this policy first came out, most denominational ministries incorporated statements into their policies that they will not knowingly accept tithe money from their supporters. This has tempted many into not stating that what they send is tithe. This worsens the tithe misuse instead of fixing the problem. Most Adventist leaders accept the guidelines as God’s truth and not a man-made policy.

In practice, many supporters of self-supporting ministries do allocate tithe money to them because they inherently recognize the biblical principle that the tithes and offerings should go to those doing God’s bidding, that of spreading the gospel and teaching righteousness.

The Church is not consistent because it says all tithes must go to the storehouse or conference treasury but our offerings can be used to support what we like. If we understand the storehouse to refer to the Conference only, then to be consistent, all our offerings must also be returned to the Conference. How then would independent ministries and other phases of God’s work survive without the support of offerings if it was returned only to the Conference? The truth is, the storehouse is not just the Conference treasury, but includes those who are doing God’s bidding as gospel workers.

God says:

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, p. 376

The time has come when the tithes and offerings belonging to the Lord are to be used in accomplishing a decided work. They are to be brought into the treasury to be used in an orderly way to sustain the gospel laborers in their work.

Furthermore, there have been times historically, even in Ellen White’s time, where processing the tithe through regular channels (i.e. the local conference) would delay the receipt of funds by worthy institutions who were doing God's work.

Historically as well as now, Satan has influenced the leadership to the point where they no longer effectively work for God. They might have participated in any of the following:

• Facilitate the spread of teachings of spiritualism (such as deliverance ministries where deliberate communication with the spirits may take place).
  
• Sponsor seminars and conferences dealing with Gnosticism or mysticism.
• Allow continued pagan influences in the Church in foreign countries (syncretism).
• Permit other apostate doctrines or behaviors.
• Misappropriate funds to areas where tithe is not to go.
• Leave churches unfinished after funds were donated more than once, due to local conference leadership corruption.

Should these be supported by tithes and offerings? (More on these issues are addressed elsewhere in this book.)

If a church member knows of a self-supporting ministry that does not teach error, would benefit from financial assistance, and the Holy Spirit convicts them to help because the conference is not helping, they should be able to donate their tithes and offerings directly to that ministry. Additionally, if a church member sees problems in their local conference that are detracting from spreading the gospel and the teaching of righteousness, they should first follow the biblical counsel to try to address these issues with the church leadership. If there is no change, they should not withhold their tithe but should be allowed to redirect it to a ministry of their choice where it brings honor and glory to God. This is part of accountability. This issue is found throughout the Scriptures and the writings of Ellen White. It extends to every facet of our lives including our time, our bodies, our actions, our words and thoughts, and our financial resources, including how we allocate our tithes and offerings.

To show what the policy was before 1985, please refer to chapter 1/The use of tithe/Document file 213.

Conclusion
History shows us that the Church has “nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 31)

Are tributes tithe?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“After talking with Ernie and Becky, I was very satisfied that they are sincere Adventists who want nothing more than for Jesus to come soon. Because of this, I remained sympathetic, but still cautious, for a number of months.

Yet everything changed when I read the Feb. 08 dream, particularly what ‘the Herald’ said about tithe. Page 4 says:

The Herald turns to me and says, ‘It is important that His people understand while it is important that we are to return a tithe to God’s storehouse, it is equally important that they understand what the funds are being used for. If an individual is providing funds and they understand that the funds are not being used according to His will, that person will be held accountable. The Great Creator has said to pay a tribute to those who do His bidding. The Herald explains that many tributes are used toward Lucifer’s work of using spiritualism from within God’s church by those who collect and place the funds in a storehouse. The Herald says, ‘That is not God’s storehouse…’

Here the Herald says that if someone gives ‘tithe’ and ‘they understand that the funds are not being used according to His will, that person will be held accountable.’ He also said that because ‘many tributes [tithe]’ are being used for ‘spiritualism within God’s church’ that therefore, ‘That is not God’s storehouse.’ ”

Fact
Ernie’s dreams have never stated that a tribute is tithe. That is Pastor Wohlberg’s interpretation.

God says:

Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

The Review and Herald, February 9, 1886

Surely goodness and mercy attend us at every step. Not till we wish the infinite Father to cease bestowing his gifts on us, should we impatiently exclaim, Is there no end of giving? Not only should we faithfully render to God our tithes, which he claims as his own, but we should bring a tribute to his treasury as an offering of gratitude. Let us with joyful hearts bring to our Creator the first-fruits of all his bounties,--our choicest possessions, our best and holiest service.

Ernie’s dreams say:

If You Love Me, September 4, 2007

You are to stay on the path and support and pay tribute to those who do My bidding. [support is tithe; tribute is offerings]

Stand Fast, February 5, 2008

The Herald turns to me and says, "It is important that His people understand while it is important that we are to return a tithe to God’s storehouse, it is equally important that they understand what the funds are being used for. If an individual is providing funds and they understand that the funds are not being used according to His will, that person will be held accountable. The Great Creator has said to pay a tribute to those who do His bidding. The Herald explains that many tributes are used toward Lucifer’s work of using spiritualism from within God’s church by those who collect and place the funds in a storehouse. The Herald says, "That is not God’s storehouse. Those that give a tribute will be able to see the blessing they give in faith when it is placed in God’s storehouse."

The Boardroom, April 24, 2009

This document must go into details, showing the truth as to the appropriate placement of tithe and tributes.

Conclusion
The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and Ernie’s dreams clearly reveal that tributes are freewill offerings. In Pastor Wohlberg’s very first point, he misinterprets Ernie’s dream. God not only wants us to be concerned with how the tithe is being used but also the offerings we give.

A widow’s unselfish act

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“After reading this, my mind was deeply troubled. Then I compared the Herald’s statements with what Ellen White wrote. Then I wrote up my findings in a Word document. Then I spoke with Ernie and Becky on the phone. After doing this, I sent my document to them….

[The Bible] ‘Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” ’(Mark 12:41-44).

Steve’s comment: The Jewish ‘treasury’ at that time was corrupt, yet Jesus commended the poor woman for putting her money there because she loved God’s cause. Jesus did not hold her ‘accountable’ for what was occuring in that temple, or because of how her money might be misused. Instead, He commended her unselfish act and inspired His gospel writers to record this event to instruct His church to the end of time.”

God says:

Luke 21:1-4

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Fact
Jesus commended her because of her self-sacrifice not for supporting a corrupt ministry. There is no reason to believe that she knew the ministry was corrupt, after all, the people looked up to the priests and rulers just as they do today. Additionally, nowhere in the above verses does it state that she was placing “tithe” in the treasury.

Conclusion
We are to be cheerful givers to God’s storehouse, supporting effective ministry wherever that may be.

Robbing God

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“[Ellen White] Some have been dissatisfied and have said: ‘I will not longer pay my tithe; for I have no confidence in the way things are managed at the heart of the work.’ But will you rob God because you think the management of the work is not right? ... do not withdraw from the work of God, and prove unfaithful, because others are not doing right (9T 249)

Steve’s comment: If some are not doing right, even at ‘the heart of the work,’ we should still pay our tithe there, or we are robbing God.

“[Ellen White] Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything that your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God. Unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised, but dare anyone, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not (2 Sermons and Talks, 74).

Steve’s comment: Some of our tithe may be misused and go to ‘unworthy ministers’ but this is no reason not to pay our tithes into ‘the treasury’ It is ‘not best under any circumstances’ to withhold our tithe; if we do, we risk the curse of God.

Fact
The context of Ellen White’s quote was about robbing God. People had stopped paying tithe altogether, because it was not being used correctly. Notice that Pastor Wohlberg fails to show the rest of Ellen White’s quote. As you read it in context, you will notice it says, “The Lord will not hold you responsible for it if you do what you can to correct the evil.” This means that if people are aware of misuse and continue to support corrupt ministers and do nothing about it, God will hold them accountable. Why does Pastor Wohlberg not mention his concern over the misuse of funds by those who collect it today? Has he not done his part to correct the evil?

God says:

Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, p. 74

You who have been withholding your means from the cause of God, read the book of Malachi and see what is spoken there in regard to tithes and offerings. Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything that your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God. Unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised, but dare anyone, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not. I pay my tithe gladly and freely, saying, as did David, "Of Thine own have we given Thee." A selfish withholding from God will tend to poverty in our own souls. Act your part, my brethren and sisters. God loves you, and He stands at the helm. If the conference business is not managed according to the order of the Lord, that is the sin of the erring one. The Lord will not hold you responsible for it if you do what you can to correct the evil. But do not commit sin yourselves by withholding from the Lord His own property. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully" or negligently.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 553

It would be poor policy to support from the treasury of God those who really mar and injure His work, and who are constantly lowering the standard of Christianity.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 261-262

There are fearful woes for those who preach the truth, but are not sanctified by it, and also for those who consent to receive and maintain the unsanctified to minister to them in word and doctrine. I am alarmed for the people of God who profess to believe solemn, important truth, for I know that many of them are not converted nor sanctified through it. Men can hear and acknowledge the whole truth, and yet know nothing of the power of godliness. All who preach the truth will not themselves be saved by it. Said the angel: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.”

Conclusion
Ernie’s dreams never counsel us to stop paying our tithe, as Pastor Wohlberg implies. On the contrary, they reinforce the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy teaching that tithing should not be stopped, no matter what the circumstances. Ellen White never taught that God will not hold us accountable when we support corrupt ministers. Instead, she stressed that we will be held accountable if we do nothing to correct the evil. This is what Pastor Wohlberg and other critics have not admitted.

Means misapplied

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“[Ellen White] I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and also of the final result of the means thus bestowed... Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so that it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in view,--the glory of God and the salvation of souls,--those who made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will not lose their reward. Those who have made a wrong use of means dedicated to God will be required to give an account of their stewardship (2T 518-519).

Steve’s comment: Even if the tithe is misapplied, the angels make a faithful record of the giver’s contribution. They will not lose their reward.”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg has failed to take into account the complete context of Ellen White’s statement.

God says:

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 518

I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and also of the final result of the means thus bestowed. The eye of God takes cognizance of every farthing devoted to His cause, and of the willingness or reluctance of the giver. The motive in giving is also chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones who render back to God the things that are His, as He requires of them, will be rewarded according to their works. Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so that it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in view,--the glory of God and the salvation of souls,--those who made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will not lose their reward.

Conclusion
People do not support corruption in sincerity hoping it will do good because they know it will be used for corruption. God judges the motive. No one is held accountable for something if they are not aware of it. However, we are held accountable if we are aware of a problem or had a way of discovering there is a problem and do nothing about it.

Aiding the enemy?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“[Ellen White] When persons declare that they will not pay their tithes because the means is not used as they think it ought to be, will the elder of the church or the minister sympathize with the sinners? Will he aid the enemy in his work? Or will he, as a wise man endued with knowledge, go to work to correct the evil and remove the stumblingblocks? Let those who are dissatisfied state plainly their grievances to the ones who they think have erred instead of talking the matter over with others and thus fanning the flame of discontent (2 Sermons and Talks, 75).

Steve’s comment: Those who don’t pay their tithes because they think it is being misused are unknowingly aiding the enemy in his work and ‘fanning the flame of discontent.’ ”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg has once again taken Ellen White’s statement out of context. If we accepted Pastor Wohlberg’s conclusion, then we would have to conclude that supporting faithful gospel workers who are not employed by the Conference with our tithe and offerings would be aiding the enemy. Notice Pastor Wohlberg’s use of the words “because they think it is being misused” rather than “because they know it is being misused. This downplays the gravity of the situation.

God says:

Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, pp. 74-75

You who have been withholding your means from the cause of God, read the book of Malachi and see what is spoken there in regard to tithes and offerings. Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything that your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God. Unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised, but dare anyone, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not. I pay my tithe gladly and freely, saying, as did David, "Of Thine own have we given Thee." A selfish withholding from God will tend to poverty in our own souls. Act your part, my brethren and sisters. God loves you, and He stands at the helm. If the conference business is not managed according to the order of the Lord, that is the sin of the erring one. The Lord will not hold you responsible for it if you do what you can to correct the evil. But do not commit sin yourselves by withholding from the Lord His own property. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully" or negligently.

When persons declare that they will not pay their tithes because the means is not used as they think it ought to be, will the elder of the church or the minister sympathize with the sinners? Will he aid the enemy in his work? Or will he, as a wise man endued with knowledge, go to work to correct the evil and remove the stumblingblocks? Let those who are dissatisfied state plainly their grievances to the ones who they think have erred instead of talking the matter over with others and thus fanning the flame of discontent.

Conclusion
The main point Ellen White was addressing was that people had stopped paying tithe completely because of mismanagement. In this situation, Ellen White taught that under no circumstances are we free to stop returning our tithe. Supporting gospel workers not employed by the Church is not the issue. Pastor Wohlberg would have us believe that if we support such people, we are supporting the enemy. Again, if there is misuse of tithes or offerings and we are aware of it or could be made aware of it and we do nothing to correct the evil, God will hold us accountable. However, we are not held accountable for what we do not know or cannot know. Then it is just the sin of the erring one mishandling the funds.

Again Pastor Wohlberg ignores the issue of removing the “stumblingblocks.” Why does he continue to ignore the issue of doing what we can to correct the evil or stating plainly our grievances to the ones who we think have erred? We are seeing a theme of “be quiet, sit down, just hand over the money and do not worry about what might be evil in the Church.”

Child Guidance, pp. 235-236

Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, or who through indolence or lack of interest make no earnest effort to purify the family or the church of God, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if the acts had been our own.

What does God’s Word say about dumb dogs that will not bark? What does it say about crying aloud, sparing not and showing God’s people their transgressions? Yes, there is the factor today that when we do that, we are chastised, ignored, or disfellowshipped. However, that is not an excuse to not do what God has asked of His faithful watchmen. Why should we care how mankind treats us? We should only care about pleasing God.

Isaiah 58:1

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 211

Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.

Other channels

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“[Ellen White] God's reserved resources are to be used in no such haphazard way. The tithe is the Lord's, and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent. Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it should go (9T 249).

Steve’s comment: The title issue is a life and death matter. Thus who ‘meddle’ with it will be ‘punished’ with the ‘loss of their heavenly treasure’ The tithe is not to be diverted into other channels, or paid in a ‘haphazard way,’ for this would hinder God’s work.

Summary comments: Ellen White’s position is clear. Even if some of the tithe is misused, we are still to pay it, or we are robbing God. Those held accountable are not those who pay tithe (as ‘the Herald’ said), but those use misuse it. Those who don’t pay their tithe because they think it is not being used right, aid the enemy. Under no circumstances are we to withhold our tithe from ‘the treasury’ Thus, in this instance, it seems that ‘the Heralds’ counsel and Ellen White’s counsel are not in agreement with each other here. ‘The Herald’ contradicts her counsel, yet he says that it ‘important’ for God’s people to understand what he says.”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg has once again taken Ellen White’s statements out of context.

God says:

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 249

Some have been dissatisfied and have said: "I will not longer pay my tithe; for I have no confidence in the way things are managed at the heart of the work." But will you rob God because you think the management of the work is not right? Make your complaint, plainly and openly, in the right spirit, to the proper ones. Send in your petitions for things to be adjusted and set in order; but do not withdraw from the work of God, and prove unfaithful, because others are not doing right.

Read carefully the third chapter of Malachi and see what God says about the tithe. If our churches will take their stand upon the Lord's word and be faithful in paying their tithe into His treasury, more laborers will be encouraged to take up ministerial work. More men would give themselves to the ministry were they not told of the depleted treasury. There should be an abundant supply in the Lord's treasury, and there would be if selfish hearts and hands had not withheld the tithes or made use of them to support other lines of work.

God's reserved resources are to be used in no such haphazard way. The tithe is the Lord's, and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent. Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it should go. Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we now have, and there must be means in the treasury.

Ibid., p. 248

One reasons that the tithe may be applied to school purposes. Still others reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from the tithe. But a great mistake is made when the tithe is drawn from the object for which it is to be used--the support of the ministers. There should be today in the field one hundred well qualified laborers where now there is but one.

Conclusion
The “other channels” Ellen White mentions is not self-supporting ministries, as Pastor Wohlberg suggests, but rather other lines of work such as school purposes and colporteurs, rather than supporting the ministry. If we accepted Pastor Wohlberg’s conclusion, we would lose eternal life if we supported faithful gospel workers not employed by the Church, even if at one time they were, but lost their position for standing up against apostasy.

Ellen White and the Herald are in complete agreement as stated in the following.

• Ellen White and the Herald associated robbing God with ceasing to pay tithe. They did not apply this to aiding self-supporting ministries.
• Ellen White and the Herald taught that God will hold us accountable if we do not try to correct the evil.
• The Herald never said to use tithe to support other channels or lines of work. Ellen White supported the same principle, with the following exception from Manuscript Releases, Vol. 1, p. 191: “There are exceptional cases, where poverty is so deep that in order to secure the humblest place of worship, it may be necessary to appropriate the tithes.” That exception should still apply today.

Tithe summary and conclusion

Ernie’s dreams teach us the importance of tithing and personal accountability. In a time when apostasy is sweeping through the churches (see chapter 1 of volume 2), God wants us to ensure His tithe is not being misused. Many faithful, concerned Church members do not support their conference because of the apostasy. Instead they support faithful gospel workers, some who have been disfellowshipped because they have dared to speak against the apostasy. Their supporters do not withhold tithe from God's work, but rather support those who are faithful and willing to stand for the truth.

Instead of tithe being the means to support God’s ministers, is Pastor Wohlberg, and most Church leaders, viewing it as a way to profit the Church? We must realize that the tithe belongs to God, not Church administrators. It is wrong to teach that we will lose our salvation if we do not pay our tithe and offerings to the Conference. According to Pastor Wohlberg’s reasoning, those who would minister for the Lord and be supported by the tithe must be employed by the Church. God does use ministers outside the Church organization, who He can lead more freely.

Pastor Wohlberg has twisted Ellen White’s writings to make it appear as though Ernie’s dreams contradict the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. However, as we have seen, Ellen White herself teaches God will hold us accountable if we know our tithe is being misused and do nothing about it. Pastor Wohlberg is also not consistent in his interpretation of Ellen White’s writings. We must ask, what funding does he use for his White Horse Media ministry? If we use his argument as well as Ed Reid’s that all tithes should go to the Conference and not to any independent ministry, then what is his ministry using to exist on? Offerings? The fact is, both tithe and offerings belong to God, and God’s treasury is not just the Conference. Notice how the Spirit of Prophecy, which Pastor Wohlberg quotes, includes offerings with tithe.

Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, p. 74

. . . it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings. . . . The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man. . . .

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 518

. . . the recording angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury. . . .

Is Pastor Wohlberg going against his own argument and accepting funds which he says belong only to the Conference?

For more information, see chapter 1/Independent ministries.

Prophets proven or rejected

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“[Significant EGW quotes about the of Anna Rice Phillips] All along our pathway to the heavenly Canaan we see many souls that have made shipwreck of faith, and in their false movements have led others astray through the supposition that they were led of God in special revelations. I have had to write many, many pages to correct these errors. I have been burdened and oppressed night after night, unable to sleep because of the agony of my soul for God's heritage, His people, who are in danger of being misled. Many things in these visions and dreams seem to be all straight, a repetition of that which has been in the field for many years; but soon they introduce a jot here, a tittle of error there, just a little seed which takes root and flourishes, and many are defiled therewith (2 SM 86).

The greatest care should be exercised concerning those who claim to receive revelations from God. There needs to be much close watching and much praying. Those who are acting a part in the great work for these last days need to counsel together in regard to every new thing that shall be introduced, for no one man's mind is to be left to judge of, or to place before the public, important matters which have a relation to the cause of God (2 SM 91).

[Satan mixes truth with error] It was by deception that Satan seduced angels; thus he has in all ages carried forward his work among men, and he will continue this policy to the last. Should he openly profess to be warring against God and His law, men would beware; but he disguises himself, and mixes truth with error. The most dangerous falsehoods are those that are mingled with truth. It is thus that errors are received that captivate and ruin the soul. By this means Satan carries the world with him. But a day is coming when his triumph will be forever ended (PP 338)”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg is correct that dreams and visions should be examined carefully. Jesus has warned us that false prophets would arise and deceive many. However, we must remember that many reject God’s prophets, as can be seen throughout history and even today.

God says:

Luke 4:24

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

Luke 13:34-35

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 23:29-35

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

The Desire of Ages, p. 238

By this relation of events in the lives of the prophets, Jesus met the questionings of His hearers. The servants whom God had chosen for a special work were not allowed to labor for a hardhearted and unbelieving people. But those who had hearts to feel and faith to believe were especially favored with evidences of His power through the prophets. In the days of Elijah, Israel had departed from God. They clung to their sins, and rejected the warnings of the Spirit through the Lord's messengers. Thus they cut themselves off from the channel by which God's blessing could come to them.

Faith and Works, p. 83

Has not the Lord Jesus sent message after message of rebuke, of warning, of entreaty, to these self-satisfied ones? Have not His counsels been despised and rejected? Have not His delegated messengers been treated with scorn, and their words been received as idle tales?

The Desire of Ages, p. 587

The prophets of God were hated by apostate Israel because through them their hidden sins were brought to light. Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy because the prophet was faithful to rebuke the king's secret iniquities. So today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs…

The Great Controversy (1911), p. 21

Looking down the ages, He saw the covenant people scattered in every land, "like wrecks on a desert shore." In the temporal retribution about to fall upon her children, He saw but the first draft from that cup of wrath which at the final judgment she must drain to its dregs. Divine pity, yearning love, found utterance in the mournful words: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" O that thou, a nation favored above every other, hadst known the time of thy visitation, and the things that belong unto thy peace! I have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to repentance, but in vain. It is not merely servants, delegates, and prophets, whom thou hast refused and rejected, but the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. If thou art destroyed, thou alone art responsible. "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." Matthew 23:37; John 5:40.

Conclusion
Yes, we must beware of false prophets. However, that is not license to ignore every prophet. They must be tested and proved. God said He would send prophets in the last days and most will reject them.

Fruits of the dreams

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Question: If ‘the Herald’ is a fallen angel disguising himself as one of God’s angels, and if the long-term purpose of his communications is to deceive God’s people, then how can we explain the great ‘good’ that have definitely come through the dreams so far, hearts being renewed, lives being changed, etc.

Possible answer: The Holy Spirit still works through ‘truth,’ even when it is quoted by the devil.

The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man, making the coarse refined, the rough gentle, the selfish generous (COL, 102).

It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself (DA 671).

Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always brings confusion and dissension (5T 291, 292)”

Fact
We can see that Pastor Wohlberg is not convicted on his answer, because he states that it is a possible answer. That is not solid proof. As he referenced from The Desire of Ages, p. 671, “It is by the Spirit of truth”—the Holy Spirit not the devil—“that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.” The Bible counsels us to “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21. Since Ernie’s dreams pass the tests of a prophet and are leading people into a closer relationship with Jesus, this is proof they are from God.

God says:

Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 74

I tell you plainly, the messages of your daughter Anna are not from God. This the Lord has shown me, and He will not lie. She may say many good things, may speak much that is truth, but so does the enemy of souls. The counterfeit will in many respects resemble the true. It is the fruit borne that testifies of the character.

The Faith I Live By, p. 296

Let the Testimonies be judged by their fruits. What is the spirit of their teaching? What has been the result of their influence? “All who desire to do so can acquaint themselves with the fruits of these visions.

Conclusion
Ellen White said that her visions and dreams were to be judged by their fruit. We argue the same for Ernie’s dreams.

Holy Spirit instructed?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Last night [March 23] at about 2:00 am, I couldn’t sleep. Many thoughts were going through my head. Bible verses. SOP quotes. Every spiritual bone in my body tells me that the Holy Spirit was earnestly instructing me. I sensed His presence strongly. For over an hour I tossed and turned thinking about the danger that you are in. I write this as a strong friend, not as an enemy.

These are some of the thoughts that came to me.”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg just finished explaining how we need to be careful we are not deceived by Satan, and now he expects us to believe that he “sensed” the presence of the Holy Spirit instructing him.

God says:

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, p. 180

I know that you plead not to be interfered with, that you must work in your own harness, you must be independent and follow the leadings of your own mind. But you are far from being a safe and successful worker in doing this. Your mind is not always in such a condition that you can safely follow its leadings. Frequently things come into your mind which you regard as the special teachings of the Spirit of God, impressions direct from the Lord; but they are not. You cannot rely upon these impressions. Elder D did this, and it was to a great degree ruin of body as well as to the detriment of his soul. It was the Lord's way to instruct him by warnings and counsels through the Testimonies. This light was to correct the force of his impressions; and yet these impressions were preferred and relied upon. The light given of God was rejected because it did not coincide with these impressions and sustain the intense feelings he had upon many points.

Testimonies for the Church, p. 329

I was shown the case of Sister H. She was presented before me in connection with a professed sister who was strongly prejudiced against my husband and myself, and opposed to the visions. This spirit had led her to love and cherish every lying report in regard to us and the visions, and she has communicated this to Sister H. She has had a bitter spirit of war against me, when she had no personal knowledge of me. She was unacquainted with my labors, yet has nourished the most wicked feelings of prejudice against me, and has influenced Sister H, and they have united together in their bitter remarks and speeches. The person shown me in connection with Sister H was a strong-minded woman, sanguine, and exalted in her own estimation. She has thought that her views were correct, and that others must rely upon her word, when she only darkened counsel by words, and manifested the spirit of the dragon host to war against those who would be united on the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Conclusion
God warns us to beware of our impressions. This is why He has given us tests to identify false prophets. If we would follow these tests, we would not be deceived. Since Pastor Wohlberg is claiming direction from the Holy Spirit that night, we must test his experience by the things that he was led to write. If it was the Holy Spirit that was instructing him, then his next points will stand up to God’s Word. However, if they do not, then we know the wrong spirit led him.

Angel names

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“1. Throughout her ministry, Ellen White was instructed by one she referred to as ‘my accompanying angel,’ but that angel never identified himself by any specific name. Angels often instructed people in Bible times too, but they never gave themselves names, except one, ‘Gabriel’ whose name appears only in Daniel 8/9 (in connection with the 70 week/2300 day prophecy) and Luke 1 (in connection with the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ). Because these events were so important, it seems that God felt ‘Gabriel’ should mention his name. But no other angel sent from God has ever done this.”

Fact
The angel never gave his name. He said he could be called “the Herald” which is a title or job description. “Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs or noblemen to convey messages or proclamations.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herald. We should also notice that Ernie was the one who asked the angel for his name. If the angel had ignored Ernie, we would consider that being rude. Notice the character quality of the Herald in that he does not want acknowledgment but only points to Jesus. That is the opposite characteristic of the one he replaced—Lucifer, who rebelled—the mystery of iniquity.

Ernie’s dreams say:

Keep Going, August 8, 2007

The angel, still holding my hand, says “We must go.” We turn, and I find myself in the corridor. I notice the horses are gone. I stop and ask the angel his name. He answers, “You can call me “The Herald” (he spelled it), but who I am is not important. The Great Adjudicator (he spelled this as well) is the one name we should want to know and speak of.”

Love and Rebuke, April 12, 2008

The Herald steps forward and says to all. “Understand I am the Herald. I am God’s messenger. Herald is not my name but what I am. I have said before that my real name is not important. I am just a messenger. The name that should be called is the name Jesus. This is the name that all should have on their lips. This is the name all should want to sing and praise.”

Furthermore, Pastor Wohlberg states that “because these events were so important, it seems that God felt ‘Gabriel’ should mention his name.” Well, the Herald has now done that in an indirect way as noted in the following.

Ernie’s dream says:

In the Heart of Jesus, September 12, 2009

The Herald says to turn and look up. The sky rolls apart as a scroll and I watch a scene from the throne of God. I notice the image of the Father command a most noble angel that stands next to the throne to go quickly to His Son. I see the angel helping Jesus hold the symbolic cup to His lips. The angel shows Him those that will be saved because of His decision. Jesus knows His choice and for the third time says aloud, "Heavenly Father, if it is possible, please let this cup pass from me, but may Your will be done, not mine." As the angel stands up, I see his face up close for the first time. I quickly turn to the Herald who tells me, “You like I are a messenger. We are to provide messages and care for those we are directed to. Who we are is not important. Remember, the only name that all should have on their lips is Jesus Christ--our Creator and Master, your Savior and Brother. The scene I have just shown you is a study all should do not only once but many times. What your Savior did is beyond your understanding now but will be the study of the saved for eternity.”

What a shame if Pastor Wohlberg never reads this beautiful narrative to see that “the Herald” is truly Gabriel himself. Why is he Gabriel? Because the events of today are so very important! Can we agree that the preparation for Christ’s Second Coming is a most important event?!

Summation
In a dream prior to Pastor Wohlberg’s letter, the Herald says that Ernie may call him “the Herald” but says “who I am is not important.” In a later message addressing Wohlberg’s allegation, the Herald reiterates the following: “Herald is not my name but what I am. I have said before that my real name is not important. I am just a messenger. The name that should be called is the name Jesus.”

The Desire of Ages, p. 99

Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that “He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” Rev. 1:1. And to John the angel declared, “I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets.” Rev. 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought--that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men.

The Adventist Home, p. 24

The humble tasks before us are to be taken up by someone; and those who do them should feel that they are doing a necessary and honorable work, and that in their mission, humble though it may be, they are doing the work of God just as surely as was Gabriel when sent to the prophets.

Conclusion
We must realize that angels’ names are not a biblical test of a prophet. “The Herald” is not the angel’s name and Pastor Wohlberg’s implication is false. Would the Holy Spirit make false allegations?

Holy angels never flatter

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“2. Holy angels never flatter men. EGW wrote: ‘The Holy Spirit flatters no man’ (Signs, Sept. 27, 1899). ‘We cannot praise and flatter any man without doing him a great wrong’ (5T, 75). ‘A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet’ (Prov. 29:5). It seems to me that ‘the Herald’s’ comments about Ernie as ‘the bold one’ could easily be part of a well-thought out ‘flattery’ strategy to gain Ernie’s confidence to ‘spread a net for his feet.’ ”

Fact
What is the difference between a compliment and flattery?

From various online dictionaries, a compliment is true, precise and to the point. It usually comes from the heart, is sincere, and is a powerful tool for creating and building relationships. Compliments reflect that the giver thinks positively of you, and just wants to tell you that. The recipient enjoys receiving the compliment. Often the giver and recipient have a long-time relationship (know each other).

Flattery is either insincere or does not ring true, often excessive, or given with a hidden motive. It is praise to which the recipient is usually indifferent and left ultimately feeling empty.

Ernie’s dreams say:

The Mailroom, July 24-27, 2007

. . . The foreman puts on the new helmet. He turns around toward me. As he looks down at me and I look up into his eyes, I immediately know who he is. I exclaim, “It’s you! I start crying and He reaches down and wipes away my tears with His hands. He says, “Do not cry as you are the bold one I created you to be.” I smile and tell Him that I have so many questions. He tells me there is little time. I quickly ask Him why I have repeatedly been shown in many of my dreams of the coming destruction and how He said to not tell the specific details. He answers, “Let me see your watch.” I hold out my left arm to show Him. He says, “Give me your right hand. I want to show you something.” I hold out my right hand and He places it in His left hand. He looks at me, smiles and says my heavenly name (the one I have heard in other dreams) and to not be afraid but know He is always with me.

Watch, As I Am Coming, August 14, 2007

Standing in the corridor, the angel releases my right hand. I feel a separation that I cannot and do not want to feel. He has held my hand and has been with me through everything I have seen. He steps back and I suddenly have a feeling of unbelievable happiness. I watch as the angel, who has stood about the same height as me until now, grows to his normal height, which I believe is about 15 feet tall. I watch as his wings come out from his back and unfold, unfold, and unfold again and he stretches forth his wings. I notice they are curved and remind me of a hawk. I look up at him and I ask, “Are they real or symbolic?” He smiles and those dimples show even more. He answers, “You are the bold one, aren’t you?” He waves his huge wings one time and is instantly high in the air. He looks at me and says, “If you remain faithful to your Savior, you will find out.” Then he smiles the biggest smile ever.

If You Love Me, September 4, 2007

My angel takes me back into the corridor, smiles a big smile, and says, “I have a surprise for you. I am now to take you to one more place.” We walk to the other side of the corridor. He holds his right hand on the wall and lets go of my right hand. I try to grab his hand, but he smiles back at me and says, “Do not worry. This is the way it is to be. Our journey today is finished, but I will see you again soon.” I say, “But I have questions that need to be answered.” He puts his left hand on my shoulder and says, “Go through the wall.” I ask, “Are you coming with me?” He answers, “Continue to be the bold one.

I walk through the wall and come into another room where I see Jesus standing. He is waiting with His arms outstretched. I run to Him, wrap my arms around Him and cry, "I do not ever want to leave!" He laughs and reaches down to wipe the tears from my face.

Jesus first calls Ernie “the bold one” that He created him to be. Next the Herald calls Ernie the bold one, which makes sense because he is following his Lord’s example. Then the Herald again encourages Ernie to be the bold one. Jesus and the Herald are building a relationship with Ernie. Within the context of what Ernie has done and still has to do, the term is true, short, precise, and to the point. “The bold one” is not flattery but rather a term of endearment, encouragement, and even instruction to continue being bold.

We can also see compliments to Gideon in the following quote. He certainly must have been encouraged by those words. See “Flattery” in chapter 4 and “Constant affirmation” in chapter 7 for more examples in the life of Moses, David, Job, Daniel, Mary (the mother of Jesus), and Ellen White.

Reflecting Christ, p. 330

Gideon was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh. The division to which this family belonged held no leading position, but the household of Joash was distinguished for courage and integrity.... To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people....

Suddenly the "angel of the Lord" appeared and addressed him with the words, "Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor."

"Oh my Lord," was his answer, "if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?" ...

The Messenger of heaven replied, "Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites; have not I sent thee?"

We find it interesting that the definition for “man of valor” is “courage and boldness, as in battle; bravery; courage” which equates to “the bold one.” (www.thefreedictionary.com)

Conclusion
Pastor Wohlberg’s point is irrelevant, because the term “the bold one” is not flattery but rather a compliment, a term of endearment, encouragement, and instruction. With another false allegation, we again do not see the working of the Holy Spirit in Pastor Wohlberg’s letter.

Smiling over bad music

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“3. In the ABC dream an angel ‘keeps smiling all the time while the machine is smashing and chomping [music] CDs and DVDs’ Compare this with this. Once EGW saw young people playing bad music. Then she wrote: ‘...such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep’ (Adventist Home, 514). Thus God’s angels ‘weep’ over bad music. This is nothing to ‘smile’ about.”

God Says:

Adventist Home, pp. 514, 515

A view of one such company was presented to me, where were assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action. I have reason to think that some who were engaged in that scene heartily repented of the shameful performance.

Ernie’s dream says:

The ABC, October 24, 2007

The Herald now tells me to look up. The sky rolls back, angels descend and their wings fold and fold and fold again. Their appearance now changes into human form. My angel and I quickly follow the small group back into the ABC. I watch as the SDA man instructs the “angel employees” to place empty boxes onto hand trucks and put certain books into the boxes. While they are busy doing this task, the SDA man says to one of the larger angel employees, “Please get rid of that.” He is pointing to the CD, DVD and music stand. I watch as this large angel walks over, wraps his very large arms around the whole display stand and rips it from the wall with ease. We follow as he heads toward the end of the loading dock where a large dumpster sits. He hurls the display into it and smiles at me as he presses a button on the side of the dumpster. He continues smiling as this dumpster, which has a built-in compactor and chipping machine, grinds everything into small bits and then compresses it. He keeps smiling all the time while the machine is smashing and chomping the CDs and DVDs. I turn to see angels lined up with boxes of books on hand trucks. The large angel picks up a heavy box of books and throws it into the dumpster. He keeps smiling as the books are ground to pieces.

Fact
An astute person should be able to discern the differences between the two situations. In the first is a group professing to be Christians yet engaged in behavior that includes trifling, hilarity, jesting and mirth, accompanied by songs that would make God’s angels weep. It is the circumstances that make them weep, to see Satan’s influence over such as profess to be followers of God. Weeping is the proper attitude in this situation.

In Ernie’s dream, the large angel carries out the CD and DVD stand and hurls it into the dumpster. He is smiling because the contents that are being destroyed are disapproved by God. The bad CDs and DVDs can no longer influence listeners or viewers. Would it make sense for this angel to be weeping while the bad contents are being destroyed? Of course not! Smiling is the proper attitude in this situation.

God says:

Isaiah 30:27-32

Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe [flute] to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff [staff of punishment] shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking [brandishing] will he fight with it.

In this passage, God is pouring out His anger and destruction upon the wicked. Yet the text paints the scene in terms of music: song, flutes, tambourines and harps that accompany the destruction.

Conclusion
The angel is displaying proper emotion based on the circumstance; to do otherwise would not be normal or make any sense. Again, we do not see the Holy Spirit in Pastor Wohlberg’s false conclusion. We also notice that he continues to grasp for valid reasons to reject Ernie’s dreams, yet so far it is a futile attempt.

Satan talks in a God-given dream

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“4. In the ‘If You Love Me’ dream, three evil angels were allowed to talk to Ernie. This is most unusual. In no other heavenly dream that I am aware of are evil angels portrayed as talking directly to the receiver of the dream. This is not God’s method of communication. In EGW’s dreams, God often exposed Satan, but he never allowed Satan to talk directly to his servant in a dream.”

Fact
Pastor Wohlberg is mistaken, because he was not aware of the following dream in which Satan talked to God’s servant, Ellen White.

God says:

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, No. 171

A dream the Lord gave me August 22. . . . James was counting the angels, and I stood trembling with fear. My life came up before [me] and looked so full of wrongs I could not see how I should be able to stand. Just then Satan came where I was and said to me, "You are lost; you are now my property [and] will go with me to the dark regions." My feelings I cannot describe. To be separated from the Jesus I had loved and to take up my abode with those that I abhorred looked dreadful to me. At the same time, I felt unworthy to be with the lovely Jesus.

While in this dreadful perplexity one of the angels came where I was and said to Satan, "She is not your property, for she has been redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus. She is the purchase of His blood." Satan fled. My feelings changed. My soul was overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness to God. I saw the saints as there fell [on them] and was reflected from the face of Jesus, light. Their faces would light up as they rose to meet the angels.

Summation
Satan was allowed to talk to Ellen White at least once in her dreams. Pastor Wohlberg’s lack of awareness makes his argument worthless.

Conclusion
If Pastor Wohlberg had not been in such a hurry to discredit Ernie’s dreams and instead had searched more thoroughly in God’s Word, he would have found his answer. In addition, this reason for his lack of trust in the dreams is new and subjective and not a biblical test to identify false prophets. It is another futile attempt. Again, what does this reveal about the spirit that was instructing Pastor Wohlberg?

Beware of all angels?

In his next concerns, Pastor Wohlberg jumps to a conclusion after learning about (not reading) the book Beware of Angels: Deceptions in the Last Days by Roger Morneau. He is concerned that the circumstances surrounding the group mentioned in the book is “exactly what is happening through the dreams and communications of ‘the Herald.’” As we shall see, the circumstances are vastly different. One cannot equate the two.

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Someone recently told me about Roger Morneau’s book, Beware of Angels: Deceptions in the Last Days, published by the Review and Herald. I plan on reading this book soon. From what I now know of it, it is about a group of very conservative Adventists who started receiving visitations from ‘angels’ telling them that they had been sent by God to prepare them for the time of trouble and the return of Jesus Christ. These visitations continued for a number of years. Everything the ‘angels’ taught seemed correct and without error, for a long, long time. But then, once the ‘net was spread for their feet,’ the deceptions began. Here is what one reviewer wrote:

‘This book is a true account of a prayer group that was deceived by demons. They were true sincere Christians that were visited by angels that told them they were chosen of God, and all sorts of other things that stroked their egos. They figured that because these beings were beautiful and said they were from God, that they MUST be from God. Long story short, the demons little by little snuck in a little error mixed in a world of truth, kind of like giving a thirsty person a big glass of water with a little drop of cyanide until the person dies.’

This is exactly what EGW warned about concerning the ‘visions and dreams’ of Anna Rice Phillips. ‘Many things in these visions and dreams seem to be all straight, a repetition of that which has been in the field for many years; but soon they introduce a jot here, a tittle of error there, just a little seed which takes root and flourishes, and many are defiled therewith’ (2 SM 86).

The ‘Beware of Angels’ story ends in murder!

I am very concerned that this is exactly what is happening through the dreams and communications of ‘the Herald.’ Last night, the Holy Spirit warned me strongly about this. Today I am doing my duty to write this out for you.”

Fact
We are still looking for that “tittle of error.” No one has shown it yet. First of all, the book’s name is simply a title, not a principle. Beware of Evil Angels would have been a more appropriate title and certainly is a true principle. There is no doubt that one has to be careful with purported angelic messages. However, false angels are not in the habit of promoting repentance and a turning from worldliness.

The circumstances surrounding Ernie versus the group in the book are quite different. Demonic beings flattered the group and promised protection when they broke God’s laws, including the commandments “thou shalt not steal” and “thou shalt not kill.” The group members were not “very conservative Adventists” as Wohlberg falsely alleges. Several, including the one who later committed murder, were living in a sinful non-marital relationship at the time. Following is a brief look at some of the differences between the angels discussed in the book and Ernie’s.

1. The group that was deceived was involved in deliverance ministries of a type which involved exorcism of multiple spirits and having those spirits manifest themselves, declare their names and how they affected the person. This is communicating with evil spirits, which God expressly prohibits (p. 13)
2. The angels promised the group members questionable special powers such as shouting to bring down a mountain upon God’s enemies. (p. 14)
3. The angels appealed to the group's pride. (p. 15)
4. The individuals participating in the group had a fascination with angels and exorcism. They had an interest in the occult. (pp. 15, 82)
5. The group would essentially have a séance, gathered around an individual who could see and act as a medium for what the angels communicated to them. The group members were alert and awake during their communication times. They were not in vision or dreams. (pp. 16, 20, 82)
6. The angels flattered, impressed and deceived the group. Satan led them step by step to accept the most bizarre things, including the use of an invisible “spiritual” sword to rid the house of evil spirits. (pp. 17, 96)
7. The angels gave their names to the group (one member recorded over 160 names). (p. 17)
8. The angels claimed to put the seal of God in the members’ hands and feet. (p. 18)
9. Out of body experiences for a number of people in the group were common. (pp. 18, 90)
10. At times, one or more individuals in the group would talk in tongues. (p. 18)
11. The angels charmed the group members with promises of wonderful things to come, winning their confidence and love and then began to lead them into activities forbidden by God’s Word. They were told to prepare for the end of time by stealing things from others rather than living by faith. The angels cloaked the group members with alleged invisibility so they could carry out their thefts in broad daylight. In one six-month period, the group stole more than $50,000 worth of merchandise from various sources without anyone noticing. (pp. 19-21)
12. They were not directed to search the Bible and the writings of Ellen White to learn whether the angels were telling them truth. (p. 19)
13. Satan used the desire for gain to attract and hold the group members in bondage. (pp. 21-22)
14. At the very beginning, the group was facilitated by individuals who promoted hearing messages from God in their minds, and who invited outsiders to the exorcism sessions. Curiosity led to their participation and later entrapment. (p. 82)
15. As the meetings continued, it gradually became a closed group with a secret body of information they felt should not be shared with outsiders. (p. 85)
16. A number of false prophecies were made with dates set for their fulfillment. (p. 86)
17. The leaders told them not to talk to any minister of the gospel about their “new light” and to keep the supposed messages from God to themselves. (p. 89)
18. The group had been participating in sorcery through accepting errors the Scriptures describe as abominations, such as the supposed immortality of the soul. (p. 90)
19. The angels poured out confusion to this group of people and they were believing it, including that one of the members had a 500 year old man (Timothious) living in their house for 3 years. (p. 100)
20. The angels gave advice intended to separate the group members from the SDA Church, and to isolate themselves and to study and pray at home rather than going to church. The angels made false allegations about leaders in the SDA Church and the waste of time in doing evangelism. (p. 102)

None of these apply to the encounters that Ernie has had in his dreams with the good angels. Here is a short list showing the clear difference:

1. Ernie only had conversation with angels in dreams, never during waking hours.
2. He never initiated the contacts with the angels, only they with him while asleep.
3. The angels and unfallen beings on other planets would not divulge their names, but always pointed to the name of Jesus as the name that should be on everyone's lips.
4. The messages are not secret, but have been widely disseminated and are readily available on the Internet. No sense of elitism should prevail among the readers of the messages; only humility and a seeking after purity and God’s will in their lives.
5. Only one individual is receiving the messages. Never are there groups gathered to try to communicate with the angel(s).
6. Notwithstanding documents written by “experts” alleging differently, the teachings, upon close scrutiny, are consistent with Scriptures and the writings of Ellen White, and readers are urged to compare the messages with those standards of truth.
7. Preparation for the time of the end is to be done through spiritual preparation rather than material preparation. The principal of living by faith is promoted.
8. While prophecies have been made regarding certain events, no dates have been given.
9. A high standard of righteousness and purity is promoted, never a breaking of God’s law.
   

God says:

The Great Controversy (1888), pp. 396-397

William Miller had no sympathy with those influences that led to fanaticism. He declared, with Luther, that every spirit should be tested by the Word of God. “The devil,” said Miller, “has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers: ‘By their fruits ye shall know them.’” “There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements.” “Many among us, who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions.” “The spirit of error will lead us from the truth; and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and Word agree. If a man judges himself by the Word of God, and finds a perfect harmony through the whole Word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil.” “I have often obtained more evidence of inward piety from a kindling eye, a wet cheek, and a choked utterance, than from all the noise in Christendom.”

Summation
God never promotes the breaking of His law and consistent with this, Ernie’s messages never promote the breaking of God’s law either. In fact, when Ernie sinned (see chapter 2 of volume 2), God rebuked him, Ernie repented, and God forgave him.

The differences between those in the book and Ernie are vast. The encounters of the group with their angels clearly reflect that of demonic encounters. Ernie’s dreams and messages clearly bear the imprint of heaven’s messages.

Conclusion
Wohlberg’s concerns and equating of the dreams Ernie is experiencing versus the deceived group are totally unfounded when looking in detail at the circumstances. Notice Wohlberg’s comment again:

“I am very concerned that this is exactly what is happening through the dreams and communications of “the Herald.” Last night, the Holy Spirit warned me strongly about this. Today I am doing my duty to write this out for you.”

It is appropriate to do one’s duty. However, there is a conflict between truth and the false allegations that have been pointed out. Interestingly enough, Wohlberg was rebuked in the “Love and Rebuke” dream. To our knowledge, he has not as yet repented.

With the evidence so far, we see another spirit in Pastor Wohlberg’s letter.

The Herald a deceiver?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Many are reading the dreams. As EGW warned, much is ‘all straight.’ But once ‘the Herald’ gains people’s confidence, we don’t know where this will go. Someone might say, ‘Yes, that’s why we keep testing everything by the Bible and SOP, for the Herald himself said to do this.’ Well, two dreams ago the Herald made comments about tithe that were clearly wrong (see my earlier document sent to Steve H.). He introduced ‘a jot here, a tittle of error there.’ His words have now alerted many, many people, that the Herald is a deceiver. Just this past weekend I was at a church retreat with many of my friends from the Templeton Hills church, where I used to pastor. Ernie had previously spoken to some of the leaders of that church. Since that time, some had been reading the dreams, watching this develop. But when the Herald spoke about tithe, that was it. They knew he was wrong, and this changed everything. It was one of the elders of that church that mentioned Roger Morneau’s book to me. In the last dream ‘the Herald’ said, ‘Many did not understand the things you were shown in the last dream either.’ Well, the problem for the Herald is that some of us do understand, all too well, exactly what he said, and now we know that he is a demon, not a true angel of God. We will give no credence to any future ‘explanations,’ for we are ‘not ignorant of his devices’ (2 Cor. 2:11). Paul warned about those who ‘by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple’ (Romans 16:18).”

Fact
Many may think the Herald’s counsel on tithe was wrong, but there are also many people who know the truth about tithing. They know that God will hold us accountable if we know our tithe is misused and we do nothing to correct the evil.

The problem for Pastor Wohlberg is that some of us do understand, all too well, exactly what he has said against Ernie, the Herald, and against God Himself. Now we know that Pastor Wohlberg was not led by God’s Spirit as he wrote his letter. Unless Pastor Wohlberg repents, we will give no credence to any of his future “explanations,” for we are “not ignorant of his devices.” Paul warned about those, like Pastor Wohlberg, who “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

God says:

The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1900

Standing in the presence of the multitude, Christ uttered words which, if spoken by any one else, would have been blasphemous. "If a man keep My saying, He shall never see death," He said. "Then said the Jews unto Him, Now we know that Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and Thou sayest, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead; whom makest Thou Thyself? Jesus answered, If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing; it is My father that honoreth Me; of whom ye say, that He is your God. Yet ye have not known Him; but I know Him; and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know Him, and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad."

The Desire of Ages, pp. 207-208

The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father, therefore they would not have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing in the same relation to God. But they accused Him of blasphemy, showing that they understood Him as making this claim in the highest sense.

These adversaries of Christ had no arguments with which to meet the truths He brought home to their consciences. They could only cite their customs and traditions, and these seemed weak and vapid when compared with the arguments Jesus had drawn from the word of God and the unceasing round of nature.

The Desire of Ages, p. 276

Now when Jesus came mingling with the people, eating and drinking at their tables, they accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber. The very ones who made this charge were themselves guilty. As God is misrepresented, and clothed by Satan with his own attributes, so the Lord's messengers were falsified by these wicked men.

Conclusion
The Jews were convinced that Jesus was possessed of a devil for they could not comprehend the truth that He was teaching. It was so foreign to their traditions. Yet this did not make them right. Just as they falsely accused Jesus, so Pastor Wohlberg and his associates have falsely accused Ernie, the Herald, and God Himself, because they do not understand the truth in the dreams. Pastor Wohlberg was wrongly influenced by his associates and, in turn, he wrongly influenced others. They have all falsely accused their Savior, who sent Ernie’s dreams to save them. Pastor Wohlberg and others will gain much from reading the following.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 526-527

Elijah, amid the general apostasy, did not seek to hide the fact that he served the God of heaven. Baal's prophets numbered four hundred and fifty, his priests, four hundred, and his worshipers were thousands; yet Elijah did not try to make it appear that he was on the popular side. He grandly stood alone. The mountain was covered with people full of eager expectation. The king came in great pomp, and the idolaters, confident of triumph, shouted his welcome. But God had been greatly dishonored. One man, and only one man, appeared to vindicate the honor of God. With clear, trumpetlike tones Elijah addressed the vast multitude: "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." The result was that the Lord God, who ruleth in the heavens, was vindicated, and the Baal worshipers were slain. Where are the Elijahs of today?

The Faith I Live By, p. 336

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.

Christ Triumphant, chapter 11, p. 317 (Letter 35a, 1877)

What if in Luther’s day people had taken a position to cover their disobedience to God’s requirement with: “God is too merciful to condemn me for not taking unpopular truth. Our intellectuals and our religious leaders do not accept it. I will run the risk of transgressing God’s law because the world rejects it. . . . I am satisfied with my religion; . . . I will risk going with the crowd.”

If I go with the crowd, the Bible tells me I am in the broad road to death. Said the Majesty of heaven, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” We are accountable for the light that shines in our day. Christ wept in agony over Jerusalem because they knew not the time of their visitation. It was their day of trust, their day of opportunity and privilege. . . . The foul ingratitude, the hollow formalism, and the hypocritical insincerity of hundreds of years called these tears of irrepressible anguish from His eyes.

The Signs of the Times, July 31, 1884

We shall meet with strong temptations to go with the crowd, which is pressing downward; for by this means we can avoid being singular. But we must have a firm hold on Christ, and keep on climbing. To look back is to become dizzy; to let go is to perish.

The Great Controversy (1911), p. 258

The servants of God trod a rugged path. Men of influence and learning employed their powers against them. After a time many of the clergy manifested determined hostility, and the doors of the churches were closed against a pure faith and those who proclaimed it. The course of the clergy in denouncing them from the pulpit aroused the elements of darkness, ignorance, and iniquity.

Sketches from the Life of Paul, pp. 51-52

The Jews, however, were not satisfied with closing their synagogues against the apostles, but desired to banish them from that region. To effect this purpose, they sought to prejudice certain devout and honorable women, who had great influence with the government, and also men of influence. This they accomplished by subtle arts, and false reports. These persons of good repute complained to the authorities against the apostles, and they were accordingly expelled from that district.

On this occasion the apostles followed the instruction of Christ: "Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. [Use the “white cloth” mentioned in Ernie’s dreams.] Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment, than for that city." The apostles were not discouraged by this expulsion; they remembered the words of their Master: "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

The Review and Herald, May 27, 1890

Those whom God has sent with a message are only men, but what is the character of the message which they bear? Will you dare to turn from, or make light of, the warnings, because God did not consult you as to what would be preferred? God calls men who will speak, who will cry aloud and spare not. God has raised up his messengers to do his work for this time. Some have turned from the message of the righteousness of Christ to criticise the men and their imperfections, because they do not speak the message of truth with all the grace and polish desirable. They have too much zeal, are too much in earnest, speak with too much positiveness, and the message that would bring healing and life and comfort to many weary and oppressed souls, is, in a measure, excluded; for just in proportion as men of influence close their own hearts and set up their own wills in opposition to what God has said, will they seek to take away the ray of light from those who have been longing and praying for light and for vivifying power. Christ has registered all the hard, proud, sneering speeches spoken against his servants as against himself.

What if?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Think about it. What if God did speak to me last night? What if this letter is true? If so, then what is happening is truly frightening, and you are in great danger. Then those that are reading the dreams, and who trust them, are also being baited. Once confidence is gained, then Satan has direct access to many precious souls. And if some of us see through his devices, and blow the whistle, then he can just give another dream and say that we just ‘don’t understand’ what he is saying. Satan is smarter than we are. How can he reach solid Adventists anyway? The answer is obvious – by pretending to be one himself, and by teaching the truth, for a long time, until the net is laid. Then he will spring the trap.”

Fact
The reader can plainly see that Pastor Wohlberg is not convinced himself that God “spoke” to him that night. If he was not sure that the letter was true, why did he bother writing it? Was he searching for answers, for proof? It was in his Bible all along. However, he did not search deeply; he listened to others and gave up too soon, just as Linda Kirk did. As stated from the “In the Heart of Jesus” dream, “Other stones do not hold up under pressure.” Did Pastor Wohlberg give in to the pressure of his associates?

Furthermore, if we go by Pastor Wohlberg’s suggestion about the dreams, then Satan is gaining people’s confidence so that they will study God’s Word, reform their lives in preparation for Christ’s Second Coming, and help others do the same. Why would Satan do that if he is so intelligent? Yes, the believers of the dreams are “being baited”—by Jesus. He promises: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. Pastor Wohlberg’s conclusion does not make sense. Has he laid the enemy’s net and set the enemy’s trap for himself and, sadly, for others? Is he unknowingly undoing the work of God while thinking he is supporting it?

It is clear that God did not speak to Pastor Wohlberg that night. The Lord does not lead anyone to counteract prophets with subjective arguments not supported by His Word. He does not lead us to use half-truths or human tests. Instead of worrying about Ernie and those who believe his dreams, Pastor Wohlberg should be worried about his own salvation by carefully testing his impressions using God’s Word.

God says:

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Matthew 7:15-17

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Conclusion
According to Pastor Wohlberg’s conclusion, if God sends a prophet to His Church today, we would have to wait for a very long time before we accepted them because the devil can pretend to be an Adventist, teaching the truth for a long time. How long are we then supposed to wait? Does the Bible give us a time period? No. Does the Spirit of Prophecy give us a time period? No. Therefore, the only safe conclusion, according to Pastor Wohlberg, would be to wait until the prophet died, then study and compare their words with God’s words. If we followed this reasoning, we would never accept a prophet of God while they are alive, and that is what history shows us the majority have done. Is it any different today?

Reject the dreams?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Ernie and Becky (and Steve), I hope we can talk again soon. I am praying for you everyday. What the Herald said about tithe is enough. Now we know who he is. His words don’t line up with ‘the law and the testimony.’ In light of all of this, and the great danger involved to so many souls, my earnest counsel to you is this: Remove the website. Tell Jesus you don’t want these dreams anymore. Ernie, if you get another dream, don’t talk to the Herald at all. Don’t even listen to him. Remember, this is how Eve fell. She talked to the devil and was deceived. Read 2 Cor. 11:3. Quote Scripture only, like Jesus did in the wilderness. If the Herald is a demon, you can’t reason with him. He’s too smart. Don’t take a chance. Read ‘Beware of Angels.’ ”

Fact
When Pastor Wohlberg and others criticized and appealed to Ernie and his Board, it was not without affect. It created stress and discouragement for Ernie and he asked to be released from his calling. It is not easy to be a messenger for the Lord.

Less than four months after Pastor Wohlberg’s letter, Ernie received a dream where he took his advice and commanded the angels, the Herald, and Jesus to depart. However, as you will see, this had no effect whatsoever.

Ernie’s dream says:

In His Time, July 12, 2008

In my dream, I am sitting on a hillside with my back against a tree. In one hand I hold my Bible and in the other hand the book, The Great Controversy. After reading, I look up to see a beautiful green valley. A warm breeze blows the tall green grass, and I hear different songbirds. Looking up at the blue pristine sky, I notice several beautiful white clouds float by. I am in silent prayer when I notice the sky roll apart like a scroll and several angels slowly descend. I lay my books down, stand up and watch the angels land. Some of them I recall from other dreams. The one angel who stands in front of the rest is a little taller and more noble-looking. I recognize him to be the Herald. He and the angels come and stand in front of me. He smiles at me, but before he can speak I say aloud in a clear voice, “In the name of Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for all that will believe in Him and have everlasting life, I command you to not say a word but depart and never return to me.” And to the accompanying angels I say, “In the name of Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for all that will believe in Him and have everlasting life, I command you to not say a word but depart and never return to me.” The Herald speaks and says, "The name of the One in whom you command me to leave is the name of the One who has sent me. I cannot leave as He–my Lord, my Master, Michael, the One who all should call out His name, Jesus Christ–has sent us.”

The Herald walks over and picks up the book, The Great Controversy. He says, “This is the main book that Lucifer and his followers do not like.” The Herald hands my book to me and says, “Soon this will all be over.” He backs away and, along with the large group of angels, stands to the right of me. They all turn and look up. The sky rolls apart and a large circle of angels slowly descends. It is very bright in the middle. As they approach, I see Jesus in the middle of all. He slowly comes toward me and says, “What you command of the Herald, command of Me.” I look to Him and I say that I do not want to, as I know whom He is. He calls me by my heavenly name and says, “It is not through just your private prayers that I offer and answer to this test but through the prayers of many that I now answer. So ask.” I look to Him and say, “In the name of Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for all that will believe in Him and have everlasting life, I command you to not say a word but depart and never return to me.” Jesus looks at me and says, “It is through My blood, it is through My death, it is through strikes I took for you, it is through being nailed to a cross, being separated from My Father, your Father, and dying that I will not leave, I cannot leave. It is through My love for you that I stay.”

Eventually, Ernie’s first Board, feeling the stress and learning of a sin Ernie committed, did remove the website and shut down the ministry. Incidentally, following is an excerpt from a letter to many from Ernie and Becky dated August 5, 2009:

Even though most of our Board has forsaken us, we are not surprised. About two years ago, Ernie had a dream (which was shared with some of the board members) where he saw Becky and the Board walking away from the ministry. That is one reason why Ernie felt so alone. Becky has come back to believe in the dreams and we pray the same for the Board as well as others. We miss them.

Fortunately, however, God’s calling is irrevocable. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29.

God’s says:

The Great Controversy (1888), p. 136

The only response was, “Recant, recant.” The reformer [Luther] showed that his position was sustained by the Scriptures, and firmly declared that he could not renounce the truth.

After Ernie acknowledged his sin, as addressed in chapter 2 of volume 2, he was forgiven by God and a new ministry began. Herein lays a wonderful truth: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

God can work with that. What is much worse in God’s sight is to be so self-assured of our rightness, that our pride forbids us to confess our sins and turn from them. God worked with Manasseh, one of the worst kings in Israel’s history, but after he confessed and repented of his sins, he was brought back from captivity and had the longest reign in Israel’s history. However, God could not work with Satan who, in spite of all the attempts by God to show him that he was wrong, refused to bow and acknowledge the truth in Jesus.

Conclusion
We encourage Pastor Wohlberg to take his own advice and, if he has not done so already, read Beware of Angels and discern the differences between their séances and Ernie’s dreams.

God’s providence?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“Shortly after this letter was sent I discovered that my friend Ed Reid, the Stewardship Director of the North American Division, had also written a piece on Ernie’s dreams called ‘False Prophet of Tithing’ which focused on the same statement of the Herald that bothered me, and that used the exact same quotes from EGW’s writings that God led me to. To me, God’s providence was plainly evident…

All of this shows that Ed Reid, myself, and the person in Oregon were all alerted to the exact same problem independently of each other. Here’s another email from a friend…

Here is a portion of one more significant email I just received from an SDA pastor:”

Fact
Simply because a few influential people and perhaps the majority agree, it does not turn a lie into truth. It makes it more pervasive. It is far from God’s providence. Ananias agreed with Caiaphas the high priest, and the majority of the Sanhedrin sided with them and they crucified Jesus. If a person hears a lie often enough, it will become truth to them. However, that does not make it the truth. There are people who disagree with Pastor Wohlberg and Elder Reid on the tithe issue. We must admit that over the past 25 years, the General Conference has done a “good” job educating members to their way of thinking on the tithe issue.

God says:

The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 214

In every age, God has called his servants to lift up their voices against the prevailing errors and sins of the multitude. Noah was called to stand alone to warn the antediluvian world. Moses and Aaron were alone against king and princes, magicians and wise men, and the multitudes of Egypt. Elijah was alone when he testified against an apostate king and a backsliding people. Daniel and his fellows stood alone against the decrees of mighty monarchs. The majority are usually to be found on the side of error and falsehood. The fact that doctors of divinity have the world on their side does not prove them to be on the side of truth and of God. The wide gate and the broad road attract the multitudes, while the strait gate and the narrow way are sought only by the few.

Conclusion
We prefer to depend on God’s Word, not man’s words, no matter how influential they are. This is something Pastor Wohlberg forgot to do. Was he not sure of himself until others influenced him? Again, refer to chapter 1 for more details on tithing.

Conclusion to first letter

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix G)

“This is where everything stands as of today, March 25, 2008. Because Ernie’s dreams are public, on his website, and because many minds are now seeking information about these important matters, I have no reason to consider as ‘private’ the communications included in this letter. These are my thoughts and concerns. May Jesus lead us all, protect us from Satan’s subtle snares, and prepare us for heaven.”

God says:

Matthew 5:20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Conclusion
It is apparent that Pastor Wohlberg’s letter turned people away from God’s messages and was not written or motivated by the Holy Spirit, but by a different spirit.

Do not risk your eternal salvation due to the writings of one leader or another (not even Ernie). Do not accept their word, but do the research yourselves using the Bible and writings of Ellen White. God has messages to bring to His end-time people that are relevant and very important. Let us not reject them simply because men of influence or the majority say to.

Addressing Wohlberg’s Second Letter of April 22, 2008

Comments on “Love and Rebuke” dream - 1 John 4:1-3

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 1, Ernie admits that some readers of his dreams are concerned that ‘the Herald’ is a deceiver. He also states that some have counseled him to test the Herald with 1 John 4:3. Ernie wrote:

Knowing that an angel of Satan can only answer that Jesus did not come in the flesh, if the Herald stated this, it would prove that he is an agent of Satan and is trying to deceive many. However, if the Herald answered that Jesus did come in the flesh, then that would mean I am not being deceived.

How do we know for certain that Satan's angels cannot make such a confession? And even if the Herald does make a true confession, does this really ‘prove’ that he is of God and that Ernie has not been deceived?”

Fact
In Pastor Wohlberg’s first sentence, he uses the word admits creatively to suggest an implied apology or confession, which gives a wrong impression of the facts. The word states would have been more neutral. However, psychologically, Pastor Wohlberg is trying to set up his argument. He then misquotes the textual range of the test, limiting it to 1 John 4:3 instead of verses 1-3, which is a significant difference.

Ernie’s dream says:

Love and Rebuke, April 12, 2008

Several counseled me to “test the spirits.” I was counseled to follow 1 John 4:1-3, which says:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“Concerning the ‘1 John 4:3 Test,’ here are some thoughts to consider:

1. The test is biblical, but it is not the only test in God's Word.
2. The context reveals that this test should be used to detect ‘false prophets’ who have ‘gone out into the world’ (vs. 1). These verses do not say that such a test should be directly applied to an angel, or that a fallen angel cannot make this confession.
3. Demons are brilliant deceivers. They know exactly who Jesus is. The question should be asked: Why can't demons confess that ‘Jesus Christ has come in the flesh’ if they so choose? What would stop them from doing so? Luke reports: "And demons came out of many, crying out and saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ Luke 4:41. This confession was correct. Thus demons can correctly confess who Jesus Christ is, and still be demons.
4. A key message within 1 John is that a simple verbal confession or profession is not enough. Six times in chapters one and two, John wrote, “If we say...” (1:6; 1:8; 1:10) and “He who says...” (2:4; 2:6; 2:9), showing that mere words are not enough. Making his point, John wrote, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (3:18).
5. Many Adventists today openly “confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh,” even in fallen flesh, but this doesn’t mean they are led of God in everything they do or teach. Thus it is obvious that a human being can make the correct confession, but still be a deceiver. Why can’t a demon do the same thing?
6. Truly confessing Jesus Christ means more than merely speaking words. “He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him...The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession" (The Desire of Ages, 357). “A mere profession of godliness is worthless” (The Faith I Live By, 130).

Tests
We agree, and Ernie agrees, that the statement regarding 1 John 4:1-3 as “not the only test in God's Word” is true. Ernie never stated that it was the only test. It was one test that he used as well as others. Interestingly, Ernie was given further instruction about the proper way to test the spirits in a subsequent dream on May 12, 2008 entitled, “Testing the Spirits.” It shows that 1 John 4:1-3 is only one of many tests of the spirits, but they all are valid independent of one another. Ellen White uses 1 John 4:1-3 as the key text at the beginning and end of her article on testing the spirits. No mention is made that this test might be lacking in its validity or effectiveness. Would any be so brave as to say that any of the following six biblical tests are incomplete, inadequate, and cannot stand alone?

God says:

The Signs of the Times, September 3, 1894, Try the Spirits

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." [1 John 4:1-3] . . .

. . . Through evil spirits they receive communications, and accept them as messages from their lost loved ones. Satan and his agents personate their dead friends, and thus impart to them Satanic delusions. But God has given us a rule whereby to test what is truth. The prophet says: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." [Isaiah 8:20] "He that is of God heareth God's word." [John 8:47] "We are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." [1 John 4:6] "But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." [John 10:27] "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [1 Corinthians 14:37] "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." [1 John 4:1-3]

Angels included
From the S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 660, on false prophets and every spirit in 1 John 4:1-2: “Here John is obviously referring to false teachers who may be identified with, or at least associated with, the antichrists mentioned in ch. 2:18-22, and the false apostles of Rev. 2:2." Regarding every spirit: “John’s words are all-inclusive—he is ready to acknowledge ‘every spirit’ that fulfills the conditions.” From p. 644 on antichrists in 1 John 2:18: “The plural indicates that John did not have any one particular manifestation in mind, but classed all heretical opponents of truth as ‘antichrists.’ ”

Angels are also spirits as seen in Hebrews 1:7. “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits. . . .”

Prophets are often guided by angels; therefore, those angels must be tested as to whether they are for Christ or against Him. 1 John 4:3 can be applied to good or evil angels. Pastor Wohlberg has taken one of the very key tests God gave us to distinguish between good and evil angels and counteracts its full meaning and effectiveness.

Confess
The word answer in Ernie’s statement has the same meaning as confess in 1 John 4:2-3. We all agree that to confess means living that confession. Yes, evil angels can say that Jesus came in the flesh, but they do not mean what they say and do not show it in their life. To this point, the Herald passes all the tests of an angel of God. As an example, read the Herald’s confession further in this chapter under the title, “Verbal confession.”

Here is additional information regarding the word confess from the S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 660: “. . . seems to carry a twofold meaning: (1) to acknowledge the truth of the doctrine of the incarnation of the Son of God; (2) to reveal in the life the effect of believing this doctrine. The fullest interpretation calls for more than verbal agreement with a teaching: it demands the Christ-filled life.” From Vol. 5, p. 379: “It is when we abide in Him [Christ] and He abides in us that our confession of faith in Him will ‘bear much fruit’ (see John 15:1-8).” From p. 1043: “Thus glory comes to God when His image is reflected in the lives of His followers.

God says:

The Desire of Ages, p. 357

He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him. He cannot communicate that which he has not received. The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession. Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking, by foolish talking, by words that are untruthful or unkind. They may deny Him by shunning life's burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him by conforming to the world, by uncourteous behavior, by the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness. In all these ways they declare that Christ is not in them. And "whosoever shall deny Me before men," He says, "him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven."

Summation

• 1 John 4:1-3 is not the only test in God’s Word.
• There are a number of tests of the spirits, but they all are valid independent of one another.
• 1 John 4:1-3 can be used to test an evil spirit.
• Angels are also spirits.
• Prophets are often guided by angels; therefore, those angels must be tested as to whether they are for Christ or against Him. 1 John 4:3 can be applied to good or evil angels. Pastor Wohlberg has taken one of the very key tests God gave us to distinguish between good and evil angels and counteracts its full meaning and effectiveness.
• The word answer in Ernie’s statement has the same meaning as confess in 1 John 4:2-3. We all agree that to confess means living that confession. Yes, evil angels can say that Jesus came in the flesh, but they do not mean what they say and do not show it in their life. To this point, the Herald passes all the tests of an angel of God.
  

Conclusion
Following are some comments by Ellen White on 1 John 4:1.

S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 952

There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead away from the original faith. The Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." If they belittle the law of God, if they pay no heed to His will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers. They are controlled by impulse and impressions which they believe to be from the Holy Spirit and consider more reliable than the Inspired Word. They claim that every thought and feeling is an impression of the Spirit; and when they are reasoned with out of the Scriptures, they declare that they have something more reliable. But while they think that they are led by the Spirit of God, they are in reality following an imagination wrought upon by Satan.

Ernie’s dreams do not have some truth; they have all truth. The dreams do not lead away from the original faith but bring us back to it. The dreams do not belittle the law of God, but emphasize it. The dreams do pay heed to God’s will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, not just in the Bible but also in the Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen White’s writings.) Ernie is not controlled by impulse and impressions. The dreams are not more reliable than what God has already revealed, but are just as reliable because they are from the same Author.

Too quick to trust angels?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 2, the dream begins. At the bottom of page 2, after seeing three angels, and hearing one of them quote Philippians 2:5-11, Ernie wrote:

I now know I am safe because of what the angel just quoted and that these are angels of God and not of Satan. These three angels meet the criteria of testing the spirits. I hold out my right hand and we quickly ascend. We are traveling extremely fast. Their wings have the appearance of pure light.

To me, Ernie is too quick to trust these ‘angels.’ Cannot Satan quote Scripture too? Yes. We know this from Matthew 4:6 where, while tempting Jesus, Satan also says, ‘It is written’ Thus, when Ernie said, ‘I now know I am safe because of what the angel just quoted’ he is not on solid ground. Just because an ‘angel’ quotes Scripture before us, this is not really proof that he is of God, and that we are ‘safe.’ ”

Fact
Satan’s purpose is to deceive. That is why, in Matthew 4:6, he only uses part of Psalm 91:11. When the heavenly angels quoted from Philippians 2:5-11, they stated all the verses with nothing omitted or changed.

God says:

Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, p. 218

The second temptation was on the point of presumption. . . . Satan now supposes that he has met Jesus on His own ground. The wily foe himself presents words that proceeded from the mouth of God. He makes it evident that he is acquainted with the Scriptures. But when he quoted the promise “He shall give his angels charge over thee,” he omitted the words “to keep thee in all thy ways,” that is, in all the ways of God’s choosing.

Pastor Wohlberg’s statement is a vain attempt to discredit the message, by comparing a truthful statement by one of God’s angels with a deceptive statement by the devil. If Satan had told the entire truth then we could compare them. The whole truth and nothing but the truth is not a means of deception, but evidence as to its divine origin.

Additionally, Pastor Wohlberg misses the other fact that it is not so much the general quoting of Scripture that leads Ernie to trust the angels, but the fact that they again declare that Jesus came in the flesh as stated in the following from Philippians 2:6-8: “Who, being in the form of God . . . made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man. . . .”

Conclusion
The angels in Ernie’s dreams continue to pass all the tests of the right spirit.

Following is an interesting comparison of some of the angels’ traits in Ernie’s dreams.

Satan’s angels:

• Do not want to make eye contact because they are being deceitful
• One interrupts
  
• Make confusing and false statements
• Speak against Ellen White’s writings
• One becomes irritated
• Are rude and impatient

God’s angels are:

• Loving
• Patient
• Polite
• Tactful
• Helpful
• Calm
• Humble
  

Unfair characterization?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 3 a scene is presented and three individuals are seen. One holds a sign that says, ‘The Herald is of Satan.’ Ernie told me in an email that these three represent me, Ed Reid, and Ethel Price. Concerning ‘the woman’ (Ethel Price), the dream declares:

The woman stands proudly and proclaims, ‘I have studied and I know all there is to be known. I have all the answers and will correct you of your errors. Listen only to what I say.’

I admit that I don't know Ethel really well, but we have met, and corresponded some. But from what I do know of her, this is a very unfair characterization of her life and convictions.”

Conclusion
God knows the heart. There will be no comments on the woman mentioned above, because God did not instruct that any be included in this book.

How unjust?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“Concerning Ed Reid, the dream states:

The third man, whom I do not recognize, is counting money. I hear him say, ‘All money belongs to God and is to be kept in only my storehouse.’

I do know Ed Reid. He is a good friend and one of the godliest men I know. His end-time books, 3ABN presentations, and many talks at camp meetings have blessed tens of thousands of people. He is a true man of God seeking to prepare others for the return of Jesus Christ. Yet the dream acknowledges none of this. Ed is only portrayed as a money counter who wants to keep the money in ‘my storehouse.’ How unjust!”

Fact
First of all, Ed Reid is depicted as counting money simply because he is the Church’s Stewardship director for the North American Division. In his article, In Search of the Storehouse, Ed Reid makes it clear that his view and the policy of the Church is that the local conferences constitute the storehouse or treasury and thus the central depository for all tithes. Furthermore, it has been the policy of the Church since 1985 that no tithe money is to be given to any independent ministry, and the Church requires (not legally binding) that any independent ministry (supportive of the Church) include as part of their policies that they will not accept tithe money from donors. Therefore, the statement “only in my storehouse” is absolutely correct.

Reid, In Search of the Storehouse.

So what can we learn from the Scriptures about tithe? First, the tithe doesn’t belong to us. It is the Lord’s. It is holy. Second, we are to follow God’s plan precisely in regard to where we return our tithe. In Old Testament times that place was the Temple storehouse from which the priests and Levites were paid. Today the equivalent would be the conference office from which the pastors are paid. And third, the tithe is to be used as God directed—to support the ministry.

Elder Reid also clearly states that the ministry does not include independent ministries supportive of the Church. It does not make sense and is not even a fair requirement to not allow supportive ministries to have a share of the tithe. If they were not supportive of the Church, then it would be a fair request. This in no way is supported in God’s Word.

Reid, In Search of the Storehouse.

Some members have wondered whether or not it would be appropriate to send their tithe directly to denominational institutions such as the entities at the Adventist Media Center where ordained Adventist ministers are employed. Church leaders have felt that . . . the conference level of our church organization should be recognized as the storehouse.

“Church leaders have felt that . . . the conference level of our church organization should be recognized as the storehouse” should be replaced with “God’s Word states that ministers and gospel workers who are doing God’s bidding should be recognized as the storehouse.”

SDA Church Guidelines on the Use of Tithe (1985)

Tithe to Institutions. Denominational organizations, such as Christian Record Braille Foundation, Voice of Prophecy, Faith For Today, It Is Written, Breath of Life will not accept funds that are known to be tithe from Seventh-day Adventists. When members send tithe to a denominational organization, they have a responsibility to indicate that it is tithe.

Again, we can see that the statement in Ernie’s dream regarding Ed Reid expresses Elder Reid’s viewpoint accurately.

In the “Love and Rebuke” dream, Elder Reid’s spiritual life and ministry is not being challenged, simply his and the Church’s working policy on tithe. Why? Because if it is wrong according to God, and the concept of where to tithe and the lack of personal accountability as taught by the Church has resulted in reduced global effectiveness for spreading the gospel, then the Lord wants to clarify His position on it. There are other issues that God needs to clarify. These are discussed in detail in chapter 1 of volume 2.

Furthermore, this widely taught policy has been taken as gospel truth by the majority of Adventism and has been the main point of many to reject Ernie’s dreams. Since the tithing issue is already covered in chapter 1 and the beginning of this chapter, we will not discuss it further.

God says:

Matthew 7:21-23

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Prophet and Kings, p. 188

Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness. Those who have assumed the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's righteousness, will then appear in the shame of their own nakedness.

Conclusion
Within the context of the rebuke for taking a certain stance that is contrary to what God is trying to convey to us, Ed Reid is represented correctly. We need to remember that because we have done a good work for God in the past, does not give us a ticket to heaven. Only as we continue to walk in the truth can we remain in God’s favor. We tremble for Pastor Wohlberg, because he has called God unjust!

Defending an angel

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“The dream then prepares for the Herald's ‘confession’ of 1 John 4:3:

I stand on the left side by myself. In front of where I stand is a podium and on it lays a very large Bible with very large letters. The Herald stands in the middle of the room and faces us. The three angels that escorted me here quickly go and stand one to the left, one to the right and one directly behind the Herald. I notice that the Herald stands a little taller than the other three angels. Several angels in battle gear enter the room and stand on the left and right side of the room. I then hear a voice descend over us from above that all at the same time has the sound of a thundering waterfall, a soft gentle stream and a quiet trickle of water. The voice says, ‘Ask so as all may see whom My Herald serves.’ The Herald takes one step forward. I look at the Bible and the pages instantly turn to 1 John 4. I look down and read verses 1, 2 and 3 aloud. I then look back at the Herald. He is not smiling but has a look of calm, yet his demeanor is one of humbleness.

One would assume that the ‘voice’ heard is the voice of God. It seems quite strange that God Almighty would so dramatically seek to defend an angel!”

Fact
Yes, the “voice” heard is the voice of God as the “sound of many waters.” Ezekiel 43:2. (The word “whom” in the dream was mistakenly not capitalized at first but was corrected later.) God is not only defending His angel, the Herald, but Himself as well. Was there not war in heaven when Lucifer rebelled? Was it not necessary for God to defend His angels then? We must also remember that God defends His faithful people as well. Why should it be so strange that God would seek to defend His own? Was not the most dramatic and loving defense of God in our behalf when He sent His Son to die so that we might live forever with Him? God’s defense is always for the truth and for those that follow truth. That fact is too important to ignore.

God says:

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 213

This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense.

The Great Controversy (1911), p. 140

Rome was bent upon the destruction of Luther; but God was his defense.

Note that the dream focuses on all 3 texts of 1 John 4:1-3, a clear test of a spirit or angel--a test that Pastor Wohlberg rejects as inadequate, as noted earlier in this chapter.

The issue at stake in this scene is not the legitimacy of the Herald. It is “Whom” he serves. If the Herald serves the Almighty God, then we need to pay close attention to what the Herald says as God’s messenger. If the Herald serves Satan, then we need to reject the messages. What the Herald is about to say is extremely vital and God bids him make a clear and detailed declaration so that there can be no confusion.

Conclusion
Again, God’s Word states that 1 John 4:1-3 is an accurate and complete test, and now He bids the Herald to make a full confession, thereby conclusively proving (to the seeker of truth) that the Herald serves the Almighty God.

Verbal confession

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 4, the Herald says,

He says, ‘This is a question that if I answer quickly many will not understand. Many will say it was too vague. Many will say that it was not made plain enough for them to accept. Please allow me to share in great detail so all cannot wonder, but acknowledge Whom I serve. This will be so all can continue on as one in the great work we all have ahead.’

It seems to me that a true angel from God would not make so much out of a mere verbal ‘confession.’ According to ‘the Herald,’ the purpose of his ‘confession’ to convince ‘all’ that he speaks the truth, so that we may all unite with him ‘in the great work.’ But if he is a demon, such a strategy is makes perfect sense.”

Fact
The reason the Herald makes so much out of his confession is because it is a very important subject, and he must leave no room for doubt. Remember, it is Satan who prefers to quote only partial verses, to use half-truths in his attempt to deceive.

In The Great Controversy on pages 155 and 156, there is an account of Luther appearing before an assembly. When asked to recant his writings, he chose to ask for time that he might make an appropriate defense to their questions. Later, he was able to “answer with a prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that surprised and disappointed his adversaries, and rebuked their insolence and pride.”

The Herald makes a detailed statement to remove opportunity for ambiguity. Why? So that all who hear may understand and know which side to take. There must be no excuse for misunderstanding.

“A mere verbal confession”?! The Herald’s confession is anything but trivial or meaningless. It is a clear statement from personal knowledge and intimate familiarity, a testimony that is beautiful and powerful and clearly meets the test that God set forth in 1 John 4:1-3. These are not the rants of a demon, but the clearest of testimonies from an angel of God! The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy were written to help us understand the most important truth behind this “mere confession.” We wonder about those who are not touched by this testimony.

Ernie’s dream says:

Love and Rebuke, April 12, 2008

The Herald takes one step forward. I look at the Bible and the pages instantly turn to 1 John 4. I look down and read verses 1, 2 and 3 aloud. I then look back at the Herald. He is not smiling but has a look of calm, yet his demeanor is one of humbleness. He says, “This is a question that if I answer quickly many will not understand. Many will say it was too vague. Many will say that it was not made plain enough for them to accept. Please allow me to share in great detail so all cannot wonder, but acknowledge Whom I serve. This will be so all can continue on as one in the great work we all have ahead.” The Herald pauses, looks up for a few seconds, then looks back at me and glances over to the three individuals that stand on the right side of the room.

The Herald now says, “I watched as Lucifer in heaven disagreed with the Father and wanted to be equal with our Creator. I watched as Lucifer and many of his followers were cast to the earth. I watched as Lucifer brought sin onto the world. I watched as the Father, the Son and God’s Spirit laid out a plan to save His created beings. I watched as it was decided that Jesus would come to Earth as a created Being. He the Creator would become one of the created. I watched as Jesus our Creator said goodbye to the Father and the Holy Spirit placed Him in the womb as a seed. He was placed in a pure undefiled womb that had never been touched. I heard the silence of heaven because the Creator was no longer on the throne next to the Father. I watched when the Father would look and find the throne next to His empty. I watched as the Father looked forward to the day when His Son would be returned to Him. But yet I saw such love the Father had that He allowed His only Son to give up His place on the throne and become a created Being. Jesus the Creator became a human. He became that which was created in His own image. What more, Jesus would come not only as a man as Adam but Jesus came as Adam in sin. Jesus came with no propensity to sin. Jesus could have sinned, but He did not. I watched as our Creator grew in that virgin womb. I watched when the day arrived and no one would give Him a place to be born. I watched as all heaven and the entire universe anticipated the birth of the Creator becoming a created Being. I watched as many protected the Child whose name would be Emmanuel. I watched as this Child grew and learned to walk. I watched as this Child would fall and become hurt. I watched as many of us so wanted to catch our Creator so as He would not be harmed, but our hands were stayed. I watched as this Child grew into a young Boy, a young Man and then began His work. I watched the day that He was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. I watched as He taught. I watched as many accepted Him. I watched as many were healed, saw divine miracles, gave up all and followed Him. I watched as many from the courts of heaven were sent to keep constant watch over Him. I watched as He was sent out to the desert where Satan tried to tempt Him. I watched for a sign to deliver Him but the Father stayed all the hands. I watched when He was captured and accusations were made by those who pressed on through evil agents to destroy the Son of God. I stood by ready to deliver my Master from the ones who beat Him. I listened for a single word to deliver Him. I watched as His created beings laid Him on a cross and nailed my Creator, my Master, and drove the nails. I watched as they lifted the cross and dropped it into the hole in the earth. I watched as He, the Creator of the universe was mocked and a crown was made from a thorny bush and thrust upon His head. I watched as the Father could not look upon the scene and He turned His eyes as His Son died. I watched when Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born of a virgin, born as a created man turned His eyes to the Father and said “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” I watched when He was placed in the tomb and His resting place was guarded over the Sabbath. I watched when the stone at the tomb was rolled back. I watched when my Creator came forth victorious over Lucifer. The Master had completed the plan for saving His creations.

You ask if I will confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. With my testimony and my witness to all that I have seen I do stand before my Creator, the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all of His created beings throughout the universe. I do openly and without reservation declare with my voice, yes, Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, came in the flesh.”

Our hearts should leap for joy when reading this amazing confession! What a wonderful Creator and Savior we serve! Compare this confession with 1 John 4:1-3. Is there really any room for doubt as to which side the Herald is on? He truly does show, not only in his verbal confession that He is an angel of God but that he lives his confession. This can be seen in all of Ernie’s dreams of the Herald. Here is an example: Why would an evil angel want to make the following statement in the confession? “I watched when He was placed in the tomb and His resting place was guarded over the Sabbath.” Satan does not want to emphasize the doctrine of the Sabbath when he is about to glorify Sunday. In fact, he would not want to emphasize all of the other doctrines throughout Ernie’s dreams. See Appendix F.

Someone brought to our attention another interesting detail of the Herald’s confession as follows:

What are the limits of the implications of the Herald’s use of the term “created being” to describe Christ after His incarnation? A simple understanding of the use of parallelism for emphasis and clarification can give us the answer. The Herald makes this definitive statement: “But yet I saw such love the Father had that He allowed His only Son to give up His place on the throne and become a created Being. Jesus the Creator became a human. He became that which was created in His own image.” In this passage it is clear that the Herald intends that “created Being”, “human”, and “that which was created in His own image” be considered synonymous. Thus by the use of the term “created being”, the Herald intends only to signify that Christ became a man. This fact is further emphasized by the Herald’s later use of the term “created man” in which he makes it clear that the “created being” signified was man. This is all standard English usage. In addition to standard usage, we should not be surprised that the Herald would use parallelism to make his point. This is understood to be the basis of Hebrew poetry and the Bible itself is full of such instances. Here are verses 3-5 of the great prophecy of Isaiah 53 outlined to show parallel structure.

3. He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4. Surely he hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.

5. But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.

Additionally, why does Pastor Wohlberg belittle the Herald’s confession? To confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh includes the fact that He came in the fallen nature of man as stated in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. This is an important doctrine that gives us the hope for victory over all sin, which is what the 144,000 must do before Christ can return. Satan does not want that to happen; he wants us to die in our sins, not be saved from them. That is the teaching of the new theology in Adventism, which is discussed further in chapter 1 of volume 2.

Ernie’s dream says:

The SDA Church, September 28, 2007

I notice that there are many sanctuaries that branch off from the foyer. My angel and I enter the first sanctuary and I notice many people inside. We listen as the preacher is explaining, “Jesus paid for each of us on the cross. We’re saved; don’t worry about a thing. We have been saved in our sins.” He continues, “All we have to do each day is ask for forgiveness and we will have eternal life. We are not to worry if we sin again as Jesus has paid for our right to be in heaven.” The people exclaim together, “Amen! Sin and be forgiven; Jesus has saved us.”

God says:

The Signs of the Times, April 28, 1890

Is not the story of the fall repeated by thousands of lips today, and even from the pulpit do we not hear the words of the tempter, "Thou shalt not surely die"? Is not the law of God represented as a yoke of bondage which men are free to violate as they choose? Satan insinuated to Adam and Eve that they might reach a higher, happier state by violation of the divine command, and today the same falsehood is spread through the world, even by those who claim to be sanctified. Do not these who claim sanctification while violating the commands of God, become a false and fatal sign to the world? Do they not say to the sinner, "It shall be well with thee"? The Lord has defined sin as the transgression of his law, but they say they are saved in sin, and thus make Christ the minister of sin. These professed Christians are doing the very work that Satan did in Paradise, they are leading souls astray by precept and example. They say to the sinner, to the transgressor, It shall be well with thee; you will rise to a higher, holier state by violating the law of God. The lesson that is heard throughout the land is, "Disobey and live." But how different is this teaching from the lessons of Christ. He declared: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

While forgiveness is very important, God wants us to stop sinning so that we do not need to be forgiven. When a person continues to sin over and over because they can be forgiven, is not that taking God’s grace for granted? The more a person sins, the more difficult it becomes to stop sinning. That is exactly what the enemy wants and that is exactly what Ernie’s dreams are against. Contrary to public hearsay, Ernie’s dreams and the For My People Ministry are all about repentance and victory over sin. Of all people who should know about repentance and forgiveness, it is Ernie.

Conclusion
Pastor Wohlberg assumes that an angel of God “would not make so much out of a mere verbal ‘confession.’ ” However, our assumptions are not always correct. Considering that Ernie and others have asked God to answer their prayers in this regard, the Herald’s answer gives a true and precise account of the life of Jesus. Why would Pastor Wohlberg have a problem with that?

Jesus not a created being?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“The balance of page 4, and most of page 5, contains the Herald's ‘confession’ to prove his orthodoxy and divine credentials. While most of it sounds good, the careful reader may discern some problems. He stated,

I watched as it was decided that Jesus would come to Earth as a created Being.

While it is true that Jesus Christ is acknowledged by the Herald as being our Creator, it is not true that He came to earth ‘as a created Being.’ The Herald stated this a number of times. Do a Bible search. Do a SOP search. You will never find such language applying to the Son of God. Instead, both the Bible and the SOP teach that the Eternal Son of God took on human form and clothed His divinity with humanity. Yet all throughout, ‘God was manifest in the flesh’ (1 Timothy 3:16). Even after taking human form, Jesus was still the great ‘I AM’ (see John 8:58). Significantly, immediately following Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 3:16, in the very next verse, he warned that "seducing spirits" will teach otherwise and lead some to ‘depart from the faith’ (1 Timothy 4:1). Notice this:

Satan fell because of his ambition to be equal with God. He desired to enter into the divine counsels and purposes, from which he was excluded by his own inability, as a created being, to comprehend the wisdom of the Infinite One. It was this ambitious pride that led to his rebellion, and by the same means he seeks to cause the ruin of man (The Faith I Live By, p. 68).

Thus it is Satan who is ‘a created being,’ and his jealousy of Jesus Christ over this very issue is part of the reason why he fell! Thus it makes sense that one of his angels would portray Jesus in this way. But again, it's not true. Here, the Herald lied.”

Fact
We are hoping there has just been a misunderstanding by Pastor Wohlberg on the semantics of “Jesus would come to Earth as a created Being,” and that he agrees with the following explanation.

The Herald was not saying that Jesus was created from the beginning before He came to this earth. He was not saying that He was not still part of the Godhead while on this earth. He was simply stating that Jesus came to this earth by being created in Mary’s womb, just as any other baby on this earth. The Herald explained that the “Holy Spirit placed Him in the womb as a seed. He was placed in a pure undefiled womb that had never been touched.” This is simply explaining that Mary was a virgin. When the Herald states that “the Creator became a human” and that “He became that which was created in His own image,” it is to show how Jesus humbled himself to become like one of us. Is that not something that should be stressed, to show His incredible love for us?

It is agreed that the Son of God took on human form and “clothed His divinity with humanity.” It is agreed that “Satan fell because of his ambition to be equal with God.” The Herald stated it this way: “I watched as Lucifer in heaven disagreed with the Father and wanted to be equal with our Creator.” With all this in mind, it is clear that the Herald did not lie. Perhaps if Pastor Wohlberg had questioned Ernie on this matter, there would have been no misunderstanding.

Through the incarnation, Jesus became fully human. To be fully human, He would become a created being (see quotes that follow). However, this did not deny His complete divinity. He still remained the great I AM. “The great condescension on the part of God is a mystery that is beyond our fathoming. The greatness of the plan cannot be fully comprehended, nor could infinite Wisdom devise a plan that would surpass it. It could only be successful by the clothing of divinity with humanity, by Christ becoming man, and suffering the wrath which sin has made because of the transgression of God's law.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1124.

Ernie’s dream says:

Love and Rebuke, April 12, 2008

The Herald now says, “I watched as Lucifer in heaven disagreed with the Father and wanted to be equal with our Creator. I watched as Lucifer and many of his followers were cast to the earth. I watched as Lucifer brought sin onto the world. I watched as the Father, the Son and God’s Spirit laid out a plan to save His created beings. I watched as it was decided that Jesus would come to earth as a created Being. He the Creator would become one of the created. I watched as Jesus our Creator said goodbye to the Father and the Holy Spirit placed Him in the womb as a seed. He was placed in a pure undefiled womb that had never been touched. I heard the silence of heaven because the Creator was no longer on the throne next to the Father. I watched when the Father would look and find the throne next to His empty. I watched as the Father looked forward to the day when His Son would be returned to Him. But yet I saw such love the Father had that He allowed His only Son to give up His place on the throne and become a created Being. Jesus the Creator became a human. He became that which was created in His own image. . . . I watched when Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born of a virgin, born as a created man turned His eyes to the Father and said ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ ”

What a concept! Jesus, the Creator, became that which was created by Himself in His own image, like man that He had created. Ernie’s dream cannot be misunderstood. It explains clearly what is meant by Jesus becoming a “created being”. Notice that:

1. Jesus is the Creator.
2. Human beings are created.
3. Jesus was born of a virgin and became a human being created in the womb, yet still remained the Creator.
   

God says:

Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 129-130

In your letter in regard to the temptations of Christ, you say: "If He was One with God He could not fall." . . . The point you inquire of me is, In our Lord's great scene of conflict in the wilderness, apparently under the power of Satan and his angels, was He capable, in His human nature, of yielding to these temptations?

I will try to answer this important question: As God He could not be tempted: but as a man He could be tempted, and that strongly, and could yield to the temptations. His human nature must pass through the same test and trial Adam and Eve passed through. His human nature was created; it did not even possess the angelic powers. It was human, identical with our own. He was passing over the ground where Adam fell. He was now where, if He endured the test and trial in behalf of the fallen race, He would redeem Adam's disgraceful failure and fall, in our own humanity.

Christ Had a Human Body and a Human Mind.--A human body and a human mind were His. He was bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. He was subjected to poverty from His first entrance into the world. He was subject to disappointment and trial in His own home, among His own brethren. He was not surrounded, as in the heavenly courts, with pure and lovely characters. He was compassed with difficulties.

The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White comments, Vol. 7, pp. 925-926

In Christ were united the divine and the human--the Creator and the creature. The nature of God, whose law had been transgressed, and the nature of Adam, the transgressor, meet in Jesus--the Son of God, and the Son of man. And having with His own blood paid the price of redemption, having passed through man's experience, having in man's behalf met and conquered temptation, having, though Himself sinless, borne the shame and guilt and burden of sin, He becomes man's Advocate and Intercessor. What an assurance here to the tempted and struggling soul, what an assurance to the witnessing universe, that Christ will be "a merciful and faithful high priest"!

Selected Messages, Book 1, pp. 246-247

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1-5, 14).

This chapter delineates the character and importance of the work of Christ. As one who understands his subject, John ascribes all power to Christ, and speaks of His greatness and majesty. He flashes forth divine rays of precious truth, as light from the sun. He presents Christ as the only Mediator between God and humanity.

The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery, "even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations" (Col. 1:26). It is the great and profound mystery of godliness. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Christ took upon Himself human nature, a nature inferior to His heavenly nature. Nothing so shows the wonderful condescension of God as this. He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). John presents this wonderful subject with such simplicity that all may grasp the ideas set forth, and be enlightened.

Christ did not make believe take human nature; He did verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature. "As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same" (Heb. 2: 14). He was the son of Mary; He was of the seed of David according to human descent. He is declared to be a man, even the Man Christ Jesus. "This man," writes Paul, "was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house" (Heb. 3:3).

The Faith I Live By, p. 48

That He might accomplish His purpose of love for the fallen race, He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.

How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one.

Here is the most important information for those who are striving for perfection of character.

The Signs of the Times, June 17, 1897

Had he not been fully human, Christ could not have been our substitute. He could not have worked out in humanity that perfection of character which it is the privilege of all to reach. He was the light and the life of the world. He came to this earth to work in behalf of men, that they might no longer be under the control of Satanic agencies. But while bearing human nature, he was dependent upon the Omnipotent for his life. In his humanity, he laid hold of the divinity of God; and this every member of the human family has the privilege of doing. Christ did nothing that human nature may not do if it partakes of the divine nature.

This truly gives us hope, knowing that Satan’s accusation that man cannot keep God’s law is false. Jesus had no advantage over us! “The only “advantage” He had was that He did not have a propensity to sin because He never allowed Himself to sin. He could have sinned, but He did not. There will be a people--144,000--who will stop sinning and perfect their characters, depending on God’s divinity as Jesus did, and live for a short time without Christ as their Mediator before their translation to heaven! This truth is hardly being taught anymore in Adventism. The preparation of the 144,000 is the main reason for the existence of the For My People Ministry—a ministry based on the historic beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Can you see why the enemy has tried to stop it? The topics of “new theology,” overcoming, and character perfection are discussed in detail in chapter 1 of volume 2.

God says:

Luke 1:31-35

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Philippians 2:5-8

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Hebrews 2:14, 17

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;...

Wherefore in all things it behooved him [Jesus] to be made like unto his brethren [as a man, as a created being], that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 5:2, 5-10

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity...

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Who in the days of his [Jesus] flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Conclusion
It should be very obvious to the reader that Pastor Wohlberg was not correct in stating that Jesus did not come as a created Being. If Pastor Wohlberg questioned what the Herald stated, he should have contacted Ernie to understand it properly. We hope that he agrees with the given explanation.

Trying too hard?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 5, the Herald's ‘confession’ reaches its climax:

You ask if I will confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. With my testimony and my witness to all that I have seen I do stand before my Creator, the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all of His created beings throughout the universe. I do openly and without reservation declare with my voice, yes, Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, came in the flesh.

It is obvious that the Herald is trying hard to prove his divine credentials. But think about it: doesn't it seem strange that a true angel would present such proof? Have you ever heard of a heavenly angel trying so hard to defend himself? I haven't. The whole thing seems highly suspicious, and very much like what a demon would do to gain our confidence. Next, the three angels ‘shoot upwards’ like ‘three beams of pure light.’ While ‘pure light’ is good, Paul also warns that ‘Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light’ (2 Cor. 11:14).”

Fact
First of all, for Pastor Wohlberg to say that “the whole thing seems highly suspicious,” in regard to the Herald’s confession, makes it sound like he is not totally convinced.

Actually, the Herald is not trying to defend himself. He is simply doing what God has asked him to do--to defend God and truth. It is also an answer to prayers. Most importantly, it is done out of love. Love does all it can to save. All the proof necessary was given to the Jews of old and all the proof needed will be given in our day. That is how love works. However, to the carnal heart that is never satisfied, the proof will always be too much or too little; it is never just right. Has Pastor Wohlberg ever thought about the fact that the Herald is “trying so hard” because the great controversy is intensifying and we need all the help we can get?! Why would Pastor Wohlberg want to reject God’s help for these last days?

Furthermore, the Herald is not only stressing the importance of the plan of salvation, but as mentioned earlier and most importantly for today, the issue of Christ’s life on this earth in the fallen nature of man. If a person takes time to study the Herald’s confession in depth, that person will discover much truth. God’s words are always deep with meaning and significance. We find it interesting that in the confession, the word “Creator” is mentioned 12 times, “created/creation” 10 times, and “I watched/I saw” 33 times—all significant numbers.

God says:

Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 405

"Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man," said Christ, "it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him." Matthew 12:32. These words were spoken by our Saviour when the gracious works which He had performed through the power of God were attributed by the Jews to Beelzebub.

Conclusion
God gave us the test of a spirit or angel in 1 John 4:1-3. The Herald makes a full and convincing declaration that Jesus came in the flesh. Yet Pastor Wohlberg doubts that this clear confession is that of an angel of God. He plays the same role as the Jews who ignored the obvious and suggested that the miracles performed by Jesus were of Satan. He equates good with evil. So it is no surprise that he even uses the term “beings of light” to suggest the three good angels are evil angels.

Too forceful?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“On page 6 the Herald says, referring to Christ,

He has placed in my hands a message for all. It is a message of love but it is also a message of rebuke. I will read what He has sent and it is up to you to take His rebuke and walk in the light that has been given. If you who are His are willing to accept the testimony of what I just shared as well as the messages God has sent to His servant that stands here today, you must acknowledge these messages are of God.

Here the Herald declares, ‘you must acknowledge these messages are of God.’ This is quite forceful. According to this statement, it is not enough for us to acknowledge the truth that is in the Bible and SOP (salvation through Jesus Christ, the Three Angel's Messages, etc), but now we ‘must acknowledge these messages are of God.’ Thus he points, not just to Biblical truth, but to the dreams themselves.’ ”

Fact
God does not force. He gives the commands and we are given the choice to obey or not. However, if we do not obey, we will suffer the consequences.

Ernie’s dream says:

Love and Rebuke, April 12, 2008

If you who are His are willing to accept the testimony of what I just shared as well as the messages God has sent to His servant that stands here today, [then] you must acknowledge these messages are of God.

Notice the words willing to accept, gives us an option. That is not force. Next, notice the if and the implied then in the statement. The word must could be replaced with the word will. However, the word must is used because we are an ignorant and stubborn people. The necessary kind of “force” that God uses is seen in the following quote, which describes exactly why the Herald makes the statement the way he does.

God says:

The Acts of the Apostles, p. 601

If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle.

The Bible messages to mankind are recorded by God’s servants, the prophets. God has sent messengers throughout history to convey messages to His people. In every generation that has been privileged to have a messenger of God, the majority rejected the messenger and the messages. The argument is made that they already have all the revelation they need. The Israelite leaders tried to silence Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. When Jesus was on this earth, the Jewish leaders wanted to stop with Moses and the prophets. Many did not believe the messages sent through Ellen White, claiming they had all the revelation they needed through the Bible. But do they? Are they not missing something by rejecting God’s additional messages for their time? Have we not been told that we are held responsible for rejecting those messages?

We know that revelation will not stop. The Bible tells us that in the last days God will send many messengers to His people. It is imperative that if God takes the time to send messages to us, that we listen to the messenger. The Herald gives the command to those who are willing to accept his testimony. If Pastor Wohlberg does not like the word “command,” then he will have to reject the Ten Commandments.

If we believe in the test of 1 John 4:1-3 (and the Herald has clearly met that test), then the one Whom he serves is the Lord Almighty. Thus, acknowledgment of the messages is a reasonable and logical progression and an imperative for God’s people.

God says:

Pacific Union Recorder, October 20, 1904

God has a controversy with many of His people. The time of the end is near. Warning after warning has been given. Unless God's people heed these messages, the Spirit of the Lord will leave them to their own ways, to be filled with the fruit of their own doings.

Faith and Works, p. 122

We need not think that because our fathers did a certain way and died happy, we may follow in their footsteps and be accepted in rendering the same service and doing the same works that they did.

We have more light than they had in their day; and if we would be accepted of God, we must be as faithful in obeying the light and walking in it as they were in receiving and obeying the light that God sent to them. We must accept and improve the light that shines upon our pathway as faithfully as they accepted and improved the light that fell upon their pathway in their generation. We shall be judged according to the light that shines into the soul-temple in our day; and if we follow the light, we shall be free men and women in Christ Jesus.

John 10:25-27

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.

Acts 2:17-18

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

Conclusion
The Lord’s messages in Ernie’s dreams for His end-time people are vital for their spiritual as well as their physical preparation. If there was ever a time that we need His direct communication, it is now, and it will continue until Christ returns.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 14, p. 310

Keep in the channel of light, for there is to be more direct communication from heaven to earth. We have not a moment to lose. There is a heaven to win and a hell to shun.

Analyzing rebuke

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“Then the Herald rebukes Ernie. Let's analyze his rebuke carefully. The Herald told Ernie:

You were wrong in sharing your response with a few that had questions in the "Stand Fast" dream regarding tithe. You must understand, you like I am just a messenger. You were told if they do not understand you were to ONLY tell them to take their questions to the One who holds the keys to the Great Storehouse. You were wrong in what you did in sharing your studies. How can others learn and depend on God if you do the studying for them? How can they learn to have a close relationship to the Father if you don't allow them to pray?

Here the Herald informs Ernie, ‘You were wrong in sharing your studies’ about tithe with others. This is a very strange ‘rebuke’ from Jesus. Nowhere in the Bible or in the SOP are we commanded not to share what we study with others. Paul said, ‘study…’ (2 Tim. 2:15) Then he said, ‘teach’ (verse 24). Then the Herald rebukes Ernie for not doing what he was ‘told’ to do. This is all highly significant. Thus the Herald tells everyone that we ‘must’ acknowledge his messages, and that Ernie should do what he is ‘told.’ Here he is becoming quite controlling and is acting exactly like we would expect a demon to act. Take note:

The enemy does everything in his power to gain control of the minds of men and women (Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, p. 196).

With a determination that many do not dream of he [Satan] is seeking to gain control of their minds and to make the commandments of God of no effect in their lives.--MS 93, 1909.

Before we leave his rebuke of Ernie, notice this one sentence. The Herald asked Ernie, ‘How can they learn to have a close relationship to the Father if you don't allow them to pray?’ Personally, I don't think this is a fair statement to Ernie, or an accurate one. In sharing his studies, did Ernie really intend to not allow people to pray? By sharing personal studies, does this prevent people from praying? I don't think so.”

Fact
From the context we can see that some were lax in their Bible study and prayer on the subject of tithe, and instead they came to Ernie to ask for his advice. He gives it to them rather than directing them to their knees and to study the Bible for themselves. The timing was wrong. They needed to pray and study for themselves first before Ernie was to share his studies. Ernie was rebuked because he went ahead of God’s way and His time.

We find it interesting that Pastor Wohlberg accuses the Herald of flattering Ernie, yet when Ernie is rebuked, it is wrong too. Pastor Wohlberg also accuses the Herald of being controlling. Again, Ernie is given the option to obey. Then Pastor Wohlberg contradicts himself by insinuating that the Herald is making the commandments of God of no effect, when the angel is actually obeying God’s command by trying to get Ernie to obey God’s commands. That type of action (rebuke) is out of love to save Ernie. If Pastor Wohlberg does not like that kind of love, then he is deeply in trouble.

As time passed, God revealed to Ernie that the time was right to share what is now included in chapter 1, to not only vindicate God’s truth but Ernie as a messenger. Everything God does is perfect in His way and in His time. Remember that God, in His wisdom, will not reveal everything to our understanding. If that were the case, it would do away with faith. He wants us to obey Him not because we understand the reasons, but because we love and trust Him.

Many of us can remember as a child asking our father “why?” when told not to do something, and his answer back was, “because I said so.” The father, in his wisdom, decided not to tell the child the reason. However, if that child disobeyed, he suffered the consequences. If he had in faith obeyed his father, he would not have suffered. The same principle applies between us and our heavenly Father. We are but His “little children.” If we do not have that relationship, we cannot see heaven.

God says:

Psalm 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.

Mark 10:15

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

That I May Know Him, p. 365

Since the promise given in Eden, God has revealed His mysteries through His prophets. . . . But many mysteries yet remain unrevealed. How much that is acknowledged to be truth is mysterious and unexplainable to the human mind! How dark seem the dispensations of Providence! What necessity there is for implicit faith and trust in God's moral government! . . . "How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. 11:33).

Summation

• God wants us to obey Him out of love and trust.
• If we obey God, we will not suffer the consequences.
• God rebukes out of love for us.
• God’s way and time are perfect.
• In God’s wisdom, He will not reveal everything.
• If we “become as a little child,” we will see heaven.
• Pastor Wohlberg used accusations, insinuation, and contradicts himself. He was not open to God’s loving rebuke.
  

Conclusion
Pastor Wohlberg states that it was a problem because the Herald told everyone that we “must” acknowledge his messages and that Ernie should do what he was “told.”

Should we throw out the Bible because it has verses such as the following as stated by Jesus? “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again,” (John 3:7) or “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)

When God tells us to do something, He wants us to do it because we have faith in His words and because we love Him, not because we must do it. God does not force us to do anything, even though He may use words such as "must." God allows us to choose to do what He is asking. This is no different than the fact that if we do not keep the Ten Commandments, we will not be saved.

Heart and motives

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“After his rebuke of Ernie, on the bottom of page 6, the Herald then begins to rebuke those who have opposed his ‘messages’:

The Herald now steps back and walks to the middle of the room. He holds out the three glass tablets as one tablet and says, "This is a message for all who will accept and be willing to hear." The tablet says, "Let he that rides dismount and prostrate before the Lord of hosts, the Creator of the universe, He who came to be the created. Bow before your Master and confess your sins so all will hear of your rebellion. A message was sent to a chosen messenger and you denied your Lord's ear and convinced others to turn away.

Here the Herald declares that those who oppose the dreams should ‘confess’ their ‘sins so all will hear of your rebellion’! Here there is absolutely no recognition whatsoever of the true motivation of many who are opposing the dreams. The Herald simply states, ‘sins’ and ‘rebellion.’ When I first read this, the Spirit of Truth only deepened my conviction that the Herald is a deceiver, and not an angel sent from the One who died for my sins. Let me speak for myself (as I am apparently one of the ‘three’ people specifically rebuked in this dream), what has motivated me is not ‘sins’ and ‘rebellion,’ but a sincere desire to follow God's counsel and to watch out for demonic deceptions (see Mat. 24:4; 2 Cor. 11:14, etc). The real Jesus Christ knows both the truth and my heart; yet in this case, the Herald totally missed it. He ‘misspoke,’ just like Hillary Clinton recently did concerning her landing in Bosnia under sniper fire. In a previous document to Ernie's board I shared the following quote. This is what been driving me to become concerned about these dreams:

All along our pathway to the heavenly Canaan we see many souls that have made shipwreck of faith, and in their false movements have led others astray through the supposition that they were led of God in special revelations. I have had to write many, many pages to correct these errors. I have been burdened and oppressed night after night, unable to sleep because of the agony of my soul for God's heritage, His people, who are in danger of being misled. Many things in these visions and dreams seem to be all straight, a repetition of that which has been in the field for many years; but soon they introduce a jot here, a tittle of error there, just a little seed which takes root and flourishes, and many are defiled therewith (2 SM 86).

The greatest care should be exercised concerning those who claim to receive revelations from God (2 SM 91).

None of this is acknowledged by the Herald. He just says, ‘sins’ and ‘rebellion.’ Dear reader, God knows the truth, and in his ‘rebuke’ the Herald is not speaking it.”

Fact
The Herald makes it very clear that Jesus came as a created being. He calls for Pastor Wohlberg to repent of his rebellion against God’s messages and his sin of convincing others to join him. In this chapter, we have covered as much as we understand from God’s Word of Pastor Wohlberg’s rebellion and sins. We pray that he will read this chapter and repent as God has asked of him. God knows the falsehood in his two letters. He knows his heart and motivations. Does Pastor Wohlberg truly know his own heart? He once believed the dreams could be from God, but something or someone was instrumental in changing his mind. He has turned from hearing God’s voice and convinced others to do the same. Caiaphas, Ananias and the Sanhedrin felt justified in their stubborn rebellion against Jesus Christ, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, and eventually crucified Him.

God says:

Matthew 7:21-23

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 25:41-45

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Pamphlets - To Brother J.N. Andrews and Sister H. N. Smith, pp. 38-39

It has been a matter of great perplexity to me to know just what course to pursue with the messages given for individuals. I have often written messages of reproof for different ones, and they have laid the messages away, said nothing about them, whether they received them or not, but their fruit have shown in many instances that they were not affected at all by the message, for they pursued the same course of action, and the church are affected by their influence, believing them to be right, for they were ignorant of the reproof given the erring ones. My course is now clear to wrong the church no longer. If reproofs are given I dare not commit it alone to the individual to be buried up by them, but shall read what the Lord has seen fit to give me, to a select company, those of experience in the church, and if the case demands I shall bring it before the whole church. The great delicacy which some have manifested lest others should learn that they have been reproved, proceeds from a lack of humility, and a lack of willingness to acknowledge their wrongs. The minds of many have been abused by individuals that have been reproved by vision, and their minds prejudiced, because they had no knowledge of what the Lord had revealed. I shall keep these things secret no longer. God's people must know what the Lord has been pleased to reveal, that they be not deceived and led astray by a wrong spirit.

For a long time I have been convicted that I was taking a wrong course by thus hiding matters from those in the church who should be acquainted with them, but have received censure and abuse by the one reproved if I considered it necessary to open the matter to individuals liable to be affected by their wrong influence. I have feared to take a course which I believed it often my duty to take. And then persons, and even churches, who have been led astray by these ones who had been reproved and did not reform, have censured me and been much tried because I suffered them to remain in darkness when the light had been given me. I see it is impossible to take a course but that I shall receive censure and blame from someone, and for the future shall follow my convictions of duty, that the church be not deceived, and trust the result with God.

Following is a sad paraphrase of the Spirit of Prophecy quote that Pastor Wohlberg referenced.

All along our pathway to the heavenly Canaan we have seen many souls that have made shipwreck of faith because of Pastor Wohlberg’s doubt and criticism of God’s messages through Ernie’s dreams. In his false movement, he has led others astray through the supposition that they were led of God through his “special revelations.” We have had to write many, many pages in this book to correct his errors. We have been burdened and oppressed night after night, unable to sleep because of the agony of our souls for God's heritage, His people, who are in danger of being misled because of Pastor Wohlberg. Few things in his letters are straight, with a repetition of falsehood that has been in the field for many years. With all of Pastor Wohlberg’s accusations, we find it hard to believe that he would say there is only a jot here, a tittle of error there, just a little seed which takes root and flourishes in Ernie’s dreams. Many are defiled because of Pastor Wohlberg.

The greatest care should be exercised concerning those who reject revelations from God. {the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH, ch. 3}

Conclusion
Most are not correct in thinking that their heart is right with God. Most that believe they love and follow Jesus do not. God has asked Pastor Wohlberg to search his heart. Ernie tested the spirit of his dreams. Now is Pastor Wohlberg willing to test the spirit in himself? Would the Holy Spirit ever make false allegations that are so easily disprovable?

God does not threaten?

Wohlberg says: (see Appendix H)

“Finally, at the conclusions of the dream, the Herald ends his ‘rebuke’ with these words,

‘Kneel, confess your sins lest the streams and rivers dry up and the horse that drinks die, lest you walk the face of the earth and every ear turn away from you as the words you speak fall like rocks from your mouth. Repent lest the Lord God spew you out of His mouth as boiling seawater.

Let he that holds the keys to the vault repent for the evil you have done and spoken against Me and My servant. Let him prostrate himself before the Master Key Maker and ask for forgiveness and walk no more in the ways of your errors. Let him confess before all of misconstruing what he knows is truth as he has been shown. Confess before all lest the keys be knocked from your hand and placed in the hands of another.

Let this person humble them self before the Lord of truth for speaking errors. Let this person acknowledge a proud boasting walk and ask for humbleness. Let this person admit their faults of using a tongue that speaks against truth lest that tongue be cut off and you walk the earth dumb.

Let all who have spoken evil against the message and messenger I have sent prostrate themselves before the throne of God. Ask for forgiveness in the name of His Son. Let them admit fault and take up their cross and follow the path of Jesus. Let them do this before the book is closed and the name is not written in the book.’

What a threat! Here the Herald says that if those who oppose these dreams don't ‘repent’ their tongues will be ‘cut off’ and they will be spewed out of God's mouth ‘as boiling seawater!’ After reading this, a number of Bible texts came to my mind. First, I thought about Jesus Christ's warning about ‘ravenous wolves’ who come ‘in sheep's clothing’ (Matthew 7:15). Many times in these dreams, the Herald smiles and his dimples show. Yet in the above ‘rebuke,’ the wolf speaks and snarls. As for me, the only conviction the Herald's wild rebuke brings is a deeper conviction that he is a demon. This text also brought great comfort to my mind:

In the LORD I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’?
For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart
(Ps. 11:1,2)”

Fact
It is clearly apparent that Pastor Wohlberg is not happy with the rebuke he received. He must realize that God is even more unhappy with him and is reaching out to save him. God rebukes those that He loves. He loves the sinner but hates the sin.

Yes, these passages are strong calls to repentance of the rebellious and threats against them if they do not. That concept should not be strange to the student of God’s Word that records hundreds of threats against disobedience, rebelliousness and sin. Ellen White states we are not to ignore the threatenings of God. A threat is a warning that is based upon a condition. You will often see the word “if” used or implied in these threats.

God says:
This is God’s very first threat:

Genesis 2:16-17

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

This is God’s very last threat:

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

This is one of the strongest that applies to the last days:

Revelation 14:9-11

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

These are some of the most graphic warnings and threats:

Zechariah 14:12, 15-19

And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. ... And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

And it shall be, that if whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Ellen White certainly understood the threatenings of God.

Selected Messages, Book 1, p 67

…has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional.

The Review and Herald, March 1, 1881

It is no light matter to sin against God, to set the perverse will of man in opposition to the will of his Maker. It is for the best interest of men, even in this world, to obey God's commandments. And it is surely for their eternal interest to submit to God, and be at peace with Him. The beasts of the field obey their Creator's law in the instinct which governs them. He speaks to the proud ocean, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further" (Job 38:11); and the waters are prompt to obey His word. The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God has established. Of all the creatures that God has made upon the earth, man alone is rebellious. Yet he possesses reasoning powers to understand the claims of the divine law and a conscience to feel the guilt of transgression and the peace and joy of obedience. God made him a free moral agent, to obey or disobey. The reward of everlasting life--an eternal weight of glory--is promised to those who do God's will, while the threatenings of His wrath hang over all who defy His law.

Early Writings, pp. 218-219

Satan knew that if this error [that the wicked would burn eternally] should be received, God would be hated by many, instead of being loved and adored; and that many would be led to believe that the threatenings of God's Word would not be literally fulfilled, for it would be against His character of benevolence and love to plunge into eternal torments the beings whom He had created.

Another extreme which Satan has led the people to adopt is entirely to overlook the justice of God, and the threatenings in His Word, and to represent Him as being all mercy, so that not one will perish, but that all, both saint and sinner, will at last be saved in His kingdom.

It is wise to put one’s trust in the Lord, but one cannot expect to be protected while in rebellion against Him.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 116

We must keep close to the word of God. We need its warnings and encouragement, its threatenings and promises. We need the perfect example given only in the life and character of our Saviour. Angels of God will preserve his people while they walk in the path of duty; but there is no assurance of such protection for those who deliberately venture upon Satan's ground.

Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 411

Those who take God at His word, and obey His commandments with the whole heart, will be blessed. He will be their shield of protection. But the Lord will not be trifled with. Distrust, disobedience, alienation from God's will and way, will place the sinner in a position where the Lord cannot give him His divine favor.

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 364

While God moves upon the minds of His servants, Satan works through the children of disobedience. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. The two cannot harmonize. To connect with an unbeliever is to place yourself on Satan's ground. You grieve the Spirit of God and forfeit His protection. Can you afford to have such terrible odds against you in fighting the battle for everlasting life?

To trust in God while continuing to live in disobedience and rebellion is presumption, not faith, and one will not be protected while living in such a condition.

Conclusion
God, through the Herald, calls for repentance of the three parties mentioned in the dream and imposes threats if they do not. Biblically, this is normal for God’s calls, and reinforces the veracity of the dream. The term “fear God” is not a cute choice of words, but rather a solemn statement of truth. (See Genesis 42:18; Exodus 18:21; Job 1:9; Psalm 66:16; Ecclesiastes 8:12; 12:13; Luke 23:40; Acts 13:16; and 1 Peter 2:17.)

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Chapter conclusion

Notice an experience Ellen White had that is similar in many points to Pastor Wohlberg’s situation.

Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White, pp. 266-268

“Sunday morning we met with the brethren, and my husband arose to preach on the parable of the ten virgins. He had no freedom in speaking, and proposed that we have a season of prayer. We bowed before the Lord and engaged in earnest prayer. The dark cloud was lifted, and I was taken off in vision, and again shown the case of this woman. She was represented to me as being in perfect darkness. Jesus frowned upon her and her husband. That withering frown caused me to tremble. I saw that she had acted the hypocrite, professing holiness while her heart was full of corruption. After I came out of vision I related with trembling, yet with faithfulness, what I had seen. I was severely tried, and anxious for the people of God. Would those present believe the testimony? The woman put on a calm appearance and said, 'I am glad the Lord knows my heart. He knows that I love him.' Then her husband rose in anger, and laying his hand on the Bible said, 'The Bible is all we want, I shall not give up the Bible for visions.' His wife affected to check him, saying, 'Don't, husband, dear, don't talk; the Lord knows me, and will take care of it all.' Then she vindicated herself, saying, 'If my heart could only be opened that you might see it.' I knew the minds of some were unsettled, whether to believe what the Lord had shown me, or let her appearance weigh against the testimony borne. Her appearance was perfectly calculated to gain their sympathy. But I had discharged a painful duty and God would take care of the result. At the close of the meeting she stated that she had no hard feelings against me, and that she should pray for me, and if I got to heaven I would see her there. We returned with Brother P.'s family, and that night the Lord met with us. I believed that the Lord would show his people the truth, and justify the vision. The neighbors said that I had abused the poor woman.

“Not long after this, terrible fear seized this woman. A horror rested upon her, and she began to confess. She even went from house to house among her unbelieving neighbors, and confessed that the man she had been living with for years was not her husband, that she ran away from England and left a kind husband and one child. She also confessed that she had professed to understand medicine, and had taken oath that the bottles of mixture she made cost her one dollar when they cost her only twelve cents, that she had taken thirty dollars from a poor man by taking a false oath. Many such wicked acts she confessed, and her repentance seemed to be genuine. In some cases she restored where she had taken away wrongfully. In one instance she started on foot forty miles to confess. We could see the hand of God in this matter. He gave her no rest day nor night, until she confessed her sins publicly. This fully justified in the minds of the brethren and those also of their neighbors who sympathized with her for a time what God had shown me of her vileness under the garb of sanctification.”

Because a person claims to love God and follow Him, and even does a wonderful work for Him, does not necessarily mean they are right with God. Pastor Wohlberg assures his readers that because he believes he loves God, and because Elder Ed Reid has done many great things for God, this is evidence enough that they are right and Ernie’s dreams are from Satan. The fact is that no one knows the heart of another. No one knew the heart of that poor deceived woman who eventually had no rest until she had publicly confessed her sins.

God has been very patient with those who have rejected His messages and led others to reject them as well. Eventually His patience runs out. We pray that Pastor Wohlberg and others will heed the rebukes. Jesus says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19.

May the reader clearly see that the claims Pastor Wohlberg has made do not hold up to Bible and Spirit of Prophecy examination. Until he repents, is it time to withhold your support of his ministry? We pray that all will have spiritual discernment to choose God rather than man.

Pastor Wohlberg, you have not brought glory to God in working against the messages of repentance and reformation that are so desperately needed by God’s people. What we stated to Linda Kirk in chapter 7, we include here for you: Being almost persuaded is not enough. Our prayer is that you can again receive the joy you once had as you read the messages in Ernie’s dreams from your Savior. Whatever it is that pulled you away from the dreams, whether it was fear, jealousy, pride, or just listening to others’ ideas, please take it to God in prayer and to His Word with an open mind and humble heart, that you may hear that still, small voice again calling you back to Jesus.

The Desire of Ages, pp. 321-323

It was just before this that Jesus had a second time performed the miracle of healing a man possessed, blind and dumb, and the Pharisees had reiterated the charge, "He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." Matthew 9:34. Christ told them plainly that in attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off from the fountain of blessing. Those who had spoken against Jesus Himself, not discerning His divine character, might receive forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might be brought to see their error and repent. Whatever the sin, if the soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away in the blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith cannot come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare It to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them. When the Spirit is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the soul.

The Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke this warning did not themselves believe the charge they brought against Him. There was not one of those dignitaries but had felt drawn toward the Saviour. They had heard the Spirit's voice in their own hearts declaring Him to be the Anointed of Israel, and urging them to confess themselves His disciples. In the light of His presence they had realized their unholiness, and had longed for a righteousness which they could not create. But after their rejection of Him it would be too humiliating to receive Him as the Messiah. Having set their feet in the path of unbelief, they were too proud to confess their error. And in order to avoid acknowledging the truth, they tried with desperate violence to dispute the Saviour's teaching. The evidence of His power and mercy exasperated them. They could not prevent the Saviour from working miracles, they could not silence His teaching; but they did everything in their power to misrepresent Him and to falsify His words. Still the convicting Spirit of God followed them, and they had to build up many barriers in order to withstand its power. The mightiest agency that can be brought to bear upon the human heart was striving with them, but they would not yield.

It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul. Thus it had been with these Jewish leaders. They were convinced that a divine power attended Christ, but in order to resist the truth, they attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. In doing this they deliberately chose deception; they yielded themselves to Satan, and henceforth they were controlled by his power.

Early Writings, p. 45

It is a fearful thing to treat lightly the truth which has convinced our understanding and touched our hearts. We cannot with impunity reject the warnings which God in mercy sends us. A message was sent from heaven to the world in Noah's day, and the salvation of men depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from the sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, 'Your house is left unto you desolate.' Looking down to the last days, the same infinite power declares, concerning those who 'received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,' 'For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.' As they reject the teachings of His Word, God withdraws His Spirit, and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.