These preachers built followers around innovative readings of the Scriptures. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. When the Bible is placed in the hands of the people, void of any kind of authoritative religious community to guide them in their proper understanding of the text, the people can make it say anything they want it to say. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. White encouraged others to take a smallpox vaccination, and took it herself, according to eyewitness D. E. Robinson, one of her secretaries: Ellen White was vaccinated and urged her helpers, those connected with her, to be vaccinated. She was aware that it would protect her as well as others: She also recognized the danger of their exposing others if they failed to take this precaution. She wisely advised, Those who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use of the remedial agencies within their reach. Chapter XV - Happiness, verse 204. F It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Ellen White wrote nothing about vaccination, but her life and practice provide good support for and confirmation of this articles reflections. For example, some Christian Scientists may decline to receive the vaccine. An outdoorsy, recreational type for decades, I wanted to remain active. Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. and it offers biblical supporting evidence against vaccinations. In Philippians 2:4, the apostle Paul says, "Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." 7. Catholics may morally use vaccines, but they are also free to refuse them for reasons of conscience or prudence. The scatterer has come up against you. Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald, 1958), 2:346. " Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 Where Does the Bible Talk About Our Bodies? Nothing outside a man can make him "unclean" by going into him. The practice has arisen as more employers and schools issue mandates that employees and students must be vaccinated before returning to work or school. 103:3; Luke 4:40; 6:18; 7:21). Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1913), 426. 16). . Having done all that we possibly can, we are to keep asking in faith for health and strength. God gives us no encouragement that He will do for us what we can do for ourselves.. "Taking the vaccine involves registering oneself and being given a number. Romans 14:23 New International Reader's Version (1998) (NIrV) Together they lead us to God by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through which He works.. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. The mark of the beast is about the distortion of Gods character of love by accepting the non-biblical teachings of Sunday sacredness and the immortality of the soul, including eternal torture in hell. I have worked on my health with the great help of a medical community. God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and ten cubits deep in front of the house. A Reflection for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Times. Matthew 18:1-4, and Matthew 19:13-15 are just a few verses that illustrate the aforementioned children as blessings from God that are valued and loved by him, Such misinformation is connected to confusion about the mRNA basis of vaccinations against the coronavirus and SARS. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. We can thank God for the wisdom He gives for research and invention. The general rule is plain: what is in harmony with biblical health principles and does not contradict them is permissible. All rights reserved. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. . He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down. As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. The spread of COVID-19 and the mass rollout of . Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. The chariots come with flashing metal on the day he musters them; the cypress spears are brandished. "I have a . ", (Excerpted from "Should Christians Get Vaccinated?" The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph), the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. In other words, he distanced himself from that kind of ethical stance. In 1 Corinthians 10:22-27,Paul writes, Everything is lawful, but not everything is beneficial. Continuing our service to God: Receiving safe and effective vaccination allows us to honor God by keeping our earthly temple (our body) as healthy as possible, and our financial situation as . Our inflexible stands and outrage over whether to vaccinate or not break hearts, and pits people against each other and government health agencies. There are blessings in isolation and in spending more time with immediate family. It comforts me in my journey with an incurable illness. The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, Why have you returned? And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. When large numbers of Irish and German immigrants arrived on American shores in the middle decades of the 19th century, evangelicals drew on longstanding anti-Catholic prejudices. When a trumpet is blown, hear! When I studied the beautifully written book of Job, I heard Gods answer to Jobs misery over losses in health, property, and family. A former high school English teacher and editor, she works on writing projects from her home in West Michigan, where she enjoys woods, water, pets, and family. Often they are brought about in a way which looks like the natural course of events. We ask to be kept from the pestilence that walketh in darkness, that is stalking with such power through the world; we are then to cooperate with God, observing the laws of health and life. 12:4). But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. This highly contagious, steadily mutating virus is a pandemica threat to world health. Some are stories, some are songs to bring you joy and hope, some are parables meant to convey his religious message, and some are instructions for our lives to be led with moral character. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. So, health advice for the common good should hardly be construed as antagonistic to God. Applying this thinking to vaccination, we can see that this product, a result of capacities God has given to humans to think and be creative, is a life-saving product. Ellen G. White affirms such an approach. Those bearing the seal of God love, honor, and give Him glory as their Creator and Savior. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration. God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. TopicalBible One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. Grabenstein JD. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. The Bible is filled with scriptures. These activities point to vaccination when there is a need for it and it is available. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. The passage reads: "Then he said unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: Abd great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and. Vaccination, nothing magical, must be supported by other intelligent choices in life such as prayerful, devotional living, a healthy lifestyle, spiritual witnessing, and trust in God. 5. Vaccines violate our ability to follow the teachings of the Bible. Pro-mask or anti-mask? Jeremiah was lamenting the behavior of Israelites captive in Babylon, who succumbed to worshipping false gods. In the same way, it would be presumptuous and arrogant on our part to ask God to give us good health while we neglect health principles, and remain unwilling to study and apply the results of modern medicine that He has enabled us to discover for helping suffering humanity. Small differences over how to interpret the Bible often resulted in the creation of new sects such as the Latter Day Saints, the Restorationists (Disciples of Christ and Churches of Christ), Adventists and various evangelical offshoots of more longstanding denominations such as Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists and Quakers. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. We can easily select and interpret Bible verses that agree with our individual mindsets regarding vaccines. But only the Lord of heaven can be guaranteed to preserve and restore health when He so chooses. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Debates about mask mandates and required vaccinations are much in the news in light of Governor Pritzker's Executive Order seeking to slow the spread of COVID. However, it is not easy to understand Gods Word. Vaccination should then be applied according to our best knowledge and health conditions. We find purpose in activities that benefit others. It is a gross misuse of Scripture to claim that taking a vaccination against COVID-19 is receiving the book of Revelations mark of the beast, and that it will change your DNA. As Jesus said in Luke 12:31, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. How can we use this teaching to determine what does the Bible say about vaccines? The Holy Scriptures present important health principles that are to be (a) the bases of such reflections, (b) beneficial components, and (c) elements we can implement in everyday routines of life. Reading and praying on the verses below may expand your understanding of God's intentions regarding our bodily health and the role of vaccines. Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?". Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than human beings! Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Perhaps you keep up with news about the COVID pandemic, shifting daily. The review of possible adverse effects of vaccines found convincing evidence of 14 health outcomesincluding seizures, inflammation of the brain, and faintingthat can be caused by certain vaccines, although these outcomes occur rarely. The apocalyptic biblical term comes from Revelation 13: 16-18. (Could this be a metaphor for doctor-prescribed drugs today?). 1 6 Some of us have children who have suffered vaccine reactions. Vaccines preserve health and stop the spread of disease, and It is no denial of faith to use rational remedies judiciously.. Publication date: Mar 2, 2023. A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.. And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 1. This verse has been a mantra for me since I was diagnosed with a severe health problem in middle age, pre-COVID. He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. Whether you agree with their decision or not God will accept them regardless of how they choose. 1. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. But there is another subset of the denomination that describes . This verse (1021) was written by Moses to warn God's people to stay away from some prohibited religious practices. Activities like conducting Sabbath School or participating in potlucks on Sabbath; celebrating the Lords Supper every quarter; building schools and hospitals, organizing the church structure with conferences, unions, and so on. Topics and verses are auto-generated from user searches. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? And, his angels shall protect you. O 1. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. They blame the misinterpretations of this Bible passage on social media and people . Such living integrates and restores our physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social life by Gods grace, through His Word, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. We are not to expect that God will work for us when we overlook basic principles of life and are negligent, biased, or lazy about implementing them. She then quotes 2 Corinthians 7 out of context and assumes a vaccine will "contaminate" her. God promised to heal him, yet the very prophet who brought the good news directed that the bandage of figs be applied to his wound. 3.First time Moderna has brought any product to market. Why die prematurely simply because we neglect remedies that are available to protect and prolong our lives, thus enabling us to be a blessing to others? A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Z. Prayerfully consider the following principles: 1. That list would include the command, Be vaccinated or Dont be vaccinated, so we need godly thinking to guide us as to whether to be vaccinated or not. Last updated September 1, 2021. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21). He was rebellious at times. We could create a much longer list of such good practices not verbally addressed in the Holy Scriptures. If there was ever a great opportunity for cherry-pickingusing Gods Word in a way that supports your ideas or lifethis is it. The book of Revelation 18:23 says "The light of a lamp shall. And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall execute vengeance for the covenant. Getting the vaccine is something to pray about, to discern Gods will for your life and our collective life on this planet. And he made side chambers all around. Bodies in good health and physical condition are a glory to the Creator. Ah, land of whirring wings that is beyond the rivers of Cush, which sends ambassadors by the sea, in vessels of papyrus on the waters! He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. Sign up today.]. Nothing new to your ears, right? Everyone knows that getting the vaccine is the best way to show everyone you're a good Christian. Why a 19th-century Russian anarchist is relevant to the mask and vaccinedebate. Vaccination has nothing to do with the mark of the beast or with false Babylonian teaching. Neither God nor we always need a thus says the Lord to know what to do or not to do, because He can show, and we can see, the benefits or disadvantages of many of our decisions and actions. Vaccines are 100%, completely against our religion. 7:15; 28:60; Ps. Edward Meeks, pastor at Christ the King Catholic Church in Towson, gave an almost 20-minute homily Nov. 21 in which he interpreted several Bible verses from 1 Corinthians as indicating . Prayful application of Gods provisions preserves our life and protects others from being harmed. Other popular passages include Psalm 30:2: Lord, I called to you for help, and you healed me.; 1 Corinthians 6:19: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?; and Leviticus 17:11: For the life of a creature is in the blood.. Note: Always check the context of a verse; Click the "Read Full Chapter" button next to each verse to read more. 4 The city of Pergamum, too, had long been a hotbed for imperial worship. The evidence of science is transparently clear: vaccines save lives. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. White was herself vaccinated, and encouraged others to do so for at least two reasons: (1) personal health benefits enable us to efficiently serve others; and (2) vaccination prevents transmission of disease and contamination to others. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. Vaccine. Repent, sinner! One can argue that it may be recommended or even required when health or life is to be preserved. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. "Forty-five states. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 34:4, 16). Jesus went around healing lepers and touched them without fear of getting leprosy, he said. This story does not mean it is the medicine alone that is important. The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all.