In the early days of the Advent Movement, the pioneers searched the Scriptures with diligent prayer, spending hours, and sometimes even entire nights studying the Bible and comparing text with text. They built their faith on a solid foundation, and the pure Adventist doctrines were firmly established.

“Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder [Hiram] Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power.” 1

Sound doctrine is understood only by those who are feeding on strong food, rather than simply milk. At the beginning of the Christian experience one is considered a “babe” in religious matters, like infants that are fed with milk. They are novices in the faith and are not yet able to understand the deep points of Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul writing to the Hebrews made the following declaration:

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12–14.

In order that we may differentiate between truth and error, between false and true doctrine, we should be spiritually “grown up” persons. There are many difficult texts in the Bible which some take out of context to substantiate the most absurd ideas. Various winds of false doctrine are blowing around, and many misinterpret the writings of Paul, as well as other Scriptures. Peter wrote:

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 1 Peter 3:15, 16.

Those who are mature in their Christian experience are those that “are of full age” and are able to discern between good and evil. In order to be free from the deceptive winds of doctrine, we should grow in knowledge, in doctrine, and in all Christian qualities so that we may not breathe in the miasma of false doctrines. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:14, 15.

The Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah, giving us the formula for the understanding of any and all sound doctrines.

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:9, 10.

Today, as in the past, many take only the last part of the formula to try to substantiate a doctrinal point. They take “here a little, and there a little” without taking into consideration that pure doctrine can be established only when we first set “precept upon precept,” and “line upon line.” Those who take only the last part of the formula come to absurd conclusions. Many false doctrines have come about as a result of this. Let us consider how easy it is for a false doctrine to be invented. Here is one example:

1. “Then said Jesus unto [Judas Iscariot], That thou doest, do quickly.” John 13:27.

2. “Then Judas, . . . went and hanged himself.” Matthew 27:3–5.

3. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.