Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Key Things to Remember When Teaching Health Reform












KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN DOING THIS WORK:
1.  As a people, we are to speak the same things. (1 Cor. 1:10)

Jesus designed that the faith of His people should be one. If one goes forth preaching one thing, and another differing with him preaches something else, how can those who believe through their word be one? There will be difference of sentiments...” {1T 326.2}

MANY GO CONTRARY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT READ THE BOOKS GOD HAS GIVEN US TO READ.
Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings...” {4T 391.1}

GOD HAS MARKED OUT THE WAY IN WHICH HIS PEOPLE ARE TO CARRY FORWARD THE WORK OF PHYSICAL HEALING
“…The Lord has marked out a way in which His people are to carry forward a work of physical healing...” {MM 14.3}

“It is our duty to understand and respect the principles of health reform...” {9T 158.1}

“...The enemy is on our track. We must be wide awake...we must follow the directions given through the Spirit of Prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time...this will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through his word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty...if we disregard them, what excuse can we offer?”  {8T 298.1}

2.  WHEN TEACHING HEALTH, WE TEACH FROM 3 PERSPECTIVES:
   1. Bible (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:4)
   2. SOP (Isaiah 8:20; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10)
   3. Good Scientific Information (Daniel and his 3 friends knew the Sciences of their day. They were 10 x wiser than all the others) (Daniel 1:7,20)

The world should be no criterion for us...” {4T 35.3}

In order to obtain an education, many think it essential to study the writings of infidel authors...why—should we wade through the mass of error contained in the work of infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when all truth is at our command.” {MH 440.2}

“...Concerning subjects on which he has given light? Why take inferior sources of instruction...? Why present inferior authors to the attention of students...?  [Matthew 11:28, 29] {CE 81.1}

WE ARE TO BE IN ADVANCED OF THE WHOLE WORLD REGARDING HEALTH:
Seventh-Day Adventists are handling momentous truths. More than forty years ago (now 150 yrs. to date) The Lord gave us special light on health reform...on the subject. We should be in advance of all other people...”  (and we are) {9T 158.1} 

The light that God has given in medical missionary lines will not cause his people to be regarded as inferior in scientific medical knowledge, but will fit them to stand upon the highest eminence...”  {MM 65.3}

Q: HOW DO WE BECOME IN ADVANCE OF THE WORLD ON HEALTH?
A: BY OBTAINING ALL THE EDUCATION FROM THE STUDY OF OUR BOOKS.

“Let our people show that they have a living interest in medical missionary work. Let them prepare themselves for usefulness by studying the books that have been written for our instruction in these lines. These books deserve much more attention and appreciation than they have received...”  {7T 63.2}

“...Read the best authors on these subjects, and obey religiously that which your reason tells you is truth.” {CH 566.3}

The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible...our minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of his word before the highest earthly authorities...” (COL 333.4)

Note: When reading our health books, time and place must be considered.
Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but TIME AND PLACE MUST BE CONSIDERED...”  {1SM 57.2} (Ex: small pox vaccines)

3. WHEN TEACHING HEALTH REFORM, WE ARE TO TEACH THE MOST INEXPENSIVE METHODS OF LIVING:
  • “...You cannot teach health reform unless you present the most inexpensive methods of living…” (MM 266.3}

Note: We will not be using expensive remedies, quick fix elixirs, expensive juicing, etc. Jesus' health message is affordable to the poor as well as to the sick.

1. We will be using those health restoring agencies that are freely provided by God, and the simple things that are easily obtained.***
“Teach nurses and patients the value of those health-restoring agencies that are freely provided by God, and the usefulness of simple things that are easily obtained.” {2SM 298.4}

2. We will be using things that are within reach of the common people.
Always study and teach the use of the simplest remediesthe use of these means which are within the reach of the common people.” {2SM 298.6} 1903

3. RULE OF THUMB: If there's already a remedy given by the Prophet, for sake of time and money, it's best to stick with the simplest method and not try to reinvent the wheel.  (Example: Best Remedy for Cough = Honey & Eucalyptus oil) (See: 2SM 300.2)

4. Do not use appliances patients do not have in their homes.
There is danger of spending far too much money on machinery and appliances which the patients can never use in their home lessons. They should rather be taught how to REGULATE THE DIET, so that the living machinery of the whole being will work in harmony.”  {CD 445.2}
  • Swimming pools not necessary
  • Gyms not necessary
  • Hyperbaric chambers not necessary
  • Saunas not necessary
  • Expensive juicers are not necessary

4: DISEASE NEVER COMES WITHOUT A CAUSE. IT IS FROM A VIOLATION OF THE LAWS OF HEALTH: (Prov. 26:2)
  • Disease never comes without a cause. The way is prepared, and disease invited by disregard of the laws of health...”  {MH 234.1}
  • Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health...” {MH 127.1}
  • IT IS A SIN TO BE SICK, for all sickness is the result of transgression...” (CH 37.2)

Note: There are natural and spiritual laws.
The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to HIS LAWS, EITHER NATURAL OR SPIRITUAL...” {CD 121.2} 

Remember Miriam? She was struck with Leprosy because she backbit with her tongue.  And she was Moses’ sister.

5. THERE ARE MORE THAN 8 LAWS OF HEALTH:
Note: Proper dress is one of the laws of health.
  • They disregard the principles of health by their habits of eating, drinking, DRESSING, and working...”  {MH 234.2}
  • Many persons bring disease upon themselves...They...have disregarded the laws of health in their habits of eating and drinking, DRESSING, or working...” {MH 227.3}

Note: Improper dress is responsible for most women's health issues.
  • More die as the result of following fashion than from all other causes...”  {HL 64.3}


THERE IS ALSO:
  • THE LAW OF CLEANLINESS/HYGIENE (General Hygiene) (2SAT 289.3)

Constant instruction needs to be given, line upon line, precept upon precept, in regard to the necessity of clean bodies, clean houses, and clean premises…”  {20MR 374.1}
  • PROPER POSTURE (upright position) (Ed 198.3)
  • VOICE CULTURE (AH 435.4)
  • ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
  • SERVING OTHERS (Isaiah 58)
  • CHEEFULNESS, KIND WORDS & ACTS (PC 37.8)

Note: NINE-TENTHS OF DISEASE START IN THE MIND:                         
Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine-tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here...”  {5T 443.4}

6. WHEN A PERSON BECOMES HIT WITH SICKNESS/ DISEASE, THERE ARE 4 PROPER STEPS TO TAKE WHEN A PERSON GETS STRUCK WITH SICKNESS or DISEASE
IN CASE OF SICKNESS:
  • The cause should be ascertained
  • Unhealthful conditions should be changed
  • Wrong habits corrected
  • Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to reestablish
  • Right conditions in the system.”  {MH 127.1}

 Note: Herbs are not necessary at all times.

The Lord has given some simple herbs of the field that are at times beneficial...”  {2SM 294.1}

Herbs are not always needed. We should go through steps 1-3 first. (Example: water for headache)
Unless there is an emergency situation, we should not skip to step 4 until we have gone through steps 1-3.

ALSO:
Do not endeavor to adjust the difficulties by adding a burden of poisonous medicines.” {MH 235.1}

Not a poisonous drug should be used. When you have a case that does not respond to the use of simple remedies, take it to the Lord in prayer....” {PC 43.1}  1910


WHY NOT?
After seeing so much harm done by the administering of drugs, I cannot use them, and cannot testify in their favor. I must be true to the light given me by the Lord.” {2SM 293.3}  1897

7: THERE ARE STEPS IN HELPING SOMEONE WHO SMOKES, DRINKS COFFEE and TEA AND EATS MEAT:

The changes from injurious habits of life to those conducive to health, are great, and should be made with care... IS a man a TOBACCO USER, A TEA-AND-COFFEE DRINKER, A MEAT EATER, TAKING HIS THREE MEALS?
  1. Let him begin with tobacco, and put that away
  2. Next is helping them get off of the alcohol (my own addition)
  3. Then let him leave off the use of tea and coffee
  4. Eat less meat, and
  5. Make his third meal very light. He will find this a heavy tax upon his system. He may all the time feel worse; but what of that? There is a glorious victory ahead.
  6. Soon he can dispense with flesh meats altogether...next, he leaves off the third meal...” 
  7. He leaves off the 3rd meal…”  {CTBH 223.4-top of 224} 1890

***Note: If a person has a serious disease, you may need to get the people off of all of these at once depending on the severity of the disease.

It is not best to tell patients that flesh-meats shall never be used; but reason and conscience are to be awakened in regard to self-preservation and purity from every perverted appetite. They can learn to relish a diet that is healthful and abstemious, consisting of fruits, grains, and vegetables.”  {MM 227.4}

“…There is the more need of handling wisely the question of meat eating. In regard to this matter there should be no rash movements. We should consider the situation of the people, and the power of lifelong habits and practices, and should be careful not to urge our ideas upon others, as if this question were a test, and those who eat largely of meat were the greatest sinners.”  {CD 462.1}

Those who have lived upon a meat diet all their life DO NOT SEE THE EVIL of continuing the practice, and they must be treated tenderly.” {CD 463.1}

8: NATURE'S PROCESS OF HEALING AND UPBUILDING IS GRADUAL:
  • Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow...But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind...” (MH 127.3)

***There aren't any overnight, quick-fix elixirs. Patience is needed for the process…however...Many can see healing results in as little as 1 to 2 months:

An abstemious diet for A MONTH OR TWO would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health.”  (MH 235.2)

9. NINE OUT OF 10 (90%) WILL BE HEALED IF THEY DO ALL THEY KNOW TO DO BY FOLLOWING THE LAWS OF HEALTH:
  • “...If the sick and suffering will do only as well as they know in regard to living out the principles of health reform perseveringly, THEY WILL, IN NINE CASES OUT OF TEN, RECOVER FROM THEIR AILMENTS.” (TSDF 85.4)

10. WHY SOME ARE NOT HEALED:
      1. MANY DO NOT LIVE IT OUT
  • The greatest objection to health reform is that this people do not live it out...THEY DO NOT LIVE IT out, and have NEVER FOLLOWED IT STRICTLY, therefore they cannot be benefited by it...” (CD 398.3-399.1)
  • Nature must have a chance to do her work. Obstructions must be removed, and opportunity given her to exert her healing forces, which she will do, if every abuse is removed from her, and she has a fair chance.”  {PC 23.1} 


2. NOT ALL THE SICK WILL BE RAISED TO HEALTH:
  • “Not all the sick are healed. Many are laid away to sleep in Jesus.” {MH 230.3}

WHY NOT?
“IN PRAYER FOR THE SICK...We do not know whether the blessing we desire will be best or not.... God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” {MH 229.2-230.1}

WE ARE TO BE CAUTIOUS WHO WE PRAY FOR THAT ARE SICK. MANY ARE VIOLATING THE LAWS OF HEALTH.
“…There are many who make themselves sick by intemperate eating or by indulging in other wrong habits. When they get sick, shall we pray for them to be raised up, that they may carry on the very same work again...?”  {1888 1745.7}

I saw that the reason why God did not hear the prayers of his servants for the sick among us more fully was, that he could not be glorified in so doing while they were violating the laws of health....” {CD 25.5}

It is labor lost to teach people to go to god as a healer of their infirmities unless they are educated to lay aside every wrong practice and cease to indulge perverted appetite...” {MM 262.2}

11. HEALTH DOES NOT COME BY CHANCE:
We cannot be too often reminded that HEALTH DOES NOT DEPEND ON CHANCE. It is a result of OBEDIENCE to law...” {MH 128.2}

GOD ONLY HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES: (LP 267.1) (2 SM 469) (*See also MM 262.2)
If God were to work a miracle in restoring persons to health that are at liberty to continue their unhealthful practices, GOD WOULD BE ENCOURAGING SIN.”  (MH 227.3)

YOU WILL HAVE SOME CASES WHERE THE PEOPLE LIVE TO BE 100 WHILE THEY ARE EATING HORRIBLY OR DO THINGS LIKE SMOKING & DRINKING. WHY IS THIS? (George Burns is a great example)
Those who USE TEA, COFFEE, OPIUM, AND ALCOHOL, may sometimes live to an old age, but this fact is no argument in favor of the use of these stimulants. What these persons might have accomplished, but failed to do because of their intemperate habits, the great day of God alone will reveal.” {CD 421.6}

Note: Just keep in mind that 9 out of 10 people DIE PREMATURELY (before the age of 70)
See: Ecclesiastes 7:17 and Psalms 90:10

A PROMISE FOR US:
When we do this work, there will be a renovating, reforming, energizing power:
Let there be in every church well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church...
Let this work be without delay...when such forces are set to work in all our churches, there will be a renovating, reforming, energizing power in the churches ...” {WM 107.2}

THE PROMISE IS CONDITIONAL:
If our churches do not live according to the light on health reform, the Lord will not bless us:
The subject of health reform has been presented in the churches, but the light has not been heartily received. The selfish, health-destroying indulgences of men and women have counteracted the influence of the message that is to prepare a people for the great day of God. IF the churches expect strength, they must live the truth which God has given them. If the members of our churches disregard the light on this subject they will reap the sure result in both spiritual and physical degeneracy. And the influence of these older church members will leaven those newly come to the faith. The Lord does not work now to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which his people are to bear?” (6T 370.3)

SOP ABBREVIATIONS:
1SM = Selected Messages, Book 1
1T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 1
20MR = Manuscript Releases, Volume 20
2SAT = Sermons & Talks, Book
4T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 2
6T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 6
7T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 7
8T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 8
9T = Testimonies to the Church, Volume 9
CD = Counsels on Diets & Foods
CH = Counsels on Health
COL = Christ Object Lessons
HR = Health Reformer
MH = Ministry of Healing
MM = Medical Ministry
PC = Paulson Collection
TSDF = Testimony Studies on Diets and Foods
WM = Welfare Ministry
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Monday, July 6, 2026

Is the Health Message Important for These Last Days? Is it Salvational?

 

Matthew 4:4 – Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THIS?
Revelation 14:6-7 – “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 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.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD.”

1 Corinthians 9:25 – “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

2 Peter 1:5-8 – “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, TEMPERANCE: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Romans 8:9 – “...if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

WHAT DOES THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY SAY?
“The Lord himself has spoken upon this subject of the care of the body. He says in His word, If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:17, R. V. This scripture enjoins a conscientious care of the body, and condemns all ignorant or careless neglect. And again: “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.” “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 6: 19, 20; 10:31. {FE 427.1}

The intelligent, conscientious care of our bodies is due to our Heavenly Father, who "so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We are individually the property of Christ, His purchased possession. It is required of each one of us to preserve our health and strength by the practice of temperance in all things. The appetites and passions must be controlled, that through them we shall not weaken or defile God's human temple.”
{FE 427.2}

ANYTHING THAT LESSENS THE PHYSICAL POWER ENFEEBLES THE MIND, AND MAKES IT LESS CLEAR TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG.
“This principle is illustrated in the case of Nadab and Abihu. God gave them a most sacred work to perform, permitting them to come near to Himself in their appointed service; but they had a habit of drinking wine, and they entered upon the holy service in the sanctuary with confused minds. There was the sacred fire, which was kindled by God himself; but they used the common fire upon their censers, when they offered incense to ascend as a sweet fragrance with the prayers of God's people. Because their minds were clouded by an unholy indulgence, they disregarded the divine requirement; “and there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.”  {FE 427.3}

Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God. Every careless, inattentive action, any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful mechanism, by disregarding His specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God's law.”  {CD 17.2}

It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the Ten Commandments. To do either is to break God's laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism, will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken from Sinai.”  {CD 17.3}

Our heavenly father sent the light of health reform to guard against the evils resulting from a debased appetite, that those who love purity and holiness may know how to use with discretion the good things He has provided for them, and that by exercising temperance in daily life, they may be sanctified through the truth...”  {CD 23.1}

Let it ever be kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body All the laws of nature--which are the laws of God--...will aid us in a preparation for the life to come.”  {CD 23.2}

“I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then....on the question of diet. It is now time to take the light from under the bushel, and let it shine forth in clear, bright rays.”  {CD 23.3}

“…Only when we are intelligent in regard to the principles of healthful living, can we be fully aroused to see the evils resulting from improper diet.”  (CD 23.5)

Proverbs 8:13 – The Fear of the Lord is to HATE EVIL...”

“We should educate ourselves, not only to live in harmony with the laws of health, but to teach others the better way. Many, even of those who profess to believe the special truths for this time, are lamentably ignorant with regard to health and temperance. They need to be educated line upon line, precept upon precept. The subject must be kept before them. This matter must not be passed over as non-essential; for nearly every family needs to be stirred up on the question. The conscience must be aroused to the duty of practicing the principles of true reform. GOD REQUIRES that his people shall be temperate in all things. Unless they practice true temperance, they will not, they cannot, be susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the truth.”  {CD 451.2}

He who is converted from errors in eating, drinking, and dressing is being prepared to hear and receive the truth into a good and willing heart. Many, by practicing the laws of nature and by receiving the renovating grace of God into the soul, obtain a new lease of physical and spiritual life...”  {CH 221.4}.



At our large gatherings, instruction should be given upon health and temperance. Seek to arouse the intellect and the conscience. Bring into service all the talent at command, and follow up the work with publications upon the subject. EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE,” is the message that has been impressed upon me.”  {CD 451.3}

“It is important that instructions should be given...in regard to living temperately. They should show the relation which eating, working, resting, and dressing, sustain to health. All who believe the truth for these last days, have something to do in this matter. It concerns them, and God requires them to arouse and interest themselves in this reform. He will not be pleased with their course if they regard this question with indifference.”  {CD 39.1}

“Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living, is a part of the appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it.” {CD 458.1}


Ignorance is no excuse now for the transgression of law... All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which he is not giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate; for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory...”  {CD 70.2}

In the judgment we shall see how seriously God regards the violation of the laws of health.”   {CD 40. 1}

Many have done the body much injury by a disregard of the laws of life, and they may never recover from the effects of their neglect; but even now they may repent and be converted. Man has tried to be wiser than God. He has become a law unto himself. God calls upon us to give attention to His requirements, no longer to dishonor Him by dwarfing the physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities...”  (CD 40.1)

THE HEALTH REFORM:
“…is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord.”  (CD 69.1)

“The light God has given on health reform is for our salvation and the salvation of the world...”
(CH 479.1)

“The work of health reform is the Lord's means...for purifying his church...”  (CD 77.1)

“God desires His people to bind medical missionary work up with the work of the third angel's message. This is the work that will restore the moral image of God in man...”  (MM 160.2)

Keep the work of health reform to the front is the message I am instructed to bear. Show so plainly its value that a widespread need for it will be felt.”  (9T 113.1)

SOP ABBREVIATIONS:
9T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9
CD = Counsels on Diets and Foods
CH = Counsels on Health
FE = Fundamentals of Education
HL = Healthful Living
MM = Medical Ministry
TV III = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 3
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