Certainly, Tom.

Teenaged Ellen White learned the formula of finding the truth quite early in the Movement. So first i think a pre-1888 statement from her is apropos:

"We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood, it was discussed and each one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one, as Christ and the Father are one. Many tears were shed.
We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through God's appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony. We were all of one mind and one spirit.
We sought most earnestly that the Scriptures should not be wrested to suit any man's opinions. We tried to make our differences as slight as possible by not dwelling on points that were of minor importance, upon which there were varying opinions. But the burden of every soul was to bring about a condition among the brethren which would answer the prayer of Christ that His disciples might be one as He and the Father are one.
Sometimes one or two of the brethren would stubbornly set themselves against the view presented, and would act out the natural feelings of the heart; but when this disposition appeared, we suspended our investigations and adjourned our meeting, that each one might have an opportunity to go to God in prayer, and without conversation with others, study the point of difference, asking light from heaven. With expressions of friendliness we parted, to meet again as soon as possible for further investigation. At times the power of God came upon us in a marked manner, and when clear light revealed the points of truth, we would weep and rejoice together. We loved Jesus; we loved one another. {CET 193.3}

Tom, it is rather unproductive to ignore the SOP when studying the Bible. It's akin to reinventing the wheel. If God has already provided inspired insight on a certain topic or text it is fruitless to refuse to read it. Obviously God thought we needed it, otherwise He wouldn't have inspired Sister White to write it down.

My, you guys can sure spin some heads, but really, what is the point to this?

Sin is still sin. If God doesn't think so then that's a whole different story, but it doesn't really matter what we may think. Sin is still sin, a little lie, or perhaps being deceitful, or stealing.. Its still sin.
I can't believe I am actually having to even go this far. This is truly not profitable.

MM: As I said, I love the Spirit of Prophesy. However, one should not use it in place of Scripture, or in place of laziness. The things she wrote are Scriptural, and we should be able to explain them on the basis of Scripture, if for no other reason than to be able to explain them to non-Adventists.

I agree with the principle that one should lay hold of all the light God has given us, and have often used this principle to recommend Waggoner and Jones' writings, which the Spirit of Prophes heartily endorsed (but somehow the reasoning of laying hold of truth seems to get cut off here; I haven't quite figured this one out).

Will: You made a comment about degrees of sin being a Catholic thing. No one denies sin is sin, and as the quote points out, no sin is small to God.

Dave: We're just trying to figure things out! I suppose some things can be akin to trying to figure out how many angels are dancing on the head of a pin, but this thread has not struck me that way. It seems to me we have been discussing some pretty fundamental issues which are important to understand. Do you disagree?

Tom, well said. Thank you.

Will and Dave, please permit us the opportunity to discuss what is on our hearts without censure. Thank you.

Debbie, do you believe all children, who die before the age of 12, will automatically come up in the first resurrection and go to heaven?

I am able to speak whats on my heart as well. In fact we are told that the Scripture is profitable for correction, doctrine and reproof.
Show me where in the Bible a sin was treated as a "varying degree". David commited adultery and murder, his pride and joy Absolom was killed, Ananias and Saphira thought tthey could play slick and with hold a little bit of cash, what happened next, both dropped dead.
Eve thought that eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge wouldn't be so bad, we are all cught in a great controversy "can God be trusted".
What hppened when king Saul disobeyed God's command to destroy Amelek? Haman came up and was going to wipe out every single Jew as a result because of disobedience.
The list can go on and on and on, but the point is that sin is sin, we are born sinners unless you are Christ, and that sin will be punished, the wicked will be destroyed and thrown into the lake of fire, the wine in its full strength will be poured out on the wicked and this is God's wrath. The Bible is extremely clear on this and I stand firmly on what the Word of God says
God Bless,
Will


P.S.
I noticed that in the quote as well Tom, and it does speak volumes (thanks or the quote by the way). Sin was what caused the Son of God to come and become sin for us, and to take it away. He purchased us with His blood, and for that I am grateful, and thankful. It is definitely no small thing, which is why I disagree with varying types of sin.

I do not think it is within my right or ablity to censure any of you. I just think that God knows what he is going to do and it does ot matter if we understand how he works in this or not. I understand that it may be of some relavence to some, but I have hard time seeing it for myself.

Hi all,
Just a comment or question on the born sinner or born sinful postings.

If we who believe we are born sinful and not sinners were to posit: OK. All unrighteousness is sin (1 Jn 5:17) and selfishness is unright, and unright does not love your neighbor which breaks the law of God. Babies are born selfish since they use selfishness to communicate I need attention right now - I'm wet, I'm hungry, etc. and demand you come now!! BUT being born as sinners they are also born reconciled to God by the death of His Son (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:15)) and stand just as if they had not sinned at birth until such time as they can choose to sin or choose to live after the flesh rather than to be led by the Holy Spirit and mortify the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13) e.g. selfishly crying demandingly!! Huh?, what if??