The North New Zealand Conference President Responds to the Fallout over His Comments on the National Sunday Law Book

 Three days ago Bob Larsen, President of the North New Zealand Conference, disavowed the National Sunday Law book in an interview with the local media. The news sought an official response from the Seventh-day Adventist Church about a mass distribution campaign currently underway in New Zealand. The media wanted answers as to why some in the community were “horrified” and “disgusted” with the National Sunday Law book that was being labeled an “extreme and insidious propaganda” and a “conspiracy theory.”

How did the President of the North New Zealand Conference of Seventh-day Adventists respond when pressed by the secular media? Did he say that the “official” church actually believes that a National Sunday Law will one day be enacted? Did he say that the National Sunday Law book does in fact contain the last message of mercy to the world? Or did he at least remember what the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, an official church publication, says on this matter:

“It is for the interest of all to understand what the mark of the beast is, and how they may escape the dread threatenings of God. Why are men not interested to know what constitutes the mark of the beast and his image? It is in direct contrast with the mark of God.” (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 979).

All need to know what the mark of the beast is and how to avoid it. By the way, what does the word “all” mean? Does that mean 90%? Does it mean just the members of our church? What does that mean? God says this means the whole world:

“The Lord gives a special truth for the people in an emergency. Who dare refuse to publish it? He commands His servants to present the last invitation of mercy to the world. They cannot remain silent, except at the peril of their souls.” (Great Controversy, pp. 609, 610).

“Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world.” (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 798, 979).

The word “all” literally means the whole world. Does this include New Zealand? Yes. So here we have faithful Seventh-day Adventists who are actually doing the work that the church is supposed to do. These faithful souls are distributing the National Sunday Law book and helping to warn people about the mark of the beast (Sunday laws) while encouraging them to embrace the seal of God (Saturday). Is this an important mission? Absolutely! It is the most solemn message ever given by God.

“Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention. The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world” (Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 19).

So what did President Bob Larsen actually do when pressured by the local news to respond? Rather than being “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh” (1 Peter 3:15), he sidestepped the issue and completely disavowed the book containing the Three Angels’ Message. This is what the media reported his response was:

“Seventh-Day Adventist Church in New Zealand North Island lead pastor Bob Larsen said the book was not endorsed by the church. The [church] had no involvement in the publication or distribution of the book … The church does not endorse or recommend this book.” [1]


That happened three days ago. There seems to have been some fallout from his words, and it turns out that President Bob Larsen is now trying to backtrack and roll back what he said; but NOT to the media, only to the concerned Seventh-day Adventists who have reached out to him for his statements. Here is a copy of an email Bob Larsen is sending:

From: Bob Larsen

To: __________________________

Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 03:36:11 PM CST

Subject: FW: National Sunday Law book

Greetings __________

I have had many emails with questions both for and against the distribution of this book. I had similar questions from another person and I share with you my response to him.

We do believe that prophecy points to a national Sunday law prior to the second coming of Jesus. Our doctrines are clear on that. We do not endorse this approach as the way of leading people to Jesus. Ellen White says:

“Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind… Do not arouse opposition before the people have had opportunity to hear the truth and know what they are opposing.” {EV 142-143}

Therefore, I recommend that the Great Controversy is distributed to people who have shown an interest in knowing more, rather than being the entering wedge. It is a great book which we clearly stand by, but is not the sort of book we letterbox.

I will not continue an email conversation on this matter but wish you God’s blessings

Bob Larsen

Lead Pastor

Bob Larsen is now claiming that the Seventh-day Adventist Church does believe in a National Sunday Law. Why didn’t he tell that to the secular news and its 2 million monthly viewers? That’s when he should have stated this truth. Do we only pretend to believe in a National Sunday Law when trying to save face with concerned Seventh-day Adventists? This is remarkable! We have leaders who don’t stand up for the truth when they’re supposed to because they want to be at peace with the world, but then when trying to appease concerned church members they say, “Yes, we have always believed in a National Sunday Law.”

This is where we are today in Adventism. We have reached a point where we speak with both sides of our mouth just to be in good standing with everyone, both the world and the church. But the situation worsens even more. President Bob Larsen then uses two quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy to try to justify his inaction. He attempts to excuse himself by misquoting Ellen White and taking her words out of context. He took two statements and put them together in his email to convey something that God never intended. Below are the statements in their entirety. You can judge for yourself if the Spirit of Prophecy was gutted and misused.

President Bob Larsen first cited the following: Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind…

Here is the full statement and you will notice that some important details were left out:

“Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things which you may understand but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self and encourage vainglory in the one who opens the word. The work for this time is to train students and workers o deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and breadth, the depth and height, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14. To the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos were revealed the things which God desired him to give to the people. Study these revelations. Here are themes worthy of our contemplation, large and comprehensive lessons which all the angelic host are now seeking to communicate.” (Testimonies, Vol 6, pp. 58, 59).