I am a Seventh Day Adventist, Ask Me.
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Here is an excerp from Dr. John R. Rice taken from his excellent book, FALSE DOCTRINES (pg. 181)...
"Seventh-day Adventism plays the same game in salvation as every other false movement of Christendom. They profess to teach salvation by grace through faith, but they redefine this in a way that is contrary to New Testament doctrine.
Though they often deny this, the Adventist denomination teaches that salvation is by grace plus law, faith plus works. Grace, according to Adventist theology, is the power and forgiveness God gives to enable a sinner to keep the law and to thereby build a holy character fit for Heaven. He who fails to build the right character by God's grace will never see Heaven. Faith and works are the two oars by which the believer is propelled to glory.
The Adventist doctrine of salvation is a subtle mixture of grace and law that can never provide Bible security. Simply stated, this doctrine is as follows: The sinner is powerless to live up to God's holy standards, the law. He does not and cannot possess in himself the character demanded of God. Thus God has come to his aid through the sacrifice of Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now offers, because of the atonement of His Son, enable-ment to the sinner by which he is empowered to keep the law. Christ's blood covers all shortcomings, (only) as long as these are properly confessed and forsaken. God offers the grace and power; the sinner must take these and develop within himself the character demanded by the law, or at least, to put it as the cults would, to allow Jesus to do this work. The believing sinner who fails to properly walk with the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit shall ultimately be lost, in spite of his faith in Christ.
This doctrine of salvation cannot and does not offer any security for the adherent. There can never be assurance of eternal life for the cultist, because he does not, in practice, believe that eternal salvation is TOTALLY a gift of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The cultist, rather, is convinced that he, too, has a part in gaining eternal life. He must properly endure to the end in the law of God and the works of his church. If he fails to develop the proper character, he will never inherit eternal life. Thus, he can have no assurance of salvation until after the examinations of judgment day. The misled cultist cannot "stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2). Since works play a role in his salvation, he can never testify with joy, saying, "I am NOW justified by his blood ... I SHALL BE saved from wrath through him" (Rom. 5:9).
"Try Seventh-Day Adventist teaching by the Bible. Do they teach salvation by works, or by grace alone? By works, of course, by Sabbath-keeping, by tithing, by law and commandments. But this is not the plan of John 3:16 or of Ephesians 2:8. It is the heresy Paul condemned so strongly in the Galatians, when he said they had fallen from grace in doctrine, and now taught salvation by the law. He said in Galatians 4:9,10:
The following information from www.wayoflife.org by David W. Cloud is very well explained..."But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
That is the sin of Seventh-Day Adventism.
"Seventh-day Adventism plays the same game in salvation as every other false movement of Christendom. They profess to teach salvation by grace through faith, but they redefine this in a way that is contrary to New Testament doctrine.
Though they often deny this, the Adventist denomination teaches that salvation is by grace plus law, faith plus works. Grace, according to Adventist theology, is the power and forgiveness God gives to enable a sinner to keep the law and to thereby build a holy character fit for Heaven. He who fails to build the right character by God's grace will never see Heaven. Faith and works are the two oars by which the believer is propelled to glory.
The Adventist doctrine of salvation is a subtle mixture of grace and law that can never provide Bible security. Simply stated, this doctrine is as follows: The sinner is powerless to live up to God's holy standards, the law. He does not and cannot possess in himself the character demanded of God. Thus God has come to his aid through the sacrifice of Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now offers, because of the atonement of His Son, enable-ment to the sinner by which he is empowered to keep the law. Christ's blood covers all shortcomings, (only) as long as these are properly confessed and forsaken. God offers the grace and power; the sinner must take these and develop within himself the character demanded by the law, or at least, to put it as the cults would, to allow Jesus to do this work. The believing sinner who fails to properly walk with the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit shall ultimately be lost, in spite of his faith in Christ.
This doctrine of salvation cannot and does not offer any security for the adherent. There can never be assurance of eternal life for the cultist, because he does not, in practice, believe that eternal salvation is TOTALLY a gift of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The cultist, rather, is convinced that he, too, has a part in gaining eternal life. He must properly endure to the end in the law of God and the works of his church. If he fails to develop the proper character, he will never inherit eternal life. Thus, he can have no assurance of salvation until after the examinations of judgment day. The misled cultist cannot "stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2). Since works play a role in his salvation, he can never testify with joy, saying, "I am NOW justified by his blood ... I SHALL BE saved from wrath through him" (Rom. 5:9).
By David J. Stewart
The Bible teaches that those who receive the gift of Christ's character will observe His Sabbath as a sign or seal of their spiritual experience. Thus the people who receive the last-day seal of God will be Sabbath-keepers.
Blasphemy! According to Mr. Gane, keeping the Sabbath is evidence of salvation, just as Charismatics teach that speaking-in-tongues is the initial evidence of being born again. BOTH of these doctrines are lies of the Devil. Sabbath Keepers are false prophets!
Erwin Gane further errantly states...
There is not the slightest hint in the New Testament that the Sabbath was changed or abolished.
WRONG! Colossians 2:14,16-17 state quite the contrary... "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross... Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." The Old Testament SABBATH was a CEREMONIAL LAW, which pictured Jesus Christ, in whom we rest for the salvation of our souls. This is evidenced by Hebrews 4:2-4, which state...
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works."
This passage of Scripture clearly evidences the fact that the Sabbath Day was only symbolic of a person's faith (i.e., solely resting) in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Mankind attempted to work his way to Heaven through self-righteousness, but he utterly failed (Romans 3:19; James 2:10). This is represented by man working 6-days prior to the Sabbath Day. Today, Jesus is our Sabbath, i.e., He is the fulfillment of what the Sabbath Day symbolized.
In Christ we solely and completely rest for salvation. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He resurrected from the dead three days later according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. This is the gospel (good news) message that brings salvation to them that believe (Romans 1:16). Colossians 2:16,17 state, "...or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come..." A shadow is only cast when the sun is afar off in the distance. Once the sun rises overhead, the shadow vanishes away. Hence, when Jesus Christ fulfilled His earthly mission, He took the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14). There is NO Sabbath Day today. It was nailed to the cross. Jesus has become our Sabbath, and in Him alone we rest for our salvation.
By David J. Stewart
The Bible teaches that those who receive the gift of Christ's character will observe His Sabbath as a sign or seal of their spiritual experience. Thus the people who receive the last-day seal of God will be Sabbath-keepers.
Blasphemy! According to Mr. Gane, keeping the Sabbath is evidence of salvation, just as Charismatics teach that speaking-in-tongues is the initial evidence of being born again. BOTH of these doctrines are lies of the Devil. Sabbath Keepers are false prophets!
Erwin Gane further errantly states...
There is not the slightest hint in the New Testament that the Sabbath was changed or abolished.
WRONG! Colossians 2:14,16-17 state quite the contrary... "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross... Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." The Old Testament SABBATH was a CEREMONIAL LAW, which pictured Jesus Christ, in whom we rest for the salvation of our souls. This is evidenced by Hebrews 4:2-4, which state...
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works."
This passage of Scripture clearly evidences the fact that the Sabbath Day was only symbolic of a person's faith (i.e., solely resting) in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Mankind attempted to work his way to Heaven through self-righteousness, but he utterly failed (Romans 3:19; James 2:10). This is represented by man working 6-days prior to the Sabbath Day. Today, Jesus is our Sabbath, i.e., He is the fulfillment of what the Sabbath Day symbolized.
In Christ we solely and completely rest for salvation. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He resurrected from the dead three days later according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. This is the gospel (good news) message that brings salvation to them that believe (Romans 1:16). Colossians 2:16,17 state, "...or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come..." A shadow is only cast when the sun is afar off in the distance. Once the sun rises overhead, the shadow vanishes away. Hence, when Jesus Christ fulfilled His earthly mission, He took the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14). There is NO Sabbath Day today. It was nailed to the cross. Jesus has become our Sabbath, and in Him alone we rest for our salvation.
You havent a clue as to what Ive read and what I havent! References are provided in these writings but yet you dont see them! Why would you? You are too busy defending a crazy loonatic.
I see very clearly. My guide is called the Holy Spirit
I see very clearly. My guide is called the Holy Spirit
But like I said not really interested in talking about her with people here who pretend to know when they don't know the half of it. Why is it so hard for people to keep it Bible based?
BTW, since I have family and roots in the SDA church, let me give everyone some clear Ellen White statements:
Quotes from Ellen G. White
"In regard to infallibility, I NEVER claimed it; God ALONE is Infallible." Selected Messages, Book One, pp 415 and 37
"There is no excuse for anyone in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make an error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. Review and Herald, December 20,1892
"The Bible and the Bible alone, is our creed, the sole bond of union; all who bow to this holy Word will be in harmony . . . Man is fallible, but God's Word is infallible.
"We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed.
"In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His word is true, and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turning." Selected Messages, Book One, pp. 416 and 37.
Quotes from Ellen G. White
"In regard to infallibility, I NEVER claimed it; God ALONE is Infallible." Selected Messages, Book One, pp 415 and 37
"There is no excuse for anyone in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make an error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. Review and Herald, December 20,1892
"The Bible and the Bible alone, is our creed, the sole bond of union; all who bow to this holy Word will be in harmony . . . Man is fallible, but God's Word is infallible.
"We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed.
"In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His word is true, and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turning." Selected Messages, Book One, pp. 416 and 37.
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One more:
A spirit of pharisaism has been coming in upon the people who claim to believe the truth for these last days. They are self-satisfied. They have said, “We have the truth. There is no more light for the people of God. But we are not safe when we take the position that we will not accept anything else than that upon which we have settled as truth. We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for ourselves. We should dig in the mine of God’s word for truth.” Review and Herald, June 18, 1888.
A spirit of pharisaism has been coming in upon the people who claim to believe the truth for these last days. They are self-satisfied. They have said, “We have the truth. There is no more light for the people of God. But we are not safe when we take the position that we will not accept anything else than that upon which we have settled as truth. We should take the Bible, and investigate it closely for ourselves. We should dig in the mine of God’s word for truth.” Review and Herald, June 18, 1888.
Greetings gotime!
Regarding the above, your conclusion is nothing but pure conjecture and mere implication on your part. In fact, most of your conclusions are conjecture without scripture to back it up.
First of all, there is not enough information mentioned in Jude regarding this event between Michael and Satan to conclude that Moses was resurrected, but will in fact be with the rest of the OT saints. Also, God uses his angels to carry out his will, plain and simple. Just because God used Michael to confront Satan doesn't make him Jesus, as God uses his angels to perform all kinds of tasks.
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Again, God uses his angels to carry out his will, whatever that may be. The above war between Michael and his angels against Satan and his, does not infer that Michael is Jesus! You could ask the question, "Why doesn't God do everything himself?" The angels are his servants and they carry out his will as created, heavenly beings, i.e. angels.
Again, you are reading into the scripture what is not there, but what is simply being implied by you, as your conclusions are pure conjecture. First of all, the shout is by "an archangel" which does not specify who that archangel is and I'm sure there are many. This shout by the voice of the archangel as the Lord is descending from heaven to gather the dead and living believers, is synonymous with the parable of the ten bridesmaids: "At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" This is what will take place when the Lord comes to collect his church. The call will go out by that archangel, which is the announcement that the Bridegroom has come and everyone who is ready will be gathered up. The "trumpet call of God" is also synonymous with "that voice that sounds like a trumpet which says, "come up here" found in Revelation 4:1.
Scripture does however make a distinction between Jesus and angels in general, regardless of class or rank:
============================================
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him."
(Note: The word of God states that God alone is to be worshipped and therefore, that the Father is saying "Let all God's angels worship him" would demonstrate that Jesus is God. Otherwise, God would be breaking his own word.)[SUP]
[/SUP]In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”But about the Son he says,“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."
Note: The words "But about the Son he says" demonstrates a distinction between the angels and Jesus, i.e. Jesus is not an angel.He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”[SUP]
[/SUP]To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” ? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
============================================
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
The reference to Jesus creating all things in heaven and on earth, visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities includes the creation of all the angels, including the fallen ones and by him, Jesus, all things are held together. Jesus is God Almighty and not a created being, which is what he would have to be in order to be Michael the archangel, yet per the scripture, Jesus created Michael the archangel. In the scripture from Hebrews above, God the Father refers to Jesus as God, when he says, "Therefore God, your God."
With this teaching, you share the same error with the JW's who also believe that Michael is Jesus incarnate. Consequently, you are teaching another Lord and another gospel and below is what scripture has to say regarding this:
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!"
The apostles and early church, never taught Michael the archangel as being Jesus. Your teaching is in vain and so are your gatherings, for you do not even know who the Lord is. My advice to you is to take heed regarding what Paul said in the scripture above, for whether you will admit to it or not, you are teaching another gospel and another Lord. No angel, no created being, could ever pay the penalty for the sins of mankind, but it could have only been performed by God himself. Remember the prophecy "his name shall be called Immanuel" which means "God with us." That being said, Michael the archangel is exactly that, an archangel, though powerful and a prince of angels, he is still a created being who was given his power by Jesus, for he created him and all the rest of the angels.
Regarding the above, your conclusion is nothing but pure conjecture and mere implication on your part. In fact, most of your conclusions are conjecture without scripture to back it up.
First of all, there is not enough information mentioned in Jude regarding this event between Michael and Satan to conclude that Moses was resurrected, but will in fact be with the rest of the OT saints. Also, God uses his angels to carry out his will, plain and simple. Just because God used Michael to confront Satan doesn't make him Jesus, as God uses his angels to perform all kinds of tasks.
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Again, God uses his angels to carry out his will, whatever that may be. The above war between Michael and his angels against Satan and his, does not infer that Michael is Jesus! You could ask the question, "Why doesn't God do everything himself?" The angels are his servants and they carry out his will as created, heavenly beings, i.e. angels.
Again, you are reading into the scripture what is not there, but what is simply being implied by you, as your conclusions are pure conjecture. First of all, the shout is by "an archangel" which does not specify who that archangel is and I'm sure there are many. This shout by the voice of the archangel as the Lord is descending from heaven to gather the dead and living believers, is synonymous with the parable of the ten bridesmaids: "At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" This is what will take place when the Lord comes to collect his church. The call will go out by that archangel, which is the announcement that the Bridegroom has come and everyone who is ready will be gathered up. The "trumpet call of God" is also synonymous with "that voice that sounds like a trumpet which says, "come up here" found in Revelation 4:1.
Scripture does however make a distinction between Jesus and angels in general, regardless of class or rank:
============================================
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him."
(Note: The word of God states that God alone is to be worshipped and therefore, that the Father is saying "Let all God's angels worship him" would demonstrate that Jesus is God. Otherwise, God would be breaking his own word.)[SUP]
[/SUP]In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”But about the Son he says,“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."
Note: The words "But about the Son he says" demonstrates a distinction between the angels and Jesus, i.e. Jesus is not an angel.He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”[SUP]
[/SUP]To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” ? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
============================================
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
The reference to Jesus creating all things in heaven and on earth, visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities includes the creation of all the angels, including the fallen ones and by him, Jesus, all things are held together. Jesus is God Almighty and not a created being, which is what he would have to be in order to be Michael the archangel, yet per the scripture, Jesus created Michael the archangel. In the scripture from Hebrews above, God the Father refers to Jesus as God, when he says, "Therefore God, your God."
With this teaching, you share the same error with the JW's who also believe that Michael is Jesus incarnate. Consequently, you are teaching another Lord and another gospel and below is what scripture has to say regarding this:
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!"
The apostles and early church, never taught Michael the archangel as being Jesus. Your teaching is in vain and so are your gatherings, for you do not even know who the Lord is. My advice to you is to take heed regarding what Paul said in the scripture above, for whether you will admit to it or not, you are teaching another gospel and another Lord. No angel, no created being, could ever pay the penalty for the sins of mankind, but it could have only been performed by God himself. Remember the prophecy "his name shall be called Immanuel" which means "God with us." That being said, Michael the archangel is exactly that, an archangel, though powerful and a prince of angels, he is still a created being who was given his power by Jesus, for he created him and all the rest of the angels.
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Dan 12:1“At that time the great angel Michael, who watches over your people, will rise up. And there will be a time of trouble, the worst since there was a nation. But at that time, every one whose name is written in the Book will be taken out of the trouble. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will wake up. Some will have life that lasts forever, but others will have shame and will suffer much forever. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the bright heavens. And those who lead many to do what is right and good will shine like the stars forever and ever. 4 But as for you, Daniel, keep these words hidden and lock up the Book until the end of time. Many will travel here and there and knowledge will be more and more.”
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Walter Martin wrote a book called "the kingdom of the cults". Initially he listed SDA a cult, but after much discussion cleared them of the cult status:
Perhaps the greatest public controversy of his early career arose from his studies of Seventh-day Adventist theology. From its earliest days until the 1950s, the Seventh-day Adventist church was regarded by Evangelicals and mainstream Protestants as either an extreme sect or heretical cult. Martin had initially accepted the received Protestant opinion about the heretical status of the Seventh-day Adventists. He indicated his opposition to Adventist teachings in a brief paragraph in the inaugural edition of his book The Rise of the Cults, published in 1955.
However, he reversed his views after a series of interviews with various leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist church, and on reading Adventist literature. Martin reported his initial findings to Barnhouse, and between 1955-56 a series of small conferences were held with Barnhouse and Martin meeting Adventist leaders like T. E. Unruh and LeRoy Froom. Barnhouse and Martin then published some of their findings in a series of articles that appeared in Eternity between September and November 1956. The standpoint taken by Barnhouse and Martin was that Adventists were largely orthodox on central doctrines, but heterodox on lesser doctrines, and so could be classified as belonging in the Evangelical camp. Martin later expanded his position in a book length treatment in 1960 in The Truth About Seventh-day Adventism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Ralston_Martin
Perhaps the greatest public controversy of his early career arose from his studies of Seventh-day Adventist theology. From its earliest days until the 1950s, the Seventh-day Adventist church was regarded by Evangelicals and mainstream Protestants as either an extreme sect or heretical cult. Martin had initially accepted the received Protestant opinion about the heretical status of the Seventh-day Adventists. He indicated his opposition to Adventist teachings in a brief paragraph in the inaugural edition of his book The Rise of the Cults, published in 1955.
However, he reversed his views after a series of interviews with various leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist church, and on reading Adventist literature. Martin reported his initial findings to Barnhouse, and between 1955-56 a series of small conferences were held with Barnhouse and Martin meeting Adventist leaders like T. E. Unruh and LeRoy Froom. Barnhouse and Martin then published some of their findings in a series of articles that appeared in Eternity between September and November 1956. The standpoint taken by Barnhouse and Martin was that Adventists were largely orthodox on central doctrines, but heterodox on lesser doctrines, and so could be classified as belonging in the Evangelical camp. Martin later expanded his position in a book length treatment in 1960 in The Truth About Seventh-day Adventism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Ralston_Martin
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A
Seventh-day Adventist Cult Exposed
By David J. Stewart
“There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” —Galatians 1:7,8
The following quote is from the SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MANUAL...
…Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy? …”
SOURCE: SEVENTH-DAYADVENTISTCHURCH MANUAL, pgs. 30,31; ISBN 0-8280-1076-5; Revised 1995, 15th Edition; Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Maryland21740
I went ahead and skipped most of the questions (1-12) because they are doctrinally sound, which is why so many victims get deceived by this false religious cult. Seventh-day Adventists (hereafter referred to as SDAs) do adhere superficially to the Fundamental doctrines of the Bible, so it seems at a glance. However, upon closer scrutiny, when we analyze the particulars of the SDA religion, we find a cesspool of damnable heresies, bizarre teachings and a false gospel.
Seventh-day Adventists Falsely Claim They are the Only TrueChurch
The key to the preceding quote I gave you is question #13, which mandates that a person joining the SDA Church MUST (without exception) believe that “the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy.” This means that all other religions, including Baptist and Presbyterian, are viewed as being of the Devil by SDAs. SDAs arrogantly, and sinfully, teach that their organization is the only True Church, and that everyone else is following the Devil.
I can proudly say that I am a Baptist; but there’s no such thing as “The Baptist Church.” Jesus never founded a “Baptist Church.” Jesus is the foundation of the Church, period (1st Corinthians 3:11). Thus, there are numerous denominations which teach the Word of God faithfully concerning the plan of salvation. The mighty evangelist, Billy Sunday, was a Presbyterian minister. The mighty pastor, Dwight Moody, was a Baptist. Many godly pastors are non-denominational. They are all a part of the Body of Christ. For any religious group, such as the SDAs or Jehovah’s Witnesses to claim that they are the only True Church is unbiblical and a false teaching.
Interesting, from looking at the “Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists” (outlined on pages 7-17 in the SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MANUAL), Baptists and SDAs align almost identically doctrinally concerning the Godhead, the Deity of Jesus Christ, Jesus’ Shed Blood, the Virgin Birth, et cetera. In fact, some writers such as Walter Martin have made the fatal mistake of identifying the SDAs as a Christian cult. My friend, there is NO such thing as a “Christian cult.” SDA is a demonic cult, as you will learn in the next section.
Satan is a Beautiful liar
SDA is an extremely dangerous religion because it appears as being a genuine New Testament Church; but it is not in any way. I have been contacted by several SDAs over the past few years, in response to my online writings, who allege that I don’t understand their religion, and claim that SDA is Christ’s genuine Church. I do understand their religion, and it is of the Devil.
As much as SDAs attempt to deny it, their religion is rooted in self-righteousness. SDAs hold to a particular doctrine, which is exclusive only to their religion, which they refer to as “Investigative Judgment.” The following information is again quoted directly from SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MANUAL...
“There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement…
The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting Kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the Kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.”
SOURCE: SEVENTH-DAYADVENTISTCHURCH MANUAL, pg. 15,16; ISBN 0-8280-1076-5; Revised 1995, 15th Edition; Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Maryland21740
I could literally write an entire book on the lies and false doctrines contained just in these two preceding paragraphs I’ve quoted to you. Wow, what a bunch of damnable heresies! Let’s take a closer look these SDA teachings and compare them to what the Word of God teaches. In John 5:39 Jesus commanded for us to… SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!!! Let’s do so now.
- The first thing I want to point out, which SDAs won’t, is that their religion DIDN’T exist until a wayward Baptist preacher by the name of Miller prophesied that the Lord would return in 1844, but He didn’t. 10,000 followers of Miller had sold their homes, given away all their earthly possessions, and were utterly disappointed when Jesus didn’t return in 1844. To save face, someone suggested that perhaps Miller had misunderstood the Bible, and the expected event had instead taken place in heaven. This is what they settled upon. Thus, a new religion was birthed and given the name in 1860 of Seventh-day Adventism.
There is absolutely nothing in the Bible to support such a bizarre claim by SDAs. By manipulating numbers and dates in the Bible, one can predict just about anything. Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own little cute way of ripping apart the Bible to make their false doctrines fit. SDAs have done the same thing, i.e., they have corrupted the Word of God in order to accommodate their false teachings.
It is very important to realize that SDA did not exist prior to Miller’s failed prophecy. If, as SDAs claim, the Bible teaches that the Lord would return in 1844, then why did only Miller and his followers believe this? The very manner in which the SDA religion came into existence is irrefutable proof that they are a manmade false religion.
- Page 15 of the SDA Church Manual states: “In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry.” There is absolutely nothing in the Word of God teaching such nonsense. You can search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and you won’t find anything about a “second phase” of Jesus’ atonement ministry. Even more bizarre is the ridiculous claim that the second phase began in 1844. Why hasn’t anyone, from any other religion, interpreted the Bible in such a way? It is only SDAs who make such bizarre claims, because their founders were made the laughing stock of an entire nation when Jesus failed to return in 1844.
- Page 15 of the SDA Church Manual states: “It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin…” SDAs are liars. 1st John 1:7 states: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” It is Jesus’ precious blood that washes away our sins, and nothing else. SDAs teach that Jesus’ blood sacrifice is insufficient by itself to pay for our sins; teaching instead that a separate work which Christ began in the year 1844 A.D. is absolutely essential to one’s salvation. This bizarre doctrine is nowhere taught in the Bible.
- Page 15 and 16 of the SDA Church Manual states: “The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting Kingdom.” This plainly teaches works salvation. No one is worthy of salvation. SDAs teach that in order to enter into God’s everlasting Kingdom, the prerequisites of abiding in Christ and keeping God’s commandments must first be met. This is self-righteousness and a sure road to Hell.
Page 16 further states: “This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the Kingdom.” In other words, by our good works we prove that we are worthy of the salvation which was freely given in Christ. But what about those believers who commit horrible sins, deliberately disobey the commandments of God, fail to remain loyal, and follow Christ afar off? You see, SDA only works for those who are self-righteous. According to SDA doctrine, a person who lives in sin and fails to abide in Christ cannot go to Heaven. Clearly, the life one lives is a part of saving faith in the SDA religion.
The mythical doctrine of “Investigative Judgment” is based upon the idea of Christ analyzing each person’s life and trying to determine who is “worthy” to enter the Kingdom of God. In sharp contrast, the Word of God makes a PROMISE to every repentant sinner who calls upon the name of the Lord… “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Whereas the Word of God promises salvation to anyone who trusts upon the name of Jesus for salvation; SDA teaches that there is NO guarantee of salvation until Christ’s work of Investigative Judgment is complete. SDAs are calling God a liar. Whereas 1st John 5:13 says that believers can “KNOW” they have eternal life; SDAs teach that only Christ knows who is truly worthy to enter the Kingdom.
In the Bible, salvation is based upon God’s unconditional love for sinful mankind (Romans 5:8), which caused Him to send His only begotten Son into the world to pay for our sins (John 3:16); but in SDA, salvation is based upon our loyalty to God, our faithfulness to keep God’s commandments, whether or not we abide in Christ, and then of course, our faith. SDAs speak double-talk. They profess to trust completely in Jesus Christ for salvation; while simultaneously claiming that one’s loyalty to God is a critical factor in salvation.
This is very similar to the damnable Calvinist doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, which teaches that those who are genuinely saved will continue in the faith. Thus, in effect, holy living is required to keep one’s salvation. The problem with such sanctimonious thinking is that it ignores the Biblical reality of babes of Christ (i.e., immature believers) and backslidden believers. The Bible is filled with examples of believers who committed horrible sins, failed to remain loyal to God, failed to keep God’s commandments, failed to abide in Christ; yet, they were saved as by fire (1st Corinthians 3:15). Thank God, our salvation is not dependent upon anything we can do; but rather, upon what Jesus did at Calvary. Our part is simply to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). Salvation is of God; not man. Eternal life is a “free gift” from God (Romans 5:15; 6:23; Revelation 22:17). Salvation is receiving; not giving.
God has promised to save anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:13). SDAs are liars to teach a conditional type of salvation based upon one’s ministers are transformed into ministers of righteousness. Should it be surprising then that the Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientologists, Christian Scientists, Seventh-day Adventists, and other religions are all OF THE DEVIL.
There is a visible, obvious, verifiable occult connection between nearly all major religions today, especially with Freemasonry.
I Guess you can say SDA is a cult if you yourself do not believe in the bible. But Sda's believe strongly in the word of God. We follow it verbatim. (Exodus 20:8-11).
My wife is a SDA also. I attended many services with her but due to my work schedule have unable to do so for many months. You are right in saying that SDA strongly believes in the Word of God. A religious cult follows the leader and not necessarily what the bible says. SDA members follow the Word of God. I do also or at least try my best to do so.
