Sabbath

[TheLearner]

Also I don't know if you've been to an Adventist church before, but they do preach about tons of other things that have nothing to do with the Sabbath. God bless you.

Funny everytime I visited a SDA church and everytime they only preached on the Sabbath.

 

[TheLearner]

Jesus is our Sabbath rest. does Ellen White also apply to everyone?

don't you know what the SDA cult is?

as Christians we are not told to worship on a specific day. every day is acceptable to God. every day we are free to come before Him and do not need anyone to judge or point their crooked fingers

1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

3Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread,a which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.

5Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.

7If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’b you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12

Mainline SDA Church is not a cult. The semi-Arian SDA churches are a cult.

 

[SophieT]

dear learner

have you turned SDA? cause that is what I am referring to... works plus faith?

but maybe you just need sleep? you won't learn that way

believe as you will...oh and by the way have you watched the thrice posted video about how those who are not SDA worship or will worship the beast?

not a cult? nokay

 

[TheLearner]

I'm not gonna argue with you. Think what you want of me, that I'm part of a "cult" or whatever. I know who I am in Jesus Christ. God bless you sister. Peace and love to you.

https://www.adventist.org/beliefs/
Did You Know ...
1. God speaks to us through the Bible?
2. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit co-exist as one eternal God?
3. God is the eternal Father?
4. Jesus Christ died, rose, and lives to save you?
5. The Holy Spirit restores, comforts, guides, protects, and sustains God’s children in the way of salvation?
6. The world was made in just six days?
7. You are awesomely created?
8. There is an ongoing battle between good and evil?
9. Someone has paid the supreme price for your sins?
10. You can be totally free?
11. God is more powerful than Satan?
12. You are invited to be a part of God’s family on Earth?
13. God’s people strive consistently to keep His commandments?
14. God has a place for you in His community?
15. You can start your life over again?
16. There is a celebration that expresses our closeness to Christ and willingness to serve others?
17. God gives us special gifts and talents so we can live fully for Him?
18. God speaks to His people today through the gift of prophecy?
19. God gives us the power to obey Him?
20. God gives us a specific 24-hour period each week to rest, reflect on Him, and spend time with our families?
21. God wants us to take care of all that he has given us?
22. God has given us guidelines for living well?
23. God designed families?
24. Jesus Christ is our advocate and judge?
25. Jesus is coming back to this earth?
26. Death is a temporary state of unconsciousness?
27. God will bring an end to suffering and death?
28. We will live with God in our new home forever?
https://www.nadadventist.org/about-our-church/beliefs

Statement of Faith
We Believe:

• In the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• Jesus became a human being, died for our sins, was raised the third day, ascended to the heavens, there to make intercession for us always
• The gospel—the good news that through Jesus, God’s kingdom is now—and that all who believe may enter and find life.
• That Christianity is a life of learning from Jesus how to live in His kingdom and that He lays claim to 100% of all we are and possess.
• That the church is the community of God’s people called to bear witness to the gospel.
• Spiritual gifts equip the people of God and edify the Body of Christ
• That the Holy Scriptures are the inspired word of God and guide the church in its witness.
• That the seventh-day Sabbath is holy time and God’s signature upon creation and redemption.
• In the literal, personal and soon coming of Christ
• That humanity by nature is mortal and eternal life is a gift of God through Christ.
• In the glorious resurrection of the righteous dead at the second coming of Christ where everything will be made new and sin will be no more
• Our bodies are the temple of God’s Spirit and should be treated as such.
• That the Christian life should be characterized by simplicity and modesty and that our wealth spent to alleviate the suffering of the poor and needy.

http://www.hollywoodsda.org/god/statement-of-faith/

 

[SophieT]

so it seems YOU are SDA

LOL!

explains a few things

 

[SophieT]

Is Seventh-Day Adventism a Cult?
I'm just going to read a short passage from Colossians 2 without comment to start with. I want to revisit the subject of Seventh-Day Adventism this morning, and I'm going to start with Colossians 2:16-23. This is a key biblical text, warning us against any cult or -ism or philosophy of religion that stresses human works things like legal obedience, ceremonies, dietary rules, asceticism, or other works you can perform and supposedly achieve holiness through ritualized self-denial. I'm reading from Colossians 2:16-23:

Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used) according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.​

I chose that passage because in the plainest possible language it debunks every one of the principles that are distinctive to Seventh-Day Adventism. Adventism is a self-made religion laden with rules about Sabbath observance, diet, and other lifestyle issues. It is based largely on the visions of a silly woman. It's the embodiment of everything the apostle Paul opposed. One of the classic works on quasi-Christian cult studies is a book titled The Four Major Cults, by Anthony Hoekema. The four cults he deals with are Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, and Seventh-day Adventism. It intrigues me that all four groups started in America. All of them began in the nineteenth century, in the wake of the religious fervor and perfectionist teaching that followed Charles Finney from New England across Pennsylvania to Oberlin Ohio. It was an era of significant religious confusion, homebrew doctrines, unchecked error. (Much like the evangelical movement today.) In the words of Scripture, "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" so you had both men and women starting their own religions.

 

[TheLearner]

so it seems YOU are SDA

LOL!

explains a few things

No I am aware of the history of the SDA Church. Their leaders had Meetings with Walter Martin and they changed to correct doctrines that are necessary for Salvation. At a latter date they had a movement of reform in their church turning away from legalism to grace.

 

[TheLearner]

Is Seventh-Day Adventism a Cult?
I'm just going to read a short passage from Colossians 2 without comment to start with. I want to revisit the subject of Seventh-Day Adventism this morning, and I'm going to start with Colossians 2:16-23. This is a key biblical text, warning us against any cult or -ism or philosophy of religion that stresses human works things like legal obedience, ceremonies, dietary rules, asceticism, or other works you can perform and supposedly achieve holiness through ritualized self-denial. I'm reading from Colossians 2:16-23:

Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used) according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.​

I chose that passage because in the plainest possible language it debunks every one of the principles that are distinctive to Seventh-Day Adventism. Adventism is a self-made religion laden with rules about Sabbath observance, diet, and other lifestyle issues. It is based largely on the visions of a silly woman. It's the embodiment of everything the apostle Paul opposed. One of the classic works on quasi-Christian cult studies is a book titled The Four Major Cults, by Anthony Hoekema. The four cults he deals with are Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, and Seventh-day Adventism. It intrigues me that all four groups started in America. All of them began in the nineteenth century, in the wake of the religious fervor and perfectionist teaching that followed Charles Finney from New England across Pennsylvania to Oberlin Ohio. It was an era of significant religious confusion, homebrew doctrines, unchecked error. (Much like the evangelical movement today.) In the words of Scripture, "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" so you had both men and women starting their own religions.

You are majoring in minors.

 

[SophieT]

No I am aware of the history of the SDA Church. Their leaders had Meetings with Walter Martin and they changed to correct doctrines that are necessary for Salvation. At a latter date they had a movement of reform in their church turning away from legalism to grace.

why defend it then?

it is considered a cult. not my naming it one

how come most people know that and you do not think so?

I know some things have changed, but not the serious things such as their belief that if you are not SDA, you are worshipping the beast

that video was just posted 3 times by an SDA member

maybe check it out

 

[SophieT]

You are majoring in minors.

yes. I noticed how you dismissed the scripture. guess scripture that deflates the SDA claims must be one of those minors you pass over

extra biblical claims and revelations are not considered as part of Christian doctrine, but are a part of every cult

 

[TheLearner]

https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/13/t/assurance--justification-made-simple
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/45/t/riches-of-grace
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/76/t/the-surrender-of-self
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/77/t/the-trinity#Is-Jesus-Fully-God-

 

[TheLearner]

why defend it then?

it is considered a cult. not my naming it one

how come most people know that and you do not think so?

I know some things have changed, but not the serious things such as their belief that if you are not SDA, you are worshipping the beast

that video was just posted 3 times by an SDA member

maybe check it out

It has not been considered to be a cult for decades by Christian Apologists who witness to cults.

"
Article ID: DS410 | By: CRI Statement

The main emphasis of ministry at the Christian Research Institute is to provide information which will help those who are evangelizing the millions of people presently entangled in cults, the occult, and various false religions. Because of this, and because Dr. Walter Martin did some pioneer research on Adventism in the late 1950’s, we are frequently asked what our position is on the subject of Seventh-day Adventism (hereafter “SDA” for short).

Though several capable Christian scholars (e.g., Anthony Hoekema, J.K. Van Baalen, John Gerstner) have concluded that SDA is a non-Christian cult system, CRI has continued to assert that this is not the case. We take this position based on the content of the doctrine which was stated in an official SDA publication (1957) entitled Questions on Doctrine. It should be noted that in 1983 W. Richard Lesher, vice-president of the General Conference, affirmed that SDA stood behind the publication Questions on Doctrine. Since SDA does accept the foundational doctrines of historic Christianity (the Trinity, Christ’s true deity, His bodily resurrection, etc.) we do not believe that it should be classified as a non-Christian cult. It is our conviction that one cannot be a true Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, Christian Scientist, etc., and be a practicing Christian in the biblical sense of the word; but it is possible to be a Seventh-day Adventist and a true follower of Jesus, despite certain distinctive Adventist doctrines which we consider to be unbiblical.

This does not mean that we endorse the entire theological structure of SDA, since a portion of it is definitely out of the mainstream of historic Christian theology (e.g., Sabbatarianism, conditional immortality or soul sleep, annihilation of the wicked). Though we would adamantly disagree with Adventists regarding these above mentioned doctrines, it should be added that one could hold these views and remain a believing Christian. In other words, these doctrines do not secure nor necessarily inhibit salvation.

Those who follow Adventism closely know that the last two decades have been characterized by a deep internal conflict which has divided the denomination and left many Adventist disillusioned. Today, there are various divisions or factions within SDA. Some wish that Adventism would fully enter into the evangelical mainstream, while maintaining certain Adventist distinctives. Others, the more traditional or fundamentalist Adventists, often reject portions of Questions on Doctrine and seek to hold on to several heresies which arose early in the Adventist movement, such as the investigative judgment, the sinful nature of Christ, and viewing Ellen G. white as the infallible interpreter of Scripture. It is the division of Adventism, who often refer to themselves as “the remnant church,” or God’s exclusive agent, that CRI would regard as being cultic. Some within this camp would anathematize all of Protestantism, arguing that as Sunday-keepers they will receive the mark of the beast just prior to Christ’s second coming. Admittedly, this is the extreme part of SDA, but nevertheless well represented.

The crisis that exists within SDA today essentially centers around the investigative judgment, an unbiblical doctrine which severely compromises if not outright denies the biblical doctrine of justification by faith. Second only to the investigative judgment issue is the all-encompassing question of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen G. white. The controversy which has raged regarding the writings of Mrs. White has undoubtedly shaken the entire structure of SDA.

It is our sincere hope that this 5 million member church body, which has historically been a mixture of orthodox and heretical doctrine, will move toward a more soundly biblical position and away from the doctrinal errors it has held in the past. It is our hope that the leadership of SDA will lead its people out of all forms of legalism and into the liberty that results from being justified by God’s grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9).

For a further analysis of SDA we recommend the following books:

Geoffrey Paxton,The Shaking of Adventism (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977).

Anthony Hoekema, The Four Major Cults (Grand Rapids, MI; Eerdmans, 1963), for the viewpoint that SDA is a cult."

https://www.equip.org/article/seventh-day-adventism/

 

[TheLearner]

yes. I noticed how you dismissed the scripture. guess scripture that deflates the SDA claims must be one of those minors you pass over

extra biblical claims and revelations are not considered as part of Christian doctrine, but are a part of every cult

Clearly you are not aware of EW's works were plagiarism.

https://www.amazon.com/White-Lie-Walter-T-Rea/dp/0960742409

 

[MalikB]

The original Christians (followers of Christ) were more like messianic jews today. They believed in, followed, and taught the law and commandments just like the Messiah did... and continued this long after his death. This includes the Sabbath. If you read the entire commandment... Exodus 20 verses 8-11 it tells us we are not to work on this day. A little history research will show how these original followers of Christ were brutally forced into giving up the sabbath day as well many other of The Most High God's instructions on how to live (law). Many of God's laws may have been given to the Israelites, but also had to be kept by the stranger if they wanted to live amongst the chosen. The original Christians being forced to give up the sabbath, holy days, and other laws and adopt the pagan practices at the time, played a huge role in creating what we now know as modern day Christianity.

The Messiah coming to "fulfill" the law (Mat 5:17) is often interpreted as a change to the law and furthermore concluded that this change takes place with his death. The word "fulfill" there should literally be translated "to make full or complete". How did he come to make the law complete? By teaching us how the law was SUPPOSED to be kept. The law was never the problem. The problem was mankind not able to keep the law correctly. E.G. The Pharisees adding and taking away from the laws with their own traditions. So the Messiah came to make the law complete by being our role model for the law. This is how he is literally the "word made flesh". The "Word" is "what the Father says"... The Messiah is a physical representation of what the Father says... A.K.A. word made flesh. If we follow the Messiah correctly, we will by default be keeping his Father's laws (instructions). With this understanding we don't have to try to excuse away the next two verses (Mat 5:18-19) that clearly state that the law is to be here until heaven and earth pass and the severity of teaching otherwise.

Many people seem to be confusing the law with the penalties for sin (breaking the law). The Messiah did not change the speed limit or take down any of the signs.... he only paid one big speeding ticket for us. His death did not alter or remove any laws, what it did was pay the penalty for us breaking the laws and gave us a renewed covenant (contract).... a second chance. This second chance is our "grace".

I know this original post was about the sabbath, but this all falls in the same box to me. When I say "the law", I'm speaking of all instructions from the Creator.... From "Be fruitful and multiply"... to the Sabbath... the holy days... the mosaic law, etc. Of course all of the law does not apply to all people. Some law was specific for priests, some for men, some women, some only for a specific place and/or time.... However if the instruction was to keep it throughout the generations forever, than the Messiahs death was not meant to change that.

Yah Bless

 

[eternally-gratefull]

yes. I noticed how you dismissed the scripture. guess scripture that deflates the SDA claims must be one of those minors you pass over

extra biblical claims and revelations are not considered as part of Christian doctrine, but are a part of every cult

From the many posts I have seen from him, The user ID he chose does not fit.

 

[pottersclay]

The original Christians (followers of Christ) were more like messianic jews today. They believed in, followed, and taught the law and commandments just like the Messiah did... and continued this long after his death. This includes the Sabbath. If you read the entire commandment... Exodus 20 verses 8-11 it tells us we are not to work on this day. A little history research will show how these original followers of Christ were brutally forced into giving up the sabbath day as well many other of The Most High God's instructions on how to live (law). Many of God's laws may have been given to the Israelites, but also had to be kept by the stranger if they wanted to live amongst the chosen. The original Christians being forced to give up the sabbath, holy days, and other laws and adopt the pagan practices at the time, played a huge role in creating what we now know as modern day Christianity.

The Messiah coming to "fulfill" the law (Mat 5:17) is often interpreted as a change to the law and furthermore concluded that this change takes place with his death. The word "fulfill" there should literally be translated "to make full or complete". How did he come to make the law complete? By teaching us how the law was SUPPOSED to be kept. The law was never the problem. The problem was mankind not able to keep the law correctly. E.G. The Pharisees adding and taking away from the laws with their own traditions. So the Messiah came to make the law complete by being our role model for the law. This is how he is literally the "word made flesh". The "Word" is "what the Father says"... The Messiah is a physical representation of what the Father says... A.K.A. word made flesh. If we follow the Messiah correctly, we will by default be keeping his Father's laws (instructions). With this understanding we don't have to try to excuse away the next two verses (Mat 5:18-19) that clearly state that the law is to be here until heaven and earth pass and the severity of teaching otherwise.

Many people seem to be confusing the law with the penalties for sin (breaking the law). The Messiah did not change the speed limit or take down any of the signs.... he only paid one big speeding ticket for us. His death did not alter or remove any laws, what it did was pay the penalty for us breaking the laws and gave us a renewed covenant (contract).... a second chance. This second chance is our "grace".

I know this original post was about the sabbath, but this all falls in the same box to me. When I say "the law", I'm speaking of all instructions from the Creator.... From "Be fruitful and multiply"... to the Sabbath... the holy days... the mosaic law, etc. Of course all of the law does not apply to all people. Some law was specific for priests, some for men, some women, some only for a specific place and/or time.... However if the instruction was to keep it throughout the generations forever, than the Messiahs death was not meant to change that.

Yah Bless

Thank you for posting this and I quite agree.
Throughout the gospels jesus was shown to participate in the sabbaths and feast according to custom.
What many don't realize is just as the church has wolves in sheep's clothing so do the jews.
The Pharisees and Sadducees in jesus day took the law and added to it to control the masses.
Making it impossible for anyone to follow.
The law could never save nor was it intended for that purpose, but it showed our need for a savior to rescue us from it.
Anti-Semitic views and teachings in the early churches who also reguarded replacement theology as sound doctrine has done much harm in understanding the scriptures, making a almost instant rejection in any Jewish practice.
Many christians today avoid old testament studies especially about the law and appointed times under the banner it does not apply to christians under the new covenant. Yet the new covenant was given to the jews first as it is in line with God's order.....to the jews first then the gentiles.
God has stated that he is a never changing holy one it would be wise to study theses things and see if it isn't or is so.

 

[pottersclay]

The original Christians (followers of Christ) were more like messianic jews today. They believed in, followed, and taught the law and commandments just like the Messiah did... and continued this long after his death. This includes the Sabbath. If you read the entire commandment... Exodus 20 verses 8-11 it tells us we are not to work on this day. A little history research will show how these original followers of Christ were brutally forced into giving up the sabbath day as well many other of The Most High God's instructions on how to live (law). Many of God's laws may have been given to the Israelites, but also had to be kept by the stranger if they wanted to live amongst the chosen. The original Christians being forced to give up the sabbath, holy days, and other laws and adopt the pagan practices at the time, played a huge role in creating what we now know as modern day Christianity.

The Messiah coming to "fulfill" the law (Mat 5:17) is often interpreted as a change to the law and furthermore concluded that this change takes place with his death. The word "fulfill" there should literally be translated "to make full or complete". How did he come to make the law complete? By teaching us how the law was SUPPOSED to be kept. The law was never the problem. The problem was mankind not able to keep the law correctly. E.G. The Pharisees adding and taking away from the laws with their own traditions. So the Messiah came to make the law complete by being our role model for the law. This is how he is literally the "word made flesh". The "Word" is "what the Father says"... The Messiah is a physical representation of what the Father says... A.K.A. word made flesh. If we follow the Messiah correctly, we will by default be keeping his Father's laws (instructions). With this understanding we don't have to try to excuse away the next two verses (Mat 5:18-19) that clearly state that the law is to be here until heaven and earth pass and the severity of teaching otherwise.

Many people seem to be confusing the law with the penalties for sin (breaking the law). The Messiah did not change the speed limit or take down any of the signs.... he only paid one big speeding ticket for us. His death did not alter or remove any laws, what it did was pay the penalty for us breaking the laws and gave us a renewed covenant (contract).... a second chance. This second chance is our "grace".

I know this original post was about the sabbath, but this all falls in the same box to me. When I say "the law", I'm speaking of all instructions from the Creator.... From "Be fruitful and multiply"... to the Sabbath... the holy days... the mosaic law, etc. Of course all of the law does not apply to all people. Some law was specific for priests, some for men, some women, some only for a specific place and/or time.... However if the instruction was to keep it throughout the generations forever, than the Messiahs death was not meant to change that.

Yah Bless

Thank you for posting this and I quite agree.
Throughout the gospels jesus was shown to participate in the sabbaths and feast according to custom.
What many don't realize is just as the church has wolves in sheep's clothing so do the jews.
The Pharisees and Sadducees in jesus day took the law and added to it to control the masses.
Making it impossible for anyone to follow.
The law could never save nor was it intended for that purpose, but it showed our need for a savior to rescue us from it.
Anti-Semitic views and teachings in the early churches who also reguarded replacement theology as sound doctrine has done much harm in understanding the scriptures, making a almost instant rejection in any Jewish practice.
Many christians today avoid old testament studies especially about the law and appointed times under the banner it does not apply to christians under the new covenant. Yet the new covenant was given to the jews first as it is in line with God's order.....to the jews first then the gentiles.
God has stated that he is a never changing holy one it would be wise to study theses things and see if it isn't or is so.

 

[MalikB]

Thank you for posting this and I quite agree.
Throughout the gospels jesus was shown to participate in the sabbaths and feast according to custom.
What many don't realize is just as the church has wolves in sheep's clothing so do the jews.
The Pharisees and Sadducees in jesus day took the law and added to it to control the masses.
Making it impossible for anyone to follow.
The law could never save nor was it intended for that purpose, but it showed our need for a savior to rescue us from it.
Anti-Semitic views and teachings in the early churches who also reguarded replacement theology as sound doctrine has done much harm in understanding the scriptures, making a almost instant rejection in any Jewish practice.
Many christians today avoid old testament studies especially about the law and appointed times under the banner it does not apply to christians under the new covenant. Yet the new covenant was given to the jews first as it is in line with God's order.....to the jews first then the gentiles.
God has stated that he is a never changing holy one it would be wise to study theses things and see if it isn't or is so.

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply. Nobody has all the answers, and it seems harder and harder to find people open enough to consider possibilities different than what they've been taught. I was just called a heretic and banned from the chat for sharing my views. Some people agreed and/or were interested in my opinions, but one person decided to go to a different room and gather people to ban me. Ultimately the mainstream Jewish religion steers people away from the Messiah, and I believe mainstream Christianity steers ppl away from actually following what he taught. I think either path leads to sin (lawlessness) and down a path towards destruction.

 

[SophieT]

It has not been considered to be a cult for decades by Christian Apologists who witness to cults.

"
Article ID: DS410 | By: CRI Statement

The main emphasis of ministry at the Christian Research Institute is to provide information which will help those who are evangelizing the millions of people presently entangled in cults, the occult, and various false religions. Because of this, and because Dr. Walter Martin did some pioneer research on Adventism in the late 1950’s, we are frequently asked what our position is on the subject of Seventh-day Adventism (hereafter “SDA” for short).

Though several capable Christian scholars (e.g., Anthony Hoekema, J.K. Van Baalen, John Gerstner) have concluded that SDA is a non-Christian cult system, CRI has continued to assert that this is not the case. We take this position based on the content of the doctrine which was stated in an official SDA publication (1957) entitled Questions on Doctrine. It should be noted that in 1983 W. Richard Lesher, vice-president of the General Conference, affirmed that SDA stood behind the publication Questions on Doctrine. Since SDA does accept the foundational doctrines of historic Christianity (the Trinity, Christ’s true deity, His bodily resurrection, etc.) we do not believe that it should be classified as a non-Christian cult. It is our conviction that one cannot be a true Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, Christian Scientist, etc., and be a practicing Christian in the biblical sense of the word; but it is possible to be a Seventh-day Adventist and a true follower of Jesus, despite certain distinctive Adventist doctrines which we consider to be unbiblical.

This does not mean that we endorse the entire theological structure of SDA, since a portion of it is definitely out of the mainstream of historic Christian theology (e.g., Sabbatarianism, conditional immortality or soul sleep, annihilation of the wicked). Though we would adamantly disagree with Adventists regarding these above mentioned doctrines, it should be added that one could hold these views and remain a believing Christian. In other words, these doctrines do not secure nor necessarily inhibit salvation.

Those who follow Adventism closely know that the last two decades have been characterized by a deep internal conflict which has divided the denomination and left many Adventist disillusioned. Today, there are various divisions or factions within SDA. Some wish that Adventism would fully enter into the evangelical mainstream, while maintaining certain Adventist distinctives. Others, the more traditional or fundamentalist Adventists, often reject portions of Questions on Doctrine and seek to hold on to several heresies which arose early in the Adventist movement, such as the investigative judgment, the sinful nature of Christ, and viewing Ellen G. white as the infallible interpreter of Scripture. It is the division of Adventism, who often refer to themselves as “the remnant church,” or God’s exclusive agent, that CRI would regard as being cultic. Some within this camp would anathematize all of Protestantism, arguing that as Sunday-keepers they will receive the mark of the beast just prior to Christ’s second coming. Admittedly, this is the extreme part of SDA, but nevertheless well represented.

The crisis that exists within SDA today essentially centers around the investigative judgment, an unbiblical doctrine which severely compromises if not outright denies the biblical doctrine of justification by faith. Second only to the investigative judgment issue is the all-encompassing question of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen G. white. The controversy which has raged regarding the writings of Mrs. White has undoubtedly shaken the entire structure of SDA.

It is our sincere hope that this 5 million member church body, which has historically been a mixture of orthodox and heretical doctrine, will move toward a more soundly biblical position and away from the doctrinal errors it has held in the past. It is our hope that the leadership of SDA will lead its people out of all forms of legalism and into the liberty that results from being justified by God’s grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9).

For a further analysis of SDA we recommend the following books:

Geoffrey Paxton,The Shaking of Adventism (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977).

Anthony Hoekema, The Four Major Cults (Grand Rapids, MI; Eerdmans, 1963), for the viewpoint that SDA is a cult."

https://www.equip.org/article/seventh-day-adventism/

better to study the actual gospel, to understand that SDA is one of the 4 major cults

 

[pottersclay]

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply. Nobody has all the answers, and it seems harder and harder to find people open enough to consider possibilities different than what they've been taught. I was just called a heretic and banned from the chat for sharing my views. Some people agreed and/or were interested in my opinions, but one person decided to go to a different room and gather people to ban me. Ultimately the mainstream Jewish religion steers people away from the Messiah, and I believe mainstream Christianity steers ppl away from actually following what he taught. I think either path leads to sin (lawlessness) and down a path towards destruction.

Again I agree...
A never changing God who honors his word above his name and is faithful and not a covenant breaker should be the focus of one's thoughts when serching the scriptures.
Jesus did not start a new religion or belief but is the fulfillment of the old.
Israel is the physical..... christianity the spiritual ....all are one in Christ Jesus.
God did not bless a jewish nation he created one for all eyes to see and learn of him.
The history of Israel alone confirms that he does exist and that his words are truth.

God gave us his word as a gift that we might have faith (Jesus).
We need to put faith into his word.