Are 7th Day Adventists a cult?

[Craigbythesea]

He was an SDA preacher, Craig. Don't you think he knows what he is talking about?

No, not any more than some of the fruitcake "Baptist" pastors on this message board. And no, I am not calling Russ a fruitcake.

As has already been posted, individual SDA pastors and congregation believe differently. From my perspective, the question is whether or not the SDA Church as a whole and as officially represented internationally is a non-Christian cult, or a Christian church with some theological problems. So far, I have not seen these questions resolved in this thread.

 

[Craigbythesea]

Here is part of the official statement of faith of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

Fundamental Beliefs

Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word.

1. The Holy Scriptures:
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)
2. The Trinity:
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)
3. The Father:
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)
4. The Son:
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God's power and was attested as God's promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)
5. The Holy Spirit:
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ's life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)

 

[Craigbythesea]

And some more of it:

6. Creation:
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made "the heaven and the earth" and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was ``very good,'' declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)
7. The Nature of Man:
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)
8. The Great Controversy:
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ:
In Christ's life of perfect obedience to God's will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)
10. The Experience of Salvation:
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)
11. The Church:
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)

 

[Craigbythesea]

And some more of it:

12. The Remnant and Its Mission:
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)
13. Unity in the Body of Christ:
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)
14. Baptism:
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
15. The Lord's Supper:
The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
16. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)
17. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

 

[Craigbythesea]

And some more of it:

12. The Remnant and Its Mission:
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)
13. Unity in the Body of Christ:
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)
14. Baptism:
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
15. The Lord's Supper:
The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
16. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)
17. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

 

[Craigbythesea]

And the rest of it:

24. The Second Coming of Christ:
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
25. Death and Resurrection:
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)
26. The Millennium and the End of Sin:
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
27. The New Earth:
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)

 

[Ben W]

There is one group called the Seventh Day Adventist Reform movement who are angry at the percieved lack of support for Ellen G White in the current SDA church, resultingly they have broken away to form their own group.

As much as the SDA have things that are obviously in error, I am not sure that in a Primary Document the church states that Ellen G White is what some members of the church have traditionally thought her to be.

If you are o.k with going to a church that teaches 10% tithing, that is on the same level as the differences in the SDA to mainstream Christianity, a misconception, yet not a salvation issue.

 

[Craigbythesea]

The statement of faith that I posted above is from the “Official Web Site” of the Seventh-day Adventist Church found at:

http://www.adventist.org/index.html.en

 

[Marcia]

Craig, 2 things:
1. I have been to this site many times in the past. I have read on their site that those who worship Sunday will receive the mark of the Beast. They have changed their site and it seems to not be there, or I can't find it.
2. You went from No. 17 to No. 24 and left some out. Here is some of what you left out:

23. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
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. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. 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. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)

There's the 1844 Investigative Judgement, an extremely extra-Biblical and unbiblical teaching.

Did you read the NAMB pamphlet? I can't copy any of it here because it's in PDF and my computer won't copy that.

 

[Marcia]

Remarks made by SDA President Jan Paulsen in May, 2002:

“…we believe that being Seventh-day Adventists has direct bearing on our salvation; …I would risk my whole spiritual life and salvation were I to leave what I am now and join any other community.”

“A further word needs to be said about our being ‘loyal to our heritage and to our identity.’ Some would have us believe that there have been significant shifts in recent times in regard to doctrines that historically have been at the heart of Seventh-day Adventism. Take specifically our understanding of judgment and Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Investigative Judgment) and the prophetic messages in which these teachings are contained. Some are suggesting that since the 1980 (Glacier View) meetings, the very teachings that the church affirmed that year at those meetings have been abandoned, and that the church has essentially moved to accept the very positions it rejected then. Such a claim is a distortion of reality, and nothing could be further from the truth.” (Emphasis Added)

“The historic sanctuary message, based on Scripture and supported by the writings of Ellen White, continues to be held to unequivocally. And the inspired authorities on which these and other doctrines are based, namely the Bible supported by the writings of Ellen White, continue to be the hermeneutical foundation on which we as a church place all matters of faith and conduct. Let no one think that there has been a change of position in regard to this.”

 

[Russ Kelly]

The SDA Statements contain very deliberate subtle wording designed to make them appear very
orthodox and accepting of other denominations.

“1., The Bible”: The 1976 Church Manual says on page 32:“The Holy Scriptures contain an ALL SUFFICIENT revelation of His will to men, and are the ONLY UNERRING rule of faith.”
The current statement omits ALL SUFFICIENT and ONLY in order to include the writing of Ellen G. White as part of God’s infallible revelation.

“6., Creation" the new statement says “Thus he established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial
of His completed creative work.” This sets their stage for Sunday being the ‘mark of the beast”
and rejection of the Sabbath as equivalent to rejecting God and salvation.

“8., The Great Controversy” leads us to Ellen Whites inspired infallible book, The Great
Controversy. The “character of God, His law” is the Ten Commandments, not the entire Old
Covenant Law. “His sovereignty over the universe” is only acknowledged by those who worship
the Creator on His Sabbath Day. The entire “Great Controversy” revolves around the Sabbath – it
is THE issue that will be brought forth clearly just before Christ returns.

9., The Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ” Christ’s death was “This perfect atonement
[which] vindicates the righteousness of God’s law.” The ‘vindication” of God’s law is more
important than our sin. When Christ lived a sinless life, He perfectly kept the Sabbath, thus
proving that the Sabbath could be kept perfectly. This is all part of the SDA scheme of salvation
including Sabbath-keeping.

“10., The Experience of Salvation” “repent of our transgressions” absolutely must include
Sabbath-breaking. Since Christ perfectly kept the Sabbath, then his perfect Sabbath-keeping can
become part of our righteousness by faith. Since Christ did not perfectly keep Sunday, then our
Sunday worship is only our own righteousness. When the statement says we are “given the power
to live a holy life, it means even sinless perfection. The 144,000 are SDAs who stand before God
in the last days without a mediator and prove to the universe that it is possible to live sinlessly.

11., The Church”: The “gospel” is defined by the Sabbath. When Christ died as a sinless
Sabbath-keeper, he vindicated God’s law and can bestow his perfect righteousness upon
believers who are also Sabbath-keepers. There is allowance for those who never heard the
Sabbath truth, but this does not count just before Christ returns.

“12.The Remnant and Its Mission”: The SDA church is the “remnant that has been called out to
keep the commandments of God [Ten Commandments, especially the Sabbath] and the faith of
Jesus [recognized Ellen G. White as an inspired infallible prophet]. The “[investigative]
judgment hour” began October 22, 1844 when the remnant church first appeared. The “three
angels of Revelation 14" were actually the false prophet and Baptist preacher, William Miller,
who taught that Christ was coming to destroy the earth in 1844. The “worldwide witness” is the
SDA message.

“13., Unity in the Body of Christ”: The description of ‘church,” good as it sounds, only applies to
the SDA Church!!! Everybody else is Babylon!!! “We share the same faith and hope” only
refers to SDAs.

“14.Baptism”: This is only administered to those who have completed a thorough study of SDA
doctrines and affirmed acceptance of them.

“16., Spiritual Gifts and Ministries”: The continuing gift of prophecy has not been given to
anybody other than EGW. One would expect her to be replaced by God after her death. David
Koresh, Branch Davidian, SDA, claimed to a successor to EG White. Her prophetic gift was to
“foster unity” and “protect from the destructive influence of false doctrine.”

“17., The Gift of Prophecy” says “This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was
manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White.” HOW CLEAR CAN THIS BE?? YOU CANNOT
BE AN SDA AND REJECT ELLEN WHITE!!! She is just as fully inspired and infallible as any
Bible prophet!!!! “Her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth [in addition to
the Bible!] which provide for the church, comfort, guidance, instruction and correction [in
doctoring].” The Bible is the “standard” which teaches that the “remnant church” will have Ellen
White! Since the Bible teaches EGW, then EGW is also infallible.

“18., The Law of God” shows how SDAs misuse this term, “the law of God,” and only apply it to
the Ten Commandments. “Binding upon all people in every age” especially refers to the Sabbath
in SDA theology. The “fruitage” of salvation is “obedience to the Commandments [including the
Sabbath].” They miss the biblical teaching that obedience is in-wrought to the true believer by
the indwelling Holy Spirit. One who deliberately rejects the Sabbath doctrine cannot possibly be
saved.

“19., The Sabbath” misses the truth that the Sabbath was a memorial of the REST of Creation
and not of creation itself. As such it became a type of Christ’s rest as fulfilled in Hebrews 4:3. In
order to follow the example of Jesus, one must worship on the Sabbath.

“20., Stewardship”: My Ph.D. was on this subject:
See www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com

“21., Behavior”: SDAs in the USA are not supposed to wear wadding rings, but are required to
do so in Europe. “Abstain from the unclean foods identified in Scriptures” includes pork,
shellfish, catfish, etc.

“23., Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary” deals with the Investigative Judgment. This is
the only doctrine SDAs have which is not shared with other churches. It assumes that absolutely
nobody has been declared to be incontestably saved. In1844 Christ began at Adam investigating
to see who was fit for resurrection. I could spend weeks on this subject – believe me, it is
incredibly stupid!

“24., The Second Coming of Christ” will deliver the SDA church from its death decree of
Revelation 13. Its enemies are the Roman Catholic church (the great Babylon) and its daughters
(apostate Protestantism) who rejects the Sabbath. The most feared country is the USA, the false
prophet of Revelation 13. This is spelled out in very great detail in the Great Controversy. The
“unrighteous” are Sunday-worshipers who reject the Sabbath truth.

“25., Death and Resurrection”: SDAs teach that, at death every aspect of life cease to exist and is
annihilated until the resurrection. The lake of fire will eternally destroy the wicked because the
idea of an immortal soul is satanic and in error.

“26., The Millennium” is 1000 years when the earth is completely barren and lifeless. Even this
is Sabbath-connected because God is giving the 6000 year old earth its 1000 year rest. Satan is
bound because he has nobody to tempt. The millennium ends with the resurrection [recreation
from annihilation] of the unbelieving dead who will be judged and finally forever annihilated in
the lake of fire.

I could send you another 20 pages of quotes from The Great Controversy, but, if you still
disagree, it would be a waste of our time

 

[Craigbythesea]

For any readers who would like more information regarding the beliefs and teachings of the Seventh-day Adventists, may I recommend the following book,

Seventh-day Adventists . . . A Biblical Exposition of the 27 Fundamental Doctrines. Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600

Please find below some introductory paragraphs from this book:

A Word About the 27 Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

Through the years Seventh-day Adventists have been reluctant to formalize a creed (in the usual sense of that word). However, from time to time, for practical purposes we have found it necessary to summarize our beliefs.

In 1872 the Adventist press at Battle Creek, Michigan, published a "synopsis of our faith" in 25 propositions. This document, slightly revised and expanded to 28 sections appeared in the denominational Yearbook of 1889. This was not continued in subsequent issues, but it was inserted again in the Yearbook in 1905 and continued to appear through 1914. In response to an appeal from church leaders in Africa for "a statement [that] would help government officials and others to a better understanding of our work," a committee of four, including the president of the General Conference prepared a statement encompassing "the principal features" of belief as they "may be summarized." This statement of 22 fundamental beliefs, first printed in the 1931 Year-book, stood until the 1980 General Conference session replaced it with a similar but more comprehensive summary in 27 paragraphs, published under the title "Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists."

In publishing this summary the church took steps to assure that it would not come to be viewed as an unchangeable creed. The introduction to the Fundamental Beliefs reads: "Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word."

The present volume, Seventh-day Adventists Believe..., is based on the 27 short summaries. They appear at the beginning of each chapter. In this book we present for our members, friends, and other interested persons, in an expanded, readable, and practical manner, these doctrinal convictions and their significance for Adventist Christians in today's society. While this volume is not an officially voted statement-only a General Conference in world session could provide that—it may be viewed as representative of "the truth ... in Jesus" (Eph. 4:21) that Seventh-day Adventists around the globe cherish and proclaim
.

 

[Craigbythesea]

1. I have been to this site many times in the past. I have read on their site that those who worship Sunday will receive the mark of the Beast. They have changed their site and it seems to not be there, or I can't find it.
2. You went from No. 17 to No. 24 and left some out. Here is some of what you left out:

Marcia,

The link that I posted is the current link. You should have no trouble with it. I accidentally posted a duplicate page and left out a page as a consequence. The page that I left out is as follows:

18. The Law of God:
The great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God's love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)
19. The Sabbath:
The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God's unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)
20. Stewardship:
We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)
21. Christian Behavior:
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)
22. Marriage and the Family:
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)
23. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
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. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. 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. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)

 

[Marcia]

The link that I posted is the current link. You should have no trouble with it.

Just to clarify -- I never said I had trouble with the link. I said that I had visited that site many times previously (before being on the BB, before this discussion -- in other words, I have been to this site over the past few years).

When I did visit this site previously (before this thread ever started), I did read a statement that they believe those found worshiping on Sunday will receive the mark of the beast when Jesus comes back. They have changed their site and taken this out as I cannot find it. The stie as it looks now is different from when I visited there before.

 

[amixedupmom]

Ok i'm going to admit i've only read the FIRST post but this is what I think

A cult is someone who worships and isolates themselves from everything on the planet (David Koresh's bunch comes to my mind)

That's a cult, Neither the RCC, nor the 7th day adventist, nor Baptist, Methodist, ect are cults. Come on people just because they do NOT worship the same dosen't make them "evil". A lot of the LORD's work is done with various people in VARIOUS situation and faiths.

Let's try and be a bit OPEN minded here.

 

[Russ Kelly]

Lea
I wish you would read the other posts. It only takes a few minutes.In fact, David Koresh was a member of an SDA offshoot and claimed to be the successor to EG White.

BB Friends,
There are giant BILLBOARDS on U.S. 41 and U.S. 19 in Georgia and Tennessee which still read "Sunday is the Mark of the Beast."

As long as Ellen G. White is the admitted prophet of SDAs, and as long as you desire to know more about SDAs, you owe it to yourselves to read at least the last halof of Ellen G. White's book, The Great Controversy. That will probably easily change all of your minds about this subject. Otherwise, you are not fully informed about the subject.

 

[Trotter]

Russ,

Yeah, I've seen the billboards. They are scattered everywhere around here. Even on I-75.


Check out Amazing Discoveries
and see what some of the garbage the SDA are pumping out.

I had a SDA co-worker give me some of their literature. Guess what? According to it, I'm not a Christian, I will not get to enter heaven, I am in league with the anti-christ, and am a child of Satan. Lotta love, huh?

In Christ,
Trotter

 

[J4KC35]

Thank you very much for your information, Russ. My mom and I were having a discussion about this, and now I can present some of those facts. Thank you.

 

[Craigbythesea]

Check out this message board, our very own BB, and you will see even worse garbage being pumped out. Does that mean that because I am a Baptist member of this message board that I am a member of a non-Christian cult? Does that mean that Baptist churches are non-Christian cults?

MANY Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Churches will tell me with all the enthusiasm that they can muster that I am NOT a Christian because I deny that the King James Bible is the one and only “perfectly preserved Word of God.”

Some former SDA members are so angry with the SDA Church that their view of the church is distorted by their anger. I have seen the exact same thing, many times, in former Catholics. And I have seen the same thing in former Baptists!

Any freak can rent billboards and express his personal beliefs. That does not mean that the church that he may go to agrees with his billboards, or that he is in good standing with his church, or that the denomination that the church belongs to agrees with his billboards.

Prior to 1500, the doctrine of eternal security was almost universally considered to be heresy, and yet most Baptists today believe the doctrine to be true and think that the Bible teaches it. Prior to 1829, the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory had not even been invented. And yet many Baptists today believe the doctrine to be true and think that the Bible teaches it, even though both the Pre-Trib Rapture Theory and the SDA doctrine of The Investigative Judgment come from the same roots and the same movement. It is very easy to shout “cult” and “heresy” when it is on their side of the fence, but when the same thing is found on your side of the fence, you call it sound Biblical teaching. What hypocrisy!

 

[Dr. Bob]

Originally posted by Trotter:
According to it [SDA literature], I'm not a Christian, I will not get to enter heaven, I am in league with the anti-christ, and am a child of Satan.

I've often wondered about you, Trotter. Glad you told us of your spiritual problems.