Jack Sequeira - Teacher of new light or Teacher of Error?

[joeb]

Everything that has been quoted here from Sequira is in conflict with the following from Steps to Christ.  I also see nothing said by the adherents to Sequira's error that agrees with this quote either.

This quote starts at the very beginning of the chapter titled Consecration.

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God's promise is, "Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13.

The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: "Dead in trespasses and sins;" "the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;" "no soundness in it." We are held fast in the snare of Satan, "taken captive by him at his will." Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.

The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. "Come now, and let us reason together" is the Creator's invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind

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or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. Hence the Saviour says, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:33. Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord's and half the world's. We are not God's children unless we are such entirely.

There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will

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be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudgery.

 

[joeb]

Here's another quote from Ellen White which shows how much Sequira disagrees with her.  Quote is from Faith and Works, p. 100

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But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's righteousness while practicing known sins or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. FW 100.1

 

[joeb]

Here is another quote revealing the errors of Sequira.  This comes from The Faith I live by, page 116.

 

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The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven. FLB 116.2

Many commit the error of trying to define minutely the fine points of distinction between justification and sanctification. Into the definitions of these two terms they often bring their own ideas and speculations. Why try to be more minute than is Inspiration on the vital question of righteousness by faith? FLB 116.3

As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Christ's atonement in his behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. FLB 116.4

Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly living for Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor reformations wrought in the character by feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only by long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and stern conflict, that we shall overcome. FLB 116.5

It [sanctification] is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the everyday life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and dressing be such as to secure the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health, that we may present to the Lord our bodies—not an offering corrupted by wrong habits but—“a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” FLB 116.6

The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character.... If studied and obeyed, the Word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. FLB 116.7

There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last. FLB 116.8

As is very plain for all to see, those accepting Sequira's errors and claiming to accept the SOP at face value are being a lot less than forthcoming and completely honest for they accuse Ellen White of teaching legalism by taking the stand that they do.

[Kevin H]

On ‎8‎/‎24‎/‎2009 at 6:39 PM, Twilight said:

He also teaches that the "Sunday Law" is not the test, but rather that "being in Christ" is the test to come on God people.

 

That "being in Christ" is being "saved in our sins"...

I have to confess that I am indifferent on Pastor Sequeira since frankly I have not been able to make head or tales out of his teaching. Granted I have not had much exposure. I read one or two of his books and he gave a series of lectures at Loma Linda that I attended. (the main thing I remember about it was he read one quote from Jack Provonsha, and said that he will stop there because except for that one paragraph everything else Jack Provonsha says is worthless.) And I read Martin Webers "Who's got the truth." I could understand every section except the section on Sequeira (I am wondering if re-reading it after all these years might give me a different perspective.) Since unlike the chapter that Weber claimed to be about Dr. Maxwell (which is not, and thus Dr. Maxwell did not give an answer. Dr. Maxwell said "He wants me to defend the views in that chapter, but they are not my beliefs, so how can I defend them?") I assume that he probably got Sequeira right.

However looking at the first two posts of this thread I wonder how much Twilight understand or misunderstands Pastor Sequeira. I was captured by a post on page 4 refreshing this discussion on Twilight's quote about Sunday laws. We have developed a tradition on Sunday laws, but it has come from backwards thinking. The issue is liberty of conscience. As we are living under the 7th head we find in Revelation 18 the merchants of the earth selling expensive items all over the world. It will appear that the toes of Daniel 2 have joined together (it does not say that they don't ever appear to only that it will not succeed but end up in chaos). So there is going to be a time of peace and prosperity as never before, It will appear that Daniel was wrong. People who base their faith on Fundamentalism will find out that the Bible has all the problems that Walter Rea pointed out about Mrs. White. The real issue is liberty of conscience and I am becoming more convinced that what Dr. William Glasser calls "External Control Psychology" is going to play a large role.

Mrs. White says that Sunday laws will bring the test to THE CHRISTIAN world. She gives the indication that the issues will come in other forms to other people. So the way I understand this is that for the world to have that period of peace and prosperity everyone will find that they will have to compromise their conscience and/ or force their views on others. It is only as we yield to the Holy Spirit and we have to be in Christ to deal with the conflict. For all we know things might look like Sunday laws are about to be past, but then not continue the way we expect, so we give up as well. And there may be a backlash of Christian conservatism on to a secular world where we finally push on to others our principles. And it is only being in Christ for us to defend liberty of conscience for ourselves and others.  The Holy Spirit will not share with us the details until it is time. But if we trust in our traditions about how it "will" happen and not being in Christ, we will miss it. But in being in Christ we will see it. You don't have to be a Sequeira fan to see this criticism is not valid.  

[Robert]

5 hours ago, joeb said:

God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place.....

Rom 5:18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

Rom 4:4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness....

Here's what you are doing Joeb:  You are making EGW the measuring stick of truth instead of your Bible.  Ellen White is not to be placed into this category.  She never claimed to be without error.  She never claimed to be infallible. 

The inconvenient truth:

"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 

"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.  The Review and Herald, July 26, 1892.

 

[Robert]

Hmmm? You seem to be making sanctification the means of justification?  Are you Roman Catholic? 

Even in sanctification we are not measuring up: "The Father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My (Christ's) perfection."  DA 357.1

BTW, "in Christ" we already stand justified, sanctified and redeemed (glorified) (see 1 Cor 1:20).  Are you preaching a gospel in which we add to what we already have "in Christ"?

[Robert]

49 minutes ago, Seventh Day said:

I don't know what you're talking about, but it cannot be in response to my post just before yours above. Sorry.

The post was intended for joeb

[joeb]

On 7/20/2016 at 4:51 AM, Robert said:

Hmmm? You seem to be making sanctification the means of justification?  Are you Roman Catholic? 

Even in sanctification we are not measuring up: "The Father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My (Christ's) perfection."  DA 357.1

BTW, "in Christ" we already stand justified, sanctified and redeemed (glorified) (see 1 Cor 1:20).  Are you preaching a gospel in which we add to what we already have "in Christ"?

Well, when you, Robert, can't refute the truth you do the usual, you make it about me.  All I did was quote the SOP on sanctification.  I never gave my opinion at all, other than to point out the discrepancy between Sequira's theology and what the SOP actually says about sanctification.   So, I guess what you're really doing is accusing Ellen White of being a Roman Catholic....  Your problem isn't with me, it's with God's prophet, and you know it.

Sequira's "gospel" is littered with specious doctrine.  It's subtle error, but that's why the devil's doctrine is always so dangerous.  His original error was so subtle it took the infinite God of the universe thousands of years to remove the doubt from the minds of angels and the unfallen beings of other worlds. So, I'm not surprised when I see subtle, specious error that comes from him.  That's his trademark.  

[joeb]

Here's another SOP quote on this subject.  I am posting all these quotes to make plain the difference between what Sequira teaches and what the SOP teaches.

 

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True Surrender to God—Wait not for some magical change to be wrought in you, without taking the requisite steps yourself. Life must be with you a humble working out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Halt not, but escape for your life. {5MR 337.2}

Many of your brethren and sisters have been helping you in a wrong course. May God forgive them. They have caused dissension and confusion in the church. Christ requires that we shall press together, that we shall be one with Him as He is one with the Father. You must depend on God, be disciplined and trained for the higher life. Yes, depend on God; wait His pleasure; follow Him; rely in obedience on the strength of His word. {5MR 337.3}

To obey when it seems the hardest is true surrender to God. This will quicken your moral nature and subdue your pride. Learn to submit your will to God’s will, and you will be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.—Manuscript 12, 1888, pp. 4, 5. (Letter written to a brother who was in deception, 1888.) {5MR 337.4}

 

[joeb]

Here's another. 

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Justification means the saving of a soul from perdition, that he may obtain sanctification, and through sanctification, the life of heaven. Justification means that the conscience, purged from dead works, is placed where it can receive the blessings of sanctification (Manuscript 113, 1902). {7BC 908.15}

 

[Robert]

9 hours ago, joeb said:

Sequira's "gospel" is littered with specious doctrine.  It's subtle error, but that's why the devil's doctrine is always so dangerous.  His original error was so subtle it took the infinite God of the universe thousands of years to remove the doubt from the minds of angels and the unfallen beings of other worlds. So, I'm not surprised when I see subtle, specious error that comes from him.  That's his trademark.  

I know a traditional, historic Adventist when I hear one.  The error is in your camp.  

[Robert]

Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him. [Through Faith Alone, Part 1, 1890]

 

[Robert]

What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the up building of Christ's church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.

None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.

The righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours. Salvation, with its blood-bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl of great price.

The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a precious thought. The enemy of God and man is not willing that this truth should be clearly presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken.

See: http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=FLB&pagenumber=111

[joeb]

Here is a list of texts which show the Biblical requirement for sanctification.  I don't have the time or energy to write out an entire Bible study but if anyone has questions as to why any of these texts are in here or how some of them tell a continuous story I will answer specific questions.

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Psalms 29:2

Jeremiah 31:31.32

Isaiah 1:1-31

Ezekiel 18:1-19:1

Ezekiel 36:23-27

Matthew 10:33-38

Matthew 16:21-27

Mark 14:27-31

John 21:16.17

John 17:15-19

Mark 8:34-36

Luke 3:7-9

Luke 9:23-36

Luke 12:45-47

Romans 5:1-21

Romans 6:1-23

II Corinithians 7:1

Galatians 5:14-26

Ephesians 4:1-32

Ephesians 5:1-33

Titus 2:1-15

Hebrews 12:1-29

Revelation 21:7.8

 

There are more Biblical texts on this subject, but this is what I came up with in an hour or so. 

[joeb]

On 7/22/2016 at 4:52 AM, Robert said:

I know a traditional, historic Adventist when I hear one.  The error is in your camp.  

Yes, I know you believe Ellen White teaches error when she disagrees with you.  I'll stick with the SOP and the Bible which contradicts your claims. 

Just so everyone knows, I have no problem with the quotes you gave from the SOP.  I believe those quotes, but not the context you place them in.  You just don't tell the entire story so I've posted here what I have to show the "rest of the story".

Seems pretty hypocritical to for you to quote her as an authority when you reject so much of what she has said on the subject.

[Robert]

On 7/27/2016 at 11:09 PM, joeb said:

You just don't tell the entire story so I've posted here what I have to show the "rest of the story".

You and Roman present pretty much the same thing:  Merit!  Salvation by sanctification.  Roman calls it "infused grace".  Whatever you call it, it's still "another gospel".

[joeb]

On 7/29/2016 at 1:21 AM, Robert said:

You and Roman present pretty much the same thing:  Merit!  Salvation by sanctification.  Roman calls it "infused grace".  Whatever you call it, it's still "another gospel".

LOL.  Robert, you're also accusing Jesus, Paul, David, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, John, Luke, and other Biblical authors of the same thing because all I'm doing is showing what they say about sanctification. 

You're even making that assertion about the thief on the cross.  He was no sooner converted than he showed a very real change in behavior and thinking.  He committed himself to defending Jesus minutes after conversion, when Jesus was, humanly speaking, at the lowest part of His ministry.  When everyone else was deserting HIm the thief spoke up and shamed Christ's enemies. 

He showed a complete reversal of life in those few minutes, which is what sanctification is when you boil it down to a nutshell.  The reversal of life that the Bible speaks of as the new birth....  Ironic isn't how you have tried to "prove" that the new birth and new life in Christ isn't necessary for salvation?  That's the Roman and Islamic position.

[Robert]

6 hours ago, joeb said:

He showed a complete reversal of life in those few minutes, which is what sanctification is when you boil it down to a nutshell.  The reversal of life that the Bible speaks of as the new birth....  Ironic isn't how you have tried to "prove" that the new birth and new life in Christ isn't necessary for salvation?  That's the Roman and Islamic position.

Let me get this straight:  What Christ did, in our humanity, wasn't compete?  When Christ cried out "it is finished" He really didn't mean it?  

No sir, we are "complete in Christ" now and in the judgement.  The new birth experience proves we have accepted Christ's complete and finished work.  It doesn't save.  If it does then again you are preaching Romans Catholicism because they teach that salvation is partially by Christ and partially by works.

[CoAspen]

Are we talking semantics here....It seems both are talking past each other.

>The new birth experience proves we have accepted Christ's complete and finished work.  It doesn't save.<

Agree

[CoAspen]

Again, semantics.....> Romans Catholicism because they teach that salvation is partially by Christ and partially by works. <

Because some are afraid that any talk of about salvation through Christ only is going to leave out 'works, what ever that may be, we get this argument.

[Robert]

1 hour ago, jackson said:

We are not saved by faith alone, for as Martin Luther aptly said, "Faith is never alone". Faith without works is dead, and a saving faith is one that works in the strength that God's grace provides. Sincere obedience is the fruit and proof of faith....

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?" James 2:21

Keep in mind that  Abraham stood justified long before "he offered Isaac" on the alter:  

 "For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'" Romans 4:2,3 So Abraham stood just or righteous before God by faith in the coming Messiah. 

But let's back up for a moment:  God promised Abraham a son through Sarah, but seeing God took to long to deliver His promise Sarah talked Abraham into to helping God get the job done by getting Abraham to sleep with Hagar.  That act was not  a work of faith, but a work of unbelief.  

So God waited until both Abraham and Sarah were past the age of reproducing a child and then He gave Sarah a child.  His name was Issac. 

Keep in mind that God promised Abraham that through Issac his descendants would number as the stars in the sky.  Also keep in mind that Abraham's faith was weak because he had tried to help God keep His promise.

Now God tells Abraham: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering..." Gen 22:2

Did Abraham obey?  Yes!  Was Abraham obeying the law (you shall not kill)?  No!

Then why was Abraham willing to follow through?  Here's Paul:

"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, *'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.'  Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead.... Heb 11:17-19

This time Abraham's faith didn't waver through unbelief.  After all God had promised him and Sarah a son and had kept that promise.  Hence Abraham reasoned that if God were going to keep His promise* He would have to raise Isaac from the dead.  That's a faith that works.  

In the judgment God will use these acts of faith, not to prove Abraham righteousness, but to prove that his faith was "in Christ Jesus".  And then Christ will present Abraham perfect in Himself.  That's how the Investigative judgement works. 

[Robert]

1 hour ago, jackson said:

But you are now contradicting yourself. The very "acts of faith" you now say are necessary to show faith in Christ are the very acts you have heretofore claimed as meritorious and legalistic. 

Not at all.  Keep in mind that Paul states the following:  Rom 3: 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

[Robert]

11 hours ago, jackson said:

Don't confuse works of the law with acts of faith. When the publican confessed his sins in tearful repentance, he was then justified.. that was a sincere act of faith and without that repentance he could not be justified.as witnessed by the pharisee who exhibited no act of faith.

Luke 18:9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

• The Pharisee's problem is that he was confident in his law performance for his ticket to heaven.  Because he exalted himself before God (like Job of old) he went home unjustified - that is, he went home a condemned sinner before the law!
• On the other hand the publican admitted that he was sinner in need of Christ's righteousness.  Therefore he went home just before God "in Christ Jesus".

[Robert]

1 hour ago, jackson said:

The following quote shows the wide gulf between Mrs White and Jack Sequeira:

But faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. {DA 126.1}

Jack makes the Bible his measuring stick of truth.  You, on the other hand, make Ellen White the measuring stick of truth.  Here you are attempting, once again, to make works meritorious. 

[Robert]

7 hours ago, jackson said:

Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. {DA 126.1}

Yes, I believe that God's Spirit can save me from sin...but, the last time I looked in the mirror I didn't see perfection.  How about you?  When you stand before God's law (and please don't limit it to your outward performance) can you honestly state you are as perfect as God is perfect?  If not what's your excuse?

Perhaps you have misread EGW?  I can show you many statements where she states that none of us are measuring up.  Would you like to see these?

Paul tells me that I am perfect "in Christ".  I believe this.   Therefore I'm claiming God's promise.  Do I need to add to that perfection?