Why be a Seventh-day Adventist?

[Guest]

- Some Reasons -

There are many troubled hearts in Adventism today in Australia and New Zealand. We wish that our Church was progressing more like we see in the island fields and around the world. Instead we are conscious of the fact that we worship in a church that has many serious divisions over procedure, belief and worship which are causing discouragement. At such a time as this, it can be wise for all of us to re-examine the question "Why be a Seventh-day Adventist?"

We live at a time when society as a whole is undergoing great changes. More change takes place now in one year than would normally have taken place in centuries. It has been estimated that the decade before the year 2000 is seeing more social, political, economic and religious change than has taken place since Abraham came out of Ur of the Chaldees. While the church would not want in anyway to compromise its message to the world, there is yet increasing pressure on the church to be relevant in its culture.

A rapidly changing culture also causes a quick succession of generational differences. We are conscious of the Survivor, Baby Boomer, Baby Buster and Generation X differences. All have different perspectives of what they expect from the church. Along with this is the fact that the church has followed the counsel of Ellen G. White and gone wholeheartedly after Christian education.

It was she(EGW)who told us to teach the youth to be "thinkers and not mere reflectors of other men's thought". This we are doing, and as a consequence the youth are thinking different ideas from their parents. Christian education if it is working correctly does produce people who think creatively, critically and with discernment. We should expect some new thoughts to be part of the fruitage of a successful educational system.

We belong to a church that originally refused to write up a creed. It was our founding fathers who decided there must be room left for advancement in our understanding of Bible truth. They decided that this church was not going to fall into the trap of other great movements led of God in the past by cutting themselves off from walking in the light. In developing this attitude they received clear counsel from the pen of Ellen White.428 If it was true as she suggested, then we have but the faintest gleanings of the light which is yet to come. The great challenge is then, how can we all grow together and not apart? Some will grow faster than others. Some will not want to grow at all. It is not easy for a church to stay together as they search for more light from God's Word.

It would seem that in our day we have inherited within Adventism many of the unresolved theological differences of our forefathers. Differences that have lain around unresolved for decades have arisen to divide our church today.

As many become aware of the above tensions they become discouraged. Therefore it is important for us to look again at the questions "Why be a Seventh-day Adventist?" "What do we have to offer the world, both Christian and non Christian?" "Does God have a special work for us to do?" and "Can God still be with us even though we do have these differences and tensions?" I want to share with you a few of my personal convictions as the why I am a Seventh-day Adventist.

http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/bradford/prophet-27.htm

[Guest]

Why I am a Seventh-day Adventist

The Everlasting Gospel

The first reason I am a Seventh-day Adventist is because of the gospel. The essence of all true Seventh-day Adventist preaching is found in the everlasting gospel as expressed in Revelation 14:6. It is the same gospel that Jesus said would be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14). This is the hub of which Adventism is all about. All other teachings and doctrines must be related to this one great truth.

Christian churches (including our own) are often found guilty of fighting about ideas that do not affect salvation in Christ. Many debates major in minor matters. I have come to the conclusion that unless the teaching is directly linked to the gospel then it is probably not worth all the fuss and attention that many give to it.

The discerning Christian will always be zealous to contend for the purity of the gospel. We must not become discouraged as we see conflict in our church regarding this issue. Even the apostolic church had conflict in this area. It has been the centre of controversy all through church history and probably will remain an issue until Jesus returns. The gospel is always relevant to any culture. It gives hope to a world which desperately needs some "good news".

[Guest]

Conditional Immortality

A second reason I am a Seventh-day Adventist is because of our view of the nature of mankind in death. Almost the whole world, both Christian and non Christian, have accepted the Devil's lie found in Genesis 3:4 regarding the fact that death is not really death. We believe that we have life only in Christ. It is because of our belief in Christ that God will one day change our vile bodies and we will "put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

In our day the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is paving the way for spirits of devils to impersonate the dead and deceive many. This same doctrine is a basic teaching of the "New Age Movement" as it brings Eastern Mysticism to the West. It paves the way for the acceptance of reincarnation and the idea of developing the godlike qualities within you as taught by The New Age. Only as we understand the Bible teaching on this subject are we able to effectively warn men and women concerning the deceptions of spirits of devils working miracles and impersonating the dead. The belief in the non-immortality of the soul is also crucial for the correct understanding of the nature of the return of Christ and the Millenium.

It is interesting to note that in recent years some prominent biblical scholars who are not Seventh-day Adventists have come to realise the truth of what we preach on this subject.

[12tribes]

I was not brought up an SDA and the reason I am one is because of the truth in the Bible, I could give many reasons and texts but here is one

Revelation 12:17

(17) And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

This shows that God's true church keeps the commandments of God and have the spirit of prophecy. They were raised on time.

[Guest]

Amen brother!

[Guest]

Annihilation of Unbelievers

Linked with the teaching of the immortality of the soul is the doctrine of eternal torment. The teaching that God will for all eternity burn people in hell has caused many to walk away from Christianity with a hatred for a God who could be so cruel. Traditionally most of Christendom has taught the doctrine of eternal torment however over more recent times some prominent scholars have began to question this teaching also.

http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/bradford/prophet-27.htm

[12tribes]

Quote:

Annihilation of Unbelievers

Linked with the teaching of the immortality of the soul is the doctrine of eternal torment. The teaching that God will for all eternity burn people in hell has caused many to walk away from Christianity with a hatred for a God who could be so cruel. Traditionally most of Christendom has taught the doctrine of eternal torment however over more recent times some prominent scholars have began to question this teaching also.

The doctrine of eternal torment is an awful teaching. As mentioned before I did not grow up an SDA and when I was taught this doctrine of eternal torment as a child I lived in fear of death but, when I learned the truth it was a big weight lifted. Our God is not cruel He is a merciful God.

[olger]

For me, the Adventist Message was the only road to peace..

[Lysimachus]

Why am I a Seventh-Day Adventist?

Because Adventism is the embodiment of the historic, rooted, and Biblical principles of Protestantism, and helps to provide the finishing touches for which the reformation failed to complete. The ideological prophetic principles that made Adventism are a conglomerate and compilation of orthodox reformation theology. It is the compilation of all the solid truths discovered by our reformers of old. It is the very BEST of Protestant Goodness. It encompasses what it means to take the Everlasting Gospel to the world and spread the Three Angel's Messages. Adventism holds the credentials to expose the Beast and the False Prophet.

[Guest]

Preach brother, PREACH!

[Bert]

THE RAPTURE THEORY is another impediment to sound interpretation of eschatology as it relates to this day and age. Somehow there is the feeling that if I don't make it in the 'rapture', I'll have a second chance during the tribulation period. This provides a false hope and detracts from the reality that there is no second chance when Christ comes. Realizing that the seven year tribulation period that follows the rapture is taken from the 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9, I have found strong resistance in explaining the fact that the 70 week prophecy pertained strictly to the Jews and their holy city, Jerusalem. The argument is that the 70th week will occur after the rapture, thus creating the 'gap theory'. Of course, assuming this to be Biblical, then how can one explain the inclusion of the 70 weeks in the 2300 day/year prophecy? Obviously, the 'gap theory' does not provide for this scenario.

[ClubV12]

I hesitate to say I've only been an Adventist for a year or so. Because then I have to listen about how someone went through ALL the Adventist schools, college, seminar, been studying the bible for 30 years, etc. etc. and so they are clearly more skilled in the interpretation and understanding and SO much more brilliant than I could ever hope to be.

... having said that, I'm sure glad some folks did, and are! I appreciate the depth of knowledge that can be found in their counsel. I'm also painfully aware that much reading and teaching doesn't qualify your counsel to be worth more than a plug nickel. Some folks seem to be more confused than ever after 30 years of study. They might have been better off growing up in the ghetto and going to public school. At least they'd be grounded in reality. :)

[Kountzer]

I grew up in inner-city environments, & I went to public schools. I've seen great thinkers come out of the same background: Doctors, Lawyers, engineers, teachers, etc. Not enough, but quite a few.

Back to the topic at hand: why am I adventist, or why be adventist. Good question. A lot of responsibility goes with being adventist. Being a member of the right church will not save u to heaven. I should know.

This is the right church though. It is not perfect, but it is closer to perfection than any other church institution I know of. The winds of doctrine are always blowing. Even now I can hear a service of a different church on a television nearby. I'm sure if I tuned in I would agree with some of what they present, and some I would not.

It has been my experience in this movement that the bible is preached most of the time, with a reference to Ellen White included occasionally.

This is the church. I see nowhere else to go.

[Gibs]

RLH,

There is a big problem of being a "denominational" SDA from what is growing up in it and seems to be increasing all the time and not seen by the the ones in the pews.

I think there is a very, very few in the hierarchy that are troubled but seem to be powerless to stem the tide.

It is a little heartening to see Ted Wilson is seeing at least a little into it and he is going to need a lot of help if it would ever be stopped and turned around. There would be a violent upheaval in the denomination for sure, but it needs to happen and fast and thorough.

The incoming errors have been pointed out by many and a lot of heartache but without any effect to bring about correction. As always in any church system going corrupt the trouble is from the top who have set up themselves as kings and have it their way.

It pains me to say this but I've been in this battle many, many years now.

It's gotten just like the Catholic systtem, she can do no wrong but she does and the faithful to the structure can't see it. Yes it has become a mere structure.

Just recently the comming in of "mentoring", "spiritual exercises", "spiritual formation", "emerging church" with "Lectio Divina" is the last straw and must be stopped and stopped rapidly and thoroughly or she is done.

So I have to be a "Spiritual Generic SDA" and follow Him and Him only.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[HappyFaith]

This is an interesting topic. I asked this very question to an SDA friend who is known to probably all SDA's. Here is his reply:

"My major reason for being a Seventh-day Adventist? Because the Bible's

end-time prophecies describe a special "remnant people" with definitive

characteristics of God's prophetic movement who keep the commandments of

God and have the same faith as Jesus! They're madly in love with Jesus!

They are Jesus freaks, if you wish! And Seventh-day Adventists are

without doubt the only people of prophecy who even come close to such a

people! Find them, and I'll join them! (I'm serious!)

Also, the Elijah Message of Malachi Chapter 4: 5-6 outlines a specific

end-time "Elijah Message" giving the same identical message that Elijah,

John the Baptist and the end-time 3-Angels' Messages of Revelation

chapter 14. Again, if there is any other church out there that even

comes close to fitting the Biblical rubrics, I'll join it. SDAs are the

ONLY people to fit the blueprint.

Plus they've got to be a church gifted with the "spirit of prophecy,"

which I believe Ellen G. White fits uncannily and definitively. The

only options for the timing of this, outlined in Daniel and Revelation,

is the 1844 movement. Which leaves me one of four options: (1) The

Fox Sisters and Spiritualism; (2) Charles Darwin and his 1844 theories

of Evolution; (3) Mormonism (4) Seventh-day Adventists. [None of those

come close to being Biblical options other than #4 for me.] How about

you?"

This is why I am interested in the SDA church.

[Gail]

Anneliese, it is an exciting thing to know that you are God's child

God gives us the reason that we are here and a purpose for your life.

His love is a wonder every step of the way, His truth eternal and fascinating. May you be blessed as you seek His forgiveness and companionship

[HappyFaith]

:) Thank you Gail. Yes, I am a child of God. Adopted child. All humans are adopted children of God--that is why it will hurt Him so much at the end of time when so many will desert Him and die, forever lost. I do not think He looks forward to that time.

[Gail]

Thank you Gail. Yes, I am a child of God. Adopted child. All humans are adopted children of God--that is why it will hurt Him so much at the end of time when so many will desert Him and die, forever lost. I do not think He looks forward to that time.

Yes, there will be some pain in the loss of those who are loved but who choose a life apart from God. It is the risk that God took to allow people full freedom of choice, to love sin or to seek shelter under God's wings.

There is good news, though, and it is the absolute end of oppression and disaster. We get a taste of that when we come to Him, but the final stop to sin will finally bring healing to our world and to His children, too.

[BobRyan]

I hesitate to say I've only been an Adventist for a year or so. Because then I have to listen about how someone went through ALL the Adventist schools, college,

I say - "say on" my friend. A new SDA is yet another reminder that the evangelistic Gospel appeal in the Bible based doctrines of the SDA church is alive and well today.

In fact we anticipate an even greater influx of "I have only been an SDA for a year or so" in the near future that totally overwhelms the numbers of long-timers.

in Christ,

Bob

[BobRyan]

Why I am an SDA - is like asking "Why follow the lead of Noah if you were living before the flood"!

I say "why not"!

in Christ,

Bob

[joeb]

Why am I an SDA?

Where else is there to go? How could I accept false doctrine after learning truth?

[Guest]

RLH,

There is a big problem of being a "denominational" SDA from what is growing up in it and seems to be increasing all the time and not seen by the the ones in the pews.

I think there is a very, very few in the hierarchy that are troubled but seem to be powerless to stem the tide.

It is a little heartening to see Ted Wilson is seeing at least a little into it and he is going to need a lot of help if it would ever be stopped and turned around. There would be a violent upheaval in the denomination for sure, but it needs to happen and fast and thorough.

The incoming errors have been pointed out by many and a lot of heartache but without any effect to bring about correction. As always in any church system going corrupt the trouble is from the top who have set up themselves as kings and have it their way.

It pains me to say this but I've been in this battle many, many years now.

It's gotten just like the Catholic systtem, she can do no wrong but she does and the faithful to the structure can't see it. Yes it has become a mere structure.

Just recently the comming in of "mentoring", "spiritual exercises", "spiritual formation", "emerging church" with "Lectio Divina" is the last straw and must be stopped and stopped rapidly and thoroughly or she is done.

So I have to be a "Spiritual Generic SDA" and follow Him and Him only.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

I know exactly what you mean. And you're right. I still enjoy going to church though, although there are times when I know I have benefitted more from staying home, and doing a more in depth study. Going to church now can be frustrating, which is why I don't always go, and don't always go to the same one. I have three nearby that I can choose from.

God will be searching the heart, not the church roll. It will boil down to: "Did you know Him?"

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

[Lysimachus]

Welcome to the board HappyFaith!

Thank you for sharing that post with that response from that SDA person.

Glad you're here with us, and we look forward to fellowshiping and studying in this amazing forum as we grow closer and closer to Jesus and to one another! =]

Keep up your zeal and hunger to find truth. :)

[HappyFaith]

Thank you for the "Wilkommen," Lysimachus!

[Aussiemike]

Why i am an SDA

I was brought up in the Church of England here in Australia. I used to go to Sunday school until the age of 6. I always considered myself a C of E, In 1978 I was a keen student of the prophecies of Nostradamus. I wanted to find out about the future and about nuclear wars etc. But I just couldn’t understand what he was going on about. So I had the idea the bible might talk about the last days. So I went and got my mothers bible and thought that if I looked at the last book that would talk about the end of the world. So I found Revelation. I read it and that was out of this world. So I just browsed through the bible and I found Daniel. I believe that God was directing the pages. So I read Daniel. I never looked at Nostradamus again. In 1979 I began to attend a C of E youth group. They knew nothing about the bible and it seemed that they didn’t want to know. We were all in a circle on the floor asking God for his blessings and they asked God to bless their outreach through a coffee shop they had. I silently asked God to reveal to me the understanding of Revelation as I had no clue at all and I wanted to understand it. Not long after I received a flyer in the mail to attend a mission and hear an evangelist talk on the bible. So I decided to attend. While there he brought out on stage a great big statue. It was a model of the image in Nebuchadnezzars dream. I knew that I had been led there and that my prayer had been answered. I went to most of the meetings. And the experience was as if God himself had opened heaven and I could see him on his throne. It was an amazing feeling. After I had accepted this truth my world began to fall apart. The preacher told us that the devil will come after those who accept Jesus and who want to teach others. To this day Satan had not let up on his harassment. After the mission was over I was told that those people were 7th day Adventists. That didn’t mean anything to me as I had never heard of them. But I now knew what they believed. Later I decided to attend that church, and have been there ever since. I was told about this E.G. White while I was there. I had not heard of her before so I thought no big deal. I read some of her books and found that what she wrote was the same as what I had been shown from the bible at the mission.

I decided that if I want to reach others with the truth that I would have to do it from the bible alone. I now write my own studies and am constantly looking through the bible on each subject as i research it. The stuff that I cut and paste on the board is mostly from my own studies.

Unfortunately SDA are regarded as a cult by those who haven’t read our beliefs and wouldn’t know. I am sure that if we kept Sunday all the accusations would disappear. The animosity toward us is a result of Sabbath observance I think. Satan hates the Sabbath as it reminds people of God and his creation.