What makes The SDA Church......

[M. T. Cross]

I see it said a lot here that people chose the SDA church because it was the most Biblically accurate.

What, outside of Sabbath keeping, makes it more Biblically accurate than other Christian denominations in your opinion?

[phkrause]

There belief that those that die go to rest in the grave and not go directly to heaven, as so many believe. There belief in the Sanctuary system. There interpretation of the books of Daniel and Revelation.

[M. T. Cross]

Ok, those are valid points. But they are what makes Adventism different. Why are these points more accurate

[Gail]

Those are true, but I have heard it said this way, "This is where I met Jesus."

With me, I am at peace in the church, with my Bible, with what Jesus tells me through inspiration (the impressions in my brain at times, comfort, peace, counsel, and what I learn through His word).

The belief that all Scripture and prophecy is centered on Christ.

[M. T. Cross]

Excellent attitude Gail, I love your enthusiastic approach to your spirituality.

However many Christians from different denominations feel the same way.

[Gail]

They do, I know that, and I celebrate with them

There is a promise in the Bible that says that if we want to do His will, then we shall know of the doctrine (John 7:17).

Someone mentioned love... Matthew 22:40 says that all the commandments and the prophets hang on the principle of love- love to God and love to others.

I do believe that in the end there will be only 2 groups of people, those with God and those against Him. I feel that not all that call, Lord, Lord, ARE actually His, and yet there are those that in their hearts are in tune with God but may be lacking in some of the finer points outwardly. But the events as outlined in God's word will cause a settling into the condition where there will be no more valley of decision- everyone will decide where they would prefer to stay. I believe that the Holy Ghost will influence hearts to be able to recognise the way they ought to go if they choose to follow God wholeheartedly.

That is how I see it. The Bible says that we shall seek Him AND find Him, if we shall search for Him with all our heart- Jer. 29:13

You read on here the testimonies of those who were led to Christ from unbelievable circumstances. Yet there are others that are in the church and decide it's not for them. Everyone at some point in their lives have to decide what they want to do with Jesus.

[Gail]

When it comes to doctrinal points, one needs truth plus Holy Spirit to be able to understand. And even then how much of the mysteries of God can we as humans really understand?

It is a deep question! But the important thing is connection with God and trust in wisdom that is far higher than humans can go. Through trust and a desire to follow Him will come obedience and contentment.

[Gail]

I do like the 5 "S" doctrines, especially the sanctuary one. Much of the Bible alludes to it, therefore those parts make sense once a person is familiar with it.

I see a Christian life as one that increases in knowledge through time. It is wonderful and just gets better, taking one along and changing that person as time goes on.

[CoAspen]

Correct! But most humans want to define, from their point of view, who is against God. I have ceased to be concerned about the against and am more interested in relationships. I believe we will be to totally surprised as to who is walking through the gates and perfectly excited about it! The more the merrier!!!!

[M. T. Cross]

So Gail, correct me if I am wrong, but what you are saying is that what sets the SDA church apart is a personal thing. It is what works best for you in your relationship with your God?

[Gail]

One thing the Adventist church does is see Jesus all through the Bible, one, and secondly it sees Jesus all through the book of Revelation.

It sees the earth's history in the light of the Great Controversy theme.

To confirm truth to each individual is what the Holy Spirit does, no matter where that person is now. That I cannot explain.

[Gail]

Not entirely, but one's spirituality is a personal thing and experiential.

[Gail]

I would dare to go farther than that and say that if a person loves Jesus with all his/her heart and is willing to follow wherever He leads and love others as He does, that is a better place to be than knowing all of Revelation and the 2300 days prophecy perfectly but not in submission to Him.

[phkrause]

and