Are you following the Beast or its image?

[Scuba]

Here are some key doctrines that both the Beast and its image hold and teach. Test your faith and see where you stand in any particular area.

1. Sunday as the Lord's day.

2. Jesus' death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday, which is the only reason why Sunday is called the Lord's day.

3. Jesus' birth on December 25th.

4. Immortality of the soul.

5. Heaven or hell at death.

6. Eternal burning of living wicked people in a place under the earth called, hell.

7. Heaven is the hope for the righteous.

8. Unclean animals are now clean.

9. Easter Sunday.

10. Forty days of lent.

11. Infant baptism.

12. Secret Rapture.

13. Antichrist is revealed after the second coming of Jesus.

14. The trinity doctrine as defined by the Vatican.

15. The dead are alive.

If you hold to any of the above beliefs or practices you are following the Beast or its image in that area.

 

 

[DreamWeaver]

Thanks a bunch for this! I went through the checklist and I can gladly say that I'm free from the beast and his image in these areas. 

[JoeMo]

Some additional items that the beast might hold dear to his heart:

Jesus is NOT the Christ (1John 2:22)

Jesus is NOT from God (1John 4:3)

Jesus did NOT come in the flesh (2John 1:7)

All three of these fit Islam to a tee.

 

[debbym]

I thought to have the image of the beast was to hold supreme, love for one's self, as the enemy of God loved himself more than his creator, and reproduces this characteristic in all of his subjects.

To become emptied of this supreme self love and to love God supremely, with all of your heart, and mind and soul, to pour out your life in love and service to other's that they may know God,  is to enter life and be like Jesus.

[DreamWeaver]

That's true, debbym. But a false love and a false peace and safety message will be another reason why people receive the mark. And while I do agree that a person can not receive the Seal of God without genuine godly love for people, God's type of love is more specific in nature and its rooted in truth. Its not just about getting along and being a servant to the people of the world. If a person places their service to their fellow man above their service to God, a person runs the risk of bowing to man for reasons that may seem kind but will ultimately place them as a person guilty of treason in the eyes of God's holy kingdom.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you that we do need to be loving and kind. I don't disagree with you there. I'm just clarifying that outward expressions of love and kindness is not all there is to it.

[Samie]

Here are some key doctrines that both the Beast and its image hold and teach. Test your faith and see where you stand in any particular area.

1. Sunday as the Lord's day.

2. Jesus' death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday, which is the only reason why Sunday is called the Lord's day.

3. Jesus' birth on December 25th.

. . .

15. The dead are alive.

If you hold to any of the above beliefs or practices you are following the Beast or its image in that area.

I don't think any honest SDA who believes in what I highlighted in red above will admit of following the Beast.

[Samie]

Duplicate post. deleted.

[Scuba]

Some additional items that the beast might hold dear to his heart:

Jesus is NOT the Christ (1John 2:22)

Jesus is NOT from God (1John 4:3)

Jesus did NOT come in the flesh (2John 1:7)

All three of these fit Islam to a tee.

 

 

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.

Both the trinity and the oneness doctrine falls under this definition. Jesus is the Christ, which means He has been anointed. To be anointed means there is another person who is doing the anointing. It also means the one doing the anointing is of higher status than the one being anointed. Both the oneness and trinity doctrine denies the Father and Son.

1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

To come in the flesh means that Jesus had a sin nature just like we do. He was tempted in all areas just like we are because He is made of our nature. The Papacy denies this truth and all who do the same follow the Beast. The Papacy was already forming in the days of the Apostles because many of Papal Rome's forefathers walked among the Apostles and had this mindset within them. Take some time and follow the timeline of the Catholic church as they portray it.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Scuba

[Scuba]

I don't think any honest SDA who believes in what I highlighted in red above will admit of following the Beast.

You're probably right. They first must test what they believe because when they do they will realize that it is in fact a Beast doctrine to say that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday. This doctrine is the force behind Sunday being the Lord's day. Remember, it's prophesied that God's times and law would be changed. These tweaks to God's plan and timeline have to happen in order to make these changes.

[Kevin H]

Very legalistic list that people can use to esteem themselves more highly then their brothers and sisters. To assure themselves that they are in a safe place an a good excuse for bitterness of spirit. And some of these things are based on traditions and speculations that do not fit serious Biblical study. I'm sorry but this list, while raising good questions sadly also has a focus on legalism, and some of the points you can only argue from sloppy superficial Bible study, and giving proposes speculation as fact. And this list encourages our sinful nature, thus following the beast. This list also includes some theories from former Millerites who rejected Mrs. White's inspiration and went their own way and are not trying to hijack those of us who did accept Mrs. White by trying to make us like them. And there are ideas that grew in our church and became central to Mrs. White's theology that this list wants to remove.

Following the beast is holding false views in regard to conversion [justification] and sanctification. We have two attitudes fighting inside our selves:

There is our sinful nature: A disposition in every person to think they are for themselves by making less of the outside world. or a disposition to esteem ourselves more highly than others, to serve self to seek the highest place and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit.

Fighting this is our deepest desire, to want to be like and with Jesus. When we love the world as Jesus has loved it then for us his mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven for we have heaven in our hearts.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Kevin H

[Scuba]

Very legalistic list that people can use to esteem themselves more highly then their brothers and sisters. To assure themselves that they are in a safe place an a good excuse for bitterness of spirit. And some of these things are based on traditions and speculations that do not fit serious Biblical study. I'm sorry but this list, while raising good questions sadly also has a focus on legalism, and some of the points you can only argue from sloppy superficial Bible study, and giving proposes speculation as fact. And this list encourages our sinful nature, thus following the beast.

Following the beast is holding false views in regard to conversion [justification] and sanctification. We have two attitudes fighting inside our selves:

There is our sinful nature: A disposition in every person to think they are for themselves by making less of the outside world. or a disposition to esteem ourselves more highly than others, to serve self to seek the highest place and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit.

Fighting this is our deepest desire, to want to be like and with Jesus. When we love the world as Jesus has loved it then for us his mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven for we have heaven in our hearts.

Personal opinion is just that, personal opinion. Since when has truth become legalism? We don't just haphazardly believe in God and let the dominoes fall as they may. There is a truth to believe, obey and stand on. Some today even dare to say that teaching against sex marriage is a form of legalism.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Scuba

[Kevin H]

You're probably right. They first must test what they believe because when they do they will realize that it is in fact a Beast doctrine to say that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday. This doctrine is the force behind Sunday being the Lord's day. Remember, it's prophesied that God's times and law would be changed. These tweaks to God's plan and timeline have to happen in order to make these changes.

Sorry Scuba, but this theory became popular from former Millerites who rejected Mrs. White's inspiration and comes from a fundamentalist approach to reading some verses under Greek/Western thought patterns. It does not match what archaeologists and historians and studies of the Hebrew culture and even Old Testament texts that predicted the resurrection on the first day.
Note: the Thursday night last supper does not fit the current studies, but the Friday crucifixion, resting from redemption of Sabbath and raising up to start working again early Sunday morning is supported.

[Scuba]

Sorry Scuba, but this theory became popular from former Millerites who rejected Mrs. White's inspiration and comes from a fundamentalist approach to reading some verses under Greek/Western thought patterns. It does not match what archaeologists and historians and studies of the Hebrew culture and even Old Testament texts that predicted the resurrection on the first day.Note: the Thursday night last supper does not fit the current studies, but the Friday crucifixion, resting from redemption of Sabbath and raising up to start working again early Sunday morning is supported.

 I don't follow the interpretations of man I follow God's timeline as He set it in His word.  https://youtu.be/6nwVHEk_wwM

Edited August 3, 2015 by Scuba

[JoeMo]

Following the beast is holding false views in regard to conversion [justification] and sanctification. We have two attitudes fighting inside our selves:

Look at the book of Revelation.The entire end-time war is about "who do you worship?" Or "who's god is bigger/better?"  It is not about hair-splitting over denominational doctrinal differences.

"The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk." (Rev. 9:20

"People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” (Rev. 13:4)

See also the rest of Rev. 13, all of Rev. 14, Rev. 15:4, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4.

IMO, the issue will be "do you worship Allah or Jehovah?"

 

[Kevin H]

December 25 as the birth of Christ is historically not supported. But was held by Christians who was hiding from the pagans in the catacombs 100 years prior to Constantine. And the feast of the annunciation was originally held on Passover every year, then every March 25 two hundred years prior to Constantine. [and there is some evidence that actually the Pagans got December 25 from the Christians.] It came from one of two theories of the Rabbis on the birth of Isaac. Some Rabbis believed that Isaac was born on Passover. Others believed that Isaac was conserved on Passover and born 9 months later. During the second century BC the church was saying that Isaac was a type of Christ. That as Isaac was conserved on Passover so the Angel announced to Mary on Passover. And as Isaac was born 9 months later, so Jesus was born 9 months later. When the church changed from the Jewis to  Roman calendar Passover/feast of the annunciation fell on March 25.

[Stan]

Scuba...  get over it.

[brotherly love]

Here are some key doctrines that both the Beast and its image hold and teach. Test your faith and see where you stand in any particular area.

1. Sunday as the Lord's day.

This is not a test of faith

2. Jesus' death on Friday and resurrection on Sunday, which is the only reason why Sunday is called the Lord's day.

Very debatable, and is not a test of faith

3. Jesus' birth on December 25th.

Not realistic, but the faithful overcame a pagan day and recapitulated it for the glory of Christ. It is now becoming a commercial day for most and lost its meaning. Culture gives the meaning. This is not a test of faith

4. Immortality of the soul.

Not debatable, as Gods cloths us in His immortality, but is not a test of faith

5. Heaven or hell at death.

Is not a test of faith

6. Eternal burning of living wicked people in a place under the earth called, hell.

Very debatable and is not a test of faith

7. Heaven is the hope for the righteous.

A New earth is the hope. Not a test of faith, those who aspire to be in Heaven ultimately want to be with God.

8. Unclean animals are now clean.

Strong support from scripture-not a test of faith

9. Easter Sunday.

Is a test of faith if a person denies the ressurrection

10. Forty days of lent.

Is a tradition focusing on Christ-not a test of faith either way

11. Infant baptism.

Not a test of faith. Some beieve a child born to believers enters into a community of faith. There is NT backing for this

12. Secret Rapture.

Not very clear in the bible, but is not a test of faith

13. Antichrist is revealed after the second coming of Jesus.

Debatable, not a test of faith

14. The trinity doctrine as defined by the Vatican.

Very debatable. Catholic doctrine on the Trinity is very Orthodox

15. The dead are alive.

Very debatable, not a test of faith

If you hold to any of the above beliefs or practices you are following the Beast or its image in that area.

 The Catholic church as the beast is also very debatable, and has its feet firmly planted in mid-air. The acid test you propose would indicate that the gates of hell prevailed over the church despite the words of Jesus

 

 

 

Edited August 3, 2015 by brotherly love

[brotherly love]

Thanks a bunch for this! I went through the checklist and I can gladly say that I'm free from the beast and his image in these areas. 

I hope that this can be communicated clearly and with love Dreamweaver.

The person who created this acid test of faith is in serious violation of the commandment not to bear false witness. It would be just as true if someone made the opposite acid test of faith-that you had to celebrate Dec 25 for example. It would be a concern over civil rights, but not a concern of salvation.

The original post is in serious error, but is not a sign that the person is not a Christian. There is a classification of those on the fringes within Christianity called heterodox. King James version only would fit into this category. Roman Catholicism fits into this category, and the original post would also fit this category.

God is not going to condemn you over technicalities or even ignorance-He desires relationship with you.

 

Edited August 3, 2015 by brotherly love

[JoeMo]

Bro - I was blessed by the balance and the content of your previous 2 posts.  I wanted to respond to Scuba's initial post; but I was having a hard time being as "nice" as you were.  I hesitiate to post when I can't play "nice".

Can't say for sure, but I think DW is open-minded enough to understand your feedback above; and take it gracefully.

God is not going to condemn you over technicalities or even ignorance-He desires relationship with you.  AMEN!

[brotherly love]

Bro - I was blessed by the balance and the content of your previous 2 posts.  I wanted to respond to Scuba's initial post; but I was having a hard time being as "nice" as you were.  I hesitiate to post when I can't play "nice".

Can't say for sure, but I think DW is open-minded enough to understand your feedback above; and take it gracefully.

 

I have been very blessed in conversations with yourself, and you would have responded the same way in the end

[8thdaypriest]

I don't think any honest SDA who believes in what I highlighted in red above will admit of following the Beast.

There's a long detailed study at my website, explaining why I believe that Jesus was crucified on the "preparation day" and rose just at dawn on the first day of the week. 

Here's the link:  http://www.prophecyviewpoint.com/htdocs/45-Three-Days-Nights.pdf

Everything else on your list, I agree, is false doctrine. 

[8thdaypriest]

I agree that the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Trinity - that God is ONE being, who manifests as THREE, is false.  But I do not believe that God is Three Separate Divine Beings either.  I believe that God our Father is ONE divine being, who beget a Son - in His own image.  That Son later incarnated into human flesh/nature as Jesus.  

Here's the link to part one of several parts - at my website:  http://www.prophecyviewpoint.com/htdocs/44a-Part 1 TR-Intro.pdf

If a person has never been presented with the truth, in such a way that is understandable to that person  - then that person will not be judged on their acceptance of that truth.  For that person - it will NOT be a salvational issue. 

"Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."  "If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth, that Jesus is the Christ, you will be saved."  Those are the only two absolute salvation issues. 

[brotherly love]

I agree that the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Trinity - that God is ONE being, who manifests as THREE, is false.  But I do not believe that God is Three Separate Divine Beings either.  I believe that God our Father is ONE divine being, who beget a Son - in His own image.  That Son later incarnated into human flesh/nature as Jesus.  

Here's the link to part one of several parts - at my website:  http://www.prophecyviewpoint.com/htdocs/44a-Part 1 TR-Intro.pdf

If a person has never been presented with the truth, in such a way that is understandable to that person  - then that person will not be judged on their acceptance of that truth.  For that person - it will NOT be a salvational issue. 

"Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."  "If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth, that Jesus is the Christ, you will be saved."  Those are the only two absolute salvation issues. 

I dont understand what you are saying? Are you saying that once a person is presented with clear "understanding" from your site and rejects it, then they will be judged?

Your description seems to be saying that God gave birth or created Jesus?

[Scuba]

So how many false doctrines can you hold on to before you're not following God? 

[Gail]

What happened to, Believe not every spirit but try the spirits? Obedience to me is not a checklist but a heart matter