False doctrines in Adventism

[Hanseng]

There are a number of teachings circulating in the church which reflect shabby Biblical scholarship. They are not esoteric or complicated interpretations of apocalyptic prophecy or the sanctuary. They are fundamental teachings of the Bible regarding salvation. I'll mention the ones here regarding the commandments of God and the law. Most are the result of the proof texting method of Bible interpretation. It does not consider the context of the passages.

"If you love me, keep my commandments" is not a reference to the Decalogue. It does not mean that if we love Jesus, we will obey the Decalogue. Commandments, in that passage, is referring to the teachings of Jesus. Those who love Jesus will follow his teachings.

"Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid, we establish the law." The law, in this passage is not referring to the Decalogue. We do not establish the law by obeying the Decalogue. Law, here, is referring to the Old Testament, specifically its teachings about salvation by faith. We establish the law by believing that Jesus died for our sins.

 "And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." This passage does not mean that we receive the HS by obeying the Decalogue. It is specifically referring to the teaching of the gospel. We receive the HS through the preaching of Christian faith. To obey God, in this passage is to be empowered by the HS through the preaching of the gospel. More to the point, we receive the Holy Spirit by believing the gospel. The word obey, in the NT often means to believe. We obey God by believing Him.

There are other passages which fall into this category, i.e., erroneous interpretations of Scripture. None of these are part of the fundamental beliefs, just legalistic nonsense that circulates among a people prone to legalism.

[Hanseng]

The idea that obedience in the NT refers to faith in Christ is evident is certain Scriptures such as 

Ro. 10:16 "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" "Obeying the gospel" is the same as "believing the report." Romans 16: 24-26 refers to the "obedience of faith, "saying that is what the gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ leads to. When we believe in Jesus, we are obeying God.

In the following text, those who "believe" are contrasted with the "disobedient."

1 Pe 2:7  Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

The real issue for Christians is believing in Christ. That's obedience.

[Hanseng]

Another passage which emphasizes the importance of faith rather than works is 

"For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

We obey the gospel, by believing it. Once we do that, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us into righteousness. Note Psalm 32:8,9:

8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 
]9  Be ye not as the horse, [or] as the mule, [which] have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

It is God's plan for Himself to Guide us. Animals require outward control [like laws] God]s people are led by His Spirit. Unlike animals, we cannot be controlled by outward regalia such as bits, bridles, and laws. Our problems come from within. Inner change is required which is why theHS writes the laws upon our heart.

[Gregory Matthews]

God intends for His church to be comprised of people growing in faith and understanding.  From this perspective you can expect to have people who are members who believe to some extent false doctrine.

[Hanseng]

I agree, Chaplain Matthews. Any of us can hold false beliefs. This issue, however, is not limited to "mere members." Highly educated SDA theology scholars and pastors perpetuate falsehood by not calling it out, by not educating the "members" in a responsible way. In recent times, a pastor was separated from denominational service over his beliefs about the seal of God. There is no text in the Bible that says the Sabbath is the seal of God, There are texts that say the Holy Spirit seals us, not the Sabbath. One need not be a scholar to determine such. A concordance will do. Baptism is the NT equivalent of circumcision, which sealed Abraham. The SDA fundamental beliefs do not call the Sabbath a seal but rather a sign. which is true to the Bible. 

The Sabbath as a seal doctrine is supported by claiming that, based on Romans 4:11, a sign and a seal are the same; consequently, all passages which call the Sabbath a sign can be understood to mean that the Sabbath is a seal. James White called the Sabbath the sealing truth when describing EGW's Dorchester 1848 Dorchester. Joseph Bates publicized it in early 1849.  It is likely that others went fishing in Scripture for proof that the Sabbath was the sealing message. One passage, still used today, is "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples" ( Is. 8:16). 

This passage has nothing to do with the Sabbath. The testimony here referred to is the prophetic witness of Isaiah to King Ahaz regarding an impending attack by the king of Assyria. One need not be a scholar to discern that. Simply looking at the context is enough.  Isaiah 8:20 also refers to the law and testimony. It warns against those who would contradict what Isaiah wrote regarding Assyria.

Those who study Glacier View will read that a very prominent SDA scholar approached Neal Wilson and told him that he was in basic agreement with what Dr .Ford was saying. Neal Wilson reportedly said "That's fine, just don't go public with it." This is not a case of a few ill-informed members holding erroneous opinions. It's an administrative scheme to not "rock the boat." 

[Hanseng]

James White called the Sabbath the sealing truth when describing EGW's Dorchester 1848 Dorchester.

Correction: James White calledthe Sabbaththesealing truthwhendescribing EGW's 1848 Dorchester vision

[Hanseng]

Again: James White called the Sabbath the sealing truth when describing EGW's 1848 Dorchester vision.

[Kevin H]

When Jesus healed the man/2men, when the pigs ran into the sea; they were pagans. They lived in a city where they were to show others how wonderful Greek life is. This was one of 10 Greek cities on the east side of the sea of Galilee and Jordan river, and the entire area was pagan. This was the "far country" that the prodigal son went to. 

These men would have been pagan. They would have known little to nothing of the people with a strange religion down south in Judah and pockets here and there in the north, but all across the lake. They knew very little. They would not have known the Bible. Yet, Jesus sent them to be his first missionaries to the gentiles. I wonder how comfortable we would feel if we could go back in time and attend their meetings? 

[Gustave]

On 3/2/2026 at 10:42 PM, Kevin H said:

When Jesus healed the man/2men, when the pigs ran into the sea; they were pagans. They lived in a city where they were to show others how wonderful Greek life is. This was one of 10 Greek cities on the east side of the sea of Galilee and Jordan river, and the entire area was pagan. This was the "far country" that the prodigal son went to. 

These men would have been pagan. They would have known little to nothing of the people with a strange religion down south in Judah and pockets here and there in the north, but all across the lake. They knew very little. They would not have known the Bible. Yet, Jesus sent them to be his first missionaries to the gentiles. I wonder how comfortable we would feel if we could go back in time and attend their meetings? 

Extremely well said! I'm going to incorporate this into my knowledge base! Humbling! 

[Joe Knapp]

On 3/2/2026 at 7:30 AM, Hanseng said:

 

Those who study Glacier View will read that a very prominent SDA scholar approached Neal Wilson and told him that he was in basic agreement with what Dr .Ford was saying.

There were many in support of Ford. That was the purpose of Glacier View. 

Ford was discredited after that. 

[Hanseng]

1 hour ago, Joe Knapp said:

There were many in support of Ford. That was the purpose of Glacier View. 

Ford was discredited after that. 

Not sure what you mean by those statements. Sounds like you are saying that the purpose of GV was to support Dr. Ford.  Considering that Jack Provonsha was the only one who spoke up in Dr. Ford's behalf, not sure how well that worked out. When you say Dr. Ford was "discredited" what does that mean? Have you heard the interviews Peter Dixon did with GV attendees?

  SDAQ&A: S2: E01 Dr William G. Johnsson (Des Ford/Glacier View 40th Anniversary)

 

[Joe Knapp]

That's an interesting link. Interesting series of interviews. Thank you for posting that.  

[Hanseng]

On 3/2/2026 at 7:30 AM, Hanseng said:

This passage has nothing to do with the Sabbath

Regarding the seal, note John 6:27:  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Does anyone believe that Jesus was sealed by keeping the Sabbath or that God gave him the Sabbath as a sealing truth?

Jesus was sealed in the same way the saints are sealed, by the Holy Spirit: Joh 3:34  For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
 

Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.