If you are a Christian, what gives you the assurance that you follow and share the true gospel? If you answer is "the church" or "my pastor" or "I've been going to this church since I was a child and my grandparents went to the same church... few generations surely can't be wrong"... you could be deceived and not even know it. The true test of doctrine and belief is the bible itself. Before you make a conscientious decision to follow certain teachings and pass them on to others, it is your obligation to test them to the Word of God.
Having been a victim of doctrinal deception myself, because of blind trust and pure laziness, I made it my mission to encourage people to study their bibles. If you are willing to spend the time with the Word, inevitably you will have some questions at certain point. When this happens you can go ask your pastor for assistance, but don't let this be your only resource. This is the mistake most people make. Instead, research the topic as widely as you can, don't limit yourself to the opinion of one person or the interpretation of one denomination. And whatever claims you find, test them to the bible, the ultimate indicator of truth.
I pray that the Holy Spirit prepares your heart as you read the following article by Dr. Philip Moreno, who is my brother in Christ and partner in preaching the gospel.
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The SDA church - A Jesus people
by Dr. Philip E. J. Moreno
Many Seventh-day Adventists pride in declaration that they are the true followers of Jesus, and this is mainly to give credence to their stand regarding their adherence to the Jewish 10 commandments in general and the Sabbath commandment in particular, which they say was upheld and taught by Jesus.
The well worn and over-quoted verses like John 14:15 and Matthew 5:17-18 are their proof that Jesus taught that these laws still exist notwithstanding the fact that these verses reveal a different truth from what they claim.
Does this group of Christians really adhere to everything that Jesus said and taught or does their claim stand on these two verses only but disregards the other truths that Jesus taught? Let’s check Jesus’ “commandments” and compare them with the SDA church doctrines.
"Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.)" (Mk7:18,19)
Do the SDA believe and obey this teaching of Jesus? No. Instead they would argue that Jesus was referring to the tradition of washing dishes and insist that there are unclean foods that can keep one from being saved. At this point I am starting to believe that their exegesis is a desperate move to keep their doctrine on food credible.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged; he has crossed over from death to life.” (Jn5:24)
Do the SDA believe Jesus regarding this truth about the judgment? Again, no. They have an incredible doctrine that states that at present there is an investigative judgment going on in heaven, which is specifically for God’s professed children.
“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.” (Luke16:16)
The SDA’s believe that the law and the prophets are still binding and are part of the gospel, hence they still proclaim it and make more of a fuss of it than the true gospel [Jesus’ death and our salvation].
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matt7:1)
This commandment from Jesus is ignored in the many doctrines of the SDA church. They have judged that those who worship on Sunday, eat ‘unclean’ food, wear jewelry, drink alcoholic beverages, go to movie houses, etc will not be saved. They have a church manual that is full of judgments for every conceivable sin and erring members are either kicked out of the church or placed under probation. A very judgmental people indeed.
The verses above plus many more are proof that the SDA church has doctrines that actually contradict Jesus’ commandments, and in a sense can be considered anti-Jesus Christ. Are they truly a Jesus people?
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Published with the permission of Dr. Philip E. J. Moreno
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1 comment:
Dear brother: When you quote the words from Matthew 7: 1 concerning the judging of others, I fear you have taken a general stand, that is contrary to the thought of these words. You must also understand, that the Saviour also told mankind that we MUST judge, but this is to be done righteously (John 7: 24). If I were to continue in your present mode of thought and illogicality, I would have to throw out the sayings of the Messiah, because we have come to loggerheads upon judging.
Dear brother: One cannot take such an approach upon modes of thought, calling opposites illogical and thus not of GOD the Creator. I am not to allow my bottom to sit upon the Judgment Seat of the Creator, for in doing so I become the Lawmaker, and not one who walks in the Law.
However, Matthew 18: 15 - 18 binds me to speak with one who has sinned against me, but how can I so do, unless I ascertain the validity of this matter by judging righteous judgment concerning this one, with the Spirit's assistance?
You may have seen this before, and not given it proper thought, but I seek not your changing your present position, brother, but rather, I seek the eternal destiny of your being, as a fellow brother and son of the Father in Messiah.
Please reply to my words, and let us as brothers & sons, choose to remain so into the future of this present manner of things, so that you now have in your life, someone who seeks not to steady the cause of Adventism, neither desires that you remain outside it that you keep a linchpin in the way of Evangelicalism, but only that you have a Christian man you know not, with no hidden agendas, but one who purely seeks your soul!
Brother, there is a world of sharp "freedom" that encompasses one, as he comes away from any semblance of truth; also known as "the enchanted ground" of the Liar! Please adhere to Him Who now speaks to your heart in that hidden place only you are aware of, for this touch, you well understand as that of Him Whom I love. This address is brotherjim01atyahoo.com, and you need a true friend, right now. I have been where you are, and there is a way that seems right unto a you right now, but the things thereof, are the ways of death (Proverbs 16: 25). You will not ever be an Adventist any longer dear brother, for you are correct in coming out of her, but you have been led to err unreasonably, so please let us walk together, the path He has asked that I reach out to touch you, so there will be no longer the feeling of being tossed to and fro, but you shall know a solid foundation again, which leads unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb for us both, my love!
Jim
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