Re: beef?...!

Beej,

When I studied with SDA's I met many kind, loving, sincere people, like you. However, I met so many who said just what you did...that they were still 'trying' to be saved. They believed their salvation depended on how ~perfectly~ they kept the law, especially the Sabbath. They never had the assurance of their salvation. The group I was with was far more focused on the Sabbath, rather than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel was not discussed. What was discussed were Sabbath do's and don'ts, soul sleep, Sunday is the mark of the beast, vegetarianism -- plus we were taught drinking coffee and tea was a sin, and the many writings and prophecies of Ellen White. As I said, the Gospel was not mentioned. They didn't understand that we are saved to DO good works, we're not saved BY our good works. They didn't understand that good works are the FRUIT of our salvation, NEVER the ROOT of our salvation.

You say that you don't 'teach SDA', you teach 'the Sabbath'. I've seen you teaching SDA doctrines such as soul sleep, annhilationism, Michael the archangel is a title for Christ, Sunday worship is the mark of the beast, the Sabbath, etc. These are SDA teachings. Whether or not they are Biblical the way you (and the SDA church) teach them is very debatable. (And I don't want to debate you on these issues.) I've settled them in my heart a long time ago through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. I do respect your convictions, although we disagree.

I invite you to explore Des Ford's ministry, which is all about bringing the Gospel to the world. For many SDA's, Des Ford's ministry is first time they came to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Like you, Des Ford is a Sabbatarian, but he knows that he is saved by looking to Jesus Christ and His righteousness, NOT by how ~perfectly~ he can keep the Sabbath, and ALL other aspects of the law.

Des Ford's Website: http://www.goodnewsunlimited.org

Sadly, there is a split in Seventh Day Adventism. Des Ford tried to bring the truth of the Gospel from within the SDA Church, and he was defrocked for it. Now his ministry works from the outside, but he is proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of God is setting people free.

The Walter Martin-Des Ford interview I posted is an excellent example of two men who have serious theological differences, but they remain united on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe everyone can learn much from those messages, especially the kindred spirit of brotherhood between these two men who have so many significant theological differences. The only safe alliance to make with another is around the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is building on the solid Rock of Jesus Christ.

http://www.waltermartin.com/realaudio.html

For anyone interested, here is another link to an excellent sermon on the Sabbath, from a New Testament perspective:

http://www.twincityfellowship.com/archive.php (scroll down to 7-31 True Sabbath Keeping)

I will say this of my Seventh Day Adventist friends. The main thing they taught me was how utterly incapable I am of perfectly keeping the law--ALL of the law, and how much I needed a Savior. I am so thankful for the power of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't praise my Savior enough for what He has done for me!!! I will forever proclaim Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.



For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Ro 10:3-4 Tweet