THE CULT OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

DECEPTION

 The Cult of Seventh Day Adventist

The Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) have affiliations and are variants of the same cult some of which are: Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement, Davidian SDA (Shepherd’s Rod), Advent Christian Church, Church of God General Conference, Branch Davidian (WACO)

Repeatedly, visitors of this blog have searched for information about the SDA; therefore, we are going to present a more indepth argument in support of this being a cult worthy of your study to persuade anyone you know to leave while there is still time. The Church Age is winding to a close, and once the Tribulation commences, whatever lie prevented individuals from believing the Gospel will be amplified. Thus, it will be far more difficult (some argue impossible) for any who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and rejected it to come unto salvation. As 2 Thes 2:11-13 warns, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

First, a definition in terms is in order: CULT: a sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist …  a group that adheres to certain rites and ceremonies … some mind-control or social threat involved, e.g. Those who attempt to leave cult groups are shunned by members, abandoned and disinherited by their families as though they had never been born. This should be a warning to any who are in a particular group that portrays itself as Christian; yet, demands that one disown their children for departing. Let’s be clear, this is a perversion of the Biblical call for Saints who, once discovering an apostate, are to mark them and have nothing to do with them Rom 16:7 2 Cor 6:14-17.

Origin of 7th Day Aventists

The cofounder of SDA, Ellen G. White (1827-1915), declared that she experienced visions from God, and while she never claimed title of prophetess, others labeled her as such and to this day SDA’s place confidence in upwards of 50,000 pages of text etched by her pen. Formerly known as Millerites, an outgrowth of those who followed a man named William Miller, this 1840s movement which occurred during the 2nd Great Awakening, Miller was disgraced due to his misinterpretation of Daniel 8:14-16, that Jesus Christ would return to earth October 22, 1844 which obviously failed to occur. His miscalculation, derived from his ‘day-year principle‘, an incorrect calculation of: 1 prophetic day = 1 year. Many so-called Millerites abandoned the movement.

Among the SDAs this became known as the “Great Disappointment”. A Millerite, Hiram Edson, no doubt in an attempt to gather followers, claimed Miller misinterpreted Daniel 8:14 which he claimed did not refer to the 2nd Coming, but, rather, to Jesus having to perform a cleansing of the sanctuary about which he wrote a paper, entitled Day-Dawn. In it he declared Daniel’s 2,300 days have Jesus “cleaning the temple” in what Edson referred to as “investigative judgment”, further, he taught 1844 had Jesus entering the ‘holy of holies’ - in heaven - to complete the final atonement for humanity. This is a glaring warning to all Adventists to come out of this cult due to their rejection of the “Finished!” of Calvary, achieved by Christ as propitiation for sin unto all believers throughout all generations that span the Church Age. This fallacious teaching, invigorated the dejected SDA’s who were so disappointed that Jesus did not appear in 1844 - the wind ‘neath their collective wings was sealed by further false teaching from their “prophetess”, so-called. White sealed their loyalty with the following,

“The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith, was the declaration, ‘Unto two thousand three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’”

Thus was White’s misinterpretation of Daniel 8:14, and from this Ellen White wove another deception, “close of probation“, which happened on October 24, 1844, wherein White taught if ANY Adventist had not been through the “Millerite experience” it was too late to be saved. [Common sense would dictate that SDAs ask themselves why they would persist following a ‘religion’ that has already determined salvation is impossible. Clearly indicative of the powerful sway cult leaders hold over their victims.]*

Next arose the Sabbathkeeping, observed by Adventists to this day who hold corporate worship on Saturday believing that doing so “betokens the believer’s inner experience in justification and sanctification“. Of course, the woman with a familiar spirit again penned words to paper, which, apparently, lends veracity to that which so contradicts the Bible:

“Those who are living upon earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle of evil. (The Great Controversy, chap 24)

White taught that all are in a probationary period which will not cease until Christ completes the cleansing of the heavenly throne. This SDA belief remains today:

“Judgment Process” … works of all men are written in ‘books of record’ … during “investigative judgment” (as described in Dan 7:10, Rev 20:12), lives of all professing believers, living and dead, will be examined to determine who is truly worthy of salvation “The books of record in heaven, in which the names and deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment” … the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first believed upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. The judgment will show those who are authentic believers in God from those who are not … “All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardoned entered against their names in the books of heaven; [Listen carefully to how Satan twists words so it almost sounds Biblical…]* as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be counted worthy of eternal life. … On the other hand, “When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, [This is in direct disagreement with Jesus’ promise in Rev 3:5!]* and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God.”

Scripture is clear that no man is capable of keeping the Law; hence, the reason for God donning flesh to die upon a cursed tree, bury and resurrect three days later. All done to purchase sinners from an eternal damnation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ offers hope, which Adventists are robbed of by this false prophet and those who today promote such error. The false prophetess writes, those who “by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice have been pardoned” … yet she then claims any sin that is unconfessed shall result in that name being erased from the Book of Life and duly sent to hell! SDA teaches salvation by works, which is no salvation! Combined with “sabbathkeeping”, it is clear Adventists are trusting in Christ plus their own “righteousness”.

There is no “book of remembrance” taught in Scripture; however, the Scriptures do reference “the books” Dan 7:10 Rev 17:8 Rev 20:12 Rev 20:15, in which the Holy Angels have written the names of all unbelievers detailing every transgression - thought, word or deed. Conversely, the names of the Saints are found in the “Book of Life” Phil 4:3 Rev 3:5 Rev 13:8 Rev 21:27 recorded from the foundation of the world. ALL sin of those reborn in Christ was nailed to the cross. Precisely at the moment of the rebirth, when God adopts that sinner for demonstrating trust in the “Finished!” of Jesus Christ - that soul stands before God covered in the Righteousness of Christ and God views such a one through Christ, sinless.

Biblical Christianity views the Word of God as inerrant, delivered once for all (Jude 3), and concluding with the Book of Revelation. Conversely, while making the same claim, it is negated by the SDA due to the willingness to adhere to the Bible until such time as the  ‘holy spirit’ gives them “new” revelation.

Currently, there are 28 fundamentals of SDA:

“Seventh-day Adventists accept the bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the holy scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church’s understanding and expression of the teaching of scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference Session when the church is led by the holy spirit to a fuller understanding of bible truths or finds better language to express the teachings of god’s holy word.“

It cannot be stressed enough the incredible sway cult leaders hold over adherents, why else would Adventists willfully disregard the admonition of Jesus in Rev 22:18-19? Those self-proclaimed leaders assign to themselves the power to alter the Oracles of God! So blinded are Adventists that they discern no error in the continuing evolution of their fundamentals, nor the fluctuation in totals spanning the past 200 or so years: 1872 - 25; 1931 - 22; 1980 - 27; 2005 to present day - 28 fundamentals.

How much influence did the false prophetess Ellen G. White have on Adventists? Let’s examine some of what is still believed by the group today.

Apparently, Ellen G. White had 3 “visions upon which are founded many of the SDA doctrines. (However C4TF searched for “Bridegroom”, supposedly her 2nd vision and found nothing. Likewise with our search for the 3rd.)

First Vision

In 1844 White claimed:

At this time I was visited by one of our advent sisters, and in the morning we bowed around the family altar. It was not an exciting occasion, and there were but five of us present, all females. While praying the power of God came upon me as I never had felt before, and I was wrapt up in a vision of God’s glory, and seemed to be rising higher and higher from the earth and was shown something of the travels of the Advent people to the holy city…

In this vision she saw the “Advent people” traveling a high and dangerous path toward the city of New Jerusalem [heaven]. Their path was lit from behind by “a bright (light) … which an angel told me was the midnight cry.” According to her vision, some of the travelers grew weary and were encouraged by Jesus; others denied the light, the light behind them went out, and they fell “off the path into the dark and wicked world below.” The vision continued with a portrayal of Christ’s second coming, following which the Advent people entered the New Jerusalem; and ended with White returning to the earth feeling lonely, desolate and longing for that “better world”. (Ellen G White, A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G White, 1851…Ellen G. White, To the Little Remnant Scattered Abroad April 16, 1846)

The Bible is clear that Christians are ushered into the very presence of Jesus Christ at the moment of death (2 Cor 5:8), so there is no danger involved in transitioning from death to eternity! As stated above, there do not appear to be any further “visions”. However, White did not want others viewing her as crazy so she told them of a spiritual confirmation (experience) of her ministry:

While praying, the thick darkness that had enveloped me was scattered, a bright light, like a ball of fire, came towards me, and it fell upon me, my strength was taken away. I seemed to be in the presence of Jesus and the angels. Again it was repeated, “Make known to others what I have revealed to you.” (Ellen G. White, Supernatural Gifts, Vol 2, 1860, p 37)

Great Controversy

A book written by White, The Great Controversy, tells of a cosmic battle between Jesus and Satan. It is from this teaching that SDA’s derive their understanding of the origin of evil. White states in the book:

All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His Law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed by freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, [”adversary”, in this context, erroneously implies that Satan is an evil equivalent to God. Satan is permitted to do nothing unless it first is permitted by God, who created this being.]* and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human rebellion resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the love of God will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends His Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Fundamental #8)

This disturbs because the purpose of the Tribulation is flipped on its head! Mankind is no longer born made in the ‘image of God’, but born with the Adamic nature unless or until God the Father draws such a one to God the Son. The character of God remains intact, and it is the character and heart of man which shall be made plain, because, despite enduring the Wrath of God an overwhelming number of men will refuse to repent and turn to Jesus Christ as they stubbornly persist in worship of self, things and anti-Christ.

Saturday as Acceptable “Sabbath”

Under the New Covenant, Christians have been released from observing the Law of Moses. The observance of the Sabbath, with all its ritual bathing, animal sacrifices and no work requirement (Luke 14:9). Nevertheless, the SDA both deny the Jewish people are God’s Chosen, and refuse the prophetic relevance of the nation of Israel. Sadly, some evangelical churches also adhere to this teaching known as Replacement Theology. As the religious leaders in Jesus’ day, Adventist’s are hopelessly trapped in legalism:

• In keeping the seventh day, believers are not trying to make themselves righteous. Rather, they observe the Sabbath as the result of their relationship with Christ their Creator and Redeemer. Sabbathkeeping is the product of His righteousness in justification and sanctification, signifying, that they have been delivered from the bondage of sin and have received His perfect righteousness.
• … This is the natural fruitage of the righteousness Christ shares with them. He who keeps the Sabbath in this way is not a legalist; for the outward keeping of the seventh day betokens the believer’s inner experience in justification and sanctification. Hence, the true Sabbathkeeper does not refrain from forbidden actions on the Sabbath in order to win God’s favor but because he loves God and wants to make the Sabbath count for the most for closer fellowship with Him.
• … The Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday evening and ends at sunset on Saturday evening (Gen 1:5, Mark 1:32)[1]

How confused they are about the inheritance believers in Jesus Christ were granted by  the New Covenant under which we now live. It is the blood of Christ that justifies us, not which day we gather for corporate worship. Sanctification is a progressive work wrought of the Holy Spirit as we mature in the Lord. Now, a look at the general teachings of the SDA.

The doctrine of the Church

12. Church - The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out of the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, [fundamental #16 is refers to this as “the Eucharist”]* for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith in which Christ Himself is Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. [Again, the SDA believe God is finished with the Jewish people, the nation of Israel and see themselves as “spiritual israel”]*

13. Remnant and Its Mission - [A subheading “Remnant (Adventist) referenced will be denoted following #13]* The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal in this worldwide witness. {These are the verses utilized to lay the claim that SDA are the remnant: Rev 12:17 Rev 14:6-12 Rev 18:1-4 2 Cor 5:10 Jude 3 Jude 14 1 Pet 1:16-19 2 Pet 3:10-14 and Rev 21:1-14} [In Rev 14, God is referring to literal angels who shall announce to the world the imminent Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ at which He shall destroy all unrighteous, the Beast and False Prophet with a word.]*

Remnant (Adventist)

Adventists traditionally attribute this “remnant” to themselves, although some modern SDA’s speak of a remnant message with less emphasis on the remnant as an institution. [Being more inclusive ensures the ability to deceive more people and increase membership. A deflective approach, much like the Mormons (a.k.a. Latter Day Saints). The LDS, while recruiting converts, point to the Bible; however, increasingly during their home visits they use the Book of Mormon casting the Scripture aside.]* A distinct but related concept is the eschatological remnant, which will be manifested shortly prior to the second coming of Jesus. The “remnant church” is understood to act as a cataclyst for the formation of this group. The eschatological group will consist of some (but not all) constituents of the present “remnant church”, together with a cohort of believers from other (non-SDA) only these will be saved through the end times.

Another portion of Scripture that is unique to the Jews is claimed by the Adventists as applying to themselves: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, [Israel]* and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [Jews]* which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev 12:17) This is poor exegesis, as “the remnant of her seed” references the Jews (cf Rev 14:1-5; Isa 1:9; Rom 11:5), and, “keep the commands of God” is speaking to the Jewish people living during the Tribulation (cf Rev 14:12; Ex 19:1; Gal 3:1-29). This confirms the SDA’s firm stance on replacement theology.

18. The Gift of Prophecy -  One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. With visions she claimed to have had came instructions which led to administrative changes, messages of encouragement or rebuke to particular members, and played a major role in development of doctrine. A 2002 worldwide survey found that an estimated an 81% of SDA believe “The writings of Ellen White are an authority of the Adventist Church today”, and an estimated 50% believe reinterpretation is needed is needed for today.[3]

Christ and the Archangel Michael

SDA’s identify Jesus Christ as being the Archangel Michael in Jude 9 and Rev 12:7, and Michael the great prince in Dan 12:1. Adventists view Jesus as the ‘chief of angels’, explaining it in the following way:

“In the Old West, black slaves, escaping bondage in the South, joined up with Native American tribes. Some of these black Africans became clan chiefs. They held the title Indian chief, but they weren’t Indian.” (Morris Venden, 1984, sermon Oregon Conference of SDAs Campmeeting)

In a similar way, Jesus held the title of chief of the angels bringing messages from God, but with His full divinity retained: “We believe that the term “Michael” is but one of the many titles applied to the Son of God, the second person of the Godhead. But such a view does not in any way conflict with our belief in His full deity and eternal pre-existence, nor does it least disparage His person and work.” (Seventh Day Adventist Answer Questions to Doctrine, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 1957. Chapter 8, “Christ, and Michael the Archangel”)

Blasphemy! Jesus Christ is a member of the Triune Godhead and He created the angelic being, the Archangel Michael.

• And is made so much more excellent than the Angels, inasmuch as he hath obtained a more excellent Name than they. For unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day begat I thee? and again, I will be his Father, and he shall be my Son. And again, when he bringeth in his first begotten Son into the world, he saith, And let all the Angels of God worship him. And of the Angels he saith, He maketh the spirits his messengers, and his ministers a flame of fire.
• But unto the Son he saith, O God, thy throne is forever, and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a scepter of righteousness. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness, above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast established the earth, and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou dost remain, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment, And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
• Unto which also of the Angels said he at any time, Sit at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for their sakes which shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:4-14

Creation

Not only do SDA’s relegate Christ to the category of angels - who, incidentally, NEVER accepted worship - but they further demonstrate schizophrenia by on the one hand not believing in the ordination of women yet following a deceived woman who clearly had a familiar spirit. They blaspheme His account of Creation in Genesis by adhering to White’s teaching, and we quote, “… believing there are worlds populated by intelligent beings elsewhere in the universe, which pre-existed earth and are untainted by sin.” (E.G. White, Early Writings, pp 39-40):

The ‘heavens’ of Genesis 1 and 2 probably refer to our sun and its system of planets. Indeed, the earth, instead of being Christ’s first creation, was most likely His last one. The Bible pictures the sons of God, probably the Adams of the unfallen worlds, meeting with God in some distant corner of the universe (Job 1:6-12). So far, space probes have discovered no other inhabited planets. They apparently are situated in the vastness of space - well beyond the reach of our sin-polluted solar system quarantined against the infection of sin. (Seventh Day Adventists Believe, A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines, 1988, Ministerial Association, General Conference of SDA, chapter 6 “creation”.)

The Scapegoat

This is the belief that azazel, the scapegoat, is a symbol of Satan. They believe that in the judgment Satan will have to bear responsibility for the sin of Christians, [based on a misinterpretation of the high priest’s use of scapegoat to carry the sins of the Jewish people out of the city for another year on the Day of Atonement.]* (Seventh Day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 1957, Chap 34: Meaning of azazel and Translation of scapegoat.[5]

Dear Adventist - if nothing but the previous can shake you out of this deception sit down and hear Salvation was accomplished by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary for ALL who faith upon Him, accepting His sacrifice as propitiation for sin! SATAN is the ENEMY of every man, woman, boy and girl born again and covered by the Blood of the Lamb and he is powerless over them. He hates us because God loves us.

Soul Sleep

SDA’s believe in annihilationism, which teaches the unrighteous will be destroyed at the return of Christ and reject the Biblical teaching of eternal torment in hell, and, later, the Lake of Fire. This teaching is the doctrine of conditional immorality, the belief that our soul is not immortal unless it is given eternal life. An annihilationist believes God will destroy or annihilate the wicked, granting immortality only to the righteous. There is a variation among those who adhere to this teaching, some hold God will first torment the wicked in the Lake of Fire and then annihilate them, and others view hell as a false doctrine which originated in paganism.[4]

This is a direct contradiction of the Scripture! God’s Word is clear to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). Paul was very clear to die was gain (Phil 1:21), because we will immediately be in the presence of the King. Conversely, the Lord Jesus spoke to the judgment of the wicked: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels … And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt 25:41 Matt 25:46) “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15).

Ellen G. White is said to have plagiarised other authors with regard to dietary advice. Should you be interested in investigating this further, please see: The White Lie by Walter T. Rea, and Ellen White: Prophetess of Health by Ronald Number.

Dietary restrictions are but further evidence of legalism, a clear indicator that one has not been set free in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s examine what happened to Peter whilst sitting atop a rooftop in Israel.

On the morrow as they went on their journey, and drew near unto the city, Peter went up upon the house to pray, about the sixth hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten: but while they made something ready, he fell into a trance.

And he saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel came down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at the four corners, and was let down to the earth. Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and creeping things, and fowls of the heaven. And there came a voice to him, Arise, Peter: kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord: for I have never eaten anything that is polluted or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, The things that God hath purified, pollute thou not. This was so done thrice: and the vessel was drawn up again into heaven. (Acts 10:9-16)

God gave man dominion over the earth and the creatures on both land and in water for food. There are no dietary restrictions, we are Commanded to give thanks for all things and pray thanks for the provisions of God.

Notes:

1. http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/27/27-19.htm#22
   
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_in_the_Seventh-day_Adventist_Church
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Fundamentals
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annihilationism
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_G._White#Second_and_third_visions

harpazo2home @ November 24, 2009