| Author | Message | ||
| Abundantrest Registered user Username: Abundantrest Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2005 |
Here is a copy of a rough draft I have put together. I guess this will help you understand where I am at in my understanding of the scriptures. I have edited the letter to protect the innocent ;-). Again, this is a draft and has not been distributed to anyone as of yet... "Subject: Diversity of Doctrines ñ An Open Letter to SDA Friends Dear Friend, There are several reasons why I am writing today. These reasons are outlined below. Following these brief descriptions, I will close the body of this letter. Attached you will find a page of statements and references to document the issues enumerated below. I sincerely hope that you will take the time to read the references, but I know that many of you will not. Diversity of Doctrines: 1. I do not believe that there is a distinction made by Paul regarding the ceremonial law and the moral law (or Ten Commandments) from Sinai. Either they are all still valid for us today, or none of them apply as a legal requirement. Based on multiple New Testament passages of scripture, I find them to hold no authority over the new covenant believer. 2. The Investigative Judgment and interpretation of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8 is in direct opposition to statements made in Hebrews regarding Jesusí ministry as our High Priest. These doctrines were conceived after the great disappointment of 1844 to bolster the faith of the ëlittle flockí, but have become stumbling stone and a rock of offense to the Gospel of Christ. 3. The writings and ministry of E.G. White are tainted with great deception and a decided lack of Christian ethics. Based on numerous issues including plagiarism, failed prophecies, and failure to live her own health message, I can no longer hold to the position that she was anything other than a false prophet. Based on the four issues listed above, it will be obvious to you that I am no longer in agreement with many of the fundamental doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Because of the conflict of my beliefs on these issues with the established doctrines of the church, I believe it is necessary at this time to find another body of believers with which to fellowship. Please be assured that this has not been an easy path to follow. My prayers are with you all, that God will lead you into the path of righteousness for His nameís sake. In His Service, STATEMENTS AND REFERENCES 1. There is no distinction made between the ceremonial law and the moral law throughout the Bible. The New Testaments refer to ìthe lawî in itís entirety. Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the law, and once we are born again we are no longer under the law of sin and death. References: Mt. 5:17-18; Mt. 26:56; Jn. 19:30; Gal. 2:16-21; Gal. 3:19, 24-25; Gal. 4:21-31; Gal. 5:18; Col. 2:10-17 (note that ëdaysí does not appear in the greek text); Col. 2:20-23; 1 Tim. 4:4-5; Romans chapter 14, esp. v. 5 & 14. 2. Daniel 8:14 cannot be shown to definitely link to the vision of Daniel 9. In addition, the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment goes directly against the book of Hebrews and Paulís doctrine of Righteousness by Faith. Use of the Hebrew word ëmarehí ñ This has been used as a long-standing link between chapters 8 and 9 of Daniel, to conclude that the 2300 days begins at the same time as the seventy weeks. However, I cannot find any documentation outside of Adventist apologetics showing the use of the word in Daniel 8:13. In fact, the word ëmarehí appears 105 times in the Old Testament, and 14 times in Daniel alone. None of these occurrences is in Daniel chapter 8, and the word is actually translated as ëcountenanceí and ëappearanceí more times than ëvisioní. References: Strongís Bible Concordance and Dictionary; King James Old Testament; Hebrew Tanach In addition, the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment contradicts the book of Hebrews. Please note carefully that in the following passage, read in context, it is very evident that Jesus entered the Holy of Holies at His ascension and sits at the right hand of God the father. He did not wait until1844 to enter the Holy of Holies. References: Hebrews chapter 9, specifically verses 7, 24 and 25. 3. Ellen G. White knowingly played the part of a false prophet. She plagiarized the majority of her concepts and many of her most eloquent statements from contemporary authors of her time. In addition, she made several very plain prophecies that have utterly failed to come to pass. Last but not least, she failed to live by the health reform message she advocated for over half of her life. References of ìinspiredî plagiarism (by no means exhaustive): T3:141 vs Philosophy of Health, pp 144-145 (1849) SM1:27 vs. Night Scenes in the Bible, pp 88 (1869) T3:455 vs Night Scenes in the Bible, pp. 88-89 (1869) 1T:15 vs. The Great Teacher, pp. 158-160 (1842) References of failed prophecies: 1T:131-132; References of failure of health reform: 4T:435; Letter 16, 1882; SpM:81;" That about sums it up at this point. There are other obvious implications from my studies that are not listed, but these are the main doctrinal points that I currently contend with. Others, well, thats a subject for another post. I would appreciate any and all input on my letter. God Bless. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1801 Registered: 3-2004  |
Well written, Abundantrest. I pray that to whom ever you send it, God will use it to His honor and Glory. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2430 Registered: 12-2003  |
Great letter, Abundanrest. Praise God for His clarity! Colleen | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 123 Registered: 3-2005 |
Abundantrest: Good letter! It is well thought-out and you articulate. Can I copy?!? LOL  Thanks for sharing! Patria | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2005 |
Abundatrest, A great, easily understandable letter that actually helped clarify a couple points for me! Since I still am involved in adventism somewhat, I will answer your request for imput from an "almost" inside perspective. Typically, when someone I have known leaves the adventist church, there is little said at all. What is usally mentioned is the docrinal differences. I think of those who I was close to who left in the past, and I just figured they were victims of false teachings or leaders! ( a bit ironic I know). I know the ONLY thing that attracted me to study for myself was the EVIDENCE of Christ indwelling in someone, and the resulting fruits of the Spirit. Claims of false prophets, or doctrinal errors or deception or culthood just produced defensiveness in me. Two people from this site, Carol F. and Jerry G., were an exception to this, and I saw peace and joy in them, and contacted them with my questions! While I loved your statements presented in such a clear way, I would suggest that somewhere in your letter you would include the positive aspects of your walk with Jesus, and what an understanding of these doctrinal issues has meant to you in your spiritual walk. I appreciate all the work you put into your letter, and may "plagiarize" (lol) a bit myself if you dont mind. | ||
| Abundantrest Registered user Username: Abundantrest Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2005 |
No problem javagirl. Copy away ... they say one of the highest forms of flattery is plagiarizm ... although in EGW case, I don't think it was flattery, just outright deception. Thanks for the points abount including positive aspects as well. Well taken. I will re-post when I get the final copy together for everyone to give feedback. Thanks to you all for your feedback thus far on this open letter project. | ||
| Tisha Registered user Username: Tisha Post Number: 122 Registered: 3-2005 |
Well written! One small "error" - in the fourth paragraph under Diversity of Doctrines you mention four issues and I see only three! Will there be a fourth? I do agree with Javagirl about mentioning something about your newfound walk with Jesus (or however you see the positive aspect of leaving the SDA Church). I think my best witness has been when I speak of the JOY and PEACE I've found post SDAism. However, I do want the SDA's to know that I have come to understand the error being taught by the SDA Church as well. I want them to know that I have STUDIED my way out and that it isn't a step I took lightly. It it the correct understanding of what the Bible says that has LIBERATED me and brought me such JOY and PEACE. So I would include both parts! And I too would love to plagerize from your letter, if I may. tisha | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 348 Registered: 10-2000 |
Dear Abundantrest, That is a wonderfully well written open letter. I am wondering if in this paragraph: "1. There is no distinction made between the ceremonial law and the moral law throughout the Bible. The New Testaments refer to ìthe lawî in itís entirety. Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the law, and once we are born again we are no longer under the law of sin and death. References: Mt. 5:17-18; Mt. 26:56; Jn. 19:30; Gal. 2:16-21; Gal. 3:19, 24-25; Gal. 4:21-31; Gal. 5:18; Col. 2:10-17 (note that ëdaysí does not appear in the greek text); Col. 2:20-23; 1 Tim. 4:4-5; Romans chapter 14, esp. v. 5 & 14." That somewhere in those Scriptures could also be added these in order to show precisely that the 10 (ten) were included. This would altogether show which Law Paul is speaking about along with the rest of the Law. These Scriptures here: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Especially that of verses 7-9 I don't know if that is at all helpful for your letter, however, I do know that for myself, it was the most powerful argument against the Law as a Written Code to abide by. This was the chapter wherein it dealt with the 10 Commandments in such a precise way as to actually state "...which was engraged in letters on stone........" I could no longer argue with the Bible upon reading that Chapter in 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 beginning especially with verse 7 onward. Submitted with respect and thankfulness, In Christ our Living King Jesus. denise | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 349 Registered: 10-2000 |
Dear Abundantrest, Once again I write to you in order to perhaps slightly revise what I had just sent. Perhaps if the verses in 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 beginning with verse 3 onwards would be more apt. The entire Chapter is excellent of course, however in setting before their eyes which Law Paul is including i.e. the 10 Commandments, then backing up a few verses might help for therein we have it thrice stated which Law Paul is speaking about. In verse 3 it states in part ".......not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." In verse 6 it states in part "...not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." And of course beginning in verse 7 wherein it states in part: "Now if the ministry that brought death, WHICH WAS ENGRAVED IN LETTERS ON STONE....." Prayfully this is helpful and not a hindrance to what you have in mind. In Christ, our Lord Jesus. denise | ||
| Abundantrest Registered user Username: Abundantrest Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2005 |
Denise, Thank you for your input! Those are indeed excellent scriptures to include, and may just do that! Tisha - thanks for the correction! There was originally four issues that I brought up, but pulled one because I did not think that it actually was a reason to leave the church fellowship. Thanks again to all for your feedback! |
