| Author | Message | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2005 |
I was doing a search on Internet for the official Adventist position on the Seal of God vs the Mark of the Beast. One reference was Ellen White's Testimonies, Vol 5, p 214-215 I am shocked that I used to actually believe this stuff! "Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. ..." "Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God,, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. ..." "Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost." This is so twisted, so as to be beyond belief! The Holy Spirit, which God's Word says is the Seal of God, is what perfects our characters -- not our own efforts. The truth, mixed with error, is what makes this logic so insidious. Thank you, God, for rescuing me from this twisted logic, and dying on the cross so that I might receive eternal life, and for your precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Gilbert | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 840 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dear Gilbert, I will also agree with you. The thought of having to remember every sin I've ever committed in order to confess it and ask forgiveness for it is daunting. In Adventism, that is the first step. After that we have to overcome every inclination to sin. What, by the way, is the "soul temple"? If the soul is the breath, then are we to cleanse our lungs? (Just pointing out an inconsistency made by Dear Ellen.) I'm with you, I'd much rather invite the Holy Spirit in to take over the job of sanctification for me. All that is required of me is a heartfelt assent that Jesus' blood is sufficient to cover all of my wrongs, and with my mouth I will forever be willing to confess that sufficiency. I am forever sealed by the Holy Spirit and now I have eternal life and a place in Heaven with my Lord and Master Jesus the Christ. This covering in Greek is called Hilasterion (sp?), and it is the word form which we get the word hilarious. It is so appropriate because giving up efforting for my salvation and accepting the free gift of grace instead brings about a sense of joy that is like bubbly laughter and glee. It is such a relief to turn that job over to someone (Jesus) who knows how to do it! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3125 Registered: 12-2003  |
Amen, Gilbert and Belva! Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2153 Registered: 3-2004  |
I agree, AMEN, Gilbert and Belva. Diana | ||
| Tisha Registered user Username: Tisha Post Number: 170 Registered: 3-2005 |
I just talked with my Aunt who was a very conservative, historical SDA, left the SDA Church for many years, and now is back, but I'm not sure of how she stands with Historic SDAism. I do know she believes in EGW completely and lives in a self-supporting community that promotes a "healthy" lifestyle. I've shared with her my journey out of the SDA Church and my new understanding of Grace. She is at least willing to dialogue with me! So, last night in our phone conversation she said that it is great to know that "we are saved by grace, and only need to believe in Jesus Christ and that his death save us". I was thrilled to hear her say that until she added "of course, we must obey Him also if we want to go to heaven". I just wanted to cry. She is such a dear person to me. She is so wanting to "do the right thing", even going to the extreme in dress, diet, etc. She really does have a love of the Lord. I just wish she could have peace also. She wants to witness and she isn't afraid to share her ideas - to a fault if one is easily offended! But I see her as a dear old lady that just wants everyone to come to the Lord. It's so sad that she can say an almost perfect definition of Grace, and then discount it all by talking about obedience (meaning works). She "works" so hard! I keep her in my prayers, and I know she prays for me (and my family) also. She may be surprised at how her prayers are answered! -tisha | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3143 Registered: 12-2003 |
Tisha, it is so sad--not only for your aunt but also for you as you hear her speak of grace and then add that last obedience requirement! Prayer, though, is more powerful than her deception. Colleen |
