| Author |
Message |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 5581
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 7:35 pm: |     |
I agree. The fact I keep returning to is that Adsventism is not built on apostolic Christianity. It was born in Arianism and Gnosticism. It grew out of old, classic heresiesóand it has cloaked itself in evangelical coverings. Even though the leaves and branches of the Adventist tree intermingle with those growing out of the trunk of apostolic Christianity, if you follow those branches backward down their trunk you'll discover that they are rooted in the Arianism of the founders and gnosticism of new light added to the NT gospel. Because it is rooted in heresy, its essence is different even if its surface looks very similar.
I agree with Mary: "I do think it is possible to be saved even while not yet freed from a false religion. Jesus does not leave us there though. He draws us out." And I agree with Erma that I can't risk political correctness and stay quiet about this. I cannot in good conscience assume that Adventists are brothers and sisters in Christ. Some areóbut those will have an increasing cognitive dissonance that will eventually cause them to place their trust in Christ alone.
Jeremy, good pointówe can't put their condition out of our minds just because they claim to be believers. I believe that God is asking me to pray for their salvation from deception and dishonesty. I KNOW it takes years, oftenóand that's OK. But I still know that while inside Adventism, there is still a blindness as to Who Jesus really is. To an Adventist, Jesus is "less than" God the Father.
As I look back on my own experience, I did not really know Jesus as He wasóbut He knew me. He knew I wanted to know Himóand He drew me to Himself. I can only say, "Thank-you, Jesus!"
Colleen |
Patriar
Registered user
Username: Patriar
Post Number: 296
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 9:16 pm: | |
Colleen:
You said:
"It grew out of old, classic heresiesóand it has cloaked itself in evangelical coverings. Even though the leaves and branches of the Adventist tree intermingle with those growing out of the trunk of apostolic Christianity, if you follow those branches backward down their trunk you'll discover that they are rooted in the Arianism of the founders and gnosticism of new light added to the NT gospel. Because it is rooted in heresy, its essence is different even if its surface looks very similar."
That's so much more poetic than "the lingo is the same." Do you mind if I borrow it?
For my two cent's worth. I read in another thread something that was incredibly profound and I believe is useful for conversation of this nature with current Adventists. I don't remember who said it..maybe Bobj? But they said, just ask them to share their testimony of what Jesus is to them. Wow! That brought me to tears. It seems to me that a person with a saving faith would want to shout it from the mountaintops as often and as loud as possible! I don't think I know more than two or three current Adventists who could actually articulate that. Usually when I even say the name Jesus, most will get embarassed and change the subject as quickly as possible. I believe there's no way for us to know for certain who's saved or not, but if they can't talk about Jesus without being embarassed or outright annoyed, there's a serious problem...saved or not!
So...my point is... well I can't remember. I got lost in my monologue. BUT, the question you posed is one I've wrestled with often. Not for judging's sake, but out of a need to understand them and where they're at.
Patria |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 5584
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 9:47 pm: | |
Ha! Patria, I always liked your "the lingo is the same"! But feel free to use whatever you wish!
You make a very good point about the discomfort when Jesus is mentioned. Saved or not, the lack of centrality of and comfort with Jesus signals a serious problem.
I still can't get over the fact that it's possible to know and love Him! I am so thankful for His faithfulness.
Colleen |
Patriar
Registered user
Username: Patriar
Post Number: 297
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 8:46 am: | |
It still brings and I hope always will bring me to my knees in tears of gratefulness and adoration. It's pure "God wisdom" to be able to understand that absolute security in my salvation drives me to worship and honor Him with my lifestyle.
Patria |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 5587
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 11:51 am: | |
So well said, Patria.
Colleen |
Gcfrankie
Registered user
Username: Gcfrankie
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 10:12 am: | |
I am new to the forum. I was reading an article about ego and the author brought up some good points. He quoted 1Cor.15:31, when John said "I die daily." I had read this many times and did not equate it to ego. I know there are many people in the Advestist Religion who sincerely and whole heartly believe in Jesus Christ. I feel Satan uses their ego to keep them rooted in the Advestist teachings that they are the only true remnent church. It has taken me many years to see and understand this. It is not easy to set aside our ego and I praise God for slowly lifting the veil of my ego and opening my eyes. We can only pray that God will open their eyes as we love them and and try to point out the errors of EGW's teaching. |
Grace_alone
Registered user
Username: Grace_alone
Post Number: 503
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 12:06 pm: | |
Welcome Gcfrankie! You're among friends. Please share your story when you're ready.
You make such a good point about Adventist ego. I was just talking to my husband about that last week when he told me how hard it was to apologise for things when you're the "remnant". That infringes on forgiveness and love for others. That a whole other can of worms!
Leigh Anne |
Helovesme2
Registered user
Username: Helovesme2
Post Number: 890
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 2:19 pm: | |
Welcome Gcfrankie!
I look forward to hearing more of your story.
Blessings,
Mary |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 5599
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 4:12 pm: | |
Welcome, GCFrankie! I'm glad you're here! We'd love to hear more from you, and I share your gratitude to God for lifting the veil and revealing Himself.
I agree that ego plays a huge part in being unable to see truth when God first presents it to us. It is not a problem unique to Adventism, by any means. I believe ego is one of the things God continually asks us to surrender at the foot of the cross.
Thanks for your observations!
Colleen |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 3509
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 5:58 pm: | |
GCFrankie,
Welcome to FAF.
Diana |
River
Registered user
Username: River
Post Number: 639
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 6:10 pm: | |
Welcome GCFrankie,
Your among friends.
River |
Mwh
Registered user
Username: Mwh
Post Number: 554
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 1:20 pm: | |
A big welcome to you GCFrankie, Hope you will be blessed here and feel at home.
In Jesus,
Martin |
