In the last installment in this series of articles, we considered the Bible’s view of the nature of sin in contrast to the published viewpoint of Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine (hereafter, Questions on Doctrine) on the matter. We found that the Bible’s definition of sin is “the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4), which Ellen G. White calls “our only definition of sin” (1). We also found that the Bible teaches that one is only held accountable for their sin if they “know...to do good, and doeth it not” (James 4:17; cf. John 9:41; 15:22, 24; Acts 17:30; Romans 7:7).
Read MoreRecycled Myths about Youth and the Church
Some might wonder, aloud or otherwise, what business a man in his fifties has writing about youth-related issues. The answer may lie in the timeless wisdom of Solomon’s pronouncement that “the thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9).
Read MoreRighteousness by Faith and the Questions on Doctrine Controversy, Part II: What is “Sin”?
“… He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Read MoreFinishing the Work & the Three Angels’ Message
At the present time it is imperative for us, as God’s remnant people, to be active in finishing the work in these last days. As the world is becoming more chaotic and corrupt, it is time to wake up and share the gospel, the Three Angels’ Messages, to people around the world.
Read MoreUniversal Legal Justification: Do The Inspired Writings Teach It?
For a number of years now, a theory known as “universal legal justification” has been making the rounds among devout Seventh-day Adventists. In short, this theory teaches that on Calvary’s cross, Jesus didn’t simply die for the whole human race—something we all believe—thus providing for all a way of salvation should they meet the prescribed conditions found in Scripture. Rather, this “universal justification” theory insists that Christ legally justified the whole human race when He died on Calvary.
Read MoreWorld Church Affirmation Sabbath Holds First Gathering
World Church Affirmation Sabbath held its first gathering on May 20, 2017.The gathering was held simultaneously at Chewelah and Stateline churches for the northern and southern parts of the Upper Columbia Conference respectively. Those present were united in support of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, its message, and its leadership.
Read MoreOf Butchers and Surgeons
Butchers and surgeons have one thing in common. Both make their living with a knife. The difference is that while the one cuts to kill, the other cuts to heal.
Read MoreThe Pope Tells Trump What To Do
Now that the meeting between President Trump and Pope Francis has concluded, there are important observations to make.
Read MoreDonald Trump Meets Pope Francis
The President of the United States will soon continue a now well-established practice of meeting the leader of Roman Catholicism at his magnificent world headquarters, Vatican City. The eyes of the world’s press will be watching closely, because on the surface at least, the two leaders appear to have little in common—religiously, politically, or personally. There will be a certain soap opera appeal to at least some observers. A brash, outspoken, even belligerent American President will meet a gentle pontiff who visits the poor in their homes and calls for peace and unity.
Read MoreFive Popular Myths about Last Generation Theology
In certain circles of contemporary Adventism, what has come to be known in recent years as Last Generation Theology has become an epithet. Punctuated with quotation marks, dismissive scorn, and the taint of implied extremism, this belief is noted by certain ones as an example of a thought system which Biblically informed, theologically mature, and spiritually balanced Adventists should rightfully shun.
Read MoreA House Divided Shall Fall
The year was 73 B.C. Rome was stirred with the news of a vast gladiator army running free through the Italian countryside. For centuries the Romans had held gladiator competitions, pitting men against animals as well as other men. Gladiators were usually drawn from slaves, people whom the Romans captured in their various conquests. Today one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments of Rome are the remains of the Roman Colosseum, where perhaps thousands perished in the name of blood sport.
Read MoreMembers to Affirm World Church
World Church Affirmation Sabbath (also known as WCAS) is set to strongly affirm connection with the Seventh-day Adventist world church in meetings to be held on May 20, 2017.
Read MoreThree Co-Eternal Persons
Anti-Trinitarianism is starting again to make headway in certain circles of conservative Adventism. Typically, those drawn to these views adhere to—or find themselves attracted to—one or both of the following theories: 1) That Jesus, at some distant point in eternity past, was brought forth (or begotten) by the Father. 2) That the Holy Spirit is not a separate divine Person, but is rather the spiritual presence of the Father and the Son.
Read MoreThe Freeway, Speeding Tickets, and God’s Grace
As we drive down the freeway, street or road, we see signs which tell us the speed limit is 65, 55, 45, or 35 miles per hour, or whatever those who seem to know have determined is the maximum safe speed for that roadway. It's a law that should be obeyed. Most of us, however, take it for granted that the officer whose duty it is to help us obey that law will give us 4 or 5 over that limit before stopping us and writing a speeding ticket. We are assuming, and counting on, a certain amount of grace before the penalty is given.
Read MoreMessage and Mission
The fear that religious controversy inside the church holds the potential for distracting its leaders and members from their mission to the world is an age-old concern, especially when the body of Christ finds itself acutely rent by doctrinal or moral divisiveness. As the Seventh-day Adventist Church today confronts a variety of theological and moral disagreements, concern that the church might experience the distraction noted above has become especially serious among thoughtful persons at all levels of denominational life.
Read MoreRighteousness by Faith and the Questions on Doctrine Controversy, Part I
A rift has opened in the Seventh-day Adventist Church that has been here for over half of a century. It began when two inquirers from the evangelical world, Donald Barnhouse and Walter Martin, met with a few Seventh-day Adventist leaders to ask questions about our faith. Among those leaders were W. E. Read, Roy Allan Anderson, and L. E. Froom. Among Martin’s special concerns were Seventh-day Adventist teachings regarding the atonement, the human nature of Christ, and salvation.
Read MoreA Work for the Elijah’s of our Time
As so many today are blind-sided by secular politics, world markets, social media, and a daily dose of negative news, we find a sect of people going against the tide. The events which have impacted our world for the past 5 to 10 years are so immense that it is difficult to appreciate their import.
Read MoreTwo Conflicting Gospels
A recent article in an independent Adventist magazine has drawn attention to the continuing struggle over the scope and the meaning of the Biblical gospel in the Seventh-day Adventist Church (1).The article defines this struggle over the gospel in contemporary Adventism as taking place between what it calls the “gospel of grace” taught by Martin Luther and classic Protestantism, and what it calls the “gospel of character development,” which in the article’s view is a “variation of the Roman Catholic tenet of salvation by works” (2). The article uses both Scripture and the writings of Ellen White to articulate its stance.
Read More“The Eye Must be Single”
Many statements made by Jesus contain a depth of information not to be discerned by the careless reader. One such statement is the potent lesson given by Jesus when he reveals “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (KJV Matthew 6:22).
Read MoreThat Dreaded "Proof Text" Method
A popular theological vulgarism just now, in various circles of contemporary Adventism, is what has become known as the “proof text method” of Bible study.
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