Untitled - Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

145 Pages·2005·0.44 MB·English

FUNDAMENTAL
CHRISTIAN
BELIEFS
OF THE
SEVENTH DAY
ADVENTIST
REFORM MOVEMENT
REFORMATION HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, VA 24019-0240, U.S.A.
Copyright © 2005 by
the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement
General Conference
and
Reformation Herald Publishing Association
Unless indicated otherwise, the texts of Scripture quoted in this book are
from the King James Version.
Reformation Herald Catalog Service
Fundamental Christian Beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement
1. Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement—Doctrines. 2. Principles of Faith. I. Seventh
Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference, Doctrinal Council. II. title.
238.671
Printed in South Korea
ISBN 0-9745295-8-3
Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
I. The Godhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A. The Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
B. The Son. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
C. The Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
II. The Holy Scriptures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
III. Divine Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
A. The Moral Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
B. The Ceremonial Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
IV. The Sabbath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
V. Origin of Evil and the Fall of Lucifer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
VI. Creation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
VII. The Plan of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
A. Grace, Faith, and Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
B. Righteousness Imputed and Righteousness Imparted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
C. Humanity’s Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
D. Christian Perfection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
E. No Second Chance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
VIII. Baptism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
IX. The Communion Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A. Feet Washing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
B. The Lord’s Supper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
X. The Sanctuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
XI. The Three Angels’ Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
XII. That Other Angel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
XIII. The Gift of Prophecy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
XIV. Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
XV. The Christian Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
XVI. Christian Temperance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
XVII. Separation From the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
XVIII. Our Duty Toward Civil Authorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
XIX. The Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
XX. The Church of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
XXI. Stewardship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
XXII. The Second Coming of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
XXIII. The Origin, Nature, and Destiny of Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
XXIV. The Millennium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
XXV. The New Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
5
Preface
Christ “was the true Light, which are actuated by their spirit. Few are lis-
lighteth every man that cometh into tening for the voice of God, and ready
the world. He was in the world, and the to accept truth in whatever guise it
world was made by him, and the world may be presented. Often those who fol-
knew him not. He came unto his own, low in the steps of the Reformers are
and his own received him not. But as forced to turn away from the churches
many as received him, to them gave he they love, in order to declare the plain
power to become the sons of God, even teaching of the word of God. And many
to them that believe on his name: times those who are seeking for light
which were born, not of blood, nor of are by the same teaching obliged to
the will of the flesh, nor of the will of leave the church of their fathers, that
man, but of God” (John 1:9–13). they may render obedience.”—The
Down the centuries the truth has Desire of Ages, p. 232.
suffered a sad history in the hands of “The early Christians were indeed
its keepers. a peculiar people. Their blameless
“As the light and life of men was deportment and unswerving faith were
rejected by the ecclesiastical authori- a continual reproof that disturbed the
ties in the days of Christ, so it has been sinner’s peace. Though few in num-
rejected in every succeeding genera- bers, without wealth, position, or hon-
tion. Again and again the history of orary titles, they were a terror to evil-
Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has doers wherever their character and
been repeated. When the Reformers doctrines were known.”—The Great
preached the word of God, they had no Controversy, p. 46.
thought of separating themselves from Overcome with anguish and grief,
the established church; but the reli- the early Christians saw that various
gious leaders would not tolerate the forms of paganism were invading the
light, and those that bore it were forced church. For some time they sought to
to seek another class, who were long- correct these evils, but to no avail.
ing for the truth. In our day few of the “After a long and severe conflict,
professed followers of the Reformers the faithful few decided to dissolve all
6
Preface
union with the apostate church if she Hidden in the mountains in differ-
still refused to free herself from false- ent lands, small bands of faithful
hood and idolatry. They saw that sepa- believers kept the truth alive until God
ration was an absolute necessity if aroused the Protestant Reformation.
they would obey the word of God. They Jehovah used the descendants of
dared not tolerate errors fatal to their the sixteenth century Reformers to
own souls, and set an example which promote a great religious awakening in
would imperil the faith of their chil- the early 1800’s. At that time, many
dren and children’s children. To were engaged in preaching the second
secure peace and unity they were advent message. William Miller, a Bap-
ready to make any concession consis- tist preacher in America, became
tent with fidelity to God; but they felt prominent for his teachings on the end-
that even peace would be too dearly time prophecies. His messages influ-
purchased at the sacrifice of principle. enced many Christians to a point that
If unity could be secured only by the about fifty thousand left the churches
compromise of truth and righteous- in the summer of 1844 with the purpose
ness, then let there be difference, and of preparing for the immediate coming
even war. of Christ expected to occur near the
“Well would it be for the church end of that year.
and the world if the principles that After the disappointment, a small
actuated those steadfast souls were group of these people gathered together
revived in the hearts of God’s pro- in Albany, NY, in 1845, to search the
fessed people. There is an alarming word of God for clearer understanding.
indifference in regard to the doctrines Some of these believers received new
which are the pillars of the Christian light from the Lord and, in 1861, they
faith. The opinion is gaining ground, began to organize themselves, cove-
that, after all, these are not of vital im- nanting to “keep the commandments of
portance. This degeneracy is strength- God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation
ening the hands of the agents of Satan, 14:12). These became known as Sev-
so that false theories and fatal delu- enth-day Adventists.
sions which the faithful in ages past Repeated appeals for repentance
imperiled their lives to resist and and conversion were continually pre-
expose, are now regarded with favor by sented to the Advent believers (Acts
thousands who claim to be followers of 3:19). As a preparation for the coming of
Christ.”—Ibid., pp. 45, 46. Christ, a reformation began to take
7
Fundamental Christian Beliefs of the SDA Reform Movement
place by the presentation of the mes- faith. Therefore, in this publication we
sage of Christ Our Righteousness in are making known the basic doctrines
1888. This reformation came into the found in the Bible, for which all true fol-
open during World War I (1914–1918), lowers of Christ should be prepared to
when many faithful Adventists stood up give a reason “to every man that
in defense of the law of God and the faith asketh” (1 Peter 3:15).
of Jesus and were consequently disfel- We maintain that all doctrines
lowshiped from the church they loved. must be tested by a “Thus saith the
In 1925, these conscientious objec- Lord.” “To the law and to the testi-
tors and faithful believers came mony: if they speak not according to
together from 16 countries and organ- this word, it is because there is no light
ized themselves with the purpose of in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Therefore, we
following the counsel of the Faithful use the Bible as the sole rule of our
and True Witness in Revelation faith and practice. By the Word of God
3:18–20. It is by our daily transactions we are to be judged. “The Word of God
of life and the spirit we manifest toward is sufficient to enlighten the most
this message that our eternal destiny beclouded mind, and may be under-
is determined. stood by those who have any desire to
Since that time from that nucleus, understand it” (Selected Messages, bk.
we have distinguished ourselves both 3, p. 31).
from the mainstream Adventist body “God will have a people upon the
and from many other branches of earth to maintain the Bible, and the
Adventism by the use of the name Sev- Bible only, as the standard of all doc-
enth Day Adventist Reform Move- trines and the basis of all reforms. . . .
ment, based on the prophesied refor- Satan is constantly endeavouring to
mation (6T119). attract attention to man in the place of
In publishing this book, Funda- God. He leads the people to look to
mental Christian Beliefs of the SDA bishops, to pastors, to professors of
Reform Movement, we are in no way theology, as their guides, instead of
formulating a man-made creed based searching the Scriptures to learn their
on human tradition. Our main purpose duty for themselves. Then, by control-
is to turn the attention of truth-hungry ling the minds of these leaders, he can
souls to Jesus, our personal Saviour, in influence the multitudes according to
the hope that they will accept His word his will.”—The Great Controversy, p.
in its entirety as the foundation of their 595.
8
Preface
“The early Christians were indeed light given. Additional truth is not
a peculiar people. Their blameless brought out; but God has through the
deportment and unswerving faith were Testimoniessimplified the great truths
a continual reproof that disturbed the already given and in His own chosen
sinner's peace. Though few in num- way brought them before the people to
bers, without wealth, position, or hon- awaken and impress the mind with
orary titles, they were a terror to evil- them, that all may be left without
doers wherever their character and excuse.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 605.
doctrines were known.”—Ibid., p. 46. John Robinson, the pastor of the
It is imperative that we accept the Pilgrims coming to America, made the
teaching of scriptures and submit our following appeal to his flock as they
will to the revealed will of God (John were about to embark on their journey:
7:7; James 4:7). By the complete sur- “‘Remember your church cove-
render of our will, we obtain strength nant, in which you have agreed to walk
to overcome sin and darkness in this in all the ways of the Lord, made or to
world (2 Peter 1:4). be made known unto you. Remember
In His Word, God has promised to your promise and covenant with God
give visions in the last days (Acts 2:17, and with one another, to receive what-
18), not for a new rule of faith, but for ever light and truth shall be made
the enlightenment of His people and known to you from His written word;
for correcting those who err from Bible but withal, take heed, I beseech you,
truth (cf. Early Writings, p. 78). what you receive for truth, and com-
We also use the writings of E. G. pare it and weigh it with other scrip-
Whitefor the following reason: tures or truth before you accept it.’”—
“The Lord designs to warn you, to The Great Controversy, p. 292.
reprove, to counsel, through the testi- The appeal of John Robinson is
monies given, and to impress your valid also today for all of us who want
minds with the importance of the truth to be prepared for the soon coming of
of His word. The written testimonies our Lord Jesus Christ. May we all pray
are not to give new light, but to impress for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be
vividly upon the heart the truths of with us as we make these Fundamen-
inspiration already revealed. Man’s tal Christian Beliefs of the SDA
duty to God and to his fellowman has Reform Movement the object of our
been distinctly specified in God’s word, earnest study!
yet but few of you are obedient to the The GC Doctrinal Council
9
Chapter I
The Godhead
“Thus saith the Lord the King of 15:2; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 5:8;
Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:14, 15.
hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; Some of the attributes of the God-
and beside me there is no God.” head:
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all • eternal: Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28;
the ends of the earth: for I am God, Romans 1:20.
and there is none else” (Isaiah 44:6; • immortal: 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15, 16.
45:22). • invisible to sinful man: 1 John 4:12;
The Bible speaks of only one God. 1 Timothy 1:17.
Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4. In • omnipresent (present everywhere):
Hebrew, the term God is often used in Psalm 139:7–12; Jeremiah 23:24.
the plural form (Elohiymas opposed to • omniscient (all-knowing): 1 Samuel
the singular Elowahh). According to 16:7; Psalm 139:2–4; Hebrews
the Scriptures, the Godhead (Genesis 4:13; 1 John 3:20.
1:1, 26; Acts 17:29; Colossians 2:9) com- • omnipotent (all-powerful): Job 37:23;
prises three Divine Dignitaries—the 38:1–41; 42:2; Psalm 33:6–9;
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit— Matthew 19:26.
working together as one. Isaiah 48:16, • immutable (unchangeable): Psalm
17; Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:19; John 14:16, 33:11; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17.
26; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephe- • holy: Leviticus 19:2; Joshua 24:19;
sians 2:18; Jude 20, 21. Psalm 99:9; 1 Peter 1:16.
Our faith in the existence of God is • righteous: Ezra 9:15; Jeremiah
based upon the evidence which He 23:6; Daniel 9:7; Psalm 7:9.
Himself has provided. The hand of God • merciful: Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8;
is present everywhere—in nature, in Lamentations 3:22; Micah 7:18.
the course of history, in our personal • good: Exodus 33:19; Psalm 34:8;
experience and, above all, in His Word: Matthew 19:17; Romans 2:4.
the Bible. This can be perceived by all • truth: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm
who desire to see the evidence for 31:5; Isaiah 65:16.
themselves. Job 11:7; 2 Chronicles • love: John 3:16; 1 John 4:7–11.
10
The Godhead
“The revelation of Himself that God three great powers—the Father, the
has given in His word is for our study. Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who
This we may seek to understand. But receive Christ by living faith are bap-
beyond this we are not to penetrate. tized, and these powers will cooperate
The highest intellect may tax itself until with the obedient subjects of heaven in
it is wearied out in conjectures regard- their efforts to live the new life in
ing the nature of God, but the effort will Christ.”—Evangelism, pp. 614, 615.
be fruitless. This problem has not been “God is a spirit; yet He is a per-
given us to solve. No human mind can sonal being, for man was made in His
comprehend God. None are to indulge image.”—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 263.
in speculation regarding His nature. “Christ says, My sheep hear My
Here silence is eloquence. The Omni- voice, and they follow Me away from
scient One is above discussion.”—The the byways of sin. As Christ worked, so
Ministry of Healing, p. 429. you are to work. In tenderness and love
“The Father cannot be described seek to lead the erring to the right way.
by the things of earth. The Father is all This will call for great patience and for-
the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and bearance, and for the constant mani-
is invisible to mortal sight. The Son is festation of the forgiving love of Christ.
all the fullness of the Godhead mani- Daily the Saviour’s compassion must
fested. The Word of God declares Him be revealed. The example He has left
to be ‘the express image of His person’ must be followed. He took upon His sin-
(Hebrews 1:3). ‘God so loved the world, less nature our sinful nature, that He
that He gave His only-begotten Son, might know how to succor those that
that whosoever believeth in Him are tempted.”—Medical Ministry, p.
should not perish, but have everlasting 181.
life’ (John 3:16). Here is shown the per- “Avoid every question in relation to
sonality of the Father. the humanity of Christ which is liable
“The Comforter that Christ prom- to be misunderstood. Truth lies close to
ised to send after He ascended to the track of presumption. In treating
heaven is the Spirit in all the fullness of upon the humanity of Christ, you need
the Godhead, making manifest the to guard strenuously every assertion,
power of divine grace to all who receive lest your words be taken to mean more
and believe in Christ as a personal Sav- than they imply, and thus you lose or
iour. There are three living persons of dim the clear perceptions of His
the heavenly trio: in the name of these humanity as combined with divinity.
11