Friday, January 31, 2020
Saturday, January 25, 2020
http://www.freesda.org/ None of these words are my own. They all come from the links provided.
It is a backsliding church that lessens the distance between itself and the Papacy.
http://adventmessenger.org/seventh-day-adventists-roman-catholics-and-evangelicals-sign-a-historic-ecumenical-charter-that-affirms-faith-in-one-holy-catholic-apostolic-church/?fbclid=IwAR2ldbswmeP3DP5RWhzfR6yiWVeBOuH9JkTOzGF6eODuY37vBmSmzO-SuG0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_NqZco3P2M https://www.adventistreview.org/the-truth-about-inter-church/interfaith-relations https://youtu.be/aHlImTkw7Vs
It is souls like Luther, Cranmer, Ridley, Hooper, and the thousands of noble men who were martyrs for the truth's sake, who are the true Protestants. They stood as faithful sentinels of truth, declaring that Protestantism is incapable of union with Romanism, but must be as far separated from the principles of the Papacy as is the east from the west. Such advocates of truth could no more harmonize with “the man of sin” than could Christ and his apostles. In earlier ages the righteous felt that it was impossible to affiliate with Rome, and, though their antagonism to this system of error was maintained at risk of property and life, yet they had courage to maintain their separation, and manfully struggled for the truth. Bible truth was dearer to them than wealth, honor, or even life itself. They could not endure to see the truth buried under a mass of superstition and lying sophistry. They took the word of God in their hands, and raised the standard of truth before the people, boldly declaring that which God had revealed unto them through diligent searching of the Bible. They died the cruelest of deaths for their fidelity to God, but by their blood they purchased for us liberties and privileges that many who claim to be Protestants are easily yielding up to the power of evil. But shall we yield up these dearly bought privileges? Shall we offer insult to the God of heaven, and, after he has freed us from the Romish yoke, again place ourselves in bondage to this antichristian power? Shall we prove our degeneracy by signing away our religious liberty, our right to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience? Signs of the Times February 19, 1894 par. 4,5.
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the difference between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day of the week. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign, which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described in the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood of souls will be upon our garments. Testimonies to the church volume 6 p 144.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5XSF7DMUg ( jump to 1 hour and 3 minutes until 1 hour and 14 minutes for logo issue, but the whole thing is good)
Just as long as those in connection with our institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said: “Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Samuel 2:30. Never for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Every Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that light may be given to all who are in the house. Never, from cowardice or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background. Testimonies to the church volume 6 p 144.2
As reformers they had come out of the denominational churches, but they now act a part similar to that which the churches acted. We hoped that there would not be the necessity for another coming out. The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst.--1NL 99 (1898).
"Abuse of Power at Church Headquarters
The General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles. . . .
Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction. They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms; they would rule or ruin. . . .
The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised.--TM 359-361 (1895). The voice from Battle Creek, which has been regarded as authority in counselling how the work should be done, is no longer the voice of God.--17 MR 185 (1896).
It has been some years since I have considered the General Conference as the voice of God.--17 MR 216 (1898).
That these men should stand in a sacred place, to be as the voice of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to be--that is past.--GCB April 3, 1901, p. 25.
When a church proves unfaithful to the word of the Lord, whatever their position may be, however high and sacred their calling, the Lord can no longer work with them.
Others are then chosen to bear important responsibilities. But, if these in turn do not purify their lives from every wrong action, if they do not establish pure and holy principles in all their borders, then the Lord will grievously afflict and humble them and, unless they repent, will remove them from their place and make them a reproach.--14 MR 102 (1903).
We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit.--2 SM 396 (1902).
The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of her Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His people.
He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not triumph in the destruction of God's people.
He has borne long with their waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance and compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His instruction He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving them with an everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments of the power of His grace.--ST Nov. 13, 1901.
The error that some are in danger of committing is in giving to the mind and judgement of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and influence that God has invested in His church in the judgement and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work.--9 T 260, 261 (1909).
God has invested His church with special authority and power which no one can be justified in disregarding and despising, for he who does this despises the voice of God.--AA 164 (1911).
I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.--2 SM 406 (1913) The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of her Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His people.
He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not triumph in the destruction of God's people.
He has borne long with their waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance and compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His instruction He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving them with an everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments of the power of His grace.--ST Nov. 13, 1901. In these last days God's people will be exposed to the very same dangers as were ancient Israel.
Those who will not receive the warnings that God gives will fall into the same perils as did ancient Israel and come short of entering into rest through unbelief.
Ancient Israel suffered calamities on account of their unsanctified hearts and unsubmitted wills.
Their final rejection as a nation was a result of their own unbelief, self-confidence, impenitence, blindness of mind, and hardness of heart. In their history we have a danger signal lifted before us. Unless the church, which is now being leavened with her own backsliding, shall repent and be converted, she will eat of the fruit of her own doing, until she shall abhor herself.
When she resists the evil and chooses the good, when she seeks God with all humility and reaches her high calling in Christ, standing on the platform of eternal truth and by faith laying hold upon the attainments prepared for her, she will be healed.
She will appear in her God-given simplicity and purity, separate from earthly entanglements, showing that the truth has made her free indeed. Then her members will indeed be the chosen of God, His representatives.--8T 247-251 (April 21, 1903). In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had.
If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged. . . .
Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities."
7TH DAY ADVENTIST BAPTISMAL VOWS COMPARED FOR THE YEARS - 1874 - 1932 - 2000
THE BIBLE 1874 [1] Do you accept all the Bible as the inspired word of God,and do you take it as your only rule of faith? Is it your purpose to ever walk according to its teachings ? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 Acts 20:32.
1932/4 [4] Do you accept the Bible as the inspired word of God, and will you study faithfully its teachings and by the grace of God practice them in your life?
2000 [5] Do you believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word, the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian ? Do you covenant to spend time regularly in prayer and Bible study? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALVATION AND CONVERSION 1874 [2] Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour for salvation from sin, for a real change of heart, and will you permit Him by the Holy Spirit to live in you daily? John 1:12,13; Gal. 2:20.
1932/4 [2] Do you believe in the Lord Jesus as the eternal Son of God, as the Saviour and Redeemer of mankind ? Have you fully accepted Him as your personal Saviour, and the salvation He offers through grace?
2000 [2] Do you accept the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for your sins and believe that by God's grace through faith in His shed blood you are saved from sin and its penalty? [3] Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour believing that God, in Christ, has forgiven your sins and given you a new heart, and do you renounce the sinful ways of the world ? [4] Do you accept by faith the righteousness of Christ, your Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary, and accept His promise of transforming grace and power to live a loving, Christ-centered life in your home and before the world ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPENTANCE 1874 [3] Have you repented of, and confessed all known sin to God, and do you believe that He, for Christ's sake has forgiven you, and as far as possible have you tried to make matters right with your fellow men ? 1 John 1:9; Matt.5:23-26; Eze.33:15.
1932/4 [3] Do you believe in the Holy Spirit and in His work in leading to repentance and obedience to all God's requirements ? [5] Do you believe in conversion as an experience spoken of by Christ as the new birth? [6] Have you confessed your sins to God, as far as they have been made known to you; and have you on your part, as far as in you lies, tried to make wrongs right with your fellow men? [7] Do you claim by faith in Christ that God for Christ's sake has forgiven your past sins, and that He is yours and you are His ? © 2008 Tyrone Keels-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AND THE SABBATH 1874 [4] Is it your purpose, by the grace of God, to live a true Christian life, by surrendering all soul, body, spirit to God, to do His will in all things and keep the commandments of God ? Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:17; Revelation.14:12. [7] Is it your purpose to keep the seventh day of the week from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset as the Lord's holy day according to the fourth commandment? Luke 23:56; Ex. 20:8-11.
1932/4 [10] Recognizing obedience as the fruit of faithful love, do you believe that all ten of the commandments as spoken by the Lord are still binding, and by God's grace will you keep those commandments, the fourth with the rest, observing as sacred the seventh-day Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday ?
2000 [6] Do you accept the Ten Commandments as a transcript of the character of God and a revelation of His will ? Is it your purpose by the power of the indwelling Christ to keep this law, including the fourth commandment, which requires the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord and the memorial of Creation? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUL WINNING 1874 [5] Will you seek to maintain a true spiritual experience by the daily study of God's Word and prayer, and will you endeavor by your consistent life and personal effort to win souls to Christ ?
1932/4 [14].Do you believe that the closing gospel message is now going to the world and will be finished in this generation; and will you use your means, as God impresses you, your time, and your talents, that others may be blessed with the light of truth that has brought blessing and light to you ?
2000 [7] Do you look forward to the soon coming of Jesus and the blessed hope when "this mortal shall . . . put on immortality"? As your prepare to meet the Lord, will you witness to His loving salvation by using your talents in personal soul-winning endeavor to help others to be ready for His glorious appearing ? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE THREE ANGEL’S MESSAGES 1874 [6] Do you believe and accept the great truths of the Word of God concerning the personal, visible, literal, imminent return of Christ (Acts 1:9-11); immortality only through Christ (2 Tim. 1:10); the unconscious state of the dead (Eccl. 9:5, 6); the destruction of the wicked (Mal. 4:1-3); and the other kindred truths that comprise the special message of Revelation 14:6-12?
1932/4 [8] So far as you have studied and investigated the doctrines as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, do you believe in and accept them ? [9] Do you believe in the second coming of Jesus, which is taught in the Scriptures as the blessed hope, and that this event is soon to take place, and that you should prepare for His coming by being purified from sin and evil? [12].Do you believe that man by nature is mortal, and that immortality and eternal life come only through the gospel and are bestowed as the free gift of God through Christ at His second coming? [13].Do you believe that we are living in the time of the investigative judgment, which began in 1844, and that Christ, as our High Priest, is closing His ministry in the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary in preparation for His coming ? © 2008 Tyrone Keels-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITHES AND OFFERINGS 1874 [8] Will you practice the Bible plan for the support of God's work by rendering unto Him first the tithe, or one tenth of all your increase (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:8-10); and then offerings as you may be able, according to His prospering hand? Deut. 16:17; Luke 6:38.
1932/4 [11] Do you recognize the fact that God claims one-tenth of all our substance as His for the support of His work in advancing the gospel of Christ; and will you faithfully render to Him His own tithe and offerings in the support of the worldwide work of the church ?
2000 [9] Do you believe in church organization ? Is it your purpose to worship God and to support the church through your tithes and offerings and by your personal effort and influence? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LAWS OF HEALTH 1874 [9] Is it your purpose to obey the command to eat and drink to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) by abstaining from all intoxicating liquors (Pro. 23:29-32), tobacco in all its forms (1 Cor. 3:16, 17) swine's flesh (Isa. 66:15, 17), narcotics, tea, coffee, and other harmful things?
1932/4 [16] Do you understand the principles of Christian temperance as taught by the Seventh-day Adventists, and will you carry out those principles in your life, abstaining from the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco in all its forms, swine's flesh, and all other unclean foods and habit-forming drugs? [1946 Baptismal Vows adds abstaining from narcotics, tea, coffee, and other harmful things]
2000 [10] Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and will you honor God by caring for it, avoiding the use of that which is harmful; abstaining from all unclean foods; from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages; the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption; and from the misuse of or trafficking in narcotics or other drugs ? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRESS AND ATTIRE 1874 [10] Are you willing to follow the Bible rule of modesty and simplicity of dress, refraining from the wearing of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, beads, rings, etc., and from any lack of dress that is out of keeping with the Bible rule of modesty? 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Ex. 33:5, 6; Gen. 35:2-4.
1932/4 [17] In matters of dress will you follow the Bible rule of plainness and simplicity, abstaining from the wearing of gold as ornaments and costly array, observing the principles of modesty and Christian dignity ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LORD’S SUPPER AND THE ORDINANCE OF HUMILITY 1874 [11] Do you believe in and have you accepted the ordinance of humility (John 13:1-17), and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor. 11:23-33. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLDLINESS 1874 [12] Is it your purpose to come out from the world and be separate in obedience to God's command in 2 Cor. 6:17, by refraining from following the sinful practices of the world, such as dancing, card- playing, theatre-going, novel reading, etc. and by shunning all questionable worldly amusements? 1 John 2:15; James 1:27; 4:4.
1932/4 [20] Do you, by going forward in baptism, thus declare that from henceforth you will have no part in such soul-destroying amusements as card playing, theater going, dancing, and all other entertainments and amusements which tend to deaden and destroy the spiritual life and perceptions © 2008 Tyrone Keels---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION 1874 [13] Will you seek to build up the interests of the church by giving the Sabbath School your hearty and practical support and attending, as far as possible, all services of the church ? And will you endeavor by God's help to do your part in the work of the church ? Luke 4:16; Roman 12:4-8.
1932/4 [15] Will you seek to build up the interests of the church by attendance at its meetings and ordinances, and by adding your influence to extend its work while the church, on their part, exercise their watch care over you ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY - ELLEN G. WHITE 1874 [14] Do you recognize that the remnant church has the Spirit of Prophecy, and that this has been manifested to this church through the writings of Ellen G. White? Rev. 12:17; 19:10.
1932/4 [18] Do you believe the Bible doctrine of "spiritual gifts" in the church, and do you believe in the gift of the Spirit of prophecy which has been manifested in the remnant church through the ministry and writings of Mrs. E. G. White ?
2000 [8] Do you accept the biblical teaching of spiritual gifts and believe that the gift of prophecy is one of the identifying marks of the remnant church? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAPTISM 1874 [15] Do you believe in baptism by immersion only, and are you ready to follow your Lord and Master in this sacred rite? Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-5.
1932/4 [19] Do you believe in baptism by immersion, and is it your desire, by going forward in this ordinance, to manifest your faith in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ?
2000 [12] Do you accept the New Testament teaching of baptism by immersion and desire to be so baptized as a public expression of faith in Christ and His forgiveness of your sins? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL VOWS AFTER 1874 1932/4 [1] Do you believe in the existence of God as a personal being, who is our heavenly Father? 1932/4 [21]. Will you submit to the decisions of the body of the church in matters of church discipline?
2000 [1] Do you believe there is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons? 2000 [11] Do you know and understand the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Do you purpose, by the grace of God, to fulfill His will by ordering your life in harmony with these principles?
2000 [13] Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire to be a member of this local congregation of the world church?
The 1872 Seventh-day Adventist Fundamentals
(These are the guidelines for the movement until the death of EGW 1915. There were 25 Fundamental Beliefs.)
"A
DECLARATION
OF THE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
TAUGHT AND PRACTICED
——— BY ———
THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:20
Steam Press of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, Battle Creek, Michigan. 1872
IN presenting to the public this synopsis of our faith, we wish to have it distinctly understood that we have no articles of faith, creed, or discipline, aside from the Bible. We do not put forth this as having any authority with our people, nor is it designed to secure uniformity among them, as a system of faith, but is a brief statement of what is, and has been, with great unanimity, held by them. We often find it necessary to meet inquiries on this subject, and sometimes to correct false statements circulated against us, and to remove erroneous impressions which have obtained with those who have not had an opportunity to become acquainted with our faith and practice. Our only object is to meet this necessity.
As Seventh-day Adventists we desire simply that our position shall be understood; and we are the more solicitous for this because there are many who call themselves Adventists who hold views with which we can have no sympathy, some of which, we think, are subversive of the plainest and most important principles set forth in the word of God.
As compared with other Adventists, Seventh- day Adventists differ from one class in believing in the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destruction of the unrepentant wicked; from another, in believing in the perpetuity of the law of God as summarily contained in the ten commandments, in the operation of the Holy Spirit in the church, and in setting no times for the advent to occur; from all, in the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord, and in many applications of the prophetic scriptures.
With these remarks, we ask the attention of the reader to the following propositions, which aim to be a concise statement of the more prominent features of our faith.
I. That there is one God, a personal, spiritual being, the creator of all things, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; unchangeable, and everywhere present by his representative, the Holy Spirit. Ps. 139:7.
II. That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, the one by whom God created all things, and by whom they do consist; that he took on him the nature of the seed of Abraham for the redemption of our fallen race; that he dwelt among men full of grace and truth, lived our example, died our sacrifice, was raised for our justification, ascended on high to be our only mediator in the sanctuary in Heaven, where, with his own blood he makes atonement for our sins; which atonement so far from being made on the cross, which was but the offering of the sacrifice, is the very last portion of his work as priest according to the example of the Levitical priesthood, which foreshadowed and prefigured the ministry of our Lord in Heaven. See Lev. 16; Heb. 8:4, 5; 9:6, 7; &c.
III. That the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, were given by inspiration of God, contain a full revelation of his will to man, and are the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
IV. That Baptism is an ordinance of the Christian church, to follow faith and repentance, an ordinance by which we commemorate the resurrection of Christ, as by this act we show our faith in his burial and resurrection, and through that, of the resurrection of all the saints at the last day; and that no other mode fitly represents these facts than that which the Scriptures prescribe, namely, immersion. Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2: 12.
V. That the new birth comprises the entire change necessary to fit us for the kingdom of God, and consists of two parts: first, a moral change, wrought by conversion and a Christian life; second, a physical change at the second coming of Christ, whereby, if dead, we are raised incorruptible, and if living, are changed to immortality in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye. John 3:3, 5; Luke 20:36.
VI. We believe that prophecy is a part of God’s revelation to man; that it is included in that scripture which is profitable for instruction, 2 Tim. 3: 16; that it is designed for us and our children, Deut. 29: 29; that so far from being enshrouded in impenetrable mystery, it is that which especially constitutes the word of God a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, Ps. 119: 105, 2 Pet. 2:19; that a blessing is pronounced upon those who study it, Rev. 1:1-3; and that, consequently, it is to be understood by the people of God sufficiently to show them their position in the world’s history, and the special duties required at their hands.
VII. That the world’s history from specified dates in the past, the rise and fall of empires, and chronological succession of events down to the setting up of God’s everlasting kingdom, are outlined in numerous great chains of prophecy; and that these prophecies are now all fulfilled except the closing scenes.
VIII. That the doctrine of the world’s conversion and temporal millennium is a fable of these last days, calculated to lull men into a state of carnal security, and cause them to be overtaken by the great day of the Lord as by a thief in the night; that the second coming of Christ is to precede, not follow, the millennium; for until the Lord appears the papal power, with all its abominations, is to continue, the wheat and tares grow together, and evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, as the word of God declares.
IX. That the mistake of Adventists in 1844 pertained to the nature of the event then to transpire, not to the time;that no prophetic period is given to reach to the second advent, but that the longest one, the two thousand and three hundred days of Dan. 8:14, terminated in that year, and brought us to an event called the cleansing of the sanctuary.
X. That the sanctuary of the new covenant is the tabernacle of God in Heaven, of which Paul speaks in Hebrews 8, and onward, of which our Lord, as great High Priest, is minister; that this sanctuary is the antitype of the Mosaic tabernacle, and that the priestly work of our Lord, connected therewith, is the antitype of the work of the Jewish priests of the former dispensation. Heb. 8:1-5, &c.; that this is the sanctuary to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, what is termed its cleansing being in this case, as in the type, simply the entrance of the high priest into the most holy place, to finish the round of service connected therewith, by blotting out and removing from the sanctuary the sins which had been transferred to it by means of the ministration in the first apartment, Heb. 9:22, 23; and that this work, in the antitype, commencing in 1844, occupies a brief but indefinite space, at the conclusion of which the work of mercy for the world is finished.
XI. That God’s moral requirements are the same upon all men in all dispensations; that these are summarily contained in the commandments spoken by Jehovah from Sinai, engraven on the tables of stone, and deposited in the ark, which was in consequence called the “ark of the covenant,” or testament. Num. 10:33, Heb. 9:4, &c.; that this law is immutable and perpetual, being a transcript of the tables deposited in the ark in the true sanctuary on high, which is also, for the same reason, called the ark of God’s testament; for under the sounding of the seventh trumpet we are told that “the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Rev. 11:19.
XII. That the fourth commandment of this law requires that we devote the seventh day of each week, commonly called Saturday, to abstinence from our own labor, and to the performance of sacred and religious duties; that this is the only weekly Sabbath known to the Bible, being the day that was set apart before Paradise was lost, Gen. 2:2, 3, and which will be observed in paradise restored, Isa. 66:22, 23; that the facts upon which the Sabbath institution is based confine it to the seventh day, as they are not true of any other day; and that the terms, Jewish Sabbath, and Christian Sabbath, as applied to the weekly rest-day, are names of human invention, unscriptural in fact, and false in meaning.
XIII. That as the man of sin, the papacy, has thought to change times and laws (the laws of God), Dan. 7:25, and has misled almost all Christendom in regard to the fourth commandment, we find a prophecy of a reform in this respect to be wrought among believers just before the coming of Christ. Isa. 56:1, 2, 1 Pet. 1:5, Rev. 14:12, &c. (This fundamental belief is NOT in the current 28 fundamental beliefs of the SDA church.)
XIV. That as the natural or carnal heart is at enmity with God and his law, this enmity can be subdued only by a radical transformation of the affections, the exchange of unholy for holy principles; that this transformation follows repentance and faith, is the special work of the Holy Spirit, and constitutes regeneration or conversion.
XV. That as all have violated the law of God, and cannot of themselves render obedience to his just requirements, we are dependent on Christ, first, for justification from our past offenses and, secondly, for grace whereby to render acceptable obedience to his holy law in time to come.
XVI. That the Spirit of God was promised to manifest itself in the church through certain gifts, enumerated especially in 1 Cor. 12 and Eph. 4; that these gifts are not designed to supersede, or take the place of, the Bible, which is sufficient to make us wise unto salvation, any more than the Bible can take the place of the Holy Spirit; that, in specifying the various channels of its operation, that Spirit has simply made provision for its own existence and presence with the people of God to the end of time, to lead to an understanding of that word which it had inspired, to convince of sin, and to work a transformation in the heart and life; and that those who deny to the Spirit its place and operation, do plainly deny that part of the Bible which assigns to it this work and position.
XVII. That God, in accordance with his uniform dealings with the race, sends forth a proclamation of the approach of the second advent of Christ; and that this work is symbolized by the three messages of Rev. 14, the last one bringing to view the work of reform on the law of God, that his people may acquire a complete readiness for that event.
XVIII. That the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary (see proposition X), synchronizing with the time of the proclamation of the third message, is a time of investigative judgment, first, with reference to the dead, and at the close of probation with reference to the living, to determine who of the myriads now sleeping in the dust of the earth are worthy of a part in the first resurrection, and who of its living multitudes are worthy of translation—points which must be determined before the Lord appears.
XIX. That the grave, whether we all tend, expressed by the Hebrew sheol and the Greek hades, is a place of darkness in which there is no work, device, wisdom, nor knowledge. Eccl. 9:10.
XX. That the state to which we are reduced by death is one of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness. Ps.146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Dan. 12:2, &c.
XXI. That out of this prison house of the grave mankind are to be brought by a bodily resurrection; the righteous having part in the first resurrection, which takes place at the second advent of Christ, the wicked in the second resurrection, which takes place a thousand years thereafter. Rev. 20:4-6.
XXII. That at the last trump, the living righteous are to be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and with the resurrected righteous are to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so forever to be with the Lord.
XXIII. That these immortalized ones are then taken to Heaven, to the New Jerusalem, the Father’s house, in which there are many mansions, John 14:1-3, where they reign with Christ a thousand years, judging the world and fallen angels, that is, apportioning the punishment to be executed upon them at the close of the one thousand years; Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; that during this time the earth lies in a desolate and chaotic condition, Jer. 4:23-27, described, as in the beginning by the Greek term abussos bottomless pit (Septuagint of Gen. 1:2); and that here Satan is confined during the thousand years, Rev. 20:1, 2, and here finally destroyed, Rev. 20:10; Mal. 4:1; the theater of the ruin he has wrought in the universe, being appropriately made for a time, his gloomy prison house, and then the place of his final execution.
XXIV. That at the end of the thousand years, the Lord descends with his people and the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:2, the wicked dead are raised and come up upon on the surface of the yet unrenewed earth, and gather about the city, the camp of the saint, Rev. 20:9, and fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. They are then consumed root and branch, Mal. 4:1, becoming as though they had not been. Obad. 15, 16. In this everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, 2 Thess. 1:9, the wicked meet the everlasting punishment threatened against them, Matt. 25:46, This is the perdition of ungodly men, the fire which consumes them being the fire for which “the heavens and the earth which are now” are kept in store, which shall melt even the elements with its intensity, and purge the earth from the deepest stains of the curse of sin. 2 Peter 3:7-12.
XXV. That new heavens and earth shall spring by the power of God from the ashes of the old, to be, with the New Jerusalem for its metropolis and capital, the eternal inheritance of the saints, the place where the righteous shall evermore dwell. 2 Peter 3:13; Ps. 37:11, 29; Matt. 5:5.
So there we have the full declaration as James White set it in 1872. I believe we need to honor those principles today as they did then!"
http://issues-of-life.com/Baptismal%20Vows.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKkuVc6Qgs
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14054.3961001?hl=%22conscience+forbids%2C+the+other+allows%22#3961010
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=old+seventh-day+adventist+logo&id=0DC718880163DF9DE9DC862B484351840DB07CFA&FORM=IQFRBA
http://adventmessenger.org/seventh-day-adventists-roman-catholics-and-evangelicals-sign-a-historic-ecumenical-charter-that-affirms-faith-in-one-holy-catholic-apostolic-church/?fbclid=IwAR2ldbswmeP3DP5RWhzfR6yiWVeBOuH9JkTOzGF6eODuY37vBmSmzO-SuG0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_NqZco3P2M https://www.adventistreview.org/the-truth-about-inter-church/interfaith-relations https://youtu.be/aHlImTkw7Vs
It is souls like Luther, Cranmer, Ridley, Hooper, and the thousands of noble men who were martyrs for the truth's sake, who are the true Protestants. They stood as faithful sentinels of truth, declaring that Protestantism is incapable of union with Romanism, but must be as far separated from the principles of the Papacy as is the east from the west. Such advocates of truth could no more harmonize with “the man of sin” than could Christ and his apostles. In earlier ages the righteous felt that it was impossible to affiliate with Rome, and, though their antagonism to this system of error was maintained at risk of property and life, yet they had courage to maintain their separation, and manfully struggled for the truth. Bible truth was dearer to them than wealth, honor, or even life itself. They could not endure to see the truth buried under a mass of superstition and lying sophistry. They took the word of God in their hands, and raised the standard of truth before the people, boldly declaring that which God had revealed unto them through diligent searching of the Bible. They died the cruelest of deaths for their fidelity to God, but by their blood they purchased for us liberties and privileges that many who claim to be Protestants are easily yielding up to the power of evil. But shall we yield up these dearly bought privileges? Shall we offer insult to the God of heaven, and, after he has freed us from the Romish yoke, again place ourselves in bondage to this antichristian power? Shall we prove our degeneracy by signing away our religious liberty, our right to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience? Signs of the Times February 19, 1894 par. 4,5.
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the difference between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day of the week. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign, which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described in the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood of souls will be upon our garments. Testimonies to the church volume 6 p 144.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5XSF7DMUg ( jump to 1 hour and 3 minutes until 1 hour and 14 minutes for logo issue, but the whole thing is good)Just as long as those in connection with our institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said: “Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Samuel 2:30. Never for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Every Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that light may be given to all who are in the house. Never, from cowardice or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background. Testimonies to the church volume 6 p 144.2
As reformers they had come out of the denominational churches, but they now act a part similar to that which the churches acted. We hoped that there would not be the necessity for another coming out. The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst.--1NL 99 (1898).
"Abuse of Power at Church Headquarters
The General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles. . . .
Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction. They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms; they would rule or ruin. . . .
The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised.--TM 359-361 (1895). The voice from Battle Creek, which has been regarded as authority in counselling how the work should be done, is no longer the voice of God.--17 MR 185 (1896).
It has been some years since I have considered the General Conference as the voice of God.--17 MR 216 (1898).
That these men should stand in a sacred place, to be as the voice of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to be--that is past.--GCB April 3, 1901, p. 25.
When a church proves unfaithful to the word of the Lord, whatever their position may be, however high and sacred their calling, the Lord can no longer work with them.
Others are then chosen to bear important responsibilities. But, if these in turn do not purify their lives from every wrong action, if they do not establish pure and holy principles in all their borders, then the Lord will grievously afflict and humble them and, unless they repent, will remove them from their place and make them a reproach.--14 MR 102 (1903).
We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit.--2 SM 396 (1902).
The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of her Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His people.
He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not triumph in the destruction of God's people.
He has borne long with their waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance and compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His instruction He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving them with an everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments of the power of His grace.--ST Nov. 13, 1901.
The error that some are in danger of committing is in giving to the mind and judgement of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and influence that God has invested in His church in the judgement and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work.--9 T 260, 261 (1909).
God has invested His church with special authority and power which no one can be justified in disregarding and despising, for he who does this despises the voice of God.--AA 164 (1911).
I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.--2 SM 406 (1913) The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of her Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His people.
He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not triumph in the destruction of God's people.
He has borne long with their waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance and compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His instruction He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving them with an everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments of the power of His grace.--ST Nov. 13, 1901. In these last days God's people will be exposed to the very same dangers as were ancient Israel.
Those who will not receive the warnings that God gives will fall into the same perils as did ancient Israel and come short of entering into rest through unbelief.
Ancient Israel suffered calamities on account of their unsanctified hearts and unsubmitted wills.
Their final rejection as a nation was a result of their own unbelief, self-confidence, impenitence, blindness of mind, and hardness of heart. In their history we have a danger signal lifted before us. Unless the church, which is now being leavened with her own backsliding, shall repent and be converted, she will eat of the fruit of her own doing, until she shall abhor herself.
When she resists the evil and chooses the good, when she seeks God with all humility and reaches her high calling in Christ, standing on the platform of eternal truth and by faith laying hold upon the attainments prepared for her, she will be healed.
She will appear in her God-given simplicity and purity, separate from earthly entanglements, showing that the truth has made her free indeed. Then her members will indeed be the chosen of God, His representatives.--8T 247-251 (April 21, 1903). In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had.
If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged. . . .
Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities."
7TH DAY ADVENTIST BAPTISMAL VOWS COMPARED FOR THE YEARS - 1874 - 1932 - 2000
THE BIBLE 1874 [1] Do you accept all the Bible as the inspired word of God,and do you take it as your only rule of faith? Is it your purpose to ever walk according to its teachings ? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 Acts 20:32.
1932/4 [4] Do you accept the Bible as the inspired word of God, and will you study faithfully its teachings and by the grace of God practice them in your life?
2000 [5] Do you believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word, the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian ? Do you covenant to spend time regularly in prayer and Bible study? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALVATION AND CONVERSION 1874 [2] Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour for salvation from sin, for a real change of heart, and will you permit Him by the Holy Spirit to live in you daily? John 1:12,13; Gal. 2:20.
1932/4 [2] Do you believe in the Lord Jesus as the eternal Son of God, as the Saviour and Redeemer of mankind ? Have you fully accepted Him as your personal Saviour, and the salvation He offers through grace?
2000 [2] Do you accept the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for your sins and believe that by God's grace through faith in His shed blood you are saved from sin and its penalty? [3] Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour believing that God, in Christ, has forgiven your sins and given you a new heart, and do you renounce the sinful ways of the world ? [4] Do you accept by faith the righteousness of Christ, your Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary, and accept His promise of transforming grace and power to live a loving, Christ-centered life in your home and before the world ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPENTANCE 1874 [3] Have you repented of, and confessed all known sin to God, and do you believe that He, for Christ's sake has forgiven you, and as far as possible have you tried to make matters right with your fellow men ? 1 John 1:9; Matt.5:23-26; Eze.33:15.
1932/4 [3] Do you believe in the Holy Spirit and in His work in leading to repentance and obedience to all God's requirements ? [5] Do you believe in conversion as an experience spoken of by Christ as the new birth? [6] Have you confessed your sins to God, as far as they have been made known to you; and have you on your part, as far as in you lies, tried to make wrongs right with your fellow men? [7] Do you claim by faith in Christ that God for Christ's sake has forgiven your past sins, and that He is yours and you are His ? © 2008 Tyrone Keels-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AND THE SABBATH 1874 [4] Is it your purpose, by the grace of God, to live a true Christian life, by surrendering all soul, body, spirit to God, to do His will in all things and keep the commandments of God ? Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:17; Revelation.14:12. [7] Is it your purpose to keep the seventh day of the week from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset as the Lord's holy day according to the fourth commandment? Luke 23:56; Ex. 20:8-11.
1932/4 [10] Recognizing obedience as the fruit of faithful love, do you believe that all ten of the commandments as spoken by the Lord are still binding, and by God's grace will you keep those commandments, the fourth with the rest, observing as sacred the seventh-day Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday ?
2000 [6] Do you accept the Ten Commandments as a transcript of the character of God and a revelation of His will ? Is it your purpose by the power of the indwelling Christ to keep this law, including the fourth commandment, which requires the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord and the memorial of Creation? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUL WINNING 1874 [5] Will you seek to maintain a true spiritual experience by the daily study of God's Word and prayer, and will you endeavor by your consistent life and personal effort to win souls to Christ ?
1932/4 [14].Do you believe that the closing gospel message is now going to the world and will be finished in this generation; and will you use your means, as God impresses you, your time, and your talents, that others may be blessed with the light of truth that has brought blessing and light to you ?
2000 [7] Do you look forward to the soon coming of Jesus and the blessed hope when "this mortal shall . . . put on immortality"? As your prepare to meet the Lord, will you witness to His loving salvation by using your talents in personal soul-winning endeavor to help others to be ready for His glorious appearing ? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE THREE ANGEL’S MESSAGES 1874 [6] Do you believe and accept the great truths of the Word of God concerning the personal, visible, literal, imminent return of Christ (Acts 1:9-11); immortality only through Christ (2 Tim. 1:10); the unconscious state of the dead (Eccl. 9:5, 6); the destruction of the wicked (Mal. 4:1-3); and the other kindred truths that comprise the special message of Revelation 14:6-12?
1932/4 [8] So far as you have studied and investigated the doctrines as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, do you believe in and accept them ? [9] Do you believe in the second coming of Jesus, which is taught in the Scriptures as the blessed hope, and that this event is soon to take place, and that you should prepare for His coming by being purified from sin and evil? [12].Do you believe that man by nature is mortal, and that immortality and eternal life come only through the gospel and are bestowed as the free gift of God through Christ at His second coming? [13].Do you believe that we are living in the time of the investigative judgment, which began in 1844, and that Christ, as our High Priest, is closing His ministry in the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary in preparation for His coming ? © 2008 Tyrone Keels-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITHES AND OFFERINGS 1874 [8] Will you practice the Bible plan for the support of God's work by rendering unto Him first the tithe, or one tenth of all your increase (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:8-10); and then offerings as you may be able, according to His prospering hand? Deut. 16:17; Luke 6:38.
1932/4 [11] Do you recognize the fact that God claims one-tenth of all our substance as His for the support of His work in advancing the gospel of Christ; and will you faithfully render to Him His own tithe and offerings in the support of the worldwide work of the church ?
2000 [9] Do you believe in church organization ? Is it your purpose to worship God and to support the church through your tithes and offerings and by your personal effort and influence? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LAWS OF HEALTH 1874 [9] Is it your purpose to obey the command to eat and drink to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) by abstaining from all intoxicating liquors (Pro. 23:29-32), tobacco in all its forms (1 Cor. 3:16, 17) swine's flesh (Isa. 66:15, 17), narcotics, tea, coffee, and other harmful things?
1932/4 [16] Do you understand the principles of Christian temperance as taught by the Seventh-day Adventists, and will you carry out those principles in your life, abstaining from the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco in all its forms, swine's flesh, and all other unclean foods and habit-forming drugs? [1946 Baptismal Vows adds abstaining from narcotics, tea, coffee, and other harmful things]
2000 [10] Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and will you honor God by caring for it, avoiding the use of that which is harmful; abstaining from all unclean foods; from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages; the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption; and from the misuse of or trafficking in narcotics or other drugs ? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRESS AND ATTIRE 1874 [10] Are you willing to follow the Bible rule of modesty and simplicity of dress, refraining from the wearing of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, beads, rings, etc., and from any lack of dress that is out of keeping with the Bible rule of modesty? 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Ex. 33:5, 6; Gen. 35:2-4.
1932/4 [17] In matters of dress will you follow the Bible rule of plainness and simplicity, abstaining from the wearing of gold as ornaments and costly array, observing the principles of modesty and Christian dignity ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LORD’S SUPPER AND THE ORDINANCE OF HUMILITY 1874 [11] Do you believe in and have you accepted the ordinance of humility (John 13:1-17), and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor. 11:23-33. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLDLINESS 1874 [12] Is it your purpose to come out from the world and be separate in obedience to God's command in 2 Cor. 6:17, by refraining from following the sinful practices of the world, such as dancing, card- playing, theatre-going, novel reading, etc. and by shunning all questionable worldly amusements? 1 John 2:15; James 1:27; 4:4.
1932/4 [20] Do you, by going forward in baptism, thus declare that from henceforth you will have no part in such soul-destroying amusements as card playing, theater going, dancing, and all other entertainments and amusements which tend to deaden and destroy the spiritual life and perceptions © 2008 Tyrone Keels---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION 1874 [13] Will you seek to build up the interests of the church by giving the Sabbath School your hearty and practical support and attending, as far as possible, all services of the church ? And will you endeavor by God's help to do your part in the work of the church ? Luke 4:16; Roman 12:4-8.
1932/4 [15] Will you seek to build up the interests of the church by attendance at its meetings and ordinances, and by adding your influence to extend its work while the church, on their part, exercise their watch care over you ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY - ELLEN G. WHITE 1874 [14] Do you recognize that the remnant church has the Spirit of Prophecy, and that this has been manifested to this church through the writings of Ellen G. White? Rev. 12:17; 19:10.
1932/4 [18] Do you believe the Bible doctrine of "spiritual gifts" in the church, and do you believe in the gift of the Spirit of prophecy which has been manifested in the remnant church through the ministry and writings of Mrs. E. G. White ?
2000 [8] Do you accept the biblical teaching of spiritual gifts and believe that the gift of prophecy is one of the identifying marks of the remnant church? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAPTISM 1874 [15] Do you believe in baptism by immersion only, and are you ready to follow your Lord and Master in this sacred rite? Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-5.
1932/4 [19] Do you believe in baptism by immersion, and is it your desire, by going forward in this ordinance, to manifest your faith in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ?
2000 [12] Do you accept the New Testament teaching of baptism by immersion and desire to be so baptized as a public expression of faith in Christ and His forgiveness of your sins? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL VOWS AFTER 1874 1932/4 [1] Do you believe in the existence of God as a personal being, who is our heavenly Father? 1932/4 [21]. Will you submit to the decisions of the body of the church in matters of church discipline?
2000 [1] Do you believe there is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons? 2000 [11] Do you know and understand the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Do you purpose, by the grace of God, to fulfill His will by ordering your life in harmony with these principles?
2000 [13] Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire to be a member of this local congregation of the world church?
The 1872 Seventh-day Adventist Fundamentals
(These are the guidelines for the movement until the death of EGW 1915. There were 25 Fundamental Beliefs.)
"A
DECLARATION
OF THE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
TAUGHT AND PRACTICED
——— BY ———
THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:20
Steam Press of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, Battle Creek, Michigan. 1872
IN presenting to the public this synopsis of our faith, we wish to have it distinctly understood that we have no articles of faith, creed, or discipline, aside from the Bible. We do not put forth this as having any authority with our people, nor is it designed to secure uniformity among them, as a system of faith, but is a brief statement of what is, and has been, with great unanimity, held by them. We often find it necessary to meet inquiries on this subject, and sometimes to correct false statements circulated against us, and to remove erroneous impressions which have obtained with those who have not had an opportunity to become acquainted with our faith and practice. Our only object is to meet this necessity.
As Seventh-day Adventists we desire simply that our position shall be understood; and we are the more solicitous for this because there are many who call themselves Adventists who hold views with which we can have no sympathy, some of which, we think, are subversive of the plainest and most important principles set forth in the word of God.
As compared with other Adventists, Seventh- day Adventists differ from one class in believing in the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destruction of the unrepentant wicked; from another, in believing in the perpetuity of the law of God as summarily contained in the ten commandments, in the operation of the Holy Spirit in the church, and in setting no times for the advent to occur; from all, in the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord, and in many applications of the prophetic scriptures.
With these remarks, we ask the attention of the reader to the following propositions, which aim to be a concise statement of the more prominent features of our faith.
I. That there is one God, a personal, spiritual being, the creator of all things, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; unchangeable, and everywhere present by his representative, the Holy Spirit. Ps. 139:7.
II. That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, the one by whom God created all things, and by whom they do consist; that he took on him the nature of the seed of Abraham for the redemption of our fallen race; that he dwelt among men full of grace and truth, lived our example, died our sacrifice, was raised for our justification, ascended on high to be our only mediator in the sanctuary in Heaven, where, with his own blood he makes atonement for our sins; which atonement so far from being made on the cross, which was but the offering of the sacrifice, is the very last portion of his work as priest according to the example of the Levitical priesthood, which foreshadowed and prefigured the ministry of our Lord in Heaven. See Lev. 16; Heb. 8:4, 5; 9:6, 7; &c.
III. That the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, were given by inspiration of God, contain a full revelation of his will to man, and are the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
IV. That Baptism is an ordinance of the Christian church, to follow faith and repentance, an ordinance by which we commemorate the resurrection of Christ, as by this act we show our faith in his burial and resurrection, and through that, of the resurrection of all the saints at the last day; and that no other mode fitly represents these facts than that which the Scriptures prescribe, namely, immersion. Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2: 12.
V. That the new birth comprises the entire change necessary to fit us for the kingdom of God, and consists of two parts: first, a moral change, wrought by conversion and a Christian life; second, a physical change at the second coming of Christ, whereby, if dead, we are raised incorruptible, and if living, are changed to immortality in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye. John 3:3, 5; Luke 20:36.
VI. We believe that prophecy is a part of God’s revelation to man; that it is included in that scripture which is profitable for instruction, 2 Tim. 3: 16; that it is designed for us and our children, Deut. 29: 29; that so far from being enshrouded in impenetrable mystery, it is that which especially constitutes the word of God a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, Ps. 119: 105, 2 Pet. 2:19; that a blessing is pronounced upon those who study it, Rev. 1:1-3; and that, consequently, it is to be understood by the people of God sufficiently to show them their position in the world’s history, and the special duties required at their hands.
VII. That the world’s history from specified dates in the past, the rise and fall of empires, and chronological succession of events down to the setting up of God’s everlasting kingdom, are outlined in numerous great chains of prophecy; and that these prophecies are now all fulfilled except the closing scenes.
VIII. That the doctrine of the world’s conversion and temporal millennium is a fable of these last days, calculated to lull men into a state of carnal security, and cause them to be overtaken by the great day of the Lord as by a thief in the night; that the second coming of Christ is to precede, not follow, the millennium; for until the Lord appears the papal power, with all its abominations, is to continue, the wheat and tares grow together, and evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, as the word of God declares.
IX. That the mistake of Adventists in 1844 pertained to the nature of the event then to transpire, not to the time;that no prophetic period is given to reach to the second advent, but that the longest one, the two thousand and three hundred days of Dan. 8:14, terminated in that year, and brought us to an event called the cleansing of the sanctuary.
X. That the sanctuary of the new covenant is the tabernacle of God in Heaven, of which Paul speaks in Hebrews 8, and onward, of which our Lord, as great High Priest, is minister; that this sanctuary is the antitype of the Mosaic tabernacle, and that the priestly work of our Lord, connected therewith, is the antitype of the work of the Jewish priests of the former dispensation. Heb. 8:1-5, &c.; that this is the sanctuary to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, what is termed its cleansing being in this case, as in the type, simply the entrance of the high priest into the most holy place, to finish the round of service connected therewith, by blotting out and removing from the sanctuary the sins which had been transferred to it by means of the ministration in the first apartment, Heb. 9:22, 23; and that this work, in the antitype, commencing in 1844, occupies a brief but indefinite space, at the conclusion of which the work of mercy for the world is finished.
XI. That God’s moral requirements are the same upon all men in all dispensations; that these are summarily contained in the commandments spoken by Jehovah from Sinai, engraven on the tables of stone, and deposited in the ark, which was in consequence called the “ark of the covenant,” or testament. Num. 10:33, Heb. 9:4, &c.; that this law is immutable and perpetual, being a transcript of the tables deposited in the ark in the true sanctuary on high, which is also, for the same reason, called the ark of God’s testament; for under the sounding of the seventh trumpet we are told that “the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Rev. 11:19.
XII. That the fourth commandment of this law requires that we devote the seventh day of each week, commonly called Saturday, to abstinence from our own labor, and to the performance of sacred and religious duties; that this is the only weekly Sabbath known to the Bible, being the day that was set apart before Paradise was lost, Gen. 2:2, 3, and which will be observed in paradise restored, Isa. 66:22, 23; that the facts upon which the Sabbath institution is based confine it to the seventh day, as they are not true of any other day; and that the terms, Jewish Sabbath, and Christian Sabbath, as applied to the weekly rest-day, are names of human invention, unscriptural in fact, and false in meaning.
XIII. That as the man of sin, the papacy, has thought to change times and laws (the laws of God), Dan. 7:25, and has misled almost all Christendom in regard to the fourth commandment, we find a prophecy of a reform in this respect to be wrought among believers just before the coming of Christ. Isa. 56:1, 2, 1 Pet. 1:5, Rev. 14:12, &c. (This fundamental belief is NOT in the current 28 fundamental beliefs of the SDA church.)
XIV. That as the natural or carnal heart is at enmity with God and his law, this enmity can be subdued only by a radical transformation of the affections, the exchange of unholy for holy principles; that this transformation follows repentance and faith, is the special work of the Holy Spirit, and constitutes regeneration or conversion.
XV. That as all have violated the law of God, and cannot of themselves render obedience to his just requirements, we are dependent on Christ, first, for justification from our past offenses and, secondly, for grace whereby to render acceptable obedience to his holy law in time to come.
XVI. That the Spirit of God was promised to manifest itself in the church through certain gifts, enumerated especially in 1 Cor. 12 and Eph. 4; that these gifts are not designed to supersede, or take the place of, the Bible, which is sufficient to make us wise unto salvation, any more than the Bible can take the place of the Holy Spirit; that, in specifying the various channels of its operation, that Spirit has simply made provision for its own existence and presence with the people of God to the end of time, to lead to an understanding of that word which it had inspired, to convince of sin, and to work a transformation in the heart and life; and that those who deny to the Spirit its place and operation, do plainly deny that part of the Bible which assigns to it this work and position.
XVII. That God, in accordance with his uniform dealings with the race, sends forth a proclamation of the approach of the second advent of Christ; and that this work is symbolized by the three messages of Rev. 14, the last one bringing to view the work of reform on the law of God, that his people may acquire a complete readiness for that event.
XVIII. That the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary (see proposition X), synchronizing with the time of the proclamation of the third message, is a time of investigative judgment, first, with reference to the dead, and at the close of probation with reference to the living, to determine who of the myriads now sleeping in the dust of the earth are worthy of a part in the first resurrection, and who of its living multitudes are worthy of translation—points which must be determined before the Lord appears.
XIX. That the grave, whether we all tend, expressed by the Hebrew sheol and the Greek hades, is a place of darkness in which there is no work, device, wisdom, nor knowledge. Eccl. 9:10.
XX. That the state to which we are reduced by death is one of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness. Ps.146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Dan. 12:2, &c.
XXI. That out of this prison house of the grave mankind are to be brought by a bodily resurrection; the righteous having part in the first resurrection, which takes place at the second advent of Christ, the wicked in the second resurrection, which takes place a thousand years thereafter. Rev. 20:4-6.
XXII. That at the last trump, the living righteous are to be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and with the resurrected righteous are to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so forever to be with the Lord.
XXIII. That these immortalized ones are then taken to Heaven, to the New Jerusalem, the Father’s house, in which there are many mansions, John 14:1-3, where they reign with Christ a thousand years, judging the world and fallen angels, that is, apportioning the punishment to be executed upon them at the close of the one thousand years; Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; that during this time the earth lies in a desolate and chaotic condition, Jer. 4:23-27, described, as in the beginning by the Greek term abussos bottomless pit (Septuagint of Gen. 1:2); and that here Satan is confined during the thousand years, Rev. 20:1, 2, and here finally destroyed, Rev. 20:10; Mal. 4:1; the theater of the ruin he has wrought in the universe, being appropriately made for a time, his gloomy prison house, and then the place of his final execution.
XXIV. That at the end of the thousand years, the Lord descends with his people and the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:2, the wicked dead are raised and come up upon on the surface of the yet unrenewed earth, and gather about the city, the camp of the saint, Rev. 20:9, and fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. They are then consumed root and branch, Mal. 4:1, becoming as though they had not been. Obad. 15, 16. In this everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, 2 Thess. 1:9, the wicked meet the everlasting punishment threatened against them, Matt. 25:46, This is the perdition of ungodly men, the fire which consumes them being the fire for which “the heavens and the earth which are now” are kept in store, which shall melt even the elements with its intensity, and purge the earth from the deepest stains of the curse of sin. 2 Peter 3:7-12.
XXV. That new heavens and earth shall spring by the power of God from the ashes of the old, to be, with the New Jerusalem for its metropolis and capital, the eternal inheritance of the saints, the place where the righteous shall evermore dwell. 2 Peter 3:13; Ps. 37:11, 29; Matt. 5:5.
So there we have the full declaration as James White set it in 1872. I believe we need to honor those principles today as they did then!"
http://issues-of-life.com/Baptismal%20Vows.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJk7GZB09xQ
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/01/executive-order-united-states-policy-pre-and-post-strike-measures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU4xNfZKBNs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHlImTkw7Vs&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2q_FQesNSj3aMB-6yJnePiVuQPkYC8sT36Ky1gemTedPD69_khEroGnyI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc6hF8twWOAhttps://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/01/executive-order-united-states-policy-pre-and-post-strike-measures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU4xNfZKBNs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHlImTkw7Vs&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2q_FQesNSj3aMB-6yJnePiVuQPkYC8sT36Ky1gemTedPD69_khEroGnyI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKkuVc6Qgs
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14054.3961001?hl=%22conscience+forbids%2C+the+other+allows%22#3961010
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=old+seventh-day+adventist+logo&id=0DC718880163DF9DE9DC862B484351840DB07CFA&FORM=IQFRBA
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