Do Adventists Believe that the SDA Church is the "One True Church"?

[NYCGuy]

Hi everyone!

I'm LDS (Mormon), and one of my coworkers is Seventh-day Adventist. I know a little about the history of this church, as well as some of the beliefs. I've read through the official website.

Am I correct in understanding that Adventists believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the "remnant church", and is therefore the "one true church" in some sense? Would Adventists therefore categorize themselves as "restorationists"?

Also, are there any good basic books on Adventist beliefs and practices?

Thanks!

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Yes, we believe that God raised up a denominated people to give the last day message to that it may be spread throughout the world before Jesus comes. This message includes the three angels message of Rev 14:6-12, the sanctuary message and the restoration of obedience to ALL of Gods Commandments. Our message is not that only Adventists are saved but that we have a message of salvation for this time we live in and that God has His remnant people in all denominations, all walks of life, that will hear His voice. We believe in justification through Jesus Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit which convicts us of our sinful nature and allows us to attain unto perfection of character.

The modern day focus in the church differs somewhat from the early church's message and has begun to be diluted by ecumenical philosophies. The sanctuary message and to a lesser degree, the Sabbath message is being dismissed or minimized, unfortunately.

If I had to recommend one book that best gives an understanding of God's church history, including the SDA movement, it would have to be The Great Controversy by Ellen White. You can read it free online or I can send you a copy if you would like.

 

[Shrewsbury]

Although I am very new to the SDA church, what I have learned it that no, the SDA church does not believe it is the "one true church". It does refer to itself as a remnant church, but also believes that there are remnants amongst most churches.

 

[k4c]

Although I am very new to the SDA church, what I have learned it that no, the SDA church does not believe it is the "one true church". It does refer to itself as a remnant church, but also believes that there are remnants amongst most churches.

Amen...

I don't believe the title, true church, is an accurate thing to say. I believe we should use the title, God's true people. There are people within other denmintations that have, understand and live by the truth but there are also people who don't, even within the SDA. What makes people God's people is the fact that they have, understand and live by the truth. It's not the fact that they belong to any paricular denomination. I can say that people who do have, understand and live by the truth will be drawn to a particular denomination, which I believe is the SDA.

 

[Joe67]

Yes, we believe that God raised up a denominated people to give the last day message to that it may be spread throughout the world before Jesus comes. This message includes the three angels message of Rev 14:6-12, the sanctuary message and the restoration of obedience to ALL of Gods Commandments. Our message is not that only Adventists are saved but that we have a message of salvation for this time we live in and that God has His remnant people in all denominations, all walks of life, that will hear His voice. We believe in justification through Jesus Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit which convicts us of our sinful nature and allows us to attain unto perfection of character.

The modern day focus in the church differs somewhat from the early church's message and has begun to be diluted by ecumenical philosophies. The sanctuary message and to a lesser degree, the Sabbath message is being dismissed or minimized, unfortunately.

If I had to recommend one book that best gives an understanding of God's church history, including the SDA movement, it would have to be The Great Controversy by Ellen White. You can read it free online or I can send you a copy if you would like.

ECR,

Amen. When I joined the SdA church in 1954, it was taught as you have outlined it in your first paragraph above. We were the bearers of the remnant message; the law and the testimony, law and grace in the faith of Jesus.

Your second paragraph does present the sorrowful state of heart and mind that is occurring in the official process. It is like reading the prophecy of Hosea.

The Lord does restore, but after he reproves.

Joe

 

[Kira Light]

One interesting thing about the Mormons is that they too believe you must keep the 10 commandments. Oddly they keep Sunday though which doesn't make sense if you actually read the 4th commandment.

 

[Stewartnz]

Hi everyone!

I'm LDS (Mormon), and one of my coworkers is Seventh-day Adventist. I know a little about the history of this church, as well as some of the beliefs. I've read through the official website.

Am I correct in understanding that Adventists believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the "remnant church", and is therefore the "one true church" in some sense? Would Adventists therefore categorize themselves as "restorationists"?

Hello, NYCGuy. I would like to briefly comment here too, and say that, yes, as Adventists we categorize ourselves as "restorationists".

"Repairers of the breach", and "restorers".

As a people we hold that the Ten Commandments express God's standard, and that a "breach" has been made in that standard, especially with regards to the Sabbath.

In this connection we apply Isaiah 58:12 to ourselves.
"And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."

______________

The more zealous among us teach that we "have truth in advance of every other people upon the earth". But making such a claim, we also teach that our lives and our characters must be in harmony with such a faith.

 

[NYCGuy]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

I purchased The Great Controversy for my Kindle (only 0.89). I've heard of this book before but I guess I'll read it now to get an overview of SDA beliefs.

Does the SDA Church itself have any publications, pamphlets, brochures, etc. aimed at non-members?

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

This isn't from the conference but i would recommend the book The Omega Rebellion by Rick Howard... eye opening revelation to the biggest danger facing God's people today.

 

[Stryder06]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

I purchased The Great Controversy for my Kindle (only 0.89). I've heard of this book before but I guess I'll read it now to get an overview of SDA beliefs.

Does the SDA Church itself have any publications, pamphlets, brochures, etc. aimed at non-members?

In my opinon you can get a good idea from here for free:
Study Guides

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Thanx Stryder!

Doug is an old school Adventist and is not influenced by the conference.... excellent resource

 

[Joe67]

There is a final message which cannot be from a denomination or into a denomination.

Rev 18:4-7
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. KJV

The first three angels messages in Revelation 14 move the hearers into denominational fellowships which are needful to give milk and meat to the children and youth. The work of faith and grace in these three messages prepare the heart and mind to hear the Voice from heaven concerning the character quality given in the final message, the 4th message.

Those who hear and obey all of the first three as revealed in Revelation 14 will be prepared of the Lord Jesus to hear and obey his Voice in the message from the new Jerusalem which is above, the free woman, the mother of us all, as given in Revelation 18, which is prophesied in Hebrews 12:18-29.

Heb 12:25-26
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. KJV

Joe

 

[Princessdi]

As you can see NYCGuy, there is not a concensus in the area, at this time, and it really depends on "when" you came into the church. I was born and raised int he church and remember when it was(and still is in some areas apparently) that the SDA church was the one true Remnant church. Unless it has changed in the last few years, in our our Bible studies(revivals, tent efforts, Revelation Seminars) we spend a great deal of time proving biblically that the SDA church is the "remanat church" for which Christ will return spoken of in the Bible.

Now, I have noticed that in the last 20 years or so, that some have shied away from this doctrine, but some still enjoy the specialness of being consider the "Chosen People"

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Now, I have noticed that in the last 20 years or so, that some have shied away from this doctrine, but some still enjoy the specialness of being consider the "Chosen People"

Thats the ecumenical, Questions on Doctrine garbage thats crept into the church and tried to somehow make us feel ashamed because we feel this way...

 

[RioLion]

If Adventists claim to be the one true people of God or the one true church, where can I find it in their literature? What may be expressed here is only opinions.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

If Adventists claim to be the one true people of God or the one true church, where can I find it in their literature? What may be expressed here is only opinions.

Here's a couple of quotes for you....

The church at this time will be in conflict, for John saw Satan as he “went to make war with the remnant.” The apostle John identifies the members of the last-day church, “the remnant church,” as those “which keep the commandments of God,” Revelation 12:17, thus making them a commandment-keeping church. This remnant church would also have “the testimony of Jesus,” which is “the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10. Paul states that the church that is expectantly waiting for the coming of Christ would come behind in no gift. 1 Corinthians 1:7, 8. It would be blessed with the gift of the testimony of Christ.
It is clear, then, that in God’s plan the church of the last days would, when it came into being, have in its midst the spirit of prophecy. How reasonable it is that God should speak to his people in earth’s last days just as he spoke to his people in time of special need in centuries past.
<A name=para3>When this church of prophecy&#8212;the Seventh-day Adventist church&#8212;came into being in the mid-1800s...
Counsels for the Church, Page 10

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced.
Selected Messages book 1 p.204

Notice that the remnant church keeps the fundamental principles that were given early in the church's history. Most of the SDA church of today would not qualify as the remnant church.

 

[stinsonmarri]

NYCGuy:​

I too have been a SDA since 1955 and I have studied and had questions that the church taught that was not Bible base. One of the reasons our pioneers left their churches because they were looking for truth. When the church became organized it started to change and become just like the other churches leaving the purity of their message conforming to doctrines and traditions not found in the Bible. Here is proof of this from my friend ECR that thinks that what I have stood for has strayed away from the SDA doctrines and he is right. However I have not from our original message and Bible truth! I am calling to all my family in the SDA church to return back to their first love and stop thinking they are rich and need to understand more true if they allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes. If they will also realize that the ministers, leaders cannot saved them only Yashua and there is more to obedience than the Sabbath. Here is where I differ and stand only with the Bible as ECR has written:​

The church at this time will be in conflict, for John saw Satan as he “went to make war with the remnant.” The apostle John identifies the members of the last-day church, “the remnant church,” as those “which keep the commandments of God,” Revelation 12:17, thus making them a commandment-keeping church. This remnant church would also have “the testimony of Jesus,” which is “the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.​

The Bibles states that here is the remnant of the pure woman's seed that is recognized as a church but there is no name or denomination given to this woman/church. However there is a number giving to her seed-144,000 and the great multitude that no man can number. Rev 7:1-9 This great multitude will come from every nation, tongue and people. The Bible never stated that the church would have the "Spirit of prophecy" which is correct it is the Testimony of Yashua! What Gabriel said was that he had the testimony of Yashua which is the Spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:10 The Bible said that the Remnant of the woman's seed would first keep the commandments and then have Yashua testimony. This church will be the pure church and not in any church today because the wicked and the righteous are in all churches and religions today. Only when they are weeded out of all the churches and religions that will choose to follow Yashua and keep the commandments and have His testimony will it be the woman's final seed! Rev 12:17​

Paul states that the church that is expectantly waiting for the coming of Christ would come behind in no gift. 1 Corinthians 1:7, 8. It would be blessed with the gift of the testimony of Christ.​

Paul was talking to the church in Corinth and only to them in the church that were sanctified in Yashua and actually called to be saints in every place (future because none of us knows who will be saved)! Also the 144,000 and the great multitude will be sealed last or saved and Yashua will confirm those saved in the end. The end has not come yet and neither that pure church. Again these saints will have the gift of the testimony of Yashua at the end of time and that will be only the pure church. 1 Cor 1:2-8 ​

It is clear, then, that in God’s plan the church of the last days would, when it came into being, have in its midst the spirit of prophecy. How reasonable it is that God should speak to his people in earth’s last days just as he spoke to his people in time of special need in centuries past.
When this church of prophecy—the Seventh-day Adventist church—came into being in the mid-1800s... Counsels for the Church, Page 10

Even though I believe in EGW's gift it is sad to say that her gift have been exploited by the SDA church and many of her words taken out of context. She herself complained along with her son and she battled with the church but to no avail. Mrs. White along with others had the gift that Peter spoke of in Acts 2:17 and when she saw or was shone things in vision she back them up with the Bible. However EGW had her own opinions and she along with others brought in religious views that were held by their former churches. My friend ECR does not provide that she stated later that we should not hold on to these old preconceived ideas when confronted with truth. She also said to stand up to truth of the Bible and its word only and not hers or anyone else. This book she wrote in her old age to the ministers of our church who was teaching error and leading the church down the wrong path. But many will not discuss this book she wrote including ECR. Testimonies to the Ministers and Gospel Workers p. 105, 106 The SDA Church was to present the message to lead others back to the Bible and not to conform to the world which all the churches have today none of them are pure. But the pure in heart will come out of all of them soon! Do we have the everlasting message yes we do but we preach around it and become stuck on one point of the message and that is the Sabbath! ​

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. Selected Messages book 1 p.204

This is correct coming from the pen of EGW but the pillars of our faith have been compromised with keeping Christmas, Easter, Halloween, not continue to study, put down those who stand up against error, put no difference between the holy and the unholy, listen to the wolves and ministers today like the rabbis of Yashua's day. Bigots thinking that the SDA is the remnant church and the Bible does not state that at all, and putting down other churches and claiming that her church is the true church. It is not the church but the original message that is true!

Notice that the remnant church keeps the fundamental principles that were given early in the church's history. Most of the SDA church of today would not qualify as the remnant church. ​

If ECR should state that those who are obedient to truth in all churches and hear the last day message of truth will accept it because it is truth and not base on a church. It is not the church that would not qualify as the remnant it is the people in the church that have changed. But there are those in the SDA Church who have faith in the true message and they have not conformed but keep all His Commandments. His commandments includes the Sacred names, Yahweh's Feast days, the Sanctuary truth which includes Yahweh Investigated Judgment, understanding that more with having the gift of Acts 2:17, understanding who makes up the 144,000 and those who will bring in the great multitude during the Time of Trouble. This is the truth concerning the SDA faith the message and not the church!​

blessings,
stinsonmarri

 

[ricker]

Thats the ecumenical, Questions on Doctrine garbage thats crept into the church and tried to somehow make us feel ashamed because we feel this way...

Isn't it the Questions on Doctrine book the only reason the SDA church isn't recognized as a cult by mainstream Christianity? (Walter Martin is often quoted)

 

[JohnMarsten]

Hi everyone!

I'm LDS (Mormon), and one of my coworkers is Seventh-day Adventist. I know a little about the history of this church, as well as some of the beliefs. I've read through the official website.

Am I correct in understanding that Adventists believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the "remnant church", and is therefore the "one true church" in some sense? Would Adventists therefore categorize themselves as "restorationists"?

Also, are there any good basic books on Adventist beliefs and practices?

Thanks!

Being a member of any church comes almost always with a feeling of exclusivity.

Why are you and LDS? It is because you think that the 'WHOLE TRUTH' is in your church and the rest of the churches have only some, so do adventists believe. The degree of exclusivity may vary from member to member.

...and of course many people will believe that as of this day this is the only true church...

It is also partially about those unique believes that make people join/stay or leave/change.

With all due respect but when I heard that LDS believe that they all will be Gods like God, one day being able to create worlds like God did, well, I somehow got a feeling that this is not for me... (among others this was the most severe thing) but for you this will be so-called new revelation made by your prophet a revelation that others dont have... and maybe dont want to have...

 

[Princessdi]

LOL!! I talk so much I almost answered this thread, the same exact way I answered it months ago. LOL!!! ECR, I almost forgot that you tried to slam me in theis thread, too. I didn't answer at the time, because I thought it was funny(haha) that you had been SDA a relative short amount of time, and yet you had determined that most SDAs from GC on down weren't Adventist enough for your taste............then I just thought ti was kind of sad because I have seen many in my time go down this road and prayed that you would cultivate that spark of a teachable spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

BTW, I didn't say what I did to make anyone feel ashamed, one should always stand up unashamedly for what every they feel convicted of. However, remember that we are not all in the same place in our growth. not meaning one further along than another, but that God deals with us individually, and we need growth in different areas.