Confused Believer

[PerrySB]

Just briefly I was raised in a home that believed in the Adventist theology. I was sent to Adventist schools during my adolescent years but didn’t make it at MBA (Moterey Bay Academy). I seen it as kind of hypocritical in my home, school and the church were teaching me one thing and what I was seeing at home was very different. Dad was an alcoholic and mom was a nut to put it bluntly, they enabled each other to be sick. Well I came away believing that the righteousness that I needed to obtain to be saved was unattainable, even though I was baptized in an Adventist church I turned away from it completely. I later returned to fundamentalist Christian beliefs and rededicated my life.
Had a huge issue with the church that I have been attending for many years. So I bailed out again, I’m still looking for the truth for my life. What is the differences between the reformed Adventist and the old Adventist beliefs. I’m in a big transition period in my life and have not found a new church home and I’m attempting to learn and seek Gods guidance. The problem I’m having is mainly with the balance between grace and legalism, neither extreme seems right to me.
I welcome private emails because I realize this is probably not a normal question for this forum, not only that I don’t wish to step on any ones toes, or be disrespectful of others beliefs.

 

[Aceofspades77]

Grace is emphasized in the new testament where as the Law was brought forth in the old testament. I know my answer was short but I mostly wanted to say that I believe you are on the right path by asking questions and seeking the truth.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

What is the differences between the reformed Adventist and the old Adventist beliefs.

If you review the 28 fundamental beliefs of SDAism, you will find that nothing has officially changed. The SDA denomination has never repented of its teachings relating to Ellen G. White, the investigative judgment, the close of probation, the seal of God, the mark of the beast, the remnant etc.


With that said, there are a number of individual SDAs who have privately rejected each of the above-referenced teachings. In this forum, they are referred to as "progressive Adventists." Progressive SDAs have reached their conclusions despite the official teachings of the denomination. In some areas of the world, they can oppose certain SDA fundamentals and not experience significant problems. In other areas of the world, they must hide what they believe and pretend. Some find ways to remain SDA. Others find it impossible to stay and, for reasons of conscience, leave. Because I have small children, my wife and I took the latter course.

I’m in a big transition period in my life and have not found a new church home and I’m attempting to learn and seek Gods guidance.

I have definitely been in this position myself and I sympathize (it's not much fun). It has taken my wife and I quite some time to find the right church home. However, we believe that God has led us in His perfect timing. He has your best interest at heart and will undoubtedly do the same for you.

The problem I’m having is mainly with the balance between grace and legalism, neither extreme seems right to me.

For me, it depends on what subject you're discussing. If you're discussing salvation, than I must side with grace and never works. If you're discussing the fruits created by the Spirit in the lives of justified persons, then I have no problem discussing God's admonitions. SDAism is not the only denomination that teaches that God changes people.


I believe that legalism can be defined as a belief that one earns his salvation (either in whole or in part) by keeping the law. SDAism believes and teaches that, immediately prior to Christ's second coming, sabbatarians will be saved and non-sabbatarians will be lost. SDAism also believes and teaches that we form the character; that it is left with us to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement; and that we must be sinless prior to the close of probation in order to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. This is legalism in its purist form.

I welcome private emails because I realize this is probably not a normal question for this forum, not only that I don’t wish to step on any ones toes, or be disrespectful of others beliefs.

I would be happy to discuss this further by PM if you'd prefer that format. If so, please feel free to shoot me a PM.


God bless,
BFA