Looking for a Denomonation

[bibleblevr]

Hey as the title suggests, I am looking for a denomination. I did some research on the Adventists, but I would rather learn from you guys, because I feel I would get a more accurate prospective.

My questions are as follows;

*How do you differ form typical protestant beliefs?

*Why are you a separate denomination?

*What did you split from?

*Is there diversity of beliefs within your own denomination?

*Are you reformed?

*Does your denomination foster legalism?


Thanks a lot,
Jake

 

[k4c]

Hey as the title suggests, I am looking for a denomination. I did some research on the Adventists, but I would rather learn from you guys, because I feel I would get a more accurate prospective.

My questions are as follows;

*How do you differ form typical protestant beliefs?

*Why are you a separate denomination?

*What did you split from?

*Is there diversity of beliefs within your own denomination?

*Are you reformed?

*Does your denomination foster legalism?


Thanks a lot,
Jake

Hi Jake,

You have some good questions.

If you go here http://graceandglorychurch.com/Church-history.html I believe some of your questions will be answered.

Basically the SDA didn't really split from any one particular group, but rather, it was a movement. God began impressing the hearts of several different people from several denominations regarding things like the Sabbath, the state of the dead and so on. As a result of this God brought these people from these different denominations together who never had any connection with each other prior to. As a result the SDA was formed based on God impressing these lost truths upon the hearts of these people. It wasn't a smooth journey, there was a lot to figuring out to do and a lot of ups and down along the way.

As far as being a separate denomination. We became separate not because of anything we did, but rather, because of truth. You will find in your personal studies that the closer you get to God the more He reveals to you and the more you give yourself to Him the less fellowship you will find. This is not by your choice, but rather, it's because of truth.

As far as diversity of beliefs. The main thing is Christ and Christ alone. He is the first and the last in all things. The SDA have 28 foundational beliefs that we can hang our hat on at the end of the day but are they written in stone? No way. We always leave room for growth and more light. You will find that within the SDA there are some people who believe differently in some areas but it's a personal belief, which is never pushed aside it's just not dogma. You will find this in all denominations. We look at and test all things but at the end of the day we need to hang our hats on something.

As far as legalism goes, that's the big battle of fine lines in all denominations. The thing that turns obedience into legalism is your motive why you obey. Motive is a heart issue that God only knows but our true motive will manifest itself in how we view others and our relationship with God. The question we need to ask when it comes to obedience is this. Do we obey to be saved or do we obey because we are saved. One is done in our own strength which leads to legalism and a judgemental attitude and the other is done through the power of a changed life who loves God.

I hope this helps, I know there is so much more.

God's blessings in your journey for truth.

 

[Stryder06]

Hey as the title suggests, I am looking for a denomination. I did some research on the Adventists, but I would rather learn from you guys, because I feel I would get a more accurate prospective.

My questions are as follows;

*How do you differ form typical protestant beliefs?

*Why are you a separate denomination?

*What did you split from?

*Is there diversity of beliefs within your own denomination?

*Are you reformed?

*Does your denomination foster legalism?


Thanks a lot,
Jake

Hello Bibleblevr,

You should take a look here actually Adventist Church Official Web Site. That is the link to the official web page for the Seventh Day Adventist church. To sum up all of your questions, our church distinguishes itself from other denominations because we teach that which the bible says. Despite what you might here, when you separate tradition from the word of God, you are pretty much left with what we teach

The forum here also lists our fundamental beliefs. Reading those would be a good starting point for you as well.

 

[BobRyan]

Hey as the title suggests, I am looking for a denomination. I did some research on the Adventists, but I would rather learn from you guys, because I feel I would get a more accurate prospective.

My questions are as follows;

*How do you differ form typical protestant beliefs?

*Why are you a separate denomination?

*What did you split from?

*Is there diversity of beliefs within your own denomination?

*Are you reformed?

*Does your denomination foster legalism?


Thanks a lot,
Jake

Not in any particular order -

1. As has been stated - this is not a split from another denomination.

Distinctives in this denomination includes acceptance of God's Ten Commandments (1Cor 7:19 "But what matters is keeping the Commandments of God")

All of our doctrines are tested "sola scriptura"

Acceptance of the doctrine of soul "sleep" found in 1Thess 4 and John 11.

Acceptance of both NT and OT as valid scripture -- all 66 books.

Acceptance of 1Cor 12 spiritual gifts.

The most advanced and complete understanding of Daniel's prophecies of any denomination in existence today.

1260 years of Daniel 7 (And of Rev 11, and again Rev 12) referring to the 1260 years of the dark ages.

490 years of Dan 9 pointing to the time of the first coming of the Messiah - and not chopped up -- no gaps inserted into the timeline. Just direct continuous time counted off.

2300 years of Dan 8 being the larger time line within which the 490 years of Dan 9 are a part.

Advanced understanding of health principles.

Advanced establishment of world wide educational, medical and humanitarian aid organizations.

Advanced understanding of the entire gospel timeline starting with the war in heaven, the fall of the angels, the creation of earth, the fall of man, the preflood years, the tribulation, the 2nd coming, the millennium and the New Earth. This is especially true of final events just before the 2nd coming.

2. If by "reformed" you mean Calvinist - no this is not a Calvinist group - it is Arminian. We believe in the Bible doctrine of "whosoever will" may come to Christ for "God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" 2Peter 3. Not that all WILL choose salvation - but God is "Drawing all mankind unto him" John 12:32.

3. Nothing in Adventist doctrine requires or mandates legalism. In fact we believe that a person is "saved by grace through faith - not of works lest anyone should boast" Eph 2:8-10.

But we ALSO believe in "perseverance of the saints" as do 3 and 5 point Calvinists to some extent.


4. We have diversity on a number of subjects - but we also have a voted set of "Fundamental Beliefs" that the entire denomination votes on.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[k4c]

Not in any particular order -

1. As has been stated - this is not a split from another denomination.

Distinctives in this denomination includes acceptance of God's Ten Commandments (1Cor 7:19 "But what matters is keeping the Commandments of God")

All of our doctrines are tested "sola scriptura"

Acceptance of the doctrine of soul "sleep" found in 1Thess 4 and John 11.

Acceptance of both NT and OT as valid scripture -- all 66 books.

Acceptance of 1Cor 12 spiritual gifts.

The most advanced and complete understanding of Daniel's prophecies of any denomination in existence today.

1260 years of Daniel 7 (And of Rev 11, and again Rev 12) referring to the 1260 years of the dark ages.

490 years of Dan 9 pointing to the time of the first coming of the Messiah - and not chopped up -- no gaps inserted into the timeline. Just direct continuous time counted off.

2300 years of Dan 8 being the larger time line within which the 490 years of Dan 9 are a part.

Advanced understanding of health principles.

Advanced establishment of world wide educational, medical and humanitarian aid organizations.

Advanced understanding of the entire gospel timeline starting with the war in heaven, the fall of the angels, the creation of earth, the fall of man, the preflood years, the tribulation, the 2nd coming, the millennium and the New Earth. This is especially true of final events just before the 2nd coming.

2. If by "reformed" you mean Calvinist - no this is not a Calvinist group - it is Arminian. We believe in the Bible doctrine of "whosoever will" may come to Christ for "God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" 2Peter 3. Not that all WILL choose salvation - but God is "Drawing all mankind unto him" John 12:32.

3. Nothing in Adventist doctrine requires or mandates legalism. In fact we believe that a person is "saved by grace through faith - not of works lest anyone should boast" Eph 2:8-10.

But we ALSO believe in "perseverance of the saints" as do 3 and 5 point Calvinists to some extent.


4. We have diversity on a number of subjects - but we also have a voted set of "Fundamental Beliefs" that the entire denomination votes on.

in Christ,

Bob

Amen...

If people are truly led by the Spirit and diligenty search the Scriptures without adding the traditions of men or personal opinions we would all come to the same conclusion or at least pretty close. This is how the SDA was formed.

 

[bibleblevr]

cool, I checked out some sites you suggested, thanks for the responses! one more question, Who is Ellen White?

 

[k4c]

cool, I checked out some sites you suggested, thanks for the responses! one more question, Who is Ellen White?

Just like any movement of God He gifts people with insight in order to help direct and lead. Ellen White, along with many other men and woman, were given insight into God's will for His people. She was one of the founders of the SDA who helped to understand all that God was doing and revealing. But even with her gifts she always pointed people to the Bible for their final conclusion.

 

[Avonia]

Just like any movement of God He gifts people with insight in order to help direct and lead. Ellen White, along with many other men and woman, were given insight into God's will for His people.

Well said.

 

[foofighter]

Dear Bibleblevr,

Please do a lot of research into SDA'ism. Read what others have to say, look beneath the surface. There are nice people in Adventism, but the doctrines and the legalism is something you need to be very aware of.

 

[k4c]

Dear Bibleblevr,

Please do a lot of research into SDA'ism. Read what others have to say, look beneath the surface. There are nice people in Adventism, but the doctrines and the legalism is something you need to be very aware of.

Amen. we should do that any denomination.

 

[foofighter]

Yes, particularly those that have a "prophet".

 

[k4c]

Yes, particularly those that have a "prophet".

I take it that you don't believe God can give the gift of prophecy?

 

[YoDude]

Choosing a denomination is easy, go Baptist, yo.

 

[k4c]

Choosing a denomination is easy, go Baptist, yo.

Would that be Seventh Day Baptist, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist, First Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Independant Baptist and so on and so forth.