Hi,
Mark here from HeavenlySanctuary. Since Xenon was kind enough to visit HeavenlySanctuary.com and directly ask if the things he was being told were true, I thought it would only be right for me to return the favor and join your discussion here so that others can decide for themselves whether I am Satan's representative or not.
My thanks to RND and Cheri for being protective of my reputation and that of HeavenlySanctuary, for Xenon for checking things out personally, and to Redogs for honestly stating his concerns.
I want to be sure to be clear that I am only representing my personal viewpoint - I am not acting as an "official spokesman" for anyone. That being said, I believe that I am not too far off from the rest of the HS.com team and the general consesus on the forums there.
I should also note that while the HS.com forum tries very hard to keep the tone safe and genial, we do allow a WIDE range of viewpoints. So something plucked off a post by an individual on the forum may not at all represent HS or the GNT.
I must also confess that the ads that keep trying to pop up on my browser are more than a little annoying. But I guess I'll get over it!
Given the title of your forum "Traditional Adventists - The form for Adventist members" I should give full disclosure. I'm 3rd generation Adventist and believe that the Adventist church was raised to give a "finishing message" to the world. But I also was trained to think for myself and believe that the ultimate authority is "truth" - what is - rather than any organization, doctrine or creed. So I do not always come to the same conclusions about what things mean that "traditional Adventists" might come to. I try to follow wherever God leads - and sometimes that puts me at odds with the established structures. But I find myself in good company there - Jesus found himself at odds with the established structures of his time. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Or so it seems to me.
Mark
Thanks Mark for coming by to answer some of the questions that have come up. My original concerns were caused on this thread which had the following thread http://www.heavenlysanctuary.com/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=52005 which had beliefs that some feel need 'change'...
".....Take a look at this article in "Progressive Adventism" called 'Change: The Adventist Constant':
.......Forecasting Future Changes
1. Sanctuary/Investigative Judgment: 1844 will be meaningful subjectively in the Adventist world as the time of the inauguration of the movement, but not objectively as THE fulfillment of Daniel 8:14. What will be salvaged is the “investigative” nature of judgment which is already clearly presaged in John Wesley’s writings.
2. Remnant: That the Adventist church is “the remnant church of Bible prophecy” (Baptismal Vow) will be revised into an expression that is more humble and open to God’s truth and revelation in other churches and religions, while continuing to claim a special, particular mission and calling as a movement raised up by God. The ongoing formal dialogues with other denominations and religions (and the increasing collaborative efforts taking place at the local level) will effectively make the “remnant church” claim a relic of the 19th century Adventism.
3. Daniel & Revelation: The two apocalypses will be read increasingly under the influence of the apocalyptic teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. This will have a tempering impact on reading the two books as definite timelines, but more as illustrations of the power of God and expressions of Christian hope and courage.
4. Ellen White: While her foundational influence will never be forgotten nor ignored, she will be read more and more as Luther, Calvin and Wesley (btw, the three angels of Rev 14 according to early Wesleyan interpreters) have come to be appreciated in their respective traditions. Adventists will come to a place where they are free to disagree with her openly without needing to discard her or her prophetic ministry.
5. Creation/Origin of Life: Most Adventists in the foreseeable future will retain variations of young-earth creationist views, but as global Adventism becomes more educated and affluent, there will be a greater degree of tolerance toward evolutionary creationists in their midst. This issue will increasingly become less of a litmus test.
6. Clean/Unclean Meat: Given the seriousness with which the words of Jesus and Paul (e.g., Mark 7, Romans 14) are taken, Leviticus 11 will cease to be strictly followed by Adventists. Instead, as is the case with jewelry, this issue will become a matter of individual choice.
7. Homosexuality: Most Adventists in the foreseeable future will remain averse to acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate expression of one’s sexuality. But as global Adventism becomes more educated and exposed to homosexual individuals in their personal lives, there will be a greater degree of tolerance toward homosexuals in their midst. This issue will increasingly become less of a litmus test.
8. Scripture: Adventists will no longer be marked by one way of reading Scripture or one narrow set of interpretations. Diverse interpretations will flourish and lively, at times very contentious, debates will accompany them. Official pronouncements will always take a more cautious, conservative approach, but an acknowledgment will be made of a diversity of opinions that exist on some contentious issues. Life will go on, people and this church will keep on changing, and the Spirit will guide the process.
Some will say that this is a prediction of doom. Others will say that this is the wish list of a desperate, even delusional, soul. For me, it is a simple expression of hope for the future of a Spirit-led, dynamic movement...."
http://progressiveadventism.com/2008/03/09/change-the-adventist-constant/...."
So the concerns which came up on this thread from the response of the Admin and Moderators of HS.com go to the heart of Adventism. To clear up some of these issues, could you give us your read and address some basic questions on what the Admin and Moderators of HS.com believe on the following as best as you can tell us.
A. That the testimony of Christ is the Spirit of Prophecy manifested in Ellen White's writings as given in the fundementals.. #18. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)
B. Do they believe the Sabbath is important and what will show those who follow the Commandments at the end.
C. Do they hold to the belief that the Adventist church is “the remnant church of Bible prophecy”?
D. Do they think there is no longer a need for Adventists to use the Spirit of Prophecy in reading Scripture and hold to its set of interpretations especially on Daniel & Revelation, 1844, the IJ and Sanctuary.
Thanks for your response on these concerns.
Rick
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