What is faith to adventists?

[CaptainToad]

I was wondering lately, how do adventists view faith in general.

Is it something intelectual, like its is written, I understand, and I obey.

Or is it something that is alive, that is moved by the spirit and something that we might not necessarily understand?

 

[Soyeong]

I was wondering lately, how do adventists view faith in general.

Is it something intelectual, like its is written, I understand, and I obey.

Or is it something that is alive, that is moved by the spirit and something that we might not necessarily understand?

I'm not an adventist, but I think it can be both. Having faith in God is demonstrating that you trust Him about how you should live through obeying His instructions, many of which of written, but not all. God's law is spiritual (Romans 7:14) and the Spirit has the role of leading us in obedience to God's law (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

We need to be very careful about a religion that is based on feelings for feelings are not only subjective to the individual but the Bible tells us that our hearts are wicked and are at enmity against God. Jesus gave us the example of a religion based on actions, thoughts and words. The only time, I believe, that Jesus was influenced to action by feelings was in clearing the temple. This of course we know, was Righteous anger, and Jesus had the authority to exercise this in that situation. What authority do we have?... we are wicked and sinful. Best to do it His way, imo.

 

[CaptainToad]

We need to be very careful about a religion that is based on feelings for feelings are not only subjective to the individual but the Bible tells us that our hearts are wicked and are at enmity against God. Jesus gave us the example of a religion based on actions, thoughts and words. The only time, I believe, that Jesus was influenced to action by feelings was in clearing the temple. This of course we know, was Righteous anger, and Jesus had the authority to exercise this in that situation. What authority do we have?... we are wicked and sinful. Best to do it His way, imo.

This is what I always was at odds with and not yet fully understand (I guess). On the one hand we are wicked yet we are supposed to love our enemies. Is love a feeling? Or is it just the keeping of the ten commandments and in this regard not kill them or steal from them.
Is helping somebody a duty that we perform because we know the Lord would want us to do or is it something that we do out off a feeling of compassion.
What if we dont have those feelings of compassion, do we have to force ourselves to help somebody out?
Jesus says, we should love our neighbor as ourselves. What if a person is unable to love? Or simply doesnt love himself? What if he applies the same feelings towards others - doesnt like himself - doesnt like others?

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

This is what I always was at odds with and not yet fully understand (I guess). On the one hand we are wicked yet we are supposed to love our enemies. Is love a feeling? Or is it just the keeping of the ten commandments and in this regard not kill them or steal from them.
Is helping somebody a duty that we perform because we know the Lord would want us to do or is it something that we do out off a feeling of compassion.
What if we dont have those feelings of compassion, do we have to force ourselves to help somebody out?
Jesus says, we should love our neighbor as ourselves. What if a person is unable to love? Or simply doesnt love himself? What if he applies the same feelings towards others - doesnt like himself - doesnt like others?

To me, there is a huge difference between actionable love and sentimental love... when we are told to love our neighbour and God it is through action on our part... obedience to God and other centeredness for others. The feelings I am talking about is the type that leads to drama in a relationship and causes us to think we have a relationship, when we really don't.

 

[CaptainToad]

To me, there is a huge difference between actionable love and sentimental love... when we are told to love our neighbour and God it is through action on our part... obedience to God and other centeredness for others. The feelings I am talking about is the type that leads to drama in a relationship and causes us to think we have a relationship, when we really don't.

Like I said, the whole feelings, sentiments, emotions thing is something that I have been at odds with and never fully understood. Maybe the Lord will show me with time.
Just btw, I dont think that those feelings that might lead to drama in a relationship fit in any way into this whole love your neighbor context.
On the other hand, I get the feeling (actually got it a long time ago!) that when you find the word love in the bible in means keeping the ten commandemts. What is hate then? Not keeping them?

Personally, I believe, love is a feeling, maybe even a more or less strong driving force that can motivate people (so is hate btw) to do certain things - I mean a parent who loves their kids will do everything in order for them to survive - putting his own needs and desires (like a better car) on second, or third place. Neglectful parents not necessarily.


Thats my position for the time being -

 

[Dave-W]

On the other hand, I get the feeling (actually got it a long time ago!) that when you find the word love in the bible in means keeping the ten commandments. What is hate then? Not keeping them?

I would offer the following definition of "love:"

"Love is the compassionate identification with others that seeks their good. 'Their good' is defined by God's intended destiny for them, guided by biblical law."

Nothing contrary to God's standards is love because God's destiny for human beings can only be according to His standards of righteousness for all human beings. Without biblical law, we are left only with mere sentiment.

-Dan Juster ThD Sept 2011
https://www.tikkunministries.org/newsletters/dj-sep11.php