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LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
THE CULTS

Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso

The Cults

When looking at other faiths or in this case the cults, it's easy for people to say that I'm being judgmental or pointing the finger. But the fact is that christians are called to discern between what is right and wrong. There is an absolute Truth and that is only found in Jesus Christ. John 14:6. So I will continue to expose errors and the deception in other faiths and in cults because they are leading millions of people into error and to eternal damnation.

In this part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your Faith", he talks about Cults, what defines them and ways to engage with their members and share the Gospel with them. This part of the course will span several weeks, takng one cultic religion per week.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM

Seventh Day Adventists originated in the 19th Century under Hiram Edson, Joseph Bates and Ellen G. White.

Theology:

Seventh Day Adventists are in basic agreement with historic biblical Christianity in many areas. But they have a number of doctrines that are not in accord with historic Christianity.

Ellen G. White

Seventh Day Adventists look to Mrs. White as a biblical prophet.
"As the Lord's messenger her writings are a continuing and authoritive source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction and correction.", Seventh Day Adventists Church Manual.
"When I send you a testimony of warning and reproof many of you declare it to be merely the opinion of Sister White. You have thereby insulted the Spirit of God.", Ellen G White.

The truth is that Mrs White was guilty of extreme plagiarism and was frequently in error.

The Person of Jesus Christ

  • Some early Adventists claimed that Jesus was not fully equal to the Father.
  • The name Michael is applied to Jesus in His pre- incarnate state.
  • When Jesus became a man He took upon Himself human flesh and human nature but not a human soul.

The Sleep of the Soul

Adventists hold that the soul represents the whole person and remains in the grave until the resurrection. There is no conscious existence after death. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15. But sleep here is used to describe the bodies of Christians not their souls and spirits. The Bible does not teach that the soul sleeps at the time of death. Luke 16:19-31, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21-23. Neither does the Bible teach annihilation. The believer enjoys eternal life. Mark 10:30. The unbeliever suffers eternal punishment. Mark 9:48, Revelation 14:11.

The Sabbath

Adventists teach that the Sabbath, Friday evening until Saturday evening, was instituted by God and observance of it is a test of one's loyalty to Christ Fact!

  • Constantine did not, as Adventists claim, change the day from Saturday to Sunday. He enacted that the first day of the week should be a public holiday. Centuries before, Christians gathered on Sunday to worship since Jesus rose on a Sunday Acts 20: 7 References to worship on a Sunday can be found in the writings of Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian and Eusebius who wrote from 110 A.D.to 315 A.D.
  • Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians ever told to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath commandment was given by God to His people Israel. What is true is the principle of one day of rest after six days of work.

The Heavenly Sanctuary, the Investigative Judgement and the Scapegoat

Here again are beliefs that contrast with historic Christianity.

  • Jesus entered into the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 to begin a second phase of His ministry.
  • The sins of believers have been recorded in the Heavenly Sanctuary and are now being dealt with in the Investigative Judgement. Those who have died are examined to determine if they are worthy of being part of the first resurrection The living are examined to determine those who are keeping God's commandments. When the cases of the righteous have been decided their sins will be blotted out and Jesus will return.
  • Azazel, the goat sent into the wilderness by the High Priest, designates Satan None of the above is part of the historic Church's biblical teaching.

Law, Grace and Salvation

Adventists stress the need for Sabbath keeping and Old Testament dietary laws, which goes against their assurance that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works.

Sharing the Truth with Seventh Day Adventists

Need to point out that Mrs. White was fallible, that no record in Heaven can possibly bring a believer into condemnation, and that the works of the Law are not necessary conditions of salvation.

If a person defends the Investigative Judgment and Sabbath keeping Old Testament dietary laws, then they place themselves under the curse of the law. Galatians 3:10. They're preaching another Gospel. Galatians 1:8-9.

  • Stress the biblical teaching that a person is justified by faith in Jesus apart from the Law Romans 3: 28 Galatians 2: 16
  • Point out that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. By His perfect life He met all the requirements of the moral aspect of the Law. By His death He fulfilled all the ceremonial ordinances. Romans 5: 10 Colossians 2: 16-17
  • The law or commandment that Christians are called to follow is the law of love. Matthew 22: 37-40 Romans 13: 8-10
  • Need to ask the Holy Spirit to pierce the spiritual darkness and deception.
  • Even when someone from a cult becomes a Christian they invariably need setting free from a religious spirit.

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