Thank you, God, for rescuing me! Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Edit Profile

Former Adventist Fellowship Forum » ARCHIVED DISCUSSIONS 4 » Thank you, God, for rescuing me! « Previous Next »

  Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post
  Start New Thread        

Author Message
Jorgfe
Registered user
Username: Jorgfe

Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 2:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was doing a search on Internet for the official Adventist position on the Seal of God vs the Mark of the Beast. One reference was Ellen White's Testimonies, Vol 5, p 214-215

I am shocked that I used to actually believe this stuff!

"Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. ..."

"Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God,, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. ..."

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost."

This is so twisted, so as to be beyond belief! The Holy Spirit, which God's Word says is the Seal of God, is what perfects our characters -- not our own efforts. The truth, mixed with error, is what makes this logic so insidious.

Thank you, God, for rescuing me from this twisted logic, and dying on the cross so that I might receive eternal life, and for your precious gift of the Holy Spirit.

Gilbert
Belvalew
Registered user
Username: Belvalew

Post Number: 840
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 3:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Gilbert,

I will also agree with you. The thought of having to remember every sin I've ever committed in order to confess it and ask forgiveness for it is daunting. In Adventism, that is the first step. After that we have to overcome every inclination to sin. What, by the way, is the "soul temple"? If the soul is the breath, then are we to cleanse our lungs? (Just pointing out an inconsistency made by Dear Ellen.)

I'm with you, I'd much rather invite the Holy Spirit in to take over the job of sanctification for me. All that is required of me is a heartfelt assent that Jesus' blood is sufficient to cover all of my wrongs, and with my mouth I will forever be willing to confess that sufficiency. I am forever sealed by the Holy Spirit and now I have eternal life and a place in Heaven with my Lord and Master Jesus the Christ. This covering in Greek is called Hilasterion (sp?), and it is the word form which we get the word hilarious. It is so appropriate because giving up efforting for my salvation and accepting the free gift of grace instead brings about a sense of joy that is like bubbly laughter and glee. It is such a relief to turn that job over to someone (Jesus) who knows how to do it!
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3125
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 3:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Amen, Gilbert and Belva!

Colleen
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 2153
Registered: 3-2004


Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 4:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree, AMEN, Gilbert and Belva.
Diana
Tisha
Registered user
Username: Tisha

Post Number: 170
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 12:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just talked with my Aunt who was a very conservative, historical SDA, left the SDA Church for many years, and now is back, but I'm not sure of how she stands with Historic SDAism. I do know she believes in EGW completely and lives in a self-supporting community that promotes a "healthy" lifestyle.

I've shared with her my journey out of the SDA Church and my new understanding of Grace. She is at least willing to dialogue with me!

So, last night in our phone conversation she said that it is great to know that "we are saved by grace, and only need to believe in Jesus Christ and that his death save us". I was thrilled to hear her say that until she added "of course, we must obey Him also if we want to go to heaven". I just wanted to cry.

She is such a dear person to me. She is so wanting to "do the right thing", even going to the extreme in dress, diet, etc. She really does have a love of the Lord. I just wish she could have peace also. She wants to witness and she isn't afraid to share her ideas - to a fault if one is easily offended! But I see her as a dear old lady that just wants everyone to come to the Lord.

It's so sad that she can say an almost perfect definition of Grace, and then discount it all by talking about obedience (meaning works). She "works" so hard!

I keep her in my prayers, and I know she prays for me (and my family) also. She may be surprised at how her prayers are answered!

-tisha
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3143
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 9:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tisha, it is so sad--not only for your aunt but also for you as you hear her speak of grace and then add that last obedience requirement!

Prayer, though, is more powerful than her deception.

Colleen

Add Your Message Here
Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration