| Author | Message | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 61 Registered: 12-2004 |
Dear Pastor, Family,and Church Family, 11-13-2005 This is a difficult letter to write as you are my friends and family, and I love you all and value each of you. With this letter I am respectfully requesting to have my name removed from Seventh-Day Adventist Church membership. I can no longer support all 27 fundamental beliefs without reservation, and find that the only honorable option is for me to step away. I want you to be assured that I am not leaving God. I have come to appreciate the wonderful gift of salvation through Christ's sacrifice. I believe salvation can only be attained through faith in Christ and acceptance of His gift. Over the last couple of years I have walked through some dark valleys. This trying time has brought me to seek counsel from many sources and to each of these individuals I am thankful and indebted. Critical to me moving forward has been a renewed emphasis on in-depth Bible study and a review of my belief system. I have sought to lay aside preconceived ideas and notions, and let prayer and the Holy Spirit be my guides.This has been an exciting and challenging journey. Having been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist churh all my life, I have taken for granted that we have the "truth" and I have not questioned the validity of this claim,or sought to verify how it was determined. As I have taken up this study I have documented my journey, as my full file cabinet can attest. I After careful study I no longer believe the Seventh-day Adventist Church is THE remnant church of Bible prophecy. I do not believe that John, in Revelation, was speaking of a denomination as we know it today, but rather all who accept God's gift of salvation through Jesus's sacrifice. To say or imply differently cannot be supported scripturally, and denies the gift of salvation to all who believe. II Adventists have traditionally held that the Seventh-day Sabbath is the Seal of God,and would be the final test that would separate God's end time people.The New Testament never speaks of the Sabbath as the Seal of God, but instead repeatedly refers to the Holy Spirit as the Seal of God.According to Scripture the Holy Spirit and not the Seventh-day Sabbath is the Seal of God. The Epistles do not place an emphasis on Sabbath observance. Never do they explain how to keep the Sabbath, and Sabbath-breaking is never listed in any New Testament list of sins. This certainly seems odd if the Sabbath , as Adventism claims,is to be the testing truth for all Christians in the last days. The Apostle Paul teaches that the Sabbath is to be included with the other holy days of the old covenant and serves only as a shadow of Christ, our true Sabbath rest(Col. 2:16). III Adventism teached that churches which worship God on Sunday are Babylon or the daughters of Babylon, and that Sunday observance is, or will become the "Mark of the Beast". I could find no Biblical support for this. Our heavenly Father rejoices in our worship of Him every day of the week. We are to worship God, not the day. Over the last year I have been able to attend many church services on Sunday. I have found peace, joy, and loving kindness. I have found the beauty of the gospel. I have found authentic Christianity where people are cherished and not judged. I have found people who embrace their youth for who they are, regardless of the length of their hair or the volume of their music. I have found the Holy Spirit working on my heart. I have seen for the first time in a long time the true potential of Christianity. I have found that being a Christian is far more than DIETS and DAYS. In Romans 14, Paul emphasizes that diet, and days of worship are not salvation issues, and yet we as Adventists pass judgement on people largely on these two issues. We have been taught that a vegetarian diet,and Saturday observance make us more acceptable to God. This is not supported by scripture. As I recently read through the outlines of the last Revelation Speaks seminar held here in Kelowna, I was struck by several things. I did not find the love of Jesus or His saving grace in these handouts. What I found was absolute fear mongering, we are right and they are wrong, our day is right and your day is wrong, spiritual intimidation, and end time paranoia. We wonder why the Baby Boom generation is losing interest. We wonder why new members are hard to find and harder yet to retain.We wonder why our sanctuaries are half full with many sad and spiritually insecure people, when the churches down the street are filling 3-4 services a weekend with happy on-fire people for Christ. We question why our youth leave the church and struggle with spiritual direction. It is my firm belief that is the MESSAGE. They preach the good news of the gospel, while we continue to emphasize end time fear, tribulation, and the guilt of not being good enough. IV Adventism teaches that Daniel 8:14 refers to October 22, 1844, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary and the start of the "investigative judgement". I have read many commentaries on this doctrine and find no Biblical support for it. This doctrine is the very foundation of Adventism's unique theology and received Ellen White's strongest endorsement. The investigative judgement doctrine DENIES Christ's words in John 5:24,"Most assuredly I say to you , he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me HAS everlasting life, and SHALL NOT come into judgement, but has passed from death to life"(NKJV). A judgement to decide a person's eternal destiny is no longer possible for one who has already been given eternal life. However all believers will stand before the judgement seat of God(Romans 14:10. 2 Corinthians 5:10), not for punishment of sin, but to determine inheritance in God's kingdom. The investigative judgement doctrine denies believers the security and assurance of salvation as promised by Jesus in John 3:16, John 5:24, and by Paul in the Epistles. This doctrine is based on multiple assumptions of which many are contrary to sound Biblical interpretation. It's teachings are contrary to the New Testament gospel of grace. I find it quite incredible that the only theologians and Biblical scholars to support this doctrine depend on the Adventist church for their salary and/or pension. There are literally hundreds of Adventist pastors who have left the ministry and church over this doctrine, as they too could not support it with scripture. V For me to remain an Adventist I would have to believe that Ellen White's writings are a "continuing and authoritative SOURCE of truth". I can no longer do this. I have come to understand that a large percentage of her "inspired" writings are plagiarized and copied directly or indirectly from earlier and contemporary authors. Her misuse of source material has been questioned and documented as early as 1866. Never did she give credit, or acknowledgement to these outside sources. This is pervasive throughout her Health Message, Conflict of the Ages series, and several other works. The General Conference and White Estate have known this for over one hundred and forty years and continue to perpetuate the myth that it was all direct or inspired revelation. In many cases her writings contain the same errors as the sources she copied.I believe this deception was willful and deliberate as Ellen White was well aware that plagiarism was unethical and dishonest. Her early writings are very legalistic and very condemning of other churches or anyone who would question her. Ellen White and those closest to her used her "gift" as a way to control and manipulate those who were spiritually vulnerable and theologically naive. This continues to be the legacy of her writings and influence to this day. Ellen White is often the chief and only support for Adventism's unique doctrines. Continued belief in her "inspiration" has put Adventism in a theological straight jacket. Ellen White's Adventism is akin to the Judeizers spoken of by Paul in the book of Galations. She does not teach righteousness by faith as our way to salvation,but rather righteousness by faith and PERFECT ADHERENCE AND OBEDIEDCE to the law. This is not the gospel of Paul and the New Testament. We are only acceptable to God through Christ's saving blood, not perfect adherence to the law. Summary and Analysis How then is this significant paradigm shift in theological thinking going to affect me? Releasing the bondage of legalism has been a wonderful experience. Having the ability to study the Bible in context, and accepting what it says without having to make it conform to preconceived doctrinal beliefs has been a breath of fresh air. I no longer have the ghost of Ellen White looking over my shoulder interpreting scripture for me. I have an increased appreciation for the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and how accessible the joy and freedom of salvation is to me. No longer do I fear the "time of trouble" or the "close of probation" because I have the assurance of Jesus in in John 3:16.(Say it out loud). Christ's sacrifice gives me the freedom to worship Him at home or church,on Saturday or Sunday or Every day. All heartfelt worship to God is acceptable to Him(Romans 14:5). The fear of judgement is no longer there because Jesus said "if you believe in Me you will not come under judgement" (John 5:24). All who profess Christ are my brothers and sisters, be they in the Adventist church, the Baptist church, or the greater Christian church, and I hope to share worship time with all of them. Of all the sins that Paul warns about, his strongest warning was against the sin of Hypocrisy. I will no longer profess what I do not believe, and am quite willing to share the good news that I do believe, and can support solely from Scripture. This letter, while difficult to articulate, is heartfelt and not without measured thought and consideration. I understand that for many of you I have put my credibility at risk. That being said, I fully believe I can substantiate everything I have written or implied. I have been authentic and honest. Many of you are on a similar journey and have many questions. If this letter challenges you , let it only be in a positive way. Search the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit be your guide. Read Romans, Corinthians, Colossians,and Galations. These letters of Paul to the early Christian church are a blueprint on how to live the Christian life. God has given us the ability to seek, to search, and to understand true Christianity. Christ says to "come unto me all ye that are heavy ladan and I will give you rest". This promise is not only for physical fatigue but also emotional and spiritual fatigue. I am happy to share any of my resources with anyone who wants to study out these questions, or wants to discuss how I came to my conclusions and decision. This I am happy to do . I will NOT , however argue or verbally joust with anyone. Gaining a greater understanding of what God want for our lives is my only goal. We are lucky in the family of God that we are allowed to have different opinions on spiritual matters, and still have love for one another and know we are acceptable to our Heavenly Father, through our Savior Jesus. Many will ask me, why formalize this move with such a lengthy letter? To this question I have many answers. Initially it was to explain to my children and family that my decision to leave Adventism was determined prayerfully, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It was to show them that the freedoms of a life in Christ are greater than the legalism so often found in the Adventist church. Many who leave Adventism wander in a spiritual limbo solely because of the instilled belief that to leave God's "Remnant"(SDA) church is tantamount to losing salvation. This belief is not supportable with scripture and is cultic in nature. To those who have given up on God because of Adventism(and I know of many) I will pray that the Holy Spirit will draw near to you, and guide you into a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Lastly, this is my own personal decision, and not that of my wife or children.Their continuing love and support during my challenging days is a testament to the depths of their relationships with God, and their love and patience with me. Their wisdom is beyond their years and if and when they ask the questions I have asked, I trust God will continue to guide them as they seek a closer walk with Him. Your Brother in Christ, Randy Gerber Dear FAF brothers and sisters, I want to thank each one of you for sharing your joys, pain, and your hearts. There are bits and pieces of each of you in my letter. What started as an idea last year ended up with a 10 month gestation period. The last couple of months I felt quite awkward,I have'nt slept well and the delivery was painful. However 12 copies were delivered last night to the church board. I feel bad for them as I sat on that board for many years and love each one of them. I have had two calls already today requesting source material. May the Holy Spirit nurture the seeds that have been planted. This letter will go to anybody who wants to know why I left.Please pray that some good will come. Copies will be sent to my family members this week. Christmas in Canada should prove interesting this year. My 12th grade son was pretty stoked, and wanted to take his copy to the academy this morning to show his friends. Kids these days!! I said maybe later. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1027 Registered: 3-2005 |
Randy, Wow! what a well written letter! You have given the clear sound of the trumpet as a call to truth. May God richly bless you and your family. Stan | ||
| Insearchof Registered user Username: Insearchof Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2005 |
Randy, I also have lost sleep as I contemplate all that I have learned on my journey to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is sad that we have been so long in a denomination that has clouded the simple truth of the Gospel... I applaud you in your continuing journey. Your letter was clear and direct without being overly confrontational. Praise God that you have been able to articulate your thoughts in such a way as to cause others to ask for information! As Stan stated, may God richly bless you and your family. God bless your wife and children as they walk this journey with you. InSearchOf | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 262 Registered: 5-2004 |
Great letter Randy! Congradulations on taking the next step as you continue to follow God's lead. I pray with you that God will cultivate the seeds that you have planted, and He will use you in a big way! | ||
| Madelia Registered user Username: Madelia Post Number: 148 Registered: 2-2003 |
Great letter Randy. Can I use it as as template as I write my letter? I like how you said the only honorable option is to step away | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 62 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thank-you for your notes of affirmation. I very big part of me is in this letter. Writing has always been difficult for me. I have been told it has something to do thought organization(never my strong suit).I digress. Madelia you or anyone else can use whatever part is helpful to you. I have a unrelenting admiration for those who are gifted with the ability to "turn a phrase".I now unterstand why I have to wait a whole year between John Grisham novels. | ||
| Chris Registered user Username: Chris Post Number: 1068 Registered: 7-2003  |
Randy, a well worded and brave letter. May the Lord ricly bless you for your courage and your willingness to witness to the simple Gospel of Grace. Chris | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 575 Registered: 7-2004 |
Randy, Great letter. Your love for your Savior, Redeemer and Friend is evident. I remember you from WWC days. Your brother was a friend of mine and married one of my fellow nursing student friends. I also believe your wife and I were RAs together. What a small world! May you feel the love, joy and peace of embracing your freedom in Jesus today! Denise (Huey) Hutton | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 68 Registered: 7-2000 |
Whoa! Randy, I feel the liberation, relief and joy coming through in your letter. Congratulations, your thoughts and expressions are crystal clear, non confrontational and extremely powerful. Thanks for giving permission to use it. I will allow our son to share it with two students at his school. Our 15 year old son attends a private boarding school here in Austin, TX. He and I recently discovered a SDA kid who boards at the school. The boy, Joe, is a 12th grader, has a cousin, Josh, in 11th grade, also boarding. Their families live in Texas but are originally from Rwanda. I was curious, so about two weeks ago, I approached Joe, a dorm proctor, while he was studying in his room with his roommate. As we engaged in conversation, I quizzed him about the genocide in Rwanda, living in a non SDA environment and his Sabbath church attendance here in Austin. (in four years, he has never attended church while at school, but is a proud SDa). It was friendly chit-chat between us and I was able to tell him we left adventism because we discovered the church's teachings did not line up with scripture. Last week, Joe, introduced our son to his cousin, Josh, the other SDA on campus, and Josh immediately questioned our son about why he is no longer Adventist. He was bewildered that a person could leave the adventist church. I was tickled with amusement when our son told us about the encounter and his answer. He told him; "SDA don't believe in Assurance of Salvation and Ellen White is a false teacher who purported things not written in scripture e.g. God does not want us eating dairy." (We are not responsible the our son's enthusiastic misinformation) However, Joe's roommate chimmed in; "I told you so Joe, your religion is messed up." Joe's roommate, though he is not SDA, after he heard our conversation two weeks ago, on his own, did a thorough research on Adventism. He is informing Joe and Josh the adventists, about their church and the weird teachings. How interesting. Tonight, right before I stopped by the forum, as we, my husband, daughter, son and I, sat around talking, our son was reliving the experience and we promised to give him some substative information to share with the adventist boys. Reading your post shortly after our gathering was inspiring and informative. Happy Thanksgiving all on the eve of Thanksgiving Back to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 210 Registered: 3-2005 |
Randy: Beautifully inspired. Thank you for sharing that pieces from your heart and soul. I cherish it and rejoice with you in your freedom. May Jesus continue to grow and nurture the seeds planted... Patria | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2004 |
Denise, Thank-you for your note.One of my main regrets about those WWC days was not getting to know more people. Shyness,being an introvert, and the fear of not doing well enough to pursue professional school kept my focus in the books. I am sure you recognize the above characteristics are uniquely mine, and not shared with my younger, more affable brother. Small world is right. I appreciate your thoughtful posts. Randy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2975 Registered: 12-2003  |
Randy, I just now saw this thread with your letter. What a good letter! (I'll bet you're sleeping better now, too...) Praise God for leading you! Colleen | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 67 Registered: 12-2004 |
Colleen, I appreciate your kind words. I have discovered this week that words are definitely mightier than the sword. I see I am not the only insomniac on this forum. Randy | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 68 Registered: 12-2004 |
I spoke with my church's head elder last night and thanked him for presenting my letter to the board.He is a wonderful Christian man and I felt bad about the task I presented him with. He said that while he and the board did not agree with my decision, they respected my right to make it.I again stressed that my decision was strictly theological and that I harbored no hard feelings with any of them. He said that was clear to them. Thank you all for your continuing prayers on my behalf. Randy | ||
| Cy Registered user Username: Cy Post Number: 30 Registered: 1-2005 |
Thank you for sharing your letter, Randy. The local SDA pastor called me today to setup an appointment to talk with me on this coming Sunday afternoon, and I'll probably have to make known to him my intention to leave the SDA church. Fortunately, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the help of many resources including this forum, I feel ready to stand for what I know to be true. I think your letter will help give me specific points to speak to when the time comes. Thanks, Cy | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2064 Registered: 3-2004  |
Randy, Thanks for sharing your letter with us. It is very clear about why you will no longer be an SDA and very clear that you love Jesus. Cy, I will be praying for you that as you talk with the SDA pastor that God will touch his heart and he will want to know more about Jesus. When I see what God is doing in every one's lives, I cannot help but say He is awesome. Diana | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 71 Registered: 12-2004 |
Cy, I am glad you found my letter helpful.As I have spoken to friends and family regarding my letter and journey,I have found that no amount of Scriptural support or Biblical analysis will help, at least in the short term. I have come to realize that unless they have encountered the same cognitive dissonance regarding Adventist theology vs. Scriptural clarity, and asked some of the same questions,it is just to much to absorb. This is completely understandable, as I, like most here have spent literally hundreds of hours in study to double and triple check what we previously believed as truth vs. what is actually in the Bible. I continually catch myself shaking my head and saying how could I have been so stupid and naive. I regrettably can say I was duped, and did not read my Bible. I praise God that if even I can be stirred, there is hope for anybody. It is this hope and trust that gives us the boldness to challenge falsehood, and to use scripture to point out error. Lastly, do not take on the burden of trying to convince anyone of the falsehoods in Adventism, that is the job of the Holy Spirit. Your Grace- filled life will be more of an positive influence on those around you than any amount of debate or theological gymnastics.This I believe is especially true with family. Diana, Thank-you for your affirmation and your prayers over these last many months. You serve God on this forum, thank-you again. Standing on the promises, Randy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3010 Registered: 12-2003 |
Cy, thanks for telling us. I'll pray for you, also. Colleen | ||
| Cy Registered user Username: Cy Post Number: 34 Registered: 1-2005 |
Thank you for your prayers! I've just finished meeting with the local SDA pastor and expressed my desire to withdraw my membership. I explained that I have been studying the distinctive Adventist doctrines for the past several years and found each one of them unsupported by the whole of the Scripture. He didn't ask for specific reasons nor did I get into details. Mrs. Cy says I'm fortunate that the SDA pastor is the kind of person that doesn't like confrontation :-) However, the pastor did point out that there are a lot of Adventists in the neighborhood (not that I ever see them around) so maybe I'm not totally "out of the woods" as far as confrontation goes. Anyway, I'm relieved that the meeting is over. However, there is a church board meeting tomorrow night, including preparation for election of officers for the coming fiscal year, so I'll need the Spirit's guidance and support again as I let more folks know I don't wish to remain in any leadership positions. In Christ, Cy | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 77 Registered: 12-2004 |
Cy, I thought and prayed about your situation this afternoon as I was driving home from church. The idea of confrontation is always intimidating. That is what has held so many from asking questions, and then acting on the answers. I believe that discussion can be held with a certain boldness and assurance when you are convicted by the Holy Spirit. I Will continue to pray for you. Randy |
