| Author | Message | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2006  |
Hi, I was just checking out a link to the SDA church manual, http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/church_manual/index.html, and noticed that the page had been removed. As of now I only seem to be able to download the church manual as a PDF formated file. Not only does this break all the links pointing to something in the church manual but it also makes it a bit harder to easily use the web to find something in the church manual (IE clicking on a link). Now one first has to download the pdf file and then search it for a passage. God is Love | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 367 Registered: 10-2005 |
You might find the following interesting reading. http://www.amazingfacts.org/news/read_news_letter.asp?ID=1688 Notice you can't print these pages.... http://www.adventist-revival.com/ As you read more about the Seventh-day Adventist church, you may notice a similar spirit/theme throughout and a familiar name. Ellen White. The Seventh-day Adventist church tries like no other church to reach out to other evangelical Christians, to bring them into what they call the truth. It is a deception. Once you become one of them, you are in the Remnant. They won't transfer your membership to any other church but a Seventh-day Adventist church. I am grateful to be able to know the real truth now, that there is not a war between Jesus and Satan. That the Adventist message is one that doesn't raise Jesus, not totally, with similarities to the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses in that regard.... They speak of Jesus. But they don't completely raise Him up. Personally and individually, you may want to ask your Adventist friends if they are saved, see if you get a "yes". And if you do, you might want to ask them what it means to them. This may be an opportunity for you to lead them to know Christ. When did they give their hearts to Christ? Can they remember? Was it heart felt? I've heard here in this forum many Adventists know of Jesus and don't really know Him. I knew of Him, but I really didn't know Him for many years. I did not know about the period at the end of Romans 10:9. I was taught there was a comma and then the pages were turned to the fourth commandment as if it were a continuation of the same sentence. Notice in the Fundamentals, Number 19, The Law of God, it says: Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. Obeying God is keeping the Sabbath as an Adventist. I was always taught, "James 2:10 - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." It is a tough act to live up to. It is works. It does lower Jesus. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Notice it says, The Holy Spirit (which only comes from Jesus, the cross), not the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not the Seal of God as taught by Ellen White. This seal is the Sabbath. (Present Truth, Jan. 31, 1849). Thus the distinction is drawn between the loyal and the disloyal. Those who desire to have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Thus they are distinguished from the disloyal, who have accepted a manmade institution in place of the true Sabbath. The observance of God's rest day is a mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. (Review & Herald, April 23, 1901) Thank you for your interest in your Adventist friends. They need your love and prayers as do the many people taken in by this deception who haven't had the protection that comes from the Full Armor of God. Lynne | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3880 Registered: 12-2003  |
Lynne, thank you for you insightful post. What interesting links. The Erlichs are not alone, and I pray that they will be open to the pure gospel of Jesus and His finished work. Colleen | ||
| Catalyst Registered user Username: Catalyst Post Number: 127 Registered: 6-2005 |
I agree that there are troubling sides to SDAism. I agree that EGW is pushed inappropriately. I agree that EGW was not who she said that the was and corporate SDAism does not apprise its constituents of that. <Grin> But - in response to your question - yes - I am saved. It means to me that Jesus is enough - he died for my sins and paid the price for me to live forever with Him. My name is still on the books of an SDA church - I am still a Sabbatarian (no I do not believe that it saves me or gives me anything other than a pleasant feeling as I commune with God particularly on that day (I am actually a "seven day adventist <grin>). I do not "guard the edges of the Sabbath" if you know what I mean, but it is a day that I particularly try to pay attention to visiting friends and helping in the community (I do not currently attend a church.)) Most all of my friends that are Adventist all say that they believe as I do - they are either culturally caught up in SDAism or enjoy the comraderie available in it. But - I just wanted you to know that there are MANY in my opinion that call themselves Adventist who could pass your test with flying colors, they do not believe in EGW or the IJ or any of the other mess, and believe in Jesus and His saving Grace in every way the way that you believe it. Count on it. The message that I hear constantly here on FAF is to "find a church that you like". I believe that it is possible to find an Adventist church that you like - for reasons as diverse as you know the people there to you like the message. It is possible to find an SDA church that has great music (necessary for me) and great theology (the pastor also does not believe or push EGW) that emphacizes God's grace. Unfortunately the one that was near me was taken over by a "Watchman on the Walls" pastor and it is no longer safe to attend there. <Grin> But - many here have found Lutheran, Baptist, and other church that they have found to meet their needs - I would like to say that there are SDA churches you could also attend and find Jesus lifted up. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3881 Registered: 12-2003 |
It's important to remember the actual purpose of this forum. It is designed to be a place where people who have been Advenitst but have found Jesus to be their true Sabbath restóor who are questioning Adventismócan find fellowship, support in prayer and God's word, and can be held up by others who have experienced a similar journey. I have lived in Southern California for 24 years, and a large percentage of the Adventists that I know in this area, Bill, are like you: cultural Adventists who "don't believe" EGW, the IJ, or Sabbath as salvational. At least they don't THINK they do. (Ask them, however, if they MIGHT lose their salvation if they abandoned the Sabbath deliberatelyóI think the bottom line will begin to show up.) The Adventism you are describing is a form of syncretism. It mixes "normal" Christian concepts with dinstinctively "Adventist" practices and beliefs and yields a hybrid religion that is neither pure NT Christianity nor traditional Adventism. It truly is a form of Galatianism. No matter how much "grace" an Adentist pastor teaches, he is teaching it ON SABBATH in a setting which bridles his freedom to declare plainly that the law is obsolete, that the bondwoman of Sinai must be thrown out (Gal 4), and that ALL that is necessary is repentance and acceptance of Jesus' bood to cover one's sins. I had a call this morning from a person in another country. This person was struggling to understand how one could know whether or not a church was "true", and on what basis one could know that he was finding Biblical Christianity. I realized with again, with new clarity, that the foundations identify the organization. Mainstream Christian churchesóalthough they have differing practices and interpretation of non-central doctrinesówere founded on Biblical Christianity. Their foundational pillars are orthodox beliefs in the Trinity, the identity of Jesus, the nature of the atonement, our means of salvation, and our future hope. Adventismóas well as the three major non-Christian churches that evolved from the same New England milieu, was NOT founded on Biblical Christianity. It was founded on doctrines endorsed by a false prophet; its central pillar is the IJóand while a lot of cultural Adventists SAY they don't believe it, it is still authentic and official Adventism, and the church is not and has not changed it. Further, the church was founded on non-Trinitarian beliefs and taught that Sabbath was the seal of God and worshiping on Sunday was the Mark of the Beast. These foundational teachings have never been changed, renounced, or abandoned. Whether or not individuals think they have abandoned them says NOTHING about the church. That being said, the question arises: why would someone who truly no longer believed in these things stay in a church that actually does still endorse them? Why not make your beliefs match your behavior and find a church that is not built on a false foundation? For the sake of all those who have struggled and are currently struggling with their Adventism, I have to say: one cannot find a true Adventist church where the unadulturated gospel is clearly taught. If it were, the pastor would be fired. He must guard his words, guage his vocabulary; avoid direct statements that would admit unbelief in the central "pillars". An Adventist pastor cannot set his people free from their bondage unless he clearly teaches that Jesus has suflilled ALL the law and has become ALL they need. He cannot assume his parishioners are saved because they say they believe in Jesus. A true Christian pastor calls his parishioners to repentance, to renouncing everything that adds to salvation or that seems required to maintain salvation. A true Christian pastor preaches humanity's natural depravity and need for a Savior. He does not merely avoid the SDA fundamentals and preach "grace". Grace is only grace when it includes the cost of graceóJesus' bloodóand when it includes our response to graceóadmission of hopeless guilt and repentance. If we were just a public forum where people shared whatever their experiences are, I wouldn't challenge what you said, Bill, in the same way. (I dislike feeling as if I am mostly doing apologetics instead of "nurturing" and encouraging!) But there are many people reading this who have suffered over their Adventism and have struggled with losing their identity and their friends and their loved ones for the sake of following Jesus with integrity. I have to say that I do not believe one can truly come face to face with Jesus without having to "count the cost" and be willing to give up everything one knows and loves if that is what He asks of us. Adventism's practices (Sabbath church, inbred communities, etc.) represent more than cultural phenomena. They are rooted in historic and foundational Adventist beliefs. As long as a person holds to these things, even as a habit, he feels as if he's not losing himself and his position among God's people. Even thought this sense is subliminal, it is powerful. But Jesus calls us to lay our fear at His feet and allow HIM to be our only identity. He asks us to be willing to give up every form of idolatry and practice that ties us to a past that does/did not honor Him. He calls us to have undivided hearts and to trust HIM alone. He calls us to ingtegrity, and He calls us to carry our crossóour relationship with Himóregardless of the cost. Colleen | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 368 Registered: 10-2005 |
Catalyst, I've been married to a non Adventist evangelical Christian for many years and we did get married in an Adventist church. There is no question in my mind nor the mind of my husband that the Adventist church has a look and feel much like, and even better than, some churches that worship on Sundays in song and sermon. I never believed in the IJ and the Adventists had a publication many years ago stating that only some Adventists believed in that. Please don't take offense at my questions, I just want to ask you a few things. What I wrote above was not a test. Who taught you to be a Sabbatarian and why? What is it in the Adventist culture that you like over non Adventist churches? Why is it that the Seventh-day Adventist church will not transfer your membership to a church that worships on Sunday? Why isn't your church safe? Do you believe it is Satan causing you to not go? Are you anxious for the return of Christ because of end time persecution? Did you hear about this in church? Do you think a saint can worship on Sunday knowing that the Sabbath is Saturday and still have the approval of Jesus? Do you, even a little tiny itsy bitsy (even smaller than a mustard seed) way, fear Sunday preaching pastors or worshipers that know Saturday is the Sabbath, yet worship on Sunday? Do you think they will have the Mark of the Beast if they don't turn to Jesus and worship on Saturday because it is the Sabbath? So you believe the Seventh-day Adventist church is the Remnant? Do any of your friends or Pastors speak of the above? Just because pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist church and many Seventh-day Adventists that you know don't quote the written words of Ellen G. White out of a book by page number, doesn't mean that they are not following her. You never have to read any of the writing of Ellen White as an Adventist to follow her teachings, because her teachings are what make the church unique. In fact, it is much better that many in the church not know what EGW writes so that you and your friends won't think you are following her. Did you know that she is a a continuing source of Authority according to the church? That is stated and buried in the Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Number 18 to be exact. "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 AUTHORITATVE source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction." I'm praying and lifting Jesus to highest because He is Great! Lynne | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1220 Registered: 10-2004  |
Thank you for clarifying the purpose of this forum, Colleen. No, it is not possible for me to find an Adventist church that "I like"! No matter what, every single SDA church in the world is part of a Satanic cult, founded by Satan and his demons. Why do I say that? Because it's the truth and it's what God's Word tells us, and it's important to come to grips with the reality and the origin of the SDA church. If it was not important for us to know, then God would not have told us in His Word that there are evil spiritual forces behind these false teachings/prophets. Jeremy (Message edited by Jeremy on May 03, 2006) | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 207 Registered: 4-2005  |
Lynne, If you lay #18 of the Fundamental Beliefs out before you and beside it lay your Bible and 2 tim 3:16 you will find an interesting parallel to the "authoritative source of truth which provice for the church COMFORT, GUIDANCE, INSTRUCTION and CORRECTION." (my emphasis) Now God's Word NIV reads: "All Scripture.....is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness...." Does it not make #18 sound almost like fitting the glove of Egg White over the Word of God? | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 369 Registered: 10-2005 |
Jwd, Yes, quite a parallel. KJV reads: 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... It is so close that the sentence sounds biblical. It is no wonder reality was so far from me. Seventh-day Adventist = Word of God / Ellen White We know what Walter Martin said about raising a person up to the point that Ellen White is. It is what makes a group a cult. Who can realistically deny this? Could it be what the bible calls the wiles of the devil? Ephesians 6. 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Lynne | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1221 Registered: 10-2004 |
Yes, think about it. Just the very fact that the church's official statement of beliefs includes the name of a human (besides Jesus) is absolute proof that it is not a Christian church. How can so many Christians just ignore the SDAs' belief #18??! Their official belief is that a false prophet's writings are inspired Scripture! Colleen, I agree with you that it is impossible for an SDA pastor to preach the pure gospel. Even if they say that we are only saved by the grace of God and accepting Jesus, they are still not preaching the true gospel. If they were preaching in a "normal" setting, maybe they would be preaching the true gospel. But because they are preaching in an Adventist setting, they are not preaching the true gospel, because of what they don't say. Let me explain myself further. If they just say we are saved by God's grace and accepting Jesus, but they don't say that the Sabbath has nothing to do with our salvation, that keeping the Sabbath/other commmandments does not help us maintain our salvation or gain final salvation, that breaking/abandoning the Sabbath does not cause us to lose our salvation, that the Sabbath is not a final test, that Sunday is not the mark of the beast, etc., etc., then, in an Adventist setting, they are not preaching the true gospel. Since the SDA audience has been immersed in all of these false teachings, if the Pastor does not speak against them, then the congregation doesn't even know that he is preaching something different than what they've always been taught--they just assume he is preaching the same SDA message. It is very hard to make an SDA understand that you are preaching something different than the SDA message, if you are still in the church. They really think that you are preaching the SDA message no matter how much you say that we're saved by grace. Because they believe in "salvation by grace through faith" (of course they re-define and/or add to that). In other words, because of the "evangelical" SDA Pastor's silence and what he does not say, he is not preaching the true gospel. And if an SDA pastor were to preach the Gospel and make it clear what he is saying, he would get fired. Jeremy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3889 Registered: 12-2003 |
That's how I see it, Jeremy. One can't just "preach grace" to an Adventist because they have been conditionedóat least in many placesóto believe that they already ARE saved by grace. Even my historic Adventist family members (who avoid even seeing us on Sabbath because being with us now would be breaking the Sabbath) say that they are saved by grace alone and by Jesus alone. They've been taught a "new language" and a new mental rationale. Nothing has changed, but the mental picture and the rationale has altered. Colleen | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 371 Registered: 10-2005 |
You are absolutely correct Jeremy. Colleen - Though I wasn't taught that I was saved, or saved by grace alone for that matter, I suppose I didn't hang around church enough for the "new" so called terminology. Even if I did learn the latest Adventist language, the adventist message remains when you are an Adventist. You just can't get past it. The church is very clever in how they always seem to come up with some sort of language that keeps people in the deception on the inside, yet looks so real to outsiders. It really is truely amazing to me how I have attended over the years so many Sunday churches, while I was an Adventist at heart and never really heard the message that is so vivid to me now about being saved by grace and grace alone. If what is saved cannot be lost, then I became a lost saved person through false teachings. I really can't see now how I could have known better. I was young when I started with the Adventists and unfortunately they mislead sincere believers. But because of His mercy, I've been brought out of this deception by no effort of my own. I am saved and have that assurance and am very grateful now. Lynne | ||
| Catalyst Registered user Username: Catalyst Post Number: 128 Registered: 6-2005 |
Who taught you to be a Sabbatarian and why? Response: Let me ask you - do you eat monkey brains? If not why not? Cultural right? Pretty much same here - you would agree with me that there would be nothing WRONG with Sabbath right and nothing RIGHT about Sunday necessarily right? What is it in the Adventist culture that you like over non Adventist churches? Response: Why do I not like the tonal scale in music from India? I just don't - I also don't like the old style songs - I like praise songs - is one more religious than the other - no. Why is it that the Seventh-day Adventist church will not transfer your membership to a church that worships on Sunday? Response: never thought about it - are you saying that a presbyterian church will transfer your membership to a Methodist church? I doubt it - like any other club - when you leave - you leave - when you join another club you join the other club. They are simply not set up to handle "officially" to other clubs. Honestly - their membership system in the Adventist church is so shaky - they really are BARELY working in that department at all anyway. Why isn't your church safe? Do you believe it is Satan causing you to not go? Resonse: no - They are now teaching the traditional Adventism - I do not believe in what they are teaching and I cannot support what I do not believe. Are you anxious for the return of Christ because of end time persecution? Did you hear about this in church? Response: I remember it from when I was little - but I have not heard anything about this end time persecution in the last 20 years. To some extent I think that peoples anxiousness (anticipation)for Christ to return is directly proportional to their suffering here on this earth. Do you think a saint can worship on Sunday knowing that the Sabbath is Saturday and still have the approval of Jesus? Response: I think that more people have the "approval of Jesus" than we have any idea of. Do you, even a little tiny itsy bitsy (even smaller than a mustard seed) way, fear Sunday preaching pastors or worshipers that know Saturday is the Sabbath, yet worship on Sunday? Do you think they will have the Mark of the Beast if they don't turn to Jesus and worship on Saturday because it is the Sabbath? Response: no - I have no worries in that department - As I have indicated - EGW does not hold sway over my theology. So you believe the Seventh-day Adventist church is the Remnant? Response: No - I think that is a devisive theology and do not believe it. Do any of your friends or Pastors speak of the above? Response: Re: the above - rather broad here - yes - they speak of the approval of Jesus, and how much they love Him - no on all the negative things <grin> Just because pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist church and many Seventh-day Adventists that you know don't quote the written words of Ellen G. White out of a book by page number, doesn't mean that they are not following her. You never have to read any of the writing of Ellen White as an Adventist to follow her teachings, because her teachings are what make the church unique. In fact, it is much better that many in the church not know what EGW writes so that you and your friends won't think you are following her. Response: My simple point in making my observation was that In my opinion it was possible to find a church that preached what you believe and enjoyed hearing and find out that this church was an Adventist church. Did you know that she is a a continuing source of Authority according to the church? That is stated and buried in the Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Number 18 to be exact. Response: I know that is stated and it is not something I believe. Are you saying that the Presbyterian or Methodist (pick your church du jour here) states EVERY SINGLE tenet of belief exactly correct? If so - how do you explain the differences in each churches theology - there is almost always at least ONE tenet in a churches stated belief that you can point to and say "Well - THAT one I do not believe." | ||
| Catalyst Registered user Username: Catalyst Post Number: 129 Registered: 6-2005 |
Jeremy - While I respect your right to believe what you feel is true - I would point out that your views on the Adventist church (right or wrong)(like they are a Satanic cult) can be as devisive when publicly stated as the Adventist view of being the "Remnant". Whether right or wrong it can push people away from Christ and the spirit of Grace. Don't you think? | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 398 Registered: 10-2001 |
Catalyst, You must have the patience of Job to answer all those questions. You seem to be a person with an open mind and God can certainly show us His will if we don't think we have it all figured out. Stay focused on Jesus! Blessings, Sabra oh, btw--you asked, "are you saying that a presbyterian church will transfer your membership to a Methodist church?" and the answer is definately yes. | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 487 Registered: 1-2003  |
Sabra or anyone else. Let me get this straight. Are you saying that you can be formally released from the Presbyterian Church and a letter of transfer sent to a Methodist Church for you to be a memeber there? I know that when I joined a local Sunday church I just joined and that was it. (I guess I knew better than to ask for transfer from an SDA church  ) I've just never heard of a formal transfer procedure between different churches. What about between Luthern and Baptist? Richard rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 399 Registered: 10-2001 |
I was in a Pentecostal Church and transferred to a Southern Baptist church with no problem, then to a Bapticostal church with no problem. The church I belong to now only requires that you have a personal statement of conversion at some point in some church, they would consider you a member as long as you showed that you understand the gospel and have accepted Christ. They request a letter of transfer from your previous church but don't have to have it. | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 372 Registered: 10-2005 |
Catalyst, I agree with Sabra. I'm not trying to give you a hard time, I'm only asking you questions that I have asked myself and learned to understand in recent months. I also didn't believe many things that you say you don't believe. Some things, however, did get into me. For instance, you can't move from the north and then live in the south for 30 years and not change how you speak, even if it is just a little. But our religion is deeper, it goes into the core of who we are. It is true, that yes, a Presbyterian church will transfer your membership to a Methodist church and a Baptist church will transfer membership to a Pentacostal church and vice versa. The bible teaches that the Saints are believers in Jesus. Those who believe Jesus died for for their sins once and for all, and that He rose from the dead. We are saved and that crosses denominational lines. Grace is exalting Jesus. And despite the denominational differences amongst the Baptists and the Presbyterians, Jesus is what matters most and that is who those churches teach are the saints. Not a single group that has a specific truth, like the forth commandment. The same holds true for Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses, they will NOT transfer membership either to a Methodist church. So, as you said, perhaps those groups are like clubs. But according to the bible, the Remnant church is made up of believers in Christ, that we believe with our hearts that He died and was raised from the dead, that is all. Grace alone. Not that we must remain in a church and follow a day of the week or a particular church. The Seventh-day Adventist church teaches that the Saints are those who keep the forth commandment. They are unique. It isn't just about what day one worships on. I agree with you that the bible says it doesn't matter. However, the Seventh-day Adventist church teaches this because Ellen White said: "In the fourth commandment, God is revealed as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and is thereby distinguished from all false gods. It was as a memorial of the work of creation that the seventh day was sanctified as a rest-day for man. It was designed to keep the living God ever before the minds of men as the source of being and the object of reverence and worship. Satan strives to turn men from their allegiance to God, and from rendering obedience to his law; therefore he directs his efforts especially against that commandment which points to God as the Creator." One last question. Can you slowly read, and then tell me, how you interpret Hebrews 4? http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204;&version=31; Do you see the fourth commandment as a day of the week or as Jesus. Ellen White says the truth is revealed through the fourth commandment. But, if I'm not mistaken, Hebrews 4 seems to be telling me it is Jesus that points to God as our Creator. Not the Sabbath day. What the bible says in Romans 8 - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&version=31&context=chapter Is there a possibility that the Seventh-day Adventist church exalts the fourth commandment over Jesus? When we look in the bible hasn't Ellen White replaced the word commandment with Jesus? Aren't we really supposed to exalt Jesus, not a day of the week? May I ask you this - Do you have the rest of Jesus inside your body? Unsurpassing peace? Is it safe for me to call that rest the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Lynne | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 400 Registered: 10-2001 |
Just wanted to be sure so I check several websites and they were all similar to this one: There are three ways to become a member of First Presbyterian Church. 1. By Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church. 2. By Reaffirmation of Faith in Jesus Christ It is sometimes the case that persons who previously made a profession of faith and became active members in a particular church are unable to secure a certificate of transfer or other evidence of church membership. After instruction and examination by the session, these persons shall reaffirm publicly their profession of faith and their acceptance of responsibility in the life of the church. 3. By Transfer of Letter If you are active in another Christian church, you may join First Presbyterian by transferring your letter. The day after you join, the church secretary writes to your former church for the letter or other evidence of church membership. | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 688 Registered: 4-2000  |
Letters of membership transfer are commonplace in many Protestant churches. Thanks for verifying this information, Sabra. Dennis Fischer |
