Praying This Will Prompt Others
Thank you, Richard and Colleen, for all the work you and so many others with Life Assurance Ministries, Inc., do for those of us who have left Adventism or are learning about Adventist beliefs. I had left Adventism years before your non-profit organization was formed, but I still benefit tremendously from all the teachings, whether it’s the FAF videos, podcasts, or weekly Proclamation! magazine.
Those tools have better prepared me for talking with Adventist family, friends, and former colleagues. I also feel such a sense of urgency to share the truth of the gospel and the truth about our living and loving Lord.
I wanted to let you know I’ve been so blessed by Life Assurance Ministries, Inc., that I recently changed my living trust/estate to include your organization in my charitable giving. I just wish I had thought to do this sooner. I’m hoping and praying my note might prompt others to do the same. Thank you again for your ministry.
With profound gratitude—A Former form Texas
—VIA EMAIL
How do you folks answer Adventists who claim their Sabbath-keeping is an expression of faith, as James teaches, and not a work?
Thank you.
—VIA EMAIL
Response: First, I would ask the Adventist if he would lose his chance for salvation if he gave up his Sabbath-keeping. If one cannot be saved by works (or if, as they often claim, they do not have to keep the Sabbath to be saved), one cannot be LOST by works, either. If they do not need to keep the Sabbath to be saved, then NOT keeping the Sabbath cannot cause them to be lost. The issue of “saved” or “lost” is entirely about believing in the Lord Jesus.
Second, the Bible defines the gospel of our salvation in 1 Corinthians 15:3 4. It consists of nothing except Jesus’ death for our sins according to Scripture, His burial, and His resurrection according to Scripture. In fact, Paul says this is the gospel that he was given to preach. In Galatians he says that anyone who preaches any other gospel than the one he preached is to be condemned. Furthermore, Jesus said He came to FULFILL the law, and Hebrews explains that on this side of the cross, the law is now obsolete for believers. In fact, Hebrews 7:12 says that with a change of the priesthood (to the order of Melchizedek from the order of Levi), there is OF NECESSITY a change of the law.
Sabbath is never included in the lists of good works in the New Testament. Further, Sabbath-breaking is never included in the lists of sins in the New Testament. In order for Sabbath-keeping to be considered an expression of “faith” in the new covenant, it has to be part of what the New Testament describes as the new covenant. Adventists have NO texts to support Sabbath-keeping in the new covenant with its new law. They cannot claim an argument from silence—that it must be included for believers because it is never specifically mentioned. Yet on the contrary, Hebrews and Galatians and Ephesians 2:14 and Colossians 2:16, 17 explain that the law is NOT part of the gospel. Sabbath was a shadow. They cannot arbitrarily assign Sabbath as a sign of faith when the entire New Testament says that faith has made the law obsolete (see Galatians 4-5).
Furthermore, Galatians 5:22, 23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, and that fruit does not list the requirements of the Ten Commandments. Sabbath is never listed as a work of faith.
The Sabbath was part of Adventism’s “salvation package”. It functions as an idol within Adventism. For an Adventist to say it is not a work but an expression of faith is disingenuous. Their hold on the Sabbath is idolatrous. They fear that without it they would lose their salvation, and they eclipse Jesus who is ENOUGH. They have added the Sabbath to Jesus, and whatever they argue about its being an expression of faith, they have added it to the gospel. They defend it and refuse to let it go. They will not trust Jesus alone. Their insistence on the Sabbath is NOT an act of faith but an act of obligation that they refuse to acknowledge as such. It IS part of their personal “salvation package”, and because they believe they need to keep it to demonstrate their love for God, it is not an act of faith. It IS a work, and it hides the Lord Jesus.
I know this may sound conplicated, but as you know, this assertion of theirs is a straw-man argument that cannot be simply answered by one thing. I would personally lead with asking if they think they’d forfeit salvation if they gave up the Sabbath. That question tends to reveal their dependence upon it—and that reveals its role as a necessary work.
Bless You For the Price You’ve Paid
I have never been an Adventist but live near Berrien Springs, Michigan, home of Andrews University, and I know a lot of lovely Adventist folks. I have been personally blessed by your magazine for years, and it has not only helped me to see the Adventists are not “just the ones who go to church on Saturday” but folks in a belief system that is not of the Lord. With the help of your magazine and your teaching, the Lord taught me to love them and not to try to win arguments but to speak kindly, remembering we all need the grace of God. Also, it has helped me to understand the wonderful freedom, grace, and love the Lord has provided to us through Christ with a greater clarity. This clarity brings joy and peace in the Lord. I really appreciate your part in that so much!
I want to thank ALL the writers, contributors, and workers who help you in the PROCLAMATION of the good news of Jesus and His Love! I know some have paid a heavy price; Bless You.
I write this just to say thank you and to encourage you!
—VIA EMAIL
- April 27–May 3, 2024 - April 25, 2024
- We Got Mail - April 25, 2024
- April 20–26, 2024 - April 18, 2024