ASK THE PASTOR WITH DALE RATZLAFF | Pastor and Founder, Life Assurance Ministries (1936–2024)
Is it really worth it to leave Adventism when I know it’s not “the truth”?
I follow several of the on-line discussion groups and support groups for transitioning Adventists as well as calls and emails that come to me. I am aware there are many of you who are starting on your journey and who are now facing rejection from family and friends. It is not easy to decide to follow truth when others condemn you for so doing, and it impedes long cherished relationships.
The importance of following truth cannot be over-emphasized. Abraham was blessed because he believed and followed God’s instructions and declarations. Lot’s wife lost her life when she chose not to follow truth. The writer of Hebrews counsels Jewish Christians not to throw away their confidence in following Christ but to endure.
But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls (Heb. 10:39).
I now have two grown children, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren who all love the Lord because you were willing to put it all on the line for Jesus.
A short time after Carolyn and I were forced to resign from Adventist ministry, one of the church officers of the Watsonville Seventh-day Adventist church sent a letter to our home addressed “To the church of Satan”. It surprised us as it came from a person whom we had counted to be a friend and one whom had been very supportive of our ministry up to the time I shared some of the results of my study. We knew, however, that this person was acting from his reference point, and we did not hold it against him. He had not done the study that we had. Why do I mention this? To help you know that God works even the hurtful things for His good. Here is an email I received a few weeks ago and included here with his permission.
Good Evening Dale, You may remember me and/or my family. My father was Dr. Donald Crosiar in Watsonville, California, and you were his pastor. It is rather ironic that my father was instrumental in having you removed from your position of pastor within the Watsonville SDA church (at least that is what he claimed)—and it was your writings that brought my family back to the Lord some years later. I now have two grown children, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren who all love the Lord because you were willing to put it all on the line for Jesus. I often say that God has a real sense of humor. He used my dad to put you into a position where you could influence his decedents into a relationship with Jesus… Everett & Megan Crosiar Forest Falls, California
I am reminded of the story of Joseph recorded in Genesis 50. When he revealed himself to his brothers, they rightly became afraid, but Joseph comforted them with these words:
“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:19-20).
So, if you are facing criticism, losing cherished relationships, and question, “Is it really worth it to follow truth?”, fear not. I can testify to the truth of God’s word.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
God has called us all to follow truth. Let us not turn back. It is the only safe path to lasting happiness, here and forever. †
Books by Dale Ratzlaff are still available at SabbathInChrist.com.
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