Expert: Sal - 6/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: In reading a response to tracy's question on the differences between SDA's and
Catholics I found your answer to be rather one sided.  Mainstream SDA's do not
believe you must worship on Saturday Sabbath to be saved.  Rather they believe
people of varying beliefs will be saved.  What source do you have to back up
your
claim about salvation and Sabbath keeping?

ANSWER: Dear Aaron:

I am very happy to hear that you do not believe that the keeping of the 7th day Sabbath is necessary for salvation. I am also glad that "mainstream" SDAs do not believe that the Sabbath is necessary for salvation. However, Ellen White and the SDA hierarchy would disagree with all of you. Ellen White taught that all true Christians keep the 7th day Sabbath. “I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers” (Early Writings, p. 33). Therefore, I am an unbeliever if I don't keep the Sabbath. Further she taught that those who worship on Sunday receive the mark of the beast. “The sign or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the 7th day Sabbath…The mark of the beast is the opposite—the observance of the first day of the week” (Testimonies, vol. 8, p.117). What does the Bible say is the fate of those who have the mark of the beast? “…he will be tormented with fire and brimstone…And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever…whoever receives the mark” (Revelation 14:9-11). So Ellen White did believe that
Sabbath keeping was necessary for salvation. The SDA hierarchy has never repudiated this teaching of hers. In fact their Revelation Seminars still teach it.

Thanks for your question. If I can be of further help please do not hesitate to ask.

God Bless You,
Sal


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sal, Thank you for your quick, and thought provoking response.  I will admit
right up front that you have studied more on the topic than myself.  let me
tell you my background.  I've grown up a Seventh-day Adventist.  We are a
unique people.  I've gone to SDA schools my whole life, in fact I'm still in
them getting graduate education at Loma Linda University in California.  I
went to Undergrad at Walla Walla College (soon to be University).  

What I appreciate about my church is the lack of creeds and the idea of
Present Truth.  Yes some in our church have lost this Idea but because of our
diversity we have people all over the board on many issues.  Back to Present
Truth.  You quoted stuff from Ellen Whites early writings.  If you compare and
contrast EGW's early and later writings she changes.  We can see a shift in her
own beliefs.  I feel that you are patching words here and there that Ellen
White said coming up with an unfair conclusion.  I bet if you where to ask any
SDA leader today they would say that you do not need to worship on the
Sabbath to be saved.  Even the leaders today belief that people of other faiths
will be saved.  Most no longer belief we are the Remnant church by our self.  
Much recent debate especially in Academia has come up against the
Investigative Judgement.  What I'm trying to point out is that the SDA Church
is constantly evolving.  We are a church of Present Truth.  We have liberals
(myself) and Conservatives.  Your comments while very thought provoking
seem to be anti Adventist to begin with.  Do you have any comments?  Ellen
White even said we shouldn't ride a bike, but most SDA's do.  She wore
adornment in to her old age.  She didn't give up the "unclean meats" until
later into life.  her husband didn't believe in the Trinity which is a current
Adventist belief.

Answer
Dear Aaron:

Thanks for your comments. I am glad to hear that the SDA church can change. Your understanding seems to be more in line with Expert Tom Norris than with other experts on this website. I appreciate your openness. I agree that many SDAs even pastors have seen and are seeing the error of the Investigative Judgment dogma. If I seem anti-Adventist it is primarily because of the conservative SDA apologists on this site. Please check out some of the past answers of Tom Norris they are very enlightening. Know that I am not anti-Adventist when it comes to SDAs like yourself, that is those who are open to change. You must continue to follow the Bible and your heart.

May God Bless You,
Sal