I have been unable to post anything in the last few weeks due to my work schedule. That schedule has lightened up considerably.
I am lauching into a study of the Ten Commandments
WHY STUDY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS??
First, they continue to be a hot topic of conversation and controversy. Stories abound of conflicts over the public display of them in such places as court houses, schools, etc. The result has been their religation to judges chambers and store rooms.
Second, and by far more important, is the role they play in our lives and our families. These commands need to play a central role in both. Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word have I hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." (NKJV). It is interesting that there nothing there to indicate we are supposed to display them anywhere. Some may argue that Deuteronomy 6:4 to 9 argues this point. Those verses refer to writing God's commands on our doorposts and gates. However< I believe Moses was being more metaphorical than literal. His commands should have preeminance in our homes and hearts.
With these in mind we will look at the commands for a practical application and interpretation.
Dr. O
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP
DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP
Say the word "fellowship" in the context of the church and the thoughts of most people turn immediately to one thing - FOOD! Most of the churches I have attended or served have had regularly scheduled times of what they call fellowship. It may be a fellowship dinner, an agape feast, a carry-in dinner, a snack after an evening service, etc. True fellowship goes a lot further.
Reading Acts 2:44ff and Acts 4:32 to 35 fellowship is seen a physical or financial support. To be "in need" meant a person had no resources and no family members to turn to for assistance. hebrews 10:19 to 25 shows fellowship to be corporate worship, but more importantly, corporate encouragement.
Paul uses the illustration of the body in several passages discussing the Spiritual Gifts. Fellowship includes using those God given gifts for the betterment of the Body of Christ, the Church. Especially check out I Corinthians 12:12 and 13, and Romans 12:3 to 6. What if a member will not actively participate in the life of the church? Consider these examples. Joni Tada was injured in a diving accident as a teenager. It left here paralzed leaving here unable to walk, severely limited in the use of her arms. Howver, it left her with a beautiful singing voice and an ability to paint wonderful pictures using a brush in her teeth. Her body had to compensate for those parts unable to operate. Retired senator Robert Dole was injured in his military service in WWll. He skillfully compensated for the injuries to one arm to the point that some never realized he was injured at all. The point I am making is their bodies had to compensate for the parts that wouldn't work. The body of Christ has to compensate for us when we refuse to participate in the fellowship. In otherwords, if you do not participate you leave the body of Christ paralyzed, blind, deaf, mute etc.
HOW IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP!!!
Dr. O.
Say the word "fellowship" in the context of the church and the thoughts of most people turn immediately to one thing - FOOD! Most of the churches I have attended or served have had regularly scheduled times of what they call fellowship. It may be a fellowship dinner, an agape feast, a carry-in dinner, a snack after an evening service, etc. True fellowship goes a lot further.
Reading Acts 2:44ff and Acts 4:32 to 35 fellowship is seen a physical or financial support. To be "in need" meant a person had no resources and no family members to turn to for assistance. hebrews 10:19 to 25 shows fellowship to be corporate worship, but more importantly, corporate encouragement.
Paul uses the illustration of the body in several passages discussing the Spiritual Gifts. Fellowship includes using those God given gifts for the betterment of the Body of Christ, the Church. Especially check out I Corinthians 12:12 and 13, and Romans 12:3 to 6. What if a member will not actively participate in the life of the church? Consider these examples. Joni Tada was injured in a diving accident as a teenager. It left here paralzed leaving here unable to walk, severely limited in the use of her arms. Howver, it left her with a beautiful singing voice and an ability to paint wonderful pictures using a brush in her teeth. Her body had to compensate for those parts unable to operate. Retired senator Robert Dole was injured in his military service in WWll. He skillfully compensated for the injuries to one arm to the point that some never realized he was injured at all. The point I am making is their bodies had to compensate for the parts that wouldn't work. The body of Christ has to compensate for us when we refuse to participate in the fellowship. In otherwords, if you do not participate you leave the body of Christ paralyzed, blind, deaf, mute etc.
HOW IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP!!!
Dr. O.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BACK TO THE BASICS PT1
BACK TO THE BASICS - DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE
INTRODUCTION
One of my favorite movies is “Hoosiers”. It is the story of a disgraced college basketball coach, Norman Dale (Played by Gene Hackman), who takes a teaching and coaching position with a tiny Indiana school district in the 50’s. His team is made up of seven farm boys who love the game of basketball. Coach Dale’s first task is to mold them into a team by enforcing some basic teamwork fundamentals. They were to follow his instructions, and play by the rules he set. If a player violated the coach’s instructions he faced discipline, including removal from a game. Even if this meant playing a man down. To make a long story short, after they begin playing like a team, they win to the point of playing in the Indiana high school championship game.
I use this example because it is time for the church to get back to the fundamentals of basic Christianity. Acts 2:42 reads, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”(NKJV). Many scholars refer to this description of the early or first century church as being primative. Many consider something that is called primative to be old, out dated, obsolete, etc. These four fundamentals are far from outdated or obsolete, and need to be re-empasized, even reinstated, by the church of the 21st century.
The New King James Version says “they continued steadfastly in”, and the New International Version says “they devoted themselves to” these four fundamentals. The Greek word here is PROSKARTEREO which means to be steadfast or faithful.
DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE
What do we mean, “apostle’s doctrine”? In its most wide sense we mean the Bible. Many times as we try and introduce these four disciplines to new or nominal Christians, we encourage them to have a daily time of Scripture reading or study.. I believe much more is included here. The apostles here are more than the twelve, but anyone who bears witness to Christ. Of course at the historical time in question the apostles were probably limited to the twelve. We need to also remember that being devoted to something may mean having to defend what we are devoted to. A man is devoted to his wife, if she were attacked in some way he would come to here defense. A secret service agent is devoted to the President, and will take a bullet to defend him.
The Word has come under two primary attacks. The modernist attacked the inspiration, and the post modernist attacks its authority or relevance. The Bible itself has numerous claims of inspiration with the two most prevalent being as follows. II Timothy 3:16 and 17 read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NKJV). Here we have a direct claim of inspiration followed by a statement on the relevance of the Word. II Peter 1:19 to 21 read, “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.,” (NKJV). Here we have a statement on the Bible’s authority and relevance followed by a claim of inspiration.
Of course, I can claim anything. I can say I am the “Queen of Romania”, and that doesn’t necessarily make it so. We need verification. Consider the following scientific facts. In 1492 it was believed the world was flat, and that to sail to the edge meant certain doom. In the book of Isaiah, written approximately 700 BC or 2200 years earlier, we here this, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (NKJV). The word circle hear refers to a sphere or globe, not a flat surface. Job 38:35 says, “Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, `Here we are!'?” (NKJV). In 1864 James Clerk, a British scientist, suggested the existence light waves and radio waves. These are sent into virtually 100% of American homes into a box that lights up and talks. Of course I am refering to the one eyed monster the television. The book of Job dates to approximately 100 BC, and Job the man to 1000 BC. See the difference? These are only two of many such examples.
The authority or relevance of Scripture is often questioned by well meaning, professing Christians. They may argue that the Bible was for a particular age or era, or is for a limited culture or audience. They may say the Bible is a living document with a vast number of different interpretations. Of course they may argue that the Bible is not the only authoritative document, and Christ is not the only way to the Father. We combat this by standing firm, being loyal, and not compromising. Hebrews 11:36 to 40 reads, Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. “. To expound on the benefits of setting the Bible up as an authority in our lives one needs only to read Psalm 119 and Psalm 19.
Dr. O
INTRODUCTION
One of my favorite movies is “Hoosiers”. It is the story of a disgraced college basketball coach, Norman Dale (Played by Gene Hackman), who takes a teaching and coaching position with a tiny Indiana school district in the 50’s. His team is made up of seven farm boys who love the game of basketball. Coach Dale’s first task is to mold them into a team by enforcing some basic teamwork fundamentals. They were to follow his instructions, and play by the rules he set. If a player violated the coach’s instructions he faced discipline, including removal from a game. Even if this meant playing a man down. To make a long story short, after they begin playing like a team, they win to the point of playing in the Indiana high school championship game.
I use this example because it is time for the church to get back to the fundamentals of basic Christianity. Acts 2:42 reads, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”(NKJV). Many scholars refer to this description of the early or first century church as being primative. Many consider something that is called primative to be old, out dated, obsolete, etc. These four fundamentals are far from outdated or obsolete, and need to be re-empasized, even reinstated, by the church of the 21st century.
The New King James Version says “they continued steadfastly in”, and the New International Version says “they devoted themselves to” these four fundamentals. The Greek word here is PROSKARTEREO which means to be steadfast or faithful.
DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE
What do we mean, “apostle’s doctrine”? In its most wide sense we mean the Bible. Many times as we try and introduce these four disciplines to new or nominal Christians, we encourage them to have a daily time of Scripture reading or study.. I believe much more is included here. The apostles here are more than the twelve, but anyone who bears witness to Christ. Of course at the historical time in question the apostles were probably limited to the twelve. We need to also remember that being devoted to something may mean having to defend what we are devoted to. A man is devoted to his wife, if she were attacked in some way he would come to here defense. A secret service agent is devoted to the President, and will take a bullet to defend him.
The Word has come under two primary attacks. The modernist attacked the inspiration, and the post modernist attacks its authority or relevance. The Bible itself has numerous claims of inspiration with the two most prevalent being as follows. II Timothy 3:16 and 17 read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NKJV). Here we have a direct claim of inspiration followed by a statement on the relevance of the Word. II Peter 1:19 to 21 read, “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.,” (NKJV). Here we have a statement on the Bible’s authority and relevance followed by a claim of inspiration.
Of course, I can claim anything. I can say I am the “Queen of Romania”, and that doesn’t necessarily make it so. We need verification. Consider the following scientific facts. In 1492 it was believed the world was flat, and that to sail to the edge meant certain doom. In the book of Isaiah, written approximately 700 BC or 2200 years earlier, we here this, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (NKJV). The word circle hear refers to a sphere or globe, not a flat surface. Job 38:35 says, “Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, `Here we are!'?” (NKJV). In 1864 James Clerk, a British scientist, suggested the existence light waves and radio waves. These are sent into virtually 100% of American homes into a box that lights up and talks. Of course I am refering to the one eyed monster the television. The book of Job dates to approximately 100 BC, and Job the man to 1000 BC. See the difference? These are only two of many such examples.
The authority or relevance of Scripture is often questioned by well meaning, professing Christians. They may argue that the Bible was for a particular age or era, or is for a limited culture or audience. They may say the Bible is a living document with a vast number of different interpretations. Of course they may argue that the Bible is not the only authoritative document, and Christ is not the only way to the Father. We combat this by standing firm, being loyal, and not compromising. Hebrews 11:36 to 40 reads, Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. “. To expound on the benefits of setting the Bible up as an authority in our lives one needs only to read Psalm 119 and Psalm 19.
Dr. O
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Response to Mark and Others
My next series will be a back to the basics type of series beginning with Acts 2:42.
To other respondents - I am continuing to study the information you gave. I will respond later.
Dr. O
To other respondents - I am continuing to study the information you gave. I will respond later.
Dr. O
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES A CULT OR CHRISTIAN?
THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Some consider the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the followers of Charles Taze Russell, to be an offshoot group of the Seventh-day Adventists. The similarities between the two systems can be seen in the conversion experience of “Pastor” Russell. Having been reared in the Reformed Faith He took their doctrine very seriously at first with special interest paid to the doctrine of Hell. From this fiery orthodoxy he was unable to answer certain questions. He then passed over into a frigid unbelief. His faith was then restored by encountering Seventh-Day Adventism, especially their interest in the Second Advent of Christ.
A few years later Russell wrote his first significant book. He had worked out his modifications of Adventist doctrine. This then became the Doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Following this he wrote volumes. It was reported that Russell’s written explanations of the Scriptures were far more extensive than St. Paul, St. John, Arius, Waldo, Wycliffe, and Luther. As he expounded on the Gospel, his addresses were know to last six to eight hours a day. As he traveled presenting the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine he would often cover 30,000 miles per year.
His personal life was just as hectic. 1897 he separated from his wife, but she chose not to divorce him until 1913. Her main grounds for the action was his adulterous affair with a Rose Ball. Russell denied these charges going to the point of not entering a room where a woman, unrelated to him, was present. However, he did proceed to defraud his ex-wife of her alimony. The whole scandalous affair nearly brought an end to the movement.
Succeeding Russel was Judge J. F. Rutherford. His election to succeed Russell was met with division. Several small sects within the movement separated themselves. Judge Rutherford’s response was to assure them that they would suffer destruction for their dissension. Rutherford was both very similar and dis-similar to his predecessor. Like Russell he was a very confident speaker and expositor. His doctrinal stances were also very close to those of Russell, and his output of written material even exceeded that of Russell. However, his public persona was seen as secretive and unavailable. He would seemingly appear for his speaking engagements, and following his presentation he would disappear. Much of his private life was kept secret; including some adulterous affairs of his own. His death was also somewhat secretive. He died in January 1942 from an undisclosed illness.
N. H. Knorr was next to lead the cult. His emphasis was on the education of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He pushed an intensive private and small group study of the Scriptures. He also seemingly sought to separate himself from the legacy of both Russell and Rutherford to the point that many modern Witnesses fail to recognize these men as the patriarchs of their movement.[1]
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible
The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and they do not see the writings of Russell, Rutherford, and others as infallible. They accept the Bible in its entirety, and they claim to be the only group to actually accurately follow its teachings. They have taken the role of being the infallible interpreters of the infallible word. This infallibility apparently extends to the translation of the Scriptures. They have produced their own version of the Bible, The New World Translation. Using this translation greatly impacts many of the cornerstone doctrines of Christianity. John 1:1 in the New World Translation reads. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." Instead of the literal "the Word was God," we have "a god," which the sect interprets as "an angelic being.". Col. 1:15-17 says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist."(NWT). Because the sect teaches that Christ was a created being rather than eternal God, the word "other" is inserted several times. The first edition of the translation did this without brackets separating it. These are only two of the mis-translations done in the New World Translation to “Proof text” their positions and doctrine.
Russell said of his own work, “I claim nothing of superiority or supernatural power.”.[2] However, the Witnesses have ranked him with the Apostle Paul as a great Biblical interpreter, and have identified him as one of the seven messengers named in Ezekiel 9:1-11. Judge Rutherford said of his own work, “These speeches do not contain my message, but do contain the expression of Jehovah’s purpose which he commands must now be told to the people.”[3] It seems obvious that he saw a higher source for his speeches than his own intellect.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity
To put it simply, for the Jehovah’s Witnesses there is no such thing as the Trinity. For them there is one God and His name is Jehovah. Such names as “God” or “Lord” were introduced into the Greek translations of the Old Testament, and thereby into the New Testament, and represent the basis for the falsehood of the Trinity. They see no authority to support the Trinitarian doctrine, and give credit to Satan for its development. As seen in the earlier examples of the difference between the New World Translation and other English translations, Christ’s deity is denied. He is instead the highest of all creatures. Christ was not eternal or divine, and he had a brother whose name was Lucifer. Jesus is also considered to be Michael, the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts. As for the Holy Spirit, His deity and His personality are both denied. He is seen as the invisible force coming from God, but not God himself. This force is used by Jehovah to get His followers to obey.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Salvation
Jesus, being no more than a perfect human, became a ransom which compensated exactly for what Adam’s sin cost humanity, that is the right to be perfect humans as well. If Jesus were truly God, the ransom he would have paid would have been far and above the mere equivalent Jehovah requires. Even in this atonement he is assisted by the 144,000 listed in Revelation. These 144,000 sacrificed their right to live in this world which would have been earned through their perfect obedience to the will of Jehovah. Even with Christ’s sacrifice the price paid only covered the procurement of a second chance for the believer to attain salvation though his or her good works.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Sacraments
Jehovah’s Witnesses practice baptism by immersion. It is viewed by them to be a symbol of their personal dedication to serve Jehovah. Before being baptized new Witnesses have usually been active for some time. Three interviews are conducted prior to the baptism. These interviews are conducted by the elders of the congregation, and during them they discuss a series of questions designed to determine a candidate’s understanding of the act and their true preparedness for the act.
The Witnesses do not participate in the Lord’s Supper as do others. It is called the lord’s evening Meal, and it occurs only one time per year. They do cite I Corinthians 11:25 and 26 as the basis for this action. The participants are viewed as the remaining remnant of Christians anointed by God. They are viewed in the same manner as the 144,000 referenced in Revelation 14:1. No human issues an invitation to participate in this communion. Instead each participant believes they have received a calling from God and an anointing of the Holy Spirit to participate. The Witnesses view this meal strictly as a memorial. They do not believe in either transubstantiation or consubstantiation. The bread is given as a representation of Christ’s body and the wine as a representation of His blood.
MY CONCLUSIONS
Based solely on their treatment of the Trinity, and their denial of Jesus' divinity, they are a cult period.
[1] The previous information on Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr is a synopsis of the information contained in: Gerstner, John H., The Teachings the Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 7-11
[2] Ibid, p. 17 - A quote from the Watch Tower , July 1906
[3] Ibid.
Some consider the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the followers of Charles Taze Russell, to be an offshoot group of the Seventh-day Adventists. The similarities between the two systems can be seen in the conversion experience of “Pastor” Russell. Having been reared in the Reformed Faith He took their doctrine very seriously at first with special interest paid to the doctrine of Hell. From this fiery orthodoxy he was unable to answer certain questions. He then passed over into a frigid unbelief. His faith was then restored by encountering Seventh-Day Adventism, especially their interest in the Second Advent of Christ.
A few years later Russell wrote his first significant book. He had worked out his modifications of Adventist doctrine. This then became the Doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Following this he wrote volumes. It was reported that Russell’s written explanations of the Scriptures were far more extensive than St. Paul, St. John, Arius, Waldo, Wycliffe, and Luther. As he expounded on the Gospel, his addresses were know to last six to eight hours a day. As he traveled presenting the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine he would often cover 30,000 miles per year.
His personal life was just as hectic. 1897 he separated from his wife, but she chose not to divorce him until 1913. Her main grounds for the action was his adulterous affair with a Rose Ball. Russell denied these charges going to the point of not entering a room where a woman, unrelated to him, was present. However, he did proceed to defraud his ex-wife of her alimony. The whole scandalous affair nearly brought an end to the movement.
Succeeding Russel was Judge J. F. Rutherford. His election to succeed Russell was met with division. Several small sects within the movement separated themselves. Judge Rutherford’s response was to assure them that they would suffer destruction for their dissension. Rutherford was both very similar and dis-similar to his predecessor. Like Russell he was a very confident speaker and expositor. His doctrinal stances were also very close to those of Russell, and his output of written material even exceeded that of Russell. However, his public persona was seen as secretive and unavailable. He would seemingly appear for his speaking engagements, and following his presentation he would disappear. Much of his private life was kept secret; including some adulterous affairs of his own. His death was also somewhat secretive. He died in January 1942 from an undisclosed illness.
N. H. Knorr was next to lead the cult. His emphasis was on the education of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He pushed an intensive private and small group study of the Scriptures. He also seemingly sought to separate himself from the legacy of both Russell and Rutherford to the point that many modern Witnesses fail to recognize these men as the patriarchs of their movement.[1]
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible
The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and they do not see the writings of Russell, Rutherford, and others as infallible. They accept the Bible in its entirety, and they claim to be the only group to actually accurately follow its teachings. They have taken the role of being the infallible interpreters of the infallible word. This infallibility apparently extends to the translation of the Scriptures. They have produced their own version of the Bible, The New World Translation. Using this translation greatly impacts many of the cornerstone doctrines of Christianity. John 1:1 in the New World Translation reads. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." Instead of the literal "the Word was God," we have "a god," which the sect interprets as "an angelic being.". Col. 1:15-17 says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist."(NWT). Because the sect teaches that Christ was a created being rather than eternal God, the word "other" is inserted several times. The first edition of the translation did this without brackets separating it. These are only two of the mis-translations done in the New World Translation to “Proof text” their positions and doctrine.
Russell said of his own work, “I claim nothing of superiority or supernatural power.”.[2] However, the Witnesses have ranked him with the Apostle Paul as a great Biblical interpreter, and have identified him as one of the seven messengers named in Ezekiel 9:1-11. Judge Rutherford said of his own work, “These speeches do not contain my message, but do contain the expression of Jehovah’s purpose which he commands must now be told to the people.”[3] It seems obvious that he saw a higher source for his speeches than his own intellect.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity
To put it simply, for the Jehovah’s Witnesses there is no such thing as the Trinity. For them there is one God and His name is Jehovah. Such names as “God” or “Lord” were introduced into the Greek translations of the Old Testament, and thereby into the New Testament, and represent the basis for the falsehood of the Trinity. They see no authority to support the Trinitarian doctrine, and give credit to Satan for its development. As seen in the earlier examples of the difference between the New World Translation and other English translations, Christ’s deity is denied. He is instead the highest of all creatures. Christ was not eternal or divine, and he had a brother whose name was Lucifer. Jesus is also considered to be Michael, the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts. As for the Holy Spirit, His deity and His personality are both denied. He is seen as the invisible force coming from God, but not God himself. This force is used by Jehovah to get His followers to obey.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Salvation
Jesus, being no more than a perfect human, became a ransom which compensated exactly for what Adam’s sin cost humanity, that is the right to be perfect humans as well. If Jesus were truly God, the ransom he would have paid would have been far and above the mere equivalent Jehovah requires. Even in this atonement he is assisted by the 144,000 listed in Revelation. These 144,000 sacrificed their right to live in this world which would have been earned through their perfect obedience to the will of Jehovah. Even with Christ’s sacrifice the price paid only covered the procurement of a second chance for the believer to attain salvation though his or her good works.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Sacraments
Jehovah’s Witnesses practice baptism by immersion. It is viewed by them to be a symbol of their personal dedication to serve Jehovah. Before being baptized new Witnesses have usually been active for some time. Three interviews are conducted prior to the baptism. These interviews are conducted by the elders of the congregation, and during them they discuss a series of questions designed to determine a candidate’s understanding of the act and their true preparedness for the act.
The Witnesses do not participate in the Lord’s Supper as do others. It is called the lord’s evening Meal, and it occurs only one time per year. They do cite I Corinthians 11:25 and 26 as the basis for this action. The participants are viewed as the remaining remnant of Christians anointed by God. They are viewed in the same manner as the 144,000 referenced in Revelation 14:1. No human issues an invitation to participate in this communion. Instead each participant believes they have received a calling from God and an anointing of the Holy Spirit to participate. The Witnesses view this meal strictly as a memorial. They do not believe in either transubstantiation or consubstantiation. The bread is given as a representation of Christ’s body and the wine as a representation of His blood.
MY CONCLUSIONS
Based solely on their treatment of the Trinity, and their denial of Jesus' divinity, they are a cult period.
[1] The previous information on Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr is a synopsis of the information contained in: Gerstner, John H., The Teachings the Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 7-11
[2] Ibid, p. 17 - A quote from the Watch Tower , July 1906
[3] Ibid.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
IS THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH A CULT?
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Amid the great wave of eschatological fervor of the mid 1800’s Seventh Day Adventism was born. One of the early leaders of the movement was William Miller. Miller was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in February 1782. As a young man he was a farmer with a fine reputation, a captain during the war of 1812, and an overall outstanding citizen. Religiously, at first he was a member of a local Baptist church. However, some more skeptical friends lead him into a form of frigid deism. After recapturing his Christianity, he applied himself to a much deeper, more earnest and honest study of the Bible. For a sixteen year period, with only his bible and a concordance, and with no formal church teaching, he fell into what some would characterize as some extreme notions in the area of Bible prophecy. He then set out to spread these notions to any who would listen.
By 1840 Adventism was becoming a significant movement. This was especially true with the publication of the influential periodical, The Sign of the Times. With it the message of the imminent return of Christ began to spread. Based on his study and calculations Miller announced his expectation of Christ’s return to occur between March 21, 1842 to March 21, 1843. Of course this did not occur and six weeks later Miller wrote to his disillusioned followers the following, “Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with god and man I should have to do as I have done. Although the opposition said it would not come, they produced no weighty arguments. It was evidently guesswork with them; and I then thought, and do now, that their denial was based more on unwillingness for the Lord to come than on any arguments leading to such a conclusion… I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door; and I exhort you, my brethren, to be watchful, and not let that day come upon you unaware.”[1] Later predictions of Christ’s return included October 20 to 22, 1944. October 22 was declared to be the date for the “End of the World”. Five years after the failure of Christ to return, Miller went to be with him. His tombstone reads, “At the time appointed, the end shall be.”[2]
Succeeding Miller as the identified prophet and leader of the Adventist movement is Ellen G. White. Where Miller based his predictions on his exposition of the Bible, White based her’s on numerous “revelations”. A subsequent difference which needs to be noted is the fact the when confronted by his errors Miller admitted them, White would not. Her revelations began in 1844 and proceeded until her death in 1915.. E. G. White still holds a great deal of power in the Seventh day Adventist Church of today. When asked if the Adventist’s considered White to be inspired, in the sense the Scriptures are inspired, one SDA pastor’s description more fit the idea of illumination than actual inspiration. Ellen Whites writings are not considered a substitute for the Scriptures, and Scripture should be used to judge her writings.
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Scriptures
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, they do not seem to go so far as to believe in the Verbal / plenary inspiration of the Bible. The following information is taken from a book entitled, Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines. They say, “Divine revelation was given by inspiration of God to ’holy men of God’ who were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21). These revelations were embodied in human language with all its limitations and imperfections, yet they remained God’s testimony. God inspired men – not words…God instructed them to describe to the best of there ability what they saw or heard.”.[3] Ellen G. White has written in her book Selected Messages, “God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen.” [4] White also writes in the same work, “Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts…The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will, thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.”[5] Based on this thinking it is said, “A parallel exists between the incarnate Jesus and the Bible. Jesus was God and man combined, the divine and the human in one. So the Bible is the divine and human combined…This divine-human combination makes the Bible unique among literature.”[6]
Based on their view of inspiration the Seventh-day Adventists believe the Scriptures to be accurate. They allow for the variance of ancient manuscripts by holding that the essential truths have been preserved. They hold that the alleged errors of the copyists and translators were really more misunderstandings. At the root of these misunderstandings is the fact that the Bible was being read through western eyes. Perceived discrepancies should not erode our confidence in the Scriptures, but should be recognized as the product of our inaccurate perceptions.
They also consider the Bible to be authoritative, but this to is tied to inspiration.
Damsteegt writes, “If we perceive the Bible as being merely a collection of human testimonies or if the authority we grant it in some way depends on how it moves our feelings or emotions, we sap its authority in our lives. But when we discern God’s voice speaking through the writers, no matter how weak and human they may have been, the Scriptures be come absolute authority in matters of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).”[7] The Adventists hold that all human wisdom must be subject to the authority of scripture. They see the Bible as the norm by which all other ideas are to be tested. Damsteegt says, “Judging the Word of God by finite human standards is like trying to measure the stars with a yardstick.”[8]
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Trinity
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the triune God or Trinity made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is one God and only one God in both the Old and New Testaments, but He is a godhead made up of three individuals, a unity of three co-equal and co-eternal persons having a unique and mysterious relationship. There is no distance between the three persons of the Trinity. All three are divine, and they share certain powers and qualities. As in human organizations there is a final authority, in the case of the Godhead this final authority rests in all three members of the Trinity. The three together express an excellent working relationship with the Father acting as the source, the Son the mediator, and the Holy Spirit acting as the actualizer.
Seventh-day Adventists believe the Father to be, “…the Eternal Father is the
Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.”[9] Their belief about Jesus is, “God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as god’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.”[10] They believe the Spirit to be,”…active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth.”[11]
The Seventh-day Adventist and Salvation
The need for salvation is seen as the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. Their Fundamental Beliefs include the following statement, “This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity.”[12]
In response to this the Adventists believe the death of Christ to be the only means of atonement, and acceptance of this atonement brings eternal life. They believe, “This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming.”[13] Our contact with salvation comes by being led by the Holy Spirit to sense our need for salvation, acknowledge our sinful state, and then exercise faith in Jesus Christ as our substitute and example. Also through the Spirit we are born again, sanctified, renewed, and we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.[14]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sacraments
In Adventism baptism is seen as part of our confession of faith in Christ. In it the participant testifies to the their death to sin and their new purpose of walking in newness of life. It represents our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sin, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Adventists practice baptism by immersion after one has affirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is seen as evidence of their repentance.[15]
In the Seventh-day Adventist church communion is open to all believers. It is a proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death. The Adventists believe that communion needs to be preceded by a period of self-examination, repentance, and confession. When communion is celebrated a service of foot washing is done as well. Adventist belief says, “The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love.”[16]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sabbath
The most stark difference between the seventh-day Adventists and mainline Christianity is their adherence to the Sabbath. They consider the Sabbath to be from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset. Before it begins it is customary to make preparations for the Sabbath observance so nothing can spoil its sacredness. This includes the preparation of food for the Sabbath day. Before sunset Friday it is suggested that each family gather for a time of worship, prayer, and Bible reading. It is advised that this be repeated at the close of the Sabbath as well. Based on Christ’s example Adventists gather for their corporate worship on Saturday. They see the change from Saturday to Sunday worship as the influx of Roman paganism into Christianity.
MY CONCLUSION
Unlike the other groups in this study, I personally struggle with branding the Seventh Day Adventist a cult. They believe in the inspiration of the scriptures, and they do not add or remove from the Scriptures. They believe in the Trinity and the Sacraments as do orthodox, conservative Christians. The attempts made a setting a definite date for Christ's second advent were admitted to be in error by those who made the predictions.
[1] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings of Seventh-day Adventism, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 8 and 9
[2] Ibid., p. 9
[3] Damsteegt, P. G. , Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines, (Hagerstown, Maryland, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p.8
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. p. 8 and 9
[7] Ibid. p. 13
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid. p. 28
[10] Ibid. p. 36
[11] Ibid. p. 58
[12] Ibid. p. 97
[13] Ibid. p. 107
[14] Ibid. p. 118
[15] Ibid. p. 179
[16] Ibid. p. 193
Amid the great wave of eschatological fervor of the mid 1800’s Seventh Day Adventism was born. One of the early leaders of the movement was William Miller. Miller was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in February 1782. As a young man he was a farmer with a fine reputation, a captain during the war of 1812, and an overall outstanding citizen. Religiously, at first he was a member of a local Baptist church. However, some more skeptical friends lead him into a form of frigid deism. After recapturing his Christianity, he applied himself to a much deeper, more earnest and honest study of the Bible. For a sixteen year period, with only his bible and a concordance, and with no formal church teaching, he fell into what some would characterize as some extreme notions in the area of Bible prophecy. He then set out to spread these notions to any who would listen.
By 1840 Adventism was becoming a significant movement. This was especially true with the publication of the influential periodical, The Sign of the Times. With it the message of the imminent return of Christ began to spread. Based on his study and calculations Miller announced his expectation of Christ’s return to occur between March 21, 1842 to March 21, 1843. Of course this did not occur and six weeks later Miller wrote to his disillusioned followers the following, “Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with god and man I should have to do as I have done. Although the opposition said it would not come, they produced no weighty arguments. It was evidently guesswork with them; and I then thought, and do now, that their denial was based more on unwillingness for the Lord to come than on any arguments leading to such a conclusion… I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door; and I exhort you, my brethren, to be watchful, and not let that day come upon you unaware.”[1] Later predictions of Christ’s return included October 20 to 22, 1944. October 22 was declared to be the date for the “End of the World”. Five years after the failure of Christ to return, Miller went to be with him. His tombstone reads, “At the time appointed, the end shall be.”[2]
Succeeding Miller as the identified prophet and leader of the Adventist movement is Ellen G. White. Where Miller based his predictions on his exposition of the Bible, White based her’s on numerous “revelations”. A subsequent difference which needs to be noted is the fact the when confronted by his errors Miller admitted them, White would not. Her revelations began in 1844 and proceeded until her death in 1915.. E. G. White still holds a great deal of power in the Seventh day Adventist Church of today. When asked if the Adventist’s considered White to be inspired, in the sense the Scriptures are inspired, one SDA pastor’s description more fit the idea of illumination than actual inspiration. Ellen Whites writings are not considered a substitute for the Scriptures, and Scripture should be used to judge her writings.
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Scriptures
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, they do not seem to go so far as to believe in the Verbal / plenary inspiration of the Bible. The following information is taken from a book entitled, Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines. They say, “Divine revelation was given by inspiration of God to ’holy men of God’ who were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21). These revelations were embodied in human language with all its limitations and imperfections, yet they remained God’s testimony. God inspired men – not words…God instructed them to describe to the best of there ability what they saw or heard.”.[3] Ellen G. White has written in her book Selected Messages, “God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen.” [4] White also writes in the same work, “Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts…The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will, thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.”[5] Based on this thinking it is said, “A parallel exists between the incarnate Jesus and the Bible. Jesus was God and man combined, the divine and the human in one. So the Bible is the divine and human combined…This divine-human combination makes the Bible unique among literature.”[6]
Based on their view of inspiration the Seventh-day Adventists believe the Scriptures to be accurate. They allow for the variance of ancient manuscripts by holding that the essential truths have been preserved. They hold that the alleged errors of the copyists and translators were really more misunderstandings. At the root of these misunderstandings is the fact that the Bible was being read through western eyes. Perceived discrepancies should not erode our confidence in the Scriptures, but should be recognized as the product of our inaccurate perceptions.
They also consider the Bible to be authoritative, but this to is tied to inspiration.
Damsteegt writes, “If we perceive the Bible as being merely a collection of human testimonies or if the authority we grant it in some way depends on how it moves our feelings or emotions, we sap its authority in our lives. But when we discern God’s voice speaking through the writers, no matter how weak and human they may have been, the Scriptures be come absolute authority in matters of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).”[7] The Adventists hold that all human wisdom must be subject to the authority of scripture. They see the Bible as the norm by which all other ideas are to be tested. Damsteegt says, “Judging the Word of God by finite human standards is like trying to measure the stars with a yardstick.”[8]
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Trinity
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the triune God or Trinity made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is one God and only one God in both the Old and New Testaments, but He is a godhead made up of three individuals, a unity of three co-equal and co-eternal persons having a unique and mysterious relationship. There is no distance between the three persons of the Trinity. All three are divine, and they share certain powers and qualities. As in human organizations there is a final authority, in the case of the Godhead this final authority rests in all three members of the Trinity. The three together express an excellent working relationship with the Father acting as the source, the Son the mediator, and the Holy Spirit acting as the actualizer.
Seventh-day Adventists believe the Father to be, “…the Eternal Father is the
Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.”[9] Their belief about Jesus is, “God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as god’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.”[10] They believe the Spirit to be,”…active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth.”[11]
The Seventh-day Adventist and Salvation
The need for salvation is seen as the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. Their Fundamental Beliefs include the following statement, “This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity.”[12]
In response to this the Adventists believe the death of Christ to be the only means of atonement, and acceptance of this atonement brings eternal life. They believe, “This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming.”[13] Our contact with salvation comes by being led by the Holy Spirit to sense our need for salvation, acknowledge our sinful state, and then exercise faith in Jesus Christ as our substitute and example. Also through the Spirit we are born again, sanctified, renewed, and we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.[14]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sacraments
In Adventism baptism is seen as part of our confession of faith in Christ. In it the participant testifies to the their death to sin and their new purpose of walking in newness of life. It represents our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sin, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Adventists practice baptism by immersion after one has affirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is seen as evidence of their repentance.[15]
In the Seventh-day Adventist church communion is open to all believers. It is a proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death. The Adventists believe that communion needs to be preceded by a period of self-examination, repentance, and confession. When communion is celebrated a service of foot washing is done as well. Adventist belief says, “The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love.”[16]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sabbath
The most stark difference between the seventh-day Adventists and mainline Christianity is their adherence to the Sabbath. They consider the Sabbath to be from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset. Before it begins it is customary to make preparations for the Sabbath observance so nothing can spoil its sacredness. This includes the preparation of food for the Sabbath day. Before sunset Friday it is suggested that each family gather for a time of worship, prayer, and Bible reading. It is advised that this be repeated at the close of the Sabbath as well. Based on Christ’s example Adventists gather for their corporate worship on Saturday. They see the change from Saturday to Sunday worship as the influx of Roman paganism into Christianity.
MY CONCLUSION
Unlike the other groups in this study, I personally struggle with branding the Seventh Day Adventist a cult. They believe in the inspiration of the scriptures, and they do not add or remove from the Scriptures. They believe in the Trinity and the Sacraments as do orthodox, conservative Christians. The attempts made a setting a definite date for Christ's second advent were admitted to be in error by those who made the predictions.
[1] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings of Seventh-day Adventism, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 8 and 9
[2] Ibid., p. 9
[3] Damsteegt, P. G. , Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines, (Hagerstown, Maryland, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p.8
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. p. 8 and 9
[7] Ibid. p. 13
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid. p. 28
[10] Ibid. p. 36
[11] Ibid. p. 58
[12] Ibid. p. 97
[13] Ibid. p. 107
[14] Ibid. p. 118
[15] Ibid. p. 179
[16] Ibid. p. 193
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