Pastor Ronald Obidos
This article is titled "Chapter 3" because it's part of a book the author is writing titled, "Leaving Adventism: an Adventist Apologist Journey to Faith," which is a helpful guide to transitioning Seventh-day Adventists.
I am often asked the following questions by my Seventh-day Adventist friends:
- If the teachings of the SDA church are wrong, what is the correct religion or sect?
- If Ellen White is a false prophet, who is the true prophet or messenger for us today?
- Instead of attacking the SDA church, can you introduce your own doctrine, correct religion or sect, and prophet and start preaching your own church?
The first part of this question comprises a series of interconnected questions. The second part is a challenge that I should present my own doctrine, sect, and prophet or messenger to be introduced while also preaching instead of "attacking" their teachings. In other words, the assumption is that I would establish my own religion or sect, as some tend to do.
It's important to note that the questioner automatically assumes that the SDA church is the only true biblical church, that they possess the correct teachings, and that Ellen White is a true prophet, even though he has not provided any evidence from the Bible to support his claims. This is known as circular reasoning and is considered a flawed method in the field of argumentation.
As defined by an educational website, circular reasoning is when an argument assumes its conclusion, committing a logical fallacy. An example of this is when the religion, Iglesia ni Cristo 1914, asked the SDA, "If Iglesia ni Cristo is not the true church, then what? If the teaching of Iglesia ni Cristo is wrong, what is right? If Felix Manalo is a false prophet, then who is?" While the question may seem straightforward, it employs circular reasoning. An SDA defender may respond by saying, "First prove that the INC is the true church with the correct teaching and also first prove that Felix Manalo is God's messenger!" The question remains - would SDAs accept this argument if it came from an Iglesia ni Cristo member?
It's a common misconception that all Seventh-day Adventists believe in the prophetic authority of Ellen White. In fact, many members, elders, and pastors don't subscribe to this belief. This raises some fundamental questions about the church's claim to being the true church.
It's worth noting that the church's veracity is entirely dependent on Ellen White's authenticity as a prophet and messenger of God. If she is indeed a true prophet, then the SDA church is also a true church. Conversely, if she's a false prophet, then the SDA church is also a false church.
It's worth noting that the church's veracity is entirely dependent on Ellen White's authenticity as a prophet and messenger of God. If she is indeed a true prophet, then the SDA church is also a true church. Conversely, if she's a false prophet, then the SDA church is also a false church.
The Bible attests that the true church can’t be governed or led by a false prophet. It’s concerning that many active members of the SDA church aren’t familiar with Ellen White’s teachings. Adventists often cite 2 Chronicles 20:20 to support their beliefs, but this raises serious questions that need to be addressed.
“Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 2 Chron. 20:20 NIV
Devoted members of SDA frequently cite a verse from Proverbs 29:18 KJV to bolster Ellen White's status as a prophet.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
The Seventh-day Adventist Church faces a significant challenge today as there is a lack of consensus on a crucial doctrine. It is surprising that "The Gift of Prophecy" is still considered one of their 28 Fundamental Beliefs (#18) despite this.
“The Gift of Prophecy” #18:
“The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Numbers 12:6; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.)”[2]
For the SDA Church, their belief that they are the true remnant church on the last day hinges on its more than 18 million members worldwide subscribing to Fundamental Belief #18. This belief states that Ellen White is a prophet with the gift of prophecy. Without this, the church cannot be identifiable as the remnant church. Therefore, any Adventist who denies Ellen White's prophethood while claiming the SDA Church as the true church is not acceptable.
It's common for some Adventists to use the excuse that rejecting Ellen White's teachings is acceptable, as she is not the savior of the Adventist faith, but rather, it is Christ. As an Adventist defender, I used to argue that one's belief in Mrs. White should not be a test of fellowship. However, this goes against Ellen White's own statement. According to her, Adventists who doubt her authority as a prophet are either mistaken or misguided.
“Others are like doubting Thomas; they cannot believe the published Testimonies, nor receive evidence through the testimony of others, but must see and have the evidence for themselves. Such must not be set aside, but long patience and brotherly love should be exercised toward them until they find their position and become established for or against. If they fight against the visions, of which they have no knowledge; if they carry their opposition so far as to oppose that in which they have had no experience, and feel annoyed when those who believe that the visions are of God speak of them in meeting and comfort themselves with the instruction given through vision, the church may know that they are not right.” (Testimonies for the Church Vol. 1 p. 328)
Other Adventists argue that Ellen White did not claim to be a prophet so it is okay not to believe in her. Are these arguments correct? Some Adventist apologists, in fact, use it in response to my posts exposing that Ellen White is not a true prophet of God. Let's find out what Ellen White really said about it:
“Ellen White never assumed the title of prophetess, but she did not object when others called her by that title. . . To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done. If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them. But my work has covered so many lines that I cannot call myself other than a messenger.” [3]
It's worth noting that Ellen White never referred to herself as a "Prophet" in her writings. She did not use the title "Prophet Ellen White" in any of her books. It's important to mention that she did not object when others referred to her as a "Prophet."
The second part of the question I was presented with was a challenge, accompanied by mockery. This challenge is evidence of the Adventists' inability to defend or address the errors I have exposed about the SDA church and their prophet, Ellen White's false prophecy. Frankly, I have yet to receive a meaningful response from their so-called top apologists since I began exposing these issues.
Most of the Adventists' comments are evasive and lacking in substance. Many of their responses are just personal attacks or insults. They don't even read my articles before commenting. I'm not surprised by their negative attitude, as this seems to be a common trait among Adventists. In my experience, many Adventists are simply too lazy to read. This is evident in the low attendance during their Sabbath school lesson study, which only increases during the second part of the service or divine service. Most Adventists are accustomed to being spoon-fed information.
It is for these reasons that I believe they challenged me with these types of questions. This book will leave Adventists with no choice but to confront these issues head-on. They want me to lay down my own doctrine so that they can avoid answering my challenges that until now have no sensible answer. I noticed that Adventists are better at criticizing others than responding to my exposition of their false teachings. One reason is that they lack scholarly resources and are not used to dealing with deeper studies. Another factor is that most of their debaters in the Philippines have difficulty speaking English. They prefer to read Tagalog over English because they find it difficult to understand. This is probably why they cannot answer deeper issues in their doctrines, especially at a scholarly level, because most of them have a hard time understanding English, not to mention biblical Hebrew and Greek.
However, I must continue in my work of exposing their false teachings. I will no longer participate in their meaningless comments. I will just choose from their sensible questions and answer them as an article on our FAFP website and pray to God that the things I present will help other Adventists to open their minds and hearts to the truth of the gospel of Christ. Therefore, this challenge is more indicative of the weakness of the Adventist defenders than their strength.
The question, "If the teaching of SDAs is wrong, what is right? If Ellen White is a false prophet, then who is?" is certainly thought-provoking. The conventional Adventist answer is that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is undeniably the one true church and that the teachings of Ellen White are infallible. However, this answer is too superficial and fleeting, as truth cannot be based on personal feelings, which are subject to change based on circumstances. Instead, we should look to the Bible for guidance.
1.) The Seventh-day Adventist organization or denomination was not present during the New Testament era in the 1st century. In those times, the term "church" referred to a group of believers and not a specific religious denomination or building. The existence of various Christian denominations began much later, in the 16th century, during the Protestant Reformation when the Roman Catholic Church was challenged.
2.) The name "Seventh-day Adventist" was not used during biblical times. The followers of Christ were commonly referred to as "Christians" and not "Adventists" (Acts 11:26). While it may be difficult to accept, this is the truth based on evidence and not emotions.
3.) Ellen White, a prominent figure in Seventh-day Adventism, was not known during the New Testament era. Claims that her writings are a "continuing and authoritative source of truth" and speak with "prophetic authority" are considered to be boastful by some. Furthermore, it has been proven that many of her books were copied from other authors, rather than directly from God. Additionally, Seventh-day Adventist leadership has been accused of concealing some of her works from the public.
Despite the lack of knowledge regarding the SDA church and Ellen White, the New Testament highlights a critical issue about the salvation of sinners. Is it based on religion or denomination? Where do we find the truth according to the New Testament? Should it be through joining a denomination or developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
Let's turn to Jesus, the founder and owner of the Christian church, for guidance on this matter.
Let's turn to Jesus, the founder and owner of the Christian church, for guidance on this matter.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
The Lord Jesus is the only true source of truth, as he proclaimed, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE." No denomination or church, including the SDA, can take its place in leading us to the Father in heaven.
In summary of my response, let me rephrase the questions at hand:
Question#1: "If the teaching of SDA is wrong, what is right?"
Answer: Regarding the teachings of the SDA, it is important to note that only Christ holds the key to eternal life. Jesus himself said:
John 6:68 (ESV)
“Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Question#2: "If Ellen White is a false prophet, then who is?"
Answer: Ellen White is not a genuine prophet. Instead, it is Jesus who is the ultimate Prophet of God in the last days.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
You don’t need to be a Seventh-day Adventist to be saved and receive eternal life. What you need is to accept the person and work of the Son of God, Jesus Christ which is sufficient to save you with certainty!
Glory to our God!
Footnotes:
[1] Nordquist, Richard. “Circular Reasoning Definition and Examples.” 7 July 2019. https://www.thoughtco.com/circular-reasoning-petitio-principii-1689842. 5 April 2020.
[2] This is a revised version of the Seventh-day Adventist’s Fundamental Belief #18. The original version stated that “As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth”. This statement was against the principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) which is a fundamental belief of Protestantism. The Seventh-day Adventists claimed that Ellen White’s writings are in addition to the Bible because her writings are also an “authoritative source of truth”. This created confusion as the Seventh-day Adventists had two authoritative sources of truth. To address this issue, they revised their statement to “Her writings speak with prophetic authority”.
No comments:
Post a Comment