A Pastoral Reflection on Our Dear Sister Colleen Tinker’s Article, “What Do We Do with Calvinism?”

We thank the Lord for our dear sister in Christ, Colleen Tinker, and for her faithful service through Proclamation! Magazine and the Former Adventist Fellowship. Her recent article, “What Do We Do With Calvinism?” (November 27, 2025), reflects not only theological depth but also a humble desire to honor the authority of Scripture above human systems and traditions. For this, we express our deep appreciation and Christian love.

As believers who share the same Reformed heritage, we in Former Adventists Philippines resonate with Colleen’s heartfelt journey from Adventism to the full light of biblical grace. Like her, we once wrestled with questions of God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the mystery of salvation. These are not trivial matters; they are holy mysteries that remind us of our creaturely limits and of God’s infinite wisdom.

While our fellowship in the Philippines holds to a Reformed Arminian understanding of salvation, emphasizing both God’s prevenient grace and human responsibility, we rejoice that our brothers and sisters in the Former Adventist Fellowship in the U.S. uphold a Reformed Calvinist perspective. We recognize that these theological frameworks, though distinct in emphasis, are both rooted in the historic Christian faith and the authority of Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura).

Unity in the Essentials

Despite our different viewpoints on the finer points of election and atonement, we stand shoulder to shoulder on the great and unshakable truths of the gospel:

• Sola Scriptura – The Word of God alone is our final authority.

• Sola Fide – We are justified by faith alone.

• Sola Gratia – Salvation is by grace alone.

• Solus Christus – Christ alone is our Savior and Mediator.

• Soli Deo Gloria – To God alone be the glory.

These are the five solas that unite us as those who have been rescued from the bondage of legalism and brought into the glorious freedom of the gospel. We may differ on how divine sovereignty and human responsibility fit together, but we are one in proclaiming that salvation is entirely of God’s grace, through faith in Christ alone.

Embracing Mystery, Pursuing Fellowship

We deeply appreciate Colleen’s humility in confessing that “both are true” that God elects and predestines, and yet calls all to repentance and faith. This recognition of divine mystery is not a retreat from theology but a posture of worship. As she wisely reminds us, “We are asked to believe God’s word, not to resolve it.”

Indeed, the great 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon, himself a convinced Calvinist, once said of the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility:

“These two truths are not enemies. They are friends that have never yet been reconciled by man, but they are perfectly reconciled in the mind of God.”

This humility before divine mystery is something every Christian, whether Calvinist or Arminian, can share. We must resist the temptation to divide over what God has not fully revealed, and instead unite around what He has made gloriously clear:

“That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Our Common Mission

As Former Adventists, whether in the U.S. or the Philippines, we are bound together by a mission that transcends theological nuances:

To proclaim the true gospel of grace, to call others out of the shadows of legalism, and to lead them to the rest that is found only in Christ.

In this mission, we are one. We share the same love for the Word, the same zeal for truth, and the same longing for every former Adventist to know the joy of assurance in Christ alone.

May our ongoing fellowship between Former Adventist Fellowship (U.S.) and Former Adventists Philippines serve as a living testimony of how believers can hold differing theological convictions while remaining united in Christ’s love and gospel purpose.

A Prayer for Unity and Wisdom

Father, we thank You for Your Word that reveals both Your sovereignty and Your mercy.

Thank You for saving us by grace through faith in Your Son.

Teach us to walk humbly with one another, to seek truth with charity, and to celebrate our unity in the essentials of the gospel.

May our love for Christ outshine our differences, and may our fellowship display the beauty of the body of Christ to a watching world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

In Christ’s Love and Truth, 

The Leadership of Former Adventists Philippines

“For we are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28

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Former Adventists Philippines

“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”

For more inquiries, contact us:

Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com

Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com

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From Shadows to Substance: A Thankful Heart After Our FAP Conference

A Blessed Day, FAP Family!

Wow. We're still catching our breath from the incredible move of God during our recent Former Adventists Philippines Conference held at D' Dream Private Resort, Tagaytay. And honestly? Our hearts are full. Overflowing. We just have to pause and say: To God be all the glory!

First of all, we give our deepest thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose presence and power made this event not just possible—but unforgettable. Every moment, every message, every meal shared, every testimony heard—it all pointed back to His goodness and grace.

Thank You, FAP Family!

A massive shoutout to everyone who took part. Your presence, prayers, and participation made this gathering more than just a conference—it became a spiritual family reunion for all of us journeying “from shadows to substance.”

• To our generous sponsors—you’ve sown into something eternal.

• To our Women's Ministry team—ate Cynthia Dollente, Dra. Joan Sembrano, and sis Ligaya Tagacay—your loving labor in preparing our meals didn’t go unnoticed. You didn’t just serve food; you served us with joy, and we are beyond grateful.

• To the Balberan Family and Sabaupan family and Complete in Jesus/New Covenant Christian Fellowship leadership—thank you for your faithfulness and your support from day one.

• Special thanks to Pastor Zaldie’s family for managing and serving us such delicious meals with care and excellence.

And let’s not forget the unsung heroes who shared their vehicles for transport, Pastor Zaldie Ybanez, Pastor Ellery Sembrano, Engr. Darwin Tagacay —your ride became someone’s road to revival!

Special Guests, Special Blessings

This year’s conference was made even more special by the presence of our dear ministry partners and guest pastors, who not only inspired us with their words but affirmed their commitment to the mission of FAP.

• Bishop Ray Eramis and Pastor Sally Eramis of Christian Cathedral Church, Plaridel, Bulacan shared deep wisdom, grace, and a genuine commitment to stand with Former Adventists Philippines. Their message on the importance of discipleship and freedom in Christ hit us right where it matters—our call to multiply, not just gather.

• Pastor Christian Levin Advincula, lead pastor of Missions Bible Church, gave us a beautiful reminder of our evangelical heritage by sharing a short but enlightening history of the Free Will Baptist Church in the Philippines. His heart for missions and Gospel-centered theology was truly aligned with our vision.

Their presence wasn’t just a blessing—it was confirmation. The work of FAP is not in isolation. God is connecting us with the broader Body of Christ, and partnerships like these are proof that we’re just getting started. Several attendees gave positive feedback, saying this year felt like “a real merging of movements”—where different streams of faith came together to pour into one cause: seeing SDAs set free by the Gospel of Grace.

The Messages that Marked Us

We were challenged, encouraged, and refocused by the messages brought by our dear pastors:

• Ptr. Leonardo Balberan preached the main theme sermon: “From Shadows to Substance: Freedom in Christ.” We were reminded that we are no longer under the Old Covenant shadows but walking in the freedom and fullness of Christ. It hit hard, but in a good way—because we need to keep breaking free from every hint of legalism that still clings to us.

• Ptr. David Sabaupan's devotional on “Escaping Legalism: Signs of a Gospel-Centered Life” gave us that day a reality check. Our identity isn’t in performance, but in Christ. That’s what fuels a life that bears real Gospel fruit.

• And Ptr. Ronald Obidos’ session on “Mission and Vision of Former Adventists Philippines: Our Identity, Purpose, and Strategy” gave us clarity on who we are, where we’re headed, and how we’re moving forward. Purpose fuels passion, and we left that place recharged and re-committed.

Baptisms & Ordinations – The Movement Grows!

Praise God for the three souls who followed Christ in baptism—a beautiful sign that the Gospel is bearing fruit among us! Heaven rejoices, and so do we.

Also, join us in congratulating our newly ordained pastors: Ptr. Romeo Ramoran and Ptr. Ellery Sembrano. The fields are ripe, and with these new laborers, the harvest in Mindanao and Tarlac is about to explode! Let’s keep lifting them up in prayer as they carry the torch forward.

Rekindled, Recharged, Ready

More than an event, this conference was a divine reset button for many of us. We came tired, confused, even dry—but we left renewed, realigned, and refreshed.

We were reminded of 2 Corinthians 3:17:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

That freedom is not just a feeling—it’s a lifestyle. It’s a journey. And it's exactly what Former Adventists Philippines is all about: helping people walk out of the shadow of legalism and into the bright, liberating light of the Gospel.

As we move forward, may we not forget the fire God has ignited in our hearts. Let’s continue walking in freedom, loving in truth, and serving in grace.

Until Next Time...

Let’s keep praying, meeting, growing, and sharing this journey together. We can’t wait to see you at the next conference, the next Bible study, the next soul-won moment. And until then, let’s keep living out our faith—not by law, but by love.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…”

— Galatians 5:1

Much love and gratitude,

Your FAP Family

#FromShadowsToSubstance #FreedomInChrist #FormerAdventistsPH #GospelLife

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