Ellen G. White (EGW) criticized the wearing of jewelry, particularly gold and ornaments, as idols and causing a “weak head”. She believed that tattoos were disgraceful and distasteful, disrespecting the human body created in the image of God. Many Adventists cite Leviticus 19:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:19 to say the Bible strictly forbids tattoos, some even claiming they are outright sinful.
The Bible does not specifically address tattoos, with the main text being Leviticus 19:28. However, tattooing is based on the idea of improving or altering one’s appearance through body art. The Bible does not specifically address tattoos, but the main text is Leviticus 19:28, which is part of a collection of laws.
The author’s opinion on tattoos is that they are distracting and promote the idea of body modification. They believe that tattoos are a form of body art that can be used to improve or alter one’s appearance. The author’s sons’ bodies were covered with paint and tattoo marks, and they would have enjoyed spending more time in a romantic setting.
In conclusion, the Bible does not specifically address tattoos, but the author’s belief in the importance of body modification and the beatitudes for Jesus’ disciples is a topic of discussion.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a sin to get a tattoo? | Many Adventists love to cite Leviticus 19:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:19 to say the Bible strictly forbids tattoos, some saying they are outright sinful. | answeringadventism.com |
| What the Bible Says About Tattoos (Are They a Sin?) | “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28, NASB). Let’s unpack this. The … | askanadventistfriend.com |
📹 SHOULD ADVENTIST WEAR JEWELRY AND TATOO ON SKIN – Randy Skeete Sermon ( Q&A SESSION )
Randy Skeete Sermon – SHOULD ADVENTIST WEAR JEWELRY AND TATTOOS ALLOVER HIS OR HER BODY ?
Why Did Ellen White Speak At The General Conference?
At the General Conference session of March 1891, Ellen White was invited to address the workers each morning and the full conference of 4, 000 attendees on Sabbath afternoon. She seized these opportunities to provide admonition, encouragement, and instruction, focusing primarily on evangelistic outreach and health reform. Ellen White advocated for a division of church leadership, arguing that church members should not rely solely on one individual for guidance. This initiative led to the establishment of union conferences.
In her opening address at the 1901 General Conference in Battle Creek, White emphasized the necessity for reorganizing the General Conference to ensure broader representation beyond just one or two leaders. The nine-volume set of her counsels from the Spirit of Prophecy encompasses general spiritual commentary and letters of intimate instruction meant for church members. She urged members to expand their efforts in outreach, with the hope that by the next conference, new churches would be established.
Elder W. A. Spicer recalled White’s final speech to the delegates, highlighting how she concluded the session by recommending the Bible as an essential guide for believers. On March 21, 1891, Ellen White delivered a significant sermon on racial equality to a group of thirty key church leaders, underscoring the importance of unity and inclusiveness.
Ellen White cautioned against relying too heavily on the judgment of a single leader, consistently promoting the idea that scripture interprets itself and serves as the ultimate guide for faith and doctrine. This perspective was reinforced in her conversations with W. C. White, where she expressed concern about overburdening the General Conference president with the church’s worries.
Throughout her ministry, Ellen White maintained that the church could better utilize its resources by distributing them globally. She believed that the ultimate goal of the church was to illuminate the world with the infinite love of God, a mission that Jesus exemplified during His time on Earth.
What Did Ellen DeGeneres Wear?
Ellen DeGeneres, a prominent comedian and talk show host, has undergone a significant evolution in her fashion style over the years. While she initially favored baggy, high-waisted suits and masculine silhouettes throughout the 90s, she has since streamlined her look to reflect a more refined aesthetic. DeGeneres is known for her iconic androgynous style, often opting for well-tailored suits that are sleeker and more fitted, yet still retaining her tomboy essence.
Despite her playful approach to fashion, which includes quirky pieces like roomy vests and wide-lapel blazers, she has also embraced classic styles that have become trademarks of her identity. Ellen’s appreciation for fashion extends beyond her own wardrobe; she has successfully ventured into the fashion industry with her lifestyle brand, ED by Ellen, which has recently launched a clothing line and a shoe collection consisting of stylish, casual footwear.
Her accessories also play a significant role in her fashion narrative. Although Ellen followed the guidelines proposed by EGW regarding self-denial with gold and ornaments, she often showcased sophisticated pieces such as the iconic Rolex watch, including the stainless steel version of the Rolex Pepsi and a rare vintage Daytona model. Her distinct taste has garnered attention, leading to discussions about her choice of attire over the years, including a notable moment when she donned the Björk swan dress at the Emmys.
With a continually evolving aesthetic, DeGeneres' approach to fashion is not only a reflection of her personality but also an embodiment of her journey. As she gracefully balances her comedic career with her passion for fashion and design, Ellen remains a beloved figure known for her laid-back style and ability to resonate authentically with her audience. Her eclectic yet refined wardrobe continues to inspire many, making her a lasting icon in the world of fashion.
What Did Ellen White Say To The Ministers?
As the ministers concluded their prayer in the tabernacle, Ellen White entered carrying a collection of manuscripts. The General Conference president welcomed her and inquired if she had a message for them. White affirmed she did and progressed to the front to address the gathering. Some interpret her remarks as a call for women, guided by the Holy Spirit, to pursue roles as gospel ministers, comparable to the leadership typically derived from conference employment or ordination. Notably, the closest she came to advocating for women's ordination appeared in a 1895 statement regarding women willing to serve in ministry.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, acknowledging Ellen White's prophetic influence, regards her writings as a vital resource for comfort and guidance. Throughout her lifetime, Ellen White collaborated closely with gospel ministers, providing inspired counsel. Her significant messages directed towards church leaders after the pivotal 1888 Minneapolis General Conference were compiled in the 1923 publication, "Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers." Both scriptural references and White's teachings support women's involvement in ministry, affirming their divine role in the church's work.
Ellen White encouraged the decentralization of church leadership to ensure that congregants worldwide would receive diverse counsel rather than relying exclusively on a single leader. This initiative contributed to the formation of union conferences within the church. However, Ellen White's writings offer limited explicit references regarding the ordination of women, lacking definitive proof texts.
In this article, the examination will include two significant trinitarian statements from Ellen White made between 1897 and 1915. A notable instance occurred in 1913 when two messages from her were presented to the General Conference. The role of a gospel minister is underscored as one that illuminates the "fellowship of the mystery," requiring humility and submission to God's will. The church's spiritual authority does not rest solely on its ministers, as God allocates individual responsibilities to every member.
Ellen White advocated for equitable compensation for women workers out of church tithe and emphasized proper respect for church leaders, teachers, and parents. In her view, ministers must convey a clear message, embodying Christ as the head of the church rather than seeking personal authority. She believed that collaboration among church leaders was essential to effectively fulfilling their ministerial duties.
Why Can'T Adventists Wear Jewelry?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church holds that wearing jewelry is not inherently sinful, but it discourages such adornment for several reasons: firstly, to avoid vain and ostentatious decoration; secondly, to mitigate the expense associated with extravagant adornments; and thirdly, to emphasize character over physical appearance. This perspective varies within the church, as more conservative members tend to oppose jewelry altogether, while liberal members often argue that traditional views may have historical roots in attempts to control women's autonomy in Christianity.
Biblical references reveal a nuanced view of jewelry, where some passages, such as Genesis 24:53 and Proverbs 25:12, mention jewelry favorably. Many Adventists choose to refrain from wearing jewelry to prevent excessive ornamentation, an issue they faced during the church's early development. The choice to wear jewelry often rests on personal or cultural grounds, with individuals guided by their conscience and interpretation of faith.
Traditionally, Seventh-day Adventists limit jewelry to wedding adornments, with Ellen White acknowledging marriage rings as permissible, provided they serve a cultural necessity. The central teaching emphasizes that commitment to God transcends symbolic gestures; it insists on genuine change in one's life. The church maintains that outward appearances, including hairstyles or formal attire, should not distract from an individual's spiritual focus.
Ellen G. White has characterized jewelry, particularly gold, lace, and bracelets, as idolatrous, suggesting that adherence to such adornments reflects weak faith. She encouraged abstaining from all forms of jewelry to ensure that the focus remains on spiritual elements rather than physical allure. Church teachings accent that true beauty derives from the "inner person," rather than through external appearance, aligning with the views articulated in the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the church.
Despite this, some individuals may misinterpret the opposition to jewelry as a "salvation by works" mentality. However, Seventh-day Adventists affirm that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus, not through adherence to rules regarding ornamentation. The apostle Paul's encouragement to dress modestly furthers this stance. Ultimately, the decision to wear or forgo jewelry is personal, rooted in individual values, with an overarching motive to prevent any distraction from God’s principles. Thus, many advise against jewelry due to its potential to convey messages of vanity or worldliness, aligning with the belief that spiritual integrity should supersede physical adornments.
What Does The Bible Really Say About Tattoos?
In the ancient Middle East, tattooing was forbidden as outlined in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Leviticus 19:28, which states, "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves." Scholars often interpret this prohibition as a warning against pagan mourning practices. The Bible does not explicitly mention tattoos in the modern sense, leading some Christians to label all tattooing as sinful based on this verse. However, such interpretations frequently overlook the historical context and the true meaning of the prohibition against "cutting of the body."
Leviticus 19:28 seems direct in its instruction against tattoos, yet further examination shows that the passage requires careful interpretation. Critics of tattooing point to its Old Testament origins, claiming that since the New Testament does not address the issue, one cannot definitively say that getting a tattoo is sinful. The silence of the New Testament suggests that tattoos might fall under personal choice rather than outright condemnation.
While the Bible does assert that tattoos are not advisable, it does not make specific references to modern tattooing practices. Some Christians argue that Leviticus 19:28 clearly forbids tattoos, yet the historical context indicates that these directives were related to the practices of that era's death cults. The repeated assertion of "do not cut your bodies for the dead or tattoo yourselves" raises questions about its applicability to contemporary expressions of body art.
Today, tattoos and piercings are prevalent forms of self-expression, ranging across cultures from Maori communities in New Zealand to the corporate environments in Ohio. Despite the ancient prohibition, these practices have evolved outside their original contexts. The only direct reference to tattoos in the Bible occurs in Leviticus 19:28, where the Lord commands against markings, asserting dominion over such actions.
The conclusion drawn from this biblical examination is that the matter of tattoos is a personal and conscious decision. It can be framed as a "Romans 14" issue, relating to individual conviction rather than a strict moral law. While the passage in Leviticus explicitly addresses tattoos, it is essential to consider the cultural and historical backdrop against which it was written. Ultimately, the discussion around tattoos should acknowledge personal beliefs and societal changes that have transformed the meaning and acceptance of body modifications over time.
What If Ellen White Had Not Been Restrained?
Ellen White's restraint in not sharing her vision immediately was crucial for fulfilling God's intended purpose for the meeting, as it had not yet occurred. Despite the general counsel provided that Sabbath afternoon, some individuals failed to apply it correctly, operating under the belief that they had a better understanding. This thinking led to displeasing God, highlighting a lack of moral courage in addressing sin, even though they held values of purity and righteousness.
Ellen White clarified her stance on the "shut door" concept, acknowledging a probationary close for those who willfully rejected light and emphasizing that she never misrepresented this. In her letter to Joseph Bates dated July 13, 1847, she recounted not only her first vision from December 1844 but also another from February 1845. A close examination of certain key phrases from these visions can offer deeper context and understanding of their implications.
Furthermore, James White focused on aspects of their account that corroborated the validity of the October 22 experience, especially addressing those who opposed the "midnight cry" and thereby strayed from righteousness. Additionally, it’s notable that Ellen White never implied the Holy Spirit held a deity status, even though during early printings in her writings, the masculine pronoun "He" was used.
Critics of Ellen White’s work demanded evidence regarding her life and contributions, with some examples drawn from biblical narratives, such as Esau's sacrifice of his birthright for immediate gratification. Such reflections exemplify how, without certain statements from Ellen White, ongoing discussions might not have been as prevalent, especially surrounding the debates from 1900 to 1930.
For an entire year, Mrs. White maintained silence regarding her insights, sharing only with Miss Campbell, while keeping an interest in Mr. Faulkhead’s affairs. Had she broken this silence, there could have been a different impact on the meeting’s focus. Moreover, the text discusses broader themes about the nature of God and the influence of temptation in families—emphasizing the need for parental restraint in guiding children against selfish desires and disobedience.
The narrative suggests misunderstanding regarding Christ's relationship with power and grace, noting how incomplete understanding of divine guidance could lead to condemnation. Individuals who disregard received light face significant spiritual risks if they do not recognize their own sinful state apart from Christ, signifying the vital importance of grappling with one's faith and divine revelations.
Did Ellen White Have A Vision?
Ellen White experienced a significant vision during a series of meetings in Salamanca, New York, in November 1890. Despite suffering from a severe cold that left her feeling weak and discouraged, she was addressing large crowds when she received this divine revelation. White reported being present at numerous councils where influential men debated whether The American Sentinel should exclude the term "Seventh-day Adventist" to gain more support from the world. While the physical phenomena accompanying her visions are not definitive proof of their authenticity, they did serve as corroborative evidence for many witnesses of the events.
Ellen White's visions are noteworthy for their physical manifestations; during them, she would often fall to the floor and stop breathing, yet her heart would continue to beat, allowing her to subsequently speak. This phenomenon raised questions about whether she breathed while in vision, a point of contention for some observers. Throughout her life, Ellen White reportedly experienced around 2, 000 visions and dreams, which she conveyed in both public and private settings, observed by early Adventist pioneers and the general public alike.
Her first vision, received in December 1844 when she was only 17, set the stage for her spiritual journey and core messages. In it, God showed her significant biblical narratives, including representations of celestial bodies that contemporary knowledge could not have provided. This initial vision became a source of hope for believers awaiting the Second Coming of Christ.
Over the decades, White continued to receive visions that offered guidance, encouragement, and warnings regarding spiritual matters and the challenges she and her followers would face. Notable figures, including her husband James White and J. N. Loughborough, documented her visions, noting specific characteristics that accompanied her transitions into these states of divine communication.
In one of her profound visions, Ellen White was transported back to the Garden of Eden, revealing God's interaction with Adam and Eve after their disobedience. Throughout her life, she emphasized the importance of her visions as divinely inspired messages, framing them as essential for the spiritual development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Overall, Ellen White's experiences formed a significant aspect of her role in the church, providing both inspiration and prophetic insight that influenced the beliefs and practices of her community for generations. Her legacy continues to shape the understanding of divine visions within the Adventist faith.
Are Tattoos Ok For Christians?
The question of whether tattoos are permissible for Christians generates significant debate within the faith community, with varying interpretations of biblical scripture. While some believe that tattoos harm the body, or "temple of God," others point out that God uses the concept of a tattoo favorably to signify His remembrance of His people. The core inquiry often revolves around the verse in Leviticus 19:28, which states, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves." This command is seen by some as a universal prohibition against tattoos, while others argue it refers specifically to practices associated with pagan rituals.
The New Testament also offers insight into this discussion. In 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Paul emphasizes adaptability in reaching different cultures, suggesting that the meaning and use of tattoos might vary. Indeed, tattoos have become more socially acceptable over recent years, yet many Christians still grapple with the implications of getting inked.
Contemporary views among Christians vary widely—some embrace tattoos as personal expression, while others express caution about the potential to mislead or dishonor the body. Ultimately, the consensus is that tattoos are not inherently sinful; they may be permissible, but exercising wisdom is essential. It is crucial for individuals to discern their motivations and the potential impact on their faith and community before making the decision to get a tattoo. Therefore, while scripture provides both a foundation and guidance, personal reflection on the appropriateness and intent behind tattoos remains vital.
Can A Seventh Day Adventist Have Tattoos?
Nicole, while there isn't a specific policy on tattoos within the Seventh-day Adventist church, there are guidelines related to dress, adornment, and body care reflecting our belief that we belong to God in body, soul, and spirit. The Bible discusses piercings, tattoos, and jewelry, prompting varying interpretations among Adventists. Many congregants refer to scriptures like 1 Peter 3:3-4 and Leviticus 19:28, suggesting that tattoos are forbidden in accordance with SDA lifestyle doctrines.
Historically, tattoos were linked to pagan practices or represented ownership in ancient cultures, leading to contemporary scrutiny. However, trends within the Adventist community show that many members wear jewelry and even have tattoos, especially those reflecting biblical themes.
The confusion arises when members struggle with traditional prohibitions versus modern trends. For instance, some argue that there’s no biblical prohibition against tattoos, citing research and interpretations that challenge the notion of tattoos as sinful. The overall sentiment suggests an evolving perspective within the church, where tattoos expressing spiritual beliefs, such as Bible references, are more accepted.
Importantly, this debate reflects broader discussions about personal expression and community beliefs. Individuals considering tattoos are encouraged to reflect on their motivations and the potential influence of their choices on others. Furthermore, Adventists are reminded that individuals with tattoos are welcome in the church without prejudice. The dialogues surrounding tattoos and body art within the Seventh-day Adventist church encapsulate a journey of reconciling beliefs with personal expression and societal changes, acknowledging that faith encompasses diverse interpretations.
📹 Why I LEFT the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and You Should Too! Part 1
Isn’t the Adventist Church the Remnant? Don’t they strictly just follow the Bible? Why would someone leave? These are the 3 main …
The old adage, “You can put lipstick on a pig but it’s still a pig” can be applied to we humans. We can decorate our bodies with the most intricate and colorful tattoos, the finest clothes, gold, silver, valuable pearls and gems, but we are still pieces of the dirt of the earth. Our character is the most valuable asset that we can possess and will out shine all of the above. Amen
Thank you so much pastor Randy I’m so happy that this article showing me so much about how we dress in the church today I’ve always tried to dress modest never like the jewelry because of always breaking me out always like to dress simple praise God for this message today as I continue to pray for you and how God showed me that you are a man of God and I enjoy listening to you all the time on article YouTube may God continue to bless you as you continue to keep God first I’m trying to grow in the knowledge and the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I’m learning so much of the knowledge of God I thank God for opening up my eyes and the holy Spirit for teaching me truth God bless you and everyone that is trying to stay close to the Lord and do what is right and pleasing unto him
Solid Bible study on this.. I have to comment..I am sunday worshipper for God through Jesus christ.. and I stand on every word that the pastor teaching.. for the Lord himself convicted my heart on Modest dressing.. it doesn’t matter which day you worship on as long as you are a true born again person through christ Jesus.. you cannot be the same I don’t care who you are or where you are from or what position you are in or you no in no position. God word stand for ever through his Son Jesus christ.. I agree with you Sir.. I just run into this..All those words are my word to people that call their self Christian and they turn a blind eye pass it.. but I till stand fast in the liberty where christ as made me free..
I ready Bible not on few verses but the whole book each I read wisely❤and I was born in Adventist Church in 1997🇺🇬 since Bible is the key to our all the answers of what’s happening on Earth right now I’m Still strong… Everything that happens right now was talked of in The Bible and others are just repeating themselves… May His Name Praised 🙏
If I live in a beautiful house or drive a nice car, church folks congratulate me. Jewelry? Excess in anything is to be avoided, but tell me why you wear a tie to church? Decoration. An expensive tie gets compliments as well. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart. You can be as conservative as you wish and still have pride and hate in your heart. Let the small stuff go and live for God, blessings on you.
Hello my friend! Happy Sabbath to you and your wife. I’ve never before heard a sermon about jewelry from this viewpoint. I was a little surprised that you didn’t choose to go into the “Day of Atonement” for more explanation. What you shared was a new perspective for me, yet it was still easily understood. Thank you for explaining this delicate subject so as to leave no doubts!
It’s so sad that we mutilated our body in tatoes, painting our face to make us look pretty in our mind, wearing jewelleries, when God finished created everything He create, He said its good, who are we to improve on God’s creation, people who pain there faces are.pagan worshipper, Jezebel is the example, 2 king 9;30 Now when Jehu had come to Jezebel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a windows. You can read the story, painted eyes, wearing of jewellery, tatoo are paganism, God already created you perfect, when God gives instructions of how to make an altar for sacrifice, they are not the used any tools, why? Everything that God created perfect, we do not need to improve on God’s creation, our body were created in the image of God, the devil wanted to deface God’s image, the devil can’t do it to GOD himself so he use human that God created to do his dirty work. I always admire SDA women who looks natural and down to earth, I was born and grew up in the faith, I’m so ashamed as some women dressed like they going to nightclub, so so sad, I’m not picking but the pastors just let it pass to a point where it’s unexceptionable, it’s not their fault, it’s the pastor’s fault, that is my church, teaching the right thing to do by God’s word,,
I respect the Pastor’s points, but what about when Esther got made up (pampered and decked out) by women to marry the king, to ultimately save God’s people? Why would God, our Heavenly Father allow her to sin to save a nation? Also, what about when Abraham’s servant found a wife for his son Isaac? Abraham’s servant adorned her with a nose ring and bracelets. I don’t think it’s about our beauty or how we adorn ourselves. God is not offended by our beauty or the cultural customs we practice, unless it puffs us up and separates us from Him. That is the sin of it. If our hearts still belong to God and we are obedient and love Him, and our neighbors as ourselves, God is not offended. We show our love, honor, gratitude, etc. towards one another in this manner, and I don’t believe God is offended by this. But when we make it our idol, that is the problem. When we love it more than God or people, that is the sin.
What about covering our heads when we pray. Doesn’t say we dishonest the head if we pray in public with out our hair covered? I hear ladies say our hair is our veil, where does it say that? I have even heard ladies say they don’t want to mess up their hair. What are your thoughts please? 1 Corinthians 11:5
Preaching more about Jesús love and sacrifice for us, more Christ centered preaching and teaching m, eill take us into a closer relation, a love relation with Him. And when we really love the Lord then as a natural response We will gladly do whatever He request from us. Otherwise We Will spend the sacred oportunities of The Christ centered preaching times talking about, eating meat or not, shaving or not shaving, women using pants or not, jewelry, tatoos, cosmetics, cofee, etc.etc. Those subjects must be considered and discussed un The right moment and place, But a Christ centered preaching Will produce more effective and permanent changes.
With all respect however, I don’t think that they made coveting out of the leaves to beautify themselves but rather to cover up their nakedness. What would a person do if they came out of the shower naked and unexpectedly someone came in the same room unannounced. Would a female go color her nails before covering herself with her hands? Or would she just cover out of shock/shame? Just saying 🤔
Pastor randy skeete I really love the way you explain the word of God, I learn so much from going through the Bible with you. But I have a question on your sermon on jewelry why should we sell the jewelry and use the money for anything church related, remember Abraham buried it another question aren’t we now encouraging people to use it. God loves you pastor randy
“I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth” (Ezekiel 16:11-13). God spoke those words. Also, the scriptures say we should dress modestly which includes jewelry. It is not a sin to wear it.
I am a Papua New Guinean and am so happy and satisfied with the preaching but my question is,” What about the wedding ring worn in the church? Did God put the mark on Adam and Eve to declare their marriage? The other one is the hand or wrist watch….is it right to wear wrist watch in church?? Please I need answers..
It sounds like it was your particular Seventh Day Adventist Church. I am attending a Seventh Day Adventist Church now, and the people there are extremely loving. I feel like I have a wonderful sense of community there. I was going to a Catholic Church, and I love it, but the people act like they don’t care if I am dead or alive. Shop around a little.Good luck, and God bless!!!
I’m not SDA; I came upon this vid and stopped because the title gave me pause. I’m always fascinated at the way the Word of God is twisted – as per EGW – to adhere to the doctrines she left behind for her church; doctrines that her church was built on. SDA’S not wearing of the outward adornment of jewellery should have remained a personal preference of the founder but please DON’T SAY IT’S GOD’S WORD; THAT IT’S A SIN TO WEAR JEWELLERY! You people are turning into sin what God, the Father or Christ the Son did not stipulate or saw as sin – which is why the issue of jewellery is not EVEN mentioned when God gave His Laws to His People – Israel, the Sons of Jacob! God commanded Israel to wear “fringes on their garments: Nimbers 15:38; about not wearing garments made of different cloths: Lev. 19:19 and other things about the lifestyle He wanted them to live – but then a SIN, like the wearing of jewellery, He OMITTED; FORGOT TO COMMAND? 🤔 EGW, as usual, misinterpreted 1 Peter 3:3 – a New Testament verse. That verse is there because the Jewish women of the day, especially the wealthy ones, thought that they were better than the others because of their hairdress, fancy clothes and jewelry. Isaiah 3:16-24 speaks of it; they were “haughty!” Isaiah 61:10: “…as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Jewish women used to adorn themselves with jewellery: “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets all jewels of gold.
Will finish perusal article later. But straight off, jewelry was a means of wealth/monetary exchange. (Abraham sent jewelry for the future daughter-in-law.) Woman at a market wore her purse contents. Now, we have a currency, coins & folding money. When work place friends shove their latest acquisition under my nose, I admit, I will look at it & give opinion of it, whether well crafted or a fun piece etc but I can honestly say, I never feel envious. God supplies my needs & most of my simple wants. Now tats is cutting into the skin, very scary cause I have seen some blotched jobs. And when I got married, my late husband had his girlfriend’s name “Pat” etched onto his upper arm the whole 51+ yrs togather. Since removal is challenging, new members that has indulged in this ‘body art’ before they have come to know the truth of His ideals of lifestyle for us, we need to not rub their nose into their ignorance before. Christ is woeing them to join His family. He will give us all new bodies & that includes skin wrap. Not going to mention Eve & why Adam didn’t guide her away frim the test tree.
I have been having the same issues with members of the SDA church I attend. I remember inviting someone to church and was bluntly told, “That’s not a church. That’s a fashion parade.” I felt so embarrassed. The young man told me that the women of the church wear very fitted clothes, cut their very low, and color it in different colors. He even said that they look like harlots.
Says the man wearing a simply decorative tie. Sir, you are looking at the outward appearance, and while it is important to be careful, it’s the inside that counts. And btw, we all wear “man-made stuff” based on cultural norms. This is a bit of a stretch to criticize Adam and Eve for clothing themselves, unless you’re going to go au natural, isn’t it? This is a bit of a reach just to say not to wear a ring or earrings. This is a major or minor issue? Minor at best, because if I wear jewelry to some churches I get looks, but if I wear an expensive suit or have a nice watch I get compliments. Make it make sense….by their fruits you will know them, my sheep hear my voice.
I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers’ skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 16 : 10-14
People often wear jewelry to display it to others, appreciating its beauty and the pleasure it brings when admired. If the intention were purely personal, jewelry might be worn out of sight, like undergarments. It’s important to be mindful and avoid justifying actions that may have underlying motives. Remember, our body belongs to God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Focus on God and not outward appearance. With God inside of you, everything about you changes, how you dress, the dos and fonts are in the Bible, our dressing should glorify God, our words, actions should preach the gospel more than what we wear. I have seen people cover themselves up but their hearts are far from God. Take care of your heart because your heart is either God or satan. Look at it this way. If my faith says take me to the kingdom of heaven but my actions say take me to the kingdom of satan, then my actions nullify by faith and I will find myself spending eternity in hell with satan. Christopher Orji.
The Bible says they were naked and made the coverings of fig leaves. They were obviously ashamed and used whatever they could to cover themselves- their guilt and shame. I fail to see how that scripture refers to the fig leaves is something to beautify the body. They were shamed because of their nakedness.
Is this the new gospel? The Great Commission? Preaching about Jewellery? Christ said to the Pharisees calling them brood of vipers and dead tombs in Matthew 23:26 “Blind Pharisee, First Clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean”. This is the formula not the other way round. This focus on external gospel is not Biblical and far removed from Christ method of reaching souls. Let’s leave the HS to do His work and invest on the internal gospel as the Bible teaches (i.e., teaching about the love of God, loving your neighbour, fruit of the HS, treating others well, joy of fellowship with God-Sabbath, repentance, consecration, steps to Christ, dealing with internal struggles like hate, self righteous attitudes, pride, jealousy, rebellious, gossiping, unbelief etc.) and the outside will come right…as the Spirit leads a person, other things will ‘fall off’ as the spirit convicts. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. As SDAs why we are struggling with understanding these deep spiritual truths embedded in Christ’s method of reaching people? Holy Spirit help us. First it’s the internal work that needs to happen….for the outside to reflect a different picture. The devil is deliberately blindsiding us confusing us so when Christ comes He says, “I never knew you” why? We focused on the wrong priorities. The outside was clean (no jewellery) whilst the inside was rotten to the core.
Thank you pastor for this teaching. A lot of our ladies out there they are so beautiful but I always come to wonder why they always put/add some things that aren’t allowed in the eyes of the LORD. Nowadays, it is so difficult to identify our Adventist ladies. The way they decorate themselves ayayaya too pathetic. May the good LORD continue teaching our hearts pls
Q: What does the Bible say about women Preachers/teachers in churches of God? I personally believe it’s wrong for a women to preach / teach and Ussurp in the the church of the living God the Bible say Eve got easily deceived in the garden of Eden Adam was not Decieved…….I believe the Bible.Im in South Africa.
Romans 8:2-4 King James Version 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
His body was placed in a tomb. But three days later, the tomb was empty ?! And the man, alive once again but still with his wounds (so anyone who doubted could see them and touch them), appeared to many people in many places. Then he ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of his god the father almighty, never to be seen again….?? wow! hahaha
I will wear all the jewelry I want to wear they represent people I have lost in my life also I have no feeling in my hands so I wear rings on every finger to know where my hands are I love my necklaces they are all handmade means something special to me. Does that make me a heathen even though I still believe in God I don’t think so
Truth in it’s absolute. Dress reform among other things lacking. Joe Crews book: “Creeping Compromise.” Is a should read. Shame! Shame! Shame on us wives, mother’s, yes mother’s in Israel who have gravely failed. Our dressing, there is no difference us and that of the world. How I wish we would all emulate the dressing of the Muslim s and the women that attends Gino Jennings Church.
And we have graduated to cloth for covering. We are covered under the blood of the Lamb. Drop giving people extra bandages. Those were amulets of the gods of the nation around. Literal images carved of those gods. Teach truth and encourage modest but stop the deception and bandage. How did you twist the scripture so badly. Deception.
I was a former Catholic and went to a Catholic school for girls…then during the month of Mary, we were required to make confessions, and I told the priest that I attended mass on Saturdays and not mass on Sundays because I was told by my grandmother that Sabbath is Saturday. He responded, “It is true that the Sabbath is Saturday, but the Catholic Church was given the power to change it into Sunday, and Jesus rose on Sunday. The priest was kind to me and did not ask me to do any penance…So, I went to the Adventist church, had Bible studies, and got baptized….Now, I could never think of keeping Sunday as the Sabbath. No church is perfect, but the Adventist church is teaching the closest to the truth……By their fruits, ye shall know them….So far, I have lived in 5 countries and was able to travel to many other countries….this church has a presence in more countries than any other protestant denomination….Hospitals, ADRA, schools, and publishing houses are present even in Muslim countries and war-stricken countries….we are touching the world and bringing hope to many lives…..
From My experience as a seventh day adventist, it was hard growing up so much burdens to carry. I left the church but eventually came back more eager than ever to keep learning about christ and his word. Getting to know God and his love has been amazing. I love ellen g whites writtings such as desire of ages and steps to christ and many others. Her writting have brought me so much closer to God so spiritually so it hurts to hear how people bag her. As Christians we should remember that our relationship with Christ comes first and foremost. I personally have never read or heard of this prophesy of ellen g white that you talk about And it seems weird to me that pople that have studied ellen g white and the bible for years such as schollars would not have said anything about this prophesy too so in conclusion To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isiah 8:20 I agree 100 percent with this verse and I pray that the holy spirit may guide us in all truth not just because u have something personal against the adventist church.
I was a 6th generation SDA before walking away and officially taking my name off the membership books in 2021. I do not believe EGW was a prophet, nor do I believe in the Investigative Judgment. The atonement was finished when Jesus rose from the dead and sat down next to God the Father in heaven. Because of Jesus I am saved! Amen.🙏
Hi, hope this message finds you well. I am a SDA, 29 years old. I hope that you continue to develop your personal relationship with Jesus, as that is the most important thing. I’ll always remain an SDA, I think, as from what I’ve read and considered there isn’t any other church which sets out the truth of the bible. I think that, at times, our own church members have misrepresented our beliefs so far as they are actually different beliefs altogether. I also think that Ellen White’s quotes need to be read in context. It’s my view that people will rejoin the church as prophecies fulfil going forward, and hope you do too. God bless!
Hey there! I’m actually a Seventh-day Adventist. Although my church isn’t as wild as the one you were describing, I’m always open to the possibility of being wrong. My pastor always encourages us to seek the truth in the Word of God, and if we find it, he’s more than happy! Everyone at my church is incredibly friendly and supportive. I would love you to comment and give me opinion. 🙂
I am so thankful to have found the Adventist message. I studied for a year before making the transition from Catholicism to SDA. I have found the doctrines of our church to be closest to the Bible than any other denomination. I believe the Sabbath truth, state of the dead, sanctuary truth, health laws, etc are all in alignment with the bible. I am so thankful to be a part of God’s end time church! ❤
I’m currently an SDA. I do agree that some teachings the church have can easily become cult-like, such as the stances on persecution, EGW, and Revelational interpretation. Having a legalistic viewpoint while practicing these beliefs can definitely make the church very limiting and seem like a cult, especially if there are legalistic members. I’m just thankful that salvation is something that is personal and free to all people of all religions, tongues, practices and beliefs.
I grew up adventist too and when I grew up wanted to find my own religion had never read any EG White’s books but when I read the Desire of Ages I was blown away. There is no way one can write like that without any inspiration,I then repented and am a fully flagged Adventist for more than 20years nothing sweeter,I love Jesus Christ and I believe the prophets. My life has never been the same books like adventist home,child guidance have helped me with my kids everyone is asking how am managing to bring up good kids.😊😊😊😊😊
As an unapologetic Adventist, I can say this young man never understood the faith he is now demonizing. I walked away when I was young because i didnt know Christ for myself and my heart was more in the world than the church…Jesus did what He does, He came after me, set His Word before me and said eat…then i understood. Regardless of what is happening in the headquarters of the church, it’s fundamental principles are true and lasting and if one follows on to know God the truth will be made plain. I pray that this young man will get to know Jesus for Himself and turn away from tearing God’s kingdom down.
My Father was raised in the Roman Church. When he was in his teens, he rejected institutional religion in favor of personal religion. I don’t remember him ever telling me WHY he became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist organization but I always assumed it was because he perceived it as an association of people whose religion was personal – not institutional – and he wanted to encourage the promulgation of the message that the kingdom of Jesus is an entirely different kind of kingdom than what the Hebrews expected and wanted two thousand years ago. In the early twentieth century, many professed Christians wanted the same kind of kingdom as the majority of Hebrews had (and still did), i.e. a messiah to coerce everyone to subscribe to their religious beliefs and practices and enforce their religious prohibitions. Although both of my parents were members of the Seventh-day Adventist organization, I never thought of either of them as followers of Ellen White or followers of the organization or its officers. When I was a boy, Dad repeatedly urged me, “Read for yourself, study for yourself and think for yourself.” Following that advice means that my religion is also personal – not institutional. I think it was Erric Hare who told the story of going to small villages in Burma (now called Myanmar) and telling Bible stories to the children. As he approached one of those villages one time, he realized that one of the older boys was standing where he had customarily stood to tell the stories so he tried to approach without being noticed.
Im not an adventist, but i honor the sabbath, so o go to an adventist church sometimes. I’ve been to different ones, and I’ve never heard of or seen this type of doctrine in when going. I love their fellowship, actually! I belong to no denomination. Im a child of Yah and filled with the Holy Spirit! I didnt grow up in an adventist church but I based off of what ive seen, I have no issue with it.
God bless you, i am seventh day adventist because i believe in the seventh day worship from the 10 commandments and i believe in the advent (second coming of God) True sda has nothing to do with ellen g white. But has everything to do with following the Word of God who was with God and who was God. We believe God is One and there is no other
I became a true Christian when I became an Adventist. I was born in a Presbyterian family but converted to Adventism. So sad to hear these words from the 3rd generation of SDA. Trinity doesn’t mean God is one being(if so, God can’t be love because love is a principle of seeking others’ good. How can He be love when there’s nothing else than Himself.) but God is three beings(plural) but one in purpose, character, mind and so on. This makes more sense when it comes to the character of God being love. When “The Adventist Church openly states that EGW is the infallible interpreter of scripture.” it refers to the idea and concept that she introduced through her writings. When we say the Bible is the infallible truth, it doesn’t mean the letters of the Bible are without error but the idea and concept. Even the Bible has some errors(like the numbers in two different books that covers the same period) so some of the expressions may not sound completely in harmony with the Gospel. The reason for that is because the Bible writers didn’t dictate the Words of God but wrote what they saw and heard in their language. Lastly, the 7th day itself is nothing. When it comes to the 7th day being the seal of God, it includes the wholeness of a person. Just because people go to church on the 7th day doesn’t necessarily mean they are saved. Even those who don’t go to church are eager to set apart one day for service for others will be saved. But most importantly, when you said the Jesus SDA proclaims is different from the Jesus of the gospel, I was so so sad.
I feel very lucky because God placed me in a family that knows the truth. Adventist is just a name, but there is no other name or church under heaven that teaches all truths based on the Bible like this church. What a privilege to wait for HIS second coming – Adventist. NO TURNING BACK – NO TURNING BACK.
I am Adventist. As I watched this article, and continued scrolling and reading the comments, it seems to me that there is a lot of misunderstanding of bible teachings, and also a poor representation of our Christian faith of people who also didn’t understand the mission which led people to leave the church. It’s sad, I can honestly say. I’ve witnessed it myself over the years. Over the past year, I’ve experienced a sabbatical for lack of a better phrase. And I’ve studied a lot, and I now have a better foundation on what it means to be a follower of Christ, and also the importance of the Adventist movement and the impact it has as the remnant church. Thank you Myles for sharing your views. It’s content like this that caused me to study more, and have obtained a new sound love for the Word of God.
I left the Baptist church and was led by GOD to the Adventist church. So many loving people in my old church. Did I ramble on about why I left, no. I went out quiety, nicely, and respectfully. Revelation 12:17 King James Version 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The only church who meets this as stated by the Bible. I am so thankful to GOD to be shown this !
As a teenage Adventist myself I have never been too much interested in the writings of Ellen G. White even though my grandmother tried to get me into it. I strictly read the Bible myself and even though I admit that I am not the strongest bible reader and I am also not the most consistent with my reading, it get to a point of personal belief and who you surround yourself with. Now I personally think that you don’t always find God through the church no matter what God worshiping religion but you find him through personal experiences and convictions that you go through on a day to day basis. There are plenty of people who have a very strong relationship with God who don’t go to church just simply because they don’t find it necessary or more complex reasons. I know that in a lot of churches especially my church the people aren’t always the best and sometimes even the pastor can be a problem but you also have to remember that you cannot let the people around you destroy your personal relationship with God so if your ina bad church it’s not necessarily the religion as a whole but the people who you surround yourself with in that religion.
I went to adventist school & adventist church from prek- 12th grade. I was tired of the doctrines & rules. I thought I knew everything about God, so I became cocky & arrogant because I knew who Jesus was. I couldn’t be more wrong. I left the sda church for about 10 years & the devil had me in a chokehold. Jesus brought me back to the Sda faith & I have a way better understanding after my sudden conversion. They are the only denomination I know that is closest to practicing the things of God & I couldn’t be more grateful.
Hey Brother, as long as your letting God lead you to the truth through the Bible only. I know some people in the SDA church treat EGW’s writing on the same level as the Bible, but even she says not to do that. She said the Bible is the main authority. She is only the lesser light to the greater light. So as long as your spending time in Bible with God and growing closer to Him, you will find the truth your looking for.
This is a very um, interesting article. I grew up Adventist, and I still am one. I am currently in my mid 20s. Just to share my thoughts here – I don’t completely agree with everything that you said here – these 3 points contradict what I was exposed to in my life in the Adventist Church. Mind you, I went to public school, for both elementary and High school, but went to SDA college/university. Growing up, most if not all the pastors that spoke at the churches I attended spoke 90% from the Bible, often times not even mentioning Ellen except for specific quotes. I didn’t even find out who Ellen White was until I was a teenager – and I am a PK as well. In our home, we had Ellen White’s books, but except for Steps to Christ, we never read any of the others. Whenever we had Bible discussions, only the Bible was used as a point of reference. Sometimes, specific quotes from her would be used to solidify points, but that was it. It was established for us that the Bible is the main source of Christian written inspiration, and that God/The Holy Trinity is the supreme being in Christianity, not Ellen White. As for the Jesus of Adventism, ever since I was in Cradle Roll for Sabbath School, we were always taught that God The Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the Holy Trinity, i.e. three persons who share in one being or nature. So hearing what you were exposed to is bizarre. The Bible confirms that the Holy Trinity is three persons in one being, it’s even in the Hymn, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ – God in 3 persons, blessed Trinity!
The SDA denomination holds the most Biblically accurate interpretation of doctrine and prophecy. I’m grateful for the truth inherent in SDA beliefs that protect me from common Christian errors (rapture, eternal hell-fire, etc) Gal 1:6. I’m weary of the false prophet talk. I’ve lived 70 years in the church reading VERY little EGW and still believe. I (personally) do not believe EW was “the” spirit of prophecy as some preachers refer to her. I believe she ‘had’ the Spirit of prophecy just like other Bible prophets. I pray HS of truth will guide you vs 2Thes 2 falling away.
Greetings from Serbia, I’m 5th generation of Seventh-day Adventists and I agree that there are adventists who fear of Sunday law, who don’t have healthy hermeneutics of Ellen G. White writings, etc. But just because of those people, we shouldn’t judge religion upon their members. I would love that all Adventists are Christocentric, but even if they are not I would be last in Church to have Jesus as center of my life. We don’t believe in tritheism, in Ellen G. White time (maybe even today) word “being” is synonymous with “person”. So she says that Holy Spirit is Third person of the Godhead. But even if she believed in something else, we strictly follow Bible where we see Three persons – one Being (God). Your third reason is not for leaving Church, but you can just disagree on that topic and move on, study more with brothers and sisters. You are talented. You could give glory to Jesus in much more sense than attacking adventists. But you can move on with that, I don’t mind, people who seek truth will search deeper and check those facts and I’m sure that God will reveal them. May dear Lord bless you my brother!
My family used to be catholic we’re seventh day Adventist. But I must be in a different branch or something because I’ve never experienced anything this article’s talking about lol maybe it’s because I’m samoan and we don’t church the same way our Caucasian counterparts do. Still haven’t read an Ellen White book nor do we really preach much about Ellen White. It’s mainly the sabbath we remember to keep holy and avoiding unclean food.
Blessed SDA here.Even if you take EGW out of the equation the SDA church follows the Bible teachings closer than any other church. Sabbath was given by God as a day of rest. It is a commandment. Went to SDA schools and never did these so called “end times drills” the lord wants you to come to him in love not fear. Be blessed we look forward to his second coming
Just in case you are missing these when you were a Seventh-day Adventist member 🙂 The Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible. The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject. ( Seventh-day Adventists Believe, Chapter 17, Page 227 ) Sola Scriptura, The Bible And Only The Bible, The Whole Book Of The Old Testament And The New Testament. The only teaching Adventists adhere to is: “The Bible, and the Bible only.” The Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts the Bible as their only belief and holds the 28 Doctrines of the Adventist Faith as the teachings of Scripture. If you are saying the Seventh-day Adventist is wrong, then you are also saying the Bible is wrong. On March 7, 321, Roman Emperor Constantine I issued a civil decree making Sunday a day of rest from labor, stating: All judges and city people and the craftsmen shall rest upon the venerable day of the sun. Country people, however, may freely attend to the cultivation of the fields, because it frequently happens that no other days are better adapted for planting the grain in the furrows or the vines in trenches. Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday ? We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because Catholic Church in Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.
I left the Adventist church because some doctrine they taught made some sense but when going to a new church that was a community Bible church built on true foundations of the Bible and studying the new testament, it made me love Jesus Christ even more and I speak to him daily because of this. I pray to him for answers more and I pray to him just to praise him for my good and bad days more. Just having a relationship with him being apart of the community Bible church and studying the new testament. It was very hard to deconstruct from seventh day adventism. I still am going through this process and even argue for the community Bible church. And I even struggle knowing if I am following God’s commandments. But I noticed the church I go to now I really have learned the verse “you will know my children by the fruit they bare” and they have shown how truly kind, compassionate and truthful they can be. My pastor is an open book and he has helped me grow with my relationship with Jesus Christ. Praise be to Yeshua Hamichiach for his sacrifice and thank you for sharing your testimony my friend.
i’ve been a Christian for about 46 years and an Adventist for at least 45 of those years. I believe there are a whole lot of Christians in the SDA church and a whole lot of Christians in other churches. It’s Yahshua Who saves and not any of the churches. for the most part I believe in the same things my brothers and sisters in other denominations believe. What I wonder about though, is how Elohim, Who IS love, and loves us all so much that He would step down out of glory and die for a sinner such as I, would burn me forever if I chose not to follow Him. And I wonder how folks reconcile Gen 2:7 (God formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed into His nostrils the breath of life and man BECAME a living soul) with 1 Timothy 6:14-16 (that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 {who alone has immortality}, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen), Romans 6:23(For the {wages of sin is death,} but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.).1 Corinthians 15:53 (For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and {this mortal must put on immortality.}), I don’t believe that keeping Sabbath will save anyone but I do love the Sabbath and the freedom it gives me to spend time with the One I love and Who loves me most. I don’t think the Adventist church has a lock on salvation, I believe that depends wholly on our relationship with the Messiah and I do believe there is a call in Revelation 18:4 to “come out of her.
really interesting article! I’ve been questioning my own faith in adventism, because i want to challenge my own beliefs and grow closer to God regardless of the church im a part of. I’m a seventh-day adventist, and i would just like to ask some questions. I’ve found that adventism is a denomination that sticks to scripture very strongly! Firstly, i want to know which ellen g white prophecies you’re talking about that make her prophecies unreliable. I’m very curious! as i’m someone who wants to be more scripturally based, instead of aligning myself completely with a certain church. I grew up in the adventist church and only got serious about my faith much later. (i hadn’t truly dedicated my life to Jesus until i was 17) Secondly, i’ve always been raised that the Godhead is three in ONE. i’m not sure if it is the church you were raised in, but ive never been under the impression that the trinity was 3 seperate beings. I’ve been taught that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father are indeed one while serving His will through each role. much like water has three different ways of use (gas, liquid, solid), God is still the same and unchanging. I’m also curious as to why you say you left the adventist church to become Christian, as if adventism is not a Christian denomination? I still think that adventism gets majority of things right, and i find their interpretation of revelation and daniel to be incredibly interesting. I had recently had the interpretation on revelation of how the woman of babylon (usually referred to as the roman catholic church) is being misled and how we tend to believe there is the sunday law coming soon, but instead of solely the roman catholic church it is interpreted as the Christian church much in general (while still before the protestant era), the Christian churches can still be misled, and the adventist church is not exempt from being misled.
I’m a southern baptist and my girlfriend is SDA. We switch weekends for whose church we go to. I have no problem going to church on Saturday and actually really like how holy they keep that day. I don’t think God will judge us based on what day we worship him and all the other stuff is semantics. On the other hand, something inside me is pulling me towards Catholicism and she has made it abundantly clear she detests the Catholic Church. I’m torn in what to do as I feel this woman has been brought to me by God and I to her and think of her as my future wife. Any advice is much appreciated
I grew up in an adventist home. Got baptized at 19. All this before reading and studying for myself. Your walk with God Its a lifelong journey. I started out really active in the church because i was so in love with JESUS and what he had done for me and i genuinely believed he saved me and turned my life around. But it was my eventualy realization that it seemed like no one else in the sda church i went to including friends and family understood even a small portion of my experience. It seemed as they were all NPC just doing as they were programmed to do and nothing about what they said or did came across as if they had a true relationship with jesus or even knew him a little bit. This really concerned me and turned me off. Everything was so legalistic and based off of your works. Very judgmental people. And very fear based. And at the same time so much pride and arogance. It really is not a good environment. They more than often basically cancel out the power of God. It is so dangerous because sure maybe they dont smoke dont drink dont fornicate dont eat pork and whatever else but the spirit behind it is very offputting i cant really put my finger on it but it is not a good spirit. Its not all of them but the majority. Its not a good spirit. It is almost impossible for them to even interact or even relate to anyone other than people in the sda church. There is something fundamentally very wrong with that.
I appreciate this article. When I was a young woman I dated a sda man. I always wondered why when he talked about God it sounded confusing and not like the God I knew. For years I was in this haze about doubting what I knew and believing the lies that he told me. To this day he ministers to people under sda on YouTube. When I try to listen to him to see maybe I am mistaken I am reassured each time that I dodged a bullet and that my God is not confusing like the one he portrays.
HEY JUST LIKE YOU!!! “Judas had the best pastor, best leader, best teacher,wisest man on earth,best friend, And yet he failed. Sometimes the problem isn’t the Leadership or the church you go to . Its either that you love darkness rather than the light. If your attitude doesn’t change or your character transformed. You will always be the same…cause you rather ( love a lie) YOU even use APOSTLE PAUL TO JUSTIFY YOUR SIN OF BREAKING THE SABBATH AND LIVING SINFUL. Just like majority of Christians do….. REPENT FEAR GOD and KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS. Turn to Yeshua.
I just left, as of this friday. I didn’t go to church Saturday. It’s been really difficult realizing that i was deceived, that my father and brother were deceived. But i thank God for letting me see the truth. *even as i write this now knowing the truth, but i still feel as I’ve sinned. I think that it will take a while to break what 30 years of teaching has done to me.
Hey there, I need a little more insight. My son is currently going to a Seventh Day Adventist College. He is going there because it is a smaller school and has his major – not because we are Adentist – we are NOT. He has bent over backwards trying to make friends. It has been almost impossible. He is very mature and a high empath. Is this a generational thing or a type of shunning?
Fourteen years in the SDA church and left about six months ago and joined the LCMS. It was a dealbreaker for me that you had to affirm false doctrines that are anti-gospel in order to get baptized. It’s a tough pill to swallow to admit you were wrong, but I did the right thing for me and my family. So glad to be out. Soli Deo gloria.
The Sabbath being in place for salvation one day was the final straw for me. That’s blasphemous to say that we will need to keep the Sabbath, as well as accepting Jesus as our Savior, to be saved. It gave main character syndrome and boosted the narcissism that Adventists have thinking they’re the “holy” ones 🙄 I’m subscribing to you because I would also like to know what other things are false about the denomination.
my mother’s family was SDA and my father’s was catholic. and both families lived in the same town. Imagine my holidays going back and forth between the grandparents’ houses, having heretic talk every time. With this experience naturally I came to believe in something completely different. Still now my cousins try to persuade me to attend SDA events, start getting to know, but the moment I heard they believe Ellen’s writings, I was like NOPE. bit wobbly for a prophet eh?
I appreciate your article because I am drawn to the seventh day Sabbath practice because it’s biblical. However, I will not explore it further due to the reasons you stated which I know our sound as a very knowledgeable disciple. So I continue to look for a biblical church and continue to find that each one strays from the Bible, teaching in one way or another. Therefore, I’m very curious to know what denomination you found wholly biblically sound. I hope you read my comment and reply with that clarifying information. Thank you.
when you think of it. 10 commandments are very important to the human community. thou shall not steal, thou shall not murder etc. the fourth commandment is very important also because God says He Rested after creating the heavens and the earth and he wants us to rest from our work and worship him as our creator.
You nailed it brother, same reason I left. ❤🔥 – we never did the ‘drills’ when I was in SDA gradeschool but I know there are camp meetings in the east coast where kids are rounded up and with guns pointed at them (fake guns I would hope, this was all play acting) they re-enact being hunted down by sunday-keeping protestants in the form of military and police, and make a vow to be shot dead rather than break the sabbath command. Just imagine how psychologically f*** up those poor kids are now. This is a grotesque cult which I abandoned years ago by God’s Grace.
Hi Myles, How are you? Your articles have been popping up in my feed, and I decided to listen to a few. The first one I thought was a great discussion, but you were a guest on someone else’s platform. I then checked out your page and thought it amazing how deep you are studying SDA. I figured out quickly after that you are totally against that church. What I still can’t seem to figure out is where you stand. What is your position? Do you believe in Jesus? You said that SDA’s are not Christian. I must say the way the world has portrayed Christians, you are correct because everyone who claims to be a Christian does not follow Christ. Could you share what or who is the correct Christian church? More importantly, why should anyone believe in what you are sharing? Who do you represent? Hope this message some how finds it’s way to your heart that we may come together and reason. Thank you for your time. God Bless 🙌🏾
I was a fourth generation SDA believer. My great grandfather was a SDA minister in Germany. I attended SDA schools from first grade till college. I left the church in the 1980’s. In 2010 I converted to Judaism. Now I am mostly agnostic. My philosophy is that whatever you believe in makes you a better person that is what you should believe.
I went to SDA high school & college & taught Sabbath school in college. Dropped out of Adventisim gradually over the years, especially since attending non denominations. Currently in deep examination of LDS, JW, & Adventists. Wow.. talk about false religions.. Oh my.. so sad that so many are deceived.
I was baptized today into the Adventist faith today and love it. I spent 9 months studying them and didn’t come to the conclusions that you did. They are Bible based and the bible only is their creed. They never quoted Ellen White to me in 9 months and didn’t require that I believe in her. Ellen White herself said that she was not a prophet.. That (EGW is the final word) is something that only “some” Adventists believe and is not a requirement of Adventism.. Adventist that we studied with for 9 months in Utah and Oregon instead focused solely on the Bible, taught from the bible and accepted the bible as the only word of God. “sola scripture” none of this Ellen White nonsense you are talking about. She is at best a bible commentarian but her interpretation is not the only interpretation of scripture. My wife loves her books and I for example can’t get past more than 5 minutes. “”Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. ” EGW. I didn’t have to commit to eating only clean meats as that isn’t salvific (but they do live 11 years longer than the average American so there is probably something to it). Before I found Adventism I had figured that the Sabbath truly was on Saturday and not Sunday with all the scriptural and historical support that this historian could find that was a no-brainer for me. The early Christian churches all worshipped on Saturday except Alexandria and Rome that were heavily pagan and even by the 5th century about half the churches only worshipped on Sunday in the world.
The more I study the Bible, The more I realize how fundamentally Ellen White is correct about many things. The thing is, I had to learn Greek and Hebrew for that to happen. Once I saw how Rich and Colorful the Holy Scriptures are, I realized that there is the possibility for Adventism to be correct. I read the comments on how people called the Adventist Church a works based religion, but that’s an incorrect statement. The more I studied theology, I realized that there are many theologians of other denominations that say that Mainstream Evangelical Protestantism does not understand the apostle Paul correctly, actually Douglas and Moo, the authors of the New Testament Background’s book, published by Zondervan say as much themselves that there has been a skewed understanding of Paul. Paul says that we are to be a redeemed people, purified and zealous of Good Works. The systematic overview and thrust of Romans is Justification, Sanctification and then Glorification. Paul makes it clear that it is only possible through the Grace of God, but in His Triune Goodness, He provides us of Himself, i.e. the Holy Spirit, in order for us to walk and be with Him. Not only that, Paul repeatedly and quite often talks of the Law of the Holy Spirit, or the Law of Christ. It is this Law that we are called to keep. As a matter of fact, Obedience appears many times in the book of Romans, it starts with obedience and it ends with obedience. This is when I understood that most protestantism has only a part of Biblical Systematic Theology.
In my 70 years as a third generation Seventh-day Adventist I must say I’ve never heard anything like this taught in the church. Oh, for certain, I’ve heard it, but always from people like this young man who have misunderstood both the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what the Seventh-day Adventist church teaches. One would have to be a complete tyro if they were to believe that there is no conflict or “great controversy” between Christ and Satan. Even an atheist who claims to understand what the Bible teaches, disregarding if they believe whether it’s true or not, would admit to that storyline.
Grew up in the SDA faith and blindly followed my parents. I never read the bible until my dad wouldn’t shut up about end times, the pope as the anti-christ, the seal of the sabbath, EGW(trust me the list goes on) I feel real bad saying this….but it forced me to actually read the bible. And that is when the questions came, the holy spirit has been so good to me and revealed things that were veiled from me. I questioned everything that I was taught during me youth. I praise GOD that I was not only blessed to have parents who lead me to Jesus(even though I disagree w/ them today), but that God blessed me to seek wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for the truth. I just had to walk away from that denomination once everything was laid out. Everything thing you said really resonated w/ me especially the end times talk! Glad I found your website as I walked away from the denomination just recently.
I think that in my heart I have left, but go on Saturdays for fellowship. My first issue started with cosmology and I got EGW and “science ” thrown back at me. Then I got into the feast days- EGW again. Then the Biblical calendar- oh boy! But now understanding the truth about EGW and already seeing issues in my own previous questions, I am pretty sure I am no longer under the spell. But haven’t gotten up the nerve to publicly announce it.
I left the SDA church as a 4th Gen SDA 30 years ago with father and grandfather SDA pastors. I went from 1st to Grad school in SDA schools. Why did I leave? Everything in this article when I read the Bible for myself using 5th grade reading skills & realized they missed the main idea = It’s ALL about Jesus. Ever notice how infrequently they preach on Galatians? It’s an AMAZING miracle to see anyone come out from the darkness of false doctrines! I loved this article!
I grew up in Adventism. Even as a teen, I didn’t understand why they elevated Ellen White. I refused to read her books. We are ONLY supposed to need the Bible and she and her writings were shoved down our throats. Also, people that I knew in the Adventists schools, had horrible behaviors in the schools. Also, I had a real problem with the Saturday issue. That still gets me sometimes. But I just read what Paul said the other day and I did feel that put a stop on the Sabbath issue too.
Prophecy is being fulfilled, unfortunately many are being deceived as the spirit of prophecy fortold. Most will depart from the Faith and leave the SDA movement, this church will “appear” to fall, but it’ll remain until the end. Most of the people in this movement at the close of probation will be made up from those that are not within, but from without, which is truly mind-boggling.
When you, said anxiety, Bro that hit me. Cause i moved away from my mother who was a sda at around 13 after practicing for about 5 years. I went to visit again at 16 and i couldnt sleep, i felt the world was about to end, i felt the major stress and pressure just being there, i left the next day. now If i visit my mother 1 day tops and i sleep in a hotel or at a relatives.
Hey myles, evan here just saying hi. I went to svad and worked at online campus with you. I actually never was adventist (even though I went to that school). I always had an issue with ellen white. I remember one vespers the pastor literally said “wwed” as in “what would ellen do” as opposed to the typical “wwJd”. I always thought it was odd how much they elevate her. Anyway, hope you are doing well. I just happened to find you on youtube.
I found Jesus after leaving the Adventist church. I’m so incredibly grateful that God opened my eyes and lead me to truly know Him, and understand His doctrines, throwing away the doctrines of men that once clouded my vision. The SDA church often uses fear to keep you from searching or questioning. I pray that you ask God to open your eyes to the truth HE wants you to see to truly know Him. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and He will.
I go to sda but not a member ( I was raised brethren) and I don’t read Ellen g white not everyone does. I like sda because of sabbath, the community, and the Bible studies old and new test. ( a lot of churches now just preach new test.) things were different for me when I started devoting the sabbath day and actually getting into the word We are all different though. ❤ I think we should celebrate any follower of christ in these dark days we don’t know people’s hearts and we can’t blatantly say every sda member isn’t Christian. I’ve met folks in the sda church that had such a peace about them I’ve never seen before or could explain and lived as the bible commands. They attracted me to the church when I prayed for a light at the end of the tunnel. Spring city TN sda a tiny tiny church of the best folks I’ve ever met!!!! The holy spirit led those folks and without them I wouldnt have salvation. If all believers in christ actually work alongside one another and not tear each other apart like the enemy wants what a ” day of rejoicing that will be” denominations always bickering at each other is useless I grew up perusal it in my small town in fl. We are human we will all have different wants, needs and opinions when we choose a church the lord will lead us!
I think you’re confused..Ellen G. White doesn’t claim her writing as the greater light, it is only a lesser light that would lead us to fully understand what the Bible wants to say to us. I am a Seventh-day Adventist and I don’t see any compromise to every doctrines we’ve learned since the day I became an SDA.
Thank you for your concise, to the point article. Once I really started to dive in and try to reconcile EGW teachings with those in the Bible, namely the New Testament, I just could not. And as you know, there is no separating Adventism from EGW. I’ve been a 3rd generation Adventist and I think so many people follow this doctrine without really knowing what they are following outside of the 7th day sabbath. Side note, I don’t think all the Saturday Sabbath observing Jewish people in the world would allow a Sunday mandate🤷🏽♀️ I still recognize SDA as Christians