Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Seventh Day Adventists.

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Part I: The History

Origins in the Millerite Movement

• William Miller (1782–1849): A Baptist preacher who studied Bible prophecy, particularly the books of Daniel and Revelation. Based on his calculations of Daniel 8:14, Miller predicted that Christ would return to earth around 1843–1844.
• The Great Disappointment (October 22, 1844): When Jesus did not return on the predicted date, many of Miller’s followers abandoned the movement. However, a small group believed the date was correct but misunderstood the nature of the event (we will get into this more when we discuss some of the false doctrines they promote).

Formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

• The Sabbath Movement: A group led by Joseph Bates and others began emphasizing the importance of observing Saturday (the biblical Sabbath) as a day of worship, based on the fourth commandment.
• The Sanctuary Doctrine: After the Great Disappointment, followers like Hiram Edson taught that Jesus did not return to earth but instead entered the heavenly sanctuary to begin a new phase of His ministry (the “investigative judgment”).
• Ellen G. White (1827–1915): Considered a prophetess by Adventists, she played a central role in shaping SDA beliefs and practices. Her visions and writings helped unify the movement and promote distinctive doctrines.

Official Organization

• 1863: The Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized in Battle Creek, Michigan, with approximately 3,500 members.
• Expansion: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the SDA Church grew rapidly, emphasizing evangelism, education, and healthcare.

Today’s SDA Church

• Global Reach: The SDA Church has grown into a worldwide denomination with over 21 million members.
• Focus Areas: It emphasizes education, healthcare, and missionary work while holding to its unique doctrines.

Part II: The Similarities and Differences

Similarities:

• The belief in the Trinity
• The humanity and deity of Christ (but there is a little twist here)
• Salvation by grace through faith (but we will discuss this)
• Authority of Scripture (but we will discuss this as well)
• The Second Coming of Christ
• Resurrection of the Dead

While there are many similarities in the beliefs between SDA and orthodox Christianity, there are some disturbing differences that Christians need to be aware of when considering SDA’s. 

Observance of the Sabbath

• This is pretty deep. They firmly believe that the 4th commandment to observe the Sabbath is still enforced today and this part of the law was not “fulfilled” in Christ. 
• SUNDAY LAW: They associate Sunday worship with the Mark of the Beast. They largely derive this from an interpretation of Bible prophecy. They interpret the beast in Revelation 13 as a system of false religion or false worship, mainly the Roman Catholic church. 
• SDAs believe the Roman Catholic Church is the beast in Revelation, Sunday worship is the “mark of the beast,” and a future Sunday law will test whether people are loyal to God (by keeping the Sabbath) or to human authority (by observing Sunday).
• Since the RCC was instrumental in establishing Sunday as the official day of worship as opposed to Saturday, those who partake of Sunday worship instead of Sabbath worship in the future will be guilty of taking the mark of the beast or pledging their allegiance to this false system of worship. 
• How do they view Sunday worshiping Christians?
• SDAs believe that the "mark of the beast" will only apply in the future, when Sunday worship is enforced by law as a global religious mandate. Until then, they view Christians who worship on Sunday as sincere but misinformed about God’s Sabbath command.
• Ignorance of the Truth: They teach that many Christians worship on Sunday out of tradition or lack of knowledge about the Sabbath. In such cases, God does not hold them accountable (Acts 17:30).
• SDAs feel a duty to inform Sunday-keeping Christians about the biblical Sabbath. They see this as part of their mission to call people out of "Babylon" (Revelation 18:4), which they interpret as false religious systems, including Sunday worship.
• They often present the Sabbath as a test of loyalty to God and obedience to His commandments.
• What does Ellen G. White Say?
• "The Sabbath is the golden clasp that unites God and His people." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 351)
• “Christ is the sinner’s only hope. By His death, He brought salvation within the reach of all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 131).
• SDAs use quotes like this to argue that White did not teach salvation by works or Sabbath-keeping alone.
• In Testimonies for the Church, she stated:“It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord.”
• Statements like this can lead to a legalistic mindset where believers feel their salvation depends on rigid obedience to laws, which undermines the gospel of grace.
• 
  
• What Does The Bible Say?
• Scripture References:
• Not mentioned as a command to observe in the entire new testament. Not only that but the opposite is mentioned. 
• Romans 14:5-6: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.”
• FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REST
• Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
• Galatians 4:9-10: “But now that you have come to know God... how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world... You observe days and months and seasons and years!”

The Investigative Judgment

• What is it?
• What Was the Great Disappointment?
• In 1844, many Christians followed a preacher named William Miller, who said Jesus would return on October 22, 1844.
• When Jesus didn’t return, it was called the Great Disappointment because people were devastated.
•  Trying to Understand What Happened
• Some of Miller’s followers thought the date was right, but they misunderstood what was supposed to happen.
• A man named Hiram Edson had a new idea. He said that instead of Jesus coming back to earth, He did something important in heaven.
• A New Explanation
• Edson said Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in heaven (based on Daniel 8:14) on October 22, 1844.
• He based this on the Old Testament idea of the Day of Atonement, when priests would cleanse the temple of sins.
• Ellen G. White: Her visions affirmed this interpretation, and it became foundational for SDA theology.
• The Investigative Judgment
• They believed Jesus started a new work in heaven, called the Investigative Judgment:
• Jesus is now reviewing the lives of all believers to decide who will be saved.
• This is like a heavenly courtroom where records are checked.

Outcome:

• The faithful who remain obedient are confirmed as saved.
• Those who turn away from God are judged unworthy and will not be resurrected to eternal life.
• Criticisms of the Investigative Judgment

Lack of Clear Biblical Support:

• Many argue that Daniel 8:14 refers to the restoration of the Jerusalem temple, not a heavenly judgment.
• Hebrews 10:12 states that Christ’s sacrifice was "once for all," implying no additional phase of atonement is needed.

Salvation by Works?:

• Critics say the doctrine emphasizes human effort and obedience, potentially undermining salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Conflict with Assurance of Salvation:

• Mainstream Christianity teaches that believers can have full assurance of salvation in Christ (Romans 8:1), while the Investigative Judgment may lead to uncertainty.

How This Differs from Mainstream Christianity

• Completed Atonement: Christians believe Christ’s work on the cross was finished and fully sufficient for salvation (John 19:30, Hebrews 10:10-14).
• Hebrews 10:14: "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
• Judgment After Second Coming: Mainstream Christians teach that judgment occurs after Christ’s return, not as an ongoing process since 1844.

Points for Discussion with SDAs

• Christ’s Finished Work:
• Ask: "If Jesus said 'It is finished' (John 19:30), why is another phase of atonement necessary?"
• Assurance of Salvation:
• Highlight verses like 1 John 5:13, which assure believers of eternal life.
• Interpretation of Daniel 8:14:
• Explore whether the prophecy could refer to the earthly temple and historical events, not a heavenly sanctuary.

The Role of Prophecy (Ellen G. White)

• Who Was She?
• Ellen G. White (1827–1915) was one of the founders of the SDA Church. She claimed to have received over 2,000 visions and dreams, which she shared through books, articles, and sermons.
• Her writings, such as The Great Controversy and Steps to Christ, are considered inspired by God.
• Her Role in SDA Theology:
• While not officially considered equal to Scripture, her writings are referred to as the "lesser light" that leads to the "greater light" of the Bible.
• She is seen as a fulfillment of Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 19:10, which SDAs interpret as God raising up a prophet for the end times.
• Scope of Influence:
• White’s writings address doctrinal issues (e.g., Sabbath-keeping, the investigative judgment) and practical matters (e.g., diet, education, health).
• Many SDA doctrines are rooted in or affirmed by her writings.
• The SDA Position on Prophecy
• Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) view prophecy as an ongoing tool for divine guidance, with Ellen G. White regarded as a modern-day prophetess. While her writings are considered a "lesser light" pointing to the Bible, they are heavily relied upon to shape doctrine and practice. SDAs believe her visions and teachings fulfill biblical prophecies, such as those in Revelation 12:17 and 19:10, and serve as authoritative guidance for the end times. This elevated role often leads to her writings being treated as a lens through which Scripture is interpreted, raising concerns about undermining the sufficiency of the Bible.
• The Orthodox Christian Position on Prophecy
• Completed Revelation:
• Christianity teaches that God’s revelation is complete through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures (Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Scripture References:
• Hebrews 1:1-2: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
• Revelation 22:18: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”
• Prophecy in the New Testament primarily functioned to authenticate the early church and ceased with the apostolic era.
• The Bible as the Final Authority:
• Mainstream Christians affirm sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
• Additional revelations or prophecies are not required for guidance or doctrine.
• How to Lovingly Engage SDAs on This Issue
• Affirm Common Ground:
• Acknowledge their desire to follow God and their respect for Scripture.
• Example: “It’s clear you care deeply about knowing God’s will. Let’s explore what the Bible says about prophecy.”
• Point to the Sufficiency of Scripture:
• Use verses like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to show that Scripture is sufficient for all aspects of faith and practice.
• Ask: “If the Bible is complete and sufficient, why would we need additional revelations?”
• Test Prophecies Biblically:
• Highlight Deuteronomy 18:22 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, which teach that prophecies must be tested and verified.
• Ask: “If even one prophecy is inaccurate, should we consider the person a true prophet?”

Conclusion

Emphasize the Common Ground

• Highlight shared beliefs with SDAs, such as:
• Belief in Jesus as fully divine and the Savior.
• The authority of Scripture.
• The hope of Jesus’ Second Coming.
• This helps foster understanding and a respectful tone while distinguishing key doctrinal differences.

Address the Key Differences

• Recap major theological concerns, such as:
• Sabbath and Salvation: Stress that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), not tied to keeping the Sabbath or other works.
• Investigative Judgment: Affirm that Jesus’ work on the cross was complete, and there’s no need for a separate judgment to determine salvation (Hebrews 10:14, John 19:30).
• Prophecy and Ellen G. White: Remind viewers that Scripture is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and any extra-biblical claims must be tested carefully.

Encourage a Biblical Response

• Urge Christians to respond with truth and grace when engaging SDA members:
• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
• Ask thoughtful questions to challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
• Focus on the gospel and the assurance of salvation in Christ.

Offer Hope and Assurance

• Reinforce the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice:
• “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14).
• Remind viewers of the joy and freedom found in Christ:
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

End with a Call to Study the Bible

• Encourage the audience to study Scripture deeply for themselves and to know God’s Word:
• “Let’s commit to growing in our understanding of the Bible so we can stand firm in truth and share the gospel with those who are seeking.”

Soul Sleep and Annihilationism

Soul Sleep:

• SDAs teach that when people die, their souls do not go to heaven or hell immediately. Instead, they enter an unconscious state referred to as "soul sleep," awaiting the resurrection at Christ’s return.
• Death is likened to a deep, dreamless sleep where the person has no awareness of the passage of time (Ecclesiastes 9:5, John 11:11-14).
• Refuting Soul Sleep
• These verses suggest that the soul remains conscious after death:
• Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus):
• Jesus describes the rich man and Lazarus experiencing conscious realities immediately after death—one in torment and the other in comfort.
• This story undermines the idea of unconsciousness after death.
• Philippians 1:23-24:
• Paul writes, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
• This indicates that being "with Christ" happens immediately after death, not after an unconscious waiting period.
• 2 Corinthians 5:8:
• "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
• Suggests a direct transition from physical death to being in the presence of the Lord.
• Revelation 6:9-10:
• Souls of martyrs under the altar cry out to God, asking how long until judgment.
• Demonstrates that souls are conscious and aware before the resurrection.

Annihilationism:

• SDAs reject the idea of eternal torment in hell. They believe that the wicked will be resurrected for judgment but will ultimately be destroyed (annihilated) rather than suffer eternal punishment.
• This destruction is seen as the "second death" (Revelation 20:14-15), where the wicked cease to exist entirely.
• Refuting Annihilationism
• Matthew 25:46:
• "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
• The same word "eternal" is used for both punishment and life, showing parallel everlasting duration.
• Revelation 14:10-11:
• "They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever."
• Indicates eternal, ongoing torment for those who worship the beast.
• Daniel 12:2:
• "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."
• Describes eternal consequences for both the righteous and the wicked.
• Mark 9:47-48:
• Jesus speaks of hell as a place "where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched."
• Indicates unending suffering rather than annihilation.

Dietary Restrictions and Health Practices

• SDA Belief:
• SDAs promote a vegetarian or plant-based diet and discourage the consumption of "unclean" meats listed in Leviticus 11 (e.g., pork, shellfish).
• They advocate for abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as part of living a holy and healthy life.
• Health is viewed as a spiritual obligation, tying physical well-being to faithfulness to...