The Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) is another cult and false Christianity that is often times missed by people just as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Many believe they are true Christians just like the other two when in reality all three of them are cults. Seventh-day Adventists have worked hard especially in the last 30 years or so at trying to appear as a true Christian denomination including having some scriptural beliefs. They still are not. They like all cults double talk saying one thing on their website, but practicing and truly believing something else as seen by their writings. There are about 21.7 million Seventh-day Adventists worldwide making them one of the largest cults. William Miller a onetime Baptist preacher turned deist who said all Christian denominations in his day were apostate and false, began a Bible study group and predicted the return of Jesus to earth on October 22, 1844. All cults have supposedly found the truth that was only revealed to them. Jesus did not return and his followers known as Millerites called this day the Great Disappointment. They went back to the Bible and decided that they would study more on the prophecy of the second coming of Jesus. Some believed that William Miller had misinterpreted Daniel 8:14 and Jesus did not return to earth, but rather entered the heavenly Holy of Holies to cleanse the earth. As the group grew, Joseph Bates, James White and his wife Ellen G. White joined and really set the stage for the beginning of the cult. It was officially established on May 21, 1863 in Battle Creek, Michigan. The headquarters later moved to Takoma Park, Maryland until 1989 when it moved to Silver Spring Maryland. The church is headed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. They decide all doctrine. Today the Seventh-day Adventists still focus on the prophecy of the second coming of Jesus. In fact the name Adventists comes from Advent which means coming in reference to the coming of Jesus such as his first or second advent (coming). Many cults focus on the end times. Many groups have broken off from the Seventh-day Adventists over the years forming subgroups and in effect a cult of a cult just as happened in the cults of Roman Catholicism and Mormonism. One was the well-known Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas that killed themselves in a standoff with the FBI, local law enforcement, and U.S. military between February 28 and April 19, 1993. Another was the Worldwide Church of God founded by Herbert Armstrong. There are others. Charles Taze Russell the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses once studied with the Adventists.
I find it interesting that the cults of the Seventh-day Adventists, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Science all formed in the United States within a fairly small radius of each other over a 40 year period. During this time period the second great awakening and the third great awakening revivals were taking place in the United States and Satan was taking advantage of this to start his own revival of cults. Satan had to find a way to counteract the revival happening in America.
Ellen G. White claimed to have over 2,000 visions and dreams from God. Some of the church’s teachings are from her supposed visions by God. I believe she had another spirit involved, not God. She claimed to have only a third grade education and claimed she could not read, but in reality she could and plagiarized from many other Christian authors. She wrote many books that supposedly came from God including the Great Controversy that supposedly tells the story of sin and Satan from the beginning until the end of the millennium when sin will finally be removed. Adventists are the Christians there at the end. Her writings are considered equally inspired just as scripture. She claimed she went to heaven and God gave her the vision about the seventh day sabbath, yet the vision only came after her dealings with the Seventh Day Baptists. Sounds suspicious to me. I believe it is more than a coincidence. God said to test the spirits to see if they were from God or Satan. Did she? I think not or maybe she knew what spirit she was dealing with. It was not from God or her beliefs would have been different. (I John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.)
Seventh-day Adventists say they believe the Bible is inspired, yet they like all cults will then change it and come up with false doctrines. Actions speak louder than words. God would not have a woman start his church when he forbids women from preaching and they are to be silent in the church so why was Adventism started and led by Ellen G. White? (I Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.)
Some of the false doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists:
1. Saturday worship. Adventists believe that worship is to only be done on Saturday just like the fourth commandment says from sunset on Friday night to sunset on Saturday night. This was for the Israelites. Today we worship on Sunday since Jesus rose from the grave on Sunday. Jesus did away with the required worship on Saturday. The disciples met on the first day of the week or Sunday. Today we call that the Lord’s day. (Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.) Paul had the churches meet on the first day of the week or Sunday to gather tithes. (I Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.) This belief is where they get their name from with Saturday being the seventh day of the week. Ellen White wrote in her book The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan on page 605 that those who believe or disbelieve in the seventh day sabbath will determine whether they are saved and receive the seal of God or for those who disbelieve in the seventh day as the day of worship they will receive the mark of the beast. Scripture never says any such thing. They as all cults insist if someone disagrees with them they will end up in hell. The sabbath has never changed from Saturday, but it was for Israel, not Christians. We are just to make sure we have a day of rest and that is Sunday. Jesus even said the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. The Adventists are being legalistic like the Pharisees who were condemned by Jesus. (Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:) We should avoid working on Sundays if at all possible, but God will not send us to hell for doing so. The Adventists believe that Baptists and anyone else who worships on Sunday instead of Saturday will be annihilated. I believe Baptist churches as well as other denominations who often now have Saturday services are wrong and are trying to be like the Seventh-day Adventists or at the very least are appeasing weak Christians who want to go to church on Saturday night so they have Sunday to play when they should be resting and worshipping God. Christians have a day of rest on Sunday rather than worship on the sabbath as the fourth commandment says. Jesus is our rest, not the sabbath. (Matthew 11:28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.) (Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.) Paul condemned the Galatians for adding the law back into salvation. Paul said his work of preaching to them was in vain if they do these things. This is what the Seventh-day Adventists do by trying to still keep the sabbath (observing days) and making the ten commandments part of keeping salvation. (Galatians 4:9-11 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.) Adventists are judging all Sunday worshippers when scripture says not to. Colossians is referring to the Saturday sabbath and saying do not judge a Christian because they do not worship then. (Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days🙂 Adventists say that only Saturday worship is correct and that no one is to work on Saturday yet their pastors have to work just as I work on Sunday. Jesus said the Israelite priests worked on the sabbath as they had to offer the sacrifices, yet they were not guilty. They were doing God’s work and that applies to preachers on Sunday and Saturday in their case. It is ok to work the sabbath when doing God’s work as well as essential jobs. (Matthew 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?) Most Seventh-day Adventists only have a Saturday worship, though some Adventist churches do have small groups that meet in an individual’s home during the week for worship.
2. Hell is temporary. The unsaved will only go to hell for a temporary time and then be annihilated. (Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.)
3. Annihilation. Adventists belief that an unsaved person is annihilated at death after a temporary time in hell and that there is no immortal soul and no conscience or awareness after death. The rich man was aware that he was in torment in the fires of hell. (Luke 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.) Matthew 5:22 in the KJB has “hell fire” which is changed in their false bible to “never be given eternal life” and Matthew 5:29 in the KJB has “hell” which is changed in their bible to “lose eternal life”. Other verses also remove hell in their bible such as Matthew 5:30 which changed the KJB “hell” to “lose out on heaven later” as well as many other verses. Their bible says the true story of Luke 16:19-31 is “a Jewish folklore” in verse 19, when it is real and the rich man is still in torment burning in hell today. Matthew 18:9 removes the KJB “hell fire” and changes to “end with this life” and adds unscriptural words “moral innocence” and “childlike innocence”. Scripture says we are born with a sin nature. You do not have to teach a child to lie or steal. They already know how. They are not innocent.
I often hear people say when a person dies that they passed away. I do not believe Christians should use this phrase as it supports the false doctrine of annihilation. Flowers pass away, but people pass on as people have souls. They either pass on to heaven if they are saved or pass on to hell if they are unsaved. Christians should say either died or passed on, but not passed away.
4. Body, soul, and spirit are indivisible. Adventists believe that the body, soul, and spirit cannot be divided. Scripture says the word of God can divide them and our bodies stay in the ground at death when the soul and spirit go to heaven or hell. (Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)
5. Soul sleep. When a person dies they will not be aware of anything. This is known as soul sleep. The saved people or the righteous people as they say (this is works salvation) will be brought to heaven after Jesus’ second coming and will be in heaven during the millennial reign. Christians will be here on earth with Jesus, not be in heaven during the millennium. (II Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.)
6. Jesus will return once he has cleansed the heavenly mercy seat. Adventists believe Jesus starting this cleansing process in 1844 when he did not return and when he is finished he will come back. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father. (Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.)
7. Investigative Judgment. Adventists believe in what is known as investigative judgment. Ellen White supposedly confirmed this by a vision. Adventists believe in 1844 when Jesus began cleansing the holy of holies, he began looking at every ones works and those who are righteous enough will be saved. This is works salvation that all cults have. Jesus will only look at whether a person received him as their Saviour and was washed in his blood and not how good a person they were. A Christian’s works will determine rewards and crowns, but not their salvation. This belief minimizes Jesus as God in thinking he needs to search for years through books to see who is saved or not. Saved people’s name have been written in the book of life from before the foundation of the world. Jesus as God already knows who will be saved even before the person becomes saved and does not need to search for years through a book. (Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.) The reality is Jesus took away and removed our sins after he rose from the grave and then placed his blood on the heavenly mercy seat. He did not wait until 1844. This completed Jesus plan of redemption and now it was finished so that now our sins are taken away and not just covered by animal blood.
Jesus placed his blood on the heavenly mercy seat after his resurrection from the grave on that Sunday, not in 1844 and completed it that day. He is not still working on cleansing the heavenly mercy seat. He told Mary Magdalene to not touch him when he appeared to her after his resurrection that Sunday morning. (John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.) This was because he had not ascended to heaven to place his blood on the heavenly mercy seat which was necessary to complete his redemption for all people. We know the phrase “I am not yet ascended to my Father” refers to Jesus as our High Priest going to place his blood on the heavenly mercy seat and not his ascension 40 days after his resurrection. Jesus reappeared to his disciples that very Resurrection Sunday after he completed his mission, whereas after his ascension 40 days later he never did reappear here on earth. If Jesus had never placed his blood on the mercy seat we would still be dead in our sins. This completed what was started on the cross. If Mary had touched him before he had placed his blood on the heavenly mercy seat, the blood of Jesus would have been polluted. (Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.) This was seen even in the earthly Israelite priests who were not allowed to be touched by anyone before they placed the blood of the animal on the earthly mercy seat. Remember the Israelite priesthood was just a pattern of the real thing in heaven and what the Israelite priest did with placing the blood on the mercy seat was just a reminder of the real blood that would be placed on the heavenly mercy seat in heaven. The Israelite high priest was a type of Jesus who is the real High Priest. (Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;) (Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.) (Hebrews 9:23-24 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:) I previously mentioned in other sermons how Jesus also placed his blood on the earthly mercy seat as well when his blood ran through a crack in the rocks caused by the earthquake at his death and dripped his blood on the earthly mercy seat hidden underground below where he was crucified. This was shown by Ron Wyatt. Once Jesus completed placing his blood on the heavenly mercy seat on Resurrection Sunday, then the cleansing process was complete, not in 1844. Jesus then reappeared that same day on that Resurrection Sunday to his disciples and then could be touched without being polluted as redemption was complete. Some liberal theologians such as John MacArthur say the blood of Jesus only represented his death. This is damnable heresy as I have shown just as the belief of the Seventh-day Adventists. I have shown how without the precious blood of Jesus we would still be dead in our sins. The blood of Jesus represents much more than the death of Jesus. It represents our redemption and salvation as it was placed on the heavenly mercy seat. (Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.) Romans 5:9 clearly says we are saved (justified) by the blood of Jesus, so it is much more than representative of his death. Notice that Jesus telling Mary he must ascend to heaven to complete the redemption for our sins is found in verse 17 of John 20. The number seventeen means victory which we now have over death and sin with Jesus completing redemption for us. The very fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father as mentioned in Hebrews 12:2 and many other verses in Hebrews and other places in scripture shows that Jesus finished “cleansing” the heavenly mercy seat at the time he placed his blood on it. A person sits down when the work is complete. The real completion of cleansing of the heavenly mercy seat will take place when God creates the new heaven.
8. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Adventists say that a person must be baptized before they are saved and without baptism they will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Their website does not say this along with many other of their false doctrines to have the appearance of being true Christians, but their writings say otherwise. The SDA’s book Believe on page 182 says “Christ made it clear that He required baptism of those who wished to become part of his church, His spiritual kingdom.” “In baptism believers enter into the passion experience of our Lord.” Page 184 says “Baptism also marks person’s entrance into Christ’s spiritual kingdom. It unites the new believer to Christ.” The SDA website says of baptism “Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism does not forgive sins and is not even symbolic of it, or the “reception of the Holy Spirit.” A person receives the Holy Ghost at the moment of true salvation not when baptized. They believe a person is born again when they are baptized. They like all cults will change a biblical term and give it a new meaning. A person is born again when they are saved, not when they are baptized. Scripture says a person must believe first and then be baptized after they are saved and if a person is truly saved, but never gets baptized they can still go to heaven such as the thief on the cross. (Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.) Jesus told the repentant thief that he would be with him in paradise that day. (Luke 23:42 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.)
9. Remnant church in Revelation. Adventists teach that they are the remnant church remaining in Revelation 14 just before the second coming of Jesus. They believe they are the restored true church as all others were corrupt. They say they proclaim the “three angels message” of Revelation 14:6-12. “The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.” [from SDA 28 Fundamentalist Beliefs] The church’s original symbol was three angels circling a globe. Today it is three flames representative of the Holy Ghost and the three angels.
10. Obedience of ten commandments will determine if saved or not. Adventists teach in number 18 of their 28 fundamentalist beliefs that we will be judged based on our obedience of the ten commandments. Scripture says we will be judged on whether we are washed in the blood of Jesus or not and not on how well we obeyed the ten commandments. We should obey them, but they do not determine our salvation. (Galatians 3:10-13 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:) For a Christian we have become dead to the law so that we may become the bride of Jesus. (Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.) If a person is still married to the law, then they cannot marry (be the bride) of Jesus or they are guilty of adultery. Romans 7:1-6 shows this with verse 6 saying we are delivered from the law. We are not stuck under it with a Saturday sabbath and for our salvation as the Seventh-day Adventists teach.
11. Ellen G. White was a prophet and her writings were inspired. Adventists believe that Ellen G. White was a prophet of God and her many writings are inspired. Ellen herself said her writings were inspired. [See Testimonies Volume 5, page 64 and Spiritual Gifts volume 2, page 293] Her writings are considered equal with scripture. This is adding to God’s word as all cults do. God condemned this in (Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.) When they are baptized they must believe in all Seventh-day Adventist teachings including those from Ellen White. This is from the official baptism creed of the SDA [11 of 13 I know and understand the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is my purpose, by the grace of God, to order my life in harmony with these principles.] Her writings and beliefs have many falsehoods in them which show she was not a true prophet and her writings were not inspired. God said if a prophet predicted something that was not true, they were not one of his prophets. (Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.) Here are a few examples of her false beliefs that supposedly came in visions from God. Her own teachings changed over the years and contradict each other at times. This would not happen if inspired from God and true.
1. She said that the brothers of Jesus were older than him when scripture says he was the firstborn son of Mary. [See Desire of Ages pages 86-87] (Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.)
2. Angels need a gold card to get in and out of heaven. [“All angels that are commissioned to visit earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city.” (Early Writings p.39).] Scripture never says such a thing.
3. Saved people in the resurrection will have wings. [See Early Writings page 53] We will have bodies like that of Jesus and not have wings. This is unscriptural. (Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.)
4. She was told the exact time of the return of Jesus. This can be found in her Early Writings on pages 15, 34, and 285. Scripture says we cannot know. (Mark 13:32 ¶ But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.)
5. Jesus did not enter the most holy place in heaven before October 22, 1844. [Early Writings, page 42] Hebrews which was written long before 1844 says otherwise. (Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.)
6. Obeying the ten commandments is the only way to earn favor by God. [See Testimonies, volume 4, page 28] (Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.)
7. A person cannot be assured of their salvation. [See Christ’s Object Lessons, page 155] (I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.)
8. Jesus’s blood does not cancel sin. [See Patriarchs and Prophets, page 357] (I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.) (Romans 4:7-8 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.)
9. Atonement was not completed on the cross and after placing his blood on the heavenly mercy seat following his resurrection, but was finished in 1844 when Jesus entered the most holy place. [See Testimonies volume 1, page 58 and Early Writings page 253] (John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.) Romans was written long before 1844. (Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.)
10. Jesus was not God. “The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty.” (Letter 32, 1999, quoted in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 5, page 1129). Their website says otherwise yet they also say they believe her writings. The website is just to deceive people. True Christianity is based off of Jesus being God. (Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.) (Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.)
Ellen White had many other beliefs that contradict scripture such as God came up with the plan of salvation after the fall of man when scripture says it was before the foundation of the world [See Ephesians 1:4] and that the tower of Babel was built before the Genesis flood when Nimrod was a descendant of Noah after the flood, an angel closed the door of the ark at the flood when scripture says God closed the door [See Genesis 7:16] and there are many more. Does this sound like a prophet of God and true Christianity?
Ellen White also pushed that people should be vegetarians when God said we are omnivores eating meat and vegetables. (Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.) (I Timothy 4:1-5 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.)
Ellen White had at one time said some black slaves did not have a soul and would not be resurrected.
12. Jesus was the archangel Michael. Adventists believe that Jesus was the archangel Michael before becoming a man. This is similar to the cult Jehovah’s Witnesses, but unlike them they do not believe Jesus was created, but rather he was the archangel Michael of the old testament before becoming Jesus. This is completely unscriptural and denies his deity. Jesus in fact created Michael. This change can be seen in their bible the Clear Word Bible (CWB) in I Thessalonians 4:16, Jude 9, and Revelation 12:7. (Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. [KJB]) (In contrast to these ungodly men is the Lord Jesus, also called Michael the Archangel, for He is in charge of the entire angelic host. When He was challenged by Satan about His intentions to resurrect Moses, He didn’t come at Satan with a blistering attack, nor did he belittle him. He simply said, “God rejects your claim to his body.” [Clear Word Bible 4th edition]) (“In contrast to these ungodly men is the Lord Jesus Christ, also called Michael, the archangel in charge of the entire angelic host. When He was challenged by Satan about His intentions to resurrect Moses, He didn’t come against Satan with a blistering attack nor did he belittle him. He simply said, ‘God rejects your claim to his body.'” [Clear Word Bible]) (older version) (I Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [KJB]) (When Christ descends from heaven as the Archangel, He will give a shout of command-the trumpet call of God to the dead-and the dead in Christ will rise first. [Clear Word Bible]) (Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, [KJB]) (This controversy between God and the dragon began years ago in heaven. God’s Son Michael and the loyal angels fought against the dragon and his angels. [Clear Word Bible]) The Seventh Day Adventists clearly preach another gospel as Paul said in his epistles. Jesus is essential to that gospel, not the archangel Michael. Without Jesus there is no gospel.
13. Have their own bible changed to support their false doctrines. Adventists use many bible versions. They originally used the King James Bible and some still do, but many use the many modern perversions. Adventists also publish the Clear Word Bible (CWB) that is a paraphrase version and their own bible which changes verses to match their false doctrines. This proves it is not from God as you cannot paraphrase God’s word. The Adventists are now trying to claim it is not a bible due to so much criticism, though it clearly used to say it on the cover. They now remove the word “bible” on the cover. It is still listed under bibles in their bookstore. They are not mentioned as publishing the bible in the bible to hide their identity to keep from controversy. I mentioned the change in Jude 9 already. Deuteronomy 5:3 is changed to support their false doctrine that worship is still supposed to be on Saturday. God said he made the covenant for the Saturday sabbath with the Israelites, not people before that day and it does not apply today. (Deuteronomy 5:3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. [KJB]) (Deuteronomy 5:3 It wasn’t only with our ancestors that He made a covenant, but with us and with all who are alive today. [Clear Word Bible]) These are complete opposites and this is an intentional distortion of the word of God. Many other verses are changed dealing with the sabbath to fit their false doctrine. Some verses changed are Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 5:5, Exodus 16:5, Exodus 31:13-16, Leviticus 23:3, Hebrews 4:4, and others. Acts 20:7 is changed from the disciples meeting on Sunday to Saturday to make it look like they still worshipped on the sabbath. The KJB says “And upon the first day of the week” which is changed in the Clear Word Bible to “After sundown on Saturday night”. This verse also changes “break bread” in reference to the Lord’s Supper to “fellowship meal”. Revelation 1:10 in the KJB says “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” which is changed in the Clear Word Bible to “On Sabbath morning when I had gone to the rocky island shore to meditate and worship”. It is clear they make changes to support their doctrine rather than change their doctrine to match scripture. (Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.)
14. Works salvation.
I have already mentioned some works needed for salvation such as having to be baptized and believing in the writings of Ellen White and must obey the ten commandments. They also wash a person’s feet when celebrating communion, adding works. They add the law to grace and works to faith. They must have a “good character”. They have even used that reference in church tracts. The Adventists also say that only those who truly study scripture are saved. A saved person should study scripture, but unfortunately most do not and it is not required for salvation. This shows continual work must be done to be saved. The Adventists believe that a person must endure until the end to be saved. This implies continual works and also denies the scriptural once saved, always saved doctrine. A person just needs to truly believe and call upon Jesus in order to be saved, not endure to the end. Romans shows us that a person is saved whether they do any works for God or not as long as they believe on Jesus. (Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.) Francis D. Nichol an SDA editor and church apologist, in his book, Answers to Objections, states on page 243 “Here is our position: Only those will be saved who, having been redeemed by the grace of Christ, walk in obedience to all the light that God sheds on their way.” He was basically saying that a person must believe all of the SDA teachings in order to be saved including tithing, Ellen Whites writings, works salvation, Saturday sabbath, remnant church, baptism saves, et cetera. The New Life Voice of Prophecy Guide # 12 says in order to become a Christian a person must do these five things: believe, repentance, confession, baptism, obedience of the ten commandments. Romans 5:18 says salvation is a free gift, not a process of works. (Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.)
15. Do not celebrate Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, or other days.
Seventh-day Adventists do not celebrate Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, or other such days since they say they are not found in scripture. This belief is similar to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, another cult. They are correct in that none of these days are found in scripture and therefore if a Christian does not want to celebrate any of them then they are not required to, but it is also not wrong for a Christian to celebrate them if they so choose as long as they keep the holidays to their true meanings. I do think a Christian should at least remember the Lord’s resurrection. It is true that the only mention of celebration of birthdays is by evil men, the pharaoh of Egypt and by Herod. God does command us to be thankful, so at the very least Thanksgiving should be celebrated by them as well as by all Christians. Some Adventists have recently begun to celebrate the Jewish feasts. While I am not against Christians celebrating those days, they were basically intended for the Israelites, so if they are going to celebrate those days then not why days set aside for Jesus?
16. Most are vegetarians.
Most Seventh-day Adventists are vegetarians. We as Christians are free to eat meat as well. Those Seventh-day Adventists that do eat meat only eat the clean meat that is listed for the Israelites in scripture in such places as Leviticus 11. The separation of clean and unclean meat was for the Israelites and not Christians. While it is true that it is healthier to avoid the unclean animals, we as Christians are not forbidden from eating them. SDA’s are again being legalistic and being Jews, not Christians and adding to scripture what is not found there. They do not celebrate so called Christian holidays because they are not found in scripture, yet they will not eat meat or at least not unclean meat when scripture never forbids Christians from doing so. SDA’s that eat meat only eat the kosher foods. God told Peter a Jew that now he could eat all food as long as it was blessed by God, that the blood of Jesus now made even the food clean for the Jews. The Gentiles were never forbidden from eating unclean food and Christians are not today. (Acts 10:12-15 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.) (I Corinthians 10:25-26 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.) (Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days🙂 I have already read Genesis 9:3 and I Timothy 4:1-5 previously showing that we can eat all meat if blessed. We as Christians are free to eat meat including the unclean animals as long as we have God bless it. Our bodies actually need the protein from the meat, especially beef to help fight off evil in the spiritual warfare. Jesus himself ate meat with Abraham and fish with his disciples.
Signs of a cult.
There are many signs of a cult that are recognized by all cult authorities. Here are some of them and we will see how Seventh-day Adventism fits the definition of a cult. Not all signs are shown. Not every cult will fit every sign mentioned below. I have already clearly shown how Seventh-day Adventist is false Christianity with all of their false doctrines that contradict scripture and now they fit the description of a cult.
1. The leader is the ultimate authority and above the law and is infallible.
2. The group suppresses criticism and one is only to read approved sources. The Seventh Day Adventist Church has always tried to silence their opponents and critics and discourages Seventh-day Adventists from reading the truth not only in scripture, but in other books and sources. Seventh-day Adventists are very defensive to anyone who criticizes them and will try to silence them. Baptists and true Christians do not do this. Seventh-day Adventists have tried so hard to prove they are not a cult which would never be necessary if they were not a cult. True Christians never have to prove anything.
3. Cults try to never let a member leave. The SDA church heavily discourages its members from leaving. The SDA church is rapidly losing members and this is why they are trying so hard to appear as true Christians.
4. Cults claim to be the one true church and salvation is only by them. Seventh-day Adventists believe they are the restored church as all of the others had become corrupt and believe they are the remnant church in Revelation.
5. Only the leaders of the cult can understand their literature. Ellen G. White and other leaders had the true meaning of scripture and new revelations.
6. Cults add to scripture and often have their own books. Seventh-day Adventists add Ellen White’s writings and they also have their own bible, the Clear Word Bible that has made changes that match Adventists false doctrines.
7. Cults subtract from scripture. Seventh-day Adventism removes many verses and words from their bible.
8. Cults use intimidation and fear for obedience. Seventh-day Adventism has done this over the years threatening excommunication and other punishment. They have their own rules the members are to follow.
9. Cults are often involved in illegal activities.
10. Cults always distort the gospel and add works for salvation. I have already shown this to be true of Seventh-day Adventists.
11. Cults use means to deceive and control their followers. Seventh-day Adventism has a history of deceiving their people and keeping them from the truth and then lies about it when questioned on it.
12. Cults are often legalistic on how their members must live. I have already mentioned how Seventh-day Adventists have added unscriptural burdens for their members such as vegetarianism.
13. Cults use Christian terms with different meanings than used in scripture or in standard Christianity. Seventh-day Adventism does this with some terms, changing the meanings such as being born again.
14. Normally have other literature, books, et cetera that are considered equal or above scripture. Seventh-day Adventists have Ellen G. White’s writings.
15. Jesus is replaced by someone-something else or at least very minimized. Seventh-day Adventists say Jesus is the archangel Michael. Jesus created Michael. SDA minimizes Jesus by either removing his titles in their bible or making them lower case removing his deity.
16. Only the leaders are allowed to interpret the Bible for the “underdogs” (the non-clergy). Only the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists decides doctrine. It is led by the church president.
17. Cult leaders get new revelations. Ellen G. White had many supposed new revelations.
18. Someone is placed above Jesus. This is seen with Ellen G. White.
For those who have family members, friends, coworkers, or others that we know who are Seventh-day Adventists, we need to let them know the truth and get them out before it is eternally too late. God loves precious Seventh-day Adventists souls as much as anyone else and wishes that all of them would call upon him for salvation, but they must get out of Seventh-day Adventism. I plead that if any Seventh-day Adventists are listening to these sermons from this study they will listen and heed to what I have taught and will call upon Jesus today to save you and then get out of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Call upon Jesus now.
