Analysis of SDA Theology and Gospel

Jul 11, 2024

Analysis of SDA Theology and Gospel

Introduction

  • Starts with steelmanning SDA position and addressing objections.
  • Will use primary documentation to make clear SDA view.
  • Compare this to what the gospel actually is.
  • Emphasizes rigorous and diligent analysis.

SDA Great Controversy Worldview

  • Herb Douglas on Great Controversy: Key Themes:
    • Righteousness, salvation, gospel, justification, sanctification, atonement, obedience, and works influenced by the Great Controversy theme.
    • Importance of Old Testament sanctuary service and New Testament view of Christ as a high priest mediator.
    • Faith and grace, legalism, Christ's first and second coming.
    • Asserts Great Controversy is central to SDA theology.

SDA's Unique Mission and Message

  • Fundamental Belief #12: The Church:

    • Church of believers proclaiming the gospel worldwide.
    • SDA identifiers & their view on the unity of worship and proclamation.

  • Fundamental Belief #13: The Remnant:

    • Universal church is seen as Babylon due to apostasy.
    • SDA's remnant characterized by keeping commandments and heralding judgment hour.
    • Momentous decision for believers post-hearing the SDA message.

Concept of the Everlasting Gospel in SDA

  • Belief of Present Truth Gospel:

    • Life or death message unique to SDAs.
    • Referenced fundamental SDA beliefs and their interpretations.

  • Definition by Historic SDA Leaders (Review and Herald):

    • Listed fundamental doctrines incl. God's law, Sabbath, investigative judgment, spiritual gifts, etc.
    • All fall under the term 'everlasting gospel'.

  • Herb Douglas on the Everlasting Gospel:

    • Differentiation between simple gospel and 'everlasting' one.
    • Misunderstanding regarding historical church consistency on gospel.
    • Purposeful juxtaposition of different theological positions to imply confusion pre-Adventist message.

Critique of SDA's Gospel and Theological Missteps

  • Galatians 1:6-12 and One True Gospel:
    • Apostle Paul states there is only one gospel.
    • SDA's 'everlasting gospel' introducing additive doctrines comparable to the Judaizers.
    • SDA framework, by historical documentation, not aligning with the apostolic message.

The True Gospel According to Scripture

  • 1 Corinthians 15:1-8:

    • Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as the core gospel message.
    • Apostolic preaching focused on this singular gospel.

  • Luke 24:44-48:

    • Christ instructs disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name.

  • Ephesians 1:11-14:

    • Explains the goal of the gospel — God's glory and believers' inheritance.
    • Union with Christ and Holy Spirit as guarantee of salvation.

Conclusion on SDA Gospel Divergence

  • False Gospel Identification:

    • SDA has a distorted gospel centered on the great controversy narrative.
    • Misinterpretation and projection onto scriptures for 1844 onward exclusivity.
    • True gospel focuses solely on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

  • Main Objections Recapitulated:

    • SDA's false dichotomy between 'gospel' and 'everlasting gospel'.
    • Incorrect attribution of additional doctrines to the gospel.
    • Distortion of Christ’s mission and gospel’s goal revolving around sinless perfectionism and probationary testing.
    • True peace with God based solely on Jesus' perfect work.
    • Christian obedience arising out of transformation, not achieving salvation.