..To Ancient SDA's ............ To "What's New?"

 

A Parallel Illustration?

By S. J. Crafts.

A PARALLEL  ILLUSTRATION?

 

Today the name “Christian” (Acts 11:26) incorporates many contradictory beliefs, and as a result of these divergent doctrines, many people (both in and outside the churches) are confused.  Yet could Christianity have been saved from this confusion if a civil decree had been enforced, prohibiting other churches designating themselves “Christian”,

unless they

     1.      Came under the umbrella [i.e. jurisdiction] of the main
         church[1], 

and  

     2.     Held no doctrines contradicting those doctrines already
          established?

No, this is absurd.  Although some (even among us) believe that it is quite reasonable. 

But such measures bring no security to the church: they ensure strife and ruin. Can we be sure of this? We may be certain of it.  Such measures have been brought to bear in the past.  And what did they produce?  A power that spoke great and daring things against the Most High: a power that wore out His saints.  Such measures produced the Roman Papacy.  (Daniel 7:25)

Let us consider such things when we attempt to defend the name “Seventh Day Adventist”. 

 

Of course there are many people that call themselves Christians, and we are wise to let them do so.  (Even when it is clear that they will not follow Christ’s example in anything.)  There are many also that would call themselves Seventh Day Adventists, and in this too, we would be wise to allow it.  Why?  Because if we employ the weaponry of the world while trying to stop them, we will surely come to grief.  And what’s more, we misrepresent the One who says “resist not evil”. 

 

Do we know what spirit we are of when we ask the Lord’s help to block and resist and fight in this way?

 


 

Continued....

oooOooo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 11:26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

(We have added this portion of the Spirit of Prophecy with paragraphs broken up for easier understanding).

Acts of the Apostles 157

It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. The name was given them because Christ was the main theme of their preaching, their teaching, and their conversation. Continually they were recounting the incidents that had occurred during the days of His earthly ministry, when His disciples were blessed with His personal presence. Untiringly they dwelt upon His teachings and His miracles of healing.

With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of His agony in the garden, His betrayal, trial, and execution, the forbearance and humility with which He had endured the contumely [scornful insulting language or behaviour] and torture imposed upon Him by His enemies, and the Godlike pity with which He had prayed for those who persecuted Him. His resurrection and ascension, and His work in heaven as the Mediator for fallen man, were topics on which they rejoiced to dwell.

Well might the heathen call them Christians, since they preached Christ and addressed their prayers to God through Him.

It was God who gave to them the name of Christian.

This is a royal name, given to all who join themselves to Christ. It was of this name that James wrote later, "Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" James 2:6, 7.

And Peter declared, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." 1 Peter 4:16, 14. [Back]

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. [Back]

1] See Mark 9:38-39, and the disciple’s reaction to an apparently ‘independent ministry’.  Consider Jesus’ counsel to the disciples regarding that ministry.

Mark 9:38-39

And John answered Him, saying, "Master, we saw one casting out devils in Your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us."

But Jesus said, "Forbid him not..." [Back]

 

To Ancient SDA's ............ To "What's New?"

 

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

 

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1