Here are ten key areas where the teachings of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) have been criticized as deviating from the teachings of the King James Bible:
1. The Nature of Christ
SDA Teaching: Seventh-day Adventists believe in a “two natures” doctrine of Christ, where Christ had a fallen human nature.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that Christ was without sin and did not have a sinful nature. Hebrews 4:15 KJV says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
2. The Investigative Judgment
SDA Teaching: SDA doctrine holds that Christ is currently engaged in an “investigative judgment” in heaven since 1844, where He reviews the lives of all believers.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that Christ’s work of salvation was completed on the cross. Hebrews 10:12 KJV states, “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”
3. The Sabbath as a Requirement for Salvation
SDA Teaching: The SDA Church teaches that observing the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) is a commandment that must be followed by Christians.
Biblical Criticism: The New Testament teaches that Christians are not bound by the Old Testament Sabbath law. Colossians 2:16-17 KJV states, “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: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
4. Ellen G. White as a Prophet
SDA Teaching: Seventh-day Adventists regard Ellen G. White as a modern-day prophet whose writings are considered to have the authority of scripture.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible warns against elevating any prophet or teacher above Scripture. Revelation 22:18-19 KJV states, “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.”
5. The Soul Sleep Doctrine
SDA Teaching: Seventh-day Adventists teach that when a person dies, their soul is in a state of unconscious sleep until the resurrection.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that upon death, the soul either goes to be with Christ or is in torment. Luke 23:43 KJV says, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
6. The Denial of Eternal Hell
SDA Teaching: SDA doctrine holds that the wicked will be annihilated (destroyed) in hell, rather than suffering eternal torment.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that the wicked will face eternal punishment in hell. Matthew 25:46 KJV states, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
7. Conditional Immortality
SDA Teaching: Seventh-day Adventists teach that immortality is a gift given only to the righteous, and the wicked do not have an eternal soul.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that all souls are eternal and will either experience eternal life or eternal punishment. John 5:29 KJV states, “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
8. Jesus’ Atonement Incomplete Without His Heavenly Work
SDA Teaching: SDA doctrine holds that Christ’s atonement is incomplete until His investigative judgment is concluded in heaven.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient for salvation. Hebrews 9:12 KJV states, “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.”
9. The Role of Works in Salvation
SDA Teaching: Seventh-day Adventists emphasize that works, particularly keeping the Sabbath and following the commandments, are necessary for salvation.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
10. The Restriction of Eating Certain Foods
SDA Teaching: The SDA Church promotes a diet that avoids pork and other “unclean” foods, based on Old Testament dietary laws.
Biblical Criticism: The Bible teaches that Christians are not bound by Old Testament dietary laws. Acts 10:15 KJV says, “And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”
These points represent teachings that are considered by many to be in conflict with the clear doctrine of the King James Bible. It is important for all believers to test teachings against the Scriptures to ensure they align with God’s Word.
Courtesy of: “Jerry Hatcher”