Seventh-Day Adventism — No. 2
In a previous article we showed that the Adventists make a tremendous effort to prove a difference or a distinction between "the law of Moses" and the "law of God." They contend that the former was only the ceremonial law, and that it was abolished at the cross; but the latter is an eternal law, and is to be observed by all men of all ages, and is observed by the very angels in heaven.
Further arguments in their efforts to establish this false position are their claim that:
1. The sabbath was a perpetual covenant, and is therefore binding on us today. But in reply to this, observe the very verse on which they make the claim. "The children of Israel shall keep the sabbath to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant." (Ex. 31:16). It was the "children of Israel" to whom it was given, not to Gentiles. And it was only given to the Israelites "throughout their generations."
The Jewish nation ceased to exist with the coming of Christ. There is not a Jew on earth today who can trace his generations;" there is not a one alive who knows from what tribe he came. But if we are to observe the sabbath because it was "perpetual," how about these things: incense was "perpetual" (Ex. 30:8); lighting the lights at evening time was "perpetual" (Ex. 30:8); washing hands and feet was "perpetual" (Ex. 30:21); 'meat offering were "perpetual" (Ezek. 46:14); and the temple service was "perpetual" (I Kings 9:3). If "perpetual" means we are to observe the sabbath, then all these other items have the same warrant and the same authority! Let Adventists explain why one is binding and the other is not!
2. The sabbath is binding "forever" and so should be kept today. But look again at the verse which says "for- ever." "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever." (Ex. 31:17). The sabbath was given to from Jews to remind them that God had delivered them from bondage in Egypt. It was a "sign" between God and Israel It had not any "significance" to any people other than Israel. Notice that Jonah was in the belly of the great fish "forever." (Jonah 2:6). How long was he there? He was there only three days and nights; yet that was the fullness of God's appointed time. He was there as long as God wanted or intended him to be. The sabbath was a sign between God and Israel for the time God had appointed. It covered the entire dispensation of which it was a part.
3. Adventists say that the sabbath belongs to God's covenant and was never broken. But look at the words of Zechariah, "And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I made with all the people. And it was broken in that day." (Zech. 11:10, 11). What day? The day Christ died on the cross. Notice the Jews' question, "When will the sabbath be gone that we might set forth wheat?" (Amos 8:5); and God's answer, "In that day, saith the Lord God, I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day." (verse 9). Now when did this happen? It all came to pass the day Christ died on the cross: (Matt. 27:45; see also Col 2:14-17; II Cor. 3:7-14; Gal 3:24-25).
4. Adventists claim that they "keep the sabbath." But as a matter of fact they do not. The Bible very plainly sets forth the requirements of the sabbath day; (1) kindle no fire, (Ex. 35:3); (2) do no cooking (Ex. 16:23); (3) offer two lambs for sacrifice (Num. 28:9); (4) do no work (Ex. 35:22); (5) and death to all who break this law (Ex. 31:14). There is not an Adventist on earth who keeps it!
5. Adventists say that the apostles observed the sabbath inasmuch as they taught in the synagogues on that day. The apostles took advantage of the Jewish assembly on the sabbath in order to teach them (Acts 17:1-4). But they taught them that God was to be worshipped apart from the law. (Acts 18:13; Rom. 10:4; Gal 4:9; 5:4). If any gospel preacher ever gets the chance to teach Adventists on the sabbath day, he will certainly do it. And when he finishes his teaching there will be no question in anybody's mind as to whether he is observing the sabbath or not by so doing!
The First Day Of The Week
Although Adventists say that the first day of the week is of little importance, the Christian notices these facts about it: (1) Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9); (2) He regularly met with his disciples on the first day of the week after his resurrection and prior to his ascension (John 20:19-29); (3) Pentecost always came on the first day of the week (Lev. 23:15, 16); hence (4) it was on the first day of the week that the first gospel sermon was preached; the church began; and three thousand guilty souls were pardoned by the new crowned king. Also (5) the church habitually assembled on the first day of the week to break bread. (Acts 20:7).
These items are of little importance to those who are blinded by a theory. But to those who desire to follow the New Testament pattern their message is clear and definite.
Soul Sleeping
Adventists teach that at the moment the soul, or spirit, of man passes into a state of unconsciousness, "becomes as if it had never been."
Man is both spirit and body. When a man dies his body returns to the dust and remains there till the judgment day. Being dead it has nothing to do with this physical world of the living. But the spirit shall return to God who gave it. (Gen. 3:19); I Kings 2:10; Job 14:12- 13; Job 17:13; Eccl 9:10; Dan. 12:2, and many others). But this does not in any sense prove or even intimate that the soul is unconscious.
God is the father of spirits. (John 3:6; Acts 17:29; James 2:26). Paul speaks of "the spirits of just men made perfect." (Heb. 12:22-24). And he also declared that he had a desire to "depart and be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:23, 24). Is a state of complete "unconsciousness" far better than living and serving God among the saints of earth? Let the Adventists answer There are numerous other points at which this deceptive heresy shows itself contrary to the scriptures, but these will serve to show something of the nature of the delusion. We do not hesitate to say that every doctrine peculiar to this sect is contrary to God's word. Let every earnest and honest soul search the scriptures diligently. Study to show yourself approved unto God. And do not let the deceiving teachings of men cause you to labor in vain.