Is Adventism a Cult?

Every religion that claims the name of Christ, needs to be examined by the light of the Bible. The first quality of a sound Christian church is what they say about Jesus. Let's look at Adventist claims about Christ.

Jesus is not God Almighty?
Ellen White states clearly
"The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty." (Letter 32, 1999, quoted in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p.1129).

The Bible says just as clearly of Christ
Isa 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.

Rev 4:8 And the four living creatures each one had six wings around, and within being full of eyes. And they had no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty," the One who was, and is, and is coming! Isa. 6:3

Adventists tell us Satan bears your sins, not Christ
"It was seen, also, that while the sin offering pointed to Christ as a sacrifice, and the high priest represented Christ as a mediator, the scapegoat typified Satan, the author of sin, upon whom the sins of the truly penitent will finally be placed. Christ will place all these sins upon Satan,:so Satan,:will at last suffer the full penalty of sin." (Great Controversy, p.422,485,486)."

The Adventists say that Jesus is Michael the Archangel.
Angels are created beings. Jesus created all things, so He himself created the Angels, including Michael. Christ is eternal, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. There is not one single Bible verse that says that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. In fact, Michael disputed with Satan over the body of Moses, showing either equal status or lesser status than the devil, whereas in Matthew chapter 4, Jesus rebukes the devil "Get thee hence", showing his supremacy over Satan.

Ellen White claims Jesus and Satan held an equal position in heaven as angels.
Jesus as of the time described by Ellen White, had not taken part in creation. The Bible tells us in John Chapter One, that all things were created by Jesus, and nothing that has come into creation has come into creation apart from Him. That would include Satan and the other angels.

"Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Christ. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing great intelligence. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. But when God said to His Son, "Let us make man in our image," Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man, and because he was not, he was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. He desired to receive the highest honors in heaven next to God. {EW 145.1}"

The Adventists claim that Christ as the savior of man was a second thought, devised by Him after the fall of man. They cannot show you that by way of the Bible, it is a fairy tale made up in the imaginations of Ellen G White.

"Sorrow filled Heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender; the whole family of Adam must die. The heart of the Son of God was touched with pity for the lost race. Upon his lovely countenance rested an expression of sympathy and sorrow. Soon he approached the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father, and he seemed to engage in close converse with him. The anxiety of the angels was intense while Jesus thus communed with his Father. Three times he was shut in by the cloud of glory; the third time he came forth his countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that he had been pleading with his Father, and had offered to give his life a ransom, and take the sentence of death upon himself, that through him man might find pardon; that through the merits of his blood, and obedience to the law of God, man could again have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life. {ST, January 30, 1879 par. 1}" The Plan of Salvation Chapter Four

God is not fooled. Being eternal, He knew man would fall. He declares the end from the beginning.
"Isa 46:9 Remember former things from forever, for I am God, and no one else is God, even none like Me,
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from the past those things which were not done, saying, My counsel shall rise; and, I will do all My desire"

Adventists Teach another Jesus than that of the Bible.

Here is what Adventists teach on the subject, where they themselves approach the subject in a question and answer style.

"Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church believe the so-called
testimonies and writings of Mrs. E. G. White to be revelations
from God? {3BIO 484.4}"

We believe these writings are a manifestation of the Spirit of
prophecy; and just as much as anything that comes from God's
Spirit would be a "revelation from God," just so much these are a
revelation from God.--Ibid. {3BIO 484.5}
"BIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS/3BIO - Ellen G. White Volume 3 The Lonely Years 1876-1891, By Arthur L. White (1984)/Chap. 36 - (1890-1891) The Last Year Before Australia "

From the very beginning, now nearly forty years ago, the
manifestation of the Spirit of Prophecy in the visions of Sister
White has been connected with this work, and interwoven with
every step of its progress. To suppose that during the brief time
remaining it is to be separated from it would be took for a
singular providence indeed. A change in this respect is now no
more possible than it is desirable. {3BIO 233.3}
"BIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS/3BIO - Ellen G. White Volume 3 The Lonely Years 1876-1891, By Arthur L. White (1984)/Chap. 19 - (1883) A Changing Battle Creek-- the College Opens "

If Ellen Whites writings are the "Spirit of Prophecy" then we need to see if they line up with the Bible, and if all of her prophecies all come true. Just one false prophecy would be enough disqualify her as a true prophet of God, and that alone would reveal whether the Adventists have indeed been asking you to receive another spirit.

Let's take a look at a few Adventist prophecies.

They predicted the end of the world in 1843, 1844, and 1845. Ellen White never recanted the failure, while William Miller fully repented, recanted, apologized, and grieved over the obvious false prophecies. Ellen White, and her husband James White, then started teaching that Jesus started judging the earth and it's inhabitants in 1844, and that Jesus daily offers himself as a sacrifice to God before His throne. We know from the book of Hebrews that this is not biblical, but that rather he offered himself once for all, one time, on the cross on our behalf.

She prophesied slavery would not end with the Civil War

""Thousands have been induced to enlist with the understanding that this war was to exterminate slavery; but now that they are fixed, they find that they have been deceived, that the object of this war is not to abolish slavery, but to preserve it as it is. {1T 254.1}

I was shown that if the object of this war had been to exterminate slavery, then, if desired, England would have helped the North. But England fully understands the existing feelings in the Government, and that the war is not to do away slavery, but merely to preserve the Union; and it is not for her interest to have it preserved. {1T 258.2}
"BOOKS/1T - Testimonies For The Church Volume One (1855-1868)/Number Seven Testimony for the Church - Chapter 53 - The North and the South "

Ellen White prophesied that England would declare war on the USA, at the time of the Civil War
"Hear, O heavens, the cry of the oppressed, and reward the oppressors double according to their deeds." This nation will yet be humbled into the dust. England is studying whether it is best to take advantage of the present weak condition of our nation, and venture to make war upon her. She is weighing the matter, and trying to sound other nations. She fears, if she should commence war abroad, that she would be weak at home, and that other nations would take advantage of her weakness. Other nations are making quiet yet active preparations for war, and are hoping that England will make war with our nation, for then they would improve the opportunity to be revenged on her for the advantage she has taken of them in the past and the injustice done them. A portion of the queen's subjects are waiting a favorable opportunity to break their yoke; but if England thinks it will pay, she will not hesitate a moment to improve her opportunities to exercise her power and humble our nation. When England does declare war, all nations will have an interest of their own to serve, and there will be general war, general confusion. England is acquainted with the diversity of feeling among those who are seeking to quell the rebellion. She well knows the perplexed condition of our Government; she has looked with astonishment at the prosecution of this war--the slow, inefficient moves, the inactivity of our armies, and the ruinous expenses of our nation. The weakness of our Government is fully open before other nations, and they now conclude that it is because it was not a monarchial government, and they admire their own government, and look down, some with pity, others with contempt, upon our nation, which they have regarded as the most powerful upon the globe. Had our nation remained united it would have had strength, but divided it must fall. Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 259

Deu 18:20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, that which I have not commanded him to speak, and who speaks in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deu 18:21 And if you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah has not spoken?
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah, if the thing does not happen or come about, that is the thing which Jehovah has not spoken; that prophet has spoken it proudly; you shall not be afraid of him.

Ellen White and the Spirit of Prophecy are not the same Spirit as taught in the gospels. They ask you to receive another Spirit.

Adventists tell us no one can be saved unless he keeps the Ten Commandments. All 10 of them!. The Bible teaches that the 10 Commandments are the old covenant. Modern bibles use the words old and new testament, instead of old and new covenant, but they have the same meaning. Christians are under the New Testament sealed with the blood of Christ the paschal lamb, and the 10 Commandment Law was the Old Testament sealed by the blood of Oxen.

Compare these two passages:

Exodus 24:6-8 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Hebrews 9:14-22 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Notice for yourselves, the ten commandments are the Old Covenant, or Old Testament.

Exo 34:27-28 " And Jehovah said to Moses, Write these words for yourself, for on the mouth of these words I will cut a covenant with you and with Israel. And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread and he did not drink water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. "

Deu 4:12-13 "And Jehovah spoke to you out of the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you did not see a form, only a voice.
And He declared His covenant to you which He has commanded you to do, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone. "

Deu 9:9-11 When I went up into the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, tablets of the covenant which Jehovah cut with you, and I remained in the mountain forty days and forty nights (I did not eat bread nor did I drink water),
and Jehovah gave to me the two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them was written according to all the Words which Jehovah spoke with you in the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the assembly ,then it happened, at the end of forty days and forty nights Jehovah gave the two tablets of stone to me, tablets of the covenant,

1Ki 8:9 Nothing was in the ark, only the two tables of stone which Moses put there in Horeb, when Jehovah cut a covenant with the sons of Israel as they went out of the land of Egypt.

2Corinthians 3:2-8 You are our letter, having been inscribed in our hearts, being known and being read by all men, it having been made plain that you are Christ's letter, served by us, not having been inscribed by ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in fleshly tablets of the heart. And we have such confidence through Christ toward God; not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reason out anything as being out of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, who also made us able ministers of a new covenant, not of letter(of the law), but of Spirit. For the letter(of the law) kills, but the Spirit makes alive. But if the ministry of death having been engraved in letters in stone (the 10 commandments) was with glory, so as that the sons of Israel could not gaze into "the face of Moses" because of the glory of his face, which was to cease, How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Galatians 3:10-25 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law (the old covenant) to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them shall live in them. 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 hangs on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man dis-annuls, or adds thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis-annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

So we now know, that just as Paul warned, Adventism teaches a non-biblical faith, claiming to be Christians. They teach a different Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel.

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

What is a "false apostle"? The words are literally " pseudo apostle". and a deceitful worker can also be a deceitful teacher.

Adventists want Christians to think that Adventism is just a church that meets on Saturday instead of Sunday, and at the same time, they are secretly plotting how to bring Christians back under the Old Covenant of Ten Commandment law and Sabbath Keeping. This is wicked and evil for several reasons.

First of all, if they truly are the only saved ones, and they alone have the true gospel message, then why aren't they open and loving towards Christians, pleading with them to join their churches openly. Instead they host prophecy conferences, television and radio shows that fail to mention that "Oh, by the way, we are 7th Day Adventists" until after they have people deceived into thinking they need to keep the Old Covenant.

Secondly, they creep into ministerial and evangelical Christian associations pretending to be preaching a gospel of grace, all while waiting to entrap you into the law again. They don't want you to evangelize or confront them on their heresies.

Here's a partial list of things Adventists don't want Bible believing Christians to know. You might want to sit down for this one if you are a true Christian

Adventists teach that the seal of God is the Sabbath. God tells us His seal is the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Adventists teach that all non Adventists, when they pray, and have those prayers answered, that it is Satan that is answering their prayers.
This one is so far from Biblical truth, there are no verses that tell us Satan ever hears anyone's prayers, let alone those of Christians.

Adventists teach that all other Christians cannot be heard by God, that until they are Adventists, their prayers are an abomination to God.

Adventists teach that they are the only true church, all other Christians are apostate,
Adventists teach that all other Christians are under the mark of the beast,
Adventists teach that only Adventists can truly be saved, and unless true Christians become Adventists, they cannot attain eternal life.

Adventists teach that when you die, you no longer exist. Jesus said we are dead in Him, and raised to life everlasting through his death and resurrection.

Adventist teach that there is no eternal security. You have to hope that Jesus finds you worthy of eternal life. They call this "Investigative Judgment", and teach that Jesus is keeping track of all of your sins. The Bible tells us if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Bible tells us God is love, and that love does not keep an inventory of evil ( 1 Corinthians 13:4). Why would He need to? If we fail in just one point of the law, we have failed in them all. Jesus only needs to know if we have surrendered to Him, and believed that His grace is sufficient to cover our sin. It is through Him alone, and not doing any work of the Law or flesh by which we have eternal life and forgiveness of sin.

Adventists teach Another Gospel

You'll need to decide for yourselves if Adventism is a cult. We can be certain of one thing though. Seventh Day Adventism teaches the three things that the Bible assures us are the mark of a false Christian church, teacher, pastor, or prophet.

1) they do teach another Jesus
2) they do teach another Spirit
3) they do teach another gospel.

The main reason for this Squidoo lens is to warn Christians, and inform Adventists that they are not a Christian church. Believing in their false gospel can only bring ruin. Christians need to love Adventists and share the true gospel with them in the same way and with the same passion as they do with Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other pseudo christian faiths.