I’ve seen Adventists lose their peace over this. I’ve seen Adventists lose their way over this. I’ve seen Adventists practically lose their minds over this. I guess I shouldn’t assume that everyone understands the title, so let me put it this way. Not every struggle is a sin. I posted it this way earlier in the week.
“I fully support dress codes. I think every thoughtful institution should draw the line somewhere. The problem is that many in the Adventist Church don’t know the difference between a line and a sin. That changes everything.” Why does it change everything? Let’s take a look
When Everything Is A Sin, Everything is a Fight!
When every personal conviction or cultural preference rises to the level of law in a local church, the conflicts never end. When meat at the church potluck or wedding reception moves from a personal decision to a public sin it not only raises the temperature it raises the bar. Same for drums. Same for dancing. Same for …..
The Fiercest Fight is Inside You
Sometimes your greatest battle is not between you and the Devil, but between you and you. If you think you lose your salvation every time you lose your way, you could lose your mind. The words of the late E. E. Cleveland are always helpful here,” We are saved while we are being saved. We are trusted before we are trustworthy. We are accepted before we are acceptable!” Colossians 2:10
What’s Right for You, Might Be Wrong For Me
It’s the theme of Romans 14. Disputable Matters. The battle in that local church was over diets and special days. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Paul says it depends on your background and your conscience. God accepts them both. “ Let each one be fully convinced in their own mind.” Romans 14:5
Absolutes Are The Hills Worth Dying On
All scripture is important, but not of equal importance. All doctrine is valuable, but not of equal value. Absolutes are required for all people, in all places, for all time. They are the clear, consistent, non-negotiable teachings of scripture that define Christian faith and life:
- Authority of scripture
- Salvation by grace.
- Deity of Christ
- Second Coming
- Resurrection
If you deny these and some others, then your Christianity collapses. The deeper we study and understand these absolutes the firmer our foundation will be.
Not every hill is Calvary.
Some hills are worth dying on. Most are not. When we make everything a sin, we shrink the gospel. Galatians 5:1 says, “ If is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Is your religion marked by freedom or bondage? If your gospel doesn’t bring peace, take a long look at your gospel. You might be trying to do something for yourself, that Jesus has already done.
For a complete discussion, get the book and resources, Adventists, Arguments, and Disputable Matters- How to Move Forward When We Don’t Agree” https://adventists.drjessewilson.com
