A Line of Separation – Part 2
TimeWatch Editorial
May 19, 2016
In our last two editorials, Robert H. Pierson and Enoch Oliveira describe a separation that occurred in the Seventh Day Adventist Church with regard to doctrine. It is important therefore that we identify the differences that occurred and how they impact the present condition of the church. According to his bio found on the Goodreads.com website, Kenneth Richard Samples began voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. For seven years, Kenneth worked as Senior Research Consultant and Correspondence Editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly cohosted the popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr. Walter Martin. Kenneth Samples wrote an article entitled: From Controversy to Crisis: An Updated Assessment of Seventh Day Adventism, published in the Christian Research Journal, Summer 1988, Volume 11, Number 1, page 9. Kenneth Samples has the following to say about Adventism in that article:
“The 1960s and 1970s were a time of great turmoil and doctrinal debate within SDA, with the common denominator being the question of Adventism's uniqueness. Would Adventism continue in the same direction established under the Figuhr administration, or would the denomination return to a more traditional understanding of the faith? The debate over this question would give rise to two distinct factions within SDA: Evangelical Adventism and Traditional Adventism. We will now look at these two groups and compare their views on those doctrines which divided them. Those doctrines consisted of righteousness by faith, the human nature of Christ, the events of 1844, assurance of salvation, and the authority of Ellen White.” Kenneth Samples, “From Controversy to Crisis: An Updated Assessment of Seventh Day Adventism.”
So what are these differences that had their beginnings in the 60s and 70s? First, the new evangelical movement that was supported mainly by young Adventist pastors and seminarians; also a good number of American Adventist scholars who were sympathetic to the Brinsmead/Ford position.
The major doctrinal issues which united this group were:
1) Righteousness by faith: This group accepted the reformation understanding of righteousness by faith (according to which righteousness by faith includes justification only, and is a judicial act of God whereby He declares sinners to be just on the basis of Christ's own righteousness). Our standing before God rests in the imputed righteousness of Christ, which we receive through faith alone. Sanctification is the accompanying fruit and not the root of salvation.
2) The human nature of Christ: Jesus Christ possessed a sinless human nature with no inclination or propensities toward sin. In that sense, Christ's human nature was like that of Adam's before the fall. Though Christ certainly suffered the limitations of a real man, by nature He was impeccable (i.e., incapable of sin). Jesus was primarily our substitute.
3) The events of 1844: Jesus Christ entered into the most holy place (heaven itself) at His ascension; the sanctuary doctrine and the investigative judgment (traditional literalism and perfectionism) have no basis in Scripture.
4) Assurance of salvation: Our standing and assurance before God rest solely in Christ's imputed righteousness; sinless perfection is not possible this side of heaven. Trusting Christ gives a person assurance.
5) Authority of Ellen G. White: Ellen White was a genuine Christian who possessed a gift of prophecy. However, neither she nor her writings are infallible, and they should not be used as a doctrinal authority. Kenneth Samples, “From Controversy to Crisis: An Updated Assessment of Seventh Day Adventism.”
Then Kenneth Samples continues by identifying the traditional Adventist position on these same doctrines.
The following positions were taken by Traditional Adventism in response to the doctrinal debates:
1) Righteousness by faith: Righteousness by faith included both justification and sanctification. Our standing before God rests both in the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ (God's work for me and in me). Justification is for sins committed in the past only.
2) The human nature of Christ: Jesus Christ possessed a human nature that not only was weakened by sin, but had propensities toward sin itself. His nature was like that of Adam after the fall. Because of His success in overcoming sin, Jesus is primarily our example.
3) The events of 1844: Jesus entered into the second compartment of the heavenly sanctuary for the first time on October 22, 1844, and began an investigative judgment. This judgment is the fulfillment of the second phase of Christ's atoning work.
4) Assurance of salvation: Our standing before God rests in both the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ; assurance of salvation before the judgment is presumptuous. As Jesus, our example showed us, perfect commandment keeping is possible.
5) The authority of Ellen G. White: The spirit of prophecy was manifest in the ministry of Ellen White as a sign of the remnant church. Her writings are inspired counsel from the Lord and authoritative in doctrinal matters. Kenneth Samples, “From Controversy to Crisis: An Updated Assessment of Seventh Day Adventism.”
So here we are. Some of the fundamental differences are clearly defined. In our next editorial, we will reveal the sourcing of the evangelical position.
Cameron A. Bowen
