What is the Shut Door doctrine, and why is it no longer taught by the Seventh Day Adventists?
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In the mid-1800's there was a world wide movement that believed based on prophecies in Daniel that Jesus would return in 1844. This group of people,made up of Christians from almost every denomination believed that those who had rejected the message of 1844 had the door of mercy shut on them based on a passage in Revelation about the door being shut and no one could open.\n\nOnce it was evident that Jesus was not coming in 1844, further study revealed that the event that was to happen in 1844 was not the return of Jesus to this earth but the movement of Jesus from ministry in the holy place into the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, there to begin the judgment. It was this door that was opened and the one to the holy place that was shut. \n\nHowever, Adventist still believe that the day will come when the judgment is finished. Jesus will leave the heavenly sanctuary to prepare to return to this earth. During that time, there will be no advocate between man and God. Every case will be decided for eternity, \n\nHe that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. \nRevelation 22:11\n\nAt that time, man's probationary period will be closed. The door of opportunity will shut for those who have rejected the truth. When Jesus comes again every case will already be decided, for His reward is with Him. The final plagues have fallen on the wicked. How will we know who are wicked if the judgment has not already happened. The wheat will have been separated from the tares, the sheep from the goats, and it will be too late to change your mind. It is this close of probation that Adventist thought happened in 1844. Now they realize the close of probation is at the end of the judgment that is now going on in the sanctuary of heaven.
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As one of Jehovah's witnesses, I can honestly tell you that yes going door to door is part of being a JW and that every one of us does it. The reason we go from door to door is a biblica command. Since you dont want quotes i won't put it here but there is a biblical reason for everything we practice including going from door to door. If you ask any Jehovah's Witness they can show you from your own bible. If you don't want Jehovah's Witnesses knocking on your door just tell them. We respect the wishes of others and if you ask us not to come back then we wont. I hope that answers your question.
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Mormon founder Joseph Smith was a mason, and much of the Latter Day Saints ritual and secret ceremony that takes place behind closed doors is extremely similar to it.  \n\nEven though Jehovah Witness founder Charles Taze Russell based most of their doctrine from what he learned when he was with the group that is now known as the Seventh Day Adventists, Russell also dabbled into the spirit ism realm, and probably did use similar methods that Masonry has to get his new, "divine revelation" (I use the term sarcastically.  I am a Born-Again Christian, who believes that both groups are cultic).  Russell even sought the means of well known spiritist Horace Greber, by having him go into a trance, and then give the interpretation for what is now the Jehovah Witnesses "Studies in the Scriptures" Bible.  Its interpretation of John 1:1 (...and the word was a god) clearly violates the proper Greek rendering of the passage, which is, "...and the Word was with God, for God was the Word"\n\nIN RESPONSE TO THE GIRL ANSWERING AFTER ME........\n\nI did not say the Watchtower has secret rituals.  My point was that Russell got his NWT translation from a spiritist.  As far as me not having a clue about your organization, well, I have been around long enough to have seen your "infallible governing body" have to backtrack on things they have said many times.  I was a young teenager in 1975, when they proclaimed that Armeggedon was definetely going to happen that year.  I know the organization will tell you that is not true, but I had many Jehovah Witness teenagers hand me tracks and try to convince me it was going to happen before the year was over (I was a freshman in High School at the time).  This is not the only time the Watchtower has missed the mark on this subject.  On the basis of Dueteronomy 18:21-24, the Watchtower, as well as its people (I know they teach that all of its members are prophets of Jehovah) are not to be feared!!\n\nHave you ever thought about why they don't want you to read or listen to anyone outside of Jehovah's organization?  It is because they do not want you to know the truth about their history.  Paul was not offended in Acts 17:10-15, when the Bereans searched the scriptures to see if what he was saying to them was really true.  \n\nI don't know how old you are, but, I challenge you to break outside of the controlled mindset of the Watchtower to do an independent study of the history of the organization you belong to.  They have manipulated many, made false predictions about Armegeddon, and use the control tactics of not letting you listen to anyone else so as that they do not get exposed for who they really are.  I have done this study on your organization, and, if you would like, I would be more then happy to email you my studies.  But, until you can say that you have researched the matter on your own, please do not say that I do not know what I am talking about.
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i had the same problem. just put a note on the door saying "mormons and jehovahs, please leave me alone" i did and it worked!
135002
The keep the sabeth on Saturday from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday similiar to Jewish. Christ rose again on Sunday so Christians switched to using Sunday.\nI know Seventh Day Adventists tend to be vegitarians, rather strict/serious about their beliefs such as no working(or play) on the sabeth.
635957
Depends on what your definition of "cult" is. Seventh-Day Adventists definitely consider themselves Christian, but they do have some very unique teachings and Biblical interpretations that no other Christian Church has. If you hold very specific beliefs about what is the "proper" or "true" definition of Christianity, you might very well \ndefine SDAs as a cult--i.e., they likely won't conform to your belief system.\n\nMy definition of a cult is based on the intensity of its indoctrination, strength of the hold it has on its adherents, and to what degree it literally controls every aspect of its members lives. Although I was fairly well indoctrinated while growing up SDA, and still have some fairly strong issues about it, I don't consider it a cult. I cannot agree with the theology of SDAs in particular, nor traditional Christianity in general, so I left the church as soon as I was grown. There was no particular difficulty in doing this--merely relief. For those people who have difficulty leaving, it is often because of the loss of identity and friends, not because of any "cultish" hold the church has on them.\n\nJust as with any other evangelical Christian denomination, the SDAs hold that their particular belief system is the only true way to practice Christianity. They are very inflexible when it comes to their doctrine, but there is currently much discussion and dissent going on, despite efforts from the church headquarters to discourage this.\n\nIf you would like to learn more about this question of "SDAs--cult or not", try going to the Former Adventist Friendship Forum at \n\nhttp://64.227.85.187/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi\n \nJust click on "discussion." This is a very hot topic right now with the former SDAs. Or try this link\n\nhttp://www.christiandiscussionforums.org/v/forumdisplay.php?f=31\n\nfor discussions by current SDAs.
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keep reading, that sounds like Scientology. Christians don't think like that, rather it is not what is taught, where did you read this anyway?
130743
Interesting question. I don't know, but if I had to guess I'd say it's because its basic premises have either been disproved or become accepted as basic tenets and thefore don't need promoting or defending any more.
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Judaism and Seventh-day Adventists. And yes, Seventh-day Adventists restrain from work on Sabbath, using that day for studying the word of God, getting closer to Him, their families and friends. I think Baptists of the Seventh Day also observe the Sabbath – I apologize if this is not the right name of your denomination. Also, I hope there are many, many people who do not fall into denominations and do not go to church, but have realized the truth about this matter by reading their bibles. Blessed they all be and all those who continue to search. \nThere is not a single verse in the bible which can confirm that Sunday substituted Sabbath. Romans, who were pagans and worshiped many gods, considered 6th day as the most important day, as it was the day of Sun (Lucifer uses this name to hide himself – observe: Lux in the Latin means the light – in this case false). When Constantine accepted Christianity, he compromised a lot, not having accepted all the truth from Bible and not being true Christian at all. At first, people observed both Sunday and Sabbath (that’s the origin of the weekend), without understanding the meaning of Sabbath and breaking God’s law, because, you will remember, God said that we shall WORK on six days and observe the seventh. Later, Sunday seemed to be more important, cause, to Romans god of Sun was more important that than the true God, Jesus Christ. When the Christianity started to spread to other countries, Sunday had been already established as the day of worshipping and the truth about Sabbath was less and less visible. But it never died. It was burning in the hearts of men who wanted to be loyal to God 100%. \nThanks for asking this question and read bible for more info.\nP.S. \nAs I was typing this answer, my pc restarted all of sudden without any (visible) cause. I am sorry, but the truth will be revealed.\nanother P.S. \nI will copy/paste something from Plato's answer:\n"It is also interesting to note that even today, in many historically predominant Catholic countries throughout Europe, all calendars begin with Monday and end with Sunday in order to make Sunday both the Christian day of worship and the seventh Day of the week".
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JW heaven...\nAll those doors and no one to chase them off.\nOr would it be a form of hell for them?\nTormented by perpetual knocking and no one to convert...
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A Quick Introduction to \nSeventh-day Adventism \n\nSeventh-day Adventism has long been a misunderstood group. This is because beginning in the 1950's they began to seek acceptance by evangelical, born-again Christians. They opened up a dialogue with Walter Martin at Donald Grey Barnhouse's insistence. What followed was a stunning piece of public relations work that began a cover-up of the real truths of Adventism. Adventists desperately want to be accepted so that they may proselytize Christians. You may find the following information to be informative and helpful.\n\nSEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS HAVE A FALSE PROPHETESS - Ellen G. White. Adventists officially state, "As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth and provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction" "The Dallas Statement 17" (emphasis supplied). Ellen White's writings are called the "Spirit of Prophecy" and "The Testimony of Jesus". She is considered by Adventists to be as inspired as Bible writers. Her writings are considered to be as inspired as the Bible. Space does not permit us to show her many false prophecies but documentation is available. She is the authoress of the books quoted below. Her writings represent current Adventist beliefs. Speaking of her writings she said, "The testimonies are of the Spirit of God or of the Devil" Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 230.\n\nTHE CULTIC DOCTRINES OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM\n\n1). THE ATONEMENT IS NOT COMPLETE\n\n"The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel sin....It will stand in the sanctuary until the final atonement" Patriarchs and Prophets, P. 357 (emphasis added).\n\n"Now while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ" The Great Controversy, p. 623 (emphasis added).\n\n"...instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonement preparatory to His coming" The Great Controversy, p. 422 (emphasis added).\n\n\n2). BELIEVERS ENTER INTO A JUDGMENT OF WORKS WHICH DETERMINES THEIR SALVATION\n\n"At the time appointed for the judgment.... All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are to be judged "out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" The Great Controversy, P. 486 (emphasis added).\n\n"Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living" Early Writings, p. 280 (emphasis added).\n\n"So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God" The Great Controversy, p. 480 (emphasis added).\n\n"as the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth....Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance" The Great Controversy, p. 483 (emphasis added). See John 5:24; Romans 8:1\n\n\n3). WORKS PLUS GRACE EQUALS SALVATION\n\n"The judgment is to set, the books are to be opened, and we are to be judged according to our deeds" Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 100 (emphasis added). Remember, this is a judgment of works for salvation, not for rewards.\n\n&
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You do not even consider that they are right do you?  We are the only religion that goes door to door to teach bible truths. Mormons go door to door but know nothing about the bible, only about their own.  We do this same work all over the world. Does that not even make you think that we might be sent by God?  If he did not approve of us, would our religion continue?  It is very difficult to go door to door, but with Gods Holy Spirit you can do anything.  The bible says that this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to ALL the nations, and then the end will come. Matt 24:14.  Who does this work besides us? Our religion is growing beyond any other religion, so it must have Gods blessing.  We teach love, honor and respect for all people.  Does any other religion teach that? If they do, do the people follow that advise?  At least we are not out shooting people like members of other religions are.  So, if you want to do something funny to the Witnesses, try telling them the truth for once instead of hiding behind your doors or laughing at them from the windows.  Jesus and the apostles faced the same ignorance when they went door to door. \n\nHere is something to think about from Matthew 10:\n11 “Into whatever city or village YOU enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until YOU leave. 12 When YOU are entering into the house, greet the household; 13 and if the house is deserving, let the peace YOU wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from YOU return upon YOU. 14 Wherever anyone does not take YOU in or listen to YOUR words, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off YOUR feet. 15 Truly I say to YOU, It will be more endurable for the land of Sod′om and Go·mor′rah on Judgment Day than for that city.
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Amen!\n\nJOHN 14:6\n    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.\n \nMATTHEW 7:14\n    Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.\n \nPROVERBS 14:12\n    There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.\n \nTo know more click here...\nhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/bibletruths_forbelievers/
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimson_Doctrine\n\nare you asking for the answer or to see if anyone knows?
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Think this is a good answer to your question.  It is taken from the web-site, the season.org.  Go there sometime for more insite.\n\nRevelation 3:6 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."\n\nDo you understand that these are the SEVEN types of churches that Jesus is calling your attention to that exist in these Latter Days? Remember, there are only TWO of them that our Lord calls His own? The first was the church at Smyrna; the church which knew all about the "KENITES", and were not deceived by them. The second church that our Lord called His own, is the next; the church of Philadelphia. \n\nRevelation 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Phil-a-del-phi-a write; These things saith He that is Holy, He that is True, He that Hath the KEY of David, He that Openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;\n\nJesus Christ has only good words to say about the Philadelphia church. It is important for us to understand this verse. This church of Philadelphia held the "Key of David". They knew who the "KENITES" were, thus they were able to understand all truths [ Hidden Manna ] of God's Word. That "Key of David" allowed them to unlock all doors of deception laid before them by any man, and that includes Satan, or his offspring [the Kenites]. \n\nPhiladelphia was and is a church of love and charity, and full of the understanding of all the wisdom and truth in God's Word. Philadelphia's Faith is made real through her Works. Does your church align with the church of Philadelphia? \n\nRevelation 3:8 "I know thy WORKS: behold, I have set before thee an Open Door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name."\n\nWhen God opens the Door so you can see into His Truth, it's a Blessing. With just a little strength from God, anything is possible. When you know the Truth of God's Word, you will never follow any man's tradition that go against the Word of God, or be tempted by the Antichrist, or his system.
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This is a delicate subject, not because it is secret, but because it is sacred. But I can tell you the following:\n\nIn the temple, holy truths are taught and solemn covenants are made in the name of Jesus Christ, both by the individual members on their own behalf and as proxies on behalf of others who have died (the latter have the choice in the spirit world to accept or reject such vicarious service). Various ordinances including baptisms for the dead, washings and anointings, endowments, and sealings are performed inside the temple. In the endowment, participants watch and hear figurative presentations in which scenes are acted out, depicting why the earth was created and how one may come to dwell again in God's presence. The words of the endowment set forth eternal principles to be used in solving life's dilemmas, and they mark the way to become more Christlike and progressively qualify to live with God.\n\nTemple participants also make covenants and receive promises and blessings. Sealings consist of temple marriages and the sealings of families that are solemnized for time and eternity. Members generally receive their endowment shortly before serving a mission or being married. In order to enter a dedicated temple, members must be worthy, present a temple recommend from their Church leaders, and men must hold the Melchizedek priesthood. Latter-day Saints do not talk about the details of the temple ceremony outside the temple because they are sacred. The temple is an ideal place to worship through meditation, renewal, prayer, and quiet service.
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according to #12 in your question, the power is given only to "seal" up to eternal life those persons identified by the God the Father, in otherwords, God is directing the process, and anything contrary to what He appoints doesn't count. - sealing is not really the same thing as granting salvation.  Salvation comes through the Lord.\n\nAs for temple rites, they are not secret.  They are SACRED.  that means very special and important, and of God - so they ought not to be spoken of carelessly.  everyone is welcome to go to the temple, as soon as they have prepared.\n\n[as for that stuff on tv, etc (that some individuals answering earlier have referred to) - please.  that stuff is so not true.  and the people perpetuating those false ideas know it.  and God knows it, and he knows they know it.\n\nif you want to learn about mormonism, inquire from current authorities in mormonism.  to use an analogy, what kind of information about american history or culture do you think you would get if, instead of talking to americans, you asked Al Qaida?  come on, now, people.]\n\nGod lives.  He is concerned about my welfare and yours, and wants us to do well and be happy.   He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die on our behalf, and who was resurrected, so that we would have the opportunities of salvation.  Only through Christ we all will live again, and we can, if we follow him, obtain joy and happiness for eternity.\n\nBest Wishes on your journey.