Difference Between Historic & Mainstream SDAs

Would someone please give me the main differences between the Historic SDA and the mainstream SDA?

Thanks,

Bill

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Dear Bill,

Let me try to explain it. In theory and doctrine there is NO difference. The difference comes in PRACTICE. Imagine a series of concentric circles. Originally the SDA Church was founded with Jesus Christ in the Center, surrounded by the believers, which in turn were surrounded by another circle representing companies or churches, further surrounded by a loose confederation called Conferences and finally the outer circle being the general Conference.

Today, it is completely reversed. We have the President of the GC in the Center, surrounded by Divisions, surrounded by Unions, surrounded by Conferences, surrounded by Churches and finally surrounded by the Members. By the way, where is or what happened to Jesus Christ?

Testimony For The Church, No. 18
pg: 129
pr: 2
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"The church has departed from the light, neglected her duties, abused her high and exalted privileges of being peculiar and holy in character, and thereby dishonored her God, like ancient Israel. They have violated their covenant to live for God and him only. They have joined in with the selfish and world-loving. Pride, the love of pleasure, and sin, are cherished, and Christ has departed. His Spirit has been quenched in the church. Satan works side by side with professed Christians; yet they are so destitute of spirituality and discernment that they do not detect him. They have not the burden of the work. The solemn truths they profess to believe are not a reality to them. They have not genuine faith. Men and women will act out all the faith they in reality possess. By their fruits ye shall know them. Not their profession, but the fruit they bear, shows the character of the true. Many have a form of godliness, their names are upon the church records, but they have a spotted record in Heaven. The recording angel has written deeds. Their acts have been faithfully written. Every selfish act, every wrong word, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling, is faithfully chronicled in the book of records kept by the recording angel."

Look up those words "Christ has departed" in the EGW estate's website http://www.whiteestate.org/search/published_writings.asp  and see how many times Sister White uses that phrase.

What we are dealing with is a Church that refuses to Repent, just as happened in the days of Christ. What were the differences between the established Church and the Church that Christ began during His ministry on earth??? Was it in Theory or in Practice?

The reason there is another group is because the Bible also teaches Corporate Responsibility. This means that it's members are also responsible for the Sins of the Church as well as the Church being responsible for the unchecked sins of its members. A very good example of this can be seen in the story of Achan in Joshua 7. How about Peter telling all the Jews during Pentecost that even though they were not personally present during Christ's crucifixion, that they were equally guilty of His death? (Acts 2)

The Historic Church is not a cure, it is simply a means by which SDAs can worship God in a manner as He dictates we should worship Him and publically expressing our commitment to Him and our separation from those that PROFESS to follow Him but in action are Lukewarm and will be spewed out.

I hope this helps!

God bless

Bob De La Torre

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Dear Bob,

Thank you for your quick response. I think I get the picture now. I may not agree with all of your views but I can understand your concerns.

Thanks again.

Your brother in Christ,
Bill