October 7th, 2009 Non-Adventists and important Christian insights
(This post is a follow-up to the previous blog post. Please note also that, while we welcome participation by others from the internet, one of the chief reasons for the existence of this blog is to encourage discussion in particular among our Bonners Ferry church members here in Idaho, few of which have so far posted.)
Hello again, everyone. Let us keep in mind that there are both legitimate and illegitimate aspects of Christianity held by believers and churches beside the Seventh-day Adventist. Baptists baptize by immersion, and so do we; it is the biblically-endorsed mode. As a denomination, we accept the immersion baptisms of non-Adventists and permit them to become members through profession of faith. Again, other groups share similar views to our own with regard to the principle of religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Seventh-Day Baptists share with us our convictions regarding the observance of the Sabbath. In some cases we hold views very close to the views of other churches with regard to particular points of salvation emphasis, the Second Coming, missions, or even church standards.
My point is that it is important for us to know that while God has charged us in particular to lead the charge with Present Truth, many of our neighbors are sincerely following the light they have so far had, or some aspects of it. There are places we can build mutual understanding and appreciation from, with Mennonites, Methodists, Mormons, and others. We can and should be living examples of kindness to these, even as we recognize that our own responsibility before God for living the distinct faith He has shown us is very great.
Can we practice both? Kindness and appreciation for the sincerity of others and the deep meaning their own religious faith has for them, and at the same time, a firm resolve to be living examples of Christlikeness and of living and giving the Third Angel’s Message? If so, where are the potential risks and pitfalls? And how can thoughtful behavior bring others to a place where they are more ready to consider that maybe we have something to offer them?