Dynamic Truth by Rolf Pöhler

Author:Rolf Pöhler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Theologische Hochschule Friedensau
Published: 2020-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

Summary and Conclusion

Seventh-day Adventism is an heir to the apocalyptic revival movement that caught hold of the northeastern parts of the United States in the middle of the nineteenth century. Over the years, it experienced several significant doctrinal revisions with regard to both its fundamental and its distinctive beliefs. In part, these homogeneous as well as heterogeneous changes resulted from hermeneutical readjustments. In time, the church developed rather elaborate Statements of Faith. The general direction of doctrinal changes in Adventism is reflected in an increasing emphasis on orthodox and fundamental Christian doctrines. This has led the church towards a closer identification with evangelical Protestantism and a greater involvement in the contemporary world. An analysis of the social forces at work in the denomination sheds additional light on the phenomenon of doctrinal development within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Whatever significance may accrue to these developments, the changes that have occurred in the theology and fundamental teachings of the church must be seen in relation to the remarkable continuity that has characterized Adventist beliefs until today. At the same time, there can be little doubt that what has happened in several instances in the history of Seventh-day Adventism was more than and different from the mere refinement of its doctrinal heritage or the harmonious unfolding of its faith. In the words of an informed and believing insider,

the young faith continually advanced, not only in numbers but also in understanding. It changed its ideas about organization and the ministry, deepened its understanding of the third angel’s message of Revelation 14, and revised its interpretations of prophecy. It corrected its understanding of Christ and the Trinity, reclaimed the great truth of salvation by grace through faith, and found much else to learn or to unlearn. But while it corrected, amplified, and reclaimed, it never lost touch with its roots, the “waymarks.”

This is the most striking characteristic of Adventism. Without repudiating the past leading of the Lord, it seeks ever to understand better what that leading was. It is always open to better insights and willing to learn – to seek for truth as for hid treasure.727

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