Thanks for the welcome everyone. I've been reading through the Hebrew Sanctuary posts and had not returned to this one until now. My apologies for not replying sooner.
I'm finding a few of the essential SDA teachings difficult to support biblically -- especially those concerning the Sanctuary related teachings -- but I'm still trying to follow the example of the Bereans, receiving them readily and then studying to see if they are biblically supported (Acts 17:11). I'm refraining from posting here much as I do not wish to appear like a negative influence: I understand and respect that this forum is primarily for those who already hold Adventist beliefs.
A bit more about me just to explain where I'm coming from with my ongoing sojourn: In 1969 I gave my life and heart to God at the alter of a Missionary Baptist church in North Georgia (U.S.A.). Since that evening my life has been devoted to better knowing and serving God. Not wanting to be overly biased by my upbringing, to this end, I have studied most of the world's religions "from the inside out" so as to understand them as much as possible from the perspective of the Believer (rather than just intellectually). I hold a couple of Christian ordinations (Baptist and Cavalry Chapel), an Interfaith ordaination and various comparable achievements in other religions. My quest continues.
I have now concluded to my satisfaction that the Bible is the most authoritative religious scripture on Earth, that the God of the Bible established a covenant with all people (through Noah) and later chose the Jews as His Elect and specially Chosen ambassadors -- as the "apples of His eye." That He established an eternal and unbreakable covenant with the Jewish people, through whom He will, within the generation of 1947 (or perhaps 1968) complete all the prophecies and establish His Kingdom on earth ("as it is in Heaven"). I am further convinced that Y'shua (Jesus) will return to Earth physically as he promised, take his seat on the Throne of David, fulfill the Messianic prophecies, and establish this Theocratic Kingdom: else why are we to pray: Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on EARTH as it is in Heaven"?
I've pretty much always known (and taught) Shabbat, the Sabbath, is the only biblical day of worship and so this makes me favorably disposed toward the SDA denomination (as well as the older Seventh Day Baptist denomination -- who do not have any congregations in the area where I now live). That to me is obvious from Genesis 2:3 onward.
I've looked into the SDA in the past (especially while living on Maui and in Berkeley in the 80's). There is a great deal (including Sabbath observance and the rejection of the Pagan-based Hell teaching) that I agree with here. Frankly however the SDA Sanctuary teachings have seemed so unbiblical to me on the surface that I did not do the thorough study they require if I am to understand them properly. I am now seeking to remedy this. I especially have issues with the SDA understandings of "the Daily" the two desecrations, the interpretation of the thousand two hundred and threescore days prophecy and the teaching that Daniel 9:27 is not referring to a final seven year tribulation period that will occur as the "Times of the Gentiles" draws to a close which to me is very clear. These are the main points I am seeking to understand about Adventist doctrine. So I am now seeking to understand these foundational SDA teachings as understood in the Hebrew Sanctuary (as suggested by Richard). Perhaps that will shed light on these things.
Thanks for reading this. I invite everyone's thoughts and suggestions, either through this site or via e-mail.
