Sabbatarians (primarily Adventists) hide behind a cloak of obfuscation. Words, terms, and concepts are thrown about, without any fixed, concrete definition of what they mean. Should you attempt to debate them based on a particular definition, they simply shift the narrative by shifting the definitions. Should you attempt to pin them down on what they mean through the usage of a word, they will refuse, often by not even responding.
The Decalogue is defined by them as “moral” law, yet they never, ever, define what constitutes a “moral” law. Nor do they ever provide any credible, biblical evidence that backs up the claim they are “moral” law any more than they do when it comes to “ceremonial” law, treated in like fashion.
Sin is “defined” by them as any transgression of the “moral” law, thereby further constructing a theology based on loosely defined concepts. Actual, solid, biblically derived definitions are simply ignored as if they do not exist, and if cited by others, they are not acknowledges as relevant.
“Law” is not defined based on context. It is defined as needed to support the established theology and belief system. This same process is applied to other key words within Sabbatarianism such as commandment(s), Sabbath.
This is not limited to biblical words, terms, and concepts. Take the term “Sunday keeper” often cited as a pejorative. “Sunday” normally is understood and defined to mean the first day of the week in the widely used Roman calendar. However, it takes on a completely different meaning within Sabbatarianism, where is it associated with sun worship on that day, so that a “Sunday keeper” is often defined as one who worships the sun on that day; not God and definitely not the “Sun of Righteousness” referenced in Malachi.
(Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
This practice of the redefinition of words, terms, and concepts is a dynamic process, invoked when necessary to validate their belief system, or in order to disparage and condemn a belief system outside their own.
“Sunday worshiper” is not defined as one who worships God on a Sunday. It shifts to mean one who worships the sun on Sunday, regardless of what those who worship on Sundays believe.
“Sabbath keeper” is defined as one who keeps the Sabbath, resting on that day, as well as worshiping God on that day in a corporate setting, and never defined in like fashion as how “Sunday keeper” is defined, where “Sabbath keeper” is linked to “Saturday” and does not shift to ever mean the worship of Saturn. The methodology employed only applies to “Sunday” and never “Saturday” with this never ending hypocritical process.
Law does not always refer to the old(er) covenant law, but that is the preferred ‘default’ definition so that there is no “other” law.
Likewise the word “commandment” is similarly treated. Jesus gave commandments that Adventists insist are associated already with old covenant commandments. Point out the inconsistency of this position, and they simply conclude the inconsistency is with you; not them.
By controlling the language, any debate; any dialogue of disagreement is curtailed. Copernicus and Galileo ran afoul of the prevailing beliefs and religion of their time where the prevailing beliefs included a flat earth and the planets and sun revolving around the earth, with enough supporting “evidence” to convince just about anyone.
Welcome then to the Renaissance of the religious dark ages.
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It is important that you understand; Everything on this blog is based on the current understanding of each author. Never take anyone's word for it, always prove it for yourself, it is your responsibility. You cannot ride someone else's coattail into the Kingdom. ; )
Acts 17:11
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