Adventistische Schriften über: "Elements or symbols of Christianity"

The essential elements of Christianity include faith, baptism, and the sacraments, while primary symbols such as the cross represent the sufferings of Christ. The Scriptures warn that pagan influences or rituals must not be introduced into Christian worship, as this would corrupt the purity of the Gospel. True devotion focuses on a personal relationship with God, rather than on outward observance or the worship of empty symbols.

Symbols of Christianity and a warning against pagan influences

»There is a striking resemblance between the Church of Rome and the Jewish Church at the time of Christ's first advent. While the Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of God's law, they were outwardly rigorous in observing its precepts, burdening them with demands and traditions that made obedience painful and oppressive. As the Jews professed to venerate the law, so Romanists claim to venerate the cross. They exalt the symbol of Christ's sufferings, while in their lives they deny the One it represents. Papists place crosses on their churches, on their altars, and on their clothing. Everywhere the emblem of the cross is seen. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous demands. The Savior's words concerning the Jewish Pharisees apply with even greater force to the Roman leaders: “They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” [.] Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror, fearing the wrath of an offended God, while the dignitaries of the church live in luxury and sensual pleasure. The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the exaltation of the pope are devices of Satan to turn the minds of the people away from God and His Son. To bring about their ruin, he seeks to divert their attention from Him through whom alone they can find salvation. He will direct them to any object that can be substituted for the One who said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” [.]«

1 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 568.2)

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