Former SDA Pastor Apologizes for Teaching "the Trinity"

[lotrob]

Apology and Confession 
Apology and Confession of Adrian Ebens
former Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Psalms 51:1,2 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

January 19, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Adventist Covenant Fellowship

I am writing to you under the conviction of the need to apologise. In my position as a minister of the Seventh-day Adventist church and as the director of Maranatha Media, I have held a position of influence and I have used these positions to support and promote teachings that are not Biblical.

In the year of 2007, through a series of providential events, I was convicted that the doctrine of the Trinity as expressed in the 28 Fundamentals of Seventh-day Adventists could not be supported by Scripture and is in fact a violation of the Commandments of God, most notably the first four commandments.

From my study of Scripture and prayer I found that God had laid a solid foundation for the Adventist movement through the conviction of its leaders that Jesus is in fact the very Son of God, not in symbol but in reality. I learnt that God is indeed the Father of Jesus and that Christ has received everything that He possesses by inheritance. In having this Son, I have found with great joy that I have life and have it abundantly.

I was also convicted that my belief in the Trinity as expressed in the 28 Fundamentals was offensive to God and the Spirit of repentance was given to me to confess my sin. I wept for this sin of breaking the Father

[Raven]

I saw this on another forum.  Very sad.  I've never understood how a SDA minister can lose his way on a doctrine as clear as this one.  Why would Jesus tell us to baptize in the name of the the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," if they weren't 3 individuals?  The scene depicted at Christ's baptism, where the Father spoke, and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove--this also makes no sense if the Godhead does not consist of 3 individuals.  If there were no other texts than these, it would be clear enough.

In taking this position this poor deluded man is not only rejecting Scripture, but also implying that Ellen White was a false prophet.

[Larry Lyons]

It is tragic. Not only for him, but for those who he may lead astray. I understand that he has been relieved of his ministerial credentials. I would ask the gentleman why is it that he did not voluntarily give them up in 2007 when he first came to his new belief? His "apology" should have been to the church for his unethical behavior in continuing to accept a salary whlie not believing in a key doctrine of the church.

I applaud the "Brethren" for taking away his crediantials as a Seventh-day Adventist minister, but I have a problem with the fact that he continues to be a member of the church and promotes and teaches his unbiblical view on his website. That should be cause for disfellowship. It seems to me that the identity of Jesus Christ is a salvational issue. I am not certain of this, but I suspect that giving up belief in the Trinity is usually a step towards giving up other important teachings and leaving the church.

[lotrob]

I saw this on another forum.  Very sad.  I've never understood how a SDA minister can lose his way on a doctrine as clear as this one.  Why would Jesus tell us to baptize in the name of the the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," if they weren't 3 individuals?  The scene depicted at Christ's baptism, where the Father spoke, and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove--this also makes no sense if the Godhead does not consist of 3 individuals.  If there were no other texts than these, it would be clear enough.

In taking this position this poor deluded man is not only rejecting Scripture, but also implying that Ellen White was a false prophet.

Yes, Raven, I'm sure this has made/will make it's forum and email rounds.  I agree with you fully and add 1 John 5:7 as a single scripture which seals the 3 person Godhead ("these three are one"), and add Acts 5: 3-4 that would be most deceitful if the Holy Spirit does not exist and is not fully God "lied to the Holy Ghost . . .lied . . . unto God."  Surely, we are in the last days and Jesus is bracing to "stand up".  

[Deborah Risinger]

 

[Raven]

I I am not certain of this, but I suspect that giving up belief in the Trinity is usually a step towards giving up other important teachings and leaving the church.

I was thinking along the same lines.  He is on very dangerous ground.

[lotrob]

Dear friends.
This is Adrian Ebens here, the man who wrote that apology. . . ., I was looking to see if there would be a comment that you wanted to pray for me . . .
Secondly - Can you follow the Bible injunction to Prove all things. . . .  and follow what the Bible says

. . . Adrian Ebens

Hi Bro Ebens,

Well, I am praying for you and pray you will contrinue to ask God to lead you to all truth too and not be satisfied in yourself that you have "proved all things' on the Godhead, particularly since your conclusion is contrary to scripture and  it appears you have abandoned the gift of the spirit of prophecy in your studies on the Godhead.  I believe we come to a point when investigation is no longer necessary when in fact all of God's inspiried word has led to the conclusion on a matter rather than just some of it.  All of God's messages are truth from both the Bible and the SOP in my grounded and settled belief.  As I followed the train of truth and was led by the Holy Spirit on the Godhead, I am convinced and convicted that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons and these three are one in nature, character, mind, purpose, accord, . . . they are God in three persons and Jesus is not a created being.  A third of the angels investigated further whether there was truth in Satan's lies and were expelled from heaven.  So did Eve.  Praise God it is also our choice to investigate further . . . or not.  I choose not to  spend my short time further investigating your conclusion.  If the reasons for what you believe came from ALL truth, perhaps my choice might be different.  I sincerely believe I am following what the Bible says too.

Sis Lottie

[Larry Lyons]

Amen Lottie.

[Agatha]

Quote from: aebens on January 20, 2010, 01:08:24 AM
Dear friends.
This is Adrian Ebens here, the man who wrote that apology. . . ., I was looking to see if there would be a comment that you wanted to pray for me . . .
Secondly - Can you follow the Bible injunction to Prove all things. . . .  and follow what the Bible says

. . . Adrian Ebens

Adrian, my friend - yes, there is a comment that we wish to pray for you and with you. Thing is: I have been praying for you for years and will not stop now, especially now.

Seventh-day Adventist discussion boards typically do not allow for open discussions that are not in line with what the church teaches or at least none should allow it - not ever. This is not something new but it is a measure to protect and preserve those who remain. It is what the watchmen do. I know you understand that - you have a pastor's heart. A better avenue would be to gather together trusted friends, close proven friends with whom to discuss this rather than such an open arena as a discussion board. Nothing but hurt can come from such an open discussion. Do keep that in mind as as people learn of your apology and confession. This is shocking and has taken so very many by surprise. Compassion can be shown coming and going. What you require is required of us. Consider the shock while we consider our beloved brother in such a time as this.

In Christ, your sister, Agatha

[Soli Deo Gloria]

I applaud the "Brethren" for taking away his crediantials as a Seventh-day Adventist minister, but I have a problem with the fact that he continues to be a member of the church and promotes and teaches his unbiblical view on his website. That should be cause for disfellowship. It seems to me that the identity of Jesus Christ is a salvational issue. I am not certain of this, but I suspect that giving up belief in the Trinity is usually a step towards giving up other important teachings and leaving the church.

The apostle Paul as well as Jesus made it clear that it is a salvational issue. Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees in John 8 when Jesus clearly affirmed that he was God, and the pharisees took up stones to stone him. Jesus said that those who rejected his words were:

44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
--------------
They were rejecting Jesus as God, and therefore those who do this are of their father the devil

Paul in 2 Cor 11:4 talked about those who teach a different Jesus:

4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
----------------------
If this man denies that Jesus is God and co-eternal with the Father, then he is preaching a different Jesus, than the Jesus of the Bible, and therefore a false gospel.

Stan

[ejclark]

I applaud the "Brethren" for taking away his crediantials as a Seventh-day Adventist minister, but I have a problem with the fact that he continues to be a member of the church and promotes and teaches his unbiblical view on his website. That should be cause for disfellowship. It seems to me that the identity of Jesus Christ is a salvational issue. I am not certain of this, but I suspect that giving up belief in the Trinity is usually a step towards giving up other important teachings and leaving the church.

We are counseled that time should be taken with our brothers in error.  Something like this is probably not relearned quickly.  If after ample time of studying with his ministerial leaders he still holds his contradictory beliefs, then will be the time that he will probably want to leave the church and go somewhere that supports his way of thinking.  If he is dealt with too quickly, the fall out effects can go beyond just him.  Others might fall out with him, that might not after satisfactory study time is spent. 

As far as his website goes, all the more reason not to act too hastily.  Acting too hastily in light of his website would cause even greater collateral damage.  Not only for him but for others around him.

[Larry Lyons]

We are counseled that time should be taken with our brothers in error.  Something like this is probably not relearned quickly.  If after ample time of studying with his ministerial leaders he still holds his contradictory beliefs, then will be the time that he will probably want to leave the church and go somewhere that supports his way of thinking.  If he is dealt with too quickly, the fall out effects can go beyond just him.  Others might fall out with him, that might not after satisfactory study time is spent. 

As far as his website goes, all the more reason not to act too hastily.  Acting too hastily in light of his website would cause even greater collateral damage.  Not only for him but for others around him.

Ej, he has been discussing this with church leaders for quite some time. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us that if someone thinks they have new light, they should first take it to mature, godly members who have been in the church for for some time and who are astute Bible students.  This he did. He took it to the "brethren" that is the Bible Research Institute of the South Pacific Division and laid it out before them. They found that his position was biblically unsupportable and did not agree with his conclusions. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us that if the brethren do not find that there is merit to the suppsed "new light" then the person should to drop it. Mr. Ebens is not willing to follow this admonition from the Spirit of Prophecy.  I do not see that an internet open discussion as an appropriate venue to engage in dialog with someone in this kind of situation. He has already spent time with Bible  scholars who did not convince him. It is extremely unlikely we would. He is currently in contact with at least two very competant and loving Christian people, one who knows him personally, and one Adventist pastor who has had good success in bringing people back to the church who have left. 

I agree with what Stan posted. This is a serious matter. We have had experience on this forum with other anti-trinitarians. In one case a very aggressive one convinced at least one of our members to accept that teaching. I think that person left the church. He is no longer at his job at an Adventist school. It makes no sense to give someone like that access to the forum.

[ejclark]

I understand what you are saying Larry.  From the way the story is developing here on the forum, it appears as something fairly recently occurring.  If his credentials were only recently retracted, then it appears as if the process of reclaiming him has just now begun.

It makes no sense to give someone like that access to the forum.

I agree, I think my comment was aimed at his website, not this one.

Something else along this line, you state that people teaching things opposing Adventist beliefs shouldn't be allowed to use this forum to promote their views; and I completely agreed.  So what about people who openly disagree with Adventist doctrine, they don't directly teach their opposing views; but you know their differences against Adventist doctrine effect other things they do promote?  For instance, I've been told that there are some posting here who don't believe in the Sanctuary message and Investigative Judgment message as taught by Adventists.  If they don't believe in these as we do, then are we to think that these differences don't filter over into other topics?  The Sanctuary message as we believe it is such a foundational pillar that other doctrines rest on, how could this not cause controversy in other areas?  Should it be considered that this would be grounds for exclusion from this forum as well?

[God is Good]

As far as I'm concerned. Those who come here should be SDAs who believe in ALL 28 Fundamentals. Just my two cents.

[Larry Lyons]

The rules for particiipating are posted. You can always complain to the pastor if you think that they are not strict or exclusive enough.  But would that mean people would have to send in a notarized baptism certificate and a statement from thier pastor that they are currently a member in good standing before they can register? And what purpose would it serve? Are Seventh-day Adventists the only people worth having a conversation with?

There are many Adventists in good standing who do not adhere to the 28 FBs even though they claim to believe them. There are many SDAs who do not manifest Spirit of Jesus Christ or exemplify the fruit of the Spirit as they post on SDA forums. It is something to keep in mind as we discuss various things, that there are almost always unregistered guests who read only. They could be Adventist or non Adventist. The attitude we display as we dialog with one another can either attact a person or repel them.