How many religions...(Discussion Moved to Christ Thread)

[crawlerdan]

I think that I'm going to start going back to church since one of my best friends just past away on Saturday from a motorcycle accident. It really got me sturd up, he was only 23.

its times like thes when you realize whats important, and that you only have one direction to go, up. i loved justin just like you bud, well all miss him, im prayin for you and his family, talk at ya later buddy, hang in there, remember that he would have wanted you to do a 4 wheel burnout in his memory, or something---dan

[BLACKDOG]

I think that I'm going to start going back to church since one of my best friends just past away on Saturday from a motorcycle accident. It really got me sturd up, he was only 23.

Sorry to hear about your friend.

[blackdiamond]

I ordered a book online called Miracle in History that was very interesting.  Here is the website:

http://www.accessv.com/~rjchin/index.htm

It shows several mathematical comparisons between different Biblical timelines.  I'm not sure what I think about it yet, but it seems quite reasonable to me so far.  It is pretty cool and amazing that someone actually figured it out.  The Book also shows that you can trace history back to Abraham between the Bible and secular history.  It took a few weeks to arrive, but an interesting read when it did.

[yotaboy79]

wow just now found this thread, i dont have a religion its just never interested me i dont know if there is a god or not and onestly i dont realy care id rather spend my life enjoying what i do and doing what i injoy i dont wanna take time out of my life to worship some one when i dont even know if the person im worshiping even realy exists. i dont have a problem with religion if some one believes in one and it makes them happy then i respect that and im happy for them, i personaly just dont see a point but thats just me

[blackdiamond]

Bump - This topic is starting to drop to the bottom and we need to keep it going.  When I get more time I plan to pass along something new that I heard this weekend...mostly unrelated to anything on the thread so far.

[crawlerdan]

wanna discuss the mark of the beast? i got a great idea

[*FFC*]

wanna discuss the mark of the beast? i got a great idea

I think you just opened a huge can of worms 

[crawlerdan]

na, i think that most will agree with what i think

[*FFC*]

na, i think that most will agree with what i think

[blackdiamond]

I would be ok with the "mark" as a new topic.  This time FFC won't be way behind 

[*FFC*]

I would be ok with the "mark" as a new topic.  This time FFC won't be way behind 

Yeah I'll admit I kinda like..... completely slacked off at about page 2

[blackdiamond]

Before we get started on the Mark of the Beast, here is a summary of what my pastor spoke on this Sabbath (Saturday).

In Revelation the "bad" church is referred to as a harlot, why is this symbol used?  In the Bible is talks about how a woman is bound to her husband until his death and is then, and only then, free to marry another.  In the literal sense, a woman who is intimate with another man while still bound to her husband is a harlot.  Many people think that when Christ died the laws were nailed to the cross, the law was done away with.  In reality, when Christ died the sacrifice was made that allows us to be saved and not be slaves to sin.  When we are baptized by submersion, at least in the Adventist church, it symbolizes dying (going into the water) and be resurrected a new person in Christ (coming out of the water or "grave").  Satan is the prince of this world and when we are born he is our "ruler," we are born into sin with a sinful nature.  We we are baptized our sinful nature "dies" and are then free to marry another, Christ.  The harlot church consists of the people who have not died in Christ.

I realize that this isn't presented very well, but I think most will get the idea.  It makes sense to me.   

[BLACKDOG]

Before we get started on the Mark of the Beast, here is a summary of what my pastor spoke on this Sabbath (Saturday).

In Revelation the "bad" church is referred to as a harlot, why is this symbol used?  In the Bible is talks about how a woman is bound to her husband until his death and is then, and only then, free to marry another.  In the literal sense, a woman who is intimate with another man while still bound to her husband is a harlot.  Many people think that when Christ died the laws were nailed to the cross, the law was done away with.  In reality, when Christ died the sacrifice was made that allows us to be saved and not be slaves to sin.  When we are baptized by submersion, at least in the Adventist church, it symbolizes dying (going into the water) and be resurrected a new person in Christ (coming out of the water or "grave").  Satan is the prince of this world and when we are born he is our "ruler," we are born into sin with a sinful nature.  We we are baptized our sinful nature "dies" and are then free to marry another, Christ.  The harlot church consists of the people who have not died in Christ.

I realize that this isn't presented very well, but I think most will get the idea.  It makes sense to me.   

never heard the "harlot church" thing before, but that is also what baptists beleive, about the death symbolized by gettin dunked, and a new life starts when you come outta the water

[*FFC*]

Before we get started on the Mark of the Beast, here is a summary of what my pastor spoke on this Sabbath (Saturday).

In Revelation the "bad" church is referred to as a harlot, why is this symbol used? In the Bible is talks about how a woman is bound to her husband until his death and is then, and only then, free to marry another. In the literal sense, a woman who is intimate with another man while still bound to her husband is a harlot. Many people think that when Christ died the laws were nailed to the cross, the law was done away with. In reality, when Christ died the sacrifice was made that allows us to be saved and not be slaves to sin. When we are baptized by submersion, at least in the Adventist church, it symbolizes dying (going into the water) and be resurrected a new person in Christ (coming out of the water or "grave"). Satan is the prince of this world and when we are born he is our "ruler," we are born into sin with a sinful nature. We we are baptized our sinful nature "dies" and are then free to marry another, Christ. The harlot church consists of the people who have not died in Christ.

I realize that this isn't presented very well, but I think most will get the idea. It makes sense to me.

This is what I was taught as I was raised.  This was covered inside out upside down and backwards in my baptismal training when I was 12 years old.  I studied Daniel and Revelation like crazy, then on my own, over the years, I've read them both because each time I read them I get so much more out of them. As far as the harlot church symbolism...I was raised on that too

[supermat]

Well, I lost track of this topic for quite a while but I'm back! Let's get into this topic on the mark. CrawlerDan, fire away, I'm interested in what you have to say.

matt

[germ]

I am as well. Please share your insigts with us, and I'll try to be more consistent with reading the board.

Erik

[blackdiamond]

Here is the short version of what I learned today in church:

Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers or darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in teh heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Ephesians 6:17 "...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."

Note: The Greek word that is translated as "word" more specifically means the "spoken work."  This is why the Bible records Jesus saying, "It is written..." when quoting scripture.  Another important thing is that the sword of the spirit is the ONLY offensive item of spiritual armor.

Luke 10:18-20 "And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.'"

Christ has given us authority over Satan and his power.  Satan can only decieve us if we allow him to.  We are not subject to sin.

Matthew 8-16-17 "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed.  And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying : 'He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.'"

Infirmity has three definitions listed on www.dictionary.com

1. A bodily ailment or weakness, especially one brought on by old age.
2. A condition or disease producing weakness.
3. A failing or defect in a person's character.

This means that not only did Christ take our sin to the cross, He took all of our problems, that are a result of sin and Satan, as well.

So how do we solve our problems (physical, emotional, spiritual...)?  By using the only offensive weapon that we have to wrestle with Satan and his evil power, the sword of the spirit (the spoken work of God).  Christ was our example.

Satan can only do to us what God allows him to do.  So why does God allow us to suffer?  When we experience trials in our lives and turn to God for help, we strenghten our relationship with Him, we experience Him.  God is a personal God.  How many close friends do you have that you have not shared a personal experience with?  God knows that if we never have to learn to trust him or have the opportunity to experience Him, we will never learn to truly love Him.

I never realized how much Christ actually took to the cross with Him.  I guess it makes perfect sense that since all of the problems in the world are a direct result of sin and Satan's influence, and Christ took all sin upon Himself, He took all of our problems to the cross.

What a wonderful God I serve. 

[*FFC*]

Here is the short version of what I learned today in church:

Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers or darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in teh heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Ephesians 6:17 "...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."

Note: The Greek word that is translated as "word" more specifically means the "spoken work."  This is why the Bible records Jesus saying, "It is written..." when quoting scripture.  Another important thing is that the sword of the spirit is the ONLY offensive item of spiritual armor.

Luke 10:18-20 "And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.'"

Christ has given us authority over Satan and his power.  Satan can only decieve us if we allow him to.  We are not subject to sin.

Matthew 8-16-17 "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed.  And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying : 'He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.'"

Infirmity has three definitions listed on www.dictionary.com

1. A bodily ailment or weakness, especially one brought on by old age.
2. A condition or disease producing weakness.
3. A failing or defect in a person's character.

This means that not only did Christ take our sin to the cross, He took all of our problems, that are a result of sin and Satan, as well.

So how do we solve our problems (physical, emotional, spiritual...)?  By using the only offensive weapon that we have to wrestle with Satan and his evil power, the sword of the spirit (the spoken work of God).  Christ was our example.

Satan can only do to us what God allows him to do.  So why does God allow us to suffer?  When we experience trials in our lives and turn to God for help, we strenghten our relationship with Him, we experience Him.  God is a personal God.  How many close friends do you have that you have not shared a personal experience with?  God knows that if we never have to learn to trust him or have the opportunity to experience Him, we will never learn to truly love Him.

I never realized how much Christ actually took to the cross with Him.  I guess it makes perfect sense that since all of the problems in the world are a direct result of sin and Satan's influence, and Christ took all sin upon Himself, He took all of our problems to the cross.

What a wonderful God I serve. 

You wouldn't happen to be a pastor are ya? That was pretty good ^^^

[blackdiamond]

Just took a few notes from the pastor named Dennis Smith.  He has several books that I plan to purchase and read.

[*FFC*]

Just took a few notes from the pastor named Dennis Smith.  He has several books that I plan to purchase and read.

The name sounds familiar 

[RK]

Wow, interesting topic for a thread. Its cool this board is so open. And seriously not tryin to be sarcastic.

[chim]

We definitly wrestle against darkness and powers that we cannot see. I was Mormon for 10 years and a temple attending Mormon for for  3 of those. We did a lot of things that are contrary to the Bible, and it wasnt till a friend who was Christian started asking about my faith that I really started to study Mormon doctrine.. sure I knew the basics.. I knew what they wanted me to know. BUt there was just too many errors.. too many contradictions.. Over the course of a year I realized that Mormonism was false and left the church. Thats when my wife decided to leave me. Without a priesthood leader to call her forth from the grave she wouldnt reach Godhood.. and obviously i was an apostate now. I still struggle with the fact that my ex wife is re-married and my two kids have a stepdad now.. but God gives me the grace to continue..  I could never go back to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints knowing what I know now. Now im a bible believing Christian who goes to a non-denominational church (Calvary Chapel) and have a relationship with Christ that I never had before. I dont hate mormons..  I dont like their doctrine..  I have spoken to many missionaries and have debated the theology many times, and one thing is for sure.. Christianity will hold!

[chim]

BlackDiamond, you asked what I thought about the sabbath...  here are some short simple thoughts....


As a Mormon I wasnt able to do any work or buy anything on Sunday. But now I thank God for the freedom I have in Christ.. here are a couple good verses..

Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 


Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 


I beleive worship of God should be everyday, not just one set day. I dont think it bothers God one bit when I worship and praise him on Monday, or Wednesday or Friday....  I think debate about when to worship causes divisions in the Church and that we are told to stay away from that.

As far as SDA, I believe that there are many saved Christians in that Church.. I also think there are a lot of mislead people there also... but that could be true about any denomination. My biggest issue is false prophesies of Ellen White... If even one prophecy doesnt come true then they are a false prophet, this can be applied to Mormon "Prophets" also.

If you or anyone else has any questions about Mormonism I would feel very fortunate to answer them 

[blackdiamond]

It is rare to find non-SDAs that know anything about Ellen G. White, I don't claim to be an expert, but would you be willing to be specific about her false prophecy's?  It is interesting that almost all of her teachings on heath and diet are being "discovered" by scientists for the "first" time.  She does say/write and few interesting things that seem odd or narrow minded when not looked at in the context of her time.

You are correct that all churches have both saved and unsaved people in them.

[chim]

She claims that Satan deceived Adam, But 1 Timothy 2:14 says Adam was not deceived....

The Kingdon of Grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man.. (Great Controversy p.347)
The Bible said it was planned before time...

Adam was not with Eve when she sinned (Patriarchs and Prophets p53 &54)
Bible says Adam was with Eve.

She states the Tower of Babel was built before the Flood (Spiritual Gifts Vol 3, p301)
Bible states it was after the Flood.

She says samson disobeyed God by marrying the philistine woman, he placed himself in a position he could not fulfil Gods purpose (Patriarchs and Prophets p 562 & 563)
Bible says the Lord was seeking an occasion to confront the philistines.

**(Seventh Day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 5 page 1129 Ellen White states) "The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty." 

There are a lot more..  lots and lots.. but when a prophet of God cant get facts straight, where is their inspiration come from??

Personally I believe that John was the last of the prophets according to scripture and that God speaks to us through his son.

[blackdiamond]

I will do some diggin on this and post up later, it could take a while.  Sadly I work on Sunday so it will cut my weekend short.

The only one that I have an immediate answer for is:

The Kingdon of Grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man.. (Great Controversy p.347)
The Bible said it was planned before time...

Institued and planned are entirely two different concepts.  Sort of the difference between a concept car and a production model.  There was no reason for the Kindom of Grace prior to sin, but the plan was already in place.  God didn't hold a meeting once Adam and Eve sinned and figure out what to do.

[chim]

I can see your pointand that it makes sense... but check the one about Christ.. thats the most important..

[blackdiamond]

I can see your pointand that it makes sense... but check the one about Christ.. thats the most important..

I plan to look them all up and provide feedback for what I find, I don't claim to be an EG White expert.

As a Side Note: One thing to remember is that you don't technically have to believe in EG White to be SDA, it is rare, but people like that do exist.  The biggest difference between Adventists and EG White and say Mormons and Joseph Smith (an example) is that we look at the Bible as #1 and EG White as #2 (she never claimed to be above the Bible).  The way most SDAs look at EG White is that if something she says doesn't make sense it is likely that we are misunderstanding what she says (context is very important just like the Bible).  If something she says seems to contradict the Bible, believe the Bible and the Bible only.

I have stayed away from EG White for the most part because I want to defend my faith using the Bible and so I want to learn everything there first.  This will be a great opportunity for me to read more of her writing in more detail.  Thanks for the questions!

[blackdiamond]

Here is what I have so far, your examples are in bold and my personal comments are in blue.  I know that there are websites available that list the "contradictions" of Ellen G. White (I actually used one to find a Bible verse that you referenced), so I know you can come up with a long list of things to post.  I only ask that you try to post things that you have studied, or at least read, for youself.  As I have said before, based on your past I have respect for you and impressed with your knowledge, I simply don't want this conversation to turn into an "argument" that is based on internet facts that are tossed out without study or understanding.  I think you will agree with most of the comments below, I think the explainations are fairly simple.

(1) The Kingdom of Grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man... (The Great Controversy p.347)
The Bible said it was planned before time...

The Great Controversy p. 347-48 "The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race.  It then existed in purpose and by the promise of God; and through faith, men could become its subjects.  Yet it was not actually established until the death of Christ.  Even after entering upon His earthly mission, the Saviour, wearied with the stubbornness and ingratitude of men, might have drawn back from the sacrifice of Calvary.  In Gethsemane the cup of woe trembled in His hand.  He might even then have wiped the blood-sweat from His brow and have left the guilty race to perish in their iniquity.  Had He done this, there could have been no redemption for fallen men.  But when the Saviour yielded up His life, and with His expiring breath cried out, 'It is finished,' then the fulfillment of the plan of redemption was assured.  The promise of salvation made to the sinful pair in Eden was ratified.  The kingdom of grace, which had before existed by the promise of God, was then established."

Instituted and planned are entirely two different concepts.  It is the difference between a concept car and a production model.  There was no reason for the Kingdom of Grace prior to sin, but the plan was in place, thus the Plan of Salvation.  God didn't hold a meeting once Adam and Eve sinned and figure out what to do.

1 Peter 1:20-21 "He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

In a sermon given by Mrs. White in Grimsby, England, September 19, 1886
"After the fall of Adam and Eve, the race was plunged into hopeless misery, and it was then that this great plan of redemption was advanced. It was then [that] the Son of God consented to leave His Father's throne, lay aside His royal crown, clothe Himself with humanity, take upon Himself the nature of man, and become a man among men."

How can a plan that doesn't exist be advanced?  Is it implausible to think that God, the Trinity, had a plan in place from the beginning of time and then had a further discussion to make the final decision?  Do you think it was easy for God the Father do a let His Son come to earth and risk losing Him forever?  Are you willing to put God into a "box" that doesn't allow Him to reconsider a plan?


(2) Adam was not with Eve when she sinned (Patriarchs and Prophets p53 &54)
Bible says Adam was with Eve.

1 Timothy 2:14 "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."

Patriarchs and Prophets p. 53-54
"In order to accomplish his work unperceived, Satan chose to employ as his medium the serpent – a disguise well adapted for his purpose of deception.  The serpent was then one of the wisest and most beautiful creatures on the earth.  It had wings, and while flying through the air presented an appearance of dazzling brightness, having the color and brilliancy of burnished gold.  Resting in the rich-laden branches of the forbidden tree and regaling itself with the delicious fruit, it was an object to arrest the attention and delight the eye of the beholder.  Thus in the garden of peace lurked the destroyer, watching for his prey.
The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she were alone.  But absorbed in her pleasing task, she unconsciously wandered from his side.  On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to withstand it.  Unmindful of the angels' caution, she soon found herself gazing with mingled curiosity and admiration upon the forbidden tree.  The fruit was very beautiful, and she questioned with herself why God had withheld it from them.  Now was the tempter's opportunity.  As if he were able to discern the working of her mind, he addressed her: 'Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'  Eve was surprised and startled as she thus seemed to hear the echo of her thoughts.  But the serpent continued, in a musical voice, with subtle praise of her surpassing loveliness; and his words were not displeasing.  Instead of fleeing from the spot she lingered wonderingly to hear a serpent speak.  Had she been addressed by a being like the angels, her fears would have been excited; but she had no thought that the fascinating serpent could become the medium of the fallen foe."

Genesis 3:1-6 "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'  And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'  Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die.  For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.  She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate."

The Bible says that Eve gave the forbidden fruit to her husband, but it says nothing about a time frame.  Are there any verses in the Bible that forbid Eve from leaving Adam's side, or forbid her from doing so?  Does it seem logical that Adam would have allowed Satan to speak with Eve and say nothing?  As you have already said the Bible says that Adam was not deceived, so why would he stand around and let Eve get into trouble right in front of him?

(continued)

[blackdiamond]

It has been a while since I exceeded the 1,100 word limit on this thread. 


(3) She claims that Satan deceived Adam, But 1 Timothy 2:14 says Adam was not deceived....

Patriarchs and Prophets p. 55
   "Satan represented to the holy pair that they would be gainers by breaking the law of God."

I have not read every word that Ellen G. White wrote on this subject, but in this quote she says that Satan represented to Adam and Eve, not that Adam was deceived.  You will note from (2) that she only describes Eve having a conversation with Satan and then eating the forbidden fruit, just like the Bible does.

(4) She states the Tower of Babel was built before the Flood (Spiritual Gifts Vol 3, p301)
Bible states it was after the Flood.

Spiritual Gifts Vo. 3, p. 301
   "The Lord first established the system of sacrificial offerings with Adam after his fall, which he taught to his descendants.  This system was corrupt before the flood by those who separated themselves from the faithful followers of God, and engaged in the building of the tower of Babel.  They sacrificed to gods of their own make instead of the God of Heaven."

Ellen G. White is simply listing two examples of Adam's descendants that separated themselves from God.  Based upon some of her other, more clear, writing it is obvious that she isn't confused about the order of events.

Patriarchs and Prophets p. 119
   "The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved God's covenant that He would not again bring a flood upon the earth.  Many of them denied the existence of God and attributed the Flood to the operation of natural causes.  Other believed in a Supreme Being, and that is was He who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in rebellion against Him.  One object before them in the erection of the tower was to secure their own safety in case of another deluge." – as a side note the flood is covered in chapter 7 and the tower in chapter 10, the book is part of a chronological series that starts with the flood.

It is important with the writing of Ellen G. White, as it is with the Bible, to compare different things that were written to better understand the true meaning.  There are many texts in the Bible that seem to contradict, but after careful comparison the truth becomes evident.

(5) She says Samson disobeyed God by marrying the philistine woman, he placed himself in a position he could not fulfill Gods purpose (Patriarchs and Prophets p 562 & 563)
Bible says the Lord was seeking an occasion to confront the philistines.

Patriarchs and Prophets p. 562-63
   "The divine promise to Manoah was in due time fulfilled in the birth of a son, to whom the name of Samson was given.  As the boy grew up it became evident that he possessed extraordinary strength.  This was not, however, as Samson and his parents well knew, dependent upon his well-knit sinews, but upon his condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a symbol.  Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his parents had done, he would have been a nobler and happier destiny.  But association with idolaters corrupted him.  The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly terms.  Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which darkened his whole life.  A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson's affections, and he determined to make her his wife.  To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, his only answer was, 'She pleaseth me well.'  The parents at last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place.
   Just as he was entering upon manhood, the time when he must execute his divine mission – the time above all other when he should have been true to God – Samson connected himself with the enemies of Israel.  He did not ask whether he could better glorify God when united with the object of his choice, or whether he was placing himself in a position where he could not fulfill the purpose to be accomplished by his life.  To all who seek first honor Him, God has promised wisdom; but there is no promise to those who are bent upon self-pleasing."

Judges chapters 13-16 – The story of Samson

Judges 14:4 "But his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord – that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines.  For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel."

If God was looking for an occasion to move against the Philistines it is reasonable to assume that attacking the Philistines was not part of His original plan for Samson.  You don't plan an opportunity and then stay on the lookout for it.

Based on Samson's strength it also seems reasonable that attacking the Philistines was God's original plan, according to Ellen G. White Samson error by not seeking God when making his decisions, he was after all a nazarite from birth.
Nazarite - A Jew bound by a vow to lave the hair uncut, to abstain from wine and strong drink, and to practice extraordinary purity of life and devotion, the obligation being for life, or for a certain time.  See Numbers 6:2-21 for a Biblical description. – www.dictionary.com

(continued)