About the Author
Dale Ratzlaff was a conservative, fourth generation Seventh-day Adventist (SDA). He pastored three SDA churches, and taught Bible in an Adventist school for seven years. Each year he took his Bible Doctrines class through the first eight chapters of Romans. This resulted in a more accurate and deeper understanding of the gospel. From that time on the gospel with all the ramifications emanating from this glorious truth has been the center piece and driving force of his ministry.
While nearing the end of his doctoral program at Andrews University, he became convinced that the SDA doctrine of the investigative judgment and cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary could not be supported by Scripture, was contrary to clear biblical teaching, and undermined the new covenant gospel of grace that he had discovered in his study of Romans. Pastor Ratzlaff with his wife Carolyn, who was a denominationally employed Bible worker, left the SDA church at that time. Ratzlaff has pastored three evangelical churches, authored five books and has dozens of published articles.
In 2000 Dale and Carolyn Ratzlaff, working with Richard and Colleen Tinker, started Life Assurance Ministries, Inc., a non-profit corporation that publishes Proclamation! a 32 page, full color journal, which at this writing is sent free of charge to approximately 30,000 homes. This has been a faith ministry from its inception.
Ratzlaff also manages LAM Publications, LLC, which publishes and sells a number of books on Adventist issues and the gospel. These combined ministries have helped thousands make the difficult transition from Adventism to healthy evangelical churches.
Ratzlaff believes the true, simple gospel of faith in Christ is central and sufficient. The gospel not only saves the soul, it also transforms the life. Therefore, the gospel must be defended in a spirit of love against legalistic compromises just as Paul defended it in the book of Galatians. It is his prayer that this little book will be used by God to clarify the apostolic gospel that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Dedication
To our two Boys—Bruce and Mike,
their wives—Denise and Sandy,
and our four grandchildren—
Melissa, Leonard, Ericka and Kenny
An understanding of the gospel of grace with the resulting life transformation is the greatest gift we can give you. It is our prayer that this little book will help you better understand the riches of God’s grace by which you are saved and the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit that will fill your life with purpose, joy, and peace.
Love,
Dad and Mom,
Grandpa and Grandma