Seventh-day Adventists
accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be
the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here,
constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of
Scripture.
A Brief
Overview of one of the fastest growing denominations in the world.
God
Adventists base their faith in God as revealed
through Jesus Christ and as shown through the Bible, inspired by the Holy
Spirit.
Faith
Faith means placing complete trust in God, and
accepting his offer of salvation. Such trusting faith is fundamental to
Adventist beliefs. A living relationship with God is essential to faith.
The Bible
Written down over many years, the Bible presents the
essential truth about God. The Holy Spirit inspired human writers to reveal
the character of God and how he wishes to save all those who come to him. The
Bible explains the nature of God and the way God’s followers will behave as
a result of their relationship with him.
The Gospel
The heart of the Adventist message is the gospel,
God’s good news of salvation. Through Jesus’ death on the cross human
beings may be won back to love and trust God, and accept God’s free gift of
eternal life for all those who follow him.
Creation
Creator of the Universe, Christ formed our world in
seven days, and created the first man and woman. At the close of his creative
work, God gave the Sabbath as a day of celebration and worship.
The Sabbath
The seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) is given as a
reminder of the God who both creates and saves, and is the day God invites all
to come and worship him. Jesus observed the seventh-day Sabbath while on
earth, and Adventists follow his example in keeping the fourth of the Ten
Commandments.
The Second Advent
Adventists look forward to the soon return of Jesus
Christ as prophesied and as he himself promised, but do not set any date for
this glorious event when he comes to take home all who accept
him as their Lord.
Life After Death and the Future
Adventists follow Jesus in identifying those who die
as sleeping. Those who have trusted God are raised to life when Jesus returns,
and look forward to a wonderful future--eternal life in God’s presence.
Baptism and Commitment
Those who choose to accept God’s way for their
lives and his offer of eternal life demonstrate their belief through baptism
(being immersed in water), following the example of Jesus. Adventists follow
lives of commitment to God and his plan for us, which include following his
commands as being for our best good.
Education
The Adventist Church operates one of the largest
educational systems in the world, and features Universities such as Loma Linda
whose Medical Center is at the forefront of treatments such as the innovative
Proton Accelerator for cancer treatment. Through a world-wide network of
schools, Adventists seek to better humanity through providing education and
vocational training.
Community Aid
Through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency
and other programs, the Adventist Church provides practical assistance to
those less fortunate, caring for the poor and disadvantaged in many countries
of the world, without regard for race, religion or nationality. The Church
also operates youth camps, community service projects, family life counseling
and other programs to assist those wishing to overcome drug addiction and
alcohol or tobacco dependence.
The Communication of Hope
Seventh-day Adventists will communicate hope by
focusing on the quality of life that is complete in Christ. Communication is a
vital aspect of faith, sharing the good news of God and keeping the family of
believers in touch through a global system that includes satellite
broadcasting, TV, radio, print and the Internet. Visit www.adventist.org.
