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
communicate hope by focusing on the quality
of life that is complete in Jesus. 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.
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