What we believe.

The Seventh-Day Sabbath

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week (Saturday), is a holy day set aside by God for rest and worship. This practice is rooted in the biblical creation account, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), and it is reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Jesus Himself observed the Sabbath (Luke 4:16), emphasizing its continued importance.

The Second Advent of Jesus Christ

We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ, who will come again in the clouds to gather His faithful followers and establish His eternal kingdom (Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This event is known as the Second Advent and is central to our faith, offering hope and encouraging us to live in readiness.

Jesus Christ as Our Lord, Savior, and Mediator

Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. He is our Lord and Savior who died for our sins and rose again, providing the way for eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). As our mediator and high priest, Jesus intercedes on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Timothy 2:5).

The Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment

We believe that Christ's ministry continues in the heavenly sanctuary, where He is conducting an investigative judgment. This judgment, which began in 1844, involves reviewing the lives of all who have ever lived, to determine their fitness for eternal life (Daniel 8:14, Revelation 14:6-7). This process highlights God's justice and mercy, ensuring that salvation is granted fairly.

The State of the Dead and Soul Sleep

Seventh-day Adventists believe that death is a state of unconsciousness, often referred to as "soul sleep." The dead remain in their graves until the resurrection at Christ's Second Coming (Ecclesiastes 9:5, John 11:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16). This belief contrasts with the idea of an immediate afterlife in heaven or hell.

The Spirit of Prophecy

We hold that the gift of prophecy is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Her writings are considered a source of guidance, instruction, and correction, aligning with the Bible (Revelation 12:17, Revelation 19:10). This prophetic insight helps us navigate contemporary issues and remain faithful to God's will.

No Eternal Burning Hell

We believe that the Bible does not support the concept of a literal, eternally burning hell. Instead, the wicked will be completely destroyed in the lake of fire, resulting in eternal death, not eternal torment (Malachi 4:1-3, Revelation 20:14-15). This understanding emphasizes God's justice and mercy, contrasting with views of a punishing deity.

Health and Temperance

Health and temperance are vital aspects of our faith. We believe our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for accordingly (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle, often involving a plant-based diet, abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and harmful substances, which fosters physical, mental, and spiritual well-being (3 John 1:2).

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments remain a moral compass and are binding for Christians today. They reflect God's character and principles for righteous living (Exodus 20:1-17, Matthew 5:17-19). Observing these commandments, through God's grace, leads to a fulfilling and harmonious life, demonstrating our love for God and others.

Literal 7-Day Creation

Seventh-day Adventists believe in a literal six-day creation as described in the Bible, where God created the heavens, the earth, and all life in six 24-hour days, and rested on the seventh day, establishing the Sabbath (Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-3). This account underscores the intentional and purposeful nature of God's creative work, affirming that humanity and the world are the result of a divine plan rather than random processes. This belief in a literal creation week highlights the foundational role of the Sabbath in our faith, as it commemorates God's creative power and sovereignty over the universe, inviting us to rest and reflect on His goodness and majesty.

Righteousness by Faith

Seventh-day Adventists believe that righteousness is granted by faith in Jesus Christ, not through our works or merits. This core tenet is based on the teachings of the Bible, which affirm that we are justified freely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:22-24). By accepting Christ's righteousness, we are clothed in His perfect character and empowered to live transformed lives. This faith-based righteousness fosters a personal relationship with Jesus, leading to a life of obedience and service, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to His immense love and sacrifice.

The Three Angels' Messages

Central to Adventist eschatology are the Three Angels' Messages found in Revelation 14:6-12. These messages are a divine call to the world in the end times, urging humanity to worship God as Creator, recognize the hour of His judgment, and come out of false religious systems. The first angel calls for the worship of God who made the heavens and the earth, reaffirming the Sabbath as a sign of His creative authority. The second angel warns of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of corrupt religious and political systems. The third angel cautions against worshiping the beast and its image, stressing the dire consequences of allegiance to falsehood. These messages are seen as a final proclamation of the gospel, inviting all to accept God's truth and prepare for Christ's imminent return.

The Beast from the Sea and the Lamb-like Beast

Seventh-day Adventists interpret the prophecies of Revelation 13 regarding the beast from the sea and the lamb-like beast from the land as symbolic representations of historical and future powers. The beast rising from the sea is identified with a religious-political power that exercised significant influence during the Middle Ages, often associated with papal Rome due to its oppressive and persecutory actions against dissenters (Revelation 13:1-10). The lamb-like beast emerging from the land is interpreted as the United States, which initially embodies principles of religious freedom but will eventually speak "like a dragon," indicating a future shift towards religious intolerance and coercion (Revelation 13:11-17). These prophetic symbols warn of end-time alliances and the enforcement of false worship, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the testimony of Jesus. This understanding calls Adventists to remain vigilant and uphold religious liberty, while preparing for the final events leading up to Christ's return.

Conclusion

These beliefs form the foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, rooted deeply in Scripture and focused on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They offer a holistic approach to spirituality, emphasizing hope, health, and a harmonious life aligned with God's will. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or seeking deeper understanding, these principles invite you to experience God's love and plan for your life.