BELIEFS

Seventh-day Adventists Christians Believe Faith built on the Rock

Adventist Christians believe that God is concerned with the quality of human life, and that everything–the way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us–is a part of His plan. Our families, our children, our jobs, our talents, our money, and our time are all important to Him. Below is an overview of our beliefs.

JESUS' WORD is the Holy Scriptures by which He lived. It is primarily through the Bible that He communicates with His people. In both the Old and New Testament, God has recorded His will for mankind as a light shining in a dark place. ALL scripture in the Bible is inspired. Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Psalm 119:105

JESUS' LIFE was pre-existent with God the Father. For our sake He was born of a virgin, lived as a man, experienced human life and died on the cross in sacrifice for our sins. He was resurrected the third day and ascended into heaven where He now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary to the needs of His people. John1:1-3,14; Matthew 1:18-19; Hebrews 4:14-16, 8:1-5

JESUS' DEATH on the cross was vicarious (in place of another) on our behalf. He willingly laid down His life as a sacrifice for the sin of all people. Accepting by faith His perfectly obedient life and His substitutionary death, any person may be accounted righteous in God's sight. This is the gospel (goodnews)! Isaiah 53:1-6; John 10:17-18; John 3:16

JESUS' RESURRECTION is evidence that He has conquered death and hell. It is the assurance given to His people of being resurrected from sleep at His second coming and living with Him throughout eternity. Revelation 1:17-18; Romans6:8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; John 14:1-3; Ecclesiastes 9:5

JESUS' SPIRIT, as His representative on earth, is the agent of conversion. Jesus lives in His people through His Spirit. He enables them to live victoriously, experiencing the new birth which is the abundant life. As part of this conversion, His Spirit gives believers different character traits or abilities known as"Spiritual Gifts" that enable them to serve Him and build up His kingdom on earth. One of these gifts, the Spirit of Prophecy, is an identifying characteristic of God's last-day (or remnant) people on earth. John 16:7-11,3:3-8, 10:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Revelation 12:17, 19:10

JESUS' OBEDIENCE to the will of His Father in every area of living revealed a perfect, sinless life. This righteous life He offers is ours by faith. His obedience is an example to His disciples so that they too will love God supremely and serve their fellow man selflessly. Jesus calls His followers to respect their bodies as "temples" where He lives, bought with the high price of His blood. Thus, healthful living and Christian behavior are to be a goal of all believers. John 8:46; Romans 3:21-26; John 2:3-6; 1 Peter2:21-25; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20

JESUS' DAY comes each week on the seventh day (Saturday). He called Himself Lord of this day and He faithfully observed each Sabbath. Because He initiated it during creation week (before the entrance of sin), Jesus desired that all of His people would keep this day as a memorial to His creative power. He also reminded us that His Sabbath is a sign of His power to deliver us. It is, indeed, the Lord's Day. This weekly Sabbath is a foreshadowing of the rest Jesus will one day give His people in Heaven! Mark 2:27-28; Colossians 1:15-17;Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:1-11

JESUS' CHURCH is also called His body and is comprised of all believers in Him everywhere in the world. Entrance into His church is through the new birth experience (born of the water and of the Spirit). Jesus loves His church and gave Himself for it. In the last days, He is preparing His people for His return and He empowers His people to proclaim the message of His second coming! Ephesians 1:23; 5:23,30; John 3:1-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 12:17

JESUS' RETURN to this earth is near. The same Jesus who walked the roads of Palestine will come literally, physically and visibly to all people. His coming will mark the end of this world and is the blessed hope of His church. Rev.22:20; 1:7; Matthew 23:3-31; Acts 1:9-11; Titus 2:13; 1 Thess. 4:16,17

JESUS' INVITATION is for YOU! He wants to be the center of your life and will give you new birth if you so desire. He will enable you to live life abundantly now and to have the assurance of eternal life with Him in His soon-coming heavenly kingdom. John 1:12; 10:10; 1 John 1:9; 5:12; Revelation 3:20