What Do We Believe?
Seventh-day Adventists believe in...
God: Seventh-day Adventists base their faith in God as revealed through Jesus Christ and as shown through the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16)
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. (Php. 1:20-30; 1 Thess. 5:8; Matt. 6:30)
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. (2 Peter 1:20-21; Ps. 119:105; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; Heb. 4:12)
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. (Matt 4:23; Rom. 10:15; 1 Peter 4:1-7)
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. (Gen 1&2; Ps. 19:1-6; Heb. 11:3)
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. (Exo. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32)
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. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; Mark 13; 1 Thess. 5:1-6)
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. (Rom. 6:23; Eccl. 9:5, 1 Cor. 15:51-54; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10)
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. (Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 6:1-6; Acts 16:30-33)
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. (Prov. 22:6; 2 John 1:4)
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. (Ps. 41:1; Matt. 19:21; 1 Cor. 13:3)
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. (Isa. 61:1-3; Acts 16:6-8; Rev. 14:6)