What 7th Day Adventists Believe
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant denomination that has a distinct set of beliefs that set it apart from other Christian denominations. The church’s beliefs are rooted in the Bible and are centered around several key principles that guide the lives of its followers.
1. The Sabbath
One of the central beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventists is that the seventh day of the week, Saturday, is the true Sabbath. They believe that this practice is based on the creation story in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, during which they refrain from work and other secular activities, focusing instead on worship, Bible study, and prayer.
2. The Second Coming of Christ
Another core belief of the Seventh-day Adventists is the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus will return to earth on the clouds of heaven to take His faithful followers to heaven. This belief is rooted in the Bible’s prophecies and is a source of hope and encouragement for Adventists.
3. Health Reform
The Seventh-day Adventists place a strong emphasis on health and wellness, which is rooted in their belief that God created humans to live healthy, abundant lives. They promote a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. This health reform movement is a significant aspect of Adventist culture and has had a positive impact on the overall health of its members.
4. The Remnant Church
Seventh-day Adventists believe that their church is the remnant church, the only true church on earth. They believe that this remnant is a small group of believers who have been called to fulfill God’s purpose in the last days. This belief is based on the Bible’s prophecies and has led Adventists to focus on missions and evangelism, seeking to spread the church’s message to the world.
5. The End Times
The Seventh-day Adventists have a unique understanding of the end times, which is based on their interpretation of the Bible’s prophecies. They believe that the end of the world is near and that Jesus will soon return to establish His kingdom on earth. This belief has led Adventists to live lives of integrity, purity, and service, preparing for the Lord’s return.
6. The Nature of God
Seventh-day Adventists believe in the trinity, consisting of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. They believe that God is a loving, just, and omnipotent being who is interested in the lives of His creation. This belief is foundational to their worship and daily lives.
7. The Great Controversy
The Great Controversy is a central theme in the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventists. They believe that there is a spiritual conflict between good and evil, which began in heaven and will continue until the end of time. This controversy will culminate in the final judgment, where God will defeat evil and establish His kingdom on earth.
In conclusion, the Seventh-day Adventists have a unique set of beliefs that are centered around the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their focus on the Sabbath, the Second Coming, health reform, the remnant church, the end times, the nature of God, and the Great Controversy shapes their lives and guides their actions, as they seek to live according to the will of God.
