What do Seventh Day Adventists believe about Jesus? The Seventh Day Adventist Church, a Protestant denomination with a global presence, holds a unique perspective on the nature, work, and role of Jesus Christ. This article explores the core beliefs of Seventh Day Adventists regarding Jesus, highlighting their understanding of His divinity, atonement, and mission.
Seventh Day Adventists believe that Jesus is the Son of God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Trinity. They emphasize His humanity, recognizing that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and experienced the full range of human emotions and trials. This belief in Jesus’ humanity is crucial to their understanding of His atonement.
Seventh Day Adventists hold that Jesus’ death on the cross was not just a symbolic act but a literal, physical sacrifice for the sins of humanity. They believe that through His death, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, reconciling humanity with God and offering salvation to all who believe. This understanding of the atonement is central to their theology and is often summed up in the phrase “Justification by faith.”
One distinctive aspect of Seventh Day Adventist beliefs about Jesus is their emphasis on the importance of the Sabbath. They believe that Jesus is the Creator and the Lord of the Sabbath, as evidenced by His creation of the world in six days and His observance of the seventh day as a day of rest and worship. As followers of Jesus, Seventh Day Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, as a way to honor and remember the commandment given in the Bible.
Seventh Day Adventists also believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They teach that Jesus will come again to earth to establish His eternal kingdom, to judge the living and the dead, and to reward or punish each person according to their works. This belief in the soon return of Jesus Christ is a source of hope and inspiration for many Adventists, as they strive to live holy lives in anticipation of His coming.
Additionally, Seventh Day Adventists emphasize the importance of health and temperance in their understanding of Jesus’ teachings. They believe that Jesus came to bring healing and wholeness to humanity, both physically and spiritually. As such, they promote a lifestyle of healthy eating, exercise, and abstinence from harmful substances, which they believe aligns with Jesus’ teachings on living a pure and holy life.
In conclusion, Seventh Day Adventists hold a rich and complex belief system regarding Jesus Christ. They emphasize His divinity, humanity, and atonement, as well as the importance of the Sabbath and the imminent return of Jesus. Their understanding of Jesus is deeply integrated into their daily lives and worship, shaping their commitment to living a life of faith and service.
