1. The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the real
deal—words from God through His influence on the minds and hearts of those who are
devoted to Him. Through the Bible, God guides, inspires, teaches, and regulates
us. It's the most solid guidebook for life, and we can trust it implicitly.
Scriptural Basis:
Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Isaiah 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13;
2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.
2. The Trinity
There
is one God, and yet He is Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. He's always with us, never going
anywhere; He knows everything; and our human mind will never be able to wrap itself
around how awesome He is. Most of all, He's the embodiment of love.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 28:19; John 3:16; 2
Corinthians 1:21, 22; 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2.
3. The Father
God is more wonderful than most can understand.
Caricatures of God as a mean, stern, and unforgiving being aren't true. God is
pure love, comfort, wisdom, compassion, joy, and so much more.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 4:35; Psalm 110:1,4; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Corinthians
15:28; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 4:11.
4. The Son
Jesus is miraculous in every sense
of the word. We believe God came to earth through Jesus Christ, who lived as a
human being; therefore, there isn't anything humanity has experienced that He
doesn't understand. Because of Him, this life isn't all there is. And because
of Him— the Lord who has saved us, redeemed us, and is rooting for us—we can be
in heaven, because He's wiped all our messes clean.
Scriptural Basis:
Isaiah 53:4-6; Daniel 9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3,14; 5:22; 10:30;
14:1-3,9,13; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17-19;
Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 2:9-18; 8:1, 2.
5. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the "communicator" and "convictor,"
meaning that we can't as humans understand how He does what He does, but He
does it. That conviction to do something you never imagined you could—it's Him.
That unexplainable comfort and peace in the worst situation? It's Him. The
voice that tells you which way to go when you don't know the way? That's Him.
He's mysterious and yet not, because for the believer the unexplained often has
the Holy Spirit written all over it.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:1, 2; 2 Samuel 23:2; Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John
14:16-18, 26; 15-26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 5:3; 10:38; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians
12:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21.
6. Creation
We believe that in six literal days God created "the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them" and rested on the seventh day. Not that He's got the same energy
limitations as humans, but in doing so, He set aside the seventh day as our day
of rest and remembrance, and it's a wonderful thing. In His creation of human
beings, He made something special and—intrinsically and forever—linked it to
Him. Every living thing in this world tells the story of how amazing our God
is.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-25; 5:1-32; 11:1-32; Exodus 20:8-11; Psalm 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Isaiah
45:12,18; Acts 17:1-34; 18:1-28; 19:1-41; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2; 11:3; Revelation 10:6;
14:7.
7. The Nature of Humanity
When
God made human beings, they were perfection. Everything about us was connected
to Him as unique people with the power to choose. Sadly, Adam and Eve's fall
rendered us as we know ourselves today—flawed, wounded people who will all die
one day. But through Christ and what He did for us, we have a second chance at
what God always intended for us. All that is asked of us is to love Him and love
one another and take care of this great big world He made.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7,15; 3; Psalm 8:4-8; 51:5,10; 58:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Acts
17:24-28; Romans 5:12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20; Ephesians 2:3; 1
Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 3:4; 4:7, 8,11, 20.
8. The Great Controversy
A
tale as old as time: that of good versus evil. Satan, once a part of heaven,
became the enemy of God, leading a good chunk of the angels into rebellion.
Since then, evil has existed. That's why there is so much sickness of mind,
body, character, and heart in this world. But all is not lost. God's love has
already won, and while humanity endures the assaults of evil, Jesus does not
leave us defenseless. He comes through every time we call on Him, and it will
remain that way until we are with Him in the end.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 3:6-8; Job 1:6-12; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-18; Romans 1:19-32;
3:4; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter
3:6; Revelation 12:4-9.
9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
We believe that Christ came to earth to die for our sins, and His
resurrection put the cap on all the evil this world could squash us with.
That's not to say we don't go through pain, violence, and illness in our
earthly lives. But through Christ and what He did for us, we have been given
total victory over anything Satan has to throw at us. This is the ultimate
power, and it's ours to claim, all because of the love of Jesus Christ. We just
have to accept it.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22:1; Isaiah 53:1-12; John 3:16; 14:30; Romans 1:4; 3:25; 4:25;
8:3,4; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15,19-21; Philippians
2:6-11; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.
10. The Experience of Salvation
Salvation is as real as the nose on your face. You fall because of sin,
but through Christ's salvation, you are lifted. That is the whole mission of
Christ for us. This faith in God's grace
and mercy is what will get us through, and it's so much more than just a nice
thought. Salvation because of Jesus is powerful.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 45:22; 53; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 33:11; 36:25-27;
Habakkuk 2:4; Mark 9:23, 24; John 3:3-8,16; 16:8; Romans 3:21-26; 5:6-10;
8:1-4,14-17; 10:17; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 1:4; 3:13,14, 26;
4:4-7; Ephesians 2:4-10; Colossians 1:13,14; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 8:7-12; 1 Peter
1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Revelation 13:8.
11. Growing in Christ
Life
is not meant to be stagnant. Though we live in a sinful world and are likely to
commit our share of sins, Jesus walks with us to keep us growing and moving
forward. He is our example to follow in making the best life decisions that not
only honor God but benefit our lives on this earth. We don't have to be stuck -
Jesus always offers us a path of growth that in the end prepares us for eternal
life with Him.
Scriptural Basis:
1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 1:1,2; 23:4; 77:11,12; Matthew 20:25-28; 25:31-46;
Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Romans 8:38,39; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18; Galatians
5:22-25; Ephesians 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Philippians 3:7-14; Colossians 1:13,14;
2:6,14,15; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23; Hebrews 10:25; James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:9;
3:18; 1 John 4:4.
12. The Church
The
church is not a building, and it's not a weekly spot to find people on a
Saturday morning. The church is the collective group of all those who believe
that Jesus is the Savior. The church looks to only Jesus, as He is the ultimate
authority on everything and thankfully, only a prayer away. The love Jesus has
for the church is unfathomable—yes, it's that deep.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:3-7; Matthew 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts
2:38-42; 7:38; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11;
5:23-27; Colossians 1:17,18; 1 Peter 2:9.
13. The Remnant and Its Mission
A lot of people today are asking if our world is about to explode—if
this life as we know it is about to change forever. Our special mission is to
help the world understand that this life isn't all there is—something the book
of Revelation delves deep into. Thus, as the world gets increasingly out of
control, the way forward is to take the commandments seriously and hang on to
Jesus with all that we have. Aligning ourselves with Jesus is the answer.
Scriptural Basis:
Daniel 7:9-14; Isaiah 1:9; 11:11; Jeremiah 23:3; Micah 2:12; 2 Corinthians
5:10; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 4:17; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Jude 3,14; Revelation 12:17;
14:6-12; 18:1-4.
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
In
Christ we all belong together regardless of how we look, what languages we
speak, how we think, and what makes us tick. And it is all right to have
differences, remembering that we are part of one family headed by the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit, and we are chosen. Most important, we are loved and
valued for who we are, just as we are. Thus, we should impart this love to all
those around us.
Scriptural Basis:
Psalm 133:1; Matthew 28:19, 20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26, 27; Romans 12:4, 5;
1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 5:16,17; Galatians 3:27-29; Ephesians 2:13-16; Ephesians 4:3-6, 11-16; Colossians 3:10-15.
15. Baptism
While one can certainly become a follower of Christ in their heart,
baptism is a public symbol that denotes a deep commitment to a new life with
Jesus. The symbolism of washing away and burying all that held you down before
and arising from that water fresh and renewed in Christ is so very powerful.
Scriptural Basis:
Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6; Galatians 3:27;
Colossians 2:12,13.
16. The Lord’s Supper
In this particular element of spiritual practice, the power of
remembrance is especially dear. Through this act, we think about Christ
lowering Himself to clean the feet of people who had many faults (just as we
have), loving and caring for them regardless. Through consuming the bread and
juice, we think about that precious last meal He shared before He went forward
to do the bravest thing that could ever be done. Taking stock of these
blessings by participating in these ordinances is good for the soul.
Scriptural Basis:
Matthew 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1- 17; 1 Corinthians 10:16,17; 11:23-30;
Revelation 3:20.
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
It's easy to think we, as human beings, are here on this planet in
possession of a few basic talents with which we are to live our lives. But God
values us so much more than that and has given each person unique gifts with
which to lovingly serve all of humanity. Gifts such as the ability to teach, be
empathetic and compassionate, preach, heal, etc., are all from a loving Creator
who equips everyone He calls.
Scriptural Basis:
Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27, 28; Ephesians 4:8,11-16;
1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10,11.
18. The Gift of Prophecy
Not to be confused with fortunetelling, prophecy has been inherently
featured through Scripture and, in more modern times, through the ministry of a
woman called Ellen White. Through visions given to her from her youth, she has
been instrumental in the shaping and guiding of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and
study. Her work provides another resource by which to understand what is to
come as we look forward to Christ's return. That said, the Bible, as the
definitive Word of God, will always be the number-one standard by which
everything is evaluated.
Scriptural Basis:
Numbers 12:6; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2
Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.
19. The Law of God
We
believe every one of the Ten Commandments is meant to be taken seriously, and
when we do, our lives naturally become better. Through obeying these important
precepts, we grow through Christ's example and become living witnesses to the
world. But we must never forget that our salvation comes through the grace of
Christ, because we certainly fall short of perfect adherence to the law.
Scriptural Basis:
Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 19:7-14; 40:7, 8; Matthew 5:17-20;
22:36-40; John 14:15; 15:7-10; Romans 8:3,4; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 8:8-10;
1 John 2:3; 5:3; Revelation 12:17; 14:12.
20. The Sabbath
We look at the Sabbath as a gift. Not only is it a much-needed rest day
from our busy lives; it renews our spirits and faith through worship and time
spent with those we love. It is a special 24-hour period that shows the world
our commitment to following the commandments and remaining devoted to Jesus,
who is the Lord of the Sabbath. It renews us, fortifies us, and strengthens our
bond to the Creator.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13- 17; Leviticus 23:32; Deuteronomy 5:12-15;
Isaiah 56:5, 6; 58:13,14; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke
4:16; Hebrews 4:1-11.
21. Stewardship
We've been given many blessings from the Lord in the form of abilities,
material possessions, our physical beings and relationships, and this beautiful
earth we live on. Because of the Lord's great love and generosity, we believe
it's important to take care of all He has given us and to give back through
tithing and blessing others in whatever ways we can.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Malachi 3:8-12;
Matthew 23:23; Romans 15:26,27; 1 Corinthians 9:9-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15;
9:7.
22. Christian Behavior
One
of the highest ideals we can aim for in this life is to be like Jesus. He is
our example in everything. So, in our wanting to follow His example, healthy
habits and behavior are key. Thus, since Jesus was never a drinking, smoking,
drug-abusing person eating unclean foods and harming His body and spirit,
neither should we. We have nothing to lose from avoiding those things, yet, as
we know, we have a lot to lose when we indulge in them.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 7:2; Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 11:1-47; Psalm 106:3; Romans 12:1, 2; 1
Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 10:5; Ephesians 5:1-21;
Philippians 2:4; 4:8; 1 Timothy 2:9,10; Titus 2:11,12; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 John
2:6; 3 John 2.
23. Marriage and the Family
We
believe in marriage between a man and a woman united in the same faith for a
lifetime. Marriage can be hard, and divorce rates are high; thus, this union is
something to take very seriously. The Lord knows the effects of sin on our
relationships, but He is always there to help us. The family is a very
important unit—a gift that figures into the furtherance of the gospel, and so
we seek to raise our children in the faith through example and exposure to the
loving nature of Jesus. All members of God's family, regardless of whether they
are married or single, are highly treasured, valued individuals.
Scriptural Basis:
Genesis 2:18-25; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Proverbs 22:6; Malachi 4:5,
6; Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3-9,12; Mark 10:11,12; John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians
7:7,10,11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4.
24. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
Christ works in the heavenly sanctuary much like the high priest would
have in the sanctuary of the Old Testament. Through this work He is making
certain that those who love Him and keep the commandments will be with Him in
heaven. While the word "judgment" sounds negative, in this case it's
all about the pulling together of Christ's beloved—a labor of love, if you
will.
Scriptural Basis:
Leviticus 16:1-34; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Daniel 7:9-27; 8:13,14; 9:24-27;
Hebrews 1:3; 2:16,17; 4:14-16; 8:1-5; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; Revelation 8:3-5;
11:19; 14:6, 7,12; 20:12; 22:11,12.
25. The Second Coming of Christ
Life
on earth is temporary, and all the pain, suffering, and sorrow will finally end
with the second coming of Jesus. It won't be a quiet incident, for every living
being will see it, hear it, and feel it. All those who have loved and lived for
Christ and died in the knowledge of His return will be resurrected. Broken
families will be reunited, and those we have lost will be with us again.
Everything prophecy has pointed to regarding this moment will be fulfilled. But
because only the Father knows the time, we are told
to live in readiness.
Scriptural Basis:
Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:1-38; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:1-5;
Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.
26. Death and Resurrection
This
is a belief that is filled with so much hope. Death isn't the end of the story
for those who claim Jesus as their Savior. It's pressing the pause button on a life. Then, when Christ comes back for us, the play
button is pressed, and a new life in Christ goes forward—better than ever to
live in joy in heaven with Him.
Scriptural Basis:
Job 19:25-27; Psalm 146:3, 4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 9:6, 9:10; Daniel 12:2,13; Isaiah
25:8; John 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Colossians
3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Timothy 6:15, 16; Revelation 20:1-10.
27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
While
this might sound like the plot of a major Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster, no
actors or special-effects gurus are involved. Here, the saved in Jesus will be
safe in heaven with Him while Satan and his angels—no longer able to touch
us—will be running amok on a horrible earth. But at the close of 1,000 years,
we will descend with Christ, where fire from God will consume evil and cleanse
the earth forever. Sin and sinners? A thing of the past.
Scriptural Basis:
Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:18,19; Malachi 4:1; 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3;
Revelation 21:1-5.
28. The New Earth
This
is it. The best of the best, the peace and joy we've longed for, with this
perfect world to enjoy, is all we will know for eternity. The earth made shiny
and new will be the perfect place for God's people to live completely free of
suffering, death, and pain. There is no more battle between good and evil, for
the Lord has prevailed, never to be challenged again. And everything—everything—
will tell the story that God is, and has always been, love.
Scriptural Basis:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Isaiah 65:17-25; Matthew 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 11:15; 21:1-7;
22:1-5.