Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs
There are some commonly asked questions about Christianity. Adventists are often asked these questions, and we try to answer them from the Bible itself.
Adventists accept the Bible as our only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. If you want a thorough explanation of the Adventist belief structure see our 28 Fundamental Beliefs. Our core beliefs are summarised below:
FAQ:
20 frequently asked questions include:
Who wrote the Bible?
The Holy Spirit inspired followers of God to speak and write the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures.
Who is God?
There is one God, made up of three eternal Persons who co-exist in unity -
'The Father' is sovereign over all creation
'The Son' lived on earth as Jesus, died for our sins, returned to heaven to mediate on our behalf, and will return to grant eteranal life to all who believe in Him.
'The Holy Spirit' is God, sent to comfort us, convict us of sin and to give us the power to overcome sin.
Who created the earth?
God is the Creator of all things.
What is the nature and purpose of people?
God made people in His image with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. God is our source of life, breath and everything else. God created each one of us to play a unique role in His creation.
What is the Great Controversy?
The term 'Great Controversy' describes the conflict between Jesus Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict was resolved at Calvary, and Jesus, the victor over sin, will come again to claim the saved.
What was the purpose of Christ's life on earth, His death and resurrection?
Because Jesus Christ came to earth, was crucified for our sins and was resurrected, we have the chance to overcome sin and be forgiven. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, giving us eternal life if we only repent of our sins and believe in His Word.
How do we overcome evil spirits?
While Jesus was on earth, He too was subjected to demonic spirits. But by his death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. So when we commit our life to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we too can overcome evil. The Holy Spirit comes into our life - through our continual communion with Jesus we are given the power to overcome evil.
Christians worship in many different denominations. Which is the true church?
The church is made up of all people who accept and declare Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and believe in the teachings of the Bible. The purpose of God's church is to tell everyone about God's plan of salvation, His love for us and His second coming.
What does it mean to get baptised?
The Bible teaches us to be baptised by immersion: a declaration that Jesus died for our sin and rose again so we may have eternal life. Acknowledging this is to choose to leave behind a life of sin and walk a new life with God.
What is the purpose of Communion?
Communion - the Lord's Supper - is a memorial of Jesus' crucifixion. When we participate in this special occasion, we express our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. In Adventist Churches all Christians are welcome at the Communion Table.
What is a spiritual gift?
Spiritual gifts are given by God for the good of the church and of humanity. The Holy Spirit gives to each of us different gifts - we each have a special role in the mission of the church. Every believer can be spiritually gifted.
What is the law of God?
The Ten Commandments embody the principles of God's law and express His love and purpose for humankind. Jesus explained the spiritual value of the Ten Commandments during His life on earth: They explain the principle of God's Law of Love, and are the basis of His promises to His people and the standard of His judgement.
Why do Adventists go to church on Saturday?
Saturday is the Biblical day of worship. Sabbath reflect our understanding of God's creation, and His law as expressed in the Ten Commandments. Sabbath, or Saturday, is a day of worship, rest and ministry for Adventists. It is a time to develop our relationship with a saving God, and a time to get to know Him better. Adventist families recognise Sabbath from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday.
How are Christians different to other people?
There are many characteristics of a Christian. Christians are God's stewards. God has entrusted us with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, the earth and its resources, so we can use them properly and faithfully. God wants His people to be godly - to think, feel and act in harmony with His principles.
What is the meaning of marriage?
Marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. The marriage relationship is based on love, honour, respect and responsibility. It should reflect the love, sanctity, closeness and permanence of the relationship between Jesus and His church.
What happens when you die?
The Bible explains death as an unconscious, sleep-like state. When Jesus comes again, He will resurrect the dead who believe in Him and will take them to heaven. The dead who are unbelievers will be resurrected 1000 years later, when the Saints return to the new Earth. The earth will be made new, and become the home of the saints for eternity.
How is Christ working on our behalf at this moment?
Jesus is the mediator between the people who believe in Him and God because His death paid the penalty for sin. Jesus death was for all people, and he wants everyone to be saved from the results and penalty of sin. His death determined that those who seek a relationship with Him have eternal life.
What happens at the second coming of Christ? Who will go to heaven?
When Jesus Christ returns to earth for the second time, He will take to heaven the people who died believing in Him, as well as the people who will be alive at this time and believe in Him. The Bible says Christ's coming will be literal, personal, visible and worldwide, but it does not reveal the exact time of this event. That is why we need to be spiritually ready at all times.
What happens after the second coming? How will sin be destroyed?
For a period of a thousand years the earth remains desolate. At the end of the Millenium God's people return to a restored New Earth. God will destroy Satan and his followers, removing sin forever.
What will it be like to spend eternity with God?
There will be no more suffering or death because sin will be no more. The earth will be transformed into a perfect environment and there will be everlasting life, love and joy because God will dwell with us. What will it be like? Paradise!
Would you like to more?
For a detailed and Bible-referenced understanding of the Christian life, read our current 28 FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS, or write to our Pastor, he is happy to provide answers to questions via email, in person or in a series of Bible studies.