The 28 Fundamental Beliefs are foundational doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, based on the Bible and unified across a global, diverse membership. These beliefs, organized into six categories, provide a clear understanding of Adventist teachings, offering guidance for faith and practice. They are available in a downloadable PDF for deeper study.
1.1 Overview of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is an international Protestant denomination rooted in the Adventist movement of the 19th century. It emphasizes the authority of the Bible and is known for its observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. The church operates globally, with a diverse membership and a mission to share the gospel. It is recognized for its emphasis on health, education, and community service, operating numerous hospitals, schools, and outreach programs. The church’s structure includes local churches, conferences, and unions, all unified under the General Conference. Its beliefs are encapsulated in the 28 Fundamental Beliefs, which guide its doctrine and practice, fostering a community focused on faith, service, and preparation for Christ’s return.
1.2 Importance of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs
The 28 Fundamental Beliefs serve as the official doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, providing a unified understanding of biblical teachings. They act as a guiding framework for faith and practice, ensuring consistency across the global church. These beliefs address key aspects of Christian doctrine, including the nature of God, humanity, salvation, and last-day events. They emphasize the authority of Scripture and offer a comprehensive worldview, fostering spiritual growth and unity among members. The beliefs also provide a foundation for addressing contemporary issues and challenges, ensuring the church remains faithful to its mission while engaging with the modern world. They are a vital resource for personal and corporate worship, education, and evangelism.
The Doctrine of God
The Doctrine of God outlines the Adventist understanding of the Trinity, emphasizing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as eternal, personal beings. It affirms God’s sovereignty and love.
2.1 The Trinity
The Trinity is a central doctrine in Adventist belief, affirming one eternal, omnipotent God existing in three distinct, yet harmonious persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This divine unity is revealed in Scripture, with each person playing a unique role in creation, redemption, and sanctification. Adventists believe the Trinity reflects God’s character of love and unity, essential for understanding salvation and the plan of redemption. The Trinity is not a contradiction but a profound mystery that highlights God’s complexity and relational nature. This belief underscores the Adventist emphasis on worshiping and relating to God as a triune Being, central to Christian faith and practice.
2.2 The Father
The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms the Father as the first person of the Godhead, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient, ruling with love, justice, and mercy. Adventists believe the Father is the source of all life and the giver of every good gift, with a deep desire to connect personally with humanity. Through Jesus Christ, humans can have a direct relationship with the Father, experiencing His grace and forgiveness. The Father’s ultimate plan is to dwell with His people on a new earth, free from sin and suffering, fulfilling His promise of eternal life for those who accept His love and redemption.
2.3 The Son
The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. He is eternal, co-existent with the Father, and shares in the divine nature. Jesus is the Word made flesh, born of the Virgin Mary, fully divine and fully human. Through His sinless life, He revealed God’s love and character. His death on the cross provided salvation for humanity, atoning for sin. Adventists emphasize Christ’s resurrection as the ultimate victory over death and sin, securing eternal life for believers. Jesus now acts as our High Priest, mediating between God and humanity, and will return as Saviour and Judge, fulfilling His mission to redeem and restore creation.
2.4 The Holy Spirit
The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Godhead, co-eternal and coequal with the Father and the Son. The Spirit is the regenerator and sanctifier of the soul, convicting individuals of sin and drawing them to Christ. Adventists believe the Holy Spirit inspires prophecy, empowers ministry, and transforms lives, enabling believers to live godly lives. The Spirit also seals believers for redemption and is the power behind the church’s mission and witness. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s presence is made real in the lives of His people, guiding them into all truth and preparing them for the ultimate restoration of all things.
The Nature of Humanity
The Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches that humanity was created in God’s image, with freedom of choice, leading to sin’s entrance and the Great Controversy between good and evil.
3.1 Creation and the Nature of Humanity
The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms that humanity was created by God in His image, endowed with freedom of choice and intended for a loving relationship with Him. The Bible teaches that God created the world in six days, resting on the seventh, which is commemorated as the Sabbath. Humanity’s creation in God’s image implies qualities like intelligence, morality, and spirituality, distinguishing humans from other creatures. However, through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin entered the world, leading to a fractured relationship with God and the introduction of suffering and death. This event marked the beginning of the Great Controversy, a cosmic conflict between good and evil, with humanity caught in its midst. Adventists believe in humanity’s inherent dignity and the potential for redemption through divine grace.
3.2 The Great Controversy
The Great Controversy is a central doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explaining the origin of sin and evil. It describes a cosmic conflict between God and Satan, beginning with Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven. Satan, once a high-ranking angel, sought to exalt himself above God, leading to his fall and expulsion from heaven. This rebellion introduced sin to the universe, resulting in suffering, death, and separation from God. The earthly realm became the battleground of this conflict, with humanity caught in the midst. The doctrine emphasizes God’s justice, love, and sovereignty, as well as the ultimate triumph of good over evil through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and the restoration of all things.
Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Salvation is through Jesus Christ, the only Mediator, whose life, death, and resurrection provide redemption. It is a gift received through faith in Him alone.
4.1 The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are central to Adventist beliefs. His sinless life demonstrated God’s love and provided the perfect example for humanity. Jesus’ death on the cross atoned for humanity’s sins, offering salvation through grace. His resurrection on the third day conquered death, ensuring eternal life for believers; These events are foundational to Christian faith, affirming Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. Adventists emphasize Christ’s sacrifice as the only means of salvation, aligning with biblical teachings and offering hope for redemption and eternal life through faith in Him.
The Role of the Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church serves as a community of believers, united in mission, worship, and service. Its purpose is to share the gospel, nurture members, and prepare for Christ’s return.
5.1 The Church and Its Mission
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a vibrant community of believers entrusted with a divine mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its mission encompasses spreading the message of salvation, fostering spiritual growth, and serving humanity. The church is committed to educating its members and the broader community about biblical truths and healthy living. Through ministries such as education, health, and community service, Adventists strive to reflect Christ’s love and compassion. The church also emphasizes the importance of unity and fellowship among its members, encouraging them to work together in preparing the world for the Second Coming of Jesus. This mission is central to the church’s identity and purpose.
The Christian Life and Last-Day Events
The Christian life involves living according to biblical principles, observing the Sabbath, and practicing stewardship. It prepares believers for last-day events, including Christ’s second coming and the new earth.
6.1 The Sabbath and Stewardship
The Sabbath, observed on Saturday, is a day of rest and worship, commemorating God’s creation and redemption. It reflects trust in God’s providence and rhythm of life; Stewardship emphasizes responsible management of time, talents, and resources, recognizing all as gifts from God. Believers are called to use these wisely, fostering generosity and service. The Sabbath and stewardship together cultivate a life of faith, gratitude, and obedience, preparing for eternal life with God.
6.2 The Second Coming and the New Earth
The Second Coming of Jesus is a central belief, expected to be literal, personal, and visible. It marks the end of sin and the resurrection of the dead. The wicked will be destroyed, while the righteous will receive eternal life. After a millennium, God will create a New Earth, free from suffering and death, where He will dwell with His people forever. This belief inspires hope and urgency, encouraging believers to live faithfully and share the gospel, anticipating Christ’s triumphant return and the eternal reign of God.