God
Adventists base their
faith in God as revealed through Jesus Christ and as shown through
the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Faith
Faith means placing
complete trust in God, and accepting his offer of salvation. Such
trusting faith is fundamental to Adventist beliefs. A living
relationship with God is essential to faith.
The Bible
Written down over
many years, the Bible presents the essential truth about God. The
Holy Spirit inspired human writers to reveal the character of God
and how he wishes to save all those who come to him. The Bible
explains the nature of God and the way God’s followers will behave
as a result of their relationship with him.
The Gospel
The heart of the
Adventist message is the gospel, God’s good news of salvation.
Through Jesus’ death on the cross human beings may be won back to
love and trust God, and accept God’s free gift of eternal life for
all those who follow him.
Creation
Creator of the
Universe, Christ formed our world in seven days, and created the
first man and woman. At the close of his creative work, God gave
the Sabbath as a day of celebration and worship.
The Sabbath
The seventh-day
Sabbath (Saturday) is given as a reminder of the God who both
creates and saves, and is the day God invites all to come and
worship him. Jesus observed the seventh-day Sabbath while on
earth, and Adventists follow his example in keeping the fourth of
the Ten Commandments.
The Second Advent
Adventists look
forward to the soon return of Jesus Christ as prophesied and as he
himself promised, but do not set any date for this glorious event
when he comes to take home all who accept him as their Lord.
Life After Death and the Future
Adventists follow
Jesus in identifying those who die as sleeping. Those who have
trusted God are raised to life when Jesus returns, and look
forward to a wonderful future--eternal life in God’s presence.
Baptism and Commitment
Those who choose to
accept God’s way for their lives and his offer of eternal life
demonstrate their belief through baptism (being immersed in
water), following the example of Jesus. Adventists follow lives of
commitment to God and his plan for us, which include following his
commands as being for our best good.
Education
The Adventist Church
operates one of the largest educational systems in the world, and
features Universities such as Loma Linda whose Medical Centre is
at the forefront of treatments such as the innovative Proton
Accelerator for cancer treatment. Through a world-wide network of
schools, Adventists seek to better humanity through providing
education and vocational training.
Community Aid
Through the Adventist
Development and Relief Agency and other programs, the Adventist
Church provides practical assistance to those less fortunate,
caring for the poor and disadvantaged in many countries of the
world, without regard for race, religion or nationality. The
Church also operates youth camps, community service projects,
family life counselling and other programs to assist those wishing
to overcome drug addiction and alcohol or tobacco dependence.
The Communication of
Hope
Seventh-day
Adventists will communicate hope by focusing on the quality of
life that is complete in Christ. Communication is a vital aspect
of faith, sharing the good news of God and keeping the family of
believers in touch through a global system that includes satellite
broadcasting, TV, radio, print and the Internet. Visit
www.adventist.org.
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