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 Center 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 counseling and other programs to
assist those wishing to overcome drug addiction and alcohol or
tobacco dependence.