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Sabbath. Adventists. 1844. Healthy lifestyle. Sanctuary. Ellen White. Signs of the times. The Great Controversy.
Has one of these topics brought you here? Are you looking for a specific answer, or maybe searching for more knowledge, or simply seeking a correct understanding of Bible beliefs?
Whether you are a Bible student, a baptismal candidate or a longstanding member, this website is a place where you will discover what Seventh-day Adventists believe. And why!
All materials shared are from two important resources: the volume entitled Seventh-day Adventists Believe and the guidebook We Believe - A Study Guide of Bible Principles (for details see About page).
You are invited to read a chapter of the volume, and then to study the respective lesson (links provided below). The study cannot be complete, or fully appreciated, without using that hopefully open Bible in front of you :)
Because Seventh-day Adventists believe The Bible!
Lesson 1. The Word of God
Lesson 1. The Word of God
Many think the Bible is too difficult to understand and is too boring. The fact is, they never open the Book and thus cheat themselves of joy, comfort, peace, and, possibly, eternal salvation. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). And Jesus is right. He found the Scriptures helpful in resisting the devil and in knowing His Father’s will. So can you.
Many think the Bible is too difficult to understand and is too boring. The fact is, they never open the Book and thus cheat themselves of joy, comfort, peace, and, possibly, eternal salvation. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). And Jesus is right. He found the Scriptures helpful in resisting the devil and in knowing His Father’s will. So can you.
Lesson 2. The Godhead
Lesson 2. The Godhead
Careful reflections on the Godhead can come only from a heart and mind trained in humility. Speaking adequately of God is a daunting task. Scripture must be the primary source of our knowledge of Him. Christians manifest their avowed dependence upon this Book, which speaks of one God and yet contains many affirmations of the deity of the three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Careful reflections on the Godhead can come only from a heart and mind trained in humility. Speaking adequately of God is a daunting task. Scripture must be the primary source of our knowledge of Him. Christians manifest their avowed dependence upon this Book, which speaks of one God and yet contains many affirmations of the deity of the three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Lesson 3. God the Father
Lesson 3. God the Father
Just like human parents love their children, so God loves us. But unlike our earthly parents’ love, His love is perfect. God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Jesus taught us to call Him "our Father". He doesn’t just want you to know about Him—He wants you to know Him!
Just like human parents love their children, so God loves us. But unlike our earthly parents’ love, His love is perfect. God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Jesus taught us to call Him "our Father". He doesn’t just want you to know about Him—He wants you to know Him!
Lesson 4. God the Son
Lesson 4. God the Son
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Learning about the Son of God and the depth of His love for us can be riveting. To think about a holy, perfect being that is willing to go through the ultimate level of pain in order that we can be redeemed from our selfishness and reconciled to God.
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Learning about the Son of God and the depth of His love for us can be riveting. To think about a holy, perfect being that is willing to go through the ultimate level of pain in order that we can be redeemed from our selfishness and reconciled to God.
Lesson 5. God the Holy Spirit
Lesson 5. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. He is fully God, more than an influence or a force. He has the personhood and mind of God, and performs a special duty to help us connect with God the Father. The Spirit also guides us in our lives. Sent by Jesus Christ as the personal presence of God for those dwelling on earth, when received, the Spirit will transform your life to reflect our Lord.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. He is fully God, more than an influence or a force. He has the personhood and mind of God, and performs a special duty to help us connect with God the Father. The Spirit also guides us in our lives. Sent by Jesus Christ as the personal presence of God for those dwelling on earth, when received, the Spirit will transform your life to reflect our Lord.
Lesson 6. Creation
Lesson 6. Creation
Genesis tells us the story of the 6-day creation week, followed by the first Sabbath. God’s relational love is introduced right away as he creates a perfect world, then personally forms the first two human beings to populate this planet. The Bible’s account of God creating the earth is more than just a documentation of the earth’s divine beginnings. It tells us who we are, where we came from, and what amazing things God has planned for humanity.
Genesis tells us the story of the 6-day creation week, followed by the first Sabbath. God’s relational love is introduced right away as he creates a perfect world, then personally forms the first two human beings to populate this planet. The Bible’s account of God creating the earth is more than just a documentation of the earth’s divine beginnings. It tells us who we are, where we came from, and what amazing things God has planned for humanity.
Lesson 7. The Nature of Man
Lesson 7. The Nature of Man
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. Following the sin of Adam, the humans share his fallen nature and its consequences. Born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil, when reconciled with God, they can be restored by the work of His Spirit.
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. Following the sin of Adam, the humans share his fallen nature and its consequences. Born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil, when reconciled with God, they can be restored by the work of His Spirit.
Lesson 8. The Great Controversy
Lesson 8. The Great Controversy
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan. This conflict originated in heaven, being then introduced into this world when Adam and Eve committed their sin. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them.
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan. This conflict originated in heaven, being then introduced into this world when Adam and Eve committed their sin. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them.
Lesson 9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
Lesson 9. The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and assures the final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow.
In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and assures the final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow.
Lesson 10. The Experience of Salvation
Lesson 10. The Experience of Salvation
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord, Substitute and Example. This saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. When we choose salvation, we accept that we are God's children.
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord, Substitute and Example. This saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. When we choose salvation, we accept that we are God's children.
Lesson 11. Growing in Christ
Lesson 11. Growing in Christ
Our beliefs become more and more evident as we deepen them. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the biggest change is that we are no longer slaves to our selfish, sinful nature. We will still have struggles with sin as we grow spiritually, but God gives us the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and guide us. We are a “new creation” in Christ as we learn more about Him and grow our faith. But what does this journey of sanctification look like?
Our beliefs become more and more evident as we deepen them. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the biggest change is that we are no longer slaves to our selfish, sinful nature. We will still have struggles with sin as we grow spiritually, but God gives us the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and guide us. We are a “new creation” in Christ as we learn more about Him and grow our faith. But what does this journey of sanctification look like?
Lesson 12. The Church
Lesson 12. The Church
When you think of the word “church,” what comes to mind? Is it a building with stained glass windows? Is it people dressed up, congregating to sing hymns? The Church, as Scripture defines it, has little to do with a building at all. The collective Church refers to the family of believers in Christ. And Seventh-day Adventists consider this belief to be central to their mission in sharing the gospel and being of service to one another.
When you think of the word “church,” what comes to mind? Is it a building with stained glass windows? Is it people dressed up, congregating to sing hymns? The Church, as Scripture defines it, has little to do with a building at all. The collective Church refers to the family of believers in Christ. And Seventh-day Adventists consider this belief to be central to their mission in sharing the gospel and being of service to one another.
Lesson 13. The Remnant and its Mission
Lesson 13. The Remnant and its Mission
When you hear the term “remnant” as it’s used in the Bible, it refers to a group of people who remain loyal to God after a time of hardship. There is special meaning to the remnant of believers that will exist in the last days, when earth is at its worst, right before Christ’s Second Coming. Scripture tells us who will make up this end-time remnant (Revelation 12:17). But what does that mean for us now?
When you hear the term “remnant” as it’s used in the Bible, it refers to a group of people who remain loyal to God after a time of hardship. There is special meaning to the remnant of believers that will exist in the last days, when earth is at its worst, right before Christ’s Second Coming. Scripture tells us who will make up this end-time remnant (Revelation 12:17). But what does that mean for us now?
Lesson 14. Unity in the Body of Christ
Lesson 14. Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation.
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation.
Lesson 15. Baptism
Lesson 15. Baptism
The biblical practice of baptism demonstrates a person’s commitment to Jesus Christ. Seventh-day Adventists believe and practice the biblical custom of baptism by immersion, in a similar way that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This motion of immersion symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection, which provides the forgiveness of our sins. By going through this symbolic act, we proclaim to accept Christ’s sacrifice and acknowledge Him as our Savior.
The biblical practice of baptism demonstrates a person’s commitment to Jesus Christ. Seventh-day Adventists believe and practice the biblical custom of baptism by immersion, in a similar way that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This motion of immersion symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection, which provides the forgiveness of our sins. By going through this symbolic act, we proclaim to accept Christ’s sacrifice and acknowledge Him as our Savior.
Lesson 16. The Lord's Supper
Lesson 16. The Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing. In the Seventh-day Adventist Church the communion service is open to all believing Christians.
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing. In the Seventh-day Adventist Church the communion service is open to all believing Christians.
Lesson 17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
Lesson 17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts for the common good of the church and of humanity. These gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church grows and is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine.
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts for the common good of the church and of humanity. These gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church grows and is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine.
Lesson 18. The Gift of Prophecy
Lesson 18. The Gift of Prophecy
Prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon humanity. A person with this gift receives special insight from the Holy Spirit so they can share these messages from God with others. We embrace the significance of all the spiritual gifts, including prophecy, recognizing anyone can be used in this way if so moved by the Holy Spirit. One of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen White, demonstrated this gift in her ministry.
Prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon humanity. A person with this gift receives special insight from the Holy Spirit so they can share these messages from God with others. We embrace the significance of all the spiritual gifts, including prophecy, recognizing anyone can be used in this way if so moved by the Holy Spirit. One of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen White, demonstrated this gift in her ministry.
Lesson 19. The Law of God
Lesson 19. The Law of God
The Law of God is also referred to as the “decalogue,” or “The Ten Commandments.” These 10 commandments are found in Exodus chapter 20 and have served as a moral blueprint for humanity to live a life of freedom, respect and virtue for many generations. The first few commandments help us maintain a healthy relationship with God, and the rest guide our relationships with other humans (our neighbour).
The Law of God is also referred to as the “decalogue,” or “The Ten Commandments.” These 10 commandments are found in Exodus chapter 20 and have served as a moral blueprint for humanity to live a life of freedom, respect and virtue for many generations. The first few commandments help us maintain a healthy relationship with God, and the rest guide our relationships with other humans (our neighbour).
Lesson 20. The Sabbath
Lesson 20. The Sabbath
The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another.
The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another.
Lesson 21. Stewardship
Lesson 21. Stewardship
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow human beings, and by returning tithe and giving offerings. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness.
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow human beings, and by returning tithe and giving offerings. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness.
Lesson 22. Christian Behavior
Lesson 22. Christian Behavior
For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This topic covers amusement and entertainment, dress and adornment, lifestyle habits like exercise and rest, healthful diet and abstaining from foods and other substances harmful to our bodies. We are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ.
For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This topic covers amusement and entertainment, dress and adornment, lifestyle habits like exercise and rest, healthful diet and abstaining from foods and other substances harmful to our bodies. We are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ.
Lesson 23. Marriage and the Family
Lesson 23. Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, a man and a woman may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. The family of God embraces both single and married persons.
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, a man and a woman may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. The family of God embraces both single and married persons.
Lesson 24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
Lesson 24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven that the Lord set up. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. The completion of this ministry will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
There is a sanctuary in heaven that the Lord set up. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. The completion of this ministry will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
Lesson 25. The Second Coming of Christ
Lesson 25. The Second Coming of Christ
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The fulfillment of prophecies and the present condition of the world indicate that Christ’s coming is near. We are to be ready at all times.
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The fulfillment of prophecies and the present condition of the world indicate that Christ’s coming is near. We are to be ready at all times.
Lesson 26. Death and Resurrection
Lesson 26. Death and Resurrection
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later.
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later.
Lesson 27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
Lesson 27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged. At its close, Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged. At its close, Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.
Lesson 28. The New Earth
Lesson 28. The New Earth
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever.
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever.