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Our Beliefs
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.
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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