Seventh-day Adventist theology

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The theology of the Seventh-day Adventist Church largely resembles that of mainstream Protestant Christianity, and in particular evangelicalism. Most significantly, Adventists believe in the authority of Scripture and teach that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The 28 fundamental beliefs constitute the church's official doctrinal position.

The denomination also has a number of distinctive teachings which differentiate it from other Christian churches (although some of these beliefs are also held in other churches). Most notably, Adventists believe in the perpetuity of the Ten Commandments, the unconsciousness of man in death, conditional immortality, an atoning ministry of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and an “investigative judgment” that commenced in 1844. Furthermore, a traditionally historicist approach to prophecy has led Adventists to develop a unique system of eschatological beliefs which incorporates a commandment-keeping "remnant", a universal end-time crisis revolving around the law of God, and the visible return of Jesus Christ prior to a millennial reign of believers in heaven.

Seventh-day Adventism has moved away from some legalistic and perfectionistic tendencies which characterised its earlier decades, towards a stronger emphasis on grace. One of the main factors contributing to this theological shift were discussions which took place between Adventists and evangelicals in the 1950s, culminating in the publication in 1957 of a book entitled Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine. An earlier factor was the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference after which the church developed a much greater focus on Jesus and "righteousness by faith". While asserting that Christians are saved entirely by the grace of God, Adventists also stress obedience to the law of God as the proper response to salvation.

This article outlines the current teachings of the Adventist church from a mainstream perspective, and also explores some historical and controverted issues. For different theological perspectives, see the articles on Progressive Adventists and Historic Adventists.

Contents 1 Theological basis 1.1 View of Scripture 1.2 Writings of Ellen White 1.3 Noncredalism 1.4 Change and development 2 Official beliefs 3 Mainstream doctrine 4 Distinctive doctrines 4.1 10 Commandments 4.2 Sabbath 4.3 Second Coming of Christ 4.4 Hell and the state of the dead 4.5 The Great Controversy 4.6 The Heavenly Sanctuary 4.7 Investigative Judgment 4.8 The Remnant Church 4.9 Spirit of Prophecy 5 Christology 5.1 Shift towards Trinitarianism 5.2 Identification with the Archangel Michael 5.3 The human nature of Jesus Christ 6 Other doctrinal issues 6.1 Original sin 6.2 Soteriology and free will 6.3 Sinless perfection 6.4 Baptism 6.5 Holy Communion 6.6 Creation 6.7 Speaking in tongues 6.8 The scapegoat 6.9 Sunday law 7 See also 8 External links 9 References

[edit] Theological basis

[edit] View of Scripture

The first fundamental belief of the church states "The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of [God's] will." Most Adventist scholars do not accept the stronger inerrantist or "verbal inspiration" position on Scripture held by fundamentalists and some other Christians. At the same time, Adventist scholars generally reject "critical" methods of Bible interpretation such as the historical-critical method, although some recognize that these methods might have limited use. In summary, Adventists have a conservative high regard for the authority of Scripture, but not to the same extent as Christian fundamentalists or some evangelicals.

[edit] Writings of Ellen White

Seventh-day Adventist approaches to theology are affected by the level of authority accorded the writings of Ellen White. Mainstream Adventists believe that White had the spiritual gift of prophecy, but also that the Bible is superior to her writings. Conservative Adventists place a heightened emphasis on her writings, whereas mainstream through to progressive scholars may increasingly feel at liberty to differ with her on various points. Which approach is taken has significant consequences for one's theology.

[edit] Noncredalism

Seventh-day Adventists do not recognize the historic creeds and confessions of Christianity.^{[citation needed]} The traditional Adventist opposition to creeds is illustrated by J. N. Loughborough's classic statement:

"the first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth is to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."^[1]

However over time it became necessary for the church to present a doctrinal summary of its position. As early as 1872 a list of "Fundamental Principles" were published.[2] The present Fundamental Beliefs, dating from 1980, were formed for the purpose of internal coherence, and to present a simple summary of beliefs to those not in the church. Adventists prefer to view them as descriptors rather than prescriptors. Seventh-day Adventism's noncredal stance is based on their commitment to the Protestant ideal of "Sola scriptura", which they express by claiming that "the Bible is our only creed."

[edit] Change and development

According to Adventist scholars such as George R. Knight, Rolf Poehler and Alden Thompson, Adventist theology has experienced change throughout the history of the church.^[2] The preamble to the 28 Fundamentals allows for revision at a General Conference Session:

"Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word."^[3] (emphasis added)

[edit] Official beliefs

The Seventh-day Adventist denomination expresses its official teachings in a formal statement known as the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. This statement of beliefs was originally adopted by the church's General Conference in 1980, with an additional belief (number 11) being added in 2005.^[4] The 28 fundamentals may be viewed on the denomination's official website.[3] Also highly significant are the baptismal vows, of which there are two versions; candidates for church membership are required to accept one.

In addition to the fundamental beliefs, a number of "Official Statements" have been voted by the church leadership, although only some of these are doctrinal in nature.[4] Books published on denominational presses could be considered to have a basic level of endorsement by the church, but it must be realised that these are in no way "official", and that there is diversity in which books are thus accepted. Another non-"official" way of determining the church's teaching would be to examine the various majority positions among Adventist scholars. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary is significant, as are the various periodicals published by the church.

[edit] Mainstream doctrine

Seventh-day Adventists uphold the central doctrines of Protestant Christianity: the Trinity, the incarnation, the virgin birth, the substitutionary atonement, justification by faith, creation, original sin, the second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and last judgment.

In Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine (1957), Adventists outlined the core doctrines that they hold in common with mainstream Christianity.

"In Common With Conservative Christians and the Historic Protestant Creeds, We Believe—

1. That God is the Sovereign Creator, upholder, and ruler of the universe, and that He is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.

2. That the Godhead, the Trinity, comprises God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

3. That the Scriptures are the inspired revelation of God to men; and that the Bible is the sole rule of faith and practice.

4. That Jesus Christ is very God, and that He has existed with the Father from all eternity.

5. That the Holy Spirit is a personal being, sharing the attributes of deity with the Father and the Son.

6. That Christ, the Word of God, became incarnate through the miraculous conception and the virgin birth; and that He lived an absolutely sinless life here on earth.

7. That the vicarious, atoning death of Jesus Christ, once for all, is all-sufficient for the redemption of a lost race.

8. That Jesus Christ arose literally and bodily from the grave.

9. That He ascended literally and bodily into heaven.

10. That He now serves as our advocate in priestly ministry and mediation before the Father.

11. That He will return in a premillennial, personal, imminent second advent.

12. That man was created sinless, but by his subsequent fall entered a state of alienation and depravity.

13. That salvation through Christ is by grace alone, through faith in His blood.

14. That entrance upon the new life in Christ is by regeneration, or the new birth.

15. That man is justified by faith.

16. That man is sanctified by the indwelling Christ through the Holy Spirit.

17. That man will be glorified at the resurrection or translation of the saints, when the Lord returns.

18. That there will be a judgment of all men.

19. That the gospel is to be preached as a witness to all the world."^[5]

All of these doctrines, with the exception of item 11 (regarding the premillennial return of Christ), are widely held amongst conservative or evangelical Protestants. (It should be noted that different Protestant groups hold varying views on the millennium.)

[edit] Distinctive doctrines

[edit] 10 Commandments

Seventh-day Adventists believe that "the great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments", and that these are "binding upon all people in every age" (Fundamental Belief no. 19). While the ceremonial and sacrificial laws of the Old Testament were fulfilled by the death of Jesus Christ, the 10 commandments are held to remain in force for Christian believers. The words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:17-20 are foundational to this conviction:

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

[edit] Sabbath

Seventh-day Adventists believe that Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is the biblical Sabbath which God set "apart for the lofty purpose of enriching the divine-human relationship"^[6]. It is noted that the Sabbath is a recurring message in the Bible, mentioned in the Creation account, at Sinai, in the ministry of Jesus Christ and in the ministries of the apostles. The Sabbath serves as a weekly memorial to Creation and is a symbol of redemption, from both Egypt and sin. By keeping the Sabbath, Adventists are reminded of the way that God can make them holy, like he did the Sabbath, and they show their loyalty to God by keeping the commandment in the Decalogue. The Sabbath is also a time for Adventists to spend with other people and with God.

Adventists believe that the Sabbath is not just a holiday but rather is intended as a rest for believers to grow spiritually. It should be noted, however, that although Seventh-day Adventists do not believe that they are saved by keeping Saturday as the Sabbath, they attach considerably greater significance to Saturday-Sabbath keeping than other denominations attach to worship on Sunday.

Adventists do not see the Sabbath as a works-based doctrine, but rather righteousness comes solely through faith in Christ alone. The Sabbath commandment is seen as an act of faith in God's ideal for the believer, although its significance may not be seen by non-believers.

Seventh-day Adventists teach that there is no evidence of the Sabbath being changed to Sunday in the Bible. They teach instead that it was changed by gradual acceptance of Sunday worship gatherings kept by the early church in Rome to distinguish themselves from the Jews and to align themselves with political authorities. This change became more universally accepted with the establishment of Roman emperor Constantine's Sunday law of 321 AD and the decree at the Council of Laodicea that in canon 29 declared that Christians should avoid work on Sunday.

[edit] Second Coming of Christ

Main article: Eschatology (Adventist)

Seventh-day Adventists believe in an imminent, universally visible Second Coming of Christ, which will be preceded by a "time of trouble". The teaching that Christ will be universally visible is based on Revelation 1:7 which states that "every eye will see him." The second coming will coincide with the resurrection and translation of the righteous, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Adventists believe that the unrighteous, or wicked, will be raised after the millennium.

As compared to other Christian views of eschatology, the Seventh-day Adventist view is closest to Historic (or post-tribulational) Premillennialism. Conditions on earth are expected to steadily deteriorate until the "time of trouble"[5] (which is similar to the Great Tribulation of classic premillennialist teaching), when civil and religious authorities will combine to unleash intense persecution upon God's people, particularly those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath. The time of trouble will be ended by the glorious appearing of Christ, which will also mark the commencement of the millennium.

Adventists reject dispensationalist theology and the "secret rapture", believing that the church will remain on earth throughout the end-time crisis. A further major difference is that the millennial reign of Christ will take place in heaven, not on earth, and will involve all of the redeemed people of God, not just national Israel. (See Fundamental Beliefs, no. 26 & 27.)

Seventh-day Adventism interprets the book of Revelation using the historicist method, but also holds that some of the events it predicts are still future. (See Interpretations of the Book of Revelation.)

[edit] Hell and the state of the dead

Seventh-day Adventists believe that death is a state of unconscious sleep until the resurrection. They base this belief on biblical texts such as Ecclesiastes 9:5 which states "the dead know nothing", and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 which contains a description of the dead being raised from the grave at the second coming. These verses, it is argued, indicate that death is only a period or form of slumber.

Adventists teach that the resurrection of the righteous will take place at the second coming of Jesus, while the resurrection of the wicked will occur after the millennium of Revelation 20. They reject the traditional doctrine of hell as a state of everlasting conscious torment, believing instead that the wicked will be permanently destroyed after the millennium. The theological term for this teaching is Annihilationism.

The Adventist views about death and hell reflect an underlying belief in: (a) conditional immortality (or conditionalism), as opposed to the immortality of the soul; and (b) the holistic (or monistic) nature of human beings, as opposed to bipartite or tripartite views. Adventist education hence strives to be holistic in nature, involving not just the mind but all aspects of a person.

This belief in conditional immortality has been one of the doctrines used by critics (particularly in the past) to claim that the church is not a mainstream Christian denomination.^[7] However this view is becoming more mainstream within evangelicalism, as evidenced by the British Evangelical Alliance ACUTE report, which states the doctrine is a "significant minority evangelical view" which has "grown within evangelicalism in recent years".^[8] Evangelical theologian and conditionalist Clark Pinnock has credited Adventist Le Roy Edwin Froom with writing the classic work on the subject.^[9]

[edit] The Great Controversy

Main article: Great Controversy theme

Seventh-day Adventists believe that prior to the beginning of human history, a dispute occurred in heaven between God and Lucifer (Satan) over "the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe" (Fundamental Belief no. 8). Lucifer was subsequently cast out of heaven, and, acting through the serpent in the Garden of Eden, led Adam and Eve into sin. God has permitted Lucifer's rebellion to continue on Earth in order to demonstrate to angels and beings on other worlds that his Law is righteous and necessary, and that the breaking of the 10 commandments leads to moral catastrophe.

This understanding of the origin of evil is derived from the book entitled The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White, particularly chapter 29, The Origin of Evil.

[edit] The Heavenly Sanctuary

The Seventh-day Adventist church teaches that there is a sanctuary in heaven which was foreshadowed by the Mosaic tabernacle, according to their interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews chapters 8 and 9. After his death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary as the great High Priest, "making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice" (Fundamental Belief no. 24). Adventists hold that Christ ministered his blood in the first section of the sanctuary (the holy place) until October 1844; after that time he entered the second section of the sanctuary (the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies) in fulfilment of the Day of Atonement.

Adventists therefore believe that Christ's work of atonement encompasses both his death on the Cross and his ministration in the heavenly sanctuary. Early Adventists went as far as to claim that the atonement occurs in heaven, not on the cross:

"[Christ] ascended on high to be our only mediator in the sanctuary in Heaven, where, with his own blood he makes atonement for our sins; which atonement so far from being made on the cross, which was but the offering of the sacrifice, is the very last portion of his work as priest..." Quoted from Fundamental Principles taught and practiced by the Seventh-day Adventists (1872), proposition II.

Modern Adventists have moved away from this unorthodox view, and now insist that Christ's death on the cross was a fully completed work of atonement. They continue, however, to refer to his mediatorial work in heaven as an "atoning ministry" (as in Fundamental Belief no. 24), distinguishing themselves from mainstream Protestant theology.

[edit] Investigative Judgment

Main article: Investigative judgment

The investigative judgment is a doctrine unique to Seventh-day Adventism, and teaches that the judgment of God's professed people began on October 22, 1844 when Christ entered the Holy of Holies in the heavenly sanctuary. Adventists find the investigative judgment portrayed in texts such as Daniel 7:9-10, 1 Peter 4:17 and Revelation 20:12. The purpose of this judgment is to vindicate the saints before the onlooking universe, to prepare them for Christ's imminent Second Coming, and to demonstrate God's righteous character in His dealings with humanity. This judgment will also separate true believers from those who falsely claim to be ones.^[10]

The biblical basis of the investigative judgment teaching was challenged in 1980 by Adventist scholar Desmond Ford. (See Glacier View controversy.) Since this time, the Adventist church has been internally divided over the issue, although the doctrine remains part of the church's official teaching.

[edit] The Remnant Church

Main article: Remnant (Adventist)

The Seventh-day Adventist church regards itself as the "remnant" of Revelation 12:17 (KJV). The Remnant church "announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent" (Fundamental Belief no. 13). The duty of the Remnant is summed up in the "Three Angels' Messages" of Revelation 14:6-12, and its two distinguishing marks are seventh-day Sabbath observance and the Spirit of Prophecy (see below).

At baptism, Adventists may be asked the following question: "Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship?"^[11] (NB. In 2005 an alternative set of baptismal vows was created, which does not contain a reference to the Adventist church as the remnant. Candidates may now choose whether to take the original vow or the new one.^[12])

Some scholars have questioned the traditional understanding, preferring to widen the concept of "remnant" to include other Christians.

[edit] Spirit of Prophecy

Main articles: prophetic gift of Ellen White and Spirit of Prophecy (Adventist)

The church believes the spiritual gift of prophecy was manifested in the ministry of Ellen White, who is sometimes referred to as the "Spirit of Prophecy". The church's 28 Fundamental Beliefs state:

"her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested."^[10]

Two other official statements regarding the prophetic ministry of Ellen White have recently been voted at General Conference Sessions. The June 1995 document A Statement of Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy states that White "did the work of a prophet, and more", and that her writings "carry divine authority, both for godly living and for doctrine"; and recommended that "as a church we seek the power of the Holy Spirit to apply to our lives more fully the inspired counsel contained in the writings of Ellen G White." The 2005 document Resolution on the Spirit of Prophecy called upon "Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world to prayerfully study her writings, in order to understand more fully God's purpose for His remnant people", describing her writings as "theological stimulus".

There has been an increasing tendency in the church to view White in more human terms, although still inspired. Whatever the prominence assigned to her writings for doctrinal authority, Adventists are agreed that the Bible takes precedence as the final authority.

[edit] Christology

[edit] Shift towards Trinitarianism

During its history the Seventh-day Adventist movement has shifted from a semi-Arian ^[13] to an orthodox Trinitarian theology. Two of the church's principal founders, James White and Joseph Bates, had a background in the Christian Connection church, which rejects the Trinitarian nature of God. However, the teachings and writings of Ellen White, who was raised in a Methodist family, ultimately proved influential in shifting the church towards Trinitarianism.^[14]

The evolution towards Trinitarianism can be observed in the successive doctrinal statements of the church. The 1872 Declaration of the Fundamental Principles taught and practiced by the Seventh-day Adventists[6] mentioned Father, Son and Holy Spirit but did not contain an explicit affirmation of the Trinity:

"That there is one God, a personal, spiritual being, the creator of all things, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; unchangeable, and everywhere present by his representative, the Holy Spirit.

That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, the one by whom God created all things, and by whom they do consist...

By 1931 the Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-Day Adventists[7] included a Trinitarian statement:

That the Godhead, or Trinity, consists of the Eternal Father, a personal, spiritual Being, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, infinite in wisdom and love; the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, through whom all things were created and through whom the salvation of the redeemed hosts will be accomplished; the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, the great regenerating power in the word of redemption.

The Seventh-day Adventist denomination formally adopted a Trinitarian position with their 1980 statement of Fundamental Beliefs [8]:

The Trinity: There is one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons.

Despite the denomination having been officially Trinitarian for several decades, there remain small factions and individuals within the church who continue to argue that the authentic, historical Adventist position is semi-Arian.^[15]

[edit] Identification with the Archangel Michael

Seventh-day Adventists have traditionally identified Jesus Christ with the archangel Michael of Daniel chapter 12. This is arguably a consequence of Seventh-day Adventism's semi-Arian origins. Given that Seventh-day Adventism is now expressly Trinitarian (see previous discussion), it is questionable whether this identification can still be used as criticism of Adventist Christology.

The Adventist position has been summarised thus:

"We believe that the term 'Michael' is but one of the many titles applied to the Son of God, the second person of the Godhead. But such a view does not in any way conflict with our belief in His full deity and eternal pre-existence, nor does it in the least disparage His person and work." ^[16]

Contrary to common perception, in forming this identification Adventists are not relegating Jesus to something less than divine or God. The term "angel" is interpreted not as a specific class of sub-divine heavenly beings as in the standard Christian view, but more broadly as any being serving as a messenger from God. This interpretation follows from the derivation of the English word "angel", which originally came from the Greek ἄγγελος (ángelos) meaning "messenger". Hence Christ is understood to bring a message from God, but His full divinity is retained.

For a further Seventh-day Adventist perspective on this issue, see the essay: Who is Michael?, by Henry Feyerabend.

[edit] The human nature of Jesus Christ

Historically there has been a serious debate within Adventism regarding whether Jesus Christ took on a fallen or an unfallen nature in the Incarnation. Today the former view is a minority position in the church, and rejected by the landmark 1957 book Questions on Doctrine.^[17]

The debate revolves around the interpretation of several biblical texts:

"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh." Romans 8:2 (ESV)

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

"...concerning his Son (Jesus), who was descended from David according to the flesh..." Romans 1:3 (ESV)

Most early Adventists, as well as some modern Adventists, argue that Jesus Christ was born with the fallen nature that has been passed on to all of humanity from Adam. They believe that Jesus was beset with all of the moral weaknesses and frailties that we experience, including the inner urges to sin. Despite this, he managed to resist temptation both from within and without, and lived a perfectly obedient life. Jesus is therefore set forth as the supreme Example in whose footsteps Christians must follow. The fact that he overcame sin completely, despite having no advantage over other human beings, demonstrates that we too can live a life of complete obedience by trusting in him.

"He was the first, from, birth to death, to break the power of sin, beating the path for all to follow. He broke down every subtle enticement to do things His way rather than His Father’s. He rose triumphant in the very arena where His human counterparts have fallen, employing no other weapons than fallen men and women have at their disposal. ... Jesus was victorious with the same liabilities and disadvantages common to all mankind; therefore, men and women can also be victorious with the same help He depended on if they too “draw near” in time of need."

– Kenneth Gage, in defence of Christ's "fallen" nature, Biblical Research Institute^[18]

On the other hand, many modern Adventists have adopted a more "orthodox" position (in line with most Protestant as well as Roman Catholic teaching), which holds that Jesus was wholly unique in that he possessed a human nature untouched by original sin. He was thus akin to Adam in his pre-Fall state. It is denied that this view in any way diminishes the truth that Jesus was truly human, or that he experienced genuine temptation. Rather, it is argued that one cannot take original sin seriously and simultaneously claim that Jesus had a fallen nature.

"Could Jesus really save us if He did not actually become one of us in sinful nature? Did He really come down into the pit where we are in order to pull us out? Down in the pit He took hold of real human flesh only to the extent that His union with the Father remained unaffected. In other words, He could not be sinful in nature, for by definition such a nature is the result of separation from God. Union with God and sinful spiritual nature are as far removed from each other as are heaven and hell. To say that He became identified with us but remained loyal to God is to misunderstand the terrible nature of sin. Sin means separation from God. Either Jesus maintained an unbroken relationship with the Father or He let go and plunged into our estrangement."

– Benjamin Rand, in defence of Christ's "unfallen" nature, Biblical Research Institute^[19]

It is evident that the controversy within Adventism over Christ’s human nature is closely linked to the equally heated debate over whether it is possible for Christian believers to achieve a state of sinless perfection. At the present time it would appear that the denomination leans towards the position that Christ's nature was unfallen, although "official" consensus is lacking and both points of view are represented at the Biblical Research Institute.

Proponents of the view that Christ possessed a fallen nature include M. L. Andreasen, Herbert Douglass, Robert J. Wieland, Thomas Davis, C. Mervyn Maxwell, and Ralph Larson; proponents of the view that Christ's nature was unfallen include Edward Heppenstall, Hans K. LaRondelle, Raoul Dederen, Norman Gulley, R. A. Anderson, Leroy E. Froom, W. E. Read and Woodrow W. Whidden II.^[20]

[edit] Other doctrinal issues

[edit] Original sin

The Adventist understanding of original sin has evolved over time. Early Adventists (such as George Storrs and Uriah Smith) tended to de-emphasise the corrupt nature inherited from Adam, while stressing the importance of actual, personal sins committed by the individual. They thought of the "sinful nature" in terms of physical mortality rather than moral depravity.^[21] Later Adventists adopted a more mainstream view of original sin, which acknowledges humanity's inherently corrupt nature and spiritual separation from God. Original sin is thus conceived as a state into which all humans are born, and which we cannot escape without the grace of God. As one Adventist writer has put it, "Original sin is not per se wrong doing, but wrong being."^[22]

Although the majority of Adventists now acknowledge that all human beings inherit a depraved nature from Adam, they generally stop short of a full blown Augustinian conception of original sin, according to which we inherit not only Adam's depraved nature but also the actual guilt of his transgression.^[21] Additionally, there remain some within the church (such as Dennis E. Priebe[9]), who continue to argue that sin should only be defined in terms of wilful transgressions, not an inherited corrupt nature.

[edit] Soteriology and free will

The Seventh-day Adventist church stands firmly in the Wesleyan tradition (which in turn is an expression of Arminianism) in regards to its soteriological teachings. This is significant in two respects. Firstly, there is a very strong emphasis in Adventist teaching on sanctification as a necessary and inevitable consequence of salvation in Christ. Such an emphasis on obedience is not considered to detract from the reformation principle of sola fide ("faith alone"), but rather to provide an important balance to the doctrine of justification by faith, and to guard against antinomianism.^[23]

Secondly, Adventist teaching strongly emphasises free will; each individual is free either to accept or reject God's offer of salvation. Adventists therefore oppose the Calvinistic/Reformed doctrines of predestination (or unconditional election), limited atonement and perseverance of the saints ("once saved always saved"). Questions on Doctrine stated that Adventists believe "That man is free to choose or reject the offer of salvation through Christ; we do not believe that God has predetermined that some men shall be saved and others lost."^[5] The freedom of each individual to accept or reject God is integral to the Great Controversy theme.

"God could have prevented sin by creating a universe of robots that would do only what they were programmed to do. But God's love demanded that He create beings who could respond freely to His love—and such a response is possible only from beings who have the power of choice."^[24]

[edit] Sinless perfection

The issue of whether Christians can achieve a state of sinless perfection has long been a controversial topic for Seventh-day Adventists. Official denominational writers, such as Edward Heppenstall, generally express the view that sinlessness is not possible in this life, and that Christians will always rely on forgiving grace—even after the "close of probation". It is argued that "perfection" in the Bible refers to spiritual maturity, as opposed to absolute sinlessness.^[25] In theological terms, sanctification is a life-long process that will not be completed until Christians are glorified at the resurrection of the dead.

On the other hand, some Adventists insist that a final generation of believers, who will live through the "time of trouble" (between the close of probation and second coming of Christ), must and will attain a state of sinlessness comparable to the pre-fall condition of Adam and Eve. They believe that this is the authentic and historic Adventist position on the issue, and that denominational leaders have erred in moving away from it. Larry Kirkpatrick and the "Last Generation" movement[10] are representative of this stream of teaching.^[26]. Most current leaders of the church are opposed to this viewpoint.

[edit] Baptism

Seventh-day Adventists practice believers baptism by full immersion in a similar manner to the Baptists. They argue that baptism requires knowing consent and moral responsibility. Hence, they do not baptize infants or children who do not demonstrate knowing consent and moral responsibility, but instead dedicate them, which is symbolic of the parents', the community's, and the church's gratefulness to God for the child, and their commitment to raising the child to love Jesus. Seventh-day Adventists believe that baptism is a public statement to commit one's life to Jesus and is a prerequisite for church membership. Baptism is only practiced after the candidate has gone through Bible lessons. According to the Bible, the act of baptism shows that the person has repented of sin and wishes to live a life in Christ. Acts 8:36-37. See Adventist baptismal vow.

[edit] Holy Communion

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the bread and wine of the Holy Communion are "emblems" of the body and blood of Jesus; however, Christ is also "present to meet and strengthen His people" in the experience of communion.^[10] Adventists practice "the ordinance of footwashing" prior to each celebration of the Lord's Supper.

[edit] Creation

Seventh-day Adventists interpret the opening chapters of Genesis literally and reject the biological theory of evolution, and as such they generally adhere to both Young Earth Creationism and a Global Flood (see flood geology). The sixth fundamental belief states in part:

"In six days the Lord made 'the heaven and the earth' and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week."

Many Adventists follow Ellen White^[27] in believing there are worlds populated by intelligent beings elsewhere in the universe, which pre-existed the Earth and are untainted by sin.

'The "heavens" of Genesis 1 and 2 probably refer to our sun and its system of planets. Indeed, the earth, instead of being Christ's first creation, was most likely His last one. The Bible pictures the sons of God, probably the Adams of all the unfallen worlds, meeting with God in some distant corner of the universe (Job 1:6-12). So far, space probes have discovered no other inhabited planets. They apparently are situated in the vastness of space—well beyond the reach of our sin-polluted solar system quarantined against the infection of sin.'

– Seventh-day Adventists Believe^[28]

The Geoscience Research Institute, furthermore, acknowledges that the Earth might possibly be billions of years old [11] and that the universe beyond our solar system probably pre-dates Creation Week [12]. It is thus evident that the Adventist church permits belief in a form of "Gap Theory" or "two-stage creation". A 1994 Adventist Today article documents a survey of North American Division science educators. 60% responded, of which 83½% held doctoral degrees. Just 43% of the respondents affirmed the traditional statement "God created live organisms during 6 days less than 10,000 years ago."^[29]

The church has been highly influential on the development of creationism. The Seventh-day Adventist geologist George McCready Price was responsible for reviving flood geology in the 1900s. He was partly influenced in turn by the writings of Ellen White and the earlier Christian tradition. He was quoted heavily by William Jennings Bryan in the Scopes Trial, and his ideas were also later borrowed by Henry Morris and John Whitcomb in their landmark 1961 creationist text The Genesis Flood.^{[citation needed][30]}

[edit] Speaking in tongues

The 17th fundamental belief of the church affirms the continuation of the spiritual gifts into the present age, including the gift of speaking in tongues. However there is no official position on the nature of this gift - whether it consists of human languages only or could include non-earthly languages such as a "personal prayer language" of charismatic and Pentecostal Christians. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary allows for both positions.^[31] Yet it is fair to say that a majority of Adventists believe that genuine speaking in tongues constitutes human languages only.

[edit] The scapegoat

Adventists teach that the scapegoat, or Azazel, is a symbol for Satan. They believe that in the final judgment Satan will have to bear the responsibility for the sins of Christians, and that this was foreshadowed on the Day of Atonement when the high priest confessed the sins of Israel over the head of the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:21). Naturally this belief has drawn criticism from other Christians, who have accused Adventists of giving Satan the status of sin-bearer alongside Jesus Christ. Adventists have responded by insisting that Satan is not a saviour, nor does he provide atonement for sin; and that Christ alone is the substitutionary sacrifice for sin.^[32]

[edit] Sunday law

See also: Eschatology (Adventist)

Traditionally, Adventists have taught there will be a time before the Second Advent in which the message of the Ten Commandments and in particular the keeping of the seventh day of the week, Saturday, as Sabbath will be conveyed to the whole world. Protestants and Catholics will unite to enforce Sunday legislation. In reference to the creation of an Image to the Beast Revelation 13-17, Ellen G. White stated:

"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting on such points of doctrines as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions; then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result." -Great Controversy p. 445

However most Adventist scholars today prefer derive their doctrinal understanding primarily from the Bible, which means they may have less to say on some points. "Sunday law" itself cannot be proved from the Bible, yet many Adventist scholars do find biblical support for the Sabbath being a central issue in the end times. Jon Paulien, arguably Adventism's most respected scholar on Revelation, bases his theology on the Bible rather than history, current affairs or other sources.^[33] Yet he does maintain that the central issue of the "final crisis of earth’s history has to do with the Sabbath", based on the strong allusion of Revelation 14:7 to Exodus 20:11 (the Sabbath commandment of the Ten Commandments), and also other verses and themes in Revelation.^[34]

A closely related topic is the emphasis given to Ellen White's writings in determining doctrine. While all Adventist scholars give precedence to the Scriptures, as she herself emphasized, there is some variation of belief on the extent to which she should be relied on for doctrinal matters.

Progressive Adventists generally emphasize the positive aspects of the Sabbath such as it being made for human benefit (Mark 2:27), but deny that Sunday keeping is or ever will be the mark of the beast.

[edit] See also

• Seventh-day Adventist Church
• History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
• 28 fundamental beliefs
• Adventist baptismal vow
• Progressive Adventist
• Historic Adventist
• Questions on Doctrine

[edit] External links

• Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists. From the official website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• Seventh-day Adventists Believe (A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines). Copyright 1988 by the Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Reproduced on SDAnet At Issue.
• Adventist Today Jan/Feb 1994 articles about The Faces of Adventism Across America:
  • The Mother of Us All: Mainstream Adventism by Kenneth Wood (it has been questioned whether Kenneth Wood is a suitable representative of mainstream Adventism, as he has at times shown sympathies to the historic position)
  • Evangelical Adventism: Clinging to the Old Rugged Cross by Michelle Rader, David Vandenburgh and Larry Christoffel
  • Progressive Adventism: Dragging the Church Forward by Madelynn Jones-Haldemann
  • Historic Adventism: Remembering to Trust and Obey by Ralph Larsen.

[edit] References