28 Fundamentals
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The 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of the church but are not a criterion for membership. The beliefs were known as the 27 Fundamentals until 2005 when another was added.
They may be grouped into the doctrines of God, humankind, salvation, church, Christian life, and last things, and can be read online on the website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church [1].
Contents |
[edit] Preamble
The preamble to the 28 Fundamentals states that Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed, and that revision of the statements may be expected:
- "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." [1]
[edit] History
Adventists have always been reluctant to formalize a creed. J. N. Loughborough made the historic statement in the October 8, 1861 Review and Herald article (now the Adventist Review):
- "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 to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."[2]
In spite of this reluctance several summaries of Adventist theology have been presented at various times.
- In 1872 a pamphlet was produced presenting twenty-five Fundamental Principles [2], not to "secure uniformity" but "to meet inquiries" and "to correct false statements." [3]
- In 1931 a list of 22 Fundamental Beliefs [3] was produced and published in the Adventist Yearbook, and subsequently in the Adventist Church Manual.
- In 1980, the 27 Fundamentals were instituted by the denomination's General Conference. They are expanded upon in the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines [4]. Note that this elaboration does not constitute the "official" position of the church.
- In 2005 another belief was inserted, fundamental belief number 11 "Growing in Christ", in response to the requests of Adventists in developing nations for a statement on spiritual warfare. It was voted in at the 2005 Adventist General Conference Session held in St. Louis, Missouri, yielding the current total of 28.
[edit] What Adventists Believe
The following beliefs are listed prior to the 28 Fundamentals on the church's official website with the title "What Adventists Believe". [4]
- As a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures
- God's greatest desire is for you to see a clear picture of His character. When you see Him clearly, you will find His love irresistible.
- Scripture is a road map. The Bible is God's voice, speaking His love personally to you today.
- Jesus is the one who never changes in a universe that always does. Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Friend, God's Son, and God Himself!
- God's vision for you is life as He lives it! God loves you, and wants to give you the highest quality of life imaginable.
- In the heart of God is a place you can experience as home. God loves you, and wants to spend time with you personally, one on one, as two close friends.
[edit] 28 Fundamentals
Most links are to articles which discuss the topic in a more general setting. Only a few give further details from a specifically Adventist perspective.[1]
[edit] The doctrine of God
1. Holy Scriptures
The Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)
- See also: Bible
2. Trinity or Godhead
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), above all (transcendent), and ever present (omnipresent and immanent). (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)
- See also: Trinity
3. Father
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)
- See also: God the Father
4. 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. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. Assuming fallen human nature, and thus encumbered with faulty “equipment,” by faith in His Father’s power to deliver Him from sin He nevertheless worked out a perfect performance in obeying all the commandments of God. He is thus our example in overcoming all sin through faith in God’s power to deliver from sin. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Matt. 1:21; Rom. 1:3; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 8:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:14-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)
- See also: Jesus, Incarnation (Christianity), and Christian views of Jesus
5. Holy Spirit
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws all persons to the love of God, and convicts us of our sin and rebellion against God. Those who respond through a heart appreciation of the gift of salvation from sin through the death of Jesus Christ, He renews and transforms our characters into the image of God. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Matt. 1:21; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
- See also: Holy Spirit
[edit] The doctrine of Humankind
6. Creation
God is Creator of all things. 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. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)
- See also: young earth creationism
7. Nature of Man
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and make moral choices. Though created free beings, each person is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)
[edit] The doctrine of Salvation
8. Great Controversy
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict has been recorded in the Holy Bible for our learning and comfort, knowing that God is in perfect control of all events.(Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
9. 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, so that those who by faith appreciate the gift of this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; Ex. 20:1-17; Ex. 34:5-7; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:6-11.)
- See also: Atonement and Death and Resurrection of Jesus
10. Experience of Salvation
Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a life of righteousness through faith in His power to deliver us from sin. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Jer. 31:33-34; Eph. 1:4-14, 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Rom 6:17; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)
- See also: Justification (theology)
11. Growing in Christ
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
- See also: Sanctification and spiritual warfare
[edit] The doctrine of the Church
12. Church
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; Jude 24.)
- See also: Ecclesiology
13. Remnant and Its Mission
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. 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. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)
15. Baptism
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
- See also: Believer's baptism
16. Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the symbols of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in His death for our sin and our recognition of Him as our Lord and Saviour. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, humbleness, repentance, and confession to God. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
- See also: Eucharist
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)
- See also: Spiritual gift
18. The Gift of Prophecy
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source which provide the church with comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the only standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)
[edit] The doctrine of the Christian Life
19. Law of God
The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These ten precepts are the transcript of God’s character and the standard in God’s judgment. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens a Christian’s witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ex. 34:5-7; Dan. 7:9-10; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)
- See also: Ten Commandments
20. Sabbath
The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance to God as Lord of the universe, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His everlasting covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening (sunset to sunset) on the seventh day of the week, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5-6; 58:13, 14; and 66:22-23; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32; 2:27-28.)
- See also: Sabbath
21. Stewardship
We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)
22. Christian Behavior
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves on a daily basis only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. We are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)
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. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)
- See also: Christian views of marriage
[edit] The doctrine of Last Things
24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven. Christ works as our High Priest, ministering the blood of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all humanity on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension ten days prior to Pentecost in AD 31. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days (prophetic time as literal years) spoken of in Daniel 8:14, Christ entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Acts 1:8-11; Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)
25. 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. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
- See also: Second Coming
26. Death and Resurrection
God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people who have been laid in the grave. When Christ, who is our life, appears at His second coming, He will resurrect the righteous from their graves, 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. (Eccl. 3:19-20; 9:5-6; Gen. 3:19; Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Ps. 146:3-4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)
- See also: soul sleep
27. 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; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. 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 evil angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of all traces of sin and sinners forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
- See also: Premillennialism and Annihilationism
28. 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. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)
- See also: Heaven#Seventh-day Adventist
[edit] See also
- Adventist baptismal vows
- Seventh-day Adventist church
- Seventh-day Adventist theology
- History of the Seventh-day Adventist church
[edit] References
- ^ a b Fundamental Beliefs. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
- ^ (1861-10-08) "Doings of the Battle Creek Conference, Oct. 5 & 6, 1861" (DJVU). Review and Herald 18 (19): 148. Retrieved on 2006-11-06.
- ^ Schwarz, Richard W. (1979). Light Bearers to the Remnant. Boise, Idaho / Oshawa, Ontario, Canada: Pacific Press.
- ^ What Adventists Believe. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
