Rabu, 27 Mei 2009
28. Bumi Baru:
Di bumi baru, di mana kebenaran berdiam, Allah akan menyediakan rumah kekal untuk menebus dan lingkungan yang sempurna untuk kehidupan yang kekal, kasih, sukacita, dan belajar pada-Nya. Untuk disini Allah sendiri akan tinggal dengan umatNya, dan penderitaan dan kematian akan telah berlalu. Kontroversi besar yang akan berakhir, dan dosa akan ada lagi. Segala sesuatu, menggerakkan dan mati, akan menyatakan bahwa Allah adalah kasih, dan Dia akan memerintah selama-lamanya. Amin. (2 Petrus 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Wahyu 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15).
27. Milenium dan Akhir dari Dosa:
The milenium adalah seribu tahun pemerintahan Kristus dengan orang kudus-Nya di langit di antara kebangkitan pertama dan kedua. Selama ini orang jahat mati akan dihakimi; bumi akan sama sekali sepi, tanpa penduduk hidup manusia, tetapi dikuasai oleh Setan dan malaikat. Dekat dengan Kristus dengan-Nya kudus dan Kota Kudus akan turun dari langit ke bumi. Jahat yang mati akan dibangkitkan, dan dengan Setan dan malaikat-Nya akan berada di sekitar kota, tetapi api dari Allah akan menghabiskan mereka dan membersihkan bumi. Alam semesta sehingga akan dapat membebaskan orang berdosa dari dosa dan selamanya. (Wahyu 20; 1 Korintus. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Wahyu 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
26. Kematian dan Kebangkitan:
Upah dosa adalah maut. Tetapi Allah, yang sendiri adalah abadi, akan memberikan kehidupan kekal untuk ditebus-Nya. Sampai hari itu kematian adalah negara sadar untuk semua orang. Apabila Kristus, yang adalah hidup kita, nampaknya, yang dibangkitkan benar dan yang hidup benar akan dimuliakan dan tertangkap hingga mereka bertemu Tuhan. Kebangkitan yang kedua, kebangkitan yang jahat, akan berlangsung seribu tahun kemudian. (Roma 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; Yohanes 11:11-14; Col 3:4; 1 Cor. 15: 51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Yohanes 5:28, 29; Wahyu 20:1-10.)
25. Kedatangan Kedua Kristus:
Kedatangan kedua Kristus adalah diberkati berharap jemaat, yang grand klimaks dari injil. Juruselamat yang akan datang dari literal, pribadi, terlihat, dan di seluruh dunia. Ketika Ia kembali, orang benar mati akan dibangkitkan, dan bersama-sama dengan benar hidup akan dimuliakan dan dibawa ke surga, tetapi berdosa akan mati. Yang hampir selesai pemenuhan sebagian besar baris nubuatan, sama dengan kondisi saat ini di dunia, menunjukkan bahwa kedatangan Kristus yang dekat. Pada saat itu acara belum terungkap, dan karena itu kita harus siap exhorted setiap waktu. (Titus 2:13; Ibrani. 9:28; Yohanes 14:1-3; Kisah 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Wahyu 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4 :13-18; 1 Korintus. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Wahyu 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Markus 13; Lukas 21 ; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
24. Keimamatan Kristus di Bait Suci Sorgawi:
Ada sebuah tempat perlindungan di langit, yang benar kemah Tuhan yang mengatur dan bukan manusia. Di dalamnya Kristus menteri pada nama kami, sehingga tersedia untuk orang-orang yang beriman keunggulan yang ditawarkan-Nya atoning korban sekali untuk semua pada salib. Dia telah diresmikan sebagai Imam Besar kita besar dan mulai pelayanan-Nya yg memohon pada saat kenaikan-Nya. Dalam 1844, pada akhir periode nubuatan 2300 hari, Ia memasuki fase kedua dan terakhir dari-Nya atoning pelayanannya. Ini adalah pekerjaan investigasi penghakiman yang merupakan bagian dari yang paling disposisi dari semua dosa, typified oleh pembersihan dari pekuburan Ibrani kuno pada Hari Pendamaian. Dalam layanan yang khas yang membersihkan makam itu dengan darah korban binatang, namun di langit dengan hal-hal yang suci yang sempurna dari korban darah Yesus. Investigasi yang menyatakan penghakiman ke langit intelligences yang termasuk orang-orang yang mati sedang tertidur di dalam Kristus dan karena itu, dalam Dia, dianggap layak untuk mendapatkan bagian dalam kebangkitan pertama. Hal ini juga membuat yang nyata antara yang hidup yang kekal dalam Kristus, memelihara perintah Allah dan iman kepada Yesus, dan kepada-Nya, karena itu, sudah siap untuk diterjemahkan ke dalam kerajaan-Nya kekal. Ini penghakiman vindicates keadilan Allah dalam menyelamatkan mereka yang percaya dalam Yesus. Ia menyatakan bahwa orang-orang yang tetap setia kepada Tuhan akan menerima kerajaan. Selesainya pelayanan Kristus ini akan menandai penutupan manusia masa percobaan sebelum Kedua Advent. (Ibrani 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; Imamat. 16; Wahyu 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12).
23. Pernikahan dan Keluarga:
Pernikahan kudus telah didirikan di Eden dan menegaskan oleh Yesus untuk menjadi kesatuan abadi antara seorang laki-laki dan seorang perempuan di loving persahabatan. Untuk sebuah perkawinan Kristen adalah komitmen kepada Allah dan juga kepada pasangannya, dan harus dimasukkan ke dalam hanya antara pihak-pihak yang berbagi umum iman. Saling mencintai, menghormati, menghargai, dan tanggung jawab adalah kain dari hubungan ini, yang mencerminkan kasih, kesucian, kedekatan, dan keabadian dari hubungan antara Kristus dan gereja-Nya. Tentang perceraian, Yesus mengajarkan bahwa orang yang divorces seorang istri, kecuali untuk perbuatan zina, dan lain kawin, melakukan zina. Walaupun beberapa hubungan keluarga Mei mengecewakan yang ideal, perkawinan mitra yang benar-benar berkomitmen satu sama lain di dalam Kristus dapat meraih loving persatuan melalui bimbingan Roh dan pemeliharaan jemaat. Allah blesses keluarga dan yang berniat akan membantu para anggotanya untuk saling melengkapi jatuh tempo. Orang tua untuk mendidik anak-anak mereka untuk mengasihi dan mentaati Tuhan. Oleh mereka contoh dan kata-kata mereka untuk mengajar mereka bahwa Kristus adalah tata loving, pernah tender dan merawat, yang ingin mereka menjadi anggota tubuh-Nya, keluarga Allah. Meningkatkan kedekatan keluarga adalah salah satu dari earmarks terakhir injil pesan. (Kejadian 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; Yohanes 2:1-11; 2 Kor. 6:14; Efesus. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Markus 10: 11, 12; Lukas 16:18; 1 Korintus. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Efesus. 6:1-4; Ulangan. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4: 5, 6.)
22. Tabiat Kristen:
Kita dipanggil untuk menjadi orang saleh yang berpikir, merasa, dan bertindak selaras dengan prinsip-prinsip dari langit. Roh untuk kembali ke dalam karakter kita dari Tuhan kita, kita hanya melibatkan diri dalam hal-hal yang akan menghasilkan Christlike kemurnian, kesehatan, dan sukacita dalam kehidupan kita. Ini berarti bahwa kami hiburan dan tempat hiburan yang harus memenuhi standar tertinggi Kristen rasa dan keindahan. Sambil mengakui perbedaan budaya, pakaian kita haruslah sederhana, sopan, dan rapi, orang-orang yang benar befitting kecantikan tidak terdiri dari perhiasan ke luar tetapi dalam langgeng hiasan dari roh lemah lembut dan tenang. Hal ini juga berarti bahwa karena tubuh kita adalah candi Roh Kudus, kita harus hati-hati mereka cerdas. Seiring dengan latihan yang cukup dan istirahat, kita mengadopsi diet yang paling sehat dan mungkin abstain dari makanan najis diidentifikasi dalam Kitab Suci. Sejak minuman beralkohol, tembakau, dan yg tdk mempunyai rasa penggunaan narkoba dan narkose yang merusak tubuh kita, kita ingin abstain dari mereka juga. Sebaliknya, kami melakukan apapun yang membawa kita ke dalam tubuh dan pikiran disiplin Kristus, yang menghendaki kami wholesomeness, sukacita, dan kebaikan. (Roma 12:1, 2; 1 Yohanes 2:6; Efesus. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Kor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Petrus 3:1 -- 4; 1 Korintus. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Imamat. 11:1-47; 3 Yohanes 2.)
21. Penatalayanan:
Kita Penatalayan Allah, yang dipercayakan oleh-Nya dengan waktu dan kesempatan, kemampuan dan harta benda, dan berkat di bumi dan sumber daya. Kami bertanggung jawab kepada-Nya untuk mereka benar-benar digunakan. Kami mengakui kepemilikan oleh Allah setia kepada-Nya dan layanan kami sesama manusia, dan dengan kembali tithes dan memberikan persembahan untuk proklamasi dari Injil-Nya dan dukungan dan perkembangan gereja-Nya. Stewardship adalah hak istimewa yang diberikan kepada kita oleh Allah untuk memelihara dalam kasih dan kemenangan atas egoisme dan covetousness. The steward rejoices dalam berkat yang datang kepada orang lain sebagai akibat dari kesetiaan-Nya. (Kejadian 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Korintus. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Kor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)
20. Sabat:
Pencipta yang dermawan, setelah enam hari Penciptaan, berhenti pada hari ketujuh dan instituted Sabat untuk semua orang sebagai peringatan dari Production. Keempat perintah Allah unchangeable hukum membutuhkan pemeliharaan ini ketujuh hari Sabat sebagai hari istirahat, ibadah, pelayanan dan selaras dengan ajaran dan praktek Yesus, Tuhan dari Sabat. Sabat merupakan hari yang menyenangkan komuni dengan Tuhan dan satu sama lain. Ini adalah lambang penebusan kita di dalam Kristus, tanda dari pengudusan kita, sebuah bukti kami allegiance, dan pendahuluan dari kami kekal di masa depan kerajaan Allah. Sabat adalah Allah terus-tanda-Nya perjanjian kekal antara Allah dan umatNya. Joyful ibadat suci ini waktu dari malam ke malam, matahari terbenam ke matahari terbenam, adalah perayaan Tuhan kreatif dan bertindak redemptive. (Kejadian 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Lukas 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13 -- 17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Ulangan. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Imamat. 23:32; Markus 1:32.)
19. Hukum Tuhan:
Yang besar, prinsip-prinsip hukum Allah yang tercantum dalam Sepuluh Perintah dan exemplified dalam kehidupan Kristus. Mereka menyatakan kasih Tuhan, akan, dan tujuan tentang manusia dan melakukan hubungan dan mengikat kepada semua orang di setiap usia. Precepts ini merupakan dasar perjanjian Allah dengan umatNya dan standar dalam penghakiman Allah. Melalui badan Roh Kudus mereka tunjukkan dosa dan membangkitkan rasa perlu untuk Juruselamat. Keselamatan semua adalah rahmat dan yang tidak bekerja, namun hasil adalah penurutan kepada Perintah. Ketaatan ini mengembangkan karakter Kristen dan hasil dalam segi kesejahteraan. Merupakan bukti bahwa kita cinta Tuhan dan kepedulian kita bagi sesama manusia. Dengan ketaatan iman menunjukkan kuasa Kristus untuk mengubah kehidupan, dan dengan demikian memperkuat kesaksian Kristen. (Kel 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Ulangan. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Efesus. 2:8-10; 1 Yohanes 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)
18. Karunia Roh Nubuat
Salah satu karunia Roh Kudus adalah nubuatan. Hadiah ini merupakan tanda yang mengidentifikasi sisa gereja dan manifested dalam pelayanannya dari Ellen. G. White. Sebagai utusan Tuhan, dia adalah tulisan-tulisan yang berwibawa dan terus sumber kebenaran yang memberikan kenyamanan bagi gereja, petunjuk, instruksi, dan koreksi. Mereka juga menjelaskan bahwa Alkitab adalah standar dimana semua pengajaran dan pengalaman harus diuji. (Yoel 2:28, 29; Kisah 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Wahyu 12:17; 19:10).
17. Karunia rohani dan Pelayanan:
Allah bestows atas semua anggota gereja-Nya di setiap usia rohani hadiah yang masing-masing anggota ke dalam mempekerjakan loving pelayanan umum baik untuk jemaat dan kemanusiaan. Diberikan oleh badan Roh Kudus, yang apportions ke masing-masing sebagai anggota-Nya, yang memberikan hadiah kementerian dan semua kemampuan yang dibutuhkan oleh gereja untuk memenuhi fungsi divinely diurapi. Menurut Kitab Suci, ini termasuk hadiah seperti departemen sebagai iman, penyembuhan, nubuatan, pengumuman, pengajaran, administrasi, rekonsiliasi, kasihan, dan mengorbankan diri-amal dan layanan untuk membantu dan dorongan dari orang-orang. Beberapa anggota dipanggil Allah dan kaya oleh Roh untuk fungsi-fungsi yang diakui oleh gereja dalam kehidupan, evangelistic, apostolik, dan pengajaran departemen diperlukan terutama untuk melengkapi layanan untuk para anggota, untuk membangun gereja kepada kedewasaan rohani, dan untuk mendorong kesatuan iman dan pengetahuan Tuhan. Saat ini mempekerjakan anggota rohani stewards setia sebagai hadiah dari Tuhan Yang Maha Esa beragam rahmat, gereja dilindungi dari pengaruh yang merusak doktrin palsu, tumbuh dengan pertumbuhan yang dari Allah, dan dibangun dalam iman dan kasih. (Roma 12:4-8; 1 Korintus. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Efesus. 4:8, 11-16; Kisah 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Petrus 4:10, 11.)
16. Perjamuan Suci:
Perjamuan Suci adalah partisipasi dalam lencana dari tubuh dan darah Yesus sebagai ekspresi iman dalam Dia, Tuhan dan Juruselamat kita. Dalam hal ini pengalaman komuni Kristus hadir untuk bertemu dan menguatkan umatNya. Sebagai bagian kami, kami joyfully memproklamirkan kematian Tuhan sampai Ia datang kembali. Persiapan untuk Supper mencakup pemeriksaan diri, bertobat, dan iman. The Master diurapi pelayanan mencuci kaki untuk menandakan diperpanjang pembersihan, mengekspresikan kemauan untuk melayani satu sama lain dalam Christlike diri, dan menyatukan hati kita dalam kasih. Komuni layanan yang terbuka untuk semua orang Kristen. (1 Kor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Wahyu 3:20; Yohanes 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
15. Baptisan:
Dengan baptisan kita mengakui iman kita dalam kematian dan kebangkitan Yesus Kristus, dan kesaksian dari kematian untuk dosa kami dan tujuan kami untuk berjalan dalam kebaruan hidup. Dengan demikian kita mengakui Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat, menjadi umatNya, dan diterima oleh-Nya sebagai anggota gereja. Pembaptisan adalah simbol persatuan kita dengan Kristus, ampunan dari dosa-dosa kita, dan penerimaan Roh Kudus. Adalah oleh pencelupan dalam air dan tergantung pada sebuah pengesahan dari iman di dalam Yesus dan bukti yang bertobat dari dosa. It instruksi berikut Kudus dalam Kitab Suci dan penerimaan ajaran mereka. (Roma 6:1-6; Col 2:12, 13; Kisah 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
14. Kesatuan dalam Tubuh Kristus:
Gereja adalah satu tubuh dengan banyak anggota, dipanggil dari setiap negara, keluarga, lidah, dan manusia. Dalam Kristus kita adalah ciptaan baru; distinctions dari ras, budaya, belajar, dan kebangsaan, dan perbedaan antara tinggi dan rendah, kaya dan miskin, laki-laki dan perempuan, tidak boleh memecahbelah di antara kita. Kita semua sama dalam Kristus, yang oleh satu Roh telah disimpan dlm gudang kami menjadi satu persekutuan dengan Dia dan dengan satu sama lain, kami adalah untuk melayani dan dilayani tanpa ketimpangan atau reservasi. Melalui wahyu Yesus Kristus dalam Kitab Suci yang sama kita berbagi iman dan harapan, dan menjangkau ke dalam satu saksi semua. Kesatuan ini memiliki sumber dalam keesaan dari Tuhan tritunggal, yang telah mengadopsi kita sebagai anak-anak-Nya. (Roma 12:4, 5; 1 Korintus. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Kor. 5:16, 17; Kisah 17:26, 27; Galatia. 3:27, 29; Col 3:10-15; Efesus. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; Yohanes 17:20-23.)
13. Umat yang Sisa dan Misi:
Gereja yang universal terdiri dari semua orang yang benar-benar percaya dalam Kristus, tetapi pada hari-hari terakhir, suatu waktu yang meluas kemurtadan, yang sisa telah dipanggil untuk memelihara hukum Tuhan dan iman Yesus. Sisa ini mengumumkan kedatangan hari penghakiman, memperkenalkan keselamatan melalui Kristus, dan Heralds pendekatan kedua dari kedatangan-Nya. Ini adalah proklamasi dilambangkan oleh tiga malaikat dari Wahyu 14; itu bersamaan dengan pekerjaan penghakiman di surga dan hasil kerja dari bertobat dan reformasi di dunia. Setiap mukmin disebut memiliki bagian pribadi di seluruh dunia ini menjadi saksi. (Wahyu 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Kor. 5:10; Yudas 3, 14; 1 Petrus 1:16-19; 2 Petrus 3:10-14; Wahyu 21 :1-14.)
12. Gereja:
Gereja adalah komunitas orang-orang yang mengaku Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat. Dalam kontinuitas dengan umat Allah dalam Perjanjian Lama kali, kita dipanggil keluar dari dunia, dan bergabung bersama kami untuk ibadah, untuk persahabatan, untuk pengajaran dalam Firman, untuk perayaan Tuhan's Supper, untuk pelayanan kepada semua manusia, dan untuk seluruh dunia dari proklamasi injil. Gereja yang berasal dari otoritas Kristus, yang adalah inkarnasi Firman, dan dari Kitab Suci, yang ditulis Firman. Jemaat adalah keluarga Allah; diadopsi oleh-Nya sebagai anak-anak, para anggotanya hidup berdasarkan perjanjian yang baru. Gereja adalah tubuh Kristus, sebuah komunitas iman yang mana Kristus sendiri adalah Kepala. Jemaat adalah pengantin perempuan Kristus telah mati bagi siapa yang Dia mungkin menguduskan dan menyucikan dia. Nya di dalam kejayaan kembali, Ia akan hadir dia sendiri gereja yang mulia, yang setia dari semua golongan usia, pembelian darah-Nya, tidak memiliki titik atau kerut, tapi suci dan tanpa cela. (Kejadian 12:3, Kisah 7:38; Efesus. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Efesus. 2:19 -- 22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col 1:17, 18.)
11. Bertumbuh di dalam Kristus:
Dengan kematian-Nya di kayu salib Yesus triumphed melalui kekuatan yang jahat. Barang siapa yang subjugated roh jahat selama pelayanan-Nya dunia mereka memiliki daya rusak dan membuat beberapa ultimate azab mereka. Yesus memberikan kita kemenangan kemenangan atas kekuatan jahat yang masih berusaha untuk kontrol kami, karena kami berjalan dengan Dia dalam damai, sukacita, dan jaminan dari kasih-Nya. Sekarang Roh Kudus berdiam di dalam kita dan memberdayakan kita. Terus berkomitmen untuk Yesus sebagai Juruselamat dan Tuhan kami, kami akan bebas dari beban masa lalu kami kerjakan. Kita tidak lagi hidup dalam kegelapan, takut akan kekuatan jahat, ketidaktahuan, dan meaninglessness para mantan cara hidup. Dalam hal ini kebebasan baru dalam Yesus, kita dipanggil untuk bertumbuh dalam karakter seperti Nya, communing sehari-hari dengan Dia dalam doa, makanan pada-Nya Word, meditating padanya dan pada takdir-Nya, bernyanyi memuji-Nya, berkumpul bersama untuk menyembah dan berpartisipasi dalam misi Gereja. Seperti yang kita berikan kepada diri kita sendiri dalam pelayanan penuh kasih kepada orang di sekitar kita dan menyaksikan keselamatan-Nya, keberadaan-Nya konstan dengan kami melalui Roh transforms setiap saat dan setiap tugas menjadi suatu pengalaman spiritual. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Lukas 10:17-20; Efesus 5:19, 20; 6:12 -18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Petrus 2:9; 3:18; 2 Kor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; Yohanes 20:21; Galatia 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 Yohanes 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
10. Pengalaman Keselamatan:
Tak terbatas dalam kasih dan rahmat Allah membuat Kristus, yang tidak tahu dosa, menjadi dosa karena kita, supaya dalam Dia kita mungkin dibuat kebenaran Allah. Dipimpin oleh Roh Kudus kita rasa kita butuhkan, kami mengakui dosa, bertobat dari kami transgressions, dan latihan iman dalam Yesus sebagai Tuhan dan Kristus, dan sebagai Substitute Contoh. Iman ini yang menerima keselamatan datang melalui kuasa Ilahi Firman dan merupakan anugerah dari Tuhan Yang Maha Esa rahmat. Melalui Kristus kita dibenarkan, diadopsi sebagai Allah anak-anak dan perempuan, dan dikirimkan dari kekuasaan dosa. Melalui Roh kita dilahirkan kembali dan dikuduskan; Roh renews pikiran kita, Allah menulis hukum kasih dalam hati kami, dan kami diberi kekuatan untuk hidup yang kudus hidup. Patuh kepada-Nya kita menjadi partakers dari sifat ilahi dan memiliki jaminan keselamatan sekarang dan di pengadilan. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; Yohanes 3:16; Galatia. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; Yohanes 16:8; Galatia. 3:13, 14; 1 Petrus 2 : 21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Lukas 17:5; Markus 9:23, 24; Efesus. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col 1:13, 14; Rom. 8 :14-17; Galatia. 3:26; Yohanes 3:3-8; 1 Petrus 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Petrus 1: 3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)
9. Kehidupan, Kematian, dan Kebangkitan Kristus:
Kristus dalam kehidupan sempurna untuk penurutan kehendak Tuhan, penderitaan-Nya, kematian, dan kebangkitan, Allah menyediakan satu-satunya alat pendamaian bagi dosa manusia, sehingga mereka yang oleh iman menerima pendamaian ini dapat memiliki hidup kekal, dan seluruh ciptaan Mei lebih memahami yang maha suci dan kasih Pencipta. Pendamaian ini sempurna vindicates kebenaran hukum Allah dan keluwesan dari karakter-Nya, sebab itu baik mengutuk dosa kita dan memberikan ampunan bagi kami. Kematian Kristus substitutionary dan expiatory, rekonsiliasi dan transformasi. Kebangkitan Kristus memperkenalkan Allah kemenangan atas kekuatan yang jahat, dan orang-orang yang menerima pendamaian terakhir mereka memastikan kemenangan atas dosa dan kematian. Penyalahgunaan kekuasaan yang menyatakan Yesus Kristus, yang sebelum setiap lutut di surga dan di bumi akan rukuk. (Yohanes 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Petrus 2:21, 22; 1 Korintus. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Kor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Yohanes 2:2; 4:10; Col 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)
8. Kontroversi besar:
Semua manusia kini terlibat dalam kontroversi yang besar antara Kristus dan setan mengenai karakter Allah, hukum, dan kedaulatan-Nya melalui semesta. Konflik ini berasal dari langit ketika sedang dibuat, kaya dengan kebebasan pilihan, dalam diri derajat menjadi Iblis, musuh Allah, dan memimpin pemberontakan yang menjadi bagian dari malaikat. Ia memperkenalkan roh pemberontakan ke dalam dunia ini ketika ia dipimpin Adam dan Hawa ke dalam dosa. Dosa manusia ini mengakibatkan distorsi pada gambar Allah dalam manusia, yang dibuat disordering dari dunia, dan akhirnya perusakan pada saat banjir di seluruh dunia. Diamati oleh seluruh ciptaan, dunia ini menjadi arena dari konflik yang universal, dari mana kasih Allah pada akhirnya akan menjadi vindicated. Untuk membantu umatNya dalam kontroversi ini, Kristus mengirim Roh Kudus dan setia malaikat untuk membimbing, melindungi, dan mempertahankan mereka di jalan keselamatan. (Wahyu 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Kejadian 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen . 6-8; 2 Petrus 3:6; 1 Korintus. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
7. Keadaan Manusia:
Laki-laki dan perempuan diciptakan dalam gambar Tuhan dengan individualitas, kuasa dan kebebasan untuk berpikir dan melakukannya. Walaupun dibuat makhluk bebas, masing-masing merupakan kesatuan yg tak dpt dibagi tubuh, pikiran, dan semangat, bergantung pada Tuhan untuk kehidupan dan nafas dan semua orang lain. Ketika kami pertama orang tua mendurhakai Allah, mereka menyangkal ketergantungan mereka kepada-Nya dan jatuh dari posisi tinggi di bawah Allah. Gambar Allah di dalam mereka dan mereka telah marred menjadi subyek kematian. Keturunan mereka berbagi ini jatuh alam dan konsekuensi. Mereka dilahirkan dengan kelemahan dan tendencies ke jahat. Tapi Allah dalam Kristus reconciled dunia untuk sendiri dan oleh-Nya kembali dalam Roh manusia yg gambar mereka Maker. Diciptakan untuk kemuliaan Allah, mereka dipanggil untuk mengasihi Dia dan satu sama lain, dan untuk menjaga lingkungan mereka. (Kejadian 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Kisah 17:24-28; Kejadian 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Kor. 5 : 19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 Yohanes 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Kejadian 2:15.)
6. Penciptaan:
Allah adalah Pencipta segala sesuatu, dan telah dinyatakan di dalam Kitab Suci yang asli rekening kegiatan kreatif-Nya. Enam hari lamanya Tuhan menjadikan "langit dan bumi" dan semua makhluk hidup di atas bumi, dan beristirahat pada hari ketujuh dari minggu pertama. Oleh karena itu Ia menetapkan Sabat sebagai peringatan yang terus-Nya menyelesaikan pekerjaan kreatif. Pertama laki-laki dan perempuan diciptakan dalam gambar Tuhan sebagai karya Penciptaan terpenting, diberikan kekuasaan atas dunia, dan dikenakan biaya untuk perawatan dengan tanggung jawab untuk itu. Ketika dunia telah selesai ia `` sangat baik,''menyatakan kemuliaan Allah. (Kejadian 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3).
5. Roh Kudus:
5. Roh Kudus:
Allah Roh yang kekal telah aktif dengan Bapa dan Anak dalam Penciptaan, penjelmaan dan penebusan. Dia penulis yang terinspirasi dari Kitab Suci. Dia diisi kehidupan Kristus dengan kuasa. Dia menarik dan Tasmania manusia dan orang-orang yang menanggapi Dia renews dan transforms menjadi gambar Allah. Diutus oleh Bapa dan Anak harus selalu dengan anak-anak-Nya, Ia meluas rohani hadiah ke gereja, memberi kuasa untuk bersaksi kepada Kristus, dan selaras dengan Kitab Suci mengarah ke dalam semua kebenaran. (Kejadian 1:1, 2; Lukas 1:35; 4:18; Kisah 10:38; 2 Petrus 1:21; 2 Kor. 3:18; Efesus. 4:11, 12; Kisah 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
Allah Roh yang kekal telah aktif dengan Bapa dan Anak dalam Penciptaan, penjelmaan dan penebusan. Dia penulis yang terinspirasi dari Kitab Suci. Dia diisi kehidupan Kristus dengan kuasa. Dia menarik dan Tasmania manusia dan orang-orang yang menanggapi Dia renews dan transforms menjadi gambar Allah. Diutus oleh Bapa dan Anak harus selalu dengan anak-anak-Nya, Ia meluas rohani hadiah ke gereja, memberi kuasa untuk bersaksi kepada Kristus, dan selaras dengan Kitab Suci mengarah ke dalam semua kebenaran. (Kejadian 1:1, 2; Lukas 1:35; 4:18; Kisah 10:38; 2 Petrus 1:21; 2 Kor. 3:18; Efesus. 4:11, 12; Kisah 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
4. Anak:
4. Anak:
Anak Allah yang kekal menjadi inkarnasi dalam Yesus Kristus. Melalui-Nya segala sesuatu diciptakan, karakter Allah nyata, keselamatan umat manusia yang berbakat, dan dunia yang dihakimi. Selamanya benar-benar Allah, Ia juga benar-benar menjadi manusia, Yesus Kristus. Dia telah mengandung Roh Kudus dan dilahirkan dari perawan Maria. Ia hidup dan mengalami pencobaan sebagai manusia, tetapi exemplified yang sempurna kebenaran dan kasih Tuhan. Oleh-Nya keajaiban Dia manifested kuasa Allah dan telah attested sebagai Mesias yang dijanjikan Allah. Dia menderita dan mati secara sukarela di salib untuk dosa-dosa kita dan untuk kita, telah dibangkitkan dari antara orang mati, dan naik ke langit menteri di pekuburan di pihak kami. Ia akan datang lagi dalam kemuliaan untuk akhir pelepasan dari umatNya dan pemulihan segala sesuatu. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Kor. 5:17-19; Yohanes 5:22; Lukas 1: 35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Korintus. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; Yohanes 14:1-3).
Anak Allah yang kekal menjadi inkarnasi dalam Yesus Kristus. Melalui-Nya segala sesuatu diciptakan, karakter Allah nyata, keselamatan umat manusia yang berbakat, dan dunia yang dihakimi. Selamanya benar-benar Allah, Ia juga benar-benar menjadi manusia, Yesus Kristus. Dia telah mengandung Roh Kudus dan dilahirkan dari perawan Maria. Ia hidup dan mengalami pencobaan sebagai manusia, tetapi exemplified yang sempurna kebenaran dan kasih Tuhan. Oleh-Nya keajaiban Dia manifested kuasa Allah dan telah attested sebagai Mesias yang dijanjikan Allah. Dia menderita dan mati secara sukarela di salib untuk dosa-dosa kita dan untuk kita, telah dibangkitkan dari antara orang mati, dan naik ke langit menteri di pekuburan di pihak kami. Ia akan datang lagi dalam kemuliaan untuk akhir pelepasan dari umatNya dan pemulihan segala sesuatu. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Kor. 5:17-19; Yohanes 5:22; Lukas 1: 35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Korintus. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; Yohanes 14:1-3).
3. Bapa:
3. Bapa:
Allah Bapa yang kekal adalah Pencipta, Sumber, Sustainer, dan Raja dari semua ciptaan. Dia adalah adil dan suci, belas kasihan dan rahim, lambat untuk marah, dan sabar abounding dalam cinta dan kesetiaan. Kualitas dan kekuasaan dipamerkan di dalam Anak dan Roh Kudus juga ayat Bapa. (Kejadian 1:1; Wahyu 4:11; 1 Kor. 15:28; Yohanes 3:16; 1 Yohanes 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; Yohanes 14:9 .)
Allah Bapa yang kekal adalah Pencipta, Sumber, Sustainer, dan Raja dari semua ciptaan. Dia adalah adil dan suci, belas kasihan dan rahim, lambat untuk marah, dan sabar abounding dalam cinta dan kesetiaan. Kualitas dan kekuasaan dipamerkan di dalam Anak dan Roh Kudus juga ayat Bapa. (Kejadian 1:1; Wahyu 4:11; 1 Kor. 15:28; Yohanes 3:16; 1 Yohanes 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; Yohanes 14:9 .)
2. Trinitas:
2. Trinitas:
Ada satu Allah: Bapa, Anak, dan Roh Kudus, suatu kesatuan dari tiga co-Pribadi kekal. Allah adalah abadi, maha-kuat, maha tahu, di atas semua dan pernah ada. Dia adalah tak terbatas dan di luar pemahaman manusia, diketahui hanya melalui wahyu dariNya. Dia selamanya adalah layak disembah, diagungkan, dan dilayani oleh seluruh penciptaan. (Ulangan 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Kor. 13:14; Efesus. 4:4-6; 1 Petrus 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Wahyu 14:7).
Ada satu Allah: Bapa, Anak, dan Roh Kudus, suatu kesatuan dari tiga co-Pribadi kekal. Allah adalah abadi, maha-kuat, maha tahu, di atas semua dan pernah ada. Dia adalah tak terbatas dan di luar pemahaman manusia, diketahui hanya melalui wahyu dariNya. Dia selamanya adalah layak disembah, diagungkan, dan dilayani oleh seluruh penciptaan. (Ulangan 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Kor. 13:14; Efesus. 4:4-6; 1 Petrus 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Wahyu 14:7).
1. Kitab Suci:
Kitab Suci, Perjanjian Lama dan Baru, Firman Tuhan yang tertulis, yang diberikan melalui inspirasi ilahi oleh orang-orang kudus, kepada siapa Allah telah berbicara dan menulis seperti mereka ilhami oleh Roh Kudus. Dalam Firman ini, Allah telah memberikan kepada manusia pengetahuan yang diperlukan untuk keselamatan. Kitab Suci adalah wahyu mutlak dari kehendakNya. Mereka adalah standar karakter, ujian dari pengalaman, memiliki pengungkapan otoritas dari doktrin, dan dapat dipercaya tentang apa yang Allah lakukan dalam sejarah. (2 Petrus 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.)
Selasa, 26 Mei 2009
Doktrin Gereja Masehi Advent Hari Ketujuh
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. Holy Scriptures:
The Holy Scriptures, 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. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (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.)
2. Trinity:
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (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.)
3. Father:
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. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (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.)
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. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God's power and was attested as God's promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; 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.)
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 and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
6. Creation:
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. 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. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was ``very good,'' declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)
7. 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. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (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.)
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 originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. 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 in the way of salvation. (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 accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 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; Phil. 2:6-11.)
10. 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 Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. 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 holy life. 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; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; 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.)
11. Growing in Christ:
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. 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. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. 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.)
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 derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. 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.)
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. 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. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. 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. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
16. 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. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. 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 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.)
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. 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. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (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.)
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 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. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)
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 precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; 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.)
20. Sabbath:
The beneficent 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. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, 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; 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.)
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 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. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (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 only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, 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. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (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.)
24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (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. 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 almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. 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.)
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. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; 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.)
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 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. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
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.)
1. Holy Scriptures:
The Holy Scriptures, 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. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (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.)
2. Trinity:
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (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.)
3. Father:
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. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (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.)
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. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God's power and was attested as God's promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; 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.)
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 and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
6. Creation:
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. 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. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was ``very good,'' declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)
7. 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. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (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.)
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 originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. 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 in the way of salvation. (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 accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 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; Phil. 2:6-11.)
10. 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 Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. 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 holy life. 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; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; 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.)
11. Growing in Christ:
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. 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. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. 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.)
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 derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. 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.)
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. 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. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. 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. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
16. 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. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. 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 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.)
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. 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. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (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.)
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 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. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)
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 precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; 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.)
20. Sabbath:
The beneficent 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. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, 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; 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.)
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 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. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (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 only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, 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. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (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.)
24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (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. 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 almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. 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.)
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. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; 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.)
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 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. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
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.)
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