FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIAN BELIEFS OF THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST REFORM MOVEMENT REFORMATION HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, VA 24019-0240, U.S.A. Copyright © 2005 by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference and Reformation Herald Publishing Association Unless indicated otherwise, the texts of Scripture quoted in this book are from the King James Version. Reformation Herald Catalog Service Fundamental Christian Beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement 1. Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement—Doctrines. 2. Principles of Faith. I. Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference, Doctrinal Council. II. title. 238.671 Printed in South Korea ISBN 0-9745295-8-3 Table of Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 I. The Godhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A. The Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 B. The Son. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 C. The Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 II. The Holy Scriptures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 III. Divine Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 A. The Moral Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 B. The Ceremonial Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 IV. The Sabbath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 V. Origin of Evil and the Fall of Lucifer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 VI. Creation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 VII. The Plan of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 A. Grace, Faith, and Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 B. Righteousness Imputed and Righteousness Imparted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 C. Humanity’s Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 D. Christian Perfection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 E. No Second Chance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 VIII. Baptism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 IX. The Communion Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 A. Feet Washing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 B. The Lord’s Supper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 X. The Sanctuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 XI. The Three Angels’ Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 XII. That Other Angel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 XIII. The Gift of Prophecy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 XIV. Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 XV. The Christian Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 XVI. Christian Temperance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 XVII. Separation From the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 XVIII. Our Duty Toward Civil Authorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 XIX. The Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 XX. The Church of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 XXI. Stewardship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 XXII. The Second Coming of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 XXIII. The Origin, Nature, and Destiny of Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 XXIV. The Millennium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 XXV. The New Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 5 Preface Christ “was the true Light, which are actuated by their spirit. Few are lis- lighteth every man that cometh into tening for the voice of God, and ready the world. He was in the world, and the to accept truth in whatever guise it world was made by him, and the world may be presented. Often those who fol- knew him not. He came unto his own, low in the steps of the Reformers are and his own received him not. But as forced to turn away from the churches many as received him, to them gave he they love, in order to declare the plain power to become the sons of God, even teaching of the word of God. And many to them that believe on his name: times those who are seeking for light which were born, not of blood, nor of are by the same teaching obliged to the will of the flesh, nor of the will of leave the church of their fathers, that man, but of God” (John 1:9–13). they may render obedience.”—The Down the centuries the truth has Desire of Ages, p. 232. suffered a sad history in the hands of “The early Christians were indeed its keepers. a peculiar people. Their blameless “As the light and life of men was deportment and unswerving faith were rejected by the ecclesiastical authori- a continual reproof that disturbed the ties in the days of Christ, so it has been sinner’s peace. Though few in num- rejected in every succeeding genera- bers, without wealth, position, or hon- tion. Again and again the history of orary titles, they were a terror to evil- Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has doers wherever their character and been repeated. When the Reformers doctrines were known.”—The Great preached the word of God, they had no Controversy, p. 46. thought of separating themselves from Overcome with anguish and grief, the established church; but the reli- the early Christians saw that various gious leaders would not tolerate the forms of paganism were invading the light, and those that bore it were forced church. For some time they sought to to seek another class, who were long- correct these evils, but to no avail. ing for the truth. In our day few of the “After a long and severe conflict, professed followers of the Reformers the faithful few decided to dissolve all 6 Preface union with the apostate church if she Hidden in the mountains in differ- still refused to free herself from false- ent lands, small bands of faithful hood and idolatry. They saw that sepa- believers kept the truth alive until God ration was an absolute necessity if aroused the Protestant Reformation. they would obey the word of God. They Jehovah used the descendants of dared not tolerate errors fatal to their the sixteenth century Reformers to own souls, and set an example which promote a great religious awakening in would imperil the faith of their chil- the early 1800’s. At that time, many dren and children’s children. To were engaged in preaching the second secure peace and unity they were advent message. William Miller, a Bap- ready to make any concession consis- tist preacher in America, became tent with fidelity to God; but they felt prominent for his teachings on the end- that even peace would be too dearly time prophecies. His messages influ- purchased at the sacrifice of principle. enced many Christians to a point that If unity could be secured only by the about fifty thousand left the churches compromise of truth and righteous- in the summer of 1844 with the purpose ness, then let there be difference, and of preparing for the immediate coming even war. of Christ expected to occur near the “Well would it be for the church end of that year. and the world if the principles that After the disappointment, a small actuated those steadfast souls were group of these people gathered together revived in the hearts of God’s pro- in Albany, NY, in 1845, to search the fessed people. There is an alarming word of God for clearer understanding. indifference in regard to the doctrines Some of these believers received new which are the pillars of the Christian light from the Lord and, in 1861, they faith. The opinion is gaining ground, began to organize themselves, cove- that, after all, these are not of vital im- nanting to “keep the commandments of portance. This degeneracy is strength- God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation ening the hands of the agents of Satan, 14:12). These became known as Sev- so that false theories and fatal delu- enth-day Adventists. sions which the faithful in ages past Repeated appeals for repentance imperiled their lives to resist and and conversion were continually pre- expose, are now regarded with favor by sented to the Advent believers (Acts thousands who claim to be followers of 3:19). As a preparation for the coming of Christ.”—Ibid., pp. 45, 46. Christ, a reformation began to take 7 Fundamental Christian Beliefs of the SDA Reform Movement place by the presentation of the mes- faith. Therefore, in this publication we sage of Christ Our Righteousness in are making known the basic doctrines 1888. This reformation came into the found in the Bible, for which all true fol- open during World War I (1914–1918), lowers of Christ should be prepared to when many faithful Adventists stood up give a reason “to every man that in defense of the law of God and the faith asketh” (1 Peter 3:15). of Jesus and were consequently disfel- We maintain that all doctrines lowshiped from the church they loved. must be tested by a “Thus saith the In 1925, these conscientious objec- Lord.” “To the law and to the testi- tors and faithful believers came mony: if they speak not according to together from 16 countries and organ- this word, it is because there is no light ized themselves with the purpose of in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Therefore, we following the counsel of the Faithful use the Bible as the sole rule of our and True Witness in Revelation faith and practice. By the Word of God 3:18–20. It is by our daily transactions we are to be judged. “The Word of God of life and the spirit we manifest toward is sufficient to enlighten the most this message that our eternal destiny beclouded mind, and may be under- is determined. stood by those who have any desire to Since that time from that nucleus, understand it” (Selected Messages, bk. we have distinguished ourselves both 3, p. 31). from the mainstream Adventist body “God will have a people upon the and from many other branches of earth to maintain the Bible, and the Adventism by the use of the name Sev- Bible only, as the standard of all doc- enth Day Adventist Reform Move- trines and the basis of all reforms. . . . ment, based on the prophesied refor- Satan is constantly endeavouring to mation (6T119). attract attention to man in the place of In publishing this book, Funda- God. He leads the people to look to mental Christian Beliefs of the SDA bishops, to pastors, to professors of Reform Movement, we are in no way theology, as their guides, instead of formulating a man-made creed based searching the Scriptures to learn their on human tradition. Our main purpose duty for themselves. Then, by control- is to turn the attention of truth-hungry ling the minds of these leaders, he can souls to Jesus, our personal Saviour, in influence the multitudes according to the hope that they will accept His word his will.”—The Great Controversy, p. in its entirety as the foundation of their 595. 8 Preface “The early Christians were indeed light given. Additional truth is not a peculiar people. Their blameless brought out; but God has through the deportment and unswerving faith were Testimoniessimplified the great truths a continual reproof that disturbed the already given and in His own chosen sinner's peace. Though few in num- way brought them before the people to bers, without wealth, position, or hon- awaken and impress the mind with orary titles, they were a terror to evil- them, that all may be left without doers wherever their character and excuse.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 605. doctrines were known.”—Ibid., p. 46. John Robinson, the pastor of the It is imperative that we accept the Pilgrims coming to America, made the teaching of scriptures and submit our following appeal to his flock as they will to the revealed will of God (John were about to embark on their journey: 7:7; James 4:7). By the complete sur- “‘Remember your church cove- render of our will, we obtain strength nant, in which you have agreed to walk to overcome sin and darkness in this in all the ways of the Lord, made or to world (2 Peter 1:4). be made known unto you. Remember In His Word, God has promised to your promise and covenant with God give visions in the last days (Acts 2:17, and with one another, to receive what- 18), not for a new rule of faith, but for ever light and truth shall be made the enlightenment of His people and known to you from His written word; for correcting those who err from Bible but withal, take heed, I beseech you, truth (cf. Early Writings, p. 78). what you receive for truth, and com- We also use the writings of E. G. pare it and weigh it with other scrip- Whitefor the following reason: tures or truth before you accept it.’”— “The Lord designs to warn you, to The Great Controversy, p. 292. reprove, to counsel, through the testi- The appeal of John Robinson is monies given, and to impress your valid also today for all of us who want minds with the importance of the truth to be prepared for the soon coming of of His word. The written testimonies our Lord Jesus Christ. May we all pray are not to give new light, but to impress for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be vividly upon the heart the truths of with us as we make these Fundamen- inspiration already revealed. Man’s tal Christian Beliefs of the SDA duty to God and to his fellowman has Reform Movement the object of our been distinctly specified in God’s word, earnest study! yet but few of you are obedient to the The GC Doctrinal Council 9 Chapter I The Godhead “Thus saith the Lord the King of 15:2; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 5:8; Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:14, 15. hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; Some of the attributes of the God- and beside me there is no God.” head: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all • eternal: Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28; the ends of the earth: for I am God, Romans 1:20. and there is none else” (Isaiah 44:6; • immortal: 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15, 16. 45:22). • invisible to sinful man: 1 John 4:12; The Bible speaks of only one God. 1 Timothy 1:17. Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4. In • omnipresent (present everywhere): Hebrew, the term God is often used in Psalm 139:7–12; Jeremiah 23:24. the plural form (Elohiymas opposed to • omniscient (all-knowing): 1 Samuel the singular Elowahh). According to 16:7; Psalm 139:2–4; Hebrews the Scriptures, the Godhead (Genesis 4:13; 1 John 3:20. 1:1, 26; Acts 17:29; Colossians 2:9) com- • omnipotent (all-powerful): Job 37:23; prises three Divine Dignitaries—the 38:1–41; 42:2; Psalm 33:6–9; Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit— Matthew 19:26. working together as one. Isaiah 48:16, • immutable (unchangeable): Psalm 17; Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:19; John 14:16, 33:11; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17. 26; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephe- • holy: Leviticus 19:2; Joshua 24:19; sians 2:18; Jude 20, 21. Psalm 99:9; 1 Peter 1:16. Our faith in the existence of God is • righteous: Ezra 9:15; Jeremiah based upon the evidence which He 23:6; Daniel 9:7; Psalm 7:9. Himself has provided. The hand of God • merciful: Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8; is present everywhere—in nature, in Lamentations 3:22; Micah 7:18. the course of history, in our personal • good: Exodus 33:19; Psalm 34:8; experience and, above all, in His Word: Matthew 19:17; Romans 2:4. the Bible. This can be perceived by all • truth: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm who desire to see the evidence for 31:5; Isaiah 65:16. themselves. Job 11:7; 2 Chronicles • love: John 3:16; 1 John 4:7–11. 10 The Godhead “The revelation of Himself that God three great powers—the Father, the has given in His word is for our study. Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who This we may seek to understand. But receive Christ by living faith are bap- beyond this we are not to penetrate. tized, and these powers will cooperate The highest intellect may tax itself until with the obedient subjects of heaven in it is wearied out in conjectures regard- their efforts to live the new life in ing the nature of God, but the effort will Christ.”—Evangelism, pp. 614, 615. be fruitless. This problem has not been “God is a spirit; yet He is a per- given us to solve. No human mind can sonal being, for man was made in His comprehend God. None are to indulge image.”—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 263. in speculation regarding His nature. “Christ says, My sheep hear My Here silence is eloquence. The Omni- voice, and they follow Me away from scient One is above discussion.”—The the byways of sin. As Christ worked, so Ministry of Healing, p. 429. you are to work. In tenderness and love “The Father cannot be described seek to lead the erring to the right way. by the things of earth. The Father is all This will call for great patience and for- the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and bearance, and for the constant mani- is invisible to mortal sight. The Son is festation of the forgiving love of Christ. all the fullness of the Godhead mani- Daily the Saviour’s compassion must fested. The Word of God declares Him be revealed. The example He has left to be ‘the express image of His person’ must be followed. He took upon His sin- (Hebrews 1:3). ‘God so loved the world, less nature our sinful nature, that He that He gave His only-begotten Son, might know how to succor those that that whosoever believeth in Him are tempted.”—Medical Ministry, p. should not perish, but have everlasting 181. life’ (John 3:16). Here is shown the per- “Avoid every question in relation to sonality of the Father. the humanity of Christ which is liable “The Comforter that Christ prom- to be misunderstood. Truth lies close to ised to send after He ascended to the track of presumption. In treating heaven is the Spirit in all the fullness of upon the humanity of Christ, you need the Godhead, making manifest the to guard strenuously every assertion, power of divine grace to all who receive lest your words be taken to mean more and believe in Christ as a personal Sav- than they imply, and thus you lose or iour. There are three living persons of dim the clear perceptions of His the heavenly trio: in the name of these humanity as combined with divinity. 11