Adventism refers to a branch of Protestant Christianity that believes in the soon second coming or “advent” of Jesus Christ. The Adventist movement emerged in the 1830s in the United States during the Second Great Awakening revival. A key figure was William Miller, a Baptist preacher who predicted that Jesus would return between 1843 and 1844. When this did not happen, many disbanded, but a small group of “Adventists” remained. This group continued to emphasize the imminent advent of Christ and the need to prepare spiritually.
Some key beliefs of Adventism include:
The Second Coming of Christ
Adventists place strong emphasis on the literal and imminent return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:7, Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). They believe His coming will be visible and worldwide, ushering in His millennial reign on earth. Adventists reject the “secret rapture” theory popular among some Christians.
The Seventh-day Sabbath
Adventists observe Saturday, rather than Sunday, as the Biblical Sabbath according to the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). They believe God instituted the seventh-day Sabbath at Creation and that it remains binding for all humanity.
The Spirit of Prophecy
Adventists believe God manifested the gift of prophecy through Ellen G. White, one of the Adventist pioneers. Her writings provide spiritual guidance and insight but do not supersede the Bible.
Conditional Immortality
Adventists believe that immortality is conditional upon faith in Christ. The wicked will ultimately face total extinction rather than eternal torment (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). Hell is seen as an event, not a place.
The Heavenly Sanctuary
Adventists hold that there is a sanctuary in heaven that Christ ministers in, forgiving confessed sins and cleansing His people (Hebrews 8-9). He entered the Most Holy Place in 1844 to begin His final work of judgment.
The State of the Dead
Adventists believe that death is an unconscious sleep until the resurrection (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6). The righteous will be raised at Christ’s Second Coming and the wicked at a later point before their destruction.
Health Message
Adventists advocate a wholistic health message including vegetarianism, abstention from unclean foods, regular exercise, water, sunshine, temperance and adequate rest. This stems from the belief that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Tithing
Adventists teach the Biblical principle of tithing 10% of one’s income. This provides for the ministry and mission of the church (Malachi 3:8-10).
Baptism by Immersion
Adventists practice baptism by full immersion in water, rather than sprinkling or pouring. This symbolizes the believer’s death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-4).
Gift of Prophecy
Adventists believe that the spiritual gift of prophecy remains active today. This is manifested in the life and ministry of Ellen White, whom Adventists view as having received inspired dreams and visions from God.
Remnant Church
Adventists see themselves as proclaiming the final gospel message to be preached worldwide before Christ’s return (Revelation 14:6-12). The remnant is faithful to God’s commandments and maintains the testimony of Jesus.
Three Angels’ Messages
Adventists place emphasis on the messages of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-12, containing the everlasting gospel and warnings about end-time Babylon. This provides the framework for Adventist theology.
Wholistic Education
Adventist education seeks to nurture the mental, physical, social and spiritual dimensions of each student. This holistic approach is grounded in service and mission.
Origins and History
Adventism emerged in the 1830s during the Second Great Awakening in New England. Key figures were:
– William Miller – Baptist preacher who predicted Christ’s return between 1843-1844
– Joseph Bates – Former sea captain who brought the seventh-day Sabbath teaching
– James and Ellen White – Early visionary leaders who shaped Adventist theology
The Millerites faced the “Great Disappointment” when Christ did not return as predicted in 1844. However, Hiram Edson claimed God showed him that this marked Christ entering the Most Holy Place to begin final judgment. The fledgling movement was formally organized in 1863 as the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Ellen White received over 2,000 visions and dreams that Adventists believe contained inspired spiritual insight and guidance. Her prolific writings developed key Adventist beliefs regarding lifestyle, health, education, theology and mission.
Adventism arose with an emphasis on apocalyptic teachings and seeking to proclaim the nearness of Christ’s return. However, as time passed, the church focused more on lifestyle issues, global evangelism, education, publishing and health ministry. Yet the Second Coming remains a core belief.
Early Adventists faced ridicule and persecution for their unique beliefs, especially the seventh-day Sabbath. They tended to isolate themselves, seeking to maintain doctrinal purity. But later in the 20th century, the church adopted a more inclusive approach, dialoguing and cooperating with other Christians while still retaining its distinctive identity.
Today, Adventism has grown to a worldwide movement of over 20 million members, with significant mission outreach, education and health ministries across the globe. The church headquarters is in Silver Spring, Maryland. Adventists uphold a conservative, Bible-based theology coupled with wholistic healthy living and an ongoing urgency about Christ’s imminent return.
Worship and Lifestyle
Adventist worship services typically include:
– Singing hymns and praise choruses
– Public prayer
– Scripture readings
– Sermon message
– Sabbath school classes
– Communion service quarterly
There is no ritual liturgy. Preaching emphasizes Biblical teaching and prophecy. Services are held on Saturday to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Activities on Sabbath focus on fellowship, ministry and spiritual nurture.
Adventist lifestyle practices stem from their wholistic health message, including:
– Vegetarian diet with no unclean foods
– No alcohol, caffeine or tobacco
– Regular exercise and ample water intake
– Adequate rest and balance between work and recreation
– Wholesome entertainment choices and thought life
– Modest, simple dress
These practices aim to honor God through healthy living while witnessing a distinctive Christian lifestyle. Family, Sabbath rest and church involvement provide a strong social framework.
Church Organization
The Seventh-day Adventist church has a representative form of government including four levels:
1. Local churches
2. Local conferences covering a defined region
3. Union conferences (unions of conferences)
4. General Conference for global administration
Leaders and officers at each level are elected. Pastors and ministers are ordained based on qualifications. Women are able to serve in pastoral ministry roles. Local church boards oversee congregational business, budgets and ministry.
The 13-million member General Conference oversees the global mission and operation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from its headquarters in Maryland. Regional church divisions coordinate efforts continentally. Health ministry, publishing, education, media and other departments facilitate specialized functions.
Tithes and offerings fund the various ministries and administrative activities. These contributions go to the local conferences rather than directly to congregations. Conferences then disburse appropriations to churches to support pastoral salaries, ministry expenses and evangelism. This centralized system provides accountability and oversight in managing finances.
Reach and Influence
Starting from a small band of believers in the 1800s, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown to a worldwide movement of over 20 million members. Here are some key figures (as of 2020):
– 20.6 million church members worldwide
– 82,000+ local churches globally
– 72% of members are outside North America
– Present in nearly every country on earth
– Experiencing rapid growth in the developing world
The global Adventist Church runs:
– 168 hospitals and sanitariums
– Over 7,600 schools (from elementary to university)
– 55 food factories and food companies
– One of the largest Protestant publishing houses (Pacific Press and Review & Herald)
– A large media ministry (Adventist World Radio, Hope Channel)
Adventists have perhaps their broadest impact and visibility through their health, education and publishing work. Adventist-run hospitals, clinics, lifestyle centers, food factories and stores promote the church’s emphasis on preventive care and wholistic health.
Educational institutions include hundreds of schools at all levels worldwide, plus over 100 colleges/universities. These foster academic excellence coupled with character and service. Loma Linda University is the flagship health sciences institution.
Adventist publishing houses, plus magazines and papers, disseminate Christian literature, health titles and evangelistic messages in scores of languages. Adventist World Radio broadcasts in over 100 languages. ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) provides humanitarian aid and development work globally.
While upholding its distinctive Seventh-day Adventist identity, the church seeks to dialogue and partner with other Christian bodies in areas of common concern such as religious liberty, social justice and community service. Adventists believe in the value of connecting with the broader Christian community as well as serving human needs in Christ’s name.
Challenges and Controversies
Adventism has faced controversies and struggles over its history, including:
– Failed predictions about Christ’s return – The disappointment of 1844 led to criticism over date-setting, forcing the church to modify its apocalyptic emphasis while still upholding the Second Coming belief.
– Ellen White’s authority – Some claim White’s writings were inerrant while others see them as lesser light. The church itself states they contain inspired spiritual insight that is subordinate to the Bible.
– Doctrinal exclusivity – In its early years, Adventism took an isolating stance toward other Christians. This has softened over time into a willingness for dialogue and collaboration while retaining theological convictions.
– Racism – Despite advocating equality, the church struggled with racism in its ranks,especially in North America. This led to the formation of separate regional conferences for Black Adventists. More progress is still needed.
– Complacency – With increasing affluence and mainstream acceptance, some observe that the Adventist emphasis on distinctive doctrines and lifestyle disciplines has weakened. New revival movements have emerged in response.
– Specific beliefs – Some Adventist teachings (like the investigative judgment beginning in 1844) are controversial and rejected even by evangelical critics. Adventists in turn question mainstream Christian teachings.
Adventists strive to maintain church unity amid diversity in biblical interpretation, cultural practices and doctrinal rigidity versus flexibility. Movements like “historic Adventism” advocate conserving traditional teachings, while others want reforms. As it continues maturing as a global church, Adventism faces the challenge of retaining its identity while remaining relevant and vibrant.
Adventism and Evangelical Christianity
Adventism has an ambiguous relationship with evangelical Protestantism. Here are some key points:
– Evangelicals see Adventism as sectarian for its unconventional teachings like the investigative judgment, Sabbath worship, Soul sleep etc.
– Adventists affirm salvation by grace and faith in Christ’s sacrificial atonement on the cross, aligning with evangelical soteriology.
– Adventists uphold the authority of Scripture and a high view of biblical inspiration. This resonates with evangelical convictions about the Bible.
– Both traditions uphold core doctrines like the Trinity, deity of Christ, Second Coming and call to missionary work—creating theological overlap.
– Adventists have a strong ethical rigor and emphasis on holistic lifestyle practices. Evangelicals focus more on doctrinal orthodoxy rather than ethics and health disciplines.
– Unlike evangelicals, Adventists do not speak in tongues or practice faith healing. Their spirituality resonates more with conservative piety than charismatic expression.
– Adventist eschatology and ecclesiology—especially regarding the Sabbath—creates barriers to fuller evangelical acceptance. They are seen as bringing extra-biblical teachings.
– Progressive evangelicals and Adventists share common ground in advocating for social justice, environmental care and highlighting peacemaking Christ-like virtues.
Overall, Adventism fits uneasily in either the evangelical or mainstream liberal camp because of its distinctive origins and beliefs. Self-identified as “evangelical” Adventists strive to represent the denomination as faithfully biblical, while other insiders accept its marginal status. Meanwhile, evangelicals remain divided in accommodating or critiquing Adventism.
Conclusion
Seventh-day Adventism arose from an apocalyptic 19th century American Christian context to become a global church emphasizing the nearness of Christ’s return, the seventh-day Sabbath, prophetic ministry and wholistic healthy living. Core beliefs like the Second Coming provide Adventists an urgent missional drive. Distinctive doctrines also separate them from mainstream evangelicalism. Tensions remain over how Adventism relates to the wider Christian world as it spreads internationally. Despite controversies and struggles to define itself, the openness of Adventist theology to progression suggests possibilities for maturing biblically and relationally in its identity and witness. Regardless, the Seventh-day Adventist Church persists as a significant faith tradition shaping over 20 million lives worldwide through its message of boundless love, warning and hope in Christ.