Seventh-day Adventism is a Protestant Christian denomination that was founded in the United States during the Second Great Awakening in the 1840s. The name “Seventh-day Adventist” refers to the sabbath day, as Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. Some key beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists include:
Theology
Adventists are Trinitarian, believing that God exists as three persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. They affirm Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the cross and bodily resurrection. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone, not by works. The Spirit inspires the believer through God’s word and helps them overcome sin and live righteously.
Adventists uphold the authority of the Bible as God’s word. The Bible provides the framework for how they live and organize their church. They do not hold to inerrancy, but allow for context and nuance in interpretation while seeking the intended meaning of the authors.
Sabbath
The Seventh-day Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, is an important pillar of Adventist theology. They believe Sabbath rest and worship are commanded by God for all people, pointing back to Creation and forward to salvation. Meeting for worship, fellowship, and studying the Bible is central on Sabbath. Most Adventists refrain from secular work and activities on this holy day.
Second coming of Christ
Adventists place strong emphasis on the imminent physical second coming of Jesus Christ. They believe His return will be visible and literal, ushering in the end of sin and initiating the millennial age. This hope provides motivation for mission and service. Though the timing is unknown, Christ’s return is the blessed hope of believers.
Condition of the dead
Adventists believe death is an unconscious state for all people. Immortality comes only through the resurrection when Christ returns. The wicked will face the second death by annihilation after suffering God’s judgment. This differs from views of an inherently immortal soul, eternal torment in hell, or spirit sleep.
Ellen G. White
Ellen G. White is considered a modern-day prophet who provided guidance and counsel to the Adventist church through her writings and speaking. While the Bible is the ultimate authority, White’s writings are viewed as inspired and applicable today. Her guidance was instrumental in shaping Adventist theology and lifestyle.
Health message
Adventists advocate following biblical health principles, including vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol and other harmful substances, and getting adequate exercise and rest. These concepts arose early in Adventist history and became part of their holistic message of renewing body, mind and spirit.
Education
Adventists place great emphasis on education, from childhood through higher learning. They operate one of the largest Protestant education systems globally, believing mental discipline strengthens character and expands capacity for service. Education integrates faith and learning with the goal of restoring the image of God.
Lifestyle and standards
In addition to Sabbath, Adventists avoid secular entertainment and worldly amusements that distract from Christ, instead finding joy in nature and service. Other standards include modest dress, no jewelry, no alcohol or tobacco, no gambling, no competitive sports, and focus on simplicity, health and fellowship.
Mission and evangelism
Adventists have a strong missional presence worldwide motivated by Christ’s Great Commission. Through traditional evangelism, media, and humanitarian work, they spread their prophetic message and biblical teachings. Their wholistic approach meets social needs while telling others about Christ’s love.
Church organization
The Seventh-day Adventist church has a representative form of government. Local churches elect delegates to regional conferences which coordinate larger entities. Oversight flows from local congregations to the worldwide General Conference. Women are ordained as pastors and leaders at all levels of the church organization.
History
Seventh-day Adventism has its roots in the Millerite movement of the 1840s. Led by Baptist preacher William Miller, followers expected Christ’s imminent return. After the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844 when Christ did not appear, the group experienced schisms. One branch – the Advent Christian Church – denied the prophetic significance of October 22. Another branch, led by James White and Ellen G. Harmon (later White), formed the Seventh-day Adventist church. Early Seventh-day Adventists urged adherents to study scripture, especially prophetic texts, for themselves. Their diligent Bible study led them to distinctive doctrines such as the seventh-day Sabbath and the state of the dead. Growing out of the Second Great Awakening emphasis on holiness, Adventists committed to temperance, abolition and sabbatarianism. The fledgling movement organized in 1863, focusing on health, education, publishing and evangelism. Rapid growth followed, spreading the Adventist message worldwide.
Today, Seventh-day Adventism has over 20 million members globally, making it one of the largest Protestant denominations. Their wholistic message continues to gain traction as they actively await Christ’s return.
Criticisms and controversies
Some criticisms of Seventh-day Adventism include:
- Ellen White’s visions and prophetic status are unbiblical and false
- Their Investigative Judgement teaching denies salvation by grace through faith alone
- Their interpretation of end times prophecy is flawed
- Rules on dress, diet, entertainment are legalistic
- Their evangelism and growth could reflect cult-like tendencies
Adventists respond by underscoring salvation through Christ alone, the primacy of scripture over White’s writings, and a commitment to Christian freedom in non-essential issues of lifestyle and standards.
Some controversies in Adventist history relate to orthodoxy, race relations, dissident movements, and lawsuits over doctrinal differences and leadership issues. These tensions reflect the diversity within Adventism as it matures as a global movement.
Comparisons with other Christian groups
Adventism shares commonalities with Evangelicalism, including emphasis on the new birth, the authority of scripture, and an imperative for evangelism. Differences include Adventist unique doctrines, standards, and apocalyptic outlook. Adventists have much in common theologically with Baptists but differ on keeping the literal seventh-day Sabbath.
Adventists share an Arminian perspective on salvation with Methodists and Free Will Baptists. But their Pietistic leanings toward holiness, simplicity and temperance living differ from other evangelicals. Liturgically, Adventist worship contrasts with the formality of Lutheran, Anglican and Orthodox traditions.
Certain Adventist beliefs align with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, including annihilationism and soul sleep. But teachings on the Trinity, Christ’s deity, salvation, and eschatology markedly diverge.
While sharing much heritage with early 19th century Restorationist groups, Adventists took a decisively different theological path over time that distinguishes them today.
Significant people
- William Miller – Baptist preacher and founder of the Millerite movement which evolved into Seventh-day Adventism.
- Ellen G. White – Pioneering founder of the Seventh-day Adventist church seen as exercising the spiritual gift of prophecy.
- Joseph Bates – Retired sea captain who introduced Sabbatarianism and health principles to the Adventists.
- Uriah Smith – Early Adventist writer who authored books on prophecy and the end times.
- John Harvey Kellogg – Adventist doctor who pioneered holistic health principles and founded the cereal company that later produced Corn Flakes.
- C.D. Brooks – Prominent African-American Adventist minister known for his passionate preaching and evangelism.
- Ben Carson – Renowned neurosurgeon and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, raised as a Seventh-day Adventist.
Demographics
- Membership of over 20 million worldwide
- Presence in over 200 countries
- Largest numbers in U.S., Africa, Inter-America and South Pacific
- Ethnically and culturally diverse membership
- Operates one of the largest integrated Protestant school systems globally
- Publishers of the widely-distributed Adventist Review magazine and Adventist World journal
- Humanitarian organization ADRA provides global relief and development assistance
Key institutions and organizations
- General Conference – Worldwide governing body based in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
- Regional unions and local conferences – Administrative units that coordinate mission
- Adventist University system – Over 100 colleges and universities worldwide
- Adventist Health System – Largest Protestant hospital system, with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and labs
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) – Humanitarian arm active in 118 countries
- Adventist Media Ministries – Global media network for broadcasting, publishing, Internet
- Adventist Mission – Focuses on starting new congregations and spreading beliefs