Schepping

De eerlijke en historische weergave van zijn scheppende daden laat God in de Bijbel zien. God schiep het heelal, en in een recente schepping van zes dagen maakte de Heer ‘de hemel en de aarde …, en de zee met alles wat er leeft’. Op de zevende dag rustte hij. Zo stelde God de sabbat in als een blijvend gedenkteken van het werk dat hij deed en voltooide in zes letterlijke dagen. Deze dagen, samen met de sabbat, vormen een tijdsperiode die wij een week noemen. De eerste man en vrouw werden gemaakt naar Gods beeld als de bekroning van de schepping. Hun werd heerschappij gegeven over de aarde, en de verantwoordelijkheid haar te onderhouden. Toen de wereld voltooid was, was alles ‘zeer goed’, en zo verkondigde de wereld Gods eer.
(Genesis 1; 2; 5; 11; Exodus 20:8–11; Psalmen 19:1–6; 33:6, 9; 104; Jesaja 45:12; Handelingen 17:24; Kolossenzen 1:16; Hebreeën 11:3; Openbaring 10:6; 14:7).

De grote strijd

All humanity is now involved in a great struggle between Christ and Satan over the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict began in heaven when a created being with freedom of choice exalted himself to become Satan. As God’s adversary, he incited a portion of the angels to rebellion. When he tempted Adam and Eve to sin, he brought the spirit of rebellion into this world. This human sin caused the distortion of God’s image in humanity. This led to disorder within the created world, and its eventual destruction at the time of the all-encompassing flood, as described in the historical account of Genesis 1–11. All creation witnessed this world become the battlefield of the comprehensive conflict. In this conflict, God will ultimately be vindicated as a God of love. Christ assists His people: He sends the Holy Spirit and faithful angels to guide, protect, and support people on the path to eternal life.
(Genesis 3:6–8; Job 1:6–12; Isaiah 14:12–14; Ezekiel 28:12–18; Romans 1:19–32; 3:4; 5:12–21; 8:19–22; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:6; Revelation 12:4–9).

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

Jesus was perfectly obedient to God’s will. Through Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only way that could nullify human sin. People who accept Jesus’ atonement in faith receive eternal life. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, all creation understands the infinite and holy love of the Creator even better. This perfect atonement convincingly establishes the righteousness of God’s law and His gracious character, for it condemns our sin while simultaneously granting us forgiveness. Jesus died in place of every human being, thus nullifying every sin. His death was atoning and transforming. Jesus’ physical resurrection demonstrates God’s victory over the forces of evil. This assures everyone who accepts the atonement of the ultimate victory over sin and death. This resurrection proclaims the reign of Jesus Christ, before whom everyone, in heaven and on earth, will bow.
(Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22:1; Isaiah 53; John 3:16; 14:30; Romans 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 20–22; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, 19–21; Philippians 2:6–11; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

The experience of salvation

In oneindige liefde en genade maakte God Christus —die geen zonde gekend heeft—voor ons tot zonde. Zo konden wij door Christus rechtvaardig worden voor God. Geleid door de heilige Geest beseffen wij onze tekortkomingen en erkennen we onze zondigheid. Wij hebben berouw over onze overtredingen en oefenen geloof in Jezus als Christus en Heer, als plaatsvervanger en voorbeeld. Dit reddende geloof komt door de goddelijke macht van het Woord en is het geschenk van Gods genade. Door Christus worden wij gerechtvaardigd, aanvaard als kinderen van God en bevrijd van de heerschappij van de zonde. Door de Geest worden wij opnieuw geboren en geheiligd. De heilige Geest vernieuwt onze geest, schrijft Gods wetten van liefde in ons hart en geeft ons de kracht om een heilig leven te leiden. Wanneer wij in hem blijven, krijgen we deel aan de goddelijke natuur en kunnen wij zeker zijn van redding, nu en in het oordeel.
(Genesis 3:15; Jesaja 45:22; 53; Jeremia 31:31–34; Ezechiël 33:11; 36:25–27; Habakuk 2:4; Marcus 9:23, 24; Johannes 3:3–8, 16; 16:8; Romeinen 3:21–26; 8:1–4, 14–17; 5:6–10; 10:17; 12:2; 2 Korintiërs 5:17–21; Galaten 1:4; 3:13, 14; 4:4–7; Efeziërs 2:4–10; Kolossenzen 1:13, 14; Titus 3:3–7; Hebreeën 8:7–12; 1 Petrus 1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Petrus 1:3, 4; Openbaring 13:8).

De kerk

The church is the fellowship of all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The church derives its authority from Christ, whom the Bible reveals as the Word made flesh. The church is God’s household; its members (accepted by Him as His children) live under the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a fellowship of believers of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died to sanctify and purify her. At His glorious return, He will present her to Himself a radiant church. The people of all ages who were faithful, redeemed by Jesus’ blood, will be without spot or wrinkle, holy and unblemished.
(Genesis 12:3; Exodus 19:3–7; Matthew 16:13–20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38–42; 7:38; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:19–22; 3:8–11; 5:23–27; Colossians 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9).

The ‘remnant’ and its mission

The church consists of all people who truly believe in Christ. Although many in the last days of this world will depart from the faith, others are called to hold to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This ‘remnant’ announces that God will soon pronounce His judgment and that there is salvation through Christ. This heralds the time of Jesus’ second coming. This announcement is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14. The announcement coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and leads to repentance and conversion on earth. Every believer is called to participate personally in this worldwide testimony.
(Daniel 7:9–14; Isaiah 1:9; 11:11; Jeremiah 23:3; Micah 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:16–19; 4:17; 2 Peter 3:10–14; Jude 3, 14; Revelation 12:17; 14:6–12; 18:1–4).

Unity in the body of Christ

The church is one body with many members, called from every country, tribe, language, and people. In Christ, we become a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, development, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, should not cause division among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bound us in one fellowship with Him and with each other. This unity has its source in the unity of the triune God, who has accepted us as His children.
(Psalm 133:1; Matthew 28:19, 20; John 17:20–23; Acts 17:26, 27; Romans 12:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 5:16, 17; Galatians 3:27–29; Ephesians 2:13–16; 4:3–6, 11–16; Colossians 3:10–15).

Baptism

Through baptism, we show that we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We thereby testify to our death to sin and our intention to live as new people. Thus, we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become his people, and are accepted as members by his church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, of the forgiveness of our sins, and of our receiving the holy Spirit. Baptism is performed by immersion in water, upon confession of faith in Jesus and on the basis of showing repentance for sins. Baptism follows instruction from the Bible and acceptance of this instruction.
(Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30–33; 22:16; Romans 6:1–6; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12, 13).

Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

God bestows spiritual gifts upon all members of his church throughout the ages. Each member should use his or her gifts in loving service for the common good of the church and all people. The gifts are given through the holy Spirit, who decides which gifts people receive. Through the gifts of the Spirit, all people who have a function are enabled to fulfill their God-given task. According to the Bible, these gifts include, for example, faith, prophecy, healing, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and love to help and encourage people. Some members are called by God and endowed by the Spirit for offices such as minister, evangelist, or teacher and are recognized as such by the church. They are needed to equip the members for service, to lead the church to spiritual maturity, and to promote the unity of faith and the knowledge of God. The church then grows as God wills and is built up in faith and love.
(Acts 6:1–7; Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:9–11, 27, 28; Ephesians 4:8, 11–16; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11).

The Gift of Prophecy

The Bible indicates that prophecy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This gift is a characteristic of the church that is faithful to God, and we believe that it was manifested in the work of Ellen G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority and offer comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church. These writings also make it clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested.
(Numbers 12:6; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14–21; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 1:1–3; Revelation 12:17; 19:10).

The Law of God

The fundamental principles of God’s law are the Ten Commandments. Jesus exemplified these principles. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s love, His will, and His purposes concerning human conduct and relationships. All people in all ages are bound by the Ten Commandments. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and form the standard in God’s judgment. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, they point out sin and make us aware of our need of a Savior. Salvation is wholly of grace and not of works, and results in obedience to the commandments. This obedience contributes to the development of Christian character and results in a sense of peace. It is an expression of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings. Obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform people and therefore supports the Christian testimony.
(Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 28:1–14; Psalms 19:7–14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17–20; 22:36–40; John 14:15; 15:7–10; Romans 8:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 8:8–10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Revelation 12:17; 14:12).

Stewardship

We are God's stewards. From Him we receive time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are accountable to God for the proper use of these. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithfully serving Him and our fellow human beings. We also do this by returning a tenth and bringing gifts for the proclamation of His gospel and for the welfare and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege. God has given it to us to train us in love and to help us overcome our selfishness and greed. Stewards rejoice in the blessings that others receive as a result of their faithfulness.
(Genesis 1:26–28; 2:15; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Haggai 1:3–11; Malachi 3:8–12; Matthew 23:23; Romans 15:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 9:9–14; 2 Corinthians 8:1–15; 9:7).

The Conduct of the Christian

We are called to be a community that thinks, feels, and acts in accordance with biblical principles, both personally and socially. To give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to recreate the character of the Lord within us, we desire to be involved only in those things that bring Christian purity, health, and joy into our lives. This means that recreation and leisure activities should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. Amid cultural diversity, our clothing should be simple, modest, and neat, as befits people whose beauty is not found in outward adornment, but in the gentle and quiet spirit that cannot fade. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we should treat them wisely. In addition to sufficient exercise and rest, we should eat as healthily as possible and avoid unclean foods, as indicated in the Bible. Because alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of medicines and narcotics are harmful to the body, we should also abstain from them. Instead, we should be engaged in all those things that bring our thoughts and our bodies under the authority of Christ, who desires the best for us.
(Genesis 7:2; Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 11:1–47; Psalm 106:3; Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 10:5; Ephesians 5:1–21; Philippians 2:4; 4:8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:1–4; 1 John 2:6; 3 John 2).

Marriage and Family

Marriage was instituted in Eden by God. Jesus emphasized that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman as loving partners. For the Christian, marriage is binding to both God and the partner. Marriage should only be entered into by a man and a woman who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the building blocks of this relationship, reflecting the love, holiness, intimacy, and permanence of the bond between Christ and His church. Jesus taught that whoever divorces his partner and marries another commits adultery, except in cases of fornication. Some family relationships are far from ideal, but a man and a woman who focus entirely on each other in Christ, with the guidance of the Spirit and the care of the church, may hope to achieve unity in love. God blesses the family and desires that family members support each other on the path to maturity. It is one of the characteristics of the final Christian message to make families ever more cohesive. Parents must raise their children to love and obey the Lord. Through their example and words, they must teach their children that Christ is a loving, tender, and caring guide who desires them to become members of His body (the church), the family of God, which consists of both married and unmarried people.
(Genesis 2:18–25; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:5–9; Proverbs 22:6; Malachi 4:5, 6; Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3–9, 12; Mark 10:11, 12; John 2:1–11; 1 Corinthians 7:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:21–33; 6:1–4).

Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord erected, not man. In it, Christ ministers for us. Thus, He makes available the results of His atoning sacrifice, which was offered once and for all on the cross, to all believers. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our High Priest and began His mediatorial work. This is a work of investigative judgment. It is part of the final solution for all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. The investigative judgment reveals to the heavenly beings which of the dead in Christ have died and therefore, in Him, are worthy to have a part in the first resurrection. It also makes clear which of the living remain faithful to Christ, by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Through Jesus, these are ready to become part of the eternal kingdom. This judgment demonstrates God's righteousness by saving those who believe in Christ. It declares that those who have remained faithful to God will receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ signals the end of the period of grace for humanity, just before the second coming.
(Leviticus 16; Numeri 14:34; Ezechiël 4:6; Daniël 7:9–27; 8:13, 14; 9:24–27; Hebreeën 1:3; 2:16, 17; 4:14–16; 8:1–5; 9:11–28; 10:19–22; Openbaring 8:3–5; 11: 19; 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:11, 12).

De wederkomst van Christus

De wederkomst van Christus is de gezegende hoop van de kerk. Het is het hoogtepunt van het evangelie. De komst van de Redder zal letterlijk, persoonlijk, zichtbaar en wereldomvattend zijn. Bij zijn komst zullen de rechtvaardige doden worden opgewekt, en samen met de levende rechtvaardigen worden verheerlijkt en in de hemel worden opgenomen. De onrechtvaardigen zullen sterven. Het feit dat de meeste profetieën vrijwel geheel in vervulling zijn gegaan en de huidige toestand in de wereld tonen aan dat Christus’ komst dichtbij is. Het moment van die gebeurtenis is niet geopenbaard en daarom worden wij aangemoedigd altijd klaar te zijn voor zijn komst.
(Matteüs 24; Marcus 13; Lucas 21; Johannes 14:1–3; Handelingen 1:9–11; 1 Korintiërs 15:51–54; 1 Tessalonicenzen 4:13–18; 5:1–6; 2 Tessalonicenzen 1:7–10; 2:8; 2 Timoteüs 3:1–5; Titus 2:13; Hebreeën 9:28; Openbaring 1:7; 14:14–20; 19:11–21).

Dood en opstanding

Het loon van de zonde is de dood. Maar God, die als enige onsterfelijk is, zal de verlosten eeuwig leven geven. Tot die dag is de dood voor alle mensen een toestand van onbewust-zijn. Wanneer Christus, die ons leven is, verschijnt, zullen de opgestane en de dan nog levende rechtvaardigen verheerlijkt en opgenomen worden om hun Heer te ontmoeten. De tweede opstanding, die van de onrechtvaardigen, vindt duizend jaar later plaats.
Job 19:25–27; Psalm 146:3, 4; Prediker 9:5, 6, 10; Daniël 12:2, 13; Jesaja 25:8; Johannes 5:28, 29; 11:11–14; Romeinen 6:23; 16; 1 Korintiërs 15:51–54; Kolossenzen 3:4; 1 Tessalonicenzen 4:13–17; 1 Timoteüs 6:15, 16; Openbaring 20:1–10).

De periode van duizend jaar en het einde van de zonde

De periode van duizend jaar is de heerschappij van Christus met zijn heiligen in de hemel tussen de eerste en de tweede opstanding. Gedurende deze periode wordt over de onrechtvaardige doden geoordeeld. De aarde zal dan geheel verlaten zijn, zonder levende menselijke bewoners, maar wordt bezet door Satan en zijn engelen. Aan het einde van deze tijd zal Christus met zijn heiligen en de heilige stad van de hemel neerdalen naar de aarde. De onrechtvaardige doden worden dan tot leven gebracht en Satan en zijn engelen zullen de stad omsingelen. Vuur van God zal hen vernietigen en de aarde reinigen. Zo zal het heelal voor altijd worden bevrijd van zonde en zondaars.
(Jeremia 4:23–26; Ezechiël 28:18, 19; Maleachi 4:1; 1 Korintiërs 6:2, 3; Openbaring 20; 21:1–5).

"Ik ben opgegroeid met het geloof. Tijdens mijn school periode had ik veel interesse in alle verschillende soorten geloven. Tijdens deze periode werd het mij duidelijk dat het Zevende-dags Adventisme voor mij het juiste geloof is. Het geloof heeft mij geholpen in moeilijke tijden. Op mijn 22ste ben ik uiteindelijk gedoopt.

"De nadruk op de sabbat als rustdag heeft me geholpen om balans te vinden in mijn drukke leven en meer tijd te besteden aan mijn familie en geloof."