Our beliefs
23. Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established as a lifelong union between a man and a woman. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility form the foundation of the family. Parents are called to teach their children to love and obey the Lord.
Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:21-33; Ephesians 6:1-4.
See also
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1. The Holy Scriptures
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and infallible revelation of His will.
2. The Godhead
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. God, who is love, is forever worthy of worship and service by the whole creation.
3. God the 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. The qualities and powers displayed in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.
4. God the Son
God the 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. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister on our behalf.
5. God the 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 and fills Christ’s followers with power. The Holy Spirit draws and convicts human beings and transforms those who respond into the image of God.
6. Creation
God has revealed in Scripture the authentic and historical account of His creative activity. He created the universe, and in a recent six-day creation the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation.
7. The Nature of Humanity
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality and the power and freedom to think and act. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and restores in repentant mortals the image of their Maker.
8. The 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. This conflict originated in heaven when Satan rebelled against God and led a portion of the angels into rebellion. Christ sends the Holy Spirit and loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain His people.
9. The 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. Christ’s death is substitutionary and reconciling. The bodily resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil.
10. The Experience of Salvation
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, and exercise faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin.
11. Growing in Christ
By His death on the cross, Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil powers that still seek to control us. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character.
12. The Church
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We gather for worship, fellowship, instruction in the Word, and the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head.
13. The Remnant and Its Mission
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ. In the last days, a remnant has been called to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, tribe, language, and people. In Christ we are a new creation, and human differences should not divide us. We share the same faith and hope and give one united witness to the world.
15. Baptism
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures.
16. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus. In this experience of communion, Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. The communion service is open to all believing Christians.
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
God bestows upon all members of His church spiritual gifts for ministry. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to each believer according to His will. These gifts build up the church and strengthen unity in faith and love.
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. We believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White.
19. The Law of God
The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct. Obedience to God’s commandments develops Christian character.
20. The Sabbath
The gracious Creator rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people. The Sabbath is a symbol of our redemption in Christ and a sign of sanctification. Its joyful observance is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.
21. Stewardship
We are God’s stewards, entrusted with time, opportunities, abilities, and possessions. We acknowledge God’s ownership through faithful service, tithes, and offerings. Stewardship helps us grow in love and victory over selfishness and greed.
22. Christian Behavior
We are called to be a holy people who think, feel, and act according to biblical principles. Our lives should reflect purity, health, modesty, and the beauty of Christ’s character. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to care for them wisely.
23. Marriage and the Family
Marriage was divinely established as a lifelong union between a man and a woman. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility form the foundation of the family. Parents are called to teach their children to love and obey the Lord.
24. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven where Christ ministers on our behalf. Through His ministry, believers receive the benefits of His sacrifice on the cross. Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary is part of God’s final plan of redemption.
25. The Second Coming of Christ
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church. His return will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. The righteous dead will be resurrected and together with the living righteous will meet the Lord.
26. Death and Resurrection
The wages of sin is death, but God grants eternal life to the redeemed. Death is an unconscious state until the resurrection. At Christ’s return, the righteous will be raised to eternal life.
27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven. At the end of the millennium, Satan and the wicked will face final judgment. Sin and sinners will be destroyed forever.
28. The New Earth
God will create a new earth where righteousness dwells. The redeemed will live forever in joy, peace, and the presence of God. Suffering, pain, and death will never exist again.