Our Identity
What our identity is
As the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we embrace a unique and sacred identity rooted in Biblical prophecy and God’s calling. We believe that God has chosen the Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve as the remnant Church in the end times, a community set apart to uphold His truth and share the hope of Jesus Christ’s imminent return. Our identity is defined by a clear understanding of our role in God’s plan for humanity, guiding every aspect of our lives, ministry, and service.
Ambassadors of God’s Kingdom
Each member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church sees themselves as an ambassador of God’s kingdom, entrusted with sharing the message of salvation, love, and the promise of restoration. Our calling is to live as representatives of Christ, both individually and as a global family, reflecting His character, compassion, and values to a world that yearns for hope.
A People Set Apart for a Purpose
Our church’s identity is deeply influenced by the belief that we live in the last days as foretold in the Bible. This conviction gives us a profound sense of purpose, shaping our actions and inspiring our dedication to living a life that honors God’s commandments and advances His kingdom. We recognize that every action of our lives should be done “in the name of Jesus” to bring others closer to His love and truth.
Our Mission in the Great Controversy
We are called to join God in His mission to reclaim the world from the power of sin, part of what we understand as the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. In this cosmic battle, we see ourselves as participants and co-laborers with Christ, striving to lift up the truth, love, and justice of God’s kingdom against the forces of darkness.
Guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit
Our identity is built upon the Bible as God’s infallible revelation of His will. We hold Scripture as the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice, and it forms the foundation of our teachings and beliefs. As we study the Word, we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and transforms us to live out our faith, equips us with gifts for ministry, and prepares us to carry out God’s mission in a broken world.
Implementation of Our Mission
Seventh-day Adventists affirm the Bible as God’s infallible revelation of His will, accepting its authority in the life of the Church and of each believer, and its foundational role for faith and doctrine. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Holy Spirit is the power that transforms lives and equips people with abilities to advance God’s kingdom in this world.
Called by God, guided by the Bible, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Seventh-day Adventists, wherever we live in the world, devote ourselves to:
- Christ-Like Living
Illustrating the lordship of Jesus in our lives by moral, ethical, and social behaviors that are consistent with the teachings and example of Jesus.
- Christ-Like Communicating
Realizing that all are called to active witness, we share through personal conversation, preaching, publishing, and the arts, the Bible’s message about God and the hope and salvation offered through the life, ministry, atoning death, resurrection, and high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.
- Christ-Like Discipling
Affirming the vital importance of continued spiritual growth and development among all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we nurture and instruct each other in righteous living, provide training for effective witness, and encourage responsive obedience to God’s will.
- Christ-Like Teaching
Acknowledging that development of mind and character is essential to God’s redemptive plan, we promote the growth of a mature understanding of and relationship to God, His Word, and the created universe.
- Christ-Like Healing
Affirming the biblical principles of the well-being of the whole person, we make healthful living and the healing of the sick a priority and through our ministry to the poor and oppressed, cooperate with the Creator in His compassionate work of restoration.
- Christ-Like Serving
Following the example of Jesus we commit ourselves to humble service, ministering to individuals and populations most affected by poverty, tragedy, hopelessness, and disease.