28 Fundamentals
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The 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of the church but are not a criterion for membership. The beliefs were known as the 27 Fundamentals until 2005 when another was added.
They may be grouped into the doctrines of God, humankind, salvation, church, Christian life, and last things, and can be read online on the website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church [1].
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[edit] Preamble
The preamble to the 28 Fundamentals states that Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed, and that revision of the statements may be expected:
- "Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word." [1]
[edit] History
Adventists have always been reluctant to formalize a creed. J. N. Loughborough made the historic statement in the October 8, 1861 Review and Herald article:
- "The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."[2]
In spite of this reluctance several summaries of Adventist theology have been presented at various times.
- In 1872 a pamphlet was produced presenting twenty-five Fundamental Principles [2], not to "secure uniformity" but "to meet inquiries" and "to correct false statements." [3]
- In 1931 a list of 22 Fundamental Beliefs [3] was produced and published in the Adventist Yearbook, and subsequently in the Adventist Church Manual.
- In 1980, the 27 Fundamentals were instituted by the denomination's General Conference. They are expanded upon in the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines [4]. Note that this elaboration does not constitute the "official" position of the church.
- In 2005 an extra belief was inserted, fundamental belief number 11 "Growing in Christ", in response to the requests of Adventists in developing nations for a statement on spiritual warfare. It was voted in at the 2005 Adventist General Conference Session held in St. Louis, Missouri, yielding the current total of 28.
[edit] What Adventists Believe
The following beliefs are listed prior to the 28 Fundamentals on the church's official website with the title "What Adventists Believe". [4]
- As a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures
- God's greatest desire is for you to see a clear picture of His character. When you see Him clearly, you will find His love irresistible.
- Scripture is a road map. The Bible is God's voice, speaking His love personally to you today.
- Jesus is the one who never changes in a universe that always does. Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, Friend, God's Son, and God Himself!
- God's vision for you is life as He lives it! God loves you, and wants to give you the highest quality of life imaginable.
- In the heart of God is a place you can experience as home. God loves you, and wants to spend time with you personally, one on one, as two close friends.
[edit] 28 Fundamentals
Most links are to articles which discuss the topic in a more general setting. Only a few give further details from a specifically Adventist perspective.[1]
[edit] The doctrine of God
1. Holy Scriptures
- See also: Bible
2. Trinity
- See also: Trinity
3. Father
- See also: God the Father
4. Son
- See also: Jesus, Incarnation (Christianity), and Christian views of Jesus
5. Holy Spirit
- See also: Holy Spirit
[edit] The doctrine of Humankind
6. Creation
- See also: young earth creationism
7. Nature of Man
[edit] The doctrine of Salvation
8. Great Controversy
9. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
- See also: Atonement and Death and Resurrection of Jesus
10. Experience of Salvation
- See also: Justification (theology)
11. Growing in Christ
- See also: Sanctification and spiritual warfare
[edit] The doctrine of the Church
12. Church
- See also: Ecclesiology
13. Remnant and Its Mission
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
15. Baptism
- See also: Believer's baptism
16. Lord's Supper
- See also: Eucharist
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
- See also: Spiritual gift
18. The Gift of Prophecy
[edit] The doctrine of the Christian Life
19. Law of God
- See also: Ten Commandments
20. Sabbath
- See also: Sabbath
21. Stewardship
22. Christian Behavior
23. Marriage and the Family
- See also: Christian views of marriage
[edit] The doctrine of Last Things
24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
25. Second Coming of Christ
- See also: Second Coming
26. Death and Resurrection
- See also: soul sleep
27. Millennium and the End of Sin
- See also: Premillennialism and Annihilationism
28. New Earth
- See also: Heaven#Seventh-day Adventist
[edit] See also
- Adventist baptismal vows
- Seventh-day Adventist church
- Seventh-day Adventist theology
- History of the Seventh-day Adventist church
[edit] References
- ^ a b Fundamental Beliefs. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on 2006-09-12.
- ^ (1861-10-08) "Doings of the Battle Creek Conference, Oct. 5 & 6, 1861" (DJVU). The Review and Herald 18 (19): 148. Retrieved on 2006-11-06.
- ^ Schwarz, Richard W. (1979). Light Bearers to the Remnant. Boise, Idaho / Oshawa, Ontario, Canada: Pacific Press.
- ^ What Adventists Believe. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on 2006-09-12.
