Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians? Their Beliefs and Identity

Yes, Seventh-day Adventist believers are Christians who trust in the merits of the risen Lord and accept the New Testament as an inspired record of the Redeemer's lifeCCh 22.8+2.

The Foundation of Their Faith

• Trust in Christ: Seventh-day Adventists are Christians who faithfully attempt to do the work assigned to them by God while trusting in the merits of Jesus ChristCCh 22.8.

• Scriptural Authority: They hold to the strictest doctrine of the inspiration of the Scriptures, accepting the Bible as their teacher and the only rule of their faithSBBS 25.7+1.

• The New Testament: Unlike those who only respect the Old Testament, Adventists accept the New Testament on the same grounds as the Old, finding the Bible to be consistent in both partsRCPKS 6.5+1.

Connection to the Advent Movement

• Historical Roots: The denomination sprang from the great Second Advent movement of 1840 to 1844, where believers of many religious faiths accepted Bible prophecies regarding the return of JesusEW viii.2+1.

• The Mission: This movement is believed to be born of God and is expected to triumph through the power of His SpiritGCB June 2, 1913, page 225.8+1.

• Present Truth: Adventists emphasize "present truth," which includes the third angel's message and the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuaryGSAM 195.1+2.

Distinctive Practices and Character

• The Sabbath: As Christians, they observe the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday), following the example of the Redeemer who never kept any other day during His mortal lifeRCPKS 6.5+1.

• The Commandments: They are identified as the remnant people of God who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Revelation 14:122MR 7.3.

• Holistic Living: Their faith gives great purity of life and religious earnestness, emphasizing health reform and education as essential components of Christian developmentPCP 9.2+2.

Organizational Endeavors

Seventh-day Adventists operate numerous institutions to serve humanity and spread the gospel:

• Education: They establish schools and colleges to provide Christian education that grounds youth in the Word of GodARSH July 19, 1898, page 460.11+2.

• Medical Work: They view medical missionary work as the "helping hand" of the gospel, establishing sanitariums and hospitals to represent the truth properlyPOSDAI 25.1+1.

• Global Reach: Through publishing houses, missions, and Adventist Book Centers, they share the message of Christ's soon coming in hundreds of languages across the worldPM 322.3+2.

In summary, Seventh-day Adventists are a global family of believers who move in harmony with God's providence, seeking to win souls for His eternal kingdomNPUGleaner March 23, 1910, par. 11+2. They look forward to the day when they will see the King in His beauty and enter their eternal inheritance Isaiah 33:17NPUGleaner March 23, 1910, par. 11.