Statement of Faith

#1. This summary of beliefs is for the purpose of confessing Christ and His truth (see Matt. 10:32,33; 28:20; Rev. 19:10; 22:9). The summary has no authority of it's own, and should never be used to settle doctrinal controversy. The Word of God is the authority for resolving any doctrinal differences (see Matt. 22:29; 2 Tim. 3:16). Doctrinal differences are not decided democratically (majority rules) but only by the weight of evidence found in scripture. Since it is "impossible for God to lie", all of His Word is truth (Heb. 6:18; see Titus 1:2; Psalm 119:142; John 17:17); this means that true doctrines will be in harmony with "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" and "all that the prophets have spoken" (Matt. 4:4; Luke 24:25). Nevertheless, it is dangerous to base any doctrine on only one text (see Isa. 28:9-13). Actually, since God "cannot lie", one text would be sufficient if and only if it was interpreted correctly; but fallen humans are susceptible to misinterpretation, so before accepting any doctrine there should be at least "two or three witnesses" from inspiration in support of it (Deut. 17:6; 19:15; see 1 John 5:6,8; John 15:26; 14:26; 16:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21). On the other hand, no doctrine should be taught or believed as long as there are two or three texts for which no answers (which will stand up to close examination) can be given—regardless of how many texts seem to support it (see 1 Peter 3:15; Matt. 22:12,34; Rom. 3:19; Titus 1:11).

#2. The eternal Godhead consists of Three Living Persons- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit or Ghost. These three beings are eternal. It is in the name of God- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit- that those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these three separate powers will cooperate in changing the character of the obedient subjects to reflect their own. (Gen. 1:26; Isa. 48:16; Matt. 1:23; 3:16, 17; 28:19; John 8:58; 18:5, 6; 14:26; 15:26; Acts 5:3, 4; 10:38; 17:22-29; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; Heb. 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2).

#3. Our heavenly Father, the first Person of the Godhead, is a personal, spiritual Being, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal; infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy; and is unchangeable. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Mal. 3:6; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Cor. 8:5,6; 15:28; Eph. 3:9; 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Jer. 10:10-12; Heb. 1:1-3)

#4. Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead, the eternal Son of God, Who created all things in co-operation with His Father, and the Holy Spirit, is fully divine. He took upon Himself man's fallen nature from the seed of Abraham; He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary therefore fully human, yet never sinned at any time, and is the only Saviour from sin. He lived and experienced temptation as any other human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place (ending the handwriting of ordinances and feasts which were shadows of this grand event), was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. All judgment has been given unto Him. Man's salvation is by grace through faith in Him and He will return a second time in glory for the final deliverance of His people. Jesus is known by many names in Scripture, not one of which is to be used exclusively when addressing the Saviour who reads the intentions of the heart. (Ex. 3:14; 1 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 44:21; Matt. 28:18,19; John 1:1-3, 14; 3:16; 5:22; 8:58; 10:30; 14:1-3; Micah 5:2; Matt. 1:21-23; 2:5, 6; 12:34-37; Luke 1:35; Acts 4:10-12; Col. 1:15-19; 2:14; 1 John 5:11,12; Eph. 1:9-15; 2:4-8; Rom. 3:23-26; 5:17; 6:23; 8:27; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1; 2; 4:14,15; 7:25; 8:1-3; 9:28; 11:3; 1 Peter 2:21; Rev. 21; 22:20)

#5. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, is Christ's representative on earth, and leads sinners to repentance and to obedience of all God's requirements. He is the Comforter who guides us into all truth and convicts us of sin. He was active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture and safeguards it. He filled Christ’s life with power and those who respond to Jesus, He will renew and transform into His image. He gives spiritual gifts to the body of Christ (the church), empowering them to bear witness for Jesus. (Gen 1:1, 2; Matt. 28:18,19; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 3:5; 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 2:10; 2 Cor. 3:18; 8:1-10; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 9:14; 2 Peter 1:21)

#6. God is the creator of all good things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six literal days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all the living things therein, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus originated the seven day weekly cycle. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good” declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11, 31; Ps. 19:1, 2; 33:6, 9; 104; John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:14-17; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:4, 5).

#7. The Bible (translated from the received [aka majority] texts such as the King James Version) is God's inspired Word, though written by man, is the authoritative, infallible revelation of God's will, and is the full, sufficient, and only rule of faith and practice. The Holy Scriptures are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. In His word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. God protects His word and promises that it will not come back to Him void. (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Ps. 119:9,11,105,130; Prov. 30:5, 6; John 10:35; 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Isa. 8:20; 55:11; Jer. 15:16; Heb. 4:12)

#8. Immortality comes only through obedience to God's word and is bestowed as a gift from God at Christ's second coming. This is not to say that it is of works that we are saved. Obedience is the fruit of faith, salvation is the gift of faith. (1 Cor. 15:21,22,51-55; Ps. 146:3,4; Eccl. 9:5,6,10; 1 Tim. 6:15,16; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 John 5:11,12)

#9. Mankind is mortal (subject to death). When people die they are unconscious (asleep). All people, good and evil alike, remain in the grave from death until the resurrections. (Eccl. 9:5,6; Ps. 115:17; 146:3,4; Job 14:10-12,21,22; 17:13; John 11:11-14; 1 Thess. 4:13; John 5:28,29 1 Cor 15:20-23)

#10. All who enter the kingdom of heaven will be born again, converted individuals. Through Christ, believers receive forgiveness of sins which are confessed and forsaken, and for which, as far as lies in their power, restitution is made. Christ dwells in the converted heart, writing upon it the principles of God's law, leading the believer to delight to obey its precepts, and imparting power for such obedience. (Matt. 5:23,24; 6:14,15; 18:3; John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17; 6:16; Eze. 33:15; 36:26,27; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:2; Ps. 40:8; Heb. 8:10-12; John 14:15; Col. 1:14, 15, 27; 3:16; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:7; 3:14-21; 1 John 1:7-9; Isa. 55:6,7).

#11. Through the study of the Word, God speaks to us, imparting light and strength; through prayer the soul is united with God. These are Heaven's ordained means for obtaining victory in the conflict with sin and for the development of Christian character. (Ps. 19:7,8; 119:130; John 6:63; 17:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 18:1; Ps. 55:17; Isa. 50:4)

#12. The seventh day of the week, known today as Saturday, is the eternal sign of Christ's power as Creator, Sanctifier, and Redeemer and is, therefore, the Lord's day; the true Christian Sabbath, constituting the seal of the living God. It is observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 16:24-31; 20:8-11; John 1:1-3,14; Eze. 20:12,20; Mark 1:21-32; 2:27,28; Isa. 58:13; Luke 4:16; 23:54-56; 24:1; Acts 17:2; Heb. 4:9-11; Isa. 66:22,23; Lev. 23:32; Rev. 7:1-8)

#13. The Christian will recognize his body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore he will honor God by caring for his body, abstaining from such things as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, illicit and social drugs, tobacco in all its forms, the blood and fat of flesh foods, and all unclean meats. Christians will be striving to comply with God's instruction concerning the original diet of Gen 1:29 and 3:18. (1 Cor. 3:16,17; 6:19,20; 9:25; 10:1-11,31; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:17-21; 6:7,8; 1 Peter 2:9-12; Lev. 11:1-8; Acts 11:8; Acts 15:29)

#14. In the Christian life, there is complete separation from worldly practices such as ungodly card playing, visiting theaters, dancing, novel reading, competitive sports, watching unprofitable television programs, and listening to sensual, worldly music etc., which tend to deaden and destroy the spiritual life. (2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; Eph. 5:8-11; Col. 3:5-10)

#15. The Christian is called unto sanctification and their life should be characterized by carefulness in conduct and in modesty and simplicity in dress. There should be a plain distinction between the dress of men and women. He or she is to refrain from any attire that is out of keeping with the Biblical rule of modesty, and from the wearing of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, colorful cosmetics, and any form of adornment that draws attention to themselves. Their influence is to come from the inner adornment of a character that will attract others to Jesus. (2 Kings 9:30; Jer. 4:30; 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:3,7; 5:23; 1 Peter 2:21; 3:3-5,15; Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Tim. 2:9,10; Deut. 22:5)

#16. Marriage was ordained by God in Eden before the fall, for the benefit of humanity, and its sanctity is guarded by one of the ten commandments (see Gen 1:27; 2:18-25; Ex 20:14; Prov 18:22; Heb 13:4). The only ground for divorce in Scripture is "fornication"; after such a divorce the innocent party has the Scriptural right to remarry, but it is "adultery" for the guilty party to remarry either before or after the innocent party remarries (see Matt 5:31,32; 19:3-12; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3; 1 Cor 7:1-40). If there has been a divorce on other than Biblical grounds, or merely a separation without a divorce, reconciliation is the ideal; but even if the two remain separated, they are still married to each other in God's eyes, and should act accordingly (see 1 Cor. 7:10,11).

#17. Baptism by immersion is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and openly expresses faith in His saving grace and the giving up of sin and the world. It is recognized as a condition of becoming a member of the body of Christ. (Matt .3:13-17; 28:19; Acts 2:38,41-47; 8:35,39; 16:32,33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:1-3)

#18. The Bible teaches the definite organization of the body of Christ (the church) which is comprised of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The members of Christ’s body will be doers of the word and not hearers only. According to Gospel order, the members of this organization are all brethren and under sacred obligation to be subject unto Christ, the Head of the church, to loyally support His work, and to share in its maintenance. Thus the church, being subject unto Christ and consisting of brethren, is not a hierarchy but likened to different parts of a body functioning according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit and not man. His body is not to be congregational, separated into independent atoms, but is to be an organized, functioning machine. As God is the head of Christ, so Christ shall be the head of every man, and man is the head of woman. A woman is not to usurp authority over the man, and all ordained leaders must be men of good repute. Members are not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. God is no respector of persons and if a body of believers becomes unfaithful and disobedient, falling into apostasy, He is not under obligation to keep His promises to them. Those who are members of the body of Christ will not hold membership in a fallen church but will remove their name and themselves from all apostasy. (Ps. 40:8-10; Matt. 16:1-3, 16-18; 18:15-20; 23:37, 38; Eph. 1:10-23; 2:12, 19-22; 3:8-11, 15; 4:11-15; 1 Cor. 10:4; 11:3; 12:12-28; 14:33-40; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 10:24-27; Acts 1:8; 2:38, 41, 42; 4:32-35; 6:1-7; 7:38; Rom. 2:28, 29; 8:15-17; James 1:22; 2 Tim. 2:11, 12; 3:1-13; 1 Peter 2:3-6; Rev. 14:12; 22:14)

#19. The church is to come behind in no gift. These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit and are given “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Speaking in tongues is only one of the many gifts given by the Holy Spirit and it is not a test of fellowship or a sign of salvation. The presence of the gift of the ‘Spirit of Prophecy (inspired and protected by the Holy Spirit)’ is to be one of the identifying marks of God's true church at the end of time. We recognize that this gift was manifested in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White. (John 20:21, 22; 1 Cor. 1:5-7; 12:1-28; Amos 3:7; Hosea 12:10,13; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; Eph. 4:12-13).

#20. The tithe is holy unto the Lord and is God's provision for the support of His ministry. It consists of a tenth of all our gross increase and is considered to be the “first fruits” given unto the Lord. It reminds us that God is the owner of all things. Freewill offerings are also a part of God's plan for the support of His work throughout the world. (Lev. 27:30-32; Mal. 3:8-12; Num. 18:20-28; Matt. 23:23; Prov. 3:9,10; 1 Cor. 9:13,14; 2 Cor. 9:6,7; Ps. 96:8; Luke 18:12)

#21. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper commemorates the Savior’s death as the Lamb of God (thus replacing the Passover service); participation by members of the body is essential to Christian growth and fellowship. It is to be preceded by the ordinance of foot washing as a preparation for this solemn service. (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-30; John 1:29; 6:48-56; 13:1-17)

#22. Upon His ascension, Christ began His ministry as high priest in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, which sanctuary is the antitype of the earthly tabernacle of the former dispensation. As in the type, a work of investigative judgment began as Christ entered the second phase of His ministry, in the most holy place, foreshadowed in the earthly service by the Day of Atonement. This work of the investigative judgment in the heavenly sanctuary and the final atonement began on October 22, 1844, closing off the last pre-advent time prophecy of the Bible, the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14. The investigative judgment constitutes the final judgment of our life's record (close of probation) before Jesus returns. (Heb. 4:14; 8:1,2; Lev. 16:2,29; Heb. 9:23,24; Dan. 8:14; 9:24-27; Rev. 14:6,7; 22:11)

#23. Prophecy declares that Spiritual Babylon will consist of a body (not an individual) that was once Biblically pure, but has become corrupted with doctrinal error [fallen into apostasy]. The papacy [Roman Catholic Church] is the antichrist of the Bible prophecy; it was the great persecuting power of the Middle [Dark] Ages and will again, in partnership with apostate Protestantism [fallen Christian churches], persecute God's saints at the end of time. It is the change of the true seventh day Sabbath to the counterfeit Sunday, and the many pagan and unbiblical teachings that she has introduced to Christendom that denotes her as modern, spiritual Babylon. Spiritual Babylon is also the mother of Harlots [apostate Protestantism: fallen Christian churches]. ANY church, denomination, organization, fellowship, group, etc… which has at least one unrepentant character trait of Spiritual Babylon such as: the immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, the abolishing of the Law of God, ‘Original Sin’ (being born a sinner), advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy, sanctified day (the seventh day known as the Sabbath), and kindred errors which cannot be substantiated from the Scriptures; is a daughter to the great whore and is leading people to be sealed in their sins resulting in death and Hell. (1 John 4:2,3; Dan. 2:40, 41; 7:7, 8, 20-25; 11:31, 36-39, 45; Rev. 12; 13:1-8; 17; 18:23, 24)

#24. The religious observance of the first day of the week, known today as Sunday, is the Pagan counterfeit of seventh-day Sabbath observance. Sunday has been promoted by the papacy as a mark of her authority. When Sunday observance is enforced by United States civil law it becomes the end-time mark of the beast. (Ex. 31:13; Eze. 20:12,20; Rev. 7:1-8; 13:11-17; 14:1,9,10)

#25. The second coming of Christ is the hope of the church, the climax of the gospel, when Jesus will come literally, personally, loudly, visibly on a cloud (never touching the earth), and with all of His holy angels. Jesus pointed to signs of the times that would testify that His coming is at hand. And the almost complete fulfillment of all the various lines of prophecy indicates "He is near, even at the doors." (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 9:28; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 25:31; Luke 9:25; 21:25-33; Matt. 24:14,36-39,33 margin)

#26. The righteous dead will be raised to life at Christ's second coming (advent). Together with the righteous living, they will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and will go with Him to heaven, there to spend one thousand years (the millennium). The wicked that are living at the time of Christ's second advent will be slain by the brightness of His coming. These, with the wicked dead of all ages, will await the final resurrection, at the close of the one thousand years. (Rev. 1:7; John 5:25,28,29; Hosea 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 11:24,25; 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4,5,6; Isa. 25:8,9; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15; Rev. 20:5,12,15; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15; Isa. 24:21,22).

#27. At the end of the one thousand years, the following events will take place: (a) Christ and the righteous will descend from heaven, with the Holy City, the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2,10); (b) the wicked dead will be resurrected (Rev 21:11,12); (c) Satan, his angels and the wicked will receive the final wages of sin when fire comes down from God out of heaven to utterly destroy them, death and hell. This is the second death (1 Cor. 15:26; Rev 20:7-10,14,15); and (d) this fire, which destroys the works of sin, will purify the earth (2 Peter 3:10-14; Mal. 4:1-3; Rev. 20:4,8).

#28. The earth, cleansed by fire and re-created by the power of God, will become the eternal home of the redeemed and God Himself will live with them. (2 Peter 3:9-13; Isa. 65:17-25; 35:1-10; 45:18; Matt. 5:5; Mal. 4:1-3; Prov. 11:31)

#29. In accordance with God's uniform dealing with mankind, warning them of coming events that will vitally affect their destiny, He has sent forth a proclamation of the approaching return of Christ. This preparatory message is symbolized by the three angels' messages of Revelation 14. And the fourth angel's message of Revelation 18. Every true believer (God’s Remnant) will announce these messages which includes a) the announcement of the arrival of the judgment hour, b) salvation through Christ and the approach of His second coming, c) a call to worship the true God and forsake all false doctrines, romanism, and paganism, d) a description of Babylon and her daughters, and e) the warning not to receive the mark of the beast and partake of the plagues. The proclamation of these messages result in a sanctified people who keep the commandments of God, have the faith of Jesus, and who are completely separated from spiritual Babylon, her daughters, Paganism, and Romanism in any form, and are ready to meet Jesus face to face without seeing death. God’s people must obey the voice of their Master Shepherd and separate from Babylon’s fellowship and come into His fold or they will partake of the plagues. (Amos 3:7; Matt. 24:29-34; Rev. 12; 13; 14; 17:1-18; 18:1-5; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Zeph. 3:13; Micah 4:7,8; Isa. 26:2; Rev. 22:14).

#30. Every church member is under sacred command from Jesus to use his talents in personal soul-winning work in helping to give the present truth of the gospel to the entire world. When this work is finished and the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in His people, Jesus will come. (Matt. 24:14; 5:48; 25:14-29; 28:18-20; Rev. 22:17; Isa. 43:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Rom. 10:13-15; Gen. 17:1; Eph. 4:12,13)

This brief summary should be considered as merely an introductory overview. No believer should consider that this summary includes the entire scope of Christian faith and practice; instead, believers should learn, observe, and even teach all things whatsoever Christ has commanded (see Matt 28:20). Every Christian should have a commitment to study the Word of God daily and continue to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18; see Luke 2:52; John 6:48-63; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).

What are the Pillars of our Faith? (Appendix #1)

Adventist Pioneer Interpretations of Daniel (Appendix #2)

Adventist Pioneer Interpretations of Revelation

  Appendix 1

WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF OUR FAITH?
   "The passing of time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, (also) the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, 'The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.' One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressor of God's law. The non-immortality of the wicked is an old landmark." Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 30.    (For further study: Proverbs 9:1; Hebrews 6:2; 1888 Materials, p 518; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 258, 313, 377, 399; Testimonies, vol 6, p 91, 144; Evangelism, p 273; Early Writings, p 63, 87, 258; Great Controversy, p 409; Life Sketches, p 278).

WHY ARE THEY NEEDED?

   "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalms 11:3.

   "As a people we are to stand firm on the platform of eternal truth that has withstood test and trial. We are to hold to the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value." Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 52.

   "Men will arise with interpretations of scripture which are to them truth, but which are not truth. The truth for this time, God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself has taught us what is truth. One will arise, and still another, with new light which contradicts the light God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit... We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith." Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 32.

   "Many of our people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and others... were among those who after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly...
   "But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly with the grip of faith to the fundamental principles that are based on unquestionable authority." Series B#2, p 56-59.    (For further study: Isaiah 49:22, 62:10; Jeremiah 6:16, 50:2; Ephesians 4:14-15; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 16; Hebrews 10:23; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 985; Selected Messages, book 1, p 161; Evangelism, p 121; Life Sketches, p 430, 448; Upward Look, p 152; Testimonies, vol 4, p 211; vol 5, p 31, 295; vol 6, p 17; Review and Herald, August 20, 1903.)

1. FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE

   "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14:6-7.

   A warning message to the world: to fear God, our Creator to worship only Him, and give glory to Him by reflecting His character, for the hour of investigative judgment (first for the dead and then for the living) has come, and to proclaim the Everlasting Gospel, which involves the plan of redemption, and salvation from all sin through Jesus Christ the only Mediator between God and man.    (For further study: Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:3-6; 1 Kings 8:60; Psalms 19:9; Proverbs 2:5; 3:19; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 5:16, 28:19; John 1:3, 14:6, 17:3; Acts 1:8, 14:15, 17:24-25; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 2:5; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 199, 222-229, 231; Testimonies, vol 6, p 19.)

2. SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE

   "And there followed another angel saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Revelation 14:8.

   Babylon fallen represents the moral fall of all Protestant Churches by 1844, because they rejected the light of truth sent to them from heaven as proclaimed in the First Angel's Message. This message is still a call for all Christians to separate from their fallen churches.    (For further study: Isaiah 28:7, 48;17-20; Jeremiah 50:6, 51:6, 8, 51:44-45; Ezekiel 21:3,4; Zechariah 2:6-7; Matthew 24:15-16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20-21; Acts 15:14; Revelation 11:8, 16:19, 17:18, 18:1-5; Testimonies, vol 8, p 118; Patriarchs and Prophets, p 124; Great Controversy, p 383, 606; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 984-985; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 230-33, 421, 424-425; Selected Messages, book 2, p 118; book 3, p 405; Fundamentals of Christian Education, p 362; Testimony to Ministers, p 61, 117, 265; Upward look, p 277; Kress Collection, p 124; Review and Herald, October 31, 1899; July 5, 1906; Manuscript Releases, book 12, p 248.)

3. THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE, ARK, AND IMMUTABLE LAW OF GOD

   "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments therefore, even so shall ye make it." Exodus 25:8-9.

   "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." Revelation 11:19.

   "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

   There is a temple in heaven of which the earthly sanctuary was a pattern. This heavenly sanctuary is composed of two apartments; the first is the holy place, the second the most holy place. In the second apartment is found the ark of God containing His immutable law perpetually embodied in the ten commandments which is a transcript of His character. God's divine principles, His moral requirements, are binding upon all men in all ages and constitutes the basis of His covenant with His people and the standard of character in the final judgment.    (For further study: Numbers 14:18; Proverbs 28:13; Jeremiah 32:19; Ezekiel 18:30, 33:20, 34:17, 20; Daniel 7:9-10; Matthew 22:1-14; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; All of the book of Hebrews; James 4:12; 1 Peter 4:5; Jude 14-15; Revelation 5:1-9, 11:18, 22:14-15; Great Controversy, p 428, 412.)

4. CHRIST'S MINISTRY IN CLEANSING THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

   "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." Daniel 8:14.

   "...I have appointed thee each day for a year." Ezekiel 4:6.

   Christ's first apartment (holy place) ministry began at His ascension and continued until October 22, 1844 at the end of the 2300 days/years when He entered into the second apartment (most holy place) to begin His final mediatorial work of intercession, atonement, and investigative judgment to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary as our High Priest.   (For further study: Leviticus 16, 23:27-32; Numbers 14:34; Hebrews 6:19-20, 9:3, 7, 11-15, 12:24; Great Controversy, p 352, 409, 412-22, 428, 480, 647-48; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 265-270, 431, 440; Early
Writings, p 36, 54-56, 256; Testimonies, vol 6, p 364; vol 5, p 86, 575; Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 78; Testimony to Ministers, p 37, 445; Manuscript Releases, vol 12, p 392; Selected Messages, book 1, p 124-126, 232, 344; Notebook Leaflets, p 99, col 1; Battle Creek Letters, p 116-117; Review and Herald, January 21, 1890.)

5. THE SABBATH

   "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy god: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hollowed it." Exodus 20:8-11.

   God Himself, after six days of creationary work, blessed, sanctified, and rested on the seventh day as His only Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3). This fourth commandment of God's written holy law requires all of His true followers to devote the seventh day of each week, beginning at sunset Friday through sunset Saturday, to the worship of God as their Creator. Thus it is a sacred day of rest requiring abstinence from all unnecessary labor and secular work, and the performance of sacred and religious duties. This Sabbath commandment contains God's official seal which includes His name - "Lord thy God"; His official position - "Creator"; His domain - "heaven and earth". Therefore the seventh day Sabbath is the seal of God's creative and sanctifying power which is exercised through the Holy Spirit in the lives of His obedient people.    (For further study: Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31, 2:2-3; Nehemiah 13:19; Isaiah 8:16, 58:12-14; Ezekiel 20:12; Daniel 7:25; Matthew 5:17-19; Mark 1:32, 2:27-28; Luke 23:54-56, 24:1; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 4:4-10; James 2:10-11; Revelation 12:17, 14:12; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 279-281, 395-96, 457; Testimonies, vol 1, p 116; vol 6, p 349-368; vol 8, p 117; Patriarchs and Prophets, p 336.)

6. THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE

   "And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:9-12

   "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18:1-5.

   A solemn invitation is given to every truly repentant sinner to accept the righteousness of Christ by faith, which is imputed in justification and imparted through sanctification, enabling them to keep all of God's commandments, overcoming all sin through His grace and strength, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. It also warns all mankind against worshiping the beast (Roman Catholicism), or his image (apostate Protestantism), or receiving the mark of Catholicism (which is submitting to Sunday worship), lest they receive the wrath of God poured out in the seven last plagues. It also warns all of God's people to willingly separate themselves from all unclean apostate, harlot churches of Babylon - including the Seventh-day Adventist Church - or become partakers of her sins and receive her plagues.    (For further study: Genesis 19:24; Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Psalms 92:7; Ezekiel 22:31; Daniel 3:5-29; Luke 17:29; Acts 2:27; 1 Corinthians 6:15-16, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Amos 3:3; Isaiah 52:11; James 4:12; 2 Peter 3:10; Jude 7; Revelation 12:17, 13:1-18, 14:11-12, 15:2, 16:2, 19:10, 20:10, 14-15; Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 278-279, 281, 356, 362-363; Great Controversy, p 444-45, 449, 536, 605; Early Writings, p 219, 221; Testimony to Ministers, p 133; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 976, 979-980; Manuscript Releases, vol 12, p 248, 250; Word to the Little Flock, p 12.)

7. NON-IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL (State of the dead)

   "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun... for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10.

   Death is a state of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness, referred to in the Bible as "sleep". Therefore the scriptures clearly confirm that all apparitions of those who have died, including the Virgin Mary, are the spirits of demons working miracles to deceive, if possible, God's people (see Revelation 16:14). The investigative judgment determines whether the dead will awaken at Christ's second coming being raised in the first resurrection to inherit everlasting life, or remaining in the grave until the second resurrection to be consumed in the lake fire which is the second death.    (For further study: Job 14:21; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 22:30; John 11:24-25; Acts 2:29, 34; Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 14:13, 20:5, 21:4; Hebrews 9:24; Isaiah 26:14; Ecclesiastes 3:20; Desire of Ages, p 527; Early Writings, p 262; Acts of Apostles, p 289; Testimony to Ministers, p 457.)

APPENDIX 2

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATIONS REGARDING DANIEL AND REVELATION

ADVENTIST PIONEER INTERPRETATIONS OF DANIEL

We concur along with our Adventist pioneers, including Ellen White, that the correct interpretations of the major prophecies of Daniel are as follows:

Ellen White indicated that most of Daniel 11 was already history (see Manuscript Releases, vol 13, p 394 - Letter 103, 1904), and that it "has nearly reached its complete fulfillment" (Testimonies, vol 9, p 14). Although the Adventist pioneers did not come to any major agreement on who represented the king of the North, James White, as well as the majority of the principle leaders in the Millerite movement, believed it represented the Papacy.

Not only was Ellen White in agreement with the above, even stating that "the 1335 years were ended" (see Manuscript Releases, vol 5, p 203 - Letter 28, November 7, 1850), but also stating that Daniel was already standing in his lot thus signifying that all these times prophecies were ended (see Testimony to Ministers, p 115; Manuscript Releases, vol 17, p 10).

ADVENTIST PIONEER INTERPRETATIONS OF REVELATION

We concur along with our Adventist pioneers, including Ellen White, that the correct interpretations of the major
prophecies of Revelation are as follows:

REVELATION 6 & 7

Ellen White was in agreement with the above, even stating that the rider of the white horse in the first seal represented Christ (Gospel truth) going forth "conquering and to conquer" through His followers after His ascension (see Acts of Apostles, p 23; Sons and Daughters of God, p 358; SDA Bible Commentary, vol 4, p 1146). Also Ellen White indicated that both the 3rd and 4th seals were already history stating that this "history shall be repeated" (see Manuscript Releases, vol 9, p 7 - Letter 65, August 23, 1898).

REVELATION 8 & 9

Ellen White was in agreement with the above, even stating that the 6th trumpet represented the turks, and the hour, day, month, and year ended in 1840 (see Great Controversy, p 334; Maranatha, p 152).

REVELATION 10

Ellen White agreed with the above, even declaring that the open book was the book of Daniel (see Manuscript Releases, vol 17, p 6, 8; Selected Messages, book 2, p 107-108; Testimony to Ministers, p 115).

REVELATION 11