When it comes to defining who is considered a Christian, the answer can often depend on varying perspectives within the larger context of Christian theology and denominational beliefs. One group that sometimes finds itself at the center of this discussion is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Founded in the 19th century, this Protestant Christian denomination has distinct doctrines and practices that can lead some to question whether it aligns with mainstream Christianity. In this article, we will explore the foundational beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists, examine their relationship to traditional Christian doctrine, and address the question: are Seventh-day Adventists considered Christians?

What Is Christianity?

Before delving into the specifics of Seventh-day Adventism, it’s important to define what is generally meant by Christianity. At its core, Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Christians typically affirm belief in:

1. The Trinity: The understanding of God as one in essence but three in persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.

2. The Bible: The belief that the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) is the inspired Word of God and authoritative in matters of faith and practice.

3. Salvation by Faith: The belief that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of humanity, was resurrected, and offers eternal life to those who believe in Him.

4. The Resurrection: The belief in Jesus’ bodily resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers, based on the resurrection.

These core elements are found in many of the ecumenical creeds of Christianity, such as the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed, which are widely accepted by most Christian denominations.

Who Are the Seventh-day Adventists?

Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) are a Protestant Christian denomination that emerged from the Millerite movement in the United States during the mid-19th century. The Millerites were followers of William Miller, who predicted that Jesus Christ would return in 1844, a prediction that did not come to pass and led to what is called the Great Disappointment.

Following this event, a group of Millerites, including notable figures like Ellen G. White, reinterpreted the event and formed the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1863. The denomination’s name reflects two key beliefs: the observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath, and the belief in the imminent return (or advent) of Jesus Christ.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church places a strong emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ, and like many other Christian denominations, Adventists believe in the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. However, there are certain doctrines and practices that set them apart from mainstream Christian denominations, which we will explore.

Doctrinal Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

1. Belief in the Trinity

Seventh-day Adventists affirm belief in the Trinity, aligning them with the core doctrine of Christianity. They believe in one God who exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian view is consistent with the traditional Christian understanding of God and reflects an important aspect of their claim to be considered Christians.

2. The Bible as the Sole Authority

Adventists believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. They follow both the Old and New Testaments, interpreting them through a lens of Christ’s life and mission. This strong biblical foundation places Seventh-day Adventists in alignment with most Protestant Christians who uphold the doctrine of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the basis of authority in the Christian life.

While Adventists accept the teachings of Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the church, they do not consider her writings as equal to the Bible. Rather, her works are viewed as helpful commentary and inspiration, much like how Catholics might treat the writings of saints or how Protestants may view influential theologians like Martin Luther or John Calvin.

3. Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ

Seventh-day Adventists believe that salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus died for humanity’s sins and that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, accessible through faith alone. This aligns closely with the core Christian belief in justification by faith. Like other Protestants, they reject the notion of salvation by works, emphasizing that only through Christ’s sacrifice can a person be reconciled to God.

However, Adventists also emphasize the importance of sanctification—the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in one’s actions and behavior. While salvation is by grace through faith, they believe that a true, living faith will naturally produce good works and obedience to God’s commandments.

4. The Sabbath

One of the key distinguishing features of Seventh-day Adventists is their observance of Saturday as the Sabbath. Adventists believe that the biblical Sabbath, as commanded in the Ten Commandments, is to be observed on the seventh day of the week (Saturday). They argue that this practice has its roots in the creation account (Genesis 2:2-3), where God rested on the seventh day, and in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), where God instructs His people to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

Most Christian denominations observe Sunday as the day of worship, traditionally believed to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. However, Adventists view Saturday as the true Sabbath, and they believe that the change from Saturday to Sunday was a human-made alteration, not based on biblical authority. Despite this difference, Adventists still see themselves as fully committed to following Jesus Christ, just with a different understanding of the Sabbath commandment.

5. The Second Coming of Christ

Seventh-day Adventists place a significant emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ. They believe that Jesus will return soon to judge the living and the dead, and they interpret the Book of Revelation as a prophetic guide to the events leading up to His return. The term “Adventist” itself refers to this belief in the imminent return (advent) of Jesus.

Adventists believe that the Second Coming will be a visible, literal event, in which Christ will return in glory to resurrect the dead, take the righteous to heaven, and ultimately create a new heaven and a new earth. This belief in Christ’s return aligns with traditional Christian eschatology, though Adventists may emphasize the imminence of the event more strongly than some other denominations.

6. Health and Wholeness

A unique aspect of Seventh-day Adventist practice is their focus on health and wellness, which they view as an integral part of living a faithful Christian life. Adventists believe in the importance of caring for one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As such, many Adventists adopt a vegetarian or plant-based diet and avoid substances like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.

This focus on health is not a doctrinal requirement for salvation, but Adventists view it as an important part of living in harmony with God’s plan for human beings. The church operates numerous health institutions and hospitals worldwide, and Adventists are often recognized for their longevity and health outcomes, which they attribute to their lifestyle choices.

7. The Investigative Judgment

One doctrine unique to Seventh-day Adventists is the belief in the Investigative Judgment, a concept that stems from their reinterpretation of the Great Disappointment in 1844. Adventists believe that in 1844, rather than returning to Earth, Jesus entered a new phase of His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This phase is referred to as the Investigative Judgment, during which Christ examines the records of humanity to determine who has remained faithful to God and will inherit eternal life.

This doctrine is based on their interpretation of Daniel 8:14, which speaks of a period of cleansing the sanctuary. While the Investigative Judgment is not widely accepted by other Christian denominations, Adventists view it as an important part of understanding God’s plan for salvation and judgment.

How Do Other Christian Denominations View Seventh-day Adventists?

For the most part, mainstream Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches, regard Seventh-day Adventists as a legitimate Christian denomination. Their belief in the Trinity, the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ places them firmly within the Christian tradition.

However, certain aspects of Adventist doctrine, such as the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday and the belief in the Investigative Judgment, may set them apart from more traditional Christian groups. While these differences may lead to theological disagreements, they do not generally result in other Christians excluding Adventists from the broader Christian community.

The Evangelical world generally views Adventists as part of the Protestant Christian tradition. In fact, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is often included in broader evangelical movements, such as the World Evangelical Alliance, and is considered part of the Christian faith by most evangelical leaders.

Are Seventh-day Adventists Considered Christians?

Based on their core beliefs and practices, it is clear that Seventh-day Adventists are indeed considered Christians. They affirm the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, including belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and salvation through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

While certain aspects of their theology, such as Sabbath observance and the Investigative Judgment, set them apart from other Christian denominations, these differences do not undermine their claim to be followers of Christ. Like other denominations within Christianity, Adventists have their unique interpretations of Scripture, but these interpretations still align with the central tenets of the Christian faith.

Ultimately, Seventh-day Adventists are part of the larger Christian community, and their contributions to theology, health, and humanitarian efforts continue to enrich the broader church.

Conclusion

Seventh-day Adventists are undoubtedly Christians by most definitions. They uphold the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including belief in the Trinity, the Bible, and salvation through Christ. Their unique practices, such as Saturday Sabbath observance and the emphasis on health, may set them apart from other denominations, but they remain firmly rooted in the Christian tradition.

Like any other denomination, Seventh-day Adventists have their own distinct beliefs and practices, but these differences do not separate them from the central message of Christianity. As part of the Protestant tradition, Adventists contribute a unique perspective to the broader Christian community, enriching the diversity of thought and practice within the body of Christ.