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I Am a Seventh Day Adventist, How Can I Find Salvation?

Sixbert SANGWA

Finding salvation is the most important quest in any believer's life, regardless of their denominational affiliation. As a Seventh-day Adventist, understanding how to align one's life with the teachings of the Bible to secure salvation is critical. However, it is worth noting that critics argue that Seventh-day Adventism has historical ties to individuals accused of being false prophets and having connections to controversial groups like the Illuminati. It is believed that such connections aim to disseminate heresies and distorted interpretations of Scriptures to undermine Christianity. As a result, the Seventh-day Adventist’s doctrines astray from Scripture, emphasizing on rituals and practices that may not align with the fundamental teachings of the Bible. This focus could potentially overshadow the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as presented in the Scriptures. Despite this situation, many Adventists focus on a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and doing good work. In this brief text, we advise how Seventh-day Adventists can realign their beliefs with the Bible to ensure assurance of salvation.


Understanding Salvation Through Christ

Salvation is a gift from God, given to humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it clear that salvation cannot be earned by works or adherence to the law alone but is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). For a Seventh-day Adventist, this foundational truth should be the starting point in the quest for salvation. It is essential to recognize that while the observance of the Sabbath and adherence to dietary laws are important aspects of Seventh-day Adventist practice, these alone do not secure salvation. Instead, salvation comes through a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.


Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). This verse underscores the necessity of placing Christ at the center of one's faith and life. While the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:13), it is Jesus' atoning sacrifice that bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.


Aligning Seventh-Day Adventist Beliefs with the Bible

As a Seventh-day Adventist, there are specific beliefs and practices that need to be examined in light of the Bible to ensure they are not hindering one's path to salvation. The Seventh-day Adventist Church places significant emphasis on the observance of the Sabbath, dietary restrictions, and an understanding of eschatology. While these practices are rooted in Scripture, it is crucial to ensure that they do not overshadow the centrality of Christ and the grace-based nature of salvation.

  1. Sabbath Observance: The Sabbath is a key belief in Seventh-day Adventism, and its observance is seen as a sign of loyalty to God. However, it is vital to remember that Christians are not obliged to observe the Sabbath as a requirement for salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the strict observance of any day. The Apostle Paul reminds believers, "Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ" (Colossians 2:16-17). Additionally, Paul states in Romans 14:5-6, "One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord." This verse suggests that observing the Sabbath is a personal conviction rather than a mandatory practice. Furthermore, in Galatians 4:9-10, Paul cautions against returning to the bondage of observing special days, stating, "But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years." These verses encourage Adventists to view the Sabbath as a blessing and a day of rest, but not as a means of salvation.
  2. Dietary Laws: Seventh-day Adventists often adhere to dietary laws based on Old Testament teachings, particularly the prohibition against eating unclean meats (Leviticus 11). While maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial and aligns with the principle that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), it is important to recognize that dietary practices do not contribute to one's salvation. Jesus emphasized this when He said, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man" (Matthew 15:11). Therefore, dietary laws should be viewed as part of a healthy lifestyle rather than a requirement for salvation.
  3. Eschatology and End-Time Events: Seventh-day Adventists place a strong emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ and the end-time prophecies found in Daniel and Revelation. While it is crucial to be aware of these prophecies and live in readiness for Christ's return, it is equally important not to become consumed by fear or legalism. Jesus warned against setting specific dates for His return (Matthew 24:36) and instead urged His followers to focus on living in a state of readiness, marked by faith, love, and obedience to His commandments (Matthew 24:44).


Forsaking Rituals and Practices That Contradict the Bible

While many Seventh-day Adventist practices are rooted in Scripture, there are some areas where certain beliefs or rituals might need reevaluation to ensure they align with the Bible's teachings.

  1. Legalism: One of the potential pitfalls within the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the tendency toward legalism—placing excessive emphasis on the observance of laws and rituals as a means of earning God's favor. Legalism can lead to a focus on external behavior rather than an internal transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for this very reason, saying, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Adventists should be cautious to avoid falling into the trap of legalism and instead focus on cultivating a heart that loves God and others (Matthew 22:37-40).
  2. Exclusive Focus on the Sabbath: While the Sabbath is a beautiful and meaningful practice, an exclusive focus on its observance can sometimes lead to neglecting other important aspects of Christian life, such as love, mercy, and justice. Jesus highlighted this when He said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). The purpose of the Sabbath is to provide rest and spiritual renewal, not to become a burden or a point of contention among believers. It is essential to remember that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-40), and these should guide all aspects of an Adventist's life, including Sabbath observance.
  3. Prophetic Interpretations: Seventh-day Adventists have a rich history of studying and interpreting prophecy, particularly the books of Daniel and Revelation. While this is valuable, it is important to approach prophecy with humility and an openness to God's leading. Jesus Himself warned against speculative interpretations that lead to fear or division within the Church. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36). Therefore, Adventists should be cautious not to allow speculative prophecy to overshadow the clear teachings of Scripture, particularly the call to live a life of faith, hope, and love.


Embracing the Fullness of the Gospel

For a Seventh-day Adventist seeking salvation, it is vital to embrace the fullness of the Gospel, which centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This message is the foundation of Christian faith and the key to salvation.


Salvation is not found in rituals, dietary laws, or even in the faithful observance of the Sabbath. It is found in Jesus Christ alone. As Paul wrote, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Adventists should ensure that their faith is grounded in the person of Jesus Christ, who is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).


Moreover, Adventists are called to share this message of salvation with others. The Great Commission, given by Jesus, commands believers to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission should be central to the life of every Adventist, as they seek to live out their faith and lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.


Conclusion

For a Seventh-day Adventist seeking salvation, the focus must be on cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, grounded in faith and grace. It is essential to understand that while observing the Sabbath, adhering to dietary laws, and studying end-time prophecy are meaningful aspects of Adventist belief, they should not be the foundation of salvation. Salvation is found in Christ alone and is received by grace through faith, not by works or adherence to laws.


Adventists should examine their beliefs and practices in light of Scripture, ensuring alignment with Biblical teachings. This includes recognizing that while the Sabbath and dietary practices are significant, they should not overshadow the grace-based nature of salvation. Similarly, eschatology should be approached with an open heart, free from fear and legalism.


Avoid the pitfalls of legalism, which emphasizes external law observance over internal heart transformation through the Holy Spirit. Remember, the greatest commandments are to love God and others, with love, mercy, and justice being central to Christian life.


Embrace the fullness of the Gospel, centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and let your faith be rooted in Him. By aligning your beliefs with the Bible and prioritizing a relationship with Jesus, you can ensure your faith leads to true and lasting salvation. Strive to deepen this relationship and live a life that reflects God's love and grace, sharing this message with others as part of the Great Commission.


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