Jesus Christ - the Essence of Life: An Overview of the beliefs of Seventh-

An Overview of the beliefs of  Seventh-day Adventists

JESUS' WORD is the Holy Scriptures by which He lived. It is primarily through the Bible that He Communicates with His people. In both the Old and New Testament He has recorded His will for Mankind as a light shining in a dark place. Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16 - 21; Psalm 119:105

JESUS' LIFE was pre-existent with God the Father, for our sake He was born of a virgin, lived as a man, experienced human life, died on the cross in sacrifice for our sins, was resurrected the third day, and ascended into heaven at the right hand of God where He now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary to the needs of His people. John 1:1-3, 14; Matthew 1:18-19; Hebrews 4:14-16; 8:1 - 5

JESUS' DEATH on the cross was vicarious (in place of another) on our behalf. He willingly laid down His life as a sacrifice for the sin of all people. Accepting by faith His perfectly obedient life and His substitutionary death, any person may be accounted righteous in God's sight. This is the gospel (good news)! Isaiah 53:1-6; John 10:17-18; John 3:16

JESUS' RESURRECTION is evidence that He has conquered death and hell. It is the assurance given to His people of being resurrected at His coming and living with Him throughout eternity. Revelation 1:17-18; Romans 6:8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; John 14:1-3.

JESUS' SPIRIT, as His representative on earth, is the agent of conversion. Jesus lives in His people through His Spirit and thereby enables them to live victoriously, experiencing the new birth which is the abundant life. John 16:7-11; 3:3-8; 10:10.

JESUS' OBEDIENCE to the will of His Father in every area of living revealed a perfect life, free from sin. This righteous life He offers is ours by faith. His obedience is an example to His disciples that they too will love God supremely and serve their fellow man unselfishly. John 8:46; Romans 3:21-26; John 2:3-6; 1 Peter 2:21-25

JESUS' MISSION is to take Himself, through the ministry of His people, to all the inhabitants of this world. His object is to give every man, woman and child the opportunity of being saved in His kingdom and give to the world, through His church, a glorious display of the love of God. Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 4:7-21; Ephesians 3:9-10.

JESUS' DAY comes each week on the seventh day (Saturday). He called Himself Lord of this day and He faithfully observed each Sabbath. Because He made it during creation week before the entrance of sin and calls for people everywhere to keep this day as a memorial of His creative power and a sign of His redemptive power to recreate, it is, indeed, the Lord's Day. This weekly Sabbath is a type of the rest Jesus will give His people in His kingdom! Mark 2:27-28; Colossians 1:15-17; Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:1-11.

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ESUS' CHURCH is also called His body and is comprised of all believers in Him everywhere in the world. Entrance into His church is through the new birth experience (born of the water and of the Spirit). Jesus loves His church and gave Himself for it. In the last days, He is preparing His people for His return and He empowers His people to proclaim the message of His second coming! Ephesians 1:23; 5:23, 30; John 3:1-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 12:17.

JESUS' RETURN to this earth is near. The same Jesus who walked the roads of Palestine will come literally, physically and visibly to all people. His coming will mark the end of this world and is the blessed hope of His church. Rev. 22:20; 1:7; Matthew 23:3-31; Acts 1:9-11; Titus 2:13.

JESUS' INVITATION is for you. He wants to be the center of your life and will give you new birth if you so desire. He will enable you to live life abundantly now and to have the assurance of eternal life with Him in His soon-coming kingdom. John 1:12; 10:10; 1 John 1:9; 5:12; Rev. 3:20.