A Christian denomination emphasizing the Sabbath on Saturday and the imminent Second Coming of Christ.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Adventist
Founder: Ellen G. White (and others)
Founded: 1863
Location: Worldwide
Size: Approximately 21 million members
Website: adventist.org
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath, traces its origins to the United States in the mid-19th century. It was during the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening that William Miller, a Baptist preacher, predicted Christ’s return based on his interpretations of biblical prophecies. This led to the Millerite movement, which faced significant disappointment when Christ did not return as expected in 1844, an event known as the Great Disappointment.
Following this, a fraction of Miller’s followers, including significant figures like Ellen G. White, James White, and Joseph Bates, formed what would become the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1863. Ellen G. White, considered a prophetess in the denomination, played a crucial role with her extensive writings, which though secondary to the Bible, are highly regarded for spiritual guidance in the church.
Seventh-day Adventists hold fundamental beliefs that include the infallibility of the Bible, the Trinity, and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Central to their faith is the observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. They believe this day is a time for rest and worship, in accordance with the Fourth Commandment.
Another core belief is the imminent Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian eschatology. They also emphasize the concept of “investigative judgment,” where Christ entered a heavenly sanctuary to judge the living and the dead, beginning in 1844.
Globally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has expanded significantly since its inception, establishing congregations in more than 200 countries with millions of members. This growth has been supported by a strong emphasis on health, education, and humanitarian work, including a vast network of schools, hospitals, and publishing operations worldwide.
The church’s theology includes a fundamental belief in the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, a commitment to health and wellness exemplified by a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and a holistic understanding of human nature which considers physical, mental, and spiritual health inseparable. The church also operates a large educational system and a health care network that includes hospitals and clinics globally, demonstrating its commitment to both spiritual and physical well-being.
image via The Gospel Coalition
