13 Quick Facts about Seventh-day Adventists

From the reason why they observe Saturday as Sabbath to their connection to David Koresh–13 fast facts.

Last Sunday I quietly started a weekly series on Christian and non-Christian sects. I started this series for one reason only:  To learn more about unorthodox Christian religions.

To my surprise, it turned out better than I thought.

Not only did I learn from my own research, but two Unitarians showed up at my blog and shared a wealth of information.

I intend to keep this up for 17 weeks. Or until I run out of sects to write about. Which ever comes first.

And normally I’ll publish these on Sunday. But since  observe Saturday as the Sabbath…this week I’m making an exception. Enjoy.

1. The denomination grew out of the great second advent movement that swept the United States in the 1840s, stemming largely from the activities of  who predicted Christ would return on October 22, 1844.

2. When October 22, 1844 came and went, Miller’s followers referred to it as “The Great Disappointment.”

3. After “The Great Disappointment,” Adventists united in a close-knit, defensive and suspicious group due to their rejection by mainstream Christianity and the Millerites humiliation.

4. The Saturday-as-Sabbath doctrine was introduced to the Adventist pioneers in the mid-19th century by , a Seventh Day Baptist. Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, in similar manner as in Judaism.

5. On the Sabbath, Adventists abstain from secular work

6. Adventists believe in the unconcious state of the dead, which means the dead do not enjoy a reward or suffer punishment until Judgment Day.  Also known as soul sleep.

7. The  is a doctrine Adventists hold that a judgment of professed Christians has been in progress since 1844. Adventist historian and theologian  says “judgment” should be understood as “favored.”

8. The doctrine of the Great Controversy says that all humanity is involved in a conflict between Christ and Satan over the character of God.

9. Since 1860, wholeness and health have been the emphasis of the Adventist church. In fact, Ellen G. White advocated vegetarianism.

10. Adventists also believe in an annihilationist view of hell. Annihilationism says that sinners are going to be destroyed rather than thrown into hell.

11. Walter Martin, in his , wrote, “It is perfectly possible to be a Seventh-day Adventist and be a true follower of Jesus Christ despite unorthodox concepts.”

12.  , who was instrumental in establishing the Sabbatarian Adventist movement, was a prophet, visionary and writer. Some argued that her visions were hallucinations that stemmed from mental illness and epileptic fits.

13. A well known but distant offshoot of the Adventist is the .  Ex-Adventist David Koresh led the Branch Davidians until he died in the 1993 siege at the group’s headquarters near Waco, Texas.

So what do you think? Seventh-day Adventists orthodox Christians or not? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Part of the Quick Facts on Christian Cults series.

3 thoughts on “13 Quick Facts about Seventh-day Adventists

  1. Anna

    I think that these facts are interesting and are pretty accurate just, I am a seventh day adventist and we believe that Jesus will return in the clouds and take the richeous with him to enjoy eternal life in heaven. The good, dead people will rise first from their graves but the bad will be left behind. Then the good alive people will rise after the good dead people, transforming into wonderful glowing beutiful people who will rise with their God. God will make a tour for all the good people of the planets and stars of the universe and then we will finally get to our destination, heaven, where we will cherish our lives.The evil people will be left behind to be killed. God didnt want this to happen, thats why he died for us so we can live with him forever. He wants us to be saved and is now preparing heaven for everyone who loves him and accepts him as their savior and God. The evil humans will die and will be left on Earth for 1000 years and satan-the devil, will be walking among the dead evil ones, who he had decieved. God will clear Earth out and fix it up. After 1000 years, the evil will reserect and become alive, heaven will fall onto Earth and will be protected by gates mad of gems and pearls. The evil will try to kill the good but God will protect them. The evil will all of a sudden start to worship God. God will be really sad they will have to die but this is their punishment for rebelling against him. Hell fire will fall on them until they die. Then satan will die with them and all the evil angles. God will prepare Earth and make it a wonderful, beautiful place. The lion will play with the lamb and there will be no more death or sorrow or sicknesses.

    Reply
  2. Anna

    If you have problems in your life just pray for Gods forgivness and he will surely forgive all your sinsn and heal you from all trangressions.

    Reply

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