BY GRAEME S. BRADFORD

OCIETY IS CHANGING AS NEVER BEFORE. While the church would not want in any way to compromise its message to the world, yet there is increasing pressure for it to be culturally relevant. And a rapidly changing culture causes a quick succession of generational differences. We are conscious of the survivor, baby boomer, baby buster, and generation X differences. All of these have different expectations of the church. And questions are raised as to whether it's still important to be or to become a Seventh-day Adventist.

In what follows, I share a few personal responses to this question.

1. Because of the gospel.

The essence of all true Seventh-day Adventist preaching is found in the everlasting gospel, as expressed in Revelation 14:6. This is what Adventism is all about. All our major teachings are related to this one great truth.

2. Because of the Adventist view of the nature of humankind in death.

Almost the whole world, both Christian and non-Christian, deny that death is really death. But because Adventists trust in Christ, we believe that we have life only in Him.

The doctrine of the immortality of the soul is paving the way for the spiritualistic teachings of New Age and Eastern religions. The Adventist teaching on this subject effectively warns men and women of these deceptions. Likewise, we follow the Bible in rejecting the cruel view of God expressed in the belief of an eternally burning hell.

It is interesting to note that in recent years some prominent biblical scholars who are not Seventh-day Adventists have come to realize the truth of what we preach on this subject.¹

3. Because the Bible clearly teaches that the seventh day is the Sabbath of God.

It amazes me that so many other Christian denominations go on record as upholding the Ten Commandments but do not honor God's Sabbath. In a world that is searching for meaning, the Sabbath reminds us that we have lost our Eden home but that God one day will give it back to us. Our rush-and-tear society needs the rest that God so graciously gave us, and the observance of the Sabbath is linked with our rest in Christ.

4. Because of the wholistic lifestyle the church advocates.

This position is linked to the biblical view of the nature of humankind. Time and many surveys have vindicated the benefits of the Adventist lifestyle.² I do not believe there is another Christian body today that has so much to offer in this area, although some have come to take note of the subject of health in recent years. It is important to see the health principles advocated by Adventists not as rules or regulations, but as benefits to our health, given by our Creator because of His care for us. If we really understand the gospel, we will want to honor God in our lifestyle (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).

5. Because I believe that God has given the Adventist Church a prophetic message.

It's a message to be proclaimed to all the world, to both Christian and non-Christian alike, to prepare a people to meet Jesus. According to Revelation 13, there is to be a conflict at the end of time over the issue of worship. Who is to be worshiped? How is worship to take place? And when is worship to take place? The first four commandments of the Decalogue are all related to this issue.³

But obedience to God in this time of crisis must be and can only be as a result of knowing Christ and desiring to be faithful to Him. However we interpret the end-time events, the gospel is at the center. The end-time brings to light those who are really trusting in Christ in contrast to those who are mere outward professors.

And There's More
There are other reasons why I am a Seventh-day Adventist. I could add the sanctuary message and the writings of Ellen G. White, whom I see as an inspired messenger given to us by God. I am also proud of the work our church does to help the underprivileged through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

We should never claim we possess all the light that God wishes to impart to His people. Nor should we claim that we are better than Christians in other churches. We believe that God has true followers and believers in every Christian congregation.⁴ However, we also believe that God has commissioned us to preach certain great truths to the world, to prepare men and women to meet Jesus when He returns.

Do I agree with everything in this church? No.

At times I meet disappointments. I sometimes get frustrated over the slowness of progress. I wish that I could streamline our organization a little faster than it's done. Many times I come back to the point at which I ask myself, "Why am I a Seventh-day Adventist?" But despite the annoying issues, I am convicted that, according to the Bible, God has given this church vital truths to share with the world. Despite disappointments, many wonderful people within the Adventist Church encourage me.

But most of all, I think of Jesus and what He has done for me. Though He was badly let down by His church, He went ahead and gave Himself as a sacrifice on Calvary. It is a passionate love for Jesus and the commission He has entrusted to us that keep me and others in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11, NIV).

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¹ As, for instance, Oscar Cullmann, Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Dead? (Epworth Press, 1962).
² Seventh-day Adventist Health Ministries Department directors can provide reports from scientific surveys from many parts of the world showing that SDAs live longer, free of many common diseases.
³ The antichrist powers are breaking the first commandment by causing worship for someone other than God, Revelation 13:4-12; the second commandment by making an image, Revelation 13:14, 15; the third by blaspheming the name of God, Revelation 13:6. The fourth commandment is referred to in Revelation 14:7 and linked to the enforcing of a false time for worship.
⁴ See number 12 of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs-"The Remnant and its Mission": The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ . . ."

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Graeme S. Bradford has worked as an evangelist and ministerial secretary. He holds a D.Min. and is currently a senior lecturer at Avondale College.