The membership of the Seventh Day Baptist Church has grown through colonization more than by any other means. He gave Himself on the cross as the complete and final sacrifice for sin. At the annual meeting of this church in 1802 the General Conference was first formed. Over time, the seventh day Baptists expanded, following the development of the colonies.[1]. We believe that in obedience to God and in loving response to His grace in Christ, the Sabbath should be faithfully observed as a day of rest, worship, and celebration (Genesis 2:23; Exodus 16:2330; Exodus 20:811; Matthew 5:1719; Mark 2:2728; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:14, 4244; 16:1113; 17:23; 18:411; Ezekiel 20:1920; Hebrews 4:910; John 14:15; Isaiah 58:1314; Luke 23:56). We believe that baptism of believers by immersion is a witness to the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and is a symbol of death to sin and new life in Christ. Until Christ returns, death is an unconscious state for all people. But there was a connection and an influence. In that moment Adam became a living being. 2, part t,-U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, pp. In 1650, James Ockford published in London the book The Doctrine of the Fourth Commandment, Deformed by Popery, Reformed & Restored to its Primitive Purity, which was the first writings of a Baptist defending Sabbath observance. The idea of a worldwide Seventh Day Baptist Association was considered by Everett Harris of the United States and Gerben Zijlstra of the Netherlands. Biblically Centered A statement taken from one of the committees on Sabbath reform, published in the first National Seventh Day Baptist Council at Chicago in 1890, reads thus : "We do not believe this change from the first to the seventh day will ever be accomplished by the Sunday-keeping Christians. We believe that because He died and lives again, resurrection with spiritual and imperishable bodies is the gift of God to believers (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-23; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:30; Titus 2:13; John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; John 10:27-28; John 6:40). We believe that Jesus Christ commissions us to proclaim the Gospel, to make disciples, to baptize and to teach observance of all that He has commanded. Seventh Day Baptists in Europe and America(A series of historical paperswritten in commemorationof the iooth anniversary of the organization of the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference celebrated at Ashaway, Rhode Island, 1902). We believe that sin is disobedience to God and failure to live according to His will. Adventists baptize by immersion. We believe in the priesthood of all believers and seek to work together for more effective witness. [12] In September 1802, the majority of the eight Seventh Day Baptist churches voted in favor of the proposal, with the result that the General Conference was founded. Hes a God of mercy. Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice. That means we arent aware of the passage of time after death. Ask God for forgiveness and repent from your sin. Revelation 20:1-10. [1], The minister and master at Oxford Francis Bampfield was also a prominent Seventh Day Baptist, founded the Pinner's Hall Seventh Day Baptist Church in London in 1676. The Seventh-day Adventist denomination received its Sabbath light in 1844, when Rachel D. Preston, a member of the First Verona Seventh Day Baptist church, New York, introduced the doctrine of the true Sabbath among the Adventists at Washington, New Hampshire. They also place themselves against the existence of secret societies, and highly support the temperance society. It symbolizes forgiveness of sins and reception of the Holy Spirit. We believe in God the Father, who is sovereign over all, and is loving and just as He forgives the repentant and condemns the unrepentant. Once someone dies, they have no means of communication. Mr. Noble also labored as a missionary in New Jersey, preaching the seventh-day Sabbath, after which he introduced his views among the German Seventh Day Baptists at Ephrata, Pennsylvania. A resume of the development and an analysis of the significance of the World Council of Churches. We believe in the Holy Spirit, God dwelling within us; the Inspirer of Scripture, the Comforter, active in the hearts, minds and lives of mankind; who convicts of sin, gives spiritual birth to believers, instructs in righteousness, and empowers for witnessing and service. A sample of Baptist confessions includes the Second London Confession (1689); Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742); New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833); and the Baptist Faith and Message (1925, 1963, 2000). Pastor William Meade Jones wrote in the late 19th century "they did not subordinate their Calvinism, Arminianism and other theoretical and controversial issues to the teaching and practical needs of the principle that, in fact, required sacrifice and devotion, 52 times per year, every year of our lives [reference to the Sabbath] ". 12:2, 13; Isa. God alone is immortal: The Bible teaches that only God is immortal (1 Tim. ". He said if they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they would die. The following statement is not intended to be exhaustive, but is an expression of our common belief, which is derived from our understanding of Scripture. Because of sin all people have separated themselves from God. We believe in one God, infinite and perfect, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who exists eternally in three personsFather, Son, and Holy Spiritand desires to share His love in a personal relationship with everyone. Seventh Day Baptists date back to the 17th century dissent movement in England, in which many saw no hope of further reforming the Church of England and withdrew to form other congregations. while Seventh-Day . Motivated to organize a theological seminary, they worked to obtain a university license. Answer: Yes indeed! A few years later two other important churches were established in the early 18th century, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Piscataway, New Jersey. How can you do this?By conscientious, consistent behavior. In light of this, do Baptists think that cremation is an acceptable option for corpses? Seventh-day Adventist Church Beliefs. The book generated such a nuisance that the mayor of Salisbury, the city where Ockford lived, asked the president of Parliament for guidance on how to handle the work; a parliamentary committee determined that all copies should be burned without giving the opportunity for James Ockford to defend them. Westerly: SDB Missionary Society Managers Board, 1892. p. 18. And the dead in Christ will rise first. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.". In 1818 by vote of the conference the termSabbatarianwas changed to Seventh Day Baptist. These Sabbathkeepers are evangelical in faith. EDUCATION.In 1834 education societies were formed by the women in a few churches. A Community of Believers SDBs are evangelical Baptists who hold to keeping the seventh day Sabbath of the Bible as sacred time. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. The time for the prosecution of this great work is limited. Adventist pioneer James Springer White went so far as to advise Adventist preachers not to conduct evangelistic campaigns in the small towns with a Seventh Day Baptist presence. There is no need to worry about a loved one who has passed away. Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13, 14, 27; Romans 12:4-5; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:19-22; Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25, We believe that baptism of believers in obedience to Christs command is a witness to the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Therefore we encourage the unhindered study and open discussion of Scripture. 2, p. The Christian pilgrim cannot be sour, gloomy, depressed. The Pinner's Hall church was organized March 5, 1676, by Francis Bampfield. He gave Himself on the cross as the complete and final sacrifice for sin. We believe in baptism by immersion as a symbol of death to sin, a pledge to a new life in Him (Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:11; Galatians 3:26-27). We believe that because we are sinners, we are in need of a Savior. It may even feel like an uncomfortable subject. As our risen Lord, seated at the Father's right hand, he is the one mediator between us and the Father. Undertook most of the mission fields of the Seventh Day Baptists and through these they were instituting and spreading the churches and conferences in several other countries of the world. Seventh-Day Adventists believe death is an unconscious state. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. God needs musicians outside the studio as much as He needs them in the classroom. The first known Seventh Day Baptist Church was the Mill Yard Church established in London, where the first service took place in 1651,[5] led by Peter Chamberlen. The first resurrection happens when Christ returns. We are called to be witnesses for Christ throughout the world and in all human relationships. (John 1:12 1 John 1:8-10; 1 John 3:4-5; 1 John 3:16-18,1 John 3:36; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9). We believe that the Ten Commandments are ten divine precepts- applications of the eternal and universal principle of love; established by God, written by his finger at Mt. We believe in Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh. Unfortunately, these people are not raised to eternal life, but instead will face the second death. We believe that the Lord's supper commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ our Redeemer until he comes. We uphold the individuals freedom of conscience in seeking to determine and obey the will of God. We believe in God the Father, who is sovereign over all, and is loving and just as He forgives the repentant and condemns the unrepentant. ", "We believe that a paper devoted to general Sabbath reform work and the discussion of Sunday legislation is demanded and recommend the publication of such a paper whenever the Tract Board deem it practicable. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. A soul is the combination of a body plus the breath of life. We also believe that, in loving response to God's grace toward us, as revealed in Christ, the Sabbath should be faithfully observed as a day of rest and worship and that it is a reminder of God's presence in time--His pledge of eternal rest in the paradise of God. Therefore, we have no binding creed. A soul is a living creature (see Genesis 2:7 above). We believe that the gift of Sabbath rest is an experience of Gods eternal presence with His people. We have a great work to do and this work will not be done unless it be clone by Sabbath-observers. [4], After these, other groups also kept and declared Sabbath observance, which led to retaliation by the political and ecclesiastical authorities of the time. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9, ESV). They hold that Jesus entered a phase of "Investigative Judgment" in 1844, in which he decides the future fate of all people. The first to be recognized as a Seventh Day Baptist in the Americas was Stephen Mumford and his wife Anne, who were from the Baptist Church of Tewkesbury and observed the Sabbath. Mr. Mumford held "that the Ten Commandments, as they were delivered from Mount Sinai, were moral and immutable," and that the seventh day of the week is the only Sabbath of the Lord. From the Sabbathkeeping church then formed has sprung the Seventh-day Adventist denomination in this country and others. MEMBERSHIP.Statistics of 1944 list sixty-four Seventh Day Baptist churches in the United States, with an inclusive membership of 6,581. See disclaimer. We are called to be witnesses for Christ throughout the world and in all human relationships. Rachel Oakes Preston (18091868) a Seventh Day Baptist from Verona, New York, brought Seventh Day teaching to a small Millerite group that became the SDAs in Washington, New Hampshire. Similarly, the body has no life without the breath of God. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. You will find that careful regard for one anothers needs, kindly words of sympathy, and thoughtful assistance in helping others in their work, encourages not only them, but yourselves as well, because you thus become laborers together with God. Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, Volume 7, p. 99. (Mark 14:22-25, Matthew 26:26-29,1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30). Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:1-4, ESV). [1], Observance of the Sabbath in England was replaced by the first day of the week, Sunday. Alfred University started as a college in 1836 in Alfred, New York, by the Seventh Day Baptists, being elevated to the academy in 1842. ", Association of Seventh Day Baptists Australia, Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library and Archives, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seventh_Day_Baptists&oldid=1137789797, At least in 20 countries and on all continents, James Ockford, Peter Chamberlen, William Saller, among others, This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 13:02. [1], After some adamant opposition by some Baptists to the Sabbath rest of the First Baptist Church of the Colony of Rhode Island (located in Newport), five Baptists who kept the Sabbath left the church, united with the Mumford couple and instituted on January 3, 1672, Newport, Rhode Island Seventh Day Baptist Church, which was the first Seventh Day Baptist church in the Americas. Baptists teach that all sin is forgivable and that there is no need for anyone to spend eternity in hell. 163-166. They adopt a covenant Baptist theology, based on the concept of regenerated society, conscious baptism of believers by immersion, congregational government and the scriptural basis of opinion and practice. Those who are raised in the second resurrection will face judgement. They are simply waiting in the grave until Jesus comes back. We believe that the local church is a community of believers organized in covenant relationship for worship, fellowship and service, practicing and proclaiming common convictions, while growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Most Baptists, as well as those of the seventh day, were "general Baptists" and believed in a general and unlimited propitiation. Only one copy has escaped, kept today in a library in Oxford.[1]. Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. The first pastor to be officially considered responsible for the congregation was William Saller, who among other activities, wrote eleven books and a booklet, in addition to an appeal to magistrates reporting concern over laws imposing rest on Sunday. In recent years it has been the practice of the General Conference to reorganize the request of the church for approval in the matter of the ordination of ministers. In other words, the cost of our sin is death. (John 3:5-8; John 14:16-17, John 16:7-11; Romans 5:5 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Ephesians 1:13), We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is our final authority in matters of faith and practice, (2 Peter 1:20-21; Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 3:1-2, 2 Peter 3:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 5:17-19; Psalms 119; John 20:30-31; Hebrews 1:1-2). We believe that the Lords Supper commemorates the suffering and death of our Redeemer until He comes, and is a symbol of union in Christ and a pledge of renewed allegiance to our risen Lord (Mark 14:22-25; Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-30). Those who die without a faith in Jesus will face eternal separation from God not eternal suffering. 78:39). They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. He gave Himself on the cross as the complete and final sacrifice for sin. During the mid-seventeenth century, the Separatist movement in England included such men as James Ockford, William Saller, Peter Chamberlain, Francis Bampfield, and Edward and Joseph Stennett. As a result of his work a church was organized near Philadelphia around1700. No coal for warming oneself is this, no fire to sit before! (Isaiah 47:14, ESV). Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice. Seventh Day Baptists believe that they have already been saved by the martyrdom of Jesus Christ upon the cross. The means of accomplishing the work of promoting the Sabbath and launching a stronger program among their own members are stated in Proceedings of theSeventh Day Baptist Councilas follows: Seventh Day Baptists maintain that the state should not interfere with the religious convictions and practice of its citizens. The Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ, 24. Historical Sketch of the Seventh Day Baptist Churches in America. Jesus is our example! The churches in the United States are now organized into seven associations. We believe in the priesthood of all believers and practice the autonomy of the local congregation, as we seek to work in association with others for more effective witness. Christians are to be a light in the community. We believe that eternal life is available to us only through our Savior, Jesus Christ, and is granted on one's acceptance of salvation in Him. Better speech and diction help--constructive hints and helpful cautions, The Realm of Research--Historical, Archaeological, and Scientific Findings, Practical Training Plans and Methods for Theological Students, Bible Council Instructor--Plans and Methods, Experiences and Problems. We believe that Jesus Christ, in His life and teachings as recorded in the Bible, is the supreme interpreter of Gods will for mankind (2 Peter 1:20-21; Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 3:1-2, 15-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 5:17-19; Psalm 119:105; John 20:30-31; Hebrews 1:1-2). We believe that because we are sinners, we are in need of a Savior. We believe that Jesus Christ commissions us to proclaim the Gospel, to make disciples, to baptize and to teach observance of all that He has commanded. The state granted a permit in December 1888 to build what was called the Academy of Salem, specifying that the institution was subject to the regulations and decisions of the Society of Seventh Day Baptist Education. Does God require Sabbath-keeping of Christians? Through her influence, Frederick Wheeler became the first SDA preacher. These are the facts which confront us, and the facts which we as a people must be prepared to meet. ", "We recommend a much more general distribution of Sabbath tracts. The good news is death does not have to be the end. Later on, in the 1860s and '70s, the leadership of the two organizations associated with each other. In order to produce light, both the lightbulb and the electricity are needed. Two years later, the church was divided, and some members returned with Helwys to England, establishing a church in London. Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs Baptism - Baptism requires repentance and a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Their arguments in the past have been destructive of the foundation upon which their practice was built, and it is only by convincing them of their own error and a necessity for a change that we can hope for any Sabbath observance in this country a few years hence. We believe in God the Father, who is sovereign over all, and is loving and just as He forgives the repentant and condemns the unrepentant (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; John 5:24; John 3:16-18). The first records of church activities were destroyed in a fire; the second record book is in possession of the Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library and Archives[6] and begins in 1673. Baptists also believe that those who are saved will receive rewards from God based on what they have done in this life. "From these three centersNewport, Philadelphia, and Piscatawaythe truth of the Sabbath, following the tides of emigration westward, moved forward in three distinctlines. Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift . Seventh Day Baptist churches are present in all regions of the United States, with a greater presence in the Northeast and Southern regions of the United States.[13][2]. After a year in prison, John Traske recanted, was released and tried to divert his followers from this and other doctrines he preached. 6:23; 6:16; 1 Cor. Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library & Archives, Seventh Day Baptist General Conference of USA and Canada, "Batistas do Stimo Dia: Calvinistas ou Arminianos? Currently, the conference is member of the Baptist World Alliance. 15:51-54; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. On September 11, 1801, at an annual meeting of some churches in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Henry Clarke of Brookfield, New York, proposed "the union in an institution with the purpose of propagating our religion in different parts of the United States, sending missionaries from various churches, at their own expense". Not long after the Newport church was organized, some of the Sabbatarians settled in Westerly, Rhode Island, and New London, Connecticut, establishing churches, oneofthe largest being the First Hopkinton, Rhode Island, church. Growing out of scriptures that paint a compelling portrait of God, you are invited to explore, experience and know the One who desires to make us whole. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. After the exposition of the idea by both at a meeting of representatives of Baptist conferences of the seventh day, the federation was founded in 1965, by Baptist conferences of the seventh day of 11 countries, among them Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. 6:16). Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice. The American Sabbath Tract Society now has charge of theRecorderandThe Sabbath Visitor. From our rst church in America, founded in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1671, until today, Seventh Day Baptists have been a Christ-centered, Bible believing people with traditional family values. We believe in one God, infinite and perfect, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who exists eternally in three personsFather, Son, and Holy Spiritand desires to share His love in a personal relationship with everyone. Seventh Day Baptists rest on Saturday as a sign of obedience in a covenant relationship with God and not as a condition of salvation. We believe in God, the Supreme Being; personal, perfect, infinite, spiritual, eternal; the Creator, Sustainer and Sovereign of the universe; our Heavenly Father who manifests a holy redeeming love toward all mankind, forgiving the repentant, condemning the unrepentant; and who desires to share his love in a personal relationship with everyone. Its studies are classified under the departments of theology, philosophy, liberal arts, industrial mechanics, fine arts, normal and preparatory, and music. Unfortunately we read in Genesis 3 that Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and shared some of the fruit with her husband, Adam, who also ate it. 6o-62. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. We believe that all who repent of their sin and receive Christ as Savior will not be punished at the final judgment but enjoy eternal life. In recent years they belong to the National Bible Schools organizations, the Foreign Missions Conference, the Layman's Missionary Movement, the Federal Council of Churches, the Faith and Order Movement, and other kindred efforts looking toward united work on the part of Christ's followers. They differ from other Baptists in regard to the seventh-day Sabbath. We believe that human beings have moral responsibility and are created to enjoy both divine and human fellowship as children of God. Heed the apostles admonition to provoke one another unto love and good works. We believe that the Sabbath of the Bible, the seventh day of the week (Saturday), is sacred time, a gift of God, instituted at creation, affirmed in the Ten Commandments, and reaffirmed by Jesus and the apostles. We want to be like Jesusnot as a means of salvation but out of our love for Him. At what precise time the seventh-day observers took denominational form is not too definite. Through reading Gods Word you will learn more about Him. If youve ever wondered about what happens when we die, its reassuring to know God isnt vindictive. Immortality is not innate to humans, but is "conditional" on our connection with God (Acts 17:25, 28; James 4:14; Ps. We believe that the gift of Sabbath rest is an experience of Gods eternal presence with His people. But the question remains. W. C. Whitford. Seventh Day Baptists hold to a common statement of beliefs, one of which is the belief that the Sabbath was ordained by God on the seventh day, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Believers have the hope of eternal life because they place their trust in the Lord Jesus. Seventh Day Baptists maintain that the state should not interfere with the religious convictions and practice of its citizens. The believer is free from condemnation because of this finished atoning work of Christ. Eternal security is one of the core teachings of most Baptist churches. ", "We believe more Sabbath reform work shouldbe done by the living teacher, and that the missionaries sent out by our societies should consider that a part of their evangelical work. It contained one hundred and sixteen questions and answers. In the wake of the standoff that left Dr. Nathan's fiance, Diana, dead of a gunshot wound, the survivors banded together to "vote off" both the shooter, Marybeth . The Bible tells us the wages of sin is death. (Genesis 2:2;Genesis 4:8-13; Genesis 31:32 , Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 31:18 Matthew 5:28 Matthew 19:16-19;Matthew 22:36-39, Deuteronomy 6:5-6, James 2:8-12, John 14:15John 14:21). [15] According to a Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library & Archives estimate published in 2017, it has 20 member denominations and 50,000 baptized members. He believed it was an antichristian power which changed the day of observance. 25:8; John 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Rom. We also believe that salvation from sin and death is the gift of God by redeeming love, accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection, and is received only by repentance and faith in Him. Between the mid-17th century and 1910, Don A. Sanford lists between five and sixteen congregations that existed in the United Kingdom: three in London, one in Colchester and Braintree and others that existed from Norfolk to Dorsetshire and Gloucestershire. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and . It is important when looking at different ideas about the state of the dead to weigh each teaching according to the Bible. Full organization was not completed until 1806. It will be the best decision you ever make! We, therefore, encourage the unhindered study and open discussion of Scripture. Together they will go to Heaven. and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7, ESV). Seventh Day Baptist churches have been organized in many parts of the United States, in China, India, Java, Germany, the Netherlands, Africa, South America, Jamaica, and British West Indies. He is our Savior, Teacher and Guide, who gave himself on the cross as a complete and final sacrifice for sin, and draws to himself all who will come to him in love and trustful obedience. MinistryMagazine.org is an official website of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, 2021 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, "A full consecration of ourselves and our means to God in the work of saving our country from the evils of no-Sabbathism,", "A better observance of the Sabbath by the Seventh Day Baptists themselves. Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-23; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:30; Titus 2:13; John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; John 10:27-28; John 6:40, We believe that the church of God is all believers gathered by the Holy Spirit and joined into one body, of which Christ is the Head. The good news is, we do have a reliable source that tells us how to navigate this tough subject. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever (Psalm 37:28,29, ESV). Those who receive salvation are considered to be saved from hell and can expect to spend eternity in heaven. This seemingly grim subject is important to Adventist Christians because it brings about hope to those who are hurting. It is a misrepresentation of the Christian faith to be surly, unreasonable, or sour in spirit.