Seventh-day Adventists

Seventh-day Adventism grew out of an intense interest in the Second Coming of Christ that arose in the early 1800s. During that time, William Miller, a New England farmer who had been a Baptist and then a deist, began a study of Scripture in an effort to learn the truth. In 1831, he predicted, based on Daniel 8–9, that Jesus would return sometime in 1842–43. There was great disappointment when the time came and went, but a second prediction, based on the Jewish calendar, was made for 1844. When it also proved inaccurate, a Millerite elder claimed to have seen a vision indicating Christ had come—but to the heavenly sanctuary, not earth. With this extra-Biblical revelation, Seventh-day Adventism began its sharp divergence from historic Christianity. Miller disavowed the new doctrines before he died, but Mrs. Ellen G. White, the next major leader of the cult and the one seen as its true founder, brought in many new revelations. She led the movement for 71 years and denied that she ever made errors.

It is difficult to pin down Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, for the group has no official confessional stance. Since the 1950s, it has had leaders who have affirmed evangelical essentials and others who have denied them. As for their source of authority, Adventists make many orthodox statements about Scripture, yet statements of Mrs. White are also regarded as authoritative. She is seen as a divine prophetess. The Adventists also are on record with many orthodox statements about Jesus. But they say that while He has accomplished a total and complete atonement, He still must apply it to individuals. According to several official statements of Adventism, when a person trusts Christ, he does not experience forgiveness. Instead, his sins are transferred into the heavenly sanctuary, where Jesus has been since 1844, doing “investigative judgment” in God’s record books so as to separate the sheep from the goats. If He finds a person’s name in the records, He then sprinkles His blood on the person’s sins.

For Adventists, one of the supreme works that earns divine favor is worship on the seventh day. Mrs. White said she saw a vision of the fourth commandment enthroned with a halo, so she believed Sabbath observance was a test of loyalty to Christ. This cult officially believes that all who do not worship on Saturday have no hope of salvation.