1) The Word of God. We believe that the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, taken from the received text (such as the KJV), are the written Word of God, given by inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the infallible and all-sufficient revelation of God’s will to men, and the only unerring rule of faith and practice. We are to diligently search the Scriptures, and test every teaching by them. We reject intellectualism, relativism, higher criticism, and other philosophies where God’s Word is rejected, questioned, or displaced by human reason.

2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; Matthew 4:4

2) The Godhead. We believe that there is one God who exists and reveals Himself in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Matthew 28:19

3) The Father. We believe that the Father is a personal, Spiritual Being, eternal, unchangeable, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, infinite in wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, love, truth, and mercy.

Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 57:15; Malachi 3:6; Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 139; Isaiah 40; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 102:25-27

4) The Son. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Eternal Father, that He is of the same nature and essence as the Father. By Him all things were created and do exist. While retaining His divine nature, He took upon himself the fallen human nature (that of Adam after the fall, Abraham, and all other humans down through time) with all its inherited tendencies, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin, dwelt among men, was tempted in all points as we are, lived a sinless life as our example, died for our sins as our sacrifice, was raised from the dead, and ascended on high to be our only mediator, in the sanctuary in heaven, where, with His own blood, He makes atonement for our sins. The atonement, so far from being finished at the cross, which was the offering of the sacrifice, is the very last portion of his work as High Priest according to the example of the Levitical priesthood, which foreshadowed and prefigured the ministry of our Lord in heaven.

Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 13:8; John 14:6; John 1:1-4, 10-12, 14; Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:35;

1 Timothy 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21-24; Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:25-26; Hebrews 2:9-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 8:1-2; Hebrews 9:11-14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:40

5) The Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, is the great regenerating power in the Godhead. He draws and convicts human beings, leading them to repentance and obedience to all God’s requirements. He is the Comforter and the giver of spiritual gifts to the church for the perfecting of the saints. We warn against modern healing and tongues movements, which do not harmonize with the Scriptures and are not of the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:2; John 16:7-15; John 14:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Joel 2:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:13;

1 Corinthians 12:4-14; Acts 2:1-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16; John 3:3-8; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:5

6) Creation. We believe that the Genesis account of creation is a historic fact and literally true. God created the heaven and the earth and all living things in six literal days, and rested the seventh day, thus establishing the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of creation. He declared all that He had made “very good”. We reject any form of the evolution theory, finding it wholly inconsistent with true Christianity.

Genesis 1:1-2:3; Exodus 20:11; Mark 10:6; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:10; Hebrews 11:3; Psalms 33:6-9; Psalms 19:1; Colossians 1:16; Isaiah 45:18; Psalms 8:4-6

7) The Fall and The Nature of Man. We believe that the first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of creation. God gave them the freedom of choice, and when they chose disobedience, they had to leave the garden of Eden, and became subject to death. Since then all their descendants have inherited their fallen nature, and are born with tendencies to evil, the carnal heart being at enmity with God and His law. We also believe that all have sinned, and are therefore worthy of eternal death.

Genesis 1:26,27; Genesis 2:7,16,17; Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:7; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23

8) Salvation. We believe that the way of salvation has been provided for lost humanity by the sacrifice of Christ for us. We believe that in order to obtain salvation, a person must experience the new birth. This includes repentance, confession, and forsaking of our sins, an exchange of unholy for holy principles, and an entire transformation of life and character, by the grace (power) of God through faith in Him. We believe that Christ is our example, and as He overcame and lived a perfect life, so we may too. Salvation is not a one-time experience, but rather a daily surrender of ourselves to God, victory over sin, and obedience to His will in all things. Therefore, we reject the teachings of predestination and unconditional eternal security as unbiblical and giving a false assurance. We also reject the teaching that says it is impossible to have victory over all sin in this life, or that which says that God will work the miracle in our lives with little or no effort on our part.

1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:10,12; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-12; Hebrews 7:25; Romans 3:24; Matthew 18:3; John 3:3-7,16; 1 John 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Acts 3:19; Ezekiel 18:30-31; Matthew 3:8; 1 John 1:9; Psalms 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Colossians 3:8-9; Isaiah 55:6-7; Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 16:30-31; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:5; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:25-27; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Timothy 4:16; Matthew 19:16-19; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:21-23; John 14:23; 1 John 1:6; Matthew 19:25-26; Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1-2; James 4:7-8; Ezekiel 18:20-28; Ezekiel 33:11-19; Hebrews 10: 38-39; Matthew 24:13; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Revelation 3:5; Jude 24

9) The Church. We believe that God’s true church is a community of believers separated from the world, joined together by surrender and commitment to Christ, and walking in all the ways of God made known to them.

We believe that the church on earth was organized for the purpose of the worship and glory of God, service and witness to mankind, fellowship with like believers, encouragement and instruction in righteousness, and maintaining the purity of the faith. It is the church’s divinely appointed mission to give the three angel’s messages to all the world, and to teach obedience to all God’s commandments. We believe that true unity can be found only on the platform of truth, not through laying aside our doctrines and principles.

We believe that the true church is not to be an ecclesiastical hierarchy where ministers, boards, committees, conferences, or presidents exercise kingly power; or a democracy where popular majority rules; but it is to be a Theocracy where God and His Word are the supreme and final authority in all things.

Christ is the head of His church, and it is to be in subjection to Him first and foremost. He has also given the responsibility to His faithful ministers and laborers to raise up congregations, teach and uphold true doctrines and standards, and administer discipline according to the principles already established in His Word.

We believe that God’s remnant church is composed of those who keep the commandments of God and have (obey) the testimony of Jesus Christ (which is the Spirit of Prophecy).

We call ourselves “Historic Seventh-day Adventists” because we believe that the Seventh-day Adventist movement of the 1840’s was raised up by God to continue to carry the torch of truth which has been carried by God’s faithful people throughout all ages, and which grows ever brighter as we follow the truth as God reveals it to us in His Word. It is our commitment to continue to hold to the truths God has entrusted to us, even though others around us may be laying them down.

John 8:31-32; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; Matthew 16:18-19; Matthew 18:15-20; Ephesians 5:23; Matthew 28:19-20; Revelation 14:6-12; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-11,16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Acts 20:27-28; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10

10) Apostasy. We believe that we are living in a time of great apostasy and falling away from the truth among God’s professed people that was foretold by prophecy; therefore we challenge all not to place their dependence on man and look to him alone for leadership, direction, and example, but to depend wholly on God and seek to know and follow His will.

We believe that the promises given to the organized church in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are conditional, as are all of God’s promises, and that if she fails to meet the condition of obedience, the Holy Spirit will withdraw and God will cease to be able to work through her.

Many church leaders and organizations are compromising and seeking to maintain organizational support and unity at the expense of faithfulness and obedience to the Scriptures. Such compromise leads to the exaltation of leaders and blind denominational loyalty, rather than loyalty to the Word of God.

We warn against succumbing to worldly pressures and trends, seeking for cultural relevance, forming unequal yokes and unholy alliances, pursuing accreditations, striving for ecumenical involvement (which will downplay the necessity of doctrinal unity and purity of practice), centralizing power, accepting the teachings of the “new theology” (that you can be saved in sin, etc.), celebration and alternative worship styles, the lowering of the standards, and the use of mind control techniques. Where such things are present in the church congregation, we believe it is our duty to seek to arouse the people to their danger, and if there is no clear change, to separate from their fellowship, lest we become leavened by remaining there.

Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1-2; James 3:15; Ephesians 4:14; Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Acts 20:29-30; Jude 4; Jeremiah 18:7-10; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:5; Romans 16:17-18

11) Baptism. We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the Christian church. It should follow repentance, forsaking, and forgiveness of sins, and precede admittance into the body of believers. Its observance symbolizes faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and also the death of the old man and rising to walk in newness of life. Because of this, baptism should follow thorough instruction in all the teachings of God’s Word, and evidence should be given of genuine conversion, a cutting off from the old life and the world, and walking in the new life before the ordinance is given. This ordinance is a public testimony of one’s faith and conversion. Candidates for baptism should be of an age that they can fully understand what is involved in this commitment. We believe that the proper mode of baptism, and that which the Scriptures prescribe, is immersion.

Romans 6:1-6; Colossians 2:12; Acts 16:30-33; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 2:41; Acts 22:16; John 3:23; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; John 3:5

12) The Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christ instituted the ordinance of the Lord’s supper as a memorial of His death for us, and as an evidence of our faith in His soon return. The emblems of the bread and grape juice symbolize Christ’s broken body and shed blood. This communion service is to be preceded by foot washing, the ordinance of humility. Preparation for the Lord’s supper includes self-examination and heart-searching, repentance, and confession. We believe in closed communion (limited to those who are of one faith) and clean communion (where the church has dealt with open sin and backsliding), as practiced in the early days of our church.

Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; John 13:1-20; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32;

1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 21-22; 1 Corinthians 5:8-13

13) The Spirit of Prophecy. We believe that prophecy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that it is an identifying mark of God’s remnant church. We believe that this gift of prophecy has been manifested through the ministry and writings of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing, authoritative, and inspired source of truth which provide instruction in all areas including doctrine, standards, missionary work, and the Christian life; as well as comfort, guidance, correction, and reproof. Her writings (which we call the “Spirit of Prophecy”) uphold, have been tested by, and are in full harmony with the Word of God. We believe that one of the last deceptions of Satan will be to try to make of none effect the Spirit of Prophecy writings, and therefore we must guard against this.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 1:5-7; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10; Acts 2:16-18; Joel 2:28-32; 1 John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:15-20;

2 Chronicles 20:20

14) The Spread of Truth. We believe that God has called every member of the church to be an active witness for Him by their words and by living a consistent Christian life. We are to share what God has done for us, and our belief in Christ’s imminent return, and seek to draw all we come in contact with into a saving relationship with Christ and an obedience to all the truth. Our evangelistic outreach programs are always to be conducted in harmony with the principles of God’s Word, not using any worldly trapping to attract the people.

Mark 16:15; John 4:34-35; John 9:4; Luke 14:23; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 6:8; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20

15) The Law of God. We believe that the great principles of God’s law, the expression of his will and requirements for human conduct, is contained in the Ten Commandments. These great moral, unchangeable precepts are binding upon all men in every age, and are the standard by which all will be judged. The law of Ten Commandments points out sin, the penalty of which is death, and awakens a sense of need for a Savior. The law cannot save the transgressor from his sin, nor impart power to keep him from sinning. Since all have sinned and broken the law of God, and cannot of themselves render obedience to His just requirements, we are dependant on Christ, first, for justification from our past offenses, and second, for grace whereby to render entire obedience to His holy law from now on. Our obedience, therefore, is a testimony of our love for God, our faith in Him, and His transforming power in our lives.

Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; Exodus 25:16,21; Deuteronomy 10:1-5; Romans 3:31; Romans 2:12-16; Romans 7:12; Matthew 5:17-19; James 2:10-12; James 1:23-25; Revelation 14:12; Psalms 40:8; John 14:15; 1 John 5:2-3; Revelation 22:14; Hebrews 8:10;

1 John 2:3-7; 1 John 3:4; 1 John 3:24; 2 John 6; Revelation 12:17; Psalms 111:7-8; Psalms 19:7; Matthew 15:3-6, 9; Isaiah 42:21

16) The Sabbath. We believe that the fourth commandment of this law requires the observance of the seventh day of each week, the Sabbath, as the day to abstain from doing our own labor and pleasure, and from speaking our own words, in order to worship God, meet together with the body of believers, and minister to others in harmony with the teaching and practice of Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath. This means that on the Sabbath we will refrain from listening to secular music, shopping or making purchases, eating out at restaurants, reading the newspaper or secular books, watching TV or sports, visiting museums or amusement parks, doing community service work projects, participating in any recreational activities that would detract from the sacredness of the Sabbath such as swimming, playing ball, gardening, hunting, fishing, birthday parties or other gatherings for our own pleasure, cooking and baking food, sleeping long hours, speaking of business or shallow worldly things, or taking part in any other activity which distracts our mind from God. Instead, we should spend the Sabbath in prayer and the study of God’s Word, in worship of God and fellowship with those of like faith, in sharing our faith with others, and in time spent out in God’s creation walking or studying. The Sabbath is a day to reflect on God and learn His will, not a day for our own pleasure, although the honest in heart will find great joy in doing Gods’ will. The Sabbath is a memorial of creation, and a sign of sanctification, and it will be observed in the new earth. The Sabbath is to be observed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, as a perpetual sign of God’s eternal covenant between Himself and His people. We believe that the terms “Jewish Sabbath” as applied to Saturday, and “Christian Sabbath” as applied to Sunday, are names of human invention, unscriptural, and false in meaning. History testifies that Sunday sacredness was brought in by the man of sin, the Papacy, which has mislead nearly all of Christendom on this point; and it is nowhere in the Scriptures commanded or endorsed by God.

Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27-28; Exodus 16:4, 22-30; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Exodus 31:12-17; Isaiah 66:22-23; Isaiah 58:13-14; Hebrews 10:25; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Isaiah 56:2; Leviticus 23:32; Luke 6:5; Matthew 12:8,12; Luke 4:16; Mark 15:42; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-56; Luke 24:1; Matthew 24:20; Acts 17:1-2; Acts 13:14, 42, 44; Acts 18:4; Hebrews 4:1-11; Daniel 7:25

17) Separation From the World and Christian Standards. We believe that God has chosen His people out of the world, to be a peculiar people, a plain people, pilgrims and strangers, separate and distinct from the world. We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven; refusing to adopt or conform to the sinful customs, habits, practices, follies, fashions, or pleasures of the world in the slightest degree. We seek to uphold the standards God has given us, out of love for Him and a recognition of His authority in our lives and His desire for our truest happiness and well-being. This includes the following areas:

Titus 2:13-14; Jeremiah 6:16; Isaiah 58:12; 1 Peter 2:9, 11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; 1 John 2:15-17; John 15:18-19; James 4:4; Luke 16:15; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 1 John 3:22; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 12:1-2; James 1:27

(Note: We understand many of the details in regard to the practice of Christian Standards from the writings of Ellen White. Resources are available for further study on these things.)

*Unequal Yokes - We are not to be unequally yoked with the world through courtship or marriage with those not of our faith, membership in secret societies, participation in labor unions, worldly business connections, or cooperation with religious organizations who do not hold the whole truth.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:11

*Speech - We are to refrain from backbiting, tale bearing, lying, murmuring, swearing, coarse or vulgar speech, foolishness, jesting and joking of any kind, as these are all displeasing to God and condemned in the Scriptures.

Psalms 17:3; Psalms19:14; Psalms 39:1; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 21:23; Matthew 12:36-37; Luke 6:45; Ephesians 4:25, 29; Ephesians 5:3-4; Psalms 34:13; James 1:26; James 3:2-13; 1 Peter 3:10; Revelation 14:5; Matthew 5:37

*Purity - We are to exercise Christian propriety at all times, being careful to maintain proper relationships between men and women, refraining from all flirtatious words or conduct, and avoiding any appearance which might give occasion for evil report.

1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 2:11

*Simplicity - Our houses, furnishings, automobiles, and other possessions are to be very simple and economical in keeping with our fervent belief in our Lord’s soon return, and our commitment to use our resources for the spread of the gospel. While we commend cleanliness and order, we are to avoid finery and luxury.

1 Timothy 6:6-11; Luke 12:15-21; Mark 4:19; Mark 10:23-25; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 16:26; Isaiah 2:17-21

*Insurance - We believe that holding life insurance is inconsistent with filial trust in the providence and care of our heavenly Father, as well as a waste of the Lord’s money; and that where genuine material need exists among brethren, it is better for the church to offer assistance wherever possible, than to rely on worldly organizations for help.

Jeremiah 17:5; Isaiah 2:22; Isaiah 30:1; Isaiah 31:1; Matthew 6:24-34

*Business - We are to avoid being engaged in any questionable business such as would hinder us in our Christian testimony and service, or would be a means of leading us or our family into evil associations or unscriptural practices.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Matthew 6:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Titus 3:14 (margin)

*Non-resistance - We are to live peaceably with all men as much as is possible on our part under all circumstances, while never compromising principle. We believe that Christians should not bring law suits against others, especially against their brethren, but should do their best to settle differences peaceably. We hold that it is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ to voluntarily participate in military training and service, or to support war measures of any kind; and if drafted, we are to refrain from all combatant training or service.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Matthew 5:38-40; Matthew 5:21-26; Luke 6:27-35; Exodus 20:13; Matthew 26:52; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 12:18-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Philippians 2:14-16; James 1:19-20; James 3:14-18; 1 Peter 2:19-23; 1 Peter 3:16; Luke 9:51-56; Luke 23:34

*Social Activities and Recreation - We are to refrain from having any part in forms of recreation and entertainment that are contrary to Christian principles, such as dancing, intermingling of the sexes at beaches and swimming pools, card playing, parties, theaters, drama, carnivals, amusement parks, gambling or lottery playing, races, ballgames, or any competitive sports or games.

We encourage rather, wholesome recreation with family and like believers which will strengthen the moral, spiritual, and physical nature; such as a picnic outdoors, a camping trip, a hike in nature, witnessing, working together, etc.

Philippians 2:3-4; Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11;

2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; 1 Corinthians 10:31

*Electronic Technology (movies, television, radio, computer games, video games, internet) and Reading Materials - We are to take into our minds only those things which will strengthen and enoble them, and uplift our thoughts to God. We are to avoid anything which would suggest impure or unholy thoughts, or which is untrue. These guidelines will exclude any media or reading material which promotes or portrays lying, make-believe, deceit, dishonesty, injustice, competition, gambling, theft, crime, violence, immorality, adultery, affairs, premarital sex, vulgar gestures and words, swearing, depravity, fighting, wars, ungodliness, materialism, love of the world, or any other wicked thing.

We believe that while radio and television are powerful tools for evangelism, and should be used for this purpose, they are almost entirely dominated by the spirit of the world, and thus they exert a damaging influence on the spiritual life of the individual and the family. Therefore, we strongly discourage their use in the home. We abstain from all worldly movies and television programs, and all computer and video games, as we believe they are addictive, and foster a love for the unholy and the unreal. We also recognize the addictive power of the internet and warn against its excessive use.

Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 101:3; 3 John 11; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 4:8; 1 John 2:15-17

*Music - We believe that music has a profound impact on the spiritual life. Therefore we shun all forms of worldly music including but not limited to rock, jazz, rap, country, southern gospel, “Christian” rock, and nearly all “Christian” contemporary and shallow “praise” songs. We sing hymns, Scripture songs, and other uplifting music, sung with clear, pure melody and harmony, acapella or with reverent accompaniment. We discourage the use of pre-recorded accompaniment in the church, as this often leads to the introduction of improper music styles such as beat, syncopation, crooning breathy singing, or other styles adopted or derived from worldly culture.

Psalms 119:54; Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 51:11; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Isaiah 44:23;

1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; 1 John 2:15-17

*Dress and Adornment - We believe that modern fashions are inspired by Satan, the prince of this world, and are largely created for sensual appeal. Therefore, we must shun all of the world’s fashions, and wear only that which complies with the guidelines given in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy of modesty, healthfulness, simplicity, plainness, economy, durability, and neatness.

We are not to wear jewelry (including the wedding ring), ornamentation, or makeup of any kind; or to have showy hairstyles, hair dyes or perms, or needless and showy accessories. The bodily form is to be well concealed and not in any way accented by our manner of dress. A casual or sloppy look is to be carefully avoided. Sleeves are to be at least to the elbow, necklines at least to the collar bone in the front and close to the neck on the sides and back. Bold colors and patterns, or words and slogans displayed on clothing are not to be worn; as also sheer, clingy, tight, stretchy, shiny, or glittery clothing. Movement or circulation is not to be impeded by tight bands (at waistline, chest, or elsewhere); the clothes are to be, as much as possible, suspended from the shoulders; and the limbs are to be well-clothed for warmth. Footwear is to be plain in color and style, and functional.

Brethren are to wear long pants at all times. We would recommend that they wear suspenders for improved health. They are to keep their hair neatly cut, avoiding all long or shaggy or fashionable hairstyles.

Sisters are to wear a modest dress or jumper (a substantial-weight, non-stretch fabric is to be used for the bodice, and an extra layer over the chest such as a cape, vest, blouse, or bodice of jumper is recommended). Dresses are to reach at least to the top of an ankle boot (about 6-8” from the floor); hosiery is not to be sheer; and high-heeled shoes are not to be worn. Sisters are to keep their hair long (at least past their shoulders), and may wear it loose or tied back.

Parents are to dress their children according to the same principles they themselves follow.

1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 2:9, 11; Deuteronomy 22:5; Genesis 3:7, 21; Revelation 1:13; Luke 8:27, 35; Revelation 3:18; Isaiah 47:1-3; Genesis 35:1-4; Exodus 33:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Kings 9:30; Ezekiel 23:40-44; Jeremiah 4:30; Hosea 2:13; Revelation 17:4-5

*Marriage and Family - Marriage was divinely established at creation and affirmed by Jesus as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Marriage is to be entered upon by those of sufficient maturity, and only between those of like precious faith. The husband is to love his wife and be the priest of their home; and the wife is to love and submit to her husband. This is a type of the relationship between Christ and His church. We do not believe in women holding leadership positions in the church or preaching or leading out in the Sabbath service (excepting in the case of a prophetess, such as Ellen White). Divorce is to be considered not an option (excepting only in the event of fornication) as marriage vows are for life, and anyone who divorces for any circumstances other than these, commits adultery.

Parents are to bring their children up to love, fear, and obey the Lord; always setting before them a consistent example of obedience to God in their own lives. Parents are responsible before God for the proper training of their children, and therefore we strongly recommend that they home school them and thus shield them from the many corrupting influences prevalent in public and even church schools.

We are to place our families in the country, where it is much more conducive to the formation of character.

Malachi 4:5-6; Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 13:4; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:17-18; Matthew 19:3-9; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Romans 7:1-3; Psalms 127:1;

1 Corinthians 11:3-9; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Titus 2:4-5; Colossians 3:18-19; Ephesians 5:22-25, 33; Colossians 3:20-21; Ephesians 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6; Exodus 20:12, 17

*Health and Temperance - Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and as such, we are to take good care of them and put into them only those things which will better enable us to glorify God. We believe that this excludes the use of all tobacco in any form, intoxicating drinks, narcotics, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages; as well as participation in any way of the manufacture or sale of these substances, as they are physically injurious and Scripturally inconsistent. We condemn gluttony and intemperance in eating. Due to the rapid increase of disease among animals, the effects that meat has on our spiritual health, and the fact that we are told that meat eating is to be done away with among Christ’s people before His coming, we believe the time has come to avoid eating all meat. Also because of the disease among animals, especially those which are commercially raised, we believe that most dairy products and eggs are unsafe to eat and should generally be avoided wherever it is possible to obtain healthier substitutes for these things. Unclean meats are strictly forbidden in the Scriptures.

Proverbs 23:1-2; Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; Ecclesiastes 10:17; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalms 139:14-16; Genesis 1:29; Genesis 3:18; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-32; Daniel 1:8-20; Proverbs 20:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

*Stewardship - We believe that the divine principle of tithes (10% of our increase) and offerings for the support of the gospel ministry is an acknowledgment of God’s ownership in our lives, and that as His stewards we must render account to of all that He has committed to our possession. We are to live simply, use our funds wisely, and avoid debt as we would the plague.

Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7; Malachi 3:8-12; Leviticus 27:30, 32; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Luke 12:15-21, 33-34; Matthew 6:19-21; Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 28:19; Proverbs 20:4; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 11:24-25

18) Prophecy. We believe that Bible prophecy is a part of God’s revelation to man; that it is included in that Scripture which is profitable for instruction (2 Tim. 3:16); that a blessing is pronounced on those who study it; and that, consequently, it is to be understood by the people of God sufficiently to show them their position in the world’s history, and the special duties required at their hands. We believe that the world’s history from specified dates in the past, the rise and fall of empires, and the chronological succession of events down to the setting up of God’s everlasting kingdom, are outlined in numerous great chains of prophecy; and that these prophecies are now all fulfilled except the closing scenes.

2 Peter 1:19-21; Amos 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Ephesians 4:11-12; Revelation 1:3; Deuteronomy 29:29

19) The Heavenly Sanctuary and The Investigative Judgment. We believe that no prophetic period is given in the Bible to reach to the second advent, but that the longest one, the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, terminated in 1844, and brought us to an event called the cleansing of the sanctuary.

We believe that the true sanctuary, of which the tabernacle on earth was a type, is the temple of God in heaven (spoken of in Hebrews 8 and onward), and of which the Lord Jesus, as our great High Priest, is minister; and that the priestly work of our Lord is the antitype of the work of the Jewish priests of the former dispensation. We believe that this heavenly sanctuary is the one to be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14; its cleansing being (as foreshadowed in the earthly service of cleansing the sanctuary on the day of atonement) a work of judgment, beginning with the entrance of Christ as the High Priest upon the judgment phase of His atoning work and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This work of judgment in the heavenly sanctuary began in 1844, and its completion will close human probation.

We believe that God, in the time of judgment and in accordance with His uniform dealing with mankind, sends forth a proclamation of the approach of the second advent of Christ; that this work is symbolized by the three angel’s messages of Revelation 14; and that their threefold message brings to view a work of reform to prepare a people to meet Him at His coming.

We believe that the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, synchronizing with the time of the proclamation of the messages of Revelation 14, is a time of investigative judgment, first with reference to the dead, and secondly, with reference to the living. This investigative judgment determines who of the myriads sleeping in the dust of the earth are worthy of a part in the first resurrection, and who of its living multitudes are worthy of translation.

Hebrews 8:1-5; Hebrews 9:11, 23-24; Acts 3:19-21; 1 Peter 4:17; Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14; Revelation 14:6-7; Revelation 11:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 17:30-31; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Hebrews 10:30; John 5:22, 30; Acts 24:25; James 2:12; Matthew 12:36-37; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 3:5

20) The Second Coming. We believe that the second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel and the plan of salvation. His coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the wicked will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming. The almost complete fulfillment of the prophecies, together with the present condition of the world (physical, social, industrial, political, and religious) indicates that Christ’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and believers are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. We believe that prior to the second coming will be a great time of trouble. We reject the theories of a secret rapture, seven years of tribulation, the world’s conversion, and a millennium of peace before Christ returns as fables having no basis in the Bible, which will lull men into a state of carnal security, and cause them to be overtaken by the great day of the Lord as a thief in the night.

John 14:2-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-13; 2 Peter 3:3-7; Matthew 16:3; Matthew 24:3-51; Luke 21:7-36; Luke 17:26-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Acts 1:10-11; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2-3; Isaiah 25:9; Romans 2:6; Revelation 22:12; Isaiah 40:9-10; Matthew 16:27; James 5:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 25:31-33; John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Jeremiah 25:33; Revelation 6:12-17; Revelation 16:1-21

21) The State of the Dead and The Resurrection. We believe that God only hath immortality. Mortal man possesses a nature inherently sinful and dying. Immortality and eternal life come only through the gospel, and are bestowed upon the righteous as a gift from God at the second coming of Christ. We believe that the condition of man in death is one of silence, inactivity, and entire unconsciousness, described in the Bible as sleep; and that all men, good and evil alike, remain in the grave from death to the resurrection. We reject the unbiblical teaching that any part of man goes to heaven, hell, or purgatory at death. We believe that there will be a resurrection both of the just and of the unjust. The resurrection of the just will take place at the second coming of Christ; the resurrection of the unjust will take place a thousand years later, at the close of the millennium. We also believe in a special resurrection of those who crucified Christ and the most terrible persecutors of His people, as well as all who have died in the faith of the third angels’ message, just prior to Christ’s return.

Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:19; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:1-4; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; 1 Timothy 6:15-16; Job 14:10-12; Psalms 146:3-4; Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Psalms 115:17; Psalms 6:5; Acts 2:34; Psalms 13:3; Psalms 88:10-12; Isaiah 38:18; John 5:25-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; Daniel 12:2

22) The Millennium and the End of Sin. We believe that the millennium is the 1,000 year reign of Christ with the redeemed of all ages in heaven between the first and the second resurrections. During this time the saints will judge the world and the fallen angels, apportioning the punishment to be executed upon them at the close of the 1,000 years. Meanwhile, the earth will be in an utterly desolate and chaotic condition, without living human inhabitants; and here Satan and his angels are confined during the 1,000 years. At the end of the millennium, the Holy City with Christ and all His saints will descend to the earth. The wicked dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire will come down from God and consume them entirely, causing them to be as though they had not been. In this final destruction, the wicked meet the everlasting punishment threatened against them; they do not, as many wrongly teach, continue to suffer torture through the ceaseless ages of eternity. The same fire which destroys Satan, his angels, and all the wicked, will also cleanse the earth from the effects of the curse. Thus the universe will be purified from sin and sinners forever.

Revelation 20:1-15; 1 Corinthians 6;2-3; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Isaiah 24:1-3; Malachi 4:1-3; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew 10:28; Psalms 37:10, 20; 2 Peter 2:9; Job 21:29-30; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Obadiah 1:16; Revelation 21:8; Nahum 1:9; 1 John 3:15; Ezekiel 28:18-19

23) The New Earth. We believe that God will make all things new, and restore the earth to its Edenic beauty. This new earth will be the eternal inheritance of the saints, the place where the righteous will dwell for evermore. Here, God Himself will dwell with His people, suffering and death will have passed away, the great controversy will be ended, and sin will never rise up again; and every creature will ascribe blessing, and honor, and glory, and power to God and to the Lamb forever and ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21-22; Isaiah 65:17-19, 21-25; Isaiah 35:5-10; Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 65:4;

1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 5:13