What Will Happen When Jesus Returns? Jesus is coming again, and the world will never be the same. This is what the Bible tells us to look forward to.
The Second Coming of Christ will be a glorious, worldwide event like nothing we’ve ever seen before. It’s the culmination of what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross.  In the context of eschatology , it’s important to remember that the Second Coming isn’t necessarily the end of everything. It marks a transition from who humanity was, and who we can become if we choose Jesus Christ as our Savior. Given the magnitude and significance of this event, it’s no surprise that many questions surround it.  What leads up to this? How can we tell when it will happen? Will we be able to see it? Who can be saved? What happens to those who have already died? What about Satan and His angels? Like any heavy topic, it’s best if we take it in piece by piece:  Do we know for sure Jesus will return?  We know there will be a Second Coming of Christ because it was told to us in the Bible as His “first coming”—when He came to the earth as a baby, lived a sinless life, ministered to those around Him, and died for the penalty of sins so we could have a chance to be redeemed. When His earthly ministry was finished, He had to depart from them and be carried up into heaven (Luke 24:51). His disciples watched as He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9).  “…While they [the disciples of Jesus] looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven’” (Acts 1: 10, 11, ESV). Jesus is coming again. He said it Himself.  “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).  Just as the disciples, “through the Holy Spirit, would receive power to be witnesses for Him to the ends of the earth“ (Acts 1:8), so are we called, to not only look forward to His return, but to hasten the coming of the day of God by spreading this wonderful message (2 Peter 3:12).  The promise is sure and recorded. He will return! What will the Second Coming be like? Christ’s return will be a truly global event. Like nothing the world has ever seen.  While the world has experienced events that affect every part of the globe, this will be an event the entire world population will experience together.  His Second Coming will be literal, global, and glorious. A joyous occasion as Jesus comes back for us.  And we can know that this signals the end of an age of a sin-riddled world . As described in the book of Titus, this is “the blessed hope…” “It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation’” (Isaiah 25:9, ESV). A literal, physical event The Second Coming will be an actual event everyone will experience. No one will be able to miss Him “coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” (Revelation 1:7, ESV).  Matthew 24:27 describes it as similar to how “lighting comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (CSB) . This isn’t a metaphorical event to represent a spiritual achievement or awakening. And it isn’t a phenomenon that happens secretly, or on some different plane of reality. This is Jesus physically doing what He promised He’d do when He ascended back to heaven after His earthly ministry. What we will hear 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us that “the trumpet will sound.”  1 Thessalonians 4:16 describes Jesus descending from heaven “with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God.” We may hear shouts of praise, wonder and adoration, as the Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah when talking about the Day of the Lord, “every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God” (Romans 14:11, CSB). What we will see It will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. And like the verse we just read in Revelation 1:7, “every eye will see Him” as He will appear “in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26, CSB, see also Matthew 24:30). All around us, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected as “God brings with Him those who have fallen asleep [those who died as believers]” (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, CSB). And Jesus will stay visibly “in the air” (1 Thessalonians 17) as He calls us to come with Him to heaven . His feet will not touch the earth at this time. What we will experience It will be sudden. It will be the most pleasant surprise we ever experience!  We are told in several verses of the Bible that Jesus will simply “appear” (1 John 2:28; 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 1 Peter 5:4). He will come “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4), and right up until that time, people will be going about their daily lives without a clue (Matthew 24:37-39).  (That’s why it’s so important not to get caught up in the rat race of the world and keep our eyes fixed upon God and His ultimate plan that transcends anything playing out here on this sin-corrupted earth [1 Thessalonians 5:6-8]).  1 Corinthians 15 also tells us that we will be “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (verse 51, 52) when we are given new bodies that are “incorruptible” and “clothed with immortality” that can only come from God (verses 52-54, CSB).  This will all be happening as we are drawn up into the air to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17)!  When will the Second Coming happen? Aside from what this grand event will be like to experience, the next thing we naturally want to know is when it will happen. After all, we want to be ready! But the Bible is very clear— “no one knows” the “day and hour” of Christ’s Second Coming. Not even the angels in heaven! Only God the Father knows (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32). What the Bible does tell us is to always be ready. And being “ready” means preparing our hearts by accepting Jesus as our Savior, and pursuing a growing relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study . “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:33, NKJV). Why would God want to keep this timing a secret, even from the angels? The simplest answer is that when this happens is not as important as what happens and why it will happen. In the meantime, the Bible emphasizes our calling as one of loving others, serving others, and leading others to Him.  If God chooses not to reveal something in the Bible, that means it is not needed in the accomplishment of God’s plan in our lives. Knowing that detail would not strengthen our spiritual growth.  The Bible also tells us that Jesus is coming “soon” (Revelation 22:12, CSB). This “soon” is not to mean immediacy, but imminence. Urgency. It could be any time—whenever God sees fit.  This could be to make sure everyone truly gets a chance to truly choose if they will accept Jesus as Christ or not (2 Peter 3:9). We cannot know, for we don’t see things in their entirety as God does.  What we do know is that this event is eternally important, and that’s why we must always be ready, and always be willing to share this wonderful truth with others. “This is why you are also to be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44, CSB).  Signs the Second Coming is near Though no one knows the exact date and time of the Second Coming, God doesn’t keep us in the dark about the way the world is progressing. The Bible tells us of certain signs that signal the nearness of Christ’s return. In Matthew 24, the disciples ask Jesus, “when will these things happen, and what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (verse 3). False prophets and imposter messiahs “Many will come in my name, saying ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many” (verse 5).  “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (verse 11). “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (verse 24). An increase in worldwide conflict “You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars” (verse 6). “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom and kingdom” (verse 7).  An increase in natural disasters and situations of suffering “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (verse 7). Moral decline “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold” (verse 12). We’re also told that the “sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (verse 29) . But the signs aren’t all troubling.  “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (verse 14). Even while telling His disciples all about these signs, He assured them that this isn’t something to fear. He tells them not to be alarmed (verse 6). These things must come to pass, but then we will see Jesus. The heart of Jesus overflows with love for all His creation . He is longing for you to not only come to the knowledge of these truths, but to the knowledge of Him as the Source of Truth. But there is more… How is the Second Coming significant to us even today? How should this affect our daily lives?  There’s a common saying, “Live each day like it was your last.”  Why do you think that quote is so popular and often used for inspiration? It’s undeniable that there are no guarantees in this life. Anything can happen at any time. The direction of anyone’s life can change in an instant. And we don’t know when our last living moments will be. A quote like this is to motivate people to think about where they are in their lives, and what kind of impressions they’ve left in the world around them. The same applies to the Second Coming, and to our relationship with the very One who is coming back for us. It’s not about when He’s coming back, but that He is at all! Because whether we’re alive or dead at the time He does, our eternal destiny is the same if we claim Him as our Savior. He is coming because He promised He would (John 14:1-3).  He is coming again to complete the plan of salvation , which includes our resurrection, our presence in the sight of God, and life with Him eternally in the earth made new (John 5:25-29).  He is coming again to bring His reward with Him (Revelation 22:12).  The reward for those who have obeyed will be life eternal (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), while those who have chosen against Him will cease to exist. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Luke 17:26-30; Revelation 6:15-17). You are the reason He is coming again! The Day of the Lord is near When reading about all the awful things that come to pass before Jesus returns, it’s hard not to think about how a lot of that is already happening.  The intensity and frequency of things like war, disease, disasters and moral decline will increase as we get closer to Christ’s arrival.  The Bible compares this progression to pregnancy and labor. When a woman is in the early stages of pregnancy, you can barely tell. But soon the baby grows inside her and it’s no secret she’s about to give birth.  Then the “labor pains” begin (Matthew 24:8). And the frequency and intensity increases the closer it comes to the actual birth event.  We know what will happen ultimately. Until then we can study and grow in Christ . And as we continue to study the Bible and recognize the signs, our faith in our Ultimate Victor will grow.  Even though the world will be going through a “time of trouble” (Daniel 12:1) right before the Second Coming, God has promised us through His Son Jesus: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV).

Jesus is coming again, and the world will never be the same. This is what the Bible tells us to look forward to.

What Will Happen When Jesus Returns?

Was death part of God's original design in creation? How do we grapple with the painful reality of death all around us? Find out answers from the Bible. Let's talk about where death came from and why it isn't supposed to be a part of life.

Did Death Come From God?

What Did Ellen White Say About the Bible? Because her writings were so well-respected, Ellen White had cautioned that the true purpose of her words was to point people to the Bible. Here’s how she did that.
As a highly influential author and founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White’s spoken and written words were held in high regard by the denomination’s members. Because of her significant influence, however, White was careful never to let her writings take priority over the Holy Scriptures. She pointed out that “the Bible alone, is our rule of faith.”  I exalt the precious Word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, ‘Sister White said this,’ and ‘Sister White said that.’ Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands.  She was adamant that the Bible must be used to support every belief of the Advent movement. This was noteworthy because in the 19th century, it was still common for people to rely on clergy to interpret Scripture. Instead of studying the Bible for themselves, people followed church traditions or whichever message they heard in the most recent sermon.  So let’s look at the ways she kept her fellow Christians pointed toward Christ and God’s Word.  How Ellen White’s publishing ministry upheld the Bible The Word of God was the central theme of Ellen White’s writings. She encouraged people to apply biblical principles to their daily life. Everything she wrote had three main goals:  Point people back to the Bible, especially in common situations where it was especially tempting for people to stray from Scripture Encourage people to be obedient to God’s Word Prepare people for the final days of earth’s history, educating them on what the Bible lays out for us so we don’t have to be afraid In 1848, Ellen and her husband James were convicted to print a magazine called Present Truth . They distributed this magazine to Adventists everywhere . It allowed them to discuss important points of theology even when they couldn’t all meet together.  The phrase “present truth” came from this Bible verse: For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth . 2 Peter 1:2 (NKJV) James and Ellen’s dedication eventually led to Adventist publishing houses around the world. They used the written word to share the Good News. Evangelistic literature was printed and shared by those in the Adventist movement .  Of the publishing work, Ellen said:  “Now is our time to work with vigilance. Our books and papers are to be brought before the notice of the people; the gospel of present truth is to be given to our cities without delay. We need to arouse to our duties. If we are making the life and teachings of Christ our study, every passing event will furnish a text for an impressive lesson.”  We are to make opportunities for presenting the truth. Christians are to be workers together with Christ. They are to engage in many lines of evangelistic work.  Ellen’s first book was published in 1851. It was a work of 64 pages titled, A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White . She wrote:  I recommend to you, dear reader, the word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the ‘last days;’ not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth.  It was her intention to point people to the Word of God and Biblical truth. She felt strongly that God had called her to share the message that He would return to earth , literally, to redeem us and take us to Heaven with Him—just as He talked about in John 14:1-4. She wanted people to be ready to meet their precious Savior.  So it is today. Men are rushing on in the chase for gain and selfish indulgence as if there were no God, no heaven, and no hereafter. In Noah’s day the warning of the flood was sent to startle men in their wickedness and call them to repentance. So the message of Christ’s soon coming is designed to arouse men from their absorption in worldly things. It is intended to awaken them to a sense of eternal realities, that they may give heed to the invitation to the Lord’s table.  Ellen wrote the book titled The Great Controversy in 1858, all about the spiritual war between good and evil that engulfs our world. She received special insight from God about how this biblical story would unfold throughout history.  The story begins with the war in heaven, detailing events throughout religious history until the end of time. As history comes to a close, Christ’s followers are taken to heaven with Him at the second advent . The story ends when heaven and earth are made new , as found in Revelation chapter 21.  In The Great Controversy, we continue to find Ellen White emphasizing the authority of the Bible:  In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience.  ( The Great Controversy was updated and reprinted in 1991. That version is now included in a five-volume Conflict of the Ages set.)  Encouraging Church Leadership to Hold Fast to the Bible’s Instruction As Adventism set its roots firmly in the ground, Ellen White inspired followers of Christ to cling to the Word of God. She used her prophetic gift to point fellow Christians back to the Bible, should they be tempted to stray.  Cling close to your Bible, for its sacred truths can purify, ennoble and sanctify the soul. You must hold the truth and teach it as it is in Jesus, else it is of no value to you. Before the light of God’s truth let human opinions and ideas and human wisdom appear as they are in the sight of God—as foolishness.  She frequently reminded everyone to study God’s Word , the Bible. It was evident that she treasured the words written in Scripture and knew we needed to hold these truths in our hearts at all times. The Bible is of the highest value because it is the word of the living God. Of all the books in the world it is the most deserving of study and attention, for it is eternal wisdom. … It reveals to us the Creator of the heavens and the earth, with the universe that He has brought into being, and it sheds a glorious light over the world to come.  In comparison, she believed her own writings were to serve the role of leading people toward the Bible. Though at times, she noticed various church members or leaders would pass along her words instead of the Scripture to which they were calling attention. This concerned her, as she never meant her testimonies to replace or supersede the Bible.  Of her own writings, she said: The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Says the apostle John, ‘Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world’ [1 John 4:1]. And Isaiah declares, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them’ [Isaiah 8:20].  I took the precious Bible and surrounded it with the several Testimonies for the Church, given for the people of God. Here, said I, the cases of nearly all are met. The sins they are to shun are pointed out. The counsel that they desire can be found here, given for other cases situated similarly to themselves. God has been pleased to give you line upon line and precept upon precept.  And if she noticed that fellow believers were neglecting to follow the Bible, she was not afraid to confront them. She said the messages she received from her prayerful relationship with God were given to her for times when people had forgotten the Bible’s words and needed a reminder.  She believed her writings to be a “lesser light” pointing to the “greater light.” And she understood the Bible to be the “greater light,” or ultimate authority. What book can compare with the Bible? An understanding of its teachings is essential for every child and youth, and for those of mature age; for it is the word of God, given to guide the human family to heaven. In the world today there are gods many and doctrines many. Without an understanding of the Scriptures it is impossible for the youth to understand what is truth, or to discern between the sacred and the common.  One of the most popular books written by Ellen White, The Desire of Ages , offers a beautiful depiction of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The plan of salvation is looked at through the lens of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And through her beautiful words, we can see how much she loved the Bible and wished everyone turned to the Scriptures for truth.  On page 459 of The Desire of Ages she says: Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will understand the Scriptures. This echoes what is said in John 7:17: “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority” (ESV). Later, on page 671, she wrote: Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus, He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself. Through her gift of prophecy, Ellen White held the Bible in the highest esteem. Wherever she spoke and whatever she wrote, her words demonstrated a deep love for God’s will and a commitment to be led by the Holy Spirit. He [Christ] pointed to the Scriptures as the unquestionable authority, and we should do the same.  Influence and Leadership in Early Seventh-day Adventism The Seventh-day Adventist Church became an official denomination in May 1863. Delegates representing many congregations met together for what is now known as the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Their united purpose was to share “how a deeper understanding of Scripture not only prepares us for eternity with Christ, but for living more abundant lives in the here and now.”  As the Seventh-day Adventist Church grew, Ellen White continued to remind the church leaders to keep studying and reviewing the Word of God. She wanted people to understand it was the words of the Bible that needed to be “ written on their hearts ” (Romans 2:15, ESV).  From the early advent movement to the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and into her later years, she consistently proclaimed that the Bible was to be the only true authority. Or, in her words, “All human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles of God.”  Seventh-day Adventists today still hold to that same principle. Simply put, Adventists’ 28 fundamental beliefs are based on Scripture and Scripture alone. Their purpose is to describe how the denomination interprets and applies these key scriptural principles.  At the 1909 General Conference Session, she spoke her last words to the leaders of the church. W.A. Spicer, secretary of the General Conference at the time, recorded her bold, straightforward demonstration: She moved away from the desk and started to her seat, then turned and came back, picked up the Bible from which she had read, opened it, and held it out on extended hands that trembled with age. She admonished, ‘Brethren and Sisters, I commend unto you this Book.  And she certainly made her point. We must begin and end with God’s Word.  White, Ellen G., Counsels on Sabbath School Work , p. 84 White, Ellen G., Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 33 http://www.atcunion.org/blog/files/8d1e113c01deafe011e6e5563959f03d-166.html https://www.adventist.org/who-are-seventh-day-adventists/history-of-seventh-day-adventists/ White, Ellen G., A Call to Service in the Master’s Harvest Field, p. 4 Ibid. A Sketch of the Christian Experience and View of Ellen G. White, p. 64 White, Ellen G., Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 228 White, Ellen G., The Great Controversy, p. vii White, Ellen G., Christian Leadership, p. 30 White, Ellen G., Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 421 White, Ellen G., Counsels for the Church, p. 92 Ibid. White, Ellen G., A Call to Stand Apart, p. 68 Ibid., p. 69 White, Ellen G., Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 39 https://www.adventist.org/who-are-seventh-day-adventists/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ White, Ellen G., The Great Controversy, p. 203 Spicer, William A., The Spirit of Prophecy in the Advent Movement, p. 30

Because her writings were so well-respected, Ellen White had cautioned that the true purpose of her words was to point people to the Bible. Here’s how she did that.

What Did Ellen White Say About the Bible?

What Is the Battle of Armageddon? The Battle of Armageddon in the Bible is a real end-time event, though not a physical or military battle. Find out what it refers to and how to prepare for it.
The Bible uses warfare phrasing to describe the spiritual conflict between the forces of good and evil (Christ and Satan) that can affect world events—and the lives of every person. According to Revelation 16, this ongoing spiritual controversy culminates in a final battle at a place called “Armageddon” right before Jesus Christ returns. Ephesians 6:12 tells us how this continual conflict is “not against flesh and blood” but against “spiritual forces” (CSB). Similarly, the final battle in Revelation is spiritual and not physical. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t significant. It will require us to stand firmly in faith and loyalty to God in the face of temptation and opposition. And this can sound a little frightening. What if we make a mistake, or fall for some sort of deception? What if we’re not strong enough?  But the Bible encourages us not to fear. While it matters which side we’ve chosen to stand on, it’s not our own human strength or resolve that determines the outcome of this war.  It’s good to keep in mind that the book of Revelation, more than talking about Armageddon, shows us that Jesus, the Lamb, wins. Ultimately, Christ will demonstrate decisive victory over sin and everything it has set in motion.  And if we’re on His side, we get to share in this victory (Revelation 17:14).  We’ll see all of this unfold in the Word of God as we cover:  Let’s start with an overview.  What the Bible says about the Battle of Armageddon The apostle John, who wrote Revelation, describes the Battle of Armageddon as happening just before the end of the world. It’s the climax of an eons-long war between God and Satan that became part of our earth’s history since the fall of humans into sin . And by the time of Armageddon, everyone on earth will have taken a stand on whichever side they’ve chosen—standing with God or not. So this event reveals where each person’s ultimate loyalty truly lies.  Before we dig into this further, let’s read through the passage of Scripture that refers to Armageddon: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty…. And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon” (Revelation 16:13-14, 16, NKJV). Armageddon comes from the Hebrew word Har-Magedon . Har means “mount” or “hill,” and Megiddo was a city in Israel surrounded by the valley of Megiddo. Armageddon, then, means “Mount Megiddo” or “mountain of Megiddo.”  Megiddo was the site of many bloody battles in the Old Testament. Two major ones were the battle between Canaanite general Sisera and Israelite leaders Barak and Deborah (Judges 4), and the battle between King Josiah of Judah and Pharaoh Necho of Egypt (2 Kings 23).  According to Adventist pastor and evangelist Chris Holland, DMin, scholars also believe the ancient city of Megiddo was located in the valley of Jezreel at the foot of the Mount Carmel ridge.  Mount Carmel was where Elijah and the prophets of the false god Baal witnessed that Yahweh was the true God —when He sent down fire from heaven to consume and validate Elijah’s sacrifice (1 Kings 18:17-46). Right before this confrontation, Elijah called the people to make a decision: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21, NKJV). Like this encounter between Elijah and the false prophets, the Battle of Armageddon will not be a physical, military battle.  Armageddon will be a worldwide spiritual contest of sorts, where Jesus Christ confronts Satan and all his forces. We don’t know what that might look like exactly, but the outcome will be similar to that experience at Mount Carmel. God will decisively triumph, and the whole world will witness it.  Let’s break this down a bit. Revelation is full of symbols . Holland explains that “real people or places are often used to illustrate spiritual battles.” John often used well-known names and places to represent things with a similar nature. For example, when John was writing to the seven churches in Revelation 2, he told the church of Thyatira that it had allowed Jezebel to influence them toward evil.  Jezebel was a wicked queen during the time of Israel who worshiped false gods and persuaded the Israelites to do so as well (1 Kings 18:4). Just because John was naming Jezebel to the church of Thyatira doesn’t mean Jezebel was resurrected. He was using her name to symbolize the spiritual corruption that had entered the church . It’s the same with Armageddon.  John used the background of Megiddo to symbolize the final spiritual battle of God and His followers against Satan and his allies. Revelation 13 and 14 make it clear that worship will be at the heart of the conflict in the last days. Deceptive religious powers will try to force everyone to worship what humans have set up instead of worshipping God (Revelation 13:4-7). This will likely be enforced in the name of unity, safety, one-mindedness, etc.  And at Armageddon—the climax of this worship crisis—each person’s choice will be made clear. Holland points out that these choices have to do with two questions: Who is God? Who will we worship, or regard as sovereign?  Now let’s look at who will be involved in this crisis.  Who the battle will involve The Battle of Armageddon is ultimately between God and Satan, but it will also involve those who align themselves with either side. There is no third option and no way for anyone to remain neutral. At first, it will seem like Satan has the upper hand. The very last verse of Revelation 12 tells us that the devil is angry with God’s people and will go to make war with them. Then, Revelation 13 shows us the religious and political entities (represented as beasts) that Satan will use to accomplish his purposes.  John writes that one of those religious powers will “ make war with the saints and…overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation ” (Revelation 13:7, NKJV). Revelation 16:14, when speaking about Armageddon, again mentions the dragon (Satan, per Revelation 12:7) and his allies: the beast and the false prophet.  A study of Revelation 13 reminds us that the beast, also called the Antichrist, symbolizes a religious power that will attempt to force everyone to worship in its way instead of God’s way (Revelation 13:3-8). The false prophet is symbolic of another religiopolitical power, which is parallel to the second beast in Revelation 13 that performs great signs (Revelation 13:13; 19:20). Revelation 16:13 continues on to mention that “three unclean spirits like frogs” will come out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They will perform signs to try to deceive the people on the earth. At the end of Armageddon, however, God will be victorious. John records, “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Those two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20, NKJV). Jesus will defeat Satan’s allies with His truth.  How Armageddon is related to other end-time events The Battle of Armageddon will be one of the last events of earth’s history. The preparation for this ultimate, global, spiritual confrontation leads up to Christ’s Second Coming , when He will demonstrate His decisive victory. Prior to all this, God’s followers will spread the three angels’ messages—the everlasting Gospel—throughout the earth (Revelation 14:6-11). This includes a call for all the world to come out of the spiritual confusion symbolized by Babylon, and to follow God instead of the beast. Meanwhile, the “three frogs”—symbolizing the deceptions of Satan —will attempt to force the world into following the beast and receiving its mark (Revelation 13:13-16; 16:13-14). Then the world will have reached a point of culmination. When the fullness of the Gospel has reached everyone, they will either accept it and side with Jesus, or reject it once and for all and receive the mark of the beast. Then, the seven last plagues are directed at sin and the oppressive forces of evil (Revelation 15:1), and they will impact those who have opposed God and oppressed His followers. Armageddon is mentioned right after the verses that discuss the sixth plague, so these things may be happening all around the same time. “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared” (Revelation 16:12, NKJV). What does the drying of the Euphrates mean?  Keep in mind that Revelation often uses historical events from the Old Testament as symbols of end-time events. That’s the case here. The Euphrates had dried up before.  Daniel 5:30-31 in the Old Testament speaks about the conquest of Babylon by the Medo-Persians. When writing Revelation, John saw fit to use this very familiar story about the way the Medo-Persians conquered Babylon: by diverting the Euphrates River and then marching into the city by the riverbed while the Babylonians were caught ignorant and unaware, partying.  This story shows how Babylon, a system of spiritual confusion in the last days, will begin to lose the support of the people. They will turn against it, and it will fall (Revelation 17:15-17).  In response, Satan’s preparation for the battle of Armageddon will include the gathering together of whoever will fight against Christ and His followers. This is all happening near the end of the plagues, and as what many call the “Time of Trouble” nears its end. And Satan will not be successful. His efforts will be cut short as Jesus, the King of kings, returns to save His people from the destruction on earth. Satan will be completely unable to overpower Him.  How to prepare for the battle Because Armageddon is a spiritual battle, it requires spiritual preparation—of the heart and mind. Through a growing relationship with Jesus , we can be sure that we’ll stand with Him when He is victorious. That hope can keep us from feeling scared or anxious about Armageddon. We won’t have to rely on our own strength or abilities. We will be placing our complete trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our role is to cooperate with Him.  The “weapons” we’ll have to protect us will be like Paul wrote about Ephesians 6. He encouraged: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:14-16, NKJV). One of the “weapons” mentioned in this passage is truth . As we fix our minds on the truth about Jesus and all that He is, we’ll be able to deflect the “fiery darts” of opposition and deception. It all starts with what we choose to consistently fill our minds with. Here’s some more advice from Paul: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8, CSB). Rather than fixating on future events, we can live with our hearts fixed on the truth, deepening our relationship with Jesus daily.  Armageddon is about choice Even though it won’t be a physical battle, Armageddon will be a real battle.  It will actually happen at the end of time, just before Jesus returns. So while we won’t all end up in the Middle East watching God and Satan visibly face off in a final duel, we can be aware that this will be the crux of the invisible, spiritual warfare over the fate of our hearts and minds.  God wants to save us and restore us. Satan wants us to reject God, which would deeply hurt Him and also lead to our destruction .  And we will each play an active role in deciding the outcome of our part in the battle. It all comes back to choice. At the climax of Revelation’s worship crisis, we’ll have to decide: Who will we worship? Where does our allegiance truly lie? It helps to remember that each day involves a smaller choice that points us toward the ultimate choice we’ll make. Joshua 24:15 invites us: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15, NKJV). And as we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can say with Joshua:  “…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NKJV).  “ The Etymology of Har-Magedon (Rev. 16:16)” Andrews University Seminary Studies , vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 69-73 “The Book of Revelation,” Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, Teachers’ Edition, 1Q 2019, p. 142 Andrews Bible Commentary, New Testament , p. 1987 MacDonald, Brad, “The Inspiring History Behind One of Iran’s Greatest Kings,” Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology.

The Battle of Armageddon in the Bible is a real end-time event, though not a physical or military battle. Find out what it refers to and how to prepare for it.

What Is the Battle of Armageddon?

What Adventists Believe about Spiritual Gifts and Ministries What is a Spiritual Gift and how does God want them used? Adventist find the answer in the Bible.
We all have a special talent that we’ve found to be useful. For some of us, it might be musical skill or athletic prowess. For others, it might be a good eye for logistics or a knack for understanding other people’s feelings. Our talents come in a thousand different shapes and sizes.  God has endowed us with the talents we have, and He often calls us to use those talents for the good of others, with the Holy Spirit as our guide.  When used in service of others or sharing the gospel, these talents are often referred to spiritual gifts. Sometimes, as we grow spiritually , the Holy Spirit might even empower us with a new gift, or help us discover gifts we never realized we had all along!  Scripture gives us additional insight on how we should treat these gifts of the Holy Spirit. So let’s see what the Bible tells us about:  Fundamental Belief About Spiritual Gifts and Ministries God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts that each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)  Types of Spiritual Gifts Just as God created each of us unique , He also gave us different spiritual gifts. When a community has a variety of spiritual gifts to work with, more can be accomplished in God’s name. That’s why each talent is important, no matter how other humans might regard it. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows exactly which skills would be both a blessing to us and to those around us. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 gives us a list of some of the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit grants to people. The gift of speaking wisdom The gift of speaking knowledge The gift of faith The gift of healing The gift of working miracles The gift of prophecy The gift of discernment The gift of tongues The gift of interpretation The Bible first talks about these gifts in the context of the early church in the New Testament. This was a grassroots movement to spread the gospel of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection , and to grow the family of believers on earth. Peter and John were blessed with the ability to heal (Acts 3:1-10), Dorcas had the gift of charity and giving to others (Acts 9:36-43), and Barnabas was always ready to offer encouragement (Acts 4:36-37). Today, we might have a strong knowledge of medicine, resources we can share, or simply a kind word to offer when others need it. All these things are examples of spiritual gifts God has granted us.  Some people have a gift for offering wisdom and knowledge, whether it be through public speaking, writing, or mass media to reach people across the world. Those gifted with great faith can share it with others, helping them through a spiritual struggle. Others have a talent for healing, either physically or emotionally. One person might be skilled at working with teenagers while another is good at leading projects and delegating tasks. All these things are God-given gifts which are best used for the good of others, not just ourselves. The best way to honor God with the talents we have is to use them the way He asked us to.  Identifying Spiritual Gifts While there are many different spiritual gifts, the Bible tells us that each of these separate gifts have equal value in God’s eyes (Romans 12:3-8). But how do we know what gift God has given us? And how can we know how He wants us to use it? The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us with gifts, and He is ready to guide us in their proper use, if we ask. A heartfelt prayer for God’s guidance is always the first step.  This point is illustrated in the story of Solomon, one of the famous kings of Israel. Solomon came to the throne when he was still young. One night, in a dream, God came to Solomon and asked what kind of blessing Solomon wanted from Him. Solomon, rather than asking for great wealth or victory in battle, asked for understanding and the ability to discern between good and evil . God granted Solomon’s request, blessing him with honor and wealth as well, and Solomon went on to become one of the wisest kings ever known (1 Kings 3:5-14). After asking God for guidance with our spiritual gifts, it’s a good idea to spend some time in reflection. What about your personality and behavior patterns might reveal some hidden or overlooked strengths? As we pray daily, God may bring us into situations that help us discover the ways we’re gifted.  We can also turn to trusted sources to help us on our journey as well. One idea is to ask the advice of those who are close to God, who we trust, and who know us well. They might be able to point out things we excel at that we might have missed on our own.  But overall, we must keep our eyes open and be ready to hear God’s voice. If someone needs help, we should be ready to lend a hand. The simple act of stepping in and helping someone can reveal the skills God gave us. The Use of Spiritual Gifts  It’s clear from Scripture and Christ’s example that our spiritual gifts are most effective in the service of God and others.  So how do we make the most of our spiritual gifts? How can we be sure we’re using them the right way? The book of Ephesians answers this question when it describes Jesus first giving spiritual gifts to the believers: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV, emphasis added). Paul’s letter to the Romans gives us similar instructions: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:4-8 ESV). We are called to use our spiritual gifts to the best of our ability to strengthen the church and further Christ’s mission. There are innumerable ways to spread the good news about who God is and how much He loves us—whether by teaching others and evangelizing, or by showing them through acts of service and healing. Whatever method we use, the key is to remember who we’re working for, and that we aren’t put on this earth to serve ourselves, but to serve others.  Can a person lose their spiritual gift? Our spiritual gifts can be a key component in our growth in Christ, and it only makes sense that we’re supposed to use them responsibly. But what if we don’t? What happens when we put our spiritual gifts toward selfish ambition, or choose not to use them at all? In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about a master who had three servants. The master was going on a journey and wanted to make sure his money would be in good hands.  To the first servant, he entrusted five “talents,” or units of money. To the second servant he gave two talents. To the third, he gave one. Then he went away. While he was gone, the first two servants immediately set to work, putting their master’s property to use. The servant with five talents made five more. The servant with two talents made two more. But the servant who had been given one talent went out, dug a hole, and buried his master’s money. When the master returned, he called his servants to him to find out what they’d done with his property while he was gone. The first two servants came and presented themselves before him, showing their master how they had made good use of what he had given them, and the master praised them as “good and faithful servants.”  Then the third servant explained that he knew the master stern and he didn’t want to disappoint anyone or mess things up. So, since he didn’t want to lose the property, he buried the one talent so nothing would happen to it. The master was angry and rebuked the servant for being wicked and lazy. Then he took the servant’s talent away and gave it to the one whom he had entrusted with five talents. Just like the servants in the story, we’ve all been entrusted with God-given talents and skills. It’s up to us to make good use out of them, and God will help us along the way.  But if we sit on them, refusing to discover how God might use us, we might as well not have the gift at all.  We see a similar situation in the book of Numbers, dealing with a man named Balaam (Numbers 22-24). Balaam had the ability to pronounce blessings and curses on people. The king of Moab came to him and asked that Balaam pronounce a curse upon the children of Israel so that he could defeat them in battle. God specifically told Balaam that he was not to do this, for God had blessed the children of Israel. Ballam ignored God’s warnings and went all the same, but when he got to the place where the Israelites were camped, God caused him to speak only blessings. Balaam’s spiritual gift was no longer under his control. The story of the talents and the story of Balaam illustrate a very clear point. Our spiritual gifts come from God. If we take our talents, our spiritual gifts, and use them wisely, we are being good stewards of the gifts God gave us.  But if we misuse our talents, by spending them selfishly or hiding them away, then we’re being just as lazy as the wicked servant. If that’s the case, God may take our spiritual gifts and give them to someone who will use them.  But it’s our choice. If we choose to use our spiritual gifts the way God calls us to, we can end up being an incredible blessing. Scripture makes it clear time and again that God is the ultimate gift-giver (Luke 11:13). He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He wants us to be a blessing to the world.  The thought of possessing God-given abilities may seem intimidating, as if we’re afraid we might use our gifts the wrong way.  Fortunately, however, God is the guide for our spiritual gifts. Since it is the Holy Spirit that empowers us with these abilities, we don’t have to worry about our own insecurities or limitations. God can use a willing person for amazing things, simply because they have faith in Him. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).

What is a Spiritual Gift and how does God want them used? Adventist find the answer in the Bible.

What Adventists Believe about Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

What the Bible Says About the New Earth The New Earth is God’s promise to remake the world. No more pain, no more death, just life with Him.
According to the book of Revelation, the New Earth is our final destination—our forever home. It is the place humanity will live forever.  After Jesus’ Second Coming After the Judgment After we live in heaven with him for 1,000 years  The New Earth will be your home, made brand new in God’s time. And the Bible tells us exactly what to expect. So let’s look at:  What does the Bible say the New Earth is? The New Earth is exactly as it sounds. It is a New Earth—earth recreated. God , who created the earth in Genesis will burn everything on this current, corrupted earth, cleansing it, and then recreate it as originally intended. The New Earth is mentioned specifically in Isaiah 65 and 66, 2 Peter 3, and Revelation 21.  To get a full understanding, we’ll also have to look at creation , the origin of sin, God’s plan for redemption, and Jesus’ return in the end time. It’s on this new, perfect earth that His people will live forever. You can find this truth in Revelation 21:1-8.  1. It is like the Garden of Eden The Bible’s description of New Jerusalem and the New Earth points back to God’s creative power and expression. The use of precious jewels and pure gold throughout the city point to the perfect creation of God’s original Eden.  You get more vivid imagery of this Edenic quality in Revelation 22. The River of Life flows from the throne of God at the heart of the Holy City (v. 1). This is similar to the river mentioned in the creation story in Genesis 2:10-14:  “A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there.  The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush.  And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria.  And the fourth river is the Euphrates.” Right away you can notice one big similarity: there is one river flowing out of Eden which gives life to the rest of the lands.  The River of Life in the New Earth Jerusalem flows from God Almighty. It gives life to the Tree of Life standing on its banks. It is no coincidence that the river flowing from God’s throne waters the tree and the life-giving fruits it yields. Even the leaves themselves give life.  Instead of falling each year as they do on earth, the leaves of the Tree of Life are used for healing (v. 2).  Finally, like Eden, there will be nothing cursed (v. 3). It is as if the very presence of God and Jesus in the City prevents such tragedies (see Revelation 22:1-5). 2. The Capital City is New Jerusalem Looking in Revelation 21:9-27, The Holy City belongs to both Heaven and the New Earth. When God’s followers are called up to heaven for 1000 years, they will dwell in the Heavenly City with God described in Revelation 21. This Holy City will be fortified with high walls and a firm foundation (v. 14). It will have gates on all sides which will never be closed (v. 25).  There is no need for a temple because God Almighty is the temple (v. 22). Nothing unclean or anyone who does “detestable or false” things will be able to enter (v. 27).  3. Its City is Built by Christ Himself Hebrews 11:10 says “For [Abraham] waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”  Like Eden in the beginning of the world, Jesus and God the Father create the New Jerusalem together.  In fact, before Jesus parts with His disciples and is killed, He tells them:  “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3).  You can find this truth in Genesis 1, John 14, and Revelation 21.  4. God Will Dwell With His People There The Bible says in no uncertain terms that God will dwell with His people in the Holy City on the New Earth. In John’s vision in Revelation 21, he describes this scene in which the city comes down from heaven and a loud voice declares:  “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (v. 3).  Two things we can take from this verse are: He will dwell with them.  The Greek word used for dwell here is skēnoō, which literally means to share a tent. This tells you that not only will God be on the New Earth with you, but that He will be sharing His Holy City with you.  God Himself will be with them as their God. The Greek preposition used for “with” here is meta, which means to be in permanent company with. This tells us that not only will God be dwelling with us in the New Earth, and sharing His Holy City with us, but that He will be hereafter and forever. You can find this truth in Revelation 21:3-8. 5. It is the Earth, Re-Created When God created the earth in Genesis, there was one purpose. God spent creation week creating spaces, and then filling them.  He created the atmosphere filled with perfectly balanced gases to sustain life, and then He filled it. He created dry land and filled the land with plants. He created the air and water and filled both with living things. He filled the empty land with mammals.  God created Eden and then put Adam and Eve there to commune with Him. When creation was finished, He created a new day for Sabbath , a day of rest and relationship with Him. Following the sequence of creation, you can see the earth was created for humanity , just as Sabbath was created for humanity (Mark 2:27).  According to the historic account in scripture, things did not go as planned, and the earth has been Satan’s dominion since the fall, when Adam and Eve chose to go against what God asked. The sin that entered the world at that time has permanently damaged the earth itself and all things in it, bringing suffering and havoc.  In order to set things right, God will destroy this broken world and create a new one in its place, the New Earth .  You can find this truth in Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21. The New Earth is not… While the Bible is clear about what the New Earth is, there are still many other ideas floating around. To avoid confusion about God’s heavenly kingdom and His earthly kingdom, let’s make sure we know what the New Earth isn’t. The New Earth isn’t heaven, as heaven is mentioned elsewhere in scripture and has existed long before earth. The New Earth isn’t another dimension or plane of existence. It is described as a physical recreation of the current earth we live on, to restore it to the perfection originally intended for it. The New Earth isn’t the end of time, as Scripture describes how earth’s recreation is actually the beginning of a new chapter in time as we know it.  What is the purpose of the New Earth? The way God once created all things tells us that He is a God of order and of sense. He doesn’t do anything without a reason.  So, why did He not create the earth perfectly in the first place? Why did He not eradicate sin at its start? Can’t God just reuse this earth instead of making a whole new one?  Well, in the beginning, God did create the earth perfectly. He even created people perfectly—in His own image.  “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).  He created male and female and blessed them, giving them dominion over the earth and all that was on it (Genesis 1:28).  However, the whole story begins with how humanity chose to exercise the freedom of choice God gave them when He made them. And at the first chance to use that freedom of choice, they chose to explore the option God warned them against choosing. Adam and Eve chose the knowledge the Serpent and the forbidden tree offered (Genesis 3). In doing so, the human beings made their home vulnerable to Satan, sin, and death .  The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) . It also says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  We all deserve to die as a consequence of sin, but God eradicated the consequence of sin when Jesus died on the cross in our place. He gave us an existence where we have every opportunity to thrive in a relationship with Him. We can choose to accept the great gift of eternal life with Him or not.  Living in this New Earth with Jesus will be our completely informed choice. No one will ever wonder about any other path than God’s because we will have already learned what that would be like. And just like God’s original creation was perfect, the earth will be made flawlessly beautiful once more. Isaiah 65:17 explains why He recreates the current earth to a New Earth instead of scrapping this one completely:  “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”  It’s not enough that we just have a beautiful place to live. It’s restoring what God intended for us from the beginning. We’ll finally get to see what life would have been like if humanity had never fallen into sin, and we’ll get to live out this perfection for eternity .  What will happen to the old earth? If God is going to create a New Earth, what will happen to the old one?  In Luke 12, when speaking to thousands, Jesus said:  “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled” (v. 49).  The prophet Isaiah describes these final happenings in plain terms:  “Behold, the Lord will empty the earth and make it desolate, and he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants…The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the Lord has spoken this word” (Isaiah 24: 1, 3).  The words used in scripture to describe this destruction are strong ones. The planet will be burned completely until it is unrecognizable, its surface twisted, its population scattered and gone.  According to John’s vision described in Revelation, the first heaven and first earth will pass away completely (v. 21:1). Anything that made this earth corrupt will be disintegrated. We won’t have to worry about anything imperfect resurfacing. What does the New Earth have to do with you right now? While the New Earth may seem like a far-away event, the meaning it carries with it is valuable in our spiritual growth, as we draw closer to God.  Knowing that our earth will be recreated and restored, that we will finally get to experience our original Eden…that allows us to see a new depth to God’s love for us.  God didn’t abandon us when we [humanity] abandoned Him. He made a perfect plan that allowed us to be redeemed and reconciled to Him, and this plan included not only our restoration, but our planet’s.  He truly did think of everything! And the same God that will recreate our earth can also recreate our hearts.  No matter what we’ve done, who we are, where we’ve been…God can and will make something beautiful out of each one of us.  So we can have faith that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV). Knowing we will live in a perfect New Earth can give us the kind of hope for the future that nothing else can compare with.  The end of a sinful earth, the beginning of perfect eternity The entire Bible is one long story of earth’s existence. In it you can read about the backstory, when Satan defected in heaven and took 1/3 of the angels with him when he was cast down to the earth (Revelation 12:9).  You can read firsthand the story of creation in Genesis 1 and then the first sin of mankind in Genesis 3. You can see God’s plan of redemption at work when He cleanses the earth with a flood in Genesis 9 and when He makes a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17. God’s plan for redemption comes to life when Christ enters the scene (John 1). Fulfilling every Messianic prophecy, Jesus is introduced in the gospels as the promised Messiah. Jesus is the “Word made flesh” as John puts it, and through His sacrificial death and following resurrection we are all able to live forever in the New Earth with God (John 1:14-18).  All believers that accept the gift of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice will populate the New Earth. It is the glorious purpose of humanity to do so.  You will be in heaven and you will live on the New Earth. It’s not a symbol of something else. It’s not a metaphorical place. This will be a literal, physical place in the direct presence of God.  Revelation 21:5 says all we need to know:  “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  In the Bible it is written, and from God’s own mouth it was said He is making all things new.  He’ll make you new. Each of us can be as perfect as Adam or Eve were before they ever sinned. You won’t have chronic pain, addiction, scars, or painful memories. You won’t have physical or emotional trauma.  There will be no global warming, no pandemics, natural disasters, or droughts. You will not have to build or pay for a house. You will not have to drill for a well. You will not have to buy food or wash it before you eat it. You will not fear wildlife of any kind. The earth will not die and neither will we!  Things to Remember in These Troubling Times The current troubling times are not part of God’s plan. This is a deviation, because we as humanity chose to follow the Devil’s deception that by eating the fruit we would be “like God” and “know both good and evil.”  Good and evil mixed together is exactly what we’re living in. Our current world is a big melting pot where good and evil are constantly stirred up together, and we are constantly having to make choices between the two.  The world is in turmoil. Nations and races are at war. Natural disasters devastate communities and economies. Disease overwhelms our hospitals and threatens our mental health. Violence is everywhere we look, on our televisions and on our streets. Human trafficking affects every nation and nearly 25 million men, women, and children.  You may know someone or many people who live with chronic pain, who die too young, who take their own life. You may know someone who has had their home swept away by a tornado or reduced to ashes by a wildfire. You’ve likely attended funerals, visited hospitals, even witnessed death firsthand.  During these times and as times get worse, remember these things:  This earth as you know it is not what God intended. Before you were even conceived, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:5). If you love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). If you believe in God, you will be saved, and resurrected at His return, and live for eternity (John 3:16).  And where will you live with Him forever?  The New Earth!

The New Earth is God’s promise to remake the world. No more pain, no more death, just life with Him.

What the Bible Says About the New Earth

Explore the biblical perspective on heaven and the afterlife. Learn about what happens after death according to the Bible at adventist.org.

What Happens After Death?

[object Object]   Before becoming Seventh-day Adventists , the founders of the denomination were sitting in the pews of other protestant churches in the early-to-mid 1800s. They were farmers, lawyers, teachers…and a handful of Adventism’s prominent early leaders were already involved in pastoral ministry.  The roots of Adventism can be traced back to the Second Great Awakening, which inspired a spirit of revival throughout the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. More people had Bibles in their homes and began to study Scripture themselves rather than leaving that to clergy. Many biblical truths were brought back into light, such as the seventh-day Sabbath and the literal Second Coming of Christ . Tent meetings and Bible studies led people to a deeper understanding of God’s love and His plans for humanity. People began to crave a more authentic Christian walk, beyond the traditions and rituals that had been routine for so long. Several separate groups of these devout Christians were dispersed throughout the northeastern United States. But God brought them together, and what began as the “Advent Movement” is now a worldwide Christian protestant denomination with over 20 million members.  Laying the Groundwork for Adventism: The “Millerites” and the Second Coming In the 1830s, a farmer, military veteran, and devout Baptist named William Miller continued the fervor of the spiritual “awakening” and sought to deepen his Bible study. Especially after returning from war and being frequently reminded of the fragility of life and the mystery of beyond, he focused on studying prophecy in Daniel and Revelation.  He eventually concluded Christ’s Second Coming would be a literal event rather than a figurative or spiritual event, which had been the popular reasoning at the time.  As he continued to study the “2300-day prophecy” in Daniel 8 and 9, he became convinced this predicted exactly when the Second Coming would be. Based on the events described in these passages, he believed the 2300 days began in 457 BC with the call to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and concluded at some point between 1843-1844.  As Daniel 8:14 says, “And he said to me, ‘For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state” (ESV).  Miller believed this to refer to the Second Coming, interpreting the earth to be the sanctuary. He preached fervently about the nearness of this Second Coming, which inspired many to take stock of their lives and focus on Bible study. He gained many followers who took his theories as literal predictions and eventually a date was set: October 22, 1844.  Obviously, however, the literal Second Coming of Christ did not happen by October 22, 1844. Miller’s followers, then called “Millerites,” were devastated. That day became known as “The Great Disappointment.”  Beginnings of the Advent Movement As you can imagine, as soon as the clock ticked past midnight on October 22, people were bewildered, angry, even scared. Many gave up their beliefs, and many went back to the churches they attended before.  Others, however, who had studied the passages Miller emphasized knew this was still an important piece of prophecy. They continued their study, wondering where they might have made a mistake. Especially because the Bible itself says the timing of Christ’s return is not known by anyone except God the Father .  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:31, 32, ESV). ((Also see Matthew 24: 36-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)) Over the next 15 years, many former Millerites continued their studies of prophecy and Christ’s Second Coming to see what more they could learn. They established multiple “Bible conferences,” or formal groups and events focused on studying Scripture, and identified a series of Bible truths that were forgotten or neglected since the days of the early Church. These truths can be summarized as follows: Christ’s second coming is imminent, will be seen by all the world, and it will be literal, not metaphorical. The seventh day, Saturday, is God’s Sabbath. The Fourth Commandment’s instruction to celebrate and keep it remains literal to this day (along with the rest of the Ten Commandments ). God does not eternally torment sinners, but rather the dead “sleep” until the second coming and last judgment. Christ now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary , thereby mediating to us the benefits of His death on the cross, saving us by His righteousness and not our own deeds (see Hebrews 8). In the last days of this earth, Christians will be tempted by apostasy but be called back to divine truth—the “third angel’s message” of Revelation 14—and a relatively small “remnant” of faithful believers will answer this call. This remnant would be marked by a recurrence of the prophetic ministry, and many people will display the prophetic gift and proclaim the good news (see Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17).  Seventh-day Adventist Church Organizes with the Intent to Spread the Gospel It’s important to note that while these biblical concepts were still being studied, those leading this movement were guided by a young woman, Ellen G. White . Her profound insight from God on these rediscovered truths astounded Bible scholars and clergy alike. They were also impressed by her humility and insistence for only God to receive glory.  White was recognized as a modern-day recipient of the spiritual gift of prophecy, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4:10, 11. She played an integral role in keeping things focused on the Bible, always bringing up new ways to apply these new concepts to daily life.  As time progressed and the aforementioned beliefs were outlined, this movement still only consisted of small groups scattered across the northern United States. They all had these beliefs in common but didn’t make a separate name for themselves.  However, since the established denominations did not acknowledge or practice these truths, it became clear that this movement would become something of its own.  Ellen White’s husband, James, also a prominent figure in early Adventism, began referring to these separate-but-united groups as belonging to “the Great Second Advent Movement.” Others used the term “Sabbatarian Adventist.”  Bible study continued on the central topics in this movement, so these groups kept in touch with the progress through James White’s periodical The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, which eventually spurred the denomination’s emphasis on publishing as an effective way to spread the gospel. (This periodical still circulates today, now called The Adventist Review .) Eventually, however, inspired by Christ’s great commission to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19, 20), the Sabbatarian Adventists recognized the need to organize. This would enable them to more effectively share these enlightening biblical truths, showing more people how they can find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus Christ .  The first vital step toward organization involved a gathering of delegates from across the northern United States on October 1, 1860. These delegates, representing their respective groups and areas of influence, agreed upon the name “Seventh-day Adventists.”  A few years later, in May of 1863, another meeting of delegates from even more congregations of Adventists gathered to form what is now called the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists . This newly organized denomination united under the purpose to share how a deeper understanding of Scripture not only prepares us for eternity with Christ, but for living more abundant lives in the here and now.  Global Expansion of Adventism As the Seventh-day Adventist Church continued to spread across the United States, the early church leaders knew this Advent Message of the Three Angels should be shared around the world as well. They would not let themselves become complacent in their “comfort zones,” and they began serious talks about mission work.  James and Ellen White, along with Joseph Bates, an Adventist preacher, urged the development of a plan for missions that included a focus on medical work to help meet the needs of people around the world.  The first Adventist missionary was J.N. Andrews. He was selected to go to England and Switzerland in 1874 to assist Adventist church leaders there. He eventually established the Adventist printing press in Basel, Switzerland. Ellen White also traveled to Switzerland, as well as South Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and Australia. The Advent Message spread rapidly as missionaries worked closely with publishing houses and gathered teams to canvas different areas and distribute literature. Several of these areas began writing to the General Conference to request more missionaries!  By the end of the 1870s, Adventist membership had tripled, passing 16,000 members. By 1901 there were 75,000 members worldwide, and the Church had also established two colleges, a medical school, 12 secondary schools, 27 hospitals, and 13 publishing houses.  Eventually, the Church also organized regional administrative offices, such as divisions, unions, and conferences, to more efficiently oversee various operations in education, publishing, health and mission work. Today the Adventist Church continues to grow globally, maintaining its focus on health and wellness, community development and mission work, publishing, and education. The Church currently operates over 8,000 schools around the world, nearly 200 hospitals, and over 50 publishing houses. According to Pew Research , the Seventh-day Adventist denomination is the most ethnically diverse Christian denomination in the world. With a rich history of dedicated Bible study and a commitment to applying biblical principles to daily life , Adventists remain an active, dedicated global faith community. Together they cling to Jesus as their only hope and eagerly await His Second Coming.  Overview of Significant Milestones in Adventist History Theological Milestones After 1844’s Great Disappointment, soon-to-be Adventists responded by deepening their Bible study and linked the 2,300-day prophecy in Daniel 8 to cleansing of the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, not the earth itself. This led to the formation of the Sanctuary doctrine and the Investigative Judgment (see Hebrews 8).  Following this concept led them to a deeper understanding of the importance of the seventh-day Sabbath . Even beyond Sabbatarian worship in the present day, studying Daniel and Revelation prophecies showed the Sabbath to be significant in earth’s final days, especially in the context of the “Three Angels Messages” (Revelation 14:6-12). The Sabbath is an original commandment to be followed like the other nine, so when the Third Angel proclaims the “patience of the saints” includes keeping the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (NKJV), this includes the original Sabbath day God established for humankind at creation .  These discoveries prompted the early founders’ conviction to preach the gospel around the world, letting people know the significance of these prophecies and what they mean for daily life and spiritual growth . Additionally, the idea of “present truth” significantly influenced how Adventists approached Scripture. The terminology was taken from 2 Peter 1:12: “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth” (NKJV).  The idea of present truth, as explained by James White, is that in any current time, certain duties or priorities will shift from what they have been, and they will continue to progress again as time goes on. The Word of God, then, should be used to “shine brightly where we stand, and not so plainly on the path in the distance.”  This does not mean that the Bible changes or that God changes, but as more is learned or revealed, the beliefs or positions of the church may need to be adapted to accommodate this spiritual growth while still remaining solid on its biblical roots. Present truth protects against the rigidity of doctrine, recognizing there is always more to learn from an infinite, almighty God.  Early Milestones in Ministry and Service Publishing: In 1848, James and Ellen White were convicted to write, print, and distribute a regular magazine to unite Adventists everywhere. This would allow them to share or discuss important points of theology (this magazine was initially called Present Truth , later changed to the Adventist Review & Sabbath Herald , presently called The Adventist Review ) This conviction to utilize the written word led to the operation of Adventist publishing houses around the world, both for informative and evangelistic purposes. Health: The 1860s marked the beginning of the Adventist Church’s expansive health reform efforts and healing ministries. Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan was established in 1866 as the first Adventist-owned and operated medical institution (also known as the Western Health Reform Institute).  In addition to organized healthcare institutions, early Adventist health reform involved early support of the germ theory of disease ((The idea that illnesses and infections are caused by microorganisms, in contrast to the idea that “bad air” or vapor from rotten matter causes disease.)), evidence of the benefits of a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. Education : Adventists believed proper education should include a holistic focus, educating the whole person rather than focusing solely on textbook knowledge. This belief prompted the opening of the first Adventist-sponsored school in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1872. Not long after, Battle Creek College opened in 1874. To provide direction for the future of Adventist education, the General Conference organized their Educational Society that same year. A Few Famous Seventh-day Adventists  Desmond Doss Desmond Doss, the “conscientious objector,” enlisted in the US Army in April 1942 but refused to purposely kill others or carry a weapon into combat because of his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He ended up becoming a combat medic during World War II.  His courage and determination in helping wounded soldiers earned him two Bronze Star Medals. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 soldiers, which earned him the Medal of Honor. He was the only noncombatant to receive this honor.  Doss was wounded three times during the war, and shortly before leaving the Army, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which cost him one lung. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he spent five years undergoing medical treatment for his injuries and illness. The life story of Desmond Doss was so incredible that world-renown writer, producer, and director Mel Gibson created a major motion picture about his life and heroic acts: “Hacksaw Ridge.” This movie brought attention to the Adventist denomination’s official position on conscientious objection.  John Harvey Kellogg John Harvey Kellogg may be a familiar household name because of the breakfast cereals he originally developed in 1896. Kellogg was an inventor, medical doctor, and pioneer in holistic healthcare.  He revolutionized healthcare around the world through his extensive research and promotion of the germ theory of disease, vegetarianism, balanced nutrition, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. His recommendations for complete wellness included regular exercise, fresh air and sunshine, correct posture, sensible clothing, and an intake of eight to ten glasses of water daily.  He became the superintendent of Battle Creek Sanitarium, and under his management it achieved global recognition.  Unfortunately the later years of Kellogg’s story involve his venturing into extremism, both in spirituality and in his business practices, and he was eventually removed from membership of the Adventist Church.  Dr. Ben Carson Dr. Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon famous for his rise from a difficult early life into noteworthy achievement in college and medical school, and eventually becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Carson’s fame mostly began in 1987 after his successful surgical separation of twins conjoined at the head. He enjoyed a long medical career specializing in traumatic brain injuries.  His fame only grew with the publishing of his autobiography and the 2009 TV movie with a similar title, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story . This illustrated the difficult childhood experiences Carson dealt with and the obstacles he overcame. Carson was the featured speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast in 1997 and 2013, and in 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2017 he was sworn in as the 17 th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  Carson often gave glory to God for his successes and he remains a faithful member of the Adventist Church today. Downloaded on July 4, 2019 from http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2019.pdf or years, with the day-for-a-year principle described in places such as Numbers 14: 33, 34 and Ezekiel 4:5, 6 Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 21, 2019 from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/john-harvey-kellogg

Our History

How to Download “The Great Controversy” Book for Free The Great Controversy is a book by Ellen G. White about the conflict between Christ and Satan, and how we’re in the middle of it. Learn more about this life-changing book.
The Great Controversy, a book by Seventh-day Adventist Church pioneer and founder Ellen G. White , is packed with details and insight about God’s love, His plan for humanity, and Jesus’ Second Coming. And it’s available (for free!) to download here (PDF and EPUD formats available). And if you’re looking for more information about this life-changing book, here you’ll find:  Let’s start with the question that probably brought you here. What’s The Great Controversy all about?  In short, The Great Controversy describes the conflict between Jesus and Satan . According to the Bible, this conflict started in heaven with Lucifer (Satan) and will continue until Jesus mercifully ends Satan’s reign on this earth—then recreates the earth for those who have chosen His free gift of salvation and His example of unselfish love.  Since before God created this earth , Satan has been stirring up doubt in the minds of those who will listen to his lies. He caused the first great deception by instilling doubt in the minds of ⅓ of the angels in heaven. Then he planted doubt in Adam and Eve’s minds. And he continues to attempt this with all of humanity .  And the lie he tells? That God’s character is untrustworthy.  This book, then, walks readers through history. It highlights this conflict between good and evil, showing how Satan’s lies are destructive and how God’s goodness will ultimately prevail. From the origin of evil, to the time of trouble, to the Second Coming , God’s law of selfless love wins.  Some of the historical moments and figures covered in this book include: The destruction of Jerusalem John Wycliffe The Waldenses Martin Luther The French Reformation The French Revolution However, one of the things this book is known for is its discussion of the “last days” of our world. What will happen in the final days of the earth’s history? How does the Bible prepare us for this time? How will God deliver His people? And finally, how will the great controversy between Christ and Satan end? These are some of the essential questions that this book answers, helping readers connect Bible prophecy to our own history. So if you want guidance in how the Bible answers these questions, then The Great Controversy is for you.  And here are a few other ways this book can be a helpful resource. Why should I read The Great Controversy?  The Bible contains all the information you’ll need to understand the big picture of where our world is headed and why, and how things will end up. What this book provides is like a Bible study companion, walking you through Scripture and showing how some of these prophetic details have shown up throughout history.  The Great Controversy helps put the Bible into perspective. The Bible is full of amazing truths and prophecies . Ellen White’s book illuminates the truths of the Bible and shows how they are further confirmed and revealed in post-biblical events, often in ways we might not have expected. The Great Controversy can help you through difficult times. Thinking about the end times can bring up feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. But this book reminds us that the end times are far more about our hope in Jesus Christ and the joy of the Second Coming than anything else. The Great Controversy can deepen your relationship with Jesus. This book was written to help bring about a deeper understanding of who God is —learning to see all the ways that “God is love” (1 John 4:16), and how His goal is to reunite with us.  The goal is to uplift and emphasize how God is trustworthy, His hand is seen throughout the history of the world, and His character is love, and love alone. It’s no surprise, then, that the book’s content is so important to the Seventh-day Adventist Church , which is where The Great Controversy Project comes in.  What is “The Great Controversy Project” and how can you benefit from it?  The sole aim of The Great Controversy Project is to share this book with the world, whether that’s through distributing hard copies of the book or by sharing the free digital download. The author herself said that it was part of God’s calling to her that the book should be shared with the world “without delay…because the warnings it contains are necessary for preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord.”  This statement is just as true today as when it was penned in 1891. The benefits of reading this book are limitless, and its contents are life-changing. If you want to experience these things for yourself, all it takes is one click to download it for free. And, if you’re interested, learn more about the conflict the book describes.  White, Ellen G., Manuscript 24, 1891 ( https://greatcontroversyproject.org/ )

The Great Controversy is a book by Ellen G. White about the conflict between Christ and Satan, and how we’re in the middle of it. Learn more about this life-changing book.

How to Download “The Great Controversy” Book for Free

What Is the Law of God According to the Bible? God’s law reflects His character, just, loving, and eternal. The Bible shows how His commandments bring freedom and life.
The Law of God is also referred to as the “decalogue,” “God’s Law” or “The Ten Commandments.” In some places you might see them displayed on signs, murals or sculptures in yards, on church walls, or on statues and buildings.  They are some of the oldest moral guidelines known to man. The law of God was first written down in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible . These 10 commandments are found in Exodus 20 and have served as a moral blueprint for humanity to live a life of freedom, respect and virtue for many generations.  The first few commandments help us maintain a healthy relationship with God , and the rest guide our relationships with other humans. They are a way for humanity to express our devotion and obedience to God, and a way for God to express His will and character to us. To learn more about the Law of God, we will cover:  Belief 19: The Law of God The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Exod. 20:1-17; Deut. 28:1-14; Ps. 19:7-14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17-20; 22:36-40; John 14:15; 15:7-10; Rom. 8:3, 4; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Rev. 12:17; 14:12.) Where did the Law of God come from?  The story of Moses journeying up Mt. Sinai and receiving the Ten Commandments from God is found in the Bible in the book Exodus, and reiterated in the book of Deuteronomy. At this time the Israelite people were in the desert after being enslaved in Egypt.  This large group of men, women, and children needed order and leadership after enduring hundreds of years in slavery. Many of them were born and raised as slaves to Egypt, knowing no other life.  While in the desert seeking the promised land, the Israelites leaned into their sinful nature . So when Moses met with God on Mt. Sinai, it was time to put God’s law in writing. After God inscribed His commandments on two stone tablets, Moses brought them down to the Israelites Exodus 20 explains the Ten Commandments, clearly written out so God’s followers could have a clear picture of His will and expectations for His people.  The first 4 commandments have to do with our relationship with God. 1. Do not have other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3). This means nothing and no one should be worshipped above God. Worshiping anything or anyone other than the one true God is a violation of this commandment. Idolizing celebrities, preachers, politicians, religious leaders, or any other human or god is putting other gods before the Almighty God.  2. Do not make idols, bow down to them, or serve them (Exodus 20:4). This means we shouldn’t create gods or idols to worship or serve. Many addictions we experience on earth can become a god to us. Today Christians may struggle with putting electronics, work, money, and even relationships above God. We can keep things of importance to us, while also keeping God and our relationship with Him at the top of our priorities. 3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain (Exodus 20:7). This means we shouldn’t use the Lord’s name unless we are genuinely speaking to Him or about Him. Swearing or cursing with God’s name, or claiming to do something in God’s name that in reality is self-serving, are ways of using His name in vain. His name should be used reverently and with honor. If you speak to or about God, it should be to honor Him or teach about Him.  4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). This means we should observe the Sabbath day, remember why God made it, and teach the Sabbath to our children so they also remember it.  Today, many choose one day of the week to attend church and have family activities. It’s important to note the word remember in the fourth commandment. The Sabbath day is to be remembered as the seventh-day of the week. On this day we should not only attend church, but worship God throughout the day, commune with Him, fellowship with other Christians , and do God’s good work. It is something to be treasured and enjoyed!  The last six commandments have to do with our relationship with other people. 5. Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). This means we should respect our father and our mother. Keeping the fifth commandment is about preserving your relationship with your earthly parents. This looks like obedience and respect, but can look different when they are unjust, abusive, or un-Christian. You can still honor and respect your parents in words and in communication as well as heeding their advice while choosing another path.  6. Do not murder (Exodus 20:13). This means we should protect and preserve human life, never taking the life of another. Deliberately killing another human being is a violation of the sixth commandment. As God is the giver of life, killing another is a perversion of His creation . While causing any death may not be a violation of the commandment, the intention behind the death most definitely matters. An accidental death, for instance, versus a premeditated crime that resulted in death–both ended human life, but only one intended harm.  7. Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). This means we should respect marriage, keeping our marriage vows, and not interfere in the marriage of another . The seventh commandment is about showing respect for your relationship and marriage vows , your body, and the body of your spouse. Sexual relations with someone other than the person you’re married to is adultery, but it goes beyond that. Adultery can include any non-platonic behavior with another person who is not your spouse, as well as emotional attachment.  8. Do not steal (Exodus 20:15). This means we should respect the property of others. We will not take it for ourselves or keep it without permission. Taking something that doesn’t belong to you, regardless of your personal situation, is a violation of the eighth commandment. If you take or use something that belongs to anyone else, you should first ask permission. If they don’t grant permission, it is stealing.  9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16). We should never make false accusations or dishonestly mar the reputation of another. Acting dishonestly , trying to make another person look bad, or even misrepresenting yourself, violates the ninth commandment. This could include making an accusation for which you have no evidence.  10. Do not covet (Exodus 20:17). We should appreciate the things we have and avoid longing for the things other people have, or feeling that we are entitled to what others have. Comparing yourself with others to the point that you feel you need to have what they have is a violation of the tenth commandment. This is about avoiding greed, and about putting trust in God to meet your needs. Letting feelings of jealousy grow within you often leads to ingratitude and eventually covetousness. Fixating on what others have can cause us to miss blessings, hurt others, or value things more than our relationship with God.   Many humans alive today and in the past experience a “moral compass” or “natural law” that helps us know what is right from what is wrong. Many would agree that The Ten Commandments align with the moral compass we all seem to adhere, But they contain some very specific and crucial instructions. Following these commandments lead us on the path of righteousness. Before the physical writing of the Ten Commandments of law and order for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 5, God says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (v. 6).  Following these rules was an expression of thanksgiving for what God did then as well as what He does for us now , freeing us from the slavery of sin. God freed the Israelites from generations of hard labor and slavery in Egypt. He frees us now from the bondage of sin and the eternal consequences of it .  The Bible tells us “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV).  After listing God’s law, in Deuteronomy 6, Moses tells the Israelites to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (v. 5).  Jesus says something similar in Matthew 22 when the Pharisees asked which is the greatest commandment of the Law: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV).  These two great commandments are the ten laws summed up. The first four are a reflection of our love for God. The following six have to do with loving God’s people, our neighbors.  While in a relationship with God, keeping the commandments is an expression of our love and devotion to Him. Keeping the commandments will help us grow in our relationship with God and maintain stable relationships with the rest of humanity.  God’s love is written in the law.  What is the Purpose of God’s Law? The purpose of God’s law is to protect us from the pain of sin, and the downfalls of selfishness . The decalogue creates a pattern of living that leads to righteous actions, thoughts, and relationships.  On earth there are consequences of sin that affect us now . Trauma, stress, divorce, loss, unhappiness, careless mistakes-—these are only some of the pain we can avoid when we keep God’s law. He wants us to be happy and whole. He wants us to be like Him, to be acceptable in His sight.  The Law that has been passed down from generation to generation and then recorded in the Bible is important to us as Adventists and as Chistians. The commandments show us God’s character and love.  Each commandment shows us that: God values human life (Exodus 20:13) God values relationships (Exodus 20:12-17) God values our belongings (Exodus 20:15, 17) God values our devotion (Exodus 20:1-8). God values us, and that is the most important thing to remember about the Law of God.  The Psalmist beautifully sums up the purposes of God’s direction in Psalm 19,  “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether” (v. 7-9, ESV, emphasis added).  As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in the timeless authority of the Holy Scriptures and the unchanging God who inspired their creation. God’s Law cannot and should not be changed.  “Until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18, ESV).  God’s law has not and will not change, so we encourage all Christ-followers to keep all ten, with the help of the Holy Spirit who Christ sent to help His people.  But it is important to remember that it is not our own keeping of the law that cleanses us, but the Maker of the Law who cleanses us.  That brings us to the greatest purpose of God’s Law: It allows us to recognize our sinfulness and our need for Him.  The Law Points Out Sin—But Jesus is the One Who Saves Us Law-keeping and rule-following are excellent goals for our personal lives. But those efforts alone will not give us salvation.  Focusing solely on keeping God’s law does not produce a relationship with God or a love for Him.  Imagine someone you love has a list of things they like to have done for them. You consistently do those things, and encourage others to do those things as well—but you never talk to or spend time with the person who made the list in the first place. That doesn’t sound much like a relationship, does it? Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (ESV).  It’s similar to the reason a married couple keeps their marriage vows. Not because they “have to,” but because they love the person they married. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 But even if we keep God’s commandments out of love, we as human beings are far from perfect. We will make mistakes.  Thank the Lord Jesus that it’s not the perfect following of God’s law that saves us, because of ourselves we cannot keep God’s law.  Rather, the law helps us learn where we fall short, and provides us with a framework of loving behavior to keep working toward.  The Bible tells us that we’re saved by grace “through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2: 8, 9, ESV).  God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross are what save us from the wages of sin, which is eternal death (Romans 6:23). It is through the Holy Spirit we’re able to keep the law in our human weakness, and gain salvation through Jesus Christ .  The law does not restrict us, but rather it frees us from the traps of sin and selfishness and gives the choice to follow God’s way. And it identifies our need for a savior in Jesus Christ.  The Word Made Flesh Adventists take the Law of God seriously, recognizing it is not meant to be a burden but a roadmap to a happier, healthier humanity. And if we ever find it difficult to consistently keep God’s commandments, we have the example of Jesus in the Bible. His earthly life of ministry demonstrated God’s law in action.  Jesus lived out the law while on earth (John 1:1-5).  He let nothing come between His relationship with the Father—not even His own needs. In this way He had “no other gods” before God. He kept the Sabbath holy (Luke 4:16), not because anyone told Him to, but because of His love of the Father (Luke 2:51). He honored His earthly parents and even made plans for His mother after His death (John 19:26). He not only endured the temptation to sin, but was sent to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh and still did not sin.  Romans 8 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh” (v. 2, 3).  Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14), and through Him we can see God clearer and learn from His loving example. When we keep the Law of God, we can be a witness to the rest of the world.

God’s law reflects His character, just, loving, and eternal. The Bible shows how His commandments bring freedom and life.

What Is the Law of God According to the Bible?

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