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The 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of the church but are not a criterion for membership. The beliefs were known as the 27 Fundamentals until 2005 when another was added.

They may be grouped into the doctrines of God, humankind, salvation, church, Christian life, and last things, and can be read online on the website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church [1].

Contents 1 Preamble 2 History 3 What Adventists Believe 4 28 Fundamentals 4.1 The doctrine of God 4.2 The doctrine of Humankind 4.3 The doctrine of Salvation 4.4 The doctrine of the Church 4.5 The doctrine of the Christian Life 4.6 The doctrine of Last Things 5 See also 6 References

The preamble to the 28 Fundamentals states that Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed, and that revision of the statements may be expected:

"Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference Session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word." ^[1]

Adventists have historically been reluctant to formalize a creed. J. N. Loughborough made the historic statement in the October 8, 1861 Review and Herald article (now the Adventist Review):

"The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."^[2]

In spite of this reluctance several summaries of Adventist theology have been presented at various times.

• In 1872 a pamphlet was produced presenting twenty-five Fundamental Principles [2], not to "secure uniformity" but "to meet inquiries" and "to correct false statements." ^[3]
• In 1931 a list of 22 Fundamental Beliefs [3] was produced and published in the Adventist Yearbook, and subsequently in the Adventist Church Manual.
• In 1980, the 27 Fundamentals were instituted by the denomination's General Conference. They are expanded upon in the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines [4]. Note that this elaboration does not constitute the "official" position of the church.
• In 2005 another belief was inserted, fundamental belief number 11 "Growing in Christ", in response to the requests of Adventists in developing nations for a statement on spiritual warfare. It was voted in at the 2005 Adventist General Conference Session held in St. Louis, Missouri, yielding the current total of 28.

The following beliefs are listed prior to the 28 Fundamentals on the church's official website with the title "What Adventists Believe". While the 28 Fundamentals are the official beliefs, other belief statements have been provided on the website, for example.

• As a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures
• God's greatest desire is for you to see a clear picture of His character. When you see Him clearly, you will find His love irresistible.
• Scripture is a road map. The Bible is God's voice, speaking His love personally to you today.
• Jesus is the one who never changes in a universe that always does. Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Friend, God's Son, and God Himself!
• God's vision for you is life as He lives it! God loves you, and wants to give you the highest quality of life imaginable.
• In the heart of God is a place you can experience as home. God loves you, and wants to spend time with you personally, one on one, as two close friends.^[4]

Most links are to articles which discuss the topic in a more general setting. Only a few give further details from a specifically Adventist perspective.^[1]

1. Holy Scriptures

See also: Bible

2. Trinity

See also: Trinity

3. Father

See also: God the Father

4. Son

See also: Jesus, Incarnation (Christianity), and Christian views of Jesus

5. Holy Spirit

See also: Holy Spirit

6. Creation

See also: young earth creationism

7. Nature of Man

8. Great Controversy

Main article: Great Controversy

9. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ

See also: Atonement and Death and Resurrection of Jesus

10. Experience of Salvation

See also: Justification (theology)

11. Growing in Christ

See also: Sanctification and spiritual warfare

12. Church

See also: Ecclesiology

13. Remnant and Its Mission

Main article: Remnant (Adventist)

14. Unity in the Body of Christ

15. Baptism

See also: Believer's baptism

16. Lord's Supper

See also: Eucharist

17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

See also: Spiritual gift

18. The Gift of Prophecy

Main article: Prophetic gift of Ellen White

19. Law of God

See also: Ten Commandments

20. Sabbath

Main article: Sabbath in Seventh-day Adventism

21. Stewardship

22. Christian Behavior

23. Marriage and the Family

See also: Christian views of marriage

24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

Main article: Investigative judgment

25. Second Coming of Christ

See also: Second Coming

26. Death and Resurrection

See also: soul sleep

27. Millennium and the End of Sin

See also: Premillennialism and Annihilationism

28. New Earth

See also: Heaven#Seventh-day Adventist

• Adventist baptismal vows
• Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Seventh-day Adventist theology
• History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

1. ^ ^{a b} Fundamental Beliefs. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on 2006-09-12.
2. ^ (1861-10-08) "Doings of the Battle Creek Conference, Oct. 5 & 6, 1861" (DJVU). Review and Herald 18 (19): 148. Retrieved on 2006-11-06. 
3. ^ Schwarz, Richard W. (1979). Light Bearers to the Remnant. Boise, Idaho / Oshawa, Ontario, Canada: Pacific Press. 
4. ^ What Adventists Believe. Seventh-day Adventist church. Retrieved on 2006-09-12.