The Documents in this section have been prepared by Seventh-day Adventist theologians. They do not provide encyclopedic coverage of all subjects, but address issues that have been brought to the attention of the Institute. Additional documents are added as they are prepared for wider use. For titles now available, see the index below.
Documents |
Brief Explanation |
Adventist Heritage 
|
| Adventist Theology: The Wesleyan Connection |
The author explores the Adventist theological connections with the Wesleyan/Arminian tradition. |
| Another Look at Adventist Hermeneutics |
A short review of the standard Adventist approach to biblical interpretation. |
The Ark of the Covenant
Will It Be Found? |
An answer to this question by the late Robert Leo Odom, an outstanding authority on the Ellen G. White writings. |
| The Authority of the Ellen G. White Writings |
What is Ellen White's authority in the church? Scripture and her own writings provide an answer. |
| The Biblical Basis for a Modern Prophet |
New Testament support for a continuing prophetic gift. |
| Circumstances of Papal Visit |
What happened when Dr. Bert Beach visited Pope Pius
VI? |
| Ellen White as a Theologian |
While not a trained theologian Ellen White's inspired writings have contributed significantly to Adventist theology. |
| Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists |
The official statement of core beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists. |
| The Gathering of Israel |
A historical review of early non-Sabbatarian Adventists' dispute over Israel in prophecy (1844-1850) |
| Hermeneutics: Interpreting a 19th-Century Prophet in the Space Age |
On understanding the writings of Ellen G. White, with biblical examples of hermeneutical principles. |
| Prophetic Basis of Adventism |
Explores several prophetic themes relevant to the second advent of Christ. |
| The Remnant and the Adventist Church |
Discussion and evaluation of modern trends in the interpretation of the concept of the remnant, and a description of its biblical and eschatological significance. |
| Seventh-day Adventist: A Brief Introduction to Their Beliefs |
A brief review of the history and doctrines of the SDA church. Prepared for the dialogue with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Seventh-day Adventists and Life Insurance |
Should loyal Christians buy life insurance? What about Ellen G. White's counsel? |
| Seventh-day Adventist Position on Cohabitation |
What practical guidance is the Adventist Church providing on this subject. This brief document provides guidelines by one of our best-recognized ethicists. |
| Suggested Sources to Respond to Representations Made in the Video "Seventh-day Adventism, the Spirit Behind the Church" |
Resources for addressing questions raised by critics of Ellen G. White. |
| Tithing in the Writings of Ellen G. White |
Although Adventist practices are grounded in the Bible,
Ellen White discussed the matter of tithing numerous times and in helpful
ways. This carefully-researched article addresses how she dealt with important
questions such as What is the Tithe? How is to be calculated? For what
purposes is it to be used? and What is the true basis for tithing? |
| Was Ellen G. White A Plagiarist? |
Interview from 1981 with a leading copyright authority. Mr. Ramik describes himself as a Protestant, but not seriously religious. |
| What Prophecy Means to This Church |
Why the historicist approach is important for Adventists. |
| The Wedding Band, Ellen G. White & the SDA Church |
What is Ellen G. White's counsel on the use of the wedding band and how has it been understood by the world church? |
| Archaeology |
| The
Jesus Tomb |
Evaluation of the claims that the
tomb of Jesus and his family was found. |
| Bible |
The Authority of the Bible |
A selection of statements demonstrating Ellen G. White's understanding of the matter. |
| Authority of Scripture - Approaching Revelation and Inspiration |
Presents a practical survey of how to interpret the Scriptures. |
| Biblical Doctrine of Inspiration and Authority |
A careful theological review. |
| The Biblical Basis for a Modern Prophet |
New Testament support for a continuing prophetic gift. |
| Expository Sermon Preparation |
How to prepare an expository sermon; elements to take into consideration. |
| Issues on Revelation and Inspiration |
Brief history of inspiration and revelation in the Adventist Church, with particular emphasis on a proper understanding of "thought inspiration." |
| Is the Bible Our Final Authority? |
How do we deal with the question of Bible discrepancies and the balance between divine message and human writer? |
| The Unity of the Bible |
Discussion on the theological significance of the unity of the Bible. |
| |
Interpretation |
| Another Look at Adventist Hermeneutics |
A short review of the standard Adventist approach to biblical interpretation. |
| Irony
in Scripture |
Rhetorical features such as irony,
sarcasm, and hyperbole are used in modern languages but also in Scripture.
Recognizing them helps us to better understand the Bible. |
| Is Scripture Historically Conditioned? |
Historical-conditioning is a phrase that does not adequately express the manner in which Scripture came into being. A more accurate description will be to say that Scripture is historically constituted. |
| Historical Criticism |
This article sketches the beginnings of Historical Criticism and its impact on the interpretation of the Bible. |
| Interpreting Scripture According to the Scriptures: Toward an Understanding of Seventh-day Adventist Hermeneutics |
A discussion on Adventist biblical interpretation presented to a group of catholic theologians. |
| Methods of Bible Study |
The document voted by the Annual Council in Rio de Janeiro. |
| Scripture and the Paradox |
Scripture contains paradox statements which sometimes seem to stand in a tension to each other. How do we deal with biblical paradoxes? |
| What the Biblical Text Meant and What It Means |
Although we have to distinguish between the situation of the original hearers of the biblical message and the situation of the present listeners to the same message, the question is if the message is basically still the same or if it has to be adapted to the modern culture. |
| |
Canon and Versions |
| The E. G. White Counsel on Versions of the Bible |
Did Ellen White use Bible translations other than the King James Version? This brief report by Arthur L. White, her grandson, answers the question. |
| The Gospel of Judas and Scripture |
Some people suggest that the Gospel of Judas challenges Scripture. But does it paint a reliable picture of Jesus and supersede the biblical canon? |
| Modern Versions and the King James Version |
Is the KJV to be favored above all other Bible translations? |
| Which Version Can We Trust? |
Reviews the history of how the Bible was preserved, concluding with observations on modern English versions. |
| The Church |
| Baptismal Instruction in the NT and Other Related Issues |
Should instruction in the faith precede or follow baptism? A biblical review of the question. |
| The Church: Authority and Unity |
A careful look at the nature of the church from a biblical viewpoint. |
| Making New Light Known |
How persons who believe they have discovered new light may have it evaluated. |
| Thinking Biblically and the Pastoral Ministry |
This article is an assessment of doctrinal literacy among laity and clergy in the Seventh-day Adventist church. It suggests a particular understanding of "biblical thinking" as the solution to what is perceived as doctrinal illiteracy in the church. |
| Conversations With Other Christians |
| |
Catholics |
|
| The Biblical Sabbath: The Adventist Perspective |
A study of the biblical foundation of the Seventh-day Sabbath and its perpetuity. The paper also investigates and explains several controversial texts in regard to the Sabbath. |
| Interpreting Scripture According to the Scriptures: Toward an Understanding of Seventh-day Adventist Hermeneutics |
A discussion on Adventist biblical interpretation presented to a group of catholic theologians. |
| Seventh-day Adventist: A Brief Introduction to Their Beliefs |
A brief review of the history and doctrines of the SDA church. Prepared for the dialogue with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| |
Presbyterian Church (USA) |
|
| Ellen G. White and Sola Scriptura |
Discussion of the relation between the writings of Ellen G. White and the Protestant principle Sola Scriptura. |
| The Law and the Gospel |
Analysis of the Adventist understanding of the role of the law in the life of the believer and the gospel of salvation by faith. |
| |
World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) |
|
| Christ at His Sanctuary |
Introduction to the Adventist understanding of the sanctuary and its connection to Daniel. |
| Ellen G. White's MInistry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church |
Discussion on the Adventist interpretation of the relationship between Ellen G. White and the Bible. |
| Human Nature and Destiny |
Exposition of the Adventist view of Biblical on tropology. |
| Justification by Faith: An Adventist Understanding |
Discussion of the Adventist understanding of the doctrine of Justification by faith. |
| Seventh-day Adventists and the Ecumenical Movement |
Exposition on the Adventist position with respect to Ecumenical movements. |
| Independent
Ministries and Others |
| The ABCs of Dr. Desmond Ford's Theology |
After 20 years, occasional questions still arise about the content of Desmond Ford's document expressing his positions. This response offers a condensed version with evaluation. |
| Appeal
to Those in the Reform Movement or Those Considering Such Membership |
A call to those involved in the Reform
Movement |
| The Branch Davidians/Shepherd's Rod-Who Are They? |
Information about the Shepherd's Rod offshoot group called Branch Davidians. Reprinted with minor adaptation from the Adventist Review. |
| Information
on the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement |
History on the Adventist Reform Movement |
| Primacy of the Gospel Committee - Report |
A final report of a General Conference committee which for four years met with leaders of the 1888 Message Study Committee to review theological issues. |
| Report on Hope International and Associated Groups |
The final report of a General Conference committee on its discussions with leaders of Hope International and associated groups. Identifies areas of agreement and difference. |
| Some Background on the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Movement |
This document provides a first-person account by a follower of the Shepherd's Rods teachings who, becoming disillusioned with Vernon Howell (David Koresh), left his group in 1991. It contains many details of events leading toward the eventual destruction of Howell's group. |
| Practical Christian Living |
| The Anointing Service |
Practical guidance on the anointing service for healing. |
| Assisted Human Reproduction |
What harmonizes or conflicts with the biblical teaching? |
| Beer and Wine: The Bible's Counsel |
Study of the biblical passages dealing with alchohol. |
| Clapping in Church |
Applause appears increasingly in worship services. Is it a part of worship or something else? |
| Clean and Unclean Meats |
Study of the biblical laws of clean and unclean meat. |
| Cohabitation: Biblical and Ethical Concerns |
How shall Christians respond to an increasing social acceptance of this practice? This brief report provides a biblical perspective. |
| Cremation |
Is cremation an acceptable Christian method of dealing with the dead? |
| Display and Adornment |
Discussion on the biblical teachings on jewelry. |
| Fornication |
Study on the use of the greek word porneia. |
| For Members Only? |
A careful but brief study of what it means to participate in the Lord's Supper and who should partake. |
| Gospel Finance: Pulling Together |
Where should tithe and offerings be given? Does each member have a biblical mandate to choose for himself or herself? |
| The History and Use of the Tithe |
Five substantial essays trace Ellen White's use of tithe and its wider implications for today. |
| Holy Spirit and Fanaticism |
Ellen G. White counsel on the work of the Holy Spirit in worship. |
| How General Conference Investments Are Handled |
How the reserve funds that must be kept by the General Conference are managed. |
| Jesus and Divorce and Remarriage in Matthew 19 |
"What did Jesus think about divorce and remarriage and what are the implications for us?" |
| Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage |
From the Church Manual. |
| Noncombatancy |
A short review of the Adventist Church's position on noncombatancy. |
| The
Observance of Christmas |
Guidance on how we should relate to the observance of
Christmas. |
| Posture During Prayer |
Summary of the biblical materials dealing with posture during prayer and the contribution of Ellen G. White. |
| The Problem of Uncleanness |
Mark 7 has been used to declare that distinctions between clean and unclean food are gone in the NT. What does this passage teach on uncleanness? |
| Sabbath Observance-Guidelines |
The text of a report by a special study group assigned to recommend guidelines on how to keep the Sabbath. |
| Seventh-day Adventists and Life Insurance |
Should loyal Christians buy life insurance? What about Ellen G. White's counsel? |
| Seventh-day Adventist Position on Cohabitation |
Biblical principles and cohabitation. |
| Steeples and the Church |
Responds to an argument that steeples represent a pagan intrusion into church architecture. |
| Submission in the New Testament (Ephesians 5) |
Do the Pauline passages relating to husbands and wives provide for mutual submission? Here is a short study examining the issue. |
| Toward an Adventist Theology of Worship |
The impact of cultural influences has raised to high pitch the question of how Christians should worship. This article provides a foundational review of how worship appears in the Bible, with implications on how we should see it today. |
| The Wedding Band, Ellen G. White & the SDA Church |
What is Ellen G. White's counsel on the use of the wedding band and how has it been understood by the world church? |
| Philosophy |
| Existentialism |
What do we mean by Existentialism? Does it contribute to Christian growth or is it a threat to sound biblical understanding? |
| Nature, the Biblical World View, and Postmodernism |
Traces radical changes now occurring in western society regarding biblical values and world views. |
| Prophecy |
| The
70 Weeks and 457 B.C . |
The historical validity of 457 B.C. as the beginning of the 70 weeks. Why 457 is preferred over 458 B.C. |
| The 1260 Days in the Book of Revelation |
In Revelation a time period of 1260 days occurs. It is also described as three and a half years and 42 months. How should it be understood? |
| The 1,290 and 1,335 Days of Daniel 12 |
A study of the views of the pioneers and of Ellen G. White concerning the fulfillment of the 1,290 and 1,335 prophetic periods in Daniel 12. |
| The 144,000 and the Great Multitude |
This article not only discusses the 144,000 and the Great Multitude, but also other terms such as "remmant" and "saints" as they relate to the 144,000. |
| The Beast of Revelation 17–-A Suggestion |
Rev 17 is one of the most difficult chapters of the Bible. This article concentrates on the identification of the beast and its relation to the harlot. |
| The Biblical Basis for a Modern Prophet |
New Testament support for a continuing prophetic gift. |
| Current Events: Recent Resurgence of Catholicism |
Recent developments in the religious world point to the resurgence of Catholicism. |
| Ellen G. White and the Interpretation of Daniel and Revelation |
Does the Spirit of Prophecy support a day-for-a-day futurist application of the apocalyptic prophecies? |
| Futurism's Countdown: Fact of Fantasy? |
Why futurist interpretations of prophecy are inadequate. |
| Prophetic Basis of Adventism |
Explores several prophetic themes relevant to the Second Advent. |
| Recapitulation in Revelation 4-11 |
How shall we interpret the repetition of prophetic sequences in Revelation? |
| The Role of Israel |
Five authors respond to dispensationalist interpretations of Israel in prophecy. |
| The
Time Prophecies in Dan 12 |
A discussion of the question whether or not the specific
time prophecies in Dan 12 should be applied to the future. |
| When Did the Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9:24 Begin? |
Why the 70 weeks prophetic period began in 457 BC. |
| What Prophecy Means to This Church |
Why the historicist approach is important for Adventists. |
| Science and Religion |
| An Affirmation of Creation - Report of the Organizing Committee |
Final report of the organizing committee of the Faith and Science Conferences to the Annual Council (2004). |
| A Biblical Perspective on the Philosophy of Science NEW |
Philosophers of science have moved away from the belief that science brings us absolute truth. Three models for the relationship between science and religion are described. The third model takes both sicence and the Bible as valid sources of truth." ...heart and intellect must bow before the great I AM" (SC 110). |
| Book Review: Beginnings: Are Science and Scripture Partners in the Search for Origins? |
Here is the summary of a book which shows respect for both science and religion. The book demonstrates that the two disciplines can be mutually enriching. Issues in biology and paleontology are discussed in connection with the biblical account of origins. |
| Chicken Soup, Self-Organization and the Origin of Life: A Test |
How can the origin of life be explained without a creator or intelligent designer? Is the spontaneous formation of a living cell under proper conditions inevitable? |
| Creation in the New Testament |
When we discuss creation we normally turn to Gen 1 & 2. This article shows that the New Testament contributes a lot to the creation debate and contains fresh insights that supplement the Old Testament understanding of this doctrine. |
| Ecological Zonation: Theory, Problems, and Perspectives |
The Ecological-zonation theory of H. W. Clarke is explained, and its positive and negative aspects are discussed. |
| Flying
Serpents and Four-winged Dinosaurs |
How to look at a feathered dinosaur from a creationist
perspective. |
| An Orphan in the Cosmos? An Adventist Reflection on the Creation-Evolution Debate |
This lecture was the keynote address at the North American Division Faith and Science Conference, 2003. It is a theological reflection from an Adventist perspective on the interaction of faith and science; its benefits and dangers. |
| Petrification of Wood: How Long Does it take? |
This article provides a summary of a paper on the petrification of Alder wood and points out what implications it has for belief in a recent creation and a worldwide flood. |
| Preservation of Baleen Whales in Southern Peru |
The excellent preservation of baleen whales raises question about their burial and the time spans involved. |
| Response to an Affirmation of Creation |
The Annual Council (2004) response to the report of the organizing committee of the Faith and Science Conferences. It is a re-affirmation of the Adventist doctrine of creation. |
| Statements on Faith and Science from the Divisions |
Statements on Faith and Science from the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, and the Euro-Africa Division. |
| Tiktaalik: Another "Missing Link?" |
The article investigates the claim that the fossil Tiktaalik is a missing link between fish and vertebrates. |
| Theology |
| Dealing with "Discrepancies" in the Bible |
How should we deal with alleged discrepancies in the Bible? Here is a short discussion on some issues to be considered before one draws any firm conclusions on such matters. |
| "Deus Caritas Est": Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical Letter |
What does it mean to say that God is love? The article provides a critical review of Pope Benedict's Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, with particular reference to its implications for Church-State relations. |
| The Trinity in Seventh-day Adventist History |
This is a condensed overview of the history and development of Seventh-day Adventist understanding of the Godhead. |
| Husband
of One Wife--1 Tim 3:2 |
How should the phrase "husband of one wife" be understood?
Eight different suggestions are listed. |
| Open Theism |
What does the concept of open theism mean? What tehological problems give rise to it and what issues arise from it? What are its implications for Seventh-day Adventist theology? |
| |
Festivals |
| A Note about Easter |
A brief review of the Easter celebration and how it relates not only to the resurrection of Jesus, but why it has become a major festival in the Christian world and how it relates to the biblical record. |
| Passover and Pentecost: Optional or Obligatory? |
Biblically based response to Dr. Bacchiocchi's thesis that the festivals have value for Christians. |
| Should Christians Observe the Israelite Festivals? |
A substantial response to the claim that the Israelite festivals are also for Christians. |
| |
Godhead |
| Christ's Place in the Godhead |
A collection of statements from E.G. White on the Trinity. |
| The
Doctrine of the Trinity among Adventists |
Is it true early Adventists opposed the idea of the Trinity? How has our current understanding developed? A historical review of the facts. |
| Does God Destroy? |
Answers the claim that sin self-destructs without God's intervention. |
| Does God Get Angry? |
How does this relate to God's character? |
| How Should We Address God? |
The author responds to the claim that we should address God the Father and Jesus only by their Hebrew names Yahweh and Yeshua (Yahshua). |
| Reflections on the Doctrine of the Trinity |
Explores why the coming of Jesus affects our understanding of God's nature as revealed in the Scriptures. |
| The Trinity in Scripture |
What kind of scriptural evidence do we have on the nature of God, specifically the Trinity? The author explores the biblical teaching on this topic. |
| The Wrath of God |
How can God's wrath be reconciled with His love? |
| |
Jesus Christ |
| Christ as Monogenēs: Proper Translation and Theological Significance |
Study of the use of the term Monogenēs as it applies to Christ. |
| The Firstborn |
Jesus is called "the firstborn." What does this term mean? Does it indicate that Jesus had a beginning? |
| The
Jesus Tomb |
Evaluation of the claims that the tomb of Jesus and
his family was found. |
| Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1) |
Does God tempt people to do wrong? A short discussion of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. |
| What Human Nature Did Jesus Take? Fallen |
An exposition of the view that in the Incarnation Jesus took the nature of fallen Adam. |
| What Human Nature Did Jesus Take? Unfallen |
A review of the argument that Jesus in the Incarnation took the nature of unfallen Adam. |
| Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us |
Was His death necessary or an adjunct feature in His ministry? |
| |
Law |
| Is Jesus Breaking the Sabbath? |
John 5:18 contains a puzzling statement about Jesus breaking the Sabbath. Was Jesus breaking the law or not? |
| The Role of God's Moral Law, Including Sabbath, in the "New Covenant" |
A discussion and analysis of the Biblical material related to the old and new covenants and the role of God's law in both covenants. |
| Statuary and the Second Commandment |
Are all statutes prohibited by the second commandment? |
| |
Sabbath |
| The Biblical Sabbath: The Adventist Perspective |
A study of the biblical foundation of the Seventh-day Sabbath and its perpetuity. The paper also investigates and explains several controversial texts in regard to the Sabbath. |
| Change of the Calendar |
Did it interrupt the cycle of the Sabbath and Sunday or not? Letters from the London's Royal Observatory and the U. S. Government Naval Observatory in Washington address this question from astronomers' perspective. |
| On Esteeming One Day Better Than Another |
A focused study of Romans 14:5 & 6 |
| A Reply to "What Do the Scriptures Say About the Sabbath?" |
A careful review and reply to the arguments on which the worldwide Church of God based its abandonment of the Seventh-day Sabbath. |
| When Does the Sabbath Begin? |
Sunset, midnight, morning? A brief visit with the principal texts dealing with this question and a notation about Jewish practice in NT times. |
| |
Salvation |
| Adam and the Human Race |
Traces the understanding of Ellen White as it relates to this topic. |
| Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal "Legal" Justification |
Was every human "legally' justified when Jesus died at Calvary? |
| Christ Saved the Human Race |
In what sense can we speak of Christ's saving the world? Does it mean His death actually redeems all persons, regardless of faith or its absence? Does it mean all are redeemed but only an elect group receives the benefit? |
| Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10 |
A short but direct analysis of this passage to answer the question: Does this text teach that everyone has been saved by Christ's death who does not directly reject that salvation? |
| Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs |
A brief but careful study of the way the concept of being in Adam and in Christ is used in the Bible, and how it can be understood harmoniously with the other teachings of the Scriptures. |
| The Dynamics of Salvation |
A concise study of how humans are saved. |
| How Perfect is "Perfect" or is Christian Perfection Possible? |
A discussion of Christian perfection. |
| Justification and the Cross |
A careful, substantial, and thorough examination of
Romans 5:12-21 and the related passage in 2 Corinthians 5:8, 9. The central
question is how or in what sense was all humanity involved in Christ's
death on the cross. Is it a matter of incorporation or beneficiary linked
with faith? Here is an opportunity to see in depth how these passages may
be best understood. |
| Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works |
An explaination of the basic biblical truth relating to how we are saved. |
| Justification in Romans 3:21-24 |
In this seminal passage, how does the apostle relate justification to faith? Here is a brief but informative discussion of the question. |
| Salvation by Faith |
Foundational statement on salvation by faith. |
| Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification |
This brief paper catalogues a number of issues that must be addressed in any serious discussion of the theme. |
| Some Theological Considerations of Perfection |
What is the spiritual condition of the saints after the close of probation? |
| Some Thoughts on Original Sin |
What do we mean by original sin, and is it taught in the Bible rather than based in Catholic theology alone? |
| Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us |
Was His death necessary or an adjunct feature in His ministry? |
| |
Sanctuary |
| Day of Atonement - Does Hebrews 9:12-13 Point to it? |
This brief article explores the words used in connection with sacrifice and how they are used in Hebrews. |
| Light in the Shadows |
A review of the doctrine of the sanctuary with special attention to how the sanctuary relates to Christ and to salvation. |
| Response To "The Investigative Judgment: A Bible Based Doctrine?" |
A response to a challenge by Jehovah's Witnesses |
| The Sanctuary and Its Cleansing |
Daniel 8 and 9. Does biblical evidence really support a cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary? |
| The Theology of Divine Judgment in the Bible |
A review of the biblical doctrine of judgment. |
| |
Second Advent |
| Counsel Regarding the Question of the 144,000 |
A collection of Ellen G. White statements relating to the 144,000. |
| |
Spiritual Gifts |
| Prophets are Human (Book Review) |
Evaluation of a book on the prophetic ministry of Ellen G. White. |
| Speaking in Tongues |
A review of the biblical basis for tongues and the abuse of tongues. Includes a historical review of the phenomenon down to modern times. |
| |
State of the Dead |
| 1 Peter 3:18-22 |
Who are the spirits in prison? What does this difficult passage teach about Jesus? |
| How Long Is Forever? |
Biblical examples prevent a superficial reading of "forever" as a timeless concept. |