Churches of Christ and Seventh-day Adventists share several important beliefs about Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of living faithfully before God. Both emphasize Bible study, repentance, and baptism by immersion.
Yet their teachings differ in several significant ways, particularly concerning the Sabbath, the authority of religious writings, salvation, and what happens after death. Understanding these differences begins with examining what Seventh-day Adventists teach and comparing those teachings with Scripture.
Why Do Seventh-day Adventists Worship on Saturday?
Seventh-day Adventists believe the seventh-day Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, remains a commandment for Christians. They point to God's rest after creation () and the fourth of the Ten Commandments ().
The New Testament, however, describes Christians gathering on the first day of the week. In , disciples assembled to break bread, and Paul instructed Christians to set aside contributions on that day ().
The larger question concerns which covenant governs Christians today. explains that God established a new covenant through Christ, making the former covenant obsolete. Paul also instructed Christians to allow no one to judge them concerning Sabbath observance ().
The first-day assembly reflects a practice recorded among early Christians. Scripture does not describe Sunday as a replacement Sabbath or command Christians to observe it as a new day of rest.
What Authority Do Adventists Give Ellen G. White?
Seventh-day Adventists recognize Ellen G. White, a nineteenth-century religious writer, as someone through whom God exercised the gift of prophecy. Their official teaching describes her writings as carrying prophetic authority while identifying the Bible as the standard for testing religious teachings.
This raises an important question about how Christians recognize someone who claims to speak prophetically for God.
Scripture instructs believers to test those who claim spiritual authority () and warns against teaching anything contrary to the gospel delivered by the apostles ().
Jude also urges Christians to contend for "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" ().
The church must therefore measure every religious claim against what Christ revealed through His apostles. No later teacher possesses authority to revise or contradict that message.
What Do Adventists Believe Happens After Death?
Seventh-day Adventists teach that those who die remain unconscious until the resurrection. They also believe those finally condemned will be permanently destroyed rather than experience continuing punishment.
Several passages deserve consideration when examining these beliefs. Jesus described the rich man and Lazarus as conscious after death (), while Paul expressed his desire to depart and be with Christ ().
Jesus also spoke of the final judgment in , saying, "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Christians should examine these passages alongside the Bible's teaching about resurrection, judgment, and eternal life. Each contributes to understanding what awaits humanity beyond death.
What About Salvation and Baptism?
Both teach baptism by immersion for those who believe in Jesus Christ. However, Seventh-day Adventists generally describe baptism as a public expression of faith and commitment to Christ.
The New Testament connects baptism directly with the forgiveness of sins. Peter instructed believers to repent and be baptized "for the forgiveness of your sins" (). Ananias likewise told Saul to be baptized and wash away his sins while calling on the Lord ().
Paul describes baptism as being buried and raised with Christ through faith in God's power (). Understanding baptism therefore involves considering both the believer's faith and what God promises through that response.
How Is the Church Organized?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates through a worldwide organization consisting of local congregations, regional conferences, larger unions, and a General Conference.
In the New Testament, local congregations were overseen by elders appointed to shepherd the Christians among them (; ). Christ Himself is identified as the head of the church ().
This provides an important pattern for understanding the church's organization and the responsibility of its local leaders.
What Should Christians Make of These Differences?
The most important consideration is whether a teaching faithfully represents what God has revealed. Religious beliefs can be sincerely held and carefully developed over generations, yet every Christian remains responsible for examining them in the light of Scripture.
The Bereans provide a valuable example. When Paul preached to them, they examined the Scriptures daily to determine whether his teaching was true ().
That same willingness to investigate should guide every disciple of Jesus. The question is whether Christ and His Word remain the authority for what the church believes, teaches, and practices.
Those interested in studying these matters further are welcome at Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas.
Plan your visit and we’ll be watching for you.
To read what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm