Christian vs Seventh Day Adventist
Many different religions exist in the world today. For those who view religion as a vital aspect of life, this variety can be confusing. Two of these religions are Christian and Seventh Day Adventist. Understanding the differences between them is important for deepening one’s faith.
Who is a Christian?
A Christian is an individual who follows the beliefs, practices, and overall lifestyle of the Christian faith. The term “Christian” means “one who follows Christ” and comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “anointed one.” This monotheistic religion is based entirely on the teachings and life experiences of Jesus Christ, as found in the canonical gospels and writings of the New Testament. The central beliefs of Christianity focus on Jesus, the Son of God, who became human to save the world. Currently, there are three major Christian groups: the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox churches, and Protestant groups. Traditions include various physical gestures such as making the sign of the cross, genuflecting, kneeling, and bowing.
Who is a Seventh Day Adventist?
The Seventh Day Adventist, abbreviated as SDA and commonly known as Adventist, is a Protestant Christian faith, particularly known for its unique observance of Saturday as the original Sabbath day and the imminent second coming of Christ. The Seventh Day Adventist is based on 28 Fundamental Beliefs originally adopted by the General Conference in 1980.
However, these fundamental beliefs are not intended to be received as a “Creed” since they claim only the Bible as their one true creed. The followers of the church have high regard for Ellen G. White, one of its founders, whose writings are extensively kept by the church for reference as the ultimate source of truth. Adventists attend church and have their weekly service on Saturdays. Their church service follows an evangelical format with a sermon serving as the featured event in the ceremony.
Key Takeaways
- Both Christians and Seventh Day Adventists believe in one god, the Trinity, and the teachings of Jesus, the godson.
- Seventh Day Adventists observe Saturday as the original Sabbath day and have weekly services on Saturday, while Christians have services on Sunday.
- There are variations in traditions and specific beliefs between the two faiths, such as Adventists denying the immortality of the soul and the doctrine of predestination.
