Belief #26. Death and Resurrection

[Chief]

Belief #26. Death and Resurrection

The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23...

Read more about this lesson...

 

[Chief]

Most people ponder life after death. The Seventh-day Adventists turn to the Bible for guidance on this topic.

We believe:

1. Death is an unconscious state, akin to sleep, until resurrection.
2. The resurrection occurs in two phases: the first for believers at Jesus' return, and the second, a thousand years later, for non-believers who face the second death.
3. Death came through sin, but eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ. The Bible describes death as a return to dust with no awareness.

Believers are promised eternal life and a resurrection at Jesus' return. After a thousand years, non-believers face the final judgment and the second death, symbolising eternal separation from God rather than eternal suffering.

Adventists emphasise preparing for the first resurrection through faith in Jesus, involving:

1. Believing in Jesus
2. Acknowledging sin
3. Seeking forgiveness
4. Repenting
5. Following Jesus

Through these, believers anticipate life on a new, sin-free earth. Adventists find solace in knowing God offers mercy, not eternal torment. Understanding this brings hope and peace, looking forward to reuniting with deceased loved ones in Christ.

Read more about this fundamental belief here.