Profession of Faith

In the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) tradition, a Profession of Faith is a public declaration made by an individual affirming their belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and their acceptance of the fundamental teachings of the SDA Church. It is an alternative to baptism for those who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination by immersion but wish to become members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Key Aspects of the Profession of Faith:

  1. Affirmation of Core Beliefs
    Individuals make a commitment to the fundamental beliefs of the SDA Church, including belief in the Bible as the Word of God, the Sabbath, the Second Coming of Christ, and the teachings of Jesus as central to their lives.

  2. Recognition of Prior Baptism
    If the individual has been baptized by immersion in another Christian denomination, the SDA Church recognizes that baptism and does not require rebaptism. Instead, they are accepted into membership through the Profession of Faith.

  3. Commitment to Christian Living
    The Profession of Faith includes a pledge to live in harmony with the principles of the SDA Church, including healthful living, stewardship, and obedience to God's commandments.

Scriptural Basis:

  • Romans 10:9-10: "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
  • Matthew 10:32: "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."

Church Manual Guidelines:

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (current edition) outlines the process and significance of the Profession of Faith, providing clarity on how individuals can be integrated into the church family. It emphasizes that this step is a recognition of an individual's prior Christian experience and their willingness to uphold the faith and practices of the SDA Church.

For more details, refer to:

  • Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, Chapter 6: Membership
  • Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines.

This approach fosters inclusivity while upholding biblical principles and the church's distinct beliefs.

 

 

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