The South England Conference (SEC) is part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination committed to following Jesus, sharing the gospel, and serving others. As Seventh-day Adventists, we share many beliefs with other Christian groups however, our distinctiveness lies in our unique combination of biblical teachings, lifestyle practices, and mission focus. Below are the key aspects that set us apart. You can also learn about our 28 fundamental beliefs on the Our beliefs page.

1. The Sabbath (Saturday Worship)

Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, the seventh day of the week, the biblical day of rest as ordained in the fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). In This differs from most Christian denominations, which worship on Sunday, the first day of the week.

• The Sabbath is a sacred time for worship, rest, and spiritual renewal.

• Adventists refrain from regular work and commercial activities, focusing on family, faith, and service.

Key Bible Texts: Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 58:13-14, Luke 4:16.

2. The Second Coming of Christ (Adventist Hope)

The name “Adventist” comes from the hope of Christ's soon return and the belief that He will come visibly and literally (the Second Advent).

• Unlike some Christians who believe in a secret rapture, Adventists believe Christ will return in glory, visible to all.

• His coming will resurrect the saved, judge the world, and establish God’s eternal kingdom.

• The church is committed to preparing people for Christ’s return through mission and evangelism.

Key Bible Texts: John 14:1-3, Matthew 24:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 1:7.

3. The Three Angels’ Messages (A Prophetic Mission)

Adventists have a special focus on the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14, which call people to:

• Worship God as the Creator (Sabbath emphasis).

• Reject false religious systems (symbolic “Babylon”).

• Prepare for Christ’s return by choosing truth over deception.

• We see ourselves as a prophetic movement, called to proclaim these messages to the world.

• This belief fuels our strong emphasis on evangelism and mission work.

Key Bible Texts: Revelation 14:6-12, Matthew 28:19-20.

4. The Sanctuary Doctrine (Jesus as Our High Priest)

Adventists believe in Jesus' ongoing ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, based on the Old Testament sanctuary system.

• Jesus is our High Priest, mediating on our behalf before God.

• The 1844 prophecy (Daniel 8:14) is interpreted as the beginning of the investigative judgment, where God reviews the lives of believers before Christ’s return.

Key Bible Texts: Hebrews 8:1-2, Daniel 8:14, Revelation 11:19.

5. The Great Controversy (Cosmic Conflict Between Good and Evil)

Adventists believe in a cosmic struggle between Christ and Satan, known as the Great Controversy.

• Satan rebelled against God, leading to sin and suffering.

• The controversy will end with Christ’s victory, the destruction of evil, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.

Key Bible Texts: Revelation 12:7-9, Genesis 3:15, Revelation 21:1-4.

6. The Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen G. White’s Writings)

Adventists believe Ellen G. White, one of the church’s founders, was a prophet guided by God.

• Her writings are considered an inspired source of spiritual insight but are not equal to the Bible.

• She provided guidance on health, education, family, and church organization.

Key Bible Texts: Joel 2:28-29, Revelation 19:10.

7. The State of the Dead (Soul Sleep, No Eternal Hellfire)

Seventh-day Adventists reject the belief that souls immediately go to heaven or hell at death. Instead, they believe in "soul sleep"—that the dead remain unconscious until the resurrection at Christ’s return.

• There is no eternal torment in hell—the wicked will be destroyed completely (annihilationism).

• This teaching is based on the Bible’s portrayal of death as a sleep-like state until resurrection.

Key Bible Texts: Ecclesiastes 9:5, Psalm 146:4, John 11:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

8. Health and Lifestyle (Holistic Living)

Adventists promote a healthy lifestyle, often adopting vegetarian or plant-based diets and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and harmful substances.

• The body is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, and caring for it is a spiritual responsibility.

• Adventist health principles are backed by science, with studies showing that Adventists tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Key Bible Texts: 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Genesis 1:29.

9. The Importance of Education

Adventists operate one of the world’s largest Christian education systems, believing that faith-based learning is essential for spiritual and intellectual development.

• Schools and universities integrate faith, academics, and service.

• The focus is on developing character, leadership, and lifelong discipleship.

Key Bible Texts: Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

10. Tithing and Stewardship

Adventists practice systematic giving, returning tithes (10% of income) and offerings to support the church’s mission.

• Stewardship extends beyond money to include time, talents, and resources used for God’s work.

• The focus is on faithful living and trust in God’s provision.

Key Bible Texts: Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.