Adventist Theologians Affirm Role of Bible, Call for Theological Unity

Ephesus, Izmir/Turkey | 18.07.2006 | APD | International

Theologians, scholars and administrators of the Seventh-day Adventist world church closed the organization's Second International Bible Conference in Ephesus, Izmir Province, Turkey, on July 15 with a call for theological unity.

In a "consensus statement" passed by a show of hands among the nearly 250 in attendance, the group passed six affirmations and three "calls" addressed to various segments of the worldwide Adventist community. The affirmations centered on the importance of the Bible, the "unique contributions" of the writings of church cofounder Ellen G. White, the Adventist church's mission in the end times, its dependence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the role of theologians in helping fulfill the church's responsibilities.

"The purpose of this gathering was to explore the biblical doctrine of the church, to inspire commitment to its mission and unity, and to foster fellowship," the statement notes in its preamble. "Theologians and administrators prayed and studied together, seeking a deeper understanding of the truth about the church that we hold dear."

As a result, the statement notes, the assembled group affirms the following:

1. We affirm, first and foremost, our commitment to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to the final authority of God's Word, the Holy Scriptures, and to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

2. We affirm the unique contribution of the writings of Ellen G. White to the study of the nature and mission of the church.

3. We affirm our commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as God's end-time people recognizing that it is the responsibility of the world church to establish biblically based doctrines and standards.

4. We affirm, in continuity with our understanding of Bible prophecy and our theological heritage, the unique identity and role of our church as God's end-time remnant, entrusted by Him with the message that prepares the world for the soon return of our Lord.

5. We affirm that the fulfillment of our mission as a church depends on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To a large extent it also depends on a clear understanding of the nature and function of the remnant church and the degree of theological unity in the church.

6. We affirm the vital role of theologians in the fulfillment of the mission of the church--a task to which all theological activity should aim, and without which our endeavors are incomplete."

Though there was general agreement on all the points raised as affirmations, scholars at the July 15 session raised questions about various wordings and phrasings. While some editorial changes were incorporated, Dr. Angel Manuel Rodríguez, director of the church's Biblical Research Institute, cautioned attendees that "you have to look at the whole document," and not isolated sentences or phrases, in order to get its full meaning.

Along with the affirmations, delegates voted three "calls" to the church:

* A call to all theologians, teachers, pastors, administrators, and local elders around the world to join us in our commitment to take positive steps that will bring these affirmations to fruition.

* A call to all institutions and organizations worldwide to support and promote the affirmations set forth in this document.

* [And] a call to all local churches and church members to study the Scriptures and, together with us, affirm the unique role of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as God's end-time remnant."

The session also voted a recommendation to Adventist world church leaders that similar Bible conferences be held once every quinquennium, and that smaller conferences be organized in each of the world church's 13 divisions, or regions. The first such conference, the International Jerusalem Bible Conference, was held in 1998 in Israel.

"Such conferences will contribute to further research on issues of theological significance, enhance trust and collegiality among theologians, Bible teachers, and administrators, and strengthen the unity of the church," the recommendation reads in part. The church-owned Biblical Research Institute (BRI) will send copies of the document to church leaders after the conference.

The affirmation capped a day of worship and reflection, which began with six small group classes studying the week's Adult Bible Study Guide lesson. During morning worship, Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, a general vice president of the world church, speaking in a conference room overlooking the Aegean Sea, asked delegates "What are you going to take from these shores?"

He answered, "As we leave here, you are called to proclaim repentance and reformation. ... As nurturers of the Advent Hope, you are appointed to call God's people to repentance, revival and reformation."

Wilson's appeal, which met a unanimous response during the prayer time at the service's conclusion, was followed by a similar evening devotional by Pastor Don C. Schneider, president of the Adventist church in North America.

Schneider related story after story of how he and members of his family have been involved in relationship building with neighbors, academy students and others, setting the stage to witness to them about Jesus. He challenged delegates, particularly those teaching in Adventist colleges and universities, to make each student a prayer and witnessing target, as well as the object of instruction.

The conference, which already included land tours of the ruins and remains of the seven church cities in Asia Minor spoken of in the book of Revelation, wound up its explorations of this portion of Turkey on July 16. [News Editor: Mark A. Kellner for ANN/APD]

More information on the Biblical Research Institute can be found online at http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org


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