A Note from the President
The words were a bit indistinct, but with a bit of concentration and careful listening, I recognised the tune and the words of the song that drifted gently down the hallway. “Jesus loves me,” she sang, “this I know…” as she did whatever else was really important for a two year old to do.
I’m guessing you too know the song she sang. It captures the simple truth that’s at the heart of Adventism – the Gospel message.
As Adventists, we’re a people of prophecy. We have the blessed hope of Jesus return. We’ve learned to worship on Sabbath. We know about the sanctuary and other beautiful doctrines we hold dear. And the Gospel message is central to each and every one of them. It’s central to Adventist identity.
The three angels’ messages start with a reminder of the simple truth captured in that song that even two year olds love to sing. “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth.”
A friend reminded me just the other day that the three angels’ messages are truly about righteousness by faith – and that is good news.
Some have turned away from doctrine – only wanting the message of Jesus – just the Gospel. But the gospel is doctrine – and any teaching is, in fact, doctrine. That’s what doctrine means – teaching. It involves beliefs. Now the simple truth is that you can’t have Jesus wit
hout belief, teaching or doctrine. It would be possible to have beliefs or doctrines without Jesus. What a tragedy that would be.
Rightly taught, Jesus is at the centre of every belief held dear by Seventh-day Adventists.
Thank God for our wonderful Saviour! Thank God for Christ-centred, Bible-based beliefs. Thank God for truth simple enough for a two year old to begin to understand, yet deep enough for scholars to keep studying for years.
Thank God for this simple truth. Jesus loves.
Graeme Christian
Conference President