Statement About Adventism and the Year 2000

Seventh-day Adventists anchor their hope in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and joyfully look forward to the consummation of that hope in the soon return of Jesus. Adventists base their faith on the teachings of Scripture and believe that the passage of time is significant inasmuch as it brings us closer to the most wonderful event that ever will be witnessed by human eyes. We eagerly expect the visible return of Christ. Yet we do not speculate about the precise historical moment when that event will take place. Jesus told us, "'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority'" (Acts 1:7, NIV).

Consequently, Adventists do not attach religious significance to the ending of one millennium and the beginning of a new one. The year 2000 has no particular prophetic significance; it is not mentioned in the Bible, and any speculation concerning its religious meaning is to be rejected. However, we see each year that passes as bringing us closer to the return of our Lord.

We realize that the turn of a millennium has a significant emotional impact on the human race. No one alive has experienced such an event. Many are filled with concern, expectation, and even fear as we approach the year 2000. While many people are apprehensive in the face of turmoil in nature and in society, our Lord says, "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1, KJV). Thus, as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we share the hope of a glorious future that will become a reality at God's appointed time.

This statement was voted during the Annual Council of the General Conference Executive Committee on Wednesday, September 29, 1999 in Silver Spring, Maryland.