Creation: The Bible's Worldview

Official Statements June 24, 2010

The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms its belief in the biblical account of creation in contrast to an evolutionary explanation for the origin of living organisms and the relationship of humans to other life forms.  Seventh-day Adventists note with great interest the increasing discussion of intelligent design in nature and the evidence that supports this view.  In the light of considerable public interest in this topic the Church takes this opportunity to express its confidence in the biblical record.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that God is the Creator of all life and that the Bible reveals a reliable account of His creative activity.  Further, we believe that the biblical events recorded in Genesis 1-11, including the special creation of human beings, are historical and recent, that the seven days of creation were literal 24 hour days forming a literal week, and that the Flood was global in nature.

Belief in creation is foundational for Seventh-day Adventist understanding concerning much more than the question of origins.  The purposes and mission of God described in the Bible, human responsibility for stewardship of the environment, the institution of marriage and the sacred meaning of the Sabbath all find their meaning in the doctrine of creation.

Seventh-day Adventists recognize that the biblical record of creation does not answer all questions that can be asked concerning origins. Our comprehension of such mysteries is limited.  We anticipate that continued study of both the Bible and nature will deepen our understanding of God’s power and strengthen our faith in His Word and the creation account it contains.

(This statement is supported by numerous Bible passages including:   Psalm 19:1; Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 1-11; Psalm 139:14; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27; Romans 8:20, 21.) 

This statement was approved and voted by the Executive Committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists  on June 23, 2010, and released at the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24-July 3, 2010.