Q: I received Jesus as my Savior a number of years ago and am still in the faith. I don’t worship on Saturday, but on Sunday. I have heard that since I do not keep the Sabbath, I’m not a “true” Christian. My question is: Are the Adventists the only true church and are they the only ones that will share in the new kingdom? — Karen, from Bermuda
A: Karen, thank you for your question. The answer is, no, Seventh-day Adventists are not the only true Christians. There are many genuine believers in various denominations who are living up to the Bible truth that they currently know, and more people than just Seventh-day Adventists will be in heaven!
This does not mean, however, that all churches are true. God has never left Himself without a witness. He has always had a true, visible “church” or people (sometimes called a “faithful remnant”) down through history (think of Enoch, Noah, Abraham and the nation of Israel, and the early apostolic church).
The book of Revelation gives us important insights into God’s true church, through history all the way to the end of time. Chapter 12 symbolically portrays this history in terms of a pure woman, clothed with the sun. This is in contrast to the harlot of Revelation 17, which symbolizes an apostate church, and who is called “the mother of harlots” meaning she gave birth to other churches that also eventually fell into apostasy.
At the very end of the history of the world, Revelation 12:17 refers to “the remnant” of the woman’s seed. Unlike the harlot, this woman’s seed is faithful to the very end as indicated by their keeping God’s commandments (including the Sabbath) and having the testimony of Jesus, which Revelation 19:10 refers to as “the Spirit of Prophecy.” Revelation 14:12 also describes this same, last- day church as God’s true people who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
It is clear that the commandments will be a sign of God’s true people just before Jesus comes because the next event of the chapter is the coming of Jesus (v. 14).
So, from what we read in the Bible, the “true church” of God will be those who keep all of God’s commandments, including the Sabbath, and have the faith and character of Jesus.
If you would like to learn more on this very important topic, I recommend a free online Bible course from the Voice of Prophecy, titled, “Focus on Prophecy.” Visit voiceofprophecy.com/study/focus-prophecyto get started!
You may also enjoy reading a book that millions of others have found helpful in understanding this topic. Titled, “The Great Controversy,” it is available for free download at www.e-booksdirectory.com/details.php?ebook=6449.