Adventist

Adventist is a term used for followers of Adventism, a Christian movement that emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ and a distinctive set of beliefs and practices. The term most commonly refers to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Protestant denomination that traces its roots to the Millerite movement in 19th-century United States and was formally organized in 1863.

Key beliefs include the authority of the Bible, observance of the seventh-day Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, and the expectation of Christ’s Second Coming. A distinctive Adventist teaching is the investigative judgment, viewed as beginning in 1844, through which the heavenly record is examined prior to Christ’s return. Adventists also uphold the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 and place emphasis on health, education, and mission. Ellen G. White, regarded as a prophet by many Adventists, is influential; however, her writings are considered inspired but subordinate to Scripture.

Practices commonly observed by Adventists include baptism by immersion, regular Sabbath worship, and lifestyle choices oriented toward health, including vegetarian options and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. The church maintains a global network of churches, schools, hospitals, publishing houses, and charitable institutions, and supports a robust education and healthcare system with universities such as Andrews University and Loma Linda University.

Globally, Adventist churches report millions of adherents and a broad organizational presence in Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia. There are independent Adventist groups outside the Seventh-day Adventist Church that maintain similar beliefs but operate separately from the main denomination.