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Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

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you shall be your servant" (Matt. 23:8, 11),<br />

members are committed to relate to one another on<br />

the basis <strong>of</strong> equality. Yet they must also realize that<br />

following Christ's example means they are to<br />

minister to the needs <strong>of</strong> others, leading them to the<br />

Master.<br />

c. Priesthood <strong>of</strong> all believers<br />

With Christ's ministry in the heavenly<br />

sanctuary the efficacy <strong>of</strong> the Levitical priesthood<br />

came to an end. Now the church has become "a<br />

holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5). "You," Peter said,<br />

"are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy<br />

nation, His own special people, that you may<br />

proclaim the praises <strong>of</strong> Him who called you out <strong>of</strong><br />

darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).<br />

This new order, the priesthood <strong>of</strong> all believers,<br />

does not authorize each individual to think, believe,<br />

and teach as he or she chooses without<br />

accountability to the body <strong>of</strong> the church. It means<br />

that each church member has a responsibility to<br />

minister to others in the name <strong>of</strong> God, and can<br />

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