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Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

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Matt. 20:28).<br />

Requirements and Guidelines<br />

Because <strong>of</strong> the impact a person's lifestyle<br />

makes upon his spiritual experience and his<br />

witness, as a church organization we have set<br />

certain lifestyle standards as minimal requirements<br />

for becoming members. These standards include<br />

the abstention from tobacco, alcoholic beverages,<br />

mind-altering chemicals, and unclean foods and the<br />

evidence <strong>of</strong> a growing Christian experience in<br />

matters <strong>of</strong> dress and the use <strong>of</strong> leisure time. These<br />

minimal standards do not comprehend all <strong>of</strong> God's<br />

ideal for the believer. They simply signify essential<br />

first steps in developing a growing, radiant<br />

Christian experience. Such standards also provide<br />

the foundation essential to unity within the<br />

community <strong>of</strong> believers.<br />

The development <strong>of</strong> Christian behavior--"Godlikeness"--is<br />

progressive, involving a lifelong<br />

union with Christ. Holy living is nothing less than<br />

a daily yielding <strong>of</strong> the will to Christ's control and a<br />

785

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