The Enduring Resolution on the Intermediate State and Final Punishment
Preface
My commentary here is not part of the official text for the following enduring resolution; I provide it in order to explain the relationship between the resolution and the proposed 2026 Declaration of Principles. Understandably, some who read the proposal and take note of the open-handed posture articulated under principles VII and IX may fear that the denomination might eventually be overtaken by those who believe in a conscious intermediate state and eternal torment; there is a fear that we who are thoroughgoing conditionalists could become unwelcome and lose our denominational home.
As I have recently noted, it is already the case that nothing prevents that outcome given our lack of standards for denominational membership. Even so, I recognized and anticipated the concern above. Accordingly, I proposed, and the ACGC Executive Council unanimously supported, bringing the following enduring resolution before the delegate body. Together with the 2026 DOP, it presents an opportunity to precisely communicate our convictions as Advent Christians.
To start, it makes clear that Advent Christians historically and presently favor the doctrines of the sleep of the dead and the destruction of the wicked. It leaves no doubt that these are privileged doctrinal positions in our denomination. Following this, with the generosity that has long been exercised by our people towards those who disagree with us on these particular positions, we officially recognize that belief in the conscious intermediate state and in eternal torment are tolerable positions to hold in our body. Unlike other denominations that have been divisive on these issues, bodies that have turned away worthy members and pastors from their fellowship over their such differences, the Advent Christians denomination sets a different course. We offer peace, encouraging unity in Christ across such differences. It is a posture that naturally follows from our convictions as Adventists - Christ is returning, we have no time for such needless division! Both in our denomination and beyond, we should advocate for such peace.
Advent Christian pastors and churches must be expected to uphold the spirit of this resolution. This expectation serves as a safeguard against any who might enter from outside with a divisive spirit; any ministry candidate who cannot agree to uphold this resolution should not be given credentials.
To be clear, peace does not mean silence on these issues. In fact, it is my aspiration that we would encourage further study and conversation in these areas (and others) by cultivating a Berean spirit among us; Advent Christians should become known for being careful, charitable thinkers. Many more people today are open-minded on these doctrines, even if they are not decided as to whether they agree with our favored positions. Too many feel they cannot join us because they feel pressed to make a decision they are not yet prepared to make. By extending this olive branch, we give them time to study and fully consider their position in the conducive environment of our denomination. Paired with the 2026 Declaration of Principles, this enduring resolution altogether best represents who we are as Advent Christians.
The Enduring Resolution
on the Intermediate State and the Final Punishment
Whereas the stated beliefs of the Advent Christian General Conference have historically included and presently favor the belief that the dead are unconscious from the time of death until the day of resurrection.
Whereas these stated beliefs have historically included and presently favor the belief in the final destruction of the wicked in the lake of fire, resulting in a complete extinction of being.
Whereas the aforementioned beliefs have been sincerely advanced within the bounds of sound biblical reason and the Christian tradition.
Whereas the same may be said of those who believe in a conscious intermediate state and the eternal torment of the wicked.
Be it therefore resolved that we should promote the unity of the Body of Christ, in the spirit of Christ’s prayer in John 17 and in anticipation of the Lord’s return, by offering the right hand of fellowship across these differences within the Advent Christian General Conference.
Be it further resolved that Advent Christian ministers should exhibit charity across these differences, never scandalizing one side or the other, even as they continue to maintain their own convictions with all sincerity.
Be it further resolved that no Advent Christian church should exclude or remove any person from membership on the sole basis of these differences.
Be it further resolved that the Advent Christian General Conference should encourage every Christian denomination to adopt this irenic posture within their fellowship.
Be it further resolved that conversation and study in these areas should continue to be encouraged and never silenced on the basis of this resolution.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.