From July 7-17, 2006, a modern hotel situated on the Mediterranean coast
near the ancient site of Ephesus was the venue for the Second International
Bible Conference of Seventh-day Adventist theologians and Bible teachers.
Organized by the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference, the
Adventist Theological Society, and the Siegfried Horn Museum the conference
brought together almost 250 scholars from every corner of the globe. During
the ten days of the conference, days filled with plenary lectures and a variety
of seminars on the topic of ecclesiology alternated with excursions to the
seven churches of Revelation, the ancient sites of Priene, Didyma, and Miletus,
and a boat trip to the island of Patmos.
The conference closed with a call
for theological unity. In a "consensus
statement" passed by a show of hands, the group passed six affirmations
and three "calls" addressed to various segments of the worldwide
Adventist community. The affirmations centered on the importance of the Bible,
the "unique contributions" of the writings of Ellen G. White, the
church's mission in the end times, its dependence on the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, and the role of theologians in helping to fulfill the church's
responsibilities.
Consensus Statement
Preamble
The Second International Bible Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Theologians
brought together Bible scholars and administrators from around the world
to Izmir, Turkey. The purpose of this gathering was to explore the biblical
doctrine of the church, to inspire commitment to its mission and unity, and
to foster fellowship. The program included visits to archeological sites
related to the seven churches of the book of Revelation. Theologians and
administrators prayed and studied together, seeking a deeper understanding
of the truth about the church that we hold dear.
Affirmations
At the conclusion of the Conference we, the attendees, make the following
affirmations:
1. We affirm, first and foremost, our commitment to Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord, to the final authority of God's Word, the Holy Scriptures, and
to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
2. We affirm the unique contribution of the writings of Ellen G. White to
the study of the nature and mission of the church.
3. We affirm our commitment to the
Seventh-day Adventist Church as God’s
end-time people recognizing that it is the responsibility of the world church
to establish biblically based doctrines and standards.
4. We affirm, in continuity with our
understanding of Bible prophecy and our theological heritage, the unique
identity and role of our church as God’s
end-time remnant, entrusted by Him with the message that prepares the world
for the soon return of our Lord.
5. We affirm that the fulfillment of our mission as a church depends on
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To a large extent it also depends on a clear
understanding of the nature and function of the remnant church and the degree
of theological unity in the church.
6. We affirm the vital role of theologians
in the fulfillment of the mission of the church—a task to which all
theological activity should aim, and without which our endeavors are incomplete.
A Call
In view of the above affirmations, we extend:
- A call to all theologians, teachers, pastors, administrators,
and local elders around the world to join us in our commitment to take
positive steps that will bring these affirmations to fruition.
- A call to
all institutions and organizations worldwide to support and promote the
affirmations set forth in this document.
- A call to all local churches and church members
to study the Scriptures and, together with us, affirm the unique role
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as God’s end-time remnant.
Thanksgiving
We praise God, for in His abundant grace He has called us to the pastoral,
teaching, and administrative ministry of His church. We thank Him for this
conference, and for the care and protection He has extended to us during
our travels and meetings. In a response of love and gratitude for His goodness
we re-consecrate ourselves to that divine call and ask God to grant us wisdom
and power to effectively continue to serve Him and His church.
At the close of the conference the theologians and
administrators voted the following recommentation:
Since international Bible conferences contribute to theological unity and
to a better understanding among Bible scholars and administrators, we recommend
that the leadership of the church allocate the financial and human resources
needed to convene these conferences at least once every quinquennium. We
also encourage church leaders to make provision for division-wide Bible conferences
that will include the participation of a limited number of theologians from
other divisions and from the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference.
Such conferences will contribute to further research on issues of theological
significance, enhance trust and collegiality among theologians, Bible teachers,
and administrators, and strengthen the unity of the church.
