What We Believe

Abstract
This paper examines the fundamental doctrines that form the basis of unity in the "Arise and Rebuild" platform, rooted in the beliefs of the Adventist pioneers, especially the rejection of the Trinity and the affirmation of the Only True God and the divinity of Jesus as the only begotten Son. The analysis is structured in three categories: foundational importance and beliefs, guiding principles of attainments, and universality within the system of cardinal beliefs. All claims are supported by the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and Ellen G. White’s writings, demonstrating that these principles are central and indispensable to the movement’s understanding, practice, and ethical framework.
 
I. Foundational Importance and Beliefs
1. The Only True God
The Adventist pioneers, and the "arise and rebuild" movement, affirm the existence of one true God, the Father, as revealed in Scripture:
• John 17:3 (KJV): "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
• 1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV): "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."
Ellen G. White supports this distinction:
“The Father is the greatest of all, the source of all, the fountain of all.” (The Review and Herald, January 4, 1881)
2. The Divinity and Sonship of Jesus Christ
The "arise and rebuild" platform affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, distinct from the Father, and not as a co-equal, co-eternal member of a Trinity. This belief is rooted in the testimony of Scripture:
• Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV): "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."
• Hebrews 1:8-9 (KJV): "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever... therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee..."
• John 3:16 (KJV): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..."
Ellen G. White affirms this distinction:
“The Father is greater than the Son. The Son was equal with the Father, but the Father is greater than the Son.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, p. 18)
3. The Holy Spirit as the Presence and Power of God
The Adventist pioneers understood the Holy Spirit not as a separate person of a Trinity, but as the personal presence and power of God and Christ, working in the believer’s life:
• Psalm 51:11 (KJV): "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me."
• John 14:16-18 (KJV): "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter... I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
• Romans 8:9 (KJV): "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you..."
Ellen G. White writes:
“Christ declared that after His ascension, He would send to His church, as His crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take His place. The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 669)
 
II. Guiding Principles of Attainments
1. Restoration of Primitive Godliness
The movement seeks to restore the faith and practice of the early church and Adventist pioneers, emphasizing obedience to God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus:
• Revelation 14:12 (KJV): "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
• Acts 2:42 (KJV): "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Ellen G. White counsels:
“The church must flee from the traditions of men and return to primitive godliness.” (Great Controversy, p. 464)
2. The Authority of Scripture
The Bible is upheld as the sole rule of faith and practice, rejecting creeds and traditions that are not founded in Scripture:
• Isaiah 8:20 (KJV): "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV): "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Ellen G. White affirms:
"The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our creed, the sole bond of union." (The Great Controversy, p. 595)
3. Faithfulness to the Advent Message
The movement is committed to the proclamation of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, which call for worship of the Creator, rejection of false systems, and preparation for Christ’s return:
• Revelation 14:6-7 (KJV): "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth... Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
• Revelation 14:8-12 (KJV): The call to reject Babylon and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of these messages:
"The three angels’ messages are to be combined, giving their threefold light to the world. The platform of eternal truth is to be restored." (Evangelism, p. 256)
 
III. Universality Within the System of Cardinal Beliefs of Unity
1. Unity in Truth
The "arise and rebuild" platform teaches that unity is achieved not through compromise, but through a shared commitment to revealed truth. This unity is grounded in the character and teachings of God as presented in Scripture:
• Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV): "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
• John 17:17 (KJV): "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
Ellen G. White writes:
"The truth for this time is broad in its outlines, far-reaching, embracing many doctrines, but these doctrines are united in Christ. Let us not create disunity by departing from the clear teachings of the Word." (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 28)
2. The Universality of the Gospel
The platform affirms that the everlasting gospel is for all people, transcending culture, race, and nationality. The call to worship the Only True God and His Son is universal:
• Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV): "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
• Revelation 14:6 (KJV): "Having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
Ellen G. White states:
"The gospel is to be carried to all nations, tongues, and peoples. The message of truth is to unite all who accept it in one faith." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19)
3. Ethical and Practical Unity
Unity in the platform is not merely doctrinal, but practical and ethical, manifesting in love, obedience, and service:
• John 13:34-35 (KJV): "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
• James 1:22 (KJV): "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Ellen G. White affirms:
"True unity is found in obedience to the Word of God and in the love that binds believers together." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 96)
 
Conclusion
The "arise and rebuild" platform, rooted in the beliefs of the Adventist pioneers, is founded upon the central, indispensable principles of the Only True God, the divinity and sonship of Jesus Christ, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Its guiding principles emphasize restoration of primitive godliness, the authority of Scripture, and faithfulness to the Advent message. The universality of its cardinal beliefs fosters unity in truth, the global reach of the gospel, and ethical practice. These doctrines are not peripheral, but shape the understanding, practice, and ethical framework of the movement, calling all to return to the platform of eternal truth as laid by the Adventist pioneers.