The Bible is our guide to the unseen world, which provides divine revelations of things past and future (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 24:35). It should be taken literally except when symbolic meaning is clearly indicated. We should avoid seeking mystical or fanciful interpretations of scripture and let the Word explain itself. All ARCS beliefs and teachings are founded on scripture.
The Godhead is made up of Four distinct, eternal individuals, as indicated by the name Elohim (Genesis 1:26; Luke 1:35; Exodus 3:1-6).
Earth’s history started about six thousand years ago when God created this universe (Genesis 1). He again brought the world back into its primordial state in the worldwide Flood after humanity became corrupt and the earth was filled with violence Genesis 6:11-13).
A cosmic battle between good and evil is raging. It began in Heaven when Lucifer, the highest angel, rebelled against God and began deceiving (Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14:12-20, Revelation 12). After his transformation of character, his name was changed to Satan, which signifies an adversary or accuser (Job 1:7).
The fall of humanity brought the battle from Heaven to Earth when humanity accepted Satan’s temptation to violate God’s instructions (Genesis 3). At that point, evil entered the world and nature changed as well. Since then, weakness, infirmity, and death have continued. Human nature is now weak and “fallen,” but we may be restored through Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Messiah lived a perfect life as our example and died as a sacrifice for our sins (John 13:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He was raised to life on the third day and returned to Heaven, where he continues to minister in the heavenly sanctuary until he returns to get his people (Hebrews 4:14-16). It is our privilege to have a personal, saving relationship with him through prayer and fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Humans come to life when we are born and have no previous lives (John 16:21; Hebrews 9:27; Job 7:9-10). The body, mind and spirit are the three aspects of our being which must be kept in balance (Romans 8:5-8). These interdependent elements cease to exist when we die. Those who have passed, good or evil, are quietly resting in death with no consciousness until the resurrection (Psalm 49:20; Ecclesiastes 9:5; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Rather than burning forever (John 3:16), those who refuse God’s offer of salvation will cease to exist after the earth is cleansed.
The original sin of our first parents, and our own wrong choices, have excluded us from eternal life (Romans 5:14-19). But we can gain that back through Christ's forgiveness and restoration (John 3:16). His forgiveness is also known as justification. We are justified when we accept Christ’s sacrifice in place of our sins (Romans 5:1, 8- 10; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). This means we are forgiven of our past wrongs and accepted by God. This life-changing grace is symbolized by baptism (Acts 2:38, 22:16).
Through a process of sanctification, we are restored to Christ's likeness as we seek to draw ever closer to him (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1). In this, we are coming into a New Covenant experience of learning to love God’s law from the depths of our soul, in the hidden places of our hearts, rather than just speaking Christian words or going through the motions of good works (Hebrews 10:16). We are continually examining our hearts in comparison with the mirror of God’s law to see how we can grow more like him (James 1:22-25; Psalm 139:23-24). Our motive comes from the joy of knowing and loving him (John 7:45-46; 1 John 3:1; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
This process takes time and is somewhat like the growth of plants in nature. In Mark 4:28, Jesus compared this to the development of wheat or corn. Many of the beliefs and teachings we're sharing on this page may be somewhat new to readers. But don't be discouraged if you find it different than what you are used to or if some of it seems out of reach from where you are currently. We don't have it within ourselves to change any more than plants have it within themselves to grow apart from soaking up the sunshine and rain that comes from outside of themselves. Jesus' love and the truths of God's Word are those elements that feed our spirit and help us grow. So, don't think of any of these as a "dos or don'ts" checklist, because that's putting the cart before the horse. Anything that we do for Christ must spring from our love and affection for him, and only then will we have the power to do it in the strength and joy of the spirit.
Sometimes it can be difficult when you're dealing with long-term habits and influences. But God has great compassion on our weakness and deals with us as tenderly as a loving father with his child. Many places in the Bible speak of the righteous struggle of those who are seeking to overcome the sinful nature. Paul, one of the most zealous Christian workers, spoke of his own battles with this in Romans 7:15-25. Proverbs 24:16 describes it saying that though the righteous fall seven times they keep rising up each time. To never give up and keep looking to Jesus are the keys to ultimate triumph.
Christ’s return (also called the second advent, as referred to in the acronym "ARCS") is our hope and constant reference point (Titus 2:13). Many prophecies are fulfilling, indicating it will be soon, including repeats of the seals and trumpets of Revelation. Earth entered the cosmic day of atonement at the end of Daniel’s 2300 years since the start of the 490-year prophecy that pointed to Christ (Daniel 8:14; Daniel 9:24-27), indicating Jesus is now in the most holy place in Heaven’s temple, completing the final work of cleansing in preparation to return.
This is also symbolic of sanctification, cleansing the temple made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5), one of many biblical analogies indicating that God is preparing a final group of people who will perfectly reflect Jesus' likeness (Romans 8:19-23; Genesis 5:3), regardless of their sinful backgrounds (Matthew 2:15, 20:1-16). Being aware of these truths helps us maintain perspective so that we don’t waste too much time building things that are about to be destroyed (Matthew 6:19-21). After end-time events, the earth will lie fallow for a thousand years while God’s people are with him in Heaven (John 14:2-3; Revelation 20).
Earth’s future holds the impending event of a fiery judgment, which will cleanse it from corruption and destroy those who chose selfishness instead of harmony with God and each other (2 Peter 3:10-13). This tragedy will end in triumph when God recreates the earth anew and restores it to its original beauty (Revelation 21:1), to be our forever home.
Becoming a Christian involves joining God’s eternal kingdom in a very literal sense. First, we study all about it in the scriptures to understand what his kingdom involves. As we do this, we begin to learn his language through the knowledge of biblical truths and teachings about his love. Finally, when we accept Christ as our Savior and choose baptism, we swear an oath of allegiance and loyalty to him. Then our names are registered in Heaven as naturalized citizens (Hebrews 12:23). We will physically move there to live as soon as Jesus comes.
Because earthly governments mirror heavenly, it’s easy to understand why God has laws, just as any nation does. He has made a simple summary of them through the ten commandments (Exodus 20). He has also explained them as being summarized in one word, “LOVE,” (Romans 13:10). Accepting Christ’s leadership, we seek to live by these principles and have them written on our minds and hearts (Hebrews 8:10). We don't do this in our own strength, but by trusting in Christ and beholding him (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Just like most governments, the Kingdom of Heaven marks time through an officially recognized system. Through this, it marks the times that will be kept throughout eternity. The weekly rest day for fellowship with Jesus and drawing close to him is the Sabbath, the seventh day, as established at Creation. National holidays are the biblical feasts and new moons, as described in Leviticus, etc. (Genesis 1:14). After the days of the apostles these were forgotten, but they are becoming recognized again. On these days, we may observe the Lord’s Supper as an agape feast, which he implemented on the night before his crucifixion.
Israel is another name for God’s earthly kingdom, a term inclusive of all who believe in Jesus (Romans 9:6-8). According to biblical Instructions, we should not focus on the earthly nation of Israel. The end-time church that makes it to the final hour is also likened to Philadelphia. These are the faithful ones, rather than the lukewarm ones. It's those who seek the Lord in earnest with fervent faith (Revelation 3:10, 16). Only God sees and knows those who make up this group.
Just as most governments have a tax system of some kind (Romans 13:7), God asks us to give of our means to support him, including financial time and efforts, etc. This provides for God’s work and helps us develop a spirit of unselfishness. Tithes were intended to provide for the priesthood, which the New Testament equates with the pastoral ministry (Numbers 18:21, 26; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Thus, the practice continues for earthly pastors in their relation to our High Priest in the heavenly temple Hebrews 6, 7, 8:1-2. But in these times, when Laodicean churches have been found unfaithful, as indicated by multiple prophecies (more on this later), funds can be given or used for worthy ministry projects. ARCS is not accepting tithes since we currently have no ministers to support. We also are not accepting offerings or donations unless or until we have specific projects.
It should be noted that tithes were mostly mentioned in relation to land produce, though Deuteronomy 14:22-25 links them as interchangeable with money. But the connection of land ownership with tithe would indicate that those without much means, such as the poor, travelers, orphans, and widows, etc., shouldn’t be expected to pay tithes when they aren’t able to. But they should give when they can and make other sacrifices to God's cause, such as by sharing their spiritual gifts, etc.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 speaks of a third tithe which was set aside for the poor as part of their civil welfare system. Most countries have welfare systems of some kind, so we typically shouldn't be concerned with this kind of thing. But we should continue to give freewill offerings for the poor, in keeping with scriptures.
Verses 22-25, as above noted, is speaking of a second tithe which was collected by a family to use for themselves to participate in the feast days celebrations. It’s unclear how often this tithe was collected, but it could serve as a general guideline to encourage people to set aside funds to provide for food and lodging to participate in camp meetings and spiritually uplifting events.
Those who are redeemed in Christ have gone from death to life. Eternal life begins now for those who align themselves with Heaven’s principles. How Proverbs 8:36 says those who hate God love death is a clue to the health-promoting and life-giving nature of scriptural principles. For example, how ministry to others is one of the most life-sustaining principles in all of nature, as noted in this LEM article.
As it's been said, life is a gift from God but our gift back to him is to take care of it. It's not ours to throw away (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are responsible for the life we’ve been given, like the talents in Christ’s parable (Matthew 25:14-30). Though busy schedules and other factors often make it difficult to take perfect care of ourselves, we should increasingly seek to move away from things that don’t lead to life (3 John 1:2).
Balance is one of the most important life-sustaining principles. Found throughout nature, it’s closely linked with the concept of moderation. Taking balance into every aspect of life will help us fine tune our lives and increase our effectiveness. It can help you avoid overworking at the same time that it keeps you from being indolent, for example. And it can help you be assertive without being aggressive.
Temperance, a closely related principle, teaches us to avoid toxic and addictive substances that can drain financial resources and enslave our spirituality (Proverbs 23:31-33; Deuteronomy 32:33). This is one of the few areas where moderation doesn’t apply because we don’t need a moderate amount of something toxic. We should avoid them entirely to keep from being ensnared by them. All addictive substances have detrimental effects on mental, physical, and spiritual health.
We need to be moving toward a healthy diet and lifestyle to honor God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This will provide more energy, strength, and happiness. Though it’s been said life doesn’t come with a manual, it really does. Our Creator knows what fuel is best for the human body and left clues throughout the Bible supporting a mostly or all plant-based foods diet that includes complex carbohydrates (Genesis 2:16; Daniel 1:11-20; Isaiah 11:9; Luke 22:19).
If animal products are occasionally used, well-cooked eggs are preferable to dairy due to risks of hidden prion contamination. Occasional organic eggs can be especially helpful and important for those who have trouble getting enough nutrients and for pregnant or lactating women and children due to the developing brain of the child. Unclean meats are mentioned in scripture due to their contamination with parasites, microbes, and toxins that make them especially unhealthful (Deuteronomy 14:3-21).
A mostly plant-based diet provides the best physical and mental endurance and long-term health for most people. It also helps avoid toxins, parasites, heavy metals, and cholesterol found in animal-based foods. But if you’re not used to eating this way, it’s important to learn and make careful changes to ensure you don’t create nutritional deficiencies. It’s also important to be patient with friends and family members who may not be ready to accept such changes.
Providing your body with other healing elements is also crucial through getting enough pure water, fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and rest. Connecting with God and trusting in him on a moment-by-moment basis is important for emotional balance to reduce the negative effects of stress. This is the way of Shalem, the way of health and peace. We’ll be sharing more about our Shalem RENEWAL program as we go along, which is an acronym for Rest, Exercise, Nutrition, Equilibrium, Water, Air, and Light.
Along with these, a few other simple measures that may provide a healing environment to boost the body’s innate processes include cleansing, deep breathing, good posture, and avoiding constrictive clothing or cold air on the extremities. Hydrotherapy, massage, and a few simple herbs or essential oils may also be helpful at times. Each of these health measures should be considered carefully in cooperation with a qualified healthcare provider for those who may have conditions that could be affected by them. Contraindications and precautions should also be carefully observed.
To relieve stress and provide the best opportunity for healing, those who understand that Jesus is coming soon should be seeking quieter country areas to live in, when possible. This is the original natural life that God intended for us, which we will be living in the New Earth (Genesis 2:8; Hebrews 11:16). Country life enables good nutrients through gardening and provides sunshine as well as opportunity for invigorating outdoor work. It brings us closer to God through observing his beautiful handiwork. But for those who aren’t able to move yet, visiting parks and country areas can be beneficial. Also known as forest bathing, it has proven benefits for boosting the immune system.
Though we shouldn’t rely on stockpiling goods, moving towards a self-sustaining country life and freedom from financial debt are practical expressions of faith that end-time prophecies are about to fulfill. Jesus’ parable depicted the wise ones waiting for his return as having candles, the most basic survival equipment. Life-sustaining supplies are a good idea in times when natural disasters strike with increased frequency.
Though our citizenship is in Heaven, that doesn’t need to put us at odds with the earthly countries where we live. On the contrary, we are instructed to work hard (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12), be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), and honor the “king,” (1 Peter 2:17). Being trustworthy and reliable with a hard-working attitude speaks well of Christianity as a shining light in darkness (Matthew 5:16; Daniel 6:3-4).
Yet being a citizen of Heaven does put us at odds with practices that aren’t in harmony with eternal life and God’s love. And in that sense, we must separate ourselves from worldly influences that could draw us away from Christ (1 John 2:15; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18). As scripture says, we must not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), so we must be careful not to get bound up in earthly institutions, politics, or secular organizations.
Those who long for their heavenly home will not participate in many common worldly practices. Having known the miraculous power of love in Jesus, they will not be involved in the rampant idolatry that venerates mortal man as god. They will not be overly impressed with celebrities, scientists, or professionals because they understand that we are nothing compared to the one who created Heaven and Earth (1 Corinthians 10:14).
And because we understand the cosmic view of time on Earth, and the importance of living with determination and purpose (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13), we will understand the need to avoid forms of entertainment that could lead to reduced interested in hearing the pure word of God. Fantasy and fiction, except in small snippets that relate to spiritual lessons, are among those, as 2 Timothy 4:4 reveals.
The same is true of music, that those who love God’s kingdom must not listen to music that conveys adulterous, chaotic, or drunken sentiments, either through the lyrics or emotion of the music (Joshua 23:13-16; Proverbs 4:23). We must recognize that worldly and popular music styles encourage co-dependence, emotional imbalance, false excitement, and earthly passions (1 Peter 2:11) that lead to disappointment and spiritual failure rather than victory.
Because we understand there is an unseen spiritual battle raging over human hearts, and that we have a hidden adversary with a host of evil angels, we will guard against involvement in occult practices or anything that leaves the soul unguarded. This is to prevent allowing satanic influences to gain entrance to the control centers of our minds. To remain the captain of our own ships, we must avoid things like Halloween, horror movies, transcendental meditation, yoga, mystical practices, astrology, aliens, spooky music and satanic images or symbols (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Deuteronomy 4:19; 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Psalm 101:3).
Instead of letting our minds drift into idleness or spiritually dangerous forms of entertainment, those who long for “a better country” (Hebrews 11:13-16) will seek the Lord with diligence and put him first in all things (Matthew 6:33), drawing so close to him that his love will fill their every need and become their greatest desire (Psalms 73:25).
Those who have joined God’s kingdom bring its elements into life on Earth, living by the principles of Heaven’s harmony and love in anticipation of the life to come. Biblical counsel and principles should guide the social interactions of fellowship and family groups. The following points are meant to provide general guidance for small-group fellowship and to encourage those who are seeking to follow biblical principles. These guidelines are by no means comprehensive. There are many good resources and ideas available to guide small group fellowship.
ARCS cannot supervise the matters that will be mentioned here. Christian groups are to function in connection with Heaven, where our names are registered (Hebrews 12:22-24). And just as our citizenship and membership is in Heaven, the record of those who have been faithful to eternal principles is recorded there. The Lord "knows those who are his" and looks with loving tenderness on those who are seeking him with true hearts (Revelation 22:12; 2 Timothy 2:19).
In all relationships, those who seek the Lord must seek to maintain healthy emotional independence and refuse to perpetuate or enable dysfunctional relationship qualities such as coercion, codependence, belittling, abuse, or bullying. We must do our utmost to prevent issues like this from entering fellowship groups and find the courage to deal with them in a kind but firm way if they do. Those whose hearts are influenced by the Holy Spirit will manifest tenderness and courtesy toward one another (John 13:34-35), as modeled by great Christian leaders of the past (Abraham, Jesus, Paul).
Those who seek the Lord’s soon return should recognize the gift of prophecy was poured out through the writings of Ellen White, which is filled with counsel to help God’s people prepare for his soon return. These are full of good information and wisdom for the body of Christ concerning practicalities of life, health, relationships, and Christian fellowship. They also provide first-hand glimpses into sacred history and Earth’s future through the visions God gave her.
Because we recognize that the body of Christ is made up of different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), and we put our focus on God instead of man, we will not focus on impressing each other with our accomplishments and credentials. We will not strive for leadership positions but rather humbly serve in different areas of service to Christ (James 3:16-18; Ephesians 5:21). In this way, we will grow in grace and maturity (2 Peter 3:18). While working with a fervent spirit born of love for lost souls, we will do nothing out of worldly ambition to seek glory and admiration, which is contrary to the principles of Christ (Philippians 2:3; Matthew 6:1).
Christian fellowship groups should involve sharing from all members. Group dynamics become dysfunctional if one person tends to do all the talking while everyone else sits quietly, or if one person becomes adored and admired by others, along with the other items mentioned (John 15:19). Dysfunctional group dynamics should be dealt with according to biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17).
The biblical model of social structure should be maintained by those who seek to follow divine principles, which emphasizes male leadership with female co-leadership (Genesis 2:18). Men should treat women as Christ treats them (1 Corinthians 11:3). They must prove worthy of leadership by avoiding lordship attitudes (Luke 22:25-27; James 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:2) or be replaced. The model of Christ’s servant leadership must be followed, and leaders should seek to facilitate group discussion rather than dominating it. They should often encourage others to take the lead in things like offering group prayers and reading scriptures, etc.
The contributions and intelligence of women and children must be valued and respected. Children and young people should be encouraged to participate in all aspects of group dynamics. Lessons and teachings should involve symbolism and practical examples that appeal to all ages. They should not be made so boring and tedious that children, young adults, and new Christians don’t enjoy being involved. In some cases, children’s groups can be held in another room or outdoors during adult meetings. People's comfort level should be considered, hydration and snacks provided for those who are in need, and respected mealtimes should be observed. People should not feel pressured to give money and time or be looked down on for arriving at different times.
Those who love God’s eternal kingdom will honor the boundaries that protect human life and happiness, established in his law. In seeking to have these principles inscribed on our hearts and minds, we will guard our thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). We will refuse to develop inappropriate emotional attachments, such as extramarital flirtations or crushes that lead to dysfunctional group dynamics and broken homes. We will learn to be content with what we have (Philippians 4:11) and in so doing, earn people's trust and become worthy of fellowship. This way, we will prevent misunderstandings and avoid imposing unwanted romantic interest on our fellow Christians (2 Peter 2:13-22). Complaints about boundary violations, such as here described, must be taken seriously and not denied or ignored (Matthew 18:15-17).
True Christians will honor God’s laws and keep their vows, understanding that the fabric of society is protected by divine principles in the highest sense (1 Thessalonians 4:3). They will seek to reason from cause to effect, with the blessing of the Holy Spirit, to see how the breakdown of family structure is a great cause of pain and sorrow in our world. They will submit to God’s leadership on this, acknowledging that our understanding of long-term factors affecting society is finite.
To help protect these values, we will seek to dress and act in ways that promote modesty. We will avoid attracting attention to ourselves through flashy colors, jewelry, or immodest clothing as part of our efforts to promote respect and maintain emotional boundaries (1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13). We will not act in flirtatious or unseeming ways or talk about sexual matters and things contrary to our beliefs and teachings at group fellowship. We can request that group members and their families abide by these principles.
Those who love and honor God’s law will not despise or deride those who don’t understand or agree with our values, since we know God has compassion on human weakness. But while we respect the human worth and dignity of all people, we must maintain a pure environment for fellowship to allow undistracted focus and promote healthy relationships (Ephesians 5:1-14). Even secular organizations enforce many of the same guidelines.
We will not persecute or be unkind to those who see things differently than we do or that choose different lifestyles than we do, recognizing they are souls for whom Christ died. Without embracing confusion, we will acknowledge that some are born with or traumatically obtain defects that may result in abnormal presentation. We will welcome all who embrace our values and love God’s principles (Isaiah 56:3-5).
With the Holy Spirit's blessing, we can fulfill Jesus' admonition to love one another as he loved us. When we do, we will know the joy of unity with each other and with God. As it says in Psalm 133:1:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!"
LEM website for an introduction to Christian concepts like how to know God exists and some ARCS teachings at www.lightentheearth.com. Article links are also found in the above text.