Rob Bertholf

Yes

I accept that I am a conscious being because I can think, reason, and reflect. My ability to experience thoughts, emotions, and awareness of self proves my state of consciousness. This shared experience among all humans establishes a foundational truth upon which further understanding of existence and purpose can be built. (1 Corinthians 2:11; Proverbs 20:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5

Yes

My existence is undeniable because my conscious awareness and engagement with reality affirm that I am present in the world. This acknowledgment of existence is the logical extension of my consciousness and forms the starting point for seeking greater meaning. (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 150:6; Job 27:3)

Yes

Beyond the realm of conscious thought, I accept the existence of an extra-conscious dimension, commonly identified in the secular world as the subconscious. This unseen yet undeniable layer of awareness influences my decisions, emotions, and perceptions in ways that surpass conscious control. Its complexity and precision suggest that my existence is intricately designed, pointing to a reality greater than myself and beyond material explanation. (Jeremiah 17:9; Samuel 16:7; Ecclesiastes 12:14)

Yes

I believe that true purpose and meaning flow from the identity God gives His people. Scripture declares, “ye are a chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9). Because we belong to Him, our lives are not random but intentional, for “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10), and “this people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21). God “hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling… according to his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9), and Christ confirms, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16). As those who are “called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1) and led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14), our destiny is “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29), glorifying the Father by bearing fruit (John 15:8). Made “kings and priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6), we live to offer spiritual service and reflect His character, fulfilling the whole duty of humanity: to “fear God, and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and in all things to “do all to the glory of God”(1 Corinthians 10:31). Thus, our identity in Christ establishes our purpose.

Yes

I accept that impressions, moral intuitions, and moments of inspiration indicate the presence of an external conscious influence. These experiences—whether they manifest as warnings, affirmations, or convictions—align with universal principles that transcend cultural and individual differences. Such consistent moral guidance implies a source beyond human invention, rooted in a greater and intentional intelligence. (Isaiah 30:21; John 16:13; Romans 8:14)

Yes

I accept that morality exists as a universal standard, evident in the consistent distinction between right and wrong. This moral compass cannot be reduced to personal preference or cultural consensus, as it reflects principles that persist across time and context. Such an enduring truth requires an origin in something eternal and absolute, providing evidence of a moral lawgiver whose authority governs life. (Micah 6:8; Romans 7:12; 1 John 3:4)

God / eternal mind

In believing in the existence of an objective moral law, I acknowledge the universal reality of falling short of that law. This failure, experienced as sin, is evident in humanity’s natural tendencies toward selfishness, pride, and harm. These shared moral failures highlight the need for reconciliation with the divine…a problem no human effort or system has ever resolved fully. This condition of sin emphasizes our need for a Savior who bridges the gap between humanity and God. (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Acts 4:12)

Yes

I accept that the moral truths and intuitive guidance I experience point to a unified energy source that sustains existence and connects all life. This source provides coherence to natural laws, moral principles, and human intuition. Such a unifying force cannot be the product of chance but reflects deliberate and purposeful design, underscoring the intentionality behind creation. (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 4:6)... Moreover, I accept that this unified energy resonates at varying frequencies, as evidenced by the patterns of harmony, symmetry, and beauty found in the natural world. From the structure of music to the design of nature, these frequencies reflect intentional tuning, revealing a finely crafted system that invites connection, awe, and an appreciation for purposeful order. (1 Corinthians 14:33; Psalm 19:1; Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Yes

Building on the evidence of consciousness, significance, morality, and harmony, I accept the existence of an intricate and purposeful design governing the universe. This design is evident in the unity, order, and complexity of existence, from the natural laws that sustain life to the moral truths that guide human behavior. Such precision and interconnectedness cannot arise from random processes but point to an intentional framework imbued with meaning, love, and purpose. (Hebrews 11:3; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20)

Yes

I firmly believe in the existence of an Intelligent Designer because the undeniable mathematical order in the natural world… manifested in fractal geometry, the golden ratio, and universal constants…reveals a purposeful mind behind the design. This intricate precision, coupled with the profound mysteries of consciousness, qualia, and subjective experience…phenomena that materialism fails to explain…compels the conclusion that an intelligent cause is the most coherent explanation for our existence. (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 44:24)

Yes

On a deeply personal level, I have encountered the profound love of my Creator, and I bear witness to transformative changes over my darkened impulses and selfish core. My life story is, in essence, a testament to a series of remarkable miracles that serve as tangible evidence of the existence of a theistic God. These experiences have left an indelible mark on my faith and continue to reinforce my unwavering belief in the divine. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 34:8

Yes

I believe the Bible’s consistency, historical accuracy, and relevance affirm its divine inspiration. Archaeological discoveries such as the Rosetta Stone, Moabite Stone, Cyrus Cylinder, Tel Dan Stele, and Dead Sea Scrolls confirm its historical authenticity by corroborating names, events, and places mentioned in its text. The discovery of the Pool of Siloam and the Pilate Stone further validates the New Testament’s account of Jesus’ time. Additionally, historical records from ancient civilizations align with biblical narratives, such as the campaigns of Sennacherib, the fall of Jerusalem, and the Babylonian exile. The Bible’s survival through centuries of scrutiny and persecution underscores its resilience and enduring reliability as a historical document. (2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 1:21; John 20:31)

Yes

I accept the Bible as a prophetic document because its precise predictions have been fulfilled with extraordinary accuracy. The Bible’s prophecies in Daniel regarding the succession of kingdoms—from Babylon to Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome—demonstrate an unparalleled understanding of future events (Daniel 2, 7, 8). Predictions of the destruction of Babylon (Isaiah 13:19–22), Nineveh (Nahum 3:7), Tyre (Ezekiel 26:14), and Egypt’s diminished status (Ezekiel 29:15) remain true to this day, affirming the Bible’s divine wisdom. The fulfillment of Messianic prophecies further highlights its supernatural origin. Prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2), lineage (Isaiah 11:1), suffering (Isaiah 53), and resurrection (Psalm 16:10) were all realized in the life of Jesus Christ. These fulfilled prophecies provide undeniable evidence of divine foreknowledge, affirming that the Bible is not merely human literature but the inspired Word of God.

They pointed forward to the Messiah

The feasts were given to Israel as part of the ceremonial law system centered in the earthly sanctuary (Leviticus 23). They were inseparably connected with sacrifices, priestly ministry, and the temple service. Scripture identifies these as “a shadow of good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17). We are to follow Christ through the Sanctuary, to see how the types were fulfilled (Hosea 2:11; Isaiah 1:13-14; Galatians 4:9-10). Christ did not command the continuation of Passover or the annual feast cycle. Instead, He instituted the Lord’s Supper as the memorial of His death (Luke 22:19). Inspiration is explicit: “He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies… The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever.” Review and Herald (RH June 14, 1898, par. 15). "...as He now ate the Passover with His disciples, He put an end to the sacrifices which for four thousand years had been offered.” (12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 24) The apostles never required Gentile believers to observe the feasts (Acts 15:28–29; Colossians 2:14-16). Paul warned against binding religious observance to “days, and months, and times, and years” (Galatians 4:10–11).

truths-path-sabbath-moral-yes

I am convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, as explicitly commanded in the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11), where God instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God." The Sabbath originates at creation, where God rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it (Genesis 2:2-3). Jesus Himself observed the Sabbath during His earthly ministry, as recorded in Luke 4:16, and declared, “The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). The Sabbath is further portrayed as a day of blessing (Isaiah 58:13-14) and as a perpetual sign of God’s covenant with His people (Exodus 31:16-17). This holy day was not changed by Christ or His disciples; Paul and the early Christians continued observing the seventh day (Acts 16:13; 17:2; 18:4). Additionally, prophecy confirms that the Sabbath will remain a central part of future worship (Hebrews 4:9) in the new earth: “From one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 66:22-23). The Sabbath stands as a timeless reminder of God’s creation, covenant, and desire for a restorative relationship with His people. (Mark 2:27)

Yes – very significant

I believe in Jesus as a historical figure, supported by extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Josephus, Mara bar Serapion, Thallus, Phlegon, and accounts in the Talmud. Tacitus (Annals 15.44) confirms Christ’s execution under Pontius Pilate and the persecution of Christians, while Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews 18.3.3) describes Jesus as a wise teacher who performed extraordinary deeds, was crucified under Pilate, and whose followers persisted. Mara bar Serapion refers to Jesus as a “wise king” whose teachings endured even after His death. Thallus and Phlegon document extraordinary natural phenomena, such as darkness and earthquakes, occurring at the time of His crucifixion, aligning with biblical accounts. Even distant records, such as those from Emperor Guangwu of Han, note unusual phenomena coinciding with this period. The Talmud references Jesus in several places, including b. Sanhedrin 43a–b, which acknowledges His execution on Passover; Sotah 47a, which critiques His disciples; and Hul 2:22f, which attributes His miracles to sorcery, ironically affirming their extraordinary nature. Combined with the testimonies of eyewitnesses in the Gospels and corroborating references

Yes

I believe Jesus is the Messianic fulfillment (John 1:29; Luke 24:27) of the moral law and the ultimate solution to humanity’s problem of sin. His sacrificial death on the cross served as atonement for our failures, bridging the gap between humanity and God (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3). As foretold in Isaiah 53:5, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” Jesus’ resurrection affirms His victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. The Bible’s Messianic prophecies—fulfilled precisely in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—affirm Him as the promised Savior. From His birthplace (Micah 5:2) to His sacrificial death (Isaiah 53) and His resurrection (Matthew 28:6; Psalm 16:10; Romans 4:25), Jesus’ life aligns perfectly with these ancient predictions, providing a divinely orchestrated solution to humanity’s problem of sin reconciling us back to God ((Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:20)

Yes – fully human yet sinless

I believe that Jesus Christ, in taking on humanity (Hebrews 2:14), assumed the same nature as fallen humanity, yet lived a sinless life. As stated in Hebrews 2:16, “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham,” and in Romans 8:3, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” These passages affirm that Christ’s mission was to overcome sin (Hebrews 4:15) in the same flesh we possess, providing a perfect example (Hebrews 5:8-9; John 8:46) for humanity. His triumph over temptation demonstrates that through reliance on God, victory over sin is possible.

Yes

My faith in Christianity is supported by a wealth of historical evidence (Acts 26:26; Acts 1:3) confirming the existence, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The profound impact of His teachings on humanity… shaping cultures, transforming lives, and offering hope… further affirms the truth of the Christian faith. Christianity uniquely bridges history, prophecy, and morality, presenting a coherent explanation of reality grounded in divine love and grace. The unparalleled consistency between biblical accounts, extra-biblical evidence, and fulfilled prophecies establishes Christianity as the most reasonable and fulfilling framework for understanding existence, purpose, and salvation (John 14:6).

Yes

I am confident in the truth of the investigative judgment as revealed in the 2,300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14, which states, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” This prophetic period, interpreted using the day-for-a-year principle (Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34), began with the decree of King Artaxerxes in 457 BC to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls (Ezra 7:7-13). This calculation leads to the year 1844, marking the commencement of Christ’s work in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary (Daniel 7:9-10; Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:24). This phase of His ministry involves the investigative judgment (Revelation 14:7; 1 Peter 4:17), where the records of humanity are reviewed (Revelation 20:12) in preparation for His second coming. This judgment reflects God’s justice, mercy, and the ultimate vindication of His character, as He seeks to prepare a people ready for His return.

Yes

I firmly believe that Jesus’ second coming is imminent (Acts 1:11), as He promised, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:3). This hope has been central to Christian faith throughout history. Jesus’ return will be a literal, visible event (Revelation 1:7) that will bring an end to sin and restore harmony to creation. The signs of the times...wars, natural disasters, and moral decline… fulfill biblical prophecy (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and affirm that His coming is near (Matthew 24:6-14; Luke 21:25-28; Revelation 22:20). This blessed hope sustains my faith and deepens my anticipation for the day when He will make all things new.