Adventist Leaders in Southern Asia-Pacific Encourage to Strengthen Focus on Biblical Creation

The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is encouraging churches and institutions across its territory to observe Creation Sabbath on October 24, 2026, as part of an initiative to strengthen faith in the biblical doctrine of Creation and reaffirm Adventist identity and mission.

The initiative, coordinated through the Office of the Field Secretary, emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of Creation as one of the foundational beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Church leaders noted that the doctrine remains central to the Adventist understanding of Scripture, the seventh-day Sabbath, and humanity’s relationship with God.

In a recommendation presented during the division midyear meeting, SSD encouraged local churches and institutions—including hospitals, publishing houses, schools, academies, colleges, and universities—to actively promote and participate in the observance.

Pastor Felixian Felicitas, SSD field secretary, encouraged delegates during the Midyear Meetings to commemorate Creation Sabbath as a meaningful opportunity to reinforce the biblical message of Creation among Adventist members across the division territory.

“When we affirm the Sabbath, we do not simply affirm Creation—we affirm the Bible,” Felicitas said. “By reminding our people through this special emphasis on Creation and the Sabbath, we are reminding ourselves of who God is—that He is our Creator, and that through Him we are redeemed,” he added.

Pastor Felixian Felicitas, field secretary of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, speaks during the Midyear Meetings as he encourages church leaders and delegates to strengthen the biblical understanding of Creation and the Sabbath across the division territory.

SSD Communication Department

Church leaders said the emphasis comes at a time when biblical teachings regarding origins and divine authority continue to face increasing challenges in society. Through the observance, the Church hopes to strengthen members’ confidence in the authority of the Bible and encourage a deeper appreciation of God as Creator.

“Creation Sabbath will provide an opportunity for the Church to highlight the biblical teaching of Creation, strengthen confidence in the Word of God, and encourage members to embrace and uphold a distinct Adventist identity,” the recommendation stated.

The initiative also seeks to remind church members of the close relationship between Creation, the Sabbath, and redemption—three themes that remain closely connected within Adventist theology and mission.

Leaders believe the observance will nurture spiritual commitment among members throughout the SSD territory while encouraging churches to intentionally reflect on God’s creative power and sustaining love.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has long upheld the biblical account of Creation as recorded in Genesis, affirming that God created the world in six literal days and rested on the seventh day, establishing the Sabbath as a memorial of Creation. For Adventists, the Sabbath serves not only as a day of worship and rest but also as a weekly reminder of God’s authority, love, and plan of redemption for humanity.

Through the upcoming Creation Sabbath emphasis, the Church hopes to inspire members to remain grounded in Scripture and continue sharing the message of hope found in Jesus Christ, the Creator and Redeemer of the world.

For more information and resources for the Creation Sabbath, visit the website.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.