MURCIA, Negros Occidental — Entering its third day, the Bi-Union Biblical and Theological Conference continued Saturday at the CPAC SDA Church, centering discussions on end-time theology, church leadership, and the doctrine of the Trinity.
Presented by the East Central Philippine Union Conference and West Central Philippine Union Mission under the theme “Committed to Our Identity,” the multi-day event runs through Sept. 27.
The day began with a Sabbath School program exploring biblical end-time groups and theological concepts.
Dr. Clinton Wahlen, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and a New Testament scholar with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, examined the distinction between the 144,000 and the great multitude in Revelation 7.
He described the 144,000 as a spiritually sealed, loyal remnant standing firm through the final earth-crisis, while the great multitude represents an innumerable, redeemed harvest from every nation. Wahlen urged believers to focus on spiritual readiness, purity, and adherence to God’s commandments rather than mere speculation.
Addressing human nature and salvation, Dr. Donny Chrissutianto, associate professor of church history and systematic theology at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), used the writings of Ellen G. White to emphasize that Christ overcame temptation in genuine human nature through divine power. Because Christ experienced human weakness, believers can look to Him as a realistic savior rather than claiming personal sinlessness in this mortal life. Chrissutianto noted that true perfection is imputed—meaning Christ’s character stands in place of ours—while genuine faith and works operate harmoniously through grace.
Hour of Worship and the Nature of Sin
The Hour of Worship featured a keynote message titled “The Nature of Sin” by Dr. Daniel Bediako, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and former president of Valley View University in Ghana.
He described sin as a fundamental human condition rather than isolated actions, and cautioned against Last Generation Theology. He challenged the premise that sinless human perfection is required to trigger Christ’s return, asserting instead that the delay in the Second Advent stems from the church’s mission work being behind schedule rather than a failure in divine timing.
Afternoon Sessions and Leadership Reform
The Sabbath afternoon lineup featured multiple presentations on ecclesiology and missional identity.
Dr. Chad Stuart, senior pastor of the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland and a Doctor of Ministry graduate specializing in church revitalization, warned congregations against treating pastors with superstitious reverence, arguing that modern churches often recreate an earthly priestly system. Emphasizing the “priesthood of all believers,” Stuart urged practical reforms—such as sharing visible leadership with youth and women—to ensure equal access to Jesus.
Dr. Kelvin Onongha, vice-chancellor and president of the Adventist University of Central Africa, spoke on the church’s missional identity. He stressed that preparing the final generation requires shifting from insular spirituality to strategic, culturally relevant community engagement, noting that ministry approaches must adapt to connect effectively with younger generations.
Meanwhile, Bediako returned to present on the Trinity, asserting that recognizing God as three distinct persons is vital to Christian worship, creation, and global mission. He highlighted the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’s collaborative roles in the plan of redemption.
Moreover, he added that the core message of the Trinity is inseparable from the church’s overarching mission and the proclamation of the everlasting gospel. “Understanding the collaborative nature of the Godhead is essential for proper worship and faithful ministry,” Bediako said.
Concluding the afternoon theological sessions, Dr. Carl Cosaer, dean of the School of Theology at Walla Walla University and a New Testament scholar, critiqued the view that the final generation must achieve absolute sinlessness before probation closes. He argued that Scripture frames believers as witnesses to a victory already secured by Christ, allowing Christians to approach the final judgment with confidence resting in a faithful Savior rather than personal perfection.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the depth of the presentations. Reflecting on the day’s insights, one participating pastor shared, “The learning is so rich. I am so glad the leaders have facilitated this event.”
Moreover, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., first president of the ECPUC, reminded attendees that their collective strength lies in staying anchored to their true spiritual identity and mission.
Conference participants look forward to the final day of events, which will feature a concluding series of topics centering on Adventist identity.
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications