3. Institute Membership & Basic Beliefs

 The membership of this Institute shall be composed of persons who in word and deed subscribe to the basic beliefs and evangelistic mission of this organization. Membership in this organization shall not be limited to the residents of any particular state, country, or race, but shall be extended internationally to all who meet up to the above-mentioned requirements. The following constitutes basic beliefs of Institute members:

(i) Health reform is a very integral part of the gospel and the third angel's message.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 1:2.

"Health reform is to stand out more prominently in the proclamation of the third angel's message. The principles of health reform are found in the word of God. The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the word. It is the Lord's design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message." Counsels on Diets and Foods, p. 75.

"Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God. As through it men and women are led to see the importance of right habits of living, the saving power of the truth will be made known. Every city is to be entered by workers trained to do medical missionary work." Counsels on Health, p. 219.

(ii) True laborers together with God must not harbor hate, pride, selfishness, or a doubting spirit.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 3:34.

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:4-5.

 "One imprudent step, one careless action, may plunge the church into difficulties and trials from which it may not recover for years. One member of the church filled with unbelief, may give an advantage to the great foe that will affect the prosperity of the entire church, and many souls may be lost as the result." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 446.

"God has a church on earth who are lifting up the downtrodden law, and presenting to the world the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The church is the depository of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ, and through the church eventually will be made manifest the final and full display of the love of God to the world that is to be lightened with its glory. The prayer of Christ that His church may be one as He was one with His Father will finally be answered. The rich dowry of the Holy Spirit will be given, and through its constant supply to the people of God they will become witnesses in the world of the power of God unto salvation." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 50.

(iii) Medical missionary work plays a very important part in our preparation for the coming crisis.

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1.

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 1 Cor. 7:1.

"As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith, but largely among those who know not the truth. The shortness of time demands an energy that has not been aroused among those who claim to believe the present truth." Counsels on Health, p. 506.

"The great crisis is just before us. Now is the time for us to sound the warning message, by the agencies that God has given us for this purpose. Let us remember that one most important agency is our medical missionary work. Never are we to lose sight of the great object for which our sanitariums are established--the advancement of God's closing work in the earth." Medical Ministry, p. 55.

(iv) God has true children in all the different churches scattered throughout the world.

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." John 10:16. "Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord God, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to Him, beside those that are gathered unto Him." Isa. 56:7-8.

"Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exists in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ's true followers are still to be found in their communion. There are many of these who have never seen the special truths for this time. Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected. As these bodies depart further and further from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the difference between the two classes will widen, and it will finally result in separation. The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such as are 'lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.'" Great Controversy, p. 390.

(v) Medical missionary work involves the manifestation of Christian principles and outreach efforts.

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27.

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt. 24:14. "The fast which God can accept is described. [See Isaiah, chapter 58.] It is to deal thy bread to the hungry and to bring the poor which are cast out to thy house. Wait not for them to come to you. The labor rests not on them to hunt you up and entreat of you a home for themselves. You are to search for them and bring them to your house. You are to draw out your soul after them. You are with one hand to reach up and by faith take hold of the mighty arm which brings salvation, while with the other hand of love you reach the oppressed and relieve them. It is impossible for you to fasten upon the arm of God with one hand while the other is employed in ministering to your own pleasure." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 34-35.

(vi) Salvation can come through none other than Jesus Christ our Lord.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Rom. 3:23-25.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for him, as his atonement and righteousness." Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.

(vii) All must co-operate with Christ in securing the victory over sin and Satan.

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24.

"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" James 2:20.

"The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works." Acts of the Apostles, p. 482.

"The Lord does not propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing. This is our proper work. As soon as we earnestly enter upon the work, God's grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 240.
 

4. The Membership Pledge

  1. I will uplift Jesus Christ as the center of salvation and truth, the glorious gospel message, and all the doctrines and principles of God's holy Word.

  2. I will seek to obey all the laws of God, including His health laws, preserve the environment, and endeavor to alleviate the pain and suffering of man and beast.

  3. I will earnestly strive to refrain from using all health destroying foods and drinks such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, tobacco, meat and diary products.

  4. I will do medical missionary work as often as possible and seek to advance the wonderful truths of God's latter-day message.

  5. I will support the work of the Gilead Institute of America and encourage others to become medical missionary evangelists in these last days.

  6. I will be a good example to young and old in all my words and deeds, and seek to be a blessing to all humanity by promoting God's righteous principles.

  7. I will always take my stand on "the law and the testimony" (Isa. 8:20), and seek to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good.

The Gilead Institute offers membership to all who take this pledge. Special benefits are offered to members. Membership application forms are sent to individuals upon request.