Last Generation Theology

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Last Generation Theology (LGT) or "final generation" theology is a religious belief regarding moral perfection achieved by sanctified people in the last generation before the Second Coming of Jesus. It was a concept that had its origins in the beliefs and teachings of Seventh-day Adventist Church pioneers,^[1][2][3] and there are verses in scripture in texts such as 2 Corinthians 7:1, Matthew 5:48, and many others.^[4] Seventh-day Adventists hold that there will be an end-time remnant of believers who are faithful to God,^[5] which will be manifest shortly prior to the second coming of Jesus, as suggested by the 144,000 saints described in the Book of Revelation of the New Testament.

Some claim LGT is related to "historic Adventism", but as one supporter claims, it differs in that it forms an extension or development of "historic" or mainstream Adventist beliefs,^[6] or takes them to their logical conclusion. It has similarities to the teachings of John Wesley, in his book A Plain Account of Christian Perfection of sanctification by grace.

Seventh-day Adventists teach that Jesus Christ was not only the Substitute but also the Example for man, and that Christians, through the process of sanctification overcome sin,^[7][8] and have the character of Christ perfectly reproduced in them through the Holy Spirit.^[9] The "final generation" believers hold that God's people will cease from committing sinful acts before the "close of probation," and before the "time of trouble" (Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7; Isaiah 26:20) just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Most also believe that the close of human probation has been delayed by human sin and unbelief in the "Laodicean church," (a cipher for the SDA Church) but can be accelerated through their consistent living of holy lives (consistent obedience to the Ten Commandments by the enabling power of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit) so Christ can come.^[10]

Seventh-day Adventists teach that, at the end of time, there will be a Christian remnant who are faithful to God in keeping all of His ten commandments, (which includes resting on the seventh day of the week [Saturday]), and who are progressively sanctified and then sealed as "holy" and "righteous"^[11] before the Second Advent of Christ.^[12] Last Generation Theology builds on this belief, teaching that it is possible for this "last generation" of Christian believers to overcome sin like Christ and achieve a state of perfection. This is a key teaching for those who adhere to "historic Adventism." This achievement of perfection is believed to have major eschatological implications, by finally settling major questions in the Great Controversy about the character of God and His law. Proponents of Last Generation Theology see it, not as a new belief system, but as forming an extension or development of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs on the remnant,^[13][14] or taking them to their logical conclusion.