The Twelve Steps
(Adapted from the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous) |
Biblical Comparisons
(NIV) |
Steps To Christ Chapters
Ellen G. White |
Christian Principles |
| 1. We admitted that we were powerless over our addictions, that our lives had become unmanageable. |
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but cannot carry it out.
Romans 7:18 |
"The Sinner's Need of Christ" |
These steps bring the addict to a relationship with their Higher Power by recognizing that he/she is unable to continue an unmanageable life, but that there is hope in surrender.
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| 2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. |
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 |
"Repentance" |
| 3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. "Jesus Christ is the Highest Power." |
Then He said to them all, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
Luke 9:23 |
"Confession" |
| 4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. |
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Lamentations 3:40 |
"Confession" |
Confession and Repentance
(4-7)
By self-examination, the addict recognizes where they have harmed themselves and other. They acknowledge their own defects of character, making them real. Then they decide to turn these specific problems over to their Higher Power and ask God to take control to remove them.
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| 5. We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. |
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 |
"Confession" |
| 6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. |
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.
Isaiah 1:19 |
"Consecration" |
| 7. We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings. |
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He shall lift you up.
James 4:10 |
"Faith and Acceptance" |
| 8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. |
Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23 |
"The Test of Discipleship" |
Reconciliation and Restoration
(8-9)
In these steps, the addict begins to relate honestly and appropriately to others and to rebuild the human relationships which have been broken by addiction.
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| 9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. |
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38 |
"Growing Up into Christ" |
| 10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. |
For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3 |
"The Work and the Life" |
Continual Growth
(10-11)
By a daily program of applying the Twelve Steps, emotional balance is maintained, a crucial requirement for maintaining sobriety. As this "one day at a time" program is lived, power is drawn from feeding the spiritual self through improving conscious contact with God.
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| 11. We sought, through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. |
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in you sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 |
"A Knowledge of God"
"The Privilege of Prayer"
"What to Do With Doubt" |
| 12. Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. |
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Galatians 6:1 |
"Rejoicing in the Lord" |
Sharing and Serving
(12)
As a result of the spiritual awakening occurring in steps 1-11, the addict seeks to share what has been learned with others.
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