Christ Our Righteousness
Christ Our Righteousness
1974 Quater 1
Jlt Sabbath School Lessons/January, reDruary, ivicArcr 11/74 Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering March 30, 1974—Afro-Mideast Division
It is not difficult to write to the members of our worldwide Sabbath School family. We know each other pretty well. We support each other and encourage each other to the best of our ability. When the Afro- Mideast Division therefore comes to you this quarter with earnest re- quests for financial help, we are confident that you will help us.
We have chosen three projects that will benefit from your gifts at the end of this quarter. Not that we could not have come up with more projects, for we could; but rather we thought that we should concentrate on these three, which are: 1. A mission station in West Ethiopia. The plan is that this particular station should be placed close to the border with Sudan. This is the part of old Ethiopia where so many thousands of souls have been won for God's kingdom recently. This is where the field president baptized more than 1,500 souls last year, largely won by our faithful laymembers.
2. A seminary for Tanzania. We urgently need an evangelistic train- ing center in Tanzania. A beautiful location has already been secured for this purpose. It lies in the highland some 15 miles from the town of Arusha. When this property became available, our local administration took advantage of it in anticipation of what the special Thirteenth Sab- bath Overflow Offering will bring in. The funds will transform the prop- erty into a Seminary. 3. A health center in Manama, Bahrain. This, we believe, will be ac- cording to the "blueprint." Already much planning and preparation has gone into this project. The Middle East Union is looking with great ex- pectation to the day when this project will be realized and another door entered. So on behalf of the many thousands of us out here, I say: Thank you for your constant liberality. Thank you for easing our burdens by giving a really good Thirteenth Sabbath Offering.
M. E. Lind
President
Afro-Mideast Division
Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1974 The title of the series is "News From Jesus"—a study on the book of Revelation. First lesson, "The Author Identified." Memory verse, Revelation 1:17. Outline as follows: (1) Source of the Book. Rev. 1:1-3. (2) The Saluta- tion. Rev. 1:4-5, first part. (3) The Doxology. Rev. 1:5, last part-7. (4) Identifications. Rev. 1:8-11. (5) The Divine Exalted Jesus. Rev. 1:12-16. (6) The Living Jesus. Rev. 1:17-20. Second lesson, "Letters From Jesus I." Memory verse, Rev. 2:7. Out- line as follows: (1) Ephesus I. Rev. 2:1-3. (2) Ephesus 11. Rev. 2:4. (3) Ephesus I11. Rev. 2:5, 6. (4) Ephesus IV. Rev. 2:7. (5) Smyrna I. Rev. 2:8-10. (6) Smyrna 11. Rev. 2:11.
CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS General Introduction An outstanding characteristic of today’s society is lawlessness, and a common teaching by Christian churches is that the law of God is no longer binding on men. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the way of life as God has revealed it is faith in Jesus leading to obedience to the commandments. It is the keeping of the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” that John the Revelator saw would characterize the saints in the last days. This message is particularly pertinent in today’s world. It is precisely the remedy for the ills of our world and of the church that arise out of a negative attitude toward law. The title of this quarter’s lessons, “Christ our Righteousness,” reflects this double, but inseparable, concern. It is a study of Christ who points us to the law, which is the definition of righteousness, and of the law that points us to Christ who is the only means by which the sinner can be in harmony with the law. There is the constant risk that the proper relation between Christ and law shall not be recognized in a study of salvation by faith. It is this perspective of Christ in the law that is a root concept of the message we are proclaiming to the world. To remove, or tone down, the claims of the law will result in a sentimental religion, claiming Jesus as Lord, but failing to do His will. To remove, or tone down, the truth of salvation by faith in Jesus will result in a legalistic religion in which the believer is in the hopeless situation of seeking salvation by his own deeds. Ellen G. White has stated the true relation between Jesus and the law as follows: “Christ bore the curse of the law, suffering its penalty, carrying to completion the plan whereby man was to be placed where he could keep God’s law, and be accepted through the merits of the Redeemer; and by His sacrifice glory was shed upon the law…. “Christ is the sinner’s advocate. Those who accept His gospel behold Him with open face. They see the relation of His mission to the law, and they acknowledge God’s wisdom and glory as revealed by the Saviour. The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of His character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men become changed to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine nature, and grow more and more like their Saviour, advanc- ing step by step in conformity to the will of God, till they reach perfection. “The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the power and immutability of the law. ‘I had not known sin, but by the law,’ Paul declares (Rom. 7:7). The sense of sin, urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour. , In his need man may present the mighty arguments furnished by the cross of Calvary. He may claim the righteousness of Christ; for it is imparted to every ‘repentant sinner.”—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 240, 241. During this quarter we invite your careful study of Jesus and the law of God.
1-AQT 1-74 The Blessing of Daily Study “Every day some portion of time should be appropri- ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda- tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the lesson.”—”Counsels on Sabbath School Work,” page 53.
My Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
The regular adult Sabbath School lessons and regular Sab- bath School World Mission Report are available free each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and physically handi- capped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paraly- sis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. Righteousness
2. The Call to Righteousness
3. The Righteous Jesus
4. The Purpose of the Cross
5. Accepting God's Provision
6. Christ's Imputed Righteousness
7. Christ's Imparted Righteousness
8. Cooperation With God
9. Faith and Salvation
10. Christ's Righteousness in Symbols
11. Christ's Righteousness in Parables
12. The Third Angel's Message
13. The Final Conflict
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 315, January-March, 1974. 35 cents a single copy, $1.40 a year (four issues); no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A., by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042. Second-class mail privileges au- thorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright 1973 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover photo by Henry Rasmussen
1—AQT 1-74 LESSON 1 December 30 to January 5
Righteousness "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, translated as "righteousness" in the who of God is made unto us wisdom, King James Version of the Bible have and righteousness, and sanctification, a background of usage that is not lim- and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. ited to religion. A general definition that
covers both Hebrew and Greek mean- During this quarter the word "righ- ings, and leaves out many connotations, teousness" will be very prominent. It is is "the state of being in the right." Two the purpose of this lesson to clarify the synonyms for righteousness are "recti- meaning of righteousness as the term tude" and "uprightness." is used in the Bible. In order to do this, an overview of righteousness is given LESSON OUTLINE first. Therefore, this week we touch on some elements of this subject that will 1. Meaning of Righteousness be expanded later in the quarter. Gen. 7:1 Both the Hebrew and the Greek words 2. Description of Righteousness
Ps. 119:172
3. Source of Righteousness
1 John 4:8
"The Great Standard of Righ- teousness," an article written by 4. Jesus and Righteousness Ellen G. White, is printed at the John 14:9 end of this lesson for supplemen- 5. Relationship With God tary reading. It was originally Isa. 59:2 printed in the Review and Herald.
6. Corrected Conduct
Rom. 6:13
"The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of
heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can
become righteous only as they have faith in God and
maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness
will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the
external forms of religion accord with the Christian's internal
purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God
are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical
Pharisees."— The Desire of Ages, page 310.
7
Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday December 30
Part 1 The first use of one of the forms of the Hebrew word in the
MEANING OF Old Testament which is translated as "righteous" or "righ-
teousness" is in Gen. 7:1.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Gen. 7:1 "And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy
house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me
in this generation."
Noah is here called "righteous" and all the rest of the world
were living in wickedness. (Gen. 6:5, 8.) Throughout the Bible
the words "wickedness" and "righteousness" are used for
opposite meanings.
What does John point to as the evidence of a righteous
person? 1 John 3:7.
While the context of a word must determine its particular
shade of meaning, a word has a basic meaning that can be
stated objectively, as in a dictionary. The idea of "righteous-
ness" is right conduct with reference to a norm, and "wicked-
ness" is wrong conduct in relation to the same norm.
"Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that
all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do.
The works show whether the faith is genuine."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, page 312.
Note the use of the words "righteous" and "wicked" in
Ezekiel 33:18, 19.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I see my conduct as God sees it?
"The reason why God's people are not more spiritually
minded and have not more faith, I have been shown, is be-
cause they are narrowed up with selfishness. . . . It is not the
abundance of your meetings that God accepts. It is not the
numerous prayers, but the right-doing, doing the right thing
and at the right time. It is to be less self-caring and more
benevolent. Our souls must expand. Then God will make them
like a watered garden, whose waters fail not."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 36.
"Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and 'God is
love.' 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for 'all
Thy commandments are righteousness' (Psalm 119:172), and
'love is the fulfilling of the law' (Romans 13:10). Righteousness
is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteous-
ness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness
by receiving Him."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 18.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 91-95. 8
Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Monday December 31
Part 2 What, according to the psalmist, constitutes, righteousness? DESCRIPTION OF "My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy command-
ments are righteousness." RIGHTEOUSNESS
Ps. 119:112
"Righteousness is defined by the standard of God's holy
law, as expressed in the ten precepts given on Sinai."—Steps
to Christ, page 61.
"God has a law, and it is the great standard of righteous-
ness. Everyone who has presumed upon the mercy of God,
and practiced iniquity, will be judged according to his works."
—Testimonies to Ministers, page 448.
Thus the norm for the right conduct of the believer is the
law of God. This righteousness is not based on what appears
to man to be right-doing, but on the revelation of a universal
principle expressed in the Ten Commandments.
What principle, as Jesus pointed out, underlies the law?
Mark 12:30, 31.
It is the same to speak of loving conduct as to speak of
right conduct, but love as defined by God's law.
"We are not to be dwarfed in any kind of service for God.
Whatever He has lent us is to be used intelligently for Him.
The man who exercises his faculties will surely strengthen
them; but he must seek to do his best. There is need of intelli-
gence and educated ability to devise the best methods in
farming, in building, and in every other department, that the
worker may not labor in vain....
"It is the duty of every worker not merely to give his strength
but his mind and intellect to that which he undertakes to do."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5,
p. 1112.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the result of comparing my conduct with the spir- itual meaning of the law?
"God requires at this time just what He required of the holy
pair in Eden, perfect obedience to His requirements. His law
remains the same in all ages. The great standard of righteous-
ness presented in the Old Testament is not lowered in the
New. It is not the work of the gospel to weaken the claims of
God's holy law, but to bring men up where they can keep its
precepts."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1073.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matt. 5:22, pages 55-58. 9 Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday January 1
Part 3 "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
SOURCE OF "God is love. The Greek construction does not make 'God'
RIGHTEOUSNESS and 'love' identical as the English translation may appear to
1 John 4:8 do. Rather love is set forth as an essential quality or attribute
of God. The decisive proof that a man that 'loveth not' lacks a
knowledge of God is contained in the phrase 'God is love.' He
who does not love proves that he is not personally acquainted
with the basic quality in God's nature. In his simple but sub-
lime statement John reaches the zenith of Christian belief."
—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 664.
Yesterday we noted that the law is based on love. Add to
that the fact that God is love and it becomes clear that in God's
law there was put into words the principle of God's character.
The law reflects to man what God is like, and as man keeps
God's law by His grace, he becomes Godlike.
"God's law is the transcript of His character. It embodies
the principles of His kingdom. He who refuses to accept these
principles is placing himself outside the channel where God's
blessings flow."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 305.
The purpose of the law is not that it be a thing in itself, but
rather that the believer accept it as the voice of God, as it was
really given on Sinai, the expression of God's personal will
for all mankind.
"The law is to be presented to its transgressors, not as
something apart from God, but rather as an exponent of His
mind and character. As the sunlight cannot be separated from
the sun, so God's law cannot be rightly presented to man apart
from the divine Author."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 371.
Man cannot understand the law if he looks at it as a code
standing alone.
"Those who study this lesson [of the good Samaritan] aright
will see that in order to keep the law it is necessary to have
a knowledge of God; for the law is a transcript of his charac-
ter, and his character is love."—Ellen G. White, Review and
Herald, Sept. 13, 1906.
The true revelation of righteousness comes through the
combination of the law and the knowledge of God. Tomorrow
we will note that the knowledge of God comes through Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I know what is right conduct and do it?
"Christ bore the curse of the law, suffering its penalty,
carrying to completion the plan whereby man was to be placed
where he could keep God's law, and be accepted through the
merits of the Redeemer; and by His sacrifice glory was shed
upon the law."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 240.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 216-220. 10
Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday January 2
Part 4 What revelation was made by the life of Jesus?
JESUS AND "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, RIGHTEOUSNESS and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen
John 14:9 me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us
the Father?"
"Christ alone was able to represent the Deity. He who had
been in the presence of the Father from the beginning, He who
was the express image of the invisible God, was alone suffi-
cient to accomplish this work. No verbal description could
reveal God to the world. Through a life of purity, a life of
perfect trust and submission to the will of God, a life of humilia-
tion such as even the highest seraph in heaven would have
shrunk from, God Himself must be revealed to humanity. In
order to do this, our Saviour clothed His divinity with humanity.
He employed the human faculties, for only by adopting these
could He be comprehended by humanity. Only humanity could
reach humanity. He lived out the character of God through the
human body which God had prepared for Him. He blessed the
world by living out in human flesh the life of God, thus showing
that He had the power to unite humanity to divinity."—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 924.
Both the law and Jesus reveal the righteousness that God
designed that man should possess, and both are based on how
God Himself relates to the universe. These two revelations of
righteousness belong together and must never be separated.
"The law and the gospel are so blended that the truth cannot
be presented as it is in Jesus, without blending these subjects
in perfect agreement. The law is the gospel of Christ veiled;
the gospel of Jesus is nothing more or less than the law de-
fined, showing its far-reaching principles."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald, May 27, 1890.
The written law provided the divine objective standard by
which Jesus lived. If no law preceded Him, how could it be
seen by men that He was righteous? The life of Jesus pro-
vided the human life in which the law was perfectly displayed.
If He had not lived the law how would it be fully known what
is the content of a righteous human life? THINK IT THROUGH How can I blend Jesus and the law together in my daily
life?
In 1890 Ellen G. White wrote: "As a people, we have
preached the law until we are as dry as the hills of Gilboa that
had neither dew nor rain. We must preach Christ in the law,
and ... trust not in our own merits at all."—Ellen G. White, Re-
view and Herald, March 11, 1890.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 467-469. 11 Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday January 3
Part 5 What does Isaiah state to have been the result of Judah's
RELATIONSHIP sins?
WITH GOD "But your iniquities have separated between you and your
Isa. 59:2 God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will
not hear."
Sin, disobedience of the law, separates man from God. Man
before sin had an unbroken relationship with God. Every sin
is not only a breaking of the law, but also an act of disloyalty
to God. (See Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 218.) Wrong conduct,
judged by the law, not only makes one an unrighteous person
for the record, both in heaven's books and in his own body, but
it also changes the relationship between man and God. A
sinner alone cannot mend his conduct sufficiently to be the kind
of person he would have been if he had not sinned, so man
cannot come to God on the basis of his corrected conduct. But
God through the cross has arranged that the relationship that
He originally planned to have with each person can be estab-
lished when the sinner has faith in Jesus whose life presents
the ideal conduct. This faith in Jesus and His ideal conduct is
accepted by God in the place of the faulty conduct of the sinner,
and a basis is thus provided for the new relationship between
God and the sinner. This ideal conduct of Jesus is Christ's
righteousness and the establishment of the relationship is
justification.
"We have transgressed the law of God, and by the deeds of
the law shall no flesh be justified. The best efforts that man in
his own strength can make, are valueless to meet the holy and
just law that he has transgressed; but through faith in Christ
he may claim the righteousness of the Son of God as all-suffi-
cient. Christ satisfied the demands of the law in His human
nature. He bore the curse of the law for the sinner, made an
atonement for him, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life. Genuine faith appropriates the
righteousness of Christ, and the sinner is made an overcomer
with Christ; for he is made a partaker of the divine nature, and
thus divinity and humanity are combined."—Selected Mes-
sages, Bk. 1, pp. 363, 364.
THINK IT THROUGH What prompts my good conduct—the desire to be well thought of, or the desire to honor God and be loyal to Him? “God’s dear Son died that He might impute unto man His own righteousness, and not that he might be at liberty to break God’s holy law, as Satan tries to make men believe. Through faith in Christ, man may be in possession of moral power to resist evil.”—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 317.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 308, 310. 12
Righteousness LESSON 1 ❑ Friday January 4
Part 6 What is Paul's command to the person who has been justi-
CORRECTED fled?
CONDUCT "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrigh-
Rom. 6:13 teousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those
that are alive from the dead, and your members as instru-
ments of righteousness unto God."
The new relationship with God puts man in a position to
receive from God, by the Spirit, power to correct his conduct.
It is sin that breaks the ideal relationship between God and
man; thus in order to perpetuate the new relationship, the be-
liever must renounce sinful conduct and accept as his own
ideal the perfect conduct of Jesus. As he seeks to copy the
conduct of Jesus, his own conduct is corrected, step by step.
This correction of conduct is sanctification. The faith in Jesus
by which the new relationship with God was formed serves also
as the means of conduct correction. When distinctions are
made between justification and sanctification it is not possible
to say that the believer is saved by one and not by the other,
for the relationship and the conduct are two parts of that which
is the ground of our salvation—the righteousness of Jesus
Christ. For salvation the relationship and the correction of
conduct must move on together—the corrected conduct per-
petuating the relationship, and the relationship covering the
imperfections of the conduct that exist in spite of one's best
efforts. The real key here is that the believer be relating to
God in loyalty and good faith, putting forth his best efforts to
correct his conduct, and not using the relationship with God
to cover up unrepentance.
"Christ looks at the spirit, and when He sees us carrying
our burden with faith, His perfect holiness atones for our short-
comings. When we do our best, He becomes our righteousness.
It takes every ray of light that God sends to us to make us the
light of the world."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 368.
THINK IT THROUGH How does the righteousness of Jesus become my righteous- ness?
"When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put
forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as
man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with
His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim
to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's com-
mandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to
hear a great deal more about works."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 382.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 317, 318. 13 THE GREAT STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Ellen G. White
Christ gave His life to redeem human- thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every ity, and He calls upon men and women good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but to make every sacrifice in their power a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” to glorify God by placing light in con- Notwithstanding all the profession of trast with darkness. Christ gave His life lip and voice, if the character is not in as a sacrifice, not to destroy God’s law, harmony with the law of God, those not to create a lower standard, but to making profession of godliness bear evil maintain justice, and to give man a sec- fruit. ond probation. No one can keep God’s “Not every one that saith unto me, commandments except in Christ’s power. Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom He bore in His body the sins of all man- of heaven; but he that doeth the will of kind, and He imputes His righteousness my Father which is in heaven,”—the will to every believing child. made known in the Ten Commandments, Christ is our example in all things. He given in Eden when the morning stars has magnified the law and made it hon- sang together, and all the sons of God orable. By His unwavering obedience He shouted for joy, and spoken with an au- testified to the truth that God’s law is dible voice from Sinai. “Many will say to the standard of righteousness for all me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not men. God requires of man nothing that prophesied in thy name? and in thy is impossible for him to do. He “so name have cast out devils? and in thy loved the world, that He gave His only name done many wonderful works? And begotten Son, that whosoever believeth then will I profess unto them, I never in Him should not perish, but have ever- knew you: depart from me, ye that work lasting life.” Possessing our nature, iniquity.” Many mighty works are done though unstained by sin, and tempted under the inspiration of Satan, and these in all points like as we are, Christ kept works will be more and more apparent the law, proving beyond controversy that in the last days. man also can keep it. “Therefore whosoever heareth these The fiat has gone forth, “The wages sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will of sin is death.” The sinner must feel his liken him unto a wise man, which built guiltiness, else he will never repent. He his house upon a rock; and the rain has broken the law, and in so doing has descended, and the floods came, and placed himself under its condemnation. the winds blew, and beat upon that The law has no power to pardon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded transgressor, but it points him to Christ upon a rock. And every one that heareth Jesus, who says to him, I will take your these sayings of mine, and doeth them sin and bear it myself, if you will accept not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, me as your substitute and surety. Re- which built his house upon the sand: turn to your allegiance, and I will im- and the rain descended, and the floods pute to you my righteousness. You will came, and the winds blew, and beat be made complete in me. upon that house; and it fell: and great Sin is the transgression of the law. was the fall of it.” God declares, “Ye shall know them by The mischief done by the professed their fruits. Do men gather grapes of believers in God who are not doers of 14 the Word, can not be estimated. Their heaven and earth. All on His side bear lawless, unholy principles corrupt many, His signet. They are obedient to His leading them away from the path of commands. On the other side stands obedience. the Prince of darkness, with those who A life of conformity to the Christ-life have chosen apostasy and rebellion. can not be a life of disobedience to When the judgment shall sit, and God’s commands. The lawyer who ques- every one shall be judged by the things tioned Christ concerning the law, in an- written in the books, the authority of swering his own question, said, “Thou God’s law will be looked upon in a light shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy altogether different from that in which heart, and with all thy soul, and with all it is now regarded by the Christian thy strength, and with all thy mind; and world. Satan has blinded their eyes and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast confused their understanding, as he answered right,” Christ said; “this do, blinded and confused Adam and Eve, and thou shalt live.” Sin can not reign and led them into transgression. The in the life of the one who loves God law of Jehovah is great, even as its supremely. Obedience to God is the Author is great. In the Judgment it will fruit borne by love. Christ is not at war be recognized as holy, just, and good with Christ, and love to our neighbor in all its requirements. Those who trans- prevents us from working ill to him. gress this law will find that they have “The fruit of righteousness is sown in a serious account to settle with God; peace of them that make peace.” The for His claims are decisive. law of God lays its claim upon the Christ has borne our sins in His own whole man. There’ is no period of time body, and those who accept Him as a when the law does not make this de- personal Saviour are free from the pen- mand upon every son and daughter of alty of the law. Jesus has been made Adam. the propitiation for our sin, and not for Complete obedience is the only con- ours only, but also for the sins of the dition that meets the requirement of the whole world. “Hereby we do know that law. “God is not a man, that He should we know Him, if we keep His command- lie.” God’s law is the rule of His gov- ments. He that saith, I know Him, and ernment. He says, “This do, and thou keepeth not His commandments, is a shalt live.” But to the disobedient He liar, and the truth is not in him. But says, “Cursed is every one that con- whoso keepeth His word, in him verily tinueth not in all things written in the is the love of God perfected. Hereby book of the law to do them.” “The soul know we that we are in Him. He that that sinneth, it shall die.” God has given saith he abideth in Him, ought himself the promise that those who obey His also so to walk, even as He walked.” law will be rewarded, not only in the To the obedient child of God the com- present life, but in the life to come. He mandments are a delight. David de- declares just as decidedly that those clares,” Thy testimonies have I taken who do not obey His requirements shall as an heritage forever: for they are the not see life, but the wrath of God abideth rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my on them. By lips that never lie the obe- heart to perform thy statutes alway, even dient are blessed, and the disobedient unto the end. I hate vain thoughts: but are pronounced guilty. thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding There are only two classes in the place and my shield: I hope in thy word. world to-day, and only two classes will Depart from me, ye evil-doers: for I will be recognized in the Judgment, —those keep the commandments of my God…. who violate God’s law, and those who I am thy servant; give me understanding, keep His law. Two great opposing pow- that I may know thy testimonies.” ers are revealed in the last great battle. Did the contempt shown to the law On one side stands the Creator of of God extinguish David’s loyalty? Hear 15 his words. He calls upon God to inter- law,” he exclaims. “Therefore I love thy fere and vindicate His honor, to show commandments above gold; yea, above that there is a God, that there are limits fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy pre- to His forbearance. “It is time for thee, cepts concerning all things to be right; Lord, to work,” he says,” for they have and I hate every false way.” made void thy law.” As man studies and contemplates the David saw the divine precepts thrown precious statutes of the Most High, as aside, and obstinacy and rebellion in- he meditates upon them, and realizes creasing. But he was not swept away by their value, he exclaims: “Thy testi- the prevalence of apostasy. The scorn monies are wonderful: therefore doth and contempt cast upon the law did not my soul keep them. The entrance of thy lead him to refrain from vindicating the words giveth light; it giveth understand- law. On the contrary, his reverence for ing unto the simple. . . . Great peace the law of Jehovah increased as he saw have they which love thy law: and noth- the disregard and contempt shown for ing shall offend them.”—Review and it by others. “They have made void thy Herald, May 7, 1901.
16 The Call to Righteousness “Surely, shall one say, in the Lord is a promise that to the earnest seeker have I righteousness and strength: even there will come a satisfying of the long- to him shall men come.” Isa. 45:24. ing of his heart. Christ is THE LORD OUR RIGH- Inasmuch as only God can heal the TEOUSNESS. To him man is to look for broken relationship of man with Him, “righteousness and strength.” As he it is to God that man must go for righ- looks to the one and only Saviour he teousness. He is invited to seek for it must look away from himself and his and is called blessed if he hungers and own inadequacy to heal the relation- thirsts for it. In these invitations there ship with God by his own means and works. As he looks to Jesus a trans- LESSON OUTLINE formation will be begun. If he continues
- Man’s Inadequacy to look to Jesus this transformation will not cease until he is completely re- Dan. 9:7-10 newed in the image of God.
- First Things First Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 6:11
- Blessed Are They Matt. 5:6 “Christ Our Hope,” an article
- Our Righteousness Is of God written by Ellen G. White, is Isa. 54:17 printed at the end of this lesson
- Christ, Our Righteousness for supplementary reading. It was Jer. 23:5, 6 originally printed in the Review
-
Accepting the Invitation and Herald. Ps. 5:8; 23:3; 4:1
17The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday January 6
Part 1 "0 Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee. . . . To us MAN'S belongeth confusion of faces, . . . because we have sinned against thee. . . . Neither have we obeyed the voice of the INADEQUACY Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by Dan. 9:1-10 his servants the prophets." The prayer of Daniel is a confession of the gins of Israel that had caused their captivity. The prophet recalls that God's acts have been righteous, but he finds no cause for merit or special consideration for his people. On the one side stands God's righteousness; on the other, Israel's prolonged record of sin. Daniel intercedes, saying, "For we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies." Dan. 9:18. This experience illustrates the re- lation of the whole human family with God. To what did an earlier prophet compare the righteousness of Judah? Isa. 64:6. How many have failed to maintain God's standard of righteousness? Rom. 3:10-12.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my spiritual condition apart from Christ? See John 15:5.
"Writing to the Philippians, he [Paul] describes his experi-
ence before and after his conversion. 'If any other man thinketh
that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh,' he says, 'I
more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of
the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching
the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.'
Phil. 3:4-6.
"After his conversion his testimony was: 'Yea verily, and I
count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of mine own,
even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.' Phil.
3:8, 9, ARV.
"The righteousness that heretofore he had thought of so
much worth was now worthless in his sight."—The Story of
Redemption, page 311.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 340-341. 18
The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Monday January 7
Part 2 What is to be given priority in the life of the follower of FIRST THINGS FIRST Jesus?
Matt. 6:33
1 Tim. 6:11 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteous-
ness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
"But thou, 0 man of God, flee these things; and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meek-
ness."
We are to give first place to seeking "the kingdom of God
and His righteousness" and do it with all our hearts. Jer.
29:12, 13. It is easy to become absorbed in the cares of life
and in the acquisition of material things. We must remember
"that man doth not live by bread only." Deut. 8:3.
"I [Jesus] have come to open to you the kingdom of love
and righteousness and peace. Open your hearts to receive this
kingdom, and make its service your highest interest. Though
it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life
will be uncared-for. If you give yourself to God's service, He
who has all power in heaven and earth will provide for your
needs."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 99.
How abundantly did God promise to provide the blessing
of righteousness to Israel if they would seek Him? Hosea
10:12.
What is the Lord's attitude toward those who seek righ-
teousness? Prov. 15:9.
THINK IT THROUGH What proportion of my time and energy do I give to ma- terial gain, and how much attention do I give to my relation- ship with God?
"All who choose Christ's kingdom of love and righteousness
and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are
linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this
life is theirs. In the book of God's providence, the volume of
life, we are each given a page. That page contains every par-
ticular of our history; even the hairs of the head are num-
bered. God's children are never absent from His mind."—The
Desire of Ages, page 313.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matt. 6:33, pages
98-100.
19
2-AQT 1-74 The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday January 8
Part 3 What is the prerequisite to being filled with righteousness? BLESSED ARE THEY
Matt. 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righ-
teousness: for they shall be filled."
Just as hunger and thirst arise out of the physical needs
of the human beings, so the hunger and thirst after righteous-
ness arise out of spiritual needs. But contrary to the case of
man's physical hunger, man does not himself produce a spir-
itual hunger. It is the Holy Spirit that produces the hunger as
well as satisfies it.
"He who desires the truth in his heart, who longs for the
working of its power upon the life and character, will be sure
to have it. Says the Saviour, 'Blessed are they which do hun-
ger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.' "
—That I May Know Him, page 10.
"If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you hunger
and thirst after righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ
has wrought upon your heart, in order that He may be sought
unto to do for you, through the endowment of the Holy Spirit,
those things which it is impossible for you to do for yourself.
We need not seek to quench our thirst at shallow streams; for
the great fountain is just above us, of whose abundant waters
we may freely drink, if we will rise a little higher in the path-
way of faith."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the meaning of hungering and thirsting after righ- teousness?
"Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or
sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to
every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. 'Ho, every one
that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no
money; come ye, buy, and eat, .. . without money and without
price.' ...
"No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the
hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, 'Behold, I stand
at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open
the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with Me.' am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall
never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.'
Revelation 3:20; John 6:35."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, pages 18, 19.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matt. 5:6, pages
pages 18-21. 20
The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday January 9
Part 4 What promises are made to God's servants in the follow-
OUR ing passage? RIGHTEOUSNESS
IS OF GOD "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and
Isa. 54:11 every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou
shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the
Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."
"No Weapon . . . God will care for His own and vindicate
them before their enemies. Neither evil men nor demons can
prevail against them (see Isa. 50:8, 9; Zech. 3:1, 2).
"Servants of the Lord. That is, the people of Israel....
"Their righteousness. More exactly, 'their vindication.' God
will vindicate the cause of His servants. When the enemy ac-
cuses them and fights against them He will pronounce them
innocent and deliver them."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4,
p. 295.
"In his own strength man is strengthless; but in the might
of God he may be strong to overcome evil and to help others
to overcome. Satan can never gain advantage of him who
makes God his defense. 'Surely, shall one say, in the Lord
have I righteousness and strength.' Isaiah 45:24.
"Fellow Christian, Satan knows your weakness; therefore
cling to Jesus. Abiding in God's love, you may stand every
test. The righteousness of Christ alone can give you power to
stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. Bring
faith into your experience. Faith lightens every burden, relieves
every weariness. Providences that are now mysterious you
may solve by continued trust in God. Walk by faith in the path
He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will
strengthen your faith and fit you for service."—Prophets and
Kings, page 175.
What promises made to Israel may be claimed by us also?
Isa. 41:10.
THINK IT THROUGH Why must my righteousness come from God?
"As we discern the perfection of our Saviour's character we
shall desire to become wholly transformed and renewed in the
image of His purity. The more we know of God, the higher will
be our ideal of character and the more earnest our longing to
reflect His likeness. A divine element combines with the human
when the soul reaches out after God."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, page 19.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages 53-55. 21
2-AQT 1-74 The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday January 10
Part 5 "Behold, the clays come, saith the Lord, that I will raise
CHRIST, OUR unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and
prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
RIGHTEOUSNESS In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell
ler. 23:5, 6 safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
This passage was written by the prophet following his de-
nunciation of Jehoiakim and his son Coniah or Jehoiachin. It
was a time of instability in government, for in a period of about
three months there were three kings of Judah, and the im-
potence of these was demonstrated by Nebuchadnezzar's at-
tack on Jerusalem resulting in the death of Jehoiakim, the cap-
ture of Jehoiachin, and the enthronement by the Babylonians
of Zedekiah. The meaning of the latter's name was "the Lord
my righteousness," or "the Lord is righteous." Under these cir-
cumstances Jeremiah predicts the coming of the Messiah-King
whose name would be THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
(RSV). This name affirms that in Christ is the righteousness that
human beings need and can find in no other source.
Yes, the Lord is the source of righteousness, and this righ-
teousness is for us. But not all are willing to admit that they
stand in need of this righteousness.
What name was to be applied to Jerusalem when the
Branch had come? Jer. 33:15, 16.
THINK IT THROUGH If I were to name my house according to the loyalty of the members of the household, what could I call it? Would it be appropriate to name it “The Lord Is Our Righteousness?”
"On the Saviour's coronation day He will not acknowledge
as His any who bear spot or wrinkle. But to His faithful ones
He will give crowns of immortal glory. Those who would not
that He should reign over them will see Him surrounded by the
army of the redeemed, each bearing the sign, THE LORD OUR
RIGHTEOUSNESS. They will see the head once crowned with
thorns crowned with a diadem of glory."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1157.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pages 425-428. 22
The Call to Righteousness LESSON 2 ❑ Friday January 11
Part 6 "Lead me, 0 Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine ACCEPTING THE enemies; make thy way straight before my face."
INVITATION "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righ- Ps. 5:8; 23:3; 4:1 teousness for his name's sake."
"Hear me when I call, 0 God of my righteousness."
In this and the former lesson a large number of passages
from the Old Testament have been brought in. We often hear
the testimony of the New Testament on the subject of "Christ,
Our Righteousness," and may forget that the Old Testament
contains many messages on this vital subject.
The 119th Psalm gives eloquent expression to the subject
of God's righteousness. Note the following:
"Righteous art thou, 0 Lord, and upright are thy judgments."
Verse 137.
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and
thy law is the truth." Verse 142.
"My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy command-
ments are righteousness." Verse 172.
In the same psalm the writer records his response to his
contemplation of God's righteousness:
"Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in
thy righteousness." Verse 40.
"Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for there-
in do I delight." Verse 35.
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of thy law." Verse 18.
THINK IT THROUGH Are there ways in which my attitudes do not harmonize with the plea “Make me to go in the path of thy command- ments”? Ps. 119:35. How can I make this request a reality?
"David, in the beauty and vigor of his young manhood, was
preparing to take a high position with the noblest of the earth.
His talents, as precious gifts from God, were employed to extol
the glory of the divine Giver. His opportunities of contempla-
tion and meditation served to enrich him with that wisdom and
piety that made him beloved of God and angels. As he con-
templated the perfections of his Creator, clearer conceptions
of God opened before his soul. Obscure themes were illumi-
nated, difficulties were made plain, perplexities were harmo-
nized, and each ray of new light called forth fresh bursts of
rapture, and sweeter anthems of devotion, to the glory of God
and the Redeemer."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 642.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 502-504. 23 CHRIST OUR HOPE
Ellen G. White
There is no excuse for any one in ceans, it is evident that many were taking the position that there is no more deceived in their estimate of their spir- truth to be revealed, and that all our itual condition. They regarded them- expositions of Scripture are without an selves as rich, as possessing all the error. The fact that certain doctrines knowledge and grace that was needed; have been held as truth for many years but yet they lacked the gold of faith and by our people, is not a proof that our love, the white raiment of Christ’s righ- ideas are infallible. Age will not make teousness. They were destitute and pov- error into truth, and truth can afford to erty-stricken, walking in sparks of their be fair. No true doctrine will lose any- own kindling, and preparing to lie down thing by close investigation. We are liv- in sorrow. Jesus says to them, “I have ing in perilous times, and it does not somewhat against thee, because thou become us to accept everything claimed hast left thy first love. Remember there- to be truth without examining it thor- fore from whence thou art fallen, and oughly; neither can we afford to reject repent, and do the first works [when the anything that bears the fruits of the glow of the love of God was upon you]; Spirit of God; but we should be teach- or else I will come unto thee quickly, able, meek and lowly of heart. and will remove thy candlestick out of There are those who oppose every- his place, except thou repent.” This thing that is not in accordance with their warning would not be given if there were own ideas, and by so doing they en- no danger of failure on the part of those danger their eternal interest as verily as who profess to be the children of God. did the Jewish nation in their rejection In unmistakable language our position of Christ. The Lord designs that our is presented before us. Apart from Christ opinions shall be put to the test, that we have no merit, no righteousness. Our we may see the necessity of closely ex- sinfulness, our weakness, our human amining the living oracles to see whether imperfections make it impossible that or not we are in the faith. Many who we should appear before God, unless claim to believe the truth have settled we are clothed in Christ’s spotless righ- down at their ease, saying, “I am rich, teousness. We are to be found in him, and increased with goods, and have not having our own righteousness, but need of nothing.” But Jesus says to the righteousness which is through these self-complacent ones, Thou “know- Christ. est not that thou art wretched, and mis- But there is hope for every one; for erable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” “God so loved the world, that he gave Let us individually inquire, Do these his only begotten Son, that whosoever words describe my case? If so, the True believeth in him should not perish, but Witness counsels us, saying, “Buy of have everlasting life.” If the love of God me gold tried in the fire, that thou may- is not appreciated, and does not be- est be rich; and white raiment, that thou come an abiding principle in the hard mayest be clothed, that the shame of thy heart to soften and subdue the soul, we nakedness do not appear; and anoint are utterly lost. The Lord has no reserve thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou may- power with which to influence man. He est see.” can give no greater manifestation of his From the description of the Laodi- love than that which he has given. 24 Heaven’s richest gift has been freely Son of the infinite God. The guilt of offered for your acceptance. If the ex- every sin pressed its weight upon the hibition of the love of Jesus does not divine soul of the world’s Redeemer. melt and subdue your heart, by what He who knew no sin became sin for means can you be reached? Has the us, that we might be made the righ- love of Christ failed to bring forth an teousness of God in him. In assuming earnest response of love and gratitude? the nature of man, he placed himself Then let it not remain in this condition where he was wounded for our trans- of hardness another day. Open your gressions, bruised for our iniquities, heart, and receive Christ, the best gift that by his stripes we might be healed. of heaven. Let not cruel unbelief lead In his humanity Christ was tried with you to refuse the heaven-sent gift. Let as much greater temptation, with as not Christ say of you, “Ye will not come much more persevering energy than unto me that ye might have life.” man is tried by the evil one, as his na- The heart of Christ is constantly ture was greater than man’s. This is a drawn out in sympathy toward fallen deep mysterious truth, that Christ is man. While upon earth, his only mission bound to humanity by the most sensitive was to save sinners. He had a deep sympathies. The evil works, the evil abhorrence of sin, while exercising the thoughts, the evil words of every son tenderest compassion toward the sin- and daughter of Adam press upon his ner. He was grieved and wounded at divine soul. The sins of men called for heart because men failed to value and retribution upon himself; for he had be- accept his love. The Majesty of heaven come man’s substitute, and took upon veiled his divinity in humanity, and him the sins of the world. He bore the passed from place to place through sins of every sinner; for all transgres- towns and cities, teaching the truth and sions were imputed unto him, though working miracles, and though multitudes “he did no sin, neither was guile found flocked to hear him, few were in sym- in his mouth.” Though the guilt of sin pathy with the lessons of truth he pre- was not his, his spirit was torn and sented, which alone could save the soul. bruised by the transgressions of men. How few have any conception of the “How shall we escape, if we neglect anguish which rent the heart of the Son so great salvation?” It is at the peril of of God during his thirty years of life our souls that we neglect the prescribed upon earth. The path from the manger to conditions under which we are called Calvary was shadowed by sorrow and to work our own salvation. It is only grief. He was the man of sorrows, and through Christ, who was made sin for and endured such heartache as no hu- us, that we can work out our own sal- man language can portray. He could vation; for it is God that worketh in us have said in truth, “Behold and see if both to will and to do of his own good there be any sorrow like unto my sor- pleasure. We are to co-operate heartily row.” His suffering was the deepest an- with God, by faith laying hold of the guish of the soul; and what man could righteousness of Christ, which alone have sympathy with the soul anguish of can save. The only way by which we the Son of the infinite God? Hating sin may be saved is by becoming workers with a perfect hatred, he yet gathered together with God. It is through the co- to his soul the sins of the whole world, operation of man with God that the as he trod the path to Calvary, suffering believer may come off victorious. We the penalty of the transgressor. Guilt- shall not be found guiltless if we are less, he bore the punishment of the content to float along in the current of guilty; innocent, yet offering himself to the world, submitting the question of bear the penalty of the transgression of our soul’s salvation to those who teach the law of God. The punishment of the the traditions of men and rely upon sup- sins of every soul was borne by the posed evidences. Every soul is to put 25 himself to the task of searching out the but I lay it down of myself. I have power truth as it is in Jesus, to know it for to lay it down, and I have power to take himself by the study of the sure word of it again.” No man of earth nor angel of God. We are not to ask, What is the pop- heaven could have paid the penalty of ular opinion? What saith brother A. or sin. Jesus was the only one who could brother B. or any other man? What saith save rebellious man. In him divinity and the fathers? But what saith the Lord our humanity were combined, and this was God in regard to the saving of the soul? what gave efficiency to the sacrifice And when we have found what saith the made on Calvary’s cross. Here it was Scriptures, let us act upon the written that mercy and truth met together, righ- word; for it is perilous to sit in judg- teousness and peace kissed each other. ment on the words of inspiration. That Christ is called “the Lord our righ- which has been written is for our in- teousness,” and through faith, each one struction, admonition, and comfort. should be able to say, “The Lord my Christ is the originator of divine truth. righteousness.” When faith lays hold He knew the height and depth, length upon this gift of God, the praise of God and breadth and fullness of the com- will be upon our lips, and we shall be passion of divine love, as no mortal man able to say, “Behold the Lamb of God, can know it. He knows the blessedness which taketh away the sin of the world.” that sinners are refusing when they re- Then we shall be able to tell the lost ject divine light, the horrors that will concerning the plan of salvation, that come upon the soul that refuses the while the world was lying under the truth of heaven. A heavenly feast has curse of the law, meriting death, the been spread for the hungry, but they Lord presented terms of mercy to the refuse to eat. Christ alone knows what fallen and hopeless sinner, and brought means the exceeding weight of glory out the meaning and value of his grace. which those who rebel against God, re- Grace is unmerited favor. The angels, fuse to receive. The work of Christ upon who know nothing of sin, do not under- earth was to seek and save that which stand what it is to have grace exercised was lost. Ever before him, he saw the toward them; but our sinfulness calls result of his mission, although the bap- for the exercise of grace from a merciful tism of blood must first be received, God. It was grace that sent us our Sav- although the weight of sins of the world iour to seek us as wanderers and bring was to gather upon his innocent soul, us back to his fold. although the shadow of an unspeakable No works that the sinner can do will woe was ever over him; yet for the joy be efficacious in saving his soul. Obe- that was set before him, he endured the dience was always due to the Creator; cross and despised the shame. He en- for he endowed man with attributes for dured all this that sinful man might be his service. God requires good works saved, that he might be elevated and from man always; but good works can- ennobled, and have a place with him not avail to earn salvation. It is impos- upon his throne. sible for man to save himself. He may Men are contaminated with sin, and deceive himself in regard to this matter; they cannot have an adequate concep- but he cannot save himself. Christ’s tion of the heinous character of the evil righteousness alone can avail for his which they cherish. Because of sin, the salvation, and this is the gift of God. Majesty of heaven was stricken, smit- This is the wedding garment prepared ten of God and afflicted. Voluntarily our for you in which you may be a welcome divine substitute bared his soul to the guest at the marriage supper of the sword of justice, that we might not per- Lamb. Let faith take hold of Christ with- ish, but have everlasting life. Said out delay, and you will be a new crea- Christ: “I lay down my life that I might ture in Jesus, a light to the world.— take it again. No man taketh it from me, Review and Herald, December 20, 1892. 26 LESSON 3 January 13-19 ANDERSON,ARTIST; © PPPA
The ighteous
Jesus
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” Rom. 8:3.
The second member of the Godhead came into our world to reveal the righteous character of God. For this revelation to have meaning to hu- man beings it had to be done by a human being, and so the Son of God was born into our world as a member of the human LESSON OUTLINE family, and He lived in this world as we live in it. 1. Jesus Was God “Christ bore the sins and infirmities of the race John 8:58 as they existed when he came to earth to help man. In behalf of the race, with the weaknesses of fallen 2. Results man upon him, he was to stand the temptations of Col. 2:9, 10 Satan upon all points wherewith man would be as- 3. Jesus Was Man sailed.”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, June Phil. 2:5-7 11, 1874. 4. Mutual Understanding Jesus’ revelation of what righteousness means in Heb. 2:17 human existence was not carried out in ideal condi- tions or by a physically ideal being, but in man’s 5. Jesus Was Tempted real circumstances. Heb. 4:15 In our lesson this week we will study about Jesus, 6. Man Need Not Sin and what His life on earth means to us today. Rom. 8:3 27 The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday January 13
Part 1 What was Jesus' claim about His identity?
JESUS WAS GOD
John 8:58 "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Be-
fore Abraham was, I am."
Ellen G. White notes that these words were spoken by Jesus
"with solemn dignity," and she then comments:
"Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God,
given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence,
had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had
announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had
been promised to Israel, 'whose goings forth have been from
of old, from the days of eternity.' Micah 5:2, margin."—The
Desire of Ages, pages 469, 470.
Could men know by looking at Jesus that He was God?
Phil. 2:6, 7.
"The faith of men in Christ as the Messiah was not to rest
on the evidences of sight, and they believe on Him because of
His personal attractions, but because of the excellence of
character found in Him, which never had been found, neither
could be, in another."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 904.
What was Paul's claim about Jesus' identity? Col. 2:9.
"In Christ is gathered all the glory of the Father. In Him
is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is the brightness
of the Father's glory, and the express image of His person.
The glory of the attributes of God are expressed in His char-
acter....
"We are not to praise the gospel, but praise Christ. We are
not to worship the gospel, but the Lord of gospel. Christ is a
perfect representation of God."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 907.
THINK IT THROUGH How could I recognize that Jesus was God if I were in His earthly presence?
"Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man.
Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was
still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to hu-
manity, and this representation the disciples had been privi-
leged to behold for over three years."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 663, 664.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 207-210. 28
The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Monday January 14
Part 2 According to Paul what benefit has come to the believer
RESULTS from Christ's Godship? Col. 2:9, 10, RSV
"For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and
you have come to fulness of life in him, who is the head of
all rule and authority."
"What a thought is this! In Christ 'dwelleth all the fulness
of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him.' Never
will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to
be molded by the Spirit of God. The Spirit conforms the re-
newed soul to the model, Jesus Christ."—Messages to Young
People, pages 55, 56.
What was one result, which Jesus illustrated by a ladder,
of His coming into this world? John 1:51.
This illustration is based on the story of Jacob's dream
recorded in Genesis 28:10-17. Jesus identified Himself as the
ladder. He is the means by which man is brought into contact
with divinity. "The top of the ladder, reaching into heaven,
represents the divine power of Christ, who grasps the Infinite
and thus links earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite
God. Through Christ the communication is opened between
God and man."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 280.
Because Jesus is God, He is able to bring to man divine
power to conquer sin. Without the divine Jesus there would
not have been any communication from God to man—no an-
gels, no Spirit, no Scriptures—and this world would have had
no knowledge of truth to combat Satan's lies about God, and
no power to resist his temptations. The information and power
that man needs is supplied by his divine Saviour, who is sym-
bolized as a ladder from earth to heaven.
What happens in the life of one who by faith is righteous?
2 Peter 1:1-4.
"There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan's sophis-
try. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He
yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ's humanity
was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partak-
ers of the divine nature."—The Desire of Ages, page 123.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I personally obtain the divine power that Jesus came into this world to make available to men?
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 183, 184.
29
The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday January 15
Part 3 What word does Paul use to describe the completeness
JESUS WAS MAN with which Jesus gave up the form and position of God?
Phil. 2:5-1, RSV
"Have this mind among yourselves, which you have in
Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not
count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied
himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the like-
ness of men."
"When we want a deep problem to study, let us fix our
minds on the most marvelous thing that ever took place in
earth or heaven—the incarnation of the Son of God. . . .
"The whole world was His, but so completely did He empty
Himself that during His ministry He declared, "Foxes have
holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man
hath not where to lay his head.' [Heb. 2:14-18 quoted.]"—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 904.
What change did John say took place in the Word? John
1:14.
"Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did
verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature. 'As the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
likewise took part of the same.' He was the Son of Mary; He
was of the seed of David according to human descent. He is
declared to be a man, even the man Christ Jesus."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1130.
"It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the
Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in
his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the
race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like
every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working
of the great law of heredity....
"He [the Father] permitted Him to meet life's peril in com-
mon with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child
of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal
loss."—The Desire of Ages, page 49.
THINK IT THROUGH Of what importance is it to me that Jesus was a man?
"For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in
physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and
Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity.
Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his
degradation."—The Desire of Ages, page 117.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63-65, 69, 70. 30
The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday January 16
Part 4 What reason is given in Hebrews 2:17 for Jesus becoming
MUTUAL human? UNDERSTANDING "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like
Heb. 2:17 unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful
high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation
for the sins of the people."
"In Christ were united the divine and the human—the Crea-
tor and the creature. The nature of God, whose law had been
transgressed, and the nature of Adam, the transgressor, meet
in Jesus—the Son of God, and the Son of man. And having
with His own blood paid the price of redemption, having
passed through man's experience, having in man's behalf met
and conquered temptation, having, though Himself sinless
borne the shame and guilt and burden of sin, He becomes
man's Advocate and Intercessor. What an assurance here to
the tempted and struggling soul, what an assurance to the
witnessing universe, that Christ will be 'a merciful and faithful
high priest'!"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 7, p. 926.
"For our sake Jesus emptied Himself of His glory; He
clothed His divinity with humanity that he might touch human-
ity, that His personal presence might be among us, that we
might know that He was acquainted with all our trials, and
sympathized with our grief, that every son and daughter of
Adam might understand that Jesus is the friend of sinners."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7,
p. 927.
It is not that God could not understand man's situation, but
there needed to be a way by which man was assured that God
understood. Jesus by His human experience provides the
ground for man's faith in a God who understands man's needs.
What result of Jesus' humanity is inferred in John 14:9?
THINK IT THROUGH Was there anything about human life that Jesus did not understand before He became a man? Why did He become a man? “He came in humility, in order that the humblest being upon the face of the earth could have no excuse because of his poverty, or ignorance, and say, Because of these things, I cannot obey the law of Jehovah. Christ clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. . . . In His humanity He understood all the temptations that will come to man.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 925. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 328-332.
31
The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday January 17
Part 5 In what way was Jesus' experience with temptation the
JESUS WAS same as ours? How was it different?
TEMPTED "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
Heb. 4:15 with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
"Christ bore the sins and infirmities of the race as they
existed when He came to the earth to help man. In behalf of
the race, with the weaknesses of fallen man upon Him, He was
to stand the temptations of Satan upon all points wherewith
man would be assailed."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1081.
"The temptations to which Christ was subjected were a ter-
rible reality. As a free agent, He was placed on probation, with
liberty to yield to Satan's temptations and work at cross-pur-
poses with God. If this were not so, if it had not been possible
for Him to fall, He could not have been tempted in all points
as the human family is tempted."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1082.
What encouragement can we gain from Christ's experience
of temptation? Heb. 12:3, 4.
"Satan made stronger attacks upon Christ than he will ever
make upon us. There was much at stake with him, whether
Christ or himself should be conqueror. . . . You can never be
tempted in so determined and cruel a manner as was our
Saviour. Satan was upon His path every moment."—Sons and
Daughters of God, page 156. THINK IT THROUGH In what way can it be said that Jesus was tempted in all
points as we are, when many attractions of the world did
not exist in His earthly lifetime?
"If He [Jesus] did not have man's nature, He could not be
our example. If He was not a partaker of our nature, He could
not have been tempted as man has been. If it were not possible
for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It
was a solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as
man, in man's behalf."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1082.
"If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had
Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour
took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of
man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have
nothing to bear which He has not endured."--The Desire of
Ages, page 117.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 114-119. 32
The Righteous Jesus LESSON 3 ❑ Friday January 18
Part 6 What was proved by Jesus' sinless life? MAN NEED NOT SIN
Rom. 8:3 "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness
of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."
"Christ came to the earth, taking humanity and standing
as man's representative, to show in the controversy with Satan
that man, as God created him, connected with the Father and
the Son, could obey every divine requirement."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 926.
"The Saviour's life of obedience maintained the claims of
the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and
showed the excellence of character that obedience would de-
velop."—The Desire of Ages, page 309.
What outstanding feature of Christ's life is to be a source
of encouragement to man? John 16:33.
As Jesus has overcome the world, so we, in the power of
the Spirit made available by virtue of Christ's victory, can over-
come the world. Satan has at least one more accusation that
he can make against Jesus. It is that Christ's experience in
overcoming all temptation successfully was , a unique experi-
ence that cannot be duplicated by ordinary believers. But the
message of Jesus to us is that what He did, we also can do.
"To every one who surrenders fully to God is given the priv-
ilege of living without sin, in obedience to the law of heaven."
—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Sept. 27, 1906.
"Exact obedience is required, and those who say that it is
not possible to live a perfect life throw upon God the imputa-
tion of injustice and untruth."—Ellen G. White, Review and
Herald, Feb. 7, 1957.
Through believers who trust fully in Jesus to give them vic-
tory over all sin Jesus will answer Satan's last lying charge. THINK IT THROUGH Can hereditary weaknesses be overcome in this life?
"Those who put their trust in Christ are not to be enslaved
by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency. Instead of
being held in bondage to the lower nature, they are to rule
every appetite and passion. God has not left us to battle with
evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited
or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through
the power that He is ready to impart."—The Ministry of Heal-
ing, pages 175, 176.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 371, 372; The Desire of Ages, page 309.
33
“Few give LESSON 4 thought to the January 20-26 suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ’s agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every depar- ture from the right, every deed of cru- The e lty, every failure of hu- Purpose manity to reach His o ideal, brings grief to Him.” the —”Education,” page 263. Crross “In this was manifested the love of Calvary was the price that Heaven God toward us, because that God sent paid to win man back to allegiance to his only begotten Son into the world, his Maker. The infinite sacrifice of the that we might live through him. Herein cross was God’s means of reconciling man with Himself. is love, not that we loved God, but that The Father and the Son “had clasped he loved us, and sent his Son to be Their hands in a solemn pledge that the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John Christ should become the surety for the 4:9, 10. human race.”—The Desire of Ages, A cross is a repulsive, frightening page 834. thing. It has the same significance as From the cross emanates a myster- the gallows, the guillotine, the electric ious power that draws men heavenward. chair, the firing squad, or the gas cham- ber. Yet we today see it as a symbol of LESSON OUTLINE the mercy and grace of God. What has 1. Sin’s Results changed its meaning? The execution of Rom. 8:7; James 4:4 Jesus of Nazareth. He was innocent not 2. Reconciliation only before the laws of the nation, but more importantly even before the law 2 Cor. 5:19 of God. The Christian meaning of the 3. Misrepresentation Corrected cross depends on a prior belief in who John 3:16, 17 Jesus was and what His death meant. 4. Attraction On the cross Christ suffered and died Hosea 11:4; John 12:32, 33 a voluntary death. He gave all that He 5. Transforming Power had to reveal the true nature of God’s character. On the cross God went on 2 Cor. 3:18 record for all time that He loves His 6. The Invitation creatures. Matt. 11:28; John 7:37; 6:37 34 The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday January 20
Part 1 "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it
SIN'S RESULTS is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:1; lames 4:4 "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity
with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God."
What is the meaning in James 4:4 of the expression "a
friend of the world"?
When Adam and Eve sinned, they turned their backs upon
God. They had been deceived into thinking that God did not
have their best interests at heart.
The basic question that Adam and Eve faced when tempted
was "Whom shall we believe?" God had given them evidence
in the provision for their life and happiness that He was con-
cerned for their welfare. Satan presented only words and the
spectacle of a talking serpent. But Satan's words aroused the
couple's interest in themselves, and it became pleasant to
believe the serpent and restrictive to believe God. When they
believed the serpent's words, they placed themselves in op-
position to God's words and became God's enemies.
"The earth was dark through misapprehension of God."—
The Desire of Ages, page 22.
What are the results of sin in the relationship between
man and God? Isa. 59:2.
"Adam, in his innocence, had enjoyed open communion with
his Maker; but sin brought separation between God and man,
and the atonement of Christ alone could span the abyss and
make possible the communication of blessing or salvation from
heaven to earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 67.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the danger of regarding God’s rules as only restric- tions? How should I regard God’s law? “But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the universe there was but one who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into harmony with Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.”—Pafriarchs and Prophets, page 63.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 498-501. 35
3—AQT 1-74 The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Monday January 21
Part 2 In the doctrine of reconciliation who is reconciled to
RECONCILIATION whom?
2 Cor. 5:19, RSV
"God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not
counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us
the message of reconciliation."
God has never been man's enemy. His opposition is against
sin, not people. Since the fall, man has consistently been at
enmity with God, and God's offer of reconciliation is really His
recognition that man can be separated from sin, and thus no
longer at enmity with God.
Man's sin, from which he can be separated, was the result
of believing a misrepresentation of God's attitude toward His
creatures. Could man be shown the correct view of God's char-
acter, and believe it, then a restoration of friendship between
man and God would be possible. Christ came to earth to reveal
to man God's love for him, and to provide evidence, by His
own self-sacrifice, on which man could base his belief in the
kind of God Jesus revealed.
"Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul
and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the
pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made
by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgres-
sor who accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel
through which the mercy, love, and righteousness might flow
from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner."—Selected
Messages, Bk. 1, p. 396.
By what event is man reconciled to God? Rom. 5:10;
1 Peter 3:18.
THINK IT THROUGH If I believe that God is my friend what effect will this belief have on my attitude toward God’s rules for my life?
"Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is pro-
vided for man. The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned
by the cross of Calvary. A full, complete ransom has been
paid by Jesus, by virtue of which the sinner is pardoned, and
the justice of the law is maintained. All who believe that Christ
is the atoning sacrifice may come and receive pardon for their
sins; for through the merit of Christ, communication has been
opened between God and man."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1,
p. 363.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 501-504. 36
The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday January 22
Part 3 What two facets of God's character are implied in John MISREPRESENTA- 3:17? TION CORRECTED "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begot-
John 3:16,11 ten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved."
The cross demonstrates that God is merciful to man, be-
cause a member of the Godhead became a man and willingly
died in the process of showing man what God is like. On the
other hand the cross demonstrates God's judgment on sin
because the Father separated Himself from Jesus, as though
Jesus were a sinner, refusing to change the law even to save
the Son.
"The death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only
hope in this world, and it will be our theme in the world to
come. Oh, we do not comprehend the value of the atonement!
. . . The gift of God in His beloved Son was the expression of
an incomprehensible love. It was the utmost that God could
do to preserve the honor of His law, and still save the trans-
gressor. Why should man not study the theme of redemption?
It is the greatest subject that can engage the human mind."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5,
p. 1132.
THINK IT THROUGH How often do my thoughts turn to the great sacrifice that has been made for my redemption? It is “the expression of an incomprehensible love.” “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.’ John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. . . . In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound to- gether. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 25, 26.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 651, 652. 37
3—AQT 1-74 The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday January 23
Part 4 What thought do the following texts have in common?
ATTRACTION
Hosea 11:4, RSV
"I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of
John 12:32, 33 love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on
their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them."
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men
unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die."
These texts speak only of the divine action in drawing men
and not of men's response. Through the atonement there has
been provided in this world a universal attraction to Jesus. This
attraction is not necessarily to the Man Jesus of Nazareth (see
The Desire of Ages, page 638) but always to the principles by
which He lived, and by the Spirit which He has sent in His
place.
While the attraction is universal, the response is only from
a "little flock."
"Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to
draw the hearts of all men to Himself. He said, 'And I, if I
be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me' (John
12:32). . . . By the manifestation of His love, by the entreating
of His Spirit, He woos men to repentance. . . . It is that men
may understand the joy of forgiveness, the peace of God, that
Christ draws them through the manifestation of His love. If
they respond to His drawing, yielding their hearts to His grace,
He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge of Him-
self, and this is life eternal."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp.
323, 324.
"In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence
goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ
gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered
for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea,
more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of
character, making him more than a conqueror."Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1113.
THINK IT THROUGH When men look to the cross, what is it that draws them away from a life of sin? Have I responded to that drawing power?
"As the student of the Bible beholds the Redeemer, there
is awakened in the soul the mysterious power of faith, adora-
tion, and love."—Education, page 192.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "God's Love for Man," pages 13-15, 27. 38
The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday January 24
Part 5 In the following verse, what two elements does Paul state TRANSFORMING are the means of change in the human heart?
POWER
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
2 Cor. 3:18
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from
glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
• "By beholding we are to become changed; and as we medi-
tate upon the perfections of the divine Model, we shall desire
to become wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of
His purity. It is by faith in the Son of God that transformation
takes place in the character, and the child of wrath becomes
the child of God. He passes from death unto life, he becomes
spiritual and discerns spiritual things. The wisdom of God en-
lightens his mind, and he beholds wondrous things out of His
law. As a man is converted by the truth, the work of transfor-
mation of charatcer goes on. He has an increased measure of
understanding. In becoming a man of obedience to God, he
has the mind of Christ, and the will of God becomes His will."
—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 338.
What outstanding example is given us of the transforming
power of Christ? Acts 9:1-6.
"In that hour of heavenly illumination Saul's mind acted
with remarkable rapidity. The prophetic records of Holy Writ
were opened to his understanding. He saw that the rejection
of Jesus by the Jews, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascen-
sion, had been foretold by the prophets and proved Him to be
the promised Messiah. Stephen's sermon at the time of his
martyrdom was brought forcibly to Saul's mind, and he realized
that the martyr had indeed beheld 'the glory of God' when he
said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God.' Acts 7:55, 56. The priests
had pronounced these words blasphemy, but Saul now knew
them to be truth.
"What a revelation was all this to the persecutor! Now Saul
knew for a certainty that the promised Messiah had come to
this earth as Jesus of Nazareth and that He had been rejected
and crucified by those whom He came to save."—The Acts of
the Apostles, pages 115, 116.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I view the crucified One? Am I beholding Him sufficiently to know what He is like and to grow more like Him?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 759-761.
39
The Purpose of the Cross LESSON 4 ❑ Friday January 25
Part 6 In each of the following texts, what is the action of the
THE INVITATION person?
Matt. 11:28
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
John 7:37; 6:31
and I will give you rest."
"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood
and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me,
and drink."
"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him
that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
"The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing
of the love of Christ. God sends message after message to men,
entreating them to repentance, that He may forgive, and write
pardon against their names."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p.
323.
What attitude of God expressed to Judah is always His
attitude toward the sinner? Ezek. 33:11.
"The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing
of the Spirit of God; as man responds to this drawing, he ad-
vances toward Christ in order that he may repent. . . .
"The Lord Jesus is constantly seeking to impress the sin-
ner's mind and attract him to behold Himself, the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sins of the world. We cannot take a
step toward spiritual life save as Jesus draws and strengthens
the soul, and leads us to experience that repentance which
needeth not to be repented of."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1,
pp. 390, 391.
THINK IT THROUGH How would I feel if Christ were to come to my home in person?
"Oh, let us contemplate the amazing sacrifice that has been
made for us! Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that
Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost, and bring them back
to the Father's house. Motives stronger, and agencies more
powerful, could never be brought into operation; the exceed-
ing rewards for right-doing, the enjoyment of heaven, the so-
ciety of the angels, the communion and love of God and His
Son, the elevation and extension of all our powers throughout
eternal ages—are these not mighty incentives and encourage-
ments to urge us to give the heart's loving service to our Crea-
tor and Redeemer?"—Steps to Christ, page 21.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 328-332. 40
LESSON 5 January 27 to February 2 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8, 9. The Holy Spirit will work a complete LESSON OUTLINE transformation, or conversion, in the life. of the person who is attached to the 1. Source of Salvation cross. This change will be seen by true 2 Tim. 3:15 repentance for and a turning away from 2. Repentance and Conversion sin. Where necessary, restitution will be Acts 3:19 made. 3. Confession By faith man will lay hold of God’s 1 John 1:8, 9 promises for forgiveness and for strength 4. Faith to live the new life he has chosen. He Mark 1:15 will desire also to give public testimony 5. Restitution of his new experience by seeking bap- tism. Through baptism he will pledge, Ezek. 33:15 by God’s grace, to remain steadfast in 6. Baptism the new life that he has chosen. Acts 2:37, 38 It LARKIN
41
Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday January 27
Part 1 In writing to Timothy, what place did Paul give to the
SOURCE OF Scriptures in relation to salvation?
SALVATION "And that from a child thou host known the holy scrip-
2 Tim. 3:15 tures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
How vital is a knowledge of Christ? John 17:3.
"We should not take the testimony of any man as to what
the Scriptures teach, but should study the words of God for
ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking, we shall have
crippled energies and contracted abilities. The noble powers
of the mind may be so dwarfed by lack of exercise on themes
worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp
the deep meaning of the word of God. The mind will enlarge
if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of
the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture and spiritual
things with spiritual."—Steps to Christ, pages 89, 90.
"We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of
the Scriptures and should task the understanding to compre-
hend, as far as mortals can, the deep things of God; yet we
must not forget that the docility and submission of a child is
the true spirit of the learner."—The Great Controversy, page
599.
"Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures,—and how
much more is it true of the New,—'They are they which testify
of Me,' the Redeemer, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life
are centered. John 5:39. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ.
From the first record of creation—for 'without Him was not
anything made that was made'—to the closing promise, 'Be-
hold, I come quickly,' we are reading of His works and listen-
ing to His voice. John 1:3; Revelation 22:12. If you would
become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scrip-
tures."—Steps to Christ, page 88.
THINK IT THROUGH How important is the study of the Scriptures in the light of this lesson? “We should meditate upon the mission of Him who came to save His people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heav- enly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in His power to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.”— Steps to Christ, page 89.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Hidden Treasure," pages 111-114. 42
Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Monday January 28
Part 2 What follows after repentance and conversion? REPENTANCE AND
CONVERSION "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come
Acts 3:19
from the presence of the Lord."
Why is repentance imperative? Acts 17:30, 31.
What two kinds of repentance does Paul write of to the
Corinthians and in what way do they differ? 2 Cor. 7:10.
Repentance is "the first step toward obedience"—Ellen G.
White, Signs of the Times, Aug. 13, 1894. The repentant person
has turned his back on his old disobedient way of life and
has committed himself to live a life of obedience to the Lord.
"Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away
from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness;
until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change
in the life."—Steps to Christ, page 23.
"The Bible does not teach that the sinner must repent be-
fore he can heed the invitation of Christ, 'Come unto Me, all
ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.'
Matthew 11:28. It is the virtue that goes forth from Christ, that
leads to genuine repentance. Peter made the matter clear in
his statement to the Israelites when he said, 'Him hath God
exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for
to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.' Acts
5:31. We can no more repent without the Spirit of Christ to
awaken the conscience than we can be pardoned without
Christ."—Steps to Christ, page 26.
THINK IT THROUGH What does the apostle Paul mean when he speaks of cruci- fying the “old man”? (Gal. 2:20). What part does it have in conversion?
"What you need to understand is the true force of the will.
This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of
decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action
of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is
theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot
of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to
serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in
you to will and to do according to His good pleasure."—Steps
to Christ, page 47.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “Repentance,” pages 31-36. 43 Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday January 29
Part 3 On what condition does God promise forgiveness to the
CONFESSION sinner?
1 John 1:8, 9
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrigh-
teousness."
Confession is not a virtuous act in itself, as one may confess
for the wrong reason. "Confession will not be acceptable to
God without sincere repentance and reformation."—Testimo-
nies, Vol. 5, p. 640. Confession is really a part of repentance.
It is the admission of guilt, and repentance is the rejection of
the act of which one is guilty.
What are the conditions for receiving God's mercy? Prov.
28:13.
What was God's response to David's confession? Ps. 32:5
(last part).
"True confession is always of a specific character, and ac-
knowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as
to be brought before God only; they may be wiongs that should
be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through
them; or they may be of a public character, and should then
be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite
and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you
are guilty."—Steps to Christ, page 38.
THINK IT THROUGH It will help my brother to confess his faults if I can take some of the blame to myself.
"How mistaken are those who imagine that confession of sin
will detract from their dignity, and lessen their influence among
their fellow men. Clinging to this erroneous idea, though seeing
their faults, many fail to confess them, but rather pass by the
wrongs they have done others, so embittering their own lives,
and shadowing the lives of others. It will not hurt your dignity
to confess your sins. Away with this false dignity. Fall on the
Rock and be broken, and Christ will give you the true and
heavenly dignity. Let not pride, self-esteem, or self-righteous-
ness keep anyone from confessing his sin."—Selected Mes-
sages, Bk. 1, pp. 326, 327.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Confession," pages 37-41. 44
Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday January 30
Part 4 What two virtues did Jesus place side by side?
FAITH
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
Mark 1:15
God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Repentance alone cannot bring salvation, since repentance
is realigning one's life with the law, and the law cannot save.
Combined with repentance there must be belief—faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ. But faith in Jesus cannot take the place of
repentance. Salvation is granted to the sinner as he both re-
pents of breaking the law and exercises faith in Jesus. The
two must never be separated. They belong together.
One of the great promises of the Bible is found in 1 John
1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But
after having made sincere confession of our sins, how can
we be sure that God will keep His promise? We hear no proc-
lamation from heaven; we do not see the angels write for-
giveness on the heavenly records. It is faith that makes it sure.
God has promised, and when we meet the condition, God is
faithful. He can be trusted.
Satan "had tempted the woman [Eve] to distrust God's love,
to doubt His wisdom, and to transgress His law."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, page 57. At the cross evidence was given to the
world sufficient to remove all doubt and distrust of God's love.
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for
us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Romans 8:32.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I trust the word of people who are interested in my welfare and who have made sacrifices that I might get ahead? What lesson can I learn from this that will strengthen my trust in my heavenly Father and in His Word?
"You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away.
You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and
ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart.
Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This
is the lesson which Jesus taught while He was on earth, that
the gift which God promises us, we must believe we do re-
ceive, and it is ours."—Steps to Christ, pages 49, 50.
"You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change
your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all
this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You
confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve
Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word
to you."—Steps to Christ, page 51.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “Faith and Acceptance,” pages 49-55. 45 Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday January 31
Part 5 What besides future obedience does God require of the
RESTITUTION converted person?
Ezek. 33:15
"If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had
robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniq-
uity; he shall surely live, he shall not die."
"If we have injured others through any unjust business
transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded any
man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should
confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our
power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have
taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right
and wise use during the time it has been in our possession."
—The Desire of Ages, page 556.
What provision was made in ancient Israel for restitution
to a person one had wronged? Num. 5:6, 7.
If the offended party could not be located, what procedure
was to be followed? Num. 5:8.
After his conversion, what was the reaction of Zacchaeus
to his fraud? Luke 19:8, 9.
"You cannot make every case right, for some whom you
have injured have gone into their graves, and the account
stands registered against you. In these cases the best you can
do is to bring a trespass offering to the altar of the Lord, and
He will accept and pardon you. But where you can, you should
make reparation to the wronged ones."—Testimonies, Vol. 5,
p. 339.
How have some robbed God? Mal. 3:8-10.
"There are many who will not be blessed till they make
restitution of the tithe which they have withheld. God is wait-
ing for you to redeem the past. The hand of the holy law is
laid upon every soul who enjoys God's benefits. Let those who
have kept back their tithe make an accurate reckoning, and
bring to the Lord that of which they have robbed His work."
—Counsels on Stewardship, page 87.
THINK IT THROUGH What restitution do I need to make? Read Psalm 139:23, 24.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 552, 556. 46
Accepting God’s Provision LESSON 5 ❑ Friday February I
Part 6 On the day of Pentecost what did Peter indicate was to
BAPTISM follow repentance?
Acts 2:31, 38
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men
and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost."
"Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spir-
itual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with
which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under
the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before
man can find a home in the church, before passing the thresh-
hold of God's spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress
of the divine name, 'The Lord our Righteousness.' Jer 23:6."—
Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 91.
Of what is baptism a symbol? Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12.
"In baptism we are given to the Lord as a vessel to be used.
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Self is by
profession dead to a life of sin. The waters cover the candi-
date, and in the presence of the whole heavenly universe the
mutual pledge is made. In the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with
Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new
life of loyalty to God. The three great powers in heaven are
witnesses; they are invisible but present."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1074.
THINK IT THROUGH What is accomplished by baptism?
"Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those
who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life
declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan
and have become members of the royal family, children of the
heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: 'Come out
from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the
unclean thing.' And to them is fulfilled the promise: 'I will re-
ceive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My
sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.' 2 Corinthians
6:17, 18."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 91.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 107-111. 47 LESSON 6 February 3-9
ChMstt !Imputed Paghteousness “Even as David also de- scribeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God im- puteth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are for- given, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not im- pute sin.” Rom. 4:6-8. In the plan of redemption it was decided that Christ would take upon Himself man’s sin and suffer the penalty that would otherwise fall upon the sinner. Thus God “might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” When the Father accepts Christ’s righteous life in place of man’s life of sin, man stands justified—his sins are forgiven; he is counted as though he had never sinned. The same power that has drawn the sinner to Christ in repentance and faith trans- forms his life and makes him a loyal and obedient child of God.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. Definition
Rom. 4:6-8
2. Source
Rom. 5:8, 9
3. Means
Gal. 2:16
4. Results I
Ps. 32:1, 2; Ps. 103:1-3
5. Results II
Rom. 5:1
6. Retaining Justification
1 Peter 2:24; Ps. 103:17, 18 48
Christ’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday February 3
Part 1 Read Rom. 4:6-8.
DEFINITION In the above passage the apostle Paul wrote of those to
whom God "imputeth righteousness" and equated this with
Rom. 4:6-8
the phrase "iniquities are forgiven." The Revised Standard
Version uses the expression "reckons righteousness" for
"imputeth righteousness."
Counted. Gr. logizomai. The same word is translated 'reck-
oned' (v. 4) and 'imputeth' (v. 6). In classical Greek and in the
papyri the term was used in connection with the keeping of
accounts. Abraham's faith was set down on the credit side for
righteousness."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 512.
"Be justified. Gr. dikaioo, 'to set right,' to regard as righ-
teous,' to declare righteous,' to treat as being righteous,' to
present as righteous.' The word occurs 39 times in the NT, 27
of these being in the writings of Paul. The significance of
dikaioo is somewhat obscured by the translation `to justify.'
In the Greek dikaioo, `to justify,' dikaios, 'righteous,' dikaio-
sune, 'righteousness,' are all built on the same root and the
relationship between the three is clearly seen."—SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 500.
"Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment
a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned.
The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no
more to doubt God's forgiving grace."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1071.
THINK IT THROUGH A little girl once came to Mrs. White speaking for a group of children. She said, “Will you please ask the minister to speak easy words that we can understand? . . . We do not understand large words, like ‘justification.’ . . . We do not know what these words mean.”—”Counsels to Teachers,” page 254. How would I explain “justification” to children? “Pardon and justification are one and the same thing. Through faith, the believer passes from the position of a rebel, a child of sin and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject of Christ Jesus, not because of an inherent goodness, but be- cause Christ receives him as His child by adoption. The sinner receives the forgiveness of his sins, because these sins are borne by his Substitute and Surety. The Lord speaks to His heavenly Father, saying: ‘This is My child. I reprieve him from the condemnation of death, giving him My life insurance policy —eternal life—because I have taken his place and have suf- fered for his sins. He is even My beloved son.’ Thus man, pardoned, and clothed with the beautiful garments of Christ’s righteousness, stands faultless before God.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1070.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 267-271. 49 Christ’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Monday February 4
Part 2 What has made justification possible? Rom. 5:8, 9.
SOURCE
Rom. 5:8, 9 "I would call on all who would win heaven, to take warning.
Do not devote your precious probationary time to sewing to-
gether fig leaves to cover the nakedness which is the result
of sin. As you look into the Lord's great moral looking glass,
His holy law, His standard of character, do not for a moment
suppose that it can cleanse you. There are no saving proper-
ties in the law. It cannot pardon the transgressor. The penalty
must be exacted. The Lord does not save sinners by abolish-
ing His law, the foundation of His government in heaven and
in earth. The punishment has been endured by the sinner's
substitute. Not that God is cruel and merciless, and Christ so
merciful that He died on Calvary's cross to abolish a law so
arbitrary that it needed to be extinguished, crucified between
two thieves. The throne of God must not bear one stain of
crime, one taint of sin. In the councils of heaven, before the
world was created, the Father and the Son covenanted together
that if man proved disloyal to God, Christ, one with the Father,
would take the place of the transgressor, and suffer the penalty
of justice that must fall upon him."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1070.
What elements of vicarious sacrifice are taught in Isaiah
53? How does this relate to justification? Isa. 53:5, 6.
What does the Passover teach about justification? Ex. 12:7,
12, 13.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I apply the blood of Christ to the doorposts of my heart?
"The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical,
not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but
forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accom-
plish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacri-
ficial lamb represents 'the Lamb of God,' in whom is our only
hope of salvation. Says the apostle, 'Christ our Passover is
sacrificed for us.' 1 Corinthians 5:7. It was not enough that the
paschal lamb be slain; its blood must be sprinkled upon the
doorposts; so the merits of Christ's blood must be applied to
the soul. We must believe, not only that He died for the world,
but that He died for us individually. We must appropriate to
ourselves the virtue of the atoning sacrifice."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, page 277.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 278, 279. 50
Christ’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday February 5
Part 3 On what condition does God justify the sinner? By what
MEANS can one not be justified?
Gal. 2:16, RSV "Yet [we] who know that a man is not justified by works
of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have
believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in
Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the
law shall no one be justified."
When Paul places emphasis on God's part in making justi-
fication possible he uses such expressions as "being justified
freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus" (Rom. 3:24), and "justified by his blood" (Rom. 5:9),
or "the gift of righteousness" (Rom. 5:17).
When Paul shows what man must do to appropriate the
provision that has been made for him through Christ's sacrifice,
he uses such expressions as "justified by faith" (Rom. 3:28;
Rom. 5:1), and "his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom.
4:5).
"The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of His
merits, lay his sins upon the Sin Bearer, and receive His par-
don. It was for this cause that Christ came into the world. Thus
the ri.-.-Thteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believ-
ing sinner. He becomes a member of the royal family, a child
of the heavenly King, an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ."
—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 215.
"Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the
works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate
the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal deception. If you
would understand it, you must cease haggling over your pet
ideas, and with humble hearts survey the atonement.
"This matter is so dimly comprehended that thousands
upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of
the wicked one, because they will depend on their own works.
God always demanded good works, the law demands it, but
because man placed himself in sin where his good works were
valueless, Jesus' righteousness alone can avail. . . .
"All that man can possibly do toward his own salvation is
to accept the invitation, 'Whosoever will, let him take the water
of life freely.' No sin can be committed by man for which satis-
.:• tion has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest
appeals, continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expia-
tion."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1071.
THINK IT THROUGH What is faith? Distinguish between faith and intellectual belief.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 347, 348. 51
4-AQT 1-74 Christ’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday February 6
Part 4 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin
RESULTS I is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth
not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."
Ps. 32:1, 2
Ps. 103:1.3 "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and all that is within me, bless
his holy name. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all
his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth
all thy diseases."
David had sinned, but God had forgiven him, and this
brought great joy to David. David closes Psalm 32, with a call
to rejoicing. "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous:
and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
How does the Bible illustrate the reality of the forgiveness
of sin? Ps. 103:12; Micah 7:19.
When an individual asks for forgiveness of sins, what
should be his attitude toward others? Matt. 6:12. See also
Eph. 4:32.
"God in Christ gave Himself for our sins. He suffered the
cruel death of the cross, bore for us the burden of guilt, 'the
just for the unjust,' that He might reveal to us His love and
draw us to Himself. And He says, 'Be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in
Christ forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32, RV. Let Christ, the divine
Life, dwell in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love
that will inspire hope in the hopeless and bring heaven's peace
to the sin-stricken heart. As we come to God, this is the con-
dition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving mercy
from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages 114, 115.
THINK IT THROUGH How is one assured that God has forgiven him? “But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He ‘will abundantly pardon,’ He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’ Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 114. FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Lost and Is Found,” pages 203- 206. 52 S’hrist’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday February 7
Part 5 What does Paul state is the result of justification?
RESULTS II
Rom. 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
In the paragraph of Rom. 5:1-5 the apostle Paul wrote of
several results of justification. (1) "We have peace with God,"
v. 1; (2) "we rejoice in hope of the glory of God," v. 2; and
(3) "we glory in tribulations," v. 3. In the SDA Bible Commen-
tary on these verses it is pointed out that the reading that best
reflects the thought of the Greek and the context in the first
two instances is "let us go on having peace," and "let us go
on rejoicing." This rejoicing is in both hope and trouble. Paul
closes by stating that the hope of the justified believer is a
real hope because the believer has received the Holy Spirit.
Peace, rejoicing in hope and tribulation, and receiving the
Spirit are results of justification.
"Paul's association of peace with justification by faith makes
it still clearer that justification is no mere adjustment of a
sinner's legal status with God. . . . Forgiveness alone does
not necessarily bring peace. The man who has been pardoned
for some crime may feel a sense of gratitude toward his bene-
factor, but at the same time he may also be filled with such
shame and embarrassment that he seeks to avoid the company
of even the one who pardoned him. Though pardoned, he may
feel hardly better than a released criminal. His self-respect is
gone, and there is little motivation for a life of righteousness.
"If justification meant no more than that, it would actually
work against God's plan for our restoration. The only way in
which the divine image can be restored in fallen man is by a
confident and loving fellowship with Christ by faith."—SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 523.
THINK IT THROUGH What are some implications of having peace with God?
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 394-398. 53 Christ’s Imputed Righteousness LESSON 6 ❑ Friday February .5
Part 6 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the
RETAINING tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteous•
ness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
JUSTIFICATION
1 Peter 2:24 "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlast-
Ps. 103:17,18 ing upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto chit.
dren's children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those
that remember his commandments to do them."
What admonition did Christ give to the woman who was
taken in sin? John 8:11.
"Christ is our hope and our refuge. His righteousness is
imputed only to the obedient."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1072.
"God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before jus-
tification can take place; and in order for man to retain justifi-
cation, there must be continual obedience, through active, liv-
ing faith that works by love and purifies the soul."—Selectea
Messages, Bk. 1, p. 366.
"As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to
God, and cooperates with God, he works out in the life what
God works in by the Holy Spirit. . . . It is by continual surren-
der of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of
justification is retained."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 397.
If man, while making his best efforts, falls short of God's
standard, what provision has been made for him? 1 John
2:1, 2.
"When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are pui
forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as
man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with
His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim
to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's corn-
mandment."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 382.
THINK IT THROUGH What will be the result of excusing one’s failures on the basis of God’s promises of forgiveness? “Christ perfected a righteous character here upon the earth, not on His own account, for His character was pure and spot- less, but for fallen man. His character He offers to man if he will accept it. The sinner, through repentance of his sins, faith in Christ, and obedience to the perfect law of God, has the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; it becomes his righ- teousness, and his name is recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. He becomes a child of God, a member of the royal family.” —Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 371, 372.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 460-462. 54
MOULIN
LESSON 7
February 10-16
Christ’s Imparted Righteousness “I am the vine, ye are the branches: called sanctification. The state of the He that abideth in me, and I in him, the person who has received Christ’s im- same bringeth forth much fruit: for parted righteousness is called holiness. without me ye can do nothing. John “In justification a man receives the 15:5. Lord Jesus Christ, and in sanctification he learns to walk in harmony with His When Christ took humanity and lived will (see Col. 2:6, 7), justification taking a life free from sin, He opened the way but a moment, and sanctification requir- for man to do the same. That which was ing a whole lifetime.”—SDA Bible Dic- impossible because of man’s sinful na- tionary, page 955. ture, becomes possible through his union with Christ. This great truth of LESSON OUTLINE Christianity was expressed by the apos- 1. Doing the Impossible tle Paul when he said, “I can do all Rom. 8:2-4 things through Christ which strength- 2. Power Through Christ eneth me.” (Phil. 4:13). Rom. 1:16, 17 For the Christian to live a life of obe- 3. Christ Within dience to God, he must maintain a liv- Rom. 8:9, 10 ing and abiding connection with Christ 4. Christ Sanctifies at all times. Christ must dwell in heart and mind. 1 Cor. 1:30; Heb. 10:10 The imparted righteousness of Christ 5. Results of Sanctification comes to the believer through the Holy John 17:17 Spirit. The process of imparting Christ’s 6. Abiding in Christ righteousness to the believer is often 1 John 2:28, 29 55 Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday February 10
Part 1 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made
DOING THE me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God
IMPOSSIBLE
sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
Rom. 8:2-4 sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit."
Paul presents two ways of looking at the law of God. When
the sinner looks at the law, it convicts him of sin and con-
demns him to death, and Paul calls it the "law of sin and
death." But when a person believes in Jesus Christ and re-
ceives His Spirit, he sees the law in a different light—it is the
"law of the Spirit of life." A saving relationship with Jesus
Christ changes man's relation to the law because he is no
longer condemned—Jesus, through the Spirit, is enabling him
to keep the law. Then that which was impossible will be made
possible: "The righteousness of the law" will be "fulfilled in
us." To show that it is possible for a human being to do this
by God's grace, Christ came to this earth as a human being
and lived a sinless life by combining divinity with humanity.
We may also combine divinity with our humanity through the
indwelling Christ; thus we too will be enabled to obey.
"As we discern the perfection of our Saviour's character
we shall desire to become wholly transformed and renewed in
the image of His purity. The more we know of God, the higher
will be our ideal of character and the more earnest our longing
to reflect His likeness. A divine element combines with the
human when the soul reaches out after God and the longing
heart can say, 'My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my ex-
pectation is from Him.' Ps. 62:5."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing, page 19.
THINK IT THROUGH God needs my cooperation that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus be able to operate in my life.
"Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on
the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of
heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed
by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been
lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature
and overcame, that we through taking His nature might over-
come. Made 'in the likeness of sinful flesh' (Rom. 8:3), He lived
a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne
of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us
by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God."
—The Desire of Ages, pages 311, 312.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 760-762. 56
Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Monday February 11
Part 2 What two elements does Paul attribute to the gospel? POWER THROUGH
CHRIST "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is
Rom. 1:16, 11 the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith."
Salvation requires power. Man has no power in himself to
overcome sinfulness. The whole current of his motives is, apart
from divine help, self-centered. The good news is that Jesus
Christ has the power to change the motives to be God-centered.
One part of salvation is to restore man to loyalty to God. The
power that produces this change is the Holy Spirit, the repre-
sentative of Jesus. This power is provided to those who have
faith in Jesus.
What does Paul call Christ? 1 Cor. 1:24.
"All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense
rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own
righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message
that God commanded to be given to the world."—Testimonies
to Ministers, page 92.
"The Spirit of God impresses the truth on the heart. The
gospel is called the power of God unto salvation because God
alone can make the truth a power which sanctifies the soul.
He alone can render the cross of Christ triumphant."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 940.
THINK IT THROUGH Why might some persons in Paul’s day think that the gos- pel was something of which to be ashamed?
"Divine power will unite with our efforts, and as we cling
to God with the hand of faith, Christ will impart to us His wis-
dom and His righteousness."—Evangelism, page 596.
"Through divine grace, supernatural power is imparted to
the man, and works in mind and heart and character. It is
through the impartation of the grace of Christ that sin is dis-
cerned in its hateful nature and finally driven from the soul
temple."—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matt. 5:48, pages 76-78. 57 Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday February 12
Part 3 How does Christ dwell in the believer's heart?
CHRIST WITHIN
Rom. 8:9, 10 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that
the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the
Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the
body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness."
"It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the
Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning
of the life eternal."—The Desire of Ages, page 388.
"The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and
without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no
avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries,
and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amaz-
ing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the
mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would
come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine
power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been
wrought out by the world's redeemer. It is by the Spirit that
the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes
a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as
a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated ten-
dencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His
church."—The Desire of Ages, page 671.
What is the purpose of Christ dwelling in the believer's
heart? Eph. 3:17-19.
"Everything good in men and women is the fruit of the work-
ing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches us to reveal righteous-
ness in our lives. The greatest work that can be done in our
world is to glorify God by living the character of Christ. God
will make perfect only those who will die to self. Those who
are willing to do this can say, 'I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me.' "—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1109.
THINK IT THROUGH What did Paul mean when he said: “I am crucified with Christ”? How can I make this a reality in my life?
"The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have
our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of trans-
gression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the Heaven-
ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be
not only upon us but in our hearts and characters."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1074.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Consecration," pages 45-48. 58
Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday February 13
Part 4 "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made CHRIST SANCTIFIES unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption."
1 Cor. 1:30
Heb. 10:10
"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
In our text the apostle places the terms "righteousness"
and "sanctification" side by side. They are closely related.
"Righteousness" refers to the condition that the process of
"sanctification" seeks to bring about, although the word "sanc-
tification" can also be used to refer to this condition of righ-
teousness.
"By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the
great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And
since the law of God is 'holy, and just, and good,' a transcript
of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by
obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example
of such a character. He says: 'I have kept My Father's com-
mandments.' 1 do always those things that please Him.' John
15:10; 8:29. The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by
the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the prin-
ciples of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.
"This work can be accomplished only through faith in
Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God."—The
Great Controversy, page 469.
According to the apostle Peter, what is the result of sanc-
tification? 1 Peter 1:2.
"Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a
day. It is a continual growth in grace. . . . As long as Satan
reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome,
and there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we
can come and say we have fully attained."—Testimonies, Vol.
1, p. 340.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the elements that contribute to sanctification?
"The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification
is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with
God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has
but just begun. Now he is to 'go on unto perfection;' to grow
up 'unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.'
Says the apostle Paul: 'this one thing I do, . . . I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.' Phil. 3:13, 14."—The Great Controversy, page 470.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 560-567. 59 Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday February 14
Part 5 How are the results of sanctification achieved?
RESULTS OF
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
SANCTIFICATION
John 17:17 Belief of the truth that God has revealed to men results in
sanctification. The principles of God's character are the basic
truth revealed, and as people believe the truth and practice it
the principles of God's character are being fashioned into
human personality. God is love; and Jesus taught that love to
God and man sums up the whole law. As the believer is sanc-
tified he is being made into a loving person patterned after the
loving heavenly Father. This love in the Christian person is the
same love as is in the character of God, revealed in Jesus
Christ, and defined in the law. So the basic result of sanctifica-
tion is love to God and man.
"Those who receive the Saviour become sons of God. . . .
They are adopted into God's family, and they become con-
formed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit from glory to
glory. From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to
cherish supreme love for God and for Christ. . . . Accepting
Christ as a personal Saviour, and following His example of
self-denial—this is the secret of holiness."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1117.
How is the truth understood? John 16:13.
"Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the per-
formance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work
will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual look-
ing unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to everything
that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of our talents,
we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world.
This is true sanctification; for sanctification consists in the
cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect obedience to
the will of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents," page
360. THINK IT THROUGH As I compare my life with the life of Jesus, what deficien-
cies do I find in myself? What virtues do I find in Him that
I desire to acquire?
"The most precious fruit of sanctification is the grace of
meekness. When this grace presides in the soul, the disposi-
tion is molded by its influence. There is a continual waiting
upon God and a submission of the will to His. . . . True meek-
ness softens and subdues the heart, and gives the mind a
fitness for the engrafted word. It brings the thoughts into obe-
dience to Jesus Christ."—The Sanctified Life, pages 14, 15.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 469-474. 60
Christ’s Imparted Righteousness LESSON 7 ❑ Friday February 15
Part 6 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he ABIDING IN CHRIST shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed
before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye
1 John 2:28, 29 know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."
To abide in Jesus means to remain or stay in relationship
with Him, just as a live branch has a close connection with the
parent stalk. This connection must be maintained if the branch
is to live. By maintaining a close relationship with Christ we
can do righteousness, thus living the kind of life Jesus lived
in this world. The parable of the vine, where the word "abide"
is also used, is an illustration of sanctification.
How essential is it that the believer abide in Christ? John
15:5.
" 'Abide in Me, and I in you.' Abiding in Christ means a
constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender
to His service. The channel of communication must be open
continually between man and his God. As the vine branch con-
stantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling
to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and per-
fection of His own character....
"The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the
branches. 'He that abideth in Me,' said Jesus, 'and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do
nothing.' When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits
of the Spirit will be seen in our life; not one will be missing."
—The Desire of Ages, page 676.
THINK IT THROUGH How does the mutual abiding of the believer and Christ take place?
"This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained.
Christ said, 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
except ye abide in Me.' This is no casual touch, no off-and-on
connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The
communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root
to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from
the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you
live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can
be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you
cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation."—The
Desire of Ages, page 676.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 674-677.
61
LESSON 8 February 17-23
Cooperation
With God
"The heavenly intelligences will work with the human
agent who seeks with determined faith that
perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in
action. To everyone engaged in this work Christ
says, I am at your right hand to help you.
"As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it
becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to
be done at His command may be accomplished in
His strength. All His biddings are enablings."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 332, 333.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the the least merit toward salvation, but only branch cannot bear fruit of itself, ex- that he must cooperate with God and cept it abide in the vine; no more can not be working against Him. ye, except ye abide in me.” John 15:4. “While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even This key text points to a mutual abid- one soul to be saved without good ing, the believer in Jesus, and Jesus in works. God saves us under a law, that the believer. Either side of this relation- we must ask if we would receive, seek ship cannot exist alone. The believer if we would find, and knock if we would can do nothing in spiritual life without have the door opened unto us.”—Se- Jesus, and Jesus can accomplish noth- lected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 377. ing for man without his consent and co- operation. If this mutuality does not exist salva- LESSON OUTLINE tion cannot be accomplished. The pur- pose of this lesson is to study how the 1. Cooperation believer abides in Christ. This is not to John 15:4 indicate that. the believer’s works have 2. Press Toward the Mark Phil. 3:12-14 3. Fight the Good Fight of Faith “Co-operation,” an article writ- 1 Tim. 6:12; Eph. 6:11-13 ten by Ellen G. White, is printed 4. Feed on the Word at the end of this lesson for sup- Ps. 119:11; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 plementary reading. It was origi- 5. Diligence in Prayer nally printed in the Review and Ps. 37:5; Ps. 32:6; James 5:16 Herald. 6. Endure Unto the End Matt. 24:13; James 1:12 62 Cooperation With God LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday February 17
Part 1 What is essential to fruit-bearing?
COOPERATION
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear
John 15:4 fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
except ye abide in me."
What does it mean to "abide in" Christ? On this subject
Ellen G. White has written:
"The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from
the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The
root sends its nourishment through the branch. Such is the
true believer's relation to Christ. He abides in Christ and draws
his nourishment from Him.
"This spiritual relation can be established only by the ex-
ercise of personal faith."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 229.
"A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other
union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price
for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as
first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us
something. It is a union of utter dependence, to be entered into
by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need
of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of
heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There
will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There
must be a painful work of detachment as well as a work of
attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness—sin in all
its forms—must be overcome if we would enter into a union
with Christ."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 231.
In what way is the believer to relate to God? I John 1:7.
THINK IT THROUGH In what areas of life is my cooperation with God delin- quent? “But though Christ is everything, we are to inspire every man to unwearied diligence. We are to strive, wrestle, agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be overcome by the wily foe. For the power and grace with which we can do this comes from God, and all the while we are to trust in Him, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he may be successful in overcoming.”—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 381. “He [God] holds up before us the highest ideal, even per- fe,ption. He asks us to be absolutely and completely for Him in this world as He is for us in the presence of God.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 566.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 229-231. 63 Cooperation With God LESSON 8 ❑ Monday February 18
Part 2 What was the "one thing" that Paul states he did in his
PRESS TOWARD life?
THE MARK "Not as though I had already attained, either were al-
Phil. 3:12-14 ready perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend
that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus."
Read also 1 Cor. 9:24-27.
The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to an athletic
contest. There is a race to be run and a prize to be won. In
Hebrews 12:1, 2, he gives the secret of success in this race.
To lay every weight and sin aside and perseveringly run the
race, "looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our Faith."
RSV.
"Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who
complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end
of the race. Not one who is earnest and persevering will fail
of success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear
the crown of immortal glory. All may win who, through the
power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the
will of Christ. The practice, in the details of life, of the prin-
ciples laid down in God's word, is too often looked upon as
unimportant—a matter too trivial to demand attention. But in
view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or
hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines
life's victory or defeat. And the reward given to those who win
will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which
they have striven."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 313, 314.
THINK IT THROUGH We have noted resemblances between the Christian life and ancient games. What are the differences?
"It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We are
waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results. We have
unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are striving for the do-
minion of every human being. Whatever injures the health, not
only lessens physical vigor, but tends to weaken the mental and
moral powers. Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it
more difficult for one to discriminate between right and wrong,
and hence more difficult to resist evil. It increases the danger
of failure and defeat."—The Ministry of Healing, page 128.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 309-315. 64
Cooperation With God LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday February 19
Part 3 Why must there be a "fight of faith"? FIGHT THE GOOD "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life." FIGHT OF FAITH
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
1 Tim. 6:12
stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not
Eph. 6:11.13 against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take
unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
"God's servants are to put on every piece of the Christian
armor. We are not wrestling simply with human foes. God calls
upon every Christian to enter the warfare and fight under His
leadership, depending for success on the grace and help of
Heaven.
"We are to go forward in the strength of the Mighty One.
Never are we to yield to Satan's attacks. Why should not we,
as Christian warriors, stand against principalities and powers,
and against the rulers of the darkness of this world? God calls
upon us to press forward, using the gifts entrusted to us. Satan
will place temptation before us. He will try to overcome us by
stratagem. But in the strength of God we are to stand firm as
a rock to principle."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, pp. 219, 220.
This detailed counsel of the apostle Paul has in it the as-
surance of victory in the Christian warfare.
"When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just be-
gun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be
overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight
the fight of faith."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 6, p. 1111.
"Christ has given us no assurance that to attain to perfec-
tion of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle and
a march, day by day."—Sons and Daughters of God, page 198.
THINK IT THROUGH As I check each part of the Christian armor, do 1 find that I have put on all its parts? “A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by in- dividual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the char- acter. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shalt have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavor- able trait to remain uncorrected.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 331.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 307, 308, 502. 65 Cooperation With God LESSON 8 Wednesday February 20
Part 4 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin FEED ON THE WORD against thee."
Ps. 119:11
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is prof-
2 Tim. 3:16, 11
itable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works."
The study of the Scriptures is profitable for more than just
"doctrine," or a knowledge of salvation. In it we find "instruc-
tion in righteousness," or "discipline in right living." NEB. Such
instruction, if acted upon, will bring forth "good works."
"Temptations often appear irresistible because, through
neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one
cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with
the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who
are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of
great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very
truths which are needed. Thus 'when the enemy shall come in
like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard
against him.' Isa. 59:19."—The Great Controversy, page 600.
What is to be our relationship to what we learn from the
study of the Scriptures? James 1:21, 22.
What did Christ pray that the "Word" would do for His
followers? John 17:17.
"As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we
shall desire to be wh011y transformed and renewed in the image
of His purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul
to become like Him whom we adore."—Steps to Christ, page 89.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it essential to study the Word before the moment that help is needed?
"Jesus promised His disciples: 'The Comforter, which is the
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall
teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.' John 14:26. But the teachings
of Christ must previously have been stored in the mind in order
for the Spirit of God to bring them to our remembrance in the
time of peril. 'Thy word have I hid in mine heart,' said David,
'that I might not sin against Thee.' "—The Great Controversy,
page 600.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Things New and Old," pages 124-
129. 66
Cooperation With God LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday February 21
Part 5 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he
DILIGENCE IN shall bring it to pass."
PRAYER "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in
Ps. 31:5 a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of
Ps. 32:6 great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
lames 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much."
Through prayer we make our wishes known to the heavenly
Father. Through prayer we give thanks for blessings received.
But more than this, through communion with heaven we keep
in contact, yes, we maintain that union, which makes possible
the reception of strength for every need in developing a righ-
teous character.
"Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible
for you to make; give Him your heart. He speaks to you say-
ing, 'My son, My daughter, give Me thine heart.' . . . When
clothed in My righteousness, through prayer, through watchful-
ness, through diligent study of My Word, you will be able to
reach a high standard.' "—Sons and Daughters of God, page
98.
How constantly shall we seek the Lord? 1 Thess. 5:17;
Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18.
What assurance has Christ given that our prayers will be
heard and answered? Matt. 7:7, 8; Matt. 21:22.
THINK IT THROUGH What promises from the Bible in which God has assured you of strength from heaven to do the right thing can you remember at this moment?
"The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect
to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them
to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privi-
leges that God has given them in the divine appointment of
prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluc-
tant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to un-
lock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless
resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and dili-
gent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of
deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually
to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by ear-
nest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist
temptation."—Steps to Christ, pages 94, 95.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matthew 6:13, pages 116-119. 67 Cooperation With God LESSON 8 ❑ Friday February 22
Part 6 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be
ENDURE UNTO saved."
THE END
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when
Matt. 24:13
he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord
James 1:12 hath promised to them that love him."
The words of the wise man, that "the race is not to the
swift" (Eccl. 9:11), could well apply to the Christian race.
"The work of salvation is not child's play, to be taken hold
of at will and let alone at pleasure. It is the steady purpose, the
untiring effort, that will gain the victory at last. It is he who
endureth to the end that shall be saved."—Testimonies, Vol. 2,
pp. 101, 102.
"Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities which
all should seek earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the pos-
sessor with a power which is irresistible, a power which makes
him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear ad-
versity."—Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 656.
What are those admonished to do who seek to live justly
by faith? Heb. 10:35-39.
The Revised Standard Version of verse 36 reads: "For you
have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God
and receive what is promised."
"We shall fail often in our efforts to copy the divine pattern.
We shall often have to bow down to weep at the feet of Jesus,
because of our shortcomings and mistakes: but we are not to
be discouraged; we are to pray more fervently, believe more
fully, and try again with more steadfastness to grow into the
likeness of our Lord."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 337.
Near the close of Paul's life in what three points did he
sum up his experience? To what did he look forward? 2 Tim.
4:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH By what means can I endure to the end?
"There is no halting place for us this side of heaven. None
of us should be content with our present spiritual attainments.
No one is living up to his opportunities unless he can show
continual progress. He must be climbing, still climbing. It is the
privilege of every Christian to grow up until he shall reach the
full stature of a man in Christ Jesus."—Testimonies, Vol. 5,
pp. 308, 309.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 509-513. 68
CO-OPERATION
Ellen G. White
"Work out your own salvation with vided. Man's energy and tact are to be fear and trembling. For it is God which used in connection with the power of worketh in you both to will and to do God in bringing the gold and silver from of his good pleasure." The work of sal- the mines, and trees from the forest. But vation is a work of co-partnership, a unless by his miracle-working power joint operation. No man can work out God co-operated with man, enabling him his own salvation without the aid of the to use his physical and mental capabil- Holy Spirit. The co-operation of divine ities, the treasures in our world would and human forces is necessary for the be useless. formation of right principles in the char- We can not keep ourselves for one acter. Man is to make the most strenu- moment. "We are kept by the power of ous efforts to overcome the tempter, to God through faith unto salvation." We subdue natural passions; but he is are utterly dependent upon God every wholly dependent upon God for success moment of our lives. in the work of overcoming the propen- God desires every human being in our sities that are not in harmony with cor- world to be a worker together with him. rect principles. Success depends wholly This is the lesson we are to learn from upon willing obedience to the will and all useful employment, making homes in way of God. Character develops in ac- the forest, felling trees to build houses, cordance with conformity to the divine clearing land for cultivation. God has plan. But man must work in Christ's provided the wood and the land, and to lines. He must be a laborer together man he has given the work of putting with God. He must submit to God's them in such shape that they will be a training, that he may be complete in blessing. In this work man is wholly de- Christ. pendent upon God. The fitting of the
God has originated and proclaimed ships that cross the broad ocean is not the principles on which divine and hu- alone due to the talent and ingenuity of man agencies are to combine in tem- the human agent. God is the great Archi- poral matters as well as all spiritual tect. Without his co-operation, without achievements. They are to be linked the aid of the higher intelligences, how together in all human pursuits, in me- worthless would be the plans of men. chanical and agricultural labor, in mer- God must aid, else every device is cantile and scientific enterprises. In all worthless. lines of work it is necessary that there The human organism is the handiwork be co-operation between God and man. of God. The organs employed in all the God has provided facilities with which different functions of the body were to enrich and beautify the earth. But the made by him. The Lord gives us food strength and ingenuity of human agen- and drink, that the wants of the body cies are required to make the very best may be supplied. He has given the earth use of the material. God had filled the different properties adapted to the earth with treasure, but the gold and growth of food for his children. He gives silver are hidden in the earth, and the the sunshine and the showers, the early exercise of man's powers is required to and the latter rain. He forms the clouds secure this treasure which God has pro- and sends the dew. All are his gifts. He
69
has bestowed his blessings upon us ness, compassion, power; on the other, liberally. But all these blessings will not weakness, sinfulness, absolute helpless- restore in us his moral image, unless we ness, poverty, dependence. We are de- co-operate with him, making painstak- pendent upon God, not only for life and ing effort to know ourselves, to under- all its blessings, but for our entrusted stand how to care for the delicate hu- talents, and for all the resources re- man machinery. Man must diligently help quired in the work we must do if we to keep himself in harmony with na- accept the invitation to work with God. ture’s laws. He who co-operates with Man’s intellect, his understanding, his God in the work of keeping this won- every valuable thought, the opportuni- derful machinery in order, who conse- ties and privileges that are placed within crates all his powers to God, seeking his reach, all come from him who is the intelligently to obey the laws of nature, way, the truth, and the life. We have stands in his God-given manhood, and nothing of ourselves. Our success in is recorded in the books of heaven as the Christian life depends upon our a man. co-operation with Christ, and our sub- God has given man land to be culti- mission to his will. It is not a sign of vated. But in order that the harvest may pure, consecrated service for a worker be reaped, there must be harmonious to follow his own way. Every worker is to action between divine and human agen- willingly obey his Leader, to receive cies. The plow and other implements of and practice every word of God. labor must be used at the right time. We are to be individual toilers. Char- The seed must be sown in its season. acter can not be bought or sold. It is Man is not to fail of doing his part. If he formed by patient, continuous effort. is careless and negligent, his unfaith- Much patience is required in the striv- fulness testifies against him. The har- ing for that life which is to come. We vest is proportionate to the energy he may all strive for perfection of character, has expended. but all who come into possession of it So it is in spiritual things. We are to will earn it step by step, by the cultiva- be laborers together with God. Man is to tion of the virtues which God commends. work out his own salvation with fear and The Holy Spirit presents before man trembling, for it is God that worketh in the agencies provided for his transfor- him, both to will and to do of his good mation. If he heeds the words, “Whoso- pleasure. There is to be co-partnership, ever will come after me, let him deny a divine relation, between the Son of himself, and take up his cross, and fol- God and the repentant sinner. We are low me,” he will receive help from a made sons and daughters of God. “As power that is infinite. many as received him, to them gave he Man is given the privilege of work- power to become the sons of God.” ing with God in the saving of his own Christ provides the mercy and grace so soul. He is to receive Christ as his per- abundantly given to all who believe in sonal Saviour and believe in him. Re- him. He fulfills the terms upon which ceiving and believing is his part of the salvation rests. But we must act our contract. This means abiding in Christ, part by accepting the blessing in faith. showing in him at all times and under God works and man works. Resistance all circumstances a faith that works by of temptation must come from man, who love and purifies the soul from all de- must draw his power from God. Thus he filement. Christ is the author of this becomes a co-partner with Christ. faith, and he demands that it be con- The infinitely wise and all-powerful stantly exercised. God proposes co-operation with his The apostle Paul declares, “Ye are frail, erring creatures, whom he has God’s husbandry; ye are God’s build- placed on vantage-ground. On the one ing.” The material for the building is side there are infinite wisdom, good- plainly specified in the words: “Giving
70 all diligence, add to your faith virtue; every believing soul to God. He who lays and to virtue knowledge; and to knowl- his sins upon the substitute and surety, edge temperance; and to temperance thus becoming a partaker of the divine patience; and to patience godliness; and nature, can unite with the apostle in to godliness brotherly kindness; and to saying: “Blessed be the God and Father brotherly kindness charity. For if these of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath things be in you, and abound, they make blessed us with all spiritual blessings in you that ye shall neither be barren nor heavenly places.” “That in the ages to unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord come he might show the exceeding Jesus Christ.” Here we are shown how riches of his grace in his kindness we may co-operate with God. Man is to toward us through Christ Jesus.” In his work constantly upon the plan of addi- infinite love Christ devised the plan of tion, while God works on the plan of salvation. This plan he stands ready to multiplication. Thus man grows in spir- fulfill in behalf of all who will co-operate ituality, until he presents to the world, with him. In their behalf he says to the to angels, and to men, such perfection Father, Do not impute their sins to of character that in the heavenly courts them, but lay them on me. Be merciful the words are spoken, “Ye are complete to their unrighteousness, and their sins in him.” and their iniquities remember no more. The plan of redemption was arranged They have accepted my merits, and in the councils between the Father and made peace with me; My righteousness the Son. Then Christ pledged himself is theirs, and for my sake bless them to render an account for man if he with all spiritual blessings.—Review and proved disloyal. He pledged himself to Herald, May 28, 1908. make an atonement which would unite
71
LESSON 9 February 24 to March 2
I
H. LARKIN
“For whatsoever is born of God over- developed, and what the evidence is cometh the world: and this is the vic- that one has it. tory that overcometh the world, even As with many other features of truth our faith. Who is he that overcometh there is a false or counterfeit faith as well as a true and genuine faith. This the world, but he that believeth that false faith is taught by some Christian Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4, 5. communions, but it is also possible to The righteousness of Christ becomes have a deficient view of faith, not be- our righteousness by faith. Since faith cause one has been taught it, but simply is the medium by which a person is out of spiritual immaturity. righteous in God’s sight, it becomes im- LESSON OUTLINE perative to know what faith is, how it is 1. What Is Faith? 2. Distinctiveness of Faith Heb. 11:1 “Saving Faith,” an article writ- 3. The Importance of Faith ten by Ellen G. White, is printed Heb. 11:6 at the end of this lesson for sup- 4. Proof of Faith plementary reading. It was origi- James 2:17, 26 nally printed in the Review and 5. Source and Development of Faith Herald. Rom. 12:3 6. Faith and Christ’s Righteousness Eph. 2:8 72 Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday February 24
Part 1 In the King James Version the word "faith" is a translation WHAT IS FAITH? of the Greek word "pistis." "There is a basic similarity between
the Greek words usually translated 'believe,' belief,' and 'faith'
in the King James Version. 'Believe' is pisteuo. 'Belief' is pistis.
'Faith' is also from pistis. 'Not believe' is apisteo. 'Unbelief' is
apistia."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 496. The dictionary
meaning of the English word faith when it refers to the attitude
of man toward God is "belief and trust in and loyalty to God."
But faith is not a strictly religious term, and its use in reli-
gion is not limited to Christianity. Ellen G. White notes that
"faith is the medium through which truth or error finds a lodging
place in the mind. It is by the same act of mind that truth or
error is received."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 346. Many
financial transactions are carried out by faith. The use of credit
cards is an example of faith exercised by both the user and
issuer of the card. There is confidence on the part of the card
user that the company which issued it will supply goods or
services on credit as it has promised to do. The company ex-
ercises faith in the card user. The credit card indicates that
the issuing company has confidence that the user has the
capacity and intention of fulfilling his obligations. Other exam-
ples of faith in ordinary life are check cashing, delivery service,
surgical operations, and marriage. In each instance there is
confidence on the part of one person that the other person is
able and willing to make good on his promise.
What evidence is recorded in Heb. 10:19-22, of God's will-
ingness to accept man and thus give man a basis for faith in
Him?
THINK IT THROUGH What are the evidences on which my faith in God is based? What assures me that He is able and willing to fulfill my needs?
"Look up, you that are doubting and trembling; for Jesus
lives to make intercession for us. Thank God for the gift of His
dear 'Son and pray that He may not have died for you in vain.
The Spirit invites you today. Come with your whole heart to
Jesus, and you may claim His blessing."—Steps to Christ,
pages 54, 55.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 381, 382. 73 Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Monday February 25
Part 2 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi- DISTINCTIVENESS dence of things not seen."
OF FAITH The word "substance" is translated from a Greek legal term
Heb. 11:1 used for a document that proved ownership of property, which
we today call a title or a deed. If we follow the lead of this
illustration, we may note that possession of a deed is proof of
ownership only where the property really exists. There can be
false documents that raise false hopes in those who made a
bad investment. The statement is made in the context of faith
in God. Faith is the title because God is the one who made the
promise on which the hope is based; faith is the evidence
because the faith is in God who has revealed the unseen; and,
since God knows the unseen and He does not lie, then man
can accept the unseen as realities.
What makes faith in God appear so drastically different from
faith toward other persons is the scope covered (1) by what
God promises, (2) by what He is able to do, and (3) by the
degree of loyalty He requires. Christian faith is man's response
to God's revelations which have come to him in Jesus, the
Scriptures, nature, and God's providences. This faith must be
all-absorbing for the one who holds it, because the information,
commands, and promises contained in God's revelations relate
to every sphere of man's life, the whole span of his existence,
and require of him full allegiance and loyalty to God. Faith in
God is confidence in what He says. His information is correct.
He is able to keep His promises, and He intends to keep them.
Because His commands are the best way for man to live they
should be obeyed.
"Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows
best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us
to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His
wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of
our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are al-
ready His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its
blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as
secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession
of these principles."—Education, page 253.
"Said the angel: 'Feeling is not faith. Faith is simply to take
God at His word.' "—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 620.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I develop greater faith in God?
"God will do marvelous things for those who trust in Him ...
He will help His believing children in every emergency, if they
will place their entire confidence in Him and implicitly obey
Him."—Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 163.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 342-348. 74
Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday February 26
Part 3 What two facts about God are part of the content of faith THE IMPORTANCE in God?
OF FAITH "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
Heb. 11:6 that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
To have faith in a person, the person must exist and have
communicated something about himself to the other, usually by
words. If one has faith in the person, he believes that the com-
munication is a true reflection of reality. If he doubts the word
he hears, then there is no basis for faith in that person. That is
what happened when Adam and Eve sinned. They doubted
God's statement that they would die if they ate of the forbidden
tree. As sin entered the world by lack of faith, righteousness
comes to the believer by exercise of faith. God does not ask
us first of all to be good, but to believe God, and thus become
good.
"If we commit the keeping of our souls to God in the exer-
cise of living faith, His promises will not fail us; for they have
no limit but our faith."—My Life Today, page 14.
But while faith is so important to the Christian life, there is
no virtue in faith itself to save the believer.
"Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not
our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay
hold upon Christ, and appropriate His merits, the remedy for
sin."—The Desire of Ages, page 175.
"Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great
blessing—the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that
run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end."—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1073.
The benefits of faith come because the faith is in God, and
not merely because one has faith. Faith in and of itself can do
nothing.
Faith must be backed up by promise or it is presumptuous.
We have faith in the surgeon for surgery and faith in the
banker for banking because these are the promises inherent
in their professions. In the same way our faith must correspond
to what God has communicated to us.
THINK IT THROUGH “Faith familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God, and, living with an eye single to the glory of God, more and more we discern the beauty of His character, the excel- lence of His grace. Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and realizing that God is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved.”— Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 335.
FURTHER STUDY Messages to Young People, pages 109, 110. 75 Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday February 27
Part 4 What is the evidence of a living faith?
PROOF OF FAITH "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
lames 2:11, 26 "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith with-
out works is dead also."
Faith is an attitude hidden within the person's mind that is
inconsequential unless it breaks out in action. The faith that
believes a doctrine, James argues, is held by the devils, but
they do nothing about it and remain devils. A faith held in the
mind of devils or of people is a dead faith.
To separate faith from works is the same as to separate the
gospel from the law, or faith from love, or doctrine from ex-
perience.
The object of faith is to make a person loving in the way
that God is loving. And so when a person has true faith in God
the acts he does are acts of love. Paul described it as "faith
working through love." Gal. 5:6, RSV.
"While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it
will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is
manifested by works. And the apostle John declares, 'He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar.'"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol.
6, p. 1073.
"How different is the faith that is presented to the world
to-day as essential to salvation. It has no vitality, no reality.
It does not unite the believers as branches to the living Vine.
It is not the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It
is a formal, nominal acceptance of a popular story, and has
about as much efficacy as the faith that accepted Abraham
Lincoln as a good administrator of governmental affairs. Gen-
uine faith will show definite results in the character, and will
exert a controlling influence over the thoughts of the heart, and
the affairs of the life. It will lead its possessor to practice the
principles of his belief....
"It is the doing of the words and works of Christ that testifies
to the saving qualities of your faith."—Ellen G. White, Signs of
the Times, March 30, 1888.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I hold a correct belief which I do not practice? “The apostle James saw that dangers would arise in present- ing the subject of justification by faith, and he labored to show that genuine faith cannot exist without corresponding works. . . . Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 936.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 472, 473. 76
Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday February 28
Part 5 What is the source of man's faith?
SOURCE AND
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man
DEVELOPMENT
that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than
OF FAITH he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath
Rom. 12:3 dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Man's faith in God is not a capacity that belongs to human
nature, but it is a gift from God.
"The Spirit operating upon and enlightening the human
mind, creates faith in God. In the Scriptures faith is stated to
be the gift of God, powerful unto salvation, enlightening the
hearts of those who search for truth as for hidden treasure.
The Spirit of God impresses the truth on the heart."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 940.
On what is faith based? Rom 10:17.
"Faith that enables us to receive God's gifts is itself a gift,
of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It
grows as exercised in appropriating the word of God. In order
to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the
word."—Education, pages 253, 254.
"Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is
ours."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 431.
Faith grows by exercise. In Romans 1:17 Paul wrote, "For
therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to
faith."
"From faith to faith. Compare 'from glory to glory' (2 Cor.
3:18) and 'from strength to strength' (Ps. 84:7). The righteous-
ness of God is received by faith, and when received, results
in ever-increasing faith."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, pp.
476, 477.
THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing that my faith may grow stronger from day to day? What effect can my trust in God and His prom- ises today have upon my confidence in Him tomorrow?
"Faith is needed in the smaller no less than in the greater
affairs of life. In all our daily interests and occupations the sus-
taining strength of God becomes real to us through an abiding
trust."—Education, page 255.
"Let us not talk doubt, but faith; for faith brings infinite
power. If we lay hold upon this power, and do not trust in our
own human strength, we shall see the salvation of God."—
Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 85.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 428-431. 77 Faith and Salvation LESSON 9 ❑ Friday March l
Part 6 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of FAITH AND CHRIST'S yourselves: it is the gift of God."
RIGHTEOUSNESS The righteousness of Christ is God's character perfectly ex-
Eph. 2:8 pressed in Christ's human life. To have faith in Christ is to
consent to the character of God which Christ lived out on
earth, and to desire that character.
"In order for man to be justified by faith, faith must reach
a point where it will control the affections and impulses of the
heart; and it is by obedience that faith itself is made perfect."
—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 366.
Note that the faith is incomplete until there is obedience.
Sanctification is obedience by faith. Justification makes this
obedience by faith possible, and sanctification causes justifica-
tion to be retained. See Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 366.
"When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of
Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help
that we can desire. Let none look to self, as though they had
power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were
helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our
righteousness. When we see our sinfulness, we should not de-
spond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no
thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting
us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved."—Pa-
triarchs and Prophets, page 431.
What was God's purpose in placing "exceeding great and
precious promises" in His Word? 2 Peter 1:4.
"Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted
for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He
came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we
are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us.
God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast
hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfec-
tion of character."—The Desire of Ages, page 123.
THINK IT THROUGH Is there some weakness or habit in my life that I have not been able to overcome? By faith I can “lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ” at this very moment. With Him on my side I can overcome.
"It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us
strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God
has provided means for subduing every evil trait and resisting
temptation, however strong."—The Ministry of Healing, pages
65, 66.
- FURTHER_ STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 529-532. 78
SAVING FAITH
Ellen G. White
The faith essential for salvation is not commandments, and abide in his love." mere nominal faith, but an abiding prin- Christ came to our world, and for our ciple, deriving vital power from Christ. sake he became a man of sorrows and It will lead the soul to feel the love of acquainted with grief. He suffered re- Christ to such a degree that the char- proach, he was despised and rejected acter will be refined, purified, ennobled. of men. He died a shameful death upon This faith in Christ is not merely an im- the cross, that we might have eternal pulse, but a power that works by love life; and shall we dare to flatter our- and purifies the soul. It accomplishes selves that we may follow a course of something, bringing the soul under dis- sin, choosing our own way, shunning cipline, elevating it from defilement, and the cross, avoiding reproach and self- bringing it into connection with Christ, denial, and yet have a home in the till it appropriates his virtue to the soul's kingdom of heaven?—No; through faith need. This is saving faith. in Christ we must render obedience to
There are many who claim to have all the requirements of God; through faith, but how shall we know that it is his merits we may be elevated to keep genuine? The Lord has given us a test God's commandments. by which we may prove our profes- Exceeding great and precious prom- sion and the profession of others. The ises have been given unto us, whereby prophet says, "To the law and to the we may become partakers of the divine testimony: if they speak not according nature, having escaped the corruptions to this word, it is because there is no that are in the world through lust. We light in them." John declares, "He that must appropriate these promises to our- saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his selves, that we may overcome unbelief, commandments, is a liar, and the truth and get the victory over every besetment, is not in him." This test applies to those perfecting a character that will meet who have been enlightened in regard the approval of Heaven. We are very to the claims of God's law. The prin- anxious to appear well in the sight of ciples of the Bible must be brought into men, but of how much greater impor- every-day life, to enlighten conscience, tance is it that we stand approved in and regulate the conduct. the presence of God.
If heavenly light is welcomed by the Day by day we are to fight the good soul, grace will be given to adorn the fight of faith. Day by day God will give character, to dignify the nature, and to us our work; and though we cannot see fit man for the society of the angels of the end from the beginning, we are to heaven. Every temptation may be con- examine ourselves daily to see if we are quered through the strength of Christ. in the path of righteousness. We must God desires us to have pure characters; strive to overcome, looking unto Jesus; purity is power, but sin is weakness and for in every temptation he will be at our ruin. side to give us the victory. Every day
Christ has said, "If ye keep my com- should come to us as the last day in mandments, ye shall abide in my which we may be privileged to work for love; even as I have kept my Father's God, and much of it must be given to
79
prayer that we may work in the strength a work to do for ourselves, and while of Christ. This is the way in which we are criticizing others, we are neglect- Enoch walked with God, warning and ing the most important work of all. condemning the world by manifesting The great crisis is before us, and ev- before them a righteous character. ery one is to act as though his own soul We profess to believe that Christ is was at stake. The most important ques- soon coming to the earth, and a solemn tion of all is, How shall I save my soul, responsibility rests upon us; for a lost for which Christ died? How shall I be world is to be warned of the hastening holy, as he is holy? It is time to be seek- judgment. We must not lay off our re- ing for the forgiveness of your sins, for sponsibility; we must carry the burden the assurance that your names are writ- of the work. Self must be out of sight, ten in the Lamb’s book of life. Let every and Christ must appear; as faithful, one realize that he is not his own, but obedient children, we must follow the has been bought with a price, even with light, and reflect its precious rays to the blood of the Son of God. others. We must be living epistles, Live by the day for Christ. Seek to known and read of all men. If we are be a victor just for this one day; for to be cleansed, both soul and body, we you do not know that you have another cannot afford to be slothful and negli- day to live. Confess your sins to-day. gent. Christ is coming, the third angel’s You have the promises of pardon. message must be proclaimed to the The Lord says, “Let him take hold of world; for it brings light upon the com- my strength, that he may make peace mandments of God and the faith of with me; and he shall make peace with Jesus. 0, could we realize how all me.” God is in earnest with us. He has heaven is interested in the salvation of borne long and patiently with us, and the world, we should rouse up with holy the light that has shone upon us from zeal to be followers of Jesus. the throne of his glory will not lessen When Christ left the world, he gave our responsibility, but, if we fail to im- to his disciples the work of carrying prove it, will leave us without excuse. the gospel. The professed followers of God will not be trifled with. You may Christ are held responsible for the warn- ask, What shall I do to advance the light ing of the world. How are we doing this of truth? I answer, Work humbly for solemn work committed to us? We must God; do not exalt yourself, but remem- humble ourselves before God, and not ber that you are standing upon holy follow the ideas of men. We must come ground. We are living in the last days, before the world, speaking the words of and the great question is, How shall I God, that the world may know that God stand before God? Every one is respon- has sent us, and that Heaven’s mold is sible for the light he has received. What upon the work. 0, we must grow up have you done with the light of heaven? into a glorious temple in the Lord. The Have you put it under a bushel? enemy will come in, and try to draw our There is a great work to be done; for minds away from the important work to we are to reach the people with the be done for this time. He will seek to divine light of truth, not in our own way, keep us engaged on trivial matters, but through the power and Spirit of God. make us think that it is our province to God will use us as instruments in his criticize and condemn others; but our hand, if we will yield ourselves to him. work is to deal faithfully with our own 0 that all may make the effort essential souls. We must search our hearts and to win eternal life! Every soul is pre- see if we are right in the sight of God. cious in the sight of God. lie declares Peter said to Christ in regard to John, by the prophet, “I will make a man more “Lord, what shall this man do?” But precious than fine gold; even a man than the Lord answered him, “What is that the golden wedge of Ophir.” This pre- to thee? follow thou me.” We each have ciousness will be wrought in the soul 80 that is connected with Christ; but our “And if ye call on the Father, who own ways must be abandoned, our own without respect of persons judgeth ac- thoughts must be put away. cording to every man’s work, pass the Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the time of your sojourning here in fear: door, and knock; if any man hear my forasmuch as ye know that ye were voice, and open the door, I will come not redeemed with corruptible things, in to him, and will sup with him, and he as silver and gold, from your vain con- with me.” 0, shall Jesus plead in vain versation received by tradition from for an entrance into your heart? Clear your fathers; but with the precious away the rubbish from the door, and blood of Christ, as of a lamb without let him in, and you will know what is blemish and without spot.” Not in self- the comfort and peace of his blessing. confidence, not in self-exaltation, are I present before you the Man of Calvary. we to pass the time of our sojourning, He can save unto the uttermost all that but in fear working with Christ for the come unto God by him. The more you salvation of others. We are to live as on have of Jesus, the more you will desire holy ground, and when the Master shall a closer connection with him, and your appear in glory, we can say, “This is our soul will be hid with Christ in God, and God; we have waited for him, and he thus be prepared when he shall come will save us.”—Review and Herald, Au- with power and great glory. gust 18, 1891.
81
LESSON 10 March 3-9
anises Fligilltematess arll Synth)Its “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a mer- chant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Man. 13:45, 46. In the Scriptures great truths have often been presented in simple ways. The Bible abounds in experiences and illustrations to bring its message home to the soul. The important theme of “Christ our Righteousness” has been illustrated by figures and symbols so that the truths it contains may be more readily under- stood—so that those who understand may reach out and receive Christ into their lives. Such common things as salt and yeast have been used to teach the way of life. And yet, while the truths taught by such illustrations may appear simple, they also have a depth of mean- ing that is profound. So let us beware that when we grasp the simple, evident truths in each instance we do not dis- miss them as unworthy of further study. H. LARKII, LESSON OUTLINE
- Salt 4. The Sun of Righteousness Lev. 2:13 Mal. 4:2; John 8:12
- Leaven 5. The Pearl of Great Price Matt. 13:33 Matt. 13:45, 46
- Incense 6. The Armor of God Exodus 30:1, 7, 8 Eph. 6:13, 14
82 Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday March 3
Part 1 "And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season
SALT with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of
thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine
Lev. 2:13 offerings thou shalt offer salt."
A child, when asked what salt is, answered: "that which,
if left out, makes the food taste bad."
So with the Christian life. If the salt is lacking, all else that
man can do will still make his life incomplete. What is this
salt?
"In the ritual service, salt was added to every sacrifice. This
. . . signified that only the righteousness of Christ could make
the service acceptable to God. Referring to this practice, Jesus
said, 'Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.' Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace one with another.' All who would
present themselves 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God' (Rom. 12:1), must receive the saving salt, the righteous-
ness of our Saviour."—The Desire of Ages, page 439.
Can you harmonize this thought, that salt represents the
righteousness of Christ, with what Jesus says about salt in
Matthew 5:13?
"Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is
added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So
it is through personal contact and association that men are
reached by the saving power of the gospel. They are not saved
in masses, but as individuals. Personal influence is a power.
We must come close to those whom we desire to benefit."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 36.
" 'Ye are the salt of the earth,' Jesus said. Do not withdraw
yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You
are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may
be as salt to preserve the world from corruption."—The Desire
of Ages, page 306.
THINK IT THROUGH What is represented by flavorless salt?
"The savor of the salt represents the vital power of the
Christian—the love of Jesus in the heart, the righteousness of
Christ pervading the life. ... The sincere believers diffuse vital
energy, which is penetrating and imparts new moral power to
the souls for whom they labor. It is not the power of the man
himself, but the power of the Holy Spirit that does the trans-
forming work."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page
36.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Matthew 5:13, pages 35-38. 83 Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Monday March 4
Part 2 "He told them also this parable: 'The kingdom of Heaven
LEAVEN is like yeast, which a woman took and mixed with half a
hundredweight of flour till it was all leavened.'" Matt. 13: 33, NEB
Like salt, yeast is an element that comes from the outside,
and must be added to the food being prepared. But once added
it works within the dough.
"But man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his
will. He possesses no power by which this change can be ef-
fected. The leaven—something wholly from without—must be
put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought
in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before
he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. . . . The change can
be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high
or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power.
"As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from
within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the
grace of God works to transform the life."—Christ's Object
Lessons, pages 96, 97.
"The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the
whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth
works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The
natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts,
new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of
character is set up—the life of Christ."—Christ's Object Les-
sons, pages 98, 99.
"The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God
from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to
do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not
obey. . . . True obedience is the outworking of a principle
within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of
the law of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 97.
THINK IT THROUGH In this lesson leaven is said to represent the Spirit and also truth. Can you harmonize this dual meaning?
"The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man,
making the coarse refined, the rough gentle, the selfish gen-
erous. By it the impure are cleansed, washed in the blood of
the Lamb. Through its life-giving power it brings all there is
of mind and soul and strength into harmony with the divine life.
Man with his human nature becomes a partaker of divinity. Christ
is honored in excellence and perfection of character. As these
changes are effected, angels break forth in rapturous song, and
God and Christ rejoice over souls fashioned after the divine
similitude."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 102.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Like Unto Leaven," pages 95-102. 84
Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday March 5
Part 3 "And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon."
INCENSE "And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morn-
Ex. 30:1,1, 8 ing: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon
it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn
incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord through-
out your generations."
Incense has been used to provide a pleasant fragrance in a
situation that had a bad odor. The bad odor represents sin,
which God abhors. The symbolic use of incense in the sanc-
tuary teaches that the sinner, to whom the "odor" of sin clings,
can be acceptable to God only by His coming to God through
the "sweet smelling" righteousness of Christ.
In John's description of opening the seventh seal, with
what was incense mingled? Rev. 8:3, 4.
"The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent
confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the
heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels
of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood,
they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spot-
less purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God's right
hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not
acceptable to God.... He gathers into this censer the prayers,
the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these
He puts His own spotless righteousness... .
"Oh, that all may see that everything, in obedience, in peni-
tence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the
glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of
this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy seat."
—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 344. THINK IT THROUGH In what way is the intercession of Christ in the heavenly
sanctuary indispensable to me?
"The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, repre-
sents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righ-
teousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and
which can alone make the worship of sinful beings acceptable
to God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 353.
"Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of
being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But
of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. . . .
Man's obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of
Christ's righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every
act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in
overcoming every fault."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 532.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 252, 256. 85 Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday March 6
Part 4 "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righ-
THE SUN OF teousness arise with healing in his wings." RIGHTEOUSNESS Mal. 4:2; John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light
of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life."
"As the sunbeams penetrate to the remotest corners of the
earth, so does the light of the Sun of Righteousness shine upon
every soul."—The Desire of Ages, page 464.
"Let the windows of the soul be closed against the poison-
ous malaria of earth, and let them be opened heavenward to
receive the healing rays of the sunshine of Christ's righteous-
ness."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 202.
What did the aged Simeon say of Christ? Luke 2:28-32.
What did Peter declare to be the purpose of prophecy?
2 Peter 1:19.
Peter declared that the prophetic word is like "a fight that
shineth in a dark place." And that prophetic light also has its
source in Him who is the Sun of Righteousness. The whole
prophetic Word is "the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:1)
just as is the book of Revelation to which these words primarily
referred.
At a time when men were being called to obedience to all
the commandments of God (Rev. 12:17; Rev. 14:12), God sent
a special message to his people that was given emphasis at
the Minneapolis General Conference in 1888. The following is
a comment on the blessings that came through that message:
"Those who received the message were greatly blessed, for
they saw the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and life
and hope sprang up in their hearts. .. . The Sun of Righteous-
ness shines into our hearts to give the knowledge of the glory
of Jesus Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 95.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do you see the name “the Sun of Righteous- ness” as an appropriate name for Jesus?
"We should bring the attractiveness of Christ into our Chris-
tian service. The soft beams of the Sun of Righteousness should
shine into our hearts, that we may be pleasant and cheerful
and have a strong and blessed influence on all around us."—
That I May Know Him, page 136.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 463-465. 86
Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday March 7
Part 5 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant
THE PEARL OF man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one
pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and
GREAT PRICE bought it." Matt. 13:45, 46
In this brief parable a man is presented performing four
actions—seeking, finding, selling, and buying. The essential
feature in the parable is the man's recognition of the value of
the pearl he found. Without this recognition there would have
been no purchase, and he would presumably have kept on
seeking.
"It is the Holy Spirit that reveals to men the preciousness
of the goodly pearl."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 118.
Without the Holy Spirit man would not seek Jesus nor would
he recognize His value if he found Him.
"Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. In Him is gathered
all the glory of the Father, the fulness of the Godhead. . . .
Every page of the Holy Scriptures shines with His light. The
righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect,
no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious
gift of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 115.
What truth did Jesus teach in the parable of the hidden
treasure? Matt. 13:44.
"Christ is the truth. His words are truth, and they have a
deeper significance than appears on the surface. All the say-
ings of Christ have a value beyond their unpretending appear-
ance. Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern
the value of these sayings. They will discern the precious gems
of truth, though these may be buried treasures."—Christ's
Object Lessons, page 110. THINK IT THROUGH What is the difference between the parable of the pearl
and the parable of the treasure? What is the meaning of this
difference in human experience?
"In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The
merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many
question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in
the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give
themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We
are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience
to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and
capabilities we possess, are the Lord's, to be consecrated to
His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ,
with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain
the pearl of great price."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 116.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “The Pearl,” pages 115-121. 87 Christ’s Righteousness in Symbols LESSON 10 ❑ Friday March 8
Part 6 What is the purpose of wearing the armor of God? THE ARMOR OF GOD "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that
Eph. 6:13, 14 ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand. Stand therefore, . . . having on the breastplate
of righteousness."
What is the spiritual meaning of each piece of the armor?
Eph. 6:13-17.
The Christian life is a constant warfare. When man fights
alone, defeat is inevitable. But he need not face the enemy
alone; all the powers of heaven will come to his aid so that
he may have complete victory.
"We fight in a warfare, not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities and powers, and against spiritual wicked-
ness in high places. See Eph. 6:12. In life's conflict we must
meet evil agencies that have arrayed themselves against the
right. Our hope is not in man, but in the living God. With full
assurance of faith we may expect that he will unite His omnip-
otence with the efforts of human instrumentalities, for the glory
of His name. Clad with the armor of His righteousness, we may
gain the victory over every foe."—Prophets and Kings, page
111.
"If you pray in sincerity, surrendering yourself, soul, body,
and spirit, unto God, you put on the whole armor of God, and
open the soul to the righteousness of Christ; and this alone,—
Christ's imputed righteousness,—makes you able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. The work of every soul is to
resist the enemy in the power and might of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the promise is that the devil shall flee from us."
—Sons and Daughters of God, page 346.
THINK IT THROUGH As armor is the name of the total equipment of the first- century soldier, what is the name of the total of the spiritual counterparts?
"Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is
to enter upon her final conflict. 'Fair as the moon, clear as the
sun, and terrible as an army with banners' (Song of Solomon
6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to
conquer.
"The darkest hour of the church's struggle with the powers
of evil is that which immediately precedes the day of her final
deliverance. But none who trust in God need fear; ... God will
be to His church 'a refuge from the storm.' Isa. 25:4."—Proph-
ets and Kings, page 725.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, on Luke 13:24, pages
141-144. 88
LESSON 11 March 10-16
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou may- “In all His teaching, est be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and Christ brought the mind of anoint thine eyes with eyeslave, that man in contact with the thou mayest see.” Rev. 3:18. Infinite Mind. He did not In the parable of the ten virgins, when direct the people to study the cry went forth at midnight that the bridegroom was coming, five virgins men’s theories about God, discovered that they had no oil. His word, or His works. In the parable of the wedding feast, when the king came in to see the guests, He taught them to behold it was found that a man had come to Him as manifested in His the feast without a wedding garment. In the vision of Joshua and the Angel, works, in His word, and the high priest was clothed in filthy by His providences. garments. In the message to Laodicea, that “Christ did not deal in church was counseled to buy of the abstract theories, but in heavenly Merchantman gold, white rai- ment, and eyesalve. that which is essential to It is the purpose of this lesson to dis- the development of char- cover what these parables represent and how we can apply to our daily lives the acter, that which will en- truths they teach. large man’s capacity for LESSON OUTLINE knowing God, and in- 1. The Ten Virgins I crease his efficiency to do Matt. 25:1-5 good. He spoke to men of 2. The Ten Virgins II Matt. 25:6-12 those truths that relate to 3. And They Would Not Come the conduct of life, and Matt. 22:2, 3, 8-10 that take hold upon eter- 4. The Wedding Garment nity.”—”Christ’s Object Matt. 22:11-13 Lessons,” page 23. 5. Joshua and the Angel Zech. 3:1-5 6. Counsel to Laodicea Rev. 3:18
89
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 Sunday March10
Part 1 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten THE TEN VIRGINS I virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the
bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were fool-
Matt. 25:1-5 ish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil
with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their
lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and
slept."
One of the lessons Christ sought to teach by the parable of
the ten virgins was that the individual who is waiting for Christ's
return must allow the Holy Spirit, represented by the oil, to
do His work in the life. The result of this work is represented
by the lighted lamp. Without this work, man will not be able to
take part in Christ's wedding feast.
"The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who
profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins
because they profess a pure faith. By the lamps is represented
the word of God. The psalmist says, 'Thy word is a lamp unto
my feet, and a light unto my path.' Ps. 119:105. The oil is a
symbol of the Holy Spirit."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages
406, 407.
"All had lamps and vessels for oil. . . All have heard the
message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His
appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of wait-
ing intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, 'Behold,
the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him,' many are
unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps.
They are destitute of the Holy Spirit."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 408.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I be certain that the Holy Spirit is accomplishing in my life the work that is needed to prepare me to meet Jesus when He comes?
"Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the
mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would
come with no modified energy, but in the fulness of divine
power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been
wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that
the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer be-
comes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His
Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and culti-
vated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character
upon His church."—The Desire of Ages, page 671.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "To Meet the Bridegroom," pages
405-411. 90
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 ❑ Monday March 11
Part 2 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the THE TEN VIRGINS II bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those
virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said
Matt. 25:6-12 unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone
out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not
enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell,
and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the
bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with
him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came
also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he
answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart is
crucial to the preparation to meet Jesus, just as the oil in the
lamp was crucial to being prepared to meet the bridegroom.
That oil of the Spirit must be obtained now. When the Bride-
groom comes, it will be too late.
"Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not only hear
the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vessels
with their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It
represents character, and character is not transferable. No
man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself
a character purified from every stain of sin."—Testimonies to
Ministers, pages 233, 234.
Note that the oil is both the Holy Spirit and the righteousness
of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the instrument to produce righ-
teousness, and the righteousness of Christ in the life is the
result of the Spirit's work.
"No man can impart to another the character which is the
fruit of the Spirit's working. 'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job
were in it [the land], as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall
deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their
own souls by their righteousness.' "—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 412. (Emphasis supplied.) THINK IT THROUGH What is the relationship between faith in Jesus and re-
ception of the Spirit?
"All the ten virgins appeared to be ready for the coming of
the bridegroom, and yet the test brought out the fact that five
were unready. Those who have true piety esteem and revere
the law of God. Through the grace of Christ they exemplify the
principles of the law in their lives, and will not wilfully break
any of the commandments of God. . . . They yield to Christ,
who leads men to repentance of sin, who pardons the penitent
soul, and clothes him with his own righteousness."—Review
and Herald, Sept. 17, 1895. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "To Meet the Bridegroom," pages
411-415.
91
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday March 12
Part 3 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which AND THEY WOULD made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to
call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would
NOT COME not come." Matt. 22:2, 3, 8-10
"Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but
they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore
into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the
marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and
gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and
good: and the wedding was furnished with guests."
This parable teaches that many refuse to accept the Lord's
invitation and that both "bad and good" are invited to be
present at the marriage.
Three invitations were sent out to call the guests to the
feast. See Matt. 22:3-9. The first was extended by the Twelve
and the Seventy to the Jewish people during the time of Christ's
ministry. The second was given by the disciples after the cru-
cifixion of Christ, making a further call to God's chosen people.
The third represents the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles.
See Christ's Object Lessons, pages 308, 309.
"The nation that claimed to be God's peculiar people re-
jected the gospel brought to them in the power of the Holy
Spirit. Many did this in the most scornful manner. Others were
so exasperated by the offer of salvation, the offer of pardon
for rejecting the Lord of glory, that they turned upon the bearers
of the message. There was 'a great persecution.' Acts 8:1.
Many both of men and women were thrust into prison, and some
of the Lord's messengers, as Stephen and James, were put to
death."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 308. THINK IT THROUGH What is my responsibility when I have accepted the invi-
tation to the gospel feast? (See Rev. 22:17.)
"The king's servants who went out into the highways 'gath-
ered together all as many as they found, both bad and good.'
It was a mixed company. Some of them had no more real re-
gard for the giver of the feast than had the ones who rejected
the call. The class first bidden could not afford, they thought,
to sacrifice any worldly advantage for the sake of attending
the king's banquet. And of those who accepted the invitation,
there were some who thought only of benefiting themselves.
They came to share the provisions of the feast, but had no
desire to honor the king."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 309.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Without a Wedding Garment,"
pages 307-309. 92
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday March13 Part 4 “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw THE WEDDING there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having GARMENT a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the Matt. 22:1113 king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weep- ing and gnashing of teeth.”
"For every guest at the feast there had been provided a
wedding garment. This garment was a gift from the king. By
wearing it the guests showed their respect for the giver of the
feast."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 309.
"By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the
pure, spotless character which Christ's true followers will
possess. To the church it is given 'that she should be arrayed
in fine linen, clean and white,' not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing.' . . . It is the righteousness of Christ, His own
unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all
who receive Him as their personal Saviour."—Christ's Object
Lessons, page 310.
"The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover uncon-
fessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that trans-
forms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is
wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life
to the indwelling of the principles of heaven."—The Desire of
Ages, pages 555, 556.
THINK IT THROUGH In personal experience, what is the significance of the speechlessness of the man without a wedding garment?
"This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one
thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out
a perfect character, and this character he offers to impart to
us. . . . By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for
every human being to obey God's commandments. When we
submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart,
the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His
mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live
His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment
of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees,
not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of
sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obe-
dience to the law of Jehovah."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages
311, 312.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Without a Wedding Garment,” pages 309-319. 93 Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday March 14
Part 5 From the information contained in the record of the vision
JOSHUA AND of Zechariah, what is the meaning of the change of raiment?
THE ANGEL "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing be-
Zech. 3:1.5 RSV fore the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right
hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord
rebuke you, 0 Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem
rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked From the fire?' Now
Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy
garments. And the angel said to those who were standing
before him, 'Remove the filthy garments from him.' And to
him he said, 'Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from
you, and I will clothe you with rich apparel.' And I said, 'Let
them put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean
turban on his head and clothed him with garments; and the
angel of the Lord was standing by."
Read also verses 6-10.
This message from the prophet Zechariah presents a symbol
of Judah. Judah had sinned, had been led away into cap-
tivity, and now, under the favor of God, had returned to Pales-
tine.
"And now that this work of restoration had begun, and a
remnant of Israel had already returned to Judea, Satan was
determined to frustrate the carrying out of the divine purpose,
and to this end he was seeking to move upon the heathen na-
tions to destroy them utterly."—Prophets and Kings, page 583.
"It was by faith in the coming Saviour that Joshua and his
people had received pardon. Through faith in Christ they had
been restored to God's favor. By virtue of His merits, if they
walked in his ways and kept His statutes, they would be 'men
wondered at,' honored as the chosen of Heaven among the
nations of the earth."—Prophets and Kings, page 585.
THINK IT THROUGH “Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God’s people in the closing scenes of the great day of atonement.”—”Prophets and Kings,” page 587. “Christ is our High Priest. Satan stands before Him night and day as an accuser of the brethren…. But Christ has made atonement for every sinner. Can we by faith hear our Advocate saying, ‘The Lord rebuke thee, 0 Satan; . .. is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? … “The filthy garments are removed; … and man, all undeserv- ing, stands before the Lord cleansed from all unrighteousness, and clothed with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Oh, what a change of raiment is this.”—That I May Know Him, page 108.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pages 586-592. 94
Christ’s Righteousness in Parables LESSON 11 ❑ Friday March 15
Part 6 In what sense must the spiritual qualities symbolized in
COUNSEL TO Rev. 3:18 be bought?
LAODICEA "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that
Rev. 3:18 thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
Those who are invited to open the door of their hearts to
Jesus (Rev. 3:21), have also been invited to buy "gold," "white
raiment" and "eyesalve." What is the meaning of each of these
symbols?
"Let them humble their souls before God, let the grace of
God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall from their
eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty and
wretchedness. They will feel the necessity of buying gold, which
is pure faith and love; white raiment, which is a spotless char-
acter made pure in the blood of their dear Redeemer; and
eyesalve, which is the grace of God and which will give clear
discernment of spiritual things and detect sin. These attain-
ments are more precious than the gold of Ophir."—Testimo-
flies, Vol. 3, p. 254.
"Oh, what can I say to open blind eyes, to enlighten the spir-
itual understanding! Sin must be crucified. A complete moral
renovation must be wrought by the Holy Spirit. We must have
the love of God, with living, abiding faith. This is the gold tried
in the fire. We can obtain it only of Christ. Every sincere and
earnest seeker will become a partaker of the divine nature."
—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 105.
What cause for Judah's rejoicing did the prophet record?
Isa. 61:10.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the differences between Laodiceanism and righ- teousness by faith?
"The great Redeemer represents Himself as a heavenly mer-
chantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, pre-
senting His priceless goods....
"Now He stands at the door of the heart as a heavenly
merchantman; He says, . . . 'Open unto me; buy of me the
heavenly wares; buy of me the gold tried in the fire.' Buy faith
and love, the precious, beautiful attributes of our Redeemer.
... He invites us to buy the white raiment, which is His glorious
righteousness; and the eyesalve, that we may discern spiritual
things. Oh, shall we not open the heart's door to this heavenly
visitor?"—Our High Calling, page 350.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Two Worshipers,” pages 156-159. 95 LESSON 12 March 17-23
“Here is the patience of the saints: ways: (1) the third angel’s message, re- here are they that keep the command- corded in Rev. 14:9-11, as distinguished ments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” from the first and second angel’s mes- Rev. 14:12. sages; and (2) the message preached by Seventh-day Adventists that has devel- While a renewed emphasis was be- oped out of the content of the three ing given to teaching the righteousness messages of the angels of Revelation of Christ, beginning with the General 14, the third thus climaxing and includ- Conference session of 1888, held at Min- ing the first and second messages. neapolis, Mrs. White tells of some cor- respondence she had received. LESSON OUTLINE “Several have written to me, inquir- 1 The Gospel Into All the World ing if the message of justification by Matt. 24:14 faith is the third angel’s message, and 2. The Hour of Judgment I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s Rev. 14:6, 7 message in verity.’ “—Evangelism, page 3. Come Out of Babylon
- Rev. 14:8; Rev. 18:1-4 It is the purpose of this lesson to in- vestigate this relation of the message 4. Receive Not His Mark of justification by faith to the three an- Rev. 14:9, 10, 12 gels’ messages. 5. Unity of Thought in Three Messages The expression “third angel’s mes- 6. The Obedience of Faith sage” can be used in the following two Rev. 14:12 96 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday March17
Part 1 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all THE GOSPEL INTO the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the
end come." ALL THE WORLD
Matt. 24:14 Before Christ ascended into heaven He gave to His disciples
the great commission to go "into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.
That little band of disciples, in the name of Christ, and in
the power of the Holy Spirit, in season and out of season, under
favorable and unfavorable conditions, preached the message
of a crucified and risen Saviour. See Desire of Ages, page 827.
Our text calls attention to God's plan that before the Sav-
iour's return, the gospel is to be preached to all the world.
Conditions in the world will provide a backdrop which will give
significance and relevance to the final preaching of the gospel.
"The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.
Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and
authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their
attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are
watching the relations that exist among the nations. They ob-
serve the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly
element, and they recognize that something great and decisive
is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a
stupendous crisis."—Prophets and Kings, page 537.
"Christ came to this world for no other purpose than to man-
ifest the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restor-
ing power. . . . He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would
be preached in all the world; that truth, armed with the omnip-
otence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with
evil; and that the blood-stained banner would one day wave
triumphantly over His followers."—That I May Know Him, page
37. THINK IT THROUGH What is "this gospel of the kingdom"? What am I doing
to proclaim it?
"The message of Christ's soon coming is designed to
arouse men from their absorption in worldly things. It is in-
tended to awaken them to a sense of eternal realities, that they
may give heed to the invitation to the Lord's table. . . .
"The world is perishing for want of the gospel. There is a
famine for the word of God. There are few who preach the
word unmixed with human:, tradition. Though men have the
Bible in their tands, theydo not receive the blessing that God
has placed in it-forithemr. The Lord calls upon His servants
to carry His message to the people. The word of everlasting
life must be given to those who are perishing in their sins."
—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 228, 229.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 826-828.
97
The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Monday March I8
Part 2 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
THE HOUR OF having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell
on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
JUDGMENT and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
Rev. 14:6,1 glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and wor-
ship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the
fountains of waters."
"The messages of this chapter [Rev. 14] constitute a three-
fold warning ... which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth
for the Lord's second coming. The announcement, 'The hour of
His judgment is come,' points to the closing work of Christ's
ministration for the salvation of men.... That men may be pre-
pared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them
to 'fear God, and give glory to Him,' and worship Him that
made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters.' The result of an acceptance of these messages is
given in the word: 'Here are they that keep the commandments
of God, and the faith of Jesus.' In order to be prepared for the
judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of
God. That law will be the standard of character in the judg-
ment....
"The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is
the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence.
And wherever, in the Bible, His claim to reverence and wor-
ship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there is cited
the evidence of His creative power." (Then follow Ps. 96:5;
Isa. 40:25, 26; 45:18; Pe. 100:3; 95:6; Rev. 4:11.)—The Great
Controversy, pages 435-437.
THINK IT THROUGH Which of the Ten Commandments calls attention to the Creator? Would the keeping of this commandment have any- thing to do with true worship of the Creator? “In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Crea- tor; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. . . . The fourth precept declares: “In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sab- bath day, and hallowed it.’ Ex. 20:11. … “So long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath been uni- versally kept, man’s thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel.”—The Great Controversy, pages 437, 438. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 326-329, 352-354. 98 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday March I9
Part 3 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is
COME OUT OF fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations
drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
BABYLON
Rev. 14:8 "And after these things I saw another angel come down
Rev. 18:14 from heaven, having great power; and the earth was light-
ened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong
voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is
become the habitation of devils. . . . For all nations have
drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. . . . And
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her,
my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye
receive not of her plagues."
"Babylon is fallen, 'because she made all nations drink of
the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' What is that wine?—
her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false sabbath
instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has
repeated the falsehood that Satan first told to Eve in Eden
—the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she
has spread far and wide, 'teaching for doctrines the command-
ments of men.' ...
"And in the loud cry of the third angel's message a voice
is heard from heaven saying, 'come out of her, my people, that
ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her
plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath
remembered her iniquities.' "—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 985.
What call did the apostle Paul give to the Corinthian be-
lievers? 2 Cor. 6:14-18.
THINK IT THROUGH On what condition can I be a “son” or “daughter” of the Lord Almighty? 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.
"Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy,
it is declared: 'Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God
hath remembered her iniquities.' Rev. 18.5 But God still
has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judg-
ments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake
not of her sins and 'receive not of her plagues.' Hence the
movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven,
lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a
strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection
with his message the call is heard: 'Come out of her, My peo-
ple.' These announcements, uniting with the third angel's mes-
sage, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants
of the earth."—The Great Controversy, page 604.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 382-390. 99 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday March 20
Part 4 "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud
RECEIVE NOT voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and re-
ceive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall
HIS MARK drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out Rev. 14:9, 10, 12 without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall
be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the
holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep
the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
"This message embraces the two preceding messages. It
is represented as being given with a loud voice; that is, with
the power of the Holy Spirit. Everything is now at stake. The
third angel's message is to be regarded as of the highest im-
portance. It is a life and death question."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 980.
"The third angel of Revelation fourteen is represented as
flying swiftly through the midst of heaven crying: 'Here are
they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of
Jesus.' Here is shown the nature of the work of the people of
God."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 206.
What are the three distinguishing marks of the saints?
Rev. 14:12.
"Faith of Jesus. Or, 'faith in Jesus.' The Greek may be un-
derstood either way, though the latter meaning is generally
preferred. For the difference in meaning between the two ex-
pressions and for the importance of faith to Christian experi-
ence see on Rom. 3:22."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p.
833.
THINK IT THROUGH “But Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible Sab- bath; and there are now true Christians in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly be- lieve that Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts their sincerity of purpose and their integrity before Him. But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the com- mand of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image.”—The Great Controversy, page 449.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 446-450. 100 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday March 21
Part 5 The announcement of judgment led to the call to fear and UNITY OF THOUGHT glorify God. A correct relation with God, fearing and glorifying
Him, results in readiness for the judgment. A close relation IN THREE MESSAGES exists between judgment and justification. Without a judgment
justification is unnecessary because justification accomplishes
removal of the sin that the judgment would condemn. But God
announced judgment, and if fear of God leads one to confess
his sins and accept Christ's righteousness, he will receive
acquittal in the judgment.
The angel calls also for man to glorify God. Man glorifies
God by living the character of God before his fellowmen, a
process also known as sanctification. This may also be viewed
as man doing what he can by God's help to develop a fitness
for heaven. God decides in the judgment on entrance of people
to heaven.
After the announcement of judgment the angel calls men
to worship God as Creator. Observance of the seventh-day
Sabbath corresponds to this call.
Of what is Sabbath observance a sign? Ex 31:13.
What sign indicates the fear of God? The commands to fear
and glorify God link together as a unit in verse 7. This har-
monizes with the inseparability of justification and sanctifica-
tion. The believer is justified so that he can be sanctified. If
he is being sanctified, then he must have been justified. Thus
true Sabbath keeping is a sign that the righteousness of Christ
is accomplishing its goal in the life of the believer.
Those who do not accept Christ's righteousness constitute
Babylon and are followers of the beast and his image. In the
second and third messages this group is shown to be under
the judgment of God because they have believed another mes-
sage than God's message and have worshipped another power
than God. The righteousness of Christ is the theme of the three
messages in the context of the judgment.
THINK IT THROUGH Why does a formal keeping of the Sabbath, just laying aside our regular work and resting for 24 hours, fall short of God’s purpose in giving us the Sabbath?
"All power is given into His [Christ's] hands, that He may
dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of
His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is
the message that God commanded to be given to the world.
It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with
a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in
a large measure."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 92.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 281-289.
101
The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 12 ❑ Friday March 22
Part 6 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep
THE OBEDIENCE the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
OF FAITH
The saints are acquitted in the judgment. They will have
Rev. 14:12 chosen the faith of Jesus in preference to the wine of Babylon,
and obeyed God's commandments in preference to obeying
the beast and his image. The saints will have combined faith
and obedience, or Jesus and the law.
"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to
my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the
revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the
world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures
of the prophets, according to the commandment of the ever-
lasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of
faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.
Amen." Rom. 16:25-27.
"Now, it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse
the view of Jesus and lead men to look to man, and trust to
man, and be educated to expect help from man. For years the
church has been looking to man, and expecting much from
man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal
life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testi-
mony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the
third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines."—Testimonies
to Ministers, page 93.
"The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to
the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no
longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law,
but do not teach or believe Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 92.
THINK IT THROUGH In what way has Abraham set an example for me in the matter of obedience? See Heb. 11:8.
"The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His
judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has
sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the
period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly
proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must
be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people
may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the
work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ's
righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the
other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God,
which closes the work of the third angel."—Testimonies, Vol.
6, p. 19.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 451-460. 102
LESSON 13 March 24-30
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“The disciple is not above his master, character to all who will relate to Him nor the servant above his lord. It is in faith and obedience. enough for the disciple that he be as No one will take credit to himself, for his master, and the servant as his lord. the victorious host will sing, “Worthy is If they have called the master of the the Lamb that was slain.” house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” Matt. 10:24, 25. “Character of the Last Conflict,” an article written by Ellen G. The character of God is the norm for White, is printed at the end of righteousness. this lesson for supplementary This character has been revealed to reading. It was originally printed man in the law and in the life of Jesus. in the Review and Herald. “From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Sa- tan’s purpose to overthrow the law of LESSON OUTLINE God.”—The Great Controversy, page
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During the earthly life of Jesus, 1. Lucifer Advocates Government Satan sought His downfall and even- Without Law tually did all that it was possible to do Ezek. 28:12-15, 18 to destroy Him. 2. God’s Law Is Immutable The wrath that Satan once aimed at Ps. 111:7-9 the righteous life of Jesus has since 3. The Issue of the Final Conflict been directed toward the men and Rev. 13:16, 17 women who are seeking to develop a righteous character like His. 4. The Time of Trouble The great controversy from one view- Daniel 12:1 point is over the question of what is the 5. Seek Righteousness norm for righteousness in human life? Zeph. 2:1-3 In this final encounter God is count- 6. The Final Triumph of Christ’s ing on His people to vindicate His char- Righteousness acter as the norm. God will give this Rev. 22:11, 12; Rev. 15:2, 3
103The Final Conflict LESSON 13 0 Sunday March 24
Part 1 Read Ezekiel 28:12-15, 18. LUCIFER ADVOCATES What was the ambition of Lucifer presented under the GOVERNMENT symbols of the prince of Tyre and the king of Babylon? Ezek. WITHOUT LAW 28:2, 6; Isa. 14:12-14. What spirit inspired by Satan will manifest itself in the great apostasy? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4. Note the following expressions from 2 Thess. 2:3-9, as they appear in the RSV. "The man of lawlessness." Verse 3. "The mystery of lawlessness." Verse 7. "The lawless one." Verse 8. "The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan." Verse 9. "When it was announced that with all his sympathizers he must be expelled from the abodes of bliss, then the rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt for the Creator's law. He reiterated his claim that angels needed no control, but should be left to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right. He denounced the divine statutes as a restriction of their liberty and declared that it was his purpose to secure the abolition of law."—The Great Controversy, page 499. "From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God. . . . "The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradi- tion."—The Great Controversy, page 582.
THINK IT THROUGH In my attitudes toward God’s law, on whose side am I casting my influence?
"The warfare against God's law, which was begun in
heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will
be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be
decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose be-
tween the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing
line will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every char-
acter will be fully developed; and all will show whether they
have chosen the side of loyalty or that of rebellion.
"Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and
deliver His people."—The Desire of Ages, page 763. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 498-504. 104
The Final Conflict LESSON 13 ❑ Monday March 25
Part 2 "The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his
GOD'S LAW IS commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever
and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption
IMMUTABLE unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever:
Ps. 111:1-9 holy and reverend is his name."
"The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript
of His charatcer, must forever endure, 'as a faithful witness in
heaven.' Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or
tittle has been changed. Says the psalmist: 'Forever, 0 Lord,
Thy word is settled in heaven.' All His commandments are
sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.' Ps. 119:89; 111:7, 8."
—The Great Controversy, page 434.
What was one of Christ's purposes in coming to this world?
Matt. 5:17, 18.
How did Christ demonstrate His attitude toward the Law
of God? John 15:10 (last part), John 8:46 (first part).
How is faith in Christ related to the law of God? Rom. 3:31.
"He [Jesus] gave his life as a sacrifice, not to destroy God's
law, not to create a lower standard, but that justice might be
maintained, that the law might be shown to be immutable, that
it might stand fast forever."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 314.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I show by my daily living that the law of God is valid?
"Had it been possible for the law to be changed or abro-
gated, then Christ need not have died. But to abrogate the law
would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world
under Satan's control. It was because the law was changeless,
because man could be saved only through obedience to its
precepts, that Jesus was lifted up on the cross. Yet the very
means by which Christ established the law Satan represented
as destroying it. Here will come the last conflict of the great
controversy between Christ and Satan.
"That the law which was spoken by God's own voice is
faulty, that some specification has been set aside, is the claim
which Satan now puts forward. It is the last great deception
that he will bring upon the world."—The Desire of Ages, pages
762, 763.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 465-468. 105 The Final Conflict LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday March 26
Part 3 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, THE ISSUE OF THE free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he FINAL CONFLICT that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number
Rev. 13:16, 11 of his name."
To what extreme will Satan go to bring all under his form
of government? Rev. 13:15.
The power depicted in Revelation 13 will do its utmost to
bring about conformity to the mark of its authority. First boy-
cott and then a death decree will be leveled against those who
seek to uphold the sanctity of the Ten Commandments.
"As the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon
the people, it is found that the observance of the seventh-day
Sabbath is enjoined; and as the only way to free themselves
from a duty which they are unwilling to perform, many popular
teachers declare that the law of God is no longer binding. Thus
they cast away the law and the Sabbath together... .
"Yet this very class put forth the claim that the fast-spread-
ing corruption is largely attributable to the desecration of the
so-called 'Christian Sabbath,' and that the enforcement of
Sunday observance would greatly improve the morals of so-
ciety."—The Great Controversy, page 587.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my greatest need so that Jesus may carry me safely through the final crisis?
"He [Satan] will bring disease and disaster, until populous
cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at
work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great
conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in
tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in
every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his
power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and
distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thou-
sands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to be-
come more and more frequent and disastrous. . . .
"And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those
who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have
provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their trou-
bles upon those whose obedience to God's commandments is
a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that
men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath;
that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until
Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced."—The Great
Controversy, pages 589, 590.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 585-592. 106 The Final Conflict LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday March 27
Part 4 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
THE TIME OF which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall
be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a
TROUBLE nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people
Dan. 12:1 shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in
the book."
Study the promises of God in Psalm 91:1, 2, 7, 8, 14, 15.
"When the third angel's message closes, mercy no longer
pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of
God have accomplished their work. They have received 'the
latter rain,' the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,' and
they are prepared for the trying hour before them.... The final
test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved
themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received 'the seal
of the living God.' Then Jesus ceases his intercession in the
sanctuary above....
"When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabi-
tants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live
in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor."—The Great
Controversy, pages 613, 614.
"As Satan influenced Esau to march against Jacob, so he
will stir up the wicked to destroy God's people in the time of
trouble....
"Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be
severely tested."—The Great Controversy, page 618. THINK IT THROUGH "It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation
than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The
most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the
ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself
before God."—"The Great Controversy," page 622.
"They [God's people] afflict their souls before God, point-
ing to their past repentance of their many sins, . . They lay
hold of the strength of God as Jacob laid hold of the Angel;
and the language of their souls is: 'I will not let Thee go, ex-
cept Thou bless me.'
"Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining
the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer
and mercifully preserved his life. So, in the time of trouble, if
the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them
while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be over-
whelmed.. . . But while they have a deep sense of their un-
worthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their
sins have gone beforehand to judgment and have been blotted
out, and they cannot bring them to remembrance."—The Great
Controversy, pages 619, 620.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 613-620.
107
The Final Conflict LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday March 28
Part 5 In view of the "day of the Lord" what four commands
SEEK were given to Judah in the following passage? RIGHTEOUSNESS "Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, 0 na-
Zeph. 2:1.3 tion not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the
day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord
come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon
you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have
wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it
may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger."
"During the reign of Josiah the word of the Lord came to
Zephaniah, specifying plainly the results of continued apos-
tasy, and calling the attention of the true church to the glorious
prospect beyond. His prophecies of impending judgment upon
Judah apply with equal force to the judgments that are to fall
upon an impenitent world at the time of the second advent of
Christ."—Prophets and Kings, page 389.
"Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement
for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. . . .
"It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through
faith in the atoning blood of Christ."—The Great Controversy,
page 623.
What is Christ waiting to accomplish in His church before
receiving it unto Himself? Eph. 5:26, 27.
"The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is
His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace,
and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ
looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the
reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory,—
Christ, the great Center, from whom radiates all glory."—The
Desire of Ages, page 680.
"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation
of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall
be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to
claim them as His own."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 69.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I “seek righteousness”?
"Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven and to set
our hearts in order, ready for the time of troub19. Those only
who have clean hands and pure hearts will stand in that trying
time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds,
foreheads, and written in our hearts."—Early Writings, page 58.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 599-602. 108 The Final Conflict LESSON 13 ❑ Friday March 29
Part 6 What evidence is there in the following texts that they THE FINAL TRIUMPH refer to the close of probation?
OF CHRIST'S "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is RIGHTEOUSNESS filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him
Rev. 22:11, 12 be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to
give every man according as his work shall be."
Read Revelation 15:2, 3.
As probation closes and the final decree goes forth, a seal
is placed on the righteous. But their righteousness is not their
own. It is the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed and
imparted to them. They have made it their own. Through faith
in Him they have been able to stand firm unto the end. They
will not take any credit to themselves, but they will say, "Bless-
ing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sit-
teth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Rev. 5:13.
"Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession
of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in
the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must
be spotless their characters must be purified from sin by the
blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own
diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil."
—The Great Controversy, page 425.
"Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling them-
selves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the
truth—these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for
the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth
and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure
and spotless for eternity....
"All who receive the seal must be without spot before God
—candidates for heaven."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 216.
THINK IT THROUGH What lesson can I learn from Enoch in preparation for translation? See Gen. 5:24. “The hour has come when Christ occupies His rightful posi- tion and is glorified above principalities and powers and every name that is named…. He looks upon the redeemed, renewed in His own image, every heart bearing the perfect impress of the divine, every face reflecting the likeness of their King. . . . And the song of praise ascends from the white-robed ones about the throne: ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.’ Rev. 5:12.”—The Great Controversy, page 671. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 620-627. 109 CHARACTER OF THE LAST CONFLICT
Ellen G. White
The great controversy between the thought that one soul should perish. His Prince of light and the prince of dark- great heart of love embraced the whole ness has not abated one jot or tittle of world, and led him to provide complete its influence as time has gone on. The salvation for all who would believe in stern conflict between light and dark- him. In the character of Christ, majesty ness, between truth and error, is deep- and humility were blended. Temperance ening in its intensity. The synagogue and self-denial were seen in every act of Satan is intensely active, and in this of his life, but there was no taint of age the deceiving power of the enemy bigotry, no cold austerity, manifested is working in the most subtle way. Ev- in his manner to lessen his influence ery human mind that is not surrendered over those with whom he came in con- to God and is not under the control of tact. The world’s Redeemer had a the Spirit of God, will be perverted greater than angelic nature; yet united through satanic agencies. The enemy is with his divine majesty were meekness working constantly to supplant Jesus and humility that attracted all to him- Christ in the human heart, and to place self. He speaks to all, saying, “Come his attributes in the human character, unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy- in the place of the attributes of God. laden, and I will give you rest. Take my He brings his strong delusions to bear yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I upon the human mind, that he may have am meek and lowly in heart: and ye a controlling power. He seeks to oblit- shall find rest unto your souls.” erate the truth and abolish the true Christ is man’s example. “In him was pattern of goodness and righteousness, life; and the life was the light of men. in order that the professed Christian . . . That was the true Light, which world may be swept to perdition through lighteth every man that cometh into separation from God. He is working in the world. . . . And the Word was made order that selfishness may become flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we be- world-wide, and thus make of no effect held his glory, the glory as of the only the mission and work of Christ. begotten of the Father,) full of grace Christ came to the world to bring back and truth.” Christ, our Redeemer, com- the character of God to man, and to prehended all the necessities of man. retrace on the human soul the divine He formulated the mighty plans by which image. Through his entire life, Christ fallen man is to be uplifted from the deg- sought by continuous, laborious efforts radation of sin. In every circumstance, to call the world’s attention to God and however trivial, he represented the to his holy requirements, so that men Father. Though upholding the world by might be imbued with the Spirit of God, the word of his power, he would stoop might be actuated by love, and might to relieve a wounded bird. 0 that we all reveal in life and character the divine had an intelligent knowledge of Jesus attributes. Christ came to be the light Christ! Weary and worn as he often and life of the world, and his life was was, he pleased not himself. “And this one of continual self-denial and self- is life eternal, that they might know thee sacrifice. The Lord Jesus valued every the only true God, and Jesus Christ, human being, and could not endure the whom thou hast sent.” “See that ye 110 refuse not him that speaketh.” Who are to co-operate with him in apostasy, and those that refuse to hear the voice of succeeded in bringing rebellion into our Christ)—They are those who do not hear world. and practise his word. They are those All the vast, complicated machinery whose hearts are crowded and over- of evil agencies is put into action in charged with surfeiting and drunkenness these last days. Through generation and the cares of this life; who are eat- after generation, from age to age, Satan ing and drinking, planting and building, has gathered human agencies through marrying and giving in marriage. They whom to work out his diabolical pur- are those who will not receive the mes- poses, and to bring about the enforce- sage of warning for these last days. ment of his plans and devices in the The agencies of Satan are at work to earth. The great putrid fountain of evil keep the minds of men engrossed with has been continually flowing through the things of this life, in order that he human society. Though unable to expel may work counter to the mission and God from his throne, Satan has charged work of Christ. Of Satan, Christ declares God with satanic attributes, and has he “abode not in the truth.” Once Satan claimed the attributes of God as his was in co-partnership with God, Jesus own. He is a deceiver, and through Christ, and the holy angels. He was his serpentine sharpness, through his highly exalted in heaven, and was ra- crooked practises, he has drawn to him- diant in light and glory that came to self the homage which man should have him from the Father and the Son; but given to God, and has planted his sa- he became disloyal, and lost his high tanic throne between the human wor- and holy position as covering cherub. shiper and the divine Father. He became the antagonist of God, an But in man’s behalf, Christ met the apostate, and was excluded from specious temptations of Satan, and left heaven. He established his empire, and to man an example as to how to over- planted the standard of rebellion against come Satan in the conflict. He exhorts the law of Jehovah. He invited all the his followers, saying, “Be of good cheer; powers of evil to rally about his stan- I have overcome the world.” Satan has dard, in order to form a desperate com- made masterly efforts to perpetuate sin. panionship of evil to league against the He arrayed all his evil agencies to war God of heaven. He worked perseveringly against Jesus Christ in an active, des- and determinedly to perpetuate his re- perate conflict, in order that he might bellion, and to cause men to turn from bruise the heart of infinite Love. He se- Bible truth, and to stand under his ban- duced the people to bow to idols, and ner. As soon as the Lord through Jesus thus gain supremacy over earthly king- Christ created our world, and placed doms. He considered that to be the god Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, of this world was the next best thing to Satan announced his purpose to con- gaining possession of the throne of God form to his own nature the father and in heaven. In a large measure he has mother of all humanity, and to unite been successful in his plans. When them with his own ranks of rebellion. Jesus was on earth, Satan led the peo- He was determined to efface the image ple to reject the Son of God, and to of God from the human posterity, and choose Barabbas, who in character rep- to trace his own upon the soul in place resented Satan, the god of this world. of the divine image. He adopted meth- The Lord Jesus Christ came to dispute ods of deception by which to accomplish the usurpation of Satan in the kingdoms his purpose. He is called the father of of the world. The conflict is not yet lies, an accuser of God and of those who ended; and as we draw near the close maintain their allegiance to God, a mur- of time, the battle waxes more intense. derer from the beginning. He put forth As the second appearing of our Lord every power at his command to win man Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agen- III cies are moved from beneath. Satan toward them to the fullest extent pos- will not only appear as a human being, sible. John foresaw the conflict between but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the remnant church and the power of the world who has rejected the truth evil, and said, “The dragon was wroth will receive him as the Lord of lords with the woman, and went to make war and King of kings. He will exercise his with the remnant of her seed, which power, and work upon the human imagi- keep the commandments of God, and nation. He will corrupt both the minds have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” and the bodies of men, and will work The forces of darkness will unite with through the children of disobedience, human agents who have given them- fascinating and charming, as does a selves into the control of Satan, and the serpent. What a spectacle will the world same scenes that were exhibited at the be for heavenly intelligences! What a trial, rejection, and crucifixion of Christ spectacle for God, the Creator of the will be revived. Through yielding to sa- world, to behold! The form Satan as- tanic influences, men will be trans- sumed in Eden when leading our first formed into fiends; and those who were parents to transgress, was of a char- created in the image of God, who were acter to bewilder and confuse the mind. formed to honor and glorify their Crea- He will work in as subtle a manner as tor, will become the habitation of drag- we near the end of earth’s history. All ons, and Satan will see in an apostate his deceiving power will be brought to race his masterpiece of evil,—men who bear upon human subjects, to complete reflect his own image. the work of deluding the human family. Men were imbued with a satanic spirit So deceptive will be his working, that at the time when they decided that they men will do as they did in the days of would have Barabbas, a thief and mur- Christ; and when asked, Whom shall I derer, in preference to the Son of God. release unto you, Christ or Barabbas? The demoniac power triumphed over the almost universal cry will be, Barab- humanity; legions of evil angels took bas, Barabbas! And when the question entire control of men, and in answer to is asked, “What will ye then that I shall Pilate’s question as to whom he should do unto him whom ye call the King of release unto them, they shrieked out, the Jews?” the cry again will be, “Cru- “Away with this man, and release unto cify him!” Christ will be represented in us Barabbas.” When Pilate spoke again the person of those who accept the to them concerning Jesus, the hoarse truth, and who identify their interest with cry was raised, “Crucify him, crucify that of their Lord. The world will be en- him.” Through yielding to demoniac raged at them in the same way that they agencies, men were led to take their were enraged at Christ, and the disci- stand on the side of the great apostate. ples of Christ will know that they are to Unfallen worlds looked upon the scene be treated no better than was their Lord. with amazement, unable to comprehend But Christ will surely identify his inter- the degradation that sin had wrought. est with that of those who accept him as Legions of evil angels controlled the their personal Saviour. Every insult, ev- priests and rulers, and gave voice to ery reproach, every false accusation the suggestions of Satan in persuading made against them by those who have and tempting the people by falsehoods turned their ears away from the truth and bribes to reject the Son of God, and and are turned unto fables, will be to choose a robber and murderer in his charged upon the guilty ones as done stead. They appealed to the very worst to Christ in the person of his saints. passions of the unregenerate heart, and Those who love and keep the com- stirred up the worst elements of human mandments of God are most obnoxious nature by the most unjust accusations to the synagogue of Satan, and the pow- and representations. What a scene was ers of evil will manifest their hatred this for God to look upon, for seraphim 112 and cherubim to behold! The only be- end come.” The agencies of Satan are gotten Son of God, the Majesty of having their last chance to develop be- heaven, the King of glory, was mocked, fore the world, before angels and men, insulted, taunted, rejected, and crucified the true principles of their attributes. by those whom he came to save, who The people of God are now to stand as had given themselves to the control of representatives of the attributes of the Satan. Father and the Son. “Watch therefore: Christ said, “If they do these things for ye know not what hour your Lord in a green tree, what shall be done in doth come. But know this, that if the the dry?” “They shall deliver you up to goodman of the house had known what councils; and in the synagogues ye shall watch the thief would come, he would be beaten: and ye shall be brought be- have watched, and would not have suf- fore rulers and kings for my sake, for a fered his house to be broken up. There- testimony against them. . . . Now the fore be ye also ready: for in such an brother shall betray the brother to death, hour as ye think not the Son of man and the father the son; and children cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise shall rise up against their parents, and servant, whom his lord hath made ruler shall cause them to be put to death. over his household, to give them meat And ye shall be hated of all men for my in due season? Blessed is that servant, name’s sake: but he that shall endure whom his lord when he cometh shall unto the end, the same shall be saved.” find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That “And this gospel of the kingdom shall he shall make him ruler over all his be preached in all the world for a wit- goods.’ “—Review and Herald, April 14, ness unto all nations; and then shall the 1896.
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BAHRAIN
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Riyadh
TRUCIAL STATES •••,
Jidda
. MUSCAT
°Mecca ( and
SAUDI ARABIA j OMAN
Khartoum
r‘
SUDAN
O
O
Mogadishu
SEYCHELLES
Lake 0 ISLANDS
Mombasa
MISSION STATION ZANZIBAR
TANZANIA Dar es Salaam
EVANGELISTIC
TRAINING CENTER
UNION
Church S.S. C East-African Unions Population Churches Members Members
= Ethiopian East African 20,521,884 483 89,476 181,012 Ethiopian 24,000,000 39 19,118 41,924 Middle East Middle East 154,603,900 41 3,969 2,467 S=I Tanzania Tanzania 12,800,000 184 28,131 53,386
Division Totals 211,925,784 747 140,694 278,789