News From Jesus - 1
News From Jesus - 1
1974 Quater 2
o1 Lessons/April, May, JU1 Noe Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow June 29, 1974—FAR EASTERN DIVISION Five hundred years ago the wealthy and powerful rulers of Spain and Portugal heard stories of jungle-covered islands set in warm oceans far to the east of India. Rumor said that these islands abounded with the spices so much coveted by wealthy society people of Europe. When in 1512 Ferdinand Magellan discovered the spice islands, he also planted the seeds of Christianity. There has been a noble harvest. Missionaries of several denominations have worked in this territory. Today we have over a quarter million Seventh-day Adventists in the Far Eastern Division. All four of the projects to benefit from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow this quarter are located in the islands discovered by Magellan.
- Philippine Union College, Naga View Campus, Building Expansion. With more than 1,700 college students, this college is our largest outside the United States. To ease congestion, the college has had to take over a former academy located in a beautiful mountainside setting not far from the city of Naga. With its ideal sur- roundings, this extension campus will meet many needs! A fine master plan has been developed which will eventually provide adequate classrooms, dormitories, cafe- teria, library, and chapel. 2. North Sulawesi Academy, Classrooms and Faculty Homes. Located on the northern tip of the island of Celebes, this academy has a fine record of producing excellent workers. However, the campus was in the direct line of fighting during a bitter revolution in the late 1950’s. School had to be suspended as the buildings were occupied by the insurgent forces. Partial rehabilitation was accomplished. New classrooms and faculty homes are needed.
- Walame Academy, Classrooms and Faculty Homes. This academy is located on Ambon, another of the spice islands visited by Magellan in 1512. The faculty and students are looking to the Sabbath School family to assist them in providing classrooms and faculty homes.
- Jungle Chapels. Simple jungle chapels are needed in areas where we have many church members among the tribal people. The workers and members of the Far Eastern Division thank you for the world- wide Sabbath School support provided for our work in the past. The needs con- tinue to be great, and have been made ever more critical by the dollar devaluation. Please give generously during this quarter for these four projects and for the work around the world. P. H. Eldridge President Far Eastern Division
See page 112 for outlines of the first two lessons of the third quarter 1974.
Litho in U.S.A.
NEWS FROM JESUS GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Some sixty years had passed since John last saw Jesus. He was the only one left of the twelve men chosen by Jesus to be His disciples. The last apostle had fallen on hard times. He had been arrested, boiled in oil and miraculously delivered, and eventually banished to the penal colony on Patmos. There, on a Sabbath day, he saw Jesus, and Jesus spoke to him. What He told John, and also revealed by an angel, was not merely a message to the beloved disciple, but news from the risen Lord for the churches in the vicinity of John's home. It was the last time that word could come from Jesus through one who had personally walked and talked with Him. John in turn wrote the news to those who knew him. Today we read that news in the book of Revelation.
The news was that Jesus would assuredly conquer the powers of evil, which had not seemed to diminish during John's long life. He unveiled the strategy of the evil power and revealed the way in which victory would come. That news is still news today. Evil still appears entrenched. But the passing of centuries has brought the collapse of evil power structures in the way that Jesus told John they would fall. This encourages us that the present and future entrenchments of evil will also fall and Jesus will be unconditionally victorious as He told John on Patmos.
This news is not limited to the scene of international politics. The news is also for the individual. He can personally conquer evil and join in Christ's victory. "When we as a people understand what this book [of Revelation] means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 113.
Ellen G. White has given some pertinent counsel on the study of Revelation:
"Many have entertained the idea that the book of Revelation is a sealed book, and they will not devote time and study to its mysteries. They say that they are to keep looking to the glories of salvation, and that the mysteries revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos are worthy of less consideration than these. But God does not so regard this book. . . .
"It should be studied with reverential awe."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 954.
"We are living in a time when men who are not under the teaching of the Holy Spirit will bring in false theories. These men . . . have ambitious projects to carry out. They seek to exalt themselves, and to revolutionize .. . things. God has given us special instruction to guard us against such ones. He bade John write in a book that which should take place in the closing scenes of this earth's history." —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 954.
"This book [Revelation] demands close, prayerful study, lest it be interpreted according to the ideas of men, and false construction be given to the sacred work of the Lord, which in its symbols and figure means so much to us. There is so much that we positively must understand in order that we may shape our course of action so that we shall not receive the plagues which are coming upon the world.
"In the Revelation the deep things of God are portrayed. Those whose hearts are wholly sanctified to God will be brought light to see priceless gems through the telescope of faith. And as they apply the truth to practice, the still deeper mys- teries are stamped on the soul. These thus honored are to communicate to others that which they have received. And as they do this, angels make the impression upon hearts.
"Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the Revelation, that it is of no use for them to search this book with deep, earnest
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1-AQT 2-74 longing and intense desire to know the meaning of the truths it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John can and will give the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things, hereafter to be realized. Rich blessings will come to him who reads and hears the words of this prophecy, and keeps the things which are written therein.”—Ellen G. White, Letter 16, Jan. 28, 1900. Exciting discoveries await the diligent student of Revelation. “Satan has blinded the minds of many so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John has here declared. . . . ‘Blessed is he that readeth.’ “—Testimonies to Ministers, page 116. Determine that your personal morning and evening sacrifice will center on the study of the book of Revelation during this quarter. Seek the truth that can spark a revival in the church.
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 are available free
each month in Braille and 162/3 rpm records to blind and phys-
ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint.
This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple
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or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian
Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
Lesson Titles for the Quarter Lesson 1 The Author Identified
Lesson 2 Letters From Jesus I
Lesson 3 Letters From Jesus II
Lesson 4 Letters From Jesus III
Lesson 5 Letters From Jesus IV
Lesson 6 In Praise of God
Lesson 7 In Praise of Jesus
Lesson 8 A Preview of Judgment
Lesson 9 To Survive or Not
Lesson 10 Trumpets of War
Lesson 11 The Source of the Adventist Message
Lesson 12 The Two Witnesses
Lesson 13 The Trumpet of Victory,
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (regular edition), No. 316, April-June, 1974. 35 cents a single copy, $1.40 a year (four issues); no additional charge to countries requiring extra post- age. 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 authorized 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 1974 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover by Concerned Communications
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LESSON 1 March 31 to April 6
The Author
Identified
"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he
laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; 1
am the first and the last." Rev. 1:17.
How much attention you give to a personal letter that is
delivered to your home is determined by at least two consid-
erations: (1) Who wrote it? and (2) Did he write anything that
you are interested in?
The book of Revelation may be viewed as a letter'. It has
some features of a first-century epistle. The first chapter be-
gins with an explanation given of the two points we noted
above about letters:
1. Who wrote it? It may appear that John did, but the
Author turns out to be several links removed from the reader
in a communication chain that is invisible to people. So John
explains the origin of his book. When the Christian discovers
that Jesus is the Author, he should eagerly seek to see what
message Jesus had for him in Revelation.
2. Did He give any message that is of interest to us in
1974? If our interests are identified with the interests of Jesus,
then Revelation is as relevant as can be. In the very first chap-
ter the reader sees the divine, glorified Jesus. He is con-
fronted by the various media through which Jesus works in
the world—His gospel, the church, and the ministry—and is
shown that these apparently human instruments are inti-
mately related to our glorified Lord.
If you are looking for word from Jesus, Revelation has it,
bright and clear.
1. Source of the Book, Rev. 1:1-3
LESSON 2. The Salutation, Rev. 1:4-5, first part
OUTLINE 3. The Doxology, Rev. 1:5-7
4. Identifications, Rev. 1:8-11
5. The Divine Exalted Jesus, Rev. 1:12-16
6. The Living Jesus, Rev. 1:17-20
The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday March 31
Part 1 Who revealed the message contained in John's book? To
SOURCE OF whom is it addressed?
THE BOOK "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him,
to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to
pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant
John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testi-
mony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed
is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those .things which are written therein:
for the time is at hand." Rev. 1:1-3.
John, at the beginning of his book states clearly the origin
of its contents. He is not expressing his own ideas. The Revela-
tion originates with God; but John emphasizes it as Christ's
revelation. Jesus is the head of the channel of communication
by which the book of Revelation came to earth. "Jesus Christ
is the great trustee of divine revelation. It is through Him that
we have a knowledge of what we are to look for in the closing
scenes of this earth's history."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 953.
Jesus is the one essential link in this chain of divine com-
munication. Without Him there would be no word from God.
The letter is sent to Christ's servants. All of the other steps
mentioned, while important, are incidental to Christ's supreme
purpose of reaching His people with a message.
By what steps was the message relayed from Jesus to His
servants?
The first part of verse 3 in the RSV reads: "Blessed is he
who reads aloud the words of the prophecy." The book of Reve-
lation was intended to be read aloud in the churches to which
it was addressed. Every copy had to be made by hand, and
thus it would not be readily available to individual members
as it is today.
What was the subject of Christ's revelation? Verse 1.
Revelation is a book that points to many events. Jesus
opened these events to the church before they took place from
the viewpoint of John's time. Some of the events are still future
for us today.
THINK IT THROUGH Is the book of Revelation primarily a revelation BY Jesus,
or ABOUT Jesus?
"John, the beloved disciple, was the one chosen to receive
this revelation. He was the last survivor of the first chosen dis-
ciples."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 953.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pages 112-119. 8
The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Monday April 1
Part 2 To whom was the book of Revelation originally addressed? THE SALUTATION "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be
unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and
which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before
his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,
and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings
of the earth." Rev. 1:4, 5, first part.
This is not the introduction to the epistles to the seven
churches. It is the salutation at the beginning of the whole
book. It was in these seven churches that Revelation was to
be read aloud to the congregations.
From what three persons does John convey greetings to the
churches?
The greeting "Grace to you and peace" was frequently used
in New Testament letters. It is probably "a combination of the
ordinary Greek salutation chairein, 'greeting!' (as in James 1:1),
and the Hebrew greeting shalom."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 1:4. John had been in communication with heaven and
could bring to man from the Godhead a greeting in the form
used in everyday life.
What is the meaning of each phrase used to describe those
who sent greetings?
Jesus is here called a "faithful witness." His whole life was
a witness without fault. His sacrificial death was His ultimate
witness to the value and immutability of God's character, and
the offensive nature of sin. His faithful witnessing was followed
by resurrection from the dead. John refers to Him as the "first
begotten of [or from] the dead." Not first in point of time, but
of importance, for without Jesus' resurrection there would be
no one resurrected. The result of His earthly life, death, and
resurrection is that He is restored to His rightful position as
ruler of the whole world.
John presents Jesus at the start of this book in the setting
of the gospel—His victory through life, death, and resurrection.
THINK IT THROUGH Whitt is the significance to me of the faithful witnessing of Jesus?
"As He went about doing good, and healing all who were
afflicted by Satan, He made plain to men the character of God's
law and the nature of His service. His life testifies that it is
possible for us also to obey the law of God."—The Desire of
Ages, page 24.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 19-21.
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The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday April 2
Part 3 For what three benefits does John ascribe praise to Jesus?
THE DOXOLOGY "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in
his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God
and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and
ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye
shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so,
Amen." Rev. 1:5-7.
In the preceding verses John introduced the gospel. Here
he praises the Saviour for what the gospel means to the be-
liever.
What event does John say every person will see? Verse 7.
In verse 5 John speaks of the spiritual victory of Jesus by
which the physical defeat of the powers of this world became
certain. Here John presents the actual moment of revelation
of the defeat of His enemies before the whole world. Other
events must transpire during and after the millenium before
Jesus' actual coronation, but at the second advent His victory
will be demonstrated.
In verse 5 John speaks of Jesus as the "ruler of the kings
on earth." RSV. This rulership was not clearly visible in
John's day, nor is it today. Earth's rulers do not recognize Jesus
as a ruler over them. Here in verse 7 John calls attention to
the moment when the rulership of Jesus will be demonstrated
to His foes, even those who condemned and executed Him. Not
only will Jesus then claim victory, as He did at the resurrection,
but His enemies by their wailing will admit defeat.
In this passage (last of verse 5 to verse 7), there is a sum-
mary of the content of Revelation. It deals with the kingdom of
the redeemed, the church, under the leadership of Jesus in the
context of the victory of Jesus over His foes. THINK IT THROUGH For what can I praise Jesus today?
Here is a vivid description of reactions to Christ's coming:
"With awful distinctness do priests and rulers recall the
events of Calvary....
"And now there rises a cry of mortal agony. Louder than
the shout, 'Crucify Him, crucify Him,' which rang through the
streets of Jerusalem, swells the awful, despairing wail, 'He is
the Son of God! He is the true Messiah!' They seek to flee
from the presence of the King of kings. . . .
"Those who would have destroyed Christ and His faithful
people now witness the glory which rests upon them. In the
midst of their terror they hear the voices of the saints in joyful
strains exclaiming: 'Lo, this is our God. . ..' "—The Great Con-
troversy, pages 643, 644.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 739, 740. 10
The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday April 3
Part 4 What attributes of God are used in verse 8 to identify the IDENTIFICATIONS Speaker?
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,
saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come,
the Almighty." Rev. 1:8.
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek
alphabet. Thus the expression has the same meaning as the
English "A to Z." It conveys the idea given by the second
phrase of verse 8, "the beginning and the ending."
Here is the second time (see verse 4) that the expression
"which is, and which was, and which is to come," is used in
this chapter. Note that the time sequence in Revelation is the
present, the past, and the future. See verses 4, 8, 19, for ex-
ample. What significance do you see in this sequence?
This "oral signature" follows the statement of Jesus' return
to earth as an assurance that the Eternal and All-powerful God
is the One behind the statement.
Who is the writer, and what were his circumstances?
Verse 9.
John was exiled to Patmos, probably by Damitian in about
A.D. 95. Patmos is located in the Aegean Sea about 50 miles
from Ephesus. The island was used by the Romans for a prison
colony that did forced labor in the quarries.
Read verses 10 and 11.
"The Sabbath, which God had instituted in Eden, was as
precious to John on the lonely isle as when he was with his
companions in the cities and towns. The precious promises
that Christ had given regarding this day he repeated and
claimed as his own. It was the sign to him that God was his.
. . . On the Sabbath day the risen Saviour made His presence
known to John."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 7, p. 955.
The bqok of Revelation is John's report of a Sabbath-day
vision. The entire report was to be sent to the seven churches
named in verse 11. John also recorded some things that he
heard, and sometimes he participated in the events and re-
ported what he did. THINK IT THROUGH John's exile was turned into a blessing. What experiences
in my life have turned trouble into blessing?
"In the experience of the apostle John under persecution,
there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the
Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men,
but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in
trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty."—The Acts of
the Apostles, page 574. FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 568-571.
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The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday April 4
Part 5 Read Revelation 1:12-16.
THE DIVINE Who is the person described in this passage? Verse 18.
EXALTED JESUS
The view of Jesus presented here is at least in part a sym-
bolic representation of Jesus, as is indicated by the sword
coming out of His mouth. The question here is not if Jesus
really looks like this, but, What is Jesus trying to communicate
to us about Himself by this vision?
John was evidently searching for the ultimate earthly com-
parisons to communicate the appearance of this view of Jesus,
because this passage contains five superlatives: (1) white as
wool and snow—whitest; (2) polished bronze—shiniest; (3)
the roar of water—loudest; (4) the brightness of the sun—
brightest; (5) two-edged sword—sharpest.
What is the meaning of this description of Jesus? See
Daniel 7:9, 10; 10:5, 6; Ezekiel 1:26-28.
"The persecution of John became a means of grace. Patmos
was made resplendent with the glory of a risen Saviour. John
had seen Christ in human form, with the marks of the nails,
which will ever be His glory, in His hands and His feet. Now
he was permitted again to behold his risen Lord, clothed with
as much glory as a human being could behold, and live. What
a Sabbath was that to the lonely exile, always precious in the
sight of Christ, but now more than ever exalted! Never had he
learned so much of Jesus. Never had he heard such exalted
truth."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 955.
The candlesticks mentioned in verse 12 were not the heav-
enly counterpart of the seven candlesticks that were an article
of furniture in the earthly tabernacle. A more accurate trans-
lation is "lampstands." These lampstands were seven separate
lamps, because "the son of man" walked among them.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my view of who Jesus is? Do I believe in Him as an eternal, self-existing, member of the Godhead?
"The heavenly host prostrate themselves before Him, and
raise their song of triumph and joy. Glory encircles the King
of heaven, and was beheld by all the heavenly intelligences.
No words can describe the scene which took place as the Son
of God was publicly reinstated in the place of honor and glory
which He voluntarily left when He became a man.
"And today Christ, glorified, and yet our brother, is our Ad-
vocate in the courts of heaven."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1146.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 582, 583. 12
The Author Identified LESSON 1 ❑ Friday April 5
Part 6 What was John's reaction to the vision of Jesus? See also THE LIVING JESUS Daniel 10:8, 9.
"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he
laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am
the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and,
behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys
of hell and of death." Rev. 1:17, 18.
What does the statement "I am the first and the last" teach
about Jesus? Verse 17. Compare Isaiah 44:6.
In this vision Jesus next called attention to His death and
resurrection. It is this combination of the divinity, death, resur-
rection, and continuous living of Jesus that is at the root of
everything that is unveiled to John in the Revelation. The gos-
pel is its foundation. The startling symbols in Revelation that
so readily stir our curiosity must be seen always in the context
of the gospel. These symbols never depict merely political
events. In every instance where political powers are introduced
it is the implication for the gospel that is the point of the
communication.
After Jesus declared His personal death and resurrection,
what did He say He had power to do? Verse 18.
"Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of
God bids them live."—The Desire of Ages, page 320.
"The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal
life. . . . [John 11:25, 26 quoted.] Christ here looks forward
to the time of His second coming. Then the righteous dead
shall be raised incorruptible, and the living righteous shall be
translated to heaven without seeing death."—The Desire of
Ages, page 530.
Put together the interpreted features of this vision, and the
thrust of the vision becomes vivid. The Divine Person is Jesus.
The lamps are the seven churches, which in turn represent the
church up to the second advent. See The Acts of the Apostles,
page 585. The stars are angels, in the sense of messengers
and not of heavenly beings. They are the elders of the
churches. See Gospel Workers, page 13. Jesus is walking
among the churches of all ages and holding the elders in His
right hand. This vision is a visual representation of His promise
given as part of the gospel commission: "Lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:20.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I increase my awareness of Jesus’ presence with His people?
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 586, 587. 13 INTRODUCTION TO LETTERS FROM JESUS LESSONS 2-5
Chapters two and three of Revelation contain letters to seven selected churches of Asia Minor. The author of the letters is always identified as Jesus. The cities in which these churches were located were all cities in the Roman province of Asia. The sequence in which they are listed by John in Revelation is a circuit which a messenger would take from Patmos. Thus these letters were originally sent to seven literal congregations and contained messages for them. These congregations also stood for seven historical periods of the Christian Church from the time of Jesus to the time of the second advent. See The Acts of the Apostles, page 585.
Near the close of each letter an appeal is included: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Rev. 2:7, 11, et cetera. Since the command is to all to note the letters to the churches, it must be concluded that there are messages in the letters which are applicable to anyone who will listen at any time. In our study of the seven churches we will note the meaning for the congregation, and for the historical period, but especially the meaning for be- lievers today.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Form of the Letters
It would be helpful if each one studying these lessons would read carefully sev- eral times, chapters two and three. Thus each one would be able to see for himself the way the letters are arranged. Each letter has approximately the same form. If we identify the parts of this form, it can provide a convenient outline for the study of each letter.
The letter usually has seven parts: 1. Each letter begins with the instruction, "Unto [or to] the angel of the church of [or in] write." The only major variation from letter to letter is the name of the city.
2. The second feature in each letter is introduced by "these things saith or in the RSV "the words of " There follows an identification of the dictator of the letter, Jesus, by symbols usually taken from chapter one. This identification fits some special circumstance in each letter.
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Each letter next contains the words “I know,” followed by a statement of the knowledge Jesus has about the congregation He is writing 10.
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In three letters the words “against thee” come next, followed by reproof that Jesus presents to the church. Where the words “against thee” do not appear there is no commendation given after “I know,” and the “I know” sequence con- tains the reproof.
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Every church is given a command following the reproof, such as “repent,” or “hold fast.” There is no special word or phrase to identify the command, but it is recognizable by the imperative form of the verb.
14 6. In every letter the appeal is given, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” In the first three letters this appeal precedes the promise; in the last four letters the appeal is given in the final sentence.
7. The words "He that overcometh," or in the RSV "to him who conquers," introduce a promise by Jesus. The promise follows the appeal in the first three letters, and precedes the appeal in the last four letters. The promise matches some circumstance in each epistle.
These seven parts will be used as an outline by which to study each epistle and will be identified by the following captions: Instruction, Identification, Knowl- edge, Reproof, Counsel, Appeal, Promise.
The Sabbath School Lessons for the next four weeks will be about these letters. Before studying the material in the lesson each week, the student will find it helpful to read the passage in Revelation that the lesson covers. In this way he will see the unity and continuity of the passage. For convenience and clarity the statements in each letter that correspond to the seven parts of the letter are printed in the lesson under the appropriate heading. If the student reads only these separated segments of the letters in the lesson, it will be difficult for him to grasp the impact of the letter as a whole.
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;0
“He that hath an ear, let him hear The first two of the seven -epistles what the Spirit saith unto the churches; of Revelation were aiiclies.ded ,to the To him that overcometh will I give to churches in Ephesus and Smyrna.’,These–/ eat of the tree of life, which is in we will study this week. the midst of the paradise of God.” The city of Ephesus was located near Rev. 2:7. the Mediterranean coast in the area that is modern Turkey. Commerce was its chief source of income. Labor unions were important in its social structure, and on one occasion unions were the cause of demonstration and riot. See Acts 19:23-41. Ephesus was called “the Metropolis of Asia.” It had a democratic assembly of its citizens. The city boasted the great goddess Diana, or Artemis, a fer- – tility’ statue used .19„a sensual and de- graded religious There is a church tradition that for many years John wai’the leader„,of_the Christian congregation in Ephesi11. – Seventh-day Adventists have recog- nized these letters as representing his- LESSON 2 ‘ April 7-13
• lorical periods in the Christian church. Nevertheless,,..the church was rich letter to Ephesus represents the moral worth and received the com- apostolic age and spans the period A.D. mendation of Christ ‘See William Bar- 31-100. clay, Letters tc LSeyen Churches, pages j The city of Smyrna was just 35 miles 26-32. - to the north of Ephesus. It stood at the A date around A.D. 100 marks the be- end of a lovely valley and was an out- ginning of the historical period repre- standingly beautiful city. Its spacious sented by Smyrna. The close of this pe- streets ran from one end of the city to riod came in A.D. 313 when the Edict of jm the other; the most famous of these was Milan “decreed equal rights for all relij(‘’ called the “Golden Street.” Politically, gions throughout the empire and Smyrna was an honored city, for it had stored confiscated Christian propertY,;! chosen the side of the Romans in all its —SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 753. civil wars, and it became one of the great centers of Caesar worship. The emperor became the visible symbol and LESSON OUTLINE the embodiment of the Spirit of Rome. 1. Ephesus I, Rev. 2:1-3 Worship of this national spirit which be- 2. Ephesus II, Rev. 2:4 gan in gratitude soon became compul- 3. Ephesus III, Rev. 2:5, 6 sory. Every year citizens had to burn a 4. Ephesus IV, Rev. 2:7 pinch of incense to declare their loyalty to the state. Refusal resulted in Rev.2:8-10 sures poverty, and government_a6tion=’ riiyOs II, R ev, Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday April 7
Part 1 Instruction: "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write."
EPHESUS I Rev. 2:1, first part.
Identification: What message to the church is contained
in the symbolic identification of Jesus in verse one?
"These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his
right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden
candlesticks." Verse 1, last part.
Why does Jesus identify Himself in this way to the Ephesus
congregation? See verse 5.
Knowledge: What was the nature of the evil that the Eph-
esian Christians opposed?
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and
how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast
tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and host
found them liars: and host borne, and hast patience, and for
my name's sake hest laboured, and host not fainted." Verses
2, 3.
The works for which the Ephesians were commended by
Jesus were the opposition to false apostles and their teachings,
and the patient endurance of the conflict that their opposition
to these impostors caused.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I know with certainty which teachings are true and which are false?
"There exist in these last days evils similar to those that
threatened the prosperity of the early church; and the teach-
ings of the apostle John on these points should be carefully
heeded. 'You must have charity,' is the cry heard everywhere,
especially from those who profess sanctification. But true
charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While we are
to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no
compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious
and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of
the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in
opposition to soul-destroying errors.
"The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Chris-
tian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin
and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity."—
The Acts of the Apostles, pages 554, 555.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 116, 117.
18 Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Monday April 8
Part 2 Reproof: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, be-
EPHESUS II cause thou hast left thy first love." Rev. 2:4.
The Ephesians had worked hard for orthodoxy—correct doc-
trine, but somewhere along the way they lost love.
The zealous stand for orthodoxy and the staunch stand
against heretics have the inherent risk of running out of love.
But the two attitudes—orthodoxy and love—are compatible,
and the ideal is a blending of zeal for correct doctrine with
fervent love for God and man. The believing saint must also
be a loving saint.
The particular way that loss of love affected the Ephesians,
and will affect every other believer, was a lack of labor for the
salvation of souls.
"But after a time the zeal of the believers [in Ephesus], their
love for God and for one another, began to wane. Coldness
crept into the church. Differences sprang up, and the eyes of
many were turned from beholding Jesus as the Author and
Finisher of their faith. The masses that might have been con-
victed and converted by a faithful practice of the truth, were
left unwarned. Then it was that the message was addressed
to the Ephesian church by the True Witness. Their lack of in-
terest in the salvation of souls showed that they had lost their
first love; for none can love God with the whole heart, mind,
soul, and strength without loving those for whom Christ died....
"Is not this experience of the Ephesian church repeated in
the experience of the church of this generation?"—Testimo-
nies, Vol. 6, p. 422.
An important lesson from the experience of the Ephesian
congregation is that love cannot be replaced by some other
virtue. The lack of love leaves the virtue that replaces it a
hollow, empty thing. See 1 Corinthians 13. THINK IT THROUGH What can I do in my life to perfect the blend of correct
belief and love to God and people?
"Where is the kindling of soul you once felt at the mention
of the name of Jesus? In the freshness of your early dedica-
tion, how fervent was your love for souls! how earnestly you
sought to represent to them the Saviour's love! The absence
of that love has made you cold, critical, exacting. Seek to win
it back, and then labor to bring souls to Christ. If you refuse to
do this, others who have had less light and experience and
fewer opportunities will come up and take your place and do
that which you have neglected; for the work must be done to
save the tempted, the tried, the perishing. Christ offers the
service to His church; who will accept it?"—Testimonies, Vol.
5, p. 611. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 6, pp. 421-424.
19
2—AQT 2-74 Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday April 9
Part 3 Counsel: What three actions did Jesus call for by Ephesian
EPHESUS III Christians?
"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and
repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee
quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, ex-
cept thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds
of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate." Rev. 2:5, 6.
"The believers did not sense their spiritual fall. They knew
not that a change had taken place in their hearts, and that
they would have to repent because of the noncontinuance of
their first works. But God in His mercy called for repentance,
for a return to their first love and to the works that are always
the result of true, Christlike love."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 957.
What would be the result if they did not repent? Verse 5.
What does this mean in human experience?
Jesus is present with His people for strengthening, assisting,
and comforting them. When they turn from Him, He is present
also in judgment.
In verse 6 the Ephesians are commended for rejecting the
Nicolaitan doctrine. This was the teaching that the gospel has
done away with law and "we are released from the necessity
of being doers of the Word."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 957. It was true that the Ephe-
sians had ceased to be doers of the word, but they still be-
lieved in being doers. Opposition to the doctrine of release
from obedience to the law left them with a foundation belief
upon which to build their reformation by the grace of Jesus.
This was a plus in their fallen state. If they had believed the
Nicolaitan doctrine the call to do the first works would have
contradicted the belief they held. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I need to repent?
"God will accept nothing less than the whole heart. Happy
are they who from the commencement of their religious life
have been true to their first love, growing in grace and the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The sure result of their
intercourse and fellowship with their beloved Lord will be to
increase their piety, their purity, their fervor. They are receiv-
ing a divine education, and this is illustrated in a life of fervor,
of diligence and zeal....
"It is our work to know our special failings and sins, which
cause darkness and spiritual feebleness, and quenched our
first love."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
tary, Vol. 7, pp. 956, 957.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Repentance," pages 23-25. 20
Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday April 10
Part 4 Appeal: What is the significance of this appeal to hear?
EPHESUS IV Compare Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Luke 14:35.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches." Rev. 2:7, first part.
The purpose of Revelation is to communicate a message to
those who will listen; and the purpose of hearing is to act upon
the message heard. Hearing Jesus' message without acting
upon it is foolish; hearing and doing the message of Jesus is
wise. See Matthew 7:24-27. In the Old Testament the idea of
hearing took on a strong connotation of obedience. See 1 Sam-
uel 15:22.
"If you 'hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,' and
meditate upon the instruction given to them, your ears will be
closed to the folly and nonsense which surround you. You will
neither hear and repeat these things, nor will you ever hanker
after them. When Christ satisfies the soul hunger, these triviali-
ties are to you distasteful and disgusting. You have no desire
to feast upon them, but choose instead the bread of heaven."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7,
p. 957.
Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the
tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
Verse 7, last part.
The promise is made to those who overcome, or are vic-
torious. The verse does not state what this victory is; it simply
says "to him that overcometh." The special victory that was
needed in Ephesus was pointed out by Jesus in the reproof.
They must recapture their first love.
What is the promise to victorious Ephesian Christians?
This promise will be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. It is an
assurance of being where Jesus is.
The promise of access to the tree of life conveys (1) the
assurance of restoration to the believer of what was lost in
Eden when man sinned; (2) assurance of being in Paradise;
and (3) the gift, not merely of the fruit of a tree, but of the
endless life conferred through the tree. THINK IT THROUGH What are the points in my life on which I need to seek
victory?
"The power of God, combined with human effort, has
wrought out a glorious victory for us. Shall we not appreciate
this? All the riches of heaven were given to us in Jesus. . . .
If we will rise to the emergency, and arm ourselves like men
who wait for their Lord; if we will work to overcome every
defect in our characters, God will give us increased light and
strength and help."—Messages to Young People, page 106.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "Not Judging, But
Doing," pages 141, 142.
21
Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday April 11
Part 5 Instructions: "And unto the angel of the church in. Smyrna
SMYRNA I write." Rev. 2:8, first part.
Identification: What is the significance of the way Jesus
identified Himself to the Smyrna church? Verse 10.
"These things saith the first and the last, which was dead,
and is alive." Verse 8, last part.
Jesus is seen here both as the eternal God, and the cruci-
fied and risen Saviour.
Knowledge: What three adverse conditions were the lot
of the Smyrna congregation?
"I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou
art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they
are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."
Verse 9.
The Smyrna believers experienced hard times. Troubles ap-
pear to have come from both the Romans and the Jews. Their
poverty was not the poverty of an ordinary workingman. The
Greek word used here indicates destitution.
What was Jesus' evaluation of their condition? Verse 9.
Reproof: Jesus gave no reproof to Smyrna. Trouble due to
one's religious faith often leads to a closer relationship to
God than is found among people living under more favorable
and pleasant conditions.
Counsel: What were the two counsels given to Smyrna be-
lievers?
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: be-
hold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and. I will give thee a crown of life."
Verse 10.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways am I prepared or, unprepared to witness in a nonretaliatory spirit, without malice or bitterness?
We are God's witnesses. "If ever we needed to manifest
kindness and true courtesy, it is now. We may have to plead
most earnestly before legislative councils for the right to wor-
ship God according to the dictates of conscience. Thus in His
providence God has designed that the claims of His law shall
be brought before men in positions of highest authority. But
as we stand before these men, we are to show no bitterness
of feeling."—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p. 375.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 492-495.
22 Letters From Jesus I LESSON 2 ❑ Friday April 12
Part 6 Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
SMYRNA II saith unto the churches." Rev. 2:11, first part.
What can we "hear" from the Smyrna message today?
Promise: "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the
second death." Verse 11, last part.
Twice a promise is stated for this church, but it is really the
same promise. In verse 10, in the counsel to faithfulness unto
death, it is the promise of life; and in verse 11 the promise is
escape from the second death.
What did it mean for the Smyrnan to overcome? Verse 10.
The promises of Christ are personal encouragements. His
authority is His own resurrection. Death is just a sleep (John
11:11-14) while it is the second death that is total extinction
(Rev. 20:14, Mal. 4:1), a death the righteous need not fear. Vic-
tory lies ahead, and a crown is promised, in this instance, not
a crown of jewels (diadems) but a laurel crown of victory
(stephanos).
The final victory is simply the culmination point of victories
daily achieved. "I was shown God's people waiting for some
change to take place—a compelling power to take hold of
them. But they will be disappointed, for they are wrong. They
must act, they must take hold of the work themselves and
earnestly cry to God for a true knowledge of themselves. The
scenes which are passing before us are of sufficient magnitude
to cause us to arouse."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 261.
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends or any
suffering rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before
dishonor or the transgression of God's law should be the motto
of every Christian."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 147.
THINK IT THROUGH How do I feel about the motto: Death before sin?
"The word is: Go forward; discharge your individual duty,
and leave all consequences in the hands of God. If we move
forward where Jesus leads the way we shall see His triumph,
we shall share His joy. We must share the conflicts if we wear
the crown of victory. Like Jesus, we must be made perfect
through suffering. Had Christ's life been one of ease, then
might we safely yield to sloth. Since His life was marked with
continual self-denial, suffering, and self-sacrifice, we shall
make no complaint if we are partakers with Him. We can walk
safely in the darkest path if we have the Light of the world
for our guide."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 71.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pages 587-589.
23
“The secret of unity is found in
the equality of believers
in Christ. The reason for all division, discord, and difference is
found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which
all should be attracted; for the
nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in
feeling, in sympathy, in love,
growing into the character and
image of Jesus. With God there
is no respect of persons.” —Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 259. LESSON 3 April 14-20
teams fizom Jesus -two “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; nificant of the seven. Pliny speaks of “Thyatira and other unimportant com- To him that overcometh will I give to munities.” eat of the hidden manna, and will give “No city has been given by nature him a white stone, and in the stone a less of the look or strength of a for- new name written, which no man tress,” says Professor Ramsay. “It pos- knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” sesses no proper Acropolis, and the Rev. 2:17. whole impression which the situation gives is of weakness, subjection and de- Because Pergamos stood on an emi- pendence.” “The history of Thyatira is nence overlooking the area, the inhabi- a blank.”—W. M. Ramsay, The Letters tants had a commanding view of the to the Seven Churches, pages 318, 323. surrounding country. It was the seat of “The Thyatira period is characterized Roman government in Asia. It was a city as the era of papal supremacy. The im- of temples, the most important being portance of the 1,260-year period in Bi- the temple of Zeus with its great altar ble prophecy (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:6) sug- 90 feet square and 40 feet high. gests that 1798 might well be selected “Inspiration has characterized the as the terminal date for Thyatira. But in Pergamos period as a time of compro- view of the importance of the Reforma- mise, apostasy, and popularity, the time tion in breaking papal supremacy, the during which the Church of Rome was date 1517 would also be an appropriate consolidating its power and authority. terminal date.”—SDA Bible Commen- Accordingly, the close of the Pergamos tary, Vol. 7, pp. 753, 754. period should find imperial Rome out of Thus the usually accepted dates for the way and the papacy fully formed and the Thyatira period are 538-1517. ready to embark on its career as ruler of Western Christendom.”—SDA Bible LESSON OUTLINE Commentary, additional note on Rev. 2. 1. Pergamos I, Rev. 2:13-15 Thus the approximate Pergamos pe- 2. Pergamos II, Rev. 2:14-16 riod is the years between A.D. 313 and 3. Pergamos III, Rev. 2:14-17
-
- Thyatira I, Rev. 2:18-23 The letter to Thyatira is the longest 5. Thyatira II, Rev. 2:24, 25 of the seven, and the city the- least sig- 6. Thyatira III, Rev. 2:26-29 Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday April 14
Part 1 Identification: Rev. 2:12. What is the meaning of the two-
PERGAMOS I edged sword? See Hebrews 4:12.
Knowledge: "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest,
even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name,
and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein
Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you,
where Satan dwelleth." Rev. 2:13.
The religious life of the people of the city Pergamos was
so perverted that Jesus refers to it as the place where Satan
himself was enthroned. This designation fits the fervent em-
peror worship and eastern mystery religions that centered in
Pergamos.
In spite of the adverse surroundings, what was the rela-
tion of the Pergamos Christians to Jesus? Verse 13.
Reproof: What two charges did Jesus bring against the
Pergamos Christians?
"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast
there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac
to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat
things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So
hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,
which thing I hate." Verses 14, 15.
Note the specific nature of this reproof. The church is not
charged with holding these two false doctrines, but with tolerat-
ing those who believe them. Here is revealed the problem of
the Pergamos church. It is a divided church. The believers
have swung over to the other extreme from Ephesus. Where
Ephesus zealously resisted the false teachers and their doc-
trines and lost their love, the believers of Pergamos have tol-
erated those who held these false doctrines and have thus
divided the church. Their tolerance for wrong may have ap-
peared to be loving, but Jesus revealed it as contrary to the
Christian faith, and thus unloving. THINK IT THROUGH What is the duty of the church today regarding teachers
of false doctrine?
"To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show
pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult attainment. . . .
There is need of showing Christlike patience and love for
the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great
toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as un-
deserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and
unjust."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 503, 504.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Consecration," pages 45-48. 26
Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 ❑ Monday April 15
Part 2 Reproof continued: Reread Rev. 2:14, 15.
PERGAMOS II In Pergamos it was not a problem of braving scorn or being
ostracized for participating in the actions for which Jesus re-
proved them. It was a question of entertainment and immoral
sexual relations allowed by law and custom; for there one
could participate in these unchristian activities and remain a
respectable citizen.
Invitations to dinner might read: "'I invite you to dine with
me at the temple of our Lord Serapis.' Most family parties were
in fact organized in this way. . . . Dare the Christian com-
promise? Dare he give even this much approval to a religion
which was the reverse of all he cherished and believed? The
lax and false teachers said Yes. They declared it to be quite
unnecessary for the Christians to cut themselves off from all
social fellowship in this way."—William Barclay, Letters to
Seven Churches, page 51.
On the question of morality the attitude of compromise was
quite the same as on other social issues. Relationships outside
marriage were entirely accepted and produced no stigma
whatsoever.
While the issues are not precisely the same, there are
similarities here to the permissive society of today.
Counsel: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,
and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Rev. 2:16.
Note that the counsel to repent given here is not to the
heretics and sinners, but to those who have tolerated them.
Jesus is calling for repentance from those who, while faithfully
holding fast to His name, have nonetheless been lax in oppos-
ing wrong. Repentance includes taking up the neglected work
as indicated by the threat made by Jesus to come to the
church with a sword and Himself fight against the heretics,
unless you, the faithful ones, repent. The work of separating
the believers of false doctrine from the faithful ones would
be accomplished; if not by the believers, then by Jesus Himself.
The false teachers of the church were constantly urging the
members "to conform to the accepted standards of the world
and to stop being different. The early church was in constant
danger of being tainted by and relapsing into the standards of
the world."—William Barclay, Letters to Seven Churches, page
52. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I see my life influenced by the permissive
attitudes of society? What shall I do about it?
FURTHER STUDY Gospel Workers, pages 498-503. •
27
Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday April 16
Part 3 Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
PERGAMOS III saith unto the churches." Rev. 2:17, first part.
Promise: What is the significance of overcoming in the
Pergamos church? Rev. 2:14-16.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden
manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a
new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that
receiveth it." Verse 17, last part.
How does the promise of the hidden manna relate to the
circumstances in the Pergamos church? See Revelation 2:14,
15; John 6:31-34.
The hidden manna probably has reference to the manna that
was placed in a vessel and kept in the ark of the covenant. The
believers were not promised merely a new "fall" of manna on
the ground, but the promise is that they will eat manna that
comes from the "golden pot" that was beneath the Shekinah,
that is, directly from the divine Presence.
There are three points that may be helpful in understanding
the meaning of the new name written on a white stone.
1. The names of the tribes of Israel were engraved on stones
that were part of the high priest's garb.
2. "Great significance was attached to the names given by
Hebrew parents to their children. Often these stood for traits
of character that the parent desired to see developed in the
child."—Prophets and Kings, page 481.
3. "One of the more common ancient customs was that
of the use of a white and a black stone by jurors to determine
acquittal or conviction."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev.
2:17.
These yield the significance of (1) permanence, (2) char-
acter, and (3) acquittal.
THINK IT THROUGH How can the Word be reasonably symbolized as both a sword and manna?
"God has not only revealed to us the doctrine of the atone-
ment, holding out the hope of eternal life, but His words are
the manna from heaven for the soul to feed upon and receive
spiritual strength. The Bible is the great standard of right and
wrong, clearly defining sin and holiness. Its living principles,
running through our lives like threads of gold, are our only
safeguard in trial and temptation."—Counsels to Teachers,
page 422.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 385, 386. 28
Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday April 17
Part 4 Identification: "These things saith the Son of God, who
THYATIRA I hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like
fine brass." Rev. 2:18, last part.
What is the significance of the description "eyes like unto
a flame of fire"? Verse 23.
What is the symbolic meaning of feet? Heb. 2:8. See Rev.
2:27.
Knowledge: What were the works of Thyatira?
"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and
thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the
first." Rev. 2:19.
This is the only church where Jesus notes an improvement
in the believers' works. In this regard it is the opposite of the
message to Ephesus where they were called upon to do the
first works.
Reproof: Rev. 2:20-23.
The teachings of Jezebel are the same as the teachings of
Balaam (compare verses 14 and 20).
"The manner of punishment to be meted out to the false
prophetess will be appropriate to her crime. This expression
seems to be of Semitic origin, and is used with respect to fall-
ing ill. . . . Compare the English expression 'to take to one's
bed.' "—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 2:22.
The problems in Thyatira were the same problems that ex-
isted in Pergamos, but intensified. The division in the church
was deep. Jesus addressed the three preceding churches as
a unit. The message to Thyatira contains two messages—one
for each faction of the church. See verse 24.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I improve my work of faith and love and put them in the proper place in my Christian experience?
"The value of our work is in proportion to the impartation
of the Holy Spirit. Trust in God brings holier qualities of mind,
so that in patience we may possess our souls.
"The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing
the load, to lighten the burden. So with the yoke of Christ.
When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use
His gifts to bless others, we shall find life's burden light. He
who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in
company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest"—
The Desire of Ages, page 331.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "The Work and the Life," pages 77-80.
29
Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday April 18
Part 5 Reproof continued: What is the charge against Jezebel?
THYATIRA II Rev. 2:21.
Eating food sacrificed to idols gave the appearance of
loyalty to the deity to whom the sacrifice had been offered.
Sexual immorality by any person was a relationship with an-
other that was condemned by God. For the married person it
was also a relationship contrary to the Christian marriage vows.
In both instances, with God and the spouse, the believers had
committed themselves to loyalty and fidelity. Jezebel taught
that these virtues were dispensable and undesirable. What
lessons for today are there in the indictment of Jezebel?
"The fornication of this Jezebel was habitual and of long
standing, for she had children. Figuratively, this should prob-
ably be understood in the sense that she had won committed
adherents. Judgment was to descend not only upon the mother
but also upon the offspring, who were contaminated by her
evil character. Compare the destruction of the children of Ahab
(2 Kings 10:7)."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 2:23.
Counsel: "But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not
hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the
deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay upon you any
other burden; only hold fast what you have, until I come."
Rev. 2:24, 25, RSV.
The phrase "deep things of Satan" points to Gnosticism as
the heresy propagated by Jezebel and her followers. The
Gnostics claimed to know the "deep things." Jesus identifies
the source of these "deep things" by adding "of Satan."
The Thyatrians were to hold on to what they had. What did
they have? They had an improving and growing experience
(see verse 19). Their current works were better than those
in the past. They were moving forward under extremely difficult
circumstances. Jesus asks of every person his best service,
and he will be judged in the light of the opportunities to ren-
der it.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways am I failing to grow in my Christian expe- rience?
"God designs that Christians shall grow continually, grow
up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ. All who
do not grow stronger, and become more firmly rooted and
grounded in the truth, are continually retrograding."—Testimo-
nies, Vol. 4, p. 556.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "First the Blade, Then the Ear,"
pages 66-69. 30
Letters From Jesus II LESSON 3 E] Friday April 19
Part 6 Promise: What is promised to the Thyatrians who over-
THYATIRA III come?
"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the
end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall
rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall
they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
And I will give him the morning star." Rev. 2:26-28.
The overcomers will develop the opposition to sin that the
believers of Thyatira had neglected. They are pictured here
as breaking sinners like earthen pots.
"The tables will turn, and the saints who have been perse-
cuted pilgrims and strangers in this rebel world will inherit and
rule over the earth as was God's purpose in the beginning when
He gave the ,dominion to Adam. The royal power and authority
of Christ will be shared with His victorious saints, who con-
stitute His bride and queen....
"The new order of things must be preceded by the breaking
up of the old. The Master Potter breaks the old so He can
reconstruct the new. Christ breaks in pieces all the wicked
nations so that He might restore the dominion of Adam and
the kingdom of David with Himself as the King of kings and
Lord of lords."—Taylor G. Bunch, The Seven Epistles of
Christ, pages 174, 175.
What was the special meaning of "overcome" for believers
in Thyatira? Verse 20.
What is the meaning of the "morning star"? 2 Peter 1:19;
Num. 24:17. Note Job 38:7.
"In the hour of our deepest trial, Jesus will be our 'bright
and morning star.' "—Historical Sketches, page 129.
Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches." Rev. 2:29.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways am I “soft” on sin?
"His [Christ's] power awaits the demand of those who
would overcome. The reprover is to animate his hearers so
that they shall strive for the mastery. He is to encourage them
to struggle for deliverance from every sinful practice, to be
free from every corrupt habit, even if his denial of self is like
taking the right eye, or separating the right arm from the body.
No concession or compromise is to be made to evil habits or
sinful practices."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 380.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 380-382. 31 .. ••”He that ove the same all c clothed lothed in 0: white raime rjt; will not b *, out his name out of e book of I fe, b I II confess his name before y Father, is angels.” Rev, 3:5. I LESSON 4 April 21-27
letteRs fRom Jesus “Thirty miles southeast of Thyatira William Barclay, Letters to the Seven lay Sardis, one of the oldest and most Churches, pages 79-81. storied cities in Asia Minor. .. . Sardis’ The congregation in Philadelphia was greatest advantage was that it was the in a most advantageous position to center of a knot of five different roads. spread the message of the free grace One road led northwest to Thyatira and of Jesus Christ to men of all nations. then on to Pergamos; another ran west The counsel to these members was that to Smyrna, fifty-four miles away; another they needed to be wide-awake to their ran east and out to Phrygia; another ran opportunities of witness and particu- southeast to Philadelphia and then on larly to the opening providences of God. to the towns of the Maeander Valley; The Sardis church represents the another led southwest to Ephesus, sixty- church in Reformation times. The Ref- three miles away.. .. ormation is usually regarded as begin- “Sardis had been the ancient capital ning in 1517. The closing date of the of the kingdom of Lydia, and away back period would then be determined by in 560 B.C. Croesus, whose name has the appropriate date to assign to the become a proverb for wealth, was its beginning of the Philadelphia period. king. It is of interest to note that the The second advent awakening stands first coinage ever to be minted in Asia as the mark of the Philadelphia period. Minor was minted in Sardis in the days A precise date to divide these two pe- of Croesus. . . . Sardis was the place riods is quite elusive, but 1798 has the where modern money was born.”—Wil- advantage of marking the close of a pe- liam Barclay, Letters to the Seven riod of Biblical prophecy and also of Churches, pages 68, 69. being near to the beginning of the nine- “Philadelphia commanded one of the teenth century during which the advent greatest highways in the world, the awakening occurred. Thus the approxi- highway which led from Europe to the mate dates for the two churches are: East. Philadelphia was the gateway Sardis, 1517-1798; Philadelphia, 1798- from one continent to another. . . . 1844. “Further, it was an area rich in hot springs; and Philadelphia was, and still LESSON OUTLINE is, a center to which the infirm came to 1. Sardis I, Rev. 3:1 bathe in the medicinal waters. The prod- 2. Sardis II, Rev. 3:2, 3 ucts of Philadelphia’s prosperity went 3. Sardis III, Rev. 3:4-6 out to the ends of the earth, and into it 4. Philadelphia I, Rev. 3:7, 8 there came people from many a land in 5. Philadelphia II, Rev. 3:9-13 the search for health and healing.”— 6. Philadelphia III Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday April 21
Part 1 Instructions: "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis
SARDIS I write." Rev. 3:1, first part.
Identification: What are the meanings of the two symbols
by which Jesus identified Himself in the Sardis letter? See
Revelation 1:4, 20.
"These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God,
and the seven stars." Rev. 3:1, second part.
Knowledge: What did Jesus call attention to about their
works?
"I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,
and art dead." Verse 1, last part.
The church in Sardis lived on its reputation, but this no
longer accorded with reality. This church was the opposite of
Smyrna. Jesus lodged no reproof against Smyrna, and no com-
mendation for Sardis. Everything was against Sardis. What
virtue does death hold? and Sardis was dead.
What caused their death? In the identification Jesus hinted
at the reasons. Jesus had the Spirit and the messengers. These
they needed. Their religion had no living content. All religion
dies without the Spirit and the human communicator. The reli-
gion of Sardis had become a form without the Spirit or the
message. Only the shell remained.
"With God outward show weighs nothing. The outward forms
of religion, without the love of God in the soul, are utterly
worthless."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
tary, Vol. 7 p. 958.
"No amount of past experience will suffice for the present
nor strengthen us to overcome the difficulties in our path. We
must have new grace and fresh strength daily in order to be
victorious."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 541.
"When the Saviour pointed out to His followers the signs
of His return, He foretold the state of backsliding that would
exist just prior to His second advent. . . .
"The condition of the church at this time is pointed out in
the Saviour's words in the Revelation: 'Thou hast a name that
thou livest, and art dead.' "—The Great Controversy, pages
309, 310.
THINK IT THROUGH What do I personally need in order to be alive spiritually? “One may go through the whole round of religious activity, and yet, unless Christ is woven into all that he says and does, he will work for his own glory.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 958.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pages 508-510. 34
Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 El Monday April 22
Part 2 Counsel: What five counsels did Jesus give to the Sardis
SARDIS II church?
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain,
that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect
before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and
heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not
watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know
what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:2, 3.
Sardis Christians were dead, but not hopeless. The "seven
Spirits" and one of the seven angels Jesus would send for
their spiritual resurrection. The counsel to watch points to
the reason for their spiritual death. They fell asleep, and sleep
became death.
"Those who have been born again remember with what joy
and gladness they received the light of heaven, and how eager
they were to tell everybody of their happiness. . . .
"'Hold fast.' This does not mean, Hold fast to your sins;
but, Hold fast to the comfort, the faith, the hope, that God has
given you in His Word. Never be discouraged. . . .
"We are to 'hold fast' and live up to all the light we receive
from heaven. Why? Because God wants us to grasp the eternal
truth, and act as His helping hand by communicating the light
to those who are not acquainted with His love for them. . . .
"'And repent.' The life we live is to be one of continual re-
pentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we
may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we
have victory. The enemy never can take out of the hand of
Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the
soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible
to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlighten-
ing the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ
Jesus!"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 959.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my level of watchfulness?
"I have a message from God to the sinners in Zion, the ones
whom Christ addressed: 'Be watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy
works perfect before God.' You need to offer always the sacred
fire; for then Christ's works, His love, His mercy, His righteous-
ness, will ascend before God, as a cloud of holy, fragrant in-
cense, wholly acceptable."—Testimonies to Ministers, page
357.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 610, 611. 35 Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday April 23
Part 3 Promise: What is the threefold promise to overcomers in
SARDIS III Sardis?
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not
defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white:
for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be
clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out
of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my
Father, and before his angels." Rev. 3:4, 5.
"Because of their faith this honor [to walk with Jesus in
white] is bestowed on them. In this life they did not boast, nor
lift up their souls unto vanity. With intensity of desire, with a
pure, holy faith, they grasped the promise of eternal riches.
Their one desire was to be like Christ. Ever they kept the stan-
dard of righteousness uplifted. To them is given an eternal
weight of glory, because on the earth they walked with God,
keeping themselves unspotted from the world, revealing to
their fellow beings the righteousness of Christ."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 960.
"How wonderful to know that even if our names are blotted
from the record books of man and for the sake of the gospel
we are disowned by friends and family, yet in heaven our High
Priest claims us as His own and confesses our names before
His Father! Honor and security are ours, and we can look
confidently into the future, knowing that soon our Lord will
come and receive us unto Himself."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding
the Revelation, page 36.
Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches." Verse 6.
THINK IT THROUGH “Who is so favored as to be numbered among these few in Sardis? Are you? Am I? Who are among this number? Is it not best for us to inquire into this matter, in order that we may learn to whom the Lord refers when He says that a few have not stained their white robes of character?”—Ellen G. White Com- ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 959. “While they stay their mind upon Him who is their sun and their shield, the blackness and darkness that surround them will not leave one spot or stain upon their garments. They will walk with Christ. They will pray and believe and work to save the souls that are ready to perish. These are trying to break the bands that Satan has fastened upon them, and they will not be put to shame if by faith they will make Christ their corn- panion.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 960.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 472. 36
Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday April 24
Part 4 Instruction: "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA I write." Rev. 3:7, first part.
Identification: What are the three identifying marks of the
Author of the letter to Philadelphia?
"These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that
hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth;
and shutteth, and no man openeth." Verse 7, last part.
"He that is holy. This title is equivalent to 'the Holy One,'
used of God in the OT (Isa. 40:25; Hab. 3:3). . . .
"Key of David. . . . Christ's possession of the 'key' repre-
sents His jurisdiction over the church and over the divine
purpose to be achieved through it (see Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22).
Compare Rev. 5:5; 22:16....
"He that openeth. That is, with 'the key of David.' Christ
has full authority to open and to shut, to carry the plan of
redemption forward to success."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 3:7.
Knowledge: What commendable works did Jesus attribute
to the Philadelphia Christians?
"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open
door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength,
and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
Verse 8.
Philadelphia and Smyrna received only commendation from
Jesus. The other five were rebuked. The Philadelphians had
been faithful in spite of the opposition from the "synagogue of
Satan."
What is meant by the "open door" in verse eight?
Verses seven and eight have a special historical significance
to Seventh-day Adventists. Additional reading on this point is
found in Early Writings, pages 42-45 and Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 62-64. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I take advantage, or fail to take advan-
tage, of the open door of communication with Jesus?
"Let us thank God with heart and soul and voice; and let
us learn to approach unto Him as through an open door, be-
lieving that we may come freely with our petitions, and that
He will hear and answer. It is by a living faith in His power to
help, that we shall receive strength to fight the battles of the
Lord with the confident assurance of victory."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 961.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 428-430.
37
“3_11, (17” 7.7A Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday April 25
Part 5 Knowledge, continued: "Behold, I will make them of the
PHILADELPHIA II synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not,
but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship
before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because
thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. 3:9, 10.
"Satan has a large confederacy, his churdh. Christ calls
them the synagogue of Satan because the members are the
children of sin. The members of Satan's church have been con-
stantly working to cast off the divine law, and confuse the
distinction between good and evil. Satan is working with great
power in and through the children of disobedience to exalt
treason and apostasy as truth and loyalty. And at this time
the power of his satanic inspiration is moving the living agen-
cies to carry out the great rebellion against God that com-
menced in heaven."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 16.
Counsel: "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which
thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Verse 11.
What did these believers have to hold fast to? Verse 8,
last part.
Promise: What are the four parts of the promise? What
do you think they mean?
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple
of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon
him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my
God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new
name." Verse 12.
"All who enter [the New Jerusalem] will have on the robe
of Christ's righteousness, and the name of God will be seen in
their foreheads. This name is the symbol which the apostle
saw in vision, and signifies the yielding of the mind to intelli-
gent and loyal obedience to all of God's commandments."—
Sons and Daughters of God, page 370.
"The indelible mark of God is upon them [the sealed saints].
God can plead that His own name is written there. The Lord has
shut them in. Their destination is inscribed—`GOD, NEW JERU-
SALEM.' They are God's property, His possession."—Testi-
monies to Ministers, page 446.
Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches." Verse 13.
THINK IT THROUGH With whom am I identified in my thoughts and attitudes?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 549-551. 38
Letters From Jesus III LESSON 4 ❑ Friday April 26
Part 6 The beginnings of the advent movement reach back into the PHILADELPHIA III period of church history represented by the Philadelphia
church. Thus the Philadelphia period, along with Laodicea, has
significance for Seventh-day Adventists in a way that the other
five churches have not.
"Philadelphia represents that period in church history which
was ushered in by the evangelical preaching of the Wesleys,
Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and a multitude of others. 'The
world is my parish,' declared John Wesley, whose message of
'free grace' challenged the Calvinistic theology of 'election.'
This evangelical movement became the prelude to the era of
modern missions....
"The Philadelphia period culminated in the great second-
advent awakening of the nineteenth century. Through the study
of Daniel and the Revelation, and the interpretation of Christ's
own prophecy, a profound conviction came to Christendom
that the return of Christ was at hand. . . . The prophetic
periods of the 1260 days, as relating to the antichrist, and the
2300 days, which relate to the message of the judgment, re-
ceived particular attention. Prophetic conferences convened,
and these gave impetus to one of the greatest eras of preaching
since the days of the apostles."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding
the Revelation, pages 38, 39.
The Philadelphia period led up to the time when our Lord
entered upon the closing phase of His mediatorial work in the
heavenly sanctuary. In the earthly sanctuary there was a daily
service, and also a yearly service—the Day of Atonement. This
was regarded as a day of judgment when the high priest
climaxed his mediatorial work for Israel. That service was a
type of Christ's priestly work in heaven. Having entered the
most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, He is now our
Judge in the pre-advent judgment. From our earliest days,
Seventh-day Adventists have believed that this work began
in 1844. When our High Priest finishes His work of intercession,
the door of mercy will close forever. But today it is an "open
door" for all who will accept His grace and be saved. Soon
it will be too late. THINK IT THROUGH What meaning do the early days of the advent movement
have for me?
"In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every
step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God!
As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonish-
ment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have noth-
ing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way
the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."—
Life Sketches, page 196.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 240-250.
39
- Behold at the doirr, and knak if any man my voice, and open cik will come him, and sup with him LESSON 5 April 28 to May 4
‘“The town of Laodiaea lay forty-three miles southeast of Philadelphia . and 1 • about a hundred miles from Ephesus…. To add to its importance, there carne three great roads to center upon Laodicea… yLaOclicea was fotinded by. Antiochus the Second [of] the royal house of kings known 20 the SeleucidS…. Now, wherever these Seleucids founded a city, it was their regular policy to offer free citizenship to all who cared to accept it, for the Jews were useful citi ens and brought money and trade to’every city in which they settled aodicea was a notably wealthy city. It was the center of the banking arrangements of Asia Minor. When Cicero was traveling in the East in 51 B.C., it wds in Laodicea that he cashed his letter of credit … A very considerable part of the wealth of Laodicea came from the Cloth and the clothing industry… Laodicea was a famous medical school, and in particular it was qfarnilus for two kinds of medicine … to cure sore ears. But above all famous fora certain eye:powder…. “,Tti ,Laodiceans were the people who put their trus ip material pros- perit, in outward luxury, and in physical health. …I church of Laodicea stands as a warning to those who remember sely that ma, ‘hag a body and forget completely that man has a ft stands as a warning to those who put their trust in material liin sand who leaVe out God.’‘—VVilliam Barclay, Letters to the Seiler) ChtirFhes, pages: 90-95. fhb Laodicea’pefiod began,in 1344—the last of the seven churchesJ This, . message of Christ partakes of the keynote of the entire book of Revela- ‘ ‘tiOn:Vcrory! “And … them that had gotten the victory:” Rev: ‘ 15:2.iThe instructions given by Christ are personal directives. “Behold, I stand at the dor’ir,and knock.” Rev. 3:20. This message dvictory and personal heart appeal becomes strongly focused in this message. This is thiilast church to which Christ speaks, and its importance deserves a least one week of our full attention.
EsioN OUTLINE 1”J: Laodicea, Rev. 3:14 4. Laodicea, Rev. 3:18 2:;.1.ctodicea, Rev. 3:15, 16. 5. Laodicea, Rev. 3:19 Laodicea, Rev. 3:17 6. LoOdicect, Rev. 3:20-22 Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday April 28
Part 1 Instructions: "And unto the angel of the church of the
LAODICEA Laodiceans write." Rev. 3:14, first part.
Identification: By what three appellations does Jesus iden-
tify Himself to the believers of Laodicea?
"These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness,
the beginning of the creation of God." Verse 14, last part.
Both Hebrews and Christans have used "amen" as an ac-
clamation, to give confirmation to the words spoken by another
in worship. Amen as a name for Jesus points to Him as the
One who has confirmed God's word in human life. He was the
faithful and true Witness, and thus the message in His letter to
Laodicea was trustworthy. He knew the truth and stated it.
"Beginning. Gr. arche, a word that has both a passive and
an active sense. Taken passively, it refers to that which is
acted upon at the beginning. So interpreted here, it would
mean that Christ was the first creature created. But this ob-
viously could not be the correct translation, for Christ is not a
created being. Taken actively, arche refers to that which ini-
tiates an action, a first cause, a prime mover. So understood
here, it declares Christ to be the Creator. Such is plainly the
meaning of the present passage, for Christ is portrayed re-
peatedly in this same role elsewhere in the NT."—SDA Bible
Commentary, on Rev. 3:14.
"Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God. . . In
speaking of his pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back
through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a
time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God.
He to whose voice the Jews were then listening had been with
God as one brought up with Him.. ..
"He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. . . . He
is the eternal, self-existent Son."—Evangelism, page 615.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways does my life fail of sounding an “Amen” to the “Amen” of Jesus?
"By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both
to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,—God's thought
made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, 'I have
declared unto them Thy name,'—'merciful and gracious, long-
suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,'—'that the love
wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in
them.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 19.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 22, 23. 42
Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Monday April 29
Part 2 Knowledge: What is Jesus' description of the Laodicean's
LAODICEA works?
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I
would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art luke-
warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my
mouth." Rev. 3:15,16.
Jesus here described the relationship of the church to Him-
self. He judged them on a scale of three points: (1) hot, (2)
cold, or (3) lukewarm, listed in order of preference.
"The word for cold is psuchros; and it can mean cold to
the point of freezing. . . . The word for hot is zestos; and it
means hot to the boiling point. The word for tepid is chliaros
. . a nauseating effect."—William Barclay, The Revelation of
John, Vol. 1, p. 178.
"The message to the Laodicean church applies most de-
cidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who
do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 962.
"Were you cold, there would be some hope that you would
be converted; but where self-righteousness girds one about,
instead of the righteousness of Christ, the deception is so
difficult to be seen, and the self-righteousness so hard to be
put away, that the case is the most difficult to reach. An un-
converted, godless sinner stands in a more favorable condition
than such."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 176. THINK IT THROUGH Where do I fit on the "warmth scale" of Christian living?
"The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who
profess to believe present truth. . . . They profess to love the
truth, yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They
dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet
they are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the prin-
ciples of their faith.
"The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their
standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their dis-
ease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral
position, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are
in need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness.
He loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: 'I
would thou wert cold or hot.' Like lukewarm water, they are
nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor sel-
fishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in
the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but
they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their
worldly personal interests demand it. The internal work of
grace is wanting in their hearts."—Testimonies, Vol. 4, pp.
87, 88. (Emphasis supplied.)
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 4, pp. 83-87.
43
Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday April 30
Part 3 Knowledge, continued: "Because thou sayest, I am rich,
LAODICEA and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor,
and blind, and naked." Rev. 3:17.
The message to Laodicea is the opposite of the message to
Smyrna. In spite of Smyrna's poverty Jesus declares her to be
rich. In spite of Laodicea's wealth Jesus declares her to be im-
poverished.
While Jesus finds nothing to commend in Laodicea, He
lovingly points out their need and tenderly appeals to them
to repent.
Laodicean believers imagine themselves wealthy in Christian
graces, and fancy themselves well-off. They know not their
true poverty.
"The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this
time. Do you believe this message? Have you hearts that feel?
Or are you constantly saying, We are rich and increased in
goods, and have need of nothing? ...
"The Laodicean message applies to all who profess to keep
the law of God, and yet are not doers of it. We are not to be
selfish in anything. Every phase of the Christian life is to be
a representation of the life of Christ. If it is not, we shall hear
the terrible words, 'I know you not.' "—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 961, 962. THINK IT THROUGH How can I discover the ways in which I am self-deceived?
"It is when the vital principles of the kingdom of God are
lost sight of, that ceremonies become multitudinous and ex-
travagant. It is when the character building is neglected, when
the adornment of the soul is lacking, when the simplicity of
godliness is despised, that pride and love of display demand
magnificent church edifices, splendid adornings, and impos-
ing ceremonials. But in all this God is not honored. He values
His church, not for its external advantages, but for the sincere
piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it
according to the growth of its members in the knowledge of
Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience. He
looks for the principles of love and goodness. Not all the
beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty of temper
and character to be revealed in those who are Christ's repre-
sentatives.
"A congregation may be the poorest in the land. It may be
without the attractions of any outward show; but if the mem-
bers possess the principles of the character of Christ, angels
will unite with them in their worship. The praise and thanks-
giving from grateful hearts will ascend to God as a sweet
oblation."—Prophets and Kings, pages 565, 566.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 252-254. 44
Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday May 1
Part 4 Counsel: What three counsels did Jesus give to Laodicea?
LAODICEA "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that 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."
Rev. 3:18.
In verse 17 Jesus identifies the lukewarm condition of the
Laodicean believers as self-satisfaction—they felt no need.
These counsels correspond to the poverty, nakedness, and
blindness in verse 17.
The description of a Laodicean condition begins: "I know
thy works."
What elements of the Christian life form the base of works?
See Paul's answer in Galatians 5:6.
"The gold mentioned by Christ, the True Witness, which all
must have, has been shown me to be faith and love combined,
and love takes the precedence of faith."—Testimonies, Vol.
2, p. 36.
"The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ that may
be wrought into the character. Purity of heart, purity of motive,
will characterize every one who is washing his robe, and mak-
ing it white in the blood of the Lamb.
"The eye is the sensitive conscience, the inner light, of the
mind. Upon its correct view of things the spiritual healthfulness
of the whole soul and being depends. The 'eyesalve,' the Word
of God, makes the conscience smart under its application; for
it convicts of sin. But the smarting is necessary that the heal-
ing may follow, and the eye be single to the glory of God."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7,
p. 965. THINK IT THROUGH What is my true spiritual condition? How shall I know
whether or not I am "blind"?
"Brethren and sisters, are your thoughts after this order?
`These sharp, decided words do not mean me; I am in a fairly
good condition spiritually, though I may not have all the fervor
and zeal that some have. I believe the truth. Those to whom
this message belongs may take it. I think some need it.' You
who think and reason thus, be assured that you are the very
ones to whom this message belongs. While the costly wares
of heaven are open before you, draw nigh and buy that which
you have lost—the gold of love and faith, and the white raiment
which is the righteousness of Christ."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 964, 965.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 214-216. 45 Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday May 2
Part 5 Counsel, continued: How does the Christian "buy" (Rev.
LAODICEA 3:18) the spiritual wares of the heavenly Merchant? Are there
any other elements in buying besides paying? See Isaiah 55:1.
"Make some effort. These precious treasures will not drop
upon us without some exertion on our part. We must buy—
'be zealous and repent' of our lukewarm state. We must be
awake to see our wrongs, to search for our sins, and to zeal-
ously repent of them."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 142.
What encouragement to zeal and repentance did Jesus
give? Rev. 3:19.
The Greek for "zealous" is related to "hot" in verse 15.
"It is evident that the Laodiceans are not a rejected and
cast-off people as some contend. 'Sharp has been His rebuke
to this lukewarm church. But it does not mean that He had
turned away and abandoned them, or was about to do so. It
means just the reverse. For He was standing near, and ready
to supply their need, and to enrich them with all His treasure;
and His rebuke was a proof of His unchanging love.' (Philip
Mauro, Of Things Which Soon Must Come to Pass, page
135.) ...
"How different is the attitude of Christ toward His remnant
people from that of their enemies, whose rebuke is the rebuke
of hate; whose motive is to tear down and destroy. It is Christ
who reproves His people, and He alone is qualified, because
of His unchanging love. He has never delegated this work to
enemies or disgruntled apostates, whose purpose is to scatter
those whom Christ has gathered within His fold and to tear
down what He has built up. Those who receive the Laodicean
message as coming from Christ because of His love will never
join those who denounce the church as being rejected by Him
and unworthy of His love. . . .
"The genuine Christian will make a personal application of
the Laodicean message to his own life rather than use it to
denounce and discourage others."—Taylor G. Bunch, The
Seven Epistles of Christ, pages 244, 245.
THINK IT THROUGH What lesson for the human relationships of the Christian is found in the appeal of Jesus to the Laodiceans in verse 19?
"I saw that this call to the Laodicean church will affect
souls. A becoming zeal is called for by God on our part. We
must repent, throw away our whole feelings, feel our destitu-
tion, buy gold that we may be rich, eyesalve that we may see,
white raiment that we may be clothed."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 966.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 141-143. 46
Letters From Jesus IV LESSON 5 ❑ Friday May 3
Part 6 Counsel, continued: What is the door in verse 20? Who
LAODICEA knocks, and who opens?
"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." Rev. 3:20.
"The form of the Greek verb implies that Christ has taken
His stand at the door and remains there. He never tires of
offering His blessed presence to all who will receive Him."—
SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 3:20.
"A door is either the means of entrance or a barrier against
it. It either lets a person in or keeps him out, according to the
will of the householder. The locks and bars are on the inside.
The door that keeps the Saviour out is barred by the sinner,
and He cannot enter till the barriers are removed."—Taylor
G. Bunch, The Seven Epistles of Christ, page 248.
Promise: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with
me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down
with my Father in his throne." Rev. 3:21.
The victory to be gained by the believer is the same victory
Jesus gained, and it must be gained in the same spirit of sub-
mission. He chose the will of the Father in preference to His
own will. He conquered by the Spirit's power. The believer who
shares Jesus' victory will share also His reward.
Appeal: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches." Rev. 3:22.
The message to Laodicea, and to the other six churches as
well, was the gospel message presented according to the needs
of each church. Each message was presented through symbols
that were appropriate to each city. The Spirit, who spoke in
each letter, still illuminates the gospel for our personal cir-
cumstances if only we will listen. THINK IT THROUGH What is meant in experience by the words of Jesus "sit
with me in my throne"?
"The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in
the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become
vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed
effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We
may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part com-
pany with Satan; but without a vital connection with God,
through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment,
we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with
Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of
the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end."—The Desire
of Ages, page 324. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Two Worshipers," pages 158-163.
47
“Thou art worthy,.0 to receive glory and honour and power: for thou host created all, things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev. 4:11.
Suddenly the reader of Revelation finds his attention shifted from the seven churches in Asia to the center of the universe. He has read of human believers and their problems in the battle with Satan. Now his thoughts are directed to the throne of the universe and the nature of the One who occupies it. It is a strong contrast, from viewing poor, weak, mortals to beholding the LESSON 6 May 5-11 holy and eternal God. John does not emphasize the contrast. Rather he sees in chapter five that God fights the same foe that the believers of Asia Minor fought. But that is going ahead of this week’s lesson. The scenes and songs of chapter four establish the basis of the praise and worship of God. Why is this necessary? Because an assumption of a controversy underlies Revelation. First hinted at in chapter 1:5 where John refers to Jesus as having freed us from sin by His blood, it surfaces every time a promise is made to the overcomer throughout the seven letters. Further, in the letters the controversy shows up in the opposition to: 1. The Nicolaitanes 5. The soiled garments of believers 2. The synagogue of Satan 6. Again the synagogue of Satan 3. The teachings of Balaam 7. The lukewarmness of believers 4. Jezebel The information revealed in chapter four not only describes the essential characteristic of God, but also vindicates Him from accusations that:He is unworthy to stand at the head of the universe. The statement in verse 1, “I will shew thee things which must be here- after,” should warn us that this vision of God on His throne serves to intro- duce the vision and does not stand alone. Ezekiel saw a vision of God similar to the vision John reports in Revela- tion 4. Ellen G. White wrote of Ezekiel’s vision: “While nations have rejected God’s principles, and in this rejection have wrought their own ruin, yet a divine, overruling purpose has manifestly been at work throughout the ages. It was this that the prophet Ezekiel saw in the wonderful representation given him during his exile in the land of the Chal- deans, when before his astonished gaze were portrayed the symbols.that revealed an overruling Power that has to do with the affairs of earthly rulers.” —Prophets and Kings, page 535. The scope of Revelation exceeds that of Ezekiel, for it deals specifically with the controversy with Satan (see chapter 12). Ellen White, when speaking of the rainbow above the throne, stated that “it testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil.”—The Desire of Ages, page 493. The vision of the throne assures the reader that God is in charge of the universe because He has the right to be in charge, and He will not forsake the battle against sin.
LESSON OUTLINE
- The Throne, Rev. 4:1, 2 4. The Living Creatures’ Song, Rev. 4:8
- Around the Throne I, Rev. 4:4, 5 5. Worship by Twenty-four Elders, Rev. 4:9, 10
-
Around the Throne II,Rev. 4:5, 6 6. The Twenty-four Elders’ Song, Rev. 4:11 In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday May 5
Part 1 Who was the speaker noted in verse 1? Compare Rev. THE THRONE 1:10-13. "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." Rev. 4:1. In vision John is taken to heaven. However, everything that he sees in heaven is not actually there. For instance, Mrs. White said, "Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God." She later explained this comment: "Neither did I ever think that any mortal could suppose that I believed that Satan was actually in the New Jerusalem. But did not John see the great red dragon in heaven?"—Early Writings, page 92. The mention of a lamb in John's report con- firms the symbolic nature of this vision. What first attracted John's attention? Rev. 4:2. Throughout chapter 4 the throne holds the center of atten- tion. John uses the word 12 times. The persons and objects that John saw were oriented to the throne, and the activity recorded here focused on it. A throne denotes sovereignty. It is the official chair for the ruler of the realm. What was John's description of the King? Rev. 4:3. The rainbow connects this scene with the Flood story, where the bow symbolizes God's promise never to flood the world again. "As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. "It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes sal- vation full and complete."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, pp. 1071, 1072.
THINK IT THROUGH “God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace itself is occupied by One who per- mits us to call Him Father.”—Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 177.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 832-835. 50
In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Monday May 6
Part 2 Whom did John see around the throne?
AROUND THE
"And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:
THRONE I and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting,
clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns
of gold." Rev. 4:4.
There has been much speculation about the identity of the
twenty-four elders. The speculation has not generally aided
in understanding the book of Revelation. In today's lesson we
will note the place they hold in the picture John has described
in chapter 4, but let us forego the effort at positive identifica-
tion.
The vision of the throne is a symbolic one. The elders have
meaning, and we shall seek meaning rather than identity.
In Israel the word "elder" designated a person holding an
"official rank and position among their brethren. . . . God
directed Moses to choose 70 elders to aid him in his great
responsibility of governing Israel."—SDA Bible Dictionary,
page 301. In the Christian church the word "elder" referred
to a church leader. In both the Old and New Testaments there
was a responsibility of service delegated to an elder.
These twenty-four elders serve at the throne of God. Seated
on thrones, they apparently participate in the administration of
the universe.
What proceeded out of the throne? Rev. 4:5.
These evidences of storm contrast with the rainbow about
the throne. Thunder and lightning accompanied the giving of
the law on Sinai. The bow declared God's mercy. The thunder
and lightning declared His justice.
THINK IT THROUGH Summarize the meanings of the symbols in verses 1-5. What is the message?
"It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salva-
tion full and complete. It is the blending of the two that leads
us, as we view the world's Redeemer and the law of Jehovah,
to exclaim, 'Thy gentleness hath made me great.' We know
that the gospel is a perfect and complete system, revealing
the immutability of the law of God. It inspires the heart with
hope, and with love for God. Mercy invites us to enter through
the gates into the city of God, and justice is sacrificed to
accord to every obedient soul full privileges as a member of
the royal family, a child of the heavenly King."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1072.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 414, 415. 51 In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday May 7
Part 3 What was the meaning of the seven lamps?
AROUND THE "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunder-
THRONE II ings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning
before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." Rev.
4:5.
The seven lamps spoken of here (lampas) are not the same
seven candlesticks spoken of in Revelation 1:13 (luchnos). The
seven lamps are equated with one Spirit (Zech. 4:2-6) which
is the Spirit of God (Rev. 3:1). They symbolize not only the
continual presence of God, as did the lamps in the earthly
sanctuary (Ex. 37:23), but also the sevenfold fullness of the
Spirit given to the church. See The Acts of the Apostles, pages
37, 38.
What beings did John see on each side of the throne?
Verses 6, 7, RSV.
These symbolic creatures resemble those seen by Ezekiel.
Ellen G. White interpreted them simply as "heavenly beings."
Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 751.
If we interpret the meaning of these four faces according
to the characteristics of each we can find the following Biblical
definitions:
Lion—strength. Rev. 5:5; Gen. 49:9.
Calf (ox)—loyalty and sacrifice. Isa. 1:3; see Gospel Work-
ers, page 294.
Man—intelligence and choice. Gen. 1:27; Joshua 24: 14, 15.
Eagle—swiftness. Deut. 28:49.
John described these four creatures as "full of eyes." Eyes
are used in Revelation 5:6 to represent the fullness of the
Spirit. The angels are full of God's Spirit and are channels to
disseminate His blessings, watchcare, and concern.
"The seraphim before the throne are so filled with rever-
ential awe in beholding the glory of God that they do not for
an instarn look upon themselves with self-complacency, or in
admiration of themselves or one another. Their praise and
glory are for the Lord of Hosts. . . . They are fully satisfied
to glorify God; and in His presence, beneath His smile of ap-
probation, they wish for nothing more. In bearing His image,
in doing His service and worshiping Him, their highest ambi-
tion is fully reached."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1140. .
THINK IT THROUGH What lessons can I learn for my own experience from the service of the seraphim?
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 39, 40. 52
In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday May 8
Part 4 What was the song that the living creatures constantly
THE LIVING sang? CREATURES' SONG
"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about
him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day
and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,
which was, and is, and is to come." Rev. 4:8.
The description of the throne and its surroundings in the
first part of chapter 4 have been given by John to provide the
setting for this song. Other songs follow throughout Revelation.
These songs present the basic message of the Apocalypse.
Therefore special attention will be given to these songs as we
come to them in our study of Revelation.
What three attributes of God are included in this song?
The holiness of God can also be expressed in positive terms,
but in a sinful world God's holiness can be most readily
grasped as opposition to sin as expressed in His law. In the
book of Revelation the starting point of the entire message is
God's unalterable opposition to sin. Without this there is no
controversy, and the existence of controversy is a basic as-
sumption in Revelation.
This brief song expresses what God is like in His (1) char-
acter (holy), (2) position (Lord God Almighty), and (3) existence
(was, is, is to come). These three attributes are the root of
(1) morality, (2) order, and (3) life. The God of morality, order,
and life is the source from whom the universe springs.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I grow in reverence for the Almighty, while growing in love for Him as my Heavenly Father?
"To the omnipotence of the King of kings our covenant-
keeping God unites the gentleness and care of the tender
shepherd. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the
sure fulfillment of His promises to all who trust in Him. He has
means for the removal of every difficulty, that those who serve
Him and respect the means He employs may be sustained.
His love is as far above all other love as the heavens are above
the earth. He watches over His children with a love that is
measureless and everlasting."—The Ministry of Healing, pages
481, 482.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, page 252.
53
In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday May 9
Part 5 In the scene of chapter 4 what happened when the living
WORSHIP BY creatures sang?
24 ELDERS "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks
to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on
the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever,
and cast their crowns before the throne." Rev. 4:9, 10.
The purpose of chapter four is to reveal God the Father
and the ways in which He is related to the living universe. The
song of the living creatures revealed the attributes that God
possesses in Himself. The elders then had a message to add
to that of the creatures. That message we will study tomorrow.
Today we will note the acts of worship by the elders.
In the act of worship, the elders fell down before God.
The utmost reverence is the only appropriate approach to
God. A flippant approach to God in the worship service does
not correspond to His majesty. "Where have our brethren
obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when
praying to God? . . . As I beheld him standing upright upon
his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God,
my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke.
Calling him by name, I said, 'Get down upon your knees.' This
is the proper position always."—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p.
311.
They also cast down their crowns before the throne. This
was a spontaneous gesture, expressive of their inmost attitudes.
No stoic unresponsiveness here. This can come only when
there is a living, loving relationship with Him who is altogether
lovely. "The evil of formal worship cannot be too strongly de-
picted, but no words can properly set forth the deep blessed-
ness of genuine worship. When human beings sing with the
spirit and the understanding, heavenly musicians take up the
strain."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 143.
"To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth
is the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the prayer, the words
spoken by Christ's representatives, are God's appointed agen-
cies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier
worship into which there can enter nothing that defileth."—
Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 491.
"The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in
clear, distinct utterance, is one of God's instrumentalities in
the work of saving souls. All the service should be conducted
with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of the
Master of assemblies."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 493.
THINK IT THROUGH Why should man be reverent to God?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 491-494. 54
In Praise of God LESSON 6 ❑ Friday May 10
Part 6 Why is God worthy to be worshiped? THE 24 ELDERS' "Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour and
SONG power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure
they are and were created." Rev. 4:11.
"The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is
the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their exis-
tence. And wherever, in the Bible, His claim to reverence and
worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there
is cited the evidence of His creative power. 'All the gods of
the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.' Psalm
96:5. 'To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith
the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath
created these things.' Thus saith the Lord that created the
heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it:
. . . I am the Lord; and there is none else.' Isaiah 40:25, 26;
45:18. Says the psalmist: 'Know ye that the Lord He is God: it
is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.' 0 come, let
us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our
Maker.' Psalms 100:3; 95:6. And the holy beings who worship
God in heaven state, as the reason why their homage is due
to Him: 'Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor
and power: for Thou hast created all things.' Revelation 4:11."
—The Great Controversy, pages 436, 437.
The message of the song of the living creatures centered
on what God is in character, position, and existence. The mes-
sage of the song of the 24 elders centered on what God has
done. Because God created all things, then it is appropriate
that every intelligent being shall voluntarily praise God for
giving to them their existence.
The two songs are the important parts of chapter 4. They
convey important information about God that could not be
known by seeing Him and His surroundings. Even in God's
presence these vital truths take the form of a verbal message.
These two messages prepare the reader for the scenes
presented in chapter 5.
THINK IT THROUGH What or whom do I regard supremely, judging by the course of my life? “Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the source and sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.”—Sons and Daughters of God, page 56.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 33, 34.
55
pratitse
“The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb es- capes. Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacri- fice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to offi- ciate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens.” —’The Desire of Ages,” page 757. LESSON 7 May 12-18
“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Rev. 5:13.
Jesus
Ellen G. White comments: "The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of great importance to those who shall act a part in the work of God for these last days. There are some who are deceived. They do not realize what is coming on the earth. Those who have per- mitted their minds to become beclouded in regard to what constitutes sin are fearfully deceived. Unless they make a decided change they will be found wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting cove- nant, and they will receive according to their works."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 267.
In the fifth chapter the action centers around God, who holds a book; the Lamb, Jesus, who takes the book in His own hand; and the response of created beings to the Lamb's action. Thus is presented symbolically the entrusting of a special work to Jesus Christ that leads to universal acclamation.
There is much to think about in this chapter, and the lesson for this week does not exhaust the topic. The lesson presents a point of begin- ning, but there is much that lies beyond. To think through the meaning of this chapter is to center the thoughts on Jesus and His relation to the Father and to the created beings of the universe. Note the symbols, the action, and the songs, and seek the meaning of this vision that unfolds the work that is placed in Jesus' hands.
LESSON OUTLINE
- The Angel’s Question, 4. Creatures’ and Elders’ Song, Rev. 5:1-4 Rev. 5:9, 10
- The Elder’s Answer, 5. The Angels’ Song, Rev. 5:11, 12 Rev. 5:5 6. Universal Song, Rev. 5:13, 14
-
The Lamb, Rev. 5:6 In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday May 12
Part 1 Who held the sealed scroll? Rev. 5:1. THE ANGEL'S He whom the attendants about the throne acclaimed holy, QUESTION mighty, eternal, and worthy of worship because He created all things, John saw holding a sealed scroll. It was perfectly sealed-7 seals—and all writing space was filled. Who wrote the scroll? Who sealed it? The record states only that the Creator held the scroll in His hand. Ellen G. White wrote the following very revealing remark about the scroll: "Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 294. What question did the "strong angel" ask? What response did he receive? "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." Rev. 5:2, 3. By implication the above quotation from Christ's Object Les- sons can lead us to view the record of Lucifer's rebellion as the "sealed book." Lucifer disguised himself in such a way that his true purposes could not immediately be revealed to cre- ated beings. "Until fully developed it could not be made to appear the evil thing it was; ... [on the other hand] God could employ only such means as were consistent with truth and righteousness."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 41, 42. "Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would have perished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was the in- evitable result of sin. A doubt of God's goodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe."—The Desire of Ages, page 764. How would Satan and other rebels ever be brought to judg- ment? The sealed scroll posed this basic question. In vision, what was John's reaction to the unavailability of a man to open the scroll? Rev. 5:4. What circumstance ever came to the hand of God that would cause one to weep? "The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow.... Angels ceased their songs of praise. Through- out the heavenly courts there was mourning for the ruin that sin had wrought."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 63. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 761-764. 58In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Monday May 13
Part 2 Who was found to open the sealed scroll? THE ELDER'S ANSWER "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Rev. 5:5. These two names are Messianic symbols. See Genesis 49:9, 10 and Isaiah 11:1, 10. Jesus was born of the tribe of Judah, the family of David. A promise of rulership accom- panied the designation of Judah as a lion, and a promise of the Spirit and wisdom accompanied the prophecy of the Root. This is to say that Jesus was another David—not just another king but one led by the Spirit and successful in kingship. Why could Jesus open the scroll? Verse 5, last part. The ability to open the scroll resided in Jesus, not because He bore the symbolic names, but because He lived up to His names—He conquered. Whom had He conquered? "Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do, and with His parting breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John 19:30. The battle had been won. His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost."—The Desire of Ages, page 758.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I be a conquerer over Satan and self as Jesus was?
"Lessons need to be learned by all who shall step into
places where they are to be proved and tested by God, to see
whether they shall be registered day by day as faithful and
true stewards of God's entrusted talents. Have they shown
that they have the fear of God before them, whether they are
dealing with superiors, inferiors, or equals? They need to
cherish the truth as an abiding principle, that it may sanctify
the soul. The creating, transforming power of God's Holy Spirit
will make them copartners with Jesus Christ. Yoked up with
Christ, they can be more than conquerors through Him."—Tes-
timonies to Ministers, page 328.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 758, 759. 59 In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday May 14
Part 3 What was the condition of the Lamb as John saw Him?
THE LAMB
"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of
the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb
as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes,
which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the
earth." Rev. 5:6.
The One whom John now saw as a Lamb had been named
a Lion by one of the elders. The Lion was a Lamb.
"These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power
and self-sacrificing love. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the
rejecters of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obe-
dient and faithful."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 589.
When John later saw symbols of Satan and earthly powers,
he saw beasts of prey. When he saw a symbol of Jesus, he
saw a Lamb. The kingdom of Jesus stands on truth proclaimed
in love. The world's kingdoms stand on coercion and force.
The lamblike quality of Jesus describes the method of His
kingdom. The lionlike quality describes the results.
The Lamb John saw was a dying Lamb, wounded by the
sacrificial knife. This weak creature took the scroll because
He could open it. At the center of the prophecy of the seven
seals was the death of Jesus. Without this the scroll would
remain perfectly sealed.
"As Christ in His expiring agony upon the cross cried out,
`It is finished' (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang through
every world and through heaven itself. The great contest that
had been so long in progress in this world was now decided,
and Christ was conqueror. His death had answered the ques-
tion whether the Father and the Son had sufficient love for man
to exercise self-denial and a spirit of sacrifice. Satan had re-
vealed his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was seen
that the very same spirit with which he had ruled the children
of men who were under his power, he would have manifested
if permitted to control the intelligences of heaven. With one
voice the loyal universe united in extolling the divine admin-
istration."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 69, 70.
"The Lamb of God is represented before us as in the midst
of the throne of God. He is the great ordinance by which man
and God are united and commune together. Thus men are
represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This
is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p.
967.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63-65. 60
In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday May 15
Part 4 In the "new song" what elements combined to define CREATURES' AND "worthy"?
ELDERS' SONG
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to
take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast
slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every
kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and host made
us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the
earth." Rev. 5:9, 10.
In Revelation 4:11 God is proclaimed as worthy of worship
because He created all things. In Revelation 5:9, 10 the Lamb,
Jesus, is pronounced worthy because He died to redeem men.
The song is new because the experience is new.
"Holy angels will join in the song of the redeemed. Though
they cannot sing from experimental knowledge, 'He hath
washed us in His own blood, and redeemed us unto God,' yet
they understand the great peril from which the people of God
have been saved. Were they not sent to lift up for them a
standard against the enemy? They can fully sympathize with
the glowing ecstasy of those who have overcome by the blood
of the Lamb and the word of their testimony."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 922.
The one who would open the scroll needed not merely the
ability to open it, but also the worth to open it.
Observe that redemption is not included in the scroll. Be-
cause Jesus provided redemption, He can open the scroll.
Besides redemption the only other relation of men to Jesus
is judgment. Jesus provided redemption. He is qualified to
bring the rebellion to judgment. See Further Study reference.
Beginning with this song both the meaning of the songs
and the composition of the choir escalate, reaching a peak in
verse 13.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I develop a greater appreciation for Jesus?
"The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In
the light that streams from Calvary the attributes of God which
had filled us with fear and awe appear beautiful and attractive.
Mercy, tenderness, and parental love are seen to blend with
holiness, justice, and power. While we behold the majesty of
His throne, high and lifted up, we see His character in its
gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the
significance of that endearing title, 'Our Father.' "—The Great
Controversy, page 652.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 9, pp. 266, 267.
61
In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday May 16
Part 5 What group next joined in singing praise to the Lamb? THE ANGELS' SONG "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round
about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the
number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and
thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy
is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and
wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
Rev. 5:11, 12.
The previous song ascribed worthiness to Jesus to open
the sealed scroll, that is to judge the rebellion. This song states
that Jesus is worthy to receive worship. His worthiness to
receive worship accompanies the statement of His death. The
death of Jesus unmasked Satan's character and vindicated
the character of God. The angels were unprepared to grasp
the true nature of Lucifer's rebellion when he was cast out of
heaven. Now both issues have been clarified to their satisfac-
tion, but final resolution of the problem must await the fuller
revelation of the issues before the people of earth.
In regard to the ascension of Jesus, Ellen White wrote:
"With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers
acknowledge the supremacy of the Prince of life. The angel
host prostrate themselves before Him, while the glad shout fills
all the courts of heaven, '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 Desire of
Ages, page 834.
What specific gifts was Jesus worthy to receive? Verse 12.
How many were there? What is the implication?
"All these heavenly beings have one object above all others,
in which they are intensely interested—His church in a world
of corruption. All these armies are in the service of the Prince
of heaven, exalting the Lamb of God, who taketh away the
sins of the world. They are working for Christ under His com-
mission, to save to the uttermost all who look to Him and
believe in Him. These heavenly intelligences are speeding on
their mission, doing for Christ that which Herod and Pilate did
against Him. They confederate together to uphold the honor
and glory of God. They are united in a holy alliance, in a grand
and sublime unity of purpose, to show forth the power and
compassion and love and glory of the crucified and risen
Saviour."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 968. THINK IT THROUGH "In their service, these armies of heaven illustrate what
the church of God should be."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 968.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pages 832-835. 62
In Praise of Jesus LESSON 7 ❑ Friday May 17
Part 6 What additional singers joined with the angel choir? Rev. UNIVERSAL SONG 5:13, 14.
"From the standpoint of ancient cosmology, heaven, earth,
under the earth, and sea constitute the entire universe."—SDA
Bible Commentary, on Rev. 5:13.
To whom was this song addressed? Verse 13.
The singers addressed previous' songs to only one divine
person. The universal choir linked God and the Lamb together,
giving both the same praise in the same song. In writing about
events just before the destruction of sin, Ellen G. White states:
"Before the universe has been clearly presented the great
sacrifice made by the Father and the Son in man's behalf. The
hour has come when Christ occupies His rightful position and
is glorified above principalities and powers and every name
that is named."—The Great Controversy, page 671.
Then after the destruction of sin:
"As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and
the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan,
the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion,
and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and
ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands
of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise. [Rev. 5:13
quoted.]"—The Great Controversy, page 678.
Who said "Amen"? Verse 14. Who sang the first song?
Rev. 4:8.
Note the crescendo that builds up in chapters four and five,
and the return to the beings in the immediate presence of God.
By "Amen," and the falling down in worship, these beings
who had previously affirmed the reasons for worship of God
now confirm and assent to the worship of God and the Lamb
jointly for eternity.
THINK IT THROUGH Reread Revelation 4 and 5.
"The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the
redeemed through all eternity. In Christ glorified they will be-
hold Christ crucified. . . . That the Maker of all worlds, the
Arbiter of all destinies, should lay aside His glory and humiliate
Himself from love to man will ever excite the wonder and adora-
tion of the universe."—The Great Controversy, page 651.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 670, 671, 678. 63 At the beginning of our study of the opening of the seals we quote again the significant statement by Ellen G. White: “Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vin- dictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 294. Seventh-day Adventists have usually interpreted the seven seals as historical periods in the Christian dispensation. This view will
wit. be presented in this week's lesson. However, in the light of the be spirit of prophecy statement above it is clear that the opening of the sealed scroll is still future and has to do with the time of judg- ment. However the seals are interpreted, it must not be thought that the scroll itself, or any portion of it is being opened at the time of the historical period represented by each seal. The events de- scribed give "flashback" pictures that will be presented in the judgment to give evidence that will condemn those on trial.
The material presented in Revelation 6 must be regarded as a preview of a flashback—which is another way of saying that in the seals are presented, usually symbolically, the events in history that will be of particular significance in the judgment of the wicked.
In The Great Controversy, pages 666-669, Ellen White described the scene when "the books of record are opened" after the millen- nium. This description includes the "flashback" pictures of events in the great controversy which are presented before the lost, and then a description of Satan's recall of all he did to thwart God's plan. Thus the evidence includes what God has done for men as well as what Satan and his followers have done against God and other beings.
There is the further consideration that "like the messages to the seven churches, the scenes revealed when the seals are opened may be regarded as having both a specific and a general applica- tion. . . . The scenes may be viewed as particularly significant of successive phases in the history of the church on earth."—SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 775. For each seal we will note its corresponding historical period and the general application of its meaning. LESSON OUTLINE 1. The White Horse, 4. The Pale Horse, Rev. 6:7, 8 Rev. 6:1, 2 5. The Martyrs, Rev. 6:9-11 2. The Red Horse, Rev. 6:3, 4 6. The Coming of Jesus, 3. The Black Horse, Rev. 6:5, 6 Rev. 6:12-17
LESSON’ 8 — May 19-25
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell ‘unto ttiraraiih, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, I when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Rev. 6:12, 13. A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday May 19
Part 1 What scene came to John's view when the first seal was THE WHITE HORSE broken?
"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of th.e seven
seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say, as with
a voice of thunder, 'Come!' And I saw, and behold, a white
horse, and its rider had a bow; and a crown was given to
him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." Rev. 6:1, 2,
RSV.
Historical: Biblically the horse represents war (Joel 2:1, 4,
5; Rev. 19:11, 12), and the equipment of the rider identifies
him as a warrior. The horses of Revelation ought not to be
compared with the horses of Zechariah 6:2, 3; for though there
are some similarities, the order of the horses is different, and
those in Zechariah draw chariots and bear no riders. See SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 776.
White is the symbol of both purity and victory. And the rider
being crowned and bearing a bow is an impressive symbol of
the pure church during the first century of the Christian era
going forth "conquering and to conquer."
What was Paul's statement to the believers in Rome?
Rom. 1:8.
"What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit on the
Day of Pentecost? The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were
carried to the uttermost parts of the inhabited world. . . . The
ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's
character and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom."
—The Acts of the Apostles, page 48.
General: Jesus is the conqueror (Rev. 5:5), both personally,
and as above, through His church. The success of the gospel
is assured. The victory of Jesus at Calvary will be presented
before the hosts of the lost in the last judgment. See Further
Study reference below.
"Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle
temptations, but he was repulsed in every conflict. Those bat-
tles were fought in our behalf; those victories make it possible
for us to conquer. . . . The fact that Christ has conquered
should inspire His followers with courage to fight manfully the
battle against sin and Satan."—The Great Controversy, page
510. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways should I more fully join in Jesus' conquest
of the rebellion of sin?
"But Jesus our Advocate presents an effectual plea in behalf
of all who by repentance and faith have committed the keeping
of their souls to Him. He pleads their cause and vanquishes
their accuser by the mighty arguments of Calvary."—Testi-
monies, Vol. 5, p. 471.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 666, 667. 66
A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 ❑ Monday May 20
Part 2 What was the action of the rider of the red horse? THE RED HORSE
"When he opened the second seal, I heard the second
living creature say, 'Come!' And out came another horse,
bright red; its rider was permitted to take peace from the
earth, so that men should slay one another; and he was
given a great sword." Rev. 6:3, 4, RSV.
Historical: This period of church history corresponds to the
church of Smyrna or the period of pagan persecution (about
A.D. 100-313).
The overall attitude of Rome toward Christ and His followers,
though punctuated by tolerance, can be best summed up by
the persecution under Diocletian (A.D. 284-305). "He, like
Decius and Aurelius before him, felt that Christianity was a
menace and that the State must either destroy or yield to it,
and in consequence instituted the most ruthless persecution."
—SDA Bible Student's Source Book, page 729.
"In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of Christ
by violence. ... 'The blood of Christians is seed.' "—The Story
of Redemption, page 321.
General: "Satan was 'a murderer from the beginning' (John
8:44); and as soon as he had obtained power over the human
race, he not only prompted them to hate and slay one another,
but, the more boldly to defy the authority of God, he made the
violation of the sixth commandment a part of their religion."
—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 337.
"While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe
[Satan] is upon their track every moment. He is intruding his
presence in every department of the household, in every street
of our cities, in the churches, in the national councils, in the
courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere
ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children,
breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition,
murder. And the Christian world seem to regard these things as
though God had appointed them and they must exist."—The
Great Controversy, page 508.
"Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of
the soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in
vice and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war
against one another; for he can thus divert the minds of the
people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of
God."—Counsels on Health, page 460„
THINK IT THROUGH “A single vindictive feeling indulged may open the way to a train of feelings which will end in murder.”—Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 578.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 507-509. 67 A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday May 21
Part 3 What did the third rider hold in his hand? THE BLACK HORSE
"And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third
beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse;
and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A
measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley
for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine."
Rev. 6:5, 6.
Historical: "This symbol may be thought of as characterizing
the spiritual condition within the church after the legalization
of Christianity in the 4th century, when church and state were
united. Following this union much of the concern of the church
was with secular matters, and in many instances a dearth of
spirituality ensued."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 6:5.
The period usually considered to be represented by the
black horse is A.D. 313-538.
General: "These balances may also be interpreted as a
symbol of undue concern for the material necessities of life.
No longer does warfare result in victory, as with the first horse-
man . . . , or represent largely bloodshed, as with the second
. . . , but now an even more dreaded result has followed—
famine."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 6:5.
"He [Satan] sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine
and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and
thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to
become more and more frequent and disastrous."—The Great
Controversy, page 590.
THINK IT THROUGH “Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan’s black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1107.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 589, 590. 68
A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday May 22
Part 4 What was the name of the rider of the fourth horse? THE PALE HORSE "When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the
fourth living creature say, 'Come!' And I saw, and behold, a
pale horse, and its rider's name was Death, and Hades fol-
lowed him; and they were given power over a fourth of the
earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence
and by wild beasts of the earth." Rev. 6:7, 8, RSV.
Historical: Compromise by the church with heathen prac-
tices and philosophies led to such ambitions as changing the
law of God and usurping God's very sovereignty. Once these
ambitions were defended by church fathers such as Augustine,
many of the popes used them to execute judgment upon both
men and nations. Popery had become the world's despot—not
only a church but a political machine. See The Great Con-
troversy, pages 55-60. What Satan did not achieve by force,
he appears to have achieved by stealth. He had planted his
seat in the church. See Rev. 13:2. Paleness is the result of
those that have erred both in spirit and in doctrine. See Isa.
29:22-24. The thousand years of this era are a mute but un-
deniable testimony to a Christianity alien to the Spirit of
Christ and to the corruption of doctrine by a multitude of
priestly inventions and political expediencies. See SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 25-39.
This period extended from about 538-1517, the period of
the church of Thyatira.
General: "Evil, sin, and death were not created by God; they
are the result of disobedience, which originated in Satan."—
Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 503.
"God is the life-giver. From the beginning all His laws were
ordained to life. But sin broke in upon the order that God had
established, and discord followed. So long as sin exists, suffer-
ing and death are inevitable. It is only because the Redeemer
has borne the curse of sin in our behalf that man can hope to
escape, in his own person, its dire results."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, page 522.
"Satan works through the elements also to garner his har-
vest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the
laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the
elements as far as God allows."—Counsels on Health, page
460. THINK IT THROUGH What is my attitude toward death? Is it in harmony with
faith in Christ's victory over death?
"In death He [Jesus] gained the victory over its power; in
rising again, He opened the gates of the grave to all His fol-
lowers."—Prophets and Kings, page 702. FURTHER STUDY The Great Contthversy, pages 54-60.
69
A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 Thursday May 23
Part 5 What persons were central to the picture that appeared
THE MARTYRS when the sixth seal was opened?
"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the
altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held." Rev. 6:9.
Historical: "It appears that the symbolization of the fifth
seal was presented to encourage those who faced martyrdom
and death, with the assurance that despite the seeming triumph
of the enemy, vindication would ultimately come. Such an en-
couragement would be particularly heartening for those living
in the time of the terrible persecutions of the later Middle
Ages, but more especially during the time of the Reformation
and after. . . . To them, it must have seemed that the long
period of oppression would never end. The message of the
fifth seal was a reassurance that the cause of God would ulti-
mately triumph. The same encouragement will come to those
passing through the last great conflict (see 5T 451)."—SDA
Bible Commentary, on Rev. 6:9.
General: The crying souls are symbolic of man's injustice
and his inhumanity to man. "And the Lord said unto Cain,
Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my
brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the
voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."
Gen. 4:9, 10. "The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried
to God for vengeance."—The Great Controversy, pages 59,
60. God does hear, and there is a limit to divine patience. See
Ex. 3:7, 8.
The little season continues until the end of time. Others
must join the cry of distress before God's forbearance with
the world is ended. "The people of God will then be plunged
into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have
described as the time of Jacob's trouble. The cries of the faith-
ful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven."—Testimonies, Vol.
5, p. 451.
"The cruelties heaped upon the follower of Jesus are in-
stigated by Satan and his hosts because they cannot force
him to submit to their control. It is the rage of a vanquished
foe. Every martyr of Jesus has died a conqueror."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, page 77. THINK IT THROUGH How dot react to suffering for Christ's sake?
"Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy
because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Sa-
tan....
"Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, . . . the
children of God are amply recompensed."—Christ's Object
Lessons, pages 179, 180.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 74, 77, 78. 70
A Preview of Judgment LESSON 8 ❑ Friday May 24
Part 6 Enumerate the events disclosed at the opening of the
THE COMING sixth seal. Rev. 6:12-17.
OF JESUS
The language here changes from symbolic to literal.
"In fulfillment of this prophecy there occurred, in the year
1755, the most terrible earthquake that has ever been recorded.
Though commonly known as the earthquake of Lisbon, it ex-
tended to the greater part of Europe, Africa, and America. It
was felt in Greenland, in the West Indies, in the island of
Madeira, in Norway and Sweden, Great Britain and Ireland. It
pervaded an extent of not less than four million square miles.
In Africa the shock was almost as severe as in Europe."—The
Great Controversy, page 304.
The period covered by the events of the sixth seal is from
1755 to the second advent of Jesus.
The text makes no reference to the conduct of the righteous
at the second advent; reference is made only to the wicked.
Under the fifth seal martyrs did not ask anything about their own
reward, but they asked when justice would be carried out in
relation to those who killed them. This emphasis on the lost
harmonizes with the overall purpose of the seals—the presenta-
tion of evidence to convict the lost and to vindicate God in
dealing with them.
In the context of the seals the presentation of the signs of
earthquake, darkness, and falling stars is really to say that in
the judgment the wicked will see that they had opportunity to
know that Jesus was coming soon, and that then they will see
how they reacted in fear and consternation at His advent.
Ellen White describes Satan's experience in the last judg-
ment:
"Satan seems paralyzed as he beholds the glory and majesty
of Christ....
"He reviews his work among men and its results—the enmity
of man toward his fellow man, the terrible destruction of life,
the rise and fall of kingdoms, the overturning of thrones, the
long succession of tumults, conflicts, and revolutions. He re-
calls his constant efforts to oppose the work of Christ and to
sink man lower and lower. He sees that his hellish plots have
been powerless to destroy those who have put their trust in
Jesus. As Satan looks upon his kingdom, the fruit of his toil,
he sees only failure and ruin."—The Great Controversy, page
669.
THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing to vindicate God before the world now?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 304-306, 333. 71 “We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God’s people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow Him here. . . . “His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him, and to bring our wills into conformity to His will, we shall reveal Him.”—Ellen G. White Comments, “SDA Bible Commen- tary,” Vol. 7, p. 978. LESSON 9 May 26 to June I
“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7:14.
In the opening of the six seals John viewed the evi- dence that will condemn the lost sinners. In verse 16 of chapter 6 the lost sinners appeal to be hid from the Lamb's presence. By their own admission they do not belong where the Lamb is.
When the lost ask, "Who shall be able to stand?" the question carries a note of despair. When Jesus ap- pears, the lost sinners will be overwhelmed, and the question indicates that this event surpasses anything that they would expect a human being to survive.
In chapter seven the curtain that hides the activities of heavenly agencies from the people of this world is drawn aside, and we see God's protection over the whole world and His selection of the living persons who will be inducted into His kingdom of glory..!,
In the strictest interpretation, chapter seven should be seen as a view of past events portrayed'` before the wicked in the judgment, this passage being in the con- text of the seven seals. Seen in this way, it serves to show the wicked what God has done in their behalf; it shows them the opportunity that they had to be sealed in the time of the sealing work. To us who read the passage before completion of the sealing, it has the effect of prophecy. When the sealing is completed, this passage will continue to be a prophecy of what God will reveal to Satan and the lost as evidence that He has dealt fairly with them.
LESSON OUTLINE
- The Four Angels, Rev. 7:1
- The Sealing Angel, Rev. 7:2, 3
- The 144,000, Rev. 7:4
- The Great Multitude, Rev. 7:9-12
- Elder’s Song, Rev. 7:13, 14
-
Silence, Rev. 8:1 To Survive or Not LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday May 26
Part 1 What did John see angels doing? THE FOUR ANGELS "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." Rev. 7:1.. These first verses are part of God's answer to the question of the wicked host concerning who could survive. God has protected them during their life on earth. Survival in a wicked world was due only to God's intervention, and human survival of the advent will also be His act. His protection of the world has been extended in time so that more persons could be ready for the advent, and now those who ask the question have spurned the added opportunity to prepare for it. What is a Biblical interpretation of wind? Jer. 25:31-34; 51:1, 2, 11. "John sees the elements of nature—earthquake, tempest, and political strife—represented as being held by four angels. These winds are under control until God gives the word to let them go. There is the safety of God's church. The angels of God do His bidding, holding back the winds of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree, until the servants of God should be sealed in their foreheads. . . . It is the voice of this highest angel that had authority to command the four angels to keep in check the four winds until this work was performed, and until he should give the summons to let them loose."—Testimonies to Min- isters, pages 444, 445. "Oh, how few know the time of the visitation! How few, even among those who claim to believe present truth, understand the signs of the times or what we are to experience before the end! We are today under divine forbearance; but how long will the angels of God continue to hold the winds, that they shall not blow?"—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 426. "Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. . . . But although the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 968.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways that I can see is God restraining the forces of evil in the world?
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 36-38. 74
To Survive or Not LESSON 9 ❑ Monday May 27
Part 2 What was the message of the sealing angel to the four THE SEALING ANGEL angels?
"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having
the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to
the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and
the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the
trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their
foreheads." Rev. 7:2, 3.
It is for a spiritual reason, the sealing, that the powers of
evil are restrained in this world.
Today signatures have largely replaced seals. When one
signs a letter, he identifies himself as the writer of the letter.
When he signs a document, he gives approval to its contents.
When God's seal is placed on a person, it may be viewed as
representing both authorship and approval. God has remade
the person, and He is satisfied with the work.
"The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood,
to show that they were God's property. So the children of God
in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. They
will place themselves in harmony with God's holy law."—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 968,
969.
"Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their fore-
heads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a set-
tling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they
cannot be moved—just as soon as God's people are sealed
and prepared for the shaking, it will come."—Ellen G. White
Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1161.
"Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads
must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. This is
what distinguishes them from the disloyal, who have accepted
a man-made institution in the place of the true Sabbath. . . .
"As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to
take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image
of Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 970.
The seal of God is to be placed in the forehead, indicating
approval of the mind of the saved person. The frontal lobe of
the brain is man's seat of intelligence, and his brain nerves
are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate.
See Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 347.
THINK IT THROUGH “Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have the passport through the gates of the Holy City.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 970.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 212-214.
75
To Survive or Not LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday May 28
Part 3 "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and
THE 144,000 there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand
of all the tribes of the children of Israel." Rev. 7:4.
"When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they
are curious to know something that it is not necessary for them
to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His
people shall present something which they have to suppose,
which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall
get into controversy over questions which will not help them
spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-
four thousand. This those who are the elect of God will in a
short time know without question."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 978.
The 144,000 have three outstanding characteristics which
can be determined from the Bible without speculation.
1. They are totally committed to Christ. Rev. 14:1; Gal. 2:20.
2. They strive wholly to reveal Him. Rev. 14:5; Phil. 3:13, 14.
3. They have achieved victory. Rev. 14:3; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
"Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to
be among the hundred and forty-four thousand."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 970.
"These Israelites thus sealed are then to be understood as
belonging to spiritual Israel, the Christian church (see Rom.
2:28, 29; 9:6, 7; Gal. 3:28, 29; 6:16; cf. Gal. 4:28; 1 Peter
1:1; . . . ). Spiritual Israel, in Bible figure, is represented as
also being divided into 12 tribes, for the 12 gates of the New
Jerusalem have engraved upon them the names of the 12
tribes of Israel."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 7:4.
What type of prayer-life characterizes those to be sealed?
Ezek. 9:4-6.
"Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the
mark set before us—the perfection of his character? When
the Lord's people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their
foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ,
and the recording angel will declare, 'It is finished.' "—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1118.
THINK IT THROUGH “While we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. Our de- pendence is not in what man can do; it is in what God can do for man through Christ.”—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p. 32.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 14-20. 76
To Survive or Not LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday May 29
Part 4 There have been several views of how the 144,000 are re-
THE GREAT lated to the great multitude. Seventh-day Adventists have
generally held that they are two distinct groups. It is also
MULTITUDE possible to see the entire chapter as a description of the
144,000. See Counsels to Teachers, page 532, where those who
are "sealed" (the 144,000) are equated with the great multitude.
However, the main purpose of the passage presenting the great
multitude is given in the shout of the group in verse 10. Pre-
cise identification of the multitude is not necessary to under-
standing the message in its bold features.
What were the descriptive marks of the multitude as John
saw them? Rev. 7:9.
"The psalms signify that they have gained the victory, and
the white robes that they have been clothed with the righ-
teousness of Christ. Thank God that a fountain has been
opened to wash our robes of character, and make them as
white as snow."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 7, p. 970.
What message did the multitude shout? Verse 10.
Contrast this shout with the shout of the lost in Revelation
6:16. What is the lesson?
"In these scriptures [Rev. 6:12-17 and Rev. 7:9-17] two
parties are brought to view. One party permitted themselves
to be deceived and took sides with those with whom the Lord
has a controversy. They misinterpreted the messages sent
them and clothed themselves in robes of self-righteousness.
Sin was not sinful in their eyes. They taught falsehood as truth,
and by them many souls were led astray.
"We need now to take heed to ourselves. . . . Probation
still lingers, and it is our privilege to lay hold of the hope set
before us in the gospel. Let us repent and be converted and
forsake our sins, that they may be blotted out."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 268.
What was the response of the angels to the shout in verse
10? Verses 11, 12.
THINK IT THROUGH What lesson is there in verse 10 for me in this present life? “So by sin, man lost his connection with God. Of himself he has no means of salvation. But in Christ we are brought nigh unto the Father. The elect of God are dear to His heart. They are those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praise, to shine as lights amid the darkness of the world.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 165, 166. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 383-385. 77 To Survive or Not LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday May 30
Part 5 What two additional marks of identity of the multitude
ELDER'S SONG were given by an elder?
"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What
are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence
came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he
said to me, These are they which came out of great tribula-
tion, and have washed their robes, and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb." Rev. 7:13, 14.
"The white-robed ones who surround the throne of God are
not composed of that company who were lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God, and who choose to drift with the
current rather than to breast the waves of opposition. All who
remain pure and uncorrupted from the spirit and influence pre-
vailing at this time will have stern conflicts. They will come
through great tribulation; they will wash their robes of char-
acter and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. These
will sing the song of triumph in the kingdom of glory."—My
Life Today, page 321.
"This is our washing and ironing time—the time when we
are to cleanse our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb.
John says, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world.' . . . Shall we not let Him take them away?
Shall we not let our sins go?"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1131.
Why was the great multitude before the throne of God?
Verses 14, 15. (Note "therefore.")
"The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an
end. Songs of victory fill all heaven, as the redeemed stand
around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, 'Worthy
is the Lamb that was slain' and hath redeemed us to God.. .
[Rev. 7:9, 10, 14-17; 21:4 quoted.]
"We need to keep ever before us this vision of things un-
seen. It is thus that we shall be able to set a right value on
the things of eternity and the things of time. It is this that will
give us power to influence others for the higher life."—The
Ministry of Healing, pages 506-508. THINK IT THROUGH "If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of
mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our
Father's house?"—The Ministry of Healing, page 251.
"You may have the overcomer's reward and stand before
the throne of Christ to sing His praises in the day when He
assembles His saints; but your robes must be cleansed in the
blood of the Lamb, and charity must cover you as a garment,
and you be found spotless and without blemish."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 125.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 8, pp. 42-45. 78
To Survive or Not LESSON 9 Friday May 31
Part 6 What happened when the seventh seal was opened?
SILENCE "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was
silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Rev. 8:1.
In John's vision of chapters 4 to 7 heaven reverberated with
sound. This medley of sound was followed by silence. John
had seen the advent when the sixth seal was opened. He also
had seen the redeemed in God's presence. The next events
were covered by silence.
Ellen White wrote of a time of silence in heaven when Jesus
suffered in Gethsemane.
"God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's
agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic
forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious
dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched.
Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host
as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams
of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better
understand how offensive in His sight is sin."—The Desire of
Ages, page 693.
Jesus experienced the anguish of the lost sinner. it is rea-
sonable to infer that there would again be silence in heaven
when lost sinners shall suffer the consequences of their lives
of sin.
The rest of the universe cannot appropriately sing and
praise at a time that the wicked struggle with the recognition
of their guilt and succumb to oblivion.
The wicked host themselves will also be silent, just as the
man without a wedding garment was speechless.
"The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God
on the charge of high treason against the government of
heaven. They have none to plead their cause; they are without
excuse; and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced
against them."—The Great Controversy, page 668.
`'Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him
for heaven. He has trained his powers to war against God; the
purity, peace, and harmony of heaven would be to him supreme
torture. His accusations against the mercy and justice of God
are now silenced."—The Great Controversy, page 670. THINK IT THROUGH How can I more fully understand the true nature of sin
and learn to hate it?
"That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that
reconciled man to God—there is the Saviour's glory, there
'the hiding of His power.' Mighty to save,' through the sacrifice
of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute justice
upon them that despised God's mercy."—The Great Contro-
versy, page 674.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 670-673.
79
And another angel came and Stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the gilden altar which was before e.thiOne.” Rev. 8:3. LESSON 10 June 2-8
Adventists hiave recorded views of the trumpets in various publications. However, there has been quite a general feeling that the prophecy of the trumpets was Still not well understood; it is felt that even if these symbols have been correctly interpreted, these interpretations do not seem to hold much relevancy for the twentieth century. It is therefore with some hesitancy that we provide lessons on the trumpets. This hesitancy is increased by the complete lack of spirit of prophecy comment on verses 5-13 in Revelation 8 and a single reference to chapter 9. Considerations of certainty of interpretation and relevancy to the present have been guides in the preparation of these lessons. The first six trumpets will be studied in rapid sequence, noting briefly the historical Seventh-day Adventist interpretation. The introduction (Rev. 8:3, 4) and the seventh trumpet are clear and relevant, and it is on these two passages that most emphasis is placed in the lessons. Seventh-day Adventists have usually viewed the prophecies of the seven churches, the seven seals, and the seven trumpets as three parallel prophecies with differing emphases. This is similar to our view of three parallel prophecies in the second, seventh, and eighth chapters of Daniel. From the earliest times the trumpet has been associated with armies and war. The trumpet signals the start of the day, gives the signal to attack, and adds a somber note when military heroes are laid in their graves. Under the symbol of the first four trumpets we see depicted the main incursions that led to the collapse of Roman government in the western sector. The next two trumpets discuss the main forces involved in the overthrow of the eastern sector of the empire, and the last trumpet, the seventh, signals the overthrow of all earthly powers and the establish- ment of God’s eternal empire of peace.
LESSON OUTLINE
- Trumpets, Rev. 8:2 5. Trumpets Three and Four,
- Incense, Rev. 8:3, 4 Rev. 8:10-12
- Censer, Rev. 8:5 6. Trumpets Five and Six,
-
Trumpets One and Two, Rev. 9:1-11 Rev. 8:7-9 Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday June 2
Part 1 What was given to each of seven angels? How were the TRUMPETS angels identified? "And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." Rev. 8:2. On what occasion were seven trumpets used by Israel? Joshua 6:4, 5. By the plan of marching and blowing trumpets "it was to be impressed upon their minds that their strength was not in the wisdom of man, nor in his might, but only in the God of their salvation. They were thus to become accustomed to re- lying wholly upon their divine Leader."—Patriarchs and Proph- ets, page 493. On what other occasion were trumpets an important fea- ture of attack on God's enemies? Judges 7:16-18. "The simple act of blowing a blast upon the trumpet by the army of Joshua around Jericho, and by Gideon's little band about the hosts of Midian, was made effectual, through the power of God, to overthrow the might of His enemies."—Pa- triarchs and Prophets, page 554. In the prophecy the heavenly trumpeters successively sig- naled the beginning of seven specific destructive events on earth. They are not pictured as causing the events, but as keeping them under control so that each event does not occur until the heavenly trumpeter signals it. "In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a great de- gree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will."—Education, page 173. "Prophecy has traced the rise and fall of the world's great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. . . . "While the nations rejected God's principles, and in this rejection wrought their own ruin, it was still manifest that the divine, overruling purpose was working through all their move- ments."—Education, page 177.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I keep an awareness of God’s constant interven- tion in affairs of this earth?
FURTHER STUDY Education, pages 173-177. 82
Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Monday June 3
Part 2 What scene did John view before the angels blew the
INCENSE trumpets?
"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having
a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense,
that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the
golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke
of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints,
ascended up before God out of the angel's hand." 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
spotless 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. All incense from earthly tabernacles
must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ.
He holds before the Father the censer of his own merits, in
which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into
this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His
people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness.
Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ's propitiation, the
incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable.
Then gracious answers are returned.
"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 "Morning and evening the heavenly universe behold every
household that prays, and the angel with the incense, repre-
senting the blood of the atonement, finds access to God."—
Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p.
971
"As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the
mercy seat while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended be-
fore God, so, while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy
of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven,
fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwith-
standing our unworthiness, we are to remember that there is
One who can take away sin, and who is willing and anxious to
save the sinner. With His own blood He paid the penalty for
all wrongdoers. Every sin acknowledged before God with a
contrite heart, He will remove."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 970.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, page 353.
83
Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday June 4
Part 3 What did the angel do with the censer?
CENSER
"And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the
alter, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and
thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." Rev. 8:5.
The righteousness of Jesus contains both the mercy and
the justice of God. In this symbol His righteousness is seen
moving in two directions corresponding to His mercy and jus-
tice. It ascends with the prayers of the saints from earth to
heaven, and descends from heaven to earth in the judgments
of God. As the Lamb could open the scroll because He was
slain and had redeemed men, so in this symbol of the censer
there is a heavenly intervention in earth, and earthly access
to heaven, as a result of the atonement. God deals graciously
with the praying saints, but the earth is smitten with His
judgments. See John 3:16-18. These judgments are not limited
to the seven last plagues, but culminate in them.
A supernatural display of voices, thunderings, lightnings and
earthquakes is connected with three awesome moments in Bible
history: (1) God's visit to Sinai (Ex. 19:16-18); (2) Christ's
crucifixion (Matt. 27:51; Early Writings, page 253); and (3) His
Second Coming (Rev. 11:19; 16:18, Heb. 12:26).
Of the crucifixion Ellen White wrote: "Priests and rulers look
toward Jerusalem; and lo, the dense cloud has settled upon
the city, and over Judah's plains, and the fierce lightnings of
God's wrath are directed against the fated city. Suddenly the
gloom is lifted from the cross, and in clear trumpet tones, that
seem to resound throughout creation, Jesus cries, 'It is fin-
ished:"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' A light
encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a
glory like unto the sun. He then bowed his head upon his
breast, and died.
"All the spectators stood paralyzed, and with bated breath
gazed upon the Saviour. Again darkness settled upon the face
of the earth, and a hoarse rumbling like heavy thunder was
heard. This was accompanied by a violent trembling of the
earth."—Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3, p. 166.
THINK IT THROUGH The atonement makes Jesus both “mighty to save” and the proclaimer of the day of vengeance. See Isa. 61:2; 63:1.
"See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they
escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more
shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh
from heaven." Heb. 12:25.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 541-543. 84
Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday June 5
Part 4 What did John see when the first angel blew his trumpet?
TRUMPETS "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire
ONE AND TWO mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and
the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was
burnt up." Rev. 8:7.
When Roitne under Pilate crucified Christ, she signed her
own death warrant. See Prophets and Kings page 535. In these
pronouncements of judgment on the Roman Empire we have an
overview of the years that culminated in the collapse of the
empire under the onslaught of heathen hordes.
Hail symbolizes God's judgments. Job 38:22, 23; Isa. 28:16,
17; Rev. 16:21. Fire and blood typify his wrath. Rev. 14:19, 20;
19:11-13. These were cast upon the earth, meaning literal
judgments on men and nations (Rev. 16:2), particularly the
Roman Empire.
"The earth, with its vegetation, is shown as the particular
target of this scourge (cf. ch. 16:2). The scourge is singularly
descriptive of the invasion of the Roman Empire by the Visi-
goths under Alaric. This was the first of the Teutonic incursions
into the Roman Empire that played such an important part in
its final downfall. Beginning about A.D. 396, the Visigoths
overran Thrace, Macedonia, and Greece in the eastern part
of the empire, and then crossed the Alps and pillaged the city
of Rome in A.D. 410. They also ravaged much of what is now
France and ultimately settled in Spain."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary, on Rev. 8:7.
What scene appeared at the sounding of the second trum-
pet? Rev. 8:8, 9.
"At this time [c. A.D. 365], as if trumpets were sounding
the war-note throughout the whole Roman world, the most
savage peoples aroused themselves and poured across the
nearest frontiers."—SDA Bible Students' Source Book, page
836.
"The catastrophe announced by the second trumpet has
been seen as describing the depredations of the Vandals.
Driven from their settlements in Thrace by the incursions of
the Huns from Central Asia, the Vandals migrated through
Gaul (now France) and Spain into Roman North Africa and
established a kingdom centering around Carthage. From there
they dominated the western Mediterranean with a navy of
pirates.—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 8:8.
THINK IT THROUGH “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Heb. 2:3. FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, page 535. 85 Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday June 6
Part 5 What resulted from the third trumpet blast?
TRUMPETS
THREE AND FOUR "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star
from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the
third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; and
the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part
of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the
waters, because they were made bitter." Rev. 8:10, 11.
"This has been interpreted as portraying the invasion and
ravages of the Huns under the leadership of their king Attila,
in the 5th century. Entering Europe from Central Asia about
A.D. 372, the Huns first settled along the lower Danube. Three
quarters of a century later they were on the move again, and
for a brief period raised havoc in various regions of the totter-
ing Roman Empire. Crossing the Rhine in A.D. 451, they were
stopped by combined Roman and German troops at Chalons
in northern Gaul. After a short period of marauding in Italy,
Attila died in A.D. 453, and almost immediately the Huns dis-
appeared from history. In spite of the short period of their
ascendancy, so rapacious were the Huns in their devastations
that their name has come down through history as synonymous
with the worst slaughter and destruction."—SDA Bible Com-
mentary, on Rev. 8:10.
What scene appeared at the sound of the fourth trumpet?
Rev. 8:12.
The sun. "The sun, moon, and stars have been interpreted to
represent the great luminaries of the Western Roman govern-
ment—its emperors, senators, and consuls. With the extinction
of western Rome in k D. 476... the last of its emperors ceased
to reign. Later, its senate and consulship came to an end.
"Shone not for a third part. The thought seems to be that
these bodies would be smitten during one third of the time of
their shining, not that one third of the bodies themselves would
be smitten so that they would shine with two-thirds brilliance.
Thus one third of the day and one third of the night would be
dark. Applied to the divisions of the Roman government, the
figure may describe the successive extinction of the emperors,
senators, and consuls."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 8:12.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, page 548. 86
Trumpets of War LESSON 10 ❑ Friday June 7
Part 6 Read Revelation 9:1-11.
TRUMPETS
FIVE AND SIX The fifth and sixth trumpets open two more amazing chap-
ters of prophecy. Although Ellen White makes no reference to
the first four trumpets, she does make an extended comment
on the fifth and sixth, quoting the words of Josiah Litch from
an edition of Signs of the Times in 1840. See Further Study
reference.
Western Rome fell under military attack. Eastern Rome fell
under the religio-military onslaught of the Moslems. The reli-
gion of Islam penetrated in the East like "the smoke of a great
furnace," gaining so many converts that they are compared
with a plague of grasshoppers.
Moslem influence on Christianity was as deadly as the sting
of a scorpion. But, according to the prophecy these religious
zealots would harass the church for a specific period. It was
to be five prophetic months-150 literal years. Othman I led
the invasion of Eastern Rome on July 27, 1299. The 150 years
of the fifth trumpet.ended on July 27, 1449.
The sixth trumpet describes the time when the Turks—allies
of the Arabs—gained supremacy in the East. Just four years
after the commencement of the sixth trumpet, Eastern Rome
collapsed when the Turkish Sultan Mohammed II captured
Constantinople. Then began a further chapter of oppression
of the Christians.
The time of the sixth trumpet is designated as an hour, a
day, a month, and a year. Verses 14, 15. In literal time this
would be 360 years, 30 years, 1 year, and 1/24th of a year or
15 days, a total of 391 years 15 days. As the fifth trumpet
ended July 27, 1449, the sixth trumpet would end August 11,
1840. If the sixth trumpet reveals the time of the supremacy
of the Turks, then the end of the sixth trumpet would reveal
the end of that supremacy. Josiah Litch and others saw this
clearly and predicted that Turkey's doom would be settled on
or by August 11, 1840. Ultimately the Turkish Sultan formally
placed Turkey in the hands of the ambassadors of the Chris-
tian nations—England, Austria, Russia, and Prussia. The date
of the declaration—August 11, 1840! Let Ellen White comment
further:
"At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassa-
dors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe,
and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations.
The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. . .. When it became
known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the
principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and
his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the ad-
vent movement."—The Great Controversy, page 335. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 334, 335, 691 (appendix),
87
(r E
( 0
L
“The testing truth for this time is not the fabrication of any human mind. It is from God. It is genuine philosophy to those who appropriate it. Christ became incarnate in order that we, through belief of the truth, might be sanctified and redeemed. Let those who hold the truth in righteousness arouse and go forth, shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, to proclaim the truth to those who know it not.”—”Testimonies,” Vol. 8, pp. 211, 212. Chapter ten is a detour in the se- quence of the seven trumpets. It follows the sixth trumpet (as the interlude on the sealing followed the opening of the sixth seal). In each case the detour was delayed in the prophetic sequence as long as possible. To have delayed it until after the fulfillment of one more seal or one more trumpet would have placed the content of the interlude outside the scope of the prophecy. It has been placed precisely where it belongs. That these detours occur only after the sixth element of these proph- ecies indicates a special concern for events that are closely related in time and subject to the second coming of Jesus. In the first chapter of Revelation Jesus was seen in heaven among the churches. Here in chapter ten He is seen standing on earth and communica- ting details about His church of the last days. The first vision emphasizes Christ’s work in behalf of the churches, where this vision emphasizes the work of the church in cooperation with Jesus. The message comes to us in these two visions that Jesus, in a very real way, is the true leader of the church. His instructions have come to the church through the testimony of Jesus. The church, composed of human be- ings, is not a merely human institution. Men may do the work of the church, but these human workers are obligated to follow the directives given to the church by its divine Leader, Jesus Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE
- The Mighty Angel, Rev. 10:1, 2
- The Seven Thunders, Rev. 10:3, 4
- The Divine Oath, Rev. 10:5, 6
- The Seventh Angel, Rev. 10:7
- The Little Book, Rev. 10:8-10
-
The Great Commission, Rev. 10:1 1 The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday June 9
Part 1 What description did John give of the angel he saw? THE MIGHTY ANGEL "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth." Rev. 10:1, 2. "The mighty angel who instructed John was no less a per- sonage than Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 971. The rainbow is symbolic of God's covenant with man (Gen. 9:13) which covenant is His glory (Ezek. 1:26-28). The description of Christ's person is similar to the descriptions of His transfiguration and His appear- ance to John at the beginning of the book of Revelation. "The instruction to be communicated to John was so important that Christ came from heaven to give it to His servant, telling him to send it to the churches."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 953, 954. "Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The con- troversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen- tary, Vol. 7, p. 971. What did the angel have in his hand? Verse 2. This is the book of Daniel_ unsealed, for it is open. "The injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: 'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.' These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels' mes- sages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time. "The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com- mentary, Vol. 7, p. 971.FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 2, pp. 107, 108. 90 The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Monday June 10
Part 2 "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and THE SEVEN when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about THUNDERS to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." Rev. 10:3, 4. The angel is Christ who is not only the Lamb, but also the Lion of the tribe of Judah that prevailed. "The mighty angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 971. "The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would tran- spire under the first and second angels' messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed."—Ellen G. White Com- ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 971. This is a refer- ence to the great disappointment in 1844 which tested the faith of the believers in God and His word. "I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps—the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my accompanying angel, 'Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true under- standing of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.' I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe con- flict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals ap- proach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him."—Early Writings, page 259. THINK IT THROUGH "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." Ps. 118:8, 9. FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 259-261. 91The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday June 11
Part 3 "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon THE DIVINE OATH the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer." Rev. 10:5, 6. The lifting up of the angel's hand was accompanied by an oath. It was irrevocable, for it was made in the name of the Creator who liveth forever and ever. There was no greater by which to confirm it. See Heb. 6:13. "This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844." —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 971. What was the longest time prophecy in the Bible? 'How• long was it? Daniel 8:14-17. Since the culmination of Daniel's prophecy in 1844 men have been living, in a sense, on borrowed time. We cannot say that time must last for a certain number of years, for the final period of earth is not according to any time-length prophecy. "It was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be thus delayed."—Evangelism, page 696. "God's unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay."—Evangelism, page 694. "We may have to remain here in this world because of in- subordination many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action.... "It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.... "It 'the coming of the Lord] will not tarry past the time that the message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peo- ples."—Evangelism, pages 696, 697. THINK IT THROUGH If my thought patterns are in harmony with my belief that Jesus is coming soon, then my actions will show it.FURTHER STUDY Evangelism, pages 692-701. 92 The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday June 12
Part 4 "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when THE SEVENTH ANGEL he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be fin- ished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." Rev. 10:7. Chapter 10 is an interlude and a pause that refreshes the weary spirit of the apostle who has witnessed so much blood- shed across the centuries. Here is sketched before him a preview of the direct intervention of Christ Himself in the final actions of men and nations and the certainty of the divine culmination under the seventh trumpet. See Rev. 11:15-19. It was in 1844 that the seventh angel was to begin to sound and to carry to completion the work of God on earth. This is the last message of mercy to a dying world, a world that soon will have an end. See Matt. 28:20. The word musterion, translated mystery in verse 7, means a secret, but not in the sense that it is not told or in the modern sense that it cannot be understood. It has reference to those who are initiated into a secret rite not understood by those outside. It is the right of the initiated to know all the mysteries beginning with the day of their initiation. These heavenly secrets were given to the prophets to be passed on to those who are the heirs of salvation. See SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 740. What will be the final display of the mysterious power of God? 1 Cor. 15:51, 52. "At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come with a divine commission to dispute his dominion. He trembled at the angel's message attesting the authority of the newborn King. Satan well knew the position that Christ had held in heaven as the Beloved of the Father. That the Son of God should come to this earth as man filled him with amazement and with apprehension. He could not fathom the mystery of this great sacrifice. His selfish soul could not understand such love for the deceived race."—The Desire of Ages, page 115. "Rich and poor, high and low, free and bond, are God's heritage. He who gave His life to redeem man sees in every human being a value that exceeds finite computation. By the mystery and glory of the cross we are to discern His estimate of the value of the soul. When we do this, we shall feel that human beings, however degraded, have cost too much to be treated with coldness or contempt."—The Ministry of Healing, pages 162, 163.
THINK IT THROUGH “The inhumanity of man toward man is our greatest sin.” —The Ministry of Healing, page 163.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 2, pp. 109-111.
93
The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday June 13
Part 5 "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me
THE LITTLE BOOK again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open
in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and
upon the earth. . . . And 1 took the little book out of the
angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as
honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter."
Rev. 10: 8-10.
"In a specific sense the experience that came to John here
in vision may be seen as typical of that of the advent believers
in the years 1840-1844. When these believers first heard the
message of the imminent second coming, it was to them
'sweet as honey.' But when Christ did not come as they ex-
pected, their experience was indeed bitter."—SDA Bible Com-
mentary, on Rev. 10:10.
"I saw that Jesus regarded with the deepest compassion the
disappointed ones who had waited for His coming; and He
sent His angels to direct their minds that they might follow
Him where He was. He showed them that this earth is not the
sanctuary, but that He must enter the most holy place of the
heavenly sanctuary to make an atonement for His people and
to receive the kingdom from His Father, and that He would
then return to the earth and take them to dwell with Him
forever."—Early Writings, page 244.
What confidence can we have in Christ's second coming?
John 14:1-3.
In principle, the experience of the believers in the summer
of 1844 is very applicable to us today. "They were closely
united and seemed to be wrapped in the light of heaven.
Around this company were some who came under the influence
of the light, but who were not particularly united to the com-
pany. All who cherished the light shed upon them were gazing
upward with intense interest, and Jesus looked upon them
with sweet approbation. They expected Him to come and
longed for His appearing. They did not cast one lingering look
to earth. But again a cloud settled upon the waiting ones, and
I saw them turn their weary eyes downward. I inquired the
cause of this change. Said my accompanying angel, 'They are
again disappointed in their expectations. Jesus cannot yet
come to earth. They must endure greater trials for His sake.
They must give up errors and traditions received from men
and turn wholly to God and His Word. They must be purified,
made white, and tried. Those who endure that bitter trial will
obtain an eternal victory.' "—Early Writings, page 243.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I look more fervently for Jesus’ return?
FURTHER STUDY Life Sketches, pages 54-63. 94
The Source of the Adventist Message LESSON 11 ❑ Friday June 14
Part & "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before
THE GREAT many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Rev.
10:11.
COMMISSION
"Prophesy again" has reference to a task not finished. The
witness must be borne until the work is finished. When this is
done, Christ will come. See Matt. 24:14.
"The angel's position, with one foot on the sea, the other on
the land, signifies. the wide extent of the proclamation of the
message. It will cross the broad waters and be proclaimed in
other countries, even to all the world. The comprehension of
truth, the glad reception of the message, is represented in the
eating of the little book. ...
"The gospel that is to be preached to all nations, kindreds,
tongues, and peoples presents the truth in clear lines, showing
that obedience is the condition of gaining eternal life. Christ
imparts His righteousness to those who consent to let Him take
away their sins. We are indebted to Christ for the grace which
makes us complete in Him."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 971, 972.
How will, the work of the Lord be finally finished? Zech.
4:6.
Our mission service has gradually extended into much of
the world. In nearly 200 countries and 1,000 tongues the mes-
sage of the three angels is being preached. It was not always
so. Gottfried Oosterwal notes in his book, Mission Possible,
that there have been four distinct phases of Adventist mission
expansion:
1. To reach the backslidden Adventists (1844-1850's).
2. To reach the nations in North America (1850's-1860's).
3. Beyond America into all the world (1874-1950's).
4. The final phase to compass the globe (1950's-End).
"And even still some 90 percent of Adventism's new con-
verts come from a Christian background. Only now are Sev-
enth-day Adventists beginning to discover that their mission
involves salvation first, for every person. Only now are they
really beginning to discover the world—the whole world—as
the true object of their mission, because the world was the
object of God's love and God's own mission."—Gottfried
Oosterwal, Mission Possible, page 33.
THINK IT THROUGH “Also F heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 461-464.
95
nd’ there was given me a reed likpvnto od nd the%Niel stoodogisaying, Rise, the temple orGod, and the thiiiilhat worship therein.” Rev. LESSON 12 June 16-22
The vision of the mighty angel in chapter 10,
and the vision of the two witnesses in chapter 11
correspond to each other. The relationship they
bear is not chronological, or chapter 11 should
precede chapter 10. It is a matter of the good
news preceding the bad news; the positive and
most important preceding the negative and less
important.
In the mighty angel vision, the message of the
angel is given in a loud voice, the prophetic
scroll is eaten, and John is bidden to prophesy
further. In the two witnesses vision, the witnesses
are in sackcloth, they are slain, remain unburied,
and after a time are resurrected. Both scenes
deal with God's messages to the world through Where the prophets. In parallel scenes the prophetic are the word was seen eaten and slain, shouted and
silenced. In the first instance the message is witnesses brought from heaven; in the second instance the today? message ascends to heaven; in the first, Jesus
is the person related to the message; in the
second, Satan is the person related to the mes-
sage. Here then are portrayed Jesus with His
message and its proclamation by His true follow-
ers, and the same message opposed by Satan
and earthly powers under his control. .>
The advent movement becomes the ',local
point, a last-day example of the proclamation of
the word which has been going on since God
first spoke to man after the entrance of sin into
the world.
On the other hand, the French revolution then
becomes a focal point, a last-day example of an
opposition to the word that has existed in every
age since the entrance of sin into the world.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. The Measuring Rod, Rev. 11:1, 2
2. The Two Witnesses Identified, Rev. 11:3, 4
3. Power of the Witnesses, Rev. 11:5, 6
4. Slaughter of the Witnesses, Rev. 11: 7-10
5. The Witnesses Revived, Rev. 11:11, 12
6. End of the Second Woe, Rev. 11:13, 14
The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 0 Sunday June 16
Part 1 What was John instructed to measure and not to measure?
THE MEASURING "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the
ROD angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God,
and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court
which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not;
for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they
tread under foot forty and two months." Rev. 11:1, 2.
This rod, given to John to use for measuring, symbolizes
judgment. The literal temple represents the plan of redemp-
tion. The worshipers are those who claim to have accepted
God's redemption. Thus the scene here is symbolic of. the
judgment of people in relation to the plan of redemption. "Every
case is coming in review before God; He is measuring the
temple and the worshipers therein."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p.
219.
What kind of lives ought God's people to be living? Ro-
mans 12:1, 2.
In the Jewish economy a definite distinction was made
between believers and unbelievers. See Ezek. 44:9. In this
measuring the Gentiles are left out, and all those who ever
claimed to belong to Christ come under divine scrutiny and
the investigative judgment. See Rev. 3:5; 13:8; The Great
Controversy, pages 480-483.
Forty-two months is three and one-half years of prophetic
time or 1260 years of linear time spanning the era of papal
supremacy from its inception in A.D. 538 to the reception of
the wound, the loss of civil authority, inflicted by the French
in 1798.
"The grand judgment is taking place, and has been going
on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and
the worshipers thereof. Remember when you are walking the
streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you
are attending your household duties, when you engage in con-
versation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words
and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the
books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on
the polished plate....
"Here is the work going on, measuring the temple and its
worshipers to see who will stand in the last day."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 972.
THINK IT THROUGH “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:14.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 109-111. 98
The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 ❑ Monday June 17
Part 2 What were the witnesses to do, and where did they come THE TWO WITNESSES from?
IDENTIFIED "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they
shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the
two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." Rev.
11:3,4.
"The two witnesses represent the Scriptures of the Old and
the New Testament. Both are important testimonies to the
origin and perpetuity of the law of God. Both are witnesses also
to the plan of salvation. The types, sacrifices, and prophecies
of the Old Testament point forward to a Saviour to come. The
Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament tell of a Saviour
who has come in the exact manner foretold by type and
prophecy."—The Great Controversy, page 267.
The 1,260 years refer to the time of papal supremacy from
its inception to its deadly wound. It corresponds to the "forty
and two months" in the previous verse.
"During the greater part of this period, God's witnesses re-
mained in a state of obscurity. The papal power sought to hide
from the people the word of truth, and set before them false
witnesses to contradict its testimony. . . . Its testimony was
perverted, and every effort made that men and demons could
invent to turn the minds of the people from it. . . . Yet they
continued their testimony throughout the entire period of 1260
years."—The Great Controversy, page 267.
The olive trees and candlesticks are additional symbols of
the sources of divine power contained in the Word. It is through
His Word that we learn how Christ administers the gift of the
oil of the Holy Spirit, and through this Word we come into the
very presence of God. See Zech. 4:11-14. The candlesticks or
lampstands are identified with the olive trees and witnesses
and consequently refer to the illumination which is combined
in the Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
"All who exalt their own opinions above divine revelation,
all who would change the plain meaning of Scripture to suit
their own convenience, or for the sake of conforming to the
world, are taking upon themselves a fearful responsibility. The
written word, the law of God, will measure the character of
every man and condemn all whom this unerring test shall de-
clare wanting."—The Great Controversy, page 268.
THINK IT THROUGH “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Ps. 119:165.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pages 593-595.
99
The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday June 18
Part 3 What powers did the witnesses possess?
POWER OF "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their
THE WITNESSES mouth and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt
them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to
shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and
have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite
the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." Rev. 11:5, 6.
The reference to power to devour their enemies recalls Old
Testament experiences when God's authority was vindicated
by the destruction of enemies. Such an experience was that
of Moses with Korah and his fellow rebels. See Num. 16:1-35;
Ps. 106:16-18. Another, that of Elijah with Ahaziah. See 2 Kings
1:3-17.
In verse 6 the two allusions are clearly to the experiences
of Elijah in the days of Ahab and of Moses in the time of the
Exodus. The experiences of Moses and Elijah are drawn upon
as men standing for and upon the authority of God and His
word. It was these same two men who were sent to substan-
tiate the authority of Christ in the eyes of the disciples on the
mount of transfiguration as well as give encouragement to
Jesus for the trial that lay ahead. See Luke 9:28-36; The Desire
of Ages, pages 419-425.
How important is the Word of God in our daily lives?
Matt. 4:4; 1 Peter 1:23.
God's word and His human witnesses are not to be slighted.
The truth is not to be treated as of no consequence. The above
verses are to impress upon our minds the importance of ulti-
mate authority vested in channels of communication chosen
and set aside by the God of heaven and earth. These verses
also contrast with those to follow by delineating the treatment
given to divine authority and heaven-sent communication.
"We should reverence God's word. For the printed volume
we should show respect, never putting it to common uses, or
handling it carelessly. And never should Scripture be quoted
in a jest, or paraphrased to point a witty saying. 'Every word
of God is pure;' as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified
seven times.' ...
"Reverence should be shown for God's representatives—
for ministers, teachers, and parents who are called to speak
and act in His stead. In the respect shown to them He is
honored."—Education, page 244.
THINK IT THROUGH “With my whole heart have I sought thee: 0 let me not wander from thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 10.
FURTHER STUDY Counsels to Teachers, pages 427-430. 100
The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday June 19
Part 4 What identification was given of the place of the murder
SLAUGHTER OF of the witnesses? THE WITNESSES "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the
beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make
war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city,
which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our
Lord was crucified." Rev. 11:7, 8.
The beast spoken of here is Satan exercising his power
through the French Revolution. See Rev. 17:7, 8. He succeeded
in ridding the nation for a time of the influence of the two
witnesses. "The same master spirit that urged on the St. Bar-
tholomew Massacre led also in the scenes of the Revolution."
—The Great Controversy, page 273.
"According to the words of the prophet, then, a little before
the year 1798 some power of satanic origin and character
would rise to make war upon the Bible. And in the land where
the testimony of God's two witnesses should thus be silenced,
there would be manifest the atheism of the Pharaoh and the
licentiousness of Sodom.
"This prophecy has received a most exact and striking ful-
fillment in the history of France."—The Great Controversy,
page 269.
Prophetically, three days and a half would be equal to three
and one-half calendar years and extend from 1793 to 1797
when official government action was directed to the elimination
of the Christian religion.
"In the Revolution the law of God was openly set aside by
the National Council."—The Great Controversy, pages 285, 286.
"Infidel France had silenced the reproving voice of God's
two witnesses. The word of truth lay dead in her streets, and
those who hated the restrictions and requirements of God's
law were jubilant."—The Great Controversy, page 274.
What does Scripture say that men are not free to do?
1 Peter 2:13-17; Gal. 5:13.
"Sacrilegious minds and hearts have thought they were
mighty enough to change the times and laws of Jehovah; but,
safe in the archives of heaven, in the ark of God, are the orig-
inal commandments, written upon the two tables of stone. No
potentate of earth has power to draw forth those tables from
their sacred hiding place beneath the mercy seat."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 972. THINK IT THROUGH "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee." Ps. 119:11.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 265-271. 101 The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 Thursday June 20
Part 5 What events took place after the resurrection of the wit-
THE WITNESSES nesses?
REVIVED
"And after three days and an half the spirit of life from
God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and
great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard
a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither.
And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their ene-
mies beheld Them." Rev. 11:11, 12.
"It was in 1793 that the decrees which abolished the
Christian religion and set aside the Bible passed the French
Assembly. Three years and a half later a resolution rescinding
these decrees, thus granting toleration to the Scriptures, was
adopted by the same body. The world stood aghast at the
enormity of guilt which had resulted from a rejection of the
Sacred Oracles, and men recognized the necessity of faith in
God and His word as the foundation of virtue and morality."
—The Great Controversy, page 287.
Through the power of God and His sovereignty over men
and nations the two witnesses were restored to the exalted
position which they deserve as the Word of God.
"Since France made war upon God's two witnesses, they
have been honored as never before. In 1804 the British and
Foreign Bible Society was organized. This was followed by
similar organizations, with numerous branches, upon the con-
tinent of Europe. In 1816 the American Bible Society was
founded. When the British Society was formed, the Bible had
been printed and circulated in fifty tongues. It has since been
translated into many hundreds of languages and dialects."—
The Great Controversy, page 287.
What does God say concerning the indestructibility of His
Word? Mark 13:31; Isa. 55:11.
"In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it
is shown that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not
found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make
them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It
is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill God's pur-
pose."—Education, page 175.
THINK IT THROUGH “Teach me, 0 Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” Ps. 119:33.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 271-280.
102 The Two Witnesses LESSON 12 ❑ Friday June 21
Part 6 "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and
END OF the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were
slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted,
SECOND WOE and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past;
and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." Rev. 11:13, 14.
The great earthquake is not to be confused with the earth-
quake of the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12) which, anticipatory of the
end of 1260 years, fell on Lisbon in 1755; but this earthquake
strikes the great city and is symbolic of destruction and loss
of life. (See Isa. 29:1-6 for a similar prophecy about Jerusalem.)
The "great city" involves more than France—it is symbolic of
the power of Babylon.
"A day of retribution at last had come. It was not now the
disciples of Jesus that were thrust into dungeons and dragged
to the stake. Long ago these had perished or been driven into
exile. Unsparing Rome now felt the deadly power of those
whom she had trained to delight in deeds of blood. 'The ex-
ample of persecution which the clergy of France had exhibited
for so many ages, was now retorted upon them with signal
vigor. The scaffolds ran red with the blood of the priests. The
galleys and the prisons, once crowded with Huguenots, were
now filled with their persecutors. Chained to the bench and
toiling at the oar, the Roman Catholic clergy experienced all
those woes which their church had so freely inflicted on the
gentle heretics.' "—The Great Controversy, page 283.
The judgments on papal Rome by atheistic powers finally
culminated in the arrest and imprisonment of the pope in 1798
—an event known as the "deadly wound." The Turkish power
had waned, ceased to be a threat, and in the 1840's actually
placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The
scene now shifts from the papacy to the lamblike beast which
is soon to exercise global influence.
What Scriptural principle of judgments is applicable to our
society as well as to ancient Israel? Prov. 26:2; Hosea 8:7.
"It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence
from those who have been blessed with great light and who
have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They
were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and
guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error,
and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure."—
Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 212.
THINK IT THROUGH “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 280-288.
103
The events of the seventh trumpet climax the whole series of trumpets just as the great stone formed the most important feature of Nebuchad- nezzar’s vision in Daniel 2. The first six trumpets have been viewed in his- torical perspective and raise the question: What meaning have these events for today? The answer lies not in any single trumpet but in the unit of seven climaxed by the kingdoms of earth being given into the hands of Jesus. What could have more meaning for our time than that? Two songs of the 24 elders point out the distinction between the seals and the trumpets. In Revelation 5:12 the elders ascribe worthiness to the Lamb to receive power, while in Revelation 11:17, 18 the elders’ song offers praise that the power of God is used in ruling the earth. The recognition of worthiness to receive power is the same as the vindi- LESSON 13 June 23-29
cation of God’s character, and the actual reception of power is the applica- tion of the principles of His vindicated character to the rulership of earth. The first is related to the cross; the second is related to the second advent of Jesus and the accompanying events. “Dear brethren, the Lord is coming. Lift up your thoughts and heads and rejoice. Oh, we would think that those who hear the joyful news, who claim to love Jesus, would be filled with joy unutterable and full of glory. This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes and told to those whom we meet on the street. What more joyful news can be communicated! Caviling and contention with - believers or unbelievers is not the work God has given us to do. “If Christ is my Saviour, my sacrifice, my atonement, then I shall never perish. Believing on Him, I have life forevermore. Oh, that all who believe the truth would believe in Jesus as their own Saviour. I do not mean that cheap faith unsupported by works, but that earnest, living, constant, abiding faith, that eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God. I want not only to be pardoned for the transgression of God’s holy law, but I want to be lifted into the sunshine of God’s countenance. Not simply to be admitted to heaven, but to have an abundant entrance.”—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p. 381.
LESSON OUTLINE 4. Call to Accountability,
- The Third Woe, Rev. 11:15 Rev. 11:18, last part
- Response of the Elders, 5. The Temple in Heaven, Rev. 11:16, 17 Rev. 11:19, first part
-
Angry Nations, Rev. 11:18, 6. Nature’s Response, Rev. 11:19, first part last part
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev. 11:15. The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday June 23
Part 1 What was the message of the heavenly voices? THE THIRD WOE "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Rev. 11:15. "About His coming cluster the glories of that 'restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.' Acts 3:21. Then the long- continued rule of evil shall be broken; 'the kingdoms of this world' will become 'the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.' Revelation 11:15."—The Great Controversy, page 301. "Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, 'dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;' He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.' Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people. . . . "At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. 'They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.' They were not to be present in person at the mar- riage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to 'wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding.' Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage."—The Great Controversy, page 427. It is in this sense also that Christ receives His kingdom. What occurs between the time when Jesus symbolically receives His kingdom and the time when He receives it in actuality? Matt. 22:11-14. "He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon ex- amination are seen to have the wedding garment on are ac- cepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of char- acter, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above."—The Great Controversy, page 428.
THINK IT THROUGH “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 423-432. 106
The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 ❑ Monday June 24
Part 2 What was the prayer of the elders?
RESPONSE OF "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God
THE ELDERS on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
saying, We give thee thanks, 0 Lord God Almighty, which
art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to
thee thy great power, and hast reigned." Rev. 11:16, 17.
Whenever praise and glory is given to Christ, the elders
participate. Following the seven churches and prior to the
seven seals they echo the anthem of love to the slain Lamb.
When Christ symbolically receives His kingdom, the elders
once more respond in praise and glory to God and to His
Christ.
The elders rejoice, for finally the prayers of the saints
under the altar are being acted upon, and Christ assumes His
great power to culminate His work on the earth among men
and among nations. The final time has actually come, and this
brings forth an anthem of praise and glory from the elders
who so long have witnessed the battle between truth and
error.
What response is expected from His saints here below?
Rev. 19:5-8.
This response of the twenty-four elders is but one of the
stanzas, as it were, of the same song that has been sung by
both men and angels. At Bethlehem "earth was hushed, and
heaven stooped to listen to the song,—'Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' Oh that
today the human family could recognize that song! The de-
claration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the
close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the
Sun of Righteousness shall arise, with healing in His wings,
that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude,
as the voice of many waters, saying, 'Alleluia: for the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth.' Rev. 19.6
"Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when
shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as
much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men
of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked
with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields.
To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near.
Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those
who come and go at God's command."—The Desire of Ages,
page 48.
THINK IT THROUGH “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, pages 115-126. 107 The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday June 25
Part 3 What two points of identification of time were given to ANGRY NATIONS John?
"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and
the time of the dead, that they should be judged." Rev. 11:18,
first part.
"At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble
will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet
held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.
At that time the 'latter rain,' or refreshing from the presence of
the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the
third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when
the seven last plagues shall be poured out."—Early Writings,
pages 85, 86.
"The long-suffering of God is wonderful, because He puts
constraint on His own attributes; but punishment is nonetheless
certain. Every century of profligacy has treasured up wrath
against the day of wrath; and when the time comes, and the
iniquity is full, then God will do His strange work. It will be
found a terrible thing to have worn out the divine patience; for
the wrath of God will fall so signally and strongly that it is
represented as being unmixed with mercy; and the very earth
will be desolated."—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, pp. 372, 373.
In spite of the fact that time has continued longer than
expected, what should be the proper attitude of the saints?
Romans 13:11, 12.
"I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and
the time to judge the dead, were separate and distinct, one
following the other; also that Michael had not stood up, and
that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet com-
menced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our
High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will
stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the
seven last plagues will be poured out."—Life Sketches, page
117.
"During the thousand years between the first and the second
resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. . . . In
union with Christ they [the righteous] judge the wicked, com-
paring their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding
every case according to the deeds done in the body."—The
Great Controversy, pages 660, 661.
THINK IT THROUGH “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Ps. 119:2.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, page 36. 108
The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday June 26
Part 4 "And that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants
CALLED TO the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name,
small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy ACCOUNTABILITY the earth." Rev. 11:18, last part.
Verse 18 is a call to accountability. "In the presence of the
assembled inhabitants of earth and heaven the final coronation
of the Son of God takes place. And now, invested with supreme
majesty and power, the King of kings pronounces sentence
upon the rebels against His government and executes justice
upon those who have transgressed His law and oppressed His
people."—The Great Controversy, page 666.
"'The indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and His
fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them, He
hath delivered them to the slaughter.' . . . Fire comes down
from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons
concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames
burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire.
The day has come that shall burn as an oven. . . . It is the
time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men—'the day
of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the
controversy of Zion.' "—The Great Controversy, pages 672,
673.
What is the description given by Joel of the judgment day
of nations? Joel 3:9-12.
"While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the
righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had
part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power.
While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His
people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11.
'I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and
the first earth were passed away.' Revelation 21:1. The fire
that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of
the curse is swept away....
"God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is ful-
filled as it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed."—The
Great Controversy, pages 673, 674.
THINK IT THROUGH “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.” Eccl. 8:11, 12.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 289-295. 109 The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday June 27
Part 5 "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there
THE TEMPLE was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." Rev. 11:19,
first part.
IN HEAVEN
The ark of God's testament is in the holy of holies, the
second apartment of the sanctuary. Symbolically, "the an-
nouncement that the temple of God was opened in heaven
and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening
of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as
Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atone-
ment."—The Great Controversy, page 433.
Thus at His second coming the ark of God with the original
commandments is revealed. The following quotation points out
that at the final extermination of the wicked at the end of the
one thousand years, the law will be seen again.
"That holy law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder
and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is
now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens
the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue,
traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all
can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of supersti-
tion and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten
words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented
to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth."—The Great
Controversy, page 639.
Again, a description of the end of the millennium: "As if
entranced, the wicked have looked upon the coronation of the
Son of God. They see in His hands the tables of the divine
law, the statutes which they have despised and transgressed."
—The Great Controversy, pages 668, 669.
What did David say concerning the nature of God? Ps.
119:89. See also Mal. 3:6.
"It is impossible to describe the horror and despair of those
who have trampled upon God's holy requirements. The Lord
gave them His law; they might have compared their characters
with it and learned their defects while there was yet oppor-
tunity for repentance and reform; but in order to secure the
favor of the world, they set aside its precepts and taught others
to transgress. . . . With awful distinctness they see that they
are without excuse. They chose whom they would serve and
worship."—The Great Controversy, pages 639, 640.
THINK IT THROUGH “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Ps. 119:18.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pages 433-438. 110
The Trumpet of Victory LESSON 13 0 Friday June 28
Part 6 "And there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings,
and an earthquake, and great hail." Rev. 11:19, last part.
NATURE'S
RESPONSE It is evident that the seventh trumpet encompasses all events
from 1844 through the second coming, and the millennium to
the destruction of the wicked and the new earth. It is God's
final judgment on the empires of the world as were the former
trumpets on the empires of both pagan and papal Rome. Thus
in capsule form the seventh trumpet presents God's final acts
in the great controversy.
"It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the de-
liverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its
strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The
wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while
the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their de-
liverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course.
The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and
clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens
is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the
voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: 'It is
done.' Revelation 16:17.
"That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a
mighty earthquake, 'such as was not since men were upon the
earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.' Verses 17, 18.
The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the
throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake
like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on
every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea
is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane
like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The
whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its
surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving
way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disap-
pear. . . . Great hailstones, every one 'about the weight of
a talent,' are doing their work of destruction. Verses 19, 21.
The proudest cities of the earth are laid low. The lordly
palaces, upon which the world's great men have lavished
their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to
ruin before their eyes. Prison walls are rent asunder, and
God's people, who have been held in bondage for their faith,
are set free."—The Great Controversy, pages 636, 637.
THINK IT THROUGH What counsel is given to the saints for such a time as this? Isa. 26:20, 21.
"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the
shadow of thy wings." Ps. 17:8.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pages 285-288.
111
LESSONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1974 Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the third quarter of 1974 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is “News From Jesus-2.” The title of the first lesson is “The Dragon’s War.” The mem- ory verse is Rev. 12:10, 11. The outline is as follows: (1) The Woman. Rev. 12:1, 2. (2) The Dragon. Rev. 12:3. (3) The War. Rev. 12:7, 8. (4) The Victory. Rev. 12:10-12. (5) The Wilderness. Rev. 12:13. (6) The Remnant. Rev. 12:17. The title of the second lesson is “The Beast and the Lamb.” The memory verse is Rev. 13:8. The outline is as follows: (1) Daniel’s Beast Reappears. Rev. 13:1, 2. (2) The Beast’s Power. Rev. 13:2. (3) The Wounded Head. Rev. 13:3. (4) Blasphemy. Rev. 13:5-7. (5) The Book of Life. Rev. 13:8. (6) The Saints. Rev. 13:9, 10. Christian Nome Library Series 53” Each CHRISTIAN SERVICE—Ellen G. White EVANGELISM—Ellen G. White A manual for missionary workers that contains Consider this book if you are planning evangel- hundreds of striking quotations from the major istic groups, methods of gospel presentations, Ellen G. White books. or a program of medical evangelism.
CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS—Ellen G. White GOSPEL WORKERS—Ellen G. White The author uses the magnifying glass of pro- This book contains guidelines for every type of phetic insight to show the broader aspects of worker, especially those meeting the public Christ’s parables as they touch life today. with the gospel message.
SELECTED MESSAGES, books 1 and 2— DANIEL AND THE REVELATION—Uriah Smith Ellen G. White A revised edition that simplifies, clarifies, and Two volumes of special articles on disease and even verifies in some instances new evidence its causes and reprints of outstanding periodical that has been found to fortify the prophetic in- articles and tracts that enjoyed a wide accept- terpretations. In two volumes. ance when first published.
EARLY WRITINGS—Ellen G. White
This volume contains vital revelations of the
dramatic closing work of the church.
OTHER BOOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY IN THE SAME SERIES— Believe His Prophets—D. E. Rebok Ellen G. White and Her Critics—Francis D. Nichol Coming of the Comforter, The—LeRoy E. Froom Evolution, Creation, and Science—Frank Lewis Marsh - Counsels on Diet and Foods—Ellen G. White I Love Books—J. D. Snider Counsels on Sabbath School Work—Ellen G. White Outline Studies From the Testimonies—Clifton L. Taylor Counsels on Stewardship—Ellen G. White The Story of Redemption—Ellen G. White Dimensions in Salvation— W. R. Beach Welfare Ministry—Ellen G. White
Please order from your Adventist Book Center or ABC Mailing Service, 2621 Farnam Street, Omaha, NB 68131
For postage please add 30c for the first book ordered and 10c for each additional book.
Include State sales tax where necessary.
‘Conscience is God’s great watchdog. Safe and secure is the home where each One haeomMitted his heart` to Christ. When the world’s worst influences Are beating on the do’ors or are prying at the windows that guard Your faMily’s innocency and integrity„ our magazines offer
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Al1M E-D8 CHARACTER BUILDING THROUGH SOUND Order from your Adventist Book Center.
HOME RECORD LIBRARY LATEST
of Sabbath School Lessons for 'Kindergarten CHILDREN'S
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$1.25 each Six records (7-inch, 33 1/3 rpm) are sent postpaid* and neatly pack- By Eric B. Hare R-79 aged to your home each quarter. You may subscribe at any time, and a full year's supply will be sent to you regularly over a period of four quarters. Two lessons are on each record. Enthusiastically R-746 R-74 recommended by parents and teachers. Boys and girls will learn their memory verses with ease as they listen to these records, Sab- bath School lessons will have greater appeal and interest.
1-year subscription 24 records $7.50* *Add sales tax where required. Postage not paid outside U.S.A. (Not for use in Sabbath School)
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Brought to you by Chapel Records, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 940,
VK1J apa TEEM KOREAN UNION MISSION • SAPPORO Church Union Population Churches Membership Membership Central Philippine 11,335.538 289 39,656 42,953 East Indonesia 12,355,007 277 22,257 28,249 Japan 110,302,956 80 7,787 7,006 Korean 31,469,132 246 27,129 31,293 JAPA North Philippine 21,638,077 590 51,801 67,515 TOKYO South China Island 20,130,932 37 7,735 7,939 11.• ARANA South Philippine 9,994,242 344 56,068 74,949 10 :°5 A K Southeast Asia 90,627,208 133 17,644 21,149 West Indonesia 111,900,000 275 21,972 29,008 Far Eastern Island M. 200,000 10 930 798 JAPAN UNION MISSION Division Totals 419,953,092 2,281 252,979 310,859 (As of March 31. 19731
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