News From Jesus - 2

      September 28, 1974—South American Division

                           THE COVER
The hourglass, oft-used symbol of the passage of time, here repre- sents the message of the second half of Revelation, which points to the last time—the end. These prophecies reveal that most of the time of man's rule in this world is past. The time of Christ's rulership approaches.
The user of an hourglass knows the precise time required for the sand to flow through the aperture. But in relation to the time of the com- ing of Jesus there is no such precision after 1844. Time is short. But we have tipped the hourglass by our unpreparedness for His return, so that the passage of the last grains of sand has been delayed. Shall we get the sand flowing again?

The Revelation was written not for the casual reader but for the one who loves his Bible and earnestly seeks to know the truth as it is in Jesus.
The angel said to John: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy." Rev. 1:3. Many years ago Ellen G. White issued this challenge to the Adventist Church: "Great truths that have lain unheeded and unseen since the day of Pentecost, are to shine from God's word in their native purity. To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths that have faded from the mind, and will also reveal truths that are entirely new."—Funda- mentals of Christian Education, page 473.
In 1888 Ellen White wrote: "Increased light will shine upon all the grand truths of prophecy, and they will be seen in freshness and brilliancy, because the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will illuminate the whole."—Evan- gelism, page 198.
It is evident that even Seventh-day Adventists did not have all the light on prophecy at the time these words were written. Increased light is never the result of indolence. Jesus said: "Seek, and ye shall find." The book of Revelation is different from every other book in the New Testament. If we think of the Sermon on the Mount as the primer of the church, and the Acts of the Apostles as the geography of the church, and the epistles as the ethics of the church, then the Revelation could well be the philosophy of history of the church.
While it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, it is also a book of music. Seven anthems are recorded in these chapters. Through these we can catch the echo of the celestial choirs. Forty-six times John records hearing voices, and often they are voices of victory. On occasions devils also are referred to, but they are all silent. No song is awakened in Revelation by evil passions. Jesus sang knowing He was facing crucifixion. Paul and Silas sang in the dark dungeon with their feet in the stocks. The church has always sung her way through trials to triumph. Thank God for the Christian message that sets the people singing. Hymns, psalms, anthems, and oratorios have marked the history of God's people through the centuries.
 During this second series of lessons on the Revelation we will study some of the most graphic portions of the book. Prophecies of great import will challenge our thinking—prophecies which we as Adventists need to understand in order to  share faith and give a reason for the hope that is within us with meekness and  fear. It was largely the study of the Revelation that brought the advent movement  into being. Let us pray that the restudy of these great themes will prepare the  church for the latter rain. In this connection Ellen G. White has said: "When we  as a people understand what this book [Revelation] means to us, there will be  seen among us a great revival."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 113. And again:  "When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will  have an entirely different religious experience."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 114. These statements should challenge us to study this great book with a new  diligence, seeking ever to know the truth as it is in Jesus.

                        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
sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold
or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian
Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

                    2. The Beast and the Lamb

                    3. Challenge to Freedom

                    4. The Three Angels' Messages

                    5. The King Is Coming

                    6. The Plagues

                    7. Satan's Confederacy

                    8. Exodus From Babylon

                    9. The Marriage Supper

                   10.     The Devil's End

                   11.     The Holy City

                   12.     In God's Presence

                   13.     The Invitation

                 Copyright 1974 by Pacific Press Publishing Association

                         Cover photo by Concerned Communications

                          LESSON OUTLINE 1. The Woman, Rev. 12:1, 2              4. The Victory, Rev. 12:10-12 2. The Dragon, Rev. 12:3                5. The Wilderness, Rev. 12:13 3. The War, Rev. 12:7, 8                6. The Remnant, Rev. 12:17

          Part 1      "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman
     THE WOMAN     clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon
                   her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child
                   cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." Rev.
                   12:1, 2.

                      It will help our understanding of Revelation 12 if we think
                   of it as a prophetic drama in four parts:
                      1. The origin of sin when Lucifer challenged God and His
                          throne.
                      2. The attack on Christ.
                      3. The persecution of the church in an attempt to destroy it.
                      4. The final war on God's remnant people.
                      What symbolic meaning did writers of both Old and New
                   Testaments give to a woman in prophecy? Jer. 6:2; Isa. 54:5,
                   6; Hosea 2:19, 20; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7, 8.

                      How have the Bible writers represented the corrupt or
                   apostate church? Isa. 50:1; Jer. 3:1, 8; Ezek. 16:26-29; Rev.
                   17:1-5.

                        A woman in prophecy represents a church. With the sun for
                   her garment and the moon as her footstool the woman is a
                   fitting representation of God's people, the church. The true
                   people of God are pictured as being clothed with the "Sun of
                   righteousness." Mal. 4:2. The church of both the Old and the
                   New Testaments was established on the sure foundation of
                   the Word of God. Thus the sun represents Christ's righteous-
                   ness, and the moon represents the Word of God.
                       The twelve stars in the crown of the woman or the true
                   church could well represent the twelve tribes of Israel, as she
                   is shown in the prophecy previous to the birth of Jesus and
                   thus before the founding of the Christian church.

                      In what state was the woman or the church when John saw
                   her? Verse 2.

                      Throughout all the centuries since God made the promise
                   to Eve, His true people were awaiting the coming of the Re-
                   deemer. But it was in "the fulness of the time" that God sent
                   forth His Son. Gal. 4:4. When He came He was a helpless Babe
                   laid in the slender arms of a maiden. "Great is the mystery of
                   godliness: God was manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:16.
THINK IT THROUGH      How can I better understand the condescension of the Son
                   of God to come into this world for my salvation?

  FURTHER STUDY      Christ's Object Lessons, "Hidden Treasure," page 114. 8

        Part 2      "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and be-
  THE DRAGON     hold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns,
                 and seven crowns upon his heads." Rev. 12:3.

                    What power was waiting to destroy the child?

                    Who was this dragon power? Verse 9.

                    The devil has always sought to work through earthly powers.
                 Both ancient Egypt and pagan Rome took the dragon as their
                 symbol of power. This prophecy unmasks the devil, showing
                 him to be the author of all opposition to God by earthly powers
                 such as Babylon, Tyre, Rome, and even some modern nations.
                     Under what circumstances do we find God's first promise
                 of the coming Deliverer? Gen. 3:15.

                    This general promie was narrowed down from time to
                 time. It came to Abraham; then to Isaac; then to Jacob; then
                 to the tribe of Judah; next to David and his family; et cetera.
                 On each of these delegations we find the devil concentrating
                 his powers to thwart the plan of God. Yet in spite of all the
                 enemy's plots and schemes, God's promise was at last fulfilled.
                   In what significant way does the New Testament begin?
                 Matt. 1:1.

                    The child, Jesus, was born at last a member of the human
                 race in spite of all the united powers of opposition. Then from
                 His earliest years through to manhood our Lord was the object
                 of demonic hate. Satan at last succeeded in having Him cruci-
                 fied. And His grave was sealed by the Roman seal. But that
                 sealed rock-hewn sepulcher could not hold the Prince of life.
                 He strode forth the Conqueror, having raided the realm of
                 demonism and shattered the forces of darkness.
                   Where next do we find the "child" our Saviour? Rev. 12:5.
                 See also Eph. 1:20, 21.

                    He arose for our justification, and as King of righteousness
                 He now ministers at the throne of grace. Heb. 4:14; 8:1; 10:12.
                 Who can bring any accusation against the elect of God? As
                 we are justified in Christ and vindicated by His power, nothing
                 now can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ
                 Jesus. Rom. 8:38, 39.

                                                                              9

         Part 3      "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels
       THE WAR    fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his
                  angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any
                  more in heaven." Rev. 12:7, 8.

                      This is a wonderfully revealing scripture. While other proph-
                  ets touch the great question of the origin of evil, these brief
                  verses make the issue very clear. War did not begin on earth;
                  it began in heaven. Lucifer instigated rebellion among the
                  angels as he challenged the rulership of God.
                     How does Isaiah unfold the mystery of sin? Isa. 14:12-15.

                     What added touch does Ezekiel give? Ezek. 28:12, 15.

                     Note that Lucifer is presented to us in these two scriptures
                  under the symbolic role of the king of Babylon in Isaiah and
                  then as the king of Tyrus in Ezekiel. An unseen power "work-
                  eth in the children of disobedience." Eph. 2:2.

                    How many angels or "the stars of heaven" joined with
                  Lucifer in the rebellion? Rev. 12:4.

                     How did God deal with these rebel hosts? 2 Peter 2:4.

                     Where are these fallen angels now? Jude 6.

                     They are under judgment awaiting the execution of their
                  sentence of judgment when they, along with all unrepentant
                  sinners, will be destroyed forever. Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10, 14.
                     It was a tragic day when the serpent won the allegiance of
                  Adam and Eve. This newly created earth then became the
                  battleground of contending forces led by two great generals,
                  Michael and the dragon.
                     Sin is a mystery. To excuse it is to defend it. There is no
                  place for sin in a perfect universe. Like a diseased portion of
                  a human body it must be removed in order for the body to exist
                  and be healthy. Evil will eventually be destroyed. Concerning
                  Satan the Lord has said: "Never shalt thou be any more."
                  Ezek. 28:19.

                     "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.

 FURTHER STUDY      The Great Controversy, pages 499, 500. 10

       Part 4      "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come
 THE VICTORY    salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and
                the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast
                down, which accused them before our God day and night."
                Rev. 12:10.
                    "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 question whether the Father and the
                Son had sufficient love for man to exercise self-denial and a
                spirit of sacrifice. Satan had revealed 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 administration."—Patriarchs and Proph-
                ets, page 70.
                   Why does the devil attack the church with such great
                wrath? Rev. 12:12 (last part).
                   Christ's victory at Calvary settled the destiny not only of
                our world but also of Satan and all his evil hosts. In The Desire
                of Ages, page 758, we read: "All heaven triumphed in the
                Saviour's victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his king-
                dom was lost....
                   "Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan
                clearly revealed to the angels or the unfallen worlds. The
                archapostate has so clothed himself with deception that even
                holy beings had not understood his principles."
                   What warning is issued to the inhabitants of the earth?
                Verse 12.
                   The blood of the Lamb is the secret of the Christian's vic-
                tory. But with the Christian's belief in the blood must also be
                "the word of their testimony." To believe in the vicarious atone-
                ment of our Lord is primary. But it must be accompanied by
                our testimony to its reality in our lives.

          Part 5      Against whom did the devil fight when he no longer had
 THE WILDERNESS    access to Jesus?

                      "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the
                   earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man
                   child." Rev. 12:13.

                      What was given to the woman. and why? Verse 14.

                      "The eagles' wings given her appropriately signify the haste
                   with which the true church was obliged to seek her own safety
                   when the man of sin was installed in power. The assistance of
                   God was provided her to this end. The like figure is used to
                   describe God's dealings with ancient Israel. By Moses He said
                   to them, 'Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how
                   I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself.'
                   Exodus 19:4."—Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, page
                   558.
                      How long was the church to be "nourished" and pro-
                   tected? Verses 6, 14.

                      This period of 1,260 days, or "time, and times, and half a
                   time," we have already noted in chapter 11:3. In verse 2
                   (chapter 11) another calculation is used—"forty and two
                   months."
                      What does water represent in prophecy? Rev. 17:15; Isa.
                   8:7.

                      What "helped the woman" or the church? Rev. 12:16.

                      During the 1,260 years when true Christians faced death
                   for their faith, God's faithful people fled to places of refuge
                   such as the Piedmont valleys in Italy and the Alpine fastnesses.
                   The new land of America also opened its arms in welcome
                   for those who made their way across the ocean to escape
                   persecution.
                      The 1,260-year period which began in A.D. 538 reached to
                   1798. But in our Lord's great prophecy in Matt. 24:22 Jesus
                   said, "those days should be shortened." See also Mark 13:20.
                   And they were shortened. It is claimed that the last decree of
                   tolerance was passed in Austria in 1775, a few years prior to
                   1798, the end of the 1,260 years.

 FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, pages 54-56. 12

      Part 6       With whom did the dragon make war?
THE REMNANT
                   "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to
                make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the
                commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus
                Christ." Rev. 12:17.

                    Since Jesus was born of the woman, then the remnant of
                her seed are the "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus. By attack-
                ing Jesus' "family," the devil attacks Jesus. Those who remain
                faithful to their relation to Jesus are designated as the remnant.
                It is in the light of the use of "remnant" in other scriptures
                that we must understand the expression in Revelation 12:17.

                    What promise did King Hezekiah make on God's behalf
                if the people would turn back to God? 2 Chron. 30:6.

                   Those who had escaped from Assyrian captivity he called
                a "remnant." The word in Hebrew means "those who escape,"
                "what remains," or "what is left."
                   What are the characteristics of the remnant? Rev. 12:17.

                   "The last great conflict between truth and error is but the
                final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the
                law of God."—The Great Controversy, page 582.
                   "Since it is the distinctive work of the prophets to bear
                messages from Jesus to the people . . . , the interpretation
                that the testimony of Jesus refers to the `testimony,' or `wit-
                ness,' that Jesus bears to the church is strongly_ supported.
                Seventh-day Adventists thus interpret the passage and believe
                that the `remnant' will be distinguished by the manifesta-
                tion of the gift of prophecy in their midst. The `testimony of
                Jesus Christ,' they believe, is the witness of Jesus in their
                midst through the medium of the prophetic gift."—SDA Bible
                Commentary, on Rev. 12:17.
                   This gift of prophecy Seventh-day Adventists affirm has
                been clearly manifested in the ministry and writings of Ellen
                G. White. She was active as God's messenger among us from
                1844 to 1915, when she passed to her rest. Throughout her long
                and intensely active life she gave continual evidence of her
                divine call.  THINK IT THROUGH      How shall I become more aware of the divine blessings
                given to God's remnant in the writings of the spirit of proph-
                ecy? Am I bringing my life into harmony with the counsels
                of His Spirit?

the Beast and the Lamb   "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8.

In chapters 12 to 22 we have, in a special way, God's final message of warn- ing and entreaty to the world. Instead of religion being the bread of life, today it has become the cake of life, a dainty dessert at the end of a full meal of pleasure, business, or discussion. Even among those who digress enough to speak a little about religion, the Bible is, too often, not regarded as the authen- tic Word of God.
To meet the need of this tragic time God inspired John to write the Revela- tion of Jesus Christ. It is God's message to our time. In these chapters Christ crucified, risen, ministering, and coming again is set forth in verity. The im-  pressive prophetic symbols in this book make more plain the everlasting gospel. As we continue to study this illuminating book let us remember that it is a message straight from the Lord Jesus Himself.

           Part 5      "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
 THE BOOK OF LIFE   whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb
                    slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8.

                       The expression, "the book of life" is found seven times in
                    the Revelation, and each reference occurs in a very solemn
                    setting (see Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Jesus
                    told the Seventy, whom He had sent out to preach and to
                    heal, that to know their names were "written in heaven" called
                    for greater rejoicing than that the devils were subject unto
                    them. Luke 10:19, 20.

                       How is the true church described in the Epistle to the He-
                    brews? Heb. 12:23.

                        The Revised Standard Version reads: "The assembly of the
                    first-born who are enrolled in heaven." In an old gospel song
                    we ask the question, "Is my name written there, on the page
                    white and fair?" Nothing is more important for us than to know
                    that our names are retained in the Lamb's book of life.

                       What is the ultimate end of those whose names are not
                    found in that book? Rev. 20:15.

                       How widespread will be the worship of the beast before
                    our Lord returns? Rev. 13:8.

                       At the end of earth's history the whole human race will be
                    divided into just two groups—those who give their homage to
                    the beast, after his wound has been fully 'healed, and those
                    whose names are found in the book of life.
                       What is Christ's promise to those who overcome in the
                    battle against the powers of evil? Rev. 3:5.

                       "Over every soul that is rescued from the power of evil, and
                    whose name is registered in the Lamb's book of life, the con-
                    troversy is repeated. Never is one received into the family of
                    God without exciting the determined resistance of the enemy.
                    But He who was the hope of Israel then, their defense, their
                    justification and redemption, is the hope of the church today."
                    —Prophets and Kings, page 585.

 FURTHER STUDY        Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 182. 20

       Part 6      "If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth
  THE SAINTS    into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the
                sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience
                and the faith of the saints." Rev. 13:9, 10.

                    Instead of "the patience and faith of the saints," the New
                English Bible reads, "the fortitude and faithfulness of God's
                people," implying both courage and constancy in the midst of
                bitter persecution. During the forty-two prophetic months (verse
                5) or the 1,260 prophetic days (chapter 12:6) the true church
                suffered severely. Many times they cried inwardly: "How long,
                0 Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our
                blood?" Chapter 6:10. But in chapter 13 we see the captor
                captured, the persecutor avenged.

                   How do both John and Daniel speak of the power of this
                apostate church? Rev. 13:7; Dan. 7:25.

                   The wording of the New English Bible is again most impres-
                sive: "It was also allowed to wage war on God's people and
                to defeat them" (Rev. 13'3), and "the saints shall be delivered
                into his power." Dan. 7:25. Through those centuries of perse-
                cution millions of true and steadfast Christians revealed before
                an astonished world what the grace of God can do in spite of
                pain and torture.
                   What did the prophecy say would happen at the end of
                the 1,260 days or years? Rev. 13:10.

                    True to Bible prophecy, events occurred in Europe which
                resulted in the pope's being taken prisoner by General Berthier
                of France. This was in the year 1798, exactly 1,260 years after
                538 when the Arian Ostrogoths had been "plucked up by the
                roots" (Dan. 7:8), making way for the papacy to dominate the
                nations of Europe. How accurate is the Word of God! But great
                trials still await the children of God.

                   "God 'desires His people to prepare for the soon-coming
                crisis. Prepared or unprepared, they must all meet it; and those
                only who have brought their lives into conformity to the divine
                standard, will stand firm at that time of test and trial. When
                secular rulers unite with ministers of religion to dictate in mat-
                ters of conscience, then it will be seen who really fear and
                serve God."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 431, 432.

                            LESSON OUTLINE 1. The Two-horned Beast I, Rev.             4. The Image to the Beast, Rev. 13:    13:11                                        14 (last part), 15 2. The Two-horned Beast II, Rev.            5. The Mark of the Beast, Rev. 13:16    13:11 (last part), 12                    6. The Man, Name, and Number, 3. The World Deceived, Rev. 13:13,              Rev. 13:17, 18    14 (first part)

          Part 1      From whence did this second beast-power come?
 THE TWO-HORNED
                      "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth;
         BEAST I   and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a
                   dragon." Rev. 13:11.

                      "The first beast was from the 'sea;' the second came up
                   from the 'earth.' The sea represents 'peoples, and multitudes,
                   and nations, and tongues' (Revelation 17:15), a true picture
                   of Europe, where the papal beast arose. The earth must repre-
                   sent, not a crowded country of diverse nations, but a sparsely
                   populated and isolated area. And where was there such a
                   place? Certainly not in Europe or Asia. True to the prophecy,
                   something tremendous was happening across the Atlantic. A
                   century and a half before this time, colonies had begun to
                   spring up in America. By 1776 these colonies had bound them-
                   selves together and were waging the Revolutionary War, sever-
                   ing themselves from Europe. Thus the foundation was laid for
                   a completely new nation."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding the
                   Revelation, pages 138, 139.
                      How does the prophet describe this second beast's en-
                   trance into the international scene? Verse 11.
                      The Greek word anabaino means to come up quietly, un-
                   obtrusively, but quickly, as a springing vegetable. And that is
                   how the United States of America arose. One historian says,
                   "Like a silent seed we grew into an empire."
                      When was this nation, symbolized by the beast with two
                   horns, to arise? Answer: At the time the ten-horned beast re-
                   ceived its "deadly wound." See Rev. 13:3, 11, 12.

                       The United States Constitution was ratified in 1789, the very
                   year the French Revolution broke out, which eventually brought
                   to an end the 1,260-year period.
                      John Wesley's interpretation of this prophecy about 1760
                   is arresting. He said: "He is not yet come, though he cannot
                   be far off. For he is to appear at the end of the forty-two months
                   of the first beast."—Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testa-
                   ment. Quoted in Unfolding the Revelation, page 139.
                       "The United States is a land that has been under the special
                   shield of the Omnipotent One. God has done great things for
                   this country, but in the transgression of His law, men have been
                   doing a work originated by the man of sin. Satan is working
                   out his designs to involve the human family in disloyalty."—
                   Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p.
                   975.

 FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, pages 439-441. 24

       Part 2      "He had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.   THE TWO-HORNED    And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before
                him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
     BEAST II   worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed."
                Rev. 13:11, 12.

                   What is significant about the horns of this second beast?
                Verse 11.
                   With what is the power of the two-horned beast compared?
                Verse 12.
                   "Prophecy represents Protestantism as having lamblike
                horns, but speaking as a dragon. Already we are beginning to
                hear the voice of the dragon. There is a satanic force propelling
                the Sunday movement, but it is concealed.. . .
                   "Let not the commandment-keeping people of God be silent
                at this time, as though we gracefully accepted the situation.
                There is the prospect before us of waging a continuous war,
                at the risk of imprisonment, of losing property and even life
                itself, to defend the law of God, which is being made void by
                the laws of men."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
                mentary, Vol. 7, p. 975.

                   When the two-horned beast compels the people to wor-
                ship, whom will they be worshiping? Verse 12.

                   The prediction that it will speak "as a dragon" (verse 11)
                and exercise "all the power of the first beast" plainly foretells
                a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that
                was manifested by the powers represented by the dragon and
                the leopardlike beast. The statement that the beast with two
                horns "causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to
                worship the first beast" indicates that the authority of this
                nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which
                shall be an act of homage to the papacy.

                    "Only in flagrant violation of these safeguards to the nation's
                liberty, can any religious observance be enforced by civil au-
                thority. But the inconsistency of such action is no greater than
                is represented in the symbol. It is the beast with lamblike
                horns—in profession pure, gentle, and harmless—that speaks
                as a dragon."—The Great Controversy, page 442.

                                                                                25

          Part 3      "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come
     THE WORLD     down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and de-
                   ceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those
      DECEIVED
                   miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast."
                   Rev. 13:13, 14.
                       What does the Spirit of God declare will happen "in the
                   latter times"? 1 Tim. 4:1.
                      Just prior to our Lord's return there will exist widespread
                   ungodliness and religious declension. Apostasy from God's
                   truth is what makes this possible.
                      How does the apostle Paul describe the conditions in the
                   last days? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
                      When people do not receive the truth, what will they re-
                   ceive in its place? 2 Thess. 2:9-11.
                      "The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws,
                   and who has always oppressed the people of God, will cause
                   laws to be made enforcing the observance of the first day of
                   the week. But God's people are to stand firm for Him. And the
                   Lord will work in their behalf, showing plainly that He is the
                   God of gods."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
                   mentary, Vol. 7, p. 975.
                       What makes the devil's deception so strong? Rev. 13:13,
                   14.
                      When the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets and priests
                   of Baal, he asked God to reveal His power by sending fire from
                   heaven. In the last days the enemy of righteousness will use
                   every kind of device to deceive. Those who say that seeing is
                   believing may be deluded. Only God's Word will sustain God's
                   people in the coming days of trial and test. The promise is
                   clear: "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. 3:10.  THINK IT THROUGH         How am I making God's Word a part of my life so that I
                   will be able to remain true in the face of nearly overwhelm-
                   ing deceptions?
                      The apostle Paul says: "For our fight is not against any
                   physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are
                   spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls
                   this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquar-
                   ters of evil." Eph. 6:12, Phillips.

 FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 301, 302; The Great Controversy,
                   pages 612, 624. 26

       Part 4      What does prophecy indicate will be made in honor of
THE IMAGE TO    the beast?
   THE BEAST      "Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should
                make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a
                sword, and did live." Rev. 13:14.
                   "The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate
                Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant
                churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforce-
                ment of their dogmas. The 'mark of the beast' still remains to
                be defined.
                   "After the warning against the worship of the beast and his
                image the prophecy declares: 'Here are they that keep the com-
                mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Since those who
                keep God's commandments are thus placed in contrast with
                those that worship the beast and his image and receive his
                mark, it follows that the keeping of God's law, on the one hand,
                and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction be-
                tween the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast."
                —The Great Controversy, pages 445, 446.
                   What will "the image of the beast" encourage the people
                to do? Verse 15.
                   "To understand what would constitute an image of the papal
                beast, we must first gain some definite idea of what constitutes
                the papacy itself. The full development of the beast, or the
                establishment of papal supremacy, dates from the famous letter
                of Justinian, which was made effective in A.D. 538, constituting
                the pope the head of the church and the corrector of heretics.
                The papacy was a church clothed with civil power—an eccle-
                siastical body having authority to punish all dissenters with
                confiscation of goods, imprisonment, torture, and death. What
                would be an image of the papacy?—Another ecclesiastical
                establishment clothed with civil power, in other words, a union
                of church and state."—Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation,
                pages 590, 591.  THINK IT THROUGH      In what ways should I be seeking God earnestly today
                so that i may be prepared for the coming crisis?
                   "When the leading churches of the United States, uniting
                upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common,
                shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain
                their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an
                image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penal-.
                ties upon dissenters will inevitably result."—The Great Con-
                troversy, page 445.

         Part 5      "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor,
   THE MARK OF    free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in
                  their foreheads." Rev. 13:16.
     THE BEAST
                     Who in chapter 13 imposes the mark of the beast? Verses
                  11, 16.

                      "The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the
                  true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar
                  course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. . . .
                      "The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant
                  people of God will be very sirriilar to that issued by Ahasuerus
                  against the Jews....
                      "Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who re-
                  fuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position
                  and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take
                  counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education,
                  will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers,
                  ministers, and church members will conspire against them.
                  With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will
                  seek to overthrow their faith."—Prophets and Kings, pages
                  605, 606.
                     What is the mark of the beast? See verse 16.

                     "Mark. Gr. charagma, 'an impress,' a stamp,' a mark.' This
                  is evidently some badge of loyalty to the beast, some special
                  feature that denotes that the one displaying such a mark wor-
                  ships the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed (v. 8).
                  Adventist interpreters understand this mark to be not a literal
                  brand but some sign of allegiance that identifies the bearer as
                  loyal to the power represented by the beast. The controversy
                  at that time will center on the law of God, and particularly on
                  the fourth command. . . . Hence the observance of Sunday will
                  constitute such a sign, but only at the time when the beast's
                  power will be revived and Sunday observance becomes a
                  matter of compliance with civil law."—SDA Bible Commen-
                  tary, on Rev. 13:16.

                     What is the fate of those who receive this mark? Rev.
                  14:9-11.

 FURTHER STUDY      The Great Controversy, page 615; Testimonies, Vol. 4, p.
                  251; Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 117. 28

       Part 6      "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had   THE MAN, NAME,    the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his
                name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count
AND NUMBER
                the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and
                his number is Six hundred threescore and six." Rev. 13:17, 18.

                   All through the Revelation two supernatural powers are con-
                trasted—the man of sin and the Man of Salvation. In this lesson
                we reach one of the great crises of the book, where a promi-
                nent enemy of truth is unmasked and identified.

                   What will be the result of not receiving the mark? Verse 17.

                    Satan says, "'I will be ruler of the earth, prince of the world.
                I will so control the minds under my power that God's Sabbath
                shall be an object of contempt. A sign? I will make the observ-
                ance of the seventh day a sign of disloyalty to the authorities
                of earth. Human laws shall be made so stringent that men and
                women will not dare to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. For
                fear of wanting food and clothing, they will join with the world
                in transgressing God's law; and the earth will be wholly under
                my dominion.' "—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
                mentary, Vol. 4, p. 1172.
                   What is the significant number associated with the beast?
                Verse 18.

                    A footnote in the Douay Version, the official Roman Catholic
                Bible, reads: "The numeral letters of his name shall make up
                this number" (meaning 666). However, the implication is given
                that this "antichrist" has not yet appeared.
                    The title Vicarius Filii Dei, meaning "vicar of the Son of
                God," is a title held by the pope. This title has the value in
                Roman numerals of 666. This coincidence alone proves noth-
                ing, but in the context of the prophecy it adds one more point
                of identification of the beast power.  THINK IT THROUGH      What should be my attitude toward Catholic people, and
                how should I use interpretations of prophecy that are uncom-
                plimentary to Catholic ears?

                   "We should be careful not to thrust and crowd and condemn
                those who have not the light that we have. We should not go
                out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics. Among
                the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious
                Christians and who walk in all the light that shines upon them,
                and God will work in their behalf. . . . Do not censure others;
                do not condemn them."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 243.    FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 81.

                                                                                 29

          Part 1      "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,
 THE VICTORIOUS    and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having
                   his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a
       COMPANY     voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the
                   voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers
                   harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new
                   song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the
                   elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred
                   and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from
                   the earth." Rev. 14:1-3.
                      What a wonderfully inspiring scene this is in comparison
                   with the tragic picture of the last verses of chapter 13! This
                   fourteenth chapter is closely related however to chapters 12
                   and 13. John in vision is watching the preparations for the
                   final battle between two great opposing powers. The dragon
                   under all kinds of disguises is marshalling his forces to op-
                   pose God's loyal remnant.
                      What is the main identification seen in this victorious group
                   with the Lamb? Verse 1.
                      The "Father's name" contrasts strongly with the "mark of
                   the beast." The 144,000 sealed ones we already noticed in
                   chapter 7. There they are presented as having been gathered
                   from all nations. Here they appear with Christ on Mount Zion.
                      What does John hear this triumphant group doing? Verse 3.
                       John speaks of their song as new because it tells of a new
                   experience—full salvation from sin. And no one could learn
                   it except those who had passed through the "time of trouble"
                   referred to in Daniel 12:1. These have been sealed with "the
                   seal of the living God." Rev. 7:2. And that seal is associated
                   with the name of God the Father. The only commandment of
                   the ten which contains His name and His office revealing His
                   authority is the fourth, the Sabbath command. But that is the
                   very one the beast and the false prophet have attempted to
                   change. These that stand with Christ as conquerors at the last
                   will be a loyal and faithful people to the end.  THINK IT THROUGH          How can I be certain to take part in that great song of
                   victory?
                      "Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass
                   as it were mingled with fire,—so resplendent is it with the glory
                   of God,—are gathered the company that have 'gotten the vic-
                   tory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,
                   and over the number of his name.' "—The Great Controversy,
                   page 648.

 FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 58-61. 32

        Part 2      "These are they which were not defiled with women; for   THE FIRSTFRU ITS   they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb
                 whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among
                 men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in
                 their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault
                 before the throne of God." Rev. 14:4, 5.

                     "Those constituting this special company are undefiled in
                 life and doctrine. A woman in prophecy denotes a church. In
                 Revelation 17:5 we have the picture of an impure woman with
                 her daughters, all of whom have partaken of the same unholy
                 nature. . . . But the 144,000 are not defiled with these women,
                 or these apostate churches. They have a pure faith not defiled
                 by false teachings; it is 'the faith of Jesus.' "—R. A. Anderson,
                 Unfolding the Revelation, page 148.

                    What special honor is given to the sealed ones? Verse 4.

                    The privilege of following the Lamb throughout His vast
                 creation, to explore those undreamed of constellations beyond
                 the range of our telescopes and learn from the lips of our Re-
                 deemer the history of areas beyond our imagination, should
                 inspire us to greater faithfulness and dedication.

                    What is this specially sealed company called? Verse 4.

                    The expression "firstfruits" has reference not to a point of
                 time but rather to quality. Christ is called "the firstfruits of
                 them that slept." 1 Cor. 15:20. Yet we know that He was not
                 the first in time to be raised from the dead. But He certainly
                 was the first in quality and the greatest in victory.

                     "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. Never will it be forgotten that He whose
                 power created and upheld the unnumbered worlds through the
                 vast realms of space, the Beloved of God, the Majesty of
                 heaven, He whom cherub and shining seraph delighted to
                 adore—humbled Himself to uplift fallen man; that He bore the
                 guilt and shame of sin, and the hiding of His Father's face, till
                 the woes of a lost world broke His heart and crushed out His
                 life on Calvary's cross."—The Great Controversy, page 651.

         Part 3       "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, hav-
                  ing the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on  THE FIRST ANGEL'S
                  the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
      MESSAGE     people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory
                  to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship
                  him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the foun-
                  tains of waters." Rev. 14:6, 7.
                      What is the secret of victory for God's remnant in the last
                  great crisis when everything on earth is against them? The
                  answer is found in the three special messages God is sending
                  to the world.
                     What is the first angel's message called? Verse 6.

                      "God has always had but one gospel, sometimes called 'the
                  gospel of God,' the gospel of grace,' the gospel of Jesus
                  Christ,' the gospel of the kingdom,' etc. These different ex-
                  pressions merely emphasize different phases of the same
                  glorious gospel or good news! It was proclaimed to Adam
                   before he was driven from Eden. Noah, too, was 'a preacher of
                  righteousness.' 2 Peter 2.5       Faithful Abraham taught the
                  same glorious gospel (Galations 3:8)."—R. A. Anderson, Un-
                  folding the Revelation, page 150.
                    In what setting is the gospel being proclaimed in the first
                  angel's message? Verse 7.
                     Paul preached concerning a "judgment to come" (Acts 24:
                  25), but the message today is that the hour of God's judgment
                  is come. The announcement is in the present tense. The judg-
                  ment here mentioned is the investigative judgment, that which
                  precedes the second advent. When Christ returns, He brings
                  His rewards with Him. See Rev. 22:12.

 FURTHER STUDY      Early Writings, pages 232-237. 34

       Part 4       "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is
 THE SECOND     fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations
                drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Rev. 14:8.  ANGEL'S MESSAGE
                    This is the first time the word "Babylon" is found in the
                Revelation. At the time John wrote, the ancient city was in
                ruins. The city was originally founded by Nimrod (Gen. 10:10;
                11:1-9), and greatly expanded by the Nebuchadnezzar of Dan-
                iel's time. It stood as the emblem of apostasy and rebellion. In
                both the Old and New Testaments Babylon is contrasted with
                Jerusalem, the one a symbol of human glory and self-worship,
                the other the symbol of God's glory and divine worship. Salem
                means "peace" but one connotation of Babel is "confusion."
                   What startling announcement does this second angel make?

                    The Protestant reformers of the sixteenth century consist-
                ently applied the term "Babylon" to the papacy—the church
                with its headquarters in Rome. In John's day Rome was called
                "Babylon" by the Christians. In the light of chapter 17:5 more
                than one church is included, for the prophecy calls her "the
                mother of harlots," the daughters partaking of the same char-
                acter as the mother. "Tertullian, who lived at the close of the
                second century, specifically declares that the term Babylon in
                the Apocalypse refers to the capital city of imperial Rome.. .
                    "Babylon, both literal and mystical, has thus long been rec-
                ognized as the traditional enemy of God's truth and people.
                As used in the Revelation the name is symbolic of all apostate
                religious organizations and their leadership, from antiquity down
                to the close of time."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 14:8.
                   With what is spiritual Babylon charged?

                   The expression "made all nations drink" of the unholy wine
                of her false teachings suggests coercion. The pressure of the
                state will doubtless be used to enforce her decrees.  THINK IT THROUGH       If pressure were applied to force me to compromise my
                faith, what would be my attitude?

                    "As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed
                faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified
                through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join
                the ranks of the opposition. . . . They become the most bitter
                enemies of their former brethren. . . .
                    "In this time of persecution the faith of the Lord's servants
                will be tried."—The Great Controversy, page 608.

         Part 5      "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud  THE THIRD ANGEL'S    voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and re-
                  ceive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall
      MESSAGE     drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out
                  without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall
                  be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the
                  holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." Rev. 14:9, 10.

                     No other message in all the Bible is more solemn than this.
                  In view of the world-wide apostasy and boycott predicted in
                  chapter 13:16, 17, it comes with forcible meaning.
                    Intoxicated with the wine of Babylon's false teaching,
                  what will these marked ones finally drink? Verse 10.

                      About a hundred years after the apostles the church began
                  to lose her sense of loyalty to God and gradually accepted the
                  practices of the pagan world. The great truth of life only in
                  Christ was set aside for the corrupt doctrine of natural immor-
                  tality, claiming that all souls are immortal. Infant baptism re-
                  placed the Biblical practice of immersion, and the keeping of
                  Sunday holy replaced observance of Christ's Sabbath.
                      In what manner is God's message concerning this apostasy
                  to be given? Verse 9.

                     "There are now true Christians in every church, not except-
                  ing the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that
                  Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts
                  their sincerity of purpose and their integrity before Him. But
                  when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the
                  world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the
                  true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of
                  God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that
                  of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. . . . It is not
                  until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they
                  are brought to choose between the commandments of God
                  and the commandments of men, that those who continue in
                  transgression will receive 'the mark of the beast.' "—The Great
                  Controversy, page 449.

                     "Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will
                  not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this
                  idol sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the
                  test, but that time has not come yet."—Ellen G. White Com-
                  ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 977.

 FURTHER STUDY      Early Writings, pages 254-258. 36

       Part 6      "They have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast
TRUE WORSHIP    and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his
                name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that
   IDENTIFIED   keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And
                I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed
                are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea,
                saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and
                their works do follow them." Rev. 14:11-13.
                  Only the faith of Jesus will enable God's loyal witnesses to
                remain true and faithful in the coming crisis.
                   What are the characteristics of the saints? Verse 12.
                   The word "patience" can also be translated "steadfastness"
                or "fortitude." In chapter 13:10, when referring to the steadfast-
                ness of the martyrs who faced persecution and death we find
                these words linked—"patience and faith." But in chapter 14:12
                where it refers to the final test we note a third characteristic
                —obedience to God's commands. So it could read patience,
                obedience, and faith.
                    What special blessing is reserved for those who die in the
                Lord during the time of the third message? Verse 13.
                   During the "time of trouble" spoken of by Daniel, there will
                be a special resurrection in which two different groups of the
                dead will be raised. We read "many of them that sleep in the
                dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and
                some to shame and everlasting contempt." Dan. 12:2.
                   "All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message
                come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of
                peace with those who have kept His law. 'They also which
                pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided
                Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His
                truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory
                and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient."—
                The Great Controversy, page 637.

"What a song that will be when the ransomed of the Lord meet at the gate of the Holy City, which is thrown back on its glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept His word—His com- mandments—enter into the city, the crown of the overcomer is placed upon their heads, and the golden harps are placed in their hands! All heaven is filled with rich music, and with songs of praise to the Lamb. Saved, everlastingly saved, in the kingdom of glory! To have a life that measures with the life of God—that is the reward."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 982.
"With Paul they can say, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also which love his ap- pearing.' There are many whose grey hairs God honors because they have fought a good fight and kept the faith."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 982.

           LESSON OUTLINE 1.   The Son of Man Descends, Rev. 14:14 2.   The Harvest, Rev. 14:15-19 3.   The Sea of Glass, Rev. 15:1, 2 4.   The Majesty of Christ, Rev. 15:3 5.   The Holiness. of God, Rev. 15:4 6.   Christ's Closing Ministry, Rev. 15:5-8
                                                  JOHN STEEL, ARTIST; © P.P. P.A.

          Part 1      "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the
 THE SON OF MAN    cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head
                   a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." Rev. 14:14.
      DESCENDS
                      On what is the Saviour seated when He comes again?
                   Verses 14, 16.

                      The fact that this radiant picture of Christ's return imme-
                   diately follows the giving of the three angels' messages shows
                   that these messages are indeed God's final warning and appeal.
                      What does He wear in token of His kingship? Verse 14.

                       In chapter 19:12 we see Him crowned with "many crowns."
                   We note also that He has a "sharp sickle" indicative of the
                   harvest He has come to reap. This picture is drawn from the
                   Old Testament. In Joel 3:13 we read: "Put ye in the sickle,
                   for the harvest is ripe." Jesus said, "The harvest is the end
                   of the world; and the reapers are the angels." Matt. 13:39.
                      How does the apostle Paul describe Christ's coming?
                   1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

                       "With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast,
                   unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament
                   seems filled with radiant forms—'ten thousand times ten thou-
                   sand, and thousands of thousands.' No human pen can por-
                   tray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its
                   splendor. 'His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was
                   full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.' Ha-
                   bakkuk 3:3, 4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye
                   beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that
                   sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow.
                   His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noon-
                   day sun. 'And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name
                   written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.' Revelation 19:16."
                   —The Great Controversy, page 641.

                      "Then every eye shall see Him, and they also that pierced
                   Him. In the place of a crown of thorns, He will wear a crown
                   of glory,—a crown within a crown. In place of that old purple
                   kingly robe, He will be clothed in raiment of whitest white, `so
                   as no fuller on earth can white them.' Mark 9:3. And on His
                   vesture and on His thigh a name will be written, 'King of kings,
                   and Lord of lords.' Rev. 19:16."—The Desire of Ages, page 739.

 FURTHER STUDY       Early Writings, pages 15, 16. 40

       Part 2       "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with
 THE HARVEST    a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle,
                and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest
                of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his
                sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another
                angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also
                having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from
                the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud
                cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy
                sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth;
                for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his
                sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and
                cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God." Rev.
                14:15-19.
                   From whence did John see the angel come who cried out,
                "Thrust in thy sickle"? Verse 15.
                   As we noticed in chapter 4, John in vision was invited into
                the throne room of the Eternal. And so the scenes that were
                caused to pass before him were transpiring in the temple in
                heaven. For example, the four "beasts" or "living creatures"
                to which we gave special attention are noted in other scenes.
                See chapters 7; 11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4. The prophet himself refers
                to scenes happening before him in heaven.
                   How many harvests are referred to in verses 15 to 18?
                   In ancient Israel there were two harvests—the harvest of
                grain and the harvest of fruit, especially grapes. These two
                harvests are used to represent the saints and the wicked. And it
                is worthy of special notice that when this prophecy applies both
                harvests are "fully ripe."
                   The first angel from the temple cried to the Son of Man to
                reap His harvest. "Gather my saints together unto me; those
                that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." Ps. 50:5.
                Another angel came from the altar and cried, "Gather the
                clusters of the vine of the earth." The one with the sharp sickle
                harvested "the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great
                winepress of the wrath of God." Verses 18 and 19.  Till" IT THROUGH       What is the significance of the harvest being "ripe"?
                    "The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is im-
                possible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God
                by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what
                one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by
                the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect
                to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually
                reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light."—The
                Great Controversy, page 597.    FURTHER STUDY       Christ's Object Lessons, "Tares," pages 72-75.
                                                                               41

            Part 3       "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous,
 THE SEA OF GLASS    seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is
                     filled up the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a sea of
                     glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory
                     over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and
                     over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, hav-
                     ing the harps of God." Rev. 15: 1, 2.

                        In what glowing terms does John speak of the scene that
                     passes before him? Verse 1.

                         The New English Bible reads: "Another great and astonish-
                     ing portent." What a change is the victorious company on the
                     "sea of glass" compared with the forgoing scene of carnage
                     and destruction! Such contrasts are characteristic of apocalyp-
                     tic literature, especially the book of Revelation. So before pic-
                     turing the triumphant company on the "sea of glass," reference
                     is made to the "seven last plagues," which forms the basis of
                     chapter 16.
                        Who especially are the ones joining in the anthem of
                     praise on the sea of glass? Verse 2.

                         "The sea of glass mingled with fire" is very descriptive.
                         "Those who have witnessed the brilliant spectacle of a
                     tropic sunset at sea have caught a faint idea of the glory the
                     prophet here attempts to describe. As the great sun sinks like
                     a ball of blazing fire, the ocean itself seems to break forth
                     into flames of glory; the waves, touched with crimson, transform
                     the whole scene into a mingling of flood and flame. So was
                     the scene that opened to the Patmos prophet."—R. A. Ander-
                     son, Unfolding the Revelation, page 162.
                         And the most wonderful thing about it is that everyone, no
                     matter who he is or where he was born can, if he maintains
                     faith in Jesus, be part of that number.  THINK IT THROUGH            What is the meaning of the quadruple victory (Rev. 15:2)
                     attributed to the saints on the sea of glass?

                        "Although church and state will unite their power to com-
                     pel 'all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond'
                     (Revelation 13:16), to receive 'the mark of the beast,' yet the
                     people of God will not receive it. The prophet of Patmos be-
                     holds 'them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and
                     over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his
                     name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' and
                     singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3."
                     —The Great Controversy, page 450.
  FURTHER STUDY        Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 60, 61. 42

       Part 4      "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and
 THE MAJESTY    the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy
                works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou
   OF CHRIST    King of saints." Rev. 15:3.

                   Again scenes of victory and glory are set over against
                scenes of defeat and destruction (see chapter 14:18-20). The
                members of this triumphant host voice their praise to Him
                through whom they have conquered sin and the grave.

                   What is the anthem sung by the redeemed on the sea of
                glass? Verse 3.

                   "It is the song of Moses because it voices the praise of
                those who, like ancient Israel at the Red Sea, have been
                miraculously delivered from impending destruction. But it is
                also the song of the Lamb because it speaks of the triumph
                of God's people over death and the grave. It will be a song of
                experience, and only those who have passed through the ex-
                perience will be able to join in that paean of praise. . . . Poor
                lost sinners redeemed by grace will tell the story in an anthem
                never heard before."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding the Revela-
                tion, page 163.
                   In Jeremiah 10:6, 7 we find similar language. Here the
                prophet contrasted the gods of the heathen with the living
                God, whom he calls "King of the nations."
                    "The song celebrates the noble acts of the Lord; it declares
                them to be great; but it is not their greatness, it is their righ-
                teousness and faithfulness which calls forth the grateful praise."
                —Ellicott's Commentary, on Rev. 15:3. With the long period of
                oppression and persecution, all the universe will then see God's
                acts as altogether righteous, even the seeming delay in bring-
                ing about the destruction of evil.

                   On what principles does the psalmist state God's throne is
                founded? Ps. 58:11; 97:2.

                   The Revelation is full of Christ. Twenty-seven times in this
                book He is called "the Lamb." He is our Priest at the throne
                of grace, our Creator and Redeemer, and our coming King. He
                is the key to earth's history and the victory of the saints.
                Through Him alone we can overcome the dragon, the beast,
                and the false prophet. Praise Him for His unspeakable gift.

         Part 5     Because our Lord is holy, what shall be our attitude to His
  THE HOLINESS    name?
        OF GOD       "Who shall not fear thee, 0 Lord, and glorify thy name?
                  for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship
                  before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev. 15:4.

                     The word translated "holy" in this passage is applied to one
                  who reverences sacred obligations. God imposes upon Him-
                  self the responsibility as "Judge of all the earth" (Gen. 18:25)
                  to do right and vindicate the expectations of those who put
                  their trust in Him.
                    What name did our Lord give to Moses as the name of
                  God he was to convey to the children of Israel? Ex. 3:14, 15.

                      His name baffles exposition, while His many titles are be-
                  yond natural man's understanding. In the desert He expressed
                  Himself at the burning bush to Moses, supplying a graphic
                  illustration of His timeless, changeless, tireless, divine nature.
                      "God had previously expressed His title Elohim to the pa-
                  triarchs, which by its meaning suggests the God who wills all
                  that He does. He now tells Moses that He is about to make
                  Himself known to Israel as Jehovah, by demonstrating Himself
                  as the God who does all that He wills."—Charles J. Rolls, The
                  World's Greatest Name.
                    When the saints shall sing the song of Moses and of the
                  Lamb, what has been made manifest? Rev. 15:4.

                     God's judgments are at last being revealed. It has not always
                  been possible for men to understand the ways to God. But in
                  the end all will be made plain. "For now we see through a
                  glass, darkly." Another translation reads, "Now we see only
                  puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we shall see face to
                  face. My knowledge now is partial; then it will be whole, like
                  God's knowledge of me." 1 Cor. 13:12, NEB.

                     "The King of heaven is from everlasting to everlasting. Stars
                  and seas, mountains and meadows, times and seasons do not
                  contribute one whit to the sovereignty or superiority of heaven.
                  He is eternal though all else be temporal, He is impregnable
                  though all else be vulnerable, He is immortal though all else
                  be corruptible. Of Him it is written 'Thou remainest.' "—Charles
                  J. Rolls, The World's Greatest Name.

 FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 28; The Great Controversy, pages
                  670, 671. 44

        Part 6      Read Rev. 15:5-8.  CHRIST'S CLOSING
     MINISTRY       This Scripture reveals the awesome preparation for the out-
                 pouring of God's wrath upon the corrupters of the earth and
                 the destroyers of His people. The seven last plagues fall after
                 the close of probation, at the end of Christ's ministry in the
                 heavenly sanctuary.
                    What does the prophet call the temple in heaven? Verse 5.

                    The RSV reads: "The temple of the tent of witness in
                 heaven," as do other translations. Stephen spoke of "the taber-
                 nacle of witness in the wilderness," which was made after the
                 pattern showed in the mount. Acts 7:44. The tabernacle con-
                 tained "the ark of the testimony," so called because it con-
                 tained the law which was God's testimony to Israel. See Ex.
                 32:15, 16; 25:21.
                    Who handed to the angels the vials with the plagues?
                 Verse 7.

                    How appropriate that one of those beings, closely connected
                 with Jesus, should deliver to the ministers of vengeance the
                 vials of wrath for those who have blasphemed the Saviour and
                 persecuted His followers! Before the plagues fall upon the
                 guilty, however, the ministration of mercy will have ceased.
                   What did John see filling the temple while the angels of
                 vengeance were engaged in their work? Verse 8.

                    The Scripture clearly indicates that no man, or actually no
                 being, can enter the temple during the outpouring of the seven
                 last plagues of God's judgments. There will be no Intercessor,
                 no Mediator. And to feel the wrath of God unmixed with mercy
                 is an experience beyond our imagination.

                    Ellen G. White wrote: "In the temple in heaven, the dwelling
                 place of God, His throne is established in righteousness and
                 judgment. In the most holy place is His law, the great rule of
                 right by which all mankind are tested. The ark that enshrines
                 the tables of the law is covered with the mercy seat, before
                 which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's behalf. Thus is
                 represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of
                 human redemption."—The Great Controversy, page 415.    FURTHER STUDY        Testimonies, Vol. 2, pp. 191-193.

                                                                             45

 "The present is a solemn, fearful time for the church. The angels are already girded, awaiting the mandate of God to pour their vials of wrath upon the world. Destroying angels are taking up the work of vengeance; for the Spirit of God is gradually withdrawing from the world. Satan is also mustering his forces of evil, going forth 'unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,' to gather them under his banner, to be trained for 'the battle of that great day of God Almighty.' Satan is to make most powerful efforts for the mastery in the last great conflict. Fundamental principles will be brought out, and decisions made in regard to them. Skepticism is prevailing everywhere. Ungodliness abounds. The faith of individual members of the church will be tested as though there were not an- other person in the world."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 983.

                    Here is a wonderful promise of God's protection that is es-
                 pecially appropriate to the time of the plagues:
                    "He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the
                 munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall
                 be sure." Isa. 33:16. See also Isa. 41:17, 18; 32:2.

        Part 3      "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; THE FOURTH PLAGUE    and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And
                 men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the
                 name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they
                 repented not to give him glory." Rev. 16: 8, 9.
                    "These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the
                 earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful
                 scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judg-
                 ments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been
                 mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded
                 the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in
                 the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.
                    "In that day, multitudes will desire the shelter of God's
                 mercy which they have so long despised."—The Great Contro-
                 versy, pages 628, 629.
                    Upon what is the fourth plague poured? Verse 8.
                    What is the attitude of the people to this occurrence?
                 Verse 9.
                    Repentance is the work of the Holy Spirit on the heart. But
                 before the plagues fall the Spirit of God will have been with-
                 drawn from the earth. There is nothing to convict men of sin
                 and bring them to salvation. So they blaspheme the Almighty
                 and His holy name. It is a sad picture, but this is the end
                 result of persistent sin.
                   Enumerate the promises in Psalm 91 that are particularly
                 applicable to, the time of the plagues.
                     "In the ninety-first psalm is a most wonderful description
                 of the coming of the Lord to bring the wickedness of the wicked
                 to an end, and to give to those who have chosen Him as their
                 Redeemer the assurance of His love and protecting care.
                     "[Ps. 91:15 quoted.]"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
                 Bible Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 1150.  THINK IT THROUGH        How can God's promises be more meaningful to me now,
                 before I face the time of trouble?
                    "Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold
                 companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about
                 those who have kept the word of Christ's patience. With sym-
                 pathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and
                 have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their
                 Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait
                 yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup
                 and be baptized with the baptism."—The Great Controversy,
                 pages 630, 631.

 FURTHER STUDY     The Great Controversy, pages 629, 630. 50

        Part 4      "The fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the  THE FIFTH PLAGUE    beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they
                 gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of
                 heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented
                 not of their deeds." Rev. 16:10, 11.
                    What is the fifth plague and upon what does it fall?
                 Verse 10.
                    The "seat" or "throne" of the beast-power is the main ob-
                 jective of the fifth plague, wherever the headquarters might
                 happen to be located. The papacy through its long history has
                 had its headquarters in Rome. But the "kingdom" might well
                 include the whole world at the time of the plagues. In verse 1
                 the command was, "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of
                 the wrath of God upon the earth." "It would therefore appear
                 that for the duration of this plague the entire world is envel-
                 oped in a pall of darkness. Thus, while men grope unrepent-
                 antly for light in a spiritually dark world, . . . God sends upon
                 them literal darkness, symbolic of the deeper spiritual night
                 that is yet to enshroud the earth."—SDA Bible Commentary,
                 on Rev. 16:10.
                    How do the wicked react under this plague? Verse 11.
                    As we have already noted, only the Holy Spirit can cause
                 men to repent. But the Spirit of God will have been withdrawn
                 from the earth before these judgments of God descend. The
                 wicked therefore have no sorrow for their sins, only basphemy
                 against God. This was their attitude during the fourth plague,
                 and it still persists.
                     What message in the Psalms can give comforting assurance
                 to the righteous during the fourth and fifth plagues? Ps. 121:
                 5-7.

        Part 5      "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great  THE SIXTH PLAGUE    river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the
                 way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw
                 three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the
                 dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the
                 mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils,
                 working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth
                 and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that
                 great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed
                 is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk
                 naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them to-
                 gether into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armaged-
                 don." Rev. 16:12-16.
                   Among the different aspects of the sixth plague three are
                 especially vital—(1) the miracle-working power of demons; (2)
                 their world-wide influence; (3) the gathering of the nations for
                 the battle of the great day of God.
                    From whence do these demonic spirits proceed? Verse 13.
                    The identity of the beast as the papacy we have already
                 noted in earlier lessons. And the false prophet, apostate Prot-
                 estantism, has also been established. The question is, who is
                 the dragon? In Revelation 12:9 he is called "the Devil, and
                 Satan." But this archenemy of God and man always works
                 through people or organizations. In the days of the apostles
                 he worked through pagan Rome. In these closing days the
                 dragon who makes war upon God's remnant (Rev. 12:17) could
                 well represent the great anti-God movement, which, backed
                 up by spirit powers, is determined to obliterate God's name
                 from the earth. In fulfillment of this prophecy we see spir-
                 itualism working through all these great movements. In fact
                 spiritualism may come to be the foundation of popular religion.
                    How much of the world is being prepared for the battle
                 of the great day of God? Verse 14.
                     "Thus, before the spirits can have such absolute authority
                 over the race as to gather them to battle against the King of
                 kings and Lord of lords, they must first win their way among
                 the nations of the earth, and cause their teaching to be re-
                 ceived as of divine authority and their word as law. This work
                 they are now doing, and when they shall have once gained
                 full influence over the nations in question, what fitter instru-
                 ment could be employed to gather them to so rash and hope-
                 less an enterprise?"—Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation,
                 page 699.  THINK IT THROUGH       What will be the nature of the battle of Armageddon?

 FURTHER STUDY     The Great Controversy, pages 561, 562. 52

      Part 6      Read Rev. 16:17-21.
THE SEVENTH
     PLAGUE       The seventh plague is the last tragic judgment of the series.
               While some of the plagues will be local, the last one is poured
               out into the air. The atmosphere all over the habitable globe
               will be affected. But not for long, for the great voice of God
               declares, "It is done."

                  From whence does that voice speak? Verse 17.

                  The gathering of the nations took place under the sixth
               plague. Now the real battle begins, and God uses His armory.

                  What other events occur at this time? Verse 18.

                  What did the Lord reveal to Job about snow and hail?
               Job 38:22, 23.

                  God has reserved snow and hail for "the day of battle
               and war." And He will cause an "overflowing scourge" to pass
               through the lands of earth. But His people will be delivered,
               "every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan 12:1.

                   What message in the Psalms expresses the attitude of God's
               faithful ones amid the reeling earth? Ps. 46:1.

                  This whole psalm, like Psalm 91, contains a message espe-
               cially appropriate for "the time of trouble," and in the midst
               of worldwide distress God's faithful ones will be heard singing
               those words in triumph. See The Great Controversy, page 639.

                 What happens to the cities of the nations at this time?
               Rev. 16:19.

                  "We need to study the pouring out of the seventh vial. The
               powers of evil will not yield up the conflict without a struggle.
               But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon.
               When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Reve-
               lation eighteen, the religious elements, good and evil, will
               awake from slumber, and the armies of the living God will
               take the field."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
               mentary, Vol. 7, p. 983.

The seventeenth chapter of Revelation has been interpreted in a variety of ways, and Seventh-day Adventists are not all agreed on one interpretation. Some who study this lesson will see the prophecy in a different way from that presented here. However, while the interpretation of details may vary, the main thrust of the prophecy is given by Ellen G. White in the following quotation:
"In the seventeenth of Revelation is foretold the destruction of all the churches who corrupt themselves by idolatrous devotion to the service of the papacy, those who have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. [Rev. 17:1-4 quoted.]
"Thus is represented the papal power, which with all deceivableness of un- righteousness, by outside attraction and gorgeous display, deceives all nations; promising them, as did Satan our first parents, all good to those, who receive its mark, and all harm to those who oppose its fallacies. The power which has the deepest inward corruption will make the greatest display, and will clothe itself with the most elaborate signs of power. The Bible plainly declares that this covers a corrupt and deceiving wickedness. 'Upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.'
"What is it that gives its kingdom to this power? Protestantism, a power  which, while professing to have the temper and spirit of a Iamb and to be allied  to Heaven, speaks with the voice of a dragon. It is moved by a power from beneath."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 983.

  LESSON OUTLINE 1.   The Unholy Woman, Rev. 17:1-3 2.   The Blood of the Martyrs, Rev. 17:4-6 3.   The World Astonished, Rev. 17:7, 8 4.   The Clue to Understanding, Rev. 17:9-11 5.   The Faithful Remnant, Rev. 17:12-14 6.   When the World Fulfills God's Will, Rev. 17:15-18

       Part 1       "And there came one of the seven angels which had the
  THE UNHOLY    seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither;
                I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that
      WOMAN     sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth
                have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth
                have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So
                he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I
                saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names
                of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." Rev.
                17:1-3.
                    Who unfolded this symbolic prophecy to John? Verse 1.
                    A woman in prophecy represents a church. This evil woman
                is therefore the symbol of an apostate church. Throughout our
                history Adventists, as did the great Protestant Reformers before
                us, have applied this prophecy to the papacy. But it includes
                more than one religious organization. Verse 18 states that she
                represents the great city, and 16:18, 19 identifies the great city
                as Babylon. Thus the scarlet woman represents all apostate
                religion.
                    Where was John carried in spirit? Verse 3.
                   The New English Bible reads, "he carried me away into
                the wilds." From the viewpoint of the judgment (see verse 1)
                he saw the scarlet woman. When the angel described her in
                verse 1 he said she was seated "upon many waters," but when
                John saw her judgment she was seated on a scarlet beast
                which corresponds in general with the dragon of Revelation 12
                and the beast of Revelation 13. To human appearance she was
                supported by earth's population, but behind this facade she was
                seen supported by the devil.
                   What did John note particularly about this beast? Verse 3.
                   The dragon of chapter 12 had seven crowned heads and ten
                horns; and the leopard-beast of chapter 13 had seven heads
                and ten crowned horns; the beast of chapter 17 had also seven
                heads and ten horns but there is no mention of crowns. At
                the time to which this prophecy points the world empires
                are past, for there are no crowns, or power symbols, on the
                heads. The nations of Europe are not the source of power, for
                the ten horns are uncrowned. The woman is the manifestation
                of dragon power in the world at the time of fulfillment of this
                prophecy. She has replaced the crowned heads and horns of
                the past. This fact points to a new kind of power structure not
                appropriately represented by crowns. From another vantage
                point this beast of chapter 17 is seen as the image to the beast
                in Revelation 13.  THINK IT THROUGH       What is the significance of each feature of this prophecy
                for these last days? 56

       Part 2      "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour,
THE BLOOD OF    and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having
                a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness
THE MARTYRS
                of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name writ-
                ten, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HAR-
                LOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the
                woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the
                blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I won-
                dered with great admiration." Rev. 17:4-6.

                   It was "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" that intoxicated
                this seductive infamous woman representing religious apostasy
                in the world. Yet John also realized that what sustained the
                martyrs in the hour of death was the blood of the Lamb. They
                therefore were honored to shed their blood for Him.

                   How was the woman dressed? Verse 4.

                   Purple and scarlet are considered royal colors. But they
                could also be the colors of sin and spiritual prostitution. The
                golden cup pictured in the woman's hand is "full of abomina-
                tions and filthiness of her fornication." This is strong language.
                But God wants us to realize how He regards the corruption of
                the gospel message as well as the illicit relationship of the
                church with the world.

                   What was the name on her forehead? Verse 5. What is
                the significance of this name?

                   What does the woman hold in her hand? Verse 4.

                   This is a cup full of abomination and counterfeit doctrines
                of a false priesthood. How tragic that the simple way of salva-
                tion should be so corrupted as to require the services of a
                man-made priest to absolve the sinner.

                   "The men of Babel had determined to establish a govern-
                ment that should be independent of God. . . . Had they gone
                on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world in its
                infancy. Their confederacy was founded in rebellion; a kingdom
                established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to have
                no rule or honor."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 123.
                                                                               57

        Part 3      "And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou mar-
                 vel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the
   THE WORLD
                 beast that carrieth her, which hash the seven heads and ten
  ASTONISHED     horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall
                 ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and
                 they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were
                 not written in the book of life from the foundation of the
                 world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and
                 yet is." Rev. 17:7, 8.
                    When the people of the world discern this beast arising with
                 new and added power, they are amazed. The only ones un-
                 moved are those whose names are written in the book of life.
                 Through the study of God's prophetic Word they have known
                 what to expect in these last days. Prophecy is indeed "a light
                 that shineth in a dark place." 2 Peter 1:19.
                    From whence does the beast of Revelation 17 arise?
                 Verse 8.
                    The beast of chapter 13 arose out of the sea, which repre-
                 sented peoples and warring nations. But after exercising its
                 power for 1,260 years from A.D. 538 to 1798 it suffered a death-
                 stroke. The prophecy indicates that he will come back into
                 power, at which time all the world will wonder after him. Rev.
                 13:3. The scarlet beast of Revelation 17 symbolizes the same
                 power but the prophet is viewing it at a different time—after it
                 has recovered from the "deadly wound." When it reappears it
                 comes, not from the sea but from the "bottomless pit." The
                 Greek word abussos, translated "bottomless pit," means an
                 abyss. In Romans 10:7 it means the place of the dead.
                    Will that influence and control continue? Verse 10.
                    Prophecy declares it will be a "short space," but long
                 enough to deceive the whole world except those whose names
                 are written in the book of life.  THINK IT THROUGH       "Is my name written there?"
                     No more pertinent question can be asked. For only those
                 whose names are written there will escape the delusions of the
                 devil and stand without fear in the presence of our Lord when
                 He returns.
                     "While these messages have been studied with profit and
                 inspiration throughout the centuries, they have their special
                 application to earth's last generation. Through the study of His
                 word, the Lord by His Spirit is preparing a people to stand
                 through the final days of deception and be ready for the ap-
                 pearing of our Lord. The prophet was, therefore, witnessing
                 events of our own day."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding the Reve-
                 lation, pages 175, 176. 58

       Part 4      "But here is the clue for those who can interpret it. The
 THE CLUE TO    seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They
                represent also seven kings, of whom five have already fallen,   UNDERSTANDING     one is now reigning, and the other has yet to come; and when
                he does come he is only to last for a little while." Rev. 17:9,
                10, NEB. See also verse 11.
                   "What John had been shown was a 'mystery' . . in the
                sense that reality had been concealed in symbolic language,
                and it would require 'wisdom' to understand the figurative in
                terms of the literal."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 17:9.
                    Where was the woman sitting at the time John was given
                this vision? Verse 9.
                    What are the three stages of this beast-power brought out
                in this prophecy? Verses 8 and 11.
                    There must be real significance in twice mentioning the
                beast that "was," "is not," and "yet is." History records the
                power that "was"; it reigned for 1,260 years, during which time
                the saints were persecuted and attempted changes were made
                in God's law. Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:5-7. But the power which had
                been killing with the sword of the state, received by the sword
                of the state a deathstroke in 1798 and for a time appeared
                dead. Some declare that this is the "is not" period. The papacy
                had no civil power after 1798. But looking beyond that time
                John sees a "yet is" period when civil power will be regained
                and all the world will wonder after the beast. Rev. 13:3.
                    A portion of the prophecy studied today is yet unfulfilled.
                "It is never wise to be dogmatic when studying unfulfilled
                prophecies. A Biblical principle is clear; Jesus said, 'I have
                told you before it come to pass that, when it is come to pass,
                ye might believe.' John 14:29. The unfolding of events will
                doubtless clarify many of these difficult passages.
                    "During the last century the Church of Rome has been re-
                gaining her political influence until today she is strong once
                more."—R. A. Anderson Unfolding the Revelation, pages 174,
                175.
                    What are we counseled to do in regard to these events?
                Rev. 16:15; Luke 12:37.

        Part 5      "And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which
 THE FAITHFUL    have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings
                 one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give
     REMNANT     their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make
                 war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for
                 he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with
                 him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:12-14.



                     The ten kings receive their authority by giving their author-
                 ity to the beast and receiving it back again. Ellen G. White
                 identified this power as Protestantism. See introduction. They
                 had religious authority. When they receive it back under the
                 beast, they have political authority. The authority which at first
                 was only religious is given back as governmental authority.

                    When the horns finally unite, what is said of their mind?
                 Verse 13.



                     These have not the mind of Christ but the mind of Satan
                 as they band together. Ellen G. White comments: "There will be
                 a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy
                 of Satan's forces. . . .
                     "In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be
                 united, in opposition to God's people, all the corrupt powers
                 that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah."
                 —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7,
                 p. 983.
                     If we wonder how it is possible for the nations to be de-
                 ceived, note these inspired words: "The power of Satan now
                 to tempt and deceive is ten-fold greater than it was in the
                 days of the apostles."—Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, p. 277.


                   When the forces of evil finally unite, upon whom do they
                 wage war? Who will win? Verse 14.

         Part 6    "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest,   WHEN THE WORLD where the whore sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and
                nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest FULFILLS GOD'S WILL upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make
                her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn
                her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his
                will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast,
                until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman
                which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the
                kings of the earth." Rev. 17:15-18.
                   What does prophecy declare will happen to the woman?
                Verse 16.
                   These last verses of chapter 17 picture a strange reversal
                of all that the previous verses seemed to be leading up to:
                verse 14 forecasts a bitter attack upon the Lamb and His fol-
                lowers by Satan's confederacy of evil. But verse 16 shows that
                the very powers that gave their strength and support to the
                woman will eventually turn on her and savagely destroy her,
                burning her with fire.
                   What result of men's anger, pointed out by the psalmist,
                will occur again? Ps. 76:10.
                   In 1798 it was the beast that suffered the "deadly wound."
                The political power was stripped from the papacy; but the
                woman, the church, continued on as a religious power. Slowly
                the church began to rebuild her political power, until in this
                prophecy she is seen riding the beast.
                    What does this prophecy say is her relationship to the
                kings or the dictators of earth? Verse 18.
                   This portrays a global combination. It will include all the
                powers of earth, and under the influence of the woman they will
                form a confederacy against the apparently helpless people of
                God. But these very powers will turn upon the woman and
                destroy her.
                   What is the nature of the daughters that spring from this
                adulterous "mother"? Verse 5.
                   The daughters of the apostate church actually form the
                -image to the beast of chapter 13:14.  THINK IT THROUGH      Am I able to discern the antichrist influences that threaten
                the church in both education and religion?
                    The false science of the present day, which undermines
                faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way
                for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as
                did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its
                aggrandizement in the Dark Ages."—The Great Controversy,
                page 573.
                                                                              61

                                                "And I heard another voice
                                             from heaven, saying, Come out of
                                             her, my people, that ye be not

 of Babylon    "The proclamation of the gospel is the only means in which God can employ human beings as His instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women, and children proclaim the gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to see His statutes and will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent His law. The animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers to be of one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His command- ments—preparing here below for translation....    "As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last con- flict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His Spirit."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 984.

         Part 5      "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone
 BABYLON SINKS    and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that
                  great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no
                  more at all." Rev. 18:21.

                     Read also verses 22, 23.

                     What striking figure is used to show the complete destruc-
                  tion of modern Babylon? Verse 21.

                     In what other circumstances was this illustration used?
                  Jer. 51:60-64.

                     As we have already noticed, the downfall of ancient Baby-
                  lon, and even the words of the prophet Jeremiah, are used by
                  the prophet John to describe the final collapse of man's great-
                  est and final achievement—the organization of a world govern-
                  ment. Many statesmen believe world government to be the solu-
                  tion to world war. Such a project would link together all
                  commerce, industry, finance, and religion. This, they say,
                  would control all human endeavor and ensure human success.
                  To make the idea appealing it might well done in the name
                  of Christianity.
                     What did the angel say as he cast the great stone into the
                  sea? Verse 21.

                     This dramatic act by the angel in John's vision must have
                  deeply impressed the prophet. No other passage in Scripture
                  is more descriptive than this eighteenth chapter.
                     Like a huge millstone dropped into the sea, Babylon will
                  sink never to rise again. And all who have put their trust in
                  her will also perish. "Come out of her my people" is God's
                  urgent appeal.

                     "As the members of the body of Christ approach the period
                  of their last conflict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will
                  grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His Spirit. As
                  the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and
                  glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will
                  partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and
                  strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their
                  faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the
                  third angel."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
                  tary, Vol. 7, p. 984. 68

       Part 6      "Thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by
 ALL NATIONS    thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found
                the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were
    DECEIVED    slain upon the earth." Rev. 18:23, 24.

                   Among the sins charged to Babylon, sorcery, or witchcraft,
                seems to be her leading crime. When God brought Israel out
                of Egypt, it was to deliver them not only from slavery but also
                from the occultism and sorcery of that land.
                   By what power will the nations be brought into unity and
                led on to Armageddon? Rev. 16:13-16.

                   What did the apostle Paul declare the nations would be
                saying just before Christ's return? 1 Thess. 5:2, 3.

                   While the nations will be talking peace, they will actually be
                preparing for war. They will be making more diabolical wea-
                pons of war. See Joel 3:9, 10. Spirits of devils working miracles
                are instigating a program that will lead the nations to their
                doom. Spiritualists declare they are "lifting civilization into the
                Christ-age" and will "usher in the millennium." In Revelation
                chapters 13 to 18 we are given a preview of the pageant when
                the whole world will unite against God. But it will end in utter
                defeat. Five times in chapter 18 we read "no more at all."
                Verses 21-23. With civilization facing immense problems—the
                threat of annihilation by nuclear power, world-wide violence,
                famine, and perhaps others as yet unrecognized—it will be
                natural for those not knowing God's Word to laud any plan
                that promises to enhance the morality of society, to provide for
                human needs, and to bring about worldwide peace.

                    "Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be re-
                vealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-work-
                ing demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of
                the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception,
                and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against
                the government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and sub-
                 jects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be
                Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which be-
                long to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful
                miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from
                heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures."—The
                Great Controversy, page 624.
                                                                                69

                    "Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can
                 make us meet to appear in God's presence. This covering, the
                 robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every re-
                 penting, believing soul....
                    "This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one
                 thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out
                 a perfect character, and this charatcer He offers to impart to
                 us."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 311.
                                                                               73

        Part 3      "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are
    CALLED TO    called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith
                 unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his
 THE MARRIAGE    feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
       SUPPER    not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have
                 the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of
                 Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:9, 10.

                    What did the angel say of those called to the marriage
                 supper? Verse 9.

                    Why did the multitude rejoice? Verse 7.

                     Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." That place
                 is the Holy City. Abraham "looked for a city ... , whose builder
                 and maker is God." Heb. 11:10. The Holy City will be the
                 metropolis of the new earth to which the redeemed of all the
                 ages will come to worship God "from one sabbath to another."
                 Isa. 66:23.

                    When the angel finished speaking, what did John do?
                 Verse 10 (first part).

                     The prophet was enraptured and overwhelmed. We are told:
                 "The countenance of the angel grew radiant with joy and was
                 exceeding glorious, as he showed John the final triumph of the
                 church of God. . . . He [the apostle] was carried away with
                 the glory of the scene and with deep reverence and in awe
                 fell at the feet of the angel to worship him."—Early Writings,
                 pages 230, 231.

                    How did the angel react to John's attempt to worship him?
                 Verse 10 (last part).

                     We are strictly counseled against the worshiping of angels.
                 See Col. 2:18. The gentle reproof given to John clearly reveals
                 the reason human beings are not to worship angels. He said,
                 "I am thy fellowservant." He had also served John's brethren,
                 the prophets. He was not divine, but a servant of God.

                    What did the angel say is the testimony of Jesus? Verse
                 10 (last part).

                    The spirit of prophecy means that Jesus is witnessing to
                 His church through the gift of prophecy.

      Part 4        "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;   THE CONQUEROR     and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and
                in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were
      COMES     as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and
                he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
                And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his
                name is called The Word of God." Rev. 19: 11-13.
                   What happened to the heavens when John beheld this
                scene? What color was the horse? Verse 11.
                   White horses, white linen, white robes all speak of Christ's
                righteousness. See verse 8. It is in righteousness that He leads
                forth the armies of heaven to war against all the united forces
                of evil. We could say that this is the real battle of the great
                day of God. "Spirits of devils, working miracles" have com-
                bined the whole world in a determined effort to blot out the
                name of God and the people of God. Can we imagine the effect
                on the deluded masses when they see the Saviour in His maj-
                esty leading the hosts of light as a conquering army?
                   How is the head of this conquering King adorned? Verse
                12.
                   When John saw Him coming in power, how was He
                clothed? Verse 13.
                   What Old Testament scripture gives the same picture?
                Isa. 63:1-3.
                   When the One who was sacrified on Calvary comes in glory
                to rout the enemy of God and man, He will bear on His person
                a bloodstained robe, the receipt of the price He paid for our
                redemption. In Gethsemane and on Calvary He trod the wine-
                press alone. When He comes a glorious King, His foes will still
                be out of harmony with Him in character.

       Part 5      "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried
  THE SECOND    with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst
                of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the
      SUPPER    supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings,
                and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and
                the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the
                flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great."
                Rev. 19:17, 18.

                   Notice here the contrast to the marriage supper of joy and
                gladness where the righteous of all the ages assemble in the
                Father's presence to celebrate the victory of the Lamb, and
                where He comes forth to serve us. Verse 9. This is a different,
                a tragic supper when the birds of prey gather to feast on the
                flesh of kings and captains and all who have refused the in-
                vitations to the marriage supper of the Lamb and continued
                in their worldly way of life.

                    What does the apostle Paul state to be the punishment of
                those who are unprepared for our Lord's return? 2 Thess.
                1: 7-9.

                   The days in which we live must be days of preparation tc
                meet our Lord in peace. The nations of earth seem to be pre
                paring for war and bloodshed. But every human being who is
                alive, whatever his social state, if he has not accepted salva-
                tion, will be destroyed by the brightness of that glory in the sky

                  What does the great apostle say particularly about the
                man of sin and how he will meet his end? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 8

                   "We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy ... and
                to understand the progress of events in the marshalling of the
                nations for the final conflict of the great controversy."—Testi-
                monies, Vol. 8, p. 307.

                   "When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, th(
                true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. ... The peopl(
                of God will draw together and present to the enemy a unite(
                front....
                   "Then will the message of the third angel swell to a lou(
                cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of th(
                Lord."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 401. 76

       Part 6      "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and    THE RIGHTEOUS    their armies, gathered together to make war against him that
                sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was
   PRESERVED    taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles
                before him, with which he deceived them that had received
                the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image.
                These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with
                brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him
                that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his
                mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." Rev.
                19:19-21.

                   Who comprise the armies of the beast in the final battle?
                Verse 19.

                    Where were the beast, the false prophet and all the unholy
                retinue cast? Verse 20.

                   The lake of fire here mentioned is not the final lake of fire
                at the end of the millenium. In this nineteenth chapter the
                prophet is discussing events connected with the second advent
                of Christ, one of which is the fiery destruction of the living
                wicked. Paul, describing our Lord being "revealed from heaven
                with his mighty angels," says it will be "in flaming fire taking
                vengeance on them . . . that obey not the gospel." 2 Thess.
                1:7, 8. The presence of the Lord and the glory of His power
                will destroy all who have linked themselves with the devil and
                his angels.
                   Revelation 19:21 in the New English Bible reads: "The rest
                were killed by the sword which went out of the Rider's mouth";
                that is, the voice of Christ, who calls the righteous dead to
                arise.

                   "When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the in-
                habitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must
                live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The
                restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and
                Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God's long-
                suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, de-
                spised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have
                passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, per-
                sistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by
                divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one.
                Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one
                great, final trouble."—The Great Controversy, page 614.
                                                                             77

                   "Jesus comes in a mighty, threefold glory that is beyond
                our comprehension. No wonder the wicked are unable to look
                upon Him and live. They will be smitten down as if by an atomic
                flash. The heat and power of that 'explosion' will be terrific.
                   "This is not some tremendous cosmic catastrophe triggered
                by man; it is the work of God. And notice, it affects only those
                who are unable to endure the light of His glory."—H. M. S.
                Richards, What Jesus Said, pages 544, 545.

         Part 3      "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall
    LOOSING OF    be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the
                  nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and
     THE DEVIL    Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of
                  whom is as the sand of the sea." Rev. 20:7, 8.
                     What will happen to Satan at the end of the thousand
                  years? Verse 7.
                     What is John's description of the length of Satan's release?
                  Verse 3 (last part).
                     The wording of verse 3 is very revealing. He will deceive
                  the nations no more till the thousand years are expired. Why
                  has he not been able to carry on his work of deception? Simply
                  because the righteous have all been taken from this world to
                  the Father's house, and the wicked have not been raised from
                  the dead.
                      What does Scripture say of those who are raised in the
                  first resurrection? Verse 6.
                     When the earth is depopulated, Satan and his angels will
                  be confined to this planet. There will be no one to tempt and
                  deceive. Satan will not be slain by the brightness of Christ's
                  glory as will be the case with the wicked humans. He will be
                  able to view the tragic results of his rebellion. But how is he
                  loosed? If the destruction of all the living wicked constituted
                  Satan's binding, then the reversal of that will constitute his
                  loosing.
                     What event takes place at the close of the 1,000 years?
                  Verses 12, 13.
                    The resurrected wicked are the ones the devil goes out to
                  deceive and organize into a fighting force. Each one of these
                  could have been a citizen of God's kingdom.

                     Those who rise from the grave after the thousand years
                  come forth for judgment.
                     "Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His
                  people. Says Paul: 'Know ye not that we shall judge angels?'
                  Verse 3 [of 1 Cor. 6]. And Jude declares that 'the angels
                  which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation,
                  He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto
                  the judgment of the great day.' Jude 6."—The Great Contro-
                  versy, page 661.

 FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, page 662. 82

        Part 4      "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and com- THE DEVIL ATTACKS    passed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city:
                 and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured
                 them." Rev. 20:9.
                     Against what does the devil lead his deceived multitudes
                 at the end of the thousand years? Verse 9.

                    The question naturally arises, Where was "the beloved city"
                 during the millennium? John wrote in Revelation 21:2 that he
                 saw it "coming down from God out of heaven."
                    "As the New Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes
                 down out of heaven, it rests upon the place purified and made
                 ready to receive it, and Christ, with His people and the angels,
                 enters the Holy City."—The Great Controversy, page 663. The
                 attention of the multitude is again arrested as, high above the
                 city, God unfolds in a panorama the whole history of sin and
                 salvation.
                    "Now Christ again appears to the view of His enemies. Far
                 above the city, upon a foundation of burnished gold, is a throne,
                 high and lifted up. Upon this throne sits the Son of God, and
                 around Him are the subjects of His kingdom. The power and
                 majesty of Christ no language can describe, no pen portray."
                 —The Great Controversy, page 665.
                    "Coming near to the city, the wicked will be able to gaze
                 through its transparent walls of jasper. To their astonishment
                 they will recognize some in that city whom they have despised.
                 But these are inside the city and saved, while they themselves
                 are outside the city and lost."—R. A. Anderson, Unfolding the
                 Revelation, page 197.
                    How did our Lord describe the effect of this scene upon
                 those who merely profess to serve Him? Luke 13:28.

                     This will be the first and last time the whole human race, of
                 all the ages, will meet. What a scene that will be! The effects
                 of sin will be self-evident to the whole universe.

                    "Satan seems paralyzed as he beholds the glory and majesty
                 of Christ. He who was once a covering cherub remembers
                 whence he has fallen. A shining seraph, 'son of the morning;'
                 how changed, how degraded! From the council where once he
                 was honored, he is forever excluded. He sees another now
                 standing near to the Father, veiling His glory."—The Great
                 Controversy, page 669.

        Part 5      "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
                 and the books were opened: and another book was opened,
     THE FINAL
                 which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of
     JUDGMENT    those things which were written in the books, according to
                 their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in 'it;
                 and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in
                 them: and they were judged every man according to their
                 works." Rev. 20:12, 13.
                    What is the source of information for the judgment of the
                 wicked? Verse 12.
                    These closing verses of the twentieth chapter of Revelation
                 present the last acts of rebellion and how God finally disposes
                 of sin and sinners.
                    Twice in Scripture we read "the books were opened." Dan.
                 7:10 and Rev. 20:12. "The following classification appears in
                 GC 480, 481: (1) the book of life, wherein are recorded the
                 names of all those who have accepted the service of God; (2)
                 the book of remembrance, a record of the good deeds of the
                 saints; and (3) a record of the sins of men. In the record of a
                 vision of the executive phase of the judgment at the end of
                 the 1000 years the following classification appears: (1) the
                 book of life, containing a record of the good deeds of the
                 saints; (2) the book of death, containing the record of the evil
                 deeds of the unrepentant, (3) the statute book, the Bible, ac-
                 cording to whose standard men are judged (EW 52)."—SDA
                 Bible Commentary, on Dan. 7:10.
                    "In the books of heaven our lives are as accurately traced
                 as in the picture on the plate of the photographer. Not only are
                 we held accountable for what we have done, but for what we
                 have left undone. We are held to account for our undeveloped
                 characters, our unimproved opportunities."—Ellen G. White
                 Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 987.
                    When Jesus returns, what will He bring with Him? Rev.
                 22:12.
                    Some will receive the reward of everlasting life; others will
                 receive everlasting death. Each reward will be the result of the
                 individual's deliberate choice. Those who in the end are finally
                 destroyed in the fires of God are there because of their own
                 choosing. Before that final day of judgment and retribution all
                 will have had opportunity to make the right choice. And each
                 day we are choosing life or death by our thoughts and actions.

 FURTHER STUDY     The Great Controversy, pages 666-670. 84

       Part 6       "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This  THE CONTROVERSY    is the second death. And whosoever was not found written
                in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:
       ENDED    14, 15.

                   What is this final destruction called? Verse 14.

                   When sin and rebellion finally come to their end, it will also
                be the end of death itself. We die the first death because of
                Adam's sin. The Scripture says: "As in Adam all die, even so
                in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Cor. 15:22. Only those who
                are "in Christ" escape the second death. Of those "accounted
                worthy to obtain that world, [the new earth] and the resurrec-
                tion," Jesus says, "neither can they die any more." Luke 20:35,
                36. And Paul says, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
                death." 1 Cor. 15:26.
                  What will Christ, the Judge, have to say to the wicked?
                Matt. 25:41.

                   "The final scene in the drama of the ages is described in
                these simple words: 'And fire came down from God out of
                heaven, and devoured them [the wicked].' Revelation 20:9.
                This is the 'day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.'
                2 Peter 3:7. This is the end of the wicked. This is God's great
                antiseptic that prepares the world for its re-creation. This is
                the cleansing, purifying fire that fits the earth to be the home
                of the redeemed. 'And whosoever was not found written in the
                book of life was cast into the lake of fire.' Rev. 20:15. Those
                are not human words; they are God's words."—H. M. S. Rich-
                ards, What Jesus Said, page 549.

                     "A terrible conflict is before us. We are nearing the battle
                of the great day of God Almighty. That which has been held
                in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is folding her
                wings, preparing to step down from the throne and leave the
                world to the control of Satan. The principalities and powers of
                earth are in bitter revolt against the God of heaven. They are
                filled with hatred against those who serve Him, and soon, very
                soon, will be fought the last great battle between good and
                evil. The earth is to be the battlefield—the scene of the final
                contest and the final victory."—My Lite Today, page 308.

r

         Part 3      "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable,
    THE CITY—I    and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idola-
                  ters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which
                  burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
                  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had
                  the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with
                  me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the
                  Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great
                  and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy
                  Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the
                  glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most pre-
                  cious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." Rev. 21:8-11.
                    Who invited John to witness this city descending from
                  God? Verse 9.
                     What a contrast this was to the tragic picture of destruction
                  the prophet had witnessed when the earth was devastated and
                  the great cities of earth collapsed! How the exiled prophet
                  must have responded to this scene of glory!
                     But who were deprived from entering that city of light
                  and purity? Verse 8.
                     Note that the list begins with those called the "fearful," or
                  the cowardly, those who give up in time of trial. Then come
                  the "unbelieving," or the untrustworthy. Then the "abomi-
                  nable," meaning those from whom one turns in disgust. The
                  "murderous" are those who follow in the footsteps of Cain. The
                  term "whoremongers," or fornicators, includes those who sin
                  sexually. "Sorcerers" are those who practice magic and
                  spiritualism. The designation "idolators" takes in more than
                  the heathen. Christians can also be idolators. And "all liars"
                  is a significant expression. While Christians would not tell lies,
                  yet it is possible to "make lies" by a nod or a gesture. Even
                  to say nothing may amount to lying.
                     Where will the sinner be found at last? Verse 8 (last part).

 FURTHER STUDY      Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 67-70. 90

       Part 4      "And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates,
 THE CITY—II    and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon,
                which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of
                Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on
                the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the
                wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the
                names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
                   "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the
                city was pure gold, like unto clear glass." Rev. 21:12-14, 18.
                      What did John see surrounding the Holy City? Verse 12.
                      Whose names were engraved on the twelve gates? Verse
                12.
                   Whose names did John see on the magnificent founda-
                tions? Verse 14.
                   The fact that the twelve tribes of Israel are mentioned along
                with the twelve apostles of the Lamb shows that this city be-
                longs to God's people of all ages and dispensations. It is not
                a Jewish city but the dwelling place of God Himself.
                    Who are stationed as the gatekeepers of this city? Verse
                12.
                    It is not that these entrances need to be guarded, but angels
                who, through all the centuries have been "sent forth to min-
                ister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb. 1:14),
                stand at the gates of this mighty city to welcome those who
                come and go through the gates. And what a welcome it will be
                for those who by the grace of their Lord have overcome all
                the power of the enemy and have a right to the tree of life!  THINK IT THROUGH        How do I react to the thought of living in the city Jesus
                has prepared for me?
                    "The veil that interposes between the visible and the invis-
                ible world will be drawn aside, and wonderful things will be
                revealed....
                    "There all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold
                the fruit of their labors. The outworking of every right prin-
                ciple and noble deed will be seen. . . . How little of the result
                of the world's noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer!
                . . . Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their
                lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not
                that their faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that
                can never cease to flow; only by faith they see the children
                they have trained become a benediction and an inspiration to
                their fellow men, and the influence repeat itself a thousand-
                fold. . . . In the hereafter the action and reaction of all these
                will be seen."—Education, pages 304-306.    FURTHER STUDY       Early Writings, pages 13-19.
                                                                              91

        Part 5       "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure
  THE CITY—III   the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And
                 the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the
                 breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thou-
                 sand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of
                 it are equal."

                    "And the foundations of the wall of the city were gar-
                 nished with all manner of precious stones. The first founda-
                 tion was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony;
                 the fourth, an emerald.... And the twelve gates were twelve
                 pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street
                 of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
                 Rev. 21:15, 16, 19-21.

                    What is the shape of this capital city of the new earth?
                 Verse 16.

                    Some have asked if the city will be able to accommodate
                 the millions of the saved. The measurements given by the angel
                 are amazing. Who could imagine a city nearly 1,500 miles in
                 circumference or 375 on each side. The jasper walls of that
                 city enclose 2,250,000 square miles! Someone has estimated
                 that all the people who have ever lived on this earth from
                 Adam's time to our own could crowd into that giant city, and
                 there would still be room for visitors from other worlds. But
                 only those who have accepted of God's grace and been obe-
                 dient to all the truth the Lord has revealed will enter there.
                     What feature of the city is a strange contrast with earthly
                 cities? Verse 18.

                    In The Great Controversy, pages 674, 675 we read: "A fear
                 of making the future inheritance seem too material has led
                 many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look
                 upon it as our home."

                     "Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Reve-
                 lation as mysterious, and of less importance than other portions
                 of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a
                 revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should
                 live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true
                 position and their duty."—Early Writings, page 231.

 FURTHER STUDY      Education, pages 301-305. 92

       Part 6      "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty
 GOD'S GLORY    and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need
                of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory
                of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And
                the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light
                of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and
                honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by
                day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring
                the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall
                in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither what-
                soever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which
                are written in the Lamb's book of life." Rev. 21:22-27.
                    What is absent in the New Jerusalem which was the center
                of old Jerusalem? Why? Verse 22.
                    What kind of illumination will this city have? Verse 23.
                    "Light-giving bodies will not be imperative for the illumina-
                tion of the city. The glorious effulgence of the presence of God
                will give more than sufficient light (cf. Isa. 60:19, 20). Material
                things are not indispensable in God's plan; in His presence
                they are put to shame (cf. Isa. 24:23). Created light cannot
                outshine the uncreated glory of the divine presence."—SDA
                Bible Commentary, on Rev. 21:23.
                    What nations will bring honor to the Holy City? Verse 24.
                   "The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every
                trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell
                will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.
                    "One reminder alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever bear
                the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon
                His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel
                work that sin has wrought. . . . And the tokens of His humilia-
                tion are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds
                of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power."
                —The Great Controversy, page 674.  THINK IT THROUGH        How am I preparing to live in the city lighted by the
                glory of God?
                    "This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time
                spent here is the Christian's winter. Here the chilly winds of
                affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against
                us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sigh-
                ing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian's sum-
                 mer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness
                or death. 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
                 there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying . . . :
                 for the former things are passed away.' "—Ellen G. White
                 Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 988.    FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, pages 676-678.
                                                                                 93

                            LESSON OUTLINE

 FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, page 675. 96

       Part 2      "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God    THE THRONE OF    and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve
                him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in GOD AND THE LAMB    their foreheads." Rev. 22: 3, 4.
                   What do we have to endure in the world today that will
                be missing in the new earth? Verse 3, (first part).
                    The simple emphatic expression "the throne of God and
                of the Lamb" is very revealing. When Lucifer challenged God
                for His throne and then ultimately won the allegiance of Adam,
                this newly created world became the battleground of the forces
                of good and evil. Adam was no longer a king with the oversight
                of earth. He became a servant of sin under the dominion of
                Satan.
                    Having yielded to the devil, Adam thereby passed on sin to
                all his posterity. Rom. 5:12. We were lost, hopelessly lost; but
                in the fullness of time God Himself, in the person of Jesus
                 Christ, came to take the place of Adam—to pay the penalty of
                sin, to suffer and die a vicarious death on our behalf. Pointing
                Him out in the crowd, John the Baptist cried out with confi-
                dence: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
                of the world." John 1:29. Three and a half years later He was
                 led as a lamb to the slaughter. But He rose from the dead and
                ascended to His Father. While reigning as coregent of the
                universe He also is our great High Priest, officiating as both
                Priest and Victim, as Offerer and Offering—the Lamb of God.
                 So the throne of the universe is called "the throne of God and
                of the Lamb." It was as the Lamb of God that He offered Him-
                 self for a lost world and a lost race.
                    In the ages of eternity to come the eternal throne of Deity
                 will always be "the throne of the Lamb." We will never exhaust
                 the theme of our redemption.
                    The world we know today is under a three-fold curse—thorns
                 and thistles (Gen. 3:17); diminished production (Gen. 4:12);
                 and the Flood (Gen. 8:21).

          Part 3      "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in
 THEY SHALL SEE    their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they
                   need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God
       HIS FACE    giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
                   Rev. 22:4, 5.
                      What wonderful promise is given to the saints of God?
                   Verse 4.
                      What about the Holy City will be different from any
                   earthly city? Verse 5.

                       "In the City of God 'there shall be no night.' None will need
                   or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will
                   of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel
                   the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its
                   close. 'And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for
                   the Lord God giveth them light.' Revelation 22:5. The light of
                   the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not pain-
                   fully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the bright-
                   ness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods
                   the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the
                   sunless glory of perpetual day."—The Great Controversy, page
                   676.
                       The righteous will walk in that radiant city and know they
                   have a right there. Not that any of their works earned them
                   a place in God's kingdom, but because they have accepted
                   His invitation to become members of His family through grace,
                   and grace alone. Any works of righteousness we do are not to
                   earn salvation, but because we have already received salva-
                   tion.
                       "The people of God are privileged to hold open communion
                   with the Father and the Son. 'Now we see through a glass,
                   darkly.' 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God
                   reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His
                   dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face,
                   without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence
                   and behold the glory of His countenance."—The Great Contro-
                   versy, pages 676, 677.

                      "Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! the rapture of that
                   hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed, shall
                   behold His image, sin's discord banished, its blight removed,
                   the human once more in harmony with the divine!"—The Great
                   Controversy, page 646.

 FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, pages 674-676. 98

       Part 4      "And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and    BEHOLD I COME    true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel
                to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be
    QUICKLY     clone. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the
                sayings of the prophecy of this book." Rev. 22:6, 7.
                  When the voice from heaven unfolded the future to John,
                what was its special emphasis? Verse 7.
                  The keynote of the Revelation is the second coming of
              Christ. "The attention of the people should be called to the
              momentous event which is so near at hand. The signs of the
              times should be kept fresh before their minds. The prophetic
              visions of Daniel and John foretell a period of moral darkness
              and declension; but at the time of the end, the time in which
              we are now living, the vision was to speak and not lie. When
              the signs predicted begin to come to pass, the waiting, watch-
              ing ones are bidden to look up and lift up their heads and re-
              joice because their redemption draweth nigh."—Testimonies,
              Vol. 5, pp. 9, 10.
                  It is those who will live in harmony with the message of
              the book of Revelation that are here called "blessed" or
              "happy."
                  "Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming
              with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is
              coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world
              is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of
              the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appear-
              ing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ
              the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him.
              While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ's followers
              will rejoice."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 420, 421.
                   In what way will the wicked react to the blazing glory of
              Christ? Rev. 6:15-17.
                  Because of the tremendous issues involved, the Lord is
               sending an urgent appeal, His last appeal, to all the world.
               The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 are the heart of
              that appeal.  THINK IT THROUGH       What is the urgency of God's message for this generation?
                   "God has presented to me the dangers that are threatening
               those who have been given the sacred work of proclaiming the
               third angel's message. They are to remember that this message
               is of the utmost consequence to the whole world. They need
               to search the Scriptures diligently, that they may learn how to
               guard against the mystery of iniquity, which plays so large a
               part in the closing scenes of this earth's history."—Ellen G.
               White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 980.    FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 266, 267.
                                                                            99

       Part 5       "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the  BLESSED ARE THEY   sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these
                things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I
                fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which
                shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou
                do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the
                prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book:
                worship God." Rev. 22:7-9.

                   A special blessing is pronounced on those who keep the
                sayings of the prophecies of this book. As we have noticed
                in previous lessons, the great majority of those who study
                Revelation push its prophecies away off into the future. Not only
                do they lose the blessing the Lord has promised, but they are
                left unprepared for the tremendous events which will most
                definitely affect all believers.
                   What did the angel say to John at the conclusion of the
                great revelation he had received? Verse 10.

                   When Daniel received his visions, he was told to seal some
                of them. On the other hand John's visions were relevant to his
                day. But even more relevant to our day, "for the time is at
                hand."
                    "Christ the Revelator, foreseeing the warfare that would be
                waged against the study of the Revelation, pronounced a bless-
                ing upon all who should read, hear, and observe the words of
                the prophecy."—The Great Controversy, page 342.
                   When John received this revelation, what was his attitude
                toward the angel? Verse 8.

                   This was the second time John sought to worship the angel.
                And he met the same rebuke. The heavenly messenger wanted
                him to know that he too was a creature and could not accept
                worship due to God alone.

                    "As we near the close of time, there will be greater and
                still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities
                 will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves
                 before the cities of the world. . . . All need wisdom carefully
                 to search out the mystery of iniquity that figures so largely in
                the winding up of this earth's history."—Testimonies to Min-
                isters, pages 117, 118.

       Part 6       "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the proph-    THE TIME IS AT   ecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let
                him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy
       HAND     still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and
                he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come
                quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man
                according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:10-12.
                   "The time is at hand" said the voice from heaven to John.
                But what time? The time indicated by the prophecies. And
                those "things" (verse 6) meet their climax in the second com-
                ing of Christ.
                    What solemn pronouncement is made just prior to our
                Saviour's return? Verse 11.
                   "When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the
                destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Proba-
                tion is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in
                the clouds of heaven....
                   "The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the
                earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building,
                eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable
                decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before
                the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and
                shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing
                not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, plea-
                sure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judg-
                ment. 'So,' says the Saviour, 'shall also the coming of the Son
                of man be.' Matthew 24:39. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight
                thief, will come the decisive hour which marks ,the fixing of
                every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of nnercy's offer to
                guilty men."—The Great Controversy, pages 490, 491.
                   Who makes the pronouncement? Verse 12.
                   The same One who comes in glory bringing His rewards
                with Him is the One who, as Judge, pronounces the sentence.
                See John 5:22, 27.
                   Those who are "unjust," because "unjustified," remain un-
                just. Those who are "holy" remain holy for all eternity. There
                will be no further opportunity to accept salvation.  THINK IT THROUGH      How shall I be just before God and the judgment?
                   "God designed that the Prince of sufferers in humanity
                should be judge of the whole world. . . . He alone is to pro-
                nounce the sentence of reward or of punishment. . . . Both
                saints and sinners will recognize in him who was crucified the
                Judge of all living."—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Nov.
                22, 1898.    FURTHER STUDY       Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 130.
                                                                             101

                    "When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly
                 —at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have
                 a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us;
                 and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom
                 of heaven."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
                 tary, Vol. 7, p. 989.

      Part 2       How does our Lord classify those outside the Holy City?    THOSE OUTSIDE
    THE CITY       "Outside are dogs, sorcerers and fornicators, murderers
                and idolators, and all who love and practice deceit." Rev.
                22:15, NEB.

                    The allusion to dogs had real meaning for those to whom the
                Revelation was first sent, for hungry, semi-wild dogs used
                often to wander about the streets of many ancient cities, .de-
                vouring dead bodies and other refuse. See 1 Kings 14:11. And
                it is in this setting that the figure is used. Another group
                mentioned are those who practiced sorcery or spiritualism. The
                whoremongers and fornicators are mentioned next. Sexual
                license, even depravity, is a mark of our times, as are also
                murderers. Idolators includes more than the heathen who wor-
                ship idols of wood and stone. Many kinds of idol worship
                beset the people of God today. Last on the list are the liars,
                or those who practice some form of deceit; it may be in busi-
                ness or in the home or cheating on income tax or examina-
                tions. It is sobering to ponder that all such will be outside the
                city.
                   By contrast what is the fruit of the Spirit? Gal. 5:22, 23.

                   It is in this life that we must prepare for the life to come.
                How easily the purity of our affections and the integrity of our
                thoughts can be changed! Suddenly we get flurried, annoyed,
                agitated, and the quiet waters of the soul are lashed into fury.
                Isaiah said, "The wicked are like the troubled sea, . . . whose
                waters cast up mire and dirt." Isa. 57:20. To enter the'city of
                God we must be overcomers.

                    "When we become children of God, our names are written
                in the Lamb's book of life, and they remain there until the time
                of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individ-
                ual will be called, and his record examined, by Him who de-
                clares, 'I know thy works.' If in that day it shall appear that all
                our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names
                will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand
                against us."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
                tary, Vol. 7, p. 987.

       Part 3      "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these
  THE BRIGHT    things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of AND MORNING STAR    David, and the bright and morning star." Rev. 22:16. •
                  "The bright and morning star" is one of the many titles of
                our Lord. This is one of the oldest, most significant of all His
                Scriptural titles. The first reference is in Numbers 24:17, where
                we read, "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre
                shall rise out of Israel."
                   How did Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, refer to
                the coming Redeemer? Luke 1:77, 78.
                   The New English Bible reads: "The morning sun from heaven
                will rise (or has risen) upon us."
                    In what terms is our Lord spoken of in the closing book
                of the Old Testament? Mal. 4:2.
                   Just as the rising sun dispels the darkness, bringing warmth,
                growth, and blessing to the earth, so does our Lord's presence
                in our lives bring spiritual growth and blessing, dispelling the
                darkness of our sinful nature.
                    What other identification of Himself does He give? Rev.
                22:16.
                   It is paradoxical to call Jesus "the root" and at the same
                time "the offspring." When Jesus asked the Pharisees "What
                think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" they answered, "The
                Son of David." Matt. 22:42. Then Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1,
                where it says, "The Lord said unto my Lord," et cetera. Then
                the Master asked them, "If David then call him Lord, how is
                he his son?" Matt. 22:45. That was too much for those religious
                leaders. They could not answer. Jesus existed, was Creator,
                and thus the root of David. But in the fullness of time He was
                 born of a woman through the line of David, and so was David's
                offspring.  THINK IT THROUGH       Is Christ the Daystar in my life? Can I sing these words
                sincerely: "All the darkness of the night has passed away; it
                is morning in my heart"?
                    "Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to
                the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light,
                the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a reve-
                lation of His character of love. The children of God are to
                manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to
                reveal what the grace of God has done for them.
                   "The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in
                good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness."—
                Christ's Object Lessons, pages 415, 416.

       Part 4      "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him
   THE FINAL    that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
                whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev.
  INVITATION    22:17.
                   Which person of the Godhead, and with Him who else,
                gives the final invitation? Verse 17. Identify the symbol.
                   The last command to Noah just before the great Flood was:
                "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." Gen. 7:1. A simi-
                lar appeal is now going to all mankind. Just as in Noah's day
                the only ones who escaped the Flood were those who re-
                sponded to God's call, so today the only ones who will be
                protected during the plagues and from the second death at
                last are those who hear and heed God's final invitation.
                    "All who are partakers of this great salvation wrought out
                by Jesus Christ are under obligation to work as laborers to-
                gether with God. In the heavenly courts the roll is called, on
                which every name is registered, and the heavenly agencies
                respond to the call. The service given by every human being
                upon earth is there recorded. If any are negligent, it is re-
                corded; if diligent, the same is reported; if idlers, the fact
                stands against their names. In all the great mass of humanity,
                not one is lost sight of. Then let every one be ready to answer
                 the call, saying, 'Here, Lord, ready for action.'
                    "The world has claims upon you. If you fail to shine as lights
                in the world, some will rise in the judgment, and charge upon
                 you the blood of their souls."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
                Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 987.
                    How far-reaching is the invitation to accept the water of
                life? Verse 17.
                   When the woman of Samaria heard Jesus speaking about
                "the water of life," she desired to know more. Then she hur-
                ried to the townspeople and invited them to hear the words
                of life from the Master. Having heard, she then said, "Come!"

          Part 5      "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the
  CHRIST'S LAST    prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
                   God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this
      WARNING      book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the
                   book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of
                   the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things
                   which are written in this book." Rev. 22:18, 19.
                      Who is speaking in these verses? Verse 16.
                      What special message does our Lord give? Verses 18, 19.
                       "Men cannot with impunity trample upon the word of God.
                   The meaning of this fearful denunciation is set forth in the
                   closing chapter of the Revelation: [Rev. 22:18, 19 quoted.] ...
                       "Such are the warnings which God has given to guard men
                   against changing in any manner that which He has revealed or
                   commanded. These solemn denunciations apply to all who by
                   their influence lead men to regard lightly the law of God. They
                   should cause those to fear and tremble who flippantly declare
                   it a matter of little consequence whether we obey God's law
                   or not. All who exalt their own opinions above divine revela-
                   tion, 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.
                     If men take away the truth from these prophecies, what
                   does Christ, the Judge, say He will take from them? Verse 19.
                      Even by neglecting to study and apply these messages to
                   ourselves we might be guilty of taking away from these proph-
                   ecies.

        Part 6      "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come    EVEN SO, COME,    quickly. Amen. Even so, come, lord Jesus. The grace of our
                 Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Rev. 22:20, 21.
  LORD JESUS
                    What was John's last prayer of response? Verse 20.
                    Those words, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus," are John's
                 closing prayer. Inspired of God to bring us the Revelation, he
                 now prepares to lay aside his pen. Just as he does, the Lord
                 announces anew the certainty of His coming, and the old
                 Patmos prophet, knowing his work as heaven's recorder is
                 at an end, ponders the meaning of what he has written. Then
                 from the depths of his soul his response is, "Even so, come,
                 Lord Jesus." That has been the prayer of God's faithful ones
                 through all the ages since that day.
                     When Abraham was called of God, for what was he look-
                  ing? Heb. 11:10.
                     Although he had been blessed with wealth, how did he
                  regard the Land of Promise where he sojourned? Heb. 11:9.
                     Abraham's attitude to material possessions is a great ex-
                  ample for us all. He lived in the important city of Ur. He was
                  a man of wealth with his father, Terah, before he left his home-
                  land bound for a land he did not know. When he arrived in the
                  land to which God directed him, he again became wealthy.
                  But he was dwelling as a stranger in the Promised Land, for
                  his eyes envisioned the eternal city God was preparing for His
                  people. This earth with all its miasma and pollution is to be
                  renewed. The fires of God will not destroy the planet, but only
                  purify it. Out of the ashes the Creator will bring forth a new
                  and beautiful world with no trace of sin or contamination. Re-
                  bellion will be at an end. And on that new earth the city for
                  which the saints of all the ages looked will be the capital. This
                  was the great metropolis the angel described to John. No
                  wonder the exiled prophet exclaimed, "Even so, come, Lord
                  Jesus!" Come quickly! Should not that be our prayer?

                  RECENTLY RELEASED—in one vo
                  ume. Ellen G. White's Commen
                  compiled from the 7-volume Bib
                  Commentary set. Numbered 7-i
                  and bound to match the set. $7.9


                  Please add 35c per book
                  for mailing. Include State
                  sales tax where necessary.


                   Please order from
                   your conference
                   Bible House or ABC
                   Mailing Service
                   2621 Farnam Street
                   Omaha, Nebraska
                   68131

                  Profiles of Faith
     The modern approach in Sabbath school witnessing.

                                                      •
                                                   BELEM
                                NORTH
                                BRAZIL
        !PERO                   UNION
 INCA
UNION


                                                                           EAST
                   LA PAZ        SOUTH                                    BRAZIL
                                 BRAZIL          • BRASILIA
                                                                          UNION
                   [BOLIVIA?      UNION


                                                                             RIO DE JANEIRO PACIFIC OCEAN
                CHILE
                UNION


                     AUSTRAL
                        UNION

        SANTIAGO                         ONTEVIDEO

                   ARGENTINA]        BUENOS AIRES


                                                                                                  S•lahath
                                                                                       Church      Sallow
                                        UnIons                  Pooulatoon   Church.   manse...   1.111113.11
                                      Austral                  27,950,451      154      26,211     23,156
                                        Chile                  10,044,940      106      19,239     16,342
                                        Eart Brazil            47,132,061      224      57,433     59,435
                                        In.                    25,085,317      229      78,790     82.933
                                        North Brazil           12,482,008       58      25500      22,299
                                      South Brant              42,469,000      358     101,354    107,311
                                           TOTALS             165,163,777     1,129    308,527    311,476
                                                as a1 1n ooafter. 19)31




            PUNTA ARENAS                              ATLANTIC OCEAN