Time of the End
Time of the End
1977 Quater 4
YBREAK SERIES OCT DEC. 1977 The last loaf of bread. And the prophet had asked for it, calling on the woman to put God first and to trust the promise of God. She knew what God was like. So she poured out her last oil and meal for the Lord’s work.
This Sabbath, when the Sabbath School offering is
received, will your giving habits show that you know what the Lord is like? Will
yours be a sacrificial gift, offered out of trust and love?
The woman and her son saw the miracle of God’s continual providing. God is still performing miracles today.
Open Heart
Let Gods love show through your giving.
General Conference of Seventh day Adventists
INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION 760 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD • P. 0. BOX 340760 • CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33134 • TELEPHONE (305) 443-7471
CABLE "ADVENTIST" MIAMI OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Dear Sabbath school members around the world:
Saludos from the Inter-American Division!
The Lord has marvelously blessed His work in Inter-America. In the last
five years more than 210,000 new souls have been added to the church by
baptism or profession of faith. The membership in the Division has
soared to almost half a million members. This phenomenal growth has,
of course, caused some problems--the need for more workers, more places
of worship, more schools, more health facilities, et cetera.
I can assure you that our workers and members are doing the utmost to face
these tremendous needs. They are sacrificing in many ways to meet their
portion of the church's needs at home and also in the world field.
During this quarter we will be looking to you again to assist us in two
special projects which the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow will benefit:
1. The completion of a hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Haiti is
a country of great possibilities, but also of many needs. For the last
eight years, an out-patient clinic has served the Port-au-Prince area,
taking care of 1,-450 patients per month. With the help of the organiza-
tion and a group of members called "Missions International" a new hospi-
tal was begun in 1975; however, they certainly need all the help they
can receive to finish it. Your contributions to the Thirteenth Sabbath
Offering this quarter will help to achieve this goal.
2. The construction of the men's dormitory at the Central American
Union College. Seven countries which in themselves form seven local
fields, compose the Central American Union. From Guatemala and Belice
in the north, to Panama in the south, these seven fields look to CADES,
as the union college is known among them, for their workers and as the
place of refuge for their youth. The present men's dormitory is quite
old and inadequate for the needs of today. It is imperative that a new
dormitory be built to accommodate the young men who are attending this
institution to become workers. Your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for
this quarter will also help to build this much needed men's dormitory at
CADES.
We know that with the help of the Sabbath school members around the world
these two projects will be a reality soon. For the liberality with which
ave always ated er-America, again we say MUCHAS, MUCHAS GRACIAS!
os
Secretar
1-ASSL 4-77
ADVENT YOUTH SING is one new songbook ‘evrYorie in_,- the church can enjoy-In these 215”old-favorites and poi -Eiular new; melodies , (several published here for the first time) you will fincItthe songs today s Adventist young people love to sing. The titles include “Alleluia,” 41. 11 4 A Quiet Place, ‘Let Us Break Bread Together,’ Love Was When ,” and “Side by Side.” In addition to the . .., usual four-part musical arrangements, all songs are chorded for guitar. .
Paper $1.95 Cloth $2.95 Spiral $2.50
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Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 330, October-December, 1977
Contn[s
1. The Final Times 8. A Changing Christianity
2. The Removal of a Seal 9. Religious Trends
3. End-time Celestial Signs 10. Fascination With the Occult
4. The End-time Church 11. Spreading Spiritualism
5. Global Distress 12. Misleading Miracles 6. The Antediluvians and the Second Advent 13. Natural Calamities
7. Eroding Moral Behavior 14. Human Solutions—or the Saviour?
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which serve as consulting editors. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012
Lesson Author: Frank Holbrook
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Lauren Smith
Photography: Duane Tank
Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this quarterly are as follows:
NEB. From The New English Bible, copyright© by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press, and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of Cambridge University Press, New York City.
Phillips. FromThe New Testament in Modern English, Revised Edition, copyright@ 1958, 1959, 1960, 1972 by J. B. Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Pub- lishers.
RSV. From the Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1946 (renewed © 1973), 1952 and © 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.
Braille lessons available. See page 120. Adult Sabbath School Lessons (regular edition). Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year) $1.60; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of SDA), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 re- quested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both .old and new addresses.
Copyright 1977 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
It’s possible to survive on one meal a Daily Bible study is not an option to week. For a few weeks. But within a spiritual life; it is basic—not dessert but short time you’ll discover you are suf- the main course. Regular Sabbath fering a loss of physical strength. School lesson study is also essential Likewise, your spiritual strength de- spiritual food; it is your opportunity to pends on a regular consistent diet of follow an organized program, covering spiritual food. the broad scope of A Sabbath morn- Biblical truth. ing sermon and a Why not decide Sabbath School that your spiritual class discussion diet deserves at once a week are not least the attention enough to provide you give the physi- the strength needed cal. God’s table is for a life of spiritual the place to feast. victory.
1Feast
An invitation to dine at God's table
The Time of the End Introduction
"Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" (Isa. 21:11). This ancient cry from Edom echoes down the corridors of the centuries. The times were perplexing, and the Edomites desired to know when the morning would come. They longed for the dawn to roll away the mists of their dread and despair.
Ed om's fearful inquiry is breathed again by many thoughtful persons today. Jour- nalists speak of our world community as being in "a state of perpetual crisis." Modern communications and modes of travel have shrunk our world. Distant, un- known nations have become neighbors. What affects one part of the city affects the other parts. And in this generation it seems as though the world city staggers from one crisis to another. Men's hearts are fearful as they consider what disasters may be coming in the future.
But God has not left His people in doubt as to the meaning 'of our times. The prophecies of the Bible foretold the conditions which would develop in our world society just before Jesus' return. The troubles of an aging creation are described as the sharp pains and anguish of birth which in turn will issue forth the coming of Christ, the cessation of sin, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
In the Bible the period preceding the advent is called "the time of the end." As we shall see, "the time of the end" is a specific period of time beginning at the close of the papal period in 1798 and extending to the return of Christ. During this period would occur the signs foretold in Scripture.
Jesus announced that celestial signs would signal His coming. Gabriel told the prophet Daniel that his book would be opened and understood in "the time of the end." And when the seal broke, earnest Bible students discovered that a great investigative, pre-advent judgment had begun in heaven and would continue during the time of the end, vindicating God and the subjects of His kingdom.
Prophecy also disclosed the rise of a vigorous religious movement that would give God's last invitation of mercy with a special "time of the end" emphasis.
But God's actions in heaven and through His last-day people would meet with many challenges on earth. Political, moral, social, and religious developments on earth would constitute not only signs of the nearing day of Christ, but would also pose problems to the advancement of God's work.
As we study the many signs of distress and declension, we cannot but realize that humanity is nearly bankrupt. Insurmountable problems seem poised to crush out human existence as we know it. Yet, while many despair, this can be the church's finest hour. Men at their wits end may now give pause to listen to what God's people have to say. By word and by life-style the church may lift up Jesus Christ, the only answer and hope of mankind. Daily the second advent becomes more relevant as the only remedy for earth's ills.
Like the ancient prophet, the church may answer the despairing cry of modern man with the hopeful, yet truthful words: "The morning cometh, and also the night." The eternal day of Christ's kingdom is about to dawn, and sin's day will be forever ended.
LESSON 1 September 25 to October 1
1.THE FINAL TIMES “Of which salvation the prophets these last days” (Heb. 1:2), and the have inquired and searched diligently, atoning death “in these last times” who Prophesied of the grace that (1 Peter 1:18-20). So important is the should come unto you: searching incarnation and atonement in what, or what manner of time the resolving the sin problem that it is Spirit of Christ which was in them did stated that they have taken place “in stgnify, when it testified beforehand the end of the world” (Heb. 9:26). The the sufferings of Christ, and the glory cross was the triumphant climax of the that should follow. Unto whom it was divine resolution of the sin problem. revealed, that not unto themselves, Since it settled basic issues in the but unto us they did minister the controversy between good and evil, it things, which are now reported unto could be said that Calvary marked the you (1 Peter 1:10-12). end of an era—the end of a long age of When we think of biblical waiting. references to “times,” we first In a sense, then, the first advent of remember that the “times” and Christ was the “beginning of the end.” “seasons” under God’s control (Acts The plan was fully confirmed in the life 1:7) have been revealed to His people and death of Christ. through the prophets (Amos 3:7). Now, in the New Testament, the As the apostle Peter indicates, focus can shift more forcefully to the biblical prophecy centers around two end of the probationary time, to the important events in the plan of second advent of Christ and the close salvation—the first advent (“the of the drama of sin and rebellion. sufferings of Christ”), and the second Prophecy foretold that certain advent (“the glory that should events would occur within the church follow”). and the world before the second The Old Testament focused on the advent takes place. Furthermore, first advent of Christ. The Messiah’s there would be a period of time coming lay in the distant future, at the allotted near the close of human end of a long era of waiting. Hence, history to give everyone a final the New Testament refers to the first opportunity to accept the gospel of coming of Christ as taking place “in divine grace. It is these “final times” relating to the second advent that we wish to study this week.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1. Time's Focus
(Heb. 9:28)
2. Time's End
(Matt. 24:3)
3. Expected Time
(2 Thess. 2:1-4)
4. Prophetic Time
(Dan. 7:25)
5. Time of the End
(Dan. 11:33-35)
6. Prophecy and Time of the End
(Dan. 12:4, 9)
The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday September 25 Part 1 “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and TIME’S FOCUS unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:28).
"One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths re-
vealed in the Bible is that of Christ's second coming to complete
the great work of redemption. To God's pilgrim people, so long
left to sojourn in 'the region and shadow of death,' a precious,
joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of His appearing, who
is 'the resurrection and the life,' to 'bring home again His
banished.' The doctrine of the second advent is the very keynote
of the Sacred Scriptures."—The Great Controversy, p. 299
"The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His
true followers. The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that
He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples,
filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not
quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the
'appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was
the 'blessed hope.' "—The Great Controversy, p. 302.
What promise did Jesus make which holy angels affirmed
on the day of His ascension? John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11.
"The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him.... And the
angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen
go up into heaven, would come again. . . . Well might the
disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return."—The Desire
of Ages, p. 832.
What ordinance did Jesus institute to keep the hope of His
return fresh in the minds of His people? 1 Cor. 11:26.
"The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. It
was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the
disciples."—The Desire of Ages, p. 659.
For successful living a person needs to recognize a meaning-
ful authority and have a worthy objective in life. The Christian
centers his life on Christ. His hope is fixed upon the second
coming of Christ. All the decisions of his life are made in refer-
ence to Jesus and that final event.
THINK IT THROUGH How does my personal belief in Christ’s coming affect my everyday living?
"I saw that the words, the dress, and actions should tell for
God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon Unbelievers
will see that the truth we profess has a holy influence and that
faith in Christ's coming affects the character of the man or
woman."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 132.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 299-302. 10
The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Monday September 26 Part 2 What important climactic event did the disciples associate TIME’S END with the second coming of Christ?
"As he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came
unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things
be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of
the world?" (Matt. 24:3).
Some Christians believe that the second coming of Christ will
usher in His personal reign over the nations of earth as they now
exist, and peace and prosperity will ensue. This view sees a
continuation of this present world under Christ's rule. But the
Scriptures plainly portray that Christ's coming brings the end of
this present world, not an extension. The coming of Christ
brings deliverance to God's people, but a cataclysmic end to
sinful human life.
How will the impenitent react to the actual appearing of
Christ? Matt. 24:30; Rev. 6:14-17.
What effect will the coming of Christ have upon the impeni-
tent and the organized forces of apostasy? 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2:8.
"At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face
of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and
destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people
to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its
inhabitants."—The Great Controversy, p. 657.
What impact do the last plagues and the second coming
have on the physical earth? Rev. 16:17-21; 2 Peter 3:10.
THINK IT THROUGH What spiritual preparation am I making for the end of time— the end of human probation?
"The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but
the supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ's
coming or of the end of the world. . . .
"There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon mil-
lions, who are now making their decision for eternal life or
eternal death. The man who is wholly absorbed in his counting
room, the man who finds pleasure at the gaming table, the man
who loves to indulge perverted appetite, the amusement lover,
the frequenters of the theater and the ballroom, put eternity out
of their reckoning. . . . They are not in the procession that is
moving heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and
with him will be destroyed."—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 406, 407.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 636, 637, 640-642.
11
The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday September 27 Part 3 According to the apostle Paul, Christians were not to expect EXPECTED TIME the return of Christ until after the development of what apos- tasy in the Christian church?
"Now we beseech you, brethren, . . that ye be not soon
shaken in mind, or be troubled ... as that the day of Christ is at
hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man
of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and
exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is wor-
shipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shew-
ing himself that he is God" (2 Thess. 2:1-4).
While the Christian must always live in daily reference to the
coming of Christ, yet God foretold that certain events would
take place in the earth before the actual advent.
"The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the
coming of Christ in his day.... Not till after the great apostasy,
and the long period of the reign of the 'man of sin,' can we look
for the advent of our Lord. The 'man of sin,' which is also styled
'the mystery of iniquity,' the son of perdition,' and 'that wicked,'
represents the papacy, which, as foretold in prophecy, was to
maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This period ended in
1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before that
time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian
dispensation down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time
that the message of Christ's second coming is to be
proclaimed."—The Great Controversy, p. 356.
What era of human suffering did Christ indicate would take
place before Christians could expect His return? Matt.
24:21, 22.
"Between these two events [the destruction of Jerusalem and
the second advent], there lay open to Christ's view long cen-
turies of darkness, centuries for His church marked with blood
and tears and agony.... For more than a thousand years such
persecution as the world had never before known was to come
upon Christ's followers. Millions upon millions of His faithful
witnesses were to be slain."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 630, 631.
THINK IT THROUGH Why have Christians been told to “watch” for the return of Christ, when it is clear from the prophecies that certain events must first take place?
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 264-266.
12 The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday September 28
Part 4 For what length of time did Daniel prophesy that the little
PROPHETIC horn (the Christian apostasy) would exercise supremacy over
TIME God's faithful followers?
"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and
shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change
times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a
time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25).
The apostle Paul warned the Thessalonians not to expect the
advent of Christ until after the development of "the man of sin"
within the church. "He [Paul] proceeded to emphasize the fact
that the papal power, so clearly described by the prophet
Daniel, was yet to rise and wage war against God's people. Until
this power should have performed its deadly and blasphemous
work, it would be in vain for the church to look for the coming of
their Lord."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 266.
An analysis of Daniel 7 provides the following data for iden-
tifying the little horn. (1) Location (verse 8): It would arise
among the nations of Western Europe. (2) Time of rise (verse
24): It would arise after the establishment of the nations of
Western Europe, that is, sometime subsequent to AD 476, the
date assigned for the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the
West. (3) Nature of the horn (verses 8, 20, 24): The horn is noted
as being, in some way different from the others. Comparison
with the beast of Revelation 13 shows that it is a religiopolitical
power. (4) Actions of the horn (verses 20, 21, 24, 25): This horn
subdues three of the other horns, speaks great words against
God, makes war upon His saints, and presumes to change His
times and laws. (5) A time period (verse 25). The horn would
exercise supremacy over God's people for "a time and times
and the dividing of times." This symbolic period of Daniel 7:25 is
1260 prophetic days (Rev. 12:6, 14), and thus 1260 years. (Com-
pare Eze. 4:6.)
These identifying marks point unerringly to only one power: a
religiopolitical system which arose on the ruins of the Western
Empire. Its leader legally recognized by law (Code of Justinian)
as the head of Christendom, the papacy sought and often suc-
ceeded to rule over Europe with great power during the Middle
Ages. Its special period of supremacy may be dated from AD 538
when freed from the last restricting Arian horn power (the Os-
trogoths) until 1798 when the French government invaded
Rome and declared the political rule of the papacy to be at an
end. All that was predicted was fulfilled by the papacy during
this extensive period.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do you suppose God gave the church this detailed information about the coming Christian apostasy?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 50-52, 266.
13
The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday September 29 Part 5 According to Daniel, the close of what era of persecution TIME OF would mark the beginning of “the time of the end”? THE END “They that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captiv- ity, and by spoil, many days…. And some of them of under- standing shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed” (Dan. 11:33-35).
Note that "the time of the end" is not the end of time. Rather,
it is an appointed period of time extending from the close of the
era of papal supremacy (1798) until the end of human probation.
Since 1798 momentous events have been taking place in both
heaven and earth as the plan of salvation has moved into its final
phases. "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet
him" (Matt. 25:6).
How should we be affected by the fact that we live in the
"time of the end"? 1 Thess. 5:1-10.
"We have reached the period foretold in these scriptures
[Dan. 12:4, 10; Luke 21:31, 34, 36]. The time of the end is come,
the visions of the prophets are unsealed, and their solemn
warnings point us to our Lord's coming in glory as near at hand.
"The Jews misinterpreted and misapplied the word of God,
and they knew not the time of their visitation. The years of the
ministry of Christ and His apostles,—the precious last years of
grace to the chosen people,—they spent in plotting the destruc-
tion of the Lord's messengers. Earthly ambitions absorbed
them, and the offer of the spiritual kingdom came to them in
vain. So today the kingdom of this world absorbs men's
thoughts, and they take no note of the rapidly fulfilling
prophecies and the tokens of the swift-coming kingdom of
God." —The Desire of Ages, p. 235.
THINK IT THROUGH Why should events presently occurring both encourage as well as sober me?
"The attention of the people should be called to the moment-
ous 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, watching ones are
bidden to look up and lift up their heads and rejoice because
their redemption draweth nigh."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 9, 10.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 11-17. 14
The Final Times LESSON 1 ❑ Friday September 30
Part 6 What prophetic book was promised to be unsealed in the PROPHECY AND period known as "the time of the end"?
TIME OF
THE END "But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book,
even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and
knowledge shall be increased."
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed
up and sealed till the time of the end" (Dan. 12:4, 9).
"Soon the eyes of many on both sides of the Atlantic were
fixed upon the next great designated event in the divine plan of
the centuries—the master 2300-year period was soon to end. In
fact, some 84 men in thirteen countries spread over four
continents—of which William Miller was but one—thought that
this fateful epoch would terminate about 1843, '44 or '47. . . .
"All felt that in some way it had to do with the prophesied 'end
events,' judgment scenes, the close of the gospel age, the Sec-
ond Advent, the end of the present world order. This was the
basic belief, first of the general Old World Advent Awakening,
and then of the distinctive New World Advent Movement of the
early decades of the nineteenth century. It was an unpre-
cedented concept and development in human thinking. It was
revolutionary in scope—another turning point in history."—L.
E. Froom, Movement of Destiny (Washington, DC: Review and
Herald, 1971), p. 44.
How was the apostle John shown the opening of the pro-
phetic messages of Daniel and their promulgation to the world
in the time of the end? Rev. 10:1-11.
"The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation,
but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the
last days. . . . The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the
revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabi-
tants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be
prepared to stand in the latter days."—Selected Messages, bk.
2, p. 105.
THINK IT THROUGH How clear are the prophetic messages of Daniel and Reve- lation to me? Are they vitally affecting my experience?
"We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn
events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick
succession. . . .
"Study Revelation in connection with Daniel.... We, with all
our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we
do know."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 116.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 547, 548.
15
LESSON 2 October 2-8
“The times of this ignorance God interest to the loyal beings in the winked at; but now commandeth all universe, and all the issues will be men every where to repent: because clearly understood by disloyal angels, he hath appointed a day, in the which and by both the redeemed and he will judge the world in impenitent of the human race. righteousness by that man whom he While the Scriptures speak of hath ordained; whereof he hath given ultimate judgment in general terms, it assurance unto all men, in that he hath is in the prophecies of Daniel that new raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, insights are revealed, particularly the 31). investigative phase of final judgment We cannot escape the fact that we which will take place in the heavenly live in a moral universe. “There are sanctuary before the return of Jesus. great principles of righteousness to The vision dealing with the time of this control the life of all intelligent beings, phase and some of the issues involved and upon conformity to these was sealed up until “the time of the principles the well-being of the end.” Then this prophetic portion of universe depends.”—Thoughts From Daniel was to be opened (Revelation the Mount of Blessing, p. 48. Due to 10), and knowledge about the the origin of the great controversy important events related to the over the authority of God, there will cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary come a day when every sinner must and the prophecies would be give an account to his Sovereign, a day increased (Dan. 12:4). of judgment. As we have seen from our previous This judgment involves all who have study, we are presently living in “the at one time rebelled against the moral time of the end.” It is in this period authority of the Creator. It includes that the 2300-year period ended, and Satan and the host of disloyal angels. It the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. involves the impenitent of the human 8:14) is to be accomplished. What is race who have aligned themselves on involved in this cleansing, and its the side of Satan. And it involves those solemn significance for us is the theme penitent sinners who have responded for our study this week. The seal has to the saving grace of God. Every facet been removed. It is God’s will that the of this final judgment is of extreme end-time generation shall now fully comprehend the issues involved.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1. End-time Judgment
(Dan. 7:9, 10)
2. Angel Explanations
(Dan. 8:16, 17)
3. A Trampled Sanctuary
(Dan. 8:13, 14)
4. Forecasts of Messianic Mediation
(Dan. 9:24)
5. Issues in the Judgment—I
(Dan. 8:14)
6. Issues in the Judgment—II
(Rev. 3:5)
The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 Sunday October 2 Part 1 What was Daniel shown would occur in heaven before END-TIME Christ’s second advent? JUDGMENT “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Dan. 7:9, 10).
The prophecy of Daniel 7 depicts the struggle for world
dominion and control—first by a series of political powers, and
then by a religiopolitical system. The climax is reached when
God intervenes, and in heaven's court of judgment the domin-
ion of this earth is awarded to Christ, the Son of man, and to His
people (verses 13, 14, 27).
After the careers of what five powers does this heavenly
judgment take place? Dan. 7:1-8.
Among Bible expositors there is general agreement that the
four beasts of chapter 7 represent \the same world powers de-
picted by the metal image of chapter 2: Babylon, Medo-Persia,
Grecia, and Rome. Chapter 7, however, introduces two new
features: (1) The little horn with the eyes and mouth of a man,
and (2) a pre-advent judgment in the court of heaven.
Recall Lesson 1, part 4. Since the pre-advent judgment is
shown by the prophecy to come after the 1260-year reign of
the little horn, it would take place after what date?
At some point of time subsequent to 1798 (after the period of
papal dominion in Europe), the heavenly court would convene.
Investigation would be made. The power of the little horn power
would be taken away (verse 26); Christ and the saints would take
the rulership of the kingdom (verses 13, 14, 27). Thus chapter 7
foretold that a great and solemn judgment will take place in
heaven during the "time of the end."
THINK IT THROUGH Wickedness in all its unfairness appears to run rampant. What does the pre-advent judgment tell us about God?
"There are limits even to the forbearance of God. The bound-
ary of His long-suffering may be reached, and then He will surely
punish. And when He does take up the case of the presumptu-
ous sinner, He will not cease till He has made a full end."—Ellen
G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1166.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 479, 480. 18
The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 ❑ Monday October 3 Part 2 What prophecy was to have particular significance in the ANGEL time of the end according to Gabriel? EXPLANATIONS “Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. . . . He said unto me, Understand, 0 son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision” (Dan. 8:16, 17).
Two years after the vision of chapter 7 Daniel received
another as recorded in chapter 8. Although the latter vision
covers the same time period as in chapters 2 and 7, it especially
elaborates on the two new features of chapter 7: the little horn
and the pre-advent judgment. In the time of the end the meaning
of this judgment would be clarified.
What explanation did Gabriel give of the symbols of the ram,
goat, its large horn, and the four horns which came from the
stump of the former after Its breaking? Dan. 8:3-8, 20-22.
The fourth beast and its little horn (Daniel 7) are symbolized
in this vision (chapter 8) by a single horn. Describe its charac-
teristics. Dan. 8:9-12, 23-25.
Pagan and papal Rome have had so much in common that it is
reasonable to see the papacy as the "continuation" of the
pagan Roman Empire. In Daniel 8 this fact is represented by one
horn symbolizing the careers of both pagan and papal Rome,
though some aspects of the prophecy may apply more fully to
one or the other.
Pagan Rome attacked the people of God, crucified the Mes-
siah (Prince of princes), and eventually destroyed the earthly
temple. Papal Rome has likewise persecuted the people of God
(Dan. 7:21), and has drawn attention away from Christ by impos-
ing a human priesthood upon the church. It has done this
through the confessional and the sacrifice of the mass. Thus
Rome has for centuries diverted the attention of the sinner from
the significance of Christ's atoning death and His mediatorial
ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 7:25; 8:1, 2). In chang-
ing the divine law, in corrupting the prophetic voice of the
Scriptures, and in exalting the traditions of men above the Word
of God, Papal Rome has cast "truth" down to the ground. Pagan
Rome was destroyed by force of arms; spiritual Rome, however,
will be broken, not by human hands (Dan. 8:25), but by the
divine investigation and action in the heavenly judgment (Dan.
7:26), and by the glory of the second advent of Christ (2 Thess.
2:3-8).
THINK IT THROUGH Although the Bible speaks against the system of the pa- pacy, how should we regard individuals within the system?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 569, 570.
19
The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday October 4 Part 3 How long did a holy personage indicate the sanctuary would A TRAMPLED be trampled upon? SANCTUARY “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Dan. 8:13, 14).
Who had trampled upon the people of God and the
sanctuary? Dan. 8:9-12.
Daniel's concern naturally centered on the ruined temple in
Jerusalem. He became sick, overwhelmed with the foreboding
that the vision indicated a long delay in its restoration and the
end of the captivity.
But what sanctuary did the holy watcher have in mind? Daniel
lived to see Cyrus order the rebuilding of the temple in
Jerusalem, but that temple lost its significance at Calvary and
was obliterated in AD 70. Was Heaven's concern for an earthly
temple-sanctuary the ministry of which was done in types and
symbols? Or was God beginning to point His people to the
heavenly sanctuary where the Messiah would minister to indi-
viduals the benefits of His atonement, and where He would
finally resolve the issues in the great controversy? The fact that
the "little horn" of chapter 8 also represents the papal phase of
Rome (which functions in the Christian era) points us to the
heavenly sanctuary of the Christian dispensation.
At the close of what period of time did the holy one state the
sanctuary would be cleansed? Dan. 8:14.
In chapter 7 a court of judgment convening in heaven brought
the dominion of the papal horn to an end. Christ and His people
were awarded the kingdom. In chapter 8 the career of the little
horn in its papal phase of trampling upon God's people and the
priestly ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary are brought
to an end by the cleansing of that sanctuary. Since both visions
cover the same area, it is logical to conclude that the cleansing
of the sanctuary (or, the restoration "to its rightful state," RSV)
and the pre-advent judgment in heaven are the same event: the
last phase of Christ's priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
This conclusion is confirmed by the fact that the earthly temple
with its symbolic service was not restored after AD 70.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 409-417.
20 The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday October 5 Part 4 At a certain point in the 490 years allotted to the Jews after FORECASTS OF the reestablishment of Judah, what place was to be anointed? MESSIANIC MEDIATION “Severity weeks of years are decreed concerning your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place” (Dan. 9:24, RSV).
Although a period of twelve years elapsed between the vis-
ions of chapters 8 and 9 (550-538 BC), the two visions really
formed one unit. In Daniel 8 Gabriel did not explain the time
period of 2300 days and the cleansing of the sanctuary because
Daniel sickened and fainted. At his return Gabriel began by
explaining that a portion of the 2300 day-year period, namely
490 years, was to be allocated to the Jews during which time the
Messiah would come.
"To put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in
everlasting righteousness" are phrases that foretold the re-
demptive acts to be accomplished by the Messiah. His sinless
life and the supreme sacrifice on Calvary made possible the
final destruction of sin, instituted atonement for penitent sin-
ners, and provided righteousness through His merits.
"To anoint a most holy place" refers to the inauguration of
services in the heavenly sanctuary with Christ as its High Priest
when He was enthroned at the right hand of God at the time of
His ascension.(Compare Acts 2:33; 5:31; Rom. 8:34.) This is the
subject of the book of Hebrews. (See Heb. 8:1, 2.) The divine
spotlight thus shifts within the continuous vision of chapters 8
and 9 from an earthly typical sanctuary to the heavenly antitype.
The 70-week vision thereby pointed the nation to the redemp-
tive acts of Christon earth, and to the beginning of His ministra-
tion in heaven as man's High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary,
"the true tabernacle" (Heb. 8:2).
Whereas Gabriel pointed to the opening of the heavenly
sanctuary, what did David and Isaiah foretell about the Mes-
siah's priestly ministry? Ps. 110:1, 4. (Compare Matt.
22:42-45.)
Christ began His priestly mediation after His ascension into
heaven. What event does the prophecy indicate would begin
the 2300 days that would reach to Christ's final phase of
judgment- ministry" Dan. 8:14; 9:25.
Two thousand three hundred years traced from the fall of 457
BC (the time of the final decree) reaches to the fall of 1844.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 398, 399, 410.
21
The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday October 6 Part 5 What did Gabriel assure Daniel would take place at the ISSUES IN THE close of the 2300-year period? JUDGMENT-I “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Dan. 8:14). “Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state” (RSV); “shall emerge victorious” (NEB).
We have seen from our previous study that the end-time
prophecies of Daniel, chapters seven through nine, point our
attention to the heavenly sanctuary, the very center and throne
of the divine government. The final ministry of Christ as Priest
will result in vindicating both God and His people. The authority
of God will be restored to its rightful place. Heaven will emerge
victorious in the contest between good and evil.
Daniel 8 depicts the "little horn" in its papal phase as attack-
ing and defiling the heavenly sanctuary (verses 11-13). What
action does the heavenly sanctuary court take against this
power? Dan. 7:11, 26.
What is the significance of this sentence by the heavenly
sanctuary court?
The original controversy arose in the universe when Satan
challenged God's authority. Satan questioned the necessity of
the divine law which he desired to abolish. He questioned the
divine character and motives in requiring the intelligent crea-
tion to keep His law. He asserted his "right" to be independent
of God. He argued that God could not be both just and merciful,
and he disputed the authority of Christ. All these issues and
challenges Satan has continued to pursue and emphasize here
on earth through paganism, and especially through apostate
Christianity. The law of God has been both changed and tram-
pled under foot. The character of God has been maligned,
caricatured, and misunderstood. The life, teachings, and
mediatorial work of Christ have been misinterpreted and His
place usurped.
Since Satan isthe instigator behind all human operations that
are opposed to God, the judgment rendered by the heavenly
sanctuary court against the "little horn," is really the rendering
of a verdict of guilt against Satan himself, and the clearing of the
Godhead (with the assent of the loyal universe) from all the
charges originally made by Satan. Thus the supreme objective
is the vindication of God.
THINK IT THROUGH In what way does knowing the outcome of the great con- troversy affect my Christian experience?
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 68, 69. 22
The Removal of a Seal LESSON 2 ❑ Friday October 7 Part 6 What promise related to final judgment is made to those ISSUES IN THE who fear God? JUDGMENT-II “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Rev. 3:5).
The prophecies of Daniel 7 and 8 indicate that one aspect of
cleansing the sanctuary and restoring it to its rightful state
involves the condemning of the "little horn" and Satan and the
vindication of God. Also involved are those whose names have
been enrolled in the book of life. The books of Leviticus and
Hebrews show that one phase of the final ministry of Christ is
the blotting out of the records of the sins of all who have
accepted Jesus Christ.
What do the parables of the wheat and tares and of the net
suggest as one reason for the pre-advent judgment of all who
are recorded in the book of life? Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50.
It must be kept in mind that all phases of final judgment
(pre-advent investigative phase, review phase during the mil-
lennium, executive phase at the close of the millennium) are not
for the sake of God who is omniscient. These are for the intelli-
gent universe—the unfallen beings, the redeemed, and finally
the impenitent—that all may fully understand the issues in the
great controversy and be fully satisfied with the rightness of
God and the wrongness of Satan and sin.
According to the parable of the wedding garment, what
question would be raised if sinners were taken into heaven?
See Matt. 22:2, 10-13.
The fact that books of record (Dan. 7:10; Rev. 20:12) are used
in the phases of judgment indicate that although sin may be
confessed and forgiven, the records are retained. The records
thus reveal the penitent's sins, but they also reveal that he has
laid hold of the merits of Christ and is trusting in Him. Records
can vindicate as well as condemn. Those found clothed in
Christ's righteousness will have their names retained in the
book of life, and the record of their sins will be blotted out. By
the judgment both God and His people will be vindicated and
freed from the accusations of Satan.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do you think God has extended the final judgment through three phases? What does it tell us about God?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 483-485.
23
LESSON 3 October 9-15
3.END-TINE CELE “There shall be signs in the sun, and Ages, pp. 627-636, will also prove in the moon, and in the stars; and helpful. While the sign events of the upon the earth distress of nations, destruction of Jerusalem and of the with perplexity; the sea and the waves end of the world are similar, roaring; men’s hearts failing them for Matthew’s account follows a definite fear, and for looking after those things progression. Matthew 24:1-14 deals which are coming on the earth: for the primarily with religious, political, and powers of heaven shall be shaken” natural events which would occur (Luke 21:25, 26). before the destruction of the nation of The main thrust of our study this Israel. These will be repeated before week relates to the signs Jesus said the second advent. Verses 15-20 touch would occur in the heavens prior to on the fall of the nation, followed by a His return. Displayed on the gigantic brief sweep of the era of persecution signboard of the sky, the signs in the known as the Dark Ages (verses 21-23). sun, moon, and stars are important A few words are said about the manner events in “the time of the end” period. of His return (verses 23-28). Then These heralded and continue to herald Christ announces the celestial signs the coming of Christ. followed by the actual advent (verses Jesus’ discussion of these celestial 29-31). The remainder of the chapter events is part of His conversation with deals with Christ’s appeal to His the apostles on the Mount of Olives a people to watch and to be ready for few days before His death. Due to His return (verses 32-51). their concern to know more about the Nearly a century and a half have destruction of the temple and of His elapsed since the last of the celestial return, Christ mingled His description signs, and the Lord has not yet of the events leading up to each. In returned. This has led some to one sense, the fall ofthe nation was a question the validity of the celestial type of the destruction of the world. phenomena and to wonder about “The Jewish nation was a symbol of their relevancy for modern Christians. the people of all ages who scorn the Others ask, Why does Christ delay His pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of coming? Christ when He wept over Jerusalem were for the sins of all time. In the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS judgments pronounced upon Israel, 1. Divine Design those who reject the reproofs and (Gen. 1:14) warnings of God’s Holy Spirit may 2. Divine Forecast read their own condemnation.” (Matt. 24:3) —The Desire of Ages, p. 587. 3. Dark Valley To get the setting for the particular (Matt. 24:21, 22) events to be studied this week, the 4. Heralds of the Dawn-1 reader will find it helpful to read the (Joel 2:30, 31) Master’s prophecy in its entirety as 5. Heralds of the Dawn—II recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and (Rev. 6:13) Luke 21:5-38. The full chapter, “On 6. A Delayed Morning the Mount of Olives,” inThe Desire of (Matt. 24:32-34) End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday October 9 Part 1 For what purposes did the Creator make the sun, moon, and DIVINE DESIGN stars?
"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the
heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for
signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years" (Gen. 1:14).
It was the Creator's design to use the celestial orbs at times in
such a manner as to arrest attention and to focus it upon His
presence and mighty acts in the affairs of mankind.
What is the first recorded instance of God's use of the sun to
show His power over creation? Joshua 10:12-14.
"This mighty miracle testifies that the creation is under the
control of the Creator. Satan seeks to conceal from men the
divine agency in the physical world—to keep out of sight the
unwearied working of the first great cause. In this miracle all
who exalt nature above the God of nature stand rebuked."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 509.
Through what sky wonder did God create an interest in His
truth in ancient Babylon? 2 Kings 20:8-12; 2 Chron. 32:31.
"Their king, Merodachbaladan, upon learning that this mira-
cle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the God
of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors
... to learn, if possible, more of the God who was able to perform
so great a wonder."—Prophets and Kings, p. 344.
What supernatural event occurred during the last three
hours of Christ's life? Matt. 27:45.
"There was no eclipse or other natural cause for this dark-
ness, which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars. It
was a miraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after
generations might be confirmed."—The Desire of Ages, p. 753.
THINK IT THROUGH It is evident that God often creates favorable opportunities for witnessing. How may I respond effectively?
"Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our
guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word
spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow
some of these souls may be where we can never reach them
again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?"
—Prophets and Kings, p. 348.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 508, 509.
26 End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Monday October 10 Part 2 In response to Jesus’ prediction that the temple would be DIVINE FORECAST destroyed, what question did the disciples later ask?
"As he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came
unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things
be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of
the world?" (Matt. 24:3).
"Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately
the destruction of Jerusalem and the great day of His coming.
He mingled the description of these two ... crises, leaving the
disciples to study out the meaning for themselves. When He
referred to the destruction of Jerusalem, His prophetic words
reached beyond that event to the final conflagration. . . . This
entire discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for
those who should live in the last scenes of this earth's
history."—The Desire of Ages, p. 628.
List the events Jesus said would precede the fall of
Jerusalem. Matt. 24:4-14.
The activities of false messiahs and prophets, wars and strife,
natural calamities, persecution, waning spiritual fervor, and at
the same time the widespread advances of the gospel message
occurred before the fall of the Jewish nation. Similar events will
be repeated before the second advent of our Lord.
What was to be the immediate signal that the city was about
to be destroyed and the nation scattered? Luke 21:20-23.
What had Jesus foretold a few days earlier in tears about
the city and the nation? Luke 19:41-44.
"Jesus, looking down to the last generation, saw the world
involved in a deception similar to that which caused the de-
struction of Jerusalem. The great sin of the Jews was their
rejection of Christ; the great sin of the Christian world would be
their rejection of the law of God, the foundation of His govern-
ment in heaven and earth."—The Great Controversy, p. 22.
THINK IT THROUGH What lesson may I learn from Israel’s experience which would prevent me from presuming on God’s mercies and tri- fling away my day of grace?
"While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain,
while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daugh-
ter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that
hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence."—
The Great Controversy, p. 491.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 627-630, 633. 27 End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday October 11 Part 3 After foretelling the fall of the nation of Israel, the Saviour DARK VALLEY next referred to what long period of suffering?
"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the
beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And
except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh
be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be short-
ened" (Matt. 24:21, 22).
Because of its proximity to His remarks on the fall of
Jerusalem, some commentators hold that the "great tribula-
tion" refers to the distress the Jews suffered by the Roman
conquest in AD 70. However, terrible as that siege was, it would
not be correct to say that its tribulation was greater than any
before it or after it. Nor did the war involve "the elect," that is,
Christians, since they obeyed Christ's warning and saved their
lives by fleeing. Rather, the prophetic glance of the Saviour
rested briefly on that persecution which His people were to
endure as Daniel had foretold.
"For more than a thousand years such persecution as the
world had never before known was to come upon Christ's fol-
lowers. Millions upon millions of His faithful witnesses were to
be slain. Had not God's hand been stretched out to preserve His
people, all would have perished."—The Desire of Ages, p. 631.
What development among Christians prepared the way for
this era of persecution? Acts 20:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:
1-4.
"This compromise between paganism and Christianity re-
sulted in the development of 'the man of sin' foretold in
prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That
gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's
power."—The Great Controversy, p. 50.
How long was the dark night of control by the Christian
apostasy to last? Dan. 7:25. (Compare Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5.)
"Popery had become the world's despot. Kings and emperors
bowed to the decrees of the Roman pontiff. The destinies of
men, both for time and for eternity, seemed under his control."
—The Great Controversy, p. 60.
THINK IT THROUGH How may I best prepare myself for the persecution foretold in Revelation 13?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 621-623.
28 End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday October 12 Part 4 What wonders in the heavens did the prophet Joel predict HERALDS OF would occur before the ultimate day of the Lord comes? THE DAWN—I “I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come” (Joel 2:30, 31).
In its larger context (verses 28-32) Peter saw a fulfillment of
this ancient prophecy on the day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:16-
21.) But Pentecost must be regarded as only a partial fulfillment,
for the "great and notable day of the Lord" is yet future.
In relationship to what period of time did Christ more pre-
cisely locate the occurrence of these signs? Matt. 24:29, 30.
(Compare Mark 13:24, 25.)
"The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a
century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Follow-
ing this persecution, according to the words of Christ, the sun
was to be darkened. On the 19th day of May, 1780, this prophecy
was fulfilled."—The Great Controversy, p. 306.
"May 19, 1780, stands in history as 'The Dark Day.' Since the
time of Moses no period of darkness of equal density, extent,
and duration, has ever been recorded."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 308
"It has long been pointed out that it is the fact, and not the
cause, of the darkness that is significant ... as also in the case of
earthquakes, falling stars, and other events seen as signs of the
times. When the Lord would open a path for his people through
the sea, he did it by 'a strong east wind.' Ex. 14:21. Was it for this
reason any less miraculous? In like manner, to account for the
remarkable darkening of the sun and moon or of the falling stars
as events in nature is not to discredit them as merciful signs of
the approaching end of probationary time."—SDA Source
Book, Editors' Note, Item 571, p. 317.
THINK IT THROUGH A small cloud was sufficient evidence to Elijah that God would send rain, and he acted accordingly (1 Kings 18:42-46). How does the dark day event affect me? In order to motivate me to a better life, how much evidence must I have to inspire faith in the imminence of Christ’s second advent.
"He [Elijah] did not wait for the full evidence that God had
heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of
divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all
may do in their sphere of activity in God's service."—Prophets
and Kings, p. 157.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 306-308.
29
End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday October 13
Part 5 How did John describe the falling of the stars as foretold by
HERALDS OF THE both Joel and Jesus?
DAWN—II
"The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree
casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty
wind" (Rev. 6:13).
On November 13, 1833, there occurred what is still recorded
as the most magnificent meteor shower ever witnessed. This
great display of celestial fireworks was witnessed from Canada
to Mexico, and from mid-Atlantic to the Pacific. Darting away
from a single point in the sky—in the constellation of Leo—the
meteors were thrown like the unripe figs of the prophetic de-
scription.
What significance does this particular sign have? Mark
13:24-26.
"Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in
the history of the world and of the church from His first to His
second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great
tribulation of the church under pagan and papal persecutions,
the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars.
After this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom."—The Great
Controversy, p. 393.
"In 1833, . . . the last of the signs appeared which were
promised by the Saviour as tokens of His second advent. Said
Jesus: 'The stars shall fall from heaven.' Matthew 24:29. .
"Thus was displayed the last of those signs of His coming
concerning which Jesus bade His disciples: 'When ye shall see
all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.' Matthew
24:33."—The Great Controversy, pp. 333, 334.
Nearly a century and a half has passed since the 1833
falling of the stars. What Is the tendency of the human heart
when delay in a cherished hope seems apparent? Eze. 12:22, 23.
The inhabitants of Judah mocked the reliability of the pro-
phetic predictions made regarding that nation in the sixth cen-
tury BC. Their attitude reflects the common tendency of the
human mind in its impatience.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I keep my hope bright In spite of delay In seeing the fulfillment of the promised return? “The long night of gloom is trying; but the morning is de- ferred in mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready. God’s unwillingness to have His people perish has been the reason for so long delay.”— Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 333, 334.
30 End-time Celestial Signs LESSON 3 ❑ Friday October 14
Part 6 As He concluded His portrayal of signs that would precede
A DELAYED both the fall of Jerusalem and His advent, what did Jesus wish
MORNING His followers to know?
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet
tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that It
is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This genera-
tion shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matt.
24:32-34).
In His prophecy Christ intermingled two events: (1) the fall of
Jerusalem, and (2) His second coming and the end of the world.
The designation "this generation" was Christ's description of
His contemporaries (compare Matt. 11:16; 17:17). With refer-
ence to the destruction of Jerusalem, the phrase would denote
the Jews then living—they would see that terrible tragedy. It
occurred only 39 years later in AD 70.
The phrase "this generation" has had several interpretations.
One is that it refers to those persons who have seen the comple-
tion of all the signs mentioned, including those on the earth.
Another possible explanation is that in the providence of God,
probationary time could have been concluded at some point
after 1844 (the last prophetic date and the investigative phase of
judgment in heaven), but within the lifetime of the generation
witnessing the last of the celestial signs.
What hints of probable delay In the advent are given by
Christ In His prophecy? Matt. 24:48; 25:1, 5.
"It is true that time has continued longer than we expected in
the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as
soon as we hoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It
should be remembered that the promises and threatenings of
God are alike conditional."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 67.
What is Peter's explanation to last-day scoffers for a de-
layed advent? 2 Peter 3:3, 4, 8-10.
"It [the coming of the Lord] will not tarry past the time that the
message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Shall we
. forget that God's forbearance to the wicked is a part of the
vast and merciful plan by which He is seeking to compass the
salvation of souls?"—Evangelism, p. 697.
THINK IT THROUGH Did the 40 years of wandering nullify God’s promise to settle Israel in Canaan? Why does the delay in the advent not nullify the certainty of Christ’s return and kingdom?
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 66-69.
31
LESSON 4 October 16-22
4.THE ENDi•TIME CHURCH “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, plan that through His church shall be and the glory of the Lord is risen upon reflected to the world His fullness and thee. For, behold, the darkness shall His sufficiency. The members of the cover the earth, and gross darkness church, those whom He has called out the people: but the Lord shall arise of darkness into His marvelous light, upon thee, and his glory shall be seen are to show forth His glory. The church upon thee” (Isa. 60:1, 2). is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the This ringing appeal to the ancient church will eventually be made Hebrews to prepare the world for the manifest, even to ‘the principalities first advent of Christ is likewise and powers in heavenly places,’ the applicable to God’s people living in final and full display of the love of the time of the end. (See Prophets and God. Ephesians 3:10.” Kings, pp. 717, 718.) The moral “Through centuries of persecution, darkness grows increasingly deeper as conflict, and darkness, God has the end approaches. In such a sustained His church. Not one cloud condition the Christian may shine has fallen upon it that He has not even more effectively. prepared for; not one opposing force The New Testament views the has risen to counterwork His work,
sli hurch in the time of the end from different angles. This week’s study will survey these perspectives. Jesus that He has not foreseen. All has taken place as He predicted. He has not left His church forsaken, but has traced in challenged the end-time church to be prophetic declarations what would a watching church. He save the occur, and that which His Spirit parables of the ten virgins and the inspired the prophets to foretell has talents to show how the church should been brought about. All His purposes be prepared for His coming, and will be fulfilled. His law is linked with actively engaged in His service His throne, and no power of evil can according to the several abilities of its destroy it. Truth is inspired and members. guarded by God; and it will triumph In His messages to the seven over all opposition.”—The Acts of the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus Apostles, pp. 9, 11, 12. appealed to His end-time church to repent of its sins and to arouse from its DAILY HIGHLIGHTS lethargy. Finally, John was shown in 1. A Call to Vigilance the visions on Patmos the worldwide (Matt. 24:42, 44) movement of the end-ti me chu rch as it 2. Preparedness Illustrated—I would herald the everlasting gospel. (Matt. 25:1) John saw the earth lightened with 3. Preparedness Illustrated—II s iritual glory as the church gave (Matt. 25:4, 6, 10) God’s last invitation of grace. 4. A Call for Every-member “The church is God’s appointed Participation (Matt. 25:14, 15) agency for the salvation of men. It was 5. A Call to Repentance organized for service, and its mission (Rev. 3:14, 15, 19) is to carry the gospel to the world. 6. The Church’s End-time Message From the beginning it has been God’s (Rev. 14:6-14) The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday October 16 Part 1 As Jesus concluded His predictions regarding His return, A CALL TO what appeal did He make to the disciples which is especially VIGILANCE applicable to the church in “the time of the end”?
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth
come."
"Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think
not the Son of man cometh" (Matt. 24:42, 44).
The Greek word translated "watch" literally means "be
awake" or "keep awake." Figuratively, it means to "be on the
alert," or "be vigilant." The apostle Paul commands, "Let us not
sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thess.
5:6). By this he means, Be not spiritually sleepy, lazy, or indif-
ferent, but rather be on the alert with regard to your personal
salvation and that of others.
What are some of the conditions which may cause a Chris-
tian to become sleepy and indifferent to his spiritual needs in
the end-time? Luke 21:34-36; Matt. 24:48-51.
"The evil servant says in his heart, 'My lord delayeth his
coming.' He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not
scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and by
his actions and words he declares that the Lord's coming is
delayed. He banishes from the minds of others the conviction
that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to
presumptuous, careless delay. They are confirmed in their
worldliness and stupor.... The evil servant eats and drinks with
the drunken, unites with the world in pleasure seeking. He
smites his fellow servants, accusing and condemning those
who are faithful to their Master. He mingles with the world. Like
grows with like in transgression. It is a fearful assimilation. With
the world he is taken in the snare."—The Desire of Ages, p.635.
What garment may the Christian lose in this critical period if
he fails to watch? Rev. 16:15. (Compare Matt. 22:11.)
How may the Christian best keep himself spiritually awake
at all times? Eph. 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13; Matt. 26:41.
"None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of
the Bible will stand through the last great conflict." —The Great
Controversy, pp. 593, 594.
THINK IT THROUGH Satan knows that his time is short (Rev. 12:12), and seeks my personal destruction (1 Peter 5:8). What am I doing to thwart his approaches?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 634-636.
34 The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Monday October 17 Part 2 “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten PREPAREDNESS virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the ILLUSTRATED—I bridegroom” (Matt. 25:1).
Read the full parable in verses 1 through 13.
"Chapter 25 opens with the words: 'Then shall the kingdom of
heaven be likened unto ten virgins.' Here is brought to view the
church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the
close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated
by the incidents of an Eastern marriage." —The Great Con-
troversy, p. 393.
List the aspects in which these ten young women are simi-
lar. What is represented by the lamps and oil? Ps. 119: 105.
(Compare Isa. 60:1.)
What failure in preparation does Jesus note in the foolish
virgins long before the crisis exposed their true condition?
Matt. 25:3.
"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypo-
crites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the
truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they
have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They
have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their
old nature to be broken up. This class are represented also by
the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readi-
ness, but they fail of assimilating its principles.. . . The foolish
virgins have been content with a superficial work." —Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 411.
Why are the foolish virgins unable at the final crisis to obtain
oil from their wiser companions? Matt. 25:8, 9. (Compare Eze.
14:20.)
"In spiritual things no man can make up another's deficiency.
The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul.... But
character is not transferable. No man can believe for another.
... No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit
of the Spirit's working."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 411, 412.
THINK IT THROUGH How do I regard my personal religious faith? Is it a belief to which I merely give assent, or is it a way of life which affects my thoughts and actions even in a crisis?
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “To Meet the Bridegroom,” pp. 405-413.
35
3-ASS L 4-77 The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday October 18 Part 3 What did the foresight and preparedness of the wise virgins PREPAREDNESS enable them to do when the bridegroom finally came? ILLUSTRATED—II “The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bride- groom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” “And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:4, 6, 10).
The darkness in the parable represents the moral darkness
that envelops mankind. At what point in this moral gloom
does the parable suggest Jesus will return? Verse 6.
"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is en-
shrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His
character."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 415.
"The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight—Ahe darkest
hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest
period of this earth's history."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 414.
Through the deepening moral darkness until the Bride-
groom arrives, the lamps of the wise continue to burn. What
does their burning symbolize? See Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15.
"Their light burned with undimmed flame through the night
of watching. It helped to swell the illumination for the bride-
groom's honor. Shining out in the darkness, it helped to illumi-
nate the way to the home of the bridegroom, to the marriage
feast. . . .
"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 revelation 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." —Christ's Object Lessons, pp.
414-416.
THINK IT THROUGH If the lamp of my Christian experience is flickering, growing dim because of a worldly life-style, who will guide lost souls of my acquaintance to the kingdom?
"It is the love of God continually transferred to man that
enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united
to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out
again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God."—
Christ's Object Lessons, p. 419.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.
414-421.
36 The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday October 19 Part 4 What parable did Jesus tell to indicate how His church was A CALL FOR to “watch” in the time of the end? EVERY-MEMBER PARTICIPATION “The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey” (Matt. 25:14, 15).
The "talents" in the parable are monies which have been
entrusted to the servants, but they represent the gifts of the
Spirit.
"Then He showed what it means to watch for His coming. The
time is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in diligent working.
This lesson He taught in the parable of the talents. . . .
"Christ's followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord
teaches that the true object of life is ministry. . . . By living to
minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ.
The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us
to God and to our fellow men."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp.
325, 326.
In a similar parable, what instruction is given the church
while it awaits Christ's return? Luke 19:12, 13.
What divine obligation rests upon us as Christians whether
our abilities be many or few? 1 Peter 4:10.
"The Lord will not require from those who are poor that which
they have not to give; He will not require from the sick the active
energies which bodily weakness forbids. No one need mourn
because he cannot glorify God with talents that were never
entrusted to him. But if you have only one talent, use it well, and
it will accumulate. If the talents are not buried, they will gain yet
other talents."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 5, p. 1100.
How does Paul illustrate God's design for cooperative, un-
selfish effort on the part of each Christian according to his
ability? 1 Cor. 12:12-18, 26, 27.
THINK IT THROUGH As I analyze my gifts, is there any way in which I could more effectively work for God in this end time?
"Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the per-
formance of even the smallest duties. . . . This is true
sanctification."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 360.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Talents,” pp. 325-328.
37
The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday October 20 Part 5 “Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; … I A CALL TO know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou REPENTANCE wert cold or hot.” “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous there- fore, and repent” (Rev. 3:14, 15, 19).
It must never be forgotten that while the church in the time of
the end is the object of Heaven's interest and concern, it is also
the object of Satan's wrath (Rev. 12:17). This wrath will be seen
not only in persecution, but also in more subtle ways. Satan will
influence the church to be self-satisfied and complacent.
Spiritual drowsiness will blind a complacent believer to his true
need. To give up the faith under pressure or to lose it in a
spiritual stupor—the result is the same, and Satan achieves his
objective.
What attitude of mind would permeate the church in the time
of the end according to Jesus? Rev. 3:16, 17.
"As a people we are triumphing in the clearness and strength
of the truth. We are fully sustained in our positions by an over-
whelming amount of plain Scriptural testimony. But we are very
much wanting in Bible humility, patience, faith, love, self-denial,
watchfulness, and the spirit of sacrifice. We need to cultivate
Bible holiness. Sin prevails among the people of God.... Many
cling to their doubts and their darling sins while they are in so
great a deception as to talk and feel that they are in need of
nothing."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 253.
What does the Heavenly Merchant offer to sell to the self-
righteous in Laodicea that will truly enrich them? Rev. 3:18.
What does He offer to do? Verse 20.
In reality, what do these items represent? Compare James
2:5 with Gal. 5:6. Compare Matt. 22:11 with Ise. 61:10.
THINK IT THROUGH What response ought the church to make to Jesus’ appeal as it faces the ultimate day of the Lord? Joel 2:12, 13.
"Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the
purposes of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a
doomed world, could you see your own attitude, you would fear
and tremble for your own souls and for the souls of your fellow
men. Earnest prayers of heart-rending anguish would go up to
heaven. You would weep between the porch and the altar,
confessing your spiritual blindness and backsliding."—
Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 408.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 252-256.
38 The End-time Church LESSON 4 ❑ Friday October 21 Part 6 What special messages does prophecy indicate will be THE CHURCH’S preached in the time of the end? END-TIME MESSAGE “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel… saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:.. : And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen. … And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God…. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man” (Rev. 14:6-14).
"Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation.
To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first,
second, and third angels' messages. These angels represent
those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to
the world."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, pp. 978, 979.
What aspect of the message has been preached by the
church in all ages? Rev. 14:6, first part.
What particular aspects will be emphasized in the church's
final witness to the world? Rev. 14:7-11.
How extensively will the church promulgate these last mes-
sages? Rev. 14:6, last part.
At some point near the close of human probation, what
added emphasis will be given to the preaching of the three
messages? What final call will be made? Rev. 18:1-4.
"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. . . .
"I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpour-
ing of the Holy Spirit will take place—when the mighty angel will
come down from heaven, and unite with the third angel in
closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only
safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our
lamps trimmed and burning."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 984.
THINK IT THROUGH How may I personally prepare for the latter rain?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 603-612. 39 LESSON 5 October 23-29
“The nations were angry, and thy This week we shall see that wrath is come, and the time of the prophecy has foretold that “the time dead, that they should be judged, and of the end” would be a crisis-ridden that thou shouldest give reward unto era, but that the divine hand would thy servants the prophets, and to the restrain the nations from a final saints, and them that fear thy name, holocaust until God’s last-day small and great; and shouldest destroy message has been given to all. We will them which destroy the earth” (Rev. also observe the prophetic insight that 11:18). much of the world’s final years of “I saw that the anger of the nations, anguish are due to the frenzied the wrath of God, and the time to operation of devils who seek to judge the dead were separate and subvert the divine plan and to destroy distinct, one following the mankind. other.”—Early Writings, p. 36. Finally, we will reexamine the The “wrath of God” refers to the Christian’s relationship to civil “seven last plagues” (Rev. 15:1). Since authorities in these trying times of the mediatorial ministry of Christ unrest, and how, in spite of global ceases before the plagues fall (Rev. distress, he is invited to build a useful 15:5-8), “the time of the dead, that and unselfish life upon the foundation they should be judged” refers to the of Jesus Christ and His Word. executive phase of the judgment at the close of the millennium. At that time DAILY HIGHLIGHTS the wicked will be resurrected and will 1. A Crisis-ridden Era stand at the judgment bar to receive (Rev. 7:1) their reward of eternal death (Rev. 2. Spiritual Concerns and Strife 20:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). (Rev. 7:2, 3) The focus of our lesson this week, 3. World Anguish however, is on the conditions among (Luke 21:25, 26) the nations of earth in “the time of the 4. Devil-caused Distress end” prior to the outpouring of the (Rev. 12:12) wrath of God in the last plagues. 5. Christians and Governments According to John’s prophetic word, (Rom. 13:1, 2, 5) the nations in the end-time will be in a 6. Floods and Foundations state of angry frustration. The picture (Matt. 7:24, 25) suggests international distress from various causes, an unsettled, unstable situation. “We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. Strange and eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven—events which it was declared should shortly precede the great day of God. Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 221. Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday October 23 Part 1 What prophetic picture is drawn which depicts the ebb and A CRISIS- flow of war and peace among the nations in the time of the RIDDEN ERA end?
"After these things I saw four angels standing on the four
corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that
the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on
any tree" (Rev. 7:1).
Revelation 7 is a parenthetical interlude between the sixth
and seventh seals. It provides the answer to the question, "Who
shall be able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17). The sixth seal covers the
events of a great earthquake, the darkening of the sun and
moon, the falling of the stars, and the destruction of the heavens
as the earth convulses. It is reasonable to conclude, therefore,
that the events described in chapter 7 occupy the era between
the last celestial sign (1833) and the second advent, "the time of
the end," and beyond.
Great wars were fought in Europe in the latter part of the
nineteenth century, Soon after the opening of the twentieth
came the devastating World War I. Peace ensued only to be
broken again by World War 11. From that time on wars have
mushroomed for a time and then subsided.
"The time during which the winds are held could not from the
nature of the case be a time of profound peace. This would not
answer to the prophecy, for in order to make it manifest that the
winds are being held, there must be disturbance, agitation,
anger, and jealousy among the nations, with occasional out-
bursts of strife, like fitful gusts breaking away from the impris-
oned and struggling tempest.... Such has been the aspect of
our times."—Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 463.
What important truth does this prophecy of Revelation 7:1-3
confirm? Dan. 4:25, last part.
"When it suits the plans and purposes of God to permit the
winds of strife to blow, then human nature untouched by the
grace of God is seen in unbridled display. But when He says, 'It
is enough,' the angel cries, 'Hold, Hold, Hold, Hold,' and the
strife ceases that the work of God may proceed."—Daniel and
the Revelation, p. 465.
THINK IT THROUGH While efforts to ensure peace are laudatory, why can a Christian not have much confidence in human efforts to negotiate a lasting peace?
"Soon great trouble will arise among the nations—trouble
that will not cease until Jesus comes."—Ellen G. White, Review
and Herald, Feb. 11, 1904.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 14-16. 42
Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Monday October 24 Part 2 According to the prophecy, why are the four angels in- SPIRITUAL structed to prevent prolonged global strife? CONCERNS AND STRIFE “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” (Rev. 7:2, 3).
"Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations
are angry, and great preparations for war are being made. Na-
tion is plotting against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the na-
tions are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the
command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four
winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads."
—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.
968.
What is the relationship between the work of the sealing
angel and the work of the three angels in Revelation 14?
The sealing angel and the three angels appear in the "time of
the end," particularly between 1844 and the second advent. The
work of each results finally in a people totally obedient to God.
In the case of the sealing angel they are designated the 144,000
(Rev. 7:4). In the case of the three angels, those obedient to God
are referred to as the saints who "keep the commandments of
God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12), and it is implied that
they are the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5). Since the angels of both
chapters operate at the same time with the same results, we may
conclude that they both represent the movement and message
of God's end-time church.
What is the seal of the living God? (Compare Ex. 20:8-11 and
2 Tim. 2:19.)
Seals were used in Bible times to show ownership and to give
authority to legal documents. The fourth precept functions as
God's seal, because it alone identifies the authority behind the
law—the Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth. The three
angels' messages call mankind back to the worship of the
Creator and the keeping of His Sabbath, the seal of His law. It
warns against a false worship. In the final crisis God's loyal ones
will be sealed as His children.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I make my observance of the Sabbath more re- warding?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 451-455. 43 Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday October 25 Part 3 How did Jesus describe the condition of national govern- WORLD ANGUISH ments prior to His coming?
"Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea
and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and
for looking after those things which are coming on the earth"
(Luke 21:25, 26).
The stormy, heaving sea may be understood as a figure of
speech describing the unsettled conditions of the nations in the
end time. In addition to this word picture, three terms are used
by Christ to describe last-day conditions among the nations:
"distress," "perplexity," and "hearts failing" ("fainting,"
NASB).
The Greek term rendered "distress" appears only here and in
Second Corinthians 2:4 where Paul speaks of his "anguish of
heart." The words "distress" and "perplexity" aptly depict the
world anguish of our times.
No governments in all human history have had to wrestle with
such gigantic problems as face mankind today. Problems of
finance and inflation are global. Uncertainties in the economies
of nations breed social unrest and revolution, and often a crip-
pling of national development and progress. National leaders
are confronted with enormous problems in environmental pol-
lution, population growth, vast droughts and resulting famines
and disease among their peoples, not to speak of having to
solve the difficulties created by energy shortages and pressures
for military preparedness. The problems are endless, and hu-
manly unsolvable. And yet national governments and leaders
agonize to find the solutions.
In Ezekiel's time the complexities of earth's political affairs
were symbolized by a series of moving, intersecting wheels.
Who controlled all these? Eze. 1:15-19, 26-28.
"The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.
Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and
authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their
attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are
watching the relations that exist among the nations. They ob-
serve the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly
element, and they recognize that something great and decisive
is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a
stupendous crisis."—Prophets and Kings, p. 537.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I as a Christian keep a calm and hopeful frame of mind in times of national or international panic?
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 535-537.
44 Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday October 26 Part 4 What warning does a voice from heaven give to the inhabi- DEVIL-CAUSED tants of earth? DISTRESS “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).
"Evil spirits, in the beginning [were] created sinless. . . . But
fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of
God and the destruction of men."—The Great Controversy, p.
513.
What usurped position does Satan hold over this earth? See
John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4.
Through whom in this world do Satan and his associate
fallen angels work? Eph. 2:2.
In what worldwide activities did John see the devils en-
gaged prior to the second advent? Rev. 16:13, 14.
"Satan delights in war, for it excites the worst passions of the
soul and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice
and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one
another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the
work of preparation to stand in the day of God. . . .
" . Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by
sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and
terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves,
and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan
is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest,
and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly
taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations
are to become more and more frequent and disastrous." —The
Great Controversy, pp. 589, 590.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do good people sometimes receive the blame for phys- ical calamities? Compare Elijah (1 Kings 18:17, 18) and the early Christians of the Roman Empire.
"The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will
charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's
commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will
be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the
Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities." —The
Great Controversy, p. 590.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 516, 517.
45
Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday October 27 Part 5 What counsel is given to Christians with reference to their CHRISTIANS AND relationship to civil governments? GOVERNMENTS “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to them- selves damnation.” “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Rom. 13:1, 2, 5).
In a sense, the Christian holds a dual citizenship. He is a
member of Christ's kingdom which is not of this world (John
18:36), at the same time he is a citizen of the nation in which he
resides. As distress among the nations increases because of
innumerable problems, modern Christians must seek to be
cooperative in every right measure and to avoid if possible all
misunderstandings.
What may the Christian's law-abiding conduct and prudent
speech silence? 1 Peter 2:13-15.
"It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the
rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or
institutions... .
. . We should weed out from our writings and utterances
every expression that, taken by itself, could be so misrep-
resented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order.
Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place our-
selves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and
its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come
a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be
treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unad-
vised movements that stir up animosity and strife."— Tes-
timonies, vol. 6, p. 394.
For what class of men does the apostle Paul especially
request Christians to pray? For what reasons? 1 Tim. 2:1-4.
What will Christians eventually face? Rev. 13:15-17.
"Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as
enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints
of society, causing anarchy and corruption."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 592.
THINK IT THROUGH What kind of record would my life and transactions reveal if I were investigated by my government? (See Dan. 6:4, 5.)
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 394-403.
46 Global Distress LESSON 5 ❑ Friday October 28 Part 6 As the world moves from crisis to crisis and global distress FLOODS AND becomes more acute, what alone will keep the Christian sta- FOUNDATIONS ble?
"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house
upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came,
and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:
for it was founded upon a rock" (Matt. 7:24, 25).
"The word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows.
It is the sure foundation. 'Heaven and earth shall pass away,'
said Jesus, 'but My words shall not pass away.' Matthew
24:35."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 148.
In the parallel passage (Luke 6:48) the builder "digged deep,
and laid the foundation on a rock." This is hearing and doing
Christ's word. The final issue in the controversy will be whether
or not a person will do what Jesus has said.
When at times governments become persecuting agencies
in the hands of Satan, what sustains God's people? Rom.
8:35-39.
"Though enemies may thrust them [God's people] into
prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication
between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weak-
ness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly
powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing
light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for
the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted
up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed and sang
praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon."—The Great
Controversy, p. 627.
What promise has God made to His people who may be
called upon to pass through trying situations? Isa. 43:2.
"The season of distress before God's people will call for a
faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that
He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration,
not even that of life itself, can induce them to make the least
concession to false worship. To the loyal heart the commands
of sinful, finite men will sink into insignificance beside the word
of the eternal God. Truth will be obeyed though the result be
imprisonment or exile or death."—Prophets and Kings, pp. 512,
513.
THINK IT THROUGH What can I do in my personal Christian experience to de- velop a deeper faith and confidence in God?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 123-125. 47 LESSON 6 October 30 to November 5
&TIE MEDI S THE NT “As the days of Noe were, so shall took the place of law and order and also the coming of the Son of man be. human sympathy. Noble beings For as in the days that were before the became debased by ignoble thoughts flood they were eating and drinking, and actions. Mankind came to live like marrying and giving in marriage, until animals, thinking only of self and the the day that Noe entered into the ark, present moment. Eternal interests and knew not until the flood came, were of no importance. and took them all away; so shall also In similar times how shall Christians the coming of the Son of man be” live and prepare for the “blessed (Matt. 24:37.39). hope”? (See Titus 2:11-13.) How shall In Christ’s conversation with His both affluent and poor Christians disciples regarding the signs of His relate to the society around them? return, He stated that the people How are they to live in a time of much would be no more ready for His social violence, and escape the moral coming than the antediluvians were pollution that everywhere surrounds ready for the Flood. Thus we may them? These are the areas we wish to expect in “the time of the end” that explore in this week’s study. instead of preparation people will emphasize “life as usual.” DAILY HIGHLIGHTS From a secondary application of 1. The Grasp for the Good Life these verses can come a study of the (Luke 17:26, 27) outstanding characteristics of the 2. Righteous Use of Riches antediluvian age, and their (Luke 16:9) counterparts in our own society. In 3. Demise of Deity this week’s lesson we will study this (Job 22:15.17) comparison. Noah’s age was noted for 4. Social Violence its intense worldliness. The pursuit of (Hosea 4:1, 2) pleasure and the gratifying of the 5. Tainted Thoughts physical senses with abandonment (Gen. 6:5) were dominant symptoms in that 6. Preachers of Righteousness morally sick generation. (2 Peter 2:5) Although they became depraved, the antediluvians did not begin as ignorant cavemen. This long-lived and highly intelligent people deliberately chose to throw off their allegiance and obligation to the Creator. They ruled Him out of their thought. With the fear of God lost from their thinking, inevitably their respect for one another ceased. Violence and inhuman treatment of one another The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday October 30 Part 1 Jesus cited attitudes of people in a former age as an illustra- THE GRASP FOR tion of end-time attitudes toward the second advent. What THE GOOD LIFE comparison did He make?
"As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of
the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives,
they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered
into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all"
(Luke 17:26, 27).
In this particular instance Jesus does not stress the toil and
accomplishments of the antediluvians, or their strife and vio-
lence. Rather, He emphasizes their indulgence in the enjoyment
of themselves while neglecting to prepare for the Flood. Their
times are characterized by a people grasping for pleasure—
eating, drinking, and making love—an abandonment to the
enjoyment of the bodily appetites, a feverish search for sensual
experience. A similar obsession with the material and the sen-
sual will be prominent in the world before Jesus comes.
"God bestowed upon these antediluvians many and rich gifts;
but they used His bounties to glorify themselves, and turned
them into a curse by fixing their affections upon the gifts instead
of the Giver. They employed the gold and silver, the precious
stones and the choice wood, in the construction of habitations
for themselves, and endeavored to excel one another in
beautifying their dwellings with the most skillful workmanship.
They sought only to gratify the desires of their own proud
hearts, and reveled in scenes of pleasure and wickedness."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 90, 91.
What conditions promoted sensualism and materialism in
the days of Lot and of Ezekiel? Eze. 16:49. Is this true today
also?
"God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drink-
ing.... Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude
to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite
without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. . . . But . . .
marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion."
—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 101.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is the world’s emphasis on the enjoyment of self a dangerous temptation to end-time Christians? See Luke 21:34-36. “A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without re- straint. . . . Intemperance benumbs the moral and spiritual powers. . . . Men are living for the pleasures of sense.”— Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 101, 102.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 633, 634.
50 The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 6 ❑ Monday October 31 Part 2 Although many will misuse their material goods in the last RIGHTEOUS USE days, what counsel does Jesus give to Christians? OF RICHES “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations” (Luke 16:9, RSV).
In the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13) Jesus
taught that people should be in earnest about preparation for
the future world. Only by concern for the welfare of others could
they themselves be blessed.
"The means over and above the actual necessities of life are
entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity."
"Give yourself to God for this work, use His gifts for this
purpose, and you enter into partnership with heavenly beings.
Your heart will throb in sympathy with theirs. You will be assimi-
lated to them in character. To you these dwellers in the eternal
tabernacles will not be strangers. When earthly things shall
have passed away, the watchers at heaven's gates will bid you
welcome."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 370, 373.
Although eating, marrying, and buying and selling of mate-
rial goods are not wrong in themselves, what perspective will
characterize the genuine end-time Christian? 1 Cor. 7:29-31.
These verses are not to be misunderstood as teaching that the
Christian is to neglect his wife and family or to be negligent in
secular matters. It is the Lord who entrusted him with these
blessings. The point is that life's cares, responsibilities, and
pleasures must always be subordinate to preparation for the
coming of Christ. We have only one short life in which to make
that preparation.
What lesson does Jesus intend to teach His followers in the
parable of the rich farmer? Luke 12:16-21.
"This man's aims were no higher than those of the beasts that
perish. He lived as if there were no God, no heaven, no future
life; as if everything he possessed were his own, and he owed
nothing to God or man."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 257, 258.
THINK IT THROUGH How may I use my material goods to bless my neighbors more effectively and advance God’s last-day movement?
It is the spirit of Christ to give, to sacrifice self for the good of
others."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 259.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Friends by the Mammon of Un- righteousness,” pp. 366-375.
51
4-ASSL 4.77 The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday November 1 Part 3 According to Eliphaz, how did the antediluvian people re- DEMISE OF gard God? DEITY “Will you keep to the old way which wicked men have trod? They were snatched away before their time; their foundation was washed away. They said to God, ‘Depart from us,’ and ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’ “ Job 22:15-17, RSV. The antediluvians ruled God out of their everyday living. To have acknowledged the Creator would have required their al- legiance and moral obligation to His commands. But the wicked generation would have none of God. For all practical purposes He was “dead.”
Since men cannot live without recognizing some authority,
to what did the antediluvians turn? Rom. 1:21-25.
"Not desiring to retain God in their knowledge, they soon
came to deny His existence. They adored nature in place of the
God of nature. They glorified human genius, worshiped the
works of their own hands, and taught their children to bow
down to graven images."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 91.
The publishing of books on evolution by Charles Darwin re-
flected a revolutionary change in human thought that was oc-
curring in the period of "the time of the end" which we are
studying. The evolutionary theory has affected not only scien-
tific thought but also man's religious perspectives. As a result
God has been ruled out of His creation, discarded asan outworn
myth. In modern times large portions of the populations of earth
either deny God's existence or live as though He did not exist.
"What two elements of existence does David mention as
originating with God? Ps. 36:9.
When the mind is not enlightened by God, life loses its sense
of meaning. Modern life is characterized by this loss of mean-
ing. The popular interest in pleasures of all kinds covers an
inner urge to find coherence and sense in human existence.
Why is the church's special last-day message extremely
relevant to this end-time situation? Rev. 14:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I a practical atheist although a professing Christian? How does my belief in God affect my life-style? An example of one who lived a rich and rewarding life is Paul. His motto: “For to me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21).
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 91-97.
52 The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 60 Wednesday November 2 Part 4 When the knowledge and fear of God are removed from a SOCIAL VIOLENCE society, what attitudes and actions begin to appear?
"Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord
hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because
there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and commit-
ting adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood"
(Hosea 4:1, 2).
The moral law which governs mankind rests upon the two-
fold principle of love to God and impartial love to one's fellow
beings. When people cease to respect God, they cease to re-
spect one another. Crime and violence result.
Since the antediluvians did not wish to retain God in their
knowledge, what developed in their society? Gen. 6:11.
In what specific ways did that ancient generation sin
against one another? Rom. 1:28-32. (Compare with 2 Tim.
3:1-5.)
"Man will rise no higher than his conceptions of truth, purity,
and holiness. If the mind is never exalted above the level of
humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite
wisdom and love, the man will be constantly sinking lower and
lower."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 91.
Since God is no longer central in modern life, do conditions
similar to those of Noah's time prevail today? Even a cursory
survey of modern societies reveals deep-seated social unrest in
various forms of vandalism, increasing rates of crime, and the
infiltrating of organized crime into society, riots, racial tensions,
student unrest, crippling strikes, and revolutions. Corruption
exists at all levels of society.
"Fraud and bribery and theft stalk unrebuked in high places
and in low. The issues of the press teem with records of murder.
... The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations.... The picture
which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world repre-
sents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast
hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly
Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated as black and
terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were
destroyed."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 102.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways can I and my fellow members help to improve conditions caused by man’s inhumanity to man?
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 101-104.
53
The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday November 3 Part 5 What description does the Bible give of the antediluvians? TAINTED THOUGHTS “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).
The great citadel of the human being is the mind. As far as the
individual is concerned, the controversy between good and evil
is a battle to gain the mind which rightly owes its allegiance to
the Creator. Rejecting God, the minds of the people of the
antediluvian society became vain and darkened (Rom. 1:21).
Controlled by Satan (Rom. 6:16), their imaginations became
corrupted and-perverted.
What kinds of life-styles do tainted and Impure thoughts
produce? Mark 7:21-23. (Compare Prov. 23:7.)
Corrupt thinking was widespread in the antediluvian society;
so it is today in "the time of the end" as we approach Christ's
coming. Newspapers, magazines, books, movies, radio—and
especially television—make tremendous impacts on human
thinking. Television, now only a little more than a quarter of a
century old, has had an incalculable molding influence upon an
entire generation of youth from babyhood to adulthood. Unfor-
tunately, the mass media pours forth in its torrential output
much that is worldly-wise, impure, perverted, and violent. "By
beholding we become changed" is an unvarying law of the
mind. Modern society is fast moving toward the mental condi-
tion of the antediluvian world.
"This is an age when corruption is teeming everywhere. ...
The heart is corrupted through the imagination. The mind takes
pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken the lower and
baser passions.... Avoid reading and seeing things which will
suggest impure thoughts. Cultivate the moral and intellectual
powers."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 410.
What prayer must an end-time Christian make and what
positive action must he take if he would preserve and develop
wholesome thought processes? Ps. 19:14; Phil. 4:8.
THINK IT THROUGH If I am honest with my soul and the eternal interests which are at stake, what TV programs and reading would I eliminate from my daily life?
"When Christ abides in the heart, there will be purity and
refinement of thought and manner."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, p. 25.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 187-189.
54 The Antediluvians and the Second Advent LESSON 6 ❑ Friday November 4 Part 6 The apostle Peter described Noah as what kind of a PREACHERS OF preacher? On what topic did Noah preach? RIGHTEOUSNESS “And [God] spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5).
While Noah earnestly appealed to the morally bankrupt soci-
ety of the antediluvian world and warned of the impending
Flood, we must not think that he was merely an alarmist. His
ministry was a ministry of righteousness; he preached under the
power of the Holy Spirit (see Gen. 6:3) for conversion of heart
which would result in a changed life-style.
Of what was Noah an heir? Heb. 11:7. (Compare Phil. 3:9.)
"Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood
the gospel. They looked for salvation through man's Substitute
and Surety."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 366.
In various times of crisis God sends warning messages to the
world through the preaching of His servants. These warnings of
judgments are not sent merely as means to scare individuals
into salvation. Warnings of an imminent Flood such as Noah
uttered, or warnings of divine judgments to fall on those who
worship the beast or its image, or receive its mark, serve to
arrest the attention of the people. Startling and solemn, they
arouse the mind to sense its deep spiritual need and the down-
ward course it is pursuing. Under the Spirit's conviction, the
truly penitent cry out for help. To meet that cry God's preachers
of righteousness both anciently and now offer the healing balm
of the gospel.
What message is offered by God's last-day preachers of
righteousness to a morally falling society, and with what re-
sults? Rev. 14:6, 12; Matt. 24:14. What are its warning as-
pects? Rev. 14:7-11; 18:4.
"Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the
people might be led to repentance. . . . As the time of Christ's
second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with
a warning to the world to prepare for that great event.... All who
will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in
Christ are offered pardon."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 102.
THINK IT THROUGH Noah was more successful with the members of his family than with those outside his home. How is it with my family?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 306-313.
55
, LESSON 7 November 6-12
-
moDINGmom BEHAVIOR “Likewise also as it was in the days of in our times. That which is pure and Lot; they did eat, they drank, they noble and upright is being corroded bought, they sold, they planted, they and besmirched before our eyes. That builded; but the same day that Lot which is evil is called good, and good went out of Sodom it rained fire and is called evil (Isa. 5:20). First, we will brimstone from heaven, and look at one of the modern attacks on destroyed them all. Even thus shall it the law of God—situational ethics and be in the day when the Son of man is its subtle deceptions. revealed” (Luke 17:28-30). Moral impurity is especially seen In describing the social conditions today in open abnormal practices, of the end time, Jesus compared them adultery, and the widespread collapse with the times of Noah and of Lot. Both of the home. Then there are the societies were corrupt, since they multiple problems resulting from the repudiated the governing law of God, formation of religiously divided but Sodom was especially infamous homes as well as conflicts between for its gross forms of immorality. parents and children. All are having In the Christian era the gospel of their impact in eroding Christian Christ, with its high principles of norms of behavior. morality and its regard for human life, In a time of collapsing standards the has permeated and influenced many Christian must practice the principles cultures even beyond the confines of of his religion and keep himself the so-called “Christian nations.” The unstained by the world. As we take to Western world, in particular, has had a heart the counsels of the Bible we may long heritage of Christian teachings like Enoch live a life of moral purity in a and perspectives. degenerate age. It is indeed a painful sign of the “Beloved, now are we the sons of times to see modern society God, and it doth not yet appear what repudiating this heritage of we shall be: but we know that, when Judeo-Christian morality and he shall appear, we shall be like him; regressing to the licentious patterns of for we shall see him as he is. And every the antediluvians and the Sodomites. man that hath this hope in him Even more alarming is the fact that purifieth himself, even as he is pure” some religious leaders who claim to be (1 John 3:2, 3). Christians openly defend and condone the immoral practices for DAILY HIGHLIGHTS which Sodom was destroyed and 1. Moral Authority blotted from the face of human (Judges 21:25) society. 2. Abnormal Associations This week we will survey some of the (Rom. 1:26, 27) aspects of the eroding ethical behavior 3. Faithlessness in the Family (Rom. 1:31) 4. Mixed Marriages (Gen. 6:1, 2) 5. Generation Gap (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) 6. The Divine Desire (1 Thess. 4:3-7) Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday November 6 Part 1 How does the Bible writer characterize the moral situation MORAL AUTHORITY in Israel during the period of the judges?
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). When there is no governing authority in a country, anarchy prevails because each citizen does as he pleases. The same is true in the spiritual realm. If God and His authority are rejected and His law disregarded, then spiritual anarchy results. Men do as they choose to do, and being controlled by carnal natures, sins of every hue abound. God and His law have been excised from modern life. The ethics of many moderns spring from their own desires. "Society at the present time is corrupt, as it was in the days of Noah... . They [the antediluvian race] expelled God from their thoughts; they despised His law; trampled His standard of character in the dust."--Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 421. Can the individual of himself always know what is the right thing to do? Prov. 16:25. Current in modern society among the attacks on God's law is the philosophy that there are no divine absolutes such as the Ten Commandments to be strictly obeyed. It is argued that one should do the loving thing in any given situation, and that the "loving thing" may actually require lying, murder, adultery, etc. However, since man has a sinful nature, even a born-again Christian needs to be told by God just what the "loving thing" is in various situations. God's law and God's Word provide adequate essential guidance. "God has given men no liberty to depart from His require- ments.... In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will Df God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 634. What does this subtle hatred against God's law in "the time of the end" reflect? 1 John 3:4, 8. Lucifer transgressed God's will. He did not consider the law a necessity for created beings. Ellen White writes: "He reiterated his claim that angels needed no control, but should be left to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right."—The Great Controversy, p. 499.
THINK IT THROUGH As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, how can I best show the positive value of living in harmony with God’s will?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 762-764. 58 Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Monday November 7 Part 2 What perversion in morals became commonplace when ABNORMAL people turned away from God? ASSOCIATIONS “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable pas- sions. Their women exchanged natural relations for un- natural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error” (Rom. 1:26, 27, RSV).
For what abnormal associations were Sodom and Gomor-
rah destroyed? Jude 7. (Compare Gen. 19:1-11.)
Jesus said that one of the signs of His near return would be a
condition of morality similar to that among the antediluvians
and Sodomites. Not only have the same deviant sexual patterns
become prominent in our times, being pursued with open bold-
ness, but some professed ministers now defend such practices,
organize churches for persons of this life-style, and ordain
some to the ministry. Such sinful brazenness indicates again
the eroding morality of our times and the approaching end of
the age.
"The sins that destroyed the antediluvians and the cities of
the plain exist today—not merely in heathen lands, not only
among popular professors of Christianity, but with some who
profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man. If God
should present these sins before you as they appear in His sight,
you would be filled with shame and terror."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 218.
Can divine grace in our end time of moral pollution save and
transform the immoral who are penitent? 1 Cor. 6: 9-11.
"While he [Abraham) loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he
desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for
Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent.
We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner.
All around us are souls going down to ruin as hopeless, as
terrible, as that which befell Sodom."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 140
"There is a strange abandonment of principle, the standard of
morality is lowered, and the earth is fast becoming a
Sodom."—Gospel Workers, p. 125.
THINK IT THROUGH What concept will help me and my family to maintain moral purity as Christians? See 1 Cor. 6:18-20.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 110-112.
59
Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday November 8 Part 3 In describing the development of sin in the world, what FAITHLESSNESS particular transgressions does the apostle Paul mention? IN THE FAMILY “Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful” (Rom. 1:31).
One of the most important moments in a person's experience
is marriage. God designed marriage to be a permanent bond
between two responsible, loving persons. One of the marked
tragedies of modern times is the waning of loyalty, faithfulness,
and affection between spouses, and the consequent breakup of
the home.
Among the antediluvians "Neither the marriage relation nor
the rights of property were respected. Whoever coveted the
wives or the possessions of his neighbor, took them by force,
and men exulted in their deeds of violence."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 92.
What is God's ideal for marriage? Matt. 19:3-6.
What relationships are forbidden, being detrimental to both
Christian experience and the home? 1 Cor. 6:15, 17.
"Recent painful developments of evil are one of the great
evidences we have that the end is near. Satan, like a roaring lion,
is going about, seeking whom he may devour; and if men and
women, under the blazing light that now shines in this perilous
time, will be found fornicators, I am afraid that God will separate
them from the work forever. . .
"Cleanse the camp of this moral corruption, if it takes the
highest men in the highest positions. God will not be trifled with.
Fornication is in our ranks; I know it, for it has been shown me to
be strengthening and extending its pollutions.... Cleanse the
camp, for there is an accursed thing in it."—Testimonies to
Ministers, pp. 426-428.
How does God regard divorce? Mal. 2:15, 16. On what basis
only may the marital bond be broken and the innocent partner
remarry? Matt. 19:7-9.
"The slightest insinuations, ... inviting you to indulge in sin or
to allow the least unwarrantable liberty with your persons,
should be resented as the worst of insults to your dignified
womanhood. The kiss upon your cheek, at an improper time
and place, should lead you to repel the emissary of Satan with
disgust."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 458.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the influence of my clothing and deportment on others? Do they promote a strong tone of moral purity?
FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, p. 80; Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 458, 459. 60
Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday November 9 Part 4 What disastrous decision did the descendants of Seth make MIXED MARRIAGES as they became acquainted with the descendants of Cain?
"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the
face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the
sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and
they took them wives of all which they chose" (Gen. 6:1, 2).
One of the basic causes for the quick erosion of moral stan-
dards in the antediluvian age was the intermarriage between the
followers of God and the worldly descendants of Cain. The
influence of the nonbelieving partners had a deadening effect
on the spiritual experience of the believers.
"The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the
daughters of Cain's descendants, displeased the Lord by inter-
marrying with them. Many of the worshipers of God were be-
guiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantly
before them, and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Min-
gling with the depraved, they became like them in spirit and in
deeds."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 81.
Why did God forbid His ancient people to intermarry with
those who were not of their faith? Deut. 7:1-4.
Whose tragic marriages are recorded in the Bible as a warn-
ing on this point? 1 Kings 11:1-4. (Compare Neh. 13:25-27.)
"Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground.
Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by
God. But too often the unconverted heart follows its own de-
sires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed."—The
Adventist Home, p. 63.
Why is incomplete happiness to be expected if a husband
and wife form a religiously divided home? 2 Cor. 6:14-16.
"The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong
enough, or pure enough, or precious enough, to supply the
place of the love of Jesus.... Let woman give herself to Christ
before giving herself to any earthly friend, and enter into no
relation which shall conflict with this.... Unless you would have
a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not unite your-
self with one who is an enemy of God."—Messages to Young
People, p. 440.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it not spiritually safe, nor in the interest of mutual happiness, for a Seventh-day Adventist to marry a Christian of another faith?
FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, pp. 61-69.
61
Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday November 10 Part 5 What conditions between parents and children did the GENERATION GAP apostle Paul predict would be especially prominent in the end time?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall
come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-
thankful, unholy" (2 Tim. 3:1, 2).
The prediction indicated that in many homes there would be
an open clash between parents and children. Respect for paren-
tal authority is basic to human happiness. A failure to appreciate
its legitimate place in society leads to a general contempt for
authority whether in the church, school, state, or even in
heaven.
"The family is the most important and fundamental unit in
society and government. Respect for parental authority and
obedience to parental law are the foundation of all order and
organization. As goes the home, so goes society, the nation,
and the world."
"The lack of regard for authority—parental, civil, and
divine—is the greatest evil of the modern world."—Taylor G.
Bunch, The Ten Commandments (Washington, DC, Review and
Herald, 1944), pp. 91, 97.
What is said of Abraham as an example of a good parent?
Gen. 18:19.
The first care of the parents should be to establish good
government in the family. The word of the parents should be
law, precluding all arguments or evasions. Children should be
taught from infancy to implicitly obey their parents."— Child
Guidance, p. 85.
How did twelve-year-old Jesus act toward His parents even
though they did not completely understand His mission? Luke
2:49-51.
"For eighteen years after He had recognized that He was the
Son of God, He acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the
home at Nazareth, and performed the duties of a son, a brother,
a friend, and a citizen."—The Desire of Ages, p. 86.
What does God intend that His last-day Elijah message shall
accomplish in the families of His people? Mal. 4:5, 6.
"The secret of true unity in the ... family is not diplomacy, not
management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties
. . . but union with Christ."—The Adventist Home, p. 179.
FURTHER STUDY Child Guidance, pp. 21-25. 62
Eroding Moral Behavior LESSON 7 ❑ Friday November 11 Part 6 What is God’s desire for Christians when they establish a THE DIVINE home? DESIRE “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from immorality; that each one of you know how to take a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in the pas- sion of lust like heathen who do not know God…. For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thess. 4:3-7, RSV).
Whether the Greek phrase of verse 4 refers to the Christian
himself (KJV) or to a wife (RSV) is immaterial to the thrust of the
passage which calls the sanctified Christian to a life of moral
purity. Marriage is sacred. True love is honorable and responsi-
ble. Premarital sex, trial marriages, and wife-trading are but
various forms of immorality condemned in the Bible. Such prac-
tices are destructive of genuine happiness and holiness.
How did God establish the marriage relationship? Gen.
1:27; 2:18-24.
"God Himself gave Adam a companion . .. —one who was
fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in
love and sympathy. She was ... to stand by his side as an equal,
to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his
bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing
the close union and the affectionate attachment that should
exist in this relation. . . .
" ... When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in
this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and
happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it
elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral
nature."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46.
How does the apostle Paul show that conjugal love is proper
and sacred to the marriage estate? 1 Cor. 7:3-5.
The King James Version rendering "due benevolence" refers
to "conjugal rights" (RSV).
"Jesus did not enforce celibacy upon any class of men. He
came not to destroy the sacred relationship of marriage, but to
exalt it and restore it to its original sanctity. He looks with
pleasure upon the family relationship where sacred and unself-
ish love bears sway."—The Adventist Home, p. 121.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways may an apparently “innocent” husband or wife be guilty of contributing to a partner’s moral lapse?
FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, pp. 121-128.
63
LESSON 8 November 13-19
8.ACHANGING CHRISTIANITY “After these things I saw another demonic agencies is here set forth. angel come down from heaven, In this week’s lesson we shall survey having great power; and the earth was the sad facts of a greatly changed lightened with his glory. And he cried Christianity. The onset of the theory of mightily with a strong voice, saying,, evolution and higher critical studies of Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, the Bible have led to the development and is become the habitation of devils, of a liberal Christianity which has and the hold of every foul spirit, and a rejected the authority of Scripture, its cage of every unclean and hateful miracles, prophecies; and teachings bird” (Rev. 18:1, 2). regarding sin and salvation. The deity One phase of God’s last message to of Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning be given in the time of the end pertains death and resurrection are likewise to the “fall” of spiritual Babylon. (See denied. Such viewpoints have left Rev. 14:8.) The word “Babylon,” many Christians without an authority, which has come to mean “confusion,” and without a gospel, and open to the is used by John in the Revelation to deceptions of Satan. Liberalism is represent the religious confusion and Christianity’s self-inflicted wound. Its apostasy—especially Christian progress and influence within apostasy—which would develop in Christendom is a startling Christendom in the end time. The commentary on the extent and moving message is designed to call those who progression of Babylon’s fall. love Christ and who serve Him to the best of their ability to separate DAILY HIGHLIGHTS themselves from the ever-increasing 1. Mother and Daughters religious declension. (Rev. 17:1-5) The message was first preached in 2. The Scriptures Challenged the summer of 1844 when the (2 Tim. 4:1-4) Protestant bodies, particularly in 3. A Failing Faith North America, rejected the (Luke 18:8; Matt. 24:12) proclamation of the second advent of 4. Denied Deity Christ and expelled those members (1 John 4:1-3) who believed He was about to appear. 5. Proposition or Encounter In turning against the doctrine of the (2 Tim. 3:16) return of Christ, the churches suffered 6. Altered Objectives a moral fall. But since the (Matt. 28:19, 20) mid-nineteenth century strange developments have continued to take place in the Christian religion. According to Revelation 18:1-4 a further emphasis was to be placed on the moral fall of Babylon. The prophet hears an angel proclaim mightily that not only has Babylon fallen, but she also has become “the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” A deep-seated deterioration and the influence of -ann
C.,Vax esNIVax-sam. i.Sveeve INteklivituct “01 As vew.A.0:,.. NAVAS3 A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday November 13
Part 1 Under what symbol does John portray the organized reli-
MOTHER AND gious apostasy of the last days?
DAUGHTERS
"Come hither; I will shew unto thee the Judgment of the
great whore that 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.... And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet
coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven
heads and ten horns.... And upon her forehead was a name
written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF
HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Rev.
17:1-5).
In the Scriptures the professed followers of God are
figuratively represented as a woman (see Jer. 6:2) married to
God (see Isa. 54:5). Whenever God's people fraternized with the
world and corrupted their lives and teachings by adopting the
world's views, they committed spiritual adultery in the eyes of
God. (See Eze. 16:15; James 4:4.) Thus at times apostasy is
symbolized as a fallen, impure woman.
In the Revelation two symbolic women are presented. The
true people of God are symbolized by a pure, noble woman
clothed in gospel light (Revelation 12). The Christian apostasy is
symbolized by a fallen, impure woman who has illicit
connections with the rulers of the world (Revelation 17).
What biblical clues clearly identify this organized apos-
tasy? Rev. 17:3, 6, 18.
Only one professing Christian system has truly controlled to a
large extent the governments of the world and has been guilty of
slaying millions of Christians who differed with it. That is the
papacy.
Who would be the daughters of Babylon, depicted as being
like the mother in Revelation 17:5?
"Babylon is said to be 'the mother of harlots.' By her
daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her
doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing
the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful
alliance with the world."—The Great Controversy, pp. 382, 383.
The symbol of daughters thus depicts similar apostasy in the
non-papal systems, that is to say, in Protestantism.
THINK IT THROUGH Because a prophetic symbol may deal with apostasy in a given Christian system, does it mean that all persons in the system are apostate? (See Rev. 18:4.)
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 381-390.
66 A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 ❑ Monday November 14
Part 2 What attitude against the Scriptures did the apostle Paul THE SCRIPTURES forewarn would develop within the Christian faith?
CHALLENGED
"I charge you ... : preach the word.... For the time is coming
when people will not endure sound teaching, but having
itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to
suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the
truth and wander into myths" (2 Tim. 4:1-4, RSV).
The Christian religion rests upon two basic premises: (1)
There is a God, and (2) God has revealed Himself to man in the
Holy Scriptures. Yet a large portion of Christians in "the time of
the end" has rejected the authority of the Scriptures. And more
amazing is the fact that this change of attitude toward the Bible
developed largely in Protestantism which originally took as its
platform "the Bible and the Bible only"!
As noted in lesson 6, the entrance of the concepts of Darwin-
ian evolution in the mid-nineteenth century had a profound
influence on all areas of human thought. To the higher critical
Bible scholars who were already questioning the validity of
Scripture, it seemed to offer "scientific" proof that the first
chapters of Genesis were only myth and not genuine historical
records. At first there were attempts to harmonize the evolu-
tionary theory with the biblical account of Creation, but in time
liberal Protestantism gave this up. Eventually the authority of
the Scriptures was eroded away for those who accepted the
conclusions of evolution and higher criticism.
What biblical doctrine calls attention to the truth of the
Genesis account of Creation? Ex. 20:8-11; Mark 2:27.
"Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific
facts, and they think that God's word is to be tested by the
teachings of 'science falsely so called.' 1 Timothy 6:20. . . .
Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and
New Testaments too often go a step further and doubt the
existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. Having
let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of
infidelity."—The Great Controversy, p. 522.
THINK IT THROUGH Does the witness of the Bible conflict with that of nature? Or does the problem lie with interpretations? Should one source of witness have precedence over the other? Explain.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 128-134.
67
A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday November 15 Part 3 What did Jesus foresee would dwindle among His A FAILING FAITH professed followers?
"When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the
earth?" (Luke 18:8).
"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax
cold" (Matt. 24:12).
It is hard to imagine the widespread effect that the concepts
of evolution in conjunction with higher critical studies of the
Scriptures have had on religious thought. The claim that man
has evolved upward from simple forms forces the conclusion
that man never fell morally, as the Scriptures assert. Hence, he
is not a sinner in need of saving grace. Thus in one stroke the
doctrine of sin and the plan of salvation are rejected.
Furthermore, natural processes allow for no miraculous
intervention by God. Thus all miracles in the Scriptures are at
once suspect and denied.
Upon what great miracle—the greatest of miracles—does
Christianity rest? 1 Cor. 15:13, 14.
Liberal Protestantism has not only denied the recorded
miracles of healing, but also the miracles of Creation, the virgin
birth, the resurrection of Jesus in victory, and predictive
prophecy.
What particular group of predictions would be openly
denied by some in the end time? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
Higher critics see an evolutionary development of Israel's
beliefs from simple to more complex. This, together with other
factors, has led to dissecting and speculating as to when the Old
Testament books were written. Inspired authors have been
repudiated in favor of editors and compilers. Critical studies in
the Gospels by scholars have promoted the belief that one can
today know nothing about the real Jesus of history, but only the
early church's concept of Him.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the evidences that assure me of the trustworthi- ness of my Bible when so many Christians reject it? “To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God’s word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives.” —The Acts of the Apostles, p. 474.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 427-429, 439, 440.
68 A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday November 16
Part 4 By what means did John propose to test the false views
DENIED DEITY about Christ which would be taught to Christians?
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out
into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of
God" (1 John 4:1-3).
That person teaches the authentic Christian faith who
teaches that Christ is true Deity, who, by the mystery of the
incarnation, became truly man, God with us (John 1:1-3, 14).
One of the sad signs of the end time is the open denial of the full
deity of Christ, not only by liberal Christians, but also by other
groups who claim to follow the Bible.
What do the Scriptures teach about the deity of Christ? Phil.
2:5, 6; Col. 2:9.
How did Jesus assert His divine eternal nature? John 8:24,
28, 57-59.
What acknowledgement and worship did Jesus accept from
His followers? John 20:27-29.
• "If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures
concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with
them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince
them.... None who hold this error can have atrue conception of
the character or the mission of Christ, or of the great plan of God
for man's redemption."—The Great Controversy, p. 524.
What two other doctrines about Christ did Paul hold as basic
to the Christian faith? 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
"The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great
truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly
understood and appreciated, every truth in the word of God,
from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that
streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the
great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation
and redemption,—the Son of God uplifted on the cross."—
Gospel Workers, p. 315.
THINK IT THROUGH What difference does it make whether one believes Christ is true Deity or just an extraordinary human teacher? (See Matt. 16:13-17.)
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 246-251.
69
A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday November 17
Part 5 Why are the Scriptures authoritative in matters of doctrine
PROPOSITION and instruction? OR ENCOUNTER
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righ-
teousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).
The Greek word translated "inspiration of God" means
literally, "God-breathed." Bible truths originated with God.
What Divine Agent was involved in transmitting Heaven's
messages to mankind? 2 Peter 1:20, 21.
The Holy Spirit qualified the Bible writers both to receive the
divine messages and to transmit them orally or in writing in a
trustworthy manner. These prophetic revelations became a
body of objective truth, disclosing to later generations the
revealed will of God. The possession of the written revelation of
God was one of the great advantages enjoyed by God's people.
(See Rom. 3:1, 2.)
In recent years a different concept of inspiration has been
introduced into the Christian world and has permeated the
seminaries and ministries of liberal Protestantism and Catholi-
cism. The view holds that when a Bible writer had an encounter
with God it was simply a mystical confrontation of Person to
person. No information was revealed. The prophet had only an
experience with God. Later, as the situation demanded, the
prophet wrote to meet the need. However, what he wrote was
not information from God, but his own ideas, a witness of his
encounter with God. But since it is his own message, it may
contain error both of fact and of theology. A reader of this
document may also experience a divine encounter in spite of its
errors, and at that point the document becomes inspired to him.
It can be readily seen that such a view permits the Bible to be
freely criticized according to human criteria, and that its divine
authority is destroyed. The Bible is no longer regarded as an
objective body of truth to guide and to correct the believer. The
source of knowledge about the Christian religion and its
requirements is at once nullified—and this by Christians
themselves.
THINK IT THROUGH What effect will the Bible have on my life if I regard it as the voice of God? As the opinions of holy men?
"Human reasoning and the imaginings of the human heart
are undermining the inspiration of the Word of God.... This is
one of the marked signs of the last days."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 15.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 15-23. 70 A Changing Christianity LESSON 8 Friday November 18
Part 6 What explicit command did Christ give His church?
ALTERED
OBJECTIVES "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age"
(Matt. 28:19, 20, RSV).
As Christians preach the gospel under the power of the Holy
Spirit, what changes are wrought in those who accept it? John
3:3, 5; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17.
The objective of the gospel message is the salvation and the
transformation of the sinner. It is a one-by-one procedure. But
each converted individual exerts in turn an uplifting influence
upon others and his society.
With a changed view of the Scriptures and its doctrines there
also came into liberal Protestantism an altering of its objectives.
Since, in its opinion, man is not a lost sinner in need of salvation,
this wing of Christianity has turned to a "social gospel"—a
humanitarian attempt to better the physical and mental lot of
humanity by earthly and political means. Foreign missions have
declined since liberal Protestantism sees Christianity as only
one of a variety of religious roads leading heavenward.
Did Jesus teach that His kingdom of grace was to be
extended by social action for the masses, or by the ministry to
individual lives? John 4:13, 14.
"The Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no
national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did
not interfere with the authority or administration of those in
power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly
governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of
men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and
external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men
individually, and must regenerate the heart.
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative
assemblies ... is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the
implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of
the Holy Spirit. . .. Here is the only power that can work the
uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the ac-
complishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the
word of God."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 509, 510.
THINK IT THROUGH “The sure hope of a better age, is a better man.”—John Wesley. Does this preclude Christian social service?
FURTHER STUDY Welfare Ministry, pp. 29-34.
71
LESSON 9 November 20-26
-
MAIMS TRENDS “As ye have therefore received in our times which Bible prophecy Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in foretold would take place in the time him: rooted and built up in him, and of the end. These trends may appear stablished in the faith, as ye have conflicting to us now, but they are the been taught, abounding therein with surface movements and eddies of the thanksgiving. Beware lest any man deeper controversy between God and spoil you through philosophy and Satan which will eventually erupt vain deceit, after the tradition of in the final crisis of the age. men, after the rudiments of the world, Bible prophecy foretells the and not after Christ” (Col. 2:6-8). resurgence of the papacy in the end These divine admonitions, always time and implies widespread applicable, are especially pertinent to cooperation among the various God’s people in this present century. denominations of Christendom. We In these times of religious confusion already see the partial fulfillment of we need to be in full union with Christ, these signs. At the same time we may and to have clear and solid reasons for expect what will appear to be a great our faith which are fully sustained by revival of religious interest and a the plain testimony of Scripture. strong emphasis on miracles. From This week we shall study in part another angle there will also develop some of the religious trends occurring a revival of and a growing interest in non-Christian religions. Along with such developments, one of the most important signs of the times is God’s own last-day movement which He has raised up to be an Elijah and a John the Baptist to the last generation of mankind. May the study of this week assist in confirming each of us in the eternal verities and certainties of the truths held by the remnant people in these awesome times.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS 1. A Revived Papacy (Rev. 13:3) 2. Ecumenical Movements (Rev. 13:11-14). 3. Counterfeit Revivals (Matt. 24:11) 4. Prophecy Perverted (Matt. 24:23-26) 5. Resurgence of Non-Christian Religions (Rev. 16:13) 6. Adventist Action (Rev. 14:6)Religious Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday November 20 Part 1 According to John, what religious organization would excite A REVIVED the admiration of the modern world in the time of the end? PAPACY “One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth followed the beast with wonder” (Rev. 13:3, RSV).
As we have seen from our earlier studies, the period known as "the time of the end" began with the wounding of the papal power in 1798. The abolition of papal civil rule and the setting up of the French republic meant the full death of the system to the thinking people of that period. But prophecy foretold a healing of that wound. The papacy suffered another setback in 1870 when the newly unified kingdom of Italy took over the Papal States. However, since the 1929 Concordat between the Vatican and the Italian government (which restored the pope's political control over the Vatican State), the papacy has been steadily growing in power and influence throughout the world. What will be the nearly universal attitude toward the papacy near the end? Rev. 13:4. There has been an astounding change in attitude toward the papacy by Protestants and others since the pontificate of John XXIII and Vatican Council II (1962-1965) at which time the Roman Church sought to orient itself in a more meaningful manner to the modern world. That council has markedly re- duced the tensions between the Roman communion and other groups and ushered in an era of dialogue. As a result many Christians of different persuasions are willing to see a renewed papacy functioning as a visible sign of the unity of the Church. How supreme will Rome become again? Rev. 13:8. "The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen- tary, vol. 7, p. 975. "Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they have made compromises and concessions which papists them- selves are surprised to see and fail to understand. Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy."—The Great Controversy, p. 566.
THINK IT THROUGH Vatican Council II emphasized the importance of the Bible and its study. How can I use this Interest in Bible study to help my Catholic friends get a clearer picture of God’s plan for humanity?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 563-568.
74 Religious. Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Monday November 21 Part 2 What cooperative efforts are implied in the prophecy of the ECUMENICAL two-horned beast and the establishment of “the image of the MOVEMENTS beast”?
"I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he
had two horns Ilke a Iamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he
exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and
causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the
first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.. . . [He says]
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. 13:11-14).
Adventist Bible students have long recognized that the two-
horned beast symbolizes Protestant America. The prophecy
implies cooperation between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Protestant America is depicted as causing its people to show
homage to the beast and form an image to it. In its fullest
development the papacy is a union of church and state with the
church controlling the state. To form an "image" of this would
require the religious forces of the nation to be strong enough to
control the state and to employ it to further the ends of religion.
But to obtain such influence would require a large degree of
cooperation and fraternity among the various church commu-
nions. One of the religious phenomena particularly vigorous in
the twentieth century is the ecumenical movement among
Christians, an active movement to foster Christian unity and
cooperation
What will be the final cooperative effort of Christendom?
Rev. 19:11, 19, 20.
"The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches is
regarded by many as decisive proof that no effort to secure a
forced uniformity can even be made. But there has been for
years, in churches of the Protestant faith, a strong and growing
sentiment in favor of a union based upon common points of
doctrine. To secure such a union, the discussion of subjects
upon which all were not agreed—however important they might
be from a Bible standpoint—must necessarily be waived."—The
Great Controversy, p. 444.
One by-product of some modern church mergers and of
councils of churches is to constitute a block of public opinion
and thus become a political force.
THINK IT THROUGH Jesus prayed that His people might be one (John 17). How only can true unity of Christians be achieved?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 440-445.
75
Religious Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday November 22
Part 3 Against what religious development did Christ forewarn His
COUNTERFEIT people who would be living in the end time?
REVIVALS
"Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many"
(Matt. 24:11).
What made false religious teachers in the Corinth church so
deceptive? 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
"The path of error often appears to lie close to the path of
truth. It is hardly distinguishable from the path that leads to
holiness and heaven. But the mind enlightened by the Holy
Spirit may discern that it is diverging from the right way. After a
while the two are seen to be widely separated."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, pp. 290, 291.
What may accompany counterfeit religion that makes it
convincing to many? Matt. 24:24.
A worldwide religious phenomenon which has attracted great
attention in recent years is the charismatic movement, some-
times referred to as neo-Pentecostalism. Its emphasis is upon
speaking in tongues (glossolalia). The movement has made
deep inroads into Roman Catholicism as well as into the old-line
Protestant denominations. Because it has leaped denomina-
tional walls and has been embraced by Christians of various
persuasions, it is viewed by many as the force that will ac-
complish the ecumenical objectives. Many hail it as a genuine
manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
What tests must the Christian apply to any message even
though It may appear very Christian? Isa. 8:20; Matt. 7:15, 16,
1 John 4:1-3.
"The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work [the true
outpouring of the Spirit]; and before the time for such a move-
ment shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a
counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his
deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special bless-
ing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be
great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working
marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit.
Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence
over the Christian world."—The Great Controversy. p. 464.
THINK IT THROUGH Why would the fact that the charismatic movement unites persons of diverse communions by experience rather than by the teaching of Scripture make It suspect?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 412-414.
76 Religious Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday November 23 Part 4 Jesus warned his follciwers to expect deceptive teachings PROPHECY on what important prophetic subject in the end time? PERVERTED “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not…. Behold, I have told you before. Where- fore If they shall say unto you, Behold, he is In the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe It not” (Matt. 24:23-26).
While liberal Protestantism has rejected the validity of Bible
prophecy, conservative Protestants have largely adopted the
system of prophetic interpretation known as futurism or dis-
pensationalism. Popularized by the notes of the Scofield Bible
and more recent works, "Futurism" is a perversion of the
prophecies with roots reaching back to the Catholic Counter-
Reformation. The view separates the seventieth week of Daniel
9 from its context, placing it at the end of the age. The
prophecies of the antichrist (little horn; leopard beast; man of
sin) are applied to a single person. Prophecies about Israel are
misapplied to teach a restored Judaism. The second advent is
divided into two phases: First, according to this view, there is
"secret rapture" at the beginning of the seventieth week, at
which time the "church" is taken to heaven. Then, it is taught,
an open coming will occur seven years later, at which time
Christ will establish His personal reign on the earth for a millen-
nium. The preaching of the "secret rapture" in connection with
a future restoration of the Jews has become very popular in our
times among conservative Christians.
According to Jesus, how open and known will His coming
be? Matt. 24:27; Rev. 1:7.
"The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon
this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second
coming.... This coming there is no possibility of counterfeiting.
It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world."—
The Great Controversy, p. 625.
What will be heard by all at Christ's return? What will take
place among the righteous? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
Where does Christ take His redeemed ones? 1 Thess. 4:17;
John 14:1-3. Where does John see them? Rev. 7:9, 10.
THINK IT THROUGH Why are false teachers, who cite the Bible for support, more deceptive than those who openly deny the Bible?
FURTHER STUDY SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 884-887.
77
Religious Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday November 24 Part 5 From the mouths of what three symbols of religious powers RESURGENCE OF did John see demon spirits issue forth? NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS “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” (Rev. 16:13).
In the book of Revelation the "dragon" is first depicted in
chapter 12. There it is identified primarily as Satan (Rev. 12:9),
and secondarily as the power of pagan Rome which sought to
destroy Christ (verses 4, 5). In chapter 16 the "dragon" may be
understood as representing pagan or non-Christian religions.
For centuries Satan opposed God through paganism; later he
was successful in compromising Christianity with paganism.
With what fervor may we expect Satan to work near the end?
What kind of religious teachings may we expect to become
prominent? Rev. 12:12; 1 Tim. 4:1.
The resurgence of non-Christian religions is a modern
phenomenon. Millions in both the East and the West are turning
to modernized forms of Buddhism, Hinduism, and other Orien-
tal religions. Some young people in traditionally Christian coun-
tries know more about Krishna than they do about Christ. Many
developing nations are reviving their ancient native religions to
increase the national consciousness. Such movements hinder
the preaching of the gospel.
"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."—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 117, 118.
Through whom only can genuine salvation and happiness
be obtained? Why? John 14:6. (Compare Acts 4:12.)
"The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay
at the foundation of every heathen religion. . . . Wherever it is
held, men have no barrier against sin."—The Desire of Ages, pp.
35, 36.
What exclusive claim did Jesus make? Are all religions
doors to the same place? John 10:1, 7-9.
THINK IT THROUGH What explanation can you give (apart from satanic influ- ence) for the avid interest in non-Christian religions of many modern persons.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 478; Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 56.
78 Religious Trends LESSON 9 ❑ Friday November 25 Part 6 What features of the first angel’s message symbolize the ADVENTIST speed and the extensive outreach of the final gospel invite- ACTION tion?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the
earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people" (Rev. 14:6).
The Seventh-day Adventist movement itself is a remarkable
sign of the times. Organizing its General Conference in 1863
with a membership of about 3500 and 30 ministerial workers,
the movement has grown to more than 2.5 million, some 82
percent being outside North America. Today Adventists pro-
claim their message in 559 languages. By means of radio and
television the message is literally sounding through the air.
What three lines of endeavor did Jesus pursue in proclaim-
ing the gospel? Matt. 4:23.
The advent movement works in these same three areas—
Christian education, evangelistic outreach, and medical mis-
sionary work. By these agencies we seek to uplift Christ and to
draw mankind to Him in preparation for His coming.
"The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the
most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man,
have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in
the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are
among the most effective agencies."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p.
138.
What parable continues to depict the external growth of the
church? Matt. 13:31, 32.
"In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to
reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will
become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go
to 'every nation, and kindred, and tongue' (Rev. 14:6-14), 'to
take out of them a people for His name' (Acts 15:14)."—Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 79.
THINK IT THROUGH What can I do within my sphere to help God’s last-day movement fulfill its divine commission?
"There is a great work to be done, and every effort possible
must be made to reveal Christ ... ; and the Lord will give us favor
before the world until our work is done."—Testimonies, vol. 6,
pp. 20, 21.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Like a Grain of Mustard Seed,” pp. 76-79. 79 tt f 441 Ire 0061Tr … …. .. .., :-?I —” - • * LESSON 10 November 27 to December 3
-
FASCINATION WITH THE OCCULT “They worshipped the dragon scopes which are published in which gave power unto the hundreds of newspapers. Covens of beast” (Rev. 13:4). modern-day witches meet regularly. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, Supplies for sorcery and related that in the latter times some shall occult activities are sold in stores now depart from the faith, giving heed to established for that purpose. Ouija seducing spirits, and doctrines of boards and like devices may be devils” (1 Tim. 4:1). purchased in ordinary department In this last quarter of the twentieth stores. Spiritism and interest in demon century no other religious possession and exorcism is phenomenon is stranger than the widespread in our times. Many are revival and resurgence of the occult literally worshiping the dragon, Satan, arts. All the trappings of ancient and are giving heed to the seducing heathenism are again being displayed doctrines of devils. And all this is in modern times. Magic, witchcraft, occurring in an age of highly astrology, Satanism, and the whole developed science and widespread range of the occult have become very education, an age which has popular—not only among the masses, increasingly emphasized the but also among the highly educated. competency of man and his ability to Millions daily consult their horo- solve his own problems apart from God. The occult was one aspect of heathenism which proved a strong temptation to ancient Israel. This week we wish to study the counsels God gave Israel regarding occult arts. The divine judgment on the occult in ancient times is still the same today.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS 1. Horoscopes or Christian Hope (Jer. 10:2, 3) 2. Forbidden Practices (Deut. 18:9-11) 3. Judgment on the Occult Arts (Isa. 47:9) 4. Frustrated Fortune-tellers (Dan. 2:27, 28) 5. Books of Magic (Acts 19:18, 19) 6. Demon Possession (Mark 1:23-25)Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday November 27 Part 1 God cautioned Israel not to be concerned and anxious over HOROSCOPES OR what heathen system of predicting? CHRISTIAN HOPE “Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain” (Jer. 10:2, 3).
Astrology seems to have had its origin in Mesopotamia. The assumption upon which ancient astrology rested was that the movements of the celestial bodies affected human destinies. Hence, the ancients were concerned to analyze carefully such celestial phenomena as eclipses, comets, and the conjunctions of the heavenly bodies. The earliest known text giving a horo- scope is dated April 29, 410 BC. Although we live in a very scientific age, millions have turned to a revived astrology to find answers to their problems. Christ, however, not stars, is the only satisfying solution. To whom do the orderly but inanimate heavenly bodies direct man's attention? Ps. 19:1; 8:3, 4. What does the Creator wish to assure His earthly children when they behold the stars? Isa. 40:26-31; Ps. 147:3-5. "Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children.... Take to Him every- thing that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe.... The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son."—Steps to Christ, p. 100. Where does the Christian find his source of guidance in all the affairs of life? Ps. 73:23, 24; Matt. 4:4. "Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Sur- render all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ."—Steps to Christ, p. 70.
THINK IT THROUGH Why are rational and often highly educated people at- tracted to astrology in these modern times?
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 99, 100, 103, 104.
82 Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Monday November 28 Part 2 What practices did God expressly forbid Israel to learn or to FORBIDDEN adopt? PRACTICES “When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a Wizard, or a necromancer” (Deut. 18:9-11).
The Canaanites whom Israel dispossessed were a deeply de-
praved people, and their influence and practices were degrad-
ing; hence, the straightforward warning to Israel.
A diviner might consult arrows, images, or animal livers in
seeking information or guidance (Eze. 21:21). An "observer of
times," literally, "of the clouds," may have been one who based
his predictions on a study of the clouds. The "enchanter" and
the "consulter with familiar spirits" were spirit mediums. The
"wizard" was also one who alleged to have special knowledge
from contact with the dead. Witchcraft or sorcery pertained to
those persons who employed powers gained from evil spirits,
and who at times used chemical substances. "A charmer,"
literally, "a tier of knots," refers to the making and wearing of
magic cords and knots as spells against evil.
Why did God command His people not to engage in these
pagan practices? Deut. 18:12.
What counsel did Paul give to the Ephesian members which
is also good counsel for modern Christians who might be
tempted to dabble in revived occultism? Eph. 5:11; 6:11, 12.
"There are many who become restless when they cannot
know the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot endure un-
certainty, and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the
salvation of God. Apprehended evils drive them nearly dis-
tracted. They give way to their rebellious feelings, and run hither
and thither in passionate grief, seeking intelligence concerning
that which has not been revealed. If they would but trust in God,
and watch unto prayer, they would find divine consolation.
Their spirit would be calmed by communion with God."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 687.
THINK IT THROUGH What are some disadvantages of knowing the details of one’s immediate future?
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 100, 101; The Ministry of Healing, pp. 480-482.
83
Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday November 29 Part 3 What is one of the reasons God gave for the overthrow of JUDGMENT ON THE ancient Babylon? OCCULT ARTS “These two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments” (Ise. 47:9).
The great interest of the Babylonians in the occult arts is
attested to by classical writers and archaeological data.
In determining to deliver the Jews from Babylonian captiv-
ity, whom did the God of heaven say He would frustrate? isa.
44:24, 25.
Who were unable to assist Belshazzar and the nation of
Babylon on its last night of revelry to read the message on the
wall? Dan. 5:7, 8.
"Hushed was the boisterous mirth, while men and women,
seized with nameless terror, watched the hand slowly tracing
the mysterious characters. . . . They seemed to be arraigned
before the judgment bar of the eternal God, whose power they
had just defied."—Prophets and Kings, p. 524.
The destructive Judgments which fell on the mighty Babylo-
nian Empire were also predicted to fall upon what class of
persons? Isa. 47:13, 14.
In the judgments pronounced on Babylon's practitioners of
occult arts we may see God's attitude toward these activities.
God is no respecter of persons. What was wrong then is wrong
today. Christians dabble at their eternal peril.
"The magicians of heathen times have their counterpart in
the spiritualistic mediums, the clairvoyants, and the fortune-
tellers of today. The mystic voices that spoke at Endor and at
Ephesus are still by their lying words misleading the children of
men. Could the veil be lifted from before our eyes, we should see
evil angels employing all their arts to deceive and to destroy.
Wherever an influence is exerted to cause men to forget God,
there Satan is exercising his bewitching power. When men yield
to his influence, ere they are aware the mind is bewildered and
the soul polluted."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 290.
THINK IT THROUGH To many persons such things as the Ouija board, palm read- ing, fortune-telling are simply fun things. Why can the in- formed Christian not take the occult arts lightly or have any part in them?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 507, 508. 84
Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday November 30 Part 4 What experience in Daniel’s early service in Babylon ex- FRUSTRATED posed the falseness of heathen astrology? FORTUNE-TELLERS “Daniel answered In the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days” (Dan. 2:27, 28).
Although these leaders in the occult arts claimed contact
with superhuman spirits and powers, what did they openly
admit on this occasion? Dan. 2:10, 11.
What was their experience some years later when they
were told the monarch's dream? Dan. 4:7, 18.
"Once more in this idolatrous nation, testimony was to be
borne to the fact that only those who love and fear God can
understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."—
Prophets and Kings, p. 516.
Who only is omniscient and can truly foretell the future? Isa.
46:9, 10.
Satan cannot know the future. He is an astute student of
human nature. He controls many persons and has considerable
freedom to create events as he will. These factors enable evil
agencies to make predictions. But it is well known that the
spirits often err in their forecasts.
"Satan closely watches events, and when he finds one who
has a specially strong spirit of opposition to the truth of God he
will even reveal to him unfulfilled events, that he may more
firmly secure himself a seat in his heart. ...
"Those who have bitterly opposed the truth of God, Satan
uses as his mediums. To such he will appear in the assumed
person and garb of another, it may be a friend of the medium. He
will increase their faith by using the words of this friend and
relating circumstances which are about to take place or which
really have taken place and of which the medium knew nothing.
Sometimes previous to a death or an accident he gives a dream
or, personating another, converses with the medium, even im-
parting knowledge by means of his suggestions. But it is wis-
dom from beneath and not from above."—Testimonies, vol. 2,
pp. 171, 172.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do you think people—even in high places such as government—continually consult fortune-tellers and clair- voyants even though their predictions are often wrong?
85
Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday December 1 Part 5 Convicted of the wrongness in participating in the occult BOOKS OF MAGIC arts, what did the Ephesian Christians do?
"Many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed
their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts
brought their books together, and burned them before all
men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty
thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:18, 19).
"These [magical] arts were almost a specialty in Ephesus. The
magicians and astrologers were about in great numbers, and
carried on a brisk trade in charms, books of divination, and rules
for interpreting dreams. The so-called 'Ephesian spells,' or
`Ephesian writings' (Ephesia grammata) were small slips of
parchment kept in silk bags, and on these slips were written
archaic words of obscure meaning."—SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 376.
What experience had occurred which led new believers to
burn their books on the occult arts? Acts 19:13-20.
"By burning their books on magic, the Ephesian converts
showed that the things in which they had once delighted they
now abhorred. It was by and through magic that they had espe-
cially offended God and imperiled their souls; and it was against
magic that they showed such indignation. Thus they gave evi-
dence of true conversion.
"These treatises on divination contained rules and forms of
communication with evil spirits. They were the regulations of
the worship of Satan—directions for soliciting his help and
obtaining information from him. By retaining these books the
disciples would have exposed themselves to temptation; by
selling them they would have placed temptation in the way of
others. They had renounced the kingdom of darkness, and to
destroy its power they did not hesitate at any sacrifice."—The
Acts of the Apostles, pp. 288, 289.
With what kind of information should the Christian fill his
mind? Prov. 23:23; Col. 2:3, 10.
"Many will never be convinced that it is bliss to be ignorant of
a certain kind of knowledge, which arises from unsanctified
desires and unholy aims. The sons and daughters of Adam are
fully as inquisitive and presumptuous as was Eve in seeking
forbidden knowledge."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 504.
THINK IT THROUGH What kinds of books might be as destructive to Christian experience as books dealing with the occult? See “Messages to Young People,” pp. 275-278.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 286-290. 86 Fascination With the Occult LESSON 10 ❑ Friday December 2 Part 6 What was it that enabled the man in the synagogue of DEMON POSSESSION Capernaum to recognize the deity of Jesus?
"There was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;
and he cried out, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with
thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I
know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus
rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him"
(Mark 1:23-25).
"The fact that men have been possessed with demons, is
clearly stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted
were not merely suffering with disease from natural causes.
Christ had perfect understanding of that with which He was
dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of
evil spirits."—The Great Controversy, p. 514.
To what extent did the demons degrade and ruin the two
Gadarene men Jesus met? Mark 5:1-19. (Compare Matt.
8:28-34.)
"The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson
for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which
Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission
of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched be-
ings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in
bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, repre-
sent what humanity would become if given up to satanic juris-
diction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to
distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to
violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect,
and debases the soul."—The Desire of Ages, p. 341. •
What is required of the Christian who seeks to help the
demon possessed to find freedom in Christ and release from
Satan's control? Matt. 17:19-21.
Jealousy of the three intimate disciples of Christ, a careless,
self-sufficient attitude, and unbelief caused the nine disciples to
fail in casting out the demon. (See The Desire of Ages, pp. 430,
431.)
What formerly devil-possessed person became the first
proclaimer of the resurrection of Christ? Mark 16:9.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it true that any who sin knowingly, and who willfully tamper with evil may become demon possessed?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 511-517.
87
LESSON 11 December 4-10
"I saw three unclean spirits like way has been opened for the spirits of frogs come out of the mouth of the devils to deceive the people in dragon, and out of the mouth of the representing themselves as the dead. beast, and out of the mouth of the Satanic agencies personate the dead false prophet. For they are the spirits and thus bring souls into of devils, working miracles, which go captivity."—Evangelism, pp. 602,603. forth unto the kings of the earth and of This week we will examine the the whole world, to gather them to the Bible's teaching about spiritualism. battle of the great day of God The inspired counsels and warnings Almighty" (Rev. 16:13, 14). made in Bible times are applicable to
Since 1848, the birth date for Christians living in the time of the end, modern spiritualism in New York, for Satan is making extraordinary interest in its various forms has grown efforts to deceive all levels of enormously. Many prominent humanity in order to bring all under personalities have both pursued and his control. promoted its progress. Spiritualism has in some respects taken the form of DAILY HIGHLIGHTS a religion. There are spiritist 1. The Spirits of Spiritualism "churches," services, and ministry. (Neh. 9:6) But spiritualism in our times is but a 2. The First Lie rebirth of ancient heathen spiritism. (Gen. 3:2-4) Its revival and widespread acceptance 3. Ancient Admonitions is a warning sign of the intense activity (Lev. 19:31) on the part of the devils to turn the 4. False Forms of Guidance minds of earth's last generations away (1 Sam. 28:6) from God and His final message of 5. The Spirits and the State mercy. (Isa. 8:19) "Spiritualism is about to take the 6. Dangerous Deceptions world captive. There are many who (2 Cor. 11:3) think that Spiritualism is upheld through trickery and imposture, but this is far from the truth. Superhuman power is working in a variety of ways, and few have any idea as to what will be the manifestations of Spiritualism in the future. The foundation for the success of Spiritualism has been laid in the assertions that have been made from the pulpits of our land. The ministers have proclaimed as Bible doctrines falsehoods that have originated with the arch deceiver. 'The doctrine of consciousness after death, of the spirits of the dead being in communion with the living, has no foundation in the Scriptures, and yet these theories are affirmed as truth. Through this false doctrine the
Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday December 4 Part 1 What is the origin of angels? THE SPIRITS OF SPIRITUALISM “Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host … ; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee” (Neh. 9:6).
Angels and mankind are created beings. What is their rela-
tionship? Ps. 8:3-5.
What task has been assigned to holy angels? Ps. 91:11;
Matt. 18:10.
What are the holy angels called In Hebrews 1:14?
"The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the
ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are
plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven
with human history... .
"Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for
when the foundations of the earth were laid, 'the morning stars
sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.' Job.
38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of
life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in
nature superior to men."—The Great Controversy, p. 511.
What is the origin of evil angels? Rev. 12:9; 2 Peter 2:4.
Sin originated among the angels of heaven. Those who re-
fused to live in obedience were expelled.
"Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in
nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now
God's messengers."—The Great Controversy, p. 513.
How are these evil supernatural powers referred to by Paul?
Eph. 2:2; 6:12.
"We do not understand as we should the great conflict going
on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal
and disloyal angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive.
This is no make-believe conflict."—Evangelism, p. 704.
THINK IT THROUGH Actors can portray apt characterizations of other people. Why would this be easy for evil angels to do?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 492-499.
90 Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Monday December 5 Part 2 What was the first lie ever told on earth? By whom was it THE FIRST LIE told?
"The woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of
the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in
the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it,
neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto
the woman, Ye shall not surely die" (Gen. 3:2-4).
It is upon this lie—the natural immortality of the soul—that
Satan erected the pagan religions with their various views of the
afterlife.
"Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and witchcraft were
founded upon a belief in communion with the dead... .
"This same belief in communion with the dead formed the
cornerstone of heathen idolatry. The gods of the heathen were
believed to be the deified spirits of departed heroes. Thus the
religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead... .
"Modern spiritualism and the forms of ancient witchcraft and
idol worship—all having communion with the dead as their vital
principle—are founded upon that first lie."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, pp. 684, 685.
What does the Bible teach about the condition of a person in
death? Ecci. 9:5, 6, 10. (Compare Ps. 88:10-12.)
Whether in the Old or in the New Testament, how does the
Bible consistently describe death? Why? 1 Kings 2:1, 2, 10;
John 11:11-14.
"Many expected to hear from Lazarus a wonderful account of
scenes witnessed after death. They were surprised that he told
them nothing. He had nothing of this kind to tell. Inspiration
declares, 'The dead know not anything.--The Desire of Ages,
pp. 557, 558.
Can the dead in some manner return to their former homes?
Job 7:9, 10.
"Two main planks in Spiritualism's platform are: First, that
those who have 'passed on' are conscious and can communi-
cate with us; that there is no death, but a continuation of life;
and second, that there is hope in the hereafter for the most
sinful."—LeRoy Edwin Froom, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fa-
thers (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1954), vol. 4, p.
1238.
THINK IT THROUGH Since the Bible asserts that the dead are unconscious, who are the beings the spiritualist communicates with?
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 683-689. 91 Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday December 6 Part 3 Against what persons did God warn the Israelites? ANCIENT ADMONITIONS “Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 19:31, RSV).
The Hebrew for "medium" is rendered in the KJV as "them
that have familiar spirits," referring to the evil spirit to which the
medium has recourse.
"It is fondly supposed that heathen superstitions have disap-
peared before the civilization of the twentieth century. But the
word of God and the stern testimony of facts declare that sor-
cery is practiced in this age as verily as in the days of the
old-time magicians. The ancient system of magic is, in reality,
the same as what is now known as modern spiritualism. Satan is
finding access to thousands of minds by presenting himself
under the guise of departed friends.... The dead do not hold
communion with the living. But true to his early cunning, Satan
employs this device in order to gain control of minds.
"Through spiritualism many of the sick, the bereaved, the
curious, are communicating with evil spirits. All who venture to
do this are on dangerous ground."—The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 289, 290.
What punishment was inflicted upon spirit mediums in the
days of the Israelite theocracy? Lev. 20:27.
Which of Israel's kings were especially noted for their en-
deavors to stamp out spiritualism from among God's people?
1 Sam. 28:3; 2 Kings 23:24.
"Spiritualists are increasing in numbers. They will come to
men who have the truth as Satan came to Christ. . .. The only
safety for the people of God is to be thoroughly conversant with
their Bibles, and be intelligent upon the reasons of our faith in
regard to the sleep of the dead.
"Satan is a cunning foe. And it is not difficult for the evil
angels to represent both saints and sinners who have died, and
make these representations visible to human eyes. These man-
ifestations will be more frequent, and developments of a more
startling character will appear as we near the close of time."—
Evangelism, p. 604.
What warning was given to Israel about consulting spirit
mediums? Lev. 20:6.
THINK IT THROUGH What did Satan use as his first medium? Gen. 3:1. With whom was Eve actually conversing?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 551-553.
92 Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday December 7 Part 4 At a time of crisis in Israel, what response did Saul receive FALSE FORMS from his earnest prayers for guidance? OF GUIDANCE “When Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets” (1 Sam. 28:6).
"The Lord never turned away a soul that came to Him in
sincerity and humility. Why did he turn Saul away unanswered?
The king had by his own act forfeited the benefits of all the
methods of inquiring of God. He had rejected the counsel of
Samuel the prophet; he had exiled David, the chosen of God; he
had slain the priests of the Lord. Could he expect to be
answered by God when he had cut off the channels of com-
munication that Heaven had ordained? He had sinned away the
Spirit of grace, and could he be answered by dreams and revela-
tions from the Lord?" —Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 676.
In his desperation what did Saul request? Into what experi-
ence did he voluntarily enter? 1 Sam. 28:7-20.
"It was not pardon for sin and reconciliation with God, that he
sought, but deliverance from his foes. By his own stubbornness
and rebellion he had cut himself off from God. There could be
no return but by the way of penitence and contrition; but the
proud monarch, in his anguish and despair, determined to seek
help from another source."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 676.
What prediction did the apparition make with regard to Saul
and his sons? 1 Sam. 28:19.
"The pretended visitants from the world of spirits sometimes
utter cautions and warnings which prove to be correct.... The
fact that they state some truths, and are able at times to foretell
future events, gives to their statements an appearance of reli-
ability; and their false teachings are accepted." —The Great
Controversy, p. 552.
For what specific reasons did God permit the destruction of
Saul by the Philistines? 1 Chron. 10:13, 14.
"God had borne long with Saul; ... there was still opportunity
for repentance. But when ... he turned from God to obtain light
from a confederate of Satan, he had cut the last tie."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 679.
THINK IT THROUGH For what reason did the evil spirit reprove Saul for his sins? Does God’s reproof work the same way? Why not?
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 675-683.
93
Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday December 8
Part 5 What warning and counsel did Isaiah give Ahaz about con- THE SPIRITS AND sulting mediums and wizards?
THE STATE
"When they say to you, 'Consult the mediums and the
wizards who chirp and mutter,' should not a people consult
their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the
living?" (Isa. 8:19, RSV).
The unholy course of Saul and Ahaz (the king to whom
Isaiah's message was directed) continues to be practiced even
in modern times. Heads of state and officials in governments in
various periods of modern history have been known for seeking
political advice from spirit mediums.
"Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of
thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scien-
tific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in
legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mam-
moth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witch-
craft condemned and prohibited of old."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 556.
To what extremity was the kingdom of Judah eventually led
by King Manasseh's promotion of spiritualism and other
forms of the occult? 2 Kings 21:1, 6, 12, 13. (Compare Jer. 15:4.)
According to Ellen White, a number of army officers in the
U.S. Civil War consulted spirit mediums on military matters.
"Very many men in authority, generals and officers, act in con-
formity with instructions communicated by spirits. The spirits of
devils, professing to be dead warriors and skillful generals,
communicate with men in authority and control many of their
movements. One general has directions from these spirits to
make special moves and is flattered with the hope of success.
Another receives directions which differ widely from those
given to the first. Sometimes those who follow the directions
given obtain a victory, but more frequently they meet with
defeat."—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 363, 364.
Why may we expect rulers and civil officials in the end time
to consult spirit mediums? Rev. 16:13, 14.
"Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive
the world. . . . Little by little he has prepared the way for his
masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism....
It will be reached in the last remnant of time."—The Great
Controversy, p. 561.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the similarities and differences between Bible prophets and spirit mediums and fortune-tellers?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 561, 562. 94
Spreading Spiritualism LESSON 11 ❑ Friday December 9
Part 6 What is Satan's purpose in speaking through spirit medi-
DANGEROUS ums? Compare his communication with Eve through a
DECEPTIONS serpent.
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve
through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from
the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3).
"When they have been led to believe that the dead actually
return to communicate with them, Satan causes those to appear
who went into the grave unprepared. They claim to be happy in
heaven and even to occupy exalted positions there, and thus the
error is widely taught that no difference is made between the
righteous and the wicked. . . . The law of God is set aside, the
Spirit of grace despised, the blood of the covenant counted an
unholy thing. The spirits deny the deity of Christ and place even
the Creator on a level with themselves." —The Great Con-
troversy, p. 552.
"Spiritualism teaches 'that man is the creature of progres-
sion; that it is his destiny from his birth to progress, even to
eternity, toward the Godhead.' And again: 'Each mind will judge
itself and not another.' The judgment will be right, because it is
the judgment of self. . . . The throne is within you.' Said a
spiritualist teacher: ... 'My fellow men, all were unfallen demi-
gods.' And another declares: 'Any just and perfect being is
Christ.' "—The Great Controversy, p. 554.
What does the apostle Paul state about the way Satan may
appear? 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
"There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of
consulting spirit mediums, but who are attracted by more pleas-
ing forms of spiritism. . . . Still others are led astray by the
teachings of Christian Science, and by the mysticism of
theosophy and other Oriental religions.
"The apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have the
power to cure the diseased.... And there are not a few, even in
this Christian age, who go to these healers, instead of trusting in
the power of the living God and the skill of well-qualified Chris-
tian physicians."—Evangelism, p. 606.
Since most Christians believe in inherent immortality, their
minds are conditioned to accept spiritualism's claims.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the best preparation I can make to avoid deception? Why is factual knowledge alone not sufficient? (See 2 Thess. 2:9, 10.)
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 554-557, 588, 589.
95
LESSON 12 December 11-17
12.NS MI 1E3 ‘Then shall that Wicked be the hearts of men. Satan is working revealed, whom the Lord shall with everyone who is not under the consume with the spirit of his mouth, control of the Spirit of God. It is the and shall destroy with the brightness lying wonders of the devil that will take of his coming: even him, whose the world captive, and he will cause coming is after the working of Satan fire to come down from heaven in the with all power and signs and lying sight of men. He is to work miracles; wonders, and with all deceivableness and this wonderful, miracle-working of unrighteousness in them that power is to sweep the whole world. It perish; because they received not the is now just beginning.”—Selected love of the truth, that they might Messages, bk. 2, p. 51. be saved” (2 Thess. 2:8-10). The peoples of the world are “The coming of the Lord is to be currently being conditioned to believe preceded by ‘the working of Satan almost anything through the with all power and signs and lying publicized happenings in the occult wonders, and with all deceiv- sphere and in the charismatic ableness of unrighteousness.’ movement. Extraordinary miracles of . . . And the apostle John, describing all kinds are reported as well as the miracle-working power that will be dramatic healings. Closely related to manifested in the last days, declares: the interest in miracles is the ‘He doeth great wonders, so that he preoccupation with speaking in maketh fire come down from heaven tongues, a phenomenon which in on the earth in the sight of men, and recent years has penetrated Catholic deceiveth them that dwell on the earth and Protestant churches alike. by the means of those miracles which What do the Scriptures have to say he had power to do.’ Revelation about the miraculous and its last-day 13:13, 14. No mere impostures are manifestations? This will constitute here foretold. Men are deceived by the area of our study this week. the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend DAILY HIGHLIGHTS to do.”—The Great Controversy, p. 1. The Persuasive Power of the
- Miraculous (Acts 8:5-11) “Weare coming right upon the time 2. The Purpose of Divine Miracles when Satan is to work with all manner (Acts 10:38) of bewitching influences, and those 3. Convincing Counterfeits who are charmed with them now, or (Matt. 24:14) give them the least countenance now, 4. Testing the Miraculous will be all ready to be swept right in to (Deut. 13:1-3) act a part with the devil then. Evil 5. Mission and Miracle angels are working all the time upon (John 10:41) 6. Miracles and Tongues (1 Cor. 14:11, 12) Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday December 11 Part 1 What was a major factor in attracting the attention of the THE PERSUASIVE Samaritans to both the evangelism of Philip and the sorcery of POWER OF THE Simon Magus? MIRACULOUS “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did…. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people … : to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries” (Acts 8:5-11).
It seems as though the human mind is always dazzled and
attracted by any happening which may be out of the ordinary. At
times God has enabled His servants to perform miracles. The
attention of the people has thereby been secured, their minds
made receptive for receiving truth, and God's name honored. At
the same time Satan through his agents has likewise wrought
miracles or illusions of miracles to sweep the unwary into his
deceptions.
"Let none cherish the idea that special providences or
miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuine-
ness of their work or of the ideas they advocate."—Selected
Messages, bk. 2, p. 48.
Upon what did the nobleman of Cana determine to hang his
faith in Jesus as the Messiah? John 4:48.
"He [Jesus] knew also that the father had, in his own mind,
made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his
petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the
Messiah."—The Desire of Ages, p. 198.
What effect did the resurrection of Dorcas have on the work
of the church? Acts 9:42.
"Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God saw
fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and
energy might still be a blessing to others, and also that by this
manifestation of His power the cause of Christ might be
strengthened."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 132.
THINK IT THROUGH Since both God and Satan can cause miracles to be per- formed, how can I determine whether truth or error is being confirmed through such wonders?
FURTHER STUDY Evangelism, p. 594.
98 Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Monday December 12 Part 2 What description of Jesus’ ministry is given by the writer of THE PURPOSE Acts? OF DIVINE MIRACLES “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
The miracles of Christ were not wrought to attract attention to
Himself, nor to enrich Himself in a monetary way with offerings
from the grateful. Rather, the object of each miracle was to
bring honor to God, to open doors to broken hearts which
would permit grace to enter in a saving way.
"In word and in deed the Messiah, during His earthly ministry,
was to reveal to mankind the glory of God the Father. Every act
of His life, every word spoken, every miracle wrought, was to
make known to fallen humanity the infinite love of God."
—Prophets and Kings, p. 696.
"Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine
necessity, and every miracle was of a character to lead the
people to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the
nations."—The Desire of Ages, p. 366.
"He desires that our dull senses shall be quickened to discern
His merciful kindness and to glorify Him for the working of His
power. He desires us to recognize Him in His gifts, that they may
be, as He intended, a blessing to us. It was to accomplish this
purpose that the miracles of Christ were performed ."—The De-
sire of Ages, p. 368.
What is one purpose for which God performs miracles for
His people as He sees fit? Heb. 2:3, 4.
What spiritual gifts may at times be entrusted to certain
believers? 1 Cor. 12:9, 10, first part. (See also verses 28-30.)
True miracles do not result from impetuous demands, but are
given as God sees best.
"The apostles were not always able to work miracles at will.
The Lord granted His servants this special power as the prog-
ress of His cause or the honor of His name required."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1064.
"Some died in the days of Christ and in the days of the apostles
because the Lord knew just what was best for them."—Medical
Ministry, p. 17.
THINK IT THROUGH Which Is the greater, a miracle of healing or that of a trans- formed life?
FURTHER STUDY SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 208-210.
99
Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday December 13 Part 3 What emphasis upon the miraculous by false teachers may CONVINCING we expect near the time of Christ’s return? COUNTERFEITS “There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if It were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:24).
What three miracles of Moses did the magicians counterfeit
in Pharaoh's court? Ex. 7:11, 12, 20-22; 8:6, 7.
"The magicians did not really cause their rods to become
serpents; but by magic, aided by the great deceiver, they were
able to produce this appearance. It was beyond the power of
Satan to change the rods to living serpents. The prince of evil,
though possessing all the wisdom and might of an angel fallen,
has not power to create, or to give life; this is the prerogative of
God alone. But all that was in Satan's power to do, he did; he
produced a counterfeit."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264.
To what conclusion did the magicians come when they
could not duplicate the miracle of lice? Ex. 8:17-19.
"Satan wrought through the magicians in a manner calcu-
lated to harden the heart of the tyrant Pharaoh against the
miraculous manifestations of God's power. Satan thought to
stagger the faith of Moses and Aaron in the divine origin of their
mission.... The magicians failed to produce the miracle of lice,
and could no more imitate Moses and Aaron. God would not
suffer Satan to proceed further."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 292.
What marvelous mirage was Satan able to produce before
the eyes of Christ? Luke 4:5, 6.
"The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile
fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden.
The eyes of Jesus ... now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed
loveliness and prosperity."—The Desire of Ages, p. 129.
THINK IT THROUGH Have I grown in my experience to the point that I will trust the Bible rather than my eyesight?
"Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be
wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders
will be performed."—The Great Controversy, p. 588.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302.
100 Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday December 14 Part 4 Does a fulfilled prediction or a marvelous miracle of healing TESTING THE always prove that a given teaching is from God? MIRACULOUS “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 13:1-3).
One of the striking facts of our scientific age is the recent
interest by all classes of people in the miraculous and the
supernatural. Faith healers are popular. Advertised meetings of
healing are well attended; some have been televised. Such a
climate is preparing the minds of the masses for the final delu-
sions of Satan. The question the Christian must ask is not
whether a miracle or wonder has truly taken place. Rather, he
must ask if the teaching or viewpoint which is being advocated
by the miracle worker is in harmony with the Word of God.
"The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his
faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions,
perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles."—
Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 52.
Why will some who profess Christ and who work miracles in
His name not be accepted by the Master in the judgment?
Matt. 7:21-23.
"So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be
impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy
Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every mira-
cle must be tested."—The Great Controversy, p. 593.
"The light from the Word is shining amid the moral darkness;
and the Bible will never be superseded by miraculous
manifestations."—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 48.
"If those through whom cures are performed are disposed, on
account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the
law of God, and continue in disobedience, though they have
power to any and every extent, it does not follow that they have
the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-
working power of the great deceiver."—Selected Messages, bk.
2, pp. 50, 51.
THINK IT THROUGH Explain how a Bible-quoting miracle worker may actually teach doctrine that is contrary to the Bible. (See Matt. 4:6.)
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 48-53.
101
Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday December 15 Part 5 Was God’s special message which John the Baptist pro- MISSION AND claimed, highlighted, authenticated, or made more believable MIRACLE by miracles?
"Many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but
all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41).
The validity of John's message did not rest upon the miracu-
lous, but upon its harmony with the Old Testament predictions
of the Messiah. In the last preaching of God's final message
miracles will be wrought, but its truthfulness must rest upon its
agreement with Scripture, not on miracles.
"Unbelievers will require them [God's people] to do some
miracle, if they believe God's special power is in the church and
that they are the chosen people of God.... They should refer the
unbelieving to the written, inspired testimony for evidence of
their being the loyal people of God and heirs of salvation."—
Medical Ministry, p. 15.
What instruction is given those Christians who seek physi-
cal healing? James 5:14, 15.
"The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and
to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am
instructed that we cannot now work in this way, for Satan will
exercise his power by working miracles. God's servants today
could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works
of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.
"For this reason the Lord has marked out a way in which His
people are to carry forward a work of physical healing, com-
bined with the teaching of the Word. Sanitariums are to be
established, and with these institutions are to be connected
workers who will carry forward genuine medical missionary
work."—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 54.
What lesson does Second Corinthians 12:7-9 teach us? How
must the Christian always pray? 1 John 5:14.
"Some have asked me, 'Why should we have sanitariums?
Why should we not, like Christ, pray for the sick, that they may
be healed miraculously?' I have answered,'Suppose we were
able ... ; how many would appreciate the healing? Would those
who were healed become health reformers, or continue to be
health destroyers?' "—Medical Ministry, p. 13.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways may education in healthful living be more vital to long-term happiness than a miracle of healing?
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 345-348.
102 Misleading Miracles LESSON 12 ❑ Friday December 16 Part 6 For what purpose only should a Christian desire the MIRACLES AND genuine gift of tongues? TONGUES “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edify- ing of the church” (1 Cor. 14:11, 12).
Closely allied to the great emphasis today on faith healing is a
kindred emphasis on glossolalia or speaking in tongues. In fact,
the two are made prominent in the current charismatic move-
ment. Glossolalia is not a language; rather it consists of strings
of unintelligable sounds understood by neither the speaker nor
the listener. It provides an ecstatic, semitrancelike experience
for the participant, but the gospel is not thereby transmitted to
others.
Writing about some Sabbath keepers who became involved in
a tongues experience in the 1850s, Ellen White identified its
source: "Some of these persons have exercises which they call
gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They
have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown
tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and
all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women,
aided by the great deceiver."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 412.
What are some of the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit
bestows on believers as He chooses? 1 Cor. 12:1-11.
Does the Bible teach that every one must receive the gift of
tongues as evidence that he has been saved? 1 Cor. 12:27-31.
According to the clearest record of this phenomenon, what
Is the genuine gift of tongues? For what purpose was it given
at Pentecost? With what result? Acts 2:1.11, 37-41.
"This diversity of languages would have been a great hin-
drance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a
miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles....
They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad,
speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they
were laboring."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 39, 40.
THINK IT THROUGH An experience is important. How can I test my experience to know whether it Is genuine or not? (See “Selected Mes- sages,” bk. 1, p. 43.)
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 35-46.
103
LESSON 13 December 18-24
“There shall be famines, and In our study this week we will first pestilences, and earthquakes, in note what natural calamities were to divers places. All these are the indicate to God’s people Israel. They beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:7, 8). were not to be regarded as mere In His prophecy of the future, Jesus quirks of nature, but as messengers of mingled His descriptions of the warning. In the remaining portion of destruction of Jerusalem and His our study we will examine the extent second advent. The events which were of the particular sins Jesus predicted, to take place before the fall of the and the Christian’s relationship to nation would also take place again in these as he seeks to prepare for the the time prior to His return. As there end of the age and his Lord’s return. were famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, that is to say, natural DAILY HIGHLIGHTS calamities before the ruin of 1. Disobedience and Drought Jerusalem, so we may expect such to (Deut. 11:13, 14) continue through the time of the end. 2. Plagues and Penitence “As I hear of the terrible calamities (Joel 2:12, 13) that from week to week are taking 3. Seismic Signs place, I ask myself: What do these (Luke 21:11) things mean? The most awful disasters 4. Famines are following one another in quick (Mark 13:8) succession. How frequently we hear 5. Pollution and Accountability of earthquakes and tornadoes, of (Rev. 11:18) destruction by fire and flood, with 6. Prevailing Pestilences great loss of life and property! (Luke 21:11) Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of seemingly disorganized, unregulated forces, but in them God’s purpose may be read. They are one of the means by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger. “The coming of Christ is nearer than when we first believed. The great controversy is nearing its end. The judgments of God are in the land. They speak in solemn warning, saying: ‘Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ Matthew 24:44.”— Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 252. Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday December 18 Part 1 What promise did God make to the nation of Israel concern- DISOBEDIENCE ing adequate rain? What were the conditions? AND DROUGHT “It shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil” (Deut. 11:13, 14).
The "first" or "early" rains falling in late October or in
November were light, but sufficient to enable the Israelite to
plow and sow his fields. Heavy rains came in the end of De-
cember and January. The latter rains fell in March and April,
ripening the harvest. If either of the early or latter rains—or
both—failed, crop failure resulted and famine conditions en-
sued.
What did God forewarn the nation He would do if it turned
from allegiance to Him? Deut. 11:16, 17.
What was God's purpose In withholding the rains from the
land of Israel? Amos 4:6-8. (Compare Jer. 5:24, 25.)
"As the 'whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain to-
gether' ... , the heart of the infinite Father is pained in sympathy.
Our world is a vast lazar house, a scene of misery that we dare
not allow even our thoughts to dwell upon. Did we realize it as it
is, the burden would be too terrible. Yet God feels it all."—
Education, pp. 263, 264.
What extensive drought led the nation of Israel, at least in
part, to repent of their sins? 1 Kings 17:1. (Compare James
5:17, 18.)
"For stricken Israel there was but one remedy—a turning
away from the sins that had brought upon them the chastening
hand of the Almighty, and a turning to the Lord with full purpose
of heart.... It was to bring to pass this blessed result that God
continued to withhold from them the dew and the rain until a
decided reformation should take place."—Prophets and Kings,
p. 128.
THINK IT THROUGH The Israelites knew why severe droughts periodically afflicted their land. What do the extensive droughts and famines of modern times say to me?
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 119-128.
106 Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Monday December 19 Part 2 At a time of deep national apostasy, what earnest appeal PLAGUES AND did God make to His people through the prophet Joel? PENITENCE “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil” (Joel 2:12, 13).
What terrible plague and other calamities had shaken the
nation to feel its spiritual need? Joel 1:1-4, 6, 7, 12, 17-20.
(Compare Deut. 28:15, 38, 42.)
Through the centuries great swarms of locusts have plagued
mankind in different areas of the world. A ton of locusts—just a
portion of a swarm—will consume in a day as much as ten
elephants or 250 people can eat. The following eyewitness ac-
count gives an idea of the devastation of such a plague:
"We had a famine in the 2d year of the war [1915].... The sky
was darkened by the gigantic swarms of locusts which covered
the whole country, and neither sun nor moon could be seen. All
of Palestine was transformed into a desert within a few days. All
trees, from their tops to the ground, including the bark, were
eaten up clean; our vegetable gardens . . . disappeared as by
magic. The following spring there crept forth from hundreds of
billions of eggs the new brood, which consumed the little that
had been left. The result was a terrific famine." —SDA Bible
Dictionary, art., "Locust," p. 658.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, what warning did the
prophet see in these natural calamities? Joel 1:15.
The term "day of the Lord" is a common expression of the
prophets. The phrase indicates a time of divine judgment. Joel
saw in the terrible natural calamities a divine warning of a day of
retribution on Judah. If Joel prophesied in the seventh century
BC, the "day of the Lord" of which he wrote was the Babylonian
invasions and captivity.
Each local, historical "day of the Lord" in the days of the
prophets may be seen as a type of the ultimate day of the Lord.
(See 1 Thess. 5:1-4.) Thus we may see in today's ever-increasing
natural calamities the approaching of the return of Christ.
THINK IT THROUGH How am I personally affected by the many TV reports of floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters?
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 276-278.
107
Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday December 20 Part 3 What kind of physical disturbances did Jesus predict would SEISMIC SIGNS occur before His return as well as before the fall of Jerusalem?
"Great earthquakes shall be in divers places" (Luke 21:11).
"There was a series of major earthquakes between A.D. 31
and A.D. 70. The worst of these were in Crete (46 or 47), Rome
(51), Phrygia (60), and Campania (63)."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 5, p. 497.
"More and more, as the days go by, it is becoming apparent
that God's judgments are in the world. In fire and flood and
earthquake He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His
near approach."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 97.
What event marked the opening of the sixth prophetic seal,
the seal which spans the "time of the end" period? Rev. 6:12.
"Inasmuch as the earthquake is followed by the darkening of
the sun, and the latter event may be dated in A.D. 1780... , this
earthquake has been identified with the Lisbon quake on Nov. 1,
1755, one of the most extensive and severe seismological dis-
turbances ever recorded."—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.
779.
What important events were marked by the occurrence of
earthquakes? Matt. 27:51, 52; 28:2-4.
Continuing destructive earthquakes in the time of the end
indicate the tremendous forces locked within the earth. When
will they finally convulse and shatter the planet? Rev. 16:17,
18, 20.
Of this time Ellen White writes: "The mountains shake like a
reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side.
There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into
fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of
demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves
and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up.
Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are
sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have
become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the
angry waters."—The Great Controversy, p. 637.
THINK IT THROUGH While earthquakes and related disasters warn us of the end, in what way may Christians react and thus increase the spread of the gospel?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 304, 305.
108 Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday December 21 Part 4 In addition to civil strife and earthquakes, what other kind of FAMINES disaster would be more widespread as the world approached its end according to Jesus?
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and
there shall be famines and troubles" (Mark 13:8).
Dearths or famines occur when crops fail or food cannot be
shipped to dependent areas. Wars, floods, extensive droughts,
or insects are the chief culprits in causing famine conditions.
Probably the worst famines in recorded history have come in
the "time of the end." Nine million Chinese died in the famine of
1877-1879; another million in a 1902 famine. A million persons
died in India in the famine of 1863; a million more in 1900. The
most widespread shortage of food occurred in Europe and Asia
after World War 11. And famines continue to press the popula-
tions of large areas of the globe. A belt of hunger encircles the
earth on either side of the equator in which two and one-half
billion people live, 60 percent of which are malnourished, 20
percent starving. Because of crop failures even large nations
have had to import foodstuffs. Although various nations share
food products with less fortunate lands, it was openly reported
in the U.S. press (1974) that North American food reserves
available for emergencies were down to 27 days of world con-
sumption.
What gracious promises are made by the Creator to His
people with regard to food? Matt. 6:25, 26, 31-33; Isa. 33:16.
Another source of great concern to world leaders is the ever-
increasing population—approximately 200,000 new persons
per day, or some 75 million per year. At present rates the popula-
tion of 4 billion is expected nearly to double by the end of the
century. Recurrent famine conditions aggravate the ever-
increasing need for more food. In spite of man's scientific
achievements, it would appear that he is approaching bank-
ruptcy in this area as in others.
In the famine years of Elijah's time how did God care for the
needs of the prophet? 1 Kings 17:3-7, 9-16.
"Though it [Christ's] is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your
needs for this life will be uncared-for. If you give yourself to
God's service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will
provide for your needs."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing, p. 99.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 124-132.
109
Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday December 22 Part 5 Whom do the 24 elders state will be brought to account and POLLUTION AND destroyed at the close of human probation? Why? ACCOUNTABILITY “The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants . . . ; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth” (Rev. 11:18).
The late Albert Schweitzer once said, "Man has lost the
capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying
the earth." Although the Bible declares plainly that the second
advent of Christ will end this age, it is a harrowing fact of
modern life that man is capable of destroying the earth.
Since the invention and detonation of an atom bomb in the
1940s, greater and more deadly nuclear armament has been
devised. Some six nations presently have atomic weapons, but
nuclear technology and resources are such today that any na-
tion could—given sufficient time—manufacture atomic bombs.
Man is now capable, were he to enter into an all-out nuclear
warfare, literally to destroy civilization and life on the earth.
Modern man is also in danger of perishing by the pollution of
his own environment. The wastes of cities and industries are
befouling earth's rivers and lakes, destroying the wildlife and
upsetting the balance of nature. Pesticides often destroy animal
life and harm man himself. The fumes of automobiles and fac-
tories are poisoning the atmosphere.
Who is the true owner of the earth and its resources? Ps.
24:1.
What did God entrust to man? For what purpose? Ps. 115:16;
Gen. 1:26, 28.
God gave man dominion over the earth and its creatures.
Thus he has authorization to explore, to study, and to utilize the
resources of the natural world for the benefit of human and
animal life, thereby bringing glory to the Creator. But God never
intended man to exploit nature for selfish ends or to his own
destruction. The enormous problems of pollution, together with
the inventions of lethal forces capable of global destruction,
indicate the rapid approach of the hour when man must give an
account of his stewardship before the Judge of all the earth.
THINK IT THROUGH As a Christian, in what ways may I contribute to the improv- ing of my community? Do I have a responsibility In this area?
110 Natural Calamities LESSON 13 ❑ Friday December 23 Part 6 What sign did Jesus foretell would occur in the end time PREVAILING which would afflict the physical health of mankind? PESTILENCES “Great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences” (Luke 21:11).
In spite of modern medical knowledge, from time to time
various parts of the habitable globe have been terribly ravaged
by disease and pestilence. Twenty million died in the world
epidemic of influenza (1918-1919) both from the disease and
from ensuing complications. Wars, earthquakes, and famines
create conditions for the outbreak of disease. Physically
weakened, refugees from these disasters are often decimated
by epidemics of typhus, cholera, diphtheria, and dysentery.
Some devastating diseases seem to strike an area without warn-
ing; others, such as venereal disease, are of epidemic propor-
tions due to man's pursuit of sensual pleasure.
Who is attempting to control this earth and constantly seeks
the destruction of its inhabitants? Eph. 2:2.
"Even now he [Satan] is at work. In accidents and calamities
by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes
and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal
waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand
forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripen-
ing harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air
a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These
visitations are to become more and more frequent and disas-
trous."—The Great Controversy, pp. 589, 590.
What promise did God make to His people anciently that is
still valid today? Ex. 15:26. If disobedient, what could they
expect? Deut. 28:15, 21, 60, 61.
"We ask to be kept from the pestilence that walketh in dark-
ness, that is stalking with such power through the world; we are
then to cooperate with God, observing the laws of health and
life. Having done all that we possibly can, we are to keep asking
in faith for health and strength. We are to eat that food which will
preserve the health of the body."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 938, 939.
THINK IT THROUGH Lung cancer is virtually unknown among lifetime Seventh- day Adventists. What might our witness be if all the divine counsels regarding healthful living were consistently obeyed?
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 195-201.
111
LESSON 14 December 25-31
“He said also to the people, When filled with joy unutterable and full of ye see a cloud rise out of the west, glory. This is the good, the joyful news straightway ye say, There cometh a which should electrify every soul, shower; and so it is. And when ye see which should be repeated in our the south wind blow, ye say, There will homes, and told to those whom we be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye meet on the street. What more joyful hypocrites, ye can discern the face of news can be communicated! . . the sky and of the earth; but how is it “The voice of the true watchman that ye do not discern this time?” needs now to be heard all along the (Luke 12:54-56). line, ‘The morning cometh, and also In these straightforward statements the night.’ The trumpet must give a Jesus was referring to the evidences certain sound, for we are in the great that clearly set Him forth as the day of the Lord’s preparation.”— long-awaited Messiah. The leaders Evangelism, p. 218. could see relationships in other areas but refused to acknowledge the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS relationship between the ministry of 1. The Uplook and Redemption Jesus and the predictions of the (Luke 21:28) prophets. The time had arrived. The 2. The Blessed Hope reat needs of both the Roman and the (Titus 2:11-13) J ewish worlds desperately called for a Saviour. But few thought that God had 3. Resurrection and Reunion (1 Cor. 15:16-18) answered their need in the One who 4. Immortality Bestowed stood before them. (1 Cor. 15:51-54) So it is again with many in our day 5. The Saints’ Inheritance who are busy devising solutions to (Heb. 1:1, 2) heal the woes of the age. While 6. Nothing Between good-intentioned men seek to stem (John 17:24) the rising tide of a thousand global problems, time is running out. Man’s problems are insurmountable. Human answers are as helpful now as a Band-Aid would be if applied to a mortally wounded soldier! The signs of change and decay which surround us call our attention to the fact that the end of this present age is at hand. But the signs signify more than the demise of a world whose disease is incurable. Collectively they may be compared to the voice announcing the train’s arrival at the station just before it comes within view of the waiting passengers. “The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads and rejoice. Oh, we would think that those who hear the joyful news, who claim to love Jesus, would be Human Solutions-or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Sunday December 25 Part 1 How did Jesus say His people should react when they see THE UPLOOK AND the signs of His coming? REDEMPTION “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
The inhabitants of the world will grow more perplexed as
problems multiply. The outlook robs men of hope. But for the
Christian the uplook is bright. Jesus is coming again, and this
age of sin and suffering is about to end! There are better things
ahead!
"Every report of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the
fact that the end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of war
declare it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with
quickened action as he anticipates the great events opening
before us?"—Evangelism, p. 219.
How does Paul picture the condition of the physical earth
and God's people as they await their change? Rom. 8:22, 23.
(See also Heb. 1:10, 11.)
"Paul pictures the creation in the pangs of childbirth, as it
looks forward to joyful deliverance. . . .
" ... [The Christian] senses that the pangs of a world in travail
point forward to a time of deliverance, when there shall be 'new
heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.' "
—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 571.
In a sense, the "time of the end" is the birth-pang period of the
earth which will grow more intense until the appearance of
Christ in glory.
In spite of the trials a Christian may have, upon what does
he rivet his faith and confidence? 2 Cor. 4:16-18.
"These trials of life are God's workmen to remove the im-
purities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters.... But
as we pass through these trials, as the fires of affliction kindle
upon us, we must not keep the eye on the fire which is seen, but
let the eye of faith fasten upon the things unseen, the eternal
inheritance, the immortal life, the eternal weight of glory; and
while we do this the fire will not consume us, but only remove
the dross, and we shall come forth seven times purified, bearing
the impress of the Divine."—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 706, 707.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it spiritually healthier to contemplate the eternal realities than to focus on present troubles? Is this an escape from reality, or good sense?
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “Rejoicing in the Lord,” pp. 117-126.
114 Human Solutions-or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Monday December 26 Part 2 As the Christian contemplates the grace of God and the THE BLESSED blessed hope of Christ’s return, how is he prompted to live? HOPE “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).
"The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its
solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people.
Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to
regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness." —Tes-
timonies, vol. 6, p. 406.
Of what should no Adventist be ignorant? How should he
react to the signs of this age? 1 Thess. 5:1-9; Rom. 13:11-14.
"We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the
Lord Jesus ever before us. He is soon coming, and we must be
ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be
to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have
we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the
King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I must
cry aloud: 'Homeward bound!' We are nearing the time when
Christ will come in power and great glory to take His ransomed
ones to their eternal home."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 253.
When Christ returns, what will be one of the great joys of the
redeemed who have been colaborers with Him? 1 Thess.
2:19, 20.
"Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness
and to God is noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of
God everyone who has given himself as an instrument for the
Holy Spirit's working will be permitted to behold what his life
has wrought. . . .
"The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose atten-
tion they have directed to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed
converse they have with these souls!"—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp.
310, 311.
What hope sustained the imprisoned Paul as he faced an
inevitable execution? 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
THINK IT THROUGH What would life mean to you if there were no advent hope?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 305, 309-312.
115
Human Solutions-or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Tuesday December 27 Part 3 How vital to the Christian faith is the doctrine of the resur- RESURRECTION rection? AND REUNION “If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep In Christ are perished” (1 Cor. 15:16-18).
Death is an enemy, the fruitage of sin (1 Cor. 15:26; Rom.
5:12). It is no respecter of persons. There is an empty cradle, a
vacant chair, a missing loved one in most homes. One of the
most precious truths of Scripture is its truth about the resurrec-
tion. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made
alive" (1 Cor. 15:22). "Because I live," said Jesus, "ye shall live
also" (John 14:19).
What did Jesus promise to those who believe in Him should
they die? John 6:40.
"Look to Jesus. Trust in Jesus, whether you live or die. He is
your Redeemer. He is our Life-giver. If you fall asleep in Jesus He
will bring you forth from the grave to a glorious immortality. May
He give you peace and comfort and hope and joy from
henceforth."—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 254.
At what great event will the righteous dead of all ages be
resurrected and united with the last living generation of God's
people? 1 Thess. 4:16-18.
"Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the
roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the
sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then,
raising His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake, awake, awake, ye
that sleep in the dust, and arise!' Throughout the length and
breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that
hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of
the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people. From the prison house of death they come, clothed with
immortal glory, crying, '0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave,
where is thy victory?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. And the living righ-
teous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout
of victory."—The Great Controversy, p. 644.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is the Bible teaching of the resurrection more comfort- ing than a belief that one goes to his reward at death?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 804; The Great Controversy, pp. 644, 645.
116 Human Solutions—or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Wednesday December 28 Part 4 When and in what manner will the gift of Immortality be IMMORTALITY bestowed upon the redeemed? BESTOWED “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:51-54).
The resurrection is a strong hope to the Christian, but as
mortals we cannot fathom the endlessness of an immortal exis-
tence! Here "we spend our years as a tale that is told," (Ps. 90:9),
but at the resurrection we will begin to live a life that will never
end.
"Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices
in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had
gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and
death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints
are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught
up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the
air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had
separated were united, never more to part."— Early Writings, p.
287.
Our immortal bodies will be like whose glorified body? Phil.
3:20, 21.
"The redeemed are not only to possess Christ's character but
also to be clothed in an immortal body similar to that possessed
by Jesus since His resurrection.. . . This transformation com-
pletes the redemptive work. . . . The Christian is completely
conformed to the likeness of his Master."—SDA Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 7, p. 172.
How does Paul explain the nature of the immortal body? Is
personal identity lost? 1 Cor. 15:35-38, 42-44, 50, 53.
"Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection,
though not the same particles of matter or material substance
as went into the grave... .
" ... The planted kernel decays, but there comes forth a new
kernel.... A much finer material will compose the human body,
for it is a new creation, a new birth."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1093.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 258, 259.
117
Human Solutions-or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Thursday December 29 Part 5 Whom has God the Father appointed heir of the earth? THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE “God…. hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Heb. 1:1, 2).
What relationship do the redeemed have with Christ in re-
gard to His inheritance? Rom. 8:17.
What will God do to the earth before it becomes the eternal
home of the saved? 2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12, 13.
"The earth promised to the meek will not be like this, dark-
ened with the shadow of death and the curse. . . .
"There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no one who
shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains, no mourning, no
death, no partings, no broken hearts; but Jesus is there, peace
is there. There 'they shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the
heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall
lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.'
Isaiah 49:10."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp.
17, 18.
What was God's original purpose for the earth? Isa. 45:18.
"The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed
by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty
foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption. All
that was lost by sin has been restored. [Isa. 45:18 quoted] .
God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as
it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. 'The righteous
shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.' Psalm
37:29."—The Great Controversy, p. 674.
Describe, as represented to John, the New Jerusalem
which will be the capital of the new earth. Rev. 21:2, 9-27.
"There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside
them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared
for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains
swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their
lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living
streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall
find a home."—The Great Controversy, p. 675.
THINK IT THROUGH Is it profitable to contemplate in imagination the glories of the new earth even though such are beyond our knowing? Why or why not?
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 675-678.
118 Human Solutions-or the Saviour? LESSON 14 ❑ Friday December 30 Part 6 What request did Jesus make of the Father a short time NOTHING BETWEEN before His crucifixion?
"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hest given me, be
with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou
hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of
the world" (John 17:24).
Man was made in the image of God so that he might have
communion and fellowship with his Maker. "Face-to-face,
heart-to-heart communion with his Maker was his [Adam's]
high privilege."—Education, p. 15. By causing man to join him
in sinful rebellion against God, Satan had thought to estrange
man from his Sovereign forever. But, through the carrying out
of the plan of salvation, that blessed communion will be fully
restored. The bond between God and the redeemed will be, in a
sense, even closer than it was originally, for the humanity of
Jesus links His earthly "brethren" to the divine center of all.
Although the Deity dwells in such glory as to be unap-
proachable by sinful men (1 Tim. 6:16), how will it be in the new
earth? Rev. 22:3, 4.
"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 re-
flected, 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 Controversy,
pp. 676, 677.
What beings will there be in the ages of eternity with whom
the redeemed can have fellowship? Rev. 7:9-12.
"There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are
known. The loves and sympathies which God Himself has
planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise.
The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social
life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages
who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood
of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together 'the whole family
in heaven and earth' (Ephesians 3:15)—these help to constitute
the happiness of the redeemed."—The Great Controversy, p.
677.
THINK IT THROUGH What are some of the questions you would like to ask the Father and the Son in the age to come?
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 301-309.
119
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les- sons for the first quarter of 1978 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is “God the Creator.”
First Lesson
GOD THE CREATOR. Memory text, Jer. 10:12.
1. God Above All Gods (Jer. 10:11, 12)
2. Giver of Life (Ps. 36:9)
3. Satan Cannot Create Life (Gen. 3:4)
4. The Great Sustainer (Isa. 40:26)
5. No Beginning-No End (Ps. 90:2)
6. Giver of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11, 12)
Second Lesson
CREATION. Memory text, Isa. 44:24.
1. The Beginning (Gen. 1:1)
2. The Purpose (Isa. 43:7)
3. The Method of Creation (Ps. 33:6, 9)
4. The Time of Creation (Gen. 1:31; 2:2)
5. In His Image (Gen. 1:27)
6. The Results (Gen. 1:31)
Lessons in Braille The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and 162/3 rpm records to blind and physically 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.
by Norman Gulley
.Gertainly altopic that is of vital interest to every church member.
Bebadl ei
ll i,ti,lley was asked to write the teachers' edition of
thetSabbatAiscflool quarterly, Southern Publishing Association' - ...-. 4asked him to prepare this book of extra source material. Each
ctiriter D see-as an additional aid in the preparation of thei.;..
lesson. .,
-Thejauthor discusses such issues as: Is Armageddon a literal
battle? Whylido ttieAedeemed have to'go through the "time of
,trouble"?..is thenation
nationofotrael a sign of, the end?
4ft . - ok,-!.
may aurchase thiss,Sabbath School`lesson help from your
Adventist Book*CenlebrAoltner through the ABC Mailing Service, '
Box 68137.
58137. Send $2.95 plus 40c,
kir postage,,on thetfirst irms'a, and 300 for each additional'book.
Ada sales tax where applicable.
V.
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IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT 1HE TIME OF 1NE END… Here are three bads that describe the plan!
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