Witness of Jesus
Witness of Jesus
1980 Quater 2
Missions are remote-filled with minute* sound presentation both your church automatically. C exotic locales, dangerous important and current. you can order your own pets terrain and international intrigue. If your Sabbath School copy. Sometimes we forget that we live department Is already a regular in a mission field which is one of subscriber to Global Assignment, Find out what’s happening the largest and probably the most this special program will be sent to your own backyard. intriguing … America. What’s happening here at home… MIN MEMENE MENNEM MI MI IN • MI What effect does the General ▪ 0 Please send me copies of this special edition of Global Conference have on Assignment at $1.75 each (Including postage and handling). International. national and local • church issues… What happens at 0 Please send me a one-year subscription to Global Assignment at $9 a General Conference session … • per year. I understand that I will receive one tape per quarter, with twf What sort of projects are being ■ seven-minute programs on each-eight programs altogether. activated to finish the communication of God’s Word…? • IhaveenclosedacheckorMoneyOrderintheamountof$ A special edition of Global ▪ to pay for the items I have checked above. Assignment searches for the answers to these and other issues • pertinent to the concerned ■ Name Seventh-day Adventist. ▪ Address Moderator Gerald Fuller, host of the popular Washington D.C. • City State Zip based radio talk program, Saturday Seminar, will bring you ■ !would like: 0 cassettes 0 reel to reel tapes. reports on many of the exciting projects currently underway in the ■ United States. Exclusive in-depth III —Make checks payable to: Adventist Media Productions interviews with key General • Mail this coupon to: Adveidtst Media Productions Conference leaders make this 30 ■ 1100 Rancho Conejo Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 *Times approximate • ■ THE VICE PRESIDENT AMERICAN DIVISION ‘ General Conference of
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Sabbath School Members World Divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Dear Members:
I am pleased to bring you greetings from the 451,329 Sabbath School members in North America. We, your brothers and sisters, feel very close to you in the work of the gospel as we approach the day of His coming.
Some do not think of North America as having any special needs, but there.is on this continent a great variety of chal- lenging situations.
For instance, there is the Northeastern Academy, an inner city institution serving the needs of a large number of black youth. The great need here is for additional vocational train- ing classrooms.
Then there is the great challenge of Quebec, one of the largest French-speaking communities in the world. We must train indigenous talent to work for their own people in this difficult area of endeavor. To establish a French-speaking academy of Montreal is the priority item for the church in Quebec.
The American Indian has been strangely neglected. We have done some work among these true native Americans but not nearly enough. Your Thirteenth Sabbath offering will help to expand the outpatient clinic at Monument Valley Hospital in the Nevada-Utah Conference and assist in the financing and equipping of the Pine Ridge School vocational arts building in South Dakota.
May I take this opportunity to thank you for your gener- ous support of the North American Thirteenth Sabbath projects in the past. It is the liberal soul that is blessed and en- riched. Heaven's law of reciprocity wills it so.
Sincerely yours,
C. E. Bradford
1—A.L. 2-80 .or
ally Plane
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tOO'S
Will you be ready for this momen- the introductory tous, earthshaking event? One way to prepare yourself is by having a thorough knowledge of Revelation, price of only US$3.50. After that the price A where God reveals just what will goes to US$3.95. CHRIST happen when. Get your copy OF THE REVELATION And to help unravel the mysteries of CHRIST OF IA, Mess, [oda Clural and tla WmIJ
in this book, read CHRIST OF THE THE REVELA- J’ Zurchar REVELATION by Dr. J. R. Zurcher. TION at your Written to accompany this quarter’s nearest Advent- Sabbath School lessons, CHRIST ist Book Center. OF THE REVELATION will explain Or order by mail rom ABC Mailing the three angels’ messages, shed Service, P.O. Box 37485, Omaha, light on the letters to the seven NE 61837. Be sure to include local churches, and clearly explain some sales tax for your state and an addi- of the major time prophecies. tional 10 percent (minimum 750 for You’ll also find out about the “times postage and handling. In Canada, of the Gentiles” and what is meant by send to Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario the “testimony of Jesus” and “the L1 H 7L5. spirit of prophecy.” Get yours today. Special introductory price! Now through the end of June, you can get CHRIST OF THE REVELATION at Southern Publishing Association DAYBREAK SERIES April—June/1980 Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 340/April-June, 1980
Contns
1. Jesus, the Faithful and True
Witness
2. The Testimony of Jesus
3. The Churches of the Catacombs
4. The Churches of the Cathedrals
5. The Churches of the Reformation
and Revival
6. The Church of the Last Days
7. "You Know What Hour It Is"
8. "The Hour of...Judgment Is Come"
9. A Message for Our Time
10. Come Out of Babylon, My People
11. The Third Angel's Message
12. Repairers of the Breach
13. "Behold, He Cometh With
Clouds"
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Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012
Lesson Author: Jean Zurcher
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.20; single copy, 55 cents. One year sub- scription to countries outside U.S.A., $3.00; single copy, 75 cents.All prices at U.S.A. exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright © 1980 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
just f r the Ric
Our daily study is more than a perfect record. Through it comes knowledge of “The Word.” Your Adult Sabbath School Lesson is designed to fill the need. THE WITNESS OF JESUS INTRODUCTION
The Sabbath School lessons this quarter are devoted to the study of the testimony of Jesus as revealed in the book of Revelation. They are not an exhaustive study of the entire book, but rather a careful examination of the prophetic messages that the faithful and true Witness addresses to His church, exhorting her to bear her testimony during every period of her history, from the apostolic age to the end of time. Particular attention is given to the messages that directly concern us today: first, the one addressed to the church of Laodicea and then those of the three angels of Revelation 14. Pioneers of the advent movement studied these messages profoundly and systematically. Their faith and their testimony depend upon that study. Is that not also true today? “Many have entertained the idea that the book of Revelation is a sealed book, and they will not devote time and study to its mysteries. They say that they are to keep looking to the glories of salvation, and that the mysteries revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos are worthy of less consideration than these. But God does not so regard this book. . . . “ It should be studied with reverential awe.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 954. “Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the Revelation, that it is useless for them to search this book in an effort to know the meaning of the truth it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John will give the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who ‘hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.’ “—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 584, 585. The finishing of God’s work on earth, which was entrusted to the remnant church, depends upon our understanding of the testimony of Jesus and upon our fidelity in proclaiming God’s last message for humanity as revealed in the three angels’ mes- sages of Revelation 14. In order for our understanding to grow, we must study it over and over again. Only in this way can we render an effective testimony. “When we as a people understand what this book [Revelation) means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 113.
7
LESSON 1
March 30 to April 5
e Febtut
Witness
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as how shall we escape, if we neglect so dead. And he laid his right hand upon great salvation; which at the first me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the began to be spoken by the Lord, and first and the last: I am he that liveth, was confirmed unto us by them that and was dead; and, behold, I am alive heard him; God also bearing them for evermore, Amen” (Rev. 1:17, 18). witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of These are the words that open the the Holy Ghost, according to his own dialogue between the prophet on will?” (Heb. 2:1-4). Patmos and Jesus Christ, the faithful and true Witness. It is also as the faithful and true Witness that Jesus delivers His message to the church of Laodicea, and, finally, when He appears sitting upon a white horse as King of kings and Lord of lords, His name is given as “Faithful and True” (Rev. 19:11). All the work of Christ bears the hallmark of incomparable fidelity. Speaking of the faithfulness of Moses, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says, “Now Moses was faithful in all- God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but,” he adds, “Christ was faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if we hold fast our confidence and pride in our hope” (Heb. 3:5, 6, RSV). Jesus is not only the faithful DAILY HIGHLIGHTS Witness; He is also God’s only true or 1. The Faithful and True perfect witness. It was to bear witness Witness of His Father that Jesus came to this (Rev. 1:5; 3:14) world, and He did this to deliver us 2. Witness of Truth from the power of delusion and make (John 18:37) us participants in the “g,lorious liberty 3. The Witness of God of the children of God” (Rom. 8:21). (1 John 5:9-12) “Therefore we ought to give the 4. The Power of God more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we 5. True Words of God should let them slip. For if the word (Rev. 19:9; 21:5; 22:6; 2 Tim. 3:16) spoken by angels was stedfast, and 6. Blessed Is He That Reads, every transgression and disobedience Hears, and Keeps received a just recompence of reward; (Rev. 1:3) Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday March 30 Part 1 What unique title does the book of Revelation give to Jesus THE FAITHFUL Christ? AND TRUE WITNESS “From Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness” (Rev. 1:5). “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness” (Rev. 3:14).
The Revelation is the only book in the New Testament that
gives the title of "witness" to our Lord. Jesus is the perfect
witness, the only authentic and true witness. All other witnesses
named in the Bible are cited because of their connection with
Jesus. They are not simply called "witnesses," but "witness of
Jesus."
Of whom is Jesus the faithful and true witness? In what
sense? John 1:18; 1 John 5:20.
By nature Jesus is God's authentic witness. He is "the bright-
ness of his glory, and the express image of his person" (Heb.
1:3). Being the true expression of the nature of God, Jesus alone
is able to reveal the only true God, of whom He is the perfect
expression of His character, His mind, His will. "If ye had known
me," Jesus said, "ye should have known my Father also.... He
that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-9).
"He [Christ] is the manifestation of the Father, and is called
the Word of God. God sent His Son into the world, His divinity
clothed wjth humanity, that man might bear the image of the
invisible God. He made known in His words, His character, His
power and majesty, the nature and attributes of God. Divinity
flashed through humanity in softening, subduing light. He was
the embodiment of the law of God, which is the transcript of His
character."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 5, p. 1131.
THINK IT THROUGH To what extent is Jesus the source of knowledge for me concerning the only true God?
"Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to
whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt. 11:27). "I am not
come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me" (John
7:28, 29). "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have
known my Father also" (John 14:6, 7).
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 19, 20.
10 Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Monday March 31 Part 2 For what purpose did Jesus come into this world? WITNESS OF TRUTH “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37).
As the authentic and true witness, the testimony of Jesus can
only pertain to truth. "John frequently ... uses the word [truth]
in a wider sense to denote what is true in things pertaining to
God and the duties of man, or in a more restricted sense the
facts taught in the Christian religion concerning God and the
execution of His purposes through Christ. This revelation had
been given by Jesus (ch. 1:17). He, in fact, was 'the truth' (ch.
14:6). He was 'full of grace and truth' (ch. 1:14)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 989, 990.
"In His life, Christ's words had perfect illustration and sup-
port. And more than this; what He taught, He was. His words
were the expression, not only of His own life experience, but of
His own character. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was
the truth."—Education, pp. 78, 79.
Where, today, as in former times, do we find witness borne
to Jesus and to truth? John 5:39; 17:17.
The close relationship between Jesus and the Scriptures is
not sufficiently emphasized. To the one as to the other, the Bible
gives the name "Word of God." Whereas Christ is the Word of
God made human flesh, the Scriptures are the Word of God in
human language. Divinely inspired, the Written Word is only a
means. Its testimony leads to a knowledge of the Living Word of
God. Actually the witness and the testimony are inseparable—
Christ is revealed to us through the Scriptures, and the Scrip-
tures are given to reveal Jesus Christ to us.
THINK IT THROUGH To what extent is the witness of Jesus, borne by the Written Word, the foundation of my spiritual life?
"The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are
embodied in the words of Christ on the mount. Whoever builds
upon them is building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. In receiv-
ing the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive
His words are building upon Him. 'Other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' 1 Corinthians 3:11.
'There is none other name under heaven, given among men,
whereby we must be saved.' Acts 4:12. Christ, the Word, the
revelation of God,—the manifestation of His character, His law,
His love, His life,—is the only foundation upon which we can
build a character that will end u re."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing, pp. 148, 149.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 402, 403.
11
2-A.L. 2-80 Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday April 1 Part 3 What is inherent in the witness of God expressed in Jesus? THE WITNESS OF GOD “This is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. … And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:9-12). He who confesses the deity of Jesus receives the testimony of God. In this way God imparts to him the very life of the Son. Gospel truth becomes his truth, the premise of his life. The object of the divine witness is our quickening through commun- ion with the Son of God. To him who believes His testimony God gives the eternal life that is in His Son. From that moment he shares the life that proceeds from the Father through the unique Mediator of life, Jesus Christ. “Only the believer in Christ can receive life everlasting. Only by continually feeding on Christ’s flesh and blood can we have the assurance that we are partakers of the divine nature. No one should be indifferent on this subject, saying, If we are honest, it is no matter what we believe. You cannot with safety surrender any seed of vital truth in order to please yourself or anybody else. Do not seek to avoid the cross. If we receive no light from the Sun of Righteousness, we have no connection with the Source of all light; and if this life and light do not abide in us, we can never be saved.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 299.
What promise is made to him who receives the testimony
borne by Jesus? John 1:12, 13.
"John here brands as error the belief that simply because
Christ died for all men, all will therefore be saved. Marked
equally false is the belief that God predestines certain men to be
saved and others to be damned. John emphatically declares
that the decisive factor lies with men themselves—`as many' as
receive and believe are granted access to sonship."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 900.
THINK IT THROUGH Can I say with Paul, “For to me to live is Christ”? “This is the most perfect interpretation in a few words, in all the Scriptures, of what it means to be a Christian. This is the whole truth of the gospel. Paul understood what many seem unable to comprehend. How intensely in earnest he was! His words show that his mind was centered in Christ, that his whole life was bound up with his Lord. Christ was the author, the support, and the source of his life.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 903.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "The Test of Discipleship," pp. 62-65.
12 Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday April 2 Part 4 What are other effects of the testimony of Jesus in the life of THE POWER the believer? OF GOD The testimony of Jesus as presented to us in the Gospels, and in all Scripture, is truly “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). Under the imperceptible influence of the Spirit, the Written Word becomes the instru- ment by which God effects .the salvation of man, the sword of the Spirit by which He persuades the sinner to pass from death unto life. Here are 10 ways in which God’s Word brings about transfor- mation in the life: 1. It “lighteth every man” (John 1:9). 2. It awakens the conscience (Heb. 4:12, 13). 3. It serves as judge (John 12:48). 4. It leads to faith (Rom. 10:17). 5. It begets new life (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18). 6. It frees from the power of sin (John 8:31, 32). 7. It purifies the soul (1 Peter 1:22; John 15:3). 8. It sanctifies believer and church (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26). 9. It determines the Christian witness (Phil. 2:15, 16). 10. It leads to the Source of life eternal (John 5:24, 39). “Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink. And as in the natural, so in the spiritual economy; it is that which our minds dwell upon which sustains the spiritual nature…. [John 6:63 quoted]. Spiritual life must be sustained by communion with Christ through His Word. The mind must dwell upon it, the heart must be filled with it. The Word of God laid up in the heart and sacredly cherished and obeyed, through the power of the grace of Christ can make man right, and keep him right; but every human influence, every earthly invention, is powerless to give strength and wisdom to man. It cannot restrain passion, or correct deformity of character. Unless the truth of God controls the heart, the conscience will be warped.”—Selected Mes- sages, bk. 2, p. 125.
THINK IT THROUGH Has the divine Communicator been able to form my charac- ter after the likeness of Christ through the Written Word? “Even greater is the power of the Bible in the development of the spiritual nature. Man, created for fellowship with God, can only in such fellowship find his real life and development. Created to find in God his highest joy, he can find in nothing else that which can quiet the cravings of the heart, can satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. lie who with sincere and teachable spirit studies God’s word, seeking to comprehend its truths, will be brought in touch with its Author; and, except by his own choice, there is no limit to the possibilities of his develop- ment.”–Education, pp. 124, 125.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “What to Do With Doubt,” pp. 109-113. 13 Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday April 3 Part 5 How should we consider the words in the book of Revelation TRUE WORDS as well as those in all the Bible? OF GOD “He saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God” (Rev. 19:9). “He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faith- ful” (Rev. 21:5). “He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true” (Rev. 22:6). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
"It takes all of eternity to unfold the glories and bring out the
precious treasures of the Word of God. Do not let any living man
come to you and begin to dissect God's Word, telling what is
revelation, what is inspiration and what is not, without a rebuke.
Tell all such they simply do not know. They simply are not ableto
comprehend the things of the mystery of God. What we want is
to inspire faith. We want no one to say, 'This I will reject, and this
will I receive,' but we want to have implicit faith in the Bible as a
whole and as it is."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7, p. 919.
What solemn warning does the Saviour address explicitly to
anyone who takes the liberty of manipulating His message in
Revelation and, by extension, in all the Bible? Rev. 22:18,19.
"Such are the warnings which God has given to guard men
against changing in any manner that which He has revealed or
commanded. These solemn denunciations apply to all who by
their influence lead men to regard lightly the law of God.... The
written word, the law of God, will measure the character of every
man and condemn all whom this unerring test shall declare
wanting."—The Great Controversy, p. 268.
THINK IT THROUGH What are my purposes in searching the Scriptures? To find something to uphold my opinions? To know what God says?
"Never attempt to search the Scriptures unless you are ready
to listen, unless you are ready to be a learner, unless you are
ready to listen to the Word of God as though His voice were
speaking directly to you from the living oracles. Never let mortal
man sit in judgment upon the Word of God or pass sentence as
to how much of this is inspired and how much is not inspired,
and that this is more inspired than some other portions. God
warns him off that ground. God has not given him any such work
to do."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 919.
FURTHER STUDY Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 386, 387; Educa-
tion, pp. 189-191. 14
Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness LESSON 1 ❑ Friday April 4 Part 6 What promise is made at the beginning of the book of Reve- BLESSED IS HE lation? THAT READS, HEARS, AND “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of KEEPS this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein” (Rev. 1:3).
The Revelation contains seven beatitudes (1:3; 14:13; 16:15;
19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). The first and the sixth are related to the
book itself. The first declares, "Blessed is he that readeth, and
they that hear ... , and keep"; and the sixth repeats, "Blessed is
he that keepeth" the words of this prophecy.
A benediction is pronounced upon those who pay due regard
to this communication. The blessing is promised to encourage
a study of this book. We are not to weary of it because of its
apparently mystical symbols. Christ can give us understanding.
"There should be a closer and more diligent study of the
Revelation, and a more earnest presentation of the truths it
contains—truths which concern all who are living in these last
days."—Evangelism, p. 197.
Who alone will finally receive a blessing? Rev. 22:7.
"He that keepeth" is the one for whom the revelation of God
had not been in vain. Jesus declares, "Blessed are they that hear
the word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:28); and again, "My
mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God,
and do it" (Luke 8:21). He also points out in Matt. 7:24-27 the dif-
ference between those who merely hear and those who hear
and do the words of Jesus. This hearing and doing is the pa-
tience of the saints. (See Rev. 14:12.)
THINK IT THROUGH What can a study of Revelation do for me?
"When we as a people understand what this book [Revela-
tion] means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival.
We do not understand fully the lessons that it teaches, not-
withstanding the injunction given us to search and study it....
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better under-
stood, believers will have an entirely different religious experi-
ence. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of
heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character
that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is
to be the reward of the pure in heart."
"If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of
the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be
wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the
message."—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 113, 114, 118.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 112-114.
15
LESSON 2 April 6-12
a The Testimony of Jesus “The dragon was wroth with the told to write the things that had been woman, and went to make war with revealed to him and to send them to the remnant of her seed, which keep the seven churches designated by the commandments of God, and have Jesus. the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. “In the providence of God, John 12:17). was placed where Christ could give him a wonderful revelation of Himself Since Jesus has been presented to and of divine truth for the us as the incomparable Witness, “the enlightenment of the faithful and true witness,” He must churches.”—The Acts of the Apostles, perforce have a testimony. He p. 581. revealed that testimony to His servants the prophets who, by “the Spirit of Christ which was in them … , testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and theglo ythat should follow” (1 Peter 1:11). “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Heb. 1:1, 2). Jesus justified the prophetic word when He came into the world; He bore witness to the truth and to His Father who sent Him. (See John 5:36.) However, Jesus was unable to reveal all that He wished during His earthly ministry, even to His disciples. “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “But,” He promised, “when the Comforter is come, whom I will send DAILY HIGHLIGHTS unto you from the Father, even the 1. The Testimony of Jesus Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from (Rev. 1:2, 9) the Father, he shall testify of me: and 2. The Faithful Witnesses ye also shall bear witness, because ye (Rev. 1:9) have been with me from the 3. The Spirit of Prophecy beginning” (John 15:26, 27). (Rev. 19:10) This promise was realized in a 4. The Gift of Prophecy special way in the revelations made to (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28) John, “who bare record of the word of 5. The Remnant Church God, and of the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17) Christ, and of all things that he saw” 6. Write to the Seven Churches (Rev. 1:2). Repeatedly the apostle was (Rev. 1:11) The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday April 6 Part 1 How is the message given by the “faithful and true witness” THE TESTIMONY designated in the book of Revelation? OF JESUS “John . . . bare record of the word of God, and of the tes- timony of Jesus Christ.” “I John … was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:2, 9).
Repeatedly in the book of Revelation it speaks of "the tes-
timony of Jesus Christ" (ch. 1:2, 9; 12:17), "the testimony of
Jesus" (ch. 19:10), or simply the "testimony" (ch. 6:9; 11:7;
12:11). "In the Greek this phrase [testimony of Jesus Christ] may
be understood either as the 'testimony' (or 'witness') Christians
bear concerning Jesus, or as the 'testimony' (or 'witness') that
originates with Jesus and is revealed to His church through the
prophets. . . . A comparison with ch. 19:10 clearly favors the
latter interpretation. There the 'testimony of Jesus' is defined as
the 'spirit of prophecy,' meaning that Jesus is witnessing to the
church through the medium of prophecy."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7, p. 812.
What other expressions are associated with "the testimony
of Jesus"? Rev. 1:2, 9; 12:17.
The expression "testimony of Jesus" is associated with either
"the word of God" or "the commandments of God." The ex-
pression does not deal with the witness of the Scriptures, but of
Jesus Himself. The testimony of the Revelation is the fact that
Jesus is the "Word of God" (Rev. 19:13), so that, in reality, the
two are one and the same. This parallelism is also used in
Revelation 1:1, 2.
THINK IT THROUGH How important to me is the testimony of Jesus revealed to the prophet John on Patmos?
"We have been given a message exceeding in importance any
other message ever entrusted to mortals. This message Christ
came in person to the Isle of Patmos to present to John. He told
him to write down what he saw and heard during his vision, that
the churches might know what was to come upon the earth....
"The word, 'Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, be-
cause thou hast left thy first love,' is applicable to many living in
this time. God calls for immediate repentance and reformation.
It is time for a great change to take place among the people who
are looking for the second appearing of their Lord. Soon
strange things will take place. God will hold us responsible for
the way in which we treat the truth."—Medical Ministry, pp. 37,
38.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 578-581.
18 The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Monday April 7 Part 2 What happened to John because of the word of God and the THE FAITHFUL testimony of Jesus? WITNESSES “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribu- lation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:9).
"In exiling John, the enemies of truth had hoped to silence
forever the voice of God's faithful witness; but on Patmos the
disciple received a message, the influence of which was to
continue to strengthen the church till the end of time. Though
not released from the responsibility of their wrong act, those
who banished John became instruments in the hands of God to
carry out Heaven's purpose; and the very effort to extinguish the
light placed the truth in bold relief."—The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 581.
What has happened to other witnesses for the same rea-
son? Rev. 6:9; 20:4.
"When the fifth seal was opened; John the Revelator in vision
saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word
of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White
Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 968.
"The enemy of righteousness left nothing undone in his effort
to stop the work committed to the Lord's builders.... Like the
apostles, many of them fell at their post, but the building of the
temple went steadily forward. The workmen were slain, but the
work advanced."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 598.
THINK IT THROUGH What valuable lesson can I learn from the experience of those Christians who have the “testimony of Jesus”?
"In the experience of the apostle John under persecution,
there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the
Christian. God does not prevent the plotting of wicked men, but
He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial
and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel
laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter
opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him re-
member that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial
and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His
children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness
and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He
prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust,
and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers
were given them."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 574, 575.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 649-652.
19
The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday April 8 Part 3 What meaning did John give to the expression “the tes- THE SPIRIT timony of Jesus”? OF PROPHECY “I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). According to this scripture, the testimony of Jesus and the spirit of prophecy are identical; in other words, all true prophets have the testimony of Jesus, and all who have the testimony of Jesus are prophets in the sense that they are mouthpieces or witnesses for Jesus. “The word ‘prophecy’ describes any inspired message com- municated by God through a prophet. . . . Prophecy may be a prediction of future events, though more commonly it is not. The expression ‘spirit of prophecy’ refers specifically to the ‘manifestation of the Spirit’ in the form of a special gift of the Holy Spirit that inspires the recipient and enables him to speak authoritatively as a representative of God (1 Cor. 12:7-10) when ‘moved by the Holy Ghost’ to do so (2 Peter 1:21). The context of the expression in Rev. 19:10 defines ‘the testimony of Jesus’ and ‘the spirit of prophecy’ in this sense.”—S.D.A. Bible Com- mentary, vol. 7, p. 876.
What other detail proves that angels do Indeed confer the
testimony of Jesus to prophets? Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9.
"The close relationship between the 'testimony of Jesus' and
prophecy is further demonstrated by a comparison between
chs. 19:10 and 22:9. In ch. 19:10 the angel identifies himself as
'thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of
Jesus,' and in ch. 22:9 as 'thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren
the prophets.' Thus, on the reasonable conclusion that these
two expressions of the angel are parallel, those who have the
testimony of Jesus are identified with the prophets. Since it is
the distinctive work of the prophets to bear messages from
Jesus to the people ... , the interpretation that the testimony of
Jesus refers to the 'testimony,' or 'witness,' that Jesus bears to
the church is strongly supported."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 812.
THINK IT THROUGH What attention do I give to the prophecies of Revelation? “The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people. . . . “ . . Will not those who profess to have a knowledge of the truth read the testimony given to John by Christ?”—Testi- monies, vol. 8, p. 302.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. viii-x11.
20 The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday April 9 Part 4 What can be assumed by the fact that the promise of the gift THE GIFT OF of prophecy was made to the church for the same reason as PROPHECY were the other gifts? Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28.
"New Testament writers nowhere suggest that the gift of
prophecy was to end with the apostolic church. On the contrary,
Paul declares that, with the other gifts of the Spirit he lists in
Eph. 4:11, it was to continue 'till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' (v.
13). All of the other special gifts mentioned in v. 11 are still
needed in the church, and men and women are still qualified by
the Holy Spirit to fill these offices. Why should the office of
prophet be considered an exception?"—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, p. 876.
What solemn warning did the apostles give? 1 Thess. 5:21;
1 John 4:1.
"Our Lord warned that the Christian church would be trou-
bled by false prophets, particularly as the time for His second
advent should draw near (Matt. 24:11, 24). The deceptive power
of these false prophets was to be so great that if it were possible
they would 'deceive the very elect.' The fact that Christ warned
against a false manifestation of the prophetic gift prior to His
second coming argues strongly that there would also be a
genuine manifestation of this gift, as otherwise He could simply
have warned against any and all prophets who might arise."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 876, 877.
THINK IT THROUGH By what criteria am I able to judge the true prophet from the false?
"The Scriptures specify certain standards by which those
who profess to speak for God are to be measured: (1) The
personal life of the prophet will be in harmony with the teach-
ings of Scripture (Matt. 7:15-20). (2) His messages will likewise
accord with Scripture. (3) His ministry will exalt Christ as the
Son of God and the Saviour of men (1 John 4:2). (4) His ministry
will be confirmed by fulfilled predictions (Jer. 28:9; cf. 1 Sam.
3:19). It is reasonable also to expect that the messages he bears
will be of practical benefit to the church, that they will be timely
and appropriate, that they will be free from human influence,
and that when he is in open vision his experience will be similar
to that of the Bible prophets."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 877.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 671-676.
21
The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday April 10
Part 5 What two characteristics distinguish the remnant church?
THE REMNANT
CHURCH "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make
war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the command-
ments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.
12:17).
"The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus are
united. They are to be clearly presented to the world."—
Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 117.
These two distinctive marks characterize the remnant church
for the following reasons: (1) "The last great conflict between
truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing
controversy concerning the law of God."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 582. (2) Jesus wished to entrust a special testimony
to the remnant church, the church charged with the responsibil-
ity of proclaiming His last message to the world. "Seventh-day
Adventists ... believe that the 'remnant' will be distinguished by
the manifestation of the gift of prophecy in their midst. The
'testimony of Jesus Christ,' they believe, is the witness of Jesus
in their midst through the medium of the prophetic gift."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 812.
How can we justify our claim that the Seventh-day Adventist
Church is the church of the remnant? In Hebrew the word
translated "remnant" means "those who escape," "what re-
mains," or "what is left." Those who escaped from Assyrian
captivity are called a "remnant." (See 2 Chron. 30:6.) The same
word is applied to those who escape from mystical Babylon.
How is the spirit of prophecy evident in the Adventist Church?
Seventh-day Adventists have ground to believe that the gift of
prophecy was evidenced in the ministry and writings of Ellen
White. She was active as God's messenger among us from 1844
to 1915. However, we do not consider her writings to be a
substitute for or an addition to the Bible. They are simply, she
explained, "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater
light."—Colporteur Ministry, p. 125. These writings do not pre-
sent a new path to salvation; rather they lead to a better under-
standing of the plan of salvation revealed in the Bible.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I have complete confidence in the testimony of Jesus given to our church through the messages of Ellen White?
"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none
effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no
vision, the people perish' (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work inge-
niously, in different ways and through different agencies, to
unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true
testimony."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 48.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 384-386.
22 The Testimony of Jesus LESSON 2 ❑ Friday April 11
Part 6 To whom was the prophet instructed to make known the
WRITE TO testimony of Jesus?
THE SEVEN
CHURCHES "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna,
and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and
unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea" (Rev. 1:11).
John was told several times to put into writing all that he had
seen, all the things which must shortly come to pass, and that
which the Lord had sent His angel to make known unto him. He
was instructed to send the book to the seven churches.
"The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church
in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates
completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages
extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the
condition of the church at different periods in the history of the
world."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585.
What is the essential content of the testimony of Jesus to the
seven churches? The Revelation is, first of all, a revelation of
Jesus Christ (ch. 1:1). No longer as the suffering Messiah, but as
the risen Lord, who is "alive for evermore" (ch. 1:18), now He
works for His church at the right hand of the throne of God (ch.
5:7) in the heavenly sanctuary (ch. 11:19; 15:5), until the day
when He will return in the clouds of heaven (ch. 1:7; 19:11-16).
Second, the Revelation is a disclosure of "things which must
shortly come to pass" (ch. 1:1), information which Christ
wished to reveal to His church. This is why He addressed a
special message to each of the seven symbolic churches. Be-
sides local and historical application, each of the messages has
spiritual value for all the other churches, and thus for today.
Finally, the Revelation contains a special testimony for the
remnant church, the one entrusted with the mission of preach-
ing "the everlasting gospel" (ch. 14:6). That too will be the
subject of our study, for we know that on the understanding of it
depend, not only the faith of the Adventist community, but also
the success of its mission in the world.
THINK IT THROUGH How do I picture Jesus?
Our picture of a risen Christ, victorious over death, and "alive
for evermore," depends essentially on the visions recorded in
the book of Revelation. Through the study of the Revelation,
Seventh-day Adventists rediscovered the all-powerful, living
Jesus described by John, along with the unique truth of Christ's
working for His people in the heavenly sanctuary. This is the way
He chose to reveal Himself in each of the visions in the Revela-
tion.
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 737, 738.
23
LESSON 3 April 13-19
3 The Churches of the Catacombs “He that hath an ear, let him hear And finally, the symbolic meaning of what the Spirit saith unto the the name—desirable—-no doubt churches; To him that overcometh will prompted the choice of Ephesus to I give to eat of the tree of life, which is represent the first, or apostolic, in the midst of the paradise of God” church. (Rev. 2:7). The church in Smyrna is mentioned only in the Revelation. It probably The seven letters of the book of owes its origin to Paul’s missionary Revelation are addressed to the work during the three years he spent churches located in Asia Minor, in Ephesus. (Compare Acts 19:10; modern Turkey. The basic meaning of 20:1-3.) The city of Smyrna was the letters is in the messages sent to founded about 1200 B.C. Beautifully these literal churches. Another level of situated along the Aegean seacoast, meaning is in the messages contained some 30 miles north of Ephesus, it was in the letters and applied to the church extolled by ancient peoples for its universal. A third area of meaning is in marvelous location. They called it the application of each church to a period “Ornament of Asia.” It was also the of church history. (See The Acts of the birthplace of the illustrious Greek Apostles, p. 585.) It is in this last way poet, Homer. Smyrna still exists and is that we shall study the letters to the known as “Izmir.” seven churches. The name “Smyrna” means Ephesus represents the apostolic “myrrh,” a derivative of muron. It is a church, spanning the years 31 to 100 of substance with a bitter, aromatic odor, the Christian Era, and Smyrna is the used for embalming the dead. No church of imperial persecution, A.D. other name could better symbolize 100 to 313, the year that Constantine the painful experience through which issued the Edict of Milan decreeing the “church of the catacombs” had to equal rights for all religions. pass because of imperial persecution. There are three possible reasons At the same time, it is an example of why Ephesus, was named first. First, what a church in this world should be, because of the importance of the city. a pleasing fragrance for Christ. It was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and residence of the proconsuls. It was most famous, however, as an important religious DAILY HIGHLIGHTS center, home of a great temple 1. Message to the Apostolic dedicated to the goddess Artemis, Church called Diana by the Romans. (See Acts (Rev. 2:1) 19:23-34.) 2. “Thou Hast Left Thy Second, because of its seniority. First Love” The Ephesian church was the first (Rev. 2:2, 3, 6) Christian church established by Paul in 3. “Do the First Works” Asia in the year A.D. 52, and it rapidly (Rev. 2:5) became an important Christian center. 4. “To Him That Overcometh” According to tradition the apostle (Rev. 2:7) John settled in Ephesus after the 5. Message to the Persecuted destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, Church and it was from there that he was (Rev. 2:8) deported to Patmos, probably 6. The Crown of Life between A.D. 96 and 98. (Rev. 2:10) The Churches of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday April 13 Part 1 Unto whom is each of the seven letters to the churches MESSAGE TO THE addressed? APOSTOLIC CHURCH “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write” (Rev. 2:1).
John was instructed to write to the angel of each of the seven
churches. In the original this can designate a human messenger
as well as a celestial being. Here it refers to the one to whom
God has entrusted weighty responsibilities in His church. (See
The Acts of the Apostles, p. 586.)
What is the meaning of the symbols under which Jesus
presents Himself to the church in Ephesus? Rev. 2:1; 1:20.
"Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right
hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need
fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of
Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ."—The
Acts of the Apostles, p. 586.
What relation is there between the symbol of the candle-
sticks and the warning that Jesus addresses to the church in
Ephesus? Rev. 2:5.
"In the message to the church at Ephesus, Christ is rep-
resented as holding the seven stars in His hand, and walking in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. He is represented as
'walking' among them, thus illustrating His constant diligence
in behalf of His church. . . . These figures are to be carefully
studied by the undershepherds, and faithfully applied to their
own experience, that they may not lose sight of their great
privilege of securing light from the Source of all light, and giving
it in turn to those for whom they labor."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 956.
THINK IT THROUGH What can we do to assure that our candlestick will not be removed out of its place?
"What greater delusion can deceive the human mind than
that in which individuals flatter themselves that they have the
truth, that they are on the only sure foundation, and that God
accepts their works because they are actively engaged in some
work in the cause of God, when they are sinning against Him by
walking contrary to the expressed will of God? . . .
"The standard must be elevated. The work must have a higher
mold. There must be a coming out from the customs and prac-
tices of the world and being separate. There must be a coming
up upon a higher platform by both ministers and people."—
Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 451, 452.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 586, 587. 26 The ChurChes of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Monday April 14 Part 2 What message of commendation was sent to the church in “THOU HAST Ephesus? LEFT THY FIRST LOVE” “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.” “Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate” (Rev. 2:2, 3, 6). “To each of the seven churches Christ declares, ‘I know thy works.’ His admonition is that of One who is fully acquainted with problems of each church and who is therefore able to recommend an appropriate and effective solution.”—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 743. The commendation made to the church at Ephesus rested upon its works, its labor and endurance, the deeds which ex- hibited its character. The Ephesian church did not tolerate evildoers and false brethren any more than it did false shepherds and false apostles. Moreover, the church did not become weary in its afflictions for Christ. In verse 6 special mention is made of its attitude toward the Nicolaitanes, mem- bers of a heretical sect whose works displeased God.
What reproof is directed to the church in Ephesus? Rev. 2:4.
"At the first the experience of the church at Ephesus was
marked with childlike simplicity and fervor... .
"But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane, and
their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness crept
into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which
they had received the truth."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp.
578-580.
THINK IT THROUGH How does the experience of the Ephesians concern me? “I am instructed to say that these words [Rev. 2:4, 5] are applicable to Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present condition. The love of God has been lost, and this means the absence of love for one another…. Great light has been given to her. She has had abundant opportunity for bearing much fruit. But selfishness has come in, and God says, ‘I will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’ “—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902. An important lesson from the experience of the Ephesian community is that love cannot be replaced by other virtues. The lack of love renders the other virtues hollow and empty. (See 1 Corinthians 13.)
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 167-173.
27
3-A.L. 2-80 The Churches of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday April 15 Part 3 What triple counsel is given to the Ephesian Christians? “DO THE FIRST WORKS” “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and re- pent, and do the first works” (Rev. 2:5).
Spiritual decline has only one cure—the one recommended
by Jesus. It bears the three characteristics of genuine conver-
sion: an awakening of conscience, repentance, and works of
faith. A call to repentance is sounded in all of the messages to
the churches with the exception of those addressed to Smyrna
and Philadelphia.
What did the Witness say would happen if the believers did
not repent? Verse 5.
The Lord is always ready to act on behalf of His children, be it
to strengthen or to comfort them. If they do not turn from Him,
He will continue to work, to lead them to repentance. However,
divine warnings will not continue if they go unheeded. Unless
there is repentance, the Lord will remove their candlestick out
of its place and bestow on others the responsibility of lighting
the world, which is the high mission of the church. (See Matt.
21:41.)
The apostolic church was essentially of Jewish origin. After
the death of the apostles and the destruction of Jerusalem a
change took place. This warning could well have been realized
by the transfer of the candlestick from the Judeo-Christian
church, represented by the church at Ephesus, to a Christian
church of pagan background, represented by that of Smyrna.
THINK IT THROUGH Of what do I personally need to repent?
"Has the candlestick been removed out of its place? I call
upon all who are resting unconcerned in their present state of
spiritual deadness, to arouse and arise from the dead, and
Christ will give them light. Many rest as content as though the
cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night were sheltering and
guiding them. Many profess to know God, and yet deny Him in
their works. They reckon themselves among God's peculiar,
chosen people, who have a special, solemn message entrusted
to their keeping to sanctify their lives and to give to the world,
and yet the power of the truth is scarcely felt or manifested in
our midst in zealous work for God. How great is our darkness,
and we know it not! The light has not diminished, but we walk
not in its rays."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 451.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Repentance," pp. 23-25.
28 The Churches of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday April 16 Part 4 What call was made to each of the seven churches? “TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7).
This call is repeated at the close of each of the letters to the
. seven churches, either to introduce a promise (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17)
or to conclude the message (ch. 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22). Here the Spirit
addresses "the churches," because God's promises are for the
believers of every age.
The first condition for gaining eternal life is to know how to
listen. On several occasionsJesus emphasized this in His teach-
ings. (See Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Luke 14:35.) In the Scriptures, to
listen means not only to hear but also to understand and put into
practice. (See 1 Sam. 15:22; Matt. 7:24-27; Luke 8:21; Rev. 1:3.)
To whom is the promise in f he first letter made? Where will it
be fulfilled? Rev. 2:7.
In all seven letters the promise is for those who overcome.
Revelation 2:7 never specifies what victory is in question, but all
who are born of God know that it is the "victery that overcometh
the world" (1 John 5:4). Jesus defined it clearly when He said,
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). For the Ephesian Christians,
the needed victory is a return to their first love. The fulfillment of
this promise will be perfectly realized in the kingdom of God.
It is interesting to note that some of the promises made to the
churches are details from the description given in Revelation 21
and 22 of the "new heaven and new earth." (See Rev. 22:2, 4.)
THINK IT THROUGH What are the traits of character over which I need to gain the victory?
"I saw that none could share the 'refreshing' unless they
obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness,
love of the world, and over every wrong word and action."—
Early Writings, p. 71.
"When He [Jesus] comes, He is not to cleanse us of our sins,
to remove from us the defects in our characters, or to cure us of
the infirmities of our tempers and dispositions. If wrought for us
at all, this work will be accomplished before that time."—
Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 355.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 92; Thoughts From the Mount of Bless- ing, “Not Judging, but Doing” (Luke 13:24), pp. 141-144.
29
The Churches of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday April 17 Part 5 What is the relationship between the way that Jesus pre- MESSAGE TO sents Himself to the church in Smyrna and the message that THE PERSECUTED He addresses to them? CHURCH “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive” (Rev. 2:8).
The manner in which the Saviour presents Himself to each of
the seven churches is always related to the needs of that
church. To the church persecuted by imperial Rome, Christ
reveals Himself as the timeless, all-powerful One in heaven and
on earth, the One who suffered and died and who lives again.
What is the condition of the Smyrna church? Verse 9.
The tribulations of the church in Smyrna issued from three
sources: persecution, abject poverty, and slander. For more
than two centuries the Christian church had to face a period of
the most bitter persecution. Although the church of Smyrna was
stripped of all worldly possessions, the spiritual riches which it
possessed amply compensated for the condition of material
poverty. Thus the church in Smyrna enriched the world more
than any other church (compare 2 Cor. 6:10); the testimony of
her martyrs constituted gospel seed.
For the church of this era the cruelest trial resulted from the
blasphemy of the Jews. The book of Acts records that the ear-
liest persecution could be traced to the synagogues. (See Acts
13:45; 14:2, 19; 17:5, 13; 18:5, 6, 12.) During the second century
the Jews accused the Christians of having falsified the Scrip-
tures, which was the worst possible accusation. From then on,
becoming enemies of the Christian church, the blasphemers
were no longer true Jews. They lined up on the side of him who
accuses the children of God, and thus they formed the
"synagogue of Satan." (See Zech. 3:1; Rev. 12:10.)
THINK IT THROUGH Would I be able to withstand slander for the sake of the gospel?
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake" (Matt. 5:11).
"I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-
fully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of
your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:44, 45).
"Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being
defamed, we intreat" (1 Cor. 4:12, 13).
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, “The Beatitudes” (Matt. 5:11), pp. 31-35.
30 The Churches of the Catacombs LESSON 3 ❑ Friday April 18 Part 6 What double exhortation did Christ address to the Smyrna THE CROWN Christians? OF LIFE “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer … ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
This exhortation is without reproof or threat, and also without
hiding the sufferings awaiting the Smyrna church. The devil
(literally "slanderer"), clearly pointed out as the instigator of the
persecution, wants only to make the believer fall. God permits
suffering to try one's faith (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Rom. 5:3,
4), but God's church is not to fear, Although some of its number
must endure persecution, in this they are privileged to partici-
pate in the sufferings of Christ for the edification of the church.
(See Col. 1:24.)
The tribulation of ten days foretold here corresponds to the
ten years of bitter persecution (A.D. 303-313) unleashed by
Diocletian to exterminate the Christian church. But the fidelity
of Christ's witnesses assured the triumph, not the extermina-
tion, of the gospel. After more than two centuries of tribulation
at the hands of successive Roman emperors, Constantine was
obliged to sign the Edict of Milan in 313, establishing the
triumph of Christianity.
What promise is made to the overcomer? Rev. 2:11.
In verse 10 the Saviour promises a "crown of life" to him who
is "faithful unto death." In verse 11 He assures the overcomer
that he will not suffer the "second death," which is the final
destruction "in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone"
(Rev. 21:8). (See Rev. 20:6, 14.)
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any
suffering rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before
dishonor or the transgression of God's law should be the motto
of every Christian."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 147.
THINK IT THROUGH How shall I prepare to suffer for the triumph of God’s cause?
"We must share the conflicts if we wear the crown of victory.
Like Jesus, we must be made perfect through suffering. Had
Christ's life been one of ease, then might we safely yield to sloth.
Since His life was marked with continual self-denial, suffering,
and self-sacrifice, we shall make no complaint if we are partak-
ers with Him. We can walk safely in the darkest path if we have
the Light of the world for our guide."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 71.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 103, 104.
31
LESSON 4 April 20-26
• 4. The Churches of the Cathedrals “He that hath an ear, let him hear supremacy, represented by the what the Spirit saith unto the church of Thyatira. churches; To him that overcometh will Located some 40 kilometers (25 I give to eat of the hidden manna, and miles) southeast of Pergamos, the city will give him a white stone, and in the of Thyatira was well known for the stone a new name written, which no dyeing of wool and linen textiles with man knoweth saving he that receiveth the purple dyestuff that Thyatira dyers it” (Rev. 2:17). had discovered. (See Acts 16:12-14.) The city was also known for the great The third and fourth letters in the temple built in honor of the sun god, book of Revelation are addressed to Apollo. These two features are the churches in Pergamos and meaningful in describing the church Thyatira, representing respectively the of that period. The Thyatira church years of conquest in the history of the achieved ruling powers, symbolized Christian church, A.D. 313 to 538, and by the wearing of purple, and it was the church’s period of domination, she who decreed the day of the sun as A.D. 538 to 1798. the day of rest. The city of Pergamos (or Pergamum) Because of the importance of the was situated some 60 kilometers (37 Reformation, one usually fixes the miles) northeast of Smyrna. Built on dates for the Thyatira period from A.D. the summit and slopes of a high hill, 538 to 1517. However, if one allows the city seemed impregnable, which in that one period can parallel another, reality it was except when entered by and that the end of one does not ruse. It was the seat of government for coincide precisely with the beginning the Roman province of Asia, however, of the next, the Thyatira era could and its capital before losing that honor extend beyond 1517, the year that the to Ephesus. Pergamos was a city of Sardis period begins. temples, the most celebrated being the temple of Zeus, which has been reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in East Berlin. The origin of the name “Pergamos” is uncertain. The meaning given it is derived from the topography of the city: citadel, acropolis, summit, height. These words embody the characteristics peculiar to the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS Christian church of that era, years 1. Message to the Apostate Church when the priests of Rome were (Rev. 2:12) exalting themselves and 2. Worldly Influences Condemned strengthening their influence to the (Rev. 2:14, 15) point of supplanting the Roman 3. Promises to the Overcomer emperors and becoming the political (Rev. 2:17) leaders of Western Europe. 4. Message to the Church of In A.D. 538 the edict issued by the Middle Ages Justinian in 533 became effective, (Rev. 2:18) legally conferring the political power 5. Jezebel, the Prophetess of the Western Empire on the bishop (Rev. 2:20, 21) of Rome. This date marks the 6. Promise of the Morning Star beginning of the 1260 years of papal (Rev. 2:26, 27) The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday April 20 Part 1 What is the meaning of the symbol under which Jesus pre- MESSAGE TO sents Himself to the church in Pergamos? THE APOSTATE CHURCH “To the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges” (Rev. 2:12). (Compare Heb. 4:12.)
This distinctive characteristic of Jesus has already been men-
tioned in Revelation 1:16, and it will be found again in Revela-
tion 19:15. Jesus is the Living Word, the standard of all truth. In a
time of compromise, apostasy, and rising popularity of Chris-
tianity, the Saviour presents Himself to His church as the One
possessing the "sword of the Spirit," ready to contend with all
that is not in harmony with truth. (See Eph. 6:10, 17.)
For what did Jesus commend the church in Pergamos?
Verse 13.
The principal virtue of the church in Pergamos was that she
was able to hold fast in an unfavorable environment, a veritable
citadel of paganism, even "where Satan sits enthroned" (Mof-
fatt). It was at Pergamos that the first cult worship of a living
emperor was established in 29 B.C. At the very time that John
was writing these messages Christians were being persecuted
for refusing to worship the emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96), who
insisted that people worship him as "lord and god."
The Pergamos church aptly symbolizes the period of church
history when the adversary established himself through deceit-
ful means in the very "temple of God," as the apostle Paul in
2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 had foretold would happen.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is there no widespread persecution in our day?
"The only reason [that persecution seems to slumber] is that
the church has conformed to the world's standard and there-
fore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our
day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Chris-
tian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because
of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of
the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is
so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is appar-
ently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the
faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution
will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekin-
dled."—The Great Controversy, p. 48.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 49-54.
34 The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Monday April 21 Part 2 What double rebuke does Jesus address to the church in WORLDLY Pergamos? INFLUENCES CONDEMNED “I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate” (Rev. 2:14, 15).
The church is not accused of believing the condemned doc-
trines, but of tolerating "them that hold the doctrine of Balaam"
in their midst and also "them that hold the doctrine of the
Nicolaitanes." The problem of the church in Pergamos lay in
allowing the true and the false to live together. The introduction
of the pagan masses into the church, after Christianity was
recognized as the state religion, led to spiritual idolatry and
worldly license. What Satan was unable to accomplish through
persecution, he achieved by seduction, encouraging practices
that advanced selfish interests, not those of God's people, as
Balaam had in the time of ancient Israel.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes was one that God hated, one
that He commended the Ephesus church for rejecting. (See Rev.
2:6.) For the Christian church to tolerate it was proof of its apos-
tasy at the very moment of triumph (A.D. 313-538).
What does the Lord's threat of intervention signify? Verse
16.
Again our Lord sounds a call to repentance. Jesus is not
calling those who are in sin and error, but those who tolerate
error while carrying His name. Jesus assures that He Himself
will intervene to combat the heresy. The threat, "I . . will fight
against them with the sword of my mouth," typifies the punish-
ment meted out at the judgment. (See Rev. 19:15, 21.)
THINK IT THROUGH What worldly ways are in my life that are condemned by God’s Word?
"As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be
elevated higher and higher, to meet the requirements of the
Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs,
practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the
waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep
them away from the true principles of the meekness and grace
of Christ; but they are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It
will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are
not riveted to the eternal Rock, will be swept away by the worldly
current."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 288, 289.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 542-549. 35 The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday April 22 Part 3 What triple promise is made to the overcomer? PROMISES TO THE “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden OVERCOMER manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Rev. 2:17).
"A white stone," according to some, recalls the stone given to
the winning gladiator; according to others, it is the stone used
by jurors to signify acquittal; or, according to still others, the
stone given as a ticket to enter the theater. Whatever signifi-
cance is alluded to, it is recognized as a well-known ceremony
of ancient times honoring the receiver.
"A new name" signifies a new character. In Bible times a
name was given that described the character of the receiver.
Here a new name is promised the overcomer—a name that
describes the new character of the overcomer, one that per-
fectly reflects his personal, intimate experience with Jesus. That
is why "no man knoweth [it] saving he that receiveth it." This
new name, written in the white stone, will serve as a sign
evidencing victory, or acquittal of all guilt of sin, or perhaps
serve as a ticket to enter the kingdom of heaven.
How can the Word be both a sword and manna at the same
time? Rev. 2:12, 17.
In the Christian's armor "the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God" (Eph 6:17), is the only offensive weapon. It is the
one used by Jesus to triumph over the tempter, and the one that
He is ready to use in the church against all who are not in
harmony with holy doctrine. But the Word of God is also daily
bread for the believer; it is the manna from heaven that
nourishes every man who wishes to do the will of God. (See
Matt. 4:4; John 4:34.) Just as Jesus is the sharp, two-edged
sword, so He is also "the living bread which came down from
heaven." He counsels, "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live
for ever" (John 6:51).
THINK IT THROUGH What is my character like? Am I fitted to enter the kingdom?
"Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his
own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work;
because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep
looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the
robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly
gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his
greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self."—
Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 182, 183.
FURTHER STUDY Messages to Young People, pp. 95-97.
36 The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday April 23 Part 4 What title does Jesus use to present Himself to the church in MESSAGE TO Thyatira? What attributes are inherent in that title? THE CHURCH OF THE “Unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things MIDDLE AGES saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass” (Rev. 2:18).
This is the only time in the book of Revelation that Jesus uses
the title "Son of God" with the definite article. Thus He specifi-
cally identifies Himself as a member of the Godhead and lays
claim to the divine attributes of omniscience and omnipotence.
He is the One who sees all, penetrates all, examines all; the One
to whom ''all power is given ... in heaven and in earth" (Matt.
28:18).
What Christian virtues did Jesus extol in His words of com-
mendation to the Thyatira church? Verse 19.
The Saviour never judges by appearances. He is able to detect
good, to see whatever is worthy of commendation, even in the
darkness of the Middle Ages. In truth, the heart is never com-
pletely devoid of spirituality when one devotes himself to the
dissemination of faith among the faithless. For ages works of
charity were numerous and flourishing. Genuine Christians
dedicated themselves to the binding up of Europe's wounds in
the wake of wars, invasions, and calamities. Contrary to the
experience at Ephesus, the church in Thyatira experienced
spiritual progress. She was the only' one of the seven where,
despite serious weaknesses, there was growth. "I know thy
works, . . . and the last to be more than the first" (verse 19).
THINK IT THROUGH What is a fair judgment of Thyatira Christians?
"Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy because
they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Sa-
tan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of
criminals."—The Great Controversy, p. 650.
in passing judgment one must distinguish between Catholi-
cism as a religion and the Catholic believer. "It is true that there
are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion.
Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best
light they have. . . . God looks with pitying tenderness upon
these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and
unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense
darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth
as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with His
people."—The Great Controversy, p. 565.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 55-60.
37
The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday April 24 Part 5 What serious reprimand is directed to the church in Thya- JEZEBEL, THE tira? Rev. 2:20, 21. PROPHETESS The name “Jezebel” recalls the worst moment of Israel’s history. When Jezebel became queen, she introduced the worship of Baal in Israel, and established over 400 priests of Baal. She did not hesitate to use temporal power to force her pagan customs upon the people. As in Jezebel’s day when Israel suffered three and a half years of famine before there was a reform, so many other details of Israel’s history are symbolic of the history of the Christian church in the Middle Ages. The Lord gave the church opportunity to repent. Throughout the centuries He raised up reformers—Wycliffe, Savonarola, Huss and Jerome, Luther, and others—”but,” He exclaimed, “she refuses to repent of her immorality” (Rev. 2:21, RSV).
What serious judgments were pronounced against those
who accepted Jezebel? Verses 22, 23.
A bed of pain would replace her bed of impurity. Great tribula-
tion would strike those "that commit adultery with her." God
would "kill . . . with death," probably by pestilence or by the
second death, the children of her prostitution. The Lord vowed
to render to each one according to his works.
What counsel is given to all others in Thyatira? Verses 24,
25.
As in the time of Jezebel, when the Lord had 7000 in Israel
whose knees had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18), so through
the ages of the Thyatira period there were those who did not
accept the doctrine of Jezebel,—the Vaudois, the Albigenses,
the Hussites, the Huguenots, the Moravian Brothers, etc. To
them, "the rest in Thyatira," the Lord promised not to put upon
them any other burden. "But," He admonished, "that which ye
have already hold fast till I come" (verse 25).
THINK IT THROUGH Everyone will be held responsible according to the light that he has received.
"Our fathers are not accountable for the light they never
received, or for the messages of warning they never heard....
"Special truths have been adapted to the conditions of the
nations as they have existed. The present truth, which is a test to
the people of this generation, was not a test to the people of
generations far back. . . .
"We are accountable only for the light that shines upon
us."—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, July 13, 1897.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 114-116. 38
The Churches of the Cathedrals LESSON 4 ❑ Friday April 25 Part 6 What promise is made to the overcomer in Thyatira? PROMISE OF THE MORNING STAR “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father” (Rev. 2:26, 27).
The words of this promise are borrowed from Psalm 2, and
some of the details are repeated by the apostle John later in this
book (ch. 12:5; 19:15). The promise to the elect is that they shall
reign with Christ and have authority over the nations. (See Rev.
20:6.) To this end the Master Potter will break in pieces the old
order, all the wicked nations, and make all things new; and the
power and dominion will be given Him by His Father.
What is the significance of the words "morning star" con-
tained in the climax of this promise? Verse 28.
This symbol, probably a reference to Balaam's promise to
Israel (Num. 24:17) announcing the coming of the Messiah, was
also used by Peter in alluding to the believer's experience with
the Saviour (2 Peter 1:19). To the overcomer will be given the
privilege of seeing Jesus face-to-face, because it is He who is
the "bright and morning star" (Rev. 22:16).
The morning star, a sign of day, of soon-coming greater light
to disperse the night, was a fit promise to the church of the
Middle Ages.
Why does the call to listen come at the close of this mes-
sage? Verse 29.
In the three preceding letters this admonition called the
hearer's attention to the promise which followed. Beginning
with the letter to the Thyatira church the call comes at the close
of the message to emphasize how important it is for the listener
to hear and understand the entire message, "what the Spirit
saith unto the churches" in its entirety.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I progress in my spiritual experience according to God’s plan for the overcomer?
The message to the church at Thyatira invites us to hold fast
that which we have (verse 25); to persevere in works that reflect
Christ until the very end (verse 26); and to act in such a way that
"the last [works] be more than the first" (verse 19).
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “First the Blade, Then the Ear,” pp. 66-69.
39
LESSON 5 April 27 to May 3
- The Churches of the Reformation and Revival “He that overcometh, the same shall her name, however, the small be clothed in white raiment; and I will Philadelphian community knew how not blot out his name out of the book to live an exemplary Christian life. That of life, but I will confess his name is why no reproach was addressed to before my Father, and before his this church, as was also true with the angels” (Rev. 3:5). church in Smyrna. It is interesting to note that of the With the letters to the churches of seven churches named, only those of Sardis and Philadelphia we come to Philadelphia and Smyrna still exist. the Christian church of modern times, Both of these Christian communities from the beginning of the Reformation survived the Turkish invasion. (1517) to the present era (1844). Situated some 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Thyatira, the city of Sardis was the capital of the kingdom of Lydia. It reached its zenith of wealth and power under Croesus during the sixth century B.C. Built on a plateau of crumbling rock, some 457 meters (1500 feet) above sea level, Sardis was considered impregnable except at one point. It was there that Cyrus made his surprise attack, like a thief in the night, and during the second century B.C. the city was again captured in the same way, which explains the admonition “be watchful” in verse 2. The churches of Sardis and Philadelphia are mentioned only in the book of Revelation, although their origins must certainly date back to the time of the apostle Paul. The first represents the church of the Reformation, 1517 to 1798, and the second, whose name means “brotherly love,” admirably symbolizes the great evangelical DAILY HIGHLIGHTS awakening during the years 1798 to 1. Church of the Reformation
- (Rev. 3:1) Because of its geographic position, 2. Be Watchful Philadelphia still commands access to (Rev. 3:2, 3) an important pass through the 3. A Threefold Promise neighboring mountains. It is a key city, (Rev. 3:4) the gateway to eastern highlands. 4. Church of the Awakening At the time, with a population of (Rev. 3:7) only 15,000, Philadelphia was a small 5. “Thou Hast Kept the Word” city of little importance. “I know that (Rev. 3:8-10) you have but little power” (verse 8, 6. “A Pillar in the Temple” RSV), the Witness said. Considering (Rev. 3:12) The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Sunday and Revival LESSON 5 April 27 Part 1 What is the significance of the two symbols used by Jesus to THE CHURCH identify Himself in His epistle to the Sardis church? OF THE REFORMATION “Unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars” (Rev. 3:1).
Here our Lord presents Himself as the One that has the seven
Spirits of God, or the Spirit in His fullness and completeness
(Rev. 1:4), and, at the same time, control of His church, since the
seven stars are in His right hand. (See Rev. 1:16, 17.)
What is the true condition of the church in Sardis? Rev. 3:
1, 2.
Although the church in Sardis has the reputation of being
alive, the Lord is not deceived; He does not mistake vigorous
activity for life. Jesus states plainly, "Thou ... art dead." What
the Sardis members need is to come alive in Christ by being
filled with His Spirit, without which vital godliness is impossible;
and then they will obtain spiritual accountability to maintain
and nourish this new life. Jesus comes to Sardis with the seven
Spirits of God and the seven stars to meet this need.
In truth Sardis represents the sad plight of modern-day Prot-
estantism. In its beginning the Reformation church rediscov-
ered what it means to live by faith in Jesus Christ, but, satisfied
with certain attainments, the church grew indifferent. Today,
ignorant of the great truths upon which it was founded, Protes-
tantism has only a pretense of life; and, barring vigilance and
special care, "the things which remain . . . are ready to die."
What judgment is pronounced upon the works of the Sardis
church? Verse 2.
The works of Sardis were not perfect. This also means that the
members were incomplete, unfulfilled. By a return to the Bible
the Reformation church found truth, but this work was not
completed. It did not come to perfection.
THINK IT THROUGH What can I do to maintain my spiritual life?
"Yes, there are many such [persons who neglect Bible study]
among us as a people, many who claim to be alive, while they
are dead. My brethren, unless the Holy Spirit is actuating you as
a vital principle, unless you are obeying its prompting, depend-
ing on its influences, laboring in the strength of God, my mes-
sage to you from God is: 'You are under a delusion which may
prove fatal to your souls.' "—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 155.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 352, 353.
42 The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Monday and Revival LESSON 5 April 28 Part 2 What is the fivefold counsel given to the church in Sardis? BE WATCHFUL “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. . . . Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent” (Rev. 3:2, 3).
Historically, overconfidence and carelessness resulted in the
capture of Sardis by the enemy. It was also a lack of vigilance
that caused the spiritual death of the Sardis church. But the
condition is not without remedy. Jesus, who possesses the
Spirit in all His fullness, is able to revive spiritually. The remedy,
a full return to the gospel, is clearly indicated.
To possess the truth it is not sufficient to have received it in a
providential way or to have heard it with fervor; one must be
vigilant and persevere in keeping it. If spirituality has degener-
ated into a state of lifeless formalism, only repentance can heal
the condition.
"'And repent.' The life we live is to be one of continual
repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we
may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we
have victory."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 7, p. 959.
What will be the result to the church if Sardis does not
watch? Verse 3.
Here we have a reference to the return of Jesus. (Compare
Matt. 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 16:15.)
This allusion establishes this church chronologically. Sardis is
the church that should have recognized the signs announcing
the return of Jesus to earth—the Lisbon earthquake, 1755, and
the dark day, May 19, 1780—but because it was not watching,
the Lord would come, for it, as a thief in the night, at an hour that
it knew not. Today many nominal Christians are not only ignor-
ant of the signs pointing to the return of Jesus, but also purely
and simply deny His return.
THINK IT THROUGH As an alert Christian, am I conscious that spiritual ramparts require constant vigilance?
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be ac-
counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 634, 635.
43
4-A.L. 2-80 The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Tuesday and Revival LESSON 5 April 29 Part 3 Whom does the Lord commend in the church in Sardis? A THREEFOLD PROMISE “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4).
"The church of Sardis is represented as having in it a few
faithful ones among the many who had become, as it were,
careless and insensible of their obligations to God.... Who is so
favored as to be numbered among these few in Sardis? Are
you? Am I? Who are among this number? Is it not best for us to
inquire into this matter, in order that we may learn to whom the
Lord refers when He says that a few have not stained their white
robes of character?"—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7, p. 959.
What threefold promise is made to the overcomer in Sardis?
Verse 5.
In this threefold promise the conditions of salvation are
clearly stated as follows:
1.One must be clothed in white raiment, which is the symbol
of the righteousness of Christ received by faith, or justification
by faith.
2. One's name must be written in the book of life, figurative of
salvation by grace. This does not depend on an arbitrary act on
the part of God, but on our faith in Jesus and our obedience to
His law—"faith which worketh by love" (Gal. 5:6), or "obedi-
ence to the faith" (Rom. 1:5).
3. One must receive Christ's approval. It is He who confesses
(literally, confirms) our names before His Father in His work of
intercession.
THINK IT THROUGH Examples to follow: “Because of their faith this honor [to walk with Jesus in white] is bestowed on them [the faithful few]. In this life they did not boast, nor lift up their souls unto vanity. With intensity of desire, with a pure, holy faith, they grasped the promise of eternal riches. Their one desire was to be like Christ. Ever they kept the standard of righteousness uplifted. To them is given an eternal weight of glory, because on the earth they walked with God, keeping themselves unspotted from the world, revealing to their fellow beings the righteousness of Christ.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 960.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 483, 484.
44 The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Wednesday and Revival LESSON 5 April 30 Part 4 What is the significance of the qualifications under which CHURCH the Lord announces Himself to the church of Philadelphia? OF THE AWAKENING “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth” (Rev. 3:7).
Once again Jesus presents Himself with the attributes of the
Divinity. He is "the Holy One" (Acts 3:14)—that is, He who was
preeminently set apart to accomplish the will of God. Because
He perfectly accomplished His mission, He possesses the key of
David and the power to open or to close the door of the kingdom
of which the throne of David was the type, the kingdom of the
children of God.
This verse has special historical significance for Seventh-day
Adventists. "I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place,
and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into
the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7, 8); and that
since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which
contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to
God's people."—Early Writings, p. 42.
What qualities embody the worth of the church of Philadel-
phia? Verse 8.
Christ addresses neither a reproach nor a warning to the
church of Philadelphia. The Lord simply points out the result of
an exceptional religious situation. All is possible for God when
His children do not depend on their own power (2 Cor. 1:9, 10),
when they keep His word, and when they are not ashamed of the
testimony of Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH “The true Witness has given us the assurance that He has set before us an open door, which no man can shut. Those who are seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power that can close the door of communication between God and their souls. The Christian himself may close this door by in- dulgence in sin, or by rejection of heaven’s light. He may turn away his ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way sever the connection between God and his soul…. Neither man nor Satan can close the door which Christ has opened for us.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 961.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 428-430, 435.
45
The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Thursday and Revival LESSON 5 May 1 Part 5 What triple promise is made to the church of Philadelphia as “THOU HAST the result of its exceptional spiritual experience? Rev. 3:8-10. KEPT THE WORD” 1. “Behold, I have set before thee an open door” (verse 8). This is a promise of unlimited opportunity for missionary en- deavor that no worldly power can hinder. (See Acts 14:27; 1 Cor. 16:8, 9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col 4:3.) In the history of the church the period represented by Philadelphia witnessed an unparalleled missionary movement. It also marked renewed interest in the study of the Bible and incomparable zeal in its distribution, aided by the creation of Bible societies. 2. “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan … to come and worship before thy feet” (verse 9). Whether this refers to those of Jewish lineage, to false Christians, or to pagans, the important fact is that the Saviour promised to make them receptive to the gospel, to put them in contact with genuine Christians, and to make Himself known to them. Facts confirm this prophecy. Between 1816 and 1843 there was a wave of conversions among Jews. Great religious revivals also shook Protestantism, giving birth to the advent movement, among others. And, finally, this era saw the birth of modern missions—special missionary endeavor for pagan peoples. 3. “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (verse 10). This is a direct reference to events to come upon the world at the end of time, particularly during the time of trouble to come upon the in- habitants of the world. (See Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21.) The first part of this declaration made by the faithful and true Witness has been fulfilled; it is an accomplished fact. The sec- ond is still being fulfilled, but the third is in the future.
What are the Philadelphia Christians invited to hold fast?
Verse 11.
As long as the struggle lasts, as long as the course is not
finished (2 Tim. 4:7, 8), the promised crown of life can be
snatched away (Rev. 2:10, 11). This is an invitation to persever-
ance (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39), all the more pertinent be-
cause the Lord announces His soon return: "Behold, I come
quickly."
THINK IT THROUGH How can I meet more fully the Saviour’s conditions for one who wishes to be an instrument of action in His hands?
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 587-589.
46 The Churches of the Reformation ❑ Friday and Revival LESSON 5 May 2 Part 6 What singular privilege is promised to the overcomer in the “A PILLAR IN Philadelphia church? What is the significance of this THE TEMPLE” metaphor?
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my
God, and he shall go no more out" (Rev. 3:12).
This promise harmonizes beautifully with the character and
work of the Philadelphia Christians. The victor, because of his
faithfulness in God's service, will become a pillar—symbol of
strength, stability, and victory (Gal. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:15; Rev.
10:1)—in the temple of God; that is, in the very presence of God
(Rev. 21:3) for all eternity.
What further honor will the Saviour accord him? What is the
meaning of these distinguishing marks? Verse 12.
The overcomer will carry three names that will be his glory. In
the Bible the name always implies the personality, character,
and ownership of the bearer.
1. "The name of my God": The promise here is that the
Creator's image will be fully restored in the overcomer: he will
again belong to God.
2. "The name of the city of my God": The victor will have a
right to live in the New Jerusalem; he will be a citizen there. The
New Jerusalem will be his city.
3."My [Christ's] new name": The character of the overcomer
will perfectly reflect that of Jesus; he will be like Him, because
he will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). Jesus will have a new name,
for He will have laid aside the form of a servant and appear in all
His glory.
The name of God in the forehead "signifies the yielding of the
mind to intelligent and loyal obedience to all of God's com-
mandments."—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 370.
THINK IT THROUGH How much do I reflect the character of Jesus?
"In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompanying angel said,
'Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus
as you should?' Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that
there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of
late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, 'Get
ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to
the world than ye have ever yet died.' . .
.. 'Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for
the day of the Lord cometh.... Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon
His altar—self, property, and all, a living sacrifice.' "—Early
Writings, pp. 64-67.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 444-447.
47
LESSON 6 May 4-10
la Mu ghougN off do lEg Dmyyg “To him that overcometh will I grant suffered a devastating earthquake; to sit with me in my throne, even as I but the Laodiceans refused the help also overcame, and am set down with offered them by Rome, claiming that my Father in his throne” (Rev. 3:21). they were in “need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17). The letter to the Christian church in At the time that Paul wrote to the Laodicea is of particular importance to Colossians, about A.D. 62, there was a the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Christian church in Laodicea. This is Christ’s last message to His Apparently Paul never visited Laodicea people and is especially addressed to (Col. 2:1). It seems that Epaphras of the church in the end of time. Colosse founded the church (Col. Whatever the meaning of the 1:7). Paul mentions sending a letter to name—”a justified people,” “the the Laodicean church at the time that judging of the people,’ or “the he wrote to Colosse (Col. 4:16). separation of peoples”—Laodicea is Laodicea was destroyed by the Turks always used in relation to the final in the thirteenth century. Today there work of Christ’s church during the last are only ruins to mark the site; but the phase of history. This is why the message that carries its name in the Laodicean era begins in the year 1844, Revelation is of utmost interest to us at the close of the 2300-year prophecy today. This is the reason we should (Dan. 8:14) and the beginning of the listen most attentively to what the investigative judgment. faithful and true Witness says in this The city of Laodicea was named in letter, more than to any other. honor of Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II, who founded the city in the third century B.C. It was situated some 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Philadelphia. The city became prosperous during the Roman era, toward the end of the first century B.C. A Laodicean specialty was the soft, silklike, black cloth manufactured from the wool produced by the black sheep raised in the area. Laodicea was also famous for its flourishing school of medicine and the manufacture of a renowned eye medicine. And, because of its large markets, the city DAILY HIGHLIGHTS carried on extensive banking 1. Message to Laodicea operations. All these details explain (Rev. 3:14) the allusions made by the faithful and 2. The Lukewarm Church true Witness. (Rev. 3:15) Two other details are also 3. I Have Need of Nothing significant. An aqueduct brought (Rev. 3:17) warm water from Hierapolis, some 6 4. The Lord’s Counsel kilometers away (3.7 miles) to furnish (Rev. 3:18) water for the lukewarm baths that 5. “Be Zealous . . . , and Repent” people found so pleasing. Then, in (Rev. 3:19) A.D. 60, some 35 years before the 6. Promise to the Overcomer Revelation was written, the city (Rev. 3:20) The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday May 4 Part 1 What titles does Jesus use to make Himself known to the MESSAGE TO Laodicean church? What are their significance? LAODICEA “Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev. 3:14). In this final message Jesus presents Himself as the personifi- cation of Amen (surely, indeed, truly), a title that the prophet Isaiah applies to God (Isa. 65:16, translated “truth”). As the faithful and true Witness He is the perfect expression of the thought, the will, and the character of God, and as the begin- ning or origin of God’s creation, He is the Creator. (See John 1:3; Col. 1:15, 16; Heb. 1:2.) Under these titles Jesus claims equality with God and emphasizes the seriousness of what He is about to say. This role is consistent with the judgment era. “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right… . “There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable and incompre- hensible.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 247, 248. “He was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent…. He is the eternal, self-existent Son.”—Evangelism, p. 615.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I more ready to listen to the testimony of the True Witness than I have been in the past? “I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people. “The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be purified.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 181.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 186, 187.
50 The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Monday May 5 Part 2 How did Jesus evaluate the works of the Laodicean church? THE LUKEWARM CHURCH “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot” (Rev. 3:15).
Unlike all of the previous churches, Laodicea received no
commendation.
"The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling
denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the
present time."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 252.
"They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral posi-
tion, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in
need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness. He
loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: 'I
would thou wert cold or hot.' "—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 87.
What seriously threatens those who are lukewarm? Verse
16.
Like lukewarm water, lukewarm spirituality produces nausea.
Of course, the threat of being rejected by the Saviour is not
unconditional; if it were, the counsels that follow would be
useless. It is a warning rather than a decision.
"Halfhearted Christians are worse than infidels; for their de-
ceptive words and noncommittal position lead many astray. The
infidel shows his colors. The lukewarm Christian deceives both
parties. He is neither a good worldling nor a good Christian.
Satan uses him to do a work that no one else can do."—Ellen G.
White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 963.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways does the Laodicean message apply to me? “The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to all who have had great light and many opportunities, and yet have not appreciated them.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 961. “The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess to believe present truth. . . . They profess to love the truth, yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet they are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the principles of their faith.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 87. “The Laodicean message applies to all who profess to keep the law of God, and yet are not doers of it…. “The message to the Laodicean church applies most de- cidedly to those whose religious experience is insipid, who do not bear decided witness in favor of the truth.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 962.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 83-87.
51
The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday May 6 Part 3 Of what do the Laodiceans boast? I HAVE NEED OF NOTHING “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).
This declaration explains the reason for the lukewarm condi-
tion of the Laodiceans. This can be understood in both the
literal and the spiritual sense. The Laodiceans were affluent, as
are a number of Christian societies today. At the same time, on
the spiritual plane, the treasures of God's Word have never been
more accessible.
It is always fatal to take pleasure in one's wealth, even in
spiritual riches. Not to recognize all these blessings as unmer-
ited favors from God leads to self-sufficiency, the taking of
credit to oneself. (See Luke 12:16-21..) The Spirit of God can act
only where there is poverty of spirit and a feeling of need. (See
Matt. 5:3; Luke 18:13, 14.)
"What greater deception can come upon human minds than a
confidence that they are right when they are all wrong! The
message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad
deception, yet honest in that deception. They know not that
their condition is deplorable in the sight of God."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 252, 253.
What is the true condition of the Laodiceans? Verse 17.
"What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness,
of those who feel rich and increased with goods?—It is the want
of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they
are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condi-
tion they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with
Christ's righteousness. Could deception be greater?"—Ellen G.
White, Review and Herald, August 7, 1894.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I see my spiritual condition as God sees it?
"In my last vision I was shown that even this decided message
of the True Witness had not accomplished the design of God.
-The people slumber on in their sins. They continue to declare
themselves rich and having need of nothing. Many inquire: Why
are all these reproofs given? Why do the Testimonies continu-
ally charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? We love
the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these tes-
timonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see
their hearts and compare their lives with the practical teachings
of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the
grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall
from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty
and wretchedness."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 254.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 252-254. 52
The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday May 7
Part 4 What counsel does the True Witness give to the Laodicean
THE LORD'S Christians?
COUNSEL
"I counsel thee to buy of me" (Rev. 3:18).
Instead of the transitory possessions of the Laodiceans,
Jesus offers the eternal riches that He alone can give. The fact
that the Lord counsels the Laodiceans to buy does not mean
that they are to make the purchase with money (Isa. 55:1), but
rather that they must negotiate an exchange of Laodicean pov-
erty for the riches of Christ. Although salvation is a free gift of
God, it costs man a great deal—all that he has. He must come to
the point that he esteems "the reproach of Christ greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt" (Heb. 11:26).
What is the significance of each one of the remedies the
Laodiceans are admonished to buy? The remedies counseled
by Jesus, like the many other symbols He used, are in the
language of the people He was addressing, here the commerce
that enriched the Laodiceans. Ellen White gives us this explana-
tion:
"The True Witness counsels us to buy of Him gold tried in the
fire, white raiment, and eyesalve. The gold here recommended
as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the
heart rich; for it has been purged until it is pure, and the more it
is tested the more brilliant is its luster. The white raiment is
purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the
sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be
bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience. The
eyesalve is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern
between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any
guise. God has given His church eyes which He requires them to
anoint with wisdom, that they may see clearly."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 88, 89.
THINK IT THROUGH Are we in a hopeless condition spiritually?
"The counsel of the true Witness does not represent those
who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to
remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of en-
couragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold
of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteous-
ness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not
appear. Purity of heart, purity of motive, may yet characterize
those who are halfhearted and who are striving to serve God
and mammon. They may yet wash their robes of character and
make them white in the blood of the Lamb."—Ellen G. White
Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 966.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 214-216.
53
The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday May 8 Part 5 What prompts God to reprove and chasten? “BE ZEALOUS . . . , AND “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Rev. 3:19). REPENT” Our Lord’s actions are always motivated by love, even when He has to administer punishment. “The Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is this an evidence that He has rejected them?—No. There are errors in the church, and the Lord points them out by His own ordained agencies, not always through the testimonies. Now shall we seize these reproofs and make capi- tal of them, and say that God is not imparting to them His light and love?—No. The work that God is trying to do for them shows that He loves them, and wants to draw them away from paths of danger.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 81, 82.
What should be the objective of reprimand or chastening?
Verse 19.
After the counsel, the fatherly warning, God expects positive
results. (See Rom. 2:4.)
The call here is in the imperative: "Be zealous therefore, and
repent." In the original the word translated as "zealous" is from
the same root as the word "hot," which the Laodicean church
had failed to be. "The Laod iceans are called upon to experience
the warmth and enthusiasm that comes with true repentance,
consecration, and devotion to Christ."—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, p. 763.
"Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from
it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until
we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the
life."—Steps to Christ, p. 23.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I need to make a personal application of this appeal? “I saw that this call to the Laodicean church will affect souls. A becoming zeal is called for by God on our part. We must repent, throw away our whole feelings, feel our destitution, buy gold that we may be rich, eyesalve that we may see, white raiment that we may be clothed.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 966. “Let us make an application of the words of Christ to our own individual cases. Are we poor, and blind, and wretched, and miserable? Then let us seek the gold and white raiment that He offers. The work of overcoming is not restricted to the age of the martyrs. The conflict is for us, in these days of subtle temptation to worldliness, to self-security, to indulgence of pride, covet- ousness, false doctrines, and immorality of life.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 966.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 141-143. 54
The Church of the Last Days LESSON 6 ❑ Friday May 9
Part 6 What urgent invitation is Jesus still extending? How should
PROMISE TO it be understood? THE OVERCOMER
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).
Here Jesus crowns His love for Laodicea. Indifferent to coun-
sel, to threat, and to command; perhaps His people will respond
to the personal, loving approach. As a humble traveler, going
from door to door, Jesus comes to offer His remedies to who-
ever is willing to open to Him. The promised supper symbolizes
personal communion with Christ, without which spiritual life is
impossible.
However, this spiritual interpretation does not exclude the
possibility of applying this verse to last-day events. The expres-
sion "I am standing at the door" (Jerusalem) also calls to mind
the end of time. (See Matt. 24:33; James 5:9.) Also a meal with
Jesus reminds one of the promised supper of the Lamb that the
elect will eat with Jesus in the kingdom of heaven. (See Matt.
26:29; Luke 22:30; Rev. 19:9).
What particular promise does Jesus make to the overcomer
in the last church? Verse 21.
This promise is in direct relation with the preceding one. It
gives a logical conclusion to the letter and to all seven epistles.
The cycle ends with a promise of victory for Christ and His
church. The Lord is anxious to share with the victorious of all
ages the royal home that He will occupy for all eternity with His
Father. It is the greatest honor offered to the overcomer. (See
Dan. 7:27; Matt. 25:31-34; Rev. 20:4.)
THINK IT THROUGH Although every church received a promise, and all are called to victory, there is, in reality, only one way to be victorious. Do you know what it is?
"The example of Christ shows us that our only hope of victory
is in continual resistance of Satan's attacks. He who triumphed
over the adversary of souls in the conflict of temptations under-
stands Satan's power over the race, and has conquered him in
our behalf. As an overcomer, He has given us the advantage of
His victory, that in our efforts to resist the temptations of Satan
we may unite our weakness to His strength, our worthlessness
to His merits. And sustained by His enduring might under the
strength of temptation, we may resist in His all-powerful name,
and overcome as He overcame."—Messages to Young People,
p. 50.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 324, 325.
55
LESSON 7 May 11-17
“ao Maw Vitad ram e LW “Besides this you know what hour it there must be a new awareness of the is, how it is full time now for you to hour in which we are living. This is not wake from sleep. For salvation is only important, but it is also nearer to us now than when we first prerequisite to stimulation of our zeal believed; the night is far gone, the day and our capacity to discern the signs of is at hand” (Rom. 13:11, 12, RSV). the times. Heralds of the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, awake! The advent movement was born “While we are not to know the hour following an awakening, a new of our Lord’s return, we may know awareness of the time in which man when it is near. ‘Therefore let us not was living. The study of prophecies in sleep, as do others; but let us watch Daniel and Revelation clearly showed and be sober.’ 1 Thess. 5:6.”—The that a time had been appointed as “the Desire of Ages, p. 235. time of the end,” and that during that time a special message would be proclaimed to the world by the remnant church. For 182 years now we have been living in the time of the end. It is 136 years since we first proclaimed God’s last message for man. It is not surprising that attention has relaxed, that interest in knowing the day and the hour is no longer so keen as during the days of the pioneers of our church. But it is sad to note that the spiritual life of the church has tragically DAILY HIGHLIGHTS suffered the consequences, because 1. Signs of the Times there is a direct relationship between (Matt. 16:3) hope in the soon return of Jesus and 2. In the Fullness of Time seriousness about making the (Mark 1:14, 15; Gal. 4:4) required preparation. “Every man that 3. The Time Appointed for hath this hope in him purifieth the End himself, even as he is pure” (1 John (Dan. 8:19; 11:27, 35) 3:3). 4. A Sealed Book We know that a revival will take (Dan. 12:4, 9) place before the preaching of the last 5. Knowledge Shall Increase message can be finished. We realize (Dan. 12:4, 10) too that there are many among us who 6. High Time to Awake long for this spiritual renewal. But (Rom. 13:11, 12) “You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday May 11 Part 1 What reproach did Jesus make to the religious leaders of SIGNS OF His day concerning their discernment of the time in which they THE TIMES were living?
"Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern
the signs of the times?" (Matt. 16:3).
From the evidence given us, when Jesus spoke of the "signs
of the times," He was referring to specific signs foretold by the
prophets to enable His people to discern Messianic time. There-
fore, these signs had chronological value and were given to
mark the arrival of events foretold.
Jesus gave public proof of His Messiahship, which the Gospel
writer reported thus: "The throng wondered, when they saw the
dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the
blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel" (Matt. 15:31,
RSV). Then, having witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the
5000, the people said to one another, "This is of a truth that
prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14), and they
wanted to proclaim Hirri King (verse 15).
What biblical proof do we have that the Jews knew that the
time of the Messiah had come? Luke 3:15, 16; 2:25, 26.
"The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's
coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory
of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly
kingdoms; and, said the prophet, 'It shall stand forever.' Dan.
2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there
was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should
establish his kingdom in Israel and who should come as deli-
verer to the nations."—The Desire of Ages, p. 34.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I have greater discernment of the signs of the time in which I live than did those who lived during Christ’s first advent?
"Faith in the soon coming of Christ is waning. 'My Lord
delayeth His coming' is not only said in the heart, but expressed
in words and most decidedly in works. Stupidity in this watching
time is sealing the senses of God's people as to the signs of the
times. The terrible iniquity which abounds calls for the greatest
diligence and for the living testimony, to keep sin out of the
church. Faith has been decreasing to a fearful degree, and it is
only by exercise that it can increase."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp.
255, 256.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 260-263.
58 “You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Monday May 12 Part 2 How does the New Testament confirm that Jesus came “in IN THE the fulness of the time”? FULLNESS OF TIME “Now … Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:14, 15). “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son” (Gal. 4:4). “As the message of Christ’s first advent announced the king- dom of His grace, so the message of His second advent an- nounces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is based on the prophecies.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 234.
Which of Daniel's prophecies permitted Israel to know the
time of the Messiah's advent? Dan. 9:24-27.
"The natural method of calculating these weeks is to consider
them consecutive, that is, the 62 weeks begin where the 7 weeks
end. These divisions are components of the 70 weeks men-
tioned in verse 24 thus: 7+62+1=70. . . .
"Beginning with the autumn of 457 B.C., when the decree
went into effect, 69 prophetic weeks, or 483 years, reach to the
baptism of Jesus in 27 A.D. . . .
" ... When these figures are applied to Christ, His ministry and
death, and the gospel to the Jews, perfect synchronism is
achieved."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, pp. 853, 854.
THINK IT THROUGH Have you been impressed by the exactness of timing in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy? William Miller was. “ ‘Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind,’ he says, ‘was the chronology of the Scrip- tures…. I found that predicted events, which had been fulfilled in the past, often occurred within a given time. The one hundred and twenty years to the flood (Genesis 6:3); the seven days that were to precede it, with forty days of predicted rain (Genesis 7:4); the four hundred years of the sojourn of Abraham’s seed (Genesis 15:13); the three days of the butler’s and baker’s dreams (Genesis 40:12-20); the seven years of Pharaoh’s [dream] (Genesis 41:28-54); the forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34); the three and a half years of famine (1 Kings 17:1); . . . the seventy years’ captivity (Jeremiah 25:11); Nebuchadnezzar’s seven times (Daniel 4:13-16); and the seven weeks, threescore and two weeks, and the one week, making seventy weeks, determined upon the Jews (Daniel 9:24-27),— the events limited by these times were all once only a matter of prophecy, and were fulfilled in accordance with predictions.’— Bliss [Memoirs of William Miller], pages 74, 75.”—Quoted in The Great Controversy, p. 323.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 231-235. 59 “You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday May 13 Part 3 What certainty do we have that there is a time appointed for THE TIME the end? APPOINTED FOR THE END “At the time appointed the end shall be” (Dan. 8:19). “The end shall be at the time appointed (Dan. 11:27). “The time of the end … is yet for a time appointed” (Dan. 11:35).
These verses should be considered along with Daniel 8:17;
11:40; 12:4, 9 where the expression "the time of the end" is also
used. These words are synonymous with the expression "the
last days." The time appointed for the end must be considered
in the frame of Daniel's prophecies, which establish the exact
beginning of the period in human history that the prophets and
the apostles call "the last days."
What prophecy in the book of Daniel allows us to determine
the exact year of the beginning of "the time of the end"? Dan.
7:25; 12:7.
This prophecy is mentioned seven times in the Bible: twice in
the book of Daniel, and five times in the Revelation (11 :2,3; 12:6,
14; 13:5), revealing how important it was to God that man know
and understand His plan. The time period is reported in three
different ways: in prophetic days, in prophetic months, and in
prophetic years. Twice the period is given as 1260 days, twice as
42 months, and three times as three years and a half; all of which
give exactly the same period of time-1260 literal years.
"The periods here mentioned . . . are the same, alike repre-
senting the time in which the church of Christ was to suffer
oppression from Rome. The 1260 years of papal supremacy
began in A.D. 538, and would therefore terminate in 1798.... At
that time a French army entered Rome and made the pope a
prisoner, and he died in exile."—TheGreatControversy, p.266.
THINK IT THROUGH Of what significance is it to me that we are living in the very end of time?
"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of
the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The
days in which we live are solemn and important."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 11.
"Thank God, all will not be rocked to sleep in the cradle of
carnal security. There will be faithful ones who will discern the
signs of the times. While a large number professing present
truth will deny their faith by their works, there will be some who
will endure unto the end."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 10.
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, pp. 833, 834.
60 “You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday May 14
Part 4 When Daniel desired to know the meaning of the prophecy
A SEALED of the last days, what did the angel tell him?
BOOK
"Thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even
to the time of the end."
"Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed
till the time of the end" (Dan. 12:4, 9).
"This instruction did not apply to the whole of the book of
Daniel, for a portion of the message has been understood and
thus been a blessing to believers for centuries. It applied, rather,
to that part of Daniel's prophecy that dealt with the last days. (AA
585; DA 234). Not until that time was reached could a message,
based on the fulfillment of these prophecies, be proclaimed."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 879.
"The words of the angel to Daniel relating to the last days
were to be understood in the time of the end."—The Desire of
Ages, p. 234.
"That part of his prophecy which related to the last days,
Daniel was bidden to close up and seal.... Not till we reach this
time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed,
based on a fulfillment of these prophecies."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 356.
What contrary order was given to John concerning his vi-
sions? Rev. 22:10.
"In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end.
Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a
prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is
not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel
relating to the last days."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585.
"The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and
carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth's history."—
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 115.
THINK IT THROUGH Since the opportunity is now mine, why do I not apply myself more diligently to the study of prophecies concerning the time of the end?
"The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truth
that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of
many so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making
the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John
has here declared what shall be in the last days; and He says,
'Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.' "
—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 116, 117.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 115-119.
61
“You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday May 15 Part 5 What marvelous promise was made to Daniel concerning KNOWLEDGE the sealed prophecies in his book? SHALL INCREASE “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in- creased.” “The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Dan. 12:4, 10).
"Knowledge shall be increased. This clause may be con-
sidered the logical sequel to the immediately preceding clause:
When the sealed book is opened at the time of the end, knowl-
edge concerning the truths contained in these prophecies will
be increased.... At the end of the 18th and the beginning of the
19th century a new interest in the prophecies of Daniel and the
Revelation was awakened in widely separated places of earth.
The study of these prophecies led to a widespread belief that the
second advent of Christ was near. Numerous expositors in
England, Joseph Wolff in the Middle East, Manuel Lacunza in
South America, and William Miller in the United States, together
with a host of other students of the prophecies, declared, on the
basis of their study of the prophecies of Daniel, that the second
advent was at hand ."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 879.
In what does true wisdom consist? Job 28:28; Dan. 12:3.
The wise man with intelligence and understanding is happy,
not only to fear God and isolate himself from evil; he also
desires to teach others, to share what he has been privileged to
receive. "Whosoever shall do and teach them [these least com-
mandments], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of
heaven" (Matt. 5:19).
THINK IT THROUGH How can I have that intelligence which, according to the Bible, is powerful enough to overcome evil?
Imitate the apostle Paul, who, we are told, after Jesus, was
"the most illustrious teacher that this world has known."—
Education, p. 51.
"While he possessed high intellectual endowments, the life of
Paul revealed the power of a rarer wisdom. Principles of deep-
est import, principles concerning which the greatest minds of
this time were ignorant, are unfolded in his teachings and
exemplified in his life. He had that greatest of all wisdom, which
gives quickness of insight and sympathy of heart, which brings
man in touch with men, and enables him to arouse their better
nature and inspire them to a higher life."—Education, p. 66.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 547, 548.
62 “You Know What Hour It Is” LESSON 7 ❑ Friday May 16
Part 6 What should be the logical consequence of being aware of
HIGH TIME the day and the hour in which we are living?
TO AWAKE
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to
awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when
we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand" (Rom.
13:11, 12).
This is the reasoning logically followed by all who have
preached the coming of God's kingdom. Matthew summarizes
the message of John the Baptist in these words: "Repent ye: for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2), Jesus preached
the same message (Mark 1:15), and the risen Christ urges the
Laodicean community to repent.
How did Jesus describe the condition of the believers while
they await His return? Matt. 25:5, 6.
"All who wait for the heavenly Bridegroom are represented in
the parable as slumbering because their Lord delayed His com-
ing; but the wise roused themselves at the message of His
approach, and responded to the message, and their spiritual
discernment was not all gone, and they sprang into line."—
Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p.
1099.
According to the apostle Paul, what should a person do
because "the day is at hand"? Rom. 13:12-14.
"A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most
urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work."
—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 121.
But what is revival? "Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrec-
tion from spiritual death."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 128.
Revival should lead to reformation; that is, "reorganization, a
change in ideas and theories, habits and practices."—Selected
Messages, bk. 1, p. 128.
THINK IT THROUGH What should I do to help bring a revival in the church?
"Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly
sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to
come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping
to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.
"There are persons in the church who are not converted, and
who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter
upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less."
—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 122.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 121-128. 63 LESSON 8 May 18-24
M. "Ato COQ off 0 0 0 AinEEntogg Og c="ao"
“I saw another angel fly in the midst days, for only then would it be true of heaven, having the everlasting that the hour of judgment had come. gospel to preach unto them that dwell The prophecies present a succession on the earth, and to every nation, and of events leading down to the opening kindred, and tongue, and people … , of the judgment. This is especially true for the hour of his judgment is come” of the book of Daniel. But that part of (Rev. 14:6, 7). his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up If there is a time appointed for the and seal ‘to the time of the end.’ Not end—and there is—we also know, till we reach this time could a message according to the Bible, that God “hath concerning the judgment be appointed a day, in the which he will proclaimed, based on a fulfillment of judge the world in righteousness” these prophecies.”—The Great (Acts 17:31). Moreover, the message Controversy, pp. 355, 356. in Revelation 14 teaches that “the hour of his judgment is come.” This is why God sends His angel to “preach unto them that dwell on the earth” and to beseech them to prepare to meet their God. “Since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near.”—The Great Controversy, p. 356. However, it was not until 1844 that the pioneers truly understood the meaning of the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 concerning the cleansing of the sanctuary and its relation to the judgment, whose beginning had been foretold for that year. Divine providence had synchronized perfectly the understanding of the 2300-day prophecy, the beginning of the advent movement, the opening of the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS investigative judgment in the heavenly 1. A Universal Judgment sanctuary, and the proclamation of the (2 Cor. 5:10) everlasting gospel on the earth. 2. The 2300 Days “The message itself sheds light as to (Dan. 7:9, 10, 25, 26) the time when this movement is to 3. The Cleansing of the Sanctuary take place. It is declared to be a part of (Dan. 8:14) the ‘everlasting gospel;’ and it 4. The Investigative Judgment announces the opening of the (1 Peter 4:17) judgment. The message of salvation 5. A Worldwide Witness has been preached in all ages; but this (Matt. 24:14) message is a part of the gospel which 6. The Millennium could be proclaimed only in the last (Rev. 20:4-6; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3) (A’ The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday May 18 Part 1 How does the Bible confirm the certainty of a universal A UNIVERSAL judgment? JUDGMENT “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). (Compare Eccl. 3:17; 12:14.) The entire Bible positively affirms the fact that at the end of human history every man will have to pass before the judgment bar of God. No one will be able to escape; every man’s works will be judged. God will “render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:6).
What other facts does Paul give concerning the judgment?
Acts 17:30, 31; 24:25.
The proclamation of a "judgment to come" was the basis of
apostolic preaching. How much more should it be the subject of
today's preaching, now that "the hour of ... judgment is come"!
"This judgment does not take place at death. Mark the words
of Paul: 'He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the
world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.'
Acts 17:31. . . . Here the apostle plainly stated that a specified
time, then future, had been fixed upon for the judgment of the
world. . . .
"But if the dead are already enjoying the bliss of heaven or
writhing in the flames of hell, what need of a future judgment?"
—The Great Controversy, pp. 548, 549.
THINK IT THROUGH What should be the result of my belief that I must give account one day of my actions, words, and thoughts? “In the judgment the use made of every talent will be scrutinized. How have we employed the capital lent us of Heaven? Will the Lord at His coming receive His own with usury? Have we improved the powers entrusted us, in hand and heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of the world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our money, our influence? What have we done for Christ, in the person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God has made us the depositaries of His holy word; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make men wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. Whatever is done from love, however small it may appear in the estimation of men, is accepted and rewarded of God.”—The Great Controversy, p. 487.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 384-387.
66 “The Hour of . . Judgmenr Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Monday May 19 Part 2 What description does Daniel give of the judgment? THE 2300 DAYS Chronologically, what event does it follow? Dan. 7:9,10, 25, 26.
These verses give the chronological order of two events of
utmost importance: first, the judgment takes place at the time
that a prolongation of life is accorded to the earthly powers for
"a season and a time" (verse 12) and "one like the Son of man"
appears before "the ancient of days" (verse 13); second, this
judgment follows the fulfillment of the prophecy of the 1260
years of papal supremacy which ended in 1798 (verse 25).
''It is He [God the Father], the source of all being, and the
fountain of all law, that is to preside in the judgment. And holy
angels as ministers and witnesses, in number 'ten thousand
times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,' attend this
great tribunal."—Th9 Great Controversy, p. 479.
What other prophecy should we study diligently, because of
its close relation to the "time of the end"? Dan. 8:14, 17.
Paul clearly stated that God "hath appointed a day, in the
which he will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31).
God appointed that day, and it was He who revealed the precise
date of the 2300-day prophecy, a prophetic period spanning
2300 years, whose starting point was the same as that of the
70-week prophecy which fixed the date of the Messiah's first
advent. The starting point for both was 457 B.C., when Ar-
taxerxes authorized the rebuilding and restoration of
Jerusalem.
"Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony
in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of
that period in Daniel 9:25-27. . . . The seventy weeks, or 490
years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of
this period the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the perse-
cution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles,
A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810
years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844.
'Then,' said the angel, 'shall the sanctuary be cleansed.' All the
preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unques-
tionably fulfilled at the time appointed."—The Great Controversy,
p. 410.
THINK IT THROUGH How much importance do I give the year 1844? As much as prophecy gives it? “Such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days . . . , are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future.”—Early Writings, p. 63.
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, pp. 850, 851.
67
“The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday May 20 Part 3 What event was to mark the end of the 2300 years? Of what THE CLEANSING sanctuary is the prophet speaking? OF THE SANCTUARY “He said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Dan. 8:14). (See also Heb. 8:1, 2; 9:11, 24.)
"The term 'sanctuary,' as used in the Bible, refers, first, to the
tabernacle built by Moses, as a pattern of heavenly things; and,
secondly, to the 'true tabernacle' in heaven, to which the earthly
sanctuary pointed. At the death of Christ the typical service
ended. The 'true tabernacle' in heaven is the sanctuary of the
new covenant. And as the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is fulfilled in
this dispensation, the sanctuary to which it refers must be the
sanctuary of the new covenant. At the termination of the 2300
days, in 1844, there had been no sanctuary on earth for many
centuries. Thus the prophecy [of the 2300 days] unquestionably
points to the sanctuary in heaven."—The Great Controversy,
p. 417.
What does the cleansing of the sanctuary mean?
"Christ's daily ministration as our high priest was typified in
the daily services. The annual Day of Atonement typified a work
that Christ would undertake at the close of the age. For a
detailed discussion of these two phases of service see . . . GC
418-423. The prophecy of Dan. 8:14 announces the time for the
beginning of this special work. The cleansing of the heavenly
sanctuary comprehends the entire work of final judgment, be-
ginning with the investigative phase and ending with the execu-
tive phase, which results in the permanent eradication of sin from
the universe."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, pp. 844, 845.
"The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of
investigation—a work of judgment. This work must be per-
formed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem His people; for
when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every man
according to his works. Revelation 22:12."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 422.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my condition in this fearful and solemn time?
"Shall we not search the Scriptures, that we may know where
we are in this world's history? Shall we not become intelligent in
regard to the work that is being accomplished for us at this time,
and the position that we as sinners should occupy while this
work of atonement is going forward? If we have any regard for
our souls' salvation, we must make a decided change. We must
seek the Lord with true penitence; we must with deep contrition
of soul confess our sins, that they may be blotted out."—
Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 125.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 417-422.
68 “The Hour of . . Judgment Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday May 21 Part 4 With whom does the investivative judgment begin? THE INVESTIGATIVE “The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of JUDGMENT God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God” (1 Peter 4:17).
"In the typical service only those who had come before God
with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the
blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had
a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day
of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases
considered are those of the professed people of God. The
judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and
takes place at a later period. 'Judgment must begin at the house
of God.' "—The Great Controversy, p. 480.
"Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our
Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation,
and closes with the living."—The Great Controversy, p. 483.
Why does the investigative judgment take place before the
return of Jesus? (See Matt. 25:31-33; 13:47-50.)
A previous judgment must take place in order that a separa-
tion can be made between the just and the wicked at the return
of Jesus. In effect, "when the work of the investigative judgment
closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death.
Probation is ended for a short time before the appearing of the
Lord in the clouds of heaven."—The Great Controversy, p. 490.
"It is for the benefit of all created beings that the facts with
respect to each person's fate should be known, as an assurance
to all that justice has been done and as a guarantee of the
eternal stability of the divine government."—S.D.A. Ency-
clopedia, art. "Investigative Judgment."
THINK IT THROUGH If my case were to be examined today, would I be justified by my faith in Jesus Christ?
"Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of
the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein.
The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many
years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how
soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful pres-
ence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time
above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour's
admonition: 'Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.'
Mark 13:33. 'If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on
thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come
upon thee.' Revelation 3:3."—The Great Controversy, p. 490.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 479-491.
69
“The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday May 22 Part 5 A WORLDWIDE What is God’s plan for the world just before the end of time? WITNESS “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).
Because God "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto
the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4), He has periodically sent
special messengers into the world. What He did in times past—
for the antediluvians, for Sodom and Gomorrah, for Nineveh,
and for Jerusalem—God also wishes to do for the world just
prior to the end of its history.
The progress of the spread of the gospel throughout the
world, from the beginning of the nineteenth century until our
day, constitutes a sign of the times of great significance. The
good news has been preached in most of the world. And, as for
the written testimony, no other book has known such wide-
spread distribution throughout the world, nor has any other
been translated into so many languages as the Bible. Only a few
people in the world today do not have access to at least some
part of Scripture in their own tongue.
At the time of the investigative judgment, what special mes-
sage was to be given to the world? Rev. 14:6.
"The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His
judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent
His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the
period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly
proclaimed."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.
"In the prophecy [referring to the first angel of Revelation 14]
this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is
followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of
heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement
of Christ's second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is
called the everlasting gospel."—Christ's Object Lessons, p.
227.
THINK IT THROUGH Since God has greatly favored me by giving me the everlast- ing gospel, what is my responsibility in its proclamation?
"The work of preaching the gospel has not been connected to
angels, but has been entrusted to men. Holy angels have been
employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great
movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclama-
tion of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon
the earth."—The Great Controversy, p. 312.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 355, 356; Counsels to Teachers, p. 324.
70 “The Hour of . . . Judgment Is Come” LESSON 8 ❑ Friday May 23 Part 6 Which phase of the judgment will take place during the THE MILLENNIUM millennium? Who will take part in it?
"I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them: ... and they lived and reigned with Christ a
thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until
the thousand years were finished.... Blessed and holy is he
that hath part in the first resurrection: ... they shall be priests
of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years" (Rev. 20:4-6).
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? ...
Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" (1 Cor. 6:2, 3).
"SDA's understand that the great final judgment involves
three steps: (1) an investigative judgment, by which those eligi-
ble to eternal life are separated from those who are not eligible
in a pre-Advent investigation; (2) an examination of the indi-
vidual cases of the wicked by the righteous, during the millen-
nium, to assure the latter that justice is being done in each case
and to determine the sentence to be meted out in each case;
and (3) the executive judgment, which takes place at the close
. of the millennium, when sentence is executed in the fires of
hell."—S.D.A. Encyclopedia, art. "Judgment."
The judgment in which the saints take part involves two sets
of records: first, the cases of men who loved the world more
than God; and, second, those of "angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation" (Jude 6).
What is the last phase of God's judgment? Rev. 20:11-15.
After everyone's case has been decided—first, those of the
household of God (investigative judgment); then, those of the
world and of fallen angels (during the millennium)—comes the
solemn moment of the judgment proclamation.
"In the presence of the assembled inhabitants of earth and
heaven the final coronation of the Son of God takes place. And
now, invested with supreme majesty and power, the King of
kings pronounces sentence upon the rebels against His govern-
ment and executes justice upon those who have transgressed
His law and oppressed His people."—The Great Controversy,
p. 666.
"The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on
the charge of high treason against the government of heaven.
They have none to plead their cause; they are without excuse;
and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced against
them."—The Great Controversy, p. 668.
What promise is addressed to those who inherit eternal life?
Rev. 20:6.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 666-673. 71 LESSON 9 May 25-31
E Eagginp UCT ITEM “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, conduct this search, and spiritual and give glory to him; for the hour of activity is demanded of all who believe his judgment is come: and worship present truth, that they may join the him that made heaven, and earth, and angels in their work. . . . the sea, and the fountains of waters” “The fourteenth chapter of (Rev. 14:7). Revelation is a chapter of the deepest interest. This scripture will soon be The advent movement was understood in all its bearings, and the providentially called into being to bear messages given to John the revelator testimony to the truth at the end of will be repeated with distinct time, during the hour of God’s utterance.”—Ellen G. White judgment in the heavenly court. The Comments, S.D.A. Bible Lord entrusted to the Seventh-day Commentary, vol. 7, p. 978. Adventist Church the proclamation of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 to the world. That is the reason for the existence of this church, why it should be different from other Christian bodies. To what extent is the everlasting gospel the message for our time? Besides being an offer of grace and salvation, it is a call to fear God, to give glory to Him, and to worship Him as He should be worshiped—in spirit and in truth. Before it is too late, God extends a last invitation to mankind. He pleads, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may DAILY HIGHLIGHTS prove what is that good, and 1. The Everlasting Gospel acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rev. 14:6) (Rom. 12:2). 2. Fear God “The Lord has a people on the earth, (Rev. 14:7) who follow the Lamb withersoever He 3. Give Him Glory goeth. He has His thousands who have (Rev. 14:7) not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will 4. Worship the Creator stand with Him on Mount Zion. But (Rev. 14:7) they must stand on this earth, girded 5. Worship—False and True with the whole armor, ready to engage (Rom. 1:21, 25) in the work of saving those who are 6. The Sign of True Worship ready to perish. Heavenly angels (1 Sam. 15:22) A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday May 25 Part 1 Under what symbol is the bearer of the first angel’s mes- THE sage presented to us? EVERLASTING GOSPEL “I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel” (Rev. 14:6). “This is a symbolic vision. The angel represents God’s saints engaged in the task of proclaiming the everlasting gospel, especially the features mentioned in this verse, at a time when the ‘judgment is come’ (v. 7). It is, of course, also true that literal angels assist men in the task of proclaiming the gospel, but this is not the predominant idea here. . . . … The area of flight indicates the worldwide nature of the angel’s work and message. The work grows and develops until it is brought to the sight and hearing of all mankind. “ . .. Only here is the word ‘everlasting’ used in connection with the gospel of the grace of God. There is but one gospel to save men. It will continue as long as there are men to be saved. There never will be another gospel.”—S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary, vol. 7, p. 827.
For what purpose is the everlasting gospel given, and how
should it be proclaimed? Rev. 14:6, 7.
Literally, this means "an everlasting gospel to evangelize."
The gospel of salvation has been given to man through
evangelization. Just as there is no other gospel by which man
can be saved, so there is only one means provided by God for
the proclamation of the gospel on earth.
"The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning
is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the
heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to repre-
sent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by
the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And
the angel's flight 'in the midst of heaven,' the 'loud voice' with
which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all 'that
dwell on the earth,'—'to every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
and people,'—give evidence of the rapidity and worldwide ex-
tent of the movement."—The Great Controversy, p. 355.
THINK IT THROUGH In what way am Ito be a bearer of the everlasting gospel? “The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 330.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 114-116; My Life Today, p. 305.
74 A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Monday May 26 Part 2 What is the first requirement for the believer who wishes to FEAR GOD respond to God’s call?
"Fear God" (Rev. 14:7).
The first angel's message of Revelation 14 contains three
commands. The first expresses the basic condition for recon-
ciliation with God: Fear God. This call is particularly appropriate
in our day—the time of the end, the judgment hour—because
most men no longer fear God, nor do they even care to know
Him. (See Rom. 1:28.) "Who knowing the judgment of God, that
they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do
the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Rom. 1:32).
The word "fear" "is used here not in the sense of being afraid
of God, but in the sense of coming to Him with reverence and
awe. It conveys the thought of absolute loyalty to God, of full
surrender to His will. . . .
"The message to fear God is especially timely in the period
represented by the preaching of this angel, for men are worship-
ing gods of materialism and pleasure and many others of their
own devising."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 827.
Give several examples that justify giving a positive mean-
ing to the expression "fear of God." Ps. 111:10; 25:14; Acts
10:2; Rev. 11:18.
The word "fear" in the Bible is used with varied meanings,
from that of fright to reverence and love for God. Thus the
judgment, an event that will make sinners tremble with fear, will
also be a time when God will reward them that fear His name.
Fear can also express unbelief. And while it is true that "perfect
love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18), it is also written that we
should perfect "holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1). And
finally, the Scripture reports, "the churches ... walking in the
fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were
multiplied" (Acts 9:31).
THINK IT THROUGH In a world that no longer fears God, how do I regard God in the privacy of my soul?
"Christ's followers today should guard against the tendency
to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures
teach men how they should approach their Maker—with humil-
ity and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator.. ..
"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite
greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of
the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed."—
Prophets and Kings, p. 48.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 423, 424.
75
A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday May 27 Part 3 What second command Is contained in the first angel’s GIVE HIM message? GLORY “Give glory to him” (Rev. 14:7).
It is man's duty to recognize and extol the glory of God. Man
was created to be in "the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7).
Likewise, God purchased a people "unto the praise of his glory"
(Eph. 1:14). And when the Lord enters into His kingdom, the
redeemed will exclaim to one another, "Let us be glad and
rejoice, and give honour to him" (Rev. 19:6, 7). "Give glory to
him" should be the lifelong objective of God's creatures. It was
that of Jesus (John 7:18), and at the end of His earthly ministry
He was able to say, "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have
finished the work which thou gayest me to do" (John 17:4).
Following the example of Jesus, how can we glorify God on
earth? Matt. 5:16; John 15:8; 1 Peter 2:12.
"The good works of the children of God are the most effectual
preaching that the unbeliever has."—Testimonies,vol. 1, p. 193.
"In the night of spiritual darkness God's glory is to shine
through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comfort-
ing those that mourn."—Prophets and Kings, p. 718.
"As Sabbathkeeping Adventists we profess to obey all God's
commandments and to be looking for the coming of our Re-
deemer. A most solemn message of warning has been entrusted
to God's faithful few. We should show by our words and works
that we recognize the great responsibility laid upon us. Our light
should shine so clearly that others can see that we glorify the
Father in our daily lives; that we are connected with heaven and
are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, that when He shall appear in
power and great glory, we shall be like Him."—Testimonies, vol.
4, p. 16.
THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do my life, my words, my actions give glory to God?
"Christ declares: 'Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear
much fruit.' John 15:8. God has endowed us with faculties and
has entrusted us with talents in order that we may use them for
Him. To every man is given his work—not merely work in his
fields of corn and wheat, but earnest, persevering work for the
salvation of souls. Every stone in God's temple must be a living
stone, a stone that shines, reflecting light to the world."—
Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 246.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 58-60.
76 A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday May 28
Part 4 What is the purpose of the first angel's call?
WORSHIP THE CREATOR "Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and the fountains of waters" (Rev. 14:7).
"The worship of God is in contrast with the worship of the
beast (ch. 13:8, 12) and that of its image (v. 15). In the crisis soon
to come, the inhabitants of the earth will be called upon to make
their choice, as did the three Hebrew worthies in days of old,
between the worship of the true God and that of false gods (Dan.
3). The message of the first angel is designed to prepare men to
make the proper choice and to stand firm in the time of crisis.
. . . The appeal to worship God as Creator has become
especially timely in the years following the initial preaching of
the first angel's message, because of the rapid spread of the
theory of evolution. Furthermore, the call to worship the God of
heaven as Creator of all things implies that due heed be given to
the sign of God's creative works—the Sabbath of the Lord.... If
the Sabbath had been kept as God intended, it would have
served as a great safeguard against infidelity and evolution (see
Acts 14:15; PP 336). The Sabbath will be a point especially
controverted in the closing crisis."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 828.
To which temptation is today's world particularly sub-
jected? How did Jesus meet it? Matt. 4:8-10.
"With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here
he has better success than with Christ. To men he offers the
kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge
his supremacy. He requires that they sacrifice integrity, disre-
gard conscience, indulge selfishness.... Satan walks by their
side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in
order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold
your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures,
honor, and happiness."—The Desire of Ages, p. 130.
THINK IT THROUGH If I looked upon the world as it really is, would not the temptation to worship false gods be less enticing?
"Before His [Christ's] sight the tempter held the kingdoms of
the world. As Satan saw them, they possessed great external
grandeur. But Christ saw them in a different aspect, just as they
were—earthly dominions under the power of a tyrant. He saw
humanity full of woe, suffering under the oppressive power of
Satan. He saw the earth defiled by hatred, revenge, malice, lust,
and murder. He saw fiends in the possession of the bodies and
souls of men."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 5, p. 1083.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 436-438. 77 A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday May 29 Part 5 What has been the attitude of sinners toward the Creator? WORSHIP— FALSE AND “When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither TRUE were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever” (Rom. 1:21, 25). (Compare Rom. 1:18-25; 2 Peter 3:5.)
"A terrible picture of the condition of the world has been
presented before me. Immorality abounds everywhere. Licen-
tiousness is the special sin of this age. Never did vice lift its
deformed head with such boldness as now.
"I was referred to Romans 1:18-32, as a true description of the
world previous to the second appearing of Christ."—Child
Guidance, p. 440.
What instructions did our Lord give concerning the proper
way to worship God? John 4:21-24.
"Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men
brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be
confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that
comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In
order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit.
This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new
capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing
obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.... For
such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to
make them His sons and daughters."—The Desire of Ages, p.
189.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do you worship God? What feelings do you experience in your worship?
"It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in
His work. God would not have His children, for whom so great
salvation has been provided, act as if He were a hard, exacting
taskmaster. He is their best friend; and when they worship Him,
He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling
their hearts with joy and love. . . . He desires that those who
come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious
thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the
employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal
honestly and faithfully in all things."—Steps to Christ, p. 103.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 295.
78 A Message for Our Time LESSON 9 ❑ Friday May 30
Part 6 From a practical viewpoint, what constitutes worship?
THE SIGN OF TRUE WORSHIP "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22). (Compare verse 23; Matt.
7:21-23.)
"The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is
represented to be by many. 'Believe, believe,' is their cry; 'only
believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.'
While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to
perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by
works. And the apostle John declares, 'He that saith, I know him,
and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar.' "—Ellen G. White
Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1073.
By what sign can we know that one truly worships "him that
made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters"? (See Ex. 31:16, 17; 20:8-11; Eze. 20:12, 20.)
" 'The importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of creation
is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due
to God'—because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures.
'The Sabbath therefore lies at the very foundation of divine
worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive
manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of
divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all
worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His
creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must
never be forgotten.'—J. N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath,
chapter 27."—The Great Controversy, pp. 437, 438.
THINK IT THROUGH “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
This is the question asked by the rich young ruler. The Mas-
ter's response left no doubt: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments" (Matt. 19:17). "Obedience is the test of disci-
pleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the
sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we ac-
cept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement,
bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.
When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy,
are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our
hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our
faith is of the right order. 'Hereby we do know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.' 1 John 2:3."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing, pp. 146, 147.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 307-310.
79
LESSON 10 June 1-7
-
Come Out of abylon, My People “There followed another angel, back to His fold. To help them find saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that Him He will make the light of the great city, because she made all everlasting gospel to shine brighter nations drink of the wine of the wrath than ever before; that they may hear of her fornication” (Rev. 14:8). His call, He will send His angel to cry “mightily with a strong voice, . . . The message of the second angel of Come our of her, my people” (Rev. Revelation 14 reveals a new aspect of 18:2-4). the everlasting gospel. At first it may appear to be a simple condemnation of the religious world in the time of the end. However, when considered in connection with the message of Revelation 18—a repetition of the second angel’s message to be proclaimed just before the end of probation—it unfolds as the ultimate call of divine mercy. Once again God clearly shows that He does not wish the death of the sinner, but rather that “the wicked turn from his way and live” (Eze. 33:11). Or, as the apostle Paul expressed it, “God, our Saviour … will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4). To achieve this objective it was essential for God to lay His finger on DAILY HIGHLIGHTS the sore and uncover the evil. In the 1. The Message of the Second second message God reveals the Angel actual condition of the religious world (Rev. 14:8) in these last days. Iniquity has so 2. Babylon the Great increased that the love of many has (Rev. 14:8) grown cold. The canker is general; the 3. Babylon Identified evil is beyond remedy. Only “he that (Rev. 17:18) shall endure unto the end, the same 4. Babylon’s Sin shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13). (Rev. 14:8) In truth, although Babylon is 5. The Earth Lighted With condemned, there are men and His Glory women in Babylon whom God (Rev. 18:1) considers as belonging to Him. He 6. The Last Call wishes to lead His scattered sheep (Rev. 18:4) Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday June 1 Part 1 At what moment does the second angel appear on the THE MESSAGE scene? OF THE SECOND ANGEL “There followed another angel” (Rev. 14:8).
The Greek word used here, akoloutheO, may be translated either as "to follow" or "to accompany." "It seems to have both meanings in this text. In point of time the second angel follows the first, but it is also true that the first angel continues his ministry when the second angel joins him. In this sense the second angel's message accompanies that of the first."— S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 828. What historical explanation is given us concerning the preaching of the second angel's message? "The second angel's message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judg- ment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the , advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that 'Babylon is fallen, ... because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' "The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work 'with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;' and they that 'received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,' will be left to receive 'strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.' 2 Thes- salonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully ac- complished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future."—The Great Con- troversy, pp. 389, 390.
THINK IT THROUGH What should I do to guard against the seductions of the evil one, so cleverly disguised under the cloak of religion?
"Only those who have been diligent students of the Scrip-
tures and who have received the love of the truth will be
shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world cap-
tive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his
disguise. To all the testing time will come. By the sifting of
temptation the genuine Christian will be revealed."—The Great
Controversy, p. 625.
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pp. 237-240. 82
Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Monday June 2 Part 2 What solemn declaration is made by the second angel? BABYLON THE GREAT “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city” (Rev. 14:8).
The city of Babylon was originally founded by Nimrod (Gen.
10:10; 11:1-9) and reached the zenith of its glory under the reign
of Nebuchadnezzar during the time of Daniel. At the time that
John was writing the Revelation the city lay in ruins; therefore,
this text cannot apply to the historical city.
In Revelation the name "Babylon" is used figuratively. It is
first mentioned in the message of the second angel. It is interest-
ing to note that Babylon is mentioned six times in the Revelation
(chap. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21) and that six is the symbolic
number of the city, and the number used in worship in ancient
Babylon.
"During the early Christian centuries the cryptic designation
Babylon for the city and empire of Rome appears commonly in
both Jewish and Christian literature. . . .
"Babylon, both literal and mystical, has thus long been rec-
ognized as the traditional enemy of God's truth and people. As
used in the Revelation the name is symbolic of all apostate
religious organizations and their leadership, from antiquity
down to the close of time."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.
830.
What adjective qualifies the name "Babylon" whenever it is
mentioned in the Revelation? What meaning must one at-
tribute to it? Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21.
The adjective "great" fits perfectly what Babylon represents,
the example par excellence of a powerful city ruling the world
and hostile to God. Her grandeur was built on negative values;
great was her sin. (See Rev. 18:5.)
In both the Old and the New Testaments, Babylon is consis-
tently in opposition to Jerusalem. While the former is symbolic
of self-glory and false worship, the latter symbolizes the glory of
God and divine worship. The first means "confusion"; the sec-
ond "peace." In Revelation mystical Babylon is called "the
great whore" (Rev. 17:1), whereas Jerusalem is described as "a
bride adorned for her husband" (chap. 21:2).
THINK IT THROUGH To what degree have I made my choice between the two symbolic cities, Babylon and Jerusalem?
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; ... For
he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and
maker is God" (Heb. 11:8-10).
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 866-869.
83
Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday June 3 Part 3 What other biblical symbol enables us to identify mystical BABYLON Babylon as Christian Rome? IDENTIFIED “The woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Rev. 17:18). Compare verses 1-6, 15.) “In Revelation 17 Babylon is represented as a woman—a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. . . . . .. The power that for so many centuries maintained des- potic sway over the monarchs of Christendom is Rome. The purple and scarlet color, the gold and precious stones and pearls, vividly picture the magnificence and more than kingly pomp affected by the haughty see of Rome. And no other power could be so truly declared ‘drunken with the blood of the saints’ as that church which has so cruelly persecuted the followers of Christ. Babylon is also charged with the sin of unlawful connec- tion with ‘the kings of the earth.’ It was by departure from the Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that the Jewish church became a harlot; and Rome, corrupting herself in like manner by seeking the support of worldly powers, receives a like con- demnation. “Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doc- trines 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. 381-383. To what precisely does the second angel’s message announc- ing the fall of Babylon apply? “The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this mes- sage follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many cen- turies. . . . “Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome’s example of iniquitous connection with ‘the kings of the earth’—the state churches, by their relation to secular govern- ments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term ‘Babylon’—confusion—may be appro- priately applied to these bodies, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects.”—The Great Controversy, p. 383.
THINK IT THROUGH What assurance do I have that the Seventh-day Adventist Church will not end as other churches have? (See Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 380, 397.) FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 384-388. 84 Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday June 4 Part 4 Of what is Babylon accused? BABYLON’S SIN “She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Rev. 14:8). “This cup of intoxication which she presents to the world represents the false doctrines that she has accepted as the result of her unlawful connection with the great ones of the earth. Friendship with the world corrupts her faith, and in her turn she exerts a corrupting influence upon the world by teach- ing dottrines which are opposed to the plainest statements of Holy Writ.”—The Great Controversy, p. 388. “This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ. prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 61, 62.
What figures are used of Babylon when she came to the end
of her moral degradation? Rev. 18:2, 3.
"A terrible condition of the religious world is here described.
With every rejection of truth the minds of the people will be-
come darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are en-
trenched in an infidel hardihood. . . . As the teachings of
spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint im-
posed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of
religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A
belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing
spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil
angels will be felt in the churches."—The Great Controversy,
pp. 603, 604.
"The sins of the popular churches are whitewashed over.
Many of the members indulge in the grossest vices and are
steeped in iniquity. Babylon is fallen and has become the cage
of every foul and hateful bird! The most revolting sins of the age
find shelter beneath the cloak of Christianity."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 13.
THINK IT THROUGH To what degree have I avoided worldly influences? “Our position in the world is not what it should be. We are far from where we should have been had our Christian experience been in harmony with the light and the opportunities given us. … But many of those who have had special light are so con- formed to the world that they can scarcely be distinguished from worldlings.”—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 247.
FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 67, 68.
85
Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday June 5 Part 5 What does God purpose to do before the final destruction of THE EARTH Babylon? LIGHTED WITH HIS GLORY “After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Rev. 18:1).
"Power. Gr. exousia, 'authority.' . . . This angel comes forth
from the throne room of the universe, commissioned to pro-
claim God's last message of mercy and to warn the inhabitants
of earth of the imminent fate awaiting 'Babylon the great.'
Lightened. Or, 'illuminated.' Despite satanic efforts to shroud
the earth in darkness, God now sets it ablaze with the glorious
light of saving truth."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.860.
In what special manner does God in mercy have the second
angel's message repeated? Rev. 18:2.
"This scripture [Rev. 18:1,2,4] points forward to a time when
the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second
angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the
additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering
the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that
message was first given, in the summer of 1844."— The Great
Controversy, p. 603.
What does God demand that we be for all the world to be
lighted? Matt. 5:14-16.
This text is referred to 264 times in the writings of Ellen White.
Few other scriptures did she mention so often, confirming the
importance that it should have in our thinking.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I prepare for participation in God’s final work?
"As the time comes for it [message of the third angel] to be
given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble
instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate them-
selves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the
unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions.
Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy
zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of
Babylon will be open.... By these solemn warnings the people
will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have
never heard words like these."—The Great Controversy, p.606.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 383; vol. 9, p. 40; Counsels on Steward- ship, p. 52.
86 Come Out of Babylon, My People LESSON 10 ❑ Friday June 6 Part 6 To whom is God’s last appeal particularly addressed? THE LAST CALL “I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev. 18:4).
"God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of
His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they
partake not of her sins and 'receive not of her plagues.' Hence
the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from
heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily
with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connec-
tion with his message the call is heard, 'Come out of her, My
people.' These announcements, uniting with the third angel's
message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabit-
ants of the earth."—The Great Controversy, p. 604.
At a time when confusion and iniquity reign in the world,
what does the Lord demand of His people? Phil. 2:14-16;
1 Peter 2.9.
"We are living in the last days of this earth's history, in an age
of sin and corruption, and like Noah we are to so live that we
shall be a pleasure to God, showing forth the praises of Him
'who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light'
(1 Peter 2:9)."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 90.
"God requires His people to shine as lights in the world. It is
not merely the ministers who are required to do this, but every
disciple of Christ. Their conversation should be heavenly. And
while they enjoy communion with God they will wish to have
intercourse with their fellow men in order to express by their
words and acts the love of God which animates their hearts."—
Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 122, 123.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I cooperate more effectively with heavenly agents in carrying out the work of God?
"The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be
fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's message,
'another angel' is to 'come down from heaven, having great
power,' and the earth is to be 'lightened with his glory.' The
Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human
instrumentalities that men, women, and children will open their
lips in praise and thanksgiving, filling the earth with the knowl-
edge of God, and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters
cover the sea."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 7, p. 984.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 390, 611, 612.
87
LESSON 11 June 8-14
lie The Third Angel’s Message “The third angel followed them, truth, but had pleasure in saying with a loud voice, If any man unrighteousness,’ (2 Thessalonians worship the beast and his image, and 2:12), shall be left to receive strong receive his mark in his forehead, or in delusion and to believe a lie, then the his hand, the same shall drink of the light of truth will shine upon all whose wine of the wrath of God, which is hearts are open to receive it, and all poured out without mixture into the the children of the Lord that remain in cup of his indignation; and he shall be Babylon will heed the call: ‘Come out tormented with fire and brimstone in of her, My people’ (Revelation the presence of the holy angels, and in 18: 4) .”—The Great Controversy, p. the presence of the Lamb” (Rev. 14:9, 390. 10).
Through the first angel’s message the Lord invites “them that dwell on the earth, . . . every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” to “fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come” (verses 6, 7). Then, after announcing the fall of Babylon by the proclamation of the second angel’s message, the Lord calls those of His children who are still scattered, again inviting them to come out of the great city of perdition in order not to participate in her sins or have a part in her plagues. To the third angel God entrusts the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS task of warning alfmen by pointing out 1. The Third Angel the tragic consequences which follow (Rev. 14:9) the turning of a deaf ear to the Lord’s 2. The Beast and His Image calls of mercy. “The most fearful (Rev. 14:9) threatening ever addressed to mortals 3. The Mark of the Beast and is contained in the third angel’s the Seal of God message. That must be a terrible sin (Rev. 14:9, 10) which calls down the wrath of God 4. True and False Worship unmingled with mercy.”—The Story of (Rev. 14:11) Redemption, p. 383. 5. The Time of the Final ‘This message [Rev. 14:6-12] is the Crisis last that will ever be given to the (Rev. 13:16, 17) world; and it will accomplish its work. 6. Recompense and Punishment When those that ‘believed not the (Rom. 8:18) The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday June 8 Part 1 What is told us about the third angel, and what do we know THE THIRD about the time of his operation? ANGEL “The third angel followed them saying with a loud voice” (Rev. 14:9). The Greek word translated “followed” here means that the third angel came after the first and the second angels and then accompanied them. Thus the three angels carry on their work together until the end. “When we began to present the light on the Sabbath ques- tion, we had no clearly defined idea of the third angel’s message of Revelation 14:9-12. The burden of our testimony as we came before the people was that the great second advent movement was of God, that the first and second messages had gone forth, and that the third was to be given. We saw that the third mes- sage closed with the words: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ And we as clearly saw as we now see that these prophetic words suggested a Sabbath reform; but as to what the worship of the beast mentioned in the message was, or what the image and the mark of the beast were, we had no defined position. “God by His Holy Spirit let light shine forth upon His servants, and the subject gradually opened to their minds. It required much study and anxious care to search it out, link after link. By care, anxiety, and incessant labor has the work moved on until the great truths of .our message, a clear, connected, perfect whole, have been given to the world.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 78, 79. The first and the third angels’ messages are to be proclaimed “with a loud voice.” This indicates that they are to be given in a way that all the world will hear. This type of communication also emphasizes the importance of the messages to be proclaimed. “The message of the third angel is to prepare a people to stand in these days of peril. It is to be proclaimed with a loud voice and is to accomplish a work which few realize.”— Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 94.
THINK IT THROUGH How will I escape if I neglect the study of this important prophecy? “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).
FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pp. 254-258. 90 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Monday June 9 Part 2 What earthly power is implicated with the beast spoken of in THE BEAST the third angel’s message? AND HIS IMAGE “If any man worship the beast and his image” (Rev. 14:9). (See also Rev. 13:2-8.)
"In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, ... to
which the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and great
authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, rep-
resents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and
authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. . . .
" ... This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with
the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798.
At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the
papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was
fulfilled, 'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.' "
—The Great Controversy, p. 439.
"After this, says the prophet, 'his deadly wound was healed:
and all the world wondered after the beast.' Paul states plainly
that the 'man of sin' will continue until the second advent.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry
forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also
referring to the papacy: 'All that dwell upon the earth shall
worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.'
Revelation 13:8."—The Great Controversy, p. 579.
What is the image to the beast spoken of in the third angel's
message? Rev. 14:9; 13:12-17.
"By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an
ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to
punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another
religious body clothed with similar powers. The formation of
this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild
professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States.
Here is to be found an image of the Papacy. When the churches
of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them
in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees
and sustain their institutions, then will Protestant America have
formed an image of the Roman hierarchy."—The Story of Re-
demption, pp. 381, 382.
THINK IT THROUGH It is time to understand that the fight of faith, soon to come, will be something different from doctrinal disputes or from the struggle against the carnal man. (Read Eph. 6:10-12.)
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 439-445.
91
The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday June 10 Part 3 What mark will distinguish those who worship the beast and THE MARK OF his image just before the end of time? THE BEAST AND THE SEAL “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive OF GOD his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:9,10). (Compare 13:16, 17.)
"Adventist interpreters understand this mark to be not a lit-
eral brand but some sign of allegiance that identified the bearer
as loyal to the power represented by the beast. The controversy
at that time will center on the law of God, and particularly on the
fourth command. . . . Hence the observance of Sunday will
constitute such a sign, but only at the time when the beast's
power will be revived and Sunday observance becomes a matter
of compliance with civil law. Adventists hold that simultaneously
the third angel's message will warn against the reception of the
mark (ch. 14:9-11). This message, swelling into a loud cry (ch.
18:1-4), will enlighten men as to the issues involved. When the
issues are thus clearly before them, and men nevertheless
choose to support an institution of the beast, knowing it to be in
direct opposition to the command of God, they thereby show
their allegiance to the power and receive the mark of the
beast."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 822.
In contradistinction to the mark of the beast, what sign will
God's children receive? Rev. 7:3; 2 Cor. 1:22.
"As in ancient times a seal on an object testified to its owner-
ship, so the seal of God upon His people proclaims that He has
recognized them as His own (see 2 Tim. 2:19; cf. TM 446).
"The seal to be affixed upon God's faithful servants is 'the
pure mark of truth,' the 'mark' of His 'approval' (3T 267). It
attests 'likeness to Christ in character' [EGW RH May 5, 1895].
... 'The seal of God, the token or sign of His authority, is found in
the fourth commandment" (EGW ST Nov. 1, 1899; cf. GC
640)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 782.
THINK IT THROUGH Are you sure of your passport to enter the Holy City?
"Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have
the passport through the gates of the Holy City. But there are
many who take upon themselves responsibilities in connection
with the work of God who are not wholehearted believers, and
while they remain thus cannot receive the seal of the living God.
They trust in their own righteousness, which the Lord accounts
as foolishness."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7, p. 970.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 210-214.
92 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday June 11 Part 4 The worship of the beast and his image implies hostility to TRUE AND God’s law. What result naturally follows this open hostility? FALSE WORSHIP “They have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:11).
"When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the
world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true
Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God,
to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of
Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying hom-
age to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution
ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As
men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the
sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has
chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept
the sign of allegiance to Rome—The mark of the beast.' And it is
not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they
are brought to choose between the commandments of God and
the commandments of men, that those who continue in trans-
gression will receive 'the mark of the beast.' "—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 449.
What sign distinguishes those who worship the true God?
Isa. 56:1, 2, 6, 7.
"While the worshipers of God will be especially distinguished
by their regard for the fourth commandment—since this is the
sign of His creative power and the witness to His claim upon
man's reverence and homage,—the worshipers of the beast will
be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator's
memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome."—The Great Con-
troversy, p. 446.
THINK IT THROUGH What are you doing to prepare for that final test?
"Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the
worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those
who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before
God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are
receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in
their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is
impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for
eternity.
"Now is the time to prepare."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 216.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 445-450.
93
The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday June 12
Part 5 What laws will be enacted by the religiopolitical power sym-
THE TIME OF bolized by the image to the beast at the time of the final crisis?
THE FINAL
CRISIS "He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free
and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their
foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had
the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name"
(Rev. 13:16, 17).
"A time is coming when the law of God is, in a special sense,
to be made void in our land. The rulers of our nation will, by
legislative enactments, enforce the Sunday law, and thus God's
people be brought into great peril. When our nation, in its
legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of
men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday
observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against
those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to
all intents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national
apostasy will be followed by national ruin."—Ellen G. White
Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 977.
What extreme measure will be taken as regards those who
refuse to receive the mark of the beast or to worship the image
to the beast? Rev. 13:15.
"In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided
into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of
God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and
his image, and receive his mark."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 16.
"This is the story of the ages. Legislation in matters of religion
has ever been followed by persecution. It was so during the
Middle Ages: witness the massacre of the Waldenses and
others, at the hands of the civil power, to be sure, but prompted
by the dominant church of the day. In its attempt to make all
earth's inhabitants give allegiance to the first beast . . . the
second beast will issue a decree threatening with death all who
maintain their loyalty to God."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 822.
THINK IT THROUGH When will Sunday keeping become the mark of the beast?
"Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not
be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol
sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the test, but
that time has not come yet."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 977.
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 975-977.
94 The Third Angel’s Message LESSON 11 ❑ Friday June 13
Part 6 What does the apostle Paul teach concerning the sufferings RECOMPENSE of this present life? AND PUNISHMENT
"I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us" (Rom. 8:18). (Compare 2 Cor. 4:17, 18.)
"The anticipation of this future glory should sustain Chris-
tians in their afflictions here below. The sufferings may seem
great, but they are 'light' compared with that 'eternal weight of
glory' which the afflictions are working out (2 Cor. 4:17). They
are for only a moment, but the glory will be eternal. They will
soon pass away, but the glory will never dim or diminish forever
and ever (1 Peter 1:14)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p.
569.
What terrible future awaits those who refuse to listen to the
solemn message of the third angel? Rev. 14:10, 11.
When the time of probation is past, God's judgments will be
poured out without mercy. The torments mentioned will proba-
bly be twofold: first, during the plagues when the enemies of
God's law will have "no rest day nor night" (verse 11), the end of
which will be the first death at the time of the glorious appearing
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:19-21); and, sec-
ond, the final destruction at the time of the "second death"
(Rev. 20:14).
"The figure of the smoke ascending forever is doubtless
drawn from Isa. 34:10, where the desolation of Edom is de-
scribed. That the ancient prophet did not envision unending
fires is seen from the fact that following the conflagration,
concerning which he says, 'The smoke thereof shall go up for
ever,' the country becomes a desolate waste inhabited by wild
beasts (vs. 10-15). The figure denotes complete destruction."
Q.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 832.
"The theory of eternal torment is one of the false doctrines
that constitute the wine of the abomination of Babylon."—The
Great Controversy, p. 536.
THINK IT THROUGH What will be my position during the time of crisis?
"Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest
danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the
decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the
test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the
time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust
in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will
be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement."
—The Great Controversy, p. 622.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 535-537. 95 LESSON 12
June 15-21
-
Repairers of the Breach
II LIII U .list sit L.J14 iii111/1....11 A 1,,:11 ,1p1:1 nip 1.1 at !..2.9 ,:,/1111 611l. tIiJ WWI ao.5.,o Lift .W1 WV fall a LI ilth!.1111,11?, 9J lLl IS GI till WLU lal1111S4W,I ri;1, 11::,711 ur 17'i1 .1:11,/ ,11. laa Xi I all !!.:40 Jill ,!19 la .1 11...MW 92,11111E10 Jill g; W11.IJLW atm aU Gl1011:1 HILial MIL1110 'W.:ILI:At ;LW Llf, Is iiliA121:14i5/ li1,111112,13 J Ii114111115143:2,111 Alt wawwits. .. 111 ••.. MOS Ili51191 LLU •as I/111 °1211017:1 11 E119S'9;111571 111014U 211 3112. Mg ICJ 111:1411 liktt mut ;us MSS .LM •• . '• tY •' 'IV UMW) 4,19 EP U FM Mil MI 24 LIM '411111.1 • ailgt DI J31.104.44. /111311121/ 4 .14 MOM • ..."404 all W1. %taller 4 .114 'AM lass tat kw Jut :1,111mflUn II% • ;;g;!!1, 1;0} 12411010711 Iiii;4... ', US fa VIA .:IW '4.1 :LAW= :alas za .. liga, 41111Z it WI) W1 ,10, Alai • : ..44.1 141 t3 t17.2414:40." ::, ..„..........-...- —x._“They that shall be of thee shall all who believe present truth must build the old waste places: thou shalt stand, not in their own wisdom, but in raise up the foundations of many God; and raise up the foundation of generations; and thou shalt be called, many generations. These will be The repairer of the breach, The registered in the books of heaven as restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isa. repairers of the breach, the restorers 58:12). of paths to dwell in. We are to maintain the truth because it is truth, in the face “Who is it that shall build the old of the bitterest opposition. God is at waste places, and raise up the work upon human minds; it is not man foundation of many generations? alone that is working. The great Where are the people who have had illuminating power is from Christ; the light from heaven to see that a breach brightness of His example is to be kept has been made in the law of God? before the people in every dis- “In the Revelation, John says, ‘The course.”—Ellen G. White Comments, temple of God was opened in heaven, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. and there was seen in his temple the 1152. ark of his testament.’ Rev. 11:19. John saw in vision the Lord’s people looking for His coming and searching for truth. As the temple of God was opened unto His people, the light of the law of God, which was in the ark, shone forth. Those who receive this light are brought to view in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. “This is the people that are repairing the breach in the law of God. They see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been supplanted DAILY HIGHLIGHTS by a spurious sabbath, a day that has 1. The Patience of the Saints no sanction in the Word of God. Amid (Rev. 14:12) great opposition they become loyal to 2. The Commandments of God and their God, and take their position the Faith of Jesus under the standard of the third (Rev. 14:12) angel. .. . 3. The Law and the Fourth “As the end approaches, the Commandment testimonies of God’s servants will (1 Cor. 7:19; 1 John 2:4) become more decided and more 4. The Law and Grace powerful, flashing the light of truth (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:24) upon the systems of error and 5. To the Law and to the Testimony oppression that have so long held the (Isa. 8:20) supremacy. The Lord has sent us 6. In the Spirit and Power of messa8es for this time to establish Elijah Christianity upon an eternal basis, and (Mal. 4:5) Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday June 15 Part 1 What Christian virtue does the angel mention first? Why? THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS “Here is the patience of the saints” (Rev. 14:12).
"Here the translation 'steadfast endurance' would be a more suitable rendering. The context calls attention to the fearful struggle with the beast and his image. Every attempt will be made to force the remnant to join the movement promoted by the second beast, including the threat of boycott and death. (Rev. 13:11-17). At the same time Satan will work with all 'de- ceivableness of unrighteousness' (2 Thess. 2:10; cf. Matt. 24:24), making it appear that the power of God is manifest in the movement. Through all this the faithful remnant steadfastly endure and maintain their integrity. Their steadfastness merits special commendation."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 832. What part does endurance play in the work of salvation? Matt. 24:9-13; Heb. 10:35-39. In these texts Jesus places the endurance of the saints in its proper relation to the terrible conditions prevalent in the last days—affliction, deception, iniquity, and general apostasy— obstacles set up by the enemy to cause the saints to stumble and fall. The children of God will meet every temptation and emerge victorious. Salvation is promised only to those who endure to the end, remain faithful in spite of general apostasy, and preserve their purity in a rising flood of iniquity. "That this admonition [Heb. 10:35-39] is addressed to the church in the last days is evident from the words pointing to the nearness of the Lord's coming: 'For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come and will not tarry.' ... The instruction here given is especially adapted to the experience of Adventists at this time. The people here addressed were in danger of making shipwreck of faith.... Their only safe course was to cherish the light which they had already received of God, hold fast to His promises, and continue to search the Scriptures, and patiently wait and watch to receive further light."—The Great Con- troversy, p. 408.
THINK IT THROUGH Has patience completed her perfect work in me? (See James 1:2-4.)
"Faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, trust in
your wise, heavenly Father, are the perfect blossoms which
mature amidst clouds and disappointments and bereave-
ments."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 934.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 465-468; Prophets and Kings, p.
437. 98
Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Monday June 16 Part 2 What characteristics identify those who accept the third THE COMMANDMENTS angel’s message? OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).
"Keep the commandments of God. This statement is particu-
larly significant in its context. Led captive by Satan's delusions,
the world will bow to the beast and its image, and carry out its
dictates and decrees.... The saints, on the other hand, refuse to
comply with its demands. . . In this dark hour the children of
God will cling to the Bible and refuse to give homage to any
power besides Christ. Among the many identifying features that
might have been mentioned, the prophet was directed to point
out two predominant ones, the keeping of the commandments
of God and of the faith of Jesus."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, pp. 832, 833.
Why should the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus
be the distinctive features of the remnant church? The patience
of the saints is characterized by the keeping of the command-
ments of God and by the faith of Jesus because these two
requirements are essential to Christian living. A second reason
for emphasizing these essential features is that false teaching
has long placed emphasis on salvation by works without faith,
and on faith without works.
Through the third angel's message, the Lord desires to rees-
tablish the truth, and it falls to the church of the remnant to
proclaim it by word and deed. The Christian religion has always
been a matter of both faith and obedience. Luke reports, "A
great company of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts
6:7). And speaking of his work, Paul said that his goal was to
lead to "obedience to the faith among all nations" (Rom. 1:5).
"The enemy has ever labored to disconnect the law and the
gospel. They go hand in hand. . . .
"The law of Jehovah is the tree, the gospel is the fragrant
blossoms and fruit which it bears."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1073.
"It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position
that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness
among His professed people."—The Great Controversy, p. 478.
THINK IT THROUGH “In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty.”—The Great Controversy, p. 468.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 466-468.
99
Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday June 17 Part 3 What are some of the statements made by the apostles THE LAW AND proving that it is important for a Christian to keep the corn- THE FOURTH mandments of God? COMMANDMENT “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God” (1 Cor. 7:19). “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his command- ments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). (Compare ch. 5:2-4.) “By the first angel, men are called upon to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him,’ and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.’ Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedi- ence to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God. ‘This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.’ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.’ 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.”—The Great Controversy, p. 436.
Of all the Ten Commandments, why do we give so much
importance to the fourth? Ex. 31:17; Dan. 7:25.
There are at least two essential reasons for giving great im-
portance to the fourth commandment: First, observance of the
true day of rest in harmony with the law of God is a proof of our
fidelity to God's authority as Creator. Second, the fourth com-
mandment is the one that the adversary has particularly at-
tacked, hoping to be able to "change times and laws."
"The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment.
This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the
title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the
heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence
and worship above all others. Aside from this precept, there is
nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is
given. When the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the
seal was taken from the law. The disciples of Jesus are called
upon to restore it by exalting the Sabbath of the fourth com-
mandment to its rightful position as the Creator's memorial and
the sign of His authority."—The Great Controversy, p. 452.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I among those who keep the commandments of God as they should be kept? “Our work as believers in the truth is to present before the world the immutability of the law of God. . . . We are to be distinguished as a people who keep the commandments.”— Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 199, 200.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 436-438.
100 Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday June 18 Part 4 What is the role of the law in the work of salvation? THE LAW AND GRACE “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20). (Compare ch. 7:7.) “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Gal. 3:24).
"Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity
and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They
have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance.
Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God's law, they do
not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of
salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or ref-
ormation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and mul-
titudes are joined to the church who have never been united to
Christ."—The Great Controversy, p. 468.
How does faith in Jesus complement the work of the law in
the salvation of men? Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 5:5, 6.
The knowledge of sin is possible only by the law of God, and
justification is obtainable only "by faith in Jesus Christ" (Rom.
3:22, RSV). Through the law the sinner is made conscious of his
guilt in the sight of God; through faith in Jesus he is freely
forgiven.
How does genuine faith express itself? James 2:14-26.
"The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no
self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made
the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what
saith the word of God? . . .
"The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring
doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the
favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon
which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine
faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the
Scriptures."—The Great Controversy, p. 472.
THINK IT THROUGH Until now, how have I shown my faith to be genuine? In what ways have I proclaimed the third angel’s message?
"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one
end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This
is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel."—
Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.
FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 1070-1073.
101
Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday June 19 Part 5 What is the basic prerequisite for all claims to be teaching TO THE LAW the truth? AND TO THE TESTIMONY “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not accord- ing to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20). (Compare Luke 16:29-31.) “To the law and to the testimony” has the same meaning as the expression used by Jesus to designate Scripture, “Moses and all the prophets” (Luke 24:27), or that used by Paul, “the law and the prophets” (Rom. 3:21). “Isaiah directs men away from the words and wisdom of devils and men to the revealed wisdom of God. . . . Isaiah here directs men to the Word of God as the standard of truth and the guide to right living.”—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 144. “‘To the law and to the testimony.’ While conflicting doc- trines and theories abound, the law of God is the one unerring rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested. Says the prophet: ‘If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ “—The Great Controversy, p. 452.
According to the prophet Isaiah, what particular restoration
must repairers of the breach make? Isa. 58:12-14.
"This prophecy [Isa. 58:12-14] also applies in our time. The
breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was
changed by the Roman power. But the time has come for that
divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired
and the foundation of many generations to be raised up."—The
Great Controversy, p. 453.
"Here [Isa. 58:8-14] are given the characteristics of those who
shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's
message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-
keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly en-
gaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old
waste places."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 4, p. 1151.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I also be a repairer of the breach? “Let everyone be on guard, and be careful to be found stand- ing in the gap to make up the breach, in place of standing at the wall seeking to make a breach. Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus, who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 57, 58.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 451-456.
102 Repairers of the Breach LESSON 12 ❑ Friday June 20 Part 6 What did the Lord promise through the prophet Malachi IN THE SPIRIT concerning the first and the second advents of Jesus? AND POWER OF ELIJAH “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the com- ing of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5).
Even though this prophecy has already been fUlfilled in the
person of John the Baptist, the context clearly shows that it will
have another fulfillment before "the great and dreadful day of
the Lord," "that shall burn as an oven" (Mal. 4:5, 1). "John the
Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the
way of the Lord:...He was a representative of those living in
these last days to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to
present before the people to prepare the way for the second
appearing of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 61, 62.
What did Malachi state was the work to be accomplished,
and what explanation did the angel give Zacharias concern-
ing this message? Mal. 4:6; Luke 1:16, 17.
The work of John the Baptist, like that of the prophet Elijah,
was to lead the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God, "the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people
prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
"The very work accomplished by Elijah and John the Baptist
is needed today. In these days of moral corruption and spiritual
blindness there is need of voices that will fearlessly proclaim the
coming of the Lord to the people of earth. The call of this hour is
for men and women who will order their lives as did John and
Elijah of old, and who will call upon others to do the same. There
is needed a work of earnest reform, not only without the church,
but within it as well. God calls upon all who would love and serve
Him to go forth 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (3T 61, 62)."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 675.
THINK IT THROUGH How deep is my concern for the unfinished task before us?
"In this time of well-nigh universal apostasy, God calls upon
His messengers to proclaim His law in the spirit and power of
Elias. As John the Baptist, in preparing a people for Christ's first
advent, called their attention to the Ten Commandments, so we
are to give, with no uncertain sound, the message: 'Fear God,
and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.'
With the earnestness that characterized Elijah the prophet and
John the Baptist, we are to strive to prepare the way for Christ's
second advent."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1184.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 61-64.
103
LESSON 13 “He which testifieth these things to see Him and be welcomed as His saith, Surely I come quickly” (Rev. redeemed ones! Long have we waited, 22:20). but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we The Apocalypse opens with the shall be forever blessed. I feel as if I words “the Revelation of Jesus must cry aloud: ‘Homeward bound!’ Christ.” “In Greek, as in English, this We are nearing the time when Christ phrase may be understood . . . to be will come in power and great glory to either a revelation from Jesus or one take His ransomed ones to their that reveals Him.”—S.D.A. Bible eternal home.”—Testimonies, vol. 8, Commentary, vol. 7, p. 728. In reality, p. 253. the Apocalypse is both a revelation of God given by Jesus Christ as the intermediary and one that reveals Jesus Christ Himself, Him “which is, and which was, and which is to come” (Rev. 1:4). Certainly, as Ellen White so aptly stated, “All revelation to men comes through Christ, and all centers in Him.”—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.
-
This is particularly true in this marvelous book where we have “the testimony of Jesus Christ” revealed to His church and the revelation given by the “faithful and true witness.” Like the prophet on Patmos, we now await the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, as foretold from the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS first page to the last of the Apocalypse. 1. The Son of Man in Glory This time the revelation will not be (Rev. 14:14) made through the intermediary of 2. The Harvest of the Earth witnesses or visions, but in reality and (Rev. 14:15, 16) face-to-face. His promise is certain: “I 3. The Vintage Jesus have sent mine angel to testify (Rev. 14:18) unto you these thins in the churches. 4. On the Sea of Glass . Surely I come quickly” (Rev. 22:16, (Rev. 15:2) 20). 5. The Song of the Redeemed “The Lord . . . is soon coming, and (Rev. 15:3) we must be ready and waiting for His 6. “Even So, Come, Lord Jesus” appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be (Rev. 22:17) “Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday June 22 Part 1 What is John’s description of the coming of the Son of man THE SON OF in glory? MAN IN GLORY “I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle” (Rev. 14:14). (Compare 1:7; 19:11-16.)
The fact that the glorious return of Jesus Christ is to follow immediately after the proclamations of the three angels shows that their messages constitute God's last call, His final warning. In Revelation 1:7 the prophet of Patmos affirmed that "every eye shall see him," even "they also which pierced him." In chapter 14, verses 14 to 18, the reason for His return is evinced: He comes to "reap; for the harvest of earth is ripe," to "gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe." Finally, in the vision of chapter 19 Jesus appears with His triumphal retinue as "King of kings, and Lord of lords." In what points do these descriptions of our Lord's return reaffirm the promises made previously? Matt. 24:30, 31; 26:64; Acts 1:9-11. "No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor.... [Hab. 3:3, 4 quoted.] As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance out- shines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. 'And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.' Revelation 19:16."--The Great Controversy, p. 641.
THINK IT THROUGH Is the promise of our Lord’s return the “blessed hope” for me personally?
"We are pilgrims and strangers who are waiting, hoping, and
praying for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If we believe this and bring it into
our practical life, what vigorous action would this faith and
hope inspire; what fervent love one for another; what careful
holy living for the glory of God; and in our respect for the
recompense of the reward, what distinct lines of demarcation
would be evidenced between us and the world."—Evangelism,
p. 220.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 299-303.
1Q6 “Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Monday June 23
Part 2 What order was given by the angel to Him that was seated
THE HARVEST upon the cloud having "in his hand a sharp sickle"?
OF THE EARTH
"Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee
to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on
the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was
reaped" (Rev. 14:15, 16).
"Verses 15-20 [of Revelation 14] describe the great harvest at
the end of all things. The harvest comprehends two distinctive
events. One is described in vs. 16, 17, and the other in vs. 18-20.
The first refers to the gathering of the righteous, represented
here by ripened grain, as shown in the Greek by the word
translated 'ripe.' The second refers to the wicked, represented
by the clusters of 'fully ripe' grapes."—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, p. 834.
What figure did Jesus use to illustrate• the harvest of the
world? What did He warn would happen at that time? Matt.
13:24-30, 36-43.
" 'The field,' Christ said, 'is the world.' But we must under-
stand this as signifying the church of Christ in the world. The
parable is a description of that which pertains to the kingdom of
God, His work of salvation of men; and this work is ac-
complished through the church. True, the Holy Spirit has gone
out into all the world; everywhere it is moving upon the hearts of
men; but it is in the church that we are to grow and ripen for the
garner of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 70.
What will the Lord do before His return to cause the harvest
to ripen? Joel 2:23, 28, 32.
"If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days of
the apostles [Acts 2:17,18], we are living in a time when it is to be
even more evidently manifest to the people of God."—Ellen G.
White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1175.
"Near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of
spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming
of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the
falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that
Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest,
'in the time of the latter rain.' "—The Acts of the Apostles, p.55.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I assure that I will be among the harvest of the saved?
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Tares,” pp. 70-75.
107
“Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday June 24 Part 3 Besides the harvesting of ripened grain, what other event is THE VINTAGE to take place at the time of Christ’s return?
"Another angel came out from the altar, which had power
over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp
sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clus-
ters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe" (Rev.
14:18).
In former times there were two harvests in Israel, that of
ripened grains in late spring, and the vintage in the fall when the
grapes were ripe on the vines. Jesus is pictured here using a
sickle for both crops. Here the two harvests are recalled to
represent, on the one hand, the gathering of the redeemed
whom God will take to His celestial granary and, on the other,
the sinners who will be cast "into the great winepress of the
wrath of God" (v. 19).
Then what is the significance of the vintage? Rev. 14:19, 20;
Joel 3:13, 14.
Whereas the harvest is entrusted to Him who is seated upon
the clouds—the Son of man—it is to an angel that the negative
work of condemnation is ascribed, represented by the vintage.
The angel who gives the order to gather the grapes has power
over the fire, by which the judgments of God will be poured out
on the earth. He comes out from the altar, under which are
found "the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held," who question impa-
tiently, "How long, 0 Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge
and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Rev.
6:9, 10).
Whereas details of the harvest of ripened grain can hardly be
described more briefly, those given of the vintage make one
shudder. This is because these awesome particulars must serve
as a forceful warning to them who have not yet taken the mes-
sages of the three angels seriously.
With what figures did Jesus describe this same scene in His
parables? Matt. 13:41, 42, 47-50.
THINK IT THROUGH Everyone will reap exactly what he has sown.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh
shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7, 8).
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “The Net,” pp. 122, 123.
108 “Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday June 25 Part 4 Where did John see gathered those who were victorious ON THE SEA over the beast and his image? OF GLASS “I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” (Rev. 15:2).
"Christ's true disciples follow Him through sore conflicts,
enduring self-denial and experiencing bitter disappointment;
but this teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they are led to
look upon it with abhorrence. Partakers of Christ's sufferings,
they are destined to be partakers of His glory. In holy vision the
prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church....
" . . The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on
Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is
the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in
heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or
capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the
flock follows the shepherd."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 590,
591
Who are they who stand before the throne and before the
Lamb? From where do they come? Rev. 7:13-15.
"The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from
dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from
the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they
were 'destitute, afflicted, tormented.' ... They stand before the
throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth
have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious
than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs."—
The Great Controversy, p. 650.
For what reason are the redeemed of earth clad in white
robes before the throne and before the Lamb? Rev. 7:14.
"The reason for the purity of the robes is given. The saints are
triumphant, not on their own account, but because of the vic-
tory won by Christ on Calvary. . . . The battle is against sin;
righteousness is the victory; Christ's righteousness has won the
victory; and upon accepting His righteousness sinners become
both righteous and victorious."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 7, p. 785.
"Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living
waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be
those now receiving the knowledge and understanding re-
vealed in the Bible, the Word of God."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 970.
109
“Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday June 26 Part 5 What is the title of the song to be sung by the redeemed of THE SONG OF earth? Why is it appropriate? THE REDEEMED “They sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints” (Rev. 15:3). (See also ch. 14:3.)
"The experience is of such a personal nature that only those
who pass through it can appreciate its significance. To them the
song is a treasured and comprehensive summation of the ex-
periences through which they have passed in the closing stages
of the conflict between good and evil."—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 7, p. 826.
"Song of Moses. This is undoubtedly a reference to the song
of deliverance after Israel crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-21).
That song celebrated the deliverance from Egyptian oppres-
sion; the new song, deliverance from the tyranny of 'Babylon
the great' (Rev. 17:5). . . .
"The deliverance of the saints was wrought by Christ, the
Lamb of God ... , and it is but natural that He should be adored
and exalted in the song of deliverance."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol. 7, p. 836.
What are the words of the song of Moses and the Lamb?
Rev. 15:3, 4.
"God carries with Him the sympathy and approval of the
whole universe as step by step His great plan advances to its
complete fulfillment. . . . It will be seen that all who have for-
saken the divine precepts have placed themselves on the side of
Satan, in warfare against Christ. When the prince of this world
shall be judged, and all who have united with him shall share his
fate, the whole universe as witnesses to the sentence will de-
clare, 'Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.' Revela-
tion 15:3."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 79.
THINK IT THROUGH “Then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Cor. 13:12).
"When the redeemed stand in the presence of God, they will
see how shortsighted were their conclusions as to what heaven
records as success. As they review their efforts to achieve suc-
cess they will see how foolish were their plans, how petty their
supposed trials, how unreasonable their doubts. They will see
how often they brought failure to their work by not taking God at
His word. And one truth will stand out in clear lines: that posi-
tion does not prepare a man for entrance into the heavenly
courts."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 28.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 648-652.
110 “Behold, He Cometh With Clouds” LESSON 13 ❑ Friday June 27 Part 6 In view of the wonderful promises given us, what should we “EVEN SO, COME, say and do? LORD JESUS” “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).
"Everyone who hears is to repeat the invitation [of Rev.
22:17]. Whatever one's calling in life, his first interest should be
to win souls for Christ. He may not be able to speak to congrega-
tions, but he can work for individuals. To them he can com-
municate the instruction received from his Lord. Ministry does
not consist alone in preaching. Those minister who relieve the
sick and suffering, helping the needy, speaking words of com-
fort to the desponding and those of little faith."—The Desire of
Ages, p. 822.
"Christ presents to us who are athirst the water of life, that we
may drink freely; when we do this we have Christ within us as a
well of water springing up into everlasting life. Then our words
are full of moisture. We are prepared to water others."—
Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 51.
What assurance does Jesus give to His church at the close
of His testimony? What should be our response? Rev. 22:20.
"Come, Lord Jesus. This exclamation is John's response to
the testimony of Jesus, who assures the apostle that He is
coming quickly.... John was probably reminded of that night in
the upper room, more than half a century before, when he heard
Jesus declare, 'I will come again' (John 14:3). ... Now, while in
holy vision, John is given one last assurance that his blessed
Lord is to return, and that, quickly. This assurance comes from
the lips of his Master Himself, the faithful and true witness. His
heart thrills at the words, and with eager anticipation he looks
forward to the day when in reality, not in vision, he will see his
blessed Lord face to face."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
pp. 898, 899.
THINK IT THROUGH What is my response to the Saviour’s declaration, “Behold, I come quickly”?
"Everyone who heareth is to say: Come. Not only the minis-
ters, but the people. All are to join in the invitation. Not only by
their profession, but by their character and dress, all are to have
a winning influence. They are made trustees for the world,
executors of the will of One who has bequeathed sacred truth to
men."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 207.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 302, 303.
111
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les- sons for the third quarter of 1980 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is “Job, Pain, and Healing.”
First Lesson
A MAN GOD TRUSTED. Memory Text, Job 1:1.
1. A Man Respected (Job 29:8-11)
2. Humble and Honest (Job 31:5-8)
3. Faithful to His Wife (Job 31:9, 10)
4. Concerned About the Poor (Job 31:16-22)
5. Not Ruined by Riches (Job 31:24-28)
6. Loving His Enemies (Job 31:29, 30)
Second Lesson WHEN DISASTER STRUCK. Memory Texts, Job 1:21, TEV; Job
2:10, TEV.
1. Before the Storm (Job 1:2, 3)
2. Trouble Brewing (Job 1:9-11)
3. Tragedy Strikes (Job 1:18, 19)
4. Initial Response (Job 1:20-22)
5. Three "Friends" (Job 2:11, 12)
6. A Light Grows Dim (Job 3:2-7)
Art and photo credits: Art design by Ichiro Nakashima. Cover and lesson 2, Charles Zingaro, artist, © PPPA; lesson 1, Clyde Provonsha, artist, © PPPA; lesson 3, Review Pictures; lesson 5, Religious News Service; lesson 6, D. Tank; lesson 8, Harry Anderson, artist, © PPPA; lesson 9, Eric Kreye; lesson 10, Hobart, A. Devaney, Inc.; lesson 11, Paul B. Ricchiuti, Ewing Galloway; lesson 12, J. Byron Logan, Review & Herald; lesson 13, Peter J. Rennings, artist, © PPPA.
Lessons in 3raille 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.
NERAL sEssioN Beginning April pur- ‘chase individual volumes complete of the Commentary prices.
Order
from
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Adventist
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or ABC Mailing
For a liMited time, Service, P.O. Box
as a special offer during this 37485, Omaha,
General Conference session year, Nebraska 68137. In you can purchase the SDA Bible • Commentary Canada, Box 398, set or individual volumes at 1978 prices. Regularly Oshawa, Ontario LIN $179.75 per set and $19.75 per volume, these 7L5. Please include books are on sale now for only $149.95 per set and State sales tak where
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Atlantic 35,021,853 298 44,990 40,551 Canadian 22,983,474 247 29,009 26,126 Alaska Central 12,320,352 36,400 26,405 297 ;Nurth Paul UF 11,1 Columbia 57,625,265 502 65,915 58,908 Lake 32,977,379 446 54,891 47,223 North Pacific 7,927,700 343 58,107 49,276 Northern 7,914,128 195 15,397 12,404 Pacific 26,082,778 505 131,091 102,564 Southern 31,855,540 626 89,226 70,091 Southwestern 362 36.695 26,269 E21341173.1 DIVISION TOTALS 259,056,204 3,821 561,721 459,817 MM…. ea Septa., 197.1
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