STUDIES IN DOCTRINE SENIOR DIVISION, Na. 237 THIRD QUARTER. 1954 INDIVIDUAL SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL "As God hath prospered him." MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount) $5.00 RECORD 1 7. 13 2.00 Birthday 2 8 1.50 "God loveth a 3 9 cheerful giver." Investment 1.00 4 10 .50 5 11 6 12 TOTAL .40 DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge my- self to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week. Name Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied. STUDY RECORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1st Day's Study 2d Day's Study 3d Day's Study 4th Day's Study 5th Day's Study , 6th Day's Study 7th Day's Study "Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip- ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 237, July-September, 1954. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents a year, in U.S.A. and Canada; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year to all other countries. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor- nia, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and•new addresses. Copyright, 1954, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. COVER: PAUL REAMER, ARTIST; © P. P. P. A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly STUDIES IN DOCTRINE Lesson 1, for July 3, 1954 Sound Doctrine MEMORY VERSE: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine." Titus 2:1. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 518-550; "Gospel Workers," pages 311-315; W. B. Ochs, "Living Faith," chapter 1. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Read "The Great Controversy" as- of the lesson, based on outline. signment. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Mem- 5. Questions 7-10. ory Verse. 6. Questions 11-14; Illustration; read 3. Questions 4-6; read "Living Faith," "Gospel Workers" assignment. chapter 1. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. Contrasting Attitudes Toward I. The Importance of Sound Doctrine Sound Doctrine • 1. It is needed. 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; 1. It may be opposed. 2 Tim. 4:3. 4:3, 4. 2. It may be rejected. 2 Thess. 2:3-7. 2. There are false doctrines. Jer. 10:8; 3. It may be obeyed. Rom. 6:17. 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10. 4. It must be adhered to continually. 3. It is important. 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16. Acts 2:42. II. Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine Key Thought: 1. A sound understanding. Isa. 28:9, The word doctrine means, "That which is 10. taught; a principle, or body of principles, 2. A willing mind. John 7:17. in any branch of knowledge; . . . principle 3. A perception and avoidance of false of faith."-Webster, New Collegiate Dic- teachers. Rom. 16:17. tionary. A doctrine may be based on truth III. Tests of Sound Doctrine or falsehood. Hence there are true or sound 1. It is based on the Bible. 2 Tim. 3: doctrines, and untrue or false doctrines. In 15, 16. order that the child of God be not led away 2. It does not misuse the Scriptures. by false doctrines, he must have an adequate 2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6. understanding of true doctrines. As re- 3. It magnifies and honors Christ. 1 lated to salvation, all true and sound doc- John 2:22, 23; 2 John 7, 9. trines are based on the Bible. To be effec- 4. It upholds the whole of Scripture. tive, sound doctrine must be understood and Isa. 8:20. obeyed. [3 1 THE LESSON The Importance of Sound Doctrine doctrine? 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10. 1. What condition in the last days emphasizes the need of sound doc- trine? 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; 4:1-4. NorE.—"All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are mislead- ing the minds of men."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 158. NorE.—The following comment is made regarding 2 Timothy 4:3, 4: "The apostle Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine does not here refer to the openly irreligious, but to the professing Christians who make inclination their guide, and thus become en- 4. How are the doctrines of the Bi- slaved by self. Such are willing to listen to ble to be learned? Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim. those doctrines only that do not rebuke their 2:15. sins or condemn their pleasure-loving course. They are offended by the plain words of the faithful servants of Christ, and choose teachers who praise and flatter 5. Before one can know the doc- them."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages trine, what must he be willing to do? 504, 505. John 7:17. 2. In contrast to sound doctrine, what other kinds of doctrines are there? Jer. 10:8; 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10; NorE.—Commenting on this text, the servant of the Lord says: "When we are 6:3-5. truly seeking to do God's will, the Holy Spirit takes the precepts of His word and makes them the principles of the life, writ- ing them on the tablets of the soul. And it NOTE.—These doctrines of vanity are is only those who are following the light called by various names in the Bible: already given that can hope to receive the "The doctrine of the Pharisees and of the further illumination of the Spirit. This is Sadducees." Matt. 16:11, 12. plainly stated in the words of Christ: 'If "Doctrines of men." Col. 2:22; Eph. 4:14. any man will do His will, he shall know of "Doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1. "Divers and strange doctrines." Heb. the doctrine.'"—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 705. "Whoever will prayerfully study the Bi- 13:9. ble, desiring to know the truth, that he "Doctrine of Balaam," "doctrine of the Nicolaitanes." Rev. 2:14, 15. may obey it, will receive divine enlighten- "Those who are unwilling to accept the ment. He will understand the Scriptures." plain, cutting truths of the Bible, are con- —The Desire of Ages, page 459. tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self- 6. Against what will a knowledge denying, and humiliating the doctrines pre- of sound doctrines be a safeguard? sented, the greater the favor with which Rom. 16:17. they are received. . . . Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from NorE.—"The times [of the apostles] were delusion."—The Great Controversy, page full of peril for the church. Satanic delu- 523. sions existed everywhere. By misrepresenta- tion and falsehood the emissaries of Satan 3. In what words did the apostle sought to arouse opposition against the doc- Paul set forth the importance of sound trines of Christ; and in consequence dissen- [4] seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent, they entrench them- selves behind disconnected utterances con- strued to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God. Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scrip- ture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible."—The Great Controversy, page 521. THE BIBLE IS LIKE A MAP WHERE WE CAN „,,,,,CHECK OUR POSITION ON DOCTRINES. 9. To what other test should doc- trines be submitted? 1 John 2:22, 23; sions and heresies were imperiling the 2 John 7, 9. Compare Luke 24:25-27. church. . . . John was filled with sadness as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which the church was exposed, and he met the NOTE.—"Every true doctrine makes Christ emergency with promptness and decision." the center, every precept receives force from —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 553, 554. His words."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 54. "Another dangerous error is the doctrine Tests of Sound Doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to 7. Upon what knowledge is Chris- this world. This theory is received with tian doctrine based? 2 Tim. 3:15, 16. favor by a large class who profess to be- lieve the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the plainest statements of our Saviour con- cerning His relationship with the Father, NOTE.—The Bible is the test of all doc- His divine character, and His pre-existence." trine. Whatever does not harmonize and —The Great Controversy, page 524. square with this, is not to be received. "There is but one standard of the everlast- 10. By what final standard should ingly right and the everlastingly wrong, and all doctrine be judged? Isa. 8:20. that is the Bible."—Thomas de Witt Tal- madge, quoted in Bible Readings for the Home, 1949 subscription ed., p. 125. Speaking of Luther's separation from NOTE.—"All points of doctrine, even Rome, the messenger of God wrote: "He though they have been accepted as truth, firmly declared that Christians should re- should be brought to the law and to the ceive no other doctrines than those which testimony; if they cannot stand this test, rest on the authority of the Sacred Scrip- `there is no light in them.' "—Testimonies, tures."—The Great Controversy, page 126. vol. 5, p. 575. 8. Against what misuse of the Scrip- Contrasting Attitudes'Toward tures must we be constantly on guard? Sound Doctrine 2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6. 11. In what ways does opposition to sound doctrine manifest itself? 2 NoTE.—"In order to sustain erroneous Tim. 4:3; Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek. doctrines or unchristian practices, some will 33:31. [5] NoTE.—Some prefer smooth things to NoTE.—"God has commanded nothing sound doctrine; some oppose Christian doc- that is unessential, and there is no other trine by persecution; some refuse to walk way of manifesting reverence so pleasing to in the old paths; some hear but will not Him as obedience to that which He has obey. spoken."—Education, page 244. 12. After the death of the apostles, 14. Aside from the acceptance of what far-reaching results did the re- sound doctrine, what else is essential? jection of sound doctrine bring about? Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:16. Compare Heb. 2 Thess. 2:3-7. 10:23, 35. NOTE.—The great apostasy, the substi- Illustration: tution of the doctrines of men for the doctrine of Christ, was the result of disobedi- A colporteur tried to sell a man a copy ence to the teaching of the word of God. of the Bible. The man said: "No, sir. I We read: "The truths of the Bible have buy only useful things. What's that book again become obscured by custom, tradi- good for, anyway ?" tion, and false doctrine. The erroneous The colporteur asked: "What is a sign- teachings of popular theology have made post good for?" thousands upon thousands of skeptics and The man answered: "To tell the way infidels. There are errors and inconsisten- one is going." cies which many denounce as the teaching "Quite true," said the colporteur. "That's of the Bible that are really false interpreta- what the Bible is good for; it tells us the tions of Scripture, adopted during the ages way to heaven." of papal darkness."—Testimonies, vol. 5, The man bought the Bible, became con- p. 710. verted, and then told others about the way to heaven. The Bible is our guide in living, 13. What has been the attitude of in doctrine. Moreover, as we accept the God's children to His Will as re- doctrines as taught in is word and obey vealed in the doctrines of the Bible? them, we become living signposts. Our Rom. 6:17. Compare Acts 26:19. lives reveal the way to heaven. Lesson 2, for July 10, 1954 Christ, the Son of God MEMORY VERSE: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt. 16:16. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-49; "The Great Controversy," pages 666-669; W. B. Ochs, "Living Faith," chapter 2. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 8-10; read "The Great of the lesson, based on outline. Controversy" assignment. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-4; Mem- 5. Questions 11-16; Illustration. ory Verse. 6. Read "The Desire of Ages" assign- 3. Questions 5-7; read "Living Faith," ment. chapter 2. 7. Review the entire lesson. [6 1 Lesson Outline: 3. The Son of man. Matt. 18:11; I. His Sonship Proclaimed John 3:14. 1. By an angel. Luke 1:35. 4. The assumption of human nature. 2. By the Father. Matt. 3:17. Phil. 2:6-8. 3. By Christ Himself. John 10:36. 5. The purpose of the incarnation. 4. By Peter. Matt. 16:14-16. Heb. 2:14-18. 6. The universal praise. Phil. 2:9-11; II. Evidence of His Divine Sonship Rev. 5:13. 1. His pre-existence. Micah 5:2. 2. His eternity. John 17:5. Key Thought: 3. His unity with the Father. John " 'Immanuel, . . . God with us.' 'The 10:30. light of the knowledge of the glory of God' 4. His fullness. Col. 2:9. is seen 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From 5.. His creative power. Col. 1:16, 17. the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ 6. His redemptive power. Luke 2:11; was one with the Father; He was 'the image Matt. 1:21. of God,' the image of His greatness and III. The Son of God Becomes the Son majesty, 'the outshining of His glory.' It was to manifest this glory that He came to of Man our world. To this sin-darkened earth He 1. The promise of Immanuel. Isa. 7: came to reveal the light of God's love,-to 14. Compare Matt. 1:23. be 'God with us' Therefore it was prophe- 2. The time of the incarnation. Gal. sied of Him, 'His name shall be called Im- 4:4, 5. manuel.' "-The Desire of Ages, page 19. THE LESSON His Sonship Proclaimed NOTE.-"Christ came to . . . reveal our heavenly Father to sinful human beings. 1. In the angel's announcement to . . . He shared the lot of men, and yet He Mary, what did he say her child was the blameless Son of God."-Testimo- nies, vol. 8, p. 286. should be called? Luke 1:35. 4. In what words did Peter express the disciples' conviction concerning 2. What testimony did the Father the deity of Christ? Matt. 16:14-16. give at the time of the baptism of the Saviour? Matt. 3:17. Evidence of His Divine Sonship 5. What does the Bible teach con- NOTE.-"These words of confirmation cerning the pre-existence of Christ? were given to inspire faith in those who Micah 5:2; 1 Cor. 10:4. witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia- NoTE.-"When He came 'in the likeness tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na- of men,' He declared Himself the I AM. ture, the voice from heaven declared Him The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and to be the Son of the Eternal."-The Desire lowly Saviour, is God 'manifest in the of Ages, page 112. flesh.' 1 Tim. 3:16. . . . 'God with us' is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the 3. What did Jesus claim concern- assurance of our power to obey the law of ing His divine sonship? John 10:36. heaven."-The Desire of Ages, pages 24, 25. [7 1 8. What was Paul inspired to write concerning the divinity of Christ? Col. 2:9. NOTE.—"The fullness of the Godhead." It is good to know that the Christ whom we serve, who took upon Himself our flesh and blood, is also divine. "Behold, then, the wonderful conjunction of both natures in the one Immanuel, who was by His very constitution an actual temple, 'God with us,' the habitation of the Deity—returned and resettling itself with men; and fitted to be what it must also be, a most accept- able sacrifice. For here was met together man that could die, and God that could overcome death."—Howe, Living Temple, part 2, quoted in Life in Christ, by Edward White, page 238. 6. What words in the prayer of Christ reveal the eternity of His be- 9. In what act were the divine Fa- ing? John 17:5. ther and Son associated? Col. 1:13-17; Heb. 1:1, 2. NOTE.—"There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was One with the Father 10. What announcements regarding before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark the birth of Jesus give evidence that place, making it resplendent with divine, He is the divine Son of God? Luke original glory. This truth, infinitely myste- 2:11; Matt. 1:21. rious in itself, explains other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truthi, while it is enshrined in light, unapproachable .and in- comprehensible."—Ellen G. White, in Re- NOTE.—"Jesus died, not to save man in view and Herald, April 5, 1906. his sins, but from his sins. Man is to leave the error of his ways, to follow the example 7. In what words did Christ ex- of Christ, to take up his cross and follow press His unity with the Father? John Him, denying self, and obeying God at any cost."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 251. 10:30. Compare John 14:7-10. The Son of God Becomes the Son of Man NOTE.—In the creation of man there is a very definite relationship between Christ 11. What prophecy foretold the in- the Son, and His coexistence with God the carnation of the Son of God in hu- Father. The Father said: "Let Us make man flesh? Isa. 7:14. Compare Matt. man in Our image, after Our likeness." Gen. 1:23. 1:26. The words us and our are very significant—indicating coexistence, co-opera- tion, co-workers together in a grand pur- pose of creating man "in Our image." The NOTE.—" 'His name shall be called Im- first chapter in the Bible reveals the deity manuel, . . . God with us: `The light of of the Son and His place as a Person of the knowledge of the glory of God' is seen the Godhead. 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From the days [ 8] of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one mon with every human soul, to fight the with the Father; He was 'the image of God,' battle as every child of humanity must the image- of His greatness and majesty, fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal `the outshining of His glory.' It was to loss."—Ibid., p. 49. manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came 15. What was made possible to reveal the light of God's love,—to be through Christ's life in human flesh? 'God with us.' Therefore it was prophesied of Him, 'His name shall be called Im- Heb. 2:14-18. manuel"'—The Desire of Ages, page 19. 12. When and how was this proph- NOTE.—Through the life of Christ in hu- ecy fulfilled, and for what purpose? man flesh, His death and subsequent resur- Gal. 4:4, 5. rection, reconciliation between man and God was brought about. Christ died in order that He might abolish death. Rev. 1:18. The resurrection of Jesus made pos- NorE.—" 'When the fullness of the time sible the resurrection of the dead. 1 Cor. was come, God sent forth His Son.' Provi- 15:12-16. dence had directed the movements of na- "In taking our nature, the Saviour has tions, and the tide of human impulse and bound Himself to humanity by a tie that influence, until the world was ripe for the is never to be broken. Through the eternal coming of the Deliverer. . . . In 'the re- ages He is linked with us. 'God so loved gion and shadow of death,' men sat unsol- the world, that He gave His only-begotten aced. With longing eyes they looked for Son.' John 3:16. He gave Him not only the coming of the Deliverer."—The Desire to bear our sins, and to die as our sacri- of Ages, pages 32, 33. fice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of 13. By what name did Jesus often peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to refer to Himself? Matt. 18:11; John become one of the human family, forever 3:14. to retain His human nature."—The Desire of Ages, page 25. 16. Eventually what will the whole 14. What testimony does the apos- human race acknowledge? Phil. 2: tle Paul bear concerning the human- 9-11; Rev. 5:13. ity of Jesus? Phil. 2:6-8. Compare Rom. 1:3. NOTE.—We are told that the final coro- nation of Christ will take place after the NOTE.—"The King of glory stooped low resurrection of the wicked, after the City to take humanity. Rude and forbidding of God has descended from heaven. In a were His earthly surroundings. His glory panoramic view the lost will see "the scenes was veiled, that the majesty of His outward of Adam's temptation and fall, and the form might not become an object of attrac- successive steps in the great plan of re- tion. He shunned all outward display."— demption. . . . As if entranced, the wicked The Desire of Ages, page 43. have looked upon the coronation of the "But Jesus accepted humanity when the Son of God. They see in His hands the race had been weakened by four thousand tables of the divine law, the statutes which years of sin. Like every child of Adam He they have despised and transgressed. They accepted the results of the working of the witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, great law of heredity. . . . Yet into the and adoration from the saved; and as the world where Satan claimed dominion God wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, without the city, all with one voice exclaim, subject to the weakness of humanity. He 'Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord permitted Him to meet life's peril in com- God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, [ 91 Thou King of saints' (Rev. 15:3) ; and opinions, he carried with him a remarkable falling prostrate, they worship the Prince consciousness of Christ's presence. Even of life."-The Great Controversy, pages some- of his bitterest jailers felt that. God 666-669. was with him. His own comment was: "I thought of Jesus until every stone in the Illustration: walls of my cell shone like a ruby." If we were as conscious of God with us When the saintly Scottish preacher, Mr. today, our everyday life would be tinged Rutherford, was imprisoned for his religious with glory. Lesson 3, for July 17, 1954 Christ Our Salvation MEMORY VERSE: "For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ" pages 16-18; "Living Faith," chapter 3. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 6-8. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Questions 9-12. 2. Key Words; Questions 1-3; Memory 6. Questions 13, 14; Illustration; "Liv- Verse. ing Faith," chapter 3. 3. Questions 4, 5; "Steps to Christ" as- 7. Review the entire lesson. signment. Lesson Outline: 2. Through His creatorship. Isa. 43:1; Eph. 2:10. I. Concerning Our Salvation 3. Through His divinity, humanity, and sinlessness. Heb. 1:8 ; Matt. 1. Its nature. 1 Peter 1:18, 19. 1:23; 1 Peter 2:22. 2. Its magnitude. Heb. 2:2, 3. 4. Through His intercession, deliver- 3. Its inestimable value. Matt. 16:26. ance, and blotting out of sins. Heb. II. All Heaven Interested in Our 7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18. Welfare V. Personal Salvation 1. God. Ezek. 33:11; John 3:16. 1. Individual acceptance. Rev. 3:20. 2. Jesus. Gal. 1:4. 2. Individual rejection. Jer. 8:20; Rev. 3. Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:26. 6:14-17. 4. Angels. Heb. 1:14. Key Words: III. The Need of Salvation 1. All men need salvation. Rom. 3:23; 1. Jesus. The name Jesus was given to 5:12; Jer. 17:9. the Lord by command of God, who made 2. All men are helpless to save them- known His will to Joseph in this matter selves. Jer. 13:23. through an angel. Matt. 1:21. The reason for this choice was also stated: "For He IV. Salvation Provided shall save His people from their sins." This 1. Through Christ alone. Matt. 1:21; is precisely what the name Jesus means. It Acts 4:12. comes to us from the Hebrew through the [ 10 ] Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is Joshua. compound name, meaning in that case the This Hebrew name is a compound one salvation of Jehovah. based on the verb, to save, to deliver, to set free, and a shortened form of the name Je- 2. Salvation. "Salvation is a free gift, hovah in the Hebrew. The meaning of this and yet it is to be bought and sold. . . . Hebrew name is Jehovah shall save, or, the The poorest are as well able as the richest salvation of Jehovah. to purchase salvation ; for no amount of Joshua's name, originally, was Hoshea, worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained meaning salvation, deliverance. It was af- by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to terward changed to Jehoshua, or Joshua. Christ as His own purchased possession."— Isaiah is another form of writing the same Christ's Object Lessons, pages 116, 117. THE LESSON Concerning Our Salvation self a wealth and dignity that the world could never bestow."—Steps to. Christ, page 1. Although salvation is a free gift, 132. what did it cost the Son of God? 1 Pe- All Heaven Interested in ter 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20. Compare Our Welfare Isa. 55:1. 4. What is God's desire for the hu- man family? Ezek. 33:11; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 2 Peter 3:9. 2. What will be the consequences "if we neglect so great salvation"? Heb. 10:28, 29; 2:2, 3. 5. To what extent is heaven inter- ested in our salvation? John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14. NOTE.—"Because sinners will not accept of the salvation freely offered them, are they released from their obligations? Their NOTE.—"I saw that all heaven is inter- choosing to remain in sin and bold trans- ested in our salvation; and shall we be in- gression does not lessen their guilt.. Jesus different? Shall we be careless, as though paid a price for them, and they belong to it were a small matter whether we are Him. They are His property; and if they saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice will not yield obedience to Him who has that has been made for us? . . . God's given His life for them, but devote their Spirit will not always be grieved. It will time and strength and talents to the service depart if grieved• a little longer. After all of Satan, they are earning their wages, has been done that God 'could do to save which is death."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. men, if they show by their lives that they 365. slight Jesus' offered mercy, death will be their portion, and it will be dearly pur- 3. How does the worth of salva- chased."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 124. tion compare with the riches of the The Need of Salvation world? Matt. 16:26. 6. Why does man need salvation? Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Ps. 38:4. NOTE.—"In view of the glorious inherit- ance that may be his, 'what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?' Matt. 16:26. 7. What is the true condition of He may be poor, yet he possesses in him- the natural heart? Jer. 17:9. . NoTE.—"Men do not know their own hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.' Jer. 17:9. But God understands the tendencies of the depraved nature of man. . . . The adver- sary of souls is ever on the alert to open channels for the unrestrained flow of evil in us; for he desires that we may be ruined, and be condemned before God."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 688. 8. By what illustration does the prophet Jeremiah teach man's inabil- ity to save himself? Jer. 13:23. CHRIST'S DEATH ONTHE CROSS IS THE ONLY KEY TO THE DOOR OF SALVATION, NOTE.—"If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better. How many there are who think they are not is won for sinful men by Another becoming good enough to come to Christ. Do you their substitute. In the substitutionary death expect to become better through your own of Christ on the cross He died for the sins efforts? 'Can the Ethiopian change his of the world."—Charles G. Trumbull, What skin, or the leopard his spots? then may Is the Gospel? pages 37, 38. ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.' Jer. 13:23. There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger 10. With what is the power of re- persuasions, for better opportunities, or for demption associated? Isa. 43: 1; Eph. holier tempers. We can do nothing of our- 2:10. selves. We must come to Christ just as we are."—Steps to Christ, pages 35, 36. Salvation Provided NoTE.—Only He who created man has 9. How and through whom alone power to redeem him. His creative power and His'power to save are linked together has salvation been made possible? in many scriptures. It is the creative power Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12. which transforms the life and makes a new creature out of it. That is what Paul meant when he said: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature" (or creation). NoTE.—"None but the Son of God could 2 Cor. 5:17. accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could 11. What three essentials for salva- declare Him. Only He who knew the height tion are found in Christ? Heb. 1:8; and depth of the love of God could make Matt. 1:23; 1 Peter 2:22-24. it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father's love to lost humanity."—Steps to Christ, page 16. "The price of heaven is Jesus. The way NOTE.—This world has produced many to heaven is through faith in 'the Lamb of great men, men of power and influence; but God, which taketh away the sin of the in Christ, and only in Him, do we find the world.' John 1:29."—The Desire of Ages, essentials that make a Saviour. These are page 385. His divinity, His humanity, and His sinless "Salvation is a substitutionary thing. It life. [12 ] 12. What assurance do we have of 14. What sad words will be ut- full and complete salvation? Heb. tered by those who have rejected sal- 7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18. vation? Jer. 8:20; Rev. 6:1417. NOTE.—God, who wants man restored in His image, freely offers him full salva- NOTE.—"At the day of judgment there tion. He promises to save to the uttermost comes to the lost a full realization of the —that means completely. "If you give meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary. yourself to Him, and accept Him as your They see what they have lost by refusing Savieur, then, sinful as your life may have to be loyal. They think of the high, pure been, for His sake you are accounted right- association it was their privilege •to gain. eous. Christ's character stands in place of But it is too late. The last call has been your character, and you are accepted before made. The wail is heard: 'The harvest is God just as if you had not sinned."—Steps past, the summer is ended, and we are not to Christ, page 67. saved.' Jer. 8: 20."—Testimonies, vol. 7, "The chain that has been let down from p. 16. the throne of God is long enough to reach to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift the most sinful out of the pit of degrada- Illustration: tion, and to place them where they will be acknowledged as children of God, heirs A Calcutta paper stated that a young with Christ to an immortal inheritance."— Brahman came to the house of a missionary Testimonies', vol. 7, p. 229. for an interview. In the course of their conversation the Brahman said: "Many Personal Salvation things which Christianity contains I find in Hinduism; but there is one thing which 13. Although salvation is a free Christianity has and Hinduism has not." gift from God, what must we do to The missionary asked: "What is that?" be saved? Rev. 3:20; 22:17; Ezek. The reply of the Brahman was: "A Sav- 14:20. iour." Thank God for a Saviour! Lesson 4, for July 24, 1954 Christ Our Righteousness MEMORY VERSE: "And this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jer. 23:6. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 64-70; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 313-318; "Living Faith," chapter 4. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Read remaining Study Helps. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Questions 7-11. 2. Key Word; Questions 1-3; Memory 6. Questions 12-14; Illustration. Verse. 3. Questions 4-6; "Steps to Christ" as- 7. Review the entire lesson. signment. [13 ] Lesson Outline: IV. Christ's Righteousness Fits Us for Translation I. A Timely Message 1. It brings us into harmony with 1. Man has no righteousness. Rom. 3: God's law. Ps. 119:142; Rom. 8:4. 10; Prov. 21:21. 2. It enables us to attain perfection. 2. Christ is called "Our Righteousness." Matt. 5:48; 1 John 3:2. Jer. 23:6. 3. It gives purity of heart in God's 3. Christ was "made unto us . . . sight. Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8. righteousness." 1 Cor. 1:30. Key Word: II. Innocence Lost Righteousness. "The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good 1. Man's disobedience. Gen. 3:1-10. works from pure, unselfish motives. Out- 2. Man's sin. Isa. 59:1. side righteousness, while the inward adorn- 3. Man's consequent condition. Isa. ing is wanting, will be of no avail."-Testi- 64:6. monies, vol. 3, p. 528. "By the wedding garment in the parable III. The Way to Righteousness is represented the pure, spotless character 1. Our own strength unavailing. John which Christ's true followers will possess. 15:5; Jer. 13:23. To the church it is given 'that she should 2. Our own works worthless. Eph. 2:9; be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,' Rom. 9:31, 32. `not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.' The fine linen, says the Scripture, 3. Our living faith in Christ avails. `is the righteousness of saints.' Rev. 19:8; Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1. Eph. 5:27. It is the righteousness of Christ, 4. Our overcoming the world by faith His own unblemished character, that gives victory. 1 John 5:4. through faith is imparted to all who receive 5. Our walking "after the Spirit" Him as their personal Saviour."-Christ's brings justification. Rom. 8:1. Object Lessons, page 310. THE LESSON A Timely Message of the third angel."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19. 1. Why is the message of Christ our Righteousness so important now? 2. What name is given to the Lord Rom. 3:10; Isa. 64:6; Prov. 21:21. by the prophet Jeremiah? Jer. 23:6. NOTE.-"The people must be instructed 3. What four things has Christ that Christ is unto them salvation and been made for us? 1 Cor. 1:30. righteousness. It is Satan's studied purpose to keep souls from believing in Christ as their only hope; for the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in NorE.-"The righteousness of Christ, as a behalf of those only who believe in its merit, pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. and who present it before the Father as did No work of man can improve the great Abel in his offering."-Gospel Workers, and precious gift of God. It is without a page 162. flaw. In Christ are 'hid all the treasures of "The message of. Christ's righteousness is wisdom and knowledge.' He is 'made unto to sound from one end of the earth to the us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifi- other to prepare the way of the Lord. This cation, and redemption.' Col. 2:3; 1 Cor. is the glory of God, which closes the work 1:30. All that can satisfy the needs and [ 14 ] longings of the human soul, for this world eous character by obedience to God's law. and for the world to come, is found in But he failed to do this, and because of his Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, page sin our natures are fallen, and we cannot 115. make ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey a Innocence Lost holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the 4. What caused our first parents to law of God."—Steps to Christ, page 67. lose their original innocence? Gen. 3:1-10. Compare Rev. 3:5. 8. What does God's word teach concerning the effort to obtain right- eousness through our own works or NoTE.—"The white robe of innocence the works of the law? Eph. 2:9; Gal. was worn by our first parents when they 2:16; Rom. 9:31, 32. were placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. All the strength of their affections was given to their heavenly Father. A beau- NoTE.—"Not the labors of my hands tiful soft light, the light of God, en- Can fulfill Thy law's demands; shrouded the holy pair. This robe of light Could my zeal no respite know, was a symbol of their spiritual garments of Could my tears forever flow, heavenly innocence. Had they remained All for sin could not atone; true to God, it would ever have continued Thou must save, and Thou to enshroud them. But when sin entered, alone."—Augustus M. Top- they severed their connection with God, lady. and the light that had encircled them de- 9. How alone can we hope to ob- parted. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments tain righteousness? Gal. 2:16; Rom. by sewing together fig leaves for a cover- 5:1. Compare James 2:17-19. ing."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 310, 311. 5. What is the cause of our separa- NcrrE.—"If we are faithful in doing-our tion from God? Isa. 59:1, 2; Prov. part, in co-operating with Him, God will work through us the good pleasure of His 28:9; 1 John 3:4. will. But God cannot work through us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal life, we must work, and work earnestly. . . . Let us not•be deceived by the oft-repeated 6. With what does the prophet Isa- assertion, 'All you have to do is to believe? iah compare our own righteousness? Faith and works are two oars which we Isa. 64:6. Compare Zech. 3:1-4. must use equally if we press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief. `Faith, if it bath not works, is dead, being alone.' The Christian is a man of thought The Way to Righteousness and practice."—Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, June 11, 1901. 7. Why is it impossible for man in his own strength to obtain righteous- 10. Before one can be said to be ness? John 15:5; Jer. 13:23. clothed with the righteousness of Christ, over how much must he ob- tain victory? 1 John 5:4. NoTE.—If man could become righteous through his own strength, then the death of Jesus was not necessary. "It was possible NoTE.—He must have victory over every for Adam, before the Fall, to form a right- known sin. Since man lost the robe of [ 15 ] Christ's Righteousness Fits Us for Translation 12. What is the relation of the righteousness of Christ to the law? Ps. 119:142; Rom. 8:4; 3:21. NoTE.—"Righteousness is holiness, like- ness to God; and 'God is love.' It is con- formity to the law of God. . . . Righteous- ness is love, and love is the light and the life of God."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 34. "He who becomes a partaker of the di- "CHRIST'S CHARACTER STANDS vine nature will be in harmony with God's IN PLACE OF YOUR CHARACTER." great standard of righteousness, His holy law."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 314. righteousness through sin, it is logical to 13. What should be the goal of believe that the robe of righteousness is re- every child of God? Matt. 5:48; 1 John gained by forsaking sin and by accepting 3:2. the One who has been made unto us right- eousness; for, "while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the NoTE.—"God requires perfection of His garments of Christ's righteousness while children. His law is a transcript of His own practicing known sins, or neglecting known character, and it is the standard of all duties. God requires the entire surrender character. This infinite standard is pre- of the heart, before justification can take sented to all that there may be no mistake place; and in order for man to retain justi- in regard to the kind of people whom God fication, there must be continual obedience, will have to compose His kingdom. The through active, living faith that works by life of Christ on earth was a perfect ex- love and purifies the soul."—Ellen G. White, pression of God's law, and when those who in Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890. claim to be children of God become Christ- like in character, they will be obedient to 11. How does Heaven look upon God's commandments. Then the Lord can the one who is clothed with the right- trust them to be of the number who shall eousness of Christ? Rom. 8:1. compose the family of heaven. Clothed in the glorious apparel of Christ's righteous- ness, they have a place at the King's feast. They have a right to join the blood-washed NOTE.—"Christ has made a way of es- throng."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 315. cape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. 14. What will fit us to see the glory He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and of God? Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8. now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for NOTE.—"Only those who are clothed in His sake you are accounted righteous. the garments of His righteousness will be Christ's ,character stands in place of your able to endure the glory of His presence character, and you are accepted before God when He shall appear with 'power and just as if you had not sinned."—Steps to great glory.' "—Ellen G. White, Review and Christ, page 67. Herald, July 9, 1908. [ 16 ] "The righteousness by which we are jus- it must be tuned with the other instru- tified is imputed; the righteousness by ments. Before a life can be at its best and which we are sanctified is imparted. The in right relationship with other lives, it first is our title to heaven, the second is our must be in tune with Christ, who is our fitness for heaven."-Ibid., June 4, 1895. righteousness. He is the supreme Music- maker. When our lives are surrendered to Illustration: Him and covered with His righteousness, Before a violin can be of any value, ei- then and only then will discords and strife ther as a solo instrument or in an orchestra, vanish. Lesson 5, for July 31, 1954 The New Birth MEMORY VERSE: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 167-177; "Living Faith," chapter 5. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 5. Questions 10, 11; read remaining of the lesson, based on outline. section of "The Desire of Ages" as- 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory signment. Verse. 6. Questions 12-15; Illustration. 3. Questions 4-6; "Living Faith," chap- 7. Review the entire lesson. ter 5. 4. Questions 7-9; read section of "The Desire of Ages" assignment. Lesson Outline: III. Meaning of the New Birth • 1. It is difficult to explain. John 3:7, 8. I. The Importance of the New Birth 2. It must be experienced to be under- stood. Luke 19:1-9. 1. It was emphasized by Jesus. John 3:3, 5. IV. Evidences of the New Birth 2. It is needed by all. Rom. 3:23. 3. It is man's only hope. Eph. 2:12. 1. The surrendered will. Luke 22:42, last part. II. An Old and New Testament 2. The mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5. Doctrine 3. The humble spirit. Matt. 11:29, last part. 1. David's penitent cry. Ps. 51:7-10. 4. The fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5: 2. Ezekiel's prophecy and promise. 22, 23. Ezek. 36:25-27. 3. Joel's appeal. Joel 2:12, 13. Key Thought: 4. John's declaration on birth in Christ. 1 John 2:29; 3:9. "The change of heart by which we be- 5. Paul's statement on the new crea- come children of God is in the Bible spoken tion. 2 Cor. 5:17. of as birth. Again, it is compared to the 6. Peter and the new birth. 1 Peter germination of the good seed sown by the 1:23. husbandman. In like manner those who [ 17 ] are just converted to Christ are, as 'new- shall 'be called trees of righteousness, the born babes,' to 'grow up' (1 Peter 2:2; planting of the Lord, that He might be Eph. 4:15) to the stature of men and glorified.' Isa. 61:3. So from natural life, women in Christ Jesus. Or like the good illustrations are drawn, to help us better to seed sown in the field, they are to grow up understand the mysterious truths of spirit- and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they ual life."—Steps to Christ, page 71. THE LESSON The Importance of the the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive New Birth strength."—The Desire of Ages, page 203. 1. What alone will qualify one to enter the kingdom of God? John 3: An Old and New Testament 3, 5. Doctrine 4. How did the psalmist express his earnest desire for a change of life NOTE.—"The power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind and heart? Ps. 51:7-10. that all must experience who would par- take with Him of the new life in the king- dom of heaven. 'Except a man be born again,' the Saviour has said, 'he cannot see 5. What does the Lord say about the kingdom of God.' John 3:3. The re- this experience? Ezek. 36:25-27; 11: ligion that comes from God is the 'Only re- 19, 20. ligion that-can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 156. 6. What appeal for- genuine -re- 2. Why do all need the new birth? pentance is made by God through the Rom. 3:23; 5:12, last part. prophet Joel? Joel 2:12, 13. 3. What is the condition of the one 7. What is John's testimony con- who his not experienced the new cerning those who have experienced birth? Eph. 2:12; Luke 18:13. the new birth? 1 John 2:29; 3:9. NOTE.—"There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that 8. By what is the life of the one spiritual life which will bring them into who is truly converted known? 2 Cor. harmony with God; they are vainly striving 5:17. to obtain it. In despair they cry, '0 wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from this body of death?' Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling NOTE.—" `If any man be in Christ, he is ones look up. The Saviour is bending a new creature: old things are passed away; over the purchase of His blood, saying behold, all things are become new.' 2 Cor. with inexpressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt 5:17. Through the power of Christ men thou be made whole?' He bids you arise in and women have broken the chains of sin- health and peace. Do not wait to feel that ful habit. They have renounced selfishness. you are made whole. Believe His word, The profane have become reverent, the and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls [ 18 ] that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the miracle of mir- acles."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 476. 9. By what means is the new birth brought about? 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18. Meaning of the New Birth 10. How did Jesus illustrate the new birth? John 3:7, 8. CHRIST FASHIONS A NEW • LIFE FROM. SINFUL MATERIAL. NOTE.—The new birth cannot be ex- plained, it must be experienced. This was Evidences of the New Birth taught very forcibly by Jesus when He talked to Nicodemus and said that no one 12. When one has experienced the could see the kingdom of God without be- new birth, what will he be willing to ing born again. Nicodemus was perplexed when Jesus used the wind to illustrate the say? Luke 12:42, last part. working of the Spirit upon the life. Con- cerning this we read: "The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling NOTE.—When conversion takes place, self the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or will be fully surrendered to God. , Those whither it goes. So with the work of the who are 'born again will always say: ' Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more "Have Thine own way, Lord! }rave be explained than can the movements of Thine own way I. _ the wind. A person may not be able to tell Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. the exact time or place, or to trace all the Mold me and make me after Thy will, circumstances in the process of conversion; While I am waiting, yielded and still." but this does not prove him to be uncon- —A. A. Pollard. verted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon 13. What does the one who is con- the heart. Little by little, perhaps uncon- verted possess and reveal?, Phil. 2:5; sciously to the receiver, -"impressions are 1 Cor. 2:16. made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the liv- NOTE.—"The Spirit of God through faith ing preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes produces a new life in the soul. The with more direct appeal, the soul gladly sur- thoughts and desires are brought into renders itself to Jesus. By many this is to the will of Christ. The heart, the called sudden conversion ; but it is the re- mind, are created anew in the image of sult of long wooing by the Spirit of God,— Him who works in us to subdue all things a patient, protracted process."—The Desire to Himself."—The Desire of Ages, page 176. of Ages, page 172. 14. What admirable condition is 11. When Zacchaeus was truly con- revealed in the life of the' one who verted, what did it lead him to do? has been born again? Matt. 11:29, last Luke 19:1-9. part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8. [19] 15. What fruit appears in the con- above. The blessing comes when by faith verted life? Gal. 5:22, 23. the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God." —The Desire of Ages, page 173. Nora.—Since conversion is brought about through the work of the Holy Spirit upon Illustration: the heart and life of the individual, we must conclude that those who experience A youth swimming in the sea had gone the new birth are not only spiritually too far, and rescuers took him into a build- minded but also Spirit-filled. They reveal ing while men worked desperately to re- the "fruit of the Spirit." store him. As one after another left the "When the Spirit of God takes possession building, each said with a shrug of the of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful shoulders: "No hope." thoughts are put away, evil deeds are re- At last someone emerged and cried: "He nounced; love, humility, and peace take has taken a breath l" the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy The new birth is new breath, new hope, takes the place of sadness, and the counte- new life. It is breath from heaven that nance reflects the light of heaven. No one comes when every breath of sin is gone. sees the hand that lifts the burden, or be- It is new life from God when the old life of holds the light descend from the courts sin is dead. Lesson 6, for August 7, 1954 The Second Coming of Jesus MEMORY VERSE: "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22:20. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 640-644; "Living Faith," chapter 6. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 5. Questions 8-14. of the lesson, based on outline. 6. Question 15; Illustration; "Living 2. Key Words; Questions 1, 2; Memory Faith," chapter 6. Verse. 7. Review the entire lesson. 3. Questions 3-7. 4. Read "The Great Controversy" as- signment. Lesson Outline: II. The Doctrine in the Old and New Testaments I. The Certainty of His Coming 1. Testimony of Old Testament char- 1. It is based on Christ's promise. John acters: 14:1-3. a. Enoch. Jude 14, 15. b. Job. Job 19:25, 26. 2. It is as certain as was the first ad- c. David. Ps. 50:3. vent. Heb. 9:27, 28. d. Isaiah. Isa. 40:10. • [ 20 ] 2. Testimony of Gospel writers. Matt. heaven: on that day [the parousia] He will 24:30; Mark 13:26, 27; Luke be visibly present on earth."—J. Agar Beet, 21:27. Manual of Theology, page 458. 3. Testimony of apostles. 2 Peter 2. Fables. In 1 Timothy 1:4, as in other 1:16-19 ; Titus 2:13. scriptures, reference is made to fables, 4. The angels' proclamation. Acts 1:11. which can refer to any oral sayings handed down from the past. There was a large III. The Nearness of His Coming body of rabbinical fables. 1. The disciples' question. Matt. 24:3. "It was said in the Jewish schools that 2. The Saviour's answer. Matt. an oral law had been given on Sinai, and 24:4-13. that this law, a succession of teachers, from 3. The celestial signs. Luke 21:25-28. the time of Moses, had handed down. This 4. The signs in the church. 1 Tim. 4:1. `law that is upon the lip,' as it was termed, 5. The signs in the world. 2 Peter was further illustrated and enlarged by the 3:3-5. sayings and comments of the more famous 6. The gospel to all the world. Matt. Jewish rabbis, and in the time of our Lord 24:14. constituted a supplement to the written IV. Our Attitude Toward His Coming law in the Pentateuch. For centuries this 1. We must be watchful and ready. supplementary code was preserved by mem- Matt. 24:42, 44. ory or in secret rolls, and doubtless was 2. We should pray for this event. Rev. constantly receiving additions. It contained, 22:20, last part. along with many wild and improbable leg- endary histories, some wise teachings. This Key Words: strange collection of tradition and com- ment was committed to writing in the sec- 1. Coming. The early Christians used ond century by Rabbi Jehuda, under the a word, parousia, as a term to denote their general name of the Mishnah, or repeti- Master's return. It was contrasted with tion (of the law)."—Ellicott, Commen- another word rendered "absence." Techni- tary, on 1 Tim. 1:4. cally, parousia meant the presence of some- There were many other oral traditions, one standing by. which often served to becloud the truths "In bodily form, He is now absent in taught by Jesus. See Matthew 15:3. THE LESSON The Certainty of His Coming not only belonged to the disciples back yonder, but it is a real inspiration to God's 1. What promise did Jesus make re- people today who are looking forward to garding His return? John 14a-3. His appearing. God's promises will not fail. The coming of Jesus is mentioned more than fifteen hundred times in His word, and more than three hundred times in the New Testament. What an emphasis NOTE.—The words "I will come again" on His coming I were spoken at a time when the hearts of God's children were troubled. That is why 2. What two proofs given by Paul the Lord began by saying: "Let not your make the second coming of Christ a heart be troubled." The disciples tried to certainty? Heb. 9:27, 28. understand what might happen to them should the Master leave them. To bring hope, cheer, comfort, and an undying faith into their lives, He promised that He would come again. How sweet the words NorE.—The first advent of Christ makes sounded, "And if I go and prepare a place the second advent necessary. If, the second for you, I will come again." This promise coming of the Lord did not take place, His [21 1 NOTE.—"The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true fol- lowers. The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with .joy and hope that sorrow could not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, 'the appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the 'blessed hope."'—The Great Controversy, page 302. 7. At the time of Christ's ascension, what promise did the angels make to the disciples? Acts 1:11. ONLY ONE BEACON OF HOPE IN A LOST WORLD. NOTE.—"While the disciples were gazing upward to catch the last glimpse of their first appearing would be of no avail. Paul ascending Lord, He was received into the wrote: "So Christ was once offered to bear rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these the sins of many." This is a historical fact; angels escorted Him to the courts above, He was here; He was the offering that was they sang in triumph, 'Sing unto God, ye made in our behalf for our sins. Therefore kingdoms of the earth; 0 sing praises unto Paul continues: "And unto them that look the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the for Him shall He appear the second time." heavens of heavens. . .. Ascribe ye strength This statement makes His second advent unto God; His excellency is over Israel, and definite. He will come again. His strength is in the heavens.' Ps. 68:32-34, margin. . . The Doctrine in the Old "The promise of Christ's second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of and New Testaments His disciples. The same Jesus whom they 3. What testimonies are given by had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here Old Testament characters regarding below give themselves to His service."—The the coming of the Lord? Jude 14, 15; Acts of the Apostles, pages 32, 33. Job. 19:25, 26; Ps. 50:3; Isa. 40:10. The Nearness of His Coming 4. How did the Gospel writers re- 8. With what important event were gard the Saviour's great prophecy of the disciples concerned, and what His return? Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26, question did they ask the Master? 27; Luke 21:27. Matt. 24:3. 5. What experience is mentioned 9. What are some of the omens of by Peter that lifts the doctrine of the soon return of the Saviour? Matt. Christ's advent above the false teach- 24:7, 12, 23, 24, 27, 37-39. ings of men? 2 Peter 1:16-19. NorE.—"As the people of Noah's day 6. What is the coming of Jesus `knew not until the Flood came, and took called? Titus 2:13. them all away; so,' in .the words of our [ 22 ] Saviour, 'shall also the coming of the Son Our Attitude Toward His of man be.' Matt. 24:39. When the pro- fessed people of God are uniting with the Coming world, living as they live, and joining with them in forbidden pleasure; when the lux- 14. What should be the attitude of ury of the world becomes the luxury of the every child of God toward the coming church; when the marriage bells are chim- of Jesus? Matt. 24:42, 44; Isa. 25:9; ing, and all are looking forward to many 2 Tim. 4:8. years of worldly prosperity,—then, sud- denly as the lightning flashes from the heavens, will come the end of their bright visions and delusive hopes."—The Great Controvery, pages 338, 339. 15. What should be the daily prayer of the true Christian? Rev. 22:20, last 10. What specific events seen today part. reveal the nearness of the second com- ing of the Lord? Luke 21:25-28. Illustration: 11. How did Paul describe the con- On the-elvnth day of March, 1942, Gen- ditions that would prevail just prior eral Douglas McArthur was ordered to to the second coming of Jesus? 1 Tim. leave"'the Philippines, but he engendered 4:1. faith in those he left behind when he said: "I shall return." About two and a• half years later his voice was heard over the air, and. the message he sent to the people 12. What did Peter say would be of the Philippines was: "I have returned." the attitude of the wicked concerning Someday our Saviour, who promised to the second advent? 2 Peter 3:3-5. come again, will be heard saying: "I have returned." This is not a fanciful interpre- tation of the Scriptures. His promise to re- turn is recorded in the sure word of God. 13. What great task confronts the "I will come again, and receive you unto people of God before the coming of Myself; that where I am, there ye may be the Lord? Matt. 24:14. also." John 14:3. Lesson 7, for August 14, 1954 Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming MEMORY VERSE: "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 304-309; "Living Faith," chapter 7. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Read "The Great Controversy" as- of the lesson, based on outline. signment. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory 5. Questions 7-12. Verse. 6. Questions, 13-17; Illustration. 3. Questions 4-6; "Living Faith," chap- 7. Review the entire lesson. ter. 7. [ 23 1 Lesson Outline: I. False Ideas Concerning His Coming 5. The appearance like lightning. Matt. 24:27. 1. The warning against deception. 6. The threefold glory of His appear- Matt. 24:4, 5, 24. ance. Matt. 16:27. 2. The crowning act of deception. 2 Cor. 11:14. IV. The Purpose of Christ's Return 3. The deceived. 2 Thess. 2:10-12. 1. To bring salvation. Isa. 61:1-3 ; Luke 19:10. II. Specific Errors Concerning the 2. To gather the elect. Matt. 24:31. Second Advent 3. To set up His kingdom. Dan. 2:44; 1. That it took place at the resurrec- Rev. 11:15. tion. Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; 4. To establish His kingdom. Matt. Rev. 1:7. 6:33. 2. That it takes place at conversion. Key Thought: Matt. 24:30. 3. That it takes place at death. John "Satan can present a counterfeit so closely 21:21-23. resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire III. Christ's Coming Is Personal and to shun the self-denial and sacrifice de- Visible manded by the truth; but it is impossible 1. Promise of Jesus to come in per- for him to hold under his power one soul son. John 14:3. who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to 2. "The Lord Himself shall descend." know the truth. Christ is the truth, and 1 Thess. 4:16. the 'light, which lighteth every man that 3. The angels' assurance of a personal cometh into the world.' John 1:9. The return. Acts 1:11. Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men 4. The warning against secret appear- into all truth."-The Great Controversy, ings. Matt. 24:23-26. page 528. THE LESSON False Ideas Concerning His NOTE.-"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will per- Coming sonate Christ. The church has long pro- fessed to look to the Saviour's advent as the 1. What did Jesus say would be consummation of her hopes. Now the great one of the deceptions of the latter deceiver will make it appear that Christ has times? Matt. 24:4, 5, 24. come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a ma- jestic being of dazzling brightness, resem- bling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Rev. 1: NoTE.-"Evil spirits will be put upon the 13-15. The glory that surrounds him is track of every soul that seeks to join the unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes ranks of Christ, for Satan wishes to re- have yet beheld. The shout of triumph cover the prey taken from his grasp. Evil rings out upon the air, 'Christ has come ! men will give themselves over to believe Christ has come!' The people prostrate strong delusions, that they may be damned. themselves in adoration before him, while These men will put on the garments of he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a sincerity and deceive, if possible, the very blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His elect."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 595. disciples when He was upon the earth. . . . "But the people of God will not be mis- 2. Before the end of time, how will led. The teachings of this false christ are Satan himself attempt to deceive the not in accordance with the Scriptures."- people? 2 Cor. 11:14. The Great Controversy, pages 624, 625. [ 247 3. What four experiences does Paul 6. What experience indicates that note in the lives of those who will be the disciples did not believe that death deceived? 2 Thets: 2:10-12. is the second coming of Jesus? John 21:21-23. NOTE.—It is important that we not only know the manner of Christ's coming but NOTE.--It is evident that the disciples re- that we have the right attitude toward this garded death and the coming of Christ as great event. Satan will do his utmost to de- two distinct or separate events. ceive even the very elect. Paul earmarks "The teaching so widely echoed from those who are or who will be deceived. He popular pulpits, that the second advent of tells us that they will be known by the Christ is His coming to each individual at following: They (1) "received not the death, is a device to divert the minds 'of love of the truth," (2) "believe a lie," (3) men from His personal coming in the "believed not the truth," (4) "had pleasure clouds of heaven. For yeah Satan has thus in unrighteousness." been saying, 'Behold, He is in the secret When we rely upon the word of God, ac- chambers;' and many souls have been lost cept its teaching, and live in harmony with by accepting this deception."—The Great it, we need not fear deception. Controversy, page 525. Specific Errors Concerning the Christ's Corning Is Personal Second Advent and Visible 4. Why cannot the resurrection of 7. What did Jesus promise con- Jesus represent His second coming? cerning His second coming? John Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; Rev. 1:7. 14:3. Nom.—When Christ came forth from the 8. What does the apostle Paul say tomb, only a few saw Him. When He comes about the personal coming of the the second time, "every eye shall see Him." Lord? 1 Thess. 4:16. The two events are entirely separate. The first has already taken place; the second takes place after the gospel has been preached or proclaimed to every nation, tongue, and people. Matt. 24:14. 9. What assurance was given by the angels at the time of the ascension 5. Why cannot conversion repre- of Jesus? Acts 1:11.' sent the second corning of Christ? Matt. 24:30. NoTE.—"It was the compassionate Sav- NOTE.—There are those who believe that iour, who, anticipating the loneliness and the second coming of Jesus takes place at sorrow of His followers, commissioned an- the time of conversion, but this is not based gels to comfort them with the assurance upon a "thus saith the Lord." When one that He would come again in person, even experiences the new birth, Christ comes and as He went into heaven."—The Great Con- troversy, page 339. dwells in the heart by His Holy Spirit; but this is not His second coming. The coming of Jesus into the heart by His Spirit is in- 10. What warning did Jesus give visible; His second coming will be visible concerning the teaching of a secret and universal. coming? Matt. 24:23-26. [ 251 mars that sacred head, but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His counte- nance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun."—The Great Controversy, page 641. The Purpose of Christ's Return 13. What was the purpose of the first advent of Christ? Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 19:10; Heb. 9:28, first part. NOTE.—"Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid the infinite redemption NO ONE WILL BE DECEIVED price for a lost world. His self-denial and WHO KNOWS GOD'S WOW. self-sacrifice, His unselfish labor, His humili- ation, above all, the offering up of His life, testifies to the depth of His love for fallen NoTE.—"Satan is not permitted to coun- man. It was to seek and to save the lost terfeit the manner of Christ's advent. The that He came to earth. His mission was to Saviour has warned His people against de- sinners, sinners of every grade, of every ception upon this point, and has clearly tongue and nation. He paid the price for foretold the manner of His second coming. all, to ransom them and bring them into `There shall arise false christs, and false union and sympathy with Himself."—Tes- prophets, and shall show great signs and timonies, vol. 5, p. 603. wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . 14. What will the angels do when Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Be- they appear with Christ in glory? hold, He is in the desert; go not forth: be- Matt. 24:31. Compare Isa. 43:5, 6. hold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.' " Matt. 24: 24-27.—The Great Con- troversy, page 625. 15. What will the people of God 11. In what striking manner is the then receive? Heb. 9:28. visible coming of the Lord described in the word of God? Matt. 24:27. NOTE.—"In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Is- 12. In what glory will the Saviour rael, came forth and blessed the congrega- appear? Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26. Com- tion. So Christ, at the close of His work pare Dan. 7:9; Ps. 50:3; Ezek. 1:13, 14. as mediator, will appear, 'without sin unto salvation' (Heb. 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life."—The Great Con- troversy, page 485. NoTE.—The glory that surrounds Christ when He appears the second time is inde- 16. At the return of Jesus, what scribable. We read: "No human pen can will become of the kingdoms of this portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade- world? Dan. 2:44; Rev. 11:15. quate to conceive its splendor. 'His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.' Hab. 3:3, 4. As the living cloud NOTE.—"About His coming cluster the comes still nearer, every eye beholds the glories of that 'restitution of all things, Prince of life. No crown of thorns now which God hath spoken by the mouth of [ 26 ] all His holy prophets since the world be- NOTE.-"If you give yourself to God's gan.' Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued service, He who has all power in heaven rule of evil shall be broken ; 'the kingdoms and earth will provide for your needs."- of this world' will become 'the kingdoms Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He 147. shall reign for ever and ever.' Rev. 11:15. `The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, Illustration: and all flesh shall see it together.' The It is said that on a hot summer day a lad Lord God will cause righteousness and was traveling alone in a train. A lady asked praise to spring forth before all the nations.' him if he were not tired of the journey, the Isa. 40 : 5 ; 61: 11."-The Great Controversy, noise, and the heat. The boy replied: "Yes, page 301. ma'am, a little. But I don't mind it much, because my father is going to meet me when 17. In view of the, soon establish- I get to the end of it." When we tire a lit- ment of His kingdom, what should we tle, let us remember that the Master will do? Matt. 6:33. meet us at the end of the journey. Lesson 8, for August 21, 1954 Immortality Through Christ MEMORY VERSE: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 58, 531-534; "Living Faith," chap- ter 8. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 7-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Read 'living Faith," chapter 8. 2. Key Words; Background Information; 6. Questions 11-13; Illustration; "The Questions 1-3. Great Controversy" assignment. 3. Questions 4-6; Memory Verse. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 2. His thoughts have perished. Ps. 146:3, 4. I. Man's Creation and Nature' 3. He is unconscious. John 11:11. 4. He rests in the grave. Job 17:13.; 1. Created by God. Gen. 1:26, 27. Dan. 12:13. 2. Perfect. Gen. 1:31. 3. Wonderfully made. Ps. 139:14. IV. Immortal Life II. Immortality 1. It is found only in Christ. John 10:15, 17, 18. 1. God alone possesses immortality. 2. It is a gift of God through Christ. 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. John 3 : 16. 2. Man stated to be mortal. Job 4:17. 3. It is received at the resurrection of 3. Man believed Satan's lie. Gen. 3:4. the righteous. 1 Cor. 15:51-55. III. Man's True Condition in Death Key Words: 1. He has returned to dust. Eccl. "Soul. The Hebrew word nephesh, of the 3:19, 20. Old Testament, occurs about 700 times, and [27 ] is rendered soul 471 times; life and living word psuchee, neither ruach nor pneuma about 150 times; and the same word is also are ever once connected with the words rendered a man, a person, self, they, me, which indicate that it is deathless, never- him, anyone, breath, heart, mind, appetite, dying, or immortal."—Wilson, Emphatic the body (dead or alive), lust, creature, and Diaglott, 1870 edition, Alphabetical Appen- even a beast; for it is 28 times applied to dix. beasts, and to every creeping thing. The Greek word psuchee of the New Testa- Background Information: ment, corresponds with nephesh of the Old. Belief in the natural immortality of the It occurs 105 times, and is rendered soul 59 soul led to the deification and worship of times, and life 40 times. The same word is the dead. This was customary among all also rendered, mind, us, you, heart, heartily, the people of antiquity,—Egyptians, Assyr- and is twice applied to the beasts that per- ians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Greeks,— ish. . . . Perhaps it may be worthy of no- in fact, among all except those who wor- tice, that in all the 700 times which nephesh shiped the true God. More than that, this occurs, and the 105 times of psuchee, not false doctrine, the immortality of the soul, once is the word immortal, or immortality, paved the way for the teaching of spiritism, or deathless, or never-dying, found in con- which is defined as "a belief that departed nection, as qualifying the terms. . . . spirits hold intercourse with mortals by "Spirit. The Hebrew word ruach occurs means of physical phenomena, as by rap- 400 times in the Old Testament, and is ren- ping, or during abnormal mental states, as dered spirit 240 times; breath 28 times; in trances, commonly manifested through a wind 95 times; mind 6 times, and the bal- medium; the practices of spiritualists."— ance in 18 different ways. . . . Like the Webster, New Collegiate Dictionary. THE LESSON Man's Creation and Nature him with intelligence and power."—Testi- monies, vol. 8, p. 264. 1. Who was the Creator of man, and how was man made? Gen. 1:26, 3. As David considered the miracle 27; 2:7; Ps. 103:14. of his own creation, what was he led to exclaim? Ps. 139:14. 2. In what condition was man when he came forth from the hands of his NOTE.—"The psalmist cannot contem- Maker? Gen. 1:31; Eccl. 7:29. plate his own frame, God's workmanship, without breaking into thanks, nor without being touched with awe. Every man car- ries in his own body reasons enough for Nora.—"In the creation of man was mani- reverent gratitude."—Alexander Maclaren, fest the agency of a personal God. When D.D., Expositor's Bible, comment on Ps. God had made man in His image, the 139:13-18. human form was perfect in all its arrange- Immortality ments, but it was without life. Then a per- sonal, self-existing God breathed into that 4. Who only possesses inherent im- form the breath of life, and man became a mortality? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17. living, breathing, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were put in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the percep- NoTE.—The word "immortality" is de- tions of the mind—all began their work, fined by Webster as "exempt from liability and all were placed under law. Man be- to die." God is the only being who pos- came a living soul. Through Jesus Christ sesses original life or immortality in Him- a personal God created man and endowed self. All others must receive it from Him. [ 28 ] 5. What did Job say about the na- ture of man? Job 4:17. NorE.—Webster defines the word mortal as "subject to death." 6. What was the basis of the false teaching concerning the immortality of the soul? Gen. 3:4. NOTE.—The first lie ever recorded came from the enemy of all truth. This lie is ex- pressed in five words: "Ye shall not surely THE AUTHOR OF THE RESURRECTION die." These words form the root, the foun- PROMISES MAN ETERNAL LIFE. dation, upon which the theory of the im- mortality of man is based—a poor founda- tion to build upon. 10. What does the word teach con- Among ancient peoples in general there cerning the resting place of the dead? was some form of belief in survival after Job 17:13; Dan. 12:13. death, just as there was an equally wide- spread tradition of a universal flood. These things point to a common origin. In the first case it was the satanic lie, "Ye shall NOTE.—The Hebrew original for grave not surely die ;" in the second it was the in Job 17:13 is sheol, meaning, among other Biblical story of the Flood. things, a dark, hollow, subterranean place, "Herodotus reports (bk. ii, 123) that the used simply in reference to the abode of the Egyptians 'were the first who taught that dead in general, without distinguishing be- man's soul is immortal.' "—J. Agar Beet, tween the good and the bad. See Young's The Immortality of the Soul, page 15. Analytical Concordance. If the dead are in the grave, then they Man's True Condition in Death are not in heaven or in a place of torment. If they have no thought, then they cannot 7. What happens to man when he think. If they know nothing, then they dies? Eccl. 3:19, 20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19. have no understanding. If the dead are asleep, then they are not awake. Immortal Life 8. What is the state , of man in death? Ps. 146:3, 4; 6:5; Ecd. 9:5, 6. 11. What definite proof do we have that immortality is found only in Christ? John 10:15, 17, 18; Acts 3:15; Rev. 1:18. 9. With what is death compared in the Bible? John 11:11; Dan. 12:13; 1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Thess.. 4:15. NorE.—Jesus laid down His life, but He was the "Prince of life." Acts 3:15. Be- cause He was sinless and holy He came NorE.—Death is a sleep. This thought forth from the tomb. Rom. 1:4. As He runs through the whole Bible. In sound was the Author of eternal salvation, so He sleep one is wholly lost to consciousness; was "the Author of the resurrection," and time goes by unmeasured. because Jesus was the Conqueror of the [ 29 grave "He asserted His right and power to ceive 'eternal life.' Rom. 2: 7"-The Great give eternal life" to all who trust in Him. Controversy, page 533. See The Desire of Ages, page 530. He de- livered us from wrath by His death, and 13. When will the people of God brought to us immortality through His own be clothed with immortality? 1 Cor. divine life. 15:51-55; Ps. 17:15; 1 Thess. 4:15, 16. 12. Who only is assured of immor- tal life? John 3:16; 1 John 5:12; Illustration: Rom. 2:7. In Bunhill Fields, London, stands the tomb of Dr. John Coudor, and on it the following words are inscribed: "I have sinned, I have repented; I have trusted, I NOTE.-"Every man may come into pos- have loved; I rest, I shall rise; and through session of this priceless blessing if he will the grace of Christ, however unworthy, I comply with the conditions. All 'who by shall reign." These words express the hope patient continuance in well-doing seek for of all those who have served God and have glory and honor and immortality,' will re- been laid to rest. Lesson 9, for August 28, 1954 The Millennium MEMORY VERSE: "And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev. 20:4, last part. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 653-660; "Living Faith," chapter 9. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 7-9; Memory Verse. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Read "Living Faith," chapter 9. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-3. 6. Questions 10-14; Illustration. 3. Questions 4-6; "The Great Contro- 7. Review the entire lesson. versy" assignment. Lesson Outline: 2. The two resurrections. Rev. 20:4, 5. I. Premillennial World Conditions 3. The wicked slain. 2 Thess. 2:7-10. 4. The saints taken to heaven. John 1. Compared to Noah's day. Matt. 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16 (last part), 17. 24:37-39; Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5 Events During the Millennium 2. Two classes of men. Matt. 1. Satan bound. Rev. 20:1, 2. 13:38, 39. 2. The earth desolate. Jer. 4:23-27. 3. Peace efforts. Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9, 3. The righteous sit in judgment. Rev. 10; 1 Thess. 5:3. 20:4. II. The Beginning of the Millennium IV. The Close of the Millennium 1. The return of Christ. John 14:1-3; 1. The resurrection of the wicked. Rev. Rev. 20:4, 5. 20:5, first part. [ 30 1 2. The loosing of Satan. Verse 3 (last and annus "a year"—a thousand years. The part), 7. word millennium is not found in the Eng- 3. The attempt on the city. Verses lish Bible, but the expression "one thou- 7-9. sand years," which is equivalent to it, is 4. The destruction of the wicked. used six times in the twentieth chapter of Mal. 4:1. Revelation. The saints will be in heaven, S. The new earth. Rev. 21:1; Isa. the wicked are slain, and Satan is bound. 65:17. ' He and his angels will be judged during this period. "The angels which kept not their Key Thought: first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under The word millennium comes from two darkness unto the judgment of the great Latin words, mille, meaning "a thousand," day." Jude 6. THE LESSON Premillennial World Conditions beginning.' 2 Peter 3:4. Do we not hear these very words repeated, not merely by 1. What conditions precede the the openly ungodly, but by many who oc- coming of the Lord? Matt. 24:37-39; cupy the pulpits of our land? 'There is no Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5. cause for alarm,' they cry. 'Before Christ shall come, all the world is to be con- verted, and righteousness is to reign for a thousand years. Peace, peace ! all things NOTE.—Thinking men and women every- continue as they were from the beginning. where recognize the prevailing wickedness Let none be disturbed by the exciting mes- of the time in which we live. No one can sage of these alarmists.' But this doctrine deny that drunkenness, vice, crime, and de- of the millennium does not harmonize with bauchery have greatly increased. The sins the teachings of Christ and His apostles." of Noah's days are repeated in our day. —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 103. 2. How many classes of people will The Beginning of the. Millennium there be when Christ comes? Matt. 13:38, 39. 4. What glorious events mark the beginning of the millennium? John 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4, 5. NoTE.—We are told that "the harvest is the end of the world." It is plain that the wicked, represented by the tares, live with No-I-E.—There will be two general resur- the righteous—the wheat—until the end of rections with one thousand years between the world. Jesus and the New Testament them. They mark the beginning and the writers nowhere anticipated that the whole end of the thousand years. The first resur- world would be converted. rection brings forth those who died in the Lord; the second, those who have rejected 3. What has been prophesied con- Christ and will be lost eternally. Since the cerning peace efforts in the last days righteous dead are raised at the second com- and their results? Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9, ing of Christ, it is evident that this event 10; 1 Thess. 5:3. will mark the last day of the present Chris- tian age, and the beginning of the millen- nium, or the thousand-year period. There- fore the coming of Christ is premillennial. NOTE.—"'Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, 5. What will happen to the wicked all things continue as they were from the when Christ comes? 2 Thess. 2:7-10; [ 31 ] Heb. 10:27. Compare Luke 17:26-30; since first lie rebelled against the govern- 1 Thess. 5:3. ment of heaven, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future, when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done, and be punished for the sins NOTE.-"At the coming of Christ the that he has caused to be committed."—The wicked are blotted from the face of the Great Controversy, pages 658-660. whole earth,—consumed with the spirit of His mouth, and destroyed by the brightness 8. What will be the condition of His glory."—The Great Controversy, of Satan's prison house during the page 657. thousand years? Jer. 4:23-27; Isa. 24:19, 20. 6. At the second coming of Christ what delightful change is afforded the righteous? John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16 (last part), 17. NorE.—"The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, up- rooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by Events During the Millennium the sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered over its surface, while vast caverns 7. After the translation of the right- mark the spot where the mountains have eous and the slaying of the wicked, been rent from their foundations. . . . where and how will Satan be con- "The revelator foretells the banishment fined? Rev. 20:1, 2. Compare Mark of Satan, and the condition of chaos and 5:3, 4. desolation to which the earth is to be re- duced; and he declares that this condition will exist for a thousand years."—The Great Controversy, pages 657, 658. NorE.—With the righteous in heaven and the wicked slain, his iniquitous work is 9. During the millennium what brought to a standstill during the thousand will be the work of the righteous? years, for he will have no one to deceive. Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2; Ps. 149:4-9. His place of confinement is the "bottomless pit," or this earth. The expression bottom- less pit is the same that is used in the Sep- tuagint translation of Genesis 1:2, and NorE.—"During the thousand years be- which is rendered deep in the King James tween the first and the second resurrection, Version. the judgment of the wicked takes place. "That the expression 'bottomless pit' rep- . . . It is at this time that, as foretold by resents the earth in a state of confusion and Paul, 'the saints shall judge the world.' darkness, is evident from other scriptures. Rev. 20:4, 6; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3. In union with Concerning the condition of the earth 'in Christ they judge the wicked, comparing the beginning,' the Bible record says that their acts with the statute book, the Bible, it 'was without form, and void; and dark- and deciding every case according to the ness was upon the face of the deep.' Gen. deeds done in the body. Then the portion 1:2. Prophecy teaches that it will be which the wicked must suffer is meted out, brought back, partially at least, to this according to their works; and it is re- condition.. . . corded against their names in the book of "For a thousand years, Satan will wan- death."—The Great Controversy, pages 660, der to and fro in the desolate earth, to be- 661. hold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings The Close of the Millennium are intense. Since his fall, his life of un- ceasing activity has banished reflection; but 10. When will the rest of the dead, he is now deprived of his power, and left the wicked, be resurrected? Rev. 20:5, to contemplate the part which he has acted first part. 32 declare that the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs, and that it can be overcome. They lay their plans to take possession of the riches and glory of the New Jerusalem. All immediately begin to prepare for battle. . . . "In his last great effort to dethrone Christ, destroy His people, and take pos- session of the City of God, the archdeceiver has been fully unmasked. Those who have united with him see the total failure of his cause."—The Great Controversy, pages 664- 670. 13. How complete will be the de- struction of the wicked? Mal. 4:1; Nahum 1:9. DURING me 1,000 YEARS THE SAINTS WILL. SEZ THAT GOD IS JUST WITH THE WICKED. NOTE.-"At the close of the thousand NoTE.—"Satan's work of ruin is forever years the second resurrection will take ended. For six thousand years be has place. Then the wicked will be raised from wrought his will, filling the earth with woe, the dead, and appear before God for the and causing grief throughout the universe. execution of 'the judgment written.' Thus The whole creation has groaned and the revelator, after describing the resurrec- travailed together in pain. Now God's crea- tion of the righteous, says, 'The rest of the tures are forever delivered from his pres- dead lived not again until the thousand ence and temptations."—The Great Con- years were finished.' Rev. 20:5. And Isa- troversy, page 673. iah declares, concerning the wicked, 'They 14. After the destruction of the shall be gathered together, as prisoners are wicked by fire what will appear? Rev. gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they 21:1; Isa. 65:17. be visited.' Isa. 24:22."—The Great Con- troversy, page 661. 11. What change in Satan's condi- Illustration: tion will take place at the close of the millennium? Rev. 20:3 (last part), 7. A preacher was concluding a sermon on the millennium, stressing the final union of Christ with His people. "It reminds me," he said, "of a reunion I once saw. A beauti- ful young woman returned from college with 12. As a result of the resurrection many honors. A tremendous reception en- of the wicked, what does Satan at- gulfed her, and she was swept up in the tempt to do, and what is the outcome? noisy festivities with which her little home Rev. 20:7-9. town welcomed her. I was at her home when it was all over. Throwing her arms round her mother's neck, she exclaimed: `Oh, mother, this is the moment I have been NoTE.—"Satan consults with his angels, longing for !' " and then with these kings and conquerors That will be the feeling in every heart and mighty men. They look upon the when Jesus and His people are united for- strength and numbers on their side, and ever. PLAN NOW FOR THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 25 [ 33 ] Lesson 10, for September 4, 1954 The Law of God MEMORY VERSE: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Ps. 1 19:18. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 303-314; "Living Faith," chap- ter 10. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 9-12. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Read "Living Faith," chapter 10. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-5. 6. Questions 13-16; Application; Mem- 3. Questions 6-8; "Patriarchs and ory Verse. Prophets" assignment. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: I. Purpose of the Law V. The Christian's Attitude Toward 1. To reveal the things of God. Ps. the Law 119:18. 1. The example of Christ. John 15:10; 2. To outline God's plan for man. Ecd. Isa. 42:21. 12:13. 3. To bring peace and tranquillity. 2. The psalmist's attitude. Ps. 119:6, Ps. 119:165; Isa. 48:18. 47, 69. 4. To expose wrongdoing. 1 John 3:4. 3. The attitude of the remnant church. 5. To show the love of God among Rev. 14:12. men. John 13:34; 15:10. II. The Law a Revelation of God's Key Thought: Character "The law was not spoken at this time ex- 1. It is holy, just, good. Rom. 7:12. clusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. 2. It is perfect. Ps. 19:7 ; Matt. 5:48. God honored them by making them the 3. It is unchangeable. Ps. 111:7, 8; guardians and keepers of His law, but it was Matt. 5:17, 18. to be held as a sacred trust for the whole III. The Attempt to Change the Law world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given 1. Prophesied. Dan. 7:25. for the instruction and government of all. 2. Attempted by the papal power. See Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and note. authoritative, cover the duty of man to God 3. Unchanged after the crucifixion. and to his fellow man; and all based upon Rom. 3:31; 7:12; James 2:10. the great fundamental principle • of love. IV. The Law Is God's Standard in `Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with Judgment all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy 1. God judges in righteousness. Ps. mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' Luke 67:4; Acts 17:31. 10:27. In the Ten Commandments these 2. The law is the standard of right- principles are carried out in detail, and eousness. Ps. 119:172. made applicable to the condition and cir- 3. Men are judged by the law. James cumstances of man."-Patriarchs and 2:8-12. - Prophets, page 305. [ 34 1 THE LESSON Purpose of the Law NOTE.—"The first step in reconciliation to God, is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the 1. As the psalmist contemplated the transgression of the law.' By the law is the law of God, what prayer did he offer knowledge of sin.' 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:20. for enlightenment? Ps. 119:18. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous charac- Norn.—The words "Open Thou mine ter, and enables him to discern the defects eyes" are a request; they express a heart in his own. The law reveals to man his sins, desire. The psalmist was not blind physi- but it provides no remedy. While it prom- cally; he prayed for spiritual eyesight that ises life to the obedient, it declares that he might see the beauty, the wondrous death is the portion of the transgressor. things in the law. Before one can under- The gospel of Christ alone can free him stand the purpose of the law, he must have from the condemnation or the defilement of spiritual eyesight. Blind Helen Keller, sin."—The Great Controversy, pages 467, shortly before her sixtieth birthday, ex- 468. pressed pity for the real unseeing—those who have eyes yet do not see. 5. What is the new commandment, and what is its relation to the law of 2. What is man's full duty, and God? John 13:34; 15:10. See Deut. where is it revealed? Eccl. 12:13; 6:4. Matt. 22:35-40. Nom—The new commandment did not NorE.—The Ten Commandments were replace the Ten Commandment law. It sup- written on two tables of stone. The first ports the perpetuity of the law of God. Je- four reveal our duty to God; the last six sus said: "If ye keep My commandments our duty to our fellow men. The keeping [not commandment], ye shall abide in My of the commandments is based upon love— love." His love is expressed in the new love to God and love to our fellow men. commandment: "As I have loved you." If Where love rules supreme, there transgres- we love as He loved, we will do what He sion of the law is not found. says, namely: "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15. 3. What is experienced by those The Law a Revelation of who obey the law of God? Ps. 119: 165; Isa. 48:18. Compare 1 Cor. 14:33. God's Character 6. What three characteristics of the law mentioned by Paul are also char- NOTE.—"Men cannot manufacture peace. acteristics of God? Rom. 7:12; Lev. Human plans for the purification and up- 11:44; Nahum 1:7. lifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is. the grace Norn.—"The law of God is as sacred as of Christ. When this is implanted in the Himself. It is a revelation of His will, a heart, it will cast out the evil passions that transcript of His character, the expression cause strife and dissension."—The Desire of divine love and wisdom."—Patriarchs of Ages, page 305. and Prophets, page 52. 4. How does the word of God de- 7. What other characteristic of God fine sin? 1 John 3:4; 5:17; Rom. 3:20; is revealed through His law? Ps. 19:7; 4:15; 7:7. Matt. 5:48. [ 35 NoTE.—" `The law of the Lord is per- fect, converting the soul.' Ps. 19:7. With- out the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God, or of IN;i/G120,e-s, their own guilt and uncleanness. They fir: have no true conviction of sin, and feel no need of repentance."—The Great Contro- versy, page 468. Speaking of the perfection of the law, C. H. Spurgeon said: "Its perfection is a proof of its divinity. No human lawgiver could have given forth such a law as that which we find in the Decalogue. It is a perfect law; for all human laws that are right are to be found in that brief com- pendium and epitome of all that is good and excellent toward God, or between man GOD'S LAW IS THE ONLY BULWARK and man."—Sermons, vol. 2, p. 280. AGAINST CRIME, CoRRuPTION,AND EVIL. 8. What is said of the unchange- ableness of God and His law? Mal. "A. Saturday is the Sabbath day. 3:6; Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18. "Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? "A. We observe Sunday instead of Sat- urday because the Catholic Church, in the NOTE.—"The law of God, from its very' Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. of the will and the character of its Author." "Q. Why did the Catholic Church sub- — The Great Controversy, page 467. stitute Sunday for Saturday? John Wesley wrote: "The moral law, "A. The Church substituted Sunday for contained in the Ten Commandments, and Saturday, because Christ rose from the enforced by the prophets, He did not take dead on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost de- away. It was not the design of His coming scended upon the Apostles on a Sunday. to revoke any part of this. . . . Every part "Q. By what authority did the Church of this law must remain in force upon all substitute Sunday for Saturday? mankind, and in all ages; as not depending "A. The Church substituted Sunday for either on time or place, or any other cir- Saturday by the plenitude of that divine cumstances liable to change, but on the na- power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon her." ture of God, and the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other." 10. What statements support the —"Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the continuance of the law after the cru- Mount," Discourse 5, in Works, vol. 5, pp. cifixion of Jesus? Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14; 311, 312. James 2:10; Rev. 14:12; 22:14. The Attempt to Change the Law 9. What does Daniel the prophet The Law Is God's Standard say concerning the attempt to change . in Judgment the law of God? Dan. 7:25. 11. How will God judge all peo- ple? Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31. NOTE.—This prophecy has been fulfilled. In Peter Geiermann's Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine (page 50), we read: 12. What is God's standard of "Q. Which is the Sabbath day? righteousness? Ps. 119:172. [ 36 ] NorE.—"The law of God is the standard self He declares, 'I delight to do Thy will, by which the characters and the lives of 0 My God: yea, Thy law is within My men will be tested in the judgment. Says heart.' Ps. 40:8."—The Great Controversy, the wise man: 'Fear God, and keep His page 466. commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work 15. What great motive should into judgment.' Eccl. 12:13, 14. The apos- move our hearts to keep God's law? tle James admonishes his brethren, 'So Ps. 119:6, 47, 69, 97. speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.' James 2:12." —The Great Controversy, page 482. 16. By what will the remnant 13. By what are men judged? church be known? Rev. 14:12. James 2:8-12. Application: The Christian's Attitude Toward the Law "God placed man under law, as an indis- pensable condition of his very existence. He was a subject of the divine government, 14. What example of Jesus reveals and there can be no government without the attitude the Christian should law. God might have created man without adopt toward God's law? John 15:10; the power to transgress His law; He might Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8. have withheld the hand of Adam from touching the forbidden fruit; but in that case man would have been, not a free moral agent, but a mere automaton. With- NOTE.—"The claim that Christ by His out freedom of choice, his obedience would death abolished His Father's law, is with- not have been voluntary, but forced. There out foundation. Had it been possible for could have been no development of char- the law to be changed or set aside, then acter. Such a course would have been con- Christ need not have died to save man trary to God's plan in dealing with the from the penalty of sin. The death of inhabitants of other worlds. It would have Christ, so far from abolishing the law, been unworthy of man as an intelligent proves that it is immutable. The Son of being, and would have sustained Satan's God came to 'magnify the law, and make charge of God's arbitrary rule."—Patri- it honorable.' . . . And concerning Him- archs and Prophets, page 49. Lesson 11, for September I I, 1954 The Sabbath MEMORY VERSE: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 281-289; "The Great Controversy," pages 451-453; "Living Faith," chapter 11. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 5. Questions 11, 12; Further Comments; of the lesson, based on outline. "The Desire of Ages" assignment. 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-5. 6. Read "Living Faith," chapter 11. 3. Questions 6-8; Memory Verse. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Questions 9, 10; "The Great Contro- versy" assignment. [37] Lesson Outline: IV. The Sabbath in the New Earth 1. Observance by all men. Isa. 66:23. I. The Sabbath 2. Blessing for all men. Rev. 22:14. 1. Its divine origin. Gen. 2:1-3. 2. It was blessed and sanctified as Key Thought: God's rest day. Gen. 2:2, 3. 3. It is a safeguard against evolution. "God designs that the Sabbath shall di- Ex. 20:8-11. rect the minds of men to the contempla- 4. It was the seventh day of creation. tion of His created works. Nature speaks Ex. 20:10, first part; Luke 23:54. to their senses, declaring that there is a liv- 5. It was made for man. Mark 2:27. ing God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler II. Christ and the Sabbath of all. 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His 1. The Lord's day. Isa. 58:13; Mark handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, 2:28. and night unto night showeth knowledge.' 2. The day He observed. Luke 4:16. Ps. 19:1, 2. The beauty that clothes the 3. The day observed after His resur- earth is a token of God's love. We may be- rection. Matt. 24:15:20. hold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty III. The Sabbath Taught in the New trees, in the opening buds and the delicate Testament flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sab- bath, ever pointing to Him who made 1. By the Gospel writers. Matt. 28:1; them all, bids men open the great book of Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-56; nature, and trace therein the wisdom, the John 19:31. power, and the love of the Creator."- 2. By the apostle Paul. Acts 13:14. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. THE LESSON The Sabbath 1. When and by whom was the the seventh day was to rest. Thus the Sab- Sabbath instituted? Gen. 2:1-3. bath became God's rest day. The word Sabbath means "rest." His second act was the placing of His blessing upon the Sab- bath. Therefore it became His "blessed" NoTE.-The Sabbath is the sign of God's rest day. His third act was to sanctify the creative power. Through Sabbathkeeping Sabbath. Webster states that sanctify we are to remember Him as the true and means "set apart to a holy or religious use." the living God, and as the Creator of all things. 3. In what way is the Sabbath a "The Sabbath institution, which origi- nated in Eden, is as old as the world itself. definite weapon against the teaching It was observed by all the patriarchs, from of evolution? Ex. 20:8-11. creation down."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 336. "Like the Sabbath, the week originated at creation, and it has been preserved and Nom-The Sabbath commandment es- brought down to us through Bible history." tablishes three facts: -Ibid., p. 111. a. The Creator, "the Lord made." b. Time in creation, "in six days." 2. By what three distinctive acts c. The things created, "heaven and earth, was the Sabbath made? Gen. 2:2, 3. the sea, and all that in them is." 4. According to the law, which NoTE.-In instituting the Sabbath the day is the true Sabbath? Ex. 20:10, Lord performed three acts. His first act on first part; Luke 23:54. [38 ] NoTE.—The crucifixion of Jesus occurred Not-E.—It was our Saviour's "custom" to on the preparation day, or Friday, the sixth attend divine service on the Sabbath. The day of the week. The day that followed word custom implies continuous practice. was the Sabbath. Since there are only seven His day is not to be kept in a mechanical days in the week, the day which follows the way. We are to enjoy its holy hours and sixth must be the seventh. This day is the be refreshed spiritually as we meditate upon Sabbath. heavenly things. The Sabbath will be the happiest day of the week when we follow in the footsteps of our Master, including the 5. For whom was the Sabbath custom of attending divine service on "the made? Mark 2:27; Isa. 56:2. Sabbath day." "God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for NoTE.—The name 'Jew is said to be de- one day of the seven, that he might more rived from the Aramaic form of the word fully contemplate the works of God, and Judah, applied originally to people in meditate upon His power and goodness. southern Palestine, then to all the Israelites. He needed a Sabbath, to remind him more The Sabbath was instituted more than two vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude be- thousand years before there was a Jew, cause all that he enjoyed and possessed therefore it is not a Jewish Sabbath. It came from the beneficent hand of the Crea- was the Sabbath established by the Lord. tor."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. "The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole 8. To what event did Jesus refer, human family. Its observance was to be indicating that the Sabbath should an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the be kept after His ascension? Matt. part of all who should dwell upon the 24:15-20. earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign.; that they were the work of His hands, and the subjects of His au- thority. Thus the institution was wholly NoTE.—The flight of God's people took commemorative, and given to all mankind. place three and one-half years before the There was, nothing in it shadowy, or of fall of Jerusalem A.D. 70. A flight in winter restricted application to any people."— would have meant extreme discomfort and Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. hardship, and an attempt to flee on the Sabbath would have met with difficulties. Christ and the Sabbath The Sabbath Taught in the 6. By what name is the Sabbath New Testament designated? Ex. 20:10, first part; Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28. Compare Rev. 1:10. 9. What reference is made to the Sabbath following the crucifixion? Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54- 56; John 19:31. NOTE.—"The Lord's day is the seventh day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day that God sanctified and blessed, Christ sig- 10. How did Paul regard the com- nified 'by His angel unto His servant John' mandment to keep the Sabbath day? things which must come to pass before the Acts 13:14, 42, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4. close of the world's history, and He means that we should become intelligent with re- gard to them."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 128. NoTE.—The book of Acts was written 7. In what did Christ set His fol- about thirty years after the resurrection of lowers a noble example? Luke 4:16. Jesus. It contains the principal historical [39] NorE.—The redeemed who will inherit the new earth have experienced the new birth. They have been obedient to the com- mandments of God, including the fourth. In their restored Eden home they will keep the same Sabbath that was instituted by God during the creation week. The prophet says: "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from, one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord." Those who expect to share in the blessing of Sab- bathkeeping in the earth made new will keep the Sabbath here. Our relation to the Sabbath must be such that we shall "call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable." Isa. 58:13. WE NEED A SPIRITUAL OUTLOOK ON THE SABBATH. Further Comments: "The importance of the Sabbath as a facts regarding the apostolic church. The memorial of creation is that it keeps ever gospel religion taught in Acts exemplified present the true reason why worship is due the faith of all the apostles. In it they ex- to God. . . . The Sabbath, therefore, lies press their view of the teaching of Christ. at the very foundation of divine worship, Is it not reasonable to believe that if Christ for it teaches this great truth in the most had changed the Sabbath, or commanded impressive manner, and no other institution that the first day of the week be kept, the does this. The true ground of divine apostles would have known about it and worship, not of that on the seventh day would have taught it with the same force merely, but of all worship, is found in the as they taught baptism and the Lord's Sup- distinction between the Creator and His per? But they are silent on this. Not a hint creatures. This great fact can never become is given anywhere for Sundaykeeping. obsolete, and must never be forgotten."— J. N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath, page The Sabbath in the New Earth 515. "It was to keep this truth ever before the 11. What does the prophet Isaiah minds of men, that God instituted the Sab- say concerning Sabbathkeeping in the bath in Eden; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason earth made new? Isa. 66:23. why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memo- rial. . . . The message which commands men to worship God and keep His com- 12. What blessing is promised to mandments, will especially call upon them those who honor God's command- to keep the fourth commandment."—The ments? Rev. 22:14. Great Controversy, page 438. SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are published each quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska. [40 ] Lesson 12, for September 18, 1954 Baptism MEMORY VERSE: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3:27. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 109-113; "Living Faith," chapter 12. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon; general survey 4. Questions 8-10; remaining section of of the lesson, based on outline. "The Desire of Ages" assignment. 2. Key Word; Questions 1-4. 5. Questions 11-15; Application. 3. Questions 5-7; section of "The Desire 6. Read "Living Faith," chapter 12. of Ages" assignment. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: I. The Importance of Baptism 2. It was not by sprinkling. John 3:23. 1. The example of Jesus. Matt. 3. It was by immersion. Acts 8:38, 39. 3:14, 15. IV. Life After Baptism 2. The testimony of the Gospel writ- ers. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; 1. A newness of life. Rom. 6:4, last Luke 7:29, 30; John 3:5. part. 3. The church is united by it. Eph. 2. A fuller acceptance of Christ. Gal. 4:5. Compare Matt. 3:11. 3:27. 4. The entrance to church member- 3. A search for higher things. Col. 3:1. ship. 1 Cor. 12:12, 13. 4. A greater testing. Matt. 4:1-10. 5. A victorious experience through the II. Requirements for Baptism word. Luke 4:4, 8, 10. 1. Instruction. Matt. 28:19, first part. Key Word: 2. Faith. Mark 16:16, first part; Acts 8:36, 37. Baptism. When Paul wrote, "We are 3. Repentance, conversion, confession buried with him by baptism" (Rom. 6:4), of sin. Acts 2:37, 38. he used the Greek noun baptisms, "consist- ing of the processes of immersion, submer- III. Significance of Baptism sion, and emergence."-W. E. Vine, Exposi- 1. It commemorates Christ's death. tory Dictionary of New Testament Words, Rom. 6:3, 4. art. "Baptism," vol. 1, p. 96. THE LESSON The Importance of Baptism He identified Himself with sinners, taking 1. In what act did the Saviour set the steps that we are to take, and doing a noble example for His followers? the work that we must do. His life of suf- Matt. 3:14, 15. fering and patient endurance after His bap- tism was also an example to us."-The De- sire of Ages, page 111. NorE.-"Jesus did not receive baptism as 2. How do the Gospel writers ex- a confession of guilt on His own account. press the importance of baptism? [41 1 Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke 7. What other evidence of fitness 7:29, 30; John 3:5. for baptism was given on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2:37, 38. 3. In what way does baptism purify and unify the church? Matt. 3:11; NOTE.—True repentance leads to conver- Eph. 4:5. sion and confession of sin. The prerequisites to baptism—instruction, faith, repentance, and conversion—cannot be experienced by a young child. The Bible is silent concern- 4. With what condition must all ing infant baptism. comply in order to enjoy full church membership? 1 Cor. 12:12, 13. Significance of. Baptism 8. What does baptism commemo- rate? Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12. NOTE.—"Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be ac- NoTE.—"This passage [Rom. 6:4] cannot knowledged as under the authority of the be understood unless it be borne 'in mind Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Be- that the primitive baptism was by immer- fore man can find a home in the church, sion."—Conybeare and Howson, Life and before passing the threshold of God's spirit- Epistles of the Apostle Paul, at Rom. 6:4, ual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of footnote, 1906 ed., p. 557. the divine name, The Lord our Righteous- 9. What statement of John indi- ness.' Jer. 23:6."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91. cates that the mode of baptism cannot Requirements for Baptism be sprinkling? John 3:23. 5. What is the first requirement for baptism? Acts 8:35, 37, 38; Matt. 28:19, first part. 10. What other experiences teach that the mode of baptism is immer- sion? Acts 8:38, 39; Matt. 3:16. NoTE.—"Baptism is 'a most solemn re- nunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Fa- Life After Baptism ther, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life de- 11. How is the life after baptism clare publicly that they have forsaken the designated? Rom. 6:4, last part; Gal. service of Satan and have become members 2:20. of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: `Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean NoTE.—The words "newness of life" sug- thing.' And to them is fulfilled the promise: gest that the life previous to baptism was `I will receive you, and will be a Father the old life. The same apostle who describes unto you, and ye shall be My sons and the new life also reveals the characteristics daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."—Tes- of the old. The old man is to be buried in timonies, vol. 6, p. 91 baptism. The new represents the con- 6. What condition of heart must verted man. On this new life G. G. Findlay writes: "The baptism of the Galatians sig- precede baptism? Mark 16:16, first nalized their entrance 'into Christ,' the part; Acts 8:36, 37. union of their souls with the dying, risen [ 42 ] NoTE.—The life after baptism turns its seeking heavenward; it seeks "those things which are above." Heavenly things satisfy the longing of the heart; they are of eternal value ; they will endure. In our spiritual experience we are to "mount up with wings as eagles." Isa. 40:31. We are to live in the heavenly atmosphere. We must con- tinue to "seek those things which are above" until we reach our eternal goal—heaven itself. 14. What experience should those who follow their Master in baptism be prepared to meet? Matt. 4:1-10; Luke 4:13. BAPTISM IS A MEMORIAL OF CHRIST'S DEATH, BURIAL,MD RESURRECTION. 15. How may we successfully meet the deceptive temptations of Satan? Lord. They were 'baptized,' as Paul phrases Luke 4:4, 8, 10. it elsewhere, 'into His death,' to 'walk' henceforth with Him 'in newness of life.' By its very form—the normal and most expressive form of primitive baptism, the descent into and rising from the symbolic Nozn.—It was after Christ's baptism that waters—it pictured the soul's death with Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, but Christ, its burial and its resurrection in Him, the enemy was defeated in every attempt. its separation from the life of sin and en- The secret of Christ's success must be ours. trance upon the new career of a regenerated It is found in three words: "It is written." child of God."—The Expositor's Bible, com- ment on Gal. 3:27. Application: "The vows which we take upon ourselves 12. How is the life after baptism in baptism embrace much. In the name of further described? Gal. 3:27. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we are buried in the likeness of Christ's death and raised in the likeness of His resur- rection, and we are to live a new life. Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ. Henceforth the believer is to bear in mind Nom—The text makes it clear that Paul that he is dedicated to God, to Christ, and speaks of the life after baptism. The put- to the Holy Spirit. He is to make all ting on of Christ is an experience that worldly considerations secondary to this comes to us through faith. The expressions: new relation. Publicly he has declared that "faith in Christ" (verse 26), "baptized into he will no longer live in pride and self-indul- Christ," and "put on Christ" are closely gence. He is no longer to live a careless, associated; they are synonymous expres- indifferent life. He has made a covenant sions. Of these three expressions someone with God.' He has died to the world. He has said: "The first is the spiritual principle, is to live to the Lord, to use for Him all the ground or element of the new life; the his entrusted capabilities, never losing the second, its visible attestation; and the third realization that he bears God's signature, indicates the character and habit proper that he is a subject of Christ's kingdom, a thereto." partaker of the divine nature. He is to sur- render to God all that he is and all that he 12. After baptism what will the has, employing all his gifts to His name's true child of God seek? Col. 3:1. glory."—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 98, 99. [ 43 ] Lesson 13, for September 25, 1954 Obedience MEMORY VERSE: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isa. 1:19. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 279, 627-636; "Living Faith," chapter 13. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4. Questions 6-8; remaining section of of the lesson, based on outline. "Patriarchs and Prophets" assign- 2. Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory ment. Verse. 5. Questions 9-14; Illustration. 3. Questions 4, 5; section of "Patriarchs 6. Read "Living Faith," chapter 13. and Prophets" assignment. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: I. Obedience Defined and Exemplified 4. It puts God's law in the heait. Ps. 1. A service of love. John 15:14; Gen. 40:8, last part; Heb. 8:10. 12:1, 4. 5. It is learned through suffering. Heb. 2. An example in Christ's life. Phil. 5:7, 8. 2:8. 6. It is rewarded. Isa. 1:19; Rev. 3. A sign of latter days is the absence 22:14. of obedience. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Key Thought: II. Things That Lead to Disobedience "Often the Christian life is beset by dan- 1. The desire for popularity. 1 Sam. gers, and duty seems hard to perform. The 15:23, 24; John 12:42, 43. imagination pictures impending ruin before, 2. The delay in punishment against and bondage or death behind. Yet the evil. Eccl. 8:11. voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go forward.' III. Examples That Show How Highly We should obey this command, even though God Regards Obedience our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The 1. Moses. Num. 20:7-12. obstacles that hinder our progress will 2. Nadab and Abihu. Lev. 10:1, 2. never disappear before a halting, doubting 3. Uzza. 1 Chron. 13:9, 10. spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears, and IV. Various Aspects of Obedience there remains no risk of failure or defeat, 1. It is more important than sacrifice. will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, Ps. 40:6; 1 Sam. 15:22, 23. `Let us wait till the obstructions are re- 2. It comes to those who hear God's moved, and we can see our way clearly ;' voice. Ps. 40:6. but faith courageously urges an advance, 3. It brings delight in doing God's will. hoping all things, believing all things."- Ps. 40:8, first part. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 290. (44] THE LESSON Obedience Defined and will maintain a facade of 'religion,' but their conduct will deny its validity. You Exemplified must keep clear of people like this."—Let- ters to Young Churches, a translation of 1. How does Jesus define true obe- the New Testament epistles by J. B. Phil- dience? John 15:14. Compare James lips. 2:23; Gen. 12:1, 4. Things That Lead to Disobedience 4. What led Saul to disobey the NOTE.—"Obedience is not a mere out- voice of God? 1 Sam. 15:23, 24. Com- ward compliance, but the service of love." pare John 12:42, 43. "We do not earn salvation by our obedi- ence; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith."Steps to Christ, pages Nom—Saul wanted to be popular with 65, 66. the people. He did not want to jeopardize his standing as king. His true self is re- 2. What example of obedience did vealed by the messenger of God, who wrote: Christ set for us? Phil. 2:8; 1 Peter "Saul's disobedience changed his relation to 2:21-23. God. . . . But Saul presumed upon his exaltation, and dishonored God by unbelief and disobedience. Though when first called to the throne he was humble and self-distrust- NOTE.—Christ is our only true example ful, success made him self-confident. The in obedience. We are admonished to "fol- very first victory of his reign had kin- low His steps." Example is more forceful dled that pride of heart which was his great- than precept. It is one thing to tell others est danger. The valor and military skill what to do and another to do it ourselves. displayed in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead If all the world accepted Christ as an ex- had roused the enthusiasm of the whole ample, and followed in His footsteps, there nation. The people honored their king, for- would be no more confusion in doctrine, or getting that he was but the agent by hypocrisy in living. whom God had wrought; and though at first Saul ascribed the glory to God, he 3. In what ways is the spirit of dis- afterward took honor to himself. He lost sight of his dependence upon God, and in obedience manifested in the last days? heart departed from the Lord."—Patriarchs 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Isa. and Prophets, pages 630-633. 24:3-6, 20; James 5:1-7. 5. What emboldens some men to be disobedient? Eccl. 8:11. NoTE.-2 Tim. 3:1-5. "But you must realize that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly Examples That Show How self-centered, greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and contemp- Highly God Regards Obedience tuous, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly 6. What kept Moses from entering lacking in gratitude, purity, and normal hu- the Promised Land? Num. 20:7-12. man affections. They will be men of un- scrupulous speech and have no control of themselves. They will be passionate and unprincipled, treacherous, self-willed, and 7. What seemingly slight viola- conceited, loving all the time what gives tion caused the death of Nadab and them pleasure instead of loving God. They Abihu? Lev. 10:1, 2. [45 ] 8. Why was God's anger kindled against Uzza? 1 Chron. 13:9, 10. NorE.—"The Philistines, who had not a knowledge of God's law, had placed the ark upon a cart when they returned it to Is- rael, and the Lord accepted the effort which they made. But the Israelites had in their hands a plain statement of the will of God in all these matters, and their neglect of these instructions was dishonoring to God. Upon Uzzah rested the greater guilt of presumption. Transgression of God's law NIUM had lessened his sense of its sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon him, he had, in SOME MISTAKENLY THINK THEY CAN face of the divine prohibition, presumed to BUY THEIR WAY TO HEAVEN WITH touch the symbol of God's presence. God GIFTS,an- REFUSE TO OBEY GOD'S WOW. can accept no partial obedience, no lax way of treating His commandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah, He designed to im- NorE.—God does not want a forced obe- press upon all Israel the importance of dience. Obedience is the outgrowth of love. giving strict heed to His requirements."— Love is the motive power of true obedience. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 706. "The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their per- Various Aspects of Obedience fect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all• His 9. What does the psalmist say con- creatures the service of love,—service that cerning the importance of obedience, springs from an appreciation of His charac- in contrast to forms and ceremonies? ter. He takes no pleasure in a forced obe- Ps. 40:6. Compare 1 Sam. 15:22, 23. dience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 34. 12. What attitude does the Chris- NorE.—The fortieth psalm contains a tian take toward the law 'of God? prophecy of Jesus. It reveals His attitude Rom. 7:22; Heb. 8:10. toward obedience. Four statements concern- ing Christ clearly set forth the various as- pects of obedience. Sacrifices and offerings are essential, but God emphasizes that there NorE.—As long as the law is in the heart, is something deeper, something better than purity of life will be manifested; obedience mere external things. He looks into the will be supreme. As long as the law is only heart. Forms and ceremonies mean little in the Bible or on tables of stone, we shall unless they are inspired by an obedient life. not delight in it. Amos 5:21-27. 13. How does the Lord sometimes 10. What part does the sense of teach obedience? Heb. 5:7, 8; Ps. 4:1. hearing play in man's obedience to God's voice? Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15. NOTE.—Sickness and suffering have brought many individuals from a selfish, disobedient life, and caused them to lay 11. In what is true obedience re- their talents at God's feet to be used by vealed? Ps. 40:8, first part. Him in obedient service. Paul suffered [ 46 ] greatly, but in all his afflictions he could Illustration: say: "I was not disobedient unto the heav- enly vision." Acts 26:19. -Those who travel among the Alps claim that they have an unusual, peculiar feeling for their Alpine guide. They tell us that it 14. What promises are made to the is not a feeling of companionship, fellow- obedient? Isa. 1:19; Rev. 22:14. ship, or friendship alone, but a combina- tion of all three. They conclude that this feeling comes because of their obedience to the guide's commands. We have a Guide. NOTE.-"For nations as well as for indi- To us He says: "Ye are My friends, if ye do viduals, the path of obedience to God is the whatsoever I command you." Those who path of safety and happiness, while that of obey' Him have a feeling not only of com- transgression leads only to disaster and de- panionship, fellowship, and friendship, but feat."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 591. of implicit faith in Him as their Guide. THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING September 25, 1954-Northern European Division The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the third quarter of 1954 is to be shared by four needy schools-our training schools at Kuyera, Ethiopia, and Konola, Liberia, and our secondary schools at Ihie, Nigeria, and Bekwai, Gold Coast. Realizing the heavy strain financially upon the Northern European Division in rehabilitating itself following World War II, we are made unusu- ally aware of the pressing needs of these schools in the mission fields of that. division. The students and teachers in Liberia, Nigeria, the Gold Coast, and Ethiopia greatly desire to have their schools advanced to complete secondary- school status. With the general present awakening in all of Africa, to accom- plish only this much seems imperative for the onward progress of the mes- sage. Let us not fail them on September 25. LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1954 The general topic of the lessons for the fourth quarter is "Triumphant in Suf- fering." The first lesson is entitled, "The Origin of Sin and Suffering." The memory verse is Isaiah 43:2. The study help is Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 33-43; 67-70. The texts to be studied are as follows: Ques. 1. Ps. 18:30. Ques. 8. Gen. 3:16, 17. Ques. 2. Gen. 1:31. Ques. 9. Rom. 5:12. Ques. 3. 1 John 3:8. Ques. 10. Rom. 8:22, 23. Ques. 4. Ezek. 28:15. Ques. 11. Rom. 6:23. Ques. 5. Isa. 14:13, 14. Ques. 12. Deut. 8:5. Ques. 6. Gen. 1:26, 27. Ques. 13. Lam. 3:31-33. Ques. 7. Gen. 2:16, 17. Ques. 14. Isa. 43:2. [ 47 WEST AFRICAN UNION & ETHIOPIAN UNION (NORTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION) POPULATION CHICKS 114 MTN SS AMA SIERRA LEONE MISSION 4.310.455 775 1,763 LIBERIAN MISSION 2,000.000 7 552 625 IVORY COAST MISSION 2440,090 2 107 275 GOLD COAST MISSION 5,500,000 42 4,170 9.570 WEST NIGERIAN MISSION 6,328,228 10 1903 4,007 NORTH NIGERIAN MISS. 10,745,328 3 235 798 EAST NIGERIAN MISSION 10.858.832 30 6,284 20.213 41/1 2.3 2,84 (W2 War V2V 7. ETHIOPIAN UNION MISS. 12,500.000 1,012 1.711 -, 9 • FRENCH WEST AFRICA ! ANGLO - EGYPTIAN UDAN TIUSUH1U r._........104AATOUS.1 i .4FLIT R FA • UMW • .1e, LAPP DIAD ... '''Le • C WEST ., • AFRICAN •1`"`"` DIAL TAM • FR. GUINEA • 944.67/... UNION MISSION J ETHIOPIA i • UNION MISSION.'"' s..... IVORY : \ COAST COASTW, 2 I CISME • • ADDIS 1-1/ 0 / - NIGERIA 0/ ÷4, . Po's,E oz; • ILE ETHIOPIA .1° ADAN • ..0° COS SSA • RUMA i' l APIA \ • NANGA.PB40 ........._,..--0.44.... S1 ...H.. i t,-0*s Poi 9. 0" '' sCy UGANDA p. h,1' 1,'' ° 4.