SABBATH SCHO(4, f REDEEMING GRACE SENIOR DIVISION, No. 241, THIRD QUARTER7t195 INDIVIDUAL SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL "As God hath prospered him." MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount) $5.00 RECORD 1. 7 13 2.00 2. 8 Birthday 1.50 "God loveth a 3. 9 cheerful giver." 1.00 4. 10 Investment .50 5. 11 6. 12 TOTAL 40 DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, 1 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. 241, July-September, 1955. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cent 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, 1955, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. COVER CREDIT: CAMERA CLIX Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly REDEEMING GRACE GENERAL INTRODUCTION Just as the title indicates, there are two Next, God's intervention must be ex- principal subjects contained in the lessons amined—the reasons for it, the means used for this quarter—grace and redemption, or, by God for this intervention, the condi- the grace of God manifested in connection tions the sinner must fulfill in order to ben- with the redemption of man. Why is this efit from it, and all the consequences that redemption necessary? Because of sin—be- necessarily evolve for him in this life and cause of the fall of man. the life to come. In order to gain an adequate view of the In reality this study is a summary of the subject of redeeming grace, it is necessary inclusive plan of salvation—a subject which to consider first the origin of evil, its uni- comprises all others—"the mystery of god- versality, and its ultimate effects. liness." 1 Tim. 3:16. Lesson 1, for July 2, 1955 The Problem of Sin MEMORY VERSE: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 1, 3; "Early Writings," pages 145-153; "The Great Controversy," chapter 29. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Read the general Tuesday: Questions 7-9. introduction and trace through the Wednesday: Questions 10-12. outline. Thursday: Read Study Helps assign- Sunday: Lesson introduction; questions ments. 1-3. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Monday: Questions 4-6. Lesson Outline: essence of sin. Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-19. I. Introduction 3. War in heaven. Rev. 12:7, 8. III. Sin Transferred to This Earth II. The Origin and Essence of Sin 1. Satan cast to this earth. Rev. 12:9. 1. Satan the originator of sin. John 2. Sin invaded Eden. Gen. 3:1-7, 13. 8:44; 1 John 3:8. 3. By one man sin entered the world. 2. Pride, self-exaltation, rebellion, the Rom. 5:12. [3I IV. Sin's Revolt Against God's Law the connotation of "guilt," "to miss the Ends in Death mark," "to err," "to go astray," "iniquity," "transgression." In the Greek New Testa- 1. Sin the transgression of God's law. ment, words indicating "error," "fault," 1 John 3:4. "offense," "trespass," the act of sinning as 2. Sin separates from God. Isa. 59:2. well as sin itself, are translated by the word Compare Hab. 1:13. sin. The Bible's own statement is perhaps 3. Sin's final result. Rom. 6:21, 23; clearest of all: "Sin is the transgression of James 1:15. the law." V. Universality of Sin and Its Remedy 2. Rebellion. This word is translated 1. All have sinned. Rom. 3:23; Ecd. from a Hebrew word meaning "bitterness." 7:20. It appears often as Marah (the same as the 2. All stand condemned before God. name of the bitter spring sweetened for Is- Rom. 3:19. rael beyond the Red Sea). Another He- 3. The universal remedy. 1 John 2:2. brew word translated rebellion means "to Compare 1 Tim. 2:4-6. turn aside." 3. Transgression. Our one word trans- Key Words: gression does service for several words in the original Scriptures with meanings such 1. Sin. There are several words in the as, "to deal treacherously," "to deceive," Hebrew Scriptures that are translated sin "to trespass," "to act undutifully," "to pass in our English Bible. Some of these have over," "to pass by," "to go beyond." THE LESSON Introduction saith the Lord God: . . . Thou wast per- fect in thy ways from the day that thou The first lesson in our studies on redeem- wast created, till iniquity was found in ing grace deals with the problem of sin, thee.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 35. for sin is the ground or occasion for the manifestation of grace. For, "Where sin 2. What was the basic cause or es- abounded, grace did much more abound: sence of sin? Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28: that as sin bath reigned unto death, even 12-19. so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 5:20, 21. NOTE.—Jealousy, pride, and self-exalta- The Origin and Essence of Sin tion lay at the foundation of Lucifer's de- fection. 1. With whom did sin originate? "Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge John 8:44; 1 John 3:8. the desire for self-exaltation. The Scrip- ture says: 'Thine heart was lifted up be- cause of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.' NoTE.—"There was one who perverted `Thou hast said in thine heart, . . . I will the freedom that God had granted to His exalt my throne above the stars of God; creatures. Sin originated with him, who, . . . I will be like the Most High.' Though next to Christ, had been most honored of all his glory was from God, this mighty an- God, and was highest in power and glory gel came to regard it as pertaining to him- among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, self. Not content with his position, though `son of the morning,' was first of the cover- honored above the heavenly host, he ven- ing cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood tured to covet homage due alone to the in the presence of the great Creator, and Creator. Instead of seeking to make God the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding supreme in the affections and allegiance of the eternal God, rested upon him. 'Thus all created beings, it was his endeavor to [4] secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the in- finite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 35. "Satan was jealous of Jesus. . . . He was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. He desired to receive the highest honors in heaven next to God."—Early Writings, page 145. "Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy."—The Great Contro- versy, page 495. 3. In what did the rebellion in heaven result? Rev. 12:7, 8. WE, LIKE EVE, SELL OUR SOULS FOR THE BAUBLES OP SIN. NoTE.—"Until this time all heaven had been in order, harmony, and perfect sub- den, Satan was laying plans to destroy jection to the government of God. It was them."—Early Writings, page 146. the highest sin to rebel against His order "No longer free to stir up rebellion in and will. All heaven seemed in commotion. heaven, Satan's enmity against God found . . . Some of the angels sympathized with a new field in plotting the ruin of the hu- Satan in his rebellion. . . . They rebelled man race. In the happiness and peace of against the authority of the Son. All the the holy pair in Eden, he beheld a vision of heavenly host were summoned to appear the bliss that to him was forever lost. before the Father to have each case de- Moved by envy, he determined to incite cided. It was there determined that Satan them to disobedience, and bring upon them should be expelled from heaven, with all the guilt and penalty of sin. He would the angels who had joined him in the re- change their love to distrust, and their bellion. Then there was war in heaven. songs of praise to reproaches against their Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan Maker. Thus he would not only plunge wished to conquer the Son of God, and these innocent beings into the same misery those who were submissive to His will. But which he was himself enduring, but would the good and true angels prevailed, and cast dishonor upon God, and cause grief in Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 52. heaven."—Early Writings, pages 145, 146. 5. How did sin gain a foothold in Sin Transferred to This Earth Eden? Gen. 3:1-7, 13. 4. When Satan was cast out of heaven, where did he renew his ac- tivities? Rev. 12:9. NoTE.—"Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. She first erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering around the forbidden tree, and NoTE.—"After Satan and those who fell next in listening to the voice of the tempter, with him were shut out of heaven, and he and even daring to doubt what God had realized . . . that there was no possibility said. . . . She thought that perhaps the of his being brought again into favor with Lord did not mean just what He said, and God, his malice and hatred began to be venturing, she put forth her hand, took of manifest. . . . A plan was laid to still work the fruit, and ate. It was pleasing to the against God's government. When Adam eye, and pleasant to the taste. Then she was and Eve were placed in the beautiful gar- jealous that God had withheld from them [6 ] what was really for their good, and she of- unjust, that His law was faulty, and that fered the fruit to her husband, thereby the good of the universe required it to be tempting him. She related to Adam all that changed. In attacking the law, he aimed the serpent had said, and expressed her to overthrow the authority of its Author. astonishment that he had the power of In the controversy it was to be shown speech."—Early Writings, pages 147, 148. whether the divine statutes were defective "Our first parents were not left without and subject to change, or perfect and immu- a warning of the danger that threatened table."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 69. them. Heavenly messengers opened to them the history of Satan's fall, and his 8. How does sin affect the sinner's plots for their destruction, unfolding more relationship to God? Isa. 59:2. Com- fully the nature of the divine government, pare Hab. 1:13. which the prince of evil was trying to overthrow. It was by disobedience to the just commands of God that Satan and his host had fallen. How important, then, NOTE.—"Sin not only shuts away from that Adam and Eve should honor that God, but destroys in the human soul both law by which alone it was possible for the desire and the capacity for knowing order and equity to be maintained."— Him. Through sin, the whole human or- Patriarchs and Prophets, page 52. ganism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted; the faculties of 6. Whom does the Bible hold the soul are degraded."—Prophets and chiefly responsible for sin's entering Kings, page 233. the world? Rom. 5:12. 9. What is the final result of sin? Rom. 6:21, 23, first part; James 1:15. NoTE.—"Deplorable as was Eve's trans- gression and fraught as it was with po- tential woe for the human family, her NoTE.—"To Eve it seemed a small thing choice did not necessarily involve the race to disobey God by tasting the fruit of the in the penalty for her trangression. It was forbidden tree, and to tempt her husband the deliberate choice of Adam, in the full also to transgress; but their sin opened understanding of an express command of the floodgates of woe upon the world. . . . God—rather than hers—that made sin "The sin of our first parents brought and death the inevitable lot of mankind. guilt and sorrow upon the world, and had Eve was deceived; Adam was not (see it not been for the goodness and mercy of Rom. 5:12, 14; 1 Cor. 15:21; 1 Tim. 2:14; God, would have plunged the race into 2 Cor. 11:3). Had Adam remained loyal to hopeless despair. Let none deceive them- God in spite of Eve's disloyalty, divine selves. 'The wages of sin is death.' "—Pa- wisdom would yet have solved the dilemma triarchs and Prophets, page 61. for him and averted disaster for the race (PP 56)."—The Seventh-day Adventist Universality of Sin and Bible Commentary, on Genesis 3:6. Its Remedy Sin's Revolt Against God's Law Ends in Death 10. How many have become in- volved in sin? Rom. 3:23; Eccl. 7:20. 7. What is sin declared to be? 1 John 3:4. NOTE.—"For all have sinned—And con- sequently are equally helpless and guilty; and as God is no respecter of persons, all NOTE.—"From the first, the great con- human creatures being equally His off- troversy had been upon the law of God. spring, and there being no reason why one Satan had sought to prove that God was should be preferred before another, there- [ sl fore His endless mercy has embraced all. NorE.—"The law requires righteousness, [As this remark of the apostle is a univer- —a righteous life, a perfect character; and sal one, and is used for the development this man has not to give. He cannot meet of the doctrine of the universal grace of the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, God in Christ, the fact upon which it is coming to the earth as man, lived a holy based, that is, that all have sinned, . . . life, and developed a perfect character. must also be universal. The 'all' in this These He offers as a free gift to all who case, is the aggregate human race, which, will receive them. His life stands for the life in some way, has become involved in the of men. Thus they have remission of sins universal curse of sin, by reason of their that are past, through the forbearance of relations to the original act of sinning.]"— God. More than this, Christ imbues men Adam Clarke, Commentary, on Rom. 3:23 with the attributes of God: He builds up (New York, Phillips and Hunt, 1883). the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of 11. How many stand condemned spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the before the broken law of God? Rom. very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in 3:19. the believer in Christ. God can 'be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.' Rom. 3:26. . . . "By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did not destroy 12. What is the only and universal His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, remedy for sin? 1 John 2:2. Compare and that the law is righteous, and can be 1 Tim. 2:4-6. perfectly obeyed. Satan's charges were re- futed. God had given man unmistakable evidence of His love."—The Desire of Ages, page 762. Lesson 2, for July 9, 1955 Meaning and Necessity of Grace MEMORY VERSE: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," pages 19-25. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-10. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 11-13. Sunday: Introduction; questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 2. Grace in ancient Israel. Jer. 31:2, 3. I. Introduction 3. Grace in the Psalms. Ps. 45:2 ; 84:11. II. Grace Illustrated 4. Grace in the New Testament. Rom. 1. Grace as saving power. Titus 2:11. 3:24. C 7] III. Grace Necessary to Live the V. Grace Necessary for Salvation New Life 1. Our own efforts not sufficient to 1. Grace awakens spiritually dead to save. Eph. 2:8. life. Eph. 2:5-7. 2. Grace restores divine likeness. 2 Pe- ter 1:2-4. 2. Grace sufficient for every need. 3. Grace prepares us for future inher- Heb. 4:16. itance. Acts 20:32. Key Words: IV. Grace Necessary for Service 1. Grace. In the Old Testament and 1. By grace weakness exchanged for also in the New Testament the English strength. 2 Cor. 12:9. word grace is a translation from expressions meaning "favor." In the word grace we usu- 2. Grace empowers for service. 1 Cor. ally express the thought of undeserved or 15:10. unmerited. favor. 3. Grace assists us to serve God ac- 2. Salvation. This word stands for the ceptably. Heb. 12:28. original ideas of "rescue," "safety," "de- 4. Grace is inexhaustible. John 1:16. liverance." THE LESSON Introduction holds out His hand all the day long in in- vitation to the sinful and fallen. He will It is impossible for us to begin to fully receive all. He welcomes all. It is His comprehend the word grace. It is so rich glory to pardon the chief of sinners. He in meaning, including such terms as "be- will take the prey from the mighty, He will nevolence," "beneficence," "mercy," "peace," deliver the captive, He will pluck the and "kindness." It is used especially to de- brand from the burning. He will lower the note the favor of God toward man. The golden chain of His mercy to the lowest unmerited goodness of God bestowed upon depths of human wretchedness, and lift up erring mortals is beyond our human power the debased soul contaminated with sin."— to grasp. This divine gift of God to sinful The Ministry of Healing, page 161. man will be our never-ending study. As our minds contemplate this vast theme, 2. What did the children of Israel we are lost in wonder at such condescen- experience in the wilderness? Jer. sion on Heaven's part. The whole Bible 31: 2, 3. is a record of God's gracious dealings with the children of men. Grace Illustrated NOTE.—Some represent the Old Testa- ment as containing only laws and regula- 1. How is grace related to God's tions, but grace is also prominent through- out its pages. Grace was continually min- saving power? Titus 2:11. istered to the children of Israel, not only in their deliverance from Egypt, but in all God's dealings with them. Nora.—"Grace is an attribute of God 3. How does the psalmist speak of exercised toward undeserving human be- ings. We did not seek for it, but it was God's grace? Ps. 45:2; 84:11. sent in search of us. God rejoices to be- stow His grace upon us, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our only claim to His mercy is 4. What does the New Testament our great need. say grace can do for the believer? "The Lord God through Jesus Christ Rom. 3:24. 8 NOTE.—"The [Greek] word . . . [charis] have bought you with My blood. You are means a favorable disposition, or kind Mine. My grace shall strengthen your feeling; and especially love as exercised weakened will; your remorse for sin I will towards the inferior, dependent, or un- remove.' When temptations assail you, worthy. This is represented as the crown- when care and perplexity surround you, ing attribute of the divine nature. Its man- when, depressed and discouraged, you are ifestation is declared to be the grand end ready to yield to despair, look to Jesus, and of the whole scheme of redemption."— the darkness that encompasses you will be Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, vol. dispelled by the bright shining of His 2, p. 654. presence. When sin struggles for the mas- tery in your soul, and burdens the con- Grace Necessary to Live the science, look to the Saviour. His grace is sufficient to subdue sin."—The Ministry of New Life Healing, page 85. 5. What can grace do for men who are spiritually dead? Eph. 2:5-7. Grace Necessary for Service 7. By what means may we ex- change our weakness for God's NoTE.—"It is impossible for us, of our- strength? 2 Cor. 12:9. selves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?— NOTE.—"In the service of God there need Not one.' The carnal mind is enmity be no despondency, no wavering, no fear. against God: for it is not subject to the The Lord will more than fulfill the highest law of God, neither indeed can be.' Edu- expectations of those who put their trust in cation, culture, the exercise of the will, Him. He will give them the wisdom their human effort, all have their proper sphere, varied necessities demand. but here they are powerless. They may "Of the abundant provision made for produce an outward correctness of be- every tempted soul, the apostle Paul bears havior, but they cannot change the heart; eloquent testimony. To him was given the they cannot purify the springs of life. divine assurance, 'My grace is sufficient for There must be a power working from thee: for My strength is made perfect in within, a new life from above, before men weakness.' In gratitude and confidence the can be changed from sin to holiness. That tried servant of God responded: 'Most power is Christ. His grace alone can gladly therefore will I rather glory in my quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, infirmities, that the power of Christ may and attract it to God, to holiness."—Steps rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in to Christ, page 20. infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in "Whatever may be the evil practice, the persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: master passion which through long indul- for when I am weak, then am I strong.'" gence binds both soul and body, Christ is —Prophets and Kings, page 387. able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.' He will set free the captive that is held by 8. What power changed Paul's life weakness and misfortune and the chains of from a persecutor to a preacher? 1 sin."—The Ministry of Healing, page 85. Cor. 15:10. 6. What assurance do we have as we come to the throne of grace? Heb. 4:16. NoTE.—What will empower us for serv- ice? "Through the grace of Christ you will be able to do a precious work for the Mas- ter. The wealth of divine resource is at NoTE.—"The sense of sin has poisoned your command, and through prayer and the springs of life. But Christ says, 'I will faith you may lay hold on the promises of take your sins; I will give you peace. I God, and appropriate them to your need. [9 ] defects of character, our smallness of faith, have seemed impossible."—The Ministry of Healing, page 159. 10. Is there any likelihood of grace ever being exhausted? John 1:16. GOD WILL lit DELIVER THE NOTE.—This expression ("fullness") oc- 1. Sf4rTTIII ZSLICZI; curs only here in John's writings, but it ft THE LOVING is found in several places in Paul's epistles, SACR 1 FICE such as in Colossians 1:19. "Here St. Paul's OF HIS SON. thought is evidently that the whole sum of the divine attributes exists together in Christ, and that each Christian in virtue of his fellowship with Him draws from that `fullness' whatever he needs for the accom- plishment of his own part in the great life of the church. . . . and grace for grace] Each blessing appropriated became the "Consecrate yourself and your all to the foundation of a greater blessing. To have service of Him who hath loved you, and realized and used one measure of grace was hath given Himself for you. Jesus says, to have gained a larger measure (as it `Herein is My Father glorified, that ye were) in exchange for it."—Westcott, Gos- bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disci- pel of St. John, page 14. ples.'"—Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, page 69. Grace Necessary for Salvation 9. What heavenly quality do we need to make our service acceptable? 11. Are our own efforts sufficient Heb. 12:28. to save us? Eph. 2:8. NoTE.—"The grace of Christ can accom- NOTE.—"Heavenly intelligences are wait- plish for us that which all our efforts will ing to co-operate with human instrumen- fail to do. Those who love and fear God talities, that they may reveal to the world may be surrounded with a multitude of what human beings may become, and what, cares, and yet not falter or make crooked through union with the Divine, may be ac- paths for their feet."—Counsels on Health, complished for the saving of souls that are page 424. ready to perish. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, 12. By what means will the divine makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives a life likeness be restored in us? 2 Peter wholly consecrated to God. All who con- 1:2-4. secrate body, soul, and spirit to His serv- ice will be constantly receiving a new en- dowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of NoTE.—"Among an unholy, impure, idol- heaven are at their command. Christ gives atrous generation, we are to be pure and them the breath of His own Spirit, the life holy, showing that the grace of Christ has of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth power to restore in man the divine like- Its highest energies to work in mind and ness."—Counsels on Health, page 592. heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve victories that because of our own 13. What will the word of God's erroneous and preconceived opinions, our grace finally do for us? Acts 20:32. 10 NOTE.-"Jesus has gone to prepare man- presence of one who is rough or unkind. sions for those who are preparing them- He who in this world exalts self in the work selves, through His love and grace, for the given him to do will never see the kingdom abodes of bliss. In the family of God in of God unless he is changed in spirit, unless heaven there will not be found one who is he becomes meek and lowly, revealing the selfish. The peace and harmony of the simplicity of a little child."-Testimonies, heavenly courts will not be marred by the vol. 8, p. 140. Lesson 3, for July 16, 1955 God's Plan MEMORY VERSE: "We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19. STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 4. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: V. The Plan Realized in Christ 1. Made of a woman. Gal. 4:4, 5. I. Introduction 2. To seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10. II. A Plan of Love 3. All creation shares in redemption. Rom. 8:19-21. 1. God's plan to save sinners. Eph. 1:7-9. Key Words: 2. The plan conceived before creation of world. 2 Tim. 1:9, last part. 1. Love. The original words of Scrip- 3. Love alone the motive. John 3:16. ture for the supreme benevolent emotion have the general idea of affection, including III. Reconciliation the qualities of mercy, pity, friendship. 2. Reconciliation. In the original the 1. Man must be reconciled with God. usual word for reconciliation in the Old 2 Cor. 5:19. Testament carries the idea of "to cover," 2. All must be reconciled in Christ. "to atone." In the New Testament, two Eph. 1:10. Greek words translated reconciliation mean 3. Redemption embraces heaven and "to change thoroughly," "to appease," "to earth. Acts 3:21. be merciful to." 3. Restitution. Our word restitution IV. The Plan Revealed to Humanity has interesting connotations in the origi- 1. Plan revealed to Adam and Eve nals. In the Hebrew there are the ideas of immediately after fall. Gen. 3:15. "to exchange," "to make whole," "to com- 2. This revelation declared by the plete," "to make alive," "to give," "to turn prophets and apostles. 1 Peter back." In the Greek we have the ideas of 1:9-12. "to give back," "to place down again," "to 3. Concerns all men. 1 Tim. 2:3, 4. restore," "to make thoroughly right." THE LESSON Introduction 3. What was the motivating force When sin entered the world through the of this plan? John 3:16. fall of Adam and Eve, divine justice de- manded that the penalty of transgression be imposed. Yet the love of God, matching His justice, had provided a way whereby NOTE.—"Oh, the mystery of redemption! justice and mercy could both be met, as so the love of God for a world that did not beautifully expressed by the psalmist, love Him! Who can know the depths of "Mercy and truth are met together; right- that love which 'passeth knowledge'? eousness and peace have kissed each other." Through endless ages, immortal minds, Ps. 85:10. seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will wonder and A Plan of Love adore."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63, 64. 1. By what plan will God save sinners? Eph. 1:7-9. Reconciliation 4. Since sin had broken the rela- tionship between God and man, what NOTE.—"Through Jesus, God's mercy had to be the primary air, of God's was manifested to men; but mercy does plan? 2 Cor. 5:19. not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character, and not a jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change NOTE.—"Adam, in his innocence, had en- His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, joyed open communion with his Maker; for man's redemption. . . . Christ, coming but sin brought separation between God to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and and man, and the atonement of Christ developed a perfect character. These He of- alone could span the abyss, and make pos- fers as a free gift to all who will receive sible the communication of blessing or sal- them. His life stands for the life of men. vation from heaven to'earth."—Patriarchs Thus they have remission of sins that are and Prophets, page 67. past, through the forbearance of God."— The Desire of Ages, page 762. 5. What had to be the final aim of 2. Since when has this plan ex- God's plan? Eph. 1:10. isted? 2 Tim. 1:9, last part. Nora.—"Satan, by means of his success NoTE.—"The plan for our redemption in turning man aside from the path of was not an afterthought, a plan formulated obedience, became `the god of this world.' after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation The dominion that once was Adam's, passed of 'the mystery which hath been kept in to the usurper. But the Son of God pro- silence through times eternal.' Rom. 16:25, posed to come to this earth to pay the R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles penalty of sin, and thus not only redeem that from eternal ages have been the foun- man, but recover the dominion forfeited. It dation of God's throne. From the beginning, is of this restoration that Micah prophesied God and Christ knew of the apostasy of when he said, '0 Tower of the flock, the Satan, and of the fall of man through the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto deceptive power of the apostate. God did Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.' not ordain that sin should exist, but He The apostle Paul has referred to it as `the foresaw its existence, and made provision to redemption of the purchased possession.' meet the terrible emergency."—The Desire And the psalmist had in mind the same of Ages, page 22. final restoration of man's original inherit- [ 12 I NOTE.—"To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sen- tence pronounced upon Satan in the gar- den. . . . This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and Eve stood as criminals before the righteous Judge, awaiting the sentence which transgression had incurred; but before they heard of the life of toil and sorrow which must be their portion, or of the decree that they must return to dust, they listened to words that could not fail • - to give them hope. Though they must suf- WAITING SENTENCE FOR THEIR SIN, ADAM fer from the power of their mighty foe, AND EVE LOOK TO THE PROMISE OF A they could look forward to final victory."— REDEEMER FOR ETERNAL LIFE. Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 65, 66. 8. Through whom was this reve- ance when he declared, 'The righteous shall lation more fully declared? 1 Peter inherit the land, and dwell therein for- ever.' "—Prhphets and Kings, page 682. 1:9-12. 6. In what words did Peter describe this plan? Acts 3:21. 9. Whom does this plan concern? 1 Tim. 2:3, 4. Compare 2 Peter 3:9. NOTE.—"Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one, and was to be restored by the plan The Plan Realized in Christ of redemption. At his creation, Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But 10. How many are included in by yielding to temptation, he was brought God's plan of salvation? Gal. 4:4, 5. under the power of Satan. 'Of whom a Compare 2 Tim. 1:10. man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.' When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became 'the god of this world.' He had usurped that NoTE.—"The Son of God, 'made of a dominion over the earth which had been woman' (a term which described His per- originally given to Adam. But Christ, by fect humanity), had to resemble His hu- His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, man brothers in all things. He had to be would not only redeem man, but recover born and to live under the law—bear its the dominion which he had forfeited. All yoke, and fulfill it perfectly by an obedi- that was lost by the first Adam will be re- ence, the last act of which was his death stored by the second."—Patriarchs and oh Calvary. He did all this in order to re- Prophets, page 67. deem those who had violated that law, and to elevate them to the glorious condi- tion of children of God."—Translation The Plan Revealed to Humanity from Louis Bonnet, Le Nouveau Testament explique, vol. 3, p. 340. 7. When did God reveal His plan of salvation to Adam and Eve? Gen. 11. For what purpose did Jesus 3:15. come to this world? Luke 19:10. [13] NOTE.—"When Satan tells you that you "The earth originally given to man as are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive his kingdom, betrayed by him into the blessing from God, tell him that Christ hands of Satan, and so long held by the came into the world to save sinners. We mighty foe, has been brought back by the have nothing to recommend us to God; great plan of redemption. All that was lost but the plea that we may urge now and by sin has been restored. . . . ever is our utterly helpless condition that "In the Bible the inheritance of the makes His redeeming power a necessity."— saved is called a country. There the heav- The Desire of Ages, page 317. enly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its 12. How will the physical world fruit every month, and the leaves of the permanently benefit from the plan of tree are for the service of the nations. salvation? Rom. 8:19-21. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide- spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, NOTE.—"A restored creation, a redeemed and the mountains of God rear their lofty race, that having conquered sin could never summits. On those peaceful plains, beside fall,—this, the result to flow from Christ's those living streams, God's people, so long completed work, God and angels saw."— pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." The Desire of Ages, page 769. —The Great Controversy, pages 674, 675. Lesson 4, for July 23, 1955 The Gift of God MEMORY VERSE: "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Cor. 9:15. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," chapters 1 and 2. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: III. The Word Made Flesh 1. Originally with God. John 1:1, 2; I. Introduction 17:5. 2. The Son of God becomes the Son II. Jesus Christ, the Gift of God of man. Phil. 2:6-8. 3. Christ's complete identification with 1. A revelation of God's overwhelm- man. Heb. 2:14-17. ing love. John 3:16. 2. Bestowed on sinners. Rom. 5:8. IV. The Only Acceptable Sacrifice 3. Ultimate manifestation of love. 1. Only the blood of Christ can put John 10:11, 15; 15:13. away sin. Heb. 9:22, 23. 4. Christ a willing sacrifice. John 2. The price of redemption. Titus 10:17, 18. Compare Gal. 1:4. 2:14. [ 14 ] 3. God's purchased ownership. 1 Cor. lesson also has several originals from which 6:19, 20. it is translated. Some of the most impor- 4. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ can tant carry the idea of "reward," "offering," save 'all men. Heb. 2:9. "things lifted up," "present," "favor." 5. God's gracious invitation. Isa. 45:22. 2. Price. Some of the ideas of the origi- nal words translated price are: "precious," Key Words: "silver," "hire," "wares," "possessions," 1. Gift. This important word in our "valuation," "reward," "honor." THE LESSON Introduction wonderful passage has probably led more people out of the clouds of darkness to " ' His name shall be called Immanuel, light than has any other passage in the . . . God with us.' word of God. There are seven wonders "'The light of the knowledge of the glory contained in it: of God' is seen 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' a. God—the possessor of power From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus b. so loved the world—the most power- Christ was one with the Father; He was ful motive 'the image of God,' the image of His great- c. that He gave His only-begotten Son ness and majesty, 'the outshining of His —the supreme gift glory.' It was to manifest this glory that d. that whosoever—universal welcome He came to our world. To this sin-dark- e. believeth in Him—a most simple de- ened earth He came to reveal the light of liverance God's love,—to be 'God with us.' There- f. should not perish—excellent grace fore it was prophesied of Him, 'His name g. but have everlasting life—an inesti- shall be called Immanuel.' "—The Desire mable possession. of Ages, page 19. The only ransom large enough to re- 2. On whom is this love bestowed? deem the sinner from the power of Satan Rom. 5:8. Compare 1 John 3:1. was the blood of Jesus Christ. Each sinner who is conscious of his own condition and feels the need of a Saviour, can claim cleansing. NoTE.—"The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger Jesus Christ, the Gift of God than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift."— 1. What was involved in God's Steps to Christ, page 24. gift for the salvation of sinners? John 3:16. 3. To what lengths was this gift of love manifested? John 10:11, 15; 15:13. NOTE.-" 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.' He gave Him not only to live among men, to bear NoTE.—"The price paid for our redemp- their sins, and die their sacrifice, He gave tion, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Him to the fallen race. Christ was to iden- Father in giving His Son to die for us, tify Himself with the interests and needs should give us exalted conceptions of what of humanity. He who was one with God we may become through Christ. As the has linked Himself with the children of inspired apostle John beheld the height, men by ties that are never to be broken." the depth, the breadth of the Father's love —Steps to Christ, page 16. toward the perishing race, he was filled with Of all the verses in the Bible, John 3:16 adoration and reverence; and, failing to is without doubt the most marvelous. This find suitable language in which to express 15 the greatness and tenderness of this love, he called upon the world to behold it. 'Be- hold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' What a value this places upon man ! Through transgression, the sons of man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the name 'sons of God.'"—Steps to Christ, page 17. 4. What did Christ say of His com- ing death? John 10:17, 18. Compare GOD'S GREATEST GIFT WAS SHROUDED IN HUMAN FORM. JESUS WAS " GOD Gal. 1:4. WITH US." children of men, not as a king, to demand NOTE.—"If Christ was not constrained homage, but as one whose mission it was by God, except through love, to give His to serve others."—Thoughts From the life for man, then neither could any man Mount of Blessing, page 29. take it from Him, unless He lay it down Himself, forced by the holy freedom of 7. To what extent did He identify love."—Translation from Alfred Schroeder, Himself with man? Heb. 2:14-17; Le Nouveau Testament, page 183. 4:15. The Word Made Flesh 5. What position did Jesus occupy NOTE.—"Many claim that it was impos- before coming to this earth? John sible for Christ to be overcome by tempta- 1:1, 2; 17:5. tion. Then He could not have been placed in Adam's position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying con- NorE.—The glory that Jesus here asks flict than had Christ, then He would dot be of His Father is the same as He possessed able to succor us. But our Saviour took before His incarnation. He had participated humanity, with all its liabilities. He took completely in the divine perfections and the nature of man, with the possibility of joys of heaven. yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured."—The 6. In what form was Jesus to come Desire of Ages, page 117. to this earth? Phil. 2:6-8. Compare 2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 8:20. The Only Acceptable Sacrifice 8. What only could serve to put away sin? Heb. 9:22, 23. NOTE.—"Jesus, the brightness of the Fa- ther's glory, thought 'it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a NOTE.—"Our condition through sin has servant.' [Phil. 2:6, 7, R.V., margin.] become preternatural, and the power that Through all the lowly experiences of life restores us must be supernatural, else it has He consented to pass, walking among the no value. There is but one power that [ 16 can break the hold of evil from the hearts 10. By virtue of our redemption, to cf men, and that is the power of God in whom do we actually belong? 1 Cor. Jesus Christ. Only through the blood of 6:19, 20. the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin. His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 291. 11. How many may profit by Christ's death? Heb. 2:9; Rom. 10:13. 9. What price did Jesus pay for the ransom of humanity? Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19. 12. What gracious invitation does God extend? Isa. 45:22. NOTE.-"None but the Son of God could NOTE.-This gift of Jesus belongs to accomplish our redemption; for only He every believer. Christ is not divided. Each who was in the bosom of the Father could soul may receive it as if it were meant for declare Him. Only He who knew the height him alone. and depth of the love of God could make It is reported that Lord Kelvin, one of it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite the wisest men of the nineteenth century, sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen said, "I feel the greatest discovery I ever man could express the Father's love to lost made was when I discovered that Jesus humanity."-Steps to Christ, page 16. Christ is my Saviour." Lesson 5, for July 30, 1955 The Grace of God MEMORY VERSE: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your- selves: it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," chapter 3. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 3. Repentance, primary condition for salvation. 1 John 1:9. I. Introduction III. Operation of Grace 1. For all men. Titus 2:11. II. Provisions of Divine Grace 2. Saved by grace and faith. Eph. 2:8. 3. Abounding grace. Rom. 5:20, last 1. Grace since time eternal. 2 Tim. part. 1:9, 10. 4. Works excluded. Rom. 11:6. 2. The law must convince man of sin. 5. Justification by works obscures Rom. 7 : 7-13. grace. Gal. 5:4. [17] iV. The Power of Grace vice," "desire," "deed," "wish," "intention," 1. Approaching the throne of grace. "a setting before," "to devise," "counsel," Heb. 4:16. "resolution," "to determine." 2. Transforming grace. 1 Cor. 15:10. 2. Repentance. This word comes from 3. Heirs through grace. Titus 3:5-7. Hebrew and Greek words meaning "com- 4. Stewards of grace. 1 Peter 4:10; forted," "eased," "turn back," "to have Acts 4:33. another mind," "concerned." Key Words: 3. Transform. The original Greek word is tnetamorphoomai, which is our familiar 1. Purpose. Some of the original mean- English word metamorphosis—changing ings of words translated purpose in our from one form to another, as the caterpillar English Bibles are: "a word," "thing," "de- to the butterfly. THE LESSON Introduction 2. By what means does God seek to make sinners conscious of their "All who have ever received grace have need? Rom. 7:7-13. received it from the fullness of Jesus Christ. This is the common well of salvation, out of which all believers draw the water of life: there is no access to God but by Him. Believers under the law received grace from this fountain, as well as those under the NOTE.—"When the heart yields to the in- gospel: though the measure was different, fluence of the Spirit of God, the conscience yet the fountain was the same; as it is the will be quickened, and the sinner will dis- same face which is veiled and at another cern something of the depth and sacredness time unveiled, as it is the same sum written of God's holy law, the foundation of His in figures and at full length in plain words, government in heaven and on earth. The so Christ and His grace was the same under `Light which lighteth every man that com- the Old Testament and under the New. eth into the world,' illumines the secret There is no difference in the substance of chambers of the soul, and the hidden things the promise and covenant of grace then of darkness are made manifest. Conviction and now. Christ is yesterday and today the takes hold upon the mind and heart."— same, the difference is only in circum- Steps to Christ, pages 27, 28. stances—the manifestation under the gospel is clearer, and the propagation of the gos- pel is now of a larger extent to all nations." 3. What primary condition must —Colvill, quoted in 6,000 Windows for Ser- be met in order that salvation may be mons, page 405. obtained? 1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13. "In the heart renewed by divine grace, Compare Jer. 3:12, 13. love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life, and sheds a refining in- fluence on all around."—The Acts of the NOTE.—"There are many who fail to un- Apostles, page 551. derstand the true nature of repentance. Multitudes sorrow that they have sinned, and even make an outward reformation, Provisions of Divine Grace because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But 1. When was the provision of di- this is not repentance in the Bible sense. vine grace made, and through whom They lament the suffering, rather than the was it made known? 2 Tim. 1:9, 10. sin."—Steps to Christ, page 26. [ 18 ] Operation of Grace 4. To how many is grace made available? Titus 2:11. Compare 1 Tim. 2:3, 4. NoTE.—Titus 2:11 is "more accurately translated, For the grace of God hash ap- peared, bringing salvation to all men. . . . The [last] expression by no means asserts that all men will be saved by it, but that it is the only means by which salvation is pos- sible."—Charles J. Ellicott, Commentary. • MANS FEEBLE EFFORTS TO FREE HIMSELF 5. How is the sinner saved? Eph. FROM THE PRISON OF SIN ARE FUTILE . 2:8. CHRIST HAS GIVEN US COMPLETE FREEDOM? the strong claims of the law, fails to ac- knowledge that where sin abounds, the NcrrE.—In our study so far we have grace of Christ does much more abound !" found that the wages of sin is death. It —Gospel Workers, page 157. would follow logically that since all men have sinned, they are all condemned to 7. How does the apostle Paul com- death. But God, in His infinite love and pare grace and works in relation to mercy, has seen fit to pardon those who salvation? Rom. 11:6, last part. Com- accept His salvation by faith (an act of confidence). To have faith means to ex- pare Gal. 2:21. tend one's hand and accept the free gift which God offers through His Son Jesus Christ. "We ourselves owe everything to God's NoTE.—"If the law had been able to save, free grace. Grace in the covenant ordained transform, justify, and regenerate the hu- our adoption. Grace in the Saviour ef- man heart, God would certainly have fected our redemption, our regeneration, spared His Son."—Translation from Ch. and our exaltation to heirship with Christ." Rochedieu, Les Tresors du Nouveau Testa- —Christ's Object Lessons, page 250. ment, page 323. "Those who extol the law to the detri- 6. Although sin abounds every- ment of grace as a means of salvation, mis- lead man by diminishing his sin, and where, what does God offer in over- degrade the law which they deprive of its abundance? Rom. 5:20, last part. absolute and inviolable holiness."—Trans- Compare Luke 7:47; 2 Cor. 9:8. lation from Le Nouveau Testament ex- plique, vol. 3, p. 82. 8. From what are those fallen who NOTE.—"Through the love of God the strive to be justified by the law? Gal. treasures of the grace of Christ have been 5:4. laid open before the church and the world. 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever be- lieveth in Him should not perish, but have NOTE.—By striving for justification everlasting life.' What marvelous, unfath- through obedience to the law, by legal obli- omable love, which led Christ to die for gations, man separates himself from grace, us while we were yet sinners! And what because he abandons Christ and His grace a loss the soul suffers who, understanding to seek his salvation elsewhere. [19] The Power of Grace NOTE.—"Those who make God's word their counselor realize the weakness of the 9. By what name is the throne of human heart and the power of the grace of God called, and what invitation is God to subdue every unsanctified, unholy impulse."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 161. given to the sinner? Heb. 4:16. 11. How do we become heirs of salvation? Titus 3:5-7. Compare Gal. 3:29. NOTE.—"To him who is conscious of his sinful condition, the throne of divine grace appears as a throne of justice; but it be- comes the throne of grace for each soul 12. To what office is each believer reconciled with God through Him who in- tercedes in his favor and who shows com- called? 1 Peter 4:10; Acts 4:33. passion for his infirmities."—Translation from Alfred Schroeder, Le Nouveau Testa- ment, vol. 4, p. 52. NOTE.—"Even if man were capable of following God's bidding fully, this service 10. To what does the apostle Paul in the form of a fulfilled duty would avail attribute the miraculous transforma- him nothing. The source of grace is purely tion of his life and the results of his God's love, not the works and efforts of ministry? 1 Cor. 15:10. Compare 2 man."—Translation from Dictionnaire en- Cor. 1:12. cyclopedique de la Bible, vol. 1, p. 485. Lesson 6, for August 6, 1955 God's Grace Complements God's Law MEMORY VERSE: "Being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs accord- ing to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:7. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 61-70; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 397-413. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Wednesday:'Questions 11-13. line, survey the entire lesson. Thursday: Read Study Helps assign- Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. ments. Monday: Questions 4-7. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. Lesson Outline: 2. Grace of God by Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:3, 4. I. Introduction 3. The measure of grace. Eph. 4:7. III. Grace Justifies the Sinner II. Grace Manifests God's Love 1. Spirit of disobedience. Eph. 2:1, 2. 1. The Lord merciful and gracious. 2. God's law reveals sin. Rom. 7:7, Ex. 34:5, 6. 12, 13. [ 20 ] 3. Law in the heart. Heb. 10:16, 17. Key Words: 4. Justified freely by grace. Rom. 3:24, 25. 1. Mercy. The various words used in the originals have the connotations of IV. Grace Restores to a New Life "bowels," "pity," "kindness," "compas- 1. Jesus tasted death for every man. sion," "propitious," "loving kindness," Heb. 2:9. "beneficence," "to be gracious," "tender." 2. Grace provides a new life. Rom. 2. Perfection. Our English words per- 6:1-4. fect, perfection, etc., are used in the Bible 3. Standing in grace. Rom. 5:1-5. as a translation of numerous words in the originals with variant meanings, such as V. Grace Grows to Perfection "with understanding," "complete," "to be 1. God desires heart service. Deut. prepared," "integrity," "finished, whole." 5:29. In the Greek we have the meanings of "ac- 2. Love manifest in obedience. John curately," "diligently," "fitted," "to fill or 14:15, 21. make full," "completed," "to make an end 3. Growing in grace. 2 Peter 3:18. of," "to bring to a conclusion." THE LESSON Introduction which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmos- Except for the eternal stability of God's phere will live, and grow up to the stature law there would have been no need of di- of men and women in Christ Jesus."— vine grace nor of grace's sacrificial gift, Steps to Christ, page 72. Jesus Christ, our Lord. "This was why Je- sus came as our Redeemer. It was His 3. How generous is this priceless mission, by making men partakers of the gift? Eph. 4:7. divine nature, to bring them into harmony with the principles of the law of heaven. When we forsake our sins, and receive Christ as our Saviour, the law is exalted. NoTE.—"All that Christ received from The apostle Paul asks, 'Do we then make God we too may have. Then ask and re- void the law through faith? God forbid; ceive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, yea, we establish the law.' [Rom. 3:31.3"— with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, claim for yourself all that God has prom- page 80. Through the miracle of the new ised."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 149. birth the sinful nature dies, and through sanctification the believer becomes a par- taker of the divine nature. The guidance Grace Justifies the Sinner of the word of God and the ministry of the divine Spirit guarantee the victory of faith. 4. By whose spirit are sinners ac- tuated? Eph. 2:1, 2. Grace Manifests God's Love 1. How did God reveal His attri- bute of grace to Moses? Ex. 34:5, 6. NOTE.—"Christ saw humanity, through the working of the mighty growth of sin, possessed by the prince of the power of the air and putting forth gigantic strength in 2. Through whose mutual co-oper- exploits of evil. He saw also that a mightier ation is grace extended? 1 Cor. 1:3, 4. power was to meet and conquer Satan. Now is the judgment of this world,' He said, 'now shall the prince of this world NOTE.—"In the matchless gift of His Son, be cast out.' John 12:31. He saw that if God has encircled the whole world with an human beings believed on Him, they would atmosphere of grace, as real as the air be given power against the host of fallen [ 21 ] angels, whose name is legion. Christ strengthened His soul with the thought that, by the wonderful sacrifice which He was about to make, the prince of this world was to be cast out and men and women placed where, through the grace of God, they could regain what they had lost." --Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 21, 22. 5. What standard of holiness con- victs the sinner? Rom. 7:7, 12, 13. NOTE.—"The first step in reconciliation to God, is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the transgression of the law.' By the law is "IN THE MATCHLESS GIFT OF HIS SON, the knowledge of sin.' In order to see his GOD HAS ENCIRCLED THE WHOLE WORLD guilt, the sinner must test his character by WITH AN ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE." God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character, and enables him to keep His commandments.' He that saith, I discern the defects in his own. know Him, and keepeth not His command- "The law reveals to man his sins, but it ments, is a liar, and the truth is not in provides no remedy. While it promises life him.' Instead of releasing man from obe- to the obedient, it declares that death is the dience, it is faith, and faith only, that portion of the transgressor. The gospel of makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, Christ alone can free him from the con- which enables us to render obedience."— demnation or the defilement of sin. He Steps to Christ, pages 65, 66. must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed; and faith 7. What does grace do for the re- in Christ, his atoning sacrifice. Thus he ob- pentant sinner? Rom. 3:24, 25. tains 'remission of sins that are past,' and becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is a child of God, having received the spirit of adoption, whereby he cries, `Abba, NorE.—"What is justification by faith? Father!'"—The Great Controversy, pages It is the work of God in laying the glory of 467, 468. man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for him- 6. Under the covenant of grace self."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 456. what is man's relation to the law of Webster's definition of justification is: God? Heb. 10:16, 17. "A being accepted by or made acceptable to God, as righteous or worthy of salvation." Grace Restores to a New Life NOTE.—"He who is trying to become holy, by his own works in keeping the law, 8. How does God's grace ensure is attempting an impossibility. All that man salvation from sin? Heb. 2:9. can do without Christ is polluted with self- ishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy. "The opposite and no less dangerous er- NoTE.—"The Son of God, heaven's ror is, that belief in Christ releases men glorious Commander, was touched with from keeping the law of God; that since by pity for the fallen race. His heart was faith alone we become partakers of the moved with infinite compassion as the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to woes of the lost world rose up before Him. do with our redemption. . . . The Scrip- But divine love had conceived a plan ture says, 'This is the love of God, that we whereby man might be redeemed. The [ 22 I broken law of God demanded the life of `Do we then make void the law through the sinner. In all the universe there was faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the but one who could, in behalf of man, law.' 'For what the law could not do, in satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as that it was weak through the flesh,'—it sacred as God Himself, only one equal could not justify man, because in his sinful with God could make atonement for its nature he could not keep the law,—`God transgression. None but Christ could re- sending His own Son in the likeness of sin- deem fallen man from the curse of the ful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the law, and bring him again into harmony flesh; that the righteousness of the law with Heaven. Christ would take upon might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after Himself the guilt and shame of sin,—sin the flesh, but after the Spirit.' "—Patri- so offensive to a holy God that it must archs and Prophets, page 373. separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to Grace Grows to Perfection rescue the ruined race."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 63. 11. Why did God desire heart serv- ice from the children of Israel? Deut. 9. How does the repentant sinner 5:29. share in Christ's death? Rom. 6:1-4. NoTE.—"The law was not spoken at this NOTE.—"The work of redemption in- time exclusively for the benefit of the He- volves consequences of which it is difficult brews. God honored them by making them for man to have any conception. 'Eye hath the guardians and keepers of His law, but not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en- it was to be held as a sacred trust for the tered into the heart of man, the things whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue which God bath prepared for them that are adapted to all mankind, and they were love Him.' As the sinner, drawn by the given for the instruction and government power of Christ, approaches the uplifted of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, cross, and prostrates himself before it, and authoritative, cover the duty of man there is a new creation. A new heart is to God and to his fellow man; and all given him. He becomes a new creature in based upon the great fundamental principle Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has of love. 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God nothing more to require. God Himself is with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, `the justifier of him which believeth in Je- and with all thy strength, and with all thy sus.' And 'whom He justified, them He mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' In also glorified.; Great as is the shame and the Ten Commandments these principles degradation through sin, even greater will are carried out in detail, and made appli- be the honor and exaltation through re- cable to the condition and circumstances of deeming love. To human beings striving man."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 305. for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven's treasure, 12. How will the love of Christ in an excellency of power, that will place the heart be. revealed? John 14:15, 21; them higher than even the angels who have Rom. 13:8-10. never fallen."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 162, 163. 10. What transformation is wrought through justification? Rom. NOTE.—"Righteousness is holiness, like- 5:1-5. ness to God; and 'God is love.' It is con- formity to the law of God; for 'all Thy commandments are righteousness;' and `love is the fulfilling of the law.' Righteous- NOTE.—"The apostle Paul clearly pre- ness is love, and love is the light and the sents the relation between faith and the life of God. The righteousness of God is law under the new covenant. He says: embodied in Christ. We receive righteous- `Being justified by faith, we have peace ness by receiving Him."—Thoughts From with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' the Mount of Blessing, page 34. [ 23 ] 13. How is the believer to grow to others both by precept and example. up to the pattern of Christian perfec- Thus it will be evident to the world that tion? 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 5:10. we have a connection with God and im- plicit confidence in His word. A life of godliness, a daily example of integrity, meekness, and unselfish love, will be a NOTE.—"It is our duty to receive His living exemplification of the teaching of word, which is plain on every point essen- God's word, and it will be an argument in tial to the salvation of the soul, and prac- favor of the Bible which few will be able tice its principles in our life, teaching them to resist."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 706. THE IMPORTANCE OF SABBATH-SCHOOL GIVING H OW fitting it is that the missions feature should be a prominent part of every Sabbath-school session, and that each member in each division should be encouraged to bring a liberal offering as he enters the house of God on Sabbath morning. The Sabbath school is the church at study. The subject is the love of God, who made the supreme gift of His Son for the salvation of men. This is the one grand theme of the Bible. The human agents seeking the lost are those men and women who have themselves believed and who long to give their all in order to be channels of that divine blessing which has brought them eternal life. So, regularly every week in the year, and in every division of the Sabbath school, the mission appeal is given. The marvelous results of our past liberality are revealed in the thrilling reports from the fields beyond. We are reminded, too, of the lands of earth where the mes- sage of present truth is still unknown. May we continue to give of our abundance in these closing days of opportunity. The foreign missions program of the church largely depends upon the offerings received in the Sabbath school. These gifts have been a rich and unfailing source of supply for the world-wide harvest field. But the task is not yet done. The calls for more workers and more facilities continue to multiply. Some overseas fields have been obliged to reduce their staff of laborers for want of sufficient funds to meet the rapidly increasing costs that have overtaken them. We must by all means see to it that this condition is temporary and soon reme- died. Every Sabbath-school member is under the most solemn obliga- tion to make sure that he is doing his full part in bringing bountiful gifts to the treasury of heaven, and thus having a share in hastening the Lord's return. [ 24 ] Lesson 7, for August 13, 1955 Redemption MEMORY VERSE: "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgive- ness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:7. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 1. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 4. Final fulfillment of redemption. Eph. 4:30. I. Introduction 5. Reason for praise. Eph. 1:6, 7. II. The Sinner a Hopeless Captive Key Words: 1. All guilty in the sight of God. Rom. 3:23. 1. Guilt. In the originals, as in our 2. Guilt in one transgression. James English word, the general idea of culpabil- 2:10, 11. ity is represented, together with the fol- 3. The sinner delivered into Satan's lowing: "wicked," "under justice," "in- hands. John 8:34, 44. debted," "held in," "subject to." 4. He cannot pay his own ransom. 2. Captive, Captivity. These words in Ps. 49:6-8. the originals usually carry the idea of "re- III. God's Intervention moval," "exile." The means by which this is accomplished is sometimes indicated, such 1. Redeemed by the blood of Christ. as "to take by the spear," "to catch alive." 1 Peter 1:18, 19. 2. God sent His Son. Gal. 4:4, 5. 3. Redeem, Redemption. Our English 3. Sin condemned in the flesh. Rom. word redeem, meaning "to buy back," as 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21. used in the Bible stands for the usual He- brew words meaning "to free," with the ac- IV. Complete Redemption companying idea of "avenging," or "repay- 1. In Christ. 1 Cor. 1:30. ing." Some words also have the ideas 2. From all iniquity and power of expressed by "separation," "to break off," sin. Titus 2:14. "rend," "deliver," "to acquire." Likewise, 3. The redeemed must glorify God in in the Greek, "to loose by a price," "to body and soul. 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23. acquire at the forum," "a loosing." THE LESSON Introduction The Sinner a Hopeless Captive "We shall understand God's compassion just in proportion as we appreciate His 1. How many are guilty of sin? sacrifice for us. As we search the word of Rom. 3:23. God in humility of heart, the grand theme of redemption will open to our research." -Christ's Object Lessons, page 129. [25 1 2. How many commandments must aided, he cannot resist. To withstand this be transgressed before one is found force, to attain that ideal which in his in- guilty in the sight of God? James most soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That 2:10, 11. power is Christ. Co-operation with that power is man's greatest need. In all edu- cational effort should not this co-operation be the highest aim ?"—Education, page 29. NoTE.—"From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven, it has been God's Intervention Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the 5. What price did God pay for our Creator; and though he was cast out of ransom? 1 Peter 1:18, 19. Compare heaven, he has continued the same war- 1 Tim. 2:5, 6. fare upon the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pur- sued. Whether this be accomplished by NOTE.—"All men have been bought with casting aside the law altogether, or by re- this infinite price. By pouring the whole jecting one of its precepts, the result will treasury of heaven into this world, by giv- be ultimately the same. He that offends ing us in Christ all heaven, God has pur- `in one point,' manifests contempt for the chased the will, the affections, the mind, whole law; his influence and example are the soul, of every human being. Whether on the side of transgression; he becomes believers or unbelievers, all men are the `guilty of all.' [James 2:10.]"—The Great Lord's property."—Christ's Object Lessons, Controversy, page 582. page 326. 3. To what class does one belong 6. What means did God provide in who subjects himself to sin? Whose order to redeem man? Gal. 4:4, 5. son does he become? John 8:34, 44. Compare Rom. 6:16. NOTE.—"If I [Christ] become the pro- pitiation for the sins of men, the world will 4. What can be said of human ef- be lighted up. Satan's hold upon the souls fort in effecting the sinner's deliver- of men will be broken. The defaced image ance? Ps. 49:6-8. Compare Ezek. 7:19; of God will be restored in humanity, and a family of believing saints will finally in- Jer. 13:23. herit the heavenly home."—The Desire of Ages, page 625. 7. What condition did Christ ac- NoTE.—Man, created in the image of cept that sin in the flesh might be God, disobeyed and became a sinner. He condemned? Rom. 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21. cannot cease being a sinner through his own power. "As through Christ every human being has life, so also through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only NOTE.—"Had He come clothed with the intellectual but spiritual power, a percep- brightness of heaven, He could not have tion of right, a desire for goodness, exists found access to men in their sinful state. in every heart. But against these princi- They could not have endured the glory of ples there is struggling an antagonistic His presence. Therefore He humbled Him- power. The result of the eating of the self, and was made 'in the likeness of sin- tree of knowledge of good and evil is mani- ful flesh,' that He might reach the fallen fest in every man's experience. There is in race, and lift them up."—Patriarchs and iris nature a bent to evil, a force which, un- Prophets, page 330. [ 26 ] NOTE.—"The work of redemption in- volves consequences of which it is difficult for man to have any conception. 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en- tered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.' As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 162, 163. 10. What will one do who realizes the price of his redemption? 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23. THE BANK OF HEAVEN WAS EMPTIED TO REDEEM MAN AT AN INFINITE PRICE. NoTE.—"All are called to do service for Him, and for the manner in which they Complete Redemption have met this claim, all will be required to render an account at the great judgment 8. What has Christ been made for day."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 326. us? 1 Cor. 1:30. 11. When will redemption be com- pletely achieved? Eph. 4:30. Com- pare Phil. 3:20, 21. NoTE.—Christ has atoned for the sins of men—that is, He has borne in their stead the punishment they deserved. "Christ was treated • as we deserve, that NoTE.—"Had Satan and his host then we might be treated as He deserves. He been left to reap the full result of their was condemned for our sins, in which He sin, they would have perished; but it would had no share, that we might be justified not have been apparent to heavenly beings by His righteousness, in which we had no that this was the inevitable result of sin. share. He suffered the death which was A doubt of God's goodness would have re- ours, that we might receive the life which mained in their minds as evil seed, to pro- was His."—The Desire of Ages, page 25. duce its deadly fruit of sin and woe. "But not so when the great controversy 9. From what has Christ redeemed shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemp- us? tion having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelli- gences. The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin ANSWER: a. From the curse of the law. will vindicate God's love and establish Gal. 3:13. His honor before a universe of beings who b. From all iniquity. Titus 2:14. delight to do His will, and in _whose heart c. From sin. Rom. 6:18, 22. is His law."—The Desire of Ages, page 764. d. From this present evil world. Gal. 1:4. e. From our vain conversation received 12. What ground for praise is thus by tradition from our fathers. 1 Peter 1:18, established? Eph. 1:6, 7. Compare last part. Col. 1:12-14. [27 ] Lesson 8, for August 20, 1955 The Atonement MEMORY VERSE: "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Him- self for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." Eph. 5:2. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 78. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 2. Christ gave Himself. Eph. 5:2. 3. "The Lamb of God, which taketh I. Introduction away the sin of the world." John 1:29, 36. II. God's Abhorrence of Sin 4. He is expiatory victim for sins of entire world. 1 John 2:2. 1. Sin separates man from God. Isa. 5. Blessings of forgiveness. Rom. 59:1, 2. 4:6-8. 2. God initiates reconciliation. 2 Cor. 6. The song of the redeemed. Rev. 5:19. 5:9. 3. His Son is the instrument. 2 Cor. 5:21. 4. The iniquities of the world fall on Key Words: Jesus. Isa. 53:4-6. 1. Atonement. In the original He- III. The Sacrificial System brew this word has the one idea of "cover- ing." In its sole appearance in the New 1. The atonement taught in the Old Testament. Ex. 30:10. Testament (Rom. 5:11), the Greek word 2. The blood of animals not sufficient means "reconciliation." to eradicate sin. Micah 6:6, 7; 2. Sacrifice. In nearly every reference Heb. 10:4-9. where our English Bible uses the word sac- rifice, the original Hebrew and Greek use IV. The True Sacrifice words indicating "a slaughtered animal." 1. Christ's sacrifice atones for sin. A few references indicate a "festival," and Heb. 10:10-12. a few "an offering" or "present." THE LESSON Introduction which all men seek to escape."-J. E. Co- "The fact of sin is a universal conscious- nant, D.D., The Sheer Logic of Atone- ness which does not have to be proved. ment by Substitution, pages 5, 6. Everyone is painfully conscious that he "Upon Christ as our substitute and knows better than he does, and this surety was laid the iniquity of us all."- knowledge produces the sense of guilt from The Desire of Ages, page 753. E 28 I God's Abhorrence of Sin 1. What has caused man's separa- tion from God? Isa. 59:1, 2. 2. Who initiated and effected the reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:19. 3. How did God treat His Son be- cause of sin? Why? 2 Cor. 5:21. NoTE.—"I appeal to all who profess to WE CAN COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF believe the truth, to consider the character GRACE, FOR CHRIST 15 OUR HIGH PRIEST. and life of the Son of God. He is our ex- ample. His life was marked with disin- curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that terested benevolence. He was ever touched men might not eternally die."—The Desire with human woe. He went about doing of Ages, page 484. good. There was not one selfish act in' all his life. His love for the fallen race, His The Sacrificial System desire to save them, was so great that He took upon Himself the wrath of His Fa- 5. How is the atonement doctrine ther, and consented to suffer the penalty taught by the sacrificial system? Ex. of that transgression which plunged guilty 30:10. Compare Lev. 16:15-17. man in degradation. He bore the sins of man in His own body. 'He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of NOTE.—"They [Cain and Abel] were God in Him.'"—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 482. acquainted with the provision made for the salvation of man, and understood the 4. In what language did the prophet system of offerings which God had or- Isaiah foretell Christ's sufferings? Isa. dained. They knew that in these offerings 5 3:4-6. they were to express faith in the Saviour whom the offerings typified, and at the same time to acknowledge their total de- pendence on Him for pardon; and they NOTE.—Let us emphasize a few expres- knew that by thus conforming to the di- sions used by the prophet Isaiah to paint vine plan for their redemption, they were the picture of the atonement through the giving proof of their obedience to the will Messiah's sufferings: "Smitten of God, and of God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page afflicted.. . . Wounded for our transgres- 71. sions, . . . bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. 6. Was it possible for the blood of . . . And the Lord bath laid on Him the goats and bulls to take away sin? iniquity of us all." (Italics supplied.) "While as a member of the human Micah 6:6, 7; Heb. 10:4-9. family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and NOTE.—"In patriarchal times the sacri- refused to come under its dominion; but ficial offerings connected with divine wor- voluntarily He laid down His life, that He ship constituted a perpetual reminder of might bring life and immortality to light. the coming of a Saviour; and thus it was He bore the sin of the world, endured its with the entire ritual of the sanctuary [29] services throughout Israel's history. In the NOTE.—"John had been deeply moved ministration of the tabernacle, and of the as he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, temple that afterward took its place, the pleading with tears for the approval of the people were taught each day, by means of Father. As the glory of God encircled Him, types and shadows, the great truths rela- and the voice from heaven was heard, John tive to the advent of Christ as Redeemer, recognized the token which God had prom- Priest, and King;' and once each year their ised. He knew that it was the world's Re- minds were carried forward to the closing deemer whom he had baptized. The Holy events of the great controversy between Spirit rested upon him, and with out- Christ and Satan, the final purification of stretched hand pointing to Jesus, he cried, the universe from sin and sinners. The `Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh sacrifices and offerings of the Mosaic ritual away the sin of the world.'"—The Desire were ever pointing toward a better service, of Ages, page 112. even a heavenly. The earthly sanctuary was 'a figure for the time then present,' in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices; its two holy places were 'patterns of things 10. In reality what is Christ for in the heavens ;' for Christ, our great High us? 1 John 2:2; 4:10. Priest, is today 'a minister of the sanctu- ary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.' "—Prophets and Kings, pages 684, 685. NOTE.—"The word 'propitiation' means God's propitious action of covering sin by The True Sacrifice means of a sacrifice. . . . Jesus is our pro- pitiation by virtue of His holy being, His 7. By what single sacrifice are we life of surrender and obedience, even unto sanctified and our sins expiated? Heb. His death on the cross."—Translation from 10:10-12. Louis Bonnet, Le Nouveau Testament ex- plique, vol. 4, p. 255. 11. What is said of him whose in- 8. How far did Jesus go in His iquities are forgiven? Rom. 4:6-8. love for us? Eph. 5:2. Compare Ps. 32:1. 9. With what words did John the 12. What will be the central theme Baptist present Jesus? John 1:29, 36. of the song of the redeemed? Rev. 5:9. Lesson 9, for August 27, 1955 Calling and Election MEMORY VERSE: "Make your calling and election sure." 2 Peter 1:10. STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 5. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. [ 30 ] Lesson Outline: 3. The election does not take personal merit into account. Rom. 9:11. I. Introduction 4. The elect must confirm their call- ing and election. 2 Peter 1:10. II. Scope and Conditions of Election 5. When Christ returns, He will as- 1. God calls us all to repentance and semble the elect. Matt. 24:31. salvation. Acts 17:30. 2. Distinction between "called" and "elected." Matt. 22:14. Key Words: 3. The governing factor in God's call. Rom. 8:28. 1. Call, Calling. In Hebrew we have the following thoughts expressed: "to say," III. God's Eternal Purpose "to cause to come," "to cry as for help," 1. The plan of election drawn up be- "to cry," "to put or place," "to cause to fore the foundation of the world. hear." And in the Greek we have the fol- Eph. 1:4; 3:11. lowing: "to say," "to speak," "to name," 2. God foresees who will answer His "to lay out in order," "to sound (phoneo)" call. Rom. 8:29, 30. "invited," as in Matthew 22:14, "to address 3. God's foreknowledge. 1 Peter 1:2. publicly." 4. God's purpose for us. Eph. 1:5. 2. Elect, Election. Both in the Hebrew IV. God's Foreknowledge and Man's and in the Greek the idea expressed is Choice "chosen," "choice." God's elect are His chosen ones. 1. Divine foreknowledge does not annul individual liberty. Deut. 3. Foreknowledge. This is a New Tes- 30:19. tament term from the Greek, prognosis, "a 2. Called according to grace, not knowing beforehand." Note our medical works. 2 Tim. 1:9. term, prognosis. THE LESSON Introduction have faith continually. He is elected to be ' obedient to every word that proceedeth out "There is no election but one's own by of the mouth of God, that he may be, not which any may perish. God has set forth a hearer only, but a doer of the word. This in His word the conditions upon which is Bible election."-Testimonies to Minis- every soul will be elected to eternal life- ters, page 454. obedience to His commandments, through faith in Christ. God has elected a character Scope and Conditions of Election in harmony with His law, and anyone who shall reach the standard of His require- 1. How many are invited to salva- ment, will have an entrance into the king- tion through repentance? Acts 17:30. dom of glory."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 207. "Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the 2. How many accept the call? Matt. good fight of faith. He is elected to use 22:14. Compare verses 3-8. the means God has placed within his reach to war against every unholy lust, while Satan is playing the game of life for his soul. He is elected to watch unto prayer, NoTE.-"God gives the call with the hope to search the Scriptures, and to avoid en- that all who hear it will be saved. But tering into temptation. He is elected to neither the call nor its acceptance suffices E 31 I for that. . . . In addition, an act of sover- eign grace is required. However, this act is not merely arbitrary. God possesses the secret to harmonize it with human free- dom; so that in the end, those who are rejected must blame themselves, and the saved obtain their salvation purely through the grace of God."—Translation from Louis Bonnet, Le Nouveau Testament explique, vol. 1, p. 223. 3. What governs God's call to us? Rom. 8:28. God's Eternal Purpose GOD CALLS ALL MEN TO THE WAY OF LIFE; BUT EACH ONE CHOOSES THE WAY HE DESIRES TO O. 4. When did God form His plan of election? Eph. 1:4; 3:11. Com- pare 2 Thess. 2:13. His predetermined plan; (2) The means— "through sanctification of the Spirit," a phrase used also in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ; (3) The end—"obedience and sprinkling of 5. What progressive steps does the blood of Jesus Christ." Paul mention in the working out of God's purpose? Rom. 8:29, 30. 7. What has God purposed to do for us through Christ? Eph. 1:5. NOTE.—Paul here constructs a stairway to heaven, beginning with God's foreknowl- NOTE.—"From eternity, moved only by edge and ending with man's glorification. pity for our lost state and not at all by any There may be perplexities connected with foreseen good in us, . . . God resolved to some of the steps outlined, but there is ab- save, not all men promiscuously, but only solute certainty in God's purpose to re- those who should believe the gospel. This deem the faithful. "In all that happens doctrine is a restatement of the fundamen- [He] is carrying out His own fixed pur- tal doctrine of salvation through faith, pose." Eph. 1:11, The Twentieth Century from the point of a view of the eternal New Testament. forethought of God. Whatever God does "God never leads His children otherwise in time, He purposed from eternity."— than they would choose to be led, if they Agar Beet, Epistle to the Romans, page could see the end from the beginning, and 280. discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him." God's Foreknowledge and —The Desire of Ages, pages 224, 225. Man's Choice 6. In what words does Peter refer to the elect? 1 Peter 1:2. 8. How do we know that God's foresight does not efface individual freedom of choice? Deut. 30:19. NoTE.—The apostle deals with election in three phases, related to the three Per- sons of the Godhead. (1) Its origin—"ac- NoTE.—Imagine two men walking to- cording to the foreknowledge of God," not gether along a road. Soon they encounter as an afterthought, but in the execution of a fork in the road. One turns left, the [ 32 ] other turns right. Did God foresee which 12. Who will be gathered when Je- path each of these men would follow? The sus returns in glory? Matt. 24:31. answer is undeniably Yes. Nevertheless, each was absolutely free to make his own choice. So it is with the elect. They are perfectly free to do right or wrong; but God foresees the choice they will make, NOTE.—"In the time of trial before us and so He has predestined to life eternal God's pledge of security will be placed those who would choose the right way and upon those who have kept the word of His accept salvation through Jesus Christ. Rom. patience. Christ will say to His faithful 8:28. ones: 'Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about 9. According to what are we called thee: hide thyself as it were for a little with a holy calling? 2 Tim. 1:9. moment, until the indignation be overpast.' Isaiah 26:20. The Lion of Judah, so terri- ble to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. 10. What shows that election is not The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror to the transgressor of God's law is made according to works? Rom. 9:11. light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful 11. What is necessary on our part one will surely be gathered."—Testimonies, to ensure our salvation? 2 Peter 1:10. vol. 6, p. 404. Lesson 10, for September 3, 1955 Justification MEMORY VERSE: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous." Rom. 5:19. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," pages 64-69. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 3. Whosoever tries to be justified by law falls from grace. Gal. 2:21; 5:4. I. Introduction 4. Christ came to save sinners. 1 Tim. II. Sinner Not Justified by Works 1:15. 1. All are sinners and condemned to III. God's Gracious Gift die. Rom. 5:12. 1. Only means of salvation. Eph. 2:8, 2. None justified through works. Rom. 10; Acts 4:12. 3:20. 2. Faith and law. Rom. 3:31. 133 1 3. Christ made to be sin for us. 1 Cor. "right," "upright," "straight," "righteous," 1:30. "finished," "perfect," "whole," "according 4. This righteousness imputed to all to justice," "judgment," "judicial sentence," who believe. Rom. 3:20-22. "declaration of right," "to become right," 5. Definitions of justification. Rom. "to make right," "to declare right." 5:16-19. 2. Impute. Our English word impute, meaning "to ascribe," "to credit," "to IV., God's Unchanging Plan charge," is essentially the same thought as 1. In Old Testament. Isa. 53:11; Hab. expressed in the original Hebrew and Greek 2:4. words which mean "to think, devise, 2. In New Testament. Rom. 1:17; reckon," "to put, place, set," "to count," 9:30. "reckon," "to bring into account." 3. Outworking of this plan in the life. Rom. 5:1, 2 ; 8:4. 3. Establish. In the original, this word carries the ideas of "to strengthen," "to harden," "to set up," "to lay a foundation," Key Words: "to prepare," "to cause to stand," "to con- 1. Just, Justification. Interesting con- firm," "to make stable," "to become notations of these words in the original are: strong," "to make straight." THE LESSON Introduction 2. Why is it impossible for the sin- ner to be justified before God by his "Because sin holds man in its grasp, he own works? Rom. 3:20. Compare cannot be justified by the works of the law. Gal. 2:16. The law offers death instead of justifica- tion. Only those who claim Christ's re- deeming power by faith can be justified before God. God does not hold him re- 3. What happens when a person sponsible for his sins. He forgives him, and tries to be justified by the law? Gal. removes from him the punishment he has 2:21; 5:4. deserved. This is the negative element of justification. Rom. 4:5-8; Gal. 3:11; 2 Cor. 5:19. God counts the believer's faith as righteousness. He sees the sinner only NOTE.—"Everyone who seeks righteous- through Jesus Christ, whose obedience and ness without Christ, either by works, merits, holiness become to the sinner his possession satisfactions, afflictions, or by the law, re- by faith. This is the positive element of jus- jects the grace of God, and despises the tification. Rom. 4:5 ; Phil. 3:9. death of Christ."—Martin Luther, A Com- "In other words, justification is an ab- mentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Gala- solutely free gift; all possibility for man's tians, a new abridged translation by Theo- self-exaltation is removed. What justifies dore Graebner, D.D., page 85. man, therefore, are not the works of the law, but only the grace of God manifested in Jesus Christ."—Translation from F. 4. What faithful saying is worthy Bonifas, Essai sur Punite de l'enseignement of acceptance by all? 1 Tim. 1:15. apostolique, page 115. God's Gracious Gift Sinner Not Justified by Works 5. What, then, is the sole means by 1. What brought death, and why which salvation can be obtained? Eph. must everyone endure it? Rom. 5:12. 2:8, 10; Acts 4:12; Rom. 3:24. [ 34 ] NoTE.—"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give your- R IGHTEOU5NE55.. self to Him, and accept Him as your Sav- iour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted right- eous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted be- fore God just as if you had not sinned."— Steps to Christ, page 67. WE WILL NEVER FILL THE PATTERN OUR- 9. How does Paul contrast the SELVES. CHRIST COMPLETES OUR power of sin and death with the CHARACTER WITH HIS PERFECT LIFE. power of imputed righteousness? Rom. 5:16-19. 6. What is the relation of faith to the law? Rom. 3:31. NoTE.—"The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteous- ness of Christ."—The Desire of Ages, page NOTE.—"The gospel of salvation by faith 300. comes far from annihilating the law— rather it establishes it more firmly. Christ's God's Unchanging Plan perfect obedience and especially His aton- ing sacrifice are an obvious sanction of the law's inviolable holiness."—Translation 10. In what terms do writers in froth Louis Bonnet, Le Nouveau Testament the Old Testament refer to the divine explique, vol. 3, p. 56. plan of salvation? isa. 53:11; Hab. 2:4. 7. What was Jesus made for us? 1 Cor. 1:30. 11. How is justification by grace expressed in the New Testament? Rom. 1:17; 9:30. NOTE:---1"This righteousness which God iniputes- to ' us is 'an act ' of divine grace. God erases our rightfully deSered con- demnatton and.;places us, as believers, be- NOTE.—"The Lord can do nothing to- fore -Him in the positiOn of being righteous. ward the recovery of man until, convinced Such an act was made possible through the of his own weakness, . . . he yields him- death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."— self to the control of God. Then he can re- Translation from F. Godet, Commentaire ceive the gift that God is waiting to be- sur la premiere epitre aux corinthiens, vol. stow."—The Desire of Ages, page 300. 1, p. 109. 12. What are the effects of justifica- 8. To whom are justification and tion on the person who sincerely ac- righteousness given? Rom. 3:20-22. cepts it by faith? 1 35 ANSWER: a. Peace. Rom. 5:1, 2. and the creature, the latter could never b. He produces good works. Eph. 2:10. have recovered his supreme possession, peace. For peace can only fill the heart c. The law is fulfilled in him. Rom. 8:4, when God declares it justified by faith first part. through the Saviour's sacrifice in behalf of d. He walks not after the flesh, but the our sins. In other words, peace is born of Spirit. Rom. 8:4, last part. grace, the assurance of forgiveness, and rec- onciliation with God."-Translation from NorE.-"If God Himself had not re- Le Nouveau Testament explique, vol. 3, p. established harmony between the Creator 62. Lesson 11, for September 10, 1955 Regeneration MEMORY VERSE: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." 1 Peter 1:23. STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," chapter, "Growing Up Into Christ." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. The New Creation 1. A new creature in Christ. 2 Cor. I. Introduction 5:17. 2. Walk worthy of your calling. Eph. II. God's Plan for Humanity 4:1. 3. Victory over sin. 1 John 3:9; 5:18. 1. Humanity is composed of "the children of God" and "the chil- Key Words: dren of the devil." 1 John 3:10. 1. Regeneration. Both in the English 2. God wants to deliver man from the and in the original Greek where the word powers of darkness. Col. 1:12, 13. is used only twice in the New Testament 3. Sinners to be reborn sons of God. (Matt. 19:28 and Titus 3:5) it means "re- John 1:12, 13. creation." 2. Adoption. This, too, is a New Tes- III. Adoption Into Family of God tament word and means in the original, "placing as a son." 1. Predestined to adoption. Eph. 1:5. 3. Power. This is a frequently used 2. Part4ker; of divine nature. 2 Peter word in the Bible with various suggestive 1:4. meanings in the original, such as "might," 3. Born again. John 3:3-8. "strength," "arm," "hand," "force," "valor," 4. Of incorruptible seed. 1 Peter 1:23. "rule," "hardness," "ability," "privilege," "authority," "to be a prince," "energy," 5. Washing of regeneration. Titus 3:5. "robust." The Greek word dunamis, mean- 6. Baptism symbolizes break with ing "power," appears in modified form in past. Rom. 6:3-11. our words dynamic and dynamite. 36 THE LESSON. Introduction is the only path by which we can enter the city of God. It is narrow, and the gate by "Those who become new creatures in which we enter is strait; but along it we Christ Jesus will bring forth the fruits of are to lead men and women and children, the Spirit, 'love, joy, peace, long-suffering, teaching them that, in order to be saved, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem- they must have a new heart and a new perance.' They will no longer fashion them- spirit. The old, hereditary traits of charac- selves according to the former lusts, but ter must be overcome. The natural desires by the faith of the Son of God they will of the soul must be changed. All decep- follow in His steps, reflect His character, tion, all falsifying, all evilspeaking, must be and purify themselves even as He is pure. put away. The new life, which makes men The things they once hated, they now love; and women Christlike, is to be lived."— and the things they once loved, they hate. Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 23. The proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly in heart. The vain and super- Adoption Into Family of God cilious become serious and unobtrusive. The drunken become sober, and the profligate 4. To what great privilege are the pure. The vain customs and fashions of the righteous predestined? Eph. 1:5. Com- world are laid aside. . . . The loveliness of pare Rom. 8:15. the character of Christ will be seen in His followers."—Steps to Christ, pages 62-64. God's Plan for Humanity NorE.—"The spirit of adoption is the real name for the spirit of life. While as- 1. Into how many classes is hu- suring us that He loves us tenderly as His manity divided? 1 John 3:10. Com- beloved children, God fills us with a horror pare Matt. 13:38. of sin and with the indomitable will to have no other aim in life than to please our Heavenly Father."—Translation from Ch. Rochedieu, Les tresors du Nouveau Testa- 2. What hope is possible for those ment, page 255. chained by the power of darkness? 5. Of what nature does God desire Col. 1:12, 13. Compare Luke 8:26-35. us to partake? 2 Peter 1:4. NOTE.—"Satan cannot hold the dead in NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit was the highest his grasp when the Son of God bids them of all gifts that He could solicit from His live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one Father for the exaltation of His people. soul who in faith receives Christ's word of The Spirit was to be given as a regenerat- power."—The Desire of Ages, page 320. ing agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. . . . 3. What does God- do for those who Sin could be resisted and overcome only receive Him? John 1:12, 13. through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. . . . Through the Spirit NoTE.—"This power [to become the the believer becomes a partaker of the di- sons of God] is not in the human agent. It vine nature."—The Desire of Ages, page is the power of God. When a soul receives 671. Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 314. 6. To what did Jesus compare this "He gives to all who receive Him, power marvelous transformation? John 3: to become the sons of God. Regeneration 3-8. [ 37 ] NoTE.—"The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is at- tempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal re- ligion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit."—The Desire of Ages, page 172. 7. How does the apostle Peter re- fer -to this transformation? 1 Peter OUR LIVES ARE DARK UNTIL THE 1:23. POWER FROM HEAVEN'S POWER LINE FLOWS INTO THE LIFE - NOTE.—"In dying as an expiatory victim for our sins, Christ makes it possible for NoTE.—"A sower from a higher world, sin to die out in us; He frees us from the Christ came to sow the seeds of truth. He slavery of sin and lets us partake of His di- who had stood in the councils of God, who vine nature."—Translation from Les tresors had dwelt in the innermost sanctuary of the du Nouveau Testament, page 323. Eternal, could bring to men the pure prin- "With a new heart everything takes on a ciples of truth. Ever since the fall of man, different aspect. A new light allows us to Christ had been the Revealer of truth to view sin in all its hideousness, and life in the world. By Him the incorruptible seed, its immensity, with all its possibilities and `the word of God, which liveth and abideth responsibilities. . . . We become in effect forever,' is communicated to men."— an entirely new creation, with new light, Christ's Object Lessons, page 38. new life, and new love—such is true regen- eration which, in fact, simply causes us to 8. What expression describes this become ourselves again. We discover our experience? Titus 3:5. Compare 1 Pe- true self."—Ibid., p. 308. ter 3:21. 11. How do God's children prove the reality of the change wrought within them? Eph. 4:1. Compare Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12. 9. Of what is true baptism a sym- bol? Rom. 6:3-11. NOTE.—"This is a call to glorify God here on earth—to demonstrate what the grace of God can accomplish in a heart which is ANSWER: a. Crucifixion with Christ. fully surrendered."—Translation from Les b. Death of the old nature. tresors du Nouveau Testament, page 377. c. Resurrection with Christ to a new life. "Is there something more encouraging than the thought that God can be pleased with our course of action? He rejoices in The New Creation the fruits that we bear, the progress we make, the patience, submission, and calm- 10. What does man become in ness with which we bear trials, sorrow, suf- Christ? 2 Cor. 5:17. Compare Gal. ferings, and life's disappointments."—Ibid., 2:20. p. 356. [ 38 ] 12. What gives God's children the NOTE.-"He cannot willingly sin or take power of complete victory over sin? delight in sinning; on the contrary, he de- 1 John 3:9; 5:18. tests sin, because he has partaken of the divine nature."-Translation from Les tre- sors du Nouveau Testament, page 470. Lesson 12, for September 17, 1955 Sanctification MEMORY VERSE: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see, the Lord." Heb. 12:14. STUDY HELP: "Christ's Object Lessons," chapter, "To Meet the Bridegroom. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Tuesday: Questions 7-9. line, survey the entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 10-12. Sunday: Introduction; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read Study Help assignment. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: c. The Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:2. d.• The word. John 17:17. I. Introduction e. Trials. James 1:2-4; Heb. 12:6-11. f. The church. Eph. 4:11, 13. II. Called to Holiness 2. Examples: a. Jesus. Phil. 2:5; Heb. 1. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Pe- 12:2. ter 1:15, 16. b. Paul. Phil. 3:17. 2. Ideal set forth in the Old Testa- ment. Lev. 11:44, 45. c. The great cloud of witnesses. Heb. 3. Reiterated in the New Testament. 12:1; 11:39, 40. Matt. 5:48. 4. Holiness is a prerequisite of seeing V. Complete Sanctification the Lord. Heb. 12:14. 1. Spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thess. 5. "Woe is me! for I am undone." Isa. 5:23. 6:1-7. 2. Established in holiness. 1 Thess. III. God's Will for Man 3:12, _ 13. . 3. With fear and trembling we must 1. What God wills. 1 Thess. 4:3, first work for our salvation. Phil. part. 2:12, 13. 2. Perfecting holiness. 2 Cor. 7:1. Key Words: IV. The Powers and Examples of Sanctification 1. Sanctify, Sanctification. The He- brew and Greek words translated sanctify 1. Powers: a. God. 1 Thess. 5:23. mean "to separate," "to set apart." A sanc- b. Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:30. tuary is a place set apart. 1 39 ] 2. Holy, Holiness. In the majority of 3. Will. In the originals, words trans- references, both in the Old and the New lated will have the meaning of "desire," Testaments, our English words holy and "wish," "thought," "good pleasure," "coun- holiness mean "separation," "a setting sel," "purpose," "mind, judgment, deci- apart." A few other meanings appear, such sion," "to have delight in," "from his as "reverence," "kindness," "becoming to a heart," "liberal," "to think well of," "vo- priest," "gracious." lition." THE LESSON Introduction 4. What condition must be fulfilled before one can see the Lord? Heb. Sanctification can be compared to a lad- 12:14. der with its many steps leading from the earth up to heaven. But there exists only one such ladder, and one must find out where it begins before attempting the ascent. The paths that lead to it are: God's call, repentance, conversion, justification, 5. What impression did the vision and regeneration, or new birth. of God's holiness leave on the prophet Whereas justification is instantaneous, sanctification is the work of a lifetime. Isaiah? What were the results? Isa. "True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. 6:1-7. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessa- lonian church, declares, 'This is the will of God, even your sanctification.' And he prays, 'The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.' The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is, and how it is to be at- God's Will for Man tained. The Saviour prayed for His disci- ples, 'Sanctify them through Thy truth: 6. How is God's will toward us Thy word is truth.' And Paul teaches that summarized? 1 Thess. 4:3, first part. believers are to be 'sanctified by the Holy Ghost.' "—The Great Controversy, page 469. Called to Holiness NOTE.-" Tor this is the will of God' be- cause He loves us and desires to see us 1. What is the logical consequence happy. Compare Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:10-17. of God's call to us? 1 Peter 1:15, 16. It is God's will that we escape a most hor- rible enemy—one who would gladly pollute, enslave, and finally destroy those who yield themselves to him. God wants us to be masters of ourselves—free and strong; God 2. How is God's purpose for man's wants us to learn to resist covetousness, to holiness expressed in the Old Testa- discipline our minds and bodies. It is God's ment? Lev. 11:44, 45. Compare chap- will that we be men and women of vic- ters 19:2; 20:7. tory."—Translation from Ch. Rochedieu, Les tresors du Nouveau Testament, page 368. 3. In what words did Christ reiter- 7. Through what means may sanc- ate this ideal in the New Testament? tification and holiness be perfected? Matt. 5:48. 2 Cor. 7:1. Compare Eph. 5:26. [ 40 The Powers and Examples of Sanctification 8. What are the six great means used for the sanctification of believ- ers? ANSWER: a. God. 1 Thess. 5:23. b. Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:30. c. The Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:2. d. The word. John 17:17. e. Trials. James 1:2-4; Heb. 12:6-11. f. The church. Eph. 4:11-13. 9. Who are the great examples we must never lose sight of? daily work will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual looking unto Je- ANSWER: a. Jesus. Phil.-2:5; Heb. 12:2. sus. Love for Him will give vital force to b. The apostle Paul. Phil. 3:17. Com- everything that is undertaken. Thus pare 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1. through the right use of our talents, we c. Great cloud of witnesses. Heb. 12:1; may link ourselves by a golden chain to the 11:39, 40. higher world. This is true sanctification; for sanctification consists in the cheerful Complete Sanctification performance of daily duties in perfect obe- dience to the will of God."—Christ's Ob- 10. How much of our being must ject Lessons, page 360. be sanctified? 1 Thess. 5:23. "It is the faithfulness, the loyalty to God, the loving service, that wins the divine ap- proval."—Ibid., p. 361. 11. What will abound in our hearts 12. In what spirit must we work if we are established in holiness? 1 out our salvation? Phil. 2:12, 13. Thess. 3:12, 13. NoTE.—"What we shall be in heaven is NoTE.—"Let a living faith run like the reflection of what we are now in char- threads of gold through the performance acter and holy service."—Christ's Object of even the smallest duties. Then all the Lessons, page 361. FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter- national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates. [ 41 ] Lesson 13, for September 24, 1955 The Restoration of All Things MEMORY VERSE: "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Rom. 6:22. STUDY HELPS: "Education," chapter, "The School of the Hereafter;" "Prophets and Kings," Chapter 60; "The Great Controversy," chapter 42. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Sabbath afternoon: Following the out- Wednesday: Questions 10-12. line, survey the entire lesson. Thursday: Read Study Helps assign- Sunday: Questions 1-3. ments. Monday: Questions 4-6. Friday: Review the entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 7-9. Lesson Outline: 2. Promises of a new creation. Isa. 65:17; Rev 21:15. I. Christ's Promise and Supplications 3. The preparation required. 2 Peter 1. Jesus' comforting promise. John 3:14. 14:1-3. 4. Heirs of the kingdom. Rom. 8:17; 2. Jesus prays to be glorified with His James 2:5. former glory. John 17:5. 5. Translated into the kingdom. Col. 3. He wants His disciples to be with 1:12, 13. Him. John 17:24. 6. When Jesus returns, we shall be II. Waiting in Hope like Him. 1 John 3:2, 3. 1. The hope of God's elect realized IV. Summary when Christ returns. 1 Peter 1:2-5. 2. Heaven receives Christ "until the Key Words: times of restitution of all things." Acts 3:19-21. 1. Heir. The Hebrew word translated 3. The whole creation awaits deliver- heir means "to possess, occupy, succeed." ance from bondage of corruption. The Greek word means "one who receives Rom. 8:19-22. a lot or a portion." III. All Things New 2. Hope. This word is translated from 1. Looking for new heavens and a new words meaning "confidence," "refuge," "ex- earth. 2 Peter 3:13. pectation," "waiting." THE LESSON NoTE.-"As Christ's earthly ministry Christ's Promise and Supplications drew to a close, and He realized that He must soon leave His disciples to carry on the work without His personal supervi- 1. What promise did Jesus make sion, He sought to encourage them, and to His disciples before leaving them? prepare them for the future."-The Acts of John 14:1-3. the Apostles, page 21. [ 42] barred the first pair from Eden,—the time for 'the redemption of the purchased pos- session.' The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption. All that was lost by sin has been restored."—The Great Con- troversy, page 674. 5. Until what momentous time must heaven receive Jesus? Acts 3: 19-21. THE LOST DOMINION WILL BE GIVEN BACK TO MAN AS CHRIST SAYS, 6. Into what state has the earth "COMB ,YE BLESSED OF MY FATHER." fallen, and for what is it waiting? Rom. 8:19-22. 2. What special request did Jesus make of His Father? John 17:5. NOTE.—"Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the 3. What positive wish did Jesus ex- wicked one, and was to be restored by the press? John 17:24. plan of redemption. At his creation, Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. 'Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought NOTE.-" I will.' The last wish of the in bondage.' When man became Satan's dying Son is that His brethren, those that captive, the dominion which he held, passed the Father has given Him, and those that to his conqueror. Thus Satan became 'the He will give Him, shall enjoy the rights of god of this world.' He had usurped that sons and appreciate the greatness of the dominion over the earth which had been glory that is His very own, that of being originally given to Adam. But Christ, by the only Son."—Translation from Ch. His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, Rochedieu, Les tresors du Nouveau Testa- would not only redeem man, but recover ment, page 178. the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be re- stored by the second. Says the prophet, '0 Waiting in Hope Tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, 4. When and through whom will even the first dominion.' And the apostle the hope of God's elect become a re- Paul points forward to the 'redemption of ality? 1 Peter 1:2-5; Micah 4:8. the purchased possession.' God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy be- ings. The Lord 'formed the earth and made it; He bath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.' That NoTE.—" `0 Tower of the flock, the purpose will be ,fulfilled, when, renewed by stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto the power of God, and freed from sin and Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.' sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode The time has come, to which holy men have of the redeemed."—Patriarchs and Proph- looked with longing since the flaming sword ets, page 67. [43 ] All Things New 10. What heritage is promised to 7. For what does the child of God the believer? Rom. 8:17; James 2:5. long? 2 Peter 3:13; Rom. 8:23. 11. What will be the final results of deliverance from sin through the NorrE.—"In the darkest days of her long redeeming grace of Jesus Christ? Col. conflict with evil, the church of God has 1:12, 13. been given revelations of the eternal pur- pose of Jehovah. His people have been permitted to look beyond the trials of the present to the triumphs of the future, NorE.—"In the earth made new, the re- when, the warfare having been accom- deemed will engage in the occupations and plished, the redeemed will enter into pos- pleasures that brought happiness to Adam session of the promised land. These visions and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life of future glory, scenes pictured by the will be lived, the life in garden and field. hand of God, should be dear to His church `They shall build houses, and inhabit them; today, when the controversy of the ages and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the is rapidly closing, and the promised bless- fruit of them. They shall not build, and ings are soon to be realized in all their another inhabit; they shall not plant, and fullness."—Prophets and Kings, page 722. another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect 8. What explicit promise did God shall long enjoy the work of their hands.' make regarding His future kingdom? "There every power will be developed, Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:15. every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will appear new heights to surmount, new NOTE.—"To us who are standing on the wonders to admire, new truths to compre- very verge of their fulfillment, of what hend, fresh objects of study to call forth the deep moment, what living interest, are these powers of body and mind and soul."— delineations of the things to come,—events Prophets and Kings, pages 730, 731. for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!" 12. Before we enter our final home, —Prophets and Kings, page 731. what miraculous transformation must take place in us? 1 John 3:2, 3; Phil. 9. While expecting the fulfillment 3:21, 22. of these promises, what must we do? 2 Peter 3:14. Summary NOTE.-"It is now that we must keep During, our course of study this quarter, ourselves and our children unspotted from we have examined the plan of salvation in the world. It is now that we must wash its different aspects: creation; the tempta- our robes of character and make them tion and fall; sin and its consequences; white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now God's love for man; the gift of His Son that we must overcome pride, passion, and Jesus Christ for the redemption of sinners; spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we His incarnation to atone for the sins of must awake and make determined effort man; His victory over sin; pardon granted for symmetry of character. 'Today if ye freely to all who repent and believe; God's will hear His voice, harden not your grace extended to those who want to live hearts.' "—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 215, 216. a victorious life; the regenerating power [ 44 ] which is willing to make of God's children character. As Jesus opens before them the new creatures—obedient, equal to Jesus, riches of redemption, and the amazing living a sanctified life in preparation for achievements in the great controversy with their final home in heaven where "the years Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer with more fervent devotion, and with more and still more glorious revelations of God rapturous joy they sweep the harps of and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand so will love, reverence, and happiness in- and thousands of thousands of voices unite crease. The more men learn of God, the to swell the mighty chorus of praise."— greater will be their admiration of His The Great Controversy, page 678. [ 46 ] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING September 24 This quarter the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow again goes to the Far Eastern Division to give help on three specific projects: (I) the Philippine Union College, (2) the West New Guinea school, and (3) medical work in Okinawa. The buildings of the Philippine Union College, constructed twenty-five years ago, are the same buildings that are in use today; despite the fact that the enroll- ment has grown from less than 30o to more than 1,15o students. Among the many needs of the college, one of the most urgent is for a house of worship. And it is this need we may help to supply through a portion of the offering overflow. The West New Guinea Mission is one of the newest missions in the Far Eastern Division. The needs in this field are great, and one of the greatest is for a school where young people can be trained to work for their own people. Perhaps the name Okinawa was seldom heard before World War II, but now it is known by every schoolboy. Our work is making progress on that island, but there are many needs, the chief of which is for some kind of medical work. And that is what we are going to help to supply through the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow. LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, 1955 Sabbathlschool members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quar- terly for the fourth quarter of 1955 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Ministry of Angels," and the title of the first Sabbath's lesson is "Angels Created Beings; Disaffection and Conflict." The Memory Verse is Heb. 2:16. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Eph. 3:14, 15. Ques. 8. Isa. 14:12-14. Ques. 2. Job 1:6; 1 John 3:1. Ques. 9. Rev. 12:7-9. Ques. 3. 1 Tim. 5:21 ; Heb. 1:5. Ques. 10.2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Ques. 4. Ezek. 10:19, 20; Isa. 6:2, 6. Ques. 11. Rev. 12:12. Ques. 5. Jude 9; Luke 1:19. Ques. 12. Eph. 6:11, 12. Ques. 6. Job 38:4-7. Ques. 13. Luke 10:17-19. Ques. 7. Gen. 3:24. Ques. 14. Heb. 1:13, 14. [ 46 ] Special rcitcst Introductory Oiler .roplicts 010* I, 0000 %PO O. 1, 155. 90 0000 $)% 44\‘ (Regular Price, $4.50.) Every student of the Bible will be interested in a new book by George McCready Price, the dean of Adventist authors. The Greatest of the Prophets A denominational commentary on the book of Daniel. Refutes modern critics on the authorship of the book and proves that it belongs to the canon. Contains latest and most accurate scholarship on the archaeology and the language of the ancient empires. Compares views of other Bible scholars on specific texts and passages. Gives the results of exhaustive research on Daniel 11 in the light of current history. A must for Bible students. Book and Bible House: Introductory offer good until Enclosed find $ for which please send me - copies of Sept. 1, 1955, $3.90. the book, "The Greatest of the Prophets." Prices higher in Canada. Be sure to include sales tax Name and mailing expense. Mailing expense, 15 cents Address for the first book, 5 cents for each additional book. Send all orders to your Book and Bible House. Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California FAR EASTERN DIVISION UNION MISSION POPULATION CHURCHES CH. MEM. S.S. MEM. INDONESIA 80,000.000 248 11,797 14,977 JAPAN 87.606,000 41 2,599 5,524 .....KoRJAN UNION KOREAN 29,291,000 47 3.969 16,047 MALAYAN 51.426.819 44 3,739 5.107 1. (MISSION N. PHILIPPINE 9.738770 320 16,956 18,648 S. PHILIPPINE 10,349.400 329 25.983 33,956 S. CHINA ISLAND U. M. 11,6E0.000 II 895 1,964. DETACHED MISSIONS 185.559 5 219 256 DIVISION 280,197548 1.045 64157 96,479 JAPAN UNION MISSION CI DIVISION HEADQUARTERS * UNION MISSION HEADQUARTERS SOUTH CHINA ISLAND 00 OKINAWA UNION MISSION MEDICAL CHINA OKINAWA WORK TAICHUNG ORIAOSA ) .0" HONG ROHS TAIWAN •,C3 . . - NORTH PHILIPPINE UNION MISSION PHILIPPINE GUAM 0 UNION lu COLLEGE SOUTH PHILIPPINE UNION MISSION • 0. NEW GUINEA T.- SCHOOL .-- HALMAHERA CA eD 1;7:Z) WAN % • 90 NEW GUINEA INDONESIA UNION MISSION VA V. DC413 CII=MP4.4. .S16 42;j, eir'Pg. INIX