SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON UARTE RIY t W TEttAMEN SENIOR DIVISION, No. 257, THIRD QUARTER, 1959 THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY "He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. ... Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 38. "Appreciation of the Bible grows with its study."—Ibid., p. 132. "God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus."—The Desire ofAges, page 391. "The neglect of the word means starvation to the soul.--Counsell on Sabbath School Work, page 44. My Daily Lesson Study Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab- bath school lesson each day of the week. Name LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER r. The Eternal Fatherhood of God 8. Faith and Trust 2. The Word Was Made Flesh 9. Love—The Crowning Virtue 3. Reconciliation Through Jesus Christ ro. Christian Maturity and Perfection 4. The Kingdom of Divine Grace I I. The Return of Our Lord 5. Justification 12. The Resurrection and Life 6. Sanctification Everlasting 7. Doing God's Will 13. The Coming Kingdom of Glory Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 257, July-September, 1959. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1959, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly GREAT THEMES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Lesson 1, for July 4, 1959 The Eternal Fatherhood of God MEMORY VERSE: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." 1 John 3:1. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 141, 142; "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-23; "Fundamentals of Christian Education," page 309; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 74, 102, 103 (1943 ed., pp. 114, 151, 152); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of June 18. AIM: A richer appreciation of the Fatherhood of God and of the privilege of being His child. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; Sunday: Key Thoughts; read from Study Helps. Questions 1, 2. Thursday: Read from Study Helps. Monday: Questions 3-6. Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 7-11. Lesson Outline: Introduction III. The Privilege of Sonship I. Our Father 7. Called sons of God. 1 John 3:1, 2. 8. Adoption; the new birth. John 1. A meaningful name. Luke 11:2. 1:12, 13 ; Rom. 8:14, 16. 2. Our Father cares. Matt. 10:29-31; 9. Constrained by divine love. 18:14. 2 Cor. 5:14. 10. Divine discipline. Heb. 12:5-12. II. The Father Revealed in Christ 11. Present and future rewards of sonship. Col. 1:12-14. 3. Evidence of God's love. 1 John 4:8-10. IV. Approaching God in Sincerity and 4. Knowing the Father through the Confidence Son. Matt. 11:27; John 14:6-9. 5. The Father revealed by the Holy 12. In spirit and in truth. John 4:23; Ghost. Rom. 5:5 ; Gal. 4:6. Heb. 4:16. 6. All things through Christ. 13. Secure in the Father's love. John Rom. 8:32. 10:29; Rom. 8:35-39. (83 Key Thoughts: 1. God Knows and Cares. The Archi- strains us to reflect His infinite love and to tect of the universe knows its myriad stars co-operate with Him in the restoration of and maintains each in its appointed course. our lives. Like a wise father He chastens The same Infinite One has given us life and us for our good, supplies our every need, being and desires us to accept Him as the and provides for our present and future Architect of our lives. security. 2. Love Constrains God. God makes 4. Our Privileges and Responsibili- it His chief business to provide for the wel- ties. Intelligent creatures, endowed with fare and happiness of the creatures of His the power of choice, must co-operate with hand. When the souls and lives of His God if they would share in His blessed earthborn children fell under the blight of privileges for them. He invites us to have sin, like a compassionate parent He pro- confidence in His beneficent purposes, to vided for their full and complete restora- enter upon the privileges He accords erring tion. members of His earthborn family, and to 3. Divine Love Constrains Us. The accept responsibilities befitting sons and love of God shining into our hearts con- daughters of the Eternal One. THE LESSON Introduction `Our Father.' He would have them under- stand how tenderly the heart of God The Privilege of Calling God Our Father: yearned over them."—Thoughts From the "In order to strengthen our confidence in Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 74. God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the 2. How personal an interest does dearest associations of the human heart. our heavenly Father take in His chil- He gives us the privilege of calling the in- dren on earth? Matt. 10:29-31; 18:14. finite God our Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love Compare Matt. 6:25-33. and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might not think The Father Revealed in Christ it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it again and again. He 3. What supreme evidence is given desires us to become familiar with the ap- of God's paternal love? 1 John 4:8-10. pellation."—Christ's Object Lessons, 1941 Compare John 3:16; Rom. 5:6, 8. ed., pp. 141, 142. Our Father 4. What provision has our heav- 1. By what name did Jesus teach enly Father made to enable us to be- His disciples to address God? How come acquainted with Him? Matt. 11: should this name be regarded? Luke 27; John 14:6-9. 11:2. NOTE.—"To know God is to love Him; NorE.—"Christ's favorite theme was the His character must be manifested in con- paternal tenderness and abundant grace of trast to the character of Satan. This work God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 40. only one Being in all the universe could do. "He [Christ] pointed His hearers to the Only He who knew the height and depth Ruler of the universe, under the new name, of the love of God could make it known. [4] Upon the world's dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, 'with healing in His wings.' Mal. 4:2."—The Desire of Ages, page 22. 5. By what means does God im- press our hearts with a realization and appreciation of His great love? Rom. 5:5; Gal. 4:6. NOTE.—"He who commanded the light to • k shine out of darkness is willing to shine in AAltif your heart, to give the light of the knowl- edge of the glory of God in the face of Je- • sus Christ. The Holy Spirit will take the OUR FIRST SYMBOL OF GOD: things of God and show them unto you, A LOVING, PROTECTI NG FATHER. conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the. Infinite."—Christ's Object a love that is infinite and a tender pity sur- Lessons, page 149. passing a mother's yearning sympathy for her wayward child."—Steps to Christ, 1956 6. In God's gift of His Son to be and pocket eds., p. 15. our Saviour, what else is included? Rom. 8:32. 8. How may we enter upon this new relationship? What evidence do we have of its reality? John 1:12, 13; Rom. 8:14, 16. NOTE.—"Freely give;" literally, "gra- ciously give." "By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in NOTE.—The Greek reads literally, "right Christ all heaven, God has purchased the to become God's sons," and implies that will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of the restoration to sonship takes place im- every human being."—Christ's Object Les- mediately when the sinner receives Christ sons, page 326. as the Son of God and believes on His name. "At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came The Privilege of Sonship with the embassage of divine grace," and "Deity was glorified by pouring upon the 7. Through Christ what relation is world a flood of healing grace that was it our privilege to sustain to the Fa- never to be obstructed or withdrawn till ther? 1 John 3:1, 2. the plan of salvation should be fulfilled."— The Desire of Ages, page 37. 9. What does God intend that His NOTE .—"God stands toward His people love, operating through Christ, shall in the relation of a father, and He has a do for us? 2 Cor. 5:14. Compare father's claim to our faithful service."— Rom. 8:3, 4. Christ's Object Lessons, page 282. "The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended NorE.—The word translated "constrain- with equity and justice, and the more eth" means "sustains," "impels," "controls." clearly we discern innumerable evidences of As an automatic pilot controls an airplane [ 51 on a predetermined course, so the love of ace."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless- Christ controls in the strait and narrow ing, 1956 ed., p. 10. way those who have chosen to be guided by it. When the will is surrendered to 11. What high privileges constitute Christ "duty becomes a delight and sacri- the present experience and future goal fice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become of God's children? Col. 1:12-14. Com- like Him, to work for Him, is the life's highest ambition and its greatest joy."— pare 1 Peter 1:3-5. Education, page 297. Nom.—By virtue of His death on Cal- 10. As sons and daughters of God, vary the Saviour transferred us from the what training may we expect to re- jurisdiction of Satan to His own "king- ceive? Heb. 12:5-12. dom." We are still in this world, to be sure; but as sons of God we have sworn allegiance to a higher power, and as long as we abide in Christ Satan cannot touch us. Nom.—The word translated "chastening" means "upbringing," "training," "instruc- Approaching God in Sincerity tion," "discipline," and refers to the whole process by which children are prepared for and Confidence the responsibilities of adult life. In verse 7 the ancient manuscripts all read, "Endure 12. In what frame of- mind are we unto chastening!" Knowing what is best to approach our heavenly Father? for us, God calls upon us to submit to the John 4:23; Heb. 4:16. training that is necessary in order that we may become mature Christians. "The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from Nom.—True worship is willing obedience our character. Their hewing, squaring, and to all of God's requirements. The new birth chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is purifies the heart, renews the mind, and a painful process; it is hard to be pressed imparts a new capacity for knowing and down to the grinding wheel. But the stone loving God. See The Desire of Ages, page is brought forth prepared to fill its place in 189. the heavenly temple. Upon no useless ma- terial does the Master bestow such careful, 13. How securely may we rest in thorough work. Only His precious stones the Father's love? John 10:29; Rom. are polished after the similitude of a pal- 8:35-39. Lesson 2, for July 11, 1959 The Word Was Made Flesh MEMORY VERSEi "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in :the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." .1 Tim. 3:16. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," vol. 5, pp. 917-919, and on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of June 25. AI* A deeper understanding of the significance of the incarnation of our Lord, and of His exemplary life, vicarious death, resurrection, and ascension. £6] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10. Sunday: Key Thoughts; Wednesday: Questions 11-13. 0 Questions 1-3. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0 Monday: Questions 4-7. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Lesson Outline: Key Thoughts: Introduction Key Events in Christ's Life. Each of the five major events in the earthly life of I. Divinity and Humanity Reunited the Saviour represents an essential aspect of the plan of salvation. These five are: 1. God with us. Matt. 1:23. 2. The Word was God. John 141. 1. The Incarnation. Sin estranged man 3. The Word became flesh. John from his Creator, thus severing his connec- 1:14; Heb. 2:14, 17. tion with the source of life. The reunion of divinity with humanity at Christ's birth II. A Revelation of Infinite Love makes it possible for our humanity to be united with divinity by the new birth. 4. Christ gave Himself for us. Eph. 2. A Perfect Life. The Saviour's life on 5:2 ; Titus 2:14. earth was a perfect example of submission 5. To reveal the Father. 2 Cor. 4:6; to the Father. Through the Holy Spirit He John 17:3. imparts power to us to follow that example. 6. To seek and save the lost. Luke The process of learning to do so we call 19:10; John 10:10; 18:37. sanctification. 7. To impart eternal life. Rom. 6:23. 3. A Vicarious Death. On Calvary III. Exemplary Life and Vicarious Death Christ died in our stead, and by virtue of His death we have access through faith to 8. Victory over temptation. 1 John His saving grace. Accepting this gift we 3:5; Heb. 2:18. experience justification. 9. Made to be sin for us. 2 Cor. 5:21. 4. A Triumphant Resurrection. Christ's 10. Reconciled by His death, saved triumph over death is our assurance of the by His life. Rom. 5:8-11. resurrection and of life everlasting. IV. Resurrection, Ascension, and 5. A Glorious Ascension. "If I go, Intercession . . . I will come again." John 14:3. Christ ascended to heaven to complete the work 11. Benefits from the resurrection. of salvation begun on the cross, thereby en- 1 Cor. 15:16-23. abling us to prepare for translation. When 12. A comforting assurance. Acts this task is complete He will restore us to 1:9-11. the presence of the Father and present us 13. Our great High Priest. Heb. 2:17. faultless before Him. THE LESSON Introduction and life. . . . By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays Purpose of the Incarnation: "Christ ." . hold upon the throne of God. As the Son pitched His tent by the side of the tents of of man, He gave us an example of obedi- men, that He might dwell among us, and ence; as the Son of God, He gives us power make us familiar with His divine character to obey."-The Desire of Ages, pages 23, 24. [7] Divinity and Humanity Reunited 1. What fact makes the birth of Jesus the supreme event of all time? Matt. 1:23. Compare John 14:8, 9. NOTE.—"Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one. It is in this union that we find the hope of our fallen race. Looking upon Christ in humanity, we look upon God, and see in Him the brightness of His glory, the express image of His person."—Ellen G. White supplement in The Seventh-day Ad- ventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1130. JESUS CHRIST-THE LINK "Christ could have done nothing during BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. .0 59 His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the divine had not been blended with the human. The limited capacity of man can- not define this wonderful mystery—the creature" characterizes Christ as being su- blending of the two natures, the divine and perior in rank to all created beings. This is the human. It can never be explained. Man evident from verse 17, where He is said to must wonder and be silent. And yet man is be "before all things." privileged to be a partaker of the divine nature, and in this way he can to some de- 3. How full and complete was the gree enter into the mystery."—Ellen G. humanity of the incarnate Christ? White supplement in The Seventh-day Ad- John 1:14; Heb. 2:14, 17. Compare ventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 904. Phil. 2:5-8. 2. How full and complete was the Deity of the incarnate Christ? John 11. Compare Col. 1:15-19; 2:9; Heb. 1:1-3, 8. N0TE.—"Had He not been fully human, Christ could not have been our substitute. He could not have worked out in humanity that perfection of character which it is the NoTE.—"Christ is the pre-existent, self- privilege of all to reach. . . . In His hu- existent Son of God. . . . There never was manity, He laid hold of the divinity of a time when He was not in close fellowship God; and this every member of the human with the eternal God. . . . He was equal family has the privilege of doing. Christ with God, infinite and omnipotent."— did nothing that human nature may not do Evangelism, page 615. if it partakes of the divine nature."—Ellen "Christ was God essentially, and in the G. White, in The Signs of the Times, June highest sense. He was with God from all 17, 1897. eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. "Only Begotten." The Greek of John 1: The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of 14 literally reads, "only," "unique." God, existed from eternity, a distinct per- son, yet one with the Father."—Ellen G. A Revelation of Infinite Love White supplement in The Seventh-day Ad- ventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1126. 4. What supreme motive prompted "In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived."—The Desire of Ages, page 530. the Saviour to take humanity upon The word "first-born" in Colossians 1:15 Himself? What were His objectives denotes rank And position, not time or de- in so doing? Eph. 5:2; Titus 2:14. scent. The expression "first-born of every Compare Heb. 12:2. [8] NOTE.—"He who beholds the Saviour's God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus matchless love will be elevated in thought, was 'in all points tempted like as we are.' purified in heart, transformed in character." Heb. 4:15. He endured every trial to which —The Desire of Ages, page 661. we are subject. And He exercised in His "A peculiar people." The Greek of Titus own behalf no power that is not freely of- 2:14 reads literally, "a chosen people," "a fered to us. As man, He met temptation, people of His own." and overcame in the strength given Him from God."—The Desire of Ages, page 24. 5. What supreme revelation be- came possible through the incarnate 9. How fully did Christ accept the Christ? Of what value is this revela- responsibility for our sins and recon- tion to mankind? 2 Cor. 4:6; John cile us to God? 2 Cor. 5:21. Compare 17:3. Compare John 1:4, 12; 18:37. 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18. NOTE.—"By sin man was shut out from 10. What did the death of Christ God. Except for the plan of redemption, eternal separation from God, the darkness upon Calvary make possible for us? of unending night, would have been his. Rom. 5:8-11. Through the Saviour's sacrifice, communion with God is again made possible. We may not in person, approach into His presence; in our sin we may not look upon His face; NOTE.—"Christ was treated as we de- but we can behold Him and commune with serve, that we might be treated as He de- Him in Jesus, the Saviour."—Education, serves. He was condemned for our sins, in page 28. which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we 6. In what words did our Lord had no share. He suffered the death which Himself declare the purpose of His was ours, that we might receive the life mission to earth? Luke 19:10; John which was His. 'With His stripes we are healed.'"—The Desire of Ages, page 25. 10:10; 18:37. Resurrection, Ascension, and 7. What supreme gift does God be- Intercession stow through Jesus Christ? Rom. 6: 23. Compare John 1:4; 3:16. 11. What blessed assurances come to mankind because of Christ's tri- umph over death? 1 Cor. 15:16-23. Exemplary Life and Vicarious Compare Rev. 1:18. Death 8. How completely triumphant was 12. At His ascension what com- Christ in His personal struggle with forting assurance was given to His sin? What does His victory mean to disciples? Acts 1:9-11. us? 1 John 3:5; Heb. 2:18. Compare Rom. 8:1-4; Heb. 4:15. 13. By virtue of the incarnation, NOTE.—"If we had to bear anything what was Christ enabled to become which Jesus did not endure, then upon this and to do for us? Heb. 2:17. Com- point Satan would represent the power of pare Heb. 4:15, 16; 7:25. MAKE NEXT THIRTEENTH SABBATH DOUBLE DOLLAR DAY [9 Lesson 3, for July 18, 1959 Reconciliation Through Jesus Christ MEMORY VERSE: "All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their tres- passes unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Cor. 5:18, 19. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 185-211; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 17-22 (1908 ed., pp. 19-25); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on les- son texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 2. AIM: An insight into what Christ has done and is doing to reconcile sinners to God. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1, 2. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 3-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-10. ❑ Lesson Outline: 10. Sons of God. Rom. 8:14; 1 John 3:1. Introduction IV. The Transforming Power of I. Without God in the World Divine Grace 1. Enemies of God, dead in sin. 11. A transformation of character. Rom. 1:21-23, 28. Rom. 12:1, 2. 2. Living for self. Eph. 2:2-5. 12. Fellowship with Christ. Phil. 3:9, 10. II. Reconciliation Provided 13. Fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23. 3. God reconciling the world. 2 Cor. 5:18, 19 ; Col. 1:19, 20. Key Words: 4. Parables: seeking the lost. Luke 15:7, 10. 1. Redemption. Jesus obtained eternal 5. A vicarious atoning sacrifice. Rom. "redemption" for us. Heb. 9:12. This word 5:6-11, 18, 19. looks at sin as slavery, and at sinners as 6. Redemption, reconciliation, propiti- slaves to sin. See Rom. 6:16, 17. It sees ation, atonement. Eph. 1:7; Heb. the ministry of Christ in delivering us from 2:17; 1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:11. sin as a work of setting slaves free from III. Reconciliation Applied and bondage by paying a ransom for them. Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14. Accepted 7. Christ's atoning ministry. Heb. 2. Reconciliation. That God "recon- 2:17; 1 John 2:1, 2. ciled" us to Himself by Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 8. Appropriating divine grace. John 5:18) is the good news of "reconciliation." 1:12, 13 ; Heb. 4:15, 16. Verses 19, 20. Christ became incarnate in 9. Growth in grace. 2 Peter 3:18; order "to make reconciliation" for our sins. 1 John 1:7. Heb. 2:17. These words look at sin as a I 10 3 state of hostility toward God, and at sin- of God, by whom the enmity of sin is re- ners as enemies of God. See Rom. 5:10; moved. See John 1:29. As used in the 8:7. They see the ministry of Christ as a New Testament, "propitiation" is equiva- work of setting us at peace with God, of lent to "reconciliation." restoring friendly relations between us and God. Rom. 5:1, 10. 4. Atonement. Through Christ we have received the "atonement." As used in Ro- 3. Propitiation. Christ is the "propiti- mans 5:11 the word "atonement" simply ation" for our sins. 1 John 2:2; 4:10. means "at-one-ment," and is equivalent to "Propitiation" presents Christ as the Lamb "reconciliation." THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.—"Satanic agencies were incorpo- rated with men. The bodies of human be- "It was Satan's purpose to bring about ings, made for the dwelling place of God, an eternal separation between God and had become the habitation of demons. The man; but in Christ we become more closely senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs united to God than if we had never fallen. of men, were worked by supernatural In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. Himself to humanity by a tie that is never The very stamp of demons was impressed to be broken. . . . In Christ the family of upon the countenances of men. . . . It was earth and the family of heaven are bound demonstrated before the universe that, together. Christ glorified is our brother. apart from God, humanity could not be Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and hu- uplifted. A new element of life and power manity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite must be imparted by Him who made the Love."—The Desire of Ages, pages 25, 26. world."—The Desire of Ages, pages 36, 37. Without God in the World Reconciliation Provided 1. What is the attitude of the un- 3. In His love for mankind, what regenerate heart toward God and spir- did God do in order that sinners itual things? Rom. 1:21-23, 28. Com- might become reconciled to Him? pare Rom. 5:10; 8:7; Eph. 2:1, 11, 12. 2 Cor. 5:18, 19; Col. 1:19, 20. Com- pare 1 John 4:10. NOTE.—"Whatever the appearance may NorE.—"The heart of God yearns over be, every life centered in self is squandered. His earthly children with a love stronger Whoever attempts to live apart from God than death. In giving up His Son, He has is wasting his substance. He is squandering poured out to us all heaven in one gift." the precious years, squandering the powers —Steps to Christ, 1956 and pocket eds., of mind and heart and soul, and working to p. 21. make himself bankrupt for eternity. The man who separates from God that he may 4. What causes great joy in heaven? serve himself, is the slave of mammon."— Christ's Object Lessons, 1941 ed., pp. 200, Luke 15:7, 10. 201. 2. What impulses control the life NOTE.—"When sinners are led to give and conduct of those alienated from themselves to the Saviour, angels bear the God? What characteristic conduct is tidings heavenward, and there is great re- the result? Eph. 2:2-5. Compare Eph. joicing among the heavenly host. 'Joy shall 4:17-19; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:24-32. be in heaven over one sinner that repent- [117 Scripture to describe Christ's work of restoring us to divine favor? Eph. 1: 7; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:11. See definitions under "Key Words." Reconciliation Applied and Accepted 7. What continuing ministry is necessary on the part of Christ in order to make the merits of Calvary effective in our individual lives? Heb. 2:17; 1 John 2:1, 2. Compare 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:3. THE FIRST STEP—TURNING FROM 30.3 TEMPORARY THINGS TO CHRIST. NOTE.—"Christ is in the heavenly sanctu- eth, more than over ninety and nine just ary, and He is there to make an atonement persons, which need no repentance.' Luke for the people. He is there to present His 15:7. A report is borne to heaven of every wounded side and pierced hands to His Fa- successful effort on our part to dispel the ther. He is there to plead for His church darkness and to spread abroad the knowl- that is upon the earth. He is cleansing the edge of Christ. As the deed is recounted sanctuary from the sins of the people. What before the Father, joy thrills through all the is our work?—It is our work to be in har- heavenly host."—The Acts of the Apostles, mony with the work of Christ. By faith page 154. we are to work with Him, to be in union "Whatever may have been your past ex- with Him."—Ellen G. White, Review and perience, however discouraging your present Herald, Jan. 28, 1890. circumstances, if you will come to Jesus 8. What is our part in securing the just as you are, weak, helpless, and despair- ing, our compassionate Saviour will meet benefits of the atonement provided by you a great way off, and will throw about our Saviour on Calvary? John 1:12, you His arms of love and His robe of 13; Heb. 4:15, 16. Compare Rom. 3: righteousness."—Thoughts From the Mount 23-26. of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 9. 5. In the sinner's forlorn condition, 9. What experience must we culti- what was necessary in order that he vate in order to retain the blessings of might become reconciled to God? divine grace? 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 1:7. Rom. 5:6-11, 18, 19. Compare 1 Pe- Compare 1 John 3:3. ter 3:18. 10. Into what intimate relationship NOTE.—"Only He who knew the height with God do those enter who accept and depth of the love of God could make His grace and submit their lives to it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite His direction? Rom. 8:14; 1 John 3:1. sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father's love to lost humanity."—Steps to Christ, page 14. NorE.—"Sin could be resisted and over- come only through the mighty agency of 6. What is implied by the words the Third Person of the Godhead, who "redemption," "reconciliation," "pro- would come with no modified energy, but pitiation," "atonement," as used in in the fullness of divine power. It is the [ 12 Spirit that makes effectual what has been NoTE.—"All who would receive Christ by wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It faith were united to Him by a tie closer is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. than that of human kinship. They would Through the Spirit the believer becomes a become one with Him, as He was one with partaker of the divine nature. Christ has the Father."—The Desire of Ages, page 325. given His Spirit as a divine power to over- come all hereditary and cultivated tenden- cies to evil, and to impress His own charac- ter upon His church."—The Desire of Ages, page 671. 13. What is the result of the trans- forming power of God in the life? The Transforming Power of Gal. 5:22, 23. Divine Grace 11. What is the attitude of the re- generate heart toward God and to- NoTE.—"On this earth, the earth whose ward His revealed will? Rom. 12:1, soil has been moistened by the tears and 2. Compare Col. 1:10-14; Rom. 5:1, 2. blood of the Son of God, are to be brought forth the precious fruits of Paradise. In the lives of God's people the truths of His word are to reveal their glory and excellence. Through His people Christ is to manifest 12. Through faith, into what inti- His character and the principles of His mate fellowship with Christ is it our kingdom."—Christ's Object Lessons, page privilege to enter? Phil. 3:9, 10. 296. Lesson 4, for July 25, 1959 The Kingdom of Divine Grace MEMORY VERSE: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," page 234; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 8, 107, 108 (1943 ed., pp. 20, 159, 160); "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds.; pp. 43-48 (1908 ed., pp. 47-52); "The Seventh- day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 9. AIM: An awareness of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in the kingdom of God's grace. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey.. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read from Sunday: Key Thoughts; Study Helps. ❑ Questions 1-3. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-13. ❑. Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ [13 ] Lesson Outline: which denotes "favor" or "good will." Despite sin God is still favorably disposed Introduction toward those who have rejected His sover- eignty. The gospel is the good news of I. Establishment of the Kingdom of God's good will toward us, of His grace that Grace provides salvation from the blight, power, 1. The kingdom at hand. Matt. 4:17. penalty, and presence of sin. 2. The kingdom inaugurated. Matt. 12:28. 2. The Kingdom of Grace. A kingdom 3. Victory by virtue of the cross. is an organized form of society consisting Heb. 2:14, 15 ; Rev. 12:10, 11. of king, subjects, and territory. The king- dom of grace is the church invisible II. Nature of the Kingdom of Grace throughout probationary time. Its role 4. Within human hearts. Luke 17:20, complete, the kingdom of grace will eventu- 21; John 18:36. ally merge into God's eternal kingdom of 5. Parables illustrating the kingdom. glory. Matt. 13:24, 31, 33. 6. A transfer of proprietorship. Matt. 3. The King of Grace. Jesus Christ is 21:43. the King of grace. The theme of His earthly ministry was, "The kingdom of heaven is III. Admission to the Kingdom of Grace at hand." Matt. 4:17. The crucifixion was 7. Born into the kingdom. John "His true coronation."-The Desire of 1:12, 13; 3:3. Ages, page 379. 8. Naturalization and citizenship. Matt. 5:3-12. 4. Subjects of Grace. God's transform- 9. Submission to God's will. Matt. ing grace is displayed by the subjects of 7:21; John 14:15. His kingdom. By divine grace they were IV. Subjects of the Kingdom of Grace justified when they became its subjects, by divine grace they are sanctified as long as 10. Access to the throne. Mark they remain loyal to God. 10:28-30; Heb. 4:16. 11. Essential duties. Matt. 22:36-40. 12. Striving for perfection. Matt. 5:48. 5. The Throne of Grace. The kingdom 13. Making God first in the life. of grace exists to give its subjects access to Matt. 6:33. the throne of grace, where they can "obtain mercy, and find grace to help" them over- Key Thoughts: come every inherited and cultivated ten- dency to evil and thus qualify for admission 1. The Provision of Grace. "Grace" is to the everlasting kingdom of glory. Heb. a translation of the Greek word charis, 4:16. THE LESSON Introduction saints of the Most High;' that everlasting kingdom, in which 'all dominons shall serve "The announcement which had been and obey Him.' Daniel 7:27. As used in made by the disciples in the name of the the Bible, the expression 'kingdom of God' Lord ["the kingdom of heaven is at and"] is employed to designate both the kingdom was in every particular correct, and the of grace and the kingdom of glory."-The events to which it pointed were even then Great Controversy, pages 346, 347. taking place. . . . This kingdom was not, as they had been taught to believe, an Establishment of the Kingdom earthly empire. Nor was it that future, im- mortal kingdom which shall be set up of Grace when 'the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole 1. What was the principal theme heaven, shall be given to the people of the of our Lord's preaching during His 114 7 earthly ministry? Matt. 4:17. Com- pare chaps. 3:2; 10:7. NoiE.—"Is at hand." Literally, "has come near." 2. When was the kingdom Jesus announced established? Matt. 12:28. Compare Matt. 11:12; Luke 16:16; Col. 1:12, 13. NOTE.—"The kingdom of grace was insti- 4 ).1) tuted immediately after the fall of man, / • when a plan was devised for the redemp- tion of the guilty race. It then existed in 14N?EEN,THE LEAVEN OF GRACE VVORKG WITHIN. the purpose and by the promise of God; and through faith, men could become its subjects. Yet it was not actually estab- their noses, and with their unspiritual eyes lished until the death of Christ."—The they never see a thing of it or of its corn- Great Controversy, pages 347, 348. ing."—R. C. H. Lenski, Commentary, on Luke 17:21. 3. By what event was the establish- ment of the kingdom of divine grace 5. What method did Jesus use to made possible? Heb. 2:14, 15; Rev. illustrate the nature and purpose of 12:10, 11. the kingdom of God's grace? Matt. 13:24, 31, 33. NoTE.—"The 'kingdom of God' which they [the disciples] had declared to be at NoTE.—For a synopsis of the lesson hand was established by the death of taught by each of these parables, see The Christ."—The Great Controversy, page 347. Seventh-day Adventsist Bible Commentary, "In the matchless gift of His Son, God vol. 5, pp. 205, 206. has encircled the whole world with an at- mosphere of grace as real as the air which 6. What transfer of the kingdom circulates around the globe. All who choose became necessary because of Israel's to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will unfaithfulness? Matt. 21:43. live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus."—Steps to Christ, 1956 and pocket eds., p. 68. NoTE.—"That which God purposed to do Nature of the Kingdom of Grace for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has let out 4. What is the nature of the king- His vineyard unto other husbandmen.'"— dom Jesus established at His first com- Prophets and Kings, pages 713, 714. ing? Luke 17:20, -21; John 18:36. Compare Matt. 6:10. Admission to the Kingdom of Grace NoTE.—"The Pharisees sit in their obser- 7. Through what process do we vation towers in vain; the kingdom, being gain admission to the kingdom of spiritual and internal, comes right under God's grace? John 1:12, 13; 3:3. [16] 8. How did Jesus summarize the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 22:36-40. principles of the kingdom of divine Compare Matt. 23:23; Micah 6:8. grace? Matt. 5:3-12. 12. What ideals of character are NOTE.—"In the Sermon on the Mount set before us as subjects of the king- He [Christ] sought . . . to give His hear- ers a right conception of His kingdom and dom of heaven? Matt. 5:48. Compare of His own character. . . . He told them Phil. 3:8-15. the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature."—The Desire of Ages, page 299. "Throughout the Beatitudes there is an NOTE.—"Not by the decisions of courts or advancing line of Christian experience. councils or legislative assemblies, not by the Those who have felt their need of Christ, patronage of worldly great men, is the those who have mourned because of sin kingdom of Christ established, but by the and have sat with Christ in the school of implanting of Christ's nature in humanity affliction, will learn meekness from the through the work of the Holy Spirit."— divine Teacher."—Thoughts From the The Desire of Ages, page 509. Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., pp. 13, 14. 13. What place is the kingdom of 9. What requirements do all meet heaven to hold in the minds and lives who are subjects of Christ's kingdom? of its subjects? Matt. 6:33. Matt. 7:21; John 14:15. NOTE.—" 'And the lusts of other things.' Subjects of the Kingdom These are not necessarily things sinful in of Grace themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever 10. What privileges and benefits draws the affections away from Christ, is accrue to those who become subjects an enemy to the soul."—Christ's Object of this kingdom? Mark 10:28-30; Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 53. Heb. 4:16. "We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading and controlling every 11. What is the basic law of the other."—The Desire of Ages, page 312. Lesson 5, for August 1, 1959 Justification MEMORY VERSE: "He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 150-163; "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 23-36 (1908 ed., pp. 26-41); "The Seventh-day Ad- ventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 16. AIM: To answer the question: How do I stand in the sight of God? [ 16 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1-4 ❑ from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: Introduction Key Words: I. The Provision for Righteousness in 1. Justify and Justification. The New Christ Testament words thus translated mean "to set right," "to regard as righteous," "to de- 1. All have sinned. Rom. 3:10, 23. clare righteous," "to treat as being right- 2. God's justice in justifying sinners. eous," "to acquit." To be justified is to be Rom. 3:23-26. made and declared righteous, to be acquit- 3. Christ made to be sin for us. Rom. ted of wrongdoing, to have charges can- 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:21. celed, to be brought into a right relation 4. His righteousness imputed. Rom. with God. 4:3, 5, 9. 2. Righteousness. This word usually II. Appropriating the Gift of Christ's denotes the quality or state of being right. Righteousness Among the Greeks "righteousness" consisted 5. A humble attitude. Luke 18:13, 14. of conformity to accepted customs. To the 6. A desire for righteousness. Jews it was a matter of conformity to the Matt. 5:6. requirements of the law as interpreted by 7. Faith in divine grace. Acts 13:38, the rabbis. But for Christ's followers it 39; Rom. 4:4, 5. means conformity to the principles of the 8. Belief and obedience. Rom. kingdom of heaven. 6:13, 16. 3. Imputed Righteousness. In the III. At Peace With God Greek New Testament the original expres- sion sometimes translated "to impute" is 9. Joy for sins forgiven. Rom. 4:6-8. also translated "to think" (Rom. 2:3), "to 10. Justified by faith. Rom. 5:1. count" (Rom. 4:3), "to reckon" (Rom. 11. Obedience the fruit of faith. Phil. 4:4), "to esteem" (Rom. 14:14). In classi- 1:10, 11; 1 John 2:29. cal Greek and in the papyri the term was 12. Christ's constraining love. Rom. used in keeping accounts, to express credit 8:1-4. or debit. When God imputes righteousness IV. Growing in Grace to the repentant sinner He figuratively places the righteousness of Christ to his 13. Pressing toward the mark. credit on the books of heaven, and the Phil. 3:12-14. sinner stands before God as if he had never 14. Paul's admonition. Phil. 3:15-17. sinned. THE LESSON Introduction hope in this life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. "As the penitent sinner, contrite before . . . Through faith, the believer passes God, discerns Christ's atonement in his be- from the position of a rebel, a child of sin half, and accepts this atonement as his only and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject [ 17 of Christ Jesus, not because of an inherent p. goodness, but because Christ receives him as His child by adoption. . . . Justification is the opposite of condemnation. God's boundless mercy is exercised toward those who are wholly undeserving. He forgives transgressions and sins for the sake of Je- sus, who has become the propitiation for our sins. Through faith in Christ, the guilty transgressor is brought into favor with God and into the strong hope of life eternal."— Ellen G. White supplement in The Seventh- day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 1070, 1071. The Provision for Righteousness %MA in Christ JESUS ACCEPTED OUR PUNISH- MENT THAT WE MIGHT GO FREE. 1. How many stand in need of the righteousness God has provided through faith in Jesus Christ? Rom. Appropriating the Gift of 3:10, 23. Christ's Righteousness 5. What attitude must the sinner manifest before God can pronounce 2. How can a righteous God, in him justified? Luke 18:13, 14. justice, declare a guilty sinner right- eous? Rom. 3:23-26. NOTE.—"The sense of need, the recogni- tion of our poverty and sin, is the very first 3. How did Christ earn the right condition of acceptance with God. 'Blessed to impute His righteousness to us? are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the king- dom of heaven.' Matt. 5:3."—Christ's Ob- Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:21 Compare 1 Pe- ject Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 152. ter 3:18. "It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save."—Ibid., p. 158. 6. How is the craving for right- 4. How do New Testament writers eousness rewarded? Matt. 5:6. describe the process by which the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us? Rom. 4:3, 5, 9. NOTE.—"As we discern the perfection of our Saviour's character we shall desire to become wholly transformed and renewed in NOTE.—"In ourselves we are sinners; but the image of His purity. . . . If you have a in Christ we are righteous. Having made sense of need in your soul, if you hunger us righteous through the imputed righteous- and thirst after righteousness, this is an evi- ness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and dence that Christ has wrought upon your treats us as just. He looks upon us as His heart."—Thoughts From the Mount of dear children. Christ works against the Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 19. power of sin, and where sin abounded, grace much more abounds."—Ellen G. White, 7. By His grace, what does God ac- Selected Messages, b. 1, p. 394. cept on our part as entitling us to the 18 righteousness of Christ? Acts 13:38, 10. What experience do those en- 39; Rom. 4:4, 5. joy who have been justified by faith in the saving merits of Christ? Rom. 5:1. NoTE.—"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon 11. What visible evidence testifies to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but be- to justification by faith as an accom- cause faith can lay hold of the merits of plished fact in the life? Phil. 1:10, 11; Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith 1 John 2:29. can present Christ's perfect obedience in- stead of the sinner's transgression and de- fection. When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then accord- NoTE.—"Faith works by love and purifies ing to His unfailing promises, God pardons the soul. Faith buds and blossoms and his sin and justifies him freely."—Ellen G. bears a harvest of precious fruit. Where White supplement in The Seventh-day Ad- faith is, good works appear. . . . Christ ventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1073. and the believer become one, and His beauty of character is revealed in those 8. What will all do who would be who are vitally connected with the Source justified by faith in Christ? Rom. 6: of power and love. Christ is the great de- 13, 16. positary of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace."—Selected Messages, b. 1, p. 398. "Righteousness within is testified to by NOTE.—"Those who are justified by faith righteousness without."—Messages to Young must have a heart to keep the way of the People, page 35. Lord. It is an evidence that a man is not justified by faith when his works do not 12. What enables the person who correspond to his profession. . . . The faith has been justified by faith to live a life that does not produce good works does not acceptable to God? Rom. 8:1-4. Com- justify the soul."—Ellen G. White, Selected pare 2 Cor. 5:14; Gal. 3:11. Messages, b. 1, p. 397. At Peace With God NOTE.—"Satan had claimed that it was 9. What blessed release accompa- impossible for man to obey God's com- nies the divine gift of righteousness? mandments; and in our own strength it is Rom. 4:6-8. true that we cannot obey them. But Christ came in the form of humanity, and by His perfect obedience He proved that human- ity and divinity combined can obey every NOTE.—"You are a sinner. You cannot one of God's precepts."—Christ's Object atone for your past sins; you cannot change Lessons, page 314. your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Growing in Grace Christ. You believe that promise. You con- fess your sins and give yourself to God. 13. What was Paul's experience in You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you pursuing the Christian's prize? Phil. do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe the promise,—believe that 3:12-14. you are forgiven and cleansed,—God sup- plies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. 14. What admonition should we It is so if you believe it."—Steps to Christ, follow? Phil. 3:15-17. Compare 2 Pe- 1956 and pocket eds., p. 51. ter 3:18; Eph. 4:15. L 19 3 Lesson 6, for August 8, 1959 Sanctification MEMORY VERSE: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Col. 2:6, 7. STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 539-545, 557-567; "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 46-61; "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 67-75 (1908 ed., pp. 71-80); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen- tary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 23. AIM: A clearer understanding of what sanctification is and of how it becomes effective in the life. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Study Helps. ❑ Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1-3. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: 12. Holy as God is holy. 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Peter 1:15, 16. Introduction 13. Faultless at Christ's coming. I. What Sanctification Is 1 Thess. 3:12, 13 ; 1 John 3:2 ; Jude 24. 1. Pressing toward the mark. Phil. 3:12-15. Key Words: 2. Fighting the good fight. 1 Tim. • 6:11, 12. 1. Sanctification. The Greek word for 3. Building character. Col. 2:6, 7; sanctification, also translated "holiness," 1 Peter 5:10. describes both the process of obtaining holi- II. What Sanctification Accomplishes ness and the resultant state of holiness. If a distinction is to be made between justi- 4. A transformation of the life. Rom. fication and sanctification it might be said 12:1, 2; 2 Cor. 7:1. that one focuses attention on the sinner's 5. John a shining example. Mark release from a state of unrighteousness, 3:17; John 13:23. and the other on his becoming and being 6. The chastening of God. Heb. 12: righteous. 5, 6, 11; Rev. 3:19. 7. Faith to endure testing. James 2. New Testament Terms for Sancti- 1:2-6. fication. New Testament writers use such III. Clothed With Christ's Righteousness expressions as: following after righteous- ness, walking in newness of life, growing 8. Without a wedding garment. up into Christ, growing in grace, adding Matt. 22:11, 12. grace to grace, being built up, strengthened, 9. One's own righteousness. Rom. and established, being transformed, par- 10:2, 3; Rev. 3:17. taking of the divine nature, perfecting holi- 10. Holiness attained in this life. ness-until the Christian is "complete in all Rev. 22:11. the will of God." Col. 4:12. IV. Like Christ at His Coming 3. Terms Used in These Lesions. In 11. Complete in God's will. Eph. 5:27; this series of lessons "justification" (Lesson Col. 4:12. 5) refers to the transition from a life dedi- [ 20 ] cated to the pursuit of sin to one dedicated Christian experience. Lesson 10 focuses at- to the pursuit of righteousness. "Santifica- tention on the immediate and ultimate ob- tion" refers to the process of character jectives of sanctification—"Christian Ma- transformation that accompanies a normal turity and Perfection." THE LESSON Introduct ion NOTE.—"A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and Growing Up Into Christ: "Many have grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the an idea that they must do some part of the powers of the mind; we form the character. work alone. They, have trusted in Christ It is formed by hard, stern battles with for the forgiveness of sin, but now they self. Conflict after conflict must be waged seek by their own efforts to live aright. against hereditary tendencies. We shall have But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not `Without Me ye can do nothing.' Our one unfavorable trait to remain uncor- growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,— rected."—Christ's Object Lessons, 1941 ed., all depend upon our union with Christ. It p. 331. is by communion with Him, daily, hourly, —by abiding in Him,—that we are to grow 3. What is included in sanctifica- in grace. He is not only the Author but the tion? Col. 2:6, 7; 1 Peter 5:10. Com- Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and pare Rom. 6:4. last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way."— Steps to Christ, 1956 and pocket eds., p. 69. NOTE.—"Sanctification consists in the "The righteousness by which we are justi- cheerful performance of daily duties in per- fied is imputed; the righteousness by which fect obedience to the will of God."—Christ's we are sanctified is imparted. The first is Object Lessons, page 360. our title to heaven, the second is our fitness "True sanctification is an entire conform- for heaven."—Messages to Young People, ity to the will of God."—The Sanctified page 35. Life, page 9. What Sanctification Is What Sanctification Accomplishes 1. What pathway of continuous ad- vancement opens before the person 4. As the process of sanctification who has experienced justification by goes forward, what takes place in a faith in Jesus Christ? Phil. 3:12-15. person's life? Rom. 12:1, 2; 2 Cor. 7:1. NoTE.—"The Scriptures plainly show that NoTE.—As "the leaven hidden in the flour the work of sanctification is progressive. works invisibly to bring the whole mass When in conversion the sinner finds peace under its leavening process; so the leaven with God through the blood of the atone- of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to ment, the Christian life has but just begun. transform the soul. The natural inclina- Now he is to 'go on unto perfection;' to tions are softened and subdued. New grow up 'unto the measure of the stature thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are of the fullness of Christ.' "—The Great implanted. A new standard of character is Controversy, page 470. set up—the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with 2. What comes into the life of a new faculties, but the faculties he has are person who has been justified by faith sanctified. The conscience is awakened."— in Christ? 1 Tim. 6:11, 12. Christ's Object Lessons, pages 98, 99. [ 21] 5. What shining example of char- acter transformation is revealed in one of Christ's disciples? Mark 3:17; John 13:23. NoTE.—John, one of the "sons of thun- der," became the beloved disciple. "John did not naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience re- vealed. By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injury. He and his brother were called 'sons of thunder.' Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit of criticism, AS IN POWER STEERING, GOD FURNISHES were all in the beloved disciple. But be- SANCTIFYING POWER; WE TURN THE WHEEL. neath all this the divine Teacher discerned the ardent, sincere, loving heart."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 540. "In the life of the disciple John true for testing and guidance along the sanctification is exemplified. During the pathway of sanctification? James 1: years of his close association with Christ, 2-6. he was often warned and cautioned by the Saviour; and these reproofs he accepted. . . . He yielded his resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and NOTE.—"God's great object in the work- divine love wrought in him a transforma- ing out of His providences is to try men, to tion of character."—Ibid., p. 557. give them opportunity to develop charac- ter."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 283. 6. What discipline is often neces- sary in the process of sanctification? Clothed With Christ's Heb. 12:5, 6, 11; Rev. 3:19. Righteousness 8. In the parable of the wedding NoTE.—"Before we are delivered from feast, what searching question was Satan's power without, we must be de- asked one of the guests? Matt. 22: livered from his power within. The Lord 11, 12. permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, un-Christlike traits of charac- ter. He suffers the deep waters of affliction NOTE.—"By the wedding garment in the to go over our souls in order that we may parable is represented the pure, spotless know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has character which Christ's true followers will sent, in order that we may have deep heart possess. To the church it is given 'that she longings to be cleansed from defilement, should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and and may come forth from the trial purer, white,' not having spot, or wrinkle, or any holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace such thing.' Rev. 19:8. Eph. 5:27. The of trial with our souls darkened with self- fine linen, says the Scripture, 'is the right- ishness; but if patient under the crucial eousness of saints.' It is the righteousness of test, we shall come forth reflecting the di- Christ, His own unblemished character, that vine character."—Christ's Object Lessons, through faith is imparted to all who receive pages 174, 175. Him as their personal Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 310. 7. What provision has God made "When we submit ourselves to Christ, the [ 22 ] heart is united with His heart, the will is in this life that we are to put on the robe merged in His will, the mind becomes one of Christ's righteousness."—Christ's Object with His mind, the thoughts are brought Lessons, page 319. into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the gar- ment of His righteousness."—Ibid., p. 312. Like Christ at His Coming 9. Into what danger are those 11. What is the goal in the process likely to fall who do not understand of sanctification? Eph. 5:27; Col. 4:12. and submit to God's program of righteousness? Rom. 10:2, 3; Rev. 3:17. NOTE.—"A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next." —Christ's Object Lessons, page 332. NorE.—"The effort to earn salvation by one's own works inevitably leads men to 12. Toward what ideal is the Chris- pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. For, seeing that they fail to keep the tian to strive? What will take place law, they will devise rules and regulations as he does so? 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Peter 1: of their own to force themselves to obey. 15, 16. All this turns the mind away from God to self. His love dies out of the heart, and with it perishes love for his fellow men." —Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 13. When will the process of sanc- 1956 ed., p. 123. tification be complete? 1 Thess. 3:12, 13; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24. 10. Should we expect to attain to a state of holiness in this life or will that come only after the close of pro- bation? Rev. 22:11. NOTE.—Justification takes but a moment; sanctification requires a lifetime. "There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True sanctification is a daily NOTE.—"There will be no future proba- work, continuing as long as life shall last." tion in which to prepare for eternity. It is —The Sanctified Life, page 10. Lesson 7, for August 15, 1959 Doing God's Will MEMORY VERSE: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and accept- able, and perfect, will of God." Rom. 12:2. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 272-283; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 147-152 (1943 ed., pp. 211-218); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 30. AIM: To face the question: How faithful am I to my responsibilities as a child of God? [ 23 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-10. 0 Sunday: Key Words and Expressions; Wednesday: Questions 11-14. 0 Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0 Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. Study Helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: what one should do. The word for "keep" means "to keep watch over," "to guard," Introduction "to protect," "to pay attention to." Obe- dience, then, reflects diligent purpose to 1. Obedience the Test of Profession know God's will and to abide by it. 1. Salvation for those who obey. Heb. 5:9. 2. Constraineth. "The love of Christ 2. Basis of admission to kingdom. constraineth us." 2 Cor. 5:14. The word Matt. 7:21-23. translated "constraineth" means "to hold 3. Evidence of love for Christ. John together," "to hold fast," "to urge," "to 14:15, 21, 23, 24. impel," "to control." Divine love not only paid the penalty for our sins, so providing II. Christ's Example and Enabling justification, but also imparts power to tri- Power umph over sin, so making sanctification possible. 4. Christ's constraining power. Rom. 8:3, 4, 6; 2 Cor. 5:14. 3. Transformed. The Greek metamor- 5. Christ and His Father's will. phoo, "to transform," is the source of our John 5:30; 6:38. word "metamorphosis." Each stage in the 6. Obedient unto death. Mark 14:36; metamorphosis of a butterfly represents a Phil. 2:8. complete change in nature and appearance. Thus the pupa, for instance, is altogether Ill. Our Responsibility for Known Truth different from the preceding caterpillar 7. Obedience commensurate with stage, and the mature butterfly, in turn, in knowledge. James 1:22-25 ; 4:17. no way resembles the pupa. This is the 8. Hearing and doing. Matt. 7:24-27; word used in Matthew 17:2 to describe the 21:28-32. transfiguration of Christ on the mountain; 9. Human tradition versus God's com- and in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3: mands. Mark 7:7-9. 18 of the change that takes place in the 10. Faith does not set aside the law. Christian whereby he comes to resemble Rom. 3:31. Christ. IV. God's Will and Man's Obedience 4. Doth Not Commit Sin. The tense of the verb in the Greek for this expression as 11. Seeking to know God's will. found in 1 John 3:6, 9; 5:18, indicates that Rom. 12:2. it is more accurately rendered "does not 12. Obedience from the heart. Rom. continue to sin," or "does not habitually 6:17; Eph. 6:6. sin." The Greek verb forms clearly do not 13. The new birth and sin. 1 John mean that the one who has been born of 3:6, 9; 5:18. God will never again fall before tempta- 14. Our Advocate. 1 John 2:1. tion. They imply, instead, that he has com- mitted himself to a pattern of life in which Key Words and Expressions: he makes no provision for sinning, that it is his continuing firm purpose to live in 1. Obey and Keep His Word. The usual harmony with that commitment, and that Greek word for "obey" means literally "to his life gives marked evidence of increasing listen attentively," that is, in order to know freedom from sin. L 24] THE LESSON Introduction Christ's Example and Enabling Obedience Prompted by Love: "God does Power not force the will or judgment of any. He takes no pleasure in a slavish obedience. He 4. What means has God provided desires that the creatures of His hands shall by which He enables us to do His love Him because He is worthy of love. He will? Rom. 8:3, 4, 6; 2 Cor. 5:14. Com- would have them obey Him because they pare Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21. have an intelligent appreciation of His wis- dom, justice, and benevolence. And all who have a just conception of these quali- ties will love Him because they are drawn NoTE.—"Through the grace of Christ we toward Him in admiration of His attri- may accomplish everything that God re- butes."—The Great Controversy, page 541. quires."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 301. Obedience the Test of Profession 5. How fully did Christ, living as a man among men, submit to the will of His Father? John 5:30; 6:38. Com- 1. To whom have the blessings of pare Heb. 10:7. salvation been promised? Heb. 5:9. NOTE.—"Jesus emptied Himself, and in 2. What relationship is there be- all that He did, self did not appear. He tween doing God's will and obtaining subordinated all things to the will of His admission to His kingdom? Matt. 7: Father."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 14. 21-23. Compare chaps. 5:19; 6:10. 6. With what supreme demonstra- tion of submission to the Father's will NoTE.—"Profession is as nothing in the did Christ provide us? Mark 14:36; scale. It is character that decides destiny." Phil. 2:8. —Christ's Object Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 74. 3. Of what is obedience to God's re- Our Responsibility for Known vealed will the visible evidence? John 14:15, 21, 23, 24. Compare Matt. 22: Truth 37-40; 1 John 2:5. 7. What responsibility accompanies a knowledge of God's will? What re- sults from a willful neglect of known NOTE.—"God's great object in the work- duty? James 1:22-25; 4:17. Compare ing out of His providences is to try men, to John 15:22; Acts 17:30. give them opportunity to develop charac- ter. Thus He proves whether they are obe- dient or disobedient to His commands. Good works do not purchase the love of NOTE.—"Every man is given sufficient God, but they reveal that we possess light for the discharge of the duties required that love. If we surrender the will to God, of him. Man's responsibilities are propor- we shall not work in order to earn God's tionate to his opportunities and privileges. love. His love as a free gift will be re- God gives to everyone sufficient light and ceived into the soul, and from love to Him grace to do the work He has given him to we shall delight to obey His command- do. If man fails to do that which a little ments."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 283. light shows to be his duty, greater light [25 ] in works of righteousness."—Christ's Ob- ject Lessons, page 313. God's Will and Man's Obedience 11. How only can we ascertain God's perfect will for us? Rom. 12:2. NorE.—"Our condemnation in the judg- ment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportuni- • ties for learning what is truth."—The De- • sire of Ages, page 490. THE FIRST TEST WAS OBEDIENCE; WEWB FACE ME SAME TEST TODAY. 12. What kind of obedience alone is acceptable to God? Rom. 6:17; Eph. 6:6. would only reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to improve the blessings given."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 265. NOTE.—"The expulsion of sin is the act 8. By what parables did Jesus il- of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan's control; but lustrate the danger of neglecting when we desire to be set free from sin, and known duty? Matt. 7:24-27; 21:28-32. in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates NOTE.—"The test of sincerity is not in of the will in fulfilling the will of God."— words, but in deeds. . . . Words are of no The Desire of Ages, page 466. value unless they are accompanied with "All true obedience comes from the heart. appropriate deeds."—Christ's Object Les- It was heart work with Christ. And if we sons, page 272. consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts 9. What do men often substitute and minds into conformity to His will, that for strict obedience to God's expressed when obeying Him we shall be but carry- will? Mark 7:7-9. ing out our own impulses."—Ibid., p. 668. 13. What is the relation to sin of one who is born again? 1 John 3:6, 9; NoTE.—"It is the love of self, the desire 5:18. Compare Rom. 6:6-16. for an easier way than God has appointed that leads to the substitution of human theories and traditions for the divine pre- cepts."—The Desire of Ages, page 409. NoTE.—"When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, 10. Does faith make obedience to Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the God's expressed will unnecessary? deficiency with His own divine merits."— Rom. 3:31. Compare James 2:17-24. Ellen G. White, My Life Today, page 250. "So long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power, whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon, the soul."— NorE.—"Whatever our profession, it Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 1956 amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed ed., p. 32. [26 1 14. Why is the child of God not with us. We may make mistakes, but we without hope should he fall into sin? will hate the sin that caused the suffering 1 John 2:1. Compare 1 John 1:7-10. of the Son of God."-Messages to Young People, page 338. "The character is revealed, not by occa- sional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, NOTE.-"When we are clothed with the but by the tendency of the habitual words righteousness of Christ, we shall have no and acts."-Steps to Christ, 1956 and relish for sin; for Christ will be working pocket eds., pp. 57, 58. Lesson 8, for August 22, 1959 Faith and Trust MEMORY VERSE: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 105-113 (1908 ed., pp. 110-118); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 6. AIM: To strengthen my own faith and to apply it more effectively to the problems of life. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read from Sunday: Key Words and Expres- Study Helps. sions; Questions 1-4. Wednesday: Questions 10-13. Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: Introduction III. How to Cultivate Faith I. What Faith Is 8. Hearing the word. Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15. 1. According to your faith. Matt. 9. Christ in the heart. Gal. 2:20; 9:29. Eph. 3:17. 2. Evidence of the unseen. Heb. 11:1. 3. A shield and breastplate. Eph. IV. Applying Faith to Life's Problems 6:16; 1 Thess. 5:8. 4. An essential gift. Heb. 11:6. 10. Faith to meet trial and temptation. II. How Faith Operates James 1:2-4. 11. Faith to overcome obstacles. 5. Christ as Author and Finisher. Matt. 17:20; 1 John 5:4. Heb. 12:2. 12. Faith for the necessities of life. 6. Love the motive force. Gal. 5:6. Matt. 6:31-33. 7. Good works attest faith. James 13. Faith in God's abiding presence. 2:17, 18, 20. Heb. 13:5 ; 1 Peter 5:7. [ 27 ] Key Words and Expressions: 3. Take No Thought. The Greek ex- pression means literally, "to care for," "to be anxious," "to be troubled [with cares]," 1. Author. The word "author" in He- "to think earnestly upon." In old English brews 12:2 is from a Greek word which "to take thought" meant "to be anxious" means "leader," "chief," "founder," "origi- about something, that is, "to worry" nator." Theeeksr used this word in desig- nating the head progenitor of a clan, of about it. heroes, and as a divine name for Apollo. 4. Substance and Evidence. The Greek Christ is the "founder," or "source" of our word translated "substance" means literally, faith. He is also its "finisher," or "com- "substantial nature," "essence," "actual be- pleter." ing," "reality," and in an extended sense as in Hebrews 11:1, "confident assurance." 2. Temptation. In the Greek New Tes- The word translated "evidence" means tament this word always means "test," "proof," "conviction." Genuine faith rests "trial," "affliction," "trouble," an "entice- upon a firm underlying "substance" of suf- ment" to sin. In addition to "temptation" ficient evidence to warrant confidence in in the usual sense it includes such trials and what is not yet seen. In the ancient papyri tests as sickness, persecution, poverty, and hupostasis is used of the legal documents calamity of various kinds. God tests a per- by which a person could prove ownership son in order to strengthen and develop of property. The documents were not the character, whereas Satan confronts a man property, but they provided evidence of its with tests in order to break down and de- existence and of his right to it. Faith is our stroy character. "title deed" to what God has promised. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.—"Faith looks beyond the difficul- ties, and lays hold of the unseen, even Faith Based on Evidence: "God never Omnipotence, therefore it cannot be baf- asks us to believe, without giving sufficient fled. Faith is the clasping of the hand of evidence upon which to base our faith. His Christ in every emergency."—Gospel Work- existence, His character, the truthfulness ers, page 262. of His word, are all established by testi- "Genuine faith is life. A living faith mony that appeals to our reason; and this means an increase of vigor, a confiding testimony is abundant. Yet God has never trust, by which the soul becomes a conquer- removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith ing power."—The Desire of Ages, page 347. must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have oppor- 3. To what do the New Testament tunity; while those who really desire to writers compare faith? Why is this know the truth will find plenty of evidence comparison appropriate? Eph. 6:16; on which to rest their faith."—Steps to 1 Thess. 5:8. Christ, 1956 and pocket eds., p. 105. What Faith Is 4. Why is faith essential? Heb. 11: 6. Compare Rom. 1:17; 5:2. 1. What is the measure of our ca- pacity to receive the boundless bless- ings of heaven? Matt. 9:29. NOTE.—"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the be- ginning, and discern the glory of the pur- 2. How does the New Testament pose which they are fulfilling as coworkers define faith? Heb. 11:1. Compare with Him."—The Desire of Ages, pages 224, Matt. 21:21. 225. 28 How Faith Operates 5. Where does the Christian's faith find its source and center? Heb. 12:2. Compare Gal. 2:16. NOTE.—"Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pat- tern of life and character that will be to His own glory."—The Desire of Ages, page 331. 6. What makes faith effective in the life? Gal. 5:6. Compare Rev. 3:18. NOTE.—"The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring bute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of us into harmony with God."—Christ's Ob- sin, and the faith that springs up in the ject Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 158. heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own 7. What of necessity accompanies image. Then God can use us to do His genuine faith and attests its sincerity? will."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 100. James 2:17, 18, 20. 9. What does our faith enable Christ to do in and for us? Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17. NorE.—"Genuine faith will be manifested in good works; for good works are the fruits of faith. As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and NOTE.—"It is by the invisible union of co-operates with God, he works out in the the soul with Christ, through faith, that life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, the spiritual life is nourished."—Christ's and there is harmony between the purpose Object Lessons, page 47. of the heart and the practice of the life." —Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, b. 1, p. 397. Applying Faith to Life's Problems How to Cultivate Faith 10. What is the role of faith in meeting trial and temptation? What 8. What means has God provided Christian grace results when faith for the cultivation or development of proves triumphant under test? James faith? Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15. Com- 1:2-4. pare Gal. 5:22, 23. NoTE.—"If received in faith, the trial NoTE.—"The Scriptures are the great that seems so bitter and hard to bear will agency in the transformation of character. prove a blessing. The cruel blow that Christ prayed, 'Sanctify them through Thy blights the joys of earth will be the means truth; Thy word is truth.' John 17:17. If of turning our eyes to heaven. How many studied and obeyed, the word of God works there are who would never have known Je- in the heart, subduing every unholy attri- sus had not sorrow led them to seek com- [ 29 fort in Him !"—Thoughts From the Mount here, but recognized as such in the great of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 10. hereafter."—The Desire of Ages, page 679. 11. What is the role of faith in 12. What assurance do we have overcoming obstacles and dangers? that God knows our every need and Matt. 17:20; 1 John 5:4. Compare has made provision for it? Matt. 6: Heb. 11:33-38. 31-33. NOTE.—"If you will seek the Lord and 13. How confident may we be of be converted every day; if you will of your the Saviour's presence amid the vicis- own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to situdes of life? Heb. 13:5; 1 Peter 5:7. His gracious call you come wearing the Compare Rom. 8:28. yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront NoTE.—"Worry is blind, and cannot dis- you will be solved."—Thoughts From the cern the future; but Jesus sees the end from Mount of Blessing, page 101. the beginning. In every difficulty He has "There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, a His way prepared to bring relief. Our steadfastness of principle, and a fixedness heavenly Father has a thousand ways to of purpose that neither time nor toil can provide for us, of which we know nothing. weaken."—Christ's Object Lessons, page Those who accept the one principle of mak- 147. ing the service and honor of God supreme Christ "knew that the life of His trusting will find perplexities vanish, and a plain disciples would be like His, a series of un- path before their feet."—The Desire of interrupted victories, not seen to be such Ages, page 330. Lesson 9, for August 29, 1959 Love—The Crowning Virtue MEMORY VERSE: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 185-192, 376-389; "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-22, 497-505; "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 9-15 (1908 ed., pp. 9-18); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 13. AIM: A deeper appreciation of the love of God; a more consistent application of the golden rule. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑ Sunday: Key Words and Phrases; Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read Questions 1-4. 0 from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7; read from Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Study Helps. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: meaning is difficult to express in English. The expression in Greek is not an affection- Introduction ate, sentimental love based on the feelings, subject to change as the feelings change, I. God's Love for Us but is essentially an expression of the higher powers of the mind and intelligence. 1. The scope of love. Matt. 5:43-47. In the New Testament it is altogether self- 2. Evidence of God's love. Rom. 5:8; less and reflects a considered interest in the 1 John 4:8-10. happiness and well-being of others, in recog- 3. God chastens in love. Heb. 12:6 ; nition of their intrinsic worth in God's Rev. 3:19. sight. It does not exclude feeling, but adds 4. Appreciating God's love. Rom. 5:5; Eph. 3:17-19. principle to feeling in such a way that principle controls feeling. It is love in its II. Our Response to God's Love highest and truest form. It is a divine principle of thought and action that modi- 5. Men love darkness. John 3:19. fies the character, governs the impulses, 6. Love not the world. Col. 3 :2 ; controls the passions, and ennobles the af- 1 John 2:15. fections. 7. Obedience attests love. John 14:15, 23, 24; 1 John 5:3. 2. Set your affection on. Here the Greek word means "to think of," "to care III. Applying the Golden Rule for," "to set the mind and heart on," "to 8. Loving one another. John 13:34; strive after." It represents the united action 1 John 2:9-11; 3:14; 4:19-21. of a person's affections and powers of rea- 9. As God deals with us. Matt. 6:14, son, with emphasis on the role of intelli- 15; Luke 6:36; Eph. 4:32. gence. In Colossians 3:2 it might be trans-' 10. The golden rule. Matt. 7:12 ; 19:19. lated, "continually think of," or "continu- 11. Our neighbor. Luke 10:30-37. ally pay attention to." IV. The Supremacy of Love 3. Chastening. The Greek word means "upbringing," "training," "instruction," "dis- 12. The best gift. 1 Cor. 13:1-3. cipline," "correction." It refers to he en- 13. Love in action. 1 Cor. 13:4-8. tire process by which children are prepared 14. Above all things. 1 Cor. 13:9, for the responsibilities of adult life. It may 10, 13. include, but does not specifically denote, remedial discipline as implied in "punish- Key Words and Phrases: ment" and "chastening." In its true sense, "chastening," or "discipline," includes all 1. Love and Charity. These words are training that corrects, molds, strengthens, translated from a word whose wealth of and perfects character. THE LESSON Introduction dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity Love Is the Golden Rule: "In your as- will be fragrant with perfume from the sociation with others, put yourself in their garden of the Lord. Their faces will re- place. Enter into their feelings, their diffi- flect light from His, brightening the path culties, their disappointments, . their joys, for stumbling and weary feet."-Thoughts and their sorrows. Identify yourself with From the Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., pp. them, and then do to them as, were you to 134, 135. exchange places with them, you would wish them to deal with you.. . . "Oh, what rays of softness' and beauty God's Love for Us shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very pres- 1. What is the scope of the word ence! The same spirit will be revealed in "love" as it is used in the New Testa- His children. Those with whom Christ ment? Matt. 5:43-47. E 81 3 NOTE.—"Love modifies the character, NOTE.—"Love must be the principle of governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and action. Love is the underlying principle of ennobles the affections. This love is as God's government in heaven and earth, and broad as the universe, and is in harmony it must be the foundation of the Christian's with that of the angel workers. Cherished character. This alone can make and keep in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and him steadfast. This alone can enable him sheds its blessing upon all around."— to withstand trial and temptation."— Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, Christ's Object Lessons, page 49. page 38. 7. What will sincere love for God 2. In what is God's infinite love lead us to do? John 14:15, 23, 24; most fully revealed? Rom. 5:8; 1 John 1 John 5:3. Compare Matt. 22:36-40. 4:8-10. NorE.—"In the heart renewed by divine NOTE.—"The glory shining in the face of grace, love is the ruling principle of action. Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. It modifies the character, governs the im- In the light from Calvary it will be seen pulses, controls the passions, and ennobles that the law of self-renouncing love is the the affections. This love, cherished in the law of life for earth and heaven."—The De- soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining sire of Ages, page 20. influence on all around."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 551. 3. Of what are the difficult experi- Applying the Golden Rule ences of life an evidence? Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19. 8. How does sincere love for God find its truest expression? John 13:34. Compare 1 John 2:9-11; 3:14; 4:19-21. NOTE.—"Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and NOTE.—"Love is the basis of godliness. precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit Whatever the profession, no man has pure of faith, meekness, and love often matures love to God unless he has unselfish love for best amid storm clouds and darkness."— his brother. . . . When self is merged in Christ's Object Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 61. Christ, love springs forth spontaneously." —Christ's Object Lessons, page 384. 4. How may we come more fully to understand and appreciate God's 9. What two strong incentives has love for us? Rom. 5:5; Eph. 3:17-19. God given us for being merciful to- ward our fellow men, even when they may not deserve mercy? Matt. 6:14, 15. Compare Luke 6:36; Eph. 4:32; Our Response to God's Love 1 John 4:11, 12. 5. Upon what does natural man place his affections? John 3:19. Com- NoTE.—"He who refuses to forgive is pare 2 Tim. 4:10. thereby casting away his own hope of par- don."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 247. 10. What practical measure do we 6. What admonition is given the have by which to gauge our love for Christian with respect to his affec- others? Matt. 7:12; 19:19. Compare tions? Col. 3:2; 1 John 2:15. Phil. 2:2-4. [ 32 ] God "permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character—com- passion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God."—Ibid., pp. 388, 389. The Supremacy of Love 12. What only can give true value to eloquence, knowledge, faith, good works, martyrdom? 1 Cor. 13:1-3. NoTE.—"In words which from that day to this have been to men and women a source of inspiration and encouragement, Paul set forth the importance of that love which should be cherished by the followers of Christ.. NoTE.—"When those who profess the "No matter how high the profession, he name of Christ shall practice the principles whose heart is not filled with love for God of the golden rule, the same power will and his fellow men is not a true disciple of attend the gospel as in apostolic times."— Christ. Though he should possess great Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page faith and have power even to work mira- 137. cles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liber- 11. Which parable of our Lord ality; but should he, from some other mo- aptly illustrates the way in which sin- tive than genuine love, bestow all his goods cere love for our fellow men will find to feed the poor, the act would not com- expression? What principles are mend him to the favor of God. In his zeal therein set forth? Luke 10:30-37. he might even meet a martyr's death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an am- bitious hypocrite."—The Acts of the Apos- tles, pages 318, 319. NOTE.—"Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the ad- 13. What are some of the charac- versary. Our neighbor is every one who is teristics of love? 1 Cor. 13:4-8. the property of God."—Christ's Object Les- sons, page 376. "We should anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others."—Ibid., 14. How is the supremacy of love p. 386. stated? 1 Cor. 13:9, 10, 13. Tape-recorded mission appeals for the Thirteenth Sabbath projects are available for offering promotion in the Sabbath school. Order through your Book and Bible House. Price, $2 a quarter. [ 33 ] Lesson 10, for September 5, 1959 Christian Maturity and Perfection MEMORY VERSE: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48. STUDY HELPS: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 76-78 (1943 ed., pp. 116-118); "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket eds., pp. 115-126 (1908 ed., pp. 119-132); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 20. AIM: An understanding of what it means to have a mature Christian experience. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑ Sunday: Key Words and Expressions; Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read Questions 1-4. ❑ from Study Helps. Monday: Questions 5-7; read from Thursday: Read from Study Helps. Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson.. Lesson Outline: Introduction IV. Like Christ at His Coming 1. The Ideal of Perfection 12. Growth in understanding and prac- tice. 1 Peter 4:13, 14. 1. "Be ye therefore perfect." Matt. 13. Christian maturity. Eph. 4:13, 15; 5:48. Heb. 6:1. 2. Perfection a goal to attain. Phil. 14. Character fixed when probation 3:12-16. closes. 1 John 3:2, 3; Rev. 22:11. 3. "Perfect" in this life. 1 Cor. 2:6; Phil. 3:15. Key Words and Expressions: 4. All things through Christ. Rom. 1. Perfect. The adjective thus trans- 8:1-4; Phil. 4:13. lated means "full grown," "mature," "com- II. The Means of Perfection plete," "[what has] reached the goal." In Greek literature it is used of flawless sacri- .5. The living Word; the written ficial victims, of full-grown or mature ani- word. 2 Tim. 3 :16, 17; Heb. mals, of mature persons, of trained and 13:20, 21. fully qualified professional men. The idea 6. Looking unto Jesus. Heb. 12:1, 2. of maturity is evident in such passages as 7. Suffering chastening, trials. Heb. 1 Corinthians 14:20 (translated "men") ; 12 :11 ; James 1:12. Eph. 4:13, 14; Heb. 5:13, 14 (translated "of full age"). The verb form means "to fin- III.. Marks of Maturity ish," "to complete," "to perfect." 8. Control of the tongue. James 3:2. 2. Lay Aside Every Weight. The pic- 9. Patience under test. James 1:4. ture is of an overweight athlete stripping 10. Fortitude when tried. Acts 20:24; off excess fat that would be a handicap to 2 Cor. 4:8-11. him in a forthcoming athletic contest. The 11. The bond of perfection. Col. Greeks used the expression in this sense, and 3:14. since Hebrews 12:1, 2 pictures the Christian 134 race in terms of an athletic contest this is 4. Conversation. The Greek word here probably Paul's meaning here. translated "conversation" means "manner 3. Captain. This word in Hebrews 2: of life," "conduct," "behavior." It does not 10 is from the same Greek word as "author" mean "conversation" in the sense of in chapter 12:2. Read the discussion of this "speech," but would include speech as one word in Lesson 8. aspect of behavior, or conduct. THE LESSON Introduction "While we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of "All who consecrate soul, body, and the soul. . . . The conscience can be freed spirit to God will be constantly receiving a from condemnation. Through faith in His new endowment of physical and mental blood, all may be made perfect in Christ power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven Jesus. Thank God that we are not dealing are at their command. Christ gives them with impossibilities. We may claim sancti- the breath of His own spirit, the life of fication. We may enjoy the favor of God." His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth —Ellen G. White, in General Conference its highest energies to work in heart and Bulletin, April 23, 1901. mind. The grace of God enlarges and mul- tiplies their faculties, and every perfection 4. How is present perfection made of the divine nature comes to their assis- possible? Rom. 8:1-4; Phil. 4:13. tance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipo- NorE.—"In Christ, God has provided tence."—The Desire of Ages, page 827. means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong." The Ideal of Perfection —The Desire of Ages, page 429. "As the will of man co-operates with the 1. What ideal did the Saviour set will of God, it becomes omnipotent. What- before those who aspire to enter the ever is to be done at His command may be kingdom of heaven? Matt. 5:48. accomplished in His strength. All His bid- dings are enablings."—Christ's Object Les- sons, page 333. "God reaches for the hand of faith in us 2. What is the meaning of the word to direct it to lay fast hold upon the di- "perfect" when used in the New Tes- vinity of Christ, that we may attain to per- tament to describe the ideal Christian fection of character."—The Desire of Ages, experience? Phil. 3:12-16. page 123. The Means of Perfection 3. Is Christian perfection a present 5. What has God provided to en- possibility or a distant goal we are to able us to attain perfection? 2 Tim. strive toward, but can never attain in 3:16, 17; Heb. 13:20, 21. this life? 1 Cor. 2:6; Phil. 3:15. NoTE.—"When one turns away from hu- NorE.—"At every stage of development man imperfections to behold Jesus, a di- our life may be perfhct; yet if God's pur- vine transformation takes place in the char- pose for us is fulfilled, there will be con- acter. The Spirit of Christ working upon tinual advancement. Sanctification is the the heart conforms it to His image."— work of a lifetime."—Christ's Object Les- Christ's Object Lessons, page 250. sons, 1941 ed., p. 65. "In every command and in every prom- [35] ise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is re- ceiving the very life and character of God. . . . Receive into the soul by faith the in- corruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God."—/bid., p. 38. "Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving."—Ibid., p. 101. THE SCULPTOR HAS NO MODEL FOR 6. What must we do in order to PHYSICAL PERFECTION; CHRIST IS reach perfection? Heb. 12:1, 2. f039-10 OUR CHARACTER MODEL. Marks of Maturity NoTE.—"Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to 8. What trait of character is singled this decision, you will certainly fail of ob- out as an important mark of Christian taining everlasting life. The impossibility perfection? James 3:2. lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsancti- fied heart, and an unwillingness to submit NoTE.—"The highest evidence of no- to the control of God."—Christ's Object bility in a Christian is self-control."—The Lessons, page 331. Desire of Ages, page 301. "We cannot equal the pattern ; but we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability which 9. What noble grace is mentioned God has given, resemble it."—Testimonies, as one evidence of a mature Christian vol. 2, p. 549. experience? James 1:4. "Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 331. 10. What attitude toward the vicis- 7. What experiences in particular situdes of life is characteristic of the contribute to character development? mature Christian? Acts 20:24; 2 Cor. Heb. 12:11; James 1:12. Compare 4:8-11. Heb. 2:10. 11. What is declared to be the bond NOTE. —"The omnipotent power of the of perfection? Col. 3:14. Compare Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith 1 Cor. 13:13. has claimed His protection will Christ per- mit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such Like Christ at His Coming thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or de- feat; we can do all things through Him 12. What areas of Christian growth who strengthens us."—The Desire of Ages, and development does Peter single out page 490. for special attention? 1 Peter 4:13, 14. [ 36 13. What is the ultimate standard unto the measure of the full stature in of the Christian? Eph. 4:13, 15; Heb. Christ Jesus."—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, b. 1, p. 395. 6:1. Compare 1 Peter 1:15. 14. Until what time may we ex- pect the process of character perfec- NOTE.—"The ideal of Christian character tion to go forward? 1 John 3:2, 3; is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to Rev. 22:11. Compare 1 Thess. 3:13. be perfect in their life."—The Desire of Ages, page 311. "By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the NorE.—"Christ is seeking to reproduce Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the Himself in the hearts of men." "When the believer advances from grace to grace, from character of Christ shall be perfectly re- strength to strength, from character to produced in His people, then He will come character. He conforms to the image of to claim them as His own."—Christ's Ob- Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains ject Lessons, pages 67, 69. Lesson 11, for September 12, 1959 The Return of Our Lord MEMORY VERSE: "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 405-421; "The Great Con- troversy," pages 640-646; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 27. AIM: A deeper longing for the return of Jesus and increased earnestness in pre- paring to meet Him. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read from Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1-3. ❑ Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Wednesday: Questions 9-13. ❑ Study Helps. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: 5. All rewarded together. 2 Tim. 4:1, 8. Introduction 6. Resurrected, immortalized, trans- I. The Hope of Christ's Coming lated. 1 Cor. 15:51-54 ; 1 Thess. 4:15-17. 1. "That blessed hope." Titus 2:11-14. 2. Our Lord's promise. John 14:1-3. III. The Manner of Christ's Coming 3. To those who await His coming. Heb. 9:28. 7. Jesus' and Paul's descriptions. Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52 ; II. The Purpose of Christ's Coming 1 Thess. 4:16. 4. To reward every man. Matt. 8. Every eye shall see Him. Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12. 24:27; Rev. 1:7. C 37] ' IV. Preparation for Christ's Coming "visible manifestation," "an appearing," "an appearance." In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 it 9. Watch and be ready. Matt. 24: is translated "brightness," but elsewhere 42, 44. usually "appearing," as in 2 Timothy 4:1, 10. Purification from sin. 1 John 3:2, 3. 8; Titus 2:13. In classical Greek it describes 11. The ten virgins. Matt. 25:1-13. the sudden appearance of an enemy in war 12. Seeming delay; false prophets; and the supposed appearances of heathen pleasure. Matt. 24:4, 5, 48; deities to their worshipers. In the papyri Luke 21:34-36. it is used of the inauguration of the em- 13. Patience. James 5:7, 8 ; 1 Peter peror Caligula. The New Testament ap- 1:7, 13. plies it to both the first and second advents of our Lord. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Paul Key Words: speaks of the "brightness" of Christ's "com- 1. Coming. The original Greek word ing," and seems to stress the visible pres- means "presence," or "arrival." In the ence of Christ following His appearing. papyri it is used of the visit of an emperor or a king and of the arrival of a Roman 3. Revelation. The Greek apokalupsis, general to celebrate a triumphal procession. "revelation," "disclosure," is used once (1 The word thus appropriately describes Peter 1:13) of Christ's second advent. The Christ's return as King of kings. Some- verb form also occurs once (Luke 17:30). times it stresses presence as opposed to ab- It is also translated "coming" (1 Cor. 1:7) sence. It is the word for "coming" in such and "appearing" (1 Peter 1:7). John's title passages as Matthew 24:27 and 2 Thessa- for the book of Revelation was "Apocalypse lonians 2:1, 8. of Jesus Christ." The word stresses the manifestation of Christ to His waiting peo- 2. Appearing. This is the usual trans- ple after being so long hidden from their lation of the original Greek word meaning view. THE LESSON Introduction Paul speak of the return of Jesus? Ti- "By giving the gospel to the world it is tus 2:11-14. in our power to hasten our Lord's return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3: Nora.—The form of the Greek word of 12, margin. Had the church of Christ done verse 11 translated "hath appeared" makes her appointed work as the Lord ordained, this a clear reference to the first advent, as the whole world would before this have the noun form of the same word in verse been warned, and the Lord Jesus would 13 refers to the second advent. have come to our earth in power and great glory."—The Desire of Ages, pages 633, 634. 2. What promise did our Lord In the parable of the ten virgins "the make with respect to His return?' John coming of the bridegroom was at midnight —the darkest hour. So the coming of 14:1-3. Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history.. . . The great apos- tasy will develop into darkness deep as Nora.—"Let not." The form of the verb midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. in Greek implies, "stop letting" your heart To God's people it will be a night of trial, be troubled. Christ's going away was to be a night of weeping, a night of persecution the disciples' assurance that He would come for the truth's sake. But out of that night again. Acts 1:11. of darkness God's light will shine."— The word for "mansions" (monai) means Christ's Object Lessons, pages 414, 415. "permanent abiding places." Compare Ps. 23:6. "While He [Christ] was building The Hope of Christ's Coming mansions for them [the disciples], they were to build characters after the divine 1. In what terms does the apostle similitude."—The Desire of Ages, page 663. [38] 6. What change comes to the right- eous at the return of Jesus? 1 Cor. 15: 51-54; 1 Thess. 4:15-17. NOTE.—"Our personal identity is pre- served in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material sub- stance as went into the grave. The won- drous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is re- turned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection every man will have his own character."—Ellen G. White supple- WHICH BOY IS PREPARED TO ment in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible MEET DADDY? ARE YOU EAGER Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1093. FOR YOUR LORD'S RETURN? The Manner of Christ's Coming 3. Who will be ready for Jesus 7. How will Christ's coming be an- when He comes again? Heb. 9:28. nounced, and with what results? Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16. Compare John 5:28, 29. NOTE.—"Look for Him." Literally, "wait it out for Him," that is, keep on waiting until Christ actually appears. 8. What visible manifestation will accompany Christ's appearing? Matt. The Purpose of Christ's Coming 24:27; Rev. 1:7. Compare Acts 1:11. 4. For what purpose does Jesus re- turn to earth a second time? Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12. Compare Heb. 9: Preparation for Christ's Coming 27, 28. 9. In view of the fact that we do not know the day and hour of Jesus' return, what are we admonished to No4.—"The weakest saint, as well as do? Matt. 24:42, 44. the strongest, may wear the crown of im- mortal glory. All may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of Christ. . . . 10. What does the hope of Jesus' Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life's victory or defeat. return lead every sincere and earnest And the reward given to those who win believer to do? 1 John 3:2, 3. will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven." —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 313, 314. 11. By what parable did Jesus stress 5. Why are rewards for faithful- the importance of being prepared for ness not bestowed at death? 2 Tim. Him whenever He shall return? Matt. 4:1, 8. Compare 1 Thess. 4:15-17. 25:1-13. [39 1 Nom.—"The class represented by the They are confirmed in their worldliness foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They and stupor."—The Desire of Ages, page 635. have a regard for the truth, they have ad- "The trouble with us is that almost 2,000 vocated the truth, they are attracted to years have passed, and we have come to those who believe the truth; but they have think that the Parousia [Advent] is still not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's far off."—R. C. H. Lenski, Commentary, working. They have not fallen upon the on James 5:7. Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. . . . They 13. What trait of character will all . . . have been content with a superficial develop who await the Lord's coming? work. They do not know God. They have Why? James 5:7, 8; 1 Peter 1:7, 13. not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 411. Nom.—"Girding up the loins refers to the long, loose robes worn by Orientals, which 12. Against what particular dan- were drawn up and belted at the waist gers prior to His return did Jesus when one wanted to walk or work with warn His disciples to be on guard? energy. This expression is used figuratively Matt. 24:4, 5, 48; Luke 21:34-36. with reference to the mind, which includes thinking as well as the resultant willing, and the thought is: 'Make up your minds decisively I' . . . Instead of letting their Nom.—"The evil servant says in his thoughts, purposes, decisions hang loose heart, 'My lord delayeth his coming.' He while they move leisurely along in life as does not say that Christ will not come. He impulse and occasion may move them, the does not scoff at the idea of His second readers are to gird up their minds like peo- coming. But in his heart and by his ac- ple who are energetically set on going tions and words he declares that the Lord's somewhere. To gird up the loins means coming is delayed. He banishes from the business, decision, action, not idling, not minds of others the conviction that the drifting after this and that momentary Lord is coming quickly. His influence attraction."—R. C. H. Lenski, Commen- leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. tary, on 1 Peter 1:13. Lesson 12, for September 19, 1959 The Resurrection and Life Everlasting MEMORY VERSE: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternr.21 life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," page 530; "The Great Controversy," pages 644, 645; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 3. AIM: A new appreciation of the divine gift of everlasting life. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 6-8. Sunday: Key Words and Expres- Wednesday: Questions 9-13. sions; Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. Monday: Questions 4, 5. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. [40 ] Lesson Outline: stances in the New Testament where the word translated "to fall asleep" is used, it Introduction refers to the sleep of death. Our word "cemetery" is from the related noun form. I. The Hope of the Resurrection Ancient Greek burial sites have been found 1. Everlasting life promised. Titus bearing an inscription meaning "sleeping 1:2; 1 John 2:25. place," or "resting place." 2. Death the wages of sin. Rom. 6:23 ; 1 Cor. 15:26. 2. Life. The Greek denotes the life 3. Life through the gospel. John principle, the antithesis of death. In his 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10. original state Adam had conditional pos- session of this life principle, but when he II. Our Assurance of the Resurrection sinned he forfeited it and became subject 4. Life in Christ. John 1:4; 1 John to the principle of death. Death is the op- 5:11, 12. posite of life. Rom. 6:23. In Christ all 5. Christ arose; we, too, will rise. who believe inherit life, but only when im- 1 Cor. 15:12, 20; 1 Peter 1:3, 4. mortality is bestowed at the second advent will Adam and his believing descendants III. Qualifying for Life Everlasting exchange their conditional possession of life for unqualified immortality. 6. Knowledge and belief. John 3:36; 6:47; 17:3. 7. Enduring to the end. Mark 13:13 ; 3. Immortality. The Greek word trans- Rom. 2:7; Rev. 2:10. lated "immortal," "imperishable," is formed 8. Everlasting life a present possession. by prefixing a negative to a word meaning John 5:24; 1 John 5:10-13. "ruin," "destruction," "deterioration," "dis- solution," "corruption." Classical Greek IV. Immortality Bestowed writers speak of a "crown of immortality." 9. At Christ's coming. Mark 10:30; Another word which literally means "undy- Luke 14:14. ing," "what does not die," is also translated 10. Admission to life everlasting. "immortality." 1 Cor. 15:50-55. 11. Our Lord's own assurance. Matt. 4. Crown of Life. The Greek word 24:30, 31; John 5:24-29. here used for "crown" means a garland of 12. All translated together. 1 Thess. victory, not the crown of rulership. The 4:13-17. garland of victory, awarded those who ex- celled in ancient athletic contests or in bat- V. Tokens of Life Everlasting tle was made of leaves or flowers, which 13. River of life; tree of life. Rev. quickly withered. The Greek athlete would 22:1-3. endure the most rigorous privation and discipline in order to secure a "corruptible Key Words and Expressions: crown," but the "crown of life" for which the Christian strives is "incorruptible." See 1. Sleep. In more than half the in- 1 Cor. 9:25. THE LESSON Introduction the tombs, and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour's resurrection a few The First Resurrection: "The voice that graves were opened, but at His second com- cried from the cross, 'It is finished,' was ing all the precious dead shall hear His heard among the dead. It pierced the walls voice, and shall come forth to glorious, im- of sepulchers, and summoned the sleepers mortal life. The same power that raised to arise. Thus will it be when the voice Christ from the dead will raise His church, of Christ shall be heard from heaven. That and glorify it with Him."-The Desire of voice will penetrate the graves and unbar Ages, page 787. [ 41 ] The Hope of the Resurrection from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our 1. In the promise of what glorious friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus." hope does the Christian faith center? —The Desire of Ages, page 804. Titus 1:2; 1 John 2:25. Qualifying for Life Everlasting 6. What must we believe in order Nom.—"One remark I cannot help mak- to inherit everlasting life? John 3:36; ing; the doctrine of the resurrection appears 6:47; 17:3. Compare John 11:25, 26. to haVe been thought of much more conse- quence among the primitive Christians than it is now/ How is this? The apostles were continually insisting on it, and exciting the followers of God to diligence, obedience, 7. What must we do in order to in- and cheerfulness through it. And their suc- herit everlasting life? Mark 13:13; cessors in the present day seldom mention Rom. 2:7; Rev. 2:10. it! . . . There is not a doctrine in the gos- ple on which more stress is laid; and there is not a doctrine in the present system of preaching which is treated with more neg- NOTE.—"The conditions of eternal life, lect !"—Adam Clarke, Commentary, on 1 under grace, are just what they were in Cor. 15, note 3 at end of chapter. Eden—perfect righteousness, harmony with God, perfect conformity to the principles 2. What is the inevitable result of of His law. . . . God has made provision sin? What is death said to be? Rom. that we may become like unto Him, and 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:26. He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will and thus frustrate His grace."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 76. 3. How did God restore the hope 8. When does the believing Chris- of everlasting life to sinners? John tian inherit everlasting life? John 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10. 5:24; 1 John 5:10-13. Compare John 3:36. Our Assurance of the Resurrection 4. How was this blessed hope made NorE.—"Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become one available to us? John 1:4; 1 John spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this 5:11, 12. union that we are to come forth from -the grave,—not merely as a manifestation- of the power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become ours. Those who 5. Upon what supreme historical see Christ in His true character, and re- fact is our hope of the resurrection ceive Him into the heart, have everlasting based? 1 Cor. 15:12, 20; 1 Peter 1: life. It is through the Spirit that Christ 3, 4. dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal."—The Desire 'of Ages, page 388. NOTE.—"The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who Immortality Bestowed sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all 9. When will those to whom God familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose has promised everlasting life enter [ 42 ] into physical possession of it? Mark 10:30; Luke 14:14. Compare John 6: 40; 2 Tim. 4:6-8. 10. What must take place before the redeeined can live forever? 1 Cor. 15:50-55. NOTE.—"Not until the personal advent of Christ can His people receive the kingdom. . . . We have seen by the scriptures just given [1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17] that when the Son of man comes, the dead are raised incorruptible and the living are "IF CHRIST BE NOT RAISED, YOUR changed. By this great change they are FAITH IS VAIN." 1 Co"nik,ans 15:17 0.59.1L prepared to receive the kingdom; for Paul says: 'Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption' 1 Corinthians 15:50. NoTE.—Modern theologians console • the Man in his present state is mortal, corrupti- bereaved by assuring them that their de- ble; but the kingdom of God will be. in- parted loved ones are even now enjoying corruptible, enduring forever. Therefore the bliss of heaven. But if the Thessaloniarr man in his present state cannot enter into believers who had fallen asleep in Jesus the kingdom of God. But when Jesus were indeed in heaven, we may properly ask comes, He confers immortality upon His why Paul did not console their living loved people; and then He calls them to in- ones with this reputed fact. If the apostle herit the kingdom of which they have believed the righteous dead to be already hitherto been only heirs."—The Great Con- in heaven he certainly missed a perfect op- troversy, pages 322, 323. portunity so to enlighten and console the living! 11. What graphic description did Jesus give of the resurrection? Matt. Tokens of Life Everlasting 24:30, 31; John 5:24-29. 13. What tokens of immortality will ever remain before the redeemed 12. How did Paul portray the same in the earth made new? Rev. 22:1-3., everq? 1 Thess. 4:13-17. Compare Rev. 21:3, 4. FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the following foreign languages: Bohemian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Rusiian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the International Branch of the Pacific Press at Mountain View, California, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates. ; Lesson 13, for September 26, 1959 The Coming Kingdom of Glory MEMORY VERSE: "Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- tion of the world." Matthew 25:34. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," page 234; "The Great Controversy," pages 675-678; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 8, 107, 108 (1943 ed., pp. 20, 159, 160); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 10. AIM: Reconsecration to the task of preparing for citizenship in the eternal kingdom of the redeemed. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-10. 0 Sunday: Key Thoughts; Wednesday: Questions 11-13. Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. Study Helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: IV. Endless Life in a Perfect World Introduction 11. No more curse. Rev. 21:4, 8, 27; 22:3, 15. I. Inauguration of the Kingdom 12. The earth made new. Rev. 21:1-7, 22-25; 22:1-5. 1. Christ's coronation. Matt. 25:31. 13. An everlasting kingdom. 2 Peter 2. Proclamation of the kingdom. Rev. 1:11; Rev. 11:15. 11:15, 17. 3. Conquest of the kingdom. Rev. 19:11-16. Key Thoughts: II. The King and His Subjects 1. The Kingdoms of Grace and Glory. 4. The King of grace and glory. Heb The kingdom of grace is preparatory to the 4:16; Matt. 25:31, 32. eternal kingdom of glory. Christ officiates 5. The saints reign forever. Matt. as Priest-King of the one, and as King of 13:43 ; Rev. 22:5. kings in the other. Under the one He serves 6. Come, inherit the kingdom. Matt • His people as Saviour and Advocate, under 25:34. the other He stands as Judge and Execu- tioner of those who have defied His grace III. Admission to the Kingdom and authority. Under the one He wore a 7. Through diligence. 2 Peter 1:10, crown of thorns, under the other He is 11; 3:11-14. crowned with many glorious crowns. 8. Through tribulation. Acts 14:22; Under the kingdom of grace we are justi- 2 Tim. 2:12. fied and sanctified, in the kingdom of glory 9. Through patience, faith, endurance. we are glorified. Under the one we are de- 2 Thess. 1:4, 5 ; James 2:5. livered from the power and penalty of sin, 10. The judgment. Matt. 13:41-43; under the other we are delivered forever 25:31-33. from the presence of sin. Under the one we [ 447 .. prepare for heaven, under the other we en- 3. The Throne of His Glory. Matt. 25: ter heaven. Under the one we receive condi- 31. In times eternal Father and Son shared tional immortality, under the other we are the throne of the universe. Patriarchs and immortalized. Under one we become heirs Prophets, page 36. At the incarnation of the kingdom, under the other we inherit the Son voluntarily stepped down from the the kingdom. Under the one we suffer with throne of the universe and gave back the Christ, under the other we reign with Him. scepter into the Father's hands. The Desire of Ages, pages 22, 23. At the ascension the 2. Christ as King of Kings. Rev. 19:16. Son was enthroned with the Father upon This title is also used of the Father in 1 His throne. Rev. 3:21. Upon His return to Tim. 6:15. It is also used of Christ as He earth He will be seated upon the throne of comes forth to take possession of the king- His own glory. Matt. 25:31. The Great dom of this world (Rev. 11:15; 19:16), and Controversy, page 347. At the close of the may be considered His official title as King millennium His final coronation will take of the kingdom of glory. place. Ibid., p. 666. THE LESSON Introduction possession of this world? Rev. 19: 11-16. The Kingdom Restored: "With unutter- able love, Jesus welcomes His faithful ones to the joy of their Lord. The Saviour's joy is in seeing, in the kingdom of glory, the The King and His Subjects souls that have been saved by His agony and humiliation. And the redeemed will be 4. What may be inferred from sharers in His joy, as they behold, among Christ's role as King of the kingdom the blessed, those who have been won to of grace and of the kingdom of glory? Christ through their prayers, their labors, Heb. 4:16; Matt. 25:31, 32. and their loving sacrifice. As they gather about the great white throne, gladness un- speakable will fill their hearts, when they NOTE.—"As used in the Bible, the expres- behold those whom they have won for sion 'kingdom of God' is employed to desig- Christ, and see that one has gained others, nate both the kingdom of grace and the and these still others, all brought into the kingdom of glory. The kingdom of grace is haven of rest, there to lay their crowns at brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to Jesus' feet and praise Him through the end- the Hebrews. . . . Hebrews 4:15, 16. The less cycles of eternity."—The Great Contro- throne of grace represents the kingdom of versy, page 647. grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom. . . . So the Inauguration of the Kingdom throne of glory represents the kingdom of glory; and this kingdom is referred to in the 1. What event marks the inaugura- Saviour's words. . . . Matthew 25:31, 32. tion of Christ's glorious kingdom? This kingdom is yet future. It is not to be Matt. 25:31. Compare 2 Tim. 4:1. set up until the second advent of Christ."— The Great Controversy, page 347. 5. What honor will the saints have 2. What proclamation in heaven in Christ's eternal kingdom? Matt. announces the establishment of the 13:43; Rev. 22:5. kingdom? Rev. 11:15, 17. 6. With what gracious invitation will the King of glory welcome His 3. What dramatic description is subjects to their eternal home? Matt. given of Christ as He comes to take 25:34. E 45 I Endless Life in a Perfect World 11. From what will the kingdom forever remain free? Rev. 21:4, 8, 27; 22:3, 15. NoTE.—"It is no arbitrary decree on the part of God that excludes the wicked from heaven: they are shut out by their own unfitness for its companionship. The glory of God would be to them a consuming fire." —Steps to Christ, 1956 and pocket eds., p. 18. 12. In that glorious future king- "IF WE SUFFER, WE SHALL ALSO dom, what marvelous privilege will REIGN WITH HIM.. 2TIM011-11, 2:12. be granted to the redeemed? Rev. 21: 1-7, 22-25; 22:1-5. Admission to the Kingdom 7. What concern will be manifested NOTE.—"There, immortal minds will con- by those preparing for admission to template with never-failing delight the won- the coming kingdom of glory? 2 Pe- ders of creative power, the mysteries of ter 1:10, 11; 3:11, 14. redeeming love. There will be no cruel, de- ceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, ev- ery capacity increased. The acquirement of NoTE.—"It is not possible for us to drift knowledge will not weary the mind or ex- into heaven. . . . If we do not strive to haust the energies. There the grandest gain an entrance into the kingdom, if we enterprises may be carried forward, the loft- do not seek earnestly to learn what consti- iest aspirations reached, the highest ambi- tutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part tions realized; and still there will arise new in it. Those who refuse to co-operate with heights to surmount, new wonders to ad- God on earth would not co-operate with mire, new truths to comprehend, fresh ob- Him in heaven. It would not be safe to jects to call forth the powers of mind and take them to heaven."—Christ's Object soul and body."—The Great Controversy, Lessons, 1941 ed., p. 280. page 677. 8. Through what experience will 13. What is said of the stability of all pass who gain admission to the Christ's glorious kingdom? 2 Peter kingdom? Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 2:12. 1:11; Rev. 11:15. 9. Who are accounted worthy to NoTE.—"The great controversy is ended. become heirs of the kingdom God has Sin and sinners are no more. The entire uni- promised? 2 Thess. 1:4, 5; James 2:5. verse is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom 10. By what selective procedure is to the greatest world, all things, animate admission to Christ's everlasting king- and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty dom granted? Matt. 13:41-43; 25: and perfect joy, declare that God is love." 31-33. —The Great Controversy, page 678. [ 46 ] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING September 26, 1959 The Far Eastern Division is the field to benefit from the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering that will be received on September 26. Three worthy projects have been chosen: (I) the establishment of an evangelistic center in Seoul, Korea; (2) needed classrooms for the Indo- nesian Union Seminary, Bandung, Java; (3) a middle school at the Japan Missionary College. The needs surrounding any one of these projects are so great that it could easily use the whole overflow offering, but an endeavor has been made to stretch the money as far as possible. It is hoped that our Sab- bath school members around the world will be just as liberal as possible in their gifts on this Thirteenth Sabbath. The overflow will go to help train young people to be workers in the cause of God in the great Far Eastern Division and help also to increase the evangelistic efforts in the fruitful land of Korea. In Seoul, Korea, prior to the Korean War we had seven churches. Now, in that same area we have twenty-three organized churches and companies, but many of them do not have buildings in which to meet. The need for an evangelistic center in the heart of the city is great. Let us keep these needs in mind as we plan our offerings this quarter. The fields to benefit from the overflow for the next four quarters are: 4th quarter—Southern Asia Division 1st quarter (i96o)—Northern European Division 2d quarter—Southern European Division 3d quarter—Australasian Division LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1959 Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the fourth quarter of 1959 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Christian Stewardship in Its Broader Aspects." The title of the first lesson is "God, the Owner of All." The Memory Verse is John 3:16. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Ps. 24:1; 95:4, 5. Ques. 8. Matt. 22:37-40. Ques. 2. Col. 1:16, 17. Ques. 9. John 15:15. Ques. 3. Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7. Ques. 10. John 15:16, 20 ; 20:21. Ques. 4. Ps. 8:4, 5. Ques. 11.1 Peter 4:10. Ques. 5. Matt. 6:9. Ques. 12. Rom. 8:14, 17, 18. Ques. 6. John 3:16; Titus 2:14. Ques. 13. Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:13. Ques. 7. Gen. 2:15; 1 Cor. 4:1, 7. Ques. 14. 1 John 3:2. [ 47 I THE FAR EASTERN DIVISION KOREAN UNION MISSION orA d • MISSION POPULATION CHURCHES CH. MEM. 5.5. Wm. INDONESIA UNION 82,000,000 305 16,357 19,035 JAPAN UNION 90,800,000 47 3,789 6,964 KOREAN UNION 21,526,374 70 7,983 20,912 N. PHILIPPINE UNION 11,273,160 363 21,992 22,772 S. CHINA ISLAND UNION 13,050.000 17 3,038 6,222 MtAWA S. E:ASIA UNION 54,651,408 57 5,458 7,061 S. PHILIPPINE UNION 10,586,654. 413 38,552 41,724 FAR EASTERN ISLAND M. 132,199 6 365 400 W. NEW GUINEA M. 1.000,000 5 117 289 DIVISION TOTALS 285,019,795 1.283 97.651 125,379 JAPAN UNION MISSION EVANGELISTIC CENTER SEOUL, KOREA OKINA CHINA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL OTAIPEI JAPAN MISSIONARY COLLEGE oRmOSA CANTON • #S.#‘• / s'••------t0 HONG KONG / SOUTH CHINA ISLAND frAlwANI UNION MISSION \ 1 LUZ1 1 NORTH • PHILIPPINE eACtno UNION MISSION ANON • CI_MLA GUAM ASn i SAIGON PA A• I 7/ L' SOUTH SOUTH PHILIPPINE IN ANA° UNION MISSION S. E, ASIA UNION VA0 ANG IESSELTO ALA m.ouR • • Rm.. INGAW, 'Th 1.- f ALMAHERA k" O / C /47) 0 ( MAKASSAR , a HOLLANDIA NEW GUINEA INDONESIA UNION MISSION iS UHANG Ti OR INDONESIAN UNION SEMINARY