SAD hriCidiool LESSON CHRIST-CENiEREd D SENIOR DIVISION, NO ,"26,2, EcRIET 'WAIVER* THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY "The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind and character."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 132. "There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."— Steps to Christ, page 9o. "The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will be your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the Scriptures."—Testimonies, vol. 5, page 266. 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 1. Sound Doctrine 8. The New Birth 2. Christ, the Son of God 9. Baptism 3. Christ Our Salvation 1o. The Second Coming of Jesus 4. Christ Our Righteousness u. Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming 5. The Law of God 12. Immortality Through Christ 6. The Sabbath 13. The Millennium 7. Obedience 14. The Home of the Saved Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 262, October-December, 1960. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a > ear (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, 1960, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly CHRIST-CENTERED DOCTRINES Lesson 1, for October 1, 1960 Sound Doctrine MEMORY VERSE: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine." Titus 2:1. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapters 32, 33; "Gospel Workers," pages 311-315; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer- ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 15. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Read from Study Helps. Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Wednesday: Questions 7-10. Memory Verse. ❑ Thursday: Questions 11-14; read Monday: Questions 4-6; read from from Study Helps. Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. Contrasting Attitudes Toward Sound Doctrine I. The Importance of Sound Doctrine 11. It may be opposed. 2 Tim. 4:3 ; 1. It is needed. 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13 ; 4 4. Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek. 33:31. 2. There are false doctrines. Jer. 10:8; 12. It may be rejected. 2 Thess. 2:3-7. 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10 ; 6:3-5. 13. It may be obeyed. Rom. 6:17. 3. It is important. 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16; 14. It must be adhered to continually. Titus 1:9 ; 2 :1, 7, 10. Acts 2:42 ; 1 Tim. 4:16. II. Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine Key Thought: 4. A sound understanding. Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim.2:15. The word doctrine means, "That which is 5. A willing mind. John 7:17. taught; a principle, or body of priciples, in 6. A perception and avoidance of false any branch of knowledge; . . . principle of teachers. Rom. 16:17. faith."—Webster, New Collegiate Diction- ary. A doctrine may be based on truth or III. Tests of Sound Doctrine falsehood. Hence there are true or sound 7. It is based on the Bible. 2 Tim. doctrines, and untrue or false doctrines. In 3:15, 16. order that the child of God be not led away 8. It does not misuse the Scriptures. by false doctrines, he must have an adequate 2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6. understanding of true doctrines. As related 9. It magnifies and honors Christ. to salvation, all true and sound doctrines 1 John 2:22, 23 ; 2 John 7, 9. are based on the Bible. To be effective, 10. It upholds the whole of Scripture. sound doctrine must be understood and Isa. 8:20. obeyed. f3 1 THE LESSON The Importance of Sound Doctrine NOTE.-"All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are mislead- 1. What condition in the last days ing the minds of men."—Testimonies, vol. 5, emphasizes the need of sound doc- p. 158. trine? 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; 4:3, 4. Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine 4. How are the doctrines of the Bi- b1eto be learned? Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim. Nom.—The following comment is made 2:15. regarding 2 Timothy 4:3, 4: "The apostle does not here refer to the openly irreligious, but to the professing Christians who make inclination their guide, and thus become en- 5. Before one can know the doc- slaved by self. Such are willing to listen to trine, what must he be willing to do? those doctrines only that do not rebuke their sins or condemn their pleasure-loving course. John 7:17. They are offended by the plain words of the faithful servants of Christ and choose teach- ers who praise and flatter them."—The Acts Nom.—Commenting on this text, the serv- of the Apostles, pages 504, 505. ant of the Lord says: "When we are truly seeking to do God's will, the Holy Spirit 2. In contrast to sound doctrine, takes the precepts of His word and makes what other kinds of doctrines are them the principles of the life, writing them there? Jer. 10:8; 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10; on the tablets of the soul. And it is only 6:3-5. those who are following the light already given that can hope to receive the further illumination of the Spirit. This is plainly stated in the words of Christ: 'If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doc- Nom.—These doctrines of vanity are trine.' "—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 705. called by various names in the Bible: "Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, "The doctrine of the Pharisees and of the desiring to know the truth, that he may Sadducees." Matt. 16:12. obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. "Doctrines of men." Col. 2:22 ; Eph. 4:14. He will understand the Scriptures."—The "Doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1. Desire of Ages, page 459. "Divers and strange doctrines." Heb. 13:9. "Doctrine of Balaam," "doctrine of the 6. Against what will a knowledge Nicolaitanes." Rev. 2 :14, 15. of sound doctrines be a safeguard? "Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are con- Rom. 16:17. tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self- denying, and humiliating the doctrines pre- sented, the greater the favor with which Nom.—"The times [of the apostles] were full of peril for the church. Satanic de- they are received. . . . Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures withlusions existed everywhere. By misrepre- contrition of soul and earnest prayer forsentation and falsehood the emissaries of divine guidance, they have no shield fromSatan sought to arouse opposition against delusion."—The Great Controversy, page the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence 523. dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. . . . John was filled with sadness 3. In what words did the apostle as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which Paul set forth the importance of sound the church was exposed, and he met the doctrine? 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16; Titus emergency with promptness and decision."— 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10. The Acts of the Apostles, pages 553, 554. 14] fully pervert the word of God. Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, in- terpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible."— The Great Controversy, page 521. 9. To what other test should doc- trines be submitted? 1 John 2:22, 23; 2 John 7, 9. Compare Luke 24:25-27. NorE.—"Every true doctrine makes Christ SOUND DOCTRINE COMES FROM A SOUND SOURCE. the center, every precept receives force from His words."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 54. "Another dangerous error is the doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that Tests of Sound Doctrine He had no existence before His advent to this world. This theory is received with 7. Upon what knowledge is Chris- favor by a large class who profess to believe the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the tian doctrine based? 2 Tim. 3:15, 16. plainest statements of our Saviour concern- ing His relationship with the Father, His divine character, and His pre-existence."— The Great Controversy, page 524. NOTE.—The Bible is the test of all doc- trine. Whatever does not harmonize and 10. By what final standard should square with this, is not to be received. "There is but one standard of the everlastingly right all doctrine be judged? Isa. 8:20. and the everlastingly wrong, and that is the Bible."—Thomas de Witt Talmage, quoted in Bible Readings for the Home, page 125. Speaking of Luther's separation from Nora.—"All points of doctrine, even Rome, the messenger of God wrote: "He though they have been accepted as truth, firmly declared that Christians should re- should be brought to the law and to the ceive no other doctrines than those which testimony; if they cannot stand this test, rest on the authority of the Sacred Scrip- `there is no light in them.' "—Testimonies, tures."—The Great Controversy, page 126. vol. 5, p. 575. 8. Against what misuse of the Contrasting Attitudes Toward Scriptures must we be constantly on guard? 2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6. Sound Doctrine 11. In what ways does opposition to sound doctrine manifest itself? NOTE.—"In order to sustain erroneous 2 Tim. 4:3; Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek. doctrines or unchristian practices, some will 33:31. seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the mean- ing to be quite the opposite. With the cun- 12. After the death of the apostles, ning of the serpent they entrench themselves what far-reaching results did the re- behind disconnected utterances construed to jection of sound doctrine bring about? suit their carnal desires. Thus do many will- 2 Thess. 2:3-7. 5 NOTE.-The great apostasy, the substitu- in the doctrines of the Bible? Rom. tion of the doctrines of men for the doctrine 6:17. Compare Acts 26:19. of Christ, was the result of disobedience to the teaching of the word of God. We read: "The truths of the Bible have again become obscured by custom, tradition, and false doc- trine. The erroneous',teachings of popular NoTE.-"God has commanded nothing theology have made thousands upon thou- that is unessential, and there is no other way sands of skeptics and infidels. There are of manifesting reverence so pleasing to Him errors and inconsistencies which many de- as obedience to that which He has spoken." nounce as the teaching of the Bible that are -Education, page 244. really false intrepretations of Scripture, adopted during the ages of papal darkness." -Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 710. 14.*Aside from the acceptance of sound doctrine, what else is essential? 13. What has been the attitude of Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:16. Compare Heb. God's children to His will as revealed 10:23, 35. Lesson 2, for October 8, 1960 Christ, the Son of God MEMORY VERSE: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt. 16:16. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-49; "The Great Controversy," pages 666-669 (large subscription ed., pp. 656-659); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 22. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-4; Study Helps. Memory Verse. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14. 0 Monday: Questions 5-7; read from Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0 Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 8. His fullness. Col. 2:9. 9. His creative power. Col. 1:15-17; I. His Sonship Proclaimed Heb. 1:1, 2. 10. His redemptive power. Luke 2:11 ; 1. By an angel. Luke 1:35. Matt. 1:21. 2. By the Father. Matt. 3:17. 3. By Christ Himself. John 10:36. III. The Son of God Becomes the 4. By Peter. Matt. 16:14-16. Son of Man II. Evidence of His Divine Sonship 11. The promise of Immanuel. Isa. 7:14. 12. The time of the Incarnation. 5. His pre-existence. Micah 5:2 ; Gal. 4:4, 5. 1 Cor. 10:4. 13. The Son of man. Luke 19:10; 6. His eternity. John 17:5. John 3:14. 7. His unity with the Father. 14. The purpose of the Incarnation. John 10:30. Heb. 2 : 14-18. 63 Key Thought: esty, 'the outshining of His glory.' It was to " 'Immanuel, . . . God with us.' The manifest this glory that He came to our light of the knowledge of the glory of God' world. To this sin-darkened earth He came is seen 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From the to reveal the light of God's love,—to be 'God days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was with us.' Therefore it was prophesied of one with the Father ; He was 'the image of Him, 'His name shall be called Immanuel.' " God,'- the image of His greatness and maj- —The Desire of Ages, page 19. THE LESSON His Sonship Proclaimed NoTE.—"When He came 'in the likeness of men,' He declared Himself the I AM. 1. In the angel's announcement to The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Mary, what did he say her Child Saviour, is God 'manifest in the flesh.' 1 Tim. 3 :16... . . 'God with us' is the surety of our should be called? Luke 1:35. deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven."—The Desire of Ages, pages 24, 25. 2. What testimony did the Father 6. What words in the prayer of give at the time of the baptism of the Christ reveal the eternity of His be- Saviour? Matt. 3:17. ing? John 17:5. NOTE.—"These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding NoTE.—"There are light and glory in the that the sins of a guilty world were laid truth that Christ was one with the Father upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia- before the foundation of the world was laid. tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na- This is the light shining in a dark place, mak- ture, the voice from heaven declared Him ing it resplendent with divine, original glory. to be the Son of the Eternal."—The Desire This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, of Ages, page 112. explains other mysterious and otherwise un- explainable truths, while it is enshrined in 3. What did Jesus claim concern- light, unapproachable and incomprehen- ing His divine sonship? John 10:36. sible."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 248. 7. In what words did Christ ex- press His unity with the Father? John NOTE.—"Christ came to . . . reveal our 10:30. Compare John 14:7-10. heavenly Father to sinful human beings. . . . He shared the lot of men, and yet He was the blameless Son of God."—Testimo- nies, vol. 8, p. 286. 8. What was Paul inspired to write 4. In what words did Peter express concerning the divinity of Christ? the disciples' conviction concerning Col. 2:9. the deity of Christ? Matt. 16:14-16. NOTE.—"The fullness of the Godhead." Evidence of His Divine Sonship It is good to know that the Christ whom we serve, who took upon Himself our flesh and blood, is also divine. "Behold, then, the won- 5. What does the Bible teach con- derful conjunction of both natures in the cerning the pre-existence of Christ? one Immanuel, who was by His very con- Micah 5:2; 1 Cor. 10:4. stitution an actual temple, 'God with us,' [7 7 the habitation of the Deity—returned and resettling itself with men; and fitted to be what it must also be, a most acceptable sacrifice. For here was met together man that could die, and God that could overcome death."—Howe, Living Temple, part 2, quoted in Life in Christ, by Edward White, page 238. 9. In what act were the divine Fa- ther and Son associated? Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1, 2. NorE.—Evidence for Christ's coexistence with the Father is seen in the act of creation. The Father said: "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." Gen. 1:26. The words us and our are very significant—in- dicating coexistence, co-operation, co-work- ers together in a grand purpose of creating influence, until the world was ripe for the man "in Our image." The first chapter in the coming of the Deliverer. . . . In 'the region Bible reveals the deity of the Son and His and shadow of death,' men sat unsolaced. place as a Person of the Godhead. With longing eyes they looked for the com- ing of the Deliverer."—The Desire of Ages, 10. What announcements regard- pages 32, 33. ing the birth of Jesus give evidence 13. By what name did Jesus often that He is the divine Son of God? refer to Himself? Luke 19:10; John Luke 2:11; Matt. 1:21. 3:14. NoTE.—"Jesus died, not to save man in 14. What was made possible his sins, but from his sins. Man is to leave through Christ's life in human flesh? the error of his ways, to follow the example Heb. 2:14-18. of Christ, to take up his cross and follow Him, denying self, and obeying God at any cost."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 251. NorE.—Through the life of Christ in hu- The Son of God Becomes the man flesh, His death and subsequent resur- rection, reconciliation between man and God Son of Man was brought about. Christ died in order that He might abolish death. Rev. 1:18. The 11. What prophecy foretold the In- resurrection of Jesus made possible the res- carnation of the Son of God? Isa. urrection of the dead. 1 Cor. 15:12-16. 7:14. Compare Matt. 1:23. "In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. 'God so loved the 12. When and how was this proph- world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.' ecy fulfilled, and for what purpose? John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear Gal. 4:4, 5. our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His NoTE.—" 'When the fullness of the time immutable counsel of peace, God gave His was come, God sent forth His Son.' Provi- only-begotten Son to become one of the dence had directed the movements of na- human family, forever to retain His human tions, and the tide of human impulse and nature."—The Desire of Ages, page 25. C 8] Lesson 3, for October 15, 1960 Christ Our Salvation MEMORY VERSE: "For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket ed., pp. 14, 15 (1908 ed., pp. 15-18); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer- ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 29. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 6-8. ❑ Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1-3; Wednesday: Questions 9-12. 0 Memory Verse. ❑ Thursday: Questions 13, 14; read Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from Study Helps. Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: V. Personal Salvation 13. Individual acceptance. Rev. 3:20; I. Concerning Our Salvation 22:17. 1. Its cost to Jesus. 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 14. Individual rejection. Jer. 8:20; 1 Cor. 6:20. Rev. 6:14-17. 2. Results of its neglect. Heb. 2:2, 3; Key Words: 10:28, 29. 3. Its inestimable value. Matt. 16:26. 1. Jesus. The name Jesus was given to the Lord by command of God, who made II. All Heaven Interested in known His will to Joseph in this matter Our Welfare through an angel. Matt. 1:21. The reason for this choice was also stated: "For He 4,5. God; Jesus; Holy Spirit; angels. shall save His people from their sins." This Ezek. 33:11; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; is precisely what the name Jesus means. It • Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14. comes to us from the Hebrew through the Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is Joshua. III. The Need of Salvation This Hebrew name is a compound one based on the verb, to save, to deliver, to set free, 6, 7. All men need salvation. Rom. 3:23 ; and a shortened form of the name Jehovah in 5:12; Jer. 17:9. the Hebrew. 8. All men are helpless to save them- Joshua's name, originally, was Hoshea, selves. Jer. 13:23. meaning salvation, deliverance. It was after- ward changed to Jehoshua, or Joshua. IV. Salvation Provided Isaiah is another form of writingtthe same 9. Through Christ alone. Matt. 1:21; compound name, meaning in that case the Acts 4:12. salvation of Jehovah. 10. Through His Creatorship. Isa. 43:1; 2. Salvation. "Salvation is a free gift, Eph. 2:10. and yet it is to be bought and sold. . . 11. Through His divinity, humanity, and The poorest are as well able as the richest to sinlessness. Heb. 1:8; Matt. 1:23; purchase salvation; for no amount of 1 Peter 2:22. worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained 12. Through His intercession, deliver- by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to ance, and blotting out of sins. Christ as His own purchased possession."- Heb. 7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18. Christ's Object Lessons, pages 116, 117. [9 ] THE LESSON Concerning Our Salvation NoTE.—"I saw that all heaven is inter- ested in our salvation; and shall we be in- 1. Although salvation is a free gift, different? Shall we be careless, as though it what did it cost the Son of God? were a small matter whether we are saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice that has 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20. Compare been made for us? . . . God's Spirit will Isa. 55:1. not always be grieved. It will depart if grieved a little longer. After all has been done that God could do to save men, if they show by their lives that they slight Jesus' 2. What will be the consequences offered mercy, death will be their portion, "if we neglect so great salvation"? and it will be dearly purchased."—Testi- Heb. 2:2, 3; 10:28, 29. monies, vol. 1, p. 124. The Need of Salvation NoTE.—"Because sinners will not accept 6. Why does man need salvation? of the salvation freely offered them, are they Rom. 3:23; 5:12. Compare Ps. 38:4. released from their obligations? Their choos- ing to remain in sin and bold transgression does not lessen their guilt. Jesus paid a price for them, and they belong to Him. They are 7. What is the true condition of the His property; and if they will not yield natural heart? Jer. 17:9. obedience to Him who has given His life for them, but devote their time and strength and talents to the service of Satan, they are NorE.—"Men do not know their own earning their wages, which is death."—Testi- hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all monies, vol. 3, p. 365. things, and desperately wicked.' Jeremiah 17:9. But God understands the tendencies 3. How does the worth of salva- of the depraved nature of man. . . . The tion compare with the riches of the adversary of souls is ever on the alert to world? Matt. 16:26. open channels for the unrestrained flow of evil in us; for he desires that we may be ruined, and be condemned before God."— Patriarchs and Prophets, page 688. NOTE.—"In view of the glorious inherit* ance that may be his, 'what shall a man give 8. By what illustration does the in exchange for his soul?' Matthew 16:26. prophet Jeremiah teach man's inabil- He may be poor, yet he possesses in himself ity to save himself? Jer. 13:23. a wealth and dignity that the world could never bestow."—Steps to Christ, page 126. All Heaven Interested in Our NoTE.—"If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better. How many Welfare there are who think they are not good enough to come to Christ. Do you expect 4. What is God's desire for the hu- to become better through your own efforts? man family? Ezek. 33:11. See also 'Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the 1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 2 Peter 3:9. leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.' Jeremiah 13:23. There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, or for holier tempers. 5. To what extent is heaven inter- We can do nothing of ourselves. We must ested in our salvation? John 3:16; come to Christ just as we are."—Steps to Gal. 1:4; Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14. Christ, page 31. 110] Salvation Provided 9. How and through whom alone has salvation been made possible? Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12. NOTE.—"None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father's love to lost humanity."—Steps to Christ, page 14. "The price of heaven is Jesus. The way to heaven is through faith in 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29."—The Desire of Ages, page 385. 12. What assurance do we have of "Salvation is a substitutionary thing. It full and complete salvation? Heb. is won for sinful men by Another becoming 7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18. their substitute. In the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross He died for the sins of the world."—Charles G. Trumbull, What Is the Gospel? pages 37, 38. NoTE.—God, who wants man restored in His image, freely offers him full salvation. 10. With what is the power of re- He promises to save to the uttermost—that demption associated? Isa. 43:1; Eph. means completely. "If you give yourself to 2:10. Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as NOTE.—Only He who created man has if you had not sinned."—Steps to Christ, power to redeem him. His creative power page 62. and His power to save are linked together "The chain that has been let down from in many scriptures. It is the creative power the throne of God is long enough to reach which transforms the life and makes a new to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift creature out of it. That is what Paul meant the most sinful out of the pit of degradation, when he said: "Therefore if any man be in and to place them where they will be ac- Christ, he is a new creature" (or creation). knowledged as children of God, heirs with 2 Cor. 5:17. Christ to an immortal inheritance."—Testi- monies, vol. 7, p. 229. 11. What three essentials for salva- tion are found in Christ? Heb. 1:8; Matt. 1:23; 1 Peter 2:22. Personal Salvation 13. Although salvation is a free gift from God, what must we do to be NoTE.—This world has produced many saved? Rev. 3:20; 22:17. Compare great men, men of power and influence; but Ezek. 14:20. in Christ, and only in Him, do we find the essentials that make a Saviour. These are His divinity, His humanity, and His sinless life. 14. What sad words will be uttered [ 113 by those who have rejected salvation? meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary. Jer. 8:20; Rev. 6:14-17. They see what they had lost by refusing to be loyal. They think of the high, pure as- sociation it was their privilege to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The wail is heard: 'The harvest is past, the Nora.—"At the day of judgment there summer is ended, and we are not saved.' comes to the lost a full realization of the Jeremiah 8:20."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 16. Lesson 4, for October 22, 1960 Christ Our Righteousness MEMORY VERSE: "And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness." Jer. 23:6. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," 1956 and pocket ed., pp. 61-65 (1908 ed., pp. 66-70); "Christ's Object Lessons," first 5 pages of chapter "Without a Wedding Garment;" "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture ref- erences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 29. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Read Study Helps. ❑ Sunday: Key Word; Questions 1-3; Wednesday: Questions 7-11. ❑ Memory Verse Thursday: Questions 12-14; read Monday: Questions 4-6; read from from Study Helps. ❑ Study Helps. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: I. A Timely Message 8. Our own works worthless. Rom. 9:31, 32; Eph. 2:9; Gal. 2:16. 1. Man has no righteousness. Rom. 9. Our living faith in Christ avails. 3:10; Prov. 21:21. Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1. 2. Christ is called "our Righteousness." 10. Our overcoming the world by faith Jer. 23:6. gives victory. 1 John 5:4. 3. Christ was "made unto us . . . 11. Our walking "after the Spirit" brings righteousness." 1 Cor. 1:30. justification. Rom. 8:1. II. Innocence Lost IV. Christ's Righteousness Fits Us 4. Man's disobedience. Gen. 3:1-10. for Translation 5. Man's sin. Isa. 59:1, 2; 1 John 3:4. 12. It brings us into harmony with 6. Man's consequent condition. God's law:, Ps. 119:14-2 ; Rom. Isa. 64:6. 8:• 4; 3:21: .. •• III. The Way to Righteousness 13:'•It enables tis to attain Perfection. Matt. 5:48; 1 John 3:2: 7. Our own strength unavailing. 14. It gives purity of heart in God's John 15:5; Jer. 13:23. • sight. Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8. [12 3 Key Word: the church it is given 'that she should be Righteousness. "The righteousness of arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,' not Christ consists in right actions and good having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.' works from pure, unselfish motives. Outside Rev. 19:8. The fine linen, says the Scripture, righteousness, while the inward adorning is `is the righteousness of saints.' Eph. 5:27. It wanting, will be of no avail."—Testimonies, is the righteousness of Christ, His own un- vol. 3, p. 528. blemished character, that through faith is "By the wedding garment in the parable imparted to all who receive Him as their is represented the pure, spotless character personal Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons, which Christ's true followers will possess. To page 310. THE LESSON A Timely Message that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the 1. Why is the message of Christ world to come, is found in Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 115. our righteousness so important now? Rom. 3:10; Prov. 21:21. Innocence Lost 4. What caused our first parents to NOTE.—"The people must be instructed lose their original innocence? Gen. that Christ is unto them salvation and right- 3:1-10. Compare Rev. 3:5. eousness. It is Satan's studied purpose to keep souls from believing in Christ as their only hope; for the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in behalf of those only who believe in its merit, and NoTE.—"The white robe of innocence was who present it before the Father as did Abel worn by our first parents when they were in his off ering."—Gospel Workers, page 162. placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in "The message of Christ's righteousness is perfect conformity to the will of God. All to sound from one end of the earth to the the strength of their affections was given to other to prepare the way of the Lord. This their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light, is the glory of God, which closes the work the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. of the third angel."—Testimonies, vol. 6, This robe of light was a symbol of their p. 19. spiritual garments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God it would 2. What name is given to the Lord ever have continued to enshroud them. But by the prophet Jeremiah? Jer. 23:6. when sin entered, they severed their con- nection with God, and the light that had en- circled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for 3. What four things has Christ a covering."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages been made for us?• 1 Cor. 1:30. 310, 311. 5. What is the cause of our separa- tion from God? Isa. 59:1, 2; 1 John NOTE.—"The righteousness of Christ, as a 3:4. Compare Prov. 2 8:9. pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw. In Christ are 'hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' Col. 2:3. He is 'made unto 6. With what does the prophet us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti- Isaiah compare our own righteous- fication, and redemption.' 1 Cor. 1:30. All ness? Isa. 64:6. Compare Zech. 3:1-4. [ 13 ] The Way to Righteousness 7. Why is it impossible for man in his own strength to obtain righteous- ness? John 15:5; Jer. 13:23. NorE.—If man could become righteous through his own strength, then the death of Jesus was not necessary. "It was possible for Adam, before the Fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make our- selves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God."— Steps to Christ, page 62. thought and practice."—Welfare Ministry, 8. What does God's word teach pages 315, 316. concerning the effort to obtain right- 10. Before one can be said to be eousness through our own works or clothed with the righteousness of the works of the law? Rom. 9:31, 32; Christ, over how much must he ob- Eph. 2:9; Gal. 2:16, first part. tain victory? 1 John 5:4. NoTE.—"Not the labors of my hands NoTE.—He must have victory over every Can fulfill Thy law's demands; known sin. Since man lost the robe of Could my zeal no respite know, righteousness through sin, it is logical to Could my tears forever flow, believe that the robe of righteousness is re- All for sin could not atone; gained by forsaking sin and by accepting Thou must save, and Thou the One who has been made unto us right- alone." eousness ; for, "while God can be just, and —Augustus M. Toplady. yet justify the sinner through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the 9. How only can we hope to obtain garments of Christ's righteousness while righteousness? Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1. practicing known sins, or neglecting known Compare James 2:17-19. duties. God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through NoTE.—"If we are faithful in doing our active, living faith that works by love and part, in co-operating with Him, God will purifies the soul."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, work through us [to do] the good pleasure p. 366. of His will. But He cannot work through us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal 11. How does Heaven look upon life, we must work, and work earnestly. the one who is clothed with the right- . . . Let us not be deceived by the oft-re- eousness of Christ? Rom. 8:1. peated assertion, 'All you have to do is to believe.' Faith and works are two oars which we must use equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current NoTE.—"Christ has made a way of escape of unbelief. 'Faith, if it bath not works, is for us. He lived on earth amid trials and dead, being alone.' The Christian is a man of temptations such as we have to meet. He [ 14 ] lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now NoTE.—"God requires perfection of His He offers to take our sins and give us His children. His law is a transcript of His own righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, character, and it is the standard of all char- and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sin- acter. This infinite standard is presented to ful as your life may have been, for His all that there may be no mistake in regard to sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's the kind of people whom God will have to character stands in place of your character, compose His kingdom. The life of Christ and you are accepted before God just as on earth was a perfect expression of God's if you had not sinned."—Steps to Christ, law, and when those who claim to be chil- page 62. dren of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God's command- ments. Then the Lord can trust them to be Christ's Righteousness Fits Us for of the number who shall compose the family Translation of heaven. Clothed in the glorious'apparel of Christ's righteousness, they have a place 12. How is the righteousness of at the King's feast. They have a right to Christ manifested in the individual? join the blood-washed throng."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 315. Ps. 119:142; Rom. 8:4; 3:21. 14. What will fit us to see the glory of God? Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8. NoTE.—"Righteousness is holiness, like- ness to God, and 'God is love.' 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God. . . . Righteousness is love, and love is the light NoTE.—"Only those who are clothed in and the life of God."—Thoughts From the the garments of His righteousness will be able to endure the glory of His presence Mount of Blessing, page 18. when He shall appear with 'power and "He who becomes a partaker of the divine great glory.' "—Sons and Daughters of God, nature will be in harmony with God's great page 368. standard of righteousness, His holy law."— "The righteousness by which we are jus- Christ's Object Lessons, page 314. tified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is 13. What should be the goal of our title to heaven, the second is our fitness every child of God? Matt. 5:48; 1 for heaven."—Messages to Young People, John 3:2. page 35. Lesson 5, for October 29, 1960 The Law of God MEMORY VERSE: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Ps. 119:18. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 27; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of October 13. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ from Study Helps. 0 Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14. Monday: Questions 6-8; read from Thursday: Read Study Helps. Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read [ 16 Lesson Outline: 11. God judges in righteousness. Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31. I. Purpose of the Law 12. The law is the standard of righteous- ness. Ps. 119:172. 1. To reveal the things of God. 13. Men are judged by the law. Ps. 119:18. • James 2:8-12. 2. To outline God's plan for man. 14. The example of Christ. Eccl. 12:13 ; Matt. 22:35-40. John 15:10; Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8. 3. To bring peace and tranquillity. Ps. 119:165; Isa. 48:18. Key Thought: 4. To expose wrongdoing. 1 John 3:4; 5:17. "The law was not spoken at this time ex- 5. To show the love of God among clusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. men. John 13:34; 15:10. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it II. The Law a Revelation of God's was to be held as a sacred trust for the Character whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue 6. It is holy, just, good. Rom. 7:12 ; are adapted to all mankind, and they were Lev. 11:44; Isa. 45:21; Nahum 1:7. given for the instruction and government 7. It is perfect. Ps. 19:7; Matt. 5:48. of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, 8. It is unchangeable. Mal. 3:6; and authoritative, cover the duty of man to Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18. God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental 'principle of III. The Attempt to Change the Law love. 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and 9. Prophesied. Dan. 7:25. with all thy strength, and with all thy 10. Unchanged after the crucifixion. mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' Luke Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14; James 2:10; 10:27. . . . In the Ten Commandments Rev. 14:12 ; 22:14. these principles are carried out in detail, and made applicable to the condition and IV. The Law Is God's Standard circumstances of man."-Patriarchs and in Judgment Prophets, page 305. THE LESSON Purpose of the Law 2. What is man's full duty, and where is it 'revealed? Eccl. 12:13; 1. As the psalmist contemplated the Matt. 22:35-40. law of God, what prayer did he offer for enlightenment? Ps. 119:18. NoTE.-The Ten Commandments were written on two tables of stone. The first NOTE.-The words "Open Thou mine four commandments reveal our duty to God; eyes" are a request; they express a heart the last six our duty to our fellow men. The desire. The psalmist was not blind physi- keeping of the commandments is based upon cally; he prayed for spiritual eyesight that love-love to God and love to our fellow he might see the beauty, the wondrous men. Where love rules supreme, there trans- things in the law. Before one can under- gression of the law is not found. stand the purpose of the law, he must have spiritual eyesight. Blind Helen Keller, shortly 3. What is experienced by those before her sixtieth birthday, expressed pity who obey the law of God? Ps. for the real unseeing-those who have eyes 119:165; Isa. 48:18. Compare 1 Cor. yet do not see. 14:33. [ 16 ] NOTE.—"Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplift- soAlEOUs,v4.00 ing of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension."—The Desire of Ages, page 305. 4. How does the word of God de- fine sin? 1 John 3:4; 5:17. Compare Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 7:7. NoTE.—"The first step in reconciliation to WOULD YOU WANT THE TRAIL MARKERS MOVED? God is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the trans- 4060- gression of the law."By the law is the knowl- edge of sin.' 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test characteristics of God? Rom. 7:12; his character by God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows Lev. 11:44; Isa. 45:21; Nahum 1:7. the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own. The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it promises NoTE.—"The law of God is as sacred as life to the obedient, it declares that death is God Himself. It is a revelation of His _will, the portion of the transgressor. The gospel a transcript of His character, the expression of Christ alone can free him from the con- of divine love and wisdom."—Patriarchs and demnation or the defilment of sin."—The Prophets, page 52. Great Controversy, pages 467, 468. 5. What is the new commandment, 7. What other characteristic of God and what is its relation to the law of is revealed through His law? Ps. 19:7; God? John 13:34; 15:10. See also Matt. 5:48. Deut. 6:4, 5. NoTE.—" The law of the Lord is perfect, NOTE.—The new commandment did not converting the soul.' Psalm 19:7. Without replace the Ten Commandment law. It sup- the law, men have no just conception of the ports the perpetuity of the law of God. Je- purity and holiness of God or of their own sus said: "If ye keep My commandments guilt and uncleanness. They have no true [not commandment1, ye shall abide in My conviction of sin and feel no need of re- love." His love is expressed in the new com- pentance."—The Great Controversy, page mandment: "As I have loved you." If we 468. love as He loved, we will do what He says, Speaking of the perfection of the law, C. namely: "If ye love Me, keep My command- H. Spurgeon said: "Its perfection is a proof ments." John 14:15. of its divinity. No human lawgiver _could have given forth such a law as that which The Law a Revelation of God's we find in the Decalogue. It is a perfect law ; for all human laws that are right are. to ,be Character found in that brief compendium and epit- ome of all that is good and excellent toward 6. What three characteristics of the God, or between man and man."—Sermons, law, mentioned by Paul, are also vol. 2, p. 280. 17 8. What is said of the unchange- cifixion of Jesus? Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14; ableness of God and His law? Mal. James 2:10; Rev. 14:12; 22:14. 3:6; Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18. The Law Is God's Standard in NoTE.—"The law of God, from its very Judgment nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and the character of its Author." —The Great Controversy, page 467. 11. How will God judge all peo- John Wesley wrote: "The moral law, con- ple? Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31. tained in the Ten Commandments, and en- forced by the prophets, He did not take away. It was not the design of His coming to revoke any part of this. . . . Every part 12. What is God's standard of of this law must remain in force upon all righteousness? Ps. 119:172. mankind, and in all ages; as not depending either on time or place, or any other cir- cumstances liable to change, but on the na- ture of God, and the nature of man, and their Nora.—"The law of God is the standard unchangeable relation to each other."— by which the characters and the lives of "Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount," men will be tested in the judgment. Says Discourse 5, in Works, vol. 5, pp. 311, 312. the wise man: 'Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of The Attempt to Change the Law man. For God shall bring every work into judgment.' Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14. The 9. What does Daniel the prophet say apostle James admonishes his brethren: 'So concerning the attempt to change the speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be law of God? Dan. 7:25. judged by the law of liberty' James 2:12." —The Great Controversy, page 482. 13. By what are men judged? James NoTE.—This prophecy has been fulfilled. 2:8-12. In Peter Geiermann's Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, page 50, we read: "Q. Which is the Sabbath day? "A. Saturday is the Sabbath day. 14. What example of Jesus reveals "Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead the attitude the Christian should of Saturday? "A. We observe Sunday instead of Sat- adopt toward God's law? John 15:10; urday because the Catholic Church, in the Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8. Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. "Q. Why did the Catholic Church substi- tute Sunday for Saturday? Non.—"The claim that Christ by His "A. The Church substituted Sunday for death abolished His Father's law is with- Saturday, because Christ rose from the dead out foundation. Had it been possible for on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost descended the law to be changed or set aside, then upon the Apostles on a Sunday. Christ need not have died to save man from "Q. By what authority did the Church the penalty of sin. The death of Christ, substitute Sunday for Saturday? so far from abolishing the law, proves that "A. The Church substituted Sunday for it is immutable. The Son of God came to Saturday by the plenitude of that divine `magnify the law, and make it honorable.' power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon Isaiah 42:21. . . . And concerning Himself her." He declares: 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.' 10. What statements support the Psalm 49:82!—The Great Controversy, continuance of the law after the cru- page 466. [ 18 3 Lesson 6, for November 5, 1960 The Sabbath MEMORY VERSE: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 29; "The Great Controversy," first part of chapter 26; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scrip- ture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of October 20. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Study Helps. ❑ Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5. 0 Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read Monday: Questions 6-8; Memory from Study Helps. 0 Verse. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Lesson Outline: 10. By the apostle Paul. Acts 13:14, 42, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4. I. The Sabbath IV. The Sabbath in the New Earth 1. Its divine origin. Gen. 2:1-3. 11. Observance by all men. Isa. 66:23. 2. It was blessed and sanctified as 12. Blessing for all men. Rev. 22:14. God's rest day. Gen. 2:2, 3. 3. It is a safeguard against evolution. Key Thought: Ex. 20:8-11. 4. It was the seventh day of creation. "God designs that the Sabbath shall di- Ex. 20:10, first part; Luke 23:54. rect the minds of men to the contemplation 5. It was made for man. Mark 2:27; of His created works. Nature speaks to their Isa. 56:2. senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. 'The II. Christ and the Sabbath heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day 6. The Lord's day. Isa. 58:13; unto day uttereth speech, and night unto Mark 2:28. night showeth knowledge.' Psalm 19:1, 2. 7. The day He observed. Luke 4:16. The beauty that clothes the earth is a token 8. The day observed after His resur- of God's love. We may behold it in the ever- rection. Matt. 24:15-20. lasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the open- III. The Sabbath Taught in the ing buds and the delicate flowers. All speak New Testament to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open 9. By the Gospel writers. Matt. 28:1; the great book of nature and trace therein Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-56; the wisdom, the power, and the love of the John 19:31. Creator."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. THE LESSON NoTE.-The Sabbath is the sign of God's The Sabbath creative power. Through Sabbathkeeping we are to remember Him as the true and 1. When and by whom was the the living God, and as the Creator of all Sabbath instituted? Gen. 2:1-3. things. 119 7 "The Sabbath institution, which originated NorE.—The name Jew is said to be de- in Eden, is as old as the world itself. It was rived from the Aramaic form of the word observed by all the patriarchs, from crea- Judah, applied originally to people in south- tion down."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page ern Palestine, then to all the Israelites. The 336. Sabbath was instituted more than two thou- "Like the Sabbath, the week originated at sand years before there was a Jew; there- creation, and it has been preserved and fore it is not a Jewish Sabbath. It was the brought down to us through Bible history." Sabbath established by the Lord. —Ibid., p. 111. "The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole 2. By what three distinctive acts human family. Its observance was to be an was the Sabbath made? Gen. 2:2, 3. act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon the earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly commemo- NoTE.—In instituting the Sabbath the rative, and given to all mankind. There was Lord performed three acts. His first act on nothing in it shadowy or of restricted ap- the seventh day was to rest. Thus the Sab- plication to any people."—Patriarchs and bath became God's rest day. The word sab- Prophets, page 48. bath means "rest." His second act was the placing of His blessing upon the Sabbath. Therefore it became His "blessed" rest day. Christ and the Sabbath His third act was to sanctify the Sabbath. Webster states that "sanctify" means "set 6. By what name is the Sabbath des- apart to a holy or religious use." ignated? Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28. Com- pare Rev. 1:10. 3. In what way is the Sabbath a definite weapon against the teaching of evolution? Ex. 20:8-11. NorE.—"The Lord's day is the seventh day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day that God sanctified and blessed, Christ signified 'by His angel unto His servant NorE.—The Sabbath commandment es- John' things which must come to pass be- tablishes three facts: fore the close of the world's history, and He a. The Creator, "the Lord made." means that we should become intelligent b. Time in creation, "in six days." with regard to them."—Testimonies, vol. c. The things created, "heaven and earth, 6, p. 128. the sea, and all that in them is." 7. In what did Christ set His fol- 4. According to the law, which day lowers a noble example? Luke 4:16. is the true Sabbath? Ex. 20:10, first part; Luke 23:54. NorE.—It was our Saviour's "custom" to attend divine service on the Sabbath. The word custom implies continuous practice. His day is not to be kept in a mechanical NorE.—The crucifixion of Jesus occurred way. We are to enjoy its holy hours and be on the preparation day, the sixth day of the refreshed spiritually as we meditate upon week. The day that followed was the Sab- heavenly things. The Sabbath will be the bath. Since there are only seven days in the happiest day of the week when we follow in week, the day which, follows the sixth must the footsteps of our Master, including the be the Sabbath. custom of attending divine service on "the Sabbath day." 5. For whom was the Sabbath "God saw that a Sabbath was essential made? Mark 2:27; Isa. 56:2. for man, even in Paradise. He needed to [20] 10. How did Paul regard the com- mandment to keep the Sabbath day? Acts 13:14, 42, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4. NOTE.—The book of Acts was written about thirty years after the resurrection of Jesus. It contains the principal historical facts regarding the apostolic Church. The gospel religion taught in Acts exemplified the faith of all the apostles. In it they express their view of the teaching of Christ. Is it not reasonable to believe that if Christ had changed the Sabbath, or commanded that the first day of the week be kept, the apostles would have known about it and WILL YOU JOIN THESE MEN IN KEEPINS THE SABBATH? would have taught it with the same force as they taught baptism and the Lord's Sup- per? But they are silent on this. Not a hint ay aside his own interests and pursuits for is, given anywhere for Sundaykeeping. one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and The Sabbath in the New Earth meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude be- 11. What does the prophet Isaiah cause all that he enjoyed and possessed came say concerning Sabbathkeeping in the from the beneficent hand of the Creator."— earth made new? Isa. 66:23. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. 8. To what event did Jesus refer, in- dicating that the Sabbath should be kept after His ascension? Matt. 24: NoTE.—The redeemed who will inherit the new earth have experienced the new 15-20. birth. They have been obedient to the com- mandments of God, including the fourth. In their restored Eden home they will keep the same Sabbath that was instituted by NOTE.—The flight of God's people took God during the creation week. The prophet place three and one half years before the says: "And it shall come to pass, that from fall of Jerusalem, A.D. 70. A flight in winter one new moon to another, and from one would have meant extreme discomfort and Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to hardship, and an attempt to flee on the worship before Me, saith the Lord." Isa. Sabbath would have met with difficulties. ,66:23. Those who expect to share in the blessing of Sabbathkeeping in the earth The Sabbath Taught in the made new will keep the Sabbath here. Our relation' to the Sabbath must be such that New Testament we shall "call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable." Isa. 58:13. 9. What reference is made to the Sabbath following the crucifixion? 12.. What blessing is- promised to Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54- those who honor God's command- 56; John 19:31. ments? Rev. 22:14. 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. [21l Lesson 7, for November 12, 1960 Obedience MEMORY VERSE: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isa. 1 :1 9. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 61; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of October 27. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 6-8; read from Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Study Helps. Memory Verse. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 9-13. ❑ Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from Thursday: Read Study Helps. • Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 11. It brings delight in doing God's will. Ps. 40:8, first part. I. Obedience Defined and Exemplified 12. It puts God's law in the heart. Ps. 40:8, last part; Rom. 7:22. 1. A service of love. John 15:14. 13. It is rewarded. Isa. 1:19. 2. An example in Christ's life. Phil. 2:8 ; 1 Peter 2:21-23. 3. A sign of latter days is the absence of obedience. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Key Thought: II. Things That Lead to Disobedience "Often the Christian life is beset by dan- gers and duty seems hard to perform. The 4. The desire for popularity. 1 Sam. imagination pictures impending ruin before 15:23, 24; John 12:42, 43. and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice 5. The delay in punishment against of God speaks clearly, 'Go forward.' We evil. Eccl. 8:11. should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we III. Examples That Show How God feel the cold waves about our feet. The Regards Disobedience obstacles that hinder our progress will never 6. Moses. Num. 20:7-12. disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. 7. Nadab and Abihu. Lev. 10:1, 2. Those who defer obedience till every shadow 8. Uzzah. 1 Chron. 13:9, 10. of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey IV. Various Aspects of Obedience at all. Unbelief whispers, 'Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can 9. It is more important than sacrifice. see our way clearly;' but faith courageously Ps. 40:6. urges an advance, hoping all things, believ- 10. It comes to those who hear God's ing all things."—Patriarchs and Prophets, voice. Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15. page 290 [22] THE LESSON Obedience Defined and Exemplified trustful, success made him self-confident. The very first victory of his reign had kindled 1. How does Jesus define true obe- that pride of heart which was his greatest dience? John 15:14. Compare James danger. The valor and military skill dis- 2:23; Gen. 12:1, 4. played in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead had roused the enthusiasm of the whole na- tion. The people honored their king, forget- ting that he was but the agent by whom God NorE.—"Obedience is not a mere outward had wrought; and though at first Saul compliance, but the service of love." "We ascribed the glory to God, he afterward took do not earn salvation by our obedience; honor to himself. He lost sight of his de- for salvation is the free gift of God, to be pendence upon God, and in heart departed received by faith. But obedience is the fruit from the Lord."—Patriarchs and Prophets, of faith."—Steps to Christ, pages 60, 61. pages 630-633. 5. What emboldens some men to 2. What example of obedience did be disobedient? Eccl. 8:11. Christ set for us? Phil. 2:8; 1 Peter 2:2 1-23. Examples That Show How God NoTE.—Christ is our only true example Regards Disobedience in obedience. We are admonished to "fol- low His steps." Example is more forceful 6. What kept Moses from entering than precept. It is one thing to tell others the Promised Land? Num. 20:7-12. what to do, and another to do it ourselves. If all the world accepted Christ as an ex- ample, and followed in His footsteps, there would be no more confusion in doctrine or 7. What seemingly slight violation hypocrisy in living. caused the death of Nadab and 3. In what ways is the spirit of dis- Abihu? Lev. 10:1, 2. obedience manifested in the last days? 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Compare 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Isa. 24:3-6, 20; James 5:1-7. 8. Why was God's anger kindled against Uzzah? 1 Chron. 13:9, 10. Things That Lead to Disobedience NoTE.—"The Philistines, who had not a 4. What led Saul to disobey the knowledge of God's law, had placed the ark voice of God? 1 Sam. 15:23, 24. Com- upon a cart when they returned it to Israel, pare John 12:42, 43. and the Lord accepted the effort which they made. But the Israelites had in their hands a plain statement of the will of God in all these matters, and their neglect of these in- Nom—Saul wanted to be popular with structions was dishonoring to God. Upon the people. He did not want to jeopardize Uzzah rested the greater guilt of presump- his standing as king. His true self is re- tion. Transgression of God's law had les- vealed by the messenger of God, who wrote: sened his sense of its sacredness, and with "Saul's disobedience changed his relation to unconfessed sins upon him he had, in face God. . . . But Saul presumed upon his ex- of the divine prohibition, presumed to touch altation, and dishonored God by unbelief the symbol of God's presence. God can ac- and disobedience. Though when first called cept no partial obedience, no lax way of to the throne he was humble and self-dis- treating His commandments. By the judg- [ 23 God's voice? Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15. 11. In what is true obedience re- vealed? Ps. 40:8, first part. NoTE.—God does not want a forced obe- dience. Obedience is the outgrowth of love. Love is the motive power of true obedience. "The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their per- fect accord with its great principles of right- eousness. God desires from all His creatures GOD STILL REQUIRES OBEDIENCE. the service of love—service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to went upon Uzzah He designed to impress all He grants freedom of will, that they may upon all Israel the importance of giving render Him voluntary service."—Patriarchs strict heed to His requirements."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 34. and Prophets, page 706. 12. What attitude does the Chris- Various Aspects of Obedience tian take toward the law of God? Ps. 40:8, last part; Rom. 7:22. Compare 9. What does the psalmist say con- Heb. 8:10. cerning the importance of obedience, in contrast to forms and ceremonies? Ps. 40:6. Compare 1 Sam. 15:22, 23. NOTE.—As long as the law is in the heart, purity of life will be manifested; obedience will be supreme. As long as the law is only Nom—The fortieth psalm contains a in the Bible or on tables of stone, we shall prophecy of Jesus. It reveals His attitude not delight in it. toward •obedience. Four statements con- cerning Christ clearly set forth the various 13. What promises are made to the aspects of obedience. Sacrifices and offer- obedient? Isa. 1:19. ings are essential, but God emphasizes that there is something deeper, something better, than mere external things. He looks into the heart. Forms and ceremonies mean lit- tle unless they are inspired" by an obedient NOTE.—"For nations as well as for in- life. Amos 5:21-27. dividuals, the path of obedience to God is the path of safety and happiness, while that 10. What part does the sense of , of transgression leads only to disaster and hearing play in man's obedience to defeat."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 591. THIRTEENTH SABBATH FALLS ON DECEMBER 24. PLAN NOW TO GIVE A REAL CHRISTMAS THANK OFFERING FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF BLESS- INGS. LET US GIVE TO INTER-AMERICA THE LARGEST OVERFLOW ANY FIELD HAS EVER RECEIVED. [ 24] Lesson 8, for November 19, 1960 The New Birth MEMORY VERSE:: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 167-177; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 3. DAILY STUDY . ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Wednesday: Read from Study Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Helps. 0 Memory Verse. Thursday: Questions 12-14; read Monday: Questions 4-9. from Study Helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; read Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 from Study Helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: IV. Evidences of the New Birth I. The Importance of the New Birth 12. The surrendered will. Luke 22:42, 1. It was emphasized by Jesus. last part. John 3:3, 5. 13. The mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5; 2. k is needed by all. Rom. 3:23; 1 Cor. 2:16. 5:12, last part. 14. The humble spirit. Matt. 11:29, 3. It is man's only hope. Eph. 2:12. last part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8. II. An Old and New Testament Key Thought: Doctrine "The change of heart by which we be- 4. David's penitent cry. Ps. 51:7-10. come children of God is in the Bible spoken 5. Ezekiel's prophecy and promise. of as birth. Again, it is compared to the Ezek. 36:25-27.; 11:19, 20. germination of the good seed sown by the 6. Joel's appeal. Joel 2:12, 13. • husbandman. In like manner those who 7. John's declaration on birth in are just converted to Christ are, as 'new- Christ. 1 John 2:29; 3:9. born babes,' to 'grow up' to the stature of 8. Paul's statement on the new creation. men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2 Cor. 5:17. 2:2; Ephesians 4:15. Or like the good seed 9. Peter and James on the new birth. sown in the field, they are to grow up and 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18. bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall 'be called trees of righteousness, the III. Illustrations of the New Birth - planting of the Lord, that He might be 10. Parallel drawn from the wind.. glorified.' Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life, John 3:7,8. illustrations are drawn, to help us better to 11. Example drawn from life. understand the mysterious truths of spiritual Luke 19:1-9. life."-Steps to Christ, page 67. THE LESSON The, Importance of the New Birth NOTE.-"The power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind 1. What alone will qualify one to that all must experience who would partake enter the kingdom of God? John with Him of the new life in the kingdom of 3:3, 5. heaven. 'Except a man be born again,' the [25 ] Saviour has said, 'be cannot see the kingdom of God.' John 3:3. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit."—Testi- monies, vol. 9, p. 156. 2. Why do all need the new birth? Rom. 3:23; 5:12, last part. 3. What is the condition of the one who has not experienced the new birth? Eph. 2:12. Compare Luke 18:13. THE INVISIBLE WIND PRODUCES VISIBLE RESULTS., SO WITH THE SPIRIT. 4060-8 NoTE.—"There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony 7. What is John's testimony con- with God; they are vainly striving to obtain cerning those who have experienced it. In despair they cry, '0 wretched man the new birth? 1 John 2:29; 3:9. that I am ! who shall deliver me from this body of death ?' Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of 8. By what is the life of the one His blood, saying with inexpressible tender- ness and pity, 'Wilt thou be made whole ?' who is truly converted known? He bids you arise in health and peace. Do 2 Cor. 5:17. not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you NOTE.-" `If any man be in Christ, he is will receive strength."—The Desire of Ages, a new creature: old things are passed away; page 203. behold, all things are become new:' 2 Co- rinthians 5:17. Through the power of Christ, An Old and New Testament men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfish- Doctrine ness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls 4. How did the psalmist express that have borne the likeness of Satan have his earnest desire for a change of life become transformed into the image of God. and heart? Ps. 51:7-10. This change is in itself the miracle of mira- cles."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 476. 9. By what means is the new birth 5. What does the Lord say about brought about? 1 Peter 1:23; James this experience? Ezek. 36:2 5-27; 1:18. 11:19, 20. Illustrations of the New Birth 6. What appeal for genuine repent- ance is made by God through the 10. How did Jesus illustrate the prophet Joel? Joel 2:12, 13. new birth? John 3:7, 8. t 26] NOTE.—The new birth cannot be ex- Evidences of the New Birth plained; it must be experienced. This was taught very forcibly by Jesus when He 12. When one has experienced the talked to Nicodemus and said that no one new birth, what will he be willing to could see the kingdom of God without be- say? Luke 22:42, last part. ing born again. Nicodemus was perplexed when Jesus used the wind to illustrate the working of the Spirit upon the life. Concern- ing this we read: "The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves NorE.—When conversion takes place, self and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man will be fully surrendered to God. Those who knows whence it comes or whither it goes. are born again will always say: So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon "Have Thine own way, Lord! Have the heart. It can no more be explained than Thine own way ! can the movements of the wind. A person Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. may not be able to tell the exact time or Mold me and make me after Thy will, place, or to trace all the circumstances in While I am waiting, yielded and still." the process of conversion; but this does not —A. A. Pollard. prove him to be unconverted. By an agency 13.' What does the one who is con- as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, verted possess and reveal? Phil. 2:5; perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, im- 1 Cor. 2:16. pressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through read- ing the Scriptures, or through hearing the NorE.—"The Spirit of God through faith word from the living preacher. Suddenly, produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, and desires are brought into obedience to the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are By many this is called sudden conversion; created anew in the image of Him who works but it is the result of long wooing by the in us to subdue all things to Himself."—The Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted proc- Desire of Ages, page 176. ess."—The Desire of Ages, page 172. 14. What admirable condition is 11. When Zacchaeus was truly con- revealed in the life of the one who verted, what did it lead him to do? has been born again? Matt. 11:29, Luke 19:1-9. last part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8. Lesson 9, for November 26, 1960 Baptism MEMORY VERSE: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3:27. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 11; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 10. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Study Helps. 0 Sunday: Key Word; Questions 1-4. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14'. 0 Monday: Questions 5-7; read from Thursday: Read Study Helps. Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from [27 1 Lesson Outline: 9. It was not by sprinkling. John 3:23. 10. It was by immersion. Acts 8:38, 39; I. The Importance of Baptism Matt. 3:16. 1. The example of Jesus. Matt. IV. Life After Baptism 3:13-15. 2. The testimony of the Gospel writers. 11. A newness of life. Rom. 6:4, last Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke part; Gal. 2:20. • 7:29, 30; John 3:5. 12. A fuller acceptance of Christ. 3. The church purified and united by it. Gal. 3:27. Matt. 3:11; Eph. 4:5. 13. A search for higher things. Col. 3:1. 4. The entrance to church membership. 14. A greater testing. Matt. 4:1-10; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13. Luke 4:13. II. Requirements for Baptism Key Word: 5. Instruction. Matt. 28:19, first part; Acts 8:35. Baptism. When Paul wrote, "We are 6. Faith. Mark 16:16, first part; buried with Him by baptism" (Rom. 6:4), Acts 8:36, 37. he used the Greek noun baptisma, "consist- 7. Repentance, conversion, confession ing of the processes of immersion, submer- of sin. Acts 2:37, 38. sion, and emergence."-W. E. Vine, Exposi- III. Significance of Baptism tory Dictionary of New Testament Words, art. "Baptism," vol. 1, p. 96. 8. It commemorates Christ's death. Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12. THE LESSON The Importance of Baptism 4. With what condition must all comply in order to enjoy full church 1. In what act did the Saviour set membership? 1 Cor. 12:12, 13. an example for His followers at the threshold of the Christian life? Matt. 3:13-15. NOTE.-"Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with NOTE.-"Jesus did not receive baptism as which all must comply who wish to be a confession of guilt on His own account. acknowledged as under the authority of the He identified Himself with sinners, taking Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before the steps that we are to take, and doing the man can find a home in the church, before work that we must do. His life of suffering passing the threshold of God's spiritual and patient endurance` after His baptism was kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the also an example to us."-The Desire of Ages, divine name, 'The Lord our Righteousness.' page 111. Jeremiah 23:6."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91. 2. How do the Gospel writers ex- Requirements for Baptism press the importance of baptism? 5. What is the , first requirement Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke for baptism? Matt. 28:19, first part; 7:29, 30; John 3:5. Acts 8:35. 3. In what way does baptism purify NoTE.-"Baptism is a most solemn re- and unify the church? Matt. 3:11; nunciation of the world. Those who are Eph. 4:5. baptized in the threefold name of the Father, [28] NOTE.—"This passage [Rom. 6:4] cannot be understood unless it be borne in mind that the primitive baptism was by immer- sion."—Conybeare and Howson, Life and Epistles of Saint Paul, comment on Rom. 6:4, 1906 ed., p. 557. 9. What statement of John indi- cates that the mode of baptism cannot be sprinkling? John 3:23. 10. What other experiences teach that the mode of baptism is immer- sion? Acts 8:38, 39; Matt. 3:16. BAPTISM SYMBOLIZES DEATH AND RESURRECTION. 4060-9 Life After Baptism the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very 11. How is the life after baptism entrance of their Christian life declare pub- designated? Rom. 6:4, last part; Gal. licly that they have forsaken the service of 2:20. Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and NorE.—The words "newness of life" sug- touch not the unclean thing.' And to them is gest that the life previous to baptism was fulfilled the promise: 'I will receive you, and the old life. The same apostle who describes will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be the new life also reveals the characteristics My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al- of the old. The old man is to be buried in mighty."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91. baptism. The new represents the converted man. On this new life G. G. Findlay writes: 6. What condition of heart must "The baptism of the Galatians signalized precede baptism? Mark 16:16, first their entrance 'into Christ,' the union of their part; Acts 8:36, 37. souls with the dying, risen Lord. They were `baptized,' as Paul phrases it elsewhere, 'into His death,' to 'walk' henceforth with Him `in newness of life.' By its very form—the 7. What other evidence of fitness normal and most expressive form of primi- for baptism was given on the Day of tive baptism, descent into and rising from the symbolic waters—it pictured the soul's Pentecost? Acts 2:37, 38• death with Christ, its burial and its resur- rection in Him, its separation from the life of sin and entrance upon the new career of a regenerated child of God."—George G. NorE.—True repentance leads to conver- Findlay, in The Expositor's Bible, comment sion and confession of sin. The prerequisites on Gal. 3:27. to baptism—instruction, faith, repentance, and conversion—cannot be experienced by a 12. How is the life after baptism young child. The Bible is silent concerning infant baptism. further described? Gal. 3:27. Significance of Baptism - NorE.—The text makes it clear that Paul 8. What does baptism commemo- speaks of the life after baptism. The putting rate? Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12. on of Christ is an experience that comes to [ 29 1 us through faith. The expressions: "faith in value; they will endure. In our spiritual Christ" (verse 26), "baptized into Christ," experience we are to "mount up with wings and "put on Christ," are closely associated; as eagles." Isa. 40:31. We are to live in the they are synonymous expressions. Of these heavenly atmosphere. We must continue to three expressions someone has said: "The "seek those things which are above" until first is the spiritual principle, the ground or we reach our eternal goal—heaven itself. element of the new life; the second, its visible attestation; and the third indicates the char- 14. What experience should those acter and habit proper thereto." who follow their Master in baptism be prepared to meet?. Matt. 4:1-10; 13. After baptism what will the Luke 4:13. true child of God seek? Col. 3:1. NorE.—It was after Christ's baptism that NoTE.—The life after baptism turns its Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, but seeking heavenward ; it seeks "those things the enemy was defeated in every attempt. which are above." Heavenly things satisfy The secret of Christ's success must be ours. the longing- of the heart; they are of eternal It is found in three words: "It is written." Lesson 10, for December 3, 1960 The Second Coming of Jesus MEMORY VERSE: "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22:20. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 69; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 17. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Read from Study Helps. Sunday: Key Words; Questions 1,2; Wednesday: Questions 8-13. 0 Memory Verse. ❑ Thursday: Read Study Helps. Monday: Questions 3-7. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: b. Job. Job 19:25, 26. c. David. Ps. 50:3. I. The Certainty of His Coming d. Isaiah. Isa. 40:10. 4. Testimony of Gospel writers. 1. Our assurance is based on Christ's. Matt. 24:30-; Mark 13:26, 27; promise. John 14:1-3. Luke 21:27. 2. The second coming is as certain as 5, 6. Testimony of apostles. 2 Peter was the first advent. Heb. 9:27, 28. 1:16-19; Titus 2:13. II. The Doctrine in the Old and 7. The angels' proclamation. Acts 1:11. New Testaments 111. The Nearness of His Coming 3. Testimony of Old Testament char- 8. The disciples' question. Matt. 24:3. acters: 9. The Saviour's answer. Matt. 24:23, a. Enoch.. Jude 14, 15. 24, 27, 37-39. 30 10. The celestial signs. Luke 21:25-28. "It was said in the Jewish schools that an 11. The signs in the church. 1 Tim. 4:1. oral law had been given on Sinai, and that 12. The gospel to all the world. this law, a succession of teachers, from the Matt. 24:14. time of Moses, had handed down. This 'law that is upon the lip,' as it was termed, was further illustrated and enlarged by the say- Key Words: ings and comments of the more famous 1. Coming. The early Christians used a Jewish rabbis, and in the time of our Lord word, parousia, as a term to denote their constituted a supplement to the written law Master's return. It was contrasted with an- in the Pentateuch. For centuries this supple- other word rendered "absence." Technically, mentary code was preserved by memory or parousia meant the presence of someone in secret rolls, and doubtless was constantly standing by. receiving additions. It contained, along with "In bodily form, He is now absent in many wild and improbable legendary his- heaven: on that day [the parousia] He will tories, some wise teachings. This strange be visibly present on earth."—J. Agar Beet, collection of tradition and comment was Manual of Theology, page 458. committed to writing in the second century by Rabbi Jehuda, under the general name 2. Fables. In 1 Timothy 1:4, as in other of the Mishna, or repetition (of the law)." scriptures, reference is made to fables, which —Ellicott, Commentary, on 1 Timothy 1:4. can refer to any oral sayings handed down There were many other oral traditions, from the past. There was a large body of which often served to becloud the truths rabbinical fables. taught by Jesus. See Matthew 15:3. THE LESSON The Certainty of His Coming NOTE.—The first advent of Christ makes the second advent necessary. If the second 1. What promise did Jesus make coming of the Lord did not take place, His regarding His return? John 14:1-3. first appearing would be of no avail. Paul wrote: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many." This is a historical fact; He was here; He was the offering that was NorE.—The words "I will come again" made in our behalf for our sins. Therefore were spoken at a time when the hearts of Paul continues: "And unto them that look God's children were troubled. That is why for Him shall He appear the second time." the Lord began by saying: "Let not your heart be troubled." The disciples tried to The Doctrine in the Old and understand what might happen to them New Testaments should the Master leave them. To bring hope, cheer, comfort, and an undying faith 3. What testimonies are given by into their lives, He promised that He would Old Testament characters regarding come again. How sweet the words sounded, the coming of the Lord? Jude 14, 15; "And if I go and prepare a place for you, Job 19:25, 26; Ps. 50:3; Isa. 40:10. I will come again." This promise not only belonged to the disciples then, it is a real inspiration to God's people today who are looking forward to His appearing. God's 4. How did the Gospel writers re- promises will not fail. The coming of Jesus is mentioned more than fifteen hundred times gard the Saviour's great prophecy of in His word, and more than three hundred His return? Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26, times in the New Testament. What an em- 27; Luke 21:27. phasis on His coming ! 2. What two points does Paul stress in assuring us of the second coming 5. What experience is mentioned of Christ? Heb. 9:27, 28. by Peter that lifts the doctrine of 811 His strength is in the heavens.' Psalm 68:32- 34, margin. • . "The promise of Christ's second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 32, 33. The Nearness of His Coming 8. With what important event were the disciples concerned, and what question did they ask the Mas- ter? Matt. 24:3. 9. What are some of the omens of the soon return of the Saviour? Matt. Christ's advent above the false teach- 24:23, 24, 27, 37-39. ings of men? 2 Peter 1:16-19. NoTE.—"As the people of Noah's day 6. What is the coming of Jesus `knew not until the Flood came, and took called? Titus 2:13. them all away; so,' in the words of our Saviour, `shall also the coming of the Son of man be.' Matthew 24:39. When the pro- fessed people of God are uniting with the NoTE.—"The coming of the Lord has been world, living as they live, and joining with in all ages the hope of His true followers. them in forbidden pleasures; when the lux- The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, ury of the world becomes the luxury of the that He would come again, lighted up the church; when the marriage bells are chim- future for His disciples, filling their hearts ing, and all are looking forward to many with joy and hope that sorrow could not years of worldly prosperity—then, suddenly quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and as the lightning flashes from the heavens, persecution, the `appearing of the great God will come the end of their bright visions and and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the delusive hopes."—The Great Controversy, `blessed hope.' "—The Great Controversy, pages 338, 339. page 302. 10. What specific events seen in 7. At the time of Christ's ascension, earth and sky reveal the nearness of what promise did the angels make to the second coming of the Lord? Luke the disciples? Acts 1:11. 21:25-28. NoTE.—"While the disciples were gazing 11. How did Paul describe the con- upward to catch the last glimpse of their ditions that would prevail just prior ascending Lord, He was received into the to the second coming of Jesus? rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these 1 Tim. 4:1. angels escorted Him to the courts above, they sang in triumph, 'Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; 0 sing praises unto the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the heav- 12. What great task confronts the ens of heavens. . . . Ascribe ye strength people of God before the coming of unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and the Lord? Matt. 24:14. 821 Lesson 11, for December 10, 1960 Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming MEMORY VERSE: "And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 640-644 (large subscription ed., pp. 631-635); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture ref- erences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 24. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Wednesday: Questions 7-12. ❑ Memory Verse. ❑ Thursday: Questions 13, 14; Monday: Questions 4-6; read from read from Study Helps. ❑ Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: 9. The angels' assurance of a personal return. Acts 1:11. I. False Ideas Concerning His Coming 10. The warning against secret appear- ings. Matt. 24:23-26. 1. The warning against deception. 11. The appearance like lightning. Matt. 24:4, 5, 24. Matt. 24:27. 2. The crowning act of deception. 12. The threefold glory of His appear- 2 Cor. 11:14. ing. Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26. 3. The deceived. 2 Thess. 2:10-12. IV. The Purpose of Christ's Return II. Specific Errors Concerning the 13. To gather the elect. Matt. 24:31. Second Advent 14. To bestow salvation. Heb. 9:28. 4. That it took place at the resurrec- tion. Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; Key Thought: Rev. 1:7. "Satan can present a counterfeit so closely 5. That it takes place at conversion. resembling the truth that it deceives those Matt. 24:30. who are willing to be deceived, who desire 6. That it takes place, at death. John to shun the self-denial and sacrifice de- 21:21-23. manded by the truth; but it is impossible III. Christ's Coming Is Personal and for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to Visible know the truth. Christ is the truth and the 7. Promise of Jesus to come in person. 'light, which lighteth every man that cometh John 14:3. into the world.' John 1:9. The Spirit of 8. "The Lord Himself shall descend." truth has been sent to guide men into all 1 Thess. 4:16. truth."-The Great Controversy, page 528. THE LESSON False Ideas Concerning His Coming NOTE.-"Evil spirits will be put upon the track of every soul that seeks to join the 1. What did Jesus say would be ranks of Christ, for Satan wishes to recover one of the deceptions of the latter the prey taken from his grasp. Evil men times? Matt. 24:4, 5, 24. will give themselves over to believe strong [ 33 3 delusions, that they may be damned. These men will put on the garments of sincerity and deceive, if possible, the very elect."— Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 595. 2. Before the end of time, how will Satan himself attempt to deceive the people? 2 Cor. 11:14. NOTE.—"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will per- sonate Christ. The church has long pro- fessed to look to the Saviour's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE; CHRIST WITH come. In different parts of the earth, Satan HIS ANGELS WILL BE SEEN BY ALL. ' will manifest himself among men as a ma- jestic being of dazzling brightness, resem- bling the description of the Son of God given Specific Errors Concerning the by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13- Second Advent 15. The glory that surrounds him is un- surpassed by anything that mortal eyes have 4. Why cannot the resurrection of yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out Jesus represent His second coming? upon the air: 'Christ has come!Christ has come !' The people prostrate themselves in Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; Rev. 1:7. adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. . . . But the people of NOTE.—When Christ came forth from the God will not be misled. The teachings of tomb, only a few saw Him. When He comes this false christ are not in accordance with the second time, "every eye shall see Him." the Scriptures."—The Great Controversy, The two events are entirely separate. The pages 624, 625. first has already taken place; the second takes place after the gospel has been preached or proclaimed to every nation, tongue, and 3. What four experiences does people. Matt. 24:14. Paul note in the lives of those who will be deceived? 2 Thess. 2:10-12. 5. Why cannot conversion represent the second coming of Christ? Matt. 24:30. NoTE.—It is important that we not only know the manner of Christ's coming but that NoTE.—There are those who believe that we have the right attitude toward this great the second coming of Jesus takes place at event. Satan will do his utmost to deceive the time of conversion, but this is not based even the very elect. Paul earmarks those upon a "Thus saith the Lord." When one who are or who will be deceived. He tells experiences the new birth, Christ comes and us that they will be known by the following: dwells in the heart by His Holy Spirit; but They (1) "received not the love of the this is not His second coming. truth," (2) "believe a lie," (3) "believed not the truth," (4) "had pleasure in unrighteous- ness." 6. What experience indicates that When we rely upon the word of God, ac- the disciples did not believe that cept its teaching, and live in harmony with death is the second coming of Jesus? it, we need not fear deception. John 21:21-23. [34] NoTE.—It is evident that the disciples re- Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Be- garded death and the coming of Christ as hold, He is in the desert; go not forth: be- two distinct or separate events. hold, He is in the secret chambers; believe "The teaching so widely echoed from it not.'"—The Great Controversy, page 625. popular pulpits, that the second advent of Christ is His coming to each individual at 11. In what striking manner is the death, is a device to divert the minds of men visible coming of the Lord described from His personal coming in the clouds of in the word of God? Matt. 24:27. heaven. For years Satan has thus been saying, 'Behold, He is in the secret chambers' (Matthew 24:23-26) ; and many souls have been lost by accepting this deception."—The Great Controversy, page 525. 12. In what glory will the Saviour appear? Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26. Christ's Coming Is Personal and Compare Dan. 7:9; Pi. 50:3; Ezek. Visible 1:13, 14. 7. What did Jesus promise concern- ing His second coming? John 14:3. NoTE.—The glory that surrounds Christ when He appears the second time is inde- scribable. We read: "No human pen can 8. What does the apostle Paul say portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade- about the personal coming of the quate to conceive its splendor. 'His glory Lord? 1 Thess. 4:16. covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.' Habakkuk 3:3, 4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the 9. What assurance was given by Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars the angels at the time of the ascension that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance out- of Jesus? Acts 1:11. shines the dazzling brightness of the noon- day sun."—The Great Controversy, page 641. NOTE.-"It was the compassionate Sav- iour, who, anticipating the loneliness and sor- The Purpose of Christ's Return row of His followers, commissioned angels to comfort them with the assurance that He 13. What will the angels do when would come again in person, even as He went they appear with Christ in glory? into heaven."—The Great Controversy, Matt. 24:31. Compare Isa. 43:5, 6. page 339. 10. What warning did Jesus give concerning the teaching of a secret • 14. What will the people of God coming? Matt. 24:23-26. then receive? Heb. 9:28. NoTE.—"Satan is not permitted to coun- terfeit the manner of Christ's advent. The NoTE.—"In the typical service the high Saviour has warned His people against de- priest, having made the atonement for ception upon this point, and has clearly Israel, came forth and blessed the congre- foretold the manner of His second coming. gation. So Christ, at the close of His work `There shall arise false christs, and false as mediator, will appear, 'without sin unto prophets, and shall show great signs and salvation' (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His wait- wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, ing people with eternal life."—The Great they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Controversy, page 485. [ 35 Lesson 12, for December 17, 1960 Immortality Through Christ MEMORY VERSE: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." I John 5:12. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 58, 531-534 (large subscription ed., pp. 42, 43, 525-528); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 1. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-10. ❑ Sunday: Key Words; Background Wednesday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Information; Questions 1-3. Thursday: Questions 11-13; read • Monday: Questions 4-6; Memory from Study Helps. ❑ Verse. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: Key Words: "Soul. The Hebrew word, nephesh, of I. Man's Creation and Nature the Old Testament, occurs about 700 times, 1. Created by God. Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7. and is rendered soul 471 times; life and liv- 2. Perfect. Gen. 1:31. ing, about 150 times; and the same word is 3. Wonderfully made. Ps. 139:14. also rendered a man, a person, self, they, me, him, any one, breath, heart, mind, appetite, the body, (dead or alive,) lust, creature, and II. Immortality even a beast; for it is 28 times applied to beasts and to every creeping thing. The 4. God alone possesses immortality. Greek word psuchee of the New Testament, 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17. corresponds with nephesh of the Old. It oc- 5. Man may receive it. Rom. 2:7. curs 105 times, and is rendered soul 59 times, 6. Man believed Satan's lie. Gen. 3:4. and life 40 times. The same word is also rendered, mind, us, you, heart, heartily, and III. Man's True Condition in Death is twice applied to the beasts that perish. . . . Perhaps it may be worthy of notice, 7. He has returned to dust. Eccl. 3:19, that in all the 700 times which nephesh oc- 20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19. curs, and the 105 times of psuchee, not once .8. His thoughts have perished. is the word immortal, or immortality, or Ps. 146:3, 4; 6:5; Eccl. 9:5, 6. deathless, or never-dying, found in connec- 9. He is unconscious. John 11:11; tion, as qualifying the terms. . . 1 Cor. 15:51. "Spirit. The Hebrew word ruach, oc- IV. Immortal Life curs 400 times in the Old Testament, and is rendered spirit 240 times; breath 28 times; 10. It is found only in Christ. John wind 95 times; mind 6 times, and the bal- 10:15, 17, 18; 2 Tim. 1:10. ance in 18 different ways. . . . Like the 11. The mortal puts on immortality. word psuchee, neither ruach nor pneuma is 1 Cor. 15:51-55. even once connected with words which in- • 12. It is received at the resurrection of dicate that it is deathless, never-dying, or the righteous. Ps. 17:15; 1 Thess. immortal."—Wilson, Emphatic Diaglott, 4:15-17. 1870 edition, Alphabetical Appendix. 36 Background Information trine, the immortality of the soul, paved the way for the teachings of spiritism, or spirit-! Belief in the natural immortality of the ualism, which is defined as "belief that de- soul led to the deification and worship of parted spirits hold intercourse with mortals the dead. This was customary among the by means of physical phenomena, as by rap- peoples of antiquity,—Egyptians, Assyrians, ping, or during abnormal mental states, as Babylonians, Phoenicians, Greeks,—in fact, in trances, commonly manifested through a among all except those who worshiped the medium; the practices of spiritualists."— true God. More than that, this false doc- Webster, New Collegiate Dictionary. THE LESSON Man's Creation and Nature gratitude."—Alexander Maclaren, D.D., in Expositor's Bible, comment on Psalm 139: 1. Who was the Creator of man, 13-18. and how was man made? Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7. Compare Ps. 103:14. Immortality 4. Who only possesses inherent im- mortality? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17. 2. In what condition was man when he came forth from the hands of his Maker? Gen. 1:31. Compare NoTE.—The word "immortal" is defined Eccl. 7:29. by Webster as "exempt from liability to die." God is the only being who possesses original life or immortality in Himself. All others must receive it from Him. NoTE.—"In the creation of man was mani- fest the agency of a personal God. When 5. What is one condition of man's God had made man in His image, the hu- receiving immortality? Rom. 2i7. man form was perfect in all its arrange- ments, but it was without life. Then a per- sonal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became NOTE.-"If we do not strive to gain an a living, breathing, intelligent being. All entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek parts of the human organism were put earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws, in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, we are not fitted for a part in it."—Christ's the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, Object Lessons, page 280. the perceptions of the mind—all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man 6. What has been the basis of the became a living soul. Through Jesus Christ false teaching concerning the immor- a personal God created man and endowed tality of the soul? Gen. 3:4. him with intelligence and power."—Testi- monies, vol. 8, p. 264. 3. As David considered the miracle NoTE.—The first lie ever recorded came of his own creation, what was he led from the enemy of all truth. This lie is ex- to exclaim? Ps. 139:14. pressed in five words: "Ye shall not surely die." These words form the foundation upon which the theory of the immortality of man is based—a poor foundation to build upon. NoTE.—"The psalmist cannot contemplate Among ancient peoples in general there his own frame, God's workmanship, with- was some form of belief in survival after out breaking into thanks, nor without being death, just as there was an equally wide- touched with awe. Every man carries in spread tradition of a universal flood. The his own body reasons enough for reverent first had its Origin in the satanic lie, "Ye shall [ 37 ] Christ? John 10:15, 17, 18; 2 Tim. 1:10. NOTE.—Jesus laid down His life, but He was the "Prince of life." Acts 3:15. Because He was sinless and holy He came forth from the tomb. Rom. 1:4. As He was the Author of eternal salvation, so He was "the Author of the resurrection," and because Jesus was the Conqueror of the grave "He . . . as- serted His right and power to give eternal life" to all who trust in Him. See The De- sire of Ages, page 530. He delivered us from wrath by His death, and brought to us IF MEN ARE IMMORTAL. CHRIST NEED NOT HAVE,' immortality through His own divine life. BURST THE TOMB. 11. What change will take place not surely die;" the second, in the historical when "death is swallowed up in vic- fact of the Flood. tory"? 1 Cor. 15:51-55. "Herodotus reports (bk. ii, 123) that the Egyptians 'were the first who taught that man's soul is immortal.' "—J. Agar Beet, The Immortality of the Soul, page 15. Man's True Condition in Death NOTE.—"When, at Christ's coming, the amazing transformation from mortal to im- mortal has taken place, both of the righteous 7. What happens to man when he dead and the righteous living, then man's dies? Eccl. 3:19, 20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19. great enemy will no longer trouble the re- deemed. The last thought that occupied their minds as the shadow of death overtook the saints was that of approaching sleep, their last feeling was that of the pain of 8. What is the state of man in death. As they see that Christ has come and death? Ps. 146:3, 4; 6:5; Eccl. 9:5, 6. conferred on them the gift of immortality, their first sensation will be one of great re- joicing that never again will they succumb to the power of death."—The Seventh-day Ad- 9. With what is death compared in ventist Bible Commentary, on 1 Cor. 15:54. the Bible? John 11:11; 1 Cor. 15:51. Compare Dan. 12:13; 1 Thess. 4:15. 12. When will the people of God be clothed with immortality? Ps. 17:15; 1 Thess. 4:15-17. NOTE.—Death is a sleep. This thought runs through the whole Bible. In sound sleep one is wholly lost to consciousness; time goes by unmeasured. NOTE.—"The gift of immortality will be Immortal Life received only by those who accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, and this gift will be theirs when Jesus comes 10. What definite proof do we have again."—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible that immortality is found only in Commentary, on 1 Cor. 15:53. [ 38 Lesson 13, for December 24, 1960 The Millennium MEMORY VERSE: "And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev. 20:4, lost part. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 41; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Her- ald" of December 8. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9; Memory Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-3. ❑ Verse. Wednesday: Read from Study Helps. Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Study Helps. ❑ Thursday: Questions 10-14. Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. The Close of the Millennium 10. The resurrection of the wicked. I. Premillennial World Conditions Rev. 20:5, first part. 1. Compared to Noah's day. Matt. 11. The loosing of Satan. Rev. 20:3 24:37-39; Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. (last part), 7. 3:1-5. 12. The attempt on the city. 2. Two classes of men. Matt. Rev. 20:7-9. 13:38, 39. 13. The destruction of the wicked. 3. Peace efforts. Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9, Mal. 4:1; Nahum 1:9. 10; 1 Thess. 5:3. 14. The new earth. Rev. 21:1; Isa. 65:17. II. The Beginning of the Millennium 4. The return of Christ; the first Key Thought: resurrection. John 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4, 5. The word "millennium" comes from two Latin words, mina,, meaning "a thousand," 5. The wicked slain. Rev. 19:11-21; and annus year"-a thousand years. The Heb. 10:26, 27. word "millennium" is not found in the Eng- 6. The saints taken to heaven. lish Bible, but the expression "one thousand John 14:3 ; 1 Thess. 4:16 (last years," which is equivalent to it, is used six part), 17. times in the twentieth chapter of Revelation. The saints will be in heaven, the wicked are III. Events During the Millennium slain, and Satan is bound. He and his angels will be judged during this period. "The 7. Satan bound. Rev. 20: 1, 2. angels which kept not their first estate, but 8. The earth desolate. Jer. 4:23-27. left their own habitation, He hath reserved 9. The righteous sit in judgment. in everlasting chains under darkness unto the Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2. judgment of the great day." Jude 6. f 89] THE LESSON Premillennial World Conditions The Beginning of the Millennium 1. What conditions precede the 4. What glorious events mark the coming of the Lord? Matt. 24:37-39; beginning of the millennium? John Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5. 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4, 5. NOTE.—There will be two general resur- NoTE.—Thinking men and women every- rections, with one thousand years between where recognize the prevailing wickedness them. They mark the beginning and the of the times in which we live. No one can end of the thousand years. The first resur- deny that drunkenness, vice, crime, and de- rection brings forth those who died in the bauchery have greatly increased. The sins Lord; the second, those who have rejected of Noah's days are repeated in our day. Christ and who will be lost eternally. Since the righteous dead are raised at the second 2. How many classes of people will coming of Christ, it is evident that this there be when Christ comes? Matt. event will mark the last day, of the present 13: 38, 39. Christian age, and the beginning of the mil- lennium, or the thousand-year period. There- fore the coming of Christ is premillennial. 5. What will happen to the wicked NOTE.—We are told that "the harvest when Christ comes? Rev. 19:11-21; is the end of the world." It is plain that the Heb. 10:26, 27. Compare Luke wicked, represented by the tares, live with the righteous—the wheatuntil the end of 17:26-30; 1 Thess. 5:3. the world. Jesus and the New Testament writers nowhere anticipated that the whole world would be converted. NoTE.—"At the coming of Christ the 3. What has been prophesied con- wicked are blotted from the face of the cerning peace efforts in the last days, whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness and their results? Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9, of His glory."—The Great Controversy, 10; 1 Thess. 5:3. page 657. 6. At the second coming of Christ what wonderful change is afforded the NoTE.—" 'Where is the promise of His righteous? John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16 coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all (last part), 17. things continue as they were from the be- ginning.' 2 Peter 3:4. Do we not hear these Events During the Millennium very words repeated, not merely by the openly ungodly, but by many who occupy, 7.• After the translation of the the pulpits of our land? 'There is no cause righteous and the slaying of the for alarm,' they cry. 'Before Christ shall wicked, where and how will Satan come, all the world is to be converted, and righteousness is to reign for a thousand be confined? Rev 20:1, 2. Compare years. Peace, peace! all things continue as Mark 5:3, 4. they were from the beginning. Let none be disturbed by the exciting message of these alarmists.' But this doctrine of the millen- nium does not harmonize with the teachings NOTE.—With the righteous in heaven and of Christ and His apostles."—Patriarchs and the wicked slain, his iniquitous work is Prophets, page 103. brought to a standstill during the thousand [ 40 ] years, for he will have no one to deceive. His place of confinement is the "bottomless pit," or this earth. The expression "bottomless pit" is the same in the Greek as that used in the Septuagint translation of Genesis 1:2 for the word rendered "deep" in the King James Version. "That the expression 'bottomless pit' rep- resents the earth in a state of confusion and darkness is evident from other scriptures. Concerning the condition of the earth 'in the beginning,' the Bible record says that it `was_without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.' Genesis 1:2. Prophecy teaches that it will be brought back, partially at least, to this condition.... "For a thousand years, Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings are intense. Since his fall his life of unceasing activity has banished reflection; but he is NoTE.—"During the thousand years be- now deprived of his power and left to con- tween the first and the second resurrection template the part which he has acted since the judgment of the wicked takes place. first he rebelled against the government of . . . It is at this time that, as foretold by heaven, and to look forward with trembling Paul, 'the saints shall judge the world.' and terror to the dreadful future when he 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3. In union with Christ must suffer for all the evil that he has done they judged the wicked, comparing their and be punished for the sins that he has acts with the statute book, the Bible, and caused to be committed."—The Great Con- deciding every case according to the deeds troversy, pages 658-660. done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, ac- 8. What will be the condition of cording to their works; and it is recorded Satan's prison house during the thou- against their names in the book of death."— The Great Controversy, pages 660, 661. sand years? Jer. 4:23-27. Compare Isa. 24:19, 20. The Close of the Millennium 10. When will the rest of the dead, the wicked, be resurrected? Rev. 20:5, first part. NOTE.—"The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, up- rooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the NOTE.—"At the close of the thousand sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scat- years the second resurrection will take place. tered over its surface, while vast caverns Then the wicked will be raised from the mark the spot where the mountains have dead and appear before God for the execu- been rent from their foundations. . . . tion of 'the judgment written.' Thus the "The revelator foretells the banishment revelator, after describing the resurrection of Satan and the condition of chaos and of the righteous, says: 'The rest of the dead desolation to which the earth is to be re- lived not again until the thousand years duced, and he declares that this condition were finished.' Revelation 20:5. And Isaiah will exist for a thousand years."—The Great declares, concerning the wicked: 'They shall Controversy, pages 657, 658. be gathered together, as prisoners are gath- ered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the 9. During the millennium what prison, and after many days shall they be will be the work of the righteous? visited. ' Isaiah 24:22."—The Great Contro- Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2. versy, page 661. 411 11. What change in Satan's condi- destroy His people, and take possession of tion will take place at the close of the the City of God, the archdeceiver has been millennium? Rev. 20:3 (last part), 7. fully unmasked. Those who have united with him see the total failure of his cause." —The Great Controversy, pages 664-670. 13. How complete will be the de- 12. As a result of the resurrection struction of the wicked? Mal. 4:1; of the wicked, what does Satan at- Nahum 1:9. tempt to do, and what is the outcome? Rev. 20:7-9. NOTE.—"Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe Nora.—"Satan consults with his angels, and causing grief throughout the universe. and then with these kings and conquerors The whole creation has groaned and trav- and mighty men. They look upon the ailed together in pain. Now God's creatures strength and numbers on their side, and de- are forever delivered from his presence and clare that the army within the city is small temptations."—The Great Controversy, page in comparison with theirs, and that it can 673. be overcome. They lay their plans to take possession of the riches and glory of the New Jerusalem. All immediately begin to 14. After the destruction of the prepare for battle.. . . wicked by fire what will appear? Rev. "In his last great effort to dethrone Christ, 21:1; Isa. 65:17. Lesson 14, for December 31, 1960 The Home of the Saved MEMORY VERSE: "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." I Cor. 2:9. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 673-678 (chapter 42, last 6 pages); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer- ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 15. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read Sunday: Key Thought; Questions 1-5. ❑ from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6, 7; read from Thursday: Memory Verse; read Study Helps. ❑ from Study Helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ 1 42 Lesson Outline: Rev. 21:4 ; Isa. 33:24. 10. Animal life changed. Isa. 11:6-9; Isa. 35:9. I. God's Purpose in Creation 11. Employment of time in new earth. 1. He formed the earth to be inhabited. Isa. 65:21, 22. Isa. 45:18. 2. The earth hath He given to man. V. The Home of the Redeemed Ps. 115:16. 12. Mortal man cannot comprehend. 1 Cor. 2:9, 10. II. The Promise to Abraham 13. Given to him that overcometh. 3. "Will make thy seed as the dust of Rev. 2:7; 22:14; Ps. 37:29. the earth." Gen. 13:14-17. 4. Heir of the world through faith. Rom. 4:13. Key Thought: 5. Looked for a city whose maker was God. Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16. "A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spirit- III. The Holy City ualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ as- 6. A new home for those who believe. sured His disciples that He went to prepare John 14:1-3. mansions for them in the Father's house. 7. In vision John saw the New Jeru- Those who accept the teachings of God's salem coming down from heaven. word will not be wholly ignorant concern- Rev. 21:1-3. ing the heavenly abode. And yet, 'eye hath 1V. New Earth Conditions not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en- tered into the heart of man, the things which 8. The desert shall blossom as the rose. God hath prepared for them that love Isa. 35:1, 2 ; Rev. 21:1; 22:3-5. Him.' "-The Great Controversy, pages 674, 9. Glorified body not subject to death. 675. THE LESSON God's Purpose in Creation NOTE.-" 'God made the world to en- large heaven. He desired a larger family' 1. When God created this earth, (EGW RH June 25, 1908). This same planet what purpose did He have in mind? will be the final home of the redeemed. He Isa. 45:18. has promised that the meek 'shall inherit the earth' (Matt. 5:5)."-The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, on Ps. 115:16. The Promise to Abraham NoTE.-"He created it not in vain." This earth was never intended to be a waste- 3. What promise was made to land. When God created our first parents Abraham? Gen. 13:14-17. He said to them: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." Genesis 1:28. Though sin has decimated the earth's population and made the earth to NOTE.-"There was given to Abraham the wax old as a garment, yet the design of the. promise, especially dear to the people of Creator remains unchanged. "My counsel that age, of a numerous posterity and of shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure." national greatness: 'I will make of thee a Isaiah 46:10. great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a bless- 2. Why is this earth said to be ing.' And to this was added the assurance, man's rightful home? Ps. 115:16. precious above every other to the inheritor [ 43 and their eventual doom which was later confirmed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Holy City 6. What did Jesus say about the future home of His followers? John 14:1-3. NoTE.—"These words were designed to comfort the disciples. Jesus was leaving, but He would not forget them. He would eagerly anticipate His reunion with them in the Al* ADAM AND HIS CHILDREN RETURN TO EDEN. Father's house. In the interval He would prepare for the glorious home-coming."-= The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen- tary, on John 14:2. of faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the 7. In vision what did John see world should come: 'In thee shall all families "coming down from God out of of the earth be blessed.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 125. heaven"? Rev. 21:1-3. NoTE.—Anciently the cities were measured 4. How inclusive was this promise by circumference, that is, by giving the dis- to Abraham? Rom. 4:13. tance around the city. Reckoning eight fur- longs to a mile, the New Jerusalem would be 1,500 miles in circumference. The city is foursquare. Dividing this distance by four, NOTE.—"This was 'the blessing of Abra- would give 375 miles to a side, which means ham' that was to be extended also to the that the city is 375 miles square, with an Gentiles through Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:14). area of 140,625 square miles. The immensity All who are Christ's are 'Abraham's seed, and of the New Jerusalem is beyond present-day heirs according to the promise' (Gal. 3:29). comparison. The Greek word translated Since the kingdom of Christ will fill the "equal" suggests proportion, so the height, whole earth, Abraham and his seed are in- breadth, and length of the wall are in pro- deed, heirs of the world. The promise will portion. be literally fulfilled when the kingdoms of this world are given to the people of the Most New. Earth Conditions High, and Christ will reign with His saints forever and ever (Dan. 7:27)."—The Sev- 8. What inspired picture is given enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, on of the earth in its restored state? Isa. Rom. 4:13. 35:1, 2; Rev. 21:1; 22:3-5. 5. By faith for what did Abraham look? Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16. NOTE.—"While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that NoTE.—Abraham knew that no man-made had part in the first resurrection, the sec- paradise could satisfy his soul or fulfill the ond death has no power. While God is to promise. God had shown him a better world, the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His and he could never be wholly satisfied with people both a sun and a shield. Revelation this one as it now is. He foresaw the cor- 20:6; Psalm 84:11. ruption and violence of the cities of man, " 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth: [ 44 ] for the first heaven and the first earth were there will be a comfort and a source of end- passed away.' Revelation 21:1. The fire that less delight. The saints will plan homes and consumes the wicked purifies the earth. gardens and they will have the time and the Every trace of the curse is swept away."— means to carry out their plans."—The Sev- The Great Controversy, pages 673, 674. enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, on Isa. 65:22. 9. What change will have been wrought in man's physical life? Rev. The Home of the Redeemed 21:4; Isa. 33:24. 12. Can mortal man fully compre- hend the glories of the saints' reward? 1 Cor. 2;9, 10. NOTE.--"Pain cannot exist in the atmos- phere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourn- ing. 'There shall be no more death, neither NOTE.—"Human language is inadequate sorrow, nor crying: . . . for the former to describe the reward of the righteous. It things are passed away.' The inhabitant will be known only to those who behold it. shall not say, I am sick: the people that No finite mind can comprehend the glory of dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniq- the Paradise of God."—The Great Contro- uity.'"—The Great Controversy, page 676. versy, page 675. 10. What is said of animal life in 13. Who will inherit the earth the new earth? What change will made new? Rev. 2:7; 22:14; Ps. 37:29. come in the ferocious beasts? Isa. 11:6-9; 35:9. NOTE.—"The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire uni- 11. How will the redeemed spend verse is clean. One pulse of harmony and their time in the new earth? Isa. gladness beats through the vast creation. 65:21, 22. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of il- limitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and NoTE.—"Life in the new earth will not be inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and an idle existence. Men will labor and they perfect joy, declare that God is love."—The will enjoy the fruits of their labors. Work Great Controversy, page 678. 1 45 J. THREE LIONS An aid in Sabbath school instruction Order from your church missionary by R. R. Breitigam secretary or your Book and Bible House. Teaching is an art, and the best methods of teaching are essential in developing strong Sabbath school instruction. Knowing that no finer teaching techniques have ever been found than those used by Jesus Christ, Elder Breitigam has made an intensive study of the way Jesus taught men about the kingdom of heaven. Every teacher from the cradle roll to the senior division will appreciate the inspirational mate- rial Elder Breitigam has gathered from the Bible, the spirit of prophecy, and his own many years of experience. There are also excellent check questions for thought and discussion. Price, $2.00. Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View. California THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING December 24, 1960 How appropriate that we can give a special offering for Jesus on the very eve, as it were, of the day that the world at large observes as the birthday of our King. While the world celebrates the birth of Jesus by giving gifts to one another, let us remember the great love gift that He gave, for "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Here is our opportunity to show our love for Jesus by a gift that will mean life for many of His "friends" in Inter-America. Our hospitals around the world have meant life, physically and spiritually, for many a sick and sin-sick soul. Through the overflow of the Thir- teenth Sabbath Offering this quarter, we can help two hospitals, one in Nicaragua and one in British Guiana, to pass on the gift of life. Furthermore, by helping to build a boys' dormitory for the new boarding academy in Puerto Rico, we can have a part in training workers for the cause of God, that they, too, may pass on the word of life to many more of those "friends" of Jesus for whom He laid down His life. Make your Christmas gift a love gift this year. LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1961 The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Signs of the Times." The title of the first lesson is "God's Warnings in the Past." The Memory Verse is Amos 3:7. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Isa. 45:21. Ques. 8. Gen. 6:3, 13, 14; 7:1-4. Ques. 2. Dan. 2:22, 28. Ques. 9. Gen. 19:1, 12-17. Ques. 3. Isa. 40:15-17. Ques. 10. Jonah 3:1-4. Ques. 4. Dan. 4:17. Ques. 11. Dan. 2:38 (last part), 39. Ques. 5. Gen. 6:5-7. Ques. 12. Ezek. 26:1-5. Ques. 6. Gen. 19:24, 25. Ques. 13. 2 Peter 3:10. Ques. 7. Dan. 5:30, 31. Ques. 14. Rev. 14:6, 7. [ 47 a • UNITED STATES • INTER - AMERICAN DIV SION • NAV010A MliNTERREY • MONTE MOREL OS • GULF OF MEXICO ATLANTIC OCEAN, AAA MEXICO CAICOS ISLANDS BOYS' DORMITORY CUBA • 00.011A CARA A XS UK L • CAMAcll 7.1111101mTi) e' • MOREL! A eo MEXICO CITY • PUEBLA IAMAICA '411 1./MM A: TARA t1ILIZE O 46\ c4, (gtc, U A DEL TUPE BR HONDURAS UXTLA CUTHRRIZ • ; GLIA3EMALA, IA HONDURAS , CARIBBEAN SEA' ARTINIQUE• O SRL LAGOON Jy O TOBAGO BLUME DS COSTA M1ICA INIDAL HOSPITAL SAN..OS • 10° NURSES' HOME • BAROUISIMETO o Z••• PACIFIC OCEAN. ▪ MUTATA I • MEDELLIN • 1111 ISH GUIANA VENEZUELA P0.011.31% SURINAM Unions Churchti Chu. Mern BOGOTA VILLAVICENCIO IDUTCH CUIANAI, ANTILLIAN 10,879,490 174 13,322 18,334 • CALI PR. Oj FA CARIBBEAN .2208,073 204 20.951 24,371 CENTRAL AMERICAN 11,311,106 162 13,441 14,856 COLOMBIA COLOMBIA-VENEZUELA FRANCO-HAITIAN 19,770.766 4,682,394 92 84 13,470 17,914 20,658 24,173 c: MEXICAN 30,593,666 185 22,269 37,946 WEST INDIES 1,705,884 315 . 30,784 33,068 SOUTH AMERICA DIVISION 1 36 DIVISION TOTALS 81.151,379 1.217 132,187 173,406