CHRIST IN ALL THE SERI SENIOR DIVIM 275, EIRST QUARTER, 19 'Rs 1.4 , 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 go. 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 Sabbath school lesson each day of the week. Name Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. The Attitude of Jesus Toward the Holy Scriptures 2. The Testimony of the New Testament to Messianic Prophecy 3. Prophecies of the Messiah in the Book of Genesis 4. Exodus, the Book of Redemption 5. Access to God Through the Atonement, in Leviticus 6. Glimpses of the Messiah in the Book of Numbers 7. The Promised Deliverer in Deuteronomy 8. Redemption in the Historical Books: Joshua and Ruth 9. Christ in the Psalms 10. The Messiah in the Prophecies of Isaiah 11. Christ in Daniel and Some of the Minor Prophets 12. The Victorious Christ in the Book of Revelation 13. We Have Found the Messiah Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 275, January-March, 1964. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1963, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly CHRIST IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES GENERAL INTRODUCTION "Through patriarchs and prophets, as trarily chosen pictures of Christ in the well as through types and symbols, God sacred pages. spoke to the world concerning the coming There is a clear outline picture running of a Deliverer from sin. A long line of through the Scriptures, of the Christ that inspired prophecy pointed to the advent of was to come, and the Christ who is to come 'the Desire of all nations.' "—Prophets and the second time in glory. The promises of Kings, page 697. the first advent, some of them studied in A complete coverage of references to these lessons, were fulfilled. Just as surely Christ in all the Scriptures would involve will those related to the second coming be a study of Biblical history, emblems, typi- fulfilled Some prophecies involve both the cal names, places, and persons. We, there- first and second advents. May we all fore, must confine ourselves to a few arbi- through this study be drawn closer to Christ. Lesson 1, for January 4, 1964 The Attitude of Jesus Toward the Holy Scriptures MEMORY VERSE: "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 795-801; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To discover our Lord's attitude toward the Holy Scriptures, including the prophecies, and His manner of applying the Messianic prophecies to Himself. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Lesson Outline 2. The relation between the words of Moses and of Christ. John 5:46, 47. Introduction 3. The significance of prophecy to the risen Christ. Luke 24:27. I. Our Lord's Regard for the Holy II. Our Lord's Reliance on the Power of Scriptures the Word of God 1. The importance of Moses' testi- 4. The temptation of Jesus. Matt. mony. Luke 16:31. 4:3, 6, 9. [3 ] 5. The reactions of Jesus. Matt. 4:4, 10. His use of prophecies relating to 7, 10. His sacrifice. Luke 22:37. 6. The source of His victory. Deut. 8:3; 6:16, 13, 14. IV. Our Lord's Consciousness of 7. The revelation of Jesus. John 5:39. Prophetic Fulfillment in Himself 11. A prediction of the disciples' disap- III. Our Lord's Use of Specific Scriptures pointment. Matt. 26:31. 8. His references to Abraham, Moses, 12. A prediction of His vicarious suf- and David. Matt. 22:45; John fering. Mark 14:48, 49. 5:46; 8:56. 13. His emphasis on belief in 9. His public application of Isaiah's Messianic prophecy. Luke prophecy. Luke 4:16-21. 24:25, 26. THE LESSON Introduction arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Jesus and the Scriptures. "In childhood, Deut. 34:10. youth, and manhood, Jesus studied the Scriptures. As a little child He was daily 2. In what words did Jesus as- at His mother's knee taught from the scrolls sociate belief in Moses with belief in of the prophets. In His youth the early Himself? John 5:46, 47. morning and the evening twilight often found Him alone on the mountainside or among the trees of the forest, spending a quiet hour in prayer and the study of God's word. During His ministry His intimate Nora.-"The ground of Jewish unbelief acquaintance with the Scriptures testifies having been thus exposed, the discourse con- to His diligence in their study. And since cludes by setting the Jews under the con- He gained knowledge as we may gain it, demnation, not of Jesus, but of their own His wonderful power, both mental and Scriptures and of their own chosen advo- spiritual, is a testimony to the value of cate. . . . There is an essential unity be- the Bible as a means of education."-Edu- tween the work of the Lawgiver and the cation, page 185. work of the Giver of life."-Sir Edwin Hoskyns, The Fourth Gospel, page 275. Our Lord's Regard for the Holy Scriptures 3. To strengthen the faith of two disciples after the resurrection, to 1. In one of His parables, how whose writings did Jesus refer, and much importance did Jesus attach to what particular features of these writ- the teachings of Moses? Luke 16:31. ings did He mention? Luke 24:27. NOTE.-Moses "was permitted to look NOTE.-"After His resurrection He ex- down the stream of time and behold the plained to the disciples in 'all the prophets' first advent of our Saviour."-Patriarchs `the things concerning Himself.' Luke 24:27. and Prophets, page 475. He saw the life, The Saviour had spoken through all the work, death of Jesus, and the carrying of prophets. The Spirit of Christ which was the gospel to the whole world, culminating in them' testified beforehand the suffer- in the establishment of the kingdom of ings of Christ, and the glory that should God. His writings therefore bear peculiar follow.' 1 Peter 1:11."-The Desire of Ages, testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ. "There page 234. L4 1 Our Lord's Reliance on the Power tensive and intimate knowledge of the Scriptures. "How knoweth this man let- of the Word of God ters?" the startled Jews asked one another. John 7:15. 4. On what three points did the "Since He gained knowledge as we may devil tempt Jesus? Matt. 4:3, 6, 9. do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word."—The Desire of Ages, page 70. NOTE.—" 'If Thou be the Son of God, "The Scriptures of the Old Testament command this stone that it be made bread.' were His constant study, and the words, Such an act of creative power, urges the `Thus saith the Lord,' were ever upon His tempter, would be conclusive evidence of lips. . . . Jesus seemed to know the Scrip- divinity. It would bring the controversy to tures from beginning to end, and He pre- an end."—The Desire of Ages, page 119. sented them in their true import."—Ibid., " 'Then the devil taketh Him up into the pp. 84, 85. Holy City, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou 7. What is the great central theme be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for of the prophets of old? John 5:39. it is written, "He shall give His angels Compare Acts 10:43. charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone."— Ibid., p. 124. Our Lord's Use of Specific "Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of the world, in Scriptures all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him. The'sunlight lay on templed cities, marbled palaces, fertile fields, and 8. Who were some of the great fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil worthies of the Old Testament who were hidden. The eyes of Jesus, so lately were given glimpses of the Messiah? greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed Matt. 22:45; John 5:46; 8:56. upon a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter's voice was heard: 'All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto NOTE.—"Abraham rejoiced to see My me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If day;" "Moses . . . wrote of Me;" "David Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be . . . call[ed] him [Christ] Lord." Thine.' "—Ibid., page 129. "We have in these words of our Saviour abundant authority for seeking Him in the 5. What three answers did Jesus Old Testament, and also a confirmation of give? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. the truth of the Scriptures themselves. . . . "Very few realize how abundant are our Lord's quotations from the Old Testament. He refers to twenty Old Testament char- NOTE.—"Jesus met Satan with the words acters. He quotes from nineteen different of Scripture. 'It is written,' He said. In books."—A. M. Hodgkin, Christ in All the every temptation the weapon of His war- Scriptures, page 2. fare was the word of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 120. 9. What Messianic prophecy did 6. From what source did Jesus Jesus publicly apply to Himself? Luke 4:16-21. Compare Isaiah 61:1, 2. draw these answers? Deut. 8:3; 6:16, 13, 14. NoTE.—"When a rabbi was present at NoTE.—Jesus had not received a formal the synagogue, he was expected to deliver rabbinical education, yet He had an ex- the sermon, and any Israelite might give the 5 reading from the prophets. Upon this Sab- bath Jesus was requested to take part in the service. . . . "From a worldly point of "Jesus stood before the people as a liv- view, money is power; but ing expositor of the prophecies concerning from the Christian stand- Himself. Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of the Messiah as a re- point, love is power."—Tes- liever of the oppressed, a liberator of cap- timonies, vol. 4, p. 138. tives, a healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to the world the light of truth. His impressive manner and the wonderful import of His words thrilled the hearers with a power 12. What familiar phrase did Jesus they had never felt before. The tide of use in pointing to prophetic fulfill- divine influence broke every barrier down; ments? Mark 14:48, 49. like Moses, they beheld the Invisible. As their hearts were moved upon by the Holy Spirit, they responded with fervent amens and praises to the Lord."—The Desire of NorE.—"The Scriptures must be ful- Ages, page 237. filled." This expression was used by Jesus in connection with prophecies of His im- 10. What passage from Isaiah did pending sufferings and death. Such proph- Jesus quote as He explained to the dis- ecies as Psalm 22:6-8 and Isaiah 53:7 were ciples His approaching death for the familiar to Jesus, and He gave them a Messianic application. In Luke 22:37 He sins of the world? Luke 22:37. Com- referred to Isaiah 53:12 in this way: "This pare Isa. 53:11, 12. that is written must yet be accomplished in Me." In Luke 24:44, referring to such prophecies in general, He said after His res- urrection, "All things must be fulfilled." NOTE.—"Christ's position between the thieves was to indicate that He was the 13. In what strong terms did Jesus greatest criminal of the three. Thus was stress the importance of belief in Mes- fulfilled the scripture, 'He was numbered with the transgressors.' Isa. 53:12."—The sianic prophecy? Luke 24:25, 26. Desire of Ages, page 751. As the crucifixion approached there was a marked solemnity in Christ's use of Mes- sianic scripture. "Behold, we go up to NorE.—The word rendered "fools" here signifies not applying the mind, an un- Jerusalem, and all things that are written worthy lack of understanding. by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished." Luke 18:31. "Beginning at Moses, the very Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in all the Three times, on the night of the betrayal, Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Jesus referred to the fulfillment of prophecy. Had He first made Himself known to them, Matt. 26:31, 53, 54; Mark 14:48, 49. Three of the seven cries from the cross were their hearts would have been satisfied. In couched in words of Scripture, and the the fullness of their joy they would have Saviour died with words of Scripture on hungered for nothing more. But it was His lips. necessary for them to understand the wit- ness borne to Him by the types and proph- ecies of the Old Testament. Upon these Our Lord's Consciousness of their faith must be established. Christ per- Prophetic Fulfillment in Himself formed no miracle to convince them, but it was His first work to explain the Scrip- 11. In the words of what prophecy tures. They had looked upon His death as the destruction of all their hopes. Now He did Jesus indicate the effect of His showed from the prophets that this was the approaching humiliation? Matt. 26: very strongest evidence for their faith."— 31. Compare Zech. 13:7. The Desire of Ages, pages 796, 799. C 6] Lesson 2, for January 11, 1964 The Testimony of the New Testament to Messianic Prophecy MEMORY VERSE: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 366-368; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 221, 222; "Gospel Workers," pages 147, 148; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To show that the New Testament writers had the same faith as Jesus in Messianic prophecy. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Friday: Read study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10._ ❑ Lesson Outline 7. An application of the promises to Israel. Acts 13:32-35. Introduction III. Paul's Use of the Old Testament I. The Witness at Pentecost 8. Preaching habitually from Scripture. 1. Joel and the outpouring of God's Acts 17:2-4. Spirit. Acts 2:16, 17. 9. Christ as the focal center of proph- 2. The words of the psalmist. Acts ecy. Acts 26:19-23. 2:23-27; Ps. 16:8-10. 10. Preaching Christ to the Jews. Acts 3. David's words about the Conquering 28:23, 24. One. Acts 2:34-36; Ps. 110:1. IV. Other Evidence of Faith in II. The Witness Continued After Messianic Prophecy Pentecost 11. The prophets inspired by the Spirit 4. Jesus declared to be the Son of the of Christ. 1 Peter 1:10-12. God of Abraham. Acts 3:13-15. 12. The prophecy of Enoch. Jude 5. Testified to by all the prophets. 14, 15. Acts 3:24. 13. The spirit of prophecy, the testi- 6. Christ in Isaiah. Acts 8:35. mony of Jesus. Rev. 19:10. THE LESSON Introduction ecies. Messianic prophecies are those which have some teaching regarding the Messiah. Having seen the vital place given by They accepted Jesus not only because Christ to the prophetic word concerning they "were eyewitnesses of His majesty," Himself, we now observe the importance but also because His birth, works, death, which the apostles and New Testament resurrection, and ascension were fulfillments writers attached to Old Testament proph- of prophecy. They therefore accepted with C 7] assurance the predictions of His return to Mt 1:18; 16:20; Mk 1:1, the 2 names judge the world. "We have . . . a more Jesus and Christ constitute a confession of sure word of prophecy," declared Peter. faith that Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of If Christ and His apostles so completely Mary, is indeed the Christ, the Messiah accepted the prophetic picture of Messiah, (Mt 1:1; Acts 2:38)."—The S.D.A. Bible we too may have confidence in it. Dictionary, pp. 565, 566. The name "Christ" means "Messiah," "Anointed" (John 1:41, margin). In Him The Witness at Pentecost the highest offices of the old covenant were united—prophet (1 Kings 19:16), priest 1. What words of Peter indicate (Lev. 8:12), and king (1 Sam. 10:1), and his belief that Pentecost was the ful- He became the way of salvation. The fillment of Old Testament prophecy? title "Lord" is taken from Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:16, 17. from which Peter is quoting, thus present- ing Jesus as the Conquering One. NoTE.—"In answer to the accusation of The Witness Continued After the priests [that the believers were drunk] Pentecost Peter showed that this demonstration was in direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, 4. What relationship did Peter say wherein he foretold that such power would existed between the God of Abraham, come upon men to fit them for a special Isaac, and Jacob, and Jesus whom the work."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 41. Jews slew? Acts 3:13-15. 2. To what Old Testament predic- tion did Peter refer when he spoke of Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of NoTE.—"When Jesus died, the priests God? Acts 2:23-27; Ps. 16:8-10. thought that no more miracles would be performed among them, that the excite- ment would die out and the people would again turn to the traditions of men. But 3. What impressive words of David lo! right among them the disciples were did Peter use to prove that Jesus of working miracles, and the people were filled with amazement. Jesus had been crucified, Nazareth was both Lord and Christ? and they wondered where His followers had Acts 2:34-36; Ps. 110:1. obtained this power. When He was alive, they thought that He imparted power to them; but when He died, they expected the miracles to cease. Peter understood their NoTE.—"In NT times Yeshia`, 'Jesus,' perplexity and said to them, 'Ye men of was a common given name for Jewish boys. Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look It expressed the parents' faith in God and ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own in His promise of One who would bring power or holiness we had made this man salvation to Israel. The angel Gabriel in- to walk? The God of Abraham, and of structed Joseph to call Mary's first-born by Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fa- this name, the reason given being, 'He shall thers, bath glorified His Son Jesus; whom save His people from their sins' (Mt 1:21). ye delivered up, and denied Him in the `Christ' was not a personal name by which presence of Pilate, when he was determined people knew Him while on earth, but a to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One title used to identify Him as the One in and the Just, and desired a murderer to be whom the Messianic promises and proph- granted unto you; and killed the Prince of ecies of the OT met their fulfillment. To life, whom God hath raised from the dead; those who believed in Him as sent of God whereof we are witnesses. And His name He was the Christ, that is, the Messiah, the through faith in His name hath made this One 'anointed' by God to be the Saviour man strong, whom ye see and know.' "— of the world. When used together, as in Early Writings, pages 192, 193. [ 87 5. How many of the prophets did His disciples to these prophecies; 'beginning Peter say had made predictions con- at Moses and all the prophets, He ex- pounded unto them in all the Scriptures cerning the days of the Messiah? Acts the things concerning Himself.' Luke 24:27. 3:24. Peter in preaching Christ had produced his evidence from the Old Testament. Stephen had pursued the same course. And Paul NoTE.—"All the prophets from Samuel." also in his ministry appealed to the scrip- "Samuel is named here probably because tures foretelling the birth, sufferings, death, with him the prophets of Israel first ap- resurrection, and ascension of Christ. By pear as a group, particularly in connection the inspired testimony of Moses and the with the schools of the prophets. In the prophets he clearly proved the identity of 3d century A.D. Judah ha-Nasi, the compiler Jesus of Nazareth with the Messiah and of the Mishnah, referred to Samuel as `the showed that from the days of Adam it teacher of the prophets,' . . . and this may was the voice of Christ which had been well represent a view current in Peter's speaking through patriarchs and prophets." day."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Acts --The Acts of the Apostles, pages 221, 222. 3:24. 9. What witness did Paul bear be- 6. What explanation of Isaiah 53:7, fore King Agrippa? Acts 26:19-23. 8 did Philip give to the Ethiopian eunuch? Acts 8:35. NoTE.—Of Paul's early preaching in Da- mascus we are told: "In his presentation of the gospel he sought to make plain the NoTE.—"To preach Jesus is the work, not prophecies relating to the first advent of only of every preacher of the gospel, but Christ. He showed conclusively that these of every Christian, whether the preaching prophecies had been literally fulfilled in is done by word or by the witness of the Jesus of Nazareth. The foundation of his daily life. Whatever the announced subject faith was the sure word of prophecy."— of a sermon, its burden should be Jesus The Acts of the Apostles, page 125. Christ."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on In Acts 26 Paul, advanced in years, bear- Acts 8:35. ing battle scars, and in chains, stands be- fore Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice. He is 7. When at Antioch, of what did still " 'saying none other things than those Paul say the resurrection of Jesus was which the prophets and Moses did say a fulfillment? Acts 13:32-35. should come: that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.'"—Ibid., NoTE.—It is clear from the whole con- p. 437. text (Acts 13:32-37) that Paul expanded his sermon on the promises to include the resur- 10. How, and with what result, did rection and divine Sonship. Paul appeal to the Jews who came to hear him in Rome? Acts 28:23, 24. Paul's Use of the Old Testament 8. What customary use did Paul NoTE.—It was now some thirty years make of the Messianic prophecies, and after the crucifixion, and this great warrior with what results? Acts 17:2-4. is still testifying of the kingdom of God, "persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." Some NOTE.—"In preaching to the Thessaloni- believed, some did not. The apostles drew ans, Paul appealed to the Old Testament their most convincing evidence that Jesus prophecies concerning the Messiah. Christ was the Messiah from the prophecies of in His ministry had opened the minds of the Old Testament. C 9] Other Evidence of Faith in is that the Holy Spirit led him to quote these words. Messianic Prophecy "Enoch became a preacher of righteous- ness, making known to the people what 11. How did Peter show the con- God had revealed to him. Those who feared nection between the spirit of prophecy the Lord sought out this holy man, to share in the Old Testament and Christ's suf- his instruction and his prayers. He labored fering and glorification? 1 Peter 1: publicly also, bearing God's messages to 10-12. all who would hear the words of warning. His labors were not restricted to the Seth- ites. In the land where Cain had sought to flee from the divine Presence, the prophet of God made known the wonderful scenes NoTE.—"The Spirit of Christ." "It was that had passed before his vision. 'Behold,' Christ that spoke to His people through he declared, 'the Lord cometh with ten the prophets. The apostle Peter, writing to thousands of His saints, to execute judg- the Christian church, says that the proph- ment upon all, and to convince all that are ets 'prophesied of the grace that should ungodly among them of all their ungodly come unto you: searching what, or what deeds.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 86. manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified 13. What spirit motivated and char- beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.' 1 Peter 1:10, 11. acterized all true prophets of God? It is the voice of Christ that speaks to us Rev. 19:10. through the Old Testament. 'The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' "— Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 366, 367. NoTE.—"The testimony of Jesus." All 12. Who did Jude say prophesied true prophecy is inspired by the Spirit of of the coming of the Lord in judg- Christ, who bestows this gift that prophets ment? Jude 14, 15. may speak God's message when "moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. This has been true through all ages and of the remnant church of Revelation 12:17. The messages of God's servants are thus "a more NorE.—Whether Jude quoted from a sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do noncanonical book, or from a prophecy well that ye take heed, as unto a light that orally preserved, is not certain. The point shineth in a dark place." 2 Peter 1:19. Lesson 3, for January 18, 1964 Prophecies of the Messiah in the Book of Genesis MEMORY VERSE: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3. STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 681-685; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 65, 66; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To make clear that even the story of the fall of man is brightened with a promise of deliverance, and that the Father and the Son are seen as creative and redemptive in all Their works. [103 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-12. 0 Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 7-9. ❑ Lesson Outline III. The Revelation of Redemption Introduction 7. Conquest through suffering. Gen. 3:15. I. "In the Beginning God" 8. Blessing through the seed of faith. Gen. 22:18; 26:4; 28:14. 1. The Eternal One. Gen. 1:1. 9. Glory and honor through the cross. 2. Sovereign of the universe. John Heb. 2:9-14. 1:1. 3. Universal Creator. Heb. 1:2. IV. The Messiah King II. "In the Beginning Was the Word" 10. The prophecy regarding Shiloh. 4. The Word in creation. John 1:3; Gen. 49:10. Col. 1 : 16. 11. The Son of the Highest. Luke 5. The obedience of One. Rom. 5:19. 1:32-35. 6. The Source of grace and righteous- 12. The coming of the King. Gen. 28: ness. Rom. 5:12, 15, 17, 18, 21. 12, 13 ; John 1:51. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.-Genesis does not attempt to prove that God exists, but assumes this fact to be "Prophecies of redemption were man's self-evident. See Gen. 1:1; Rom. 1:19, 20. hope after the Fall. The dreadful catastro- "The account of creation reveals the phe of the Fall plunged our first parents unity, power, and personality of God. It de- into darkness. But the gloom was not un- nies atheism-in the beginning God. It relieved by some rays of hope. The story denies polytheism-one God, not many. of the first four chapters of Genesis has It denies pantheism-God is before all things been summarized as 'Creation, Desolation, and apart from them. It denies materialism Preservation.' "-G. Campbell Morgan, The -matter is not God. It denies the eternity Graded Bible, vol. 1, pp. 2-5. of matter-in the beginning God created it. "The first intimation of redemption was It denies fatalism-God, here as every- communicated in the sentence pronounced where, acts in the freedom of His Eternal upon Satan in the garden. . . . This sen- Being."-A. M. Hodgkin, Christ in All the tence, uttered in the hearing of our first Scriptures, pages 9, 10. parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it 2. In the beginning, what was declared that the power of the great ad- Christ's relation to the Father? John versary would finally be broken.... Though they must suffer from the power of their 1:1. mighty foe, they could look forward to final victory."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 65, 66. NoTE.-"The Sovereign of the universe "In the Beginning God" was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate-a co-worker who 1. How does the Bible first intro- could appreciate His purposes, and could duce the idea of God to man? Gen. share His joy in giving happiness to created 1:1. beings. . . . Christ, the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal give, it is an active, energizing, transform- Father—one in nature, in character, in pur- ing power to save. . . . 'Divine grace is the pose—the only Being that could enter into great element of saving power' (GW 70). all the counsels and purposes of God."— `Christ gave His life to make it possible for Patriarchs and Prophets, page 34. man to be restored to the image of God. It is the power of His grace that draws men 3. In what work were the Father together in obedience to the truth' (CT and the Son engaged "in the begin- 249)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Rom. ning"? Heb. 1:2. Compare Gen. 1:26. 3:24. The Revelation of Redemption "In the Beginning Was the Word" 7. What intimation of deliverance came to our first parents immediately 4. How is the creative activity of after their fall? Gen. 3:15. Christ described? John 1:3; Col. 1:16. 8. What other prophecies in Gene- NoTE.—All things. "The hand that sus- sis imply a future victory through the tains the worlds in space, the hand that faithful seed of the woman? Gen. holds in their orderly arrangement and tire- less activity all things throughout the uni- 22:18; 26:4; 28:14. Compare Gal. 3: verse of God, is the hand that was nailed 14, 16. to the cross for us."—Education, page 132. 5. How are the disobedience of Adam and the obedience of Christ NOTE.—"There was given to Abraham the promise . . . of a numerous posterity contrasted? Rom. 5:19. Compare Gen. and of national greatness: 'I will make of 3:6, 7. thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.' And to this was added the assurance, precious above every other to NorE.—Man took the forbidden fruit, and the inheritor of faith, that of his line the failed. Jesus "took upon Him . . . the like- Redeemer of the world should come: 'In ness of men" (Phil. 2:7), and succeeded. thee shall all families of the earth be The one was a fall from sinlessness; the blessed.'"—Patriarchs and Prophets, page other was a restoration to justification and 125. righteousness through faith. In Galatians 3:14 Paul declares plainly "that the blessing of Abraham might come 6. What passed upon all men as a on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ." He result of Adam's sin? By what may is the Seed through whom redemption for men escape condemnation? Rom. 5: all who would accept it was to come. 12, 15, 17, 18, 21. 9. How does the epistle to the He- brews connect the sufferings and vic- tory of Jesus with the defeat of the NOTE.—"This is the grace of God in its devil and the deliverance of the race? peculiar NT sense. It is not merely God's Heb. 2:9-14. favor toward those who might merit His approval, it is His unlimited, all-inclusive, transforming love toward sinful men and women; and the good news of this grace, NOTE.—"When the Saviour finally ap- as revealed in Jesus Christ, is 'the power peared 'in the likeness of men' (Philippians of God unto salvation' (ch. 1:16). It is not 2:7), and began His ministry of grace, merely God's mercy and willingness to for- Satan could but bruise the heel, while by [ 12 ] NoTE.—"Son of the Highest." The first occurrence of such a term is in Mark 5:7, "The most difficult sermon to where the demoniac cried: 'What have I to preach and the hardest to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the most practice is self-denial."-- high God?" Melchizedek was called "the priest of the most high God." Gen. 14:18. Counsels on Stewardship, Balaam's parable referred to "the Most page 29. High" (Num. 24:16), as did Moses in Deu- teronomy 32:8. Mention of "the Most High" is found in some form in the Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel, and other books. The angel's every act of humiliation or suffering Christ reference to Mary's Child as "the Son of was bruising the head of His adversary. The the Highest," and his statement, "The anguish that sin has brought was poured power of the Highest shall overshadow into the bosom of the Sinless; yet while thee," though humanly incomprehensible, Christ endured the contradiction of sin- would be unmistakable intimations of di- ners against Himself, He was paying the vine Presence, especially in connection with debt for sinful man and breaking the bond- the title "the Son of God." age in which humanity had been held. "These words [Luke 1:32, 33] Mary had Every pang of anguish, every insult, was pondered in her heart; yet while she be- working out the deliverance of the race."— lieved that her child was to be Israel's Mes- Prophets and Kings, page 701. siah, she did not comprehend His mission. Now she did not understand His words ["I must be about My Father's business"] ; but The Messiah King she knew that He had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had declared His Sonship to 10. In his blessing upon Judah, to God."—The Desire of Ages, page 82. whom did Jacob say the people would "The throne of His father David." "The gather? Gen. 49:10. Jewish nation had been preserved as a wit- ness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David's line."—Ibid., p. 44. The literal descent from David is seen NOTE.—"This same blessed hope ["Your from Psalm 132:11; Acts 2:30; Romans 1:3. father Abraham rejoiced to see My day." Christ's enemies admitted that Messiah John 8:56] was foreshadowed in the bene- would be David's Son. Luke 20:41-44. diction pronounced by the dying patriarch Jacob upon his son Judah: 'Judah, thou art 12. In what vision did Jacob be- he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy come acquainted with the plan of hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; salvation? Gen. 28:12, 13; John 1:51. thy father's children shall bow down be- fore thee. . . . The scepter shall not de- part from Judah, nor a lawgiver from be- tween his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Nora.—"In this vision the plan of re- Him shall the gathering of the people be.'" demption was presented to Jacob, not fully, —Prophets and Kings, page 683. but in such parts as were essential to him at "Shiloh." Of the presentation of Jesus in that time. The mystic ladder revealed to the temple we read: "In the Child of Beth- him in his dream was the same to which lehem was veiled the glory before whichChrist referred in His conversation with angels bow. This unconscious babe was the Nathanael. Said He, 'Ye shall see heaven promised seed, to whom the first altar at open, and the angels of God ascending and the gate of Eden pointed. This was Shiloh, descending upon the Son of man.' John the peace giver."—The Desire of Ages, 1:51. . . . The ladder represents Jesus, the page 52. appointed medium of communication. . . . Christ connects man in his weakness and 11. What permanent kingly power helplessness with the source of infinite and divine title were prophesied for power. All this was revealed to Jacob in Jesus by the angel to Mary? Luke his dream."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 1:32-35. 184. 13 3 Lesson 4, for January 25, 1964 Exodus, the Book of Redemption MEMORY VERSE: "I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sor- rows; and I am come down to deliver them." Ex. 3:7, 8. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 248-256, 273-280, 356-358; "The Great Controversy," pages 420-422 (1950 subscription ed., pp. 413-416); "The Desire of Ages," pages 75-83; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To show that in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and in the form of worship established for the chosen people, God was setting forth in type and symbol the great fact of final redemption through the Messiah. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-12. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9. ❑ Lesson Outline 6. Lessons from type and antitype. Ex. 12:5; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Ex. Introduction 12:6; 1 Cor. 2:2; Ex. 12:46; John 19:36; Ex. 13:2; Num. 3:13; 1 Cor. I. The Great I AM 6:19, 20. 1. God's promise of deliverance. Ex. III. The Tabernacle 3:1-8. 2. God makes known His name. Ex. 7. Its purpose. Ex. 25:8, 9; Heb. 8:5. 3:13-15; John 8:58. 8. Its typical meaning. Heb. 9:24. 3. Christ's titles for Himself. John 9. Its antitypical meaning. Heb. 6: 4:26; 6:35; 8:12; 10:9, 11; 11:25; 19, 20. 14:6; 15:1. IV. The Ark and the Mercy Seat II. The Passover Lamb 10. Their relation to the work of Christ. 4. Deliverance provided for all. Ex. Ex. 25:10-22; Rom. 5:11. 12:3, 4, 13. 11. The antitypical ark. Rev. 11:19. 5. Redemption available for all the 12. The glory of God. Ex. 25:22; John world. 1 Cor. 5:7, 8; John 1:29. 8:12. THE LESSON Introduction ceived the highest civil and military train- ing," which, combined with his unusual The book of Exodus is dominated by the natural character and acquired characteris- great figure of Moses, the elect servant of tics, fitted him "to take pre-eminence among God and the savior of his people. He was the great of the earth."-Patriarchs and the human author of the Pentateuch. See Prophets, pages 245, 246. He was so great The Great Controversy, page 434. He "re- a leader in the deliverance of his people that f 14 I he became a type of the Christ, who was 3. What significant titles claimed to bring redemption within the reach of all. by Jesus are reminiscent of the "I See The Desire of Ages, pages 330, 480; AM" of the Old Testament? John 4: Deut. 18:15. 26; 6:35; 8:12; 10:9, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1. The Great I AM NoTE.—"I . . . am He [Messiah]" (John 1. In what way, and with what mes- 4:26) ; "the Bread of life" (John 6:35) ; sage, did God appear to Moses as he "the Light of the world" (John 8:12) ; "the kept the flock in the desert of Horeb? Door" (John 10:9) ; "the Good Shepherd" Ex. 3:1-8. (John 10:11) ; "the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25); "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) ; "the True Vine" (John 15:1). While Jesus is not here specif- NoTE.—"I am come down to deliver them ically claiming the titls "I AM," He is out of the land of the Egyptians" set the nevertheless setting forth His timelessness, scene for the epic events connected with His divinity, His whole redeeming work for the Exodus, the salvation of God's people man. "It was He who declared Himself to for the preservation of His truth in the Moses as the I AM."—The Desire of Ages, earth. The inspired song which Moses sang page 52. (Ex. 15:1-19) to celebrate their deliverance, had a prophetic significance. "That song The Passover Lamb does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all 4. What provision was made for the foes of righteousness and the final vic- the Israelites to escape the visitation tory of the Israel of God."—Patriarchs and of the tenth plague upon Egypt? Ex. Prophets, page 289. Compare Rev. 15: 2, 3. 12:3, 4, 13. 2. As Moses returned to Egypt to establish his authority as God's ap- pointed deliverer, by what name was NoTE.—The institution of this festival in the Deity to be known? What use the "first month of the year" really meant the beginning of a new life for this en- did Christ make of this name? Ex. 3: slaved people who were to become the 13-15; John 8:58. chosen nation. It marked God's terrible judgment on wicked Egypt, and His won- derful deliverance of the Israelites. Before the destroyer went forth, Egypt had been NoTE.—"I AM THAT I AM." This is the repeatedly warned, and directions for pres- name by which God made Himself known ervation and flight were given to the chil- to Abraham. Gen. 15:7. It signifies the dren of Israel. See Patriarchs and Prophets, unchangeableness, the eternity, and the self- page 274. The safety of "all the congrega- existence of God. It lends significance to tion of Israel" was provided for. Christ's claim: "Before Abraham was, I am." To claim existence before Abraham 5. How does the New Testament came into being was "understood by the refer to the Passover lamb as a type Jews as a claim to divinity."—S.D.A. Bible of the Lord Jesus Christ, through Commentary, on John 8:58. whom redemption is provided for all "The name of God, given to Moses to men? 1 Cor. 5:7, 8; John 1:29. express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, 'whose goings forth have 6. Mention as many striking com- been from of old, from the days of eternity.' parisons as you can between the typi- Micah 5:2, margin."—The Desire of Ages, cal Passover lamb and the Lord Jesus pages 469, 470. Christ as the Lamb of God. [15 ] Answer.—a. Ex. 12:5. The lamb was to be without blemish. 1 Peter 1:18, 19. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things; "The object of Sabbath . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, school work should be the as of a lamb without blemish and without ingathering of souls."— spot." Counsels on Sabbath School b. Ex. 12:6. A slain lamb availed to save the Israelites from God's judgment on Work, page 61. Egypt. 1 Cor. 2:2. "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." c. Ex. 12:46. "Neither shall ye break a 8. What was typified by the earthly bone thereof." John 19:36. "That the scrip- sanctuary and its sacrificial services? ture might be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall Heb. 9:24. not be broken." d. Ex. 13:2 ; Num. 3:13. All the firstborn redeemed by the blood of the lamb were to be sanctified because "it is mine." There was special significance in the sanctification Nors.—"Important truths concerning the of the firstborn (see note below). 1 Cor. atonement are taught by the typical ser- 6:19, 20. "Ye are not your own. For ye vice. . . . It was the work of the priest in are bought with a price: therefore glorify the daily ministration to present before God God in your body, and in your spirit, which the blood of the sin offering, also the in- are God's." cense which ascended with the prayers of "The law for the presentation of the first- Israel. So did Christ plead His blood before born was made particularly significant. the Father in behalf of sinners, and present While it was a memorial of the Lord's won- before Him also, with the precious fragrance derful deliverance of the children of Israel, of His own righteousness, the prayers of it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be penitent believers."—The Great Contro- wrought out by the only-begotten Son of versy, pages 420, 421. God. As the blood sprinkled on the door- posts had saved the first-born of Israel, so 9. What is said to be "an anchor of the blood of Christ has power to save the the soul"? In whom and where does world."—The Desire of Ages, page 51. it center? Heb. 6:19, 20. The Tabernacle NoTE.—"The hope set before us" is sal- 7. For what purpose was the vation through faith in Christ. This hope earthly tabernacle built, and on what penetrates "within the veil" because Jesus plan was it constructed? Ex. 25:8, 9; has entered the sanctuary as a "High Priest Heb. 8:5. forever after the order of Melchizedek." What man could never do to restore fel- lowship with God, Christ did when He rent the veil between man and God with His life. Only here is the Christian hope called an NOTE.—"That I may dwell. In a spiritual anchor—something which holds safely and sense, God has ever sought an abode with surely. The certainty is expressed in these men and cannot 'rest' until this has been words: "By His own blood He entered in accorded Him (Ps. 132: 13-16), first in the once into the holy place, having obtained hearts of His people individually (1 Cor. eternal redemption for us." Heb. 9:12. 3:16, 17; 6:19) and then in the midst of any company who meet to worship Him (Matt. 18:20). The system centering in the The Ark and the Mercy Seat earthly tabernacle pointed forward to Christ, who later 'dwelt,' literally `taber- 10. How were the ark of the coven- nacled,' among men (John 1:14)."—S.D.A. ant and the mercy seat related to each Bible Commentary, on Ex. 25:8. other? Ex. 25:10-22; Rom. 5:11. 16 NorE.—The ark was a wooden chest over- His testament.' This indicates that the sec- laid with gold, within which the two tables ond and last division of Christ's heavenly of the law reposed. Ex. 25:17; Deut 10:2. ministry, answering to the typical Day of The mercy seat was the lid or cover of the Atonement, has opened. Other scriptures ark. It represented reconciliation. On the reveal that this final phase of Christ's work Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled began in 1844."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, the blood on the mercy seat and before on Rev. 11:19. the mercy seat. "Thus the claims of the law, which demanded the life of the sin- 12. At what place in the tabernacle ner, were satisfied."—Patriarchs and Proph- was God's presence manifested in ets, page 356. physical glory? Ex. 25:22; John 8:12. In Romans 5:11 the word rendered "rec- Compare Ps. 80:1. onciliation" (R.S.V.) signifies the fact that we are reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10) through the life, death, and mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. NoTE.—"When the tabernacle was set up, Christ manifested His presence in the holy 11. By what name is the antitypical Shekinah, above the mercy seat and be- ark called, and where was it seen? tween the cherubim (Num. 7:89)."—S.D.A. Rev. 11:19. Bible Commentary, on Isa. 63:9. "In all these revelations of the divine presence the glory of God was manifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour's NoTE.—" 'The ark of His testament' the advent, but through all the ages after the focal point of the vision. . . . It is in con- Fall and the promise of redemption, 'God nection with the beginning of the seventh was in Christ, reconciling the world unto trumpet that John sees the temple in Himself.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, page heaven and very particularly 'the ark of 366. Lesson 5, for February 1, 1964 Access to God Through the Atonement, in Leviticus MEMORY VERSE: "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." Heb. 9:24. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 352-358; "The Great Controversy," pages 417-428 (1950 subscription ed., pp. 411-423); "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary." AIM: To show the redemptive meaning of the Levitical system and its relation to the sanctification of believers in Christ Jesus. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin helps. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ [ 17 3 Lesson Outline 6. A dual ceremony. Lev. 16:9, 10, 15, 30; Heb. 9:6-12. Introduction . 7. A universal cleansing. Lev. 16:16; Heb. 9:22, 23. I. Atonement Through Shedding of 8. A heavenly ministry and a sinless Blood return. Heb. 9:23, 24, 28. 1. A life for a life. Lev. 17:11, 14. 2. Atonement by substitution. Lev. III. The Way of Holiness 1:3, 4; 3:2, 8. 9. The holiness of God. Lev. 11:44, 3. A redemption for all who believe. 45; 20:7. 1 Peter 1:18, 19. 10. The sanctifying Presence. Lev. 4. A new status. 1 John 1:7; Rom. 21:8; Ex. 3:2, 5; 19:5, 6. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; Heb. 11. The sanctified believer. 1 Cor. 13:12. 1:2, 30. II. The Day of Atonement 12. The holy incarnation. Luke 1:35. 5. A yearly service. Lev. 16:29-34; Ex. 30:10. THE LESSON Introduction NotE.—"For it is the blood that makes Leviticus is the book of priestly laws, or atonement, by reason of the life." Lev. the handbook of the priests. It delineates 17:11, R.S.V. Sin brings death: "The wages forms of worship which were to lead the of sin is death." Rom. 6:23. Forgiveness of people back to communion with God. sin and atonement with God require the Throughout the middle book of the Pen- shedding and ministration of blood: "With- tateuch the central truth is substitution, the out the shedding of blood there is no for- blood of a sacrificial animal taking the giveness of sins." Heb. 9:22, R.S.V. place of the one on whose behalf it was to "Blood is the element of physical life; be offered. "In all of these regulations and and God consecrated that element as the precepts men saw the reconciliatory work medium through which atonement must be of Him who took our sins upon Himself, made."—G. Campbell Morgan, The Graded who died for us, and by whose stripes we Bible, vol. 1, p. 93. are healed. Leviticus is a pre-gospel, and 2. With what was atonement made should find a large place in the study of all who wish to follow the Lamb all the way." under the Levitical system? What —S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 694. major truth concerning the Redeemer As we look at Leviticus in the light of the is thereby revealed? Lev. 1:3, 4; 3:2, New Testament, we find it is a book for 8. Compare 1 John 1:7. people who realize their need of forgive- ness of sin and of approaching the presence of a holy God through the prescribed way Nom—The fact that the offerer brought of atonement. Sacrifice reveals both man's the animal "of his own voluntary will" and need and God's estimation of sin. Since placed his hand on its head shows that he "all have sinned," the lessons of Leviticus knew he was offering a life in place of his must have special meaning for Christians own. This is the vital principle of substi- as well as for Jews. Its types and cere- monies have real meaning in the light of tution, by means of which an unworthy the cross of Calvary. individual exercises faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is described as "worthy . . . Atonement Through Shedding of and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood." Rev. 5:9. Blood "Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was 1. What basic lesson was taught counted a transgressor, that He might re- by the animal sacrifices of the earthly deem us from the condemnation of the sanctuary services? Lev. 17:11, 14. law."—The Desire of Ages, page 753. [ 18 I 3. In what clear statement does NOTE.—This was a day of judgment, and Peter show that the blood of Jesus only the truly consecrated could be cleansed procured man's redemption? 1 Peter from sin. Priests, people, sanctuary, all re- 1:18, 19. Compare Rev. 5:9. quired cleansing before a holy God. Sym- bols, types, shadows, are poor representa- tions of the work of Christ, for they could not "make the corners thereunto perfect." NOTE.-"All men have been bought with Heb. 10:1. Thus many types and ceremo- this infinite price. By pouring the whole nies were used to teach the sinner's need of treasury of heaven into this world, by giv- Christ. ing us in Christ all heaven, God has pur- chased the will, the affections, the mind, the 6. In what way was the first goat a soul, of every human being. Whether be- type of the Lord Jesus Christ? What lievers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's was the role of the scapegoat? Lev. property."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 16:9, 10, 15, 30; Heb. 9:6-12. 326. The Levitical code was rich in symbolical meaning to the people whose religious life it sustained for long centuries. We, too, can learn much from it. NOTE.—The blood of the goat slain as a 4. What essential spiritual experi- sin offering must be taken "within the veil" ences come to the believer through the and sprinkled "upon the mercy seat, and blood of Christ? 1 John 1:7; Rom. before the mercy seat," a procedure for- 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; Heb. 13:12. bidden at all other times. Lev. 16:15; see also verse 2. "Thus the claims of the law, which demanded the life of the sinner, were satisfied."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page NoTE.—Here are some of the greatest 356. words in the Bible: cleansing, justification, "Since Satan is the originator of sin, the redemption, forgiveness, peace, sanctifica- direct instigator of all the sins that caused tion. the death of the Son of God, justice de- Justification "is the work of God in lay- mands that Satan shall suffer the final ing the glory of man in the dust, and doing punishment. Christ's work for the redemp- for man that which it is not in his power tion of men and the purification of the uni- to do for himself."—Testimonies to Min- verse from sin will be closed by the re- isters, page 456. moval of sin from the heavenly sanctuary Redemption includes saving and keeping and the placing of these sins upon Satan, from sin in this life, and entrance into the who will bear the final penalty. So in immortal life. It is through redemption the typical service, the yearly round of "that every other [gift] is imparted to ministration closed with the purification of men."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 301. the sanctuary, and the confessing of the sins "While we should realize our sinful con- on the head of the scapegoat."—/bid., p. dition, we are to rely upon Christ as our 358. righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 472. "As in the final atonement the sins of the Peace is the result of grace "that recon- truly penitent are to be blotted from the ciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of records of heaven, no more to be remem- human passion, and in His love the heart bered or come into mind, so in the type is at rest."—The Desire of Ages, page 336. they were borne away into the wilderness, forever separated from the congregation."— The Day of Atonement Ibid., p. 358. 5. What special service was held in 7. In what words do the Old and the autumn of each year? Mention New Testaments show the need for some of the unusual incidents in the cleansing in both the typical and anti- observance of this day. Lev. 16:29-34; typical sanctuaries? Lev. 16:16; Heb. Ex. 30:10. 9:22, 23. [ 19 NorE.—"In Hebrews 9 the cleansing of sense that they were set apart to be His both the earthly and the heavenly sanc- peculiar servants. Ex. 13:2. God similarly tuary is plainly taught. 'Almost all thing separated and claimed all the people. Lev. are by the law purged with blood; and 11:45; 20:26. without shedding of blood is no remission. The Sabbath was holy. Ex. 20:8-11. The It was therefore necessary that the pat- tabernacle was called a sanctuary, or holy terns of things in the heavens should be place. Ex. 25:8. The outer apartment was purified with these [the blood of animals] ; the holy place, the inner one the most holy but the heavenly things themselves with place. Ex. 26:33. The altar was similarly better sacrifices than these' (Hebrews 9:22, called most holy, as were also the sacred 23), even the precious blood of Christ. vessels. Ex. 29:37; 30:29. Even things "The cleansing, both in the typical and which touched the altar and the offerings in the real service, must be accomplished became holy. Lev. 6:18. It was God's with blood: in the former, with the blood claim, His presence, and dedication to His of animals; in the latter, with the blood of service that made persons, places, and Christ."—The Great Controversy, pages things holy. 417, 418. 11. What evidence is there that the 8. By whom is the cleansing of the basic ideal of holiness was carried "heavenly things themselves" accom- over into the New Testament? 1 Cor. plished, and what supreme event will 1:2, 30. transpire at its conclusion? Heb. 9:23, 24, 28. NorE.—"Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints"—God's sanctified or holy The Way of Holiness ones. The Greek word here rendered saints (hagioi), is an all-important link between 9. What do the types and shadows the Old and the New Testament. Thus of the Levitical system reveal about Paul addresses believers as people "called to be saints." Rom. 1:7. They are "sancti- God's character and what He expects fied in Christ." of His people? Lev. 11:44, 45; 20:7. In Hebrews 3:1 we have the expression Compare 1 Peter 1:15, 16. "holy brethren," who are said to be "par- takers of the heavenly calling." Heb. 3:1. Theirs is "an holy calling." 2 Tim. 1:9. The whole church is "a spiritual house, an holy NorE.—Three times in Leviticus we find priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, the declaration, "Ye shall be holy: for I the acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 1 Peter Lord your God am holy." Other similar 2:5. expressions may also be found. In Leviti- cus there is frequent use of such words as 12. How did the angel explain the holy, holiness, sanctify—all bearing on the birth of Jesus? Luke 1:35. worship of a holy God whose desire is that His people shall be like Him. Un- fortunately, Israel mistook observance of ritual (the letter of the law) for sanctifica- NorE.—"The Holy Spirit will come upon tion of heart (the spirit). you, and the power of the Most High will 10. What was it, in Old Testament overshadow you; therefore the Child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God:" times, that made people, places, and R.S.V. things holy? Lev. 21:8; Ex. 3:2, 5; In Acts 3:14 the apostles declared: "But 19:5, 6. ye denied the Holy One and the Just." Twice Jesus is referred to as "Thy holy Child ["servant," R.S.V.] Jesus." Acts 4: 27, 30. NoTE.—God claimed all the firstborn of Christ Jesus has been "made unto us Israel as His. They were "holy" in the wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- [20] tion, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. The lffe. He bears "fruit unto holiness, and the faithful believer, in turn, is made a par- mid everlasting life." Rom. 6:22. taker of the imputed righteousness of Christ. 2VTo that unseen Holy One he [the be- When the believer "keepeth his word" and liever] will show respect and reverence be- has "the love of God perfected" in him, he cause he is wearing His yoke and is learn- enters into an ever deepening experience of ing His pure, holy ways."-Testimonies, imparted righteousness, living the sanctified vol. 6, p. 322. Lesson 6, for February 8, 1964 Glimpses of the Messiah in the Book of Numbers MEMORY VERSE: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 463-475; "Testimonies," vol. 4, pp. 120- 123; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 428-432, 515-517. AIM: To see divine guidance and forbearance in the wilderness wanderings, and the merciful provision of justice and forgiveness of sin through ceremonies pointing forward to the coming Redeemer. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11, 12. 0 Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. 0 Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Lesson Outline Introduction 6. Characteristics typical of Christ. Num. 19:2, 3. I. The Fiery, Cloudy Pillar 7. The ample sacrifice for reconcilia- 1. Evidences of God's presence. Num. tion. Num. 19:5-10. 9:15, 16. III. The Brazen Serpent 2. Purpose of God in this miracle. Ex. 13:21; Ps. 105:39. 8. A disastrous state of mind. Num. 3. Proofs of Christ's presence with the 21:4, 5. encampment. 1 Cor. 10:1-4. 9. A consequent calamity. Num. 21:6. 4. Assurances of Christ's presence with 10. A lesson in obedience. Num. 21: the church forever. John 8:12; 7-9; John 3:14, 15. Matt. 28:20. IV. The Cities of Refuge II. The Red Heifer 11. Justice safeguarded. Num. 5. The unique purification offering. 35:11-13. Num. 19:2, 9, 17. 12. Vengeance averted. Deut. 19:5, 6. [21] THE LESSON Introduction vince Israel of God's presence and leader- ship. The book of Numbers records the desert "In this cloud the Lord Himself was pilgrimage and warfare, the failure of Israel present with His people, and from the to possess the Promised Land, the record cloud He spoke to Moses. There the glory of certain additions to the ceremonial law, of the Lord, later known as the `Shekinah,' and of plans for ultimate entrance into appeared (Ex. 16:10; 40:34). In a similar Canaan. All this is recorded by the great way the Lord had already revealed Himself leader Moses. to Moses at the burning bush (ch. 3:2), We study here the immortal story of di- and later appeared upon Sinai amidst vine guidance through the pillar of cloud thunder and lightning (ch. 19:16, 18). The and fire, the ordinance for establishing the fire and the cloud symbolized divine leader- six cities of refuge—some think that all ship and protection."—S.D.A. Bible Com- forty-four Levitical cities were, in at least mentary, on Ex. 13:21. some sense, places of refuge—the unique sin offering of the red heifer, and the results 3. Who accompanied and led the of rebellion near Edom. Israelites on their wilderness wander- New Testament writers point out a num- ings? 1 Cor. 10:1-4. Compare Ps. ber of lessons from the wilderness experi- 106:9, 10. ences. One of these is the story of the brazen serpent: "It shall come to pass, that everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live." Num. 21:8. Our Lord's NOTE.—"In all these revelations of the memorable comment on this was: "As divine presence [Sinai, the Shekinah], the Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilder- glory of God was manifested through ness, even so must the Son of man be lifted Christ. . up." John 3:14. In fact, the lesson in all "Christ was not only the leader of the these experiences with Messianic overtones Hebrews in the wilderness—the Angel in is this: There is life in a look at the Cruci- whom was the name of Jehovah, and who, fied One. veiled in the cloudy pillar, went before the host—but it was He who gave the law to The Fiery, Cloudy Pillar Israel. Amid the awful glory of Sinai, Christ declared in the hearing of all the 1. On what occasion did the cloud people the ten precepts of His Father's law. cover the tabernacle, how often was It was He who gave to Moses the law en- it there, and what variations were graved upon the tables of stone."—Patri- there in its appearance? Num. 9: archs and Prophets, page 366. 15, 16. "Jesus stood at the head of that vast army. The cloudy column by day and the pillar of fire by night represented their NoTE.—The fiery, cloudy pillar is men- divine Leader."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 22. tioned many times in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, under such names as 4. In what words did Jesus assure "pillar of cloud," "pillar of fire," "pillar of the believer that He still guides His the cloud," "pillar of fire and of the cloud," people in the way of salvation? John "the cloud of the Lord." It is also mentioned 8:12; Matt. 28:20. in later books, including the New Testa- ment, as a historical reality. 2. For what purposes did God pro- NOTE.—"The Light of the world." This metaphor has a strong Scriptural back- vide the phenomenon of the cloud? ground subsequent to the desert pilgrimage. Ex. 13:21; Ps. 105:39. For example: "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Ps. 27:1) ; "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will . . . NoTE.—The cloud was for guidance, for give thee for a covenant of the people, for shade and a covering, for light, and to con- a light of the Gentiles" (Isa. 42:6); "Arise, [223 shine; for thy light is come, and the glory was outside the city walls. This was to of the Lord is risen upon thee" (Isa. 60:1; show that Christ did not die for the He- see also verse 19) ; and "Unto you that fear brews alone, but for all mankind. He pro- My name shall the Sun of Righteousness claims to a fallen world that He has come arise with healing in His wings" (Mal. 4:2). to be their Redeemer and urges them to Believers in Jesus are exhorted: "While accept the salvation He offers them."— you have the light, believe in the light, that Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 120, 121. you may become sons of light." John 12:36, R.S.V. 7. Describe the ceremony of offer- ing the red heifer. Num. 19:5-10. The Red Heifer 5. What special offering was made to free the people of Israel from cer- NoTE.—"The body of the heifer was tain types of ceremonial defilement? burned to ashes, which signified a whole Num. 19:2, 9, 17. and ample sacrifice. The ashes were then gathered up by a person uncontaminated by contact with the dead and placed in a vessel containing water from a running stream. This clean and pure person then NoTa.—"The children of Israel were an- took a cedar stick with scarlet cloth and ciently commanded to make an offering for a bunch of hyssop, and sprinkled the con- the entire congregation to purify them from tents of the vessel upon the tent and the ceremonial defilement. This sacrifice was people assembled. This ceremony was re- a red heifer and represented the more per- peated several times in order to be thorough fect offering that should redeem from the and was done as a purification from sin. pollution of sin. This was an occasional "Thus Christ, in His own spotless righ- sacrifice for the purification of all those teousness, after shedding His precious blood, who had necessarily or accidentally touched enters into the holy place to cleanse the the dead. All who came in contact with sanctuary. And there the crimson current death in any way were considered cere- is brought into the service of reconciling monially unclean. This was to forcibly im- God to man. Some may look upon this press the minds of the Hebrews with the slaying of the heifer as a meaningless cere- fact that death came in consequence of sin mony, but it was done by the command and therefore is a representative of sin. The of God and bears a deep significance that one heifer, the one ark, the one brazen ser- has not lost its application to the present pent, impressively point to the one great time."—Testimonies, vol. 4, pages 121, 122. offering, the sacrifice of Christ."—Testimo- nies, vol. 4, p. 120. The Brazen Serpent 6. Mention some distinctive fea- 8. In what state of mind were the tures attending the ceremony of the Israelites as they went around the red heifer. Num. 19:2, 3. land of Edom? With what reproach did they turn against God and Moses? Num. 21:4, 5. NorE.—"This heifer was to be red, which was a symbol of blood. It must be without spot or blemish, and one that had never 9. What calamity came upon the borne a yoke. Here, again, Christ was people? Num. 21:6. typified. The Son of God came voluntarily to accomplish the work of atonement. There was no obligatory yoke upon Him, for He was independent and above all law. . . . 10. How did God teach Israel that "The sacrificial heifer was conducted without the camp and slain in the most faith in His word brings salvation? imposing manner. Thus Christ suffered How did our Lord apply this experi- without the gates of Jerusalem, for Calvary ence? Num. 21:7-9; John 3:14, 15. [ 23 NOTE.—" 'As Moses lifted up the serpent 12. Why was haste necessary when in the wilderness,' even so was the Son a person accidentally killed another? of man 'lifted up: that whosoever believeth What provision of God saved the in Him should not perish, but have eternal pursued from approaching wrath? life.' John 3:14, 15. All who have ever lived upon the earth have felt the deadly Deut. 19:5, 6. sting of 'that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan.' Revelation 12:9. The fatal ef- fects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made. The Israel- NoTE.—"He who fled to the city of refuge ites saved their lives by looking upon the could make no delay. Family and employ- uplifted serpent. That look implied faith. ment were left behind. There was no time They lived because they believed God's to say farewell to loved ones. His life was word, and trusted in the means provided for at stake, and every other interest must be their recovery. So the sinner may look to sacrificed to the one purpose—to reach the Christ, and live. He receives pardon place of safety. Weariness was forgotten, through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Un- difficulties were unheeded. The fugitive like the inert and lifeless symbol, Christ has dared not for one moment slacken his pace power and virtue in Himself to heal the until he was within the walls of the city." repenting sinner."—Patriarchs and Proph- —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 517. ets, page 431. "The cities of refuge appointed for God's ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful The Cities of Refuge Saviour who appointed those temporal cit- ies of refuge has by the shedding of His 11. What provision against rash own blood provided for the transgressors of action did God make for the Israelites God's law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. in their permanent home in Pales- No power can take out of His hands the tine? Num. 35:11-13. Compare Deut. souls that go to Him for pardon."—Ibid., 19:2-7; Josh. 20:1-6. p. 516. Lesson 7, for February 15, 1964 The Promised Deliverer in Deuteronomy MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken." Deut. 18:15. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 287-290, 479, 480; "Prophets and Kings," page 684; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To observe the redemptive setting of (1) the Exodus and the establishment of Israel in the Land of Promise; (2) the great-Prophet prediction of Moses; (3) the covenantal responsibilities of the church, based on God's law; (4) sur- render and obedience as a spiritual experience. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12, 13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. 0 Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-8. Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9-11. 0 [24 1 Lesson Outline 8. The injunction of Moses. Deut. 18:15. Introduction The Decalogue and the Covenants I. Delivered From Egypt and Guided 9. Two essential attitudes. Deut. 5:1; to Canaan Matt. 19 : 17, last part. 1. The divine purpose. Ex. 3:7, 8, 10. 10. Present obligations. Deut. 5:2, 3. 2. The hope of deliverance. Gen. 3:15; 11. Basis of the covenant in Horeb. 12:1-3; 17:1-8; 49:8-10. Deut. 5:4-21. 3. The twofold promise. Deut. 1:8, 21. 12. Blessings of obedience. Deut. 5:29; 4. The final victory. Rev. 15:2, 3. John 15:10. II. The Prophet Like Moses IV. Surrender and Obedience 5. The Mosaic prediction. Deut 18:15. 6. The coming Prophet. John 6:14. 13. The relation between love and 7. The basis of obedience. Deut. 4:2; obedience. Deut. 6:4-6. John 12:48-50. THE LESSON Introduction bring them up out of that land unto a good land." The Hebrew people were to be re- The book of Deuteronomy, which is said leased in order that they might serve God: to be quoted some ninety times in the New "Let My son go, that he may serve Me;" Testament, is largely made up of four ex- "Let My people go, that they may serve tended discourses of Moses, delivered on Me." Ex. 4:23; 9:1. Bondage in Egypt the plains of Moab. Deut. 34:1. Then the meant service to evil men. Ex. 1:13, 14. great leader, resigned to God's will that he should relinquish his work and go to his 2. What promises took on new rest, gave to his beloved people his fare- meaning when Moses delivered Israel well counsels. Deut. 31:1 to 34:12. from Egypt? Gen. 3:15; 12:1-3; 17: The relevance of Moses to our present 1-8; 49:8-10. lesson is, first, that Moses was a type of Christ; and, second, that "he himself had declared to Israel, 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto NOTE.-Adam understood enough of the me; unto Him ye shall hearken.' "-Patri- plan of redemption to perceive that the Re- archs and Prophets, page 480. Thus a man deemer would come through the seed of the who was himself a type of the Redeemer, woman. The promises to Adam and the recorded one of the most striking of the patriarchs were passed on orally, and even Old Testament prophecies concerning our Egyptian bondage could not wholly obliter- Lord. ate the hope of deliverance. 3. In addition to deliverance from Delivered From Egypt and Egypt, what was involved in God's Guided to Canaan promises to the patriarchs? Deut. 1:8, 21. Compare Acts 7:3-7. 1. With what purpose in view did God send Moses to Pharaoh? Ex. 3:7, 8, 10. NOTE.-In God's plan, "out of Egypt" meant into Canaan. Ex. 3:10, 17. Note the same phrasing in Stephen's words regarding NOTE.-"I am come down to deliver them Abraham, in Acts 7:3: "Get thee out of out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to thy country, . . . into the land which I [ 261 shall show thee." God never calls His peo- greater than he was. Hence this prophecy ple out of their evil environment without applied in its fullness to no prophet of the leading them into something better. Old Testament. It is in Christ alone, the The Exodus is described in these words executor of the New Covenant, the Re- in Acts 7:36: "He brought them out." The deemer of all men, that this promise is sequel to the bringing out is found in perfectly and finally fulfilled (Kurtz, Man Joshua 4 and 5, where God brought them of Sacred History, page 145)."—Aaron J. over Jordan into Canaan. Kligerman, Messianic Prophecy in the Old To deliver from Egypt, bondage, and Testament, page 22. idolatry was one part of God's plan. The other was to lead Israel into the Promised 6. What New Testament allusion Land, where they could worship God freely. is there to Moses' prediction regarding "He brought forth His people with joy, the great Prophet? John 6:14. Com- and His chosen with gladness: . . . that pare John 1:21. they might observe His statutes, and keep His laws." Ps. 105:43-45. The leading out by Moses, under God, and the bringing into Canaan by Joshua, are typical of Christ's call to come out of NOTE.—The woman at the well of Sychar the world to inherit the promise of "a bet- (John 4:7-29) "was in an appreciative state ter country." Heb. 11:16. of mind. She was ready to receive the noblest revelation; for she was interested 4. What song will the redeemed in the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit had sing on the sea of glass? Rev. 15:2, 3. been preparing her mind to receive more light. She had studied the Old Testament promise, 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye NOTE.—"That song [of Moses] does not shall hearken.' Deut. 18:15. She longed to belong to the Jewish people alone. It understand this prophecy. Light was al- points forward to the destruction of all ready flashing into her mind. The water the foes of righteousness and the final vic- of life, the spiritual life which Christ gives tory of the Israel of God."—Patriarchs and to every thirsty soul, had begun to spring Prophets, page 289. up in her heart. The Spirit of the Lord was "Them that had gotten the victory over working with her."—The Desire of Ages, the beast" refers to those who heard God's page 190. call and came out to gain victory over the That devout Jews were awaiting the tyranny of "Babylon the great." Rev. 17:5. coming Deliverer is evident in such expres- Victory over Egypt and over Babylon is the sions as: "Art Thou He that should come, victory over sin and wickedness. To achieve or do we look for another?" Matt. 11:3. that victory Christ gave His life. See also the use of Deuteronomy 18:15, in Acts 3:22. The Prophet Like Moses 7. How precisely were the people to obey Moses' commands? What sim- 5. What great prophecy of the com- ilar statement did Jesus make? Deut. ing Messiah did Moses give? Deut. 4:2; John 12:48-50. 18:15. NoTE.—Moses spoke God's word, as also NOTE.—"Now a Prophet like unto Moses, did Jesus. Our Lord assured us that His must necessarily, like him, be a redeemer meat was to do God's will. John 4:34. He of the people, a founder and executor of a said that He did what God commanded New Covenant with God, and since a New Him to do. John 14:31. He urged obedi- Covenant is, by implication, a better cove- ence to God's commandments. Matt. 19:17. nant than that which preceded it, it follows He was concerned with the finishing of that the Prophet, 'like unto Moses,' is really God's work. John 17:4. (26 ] 8. What specific injunction did ings of obedience to all His com- Moses give regarding what Israel's at- mands, statutes, and words? How did titude to the great Prophet should be? our Lord speak of the blessings of Deut. 18:15, last part. obedience to His commands? Deut. 5:29; John 15:10. NOTE.—"Him you shall heed." R.S.V. To heed the Lord Jesus is to obey Him. When the Father announced: "This is My beloved NoTE.—Obviously, obedience in Deuter- Son: hear Him," He called men to acknowl- onomy concerns both ceremonial and moral edge God's Son and obey Him. Luke 9:35. precepts. The word "commandments" re- fers to all the teachings by which God The Decalogue and the Covenants wished to govern the life of His people, including, of course, the Ten Command- 9. In his second address in the book ments. "That law had been given nearly forty of Deuteronomy, what two things did years before at Mount Sinai, with special Moses impress upon the Israelites as reference to the condition of the Israelites vital in their attitude to "the statutes in the wilderness; now it was given with and judgments" of God? What simi- special reference to their life in the land lar statement did Jesus make about they were about to enter. In both instances God's commandments? Deut. 5:1; the moral law was given greater promi- Matt. 19:17, last part. nence than the ceremonial law. The Ten Commandments were uttered by the voice of God to all the people from Mount Sinai. The instructions about the making of the NOTE.—"You shall learn them and be tabernacle were given to Moses, alone, in careful to do them." "If you would enter the mount. Practical laws of purity and life, keep the commandments." R.S.V. holiness in daily life were interwoven with the laws of the sacrifices as related in Leviticus and Numbers. In Deuteronomy 10. With whom does Moses insist Moses addresses all the people, and the main that God made His covenant? Deut. point that he insists on is the duty of 5:2, 3. obedience."—A. M. Hodgkin, Christ in All the Scriptures, page 36. NoTE.—"Not . . . with our fathers, but with us." The covenant did not belong to Surrender and Obedience the past, It was a present blessing and obligation. 13. In what great statement, quoted "The agreements between God and the in part by Christ, did Moses express `fathers' were personal in nature. At Sinai, the relation between love and obedi- for the first time in history, God entered into an agreement with an entire nation, ence? Deut 6:4-6. Compare Matt. 22: He was to be their King, and they His peo- 37-39. ple."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Deut. 5:3. God's dealings are with a nation only NOTE.—"We can never be saved by insofar as its individual members are con- works; but, if our salvation does not issue cerned. in works, it is not salvation. It is not first 11. What did Moses recite as the works, and then salvation. It is first sal- basis of God's covenant in Horeb? vation, and then works. We do not be- come saved by keeping the law; we can Deut. 5:4-21. Compare Ex. 24:7, 8. only keep the law because we are saved. All is of love, and a man cannot accept God's grace, and then go on to break the heart of the God who loved him so much." 12. In what appealing words did —William Barclay, The Mind of St. Paul, the Lord express to Moses the bless- page 171. I 27 3 Lesson 8, for February 22, 1964 Redemption in the Historical Books: Joshua and Ruth MEMORY VERSE: "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 481, 482, 487, 488; "Prophets and Kings," page 19; "The Desire of Ages," page 327. AIM: To observe (1) the guiding hand of God over His people as they entered upon the conquest of Canaan, and, after the dark days of the judges, (2) the manner in which earnest Gentiles were brought into the plan of redemption and into the genealogy of the Messiah. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9. ❑ Lesson Outline Introduction III. The Law of the Kinsman I. The Preparation for Conquest 7. Elimelech's family faces famine. 1. Joshua chosen for leadership. Ruth 1:1-5. Joshua 1:2; Deut. 34:9. 8. Ruth's deep convictions. Ruth 1:16. 2. Joshua assured of God's presence. 9. Boaz enters the picture. Ruth 2:1; Joshua 1:5. 3:12. 3. Joshua encounters the heavenly visitor. Joshua 5:13, first part. IV. The Kinsman Redeemer II. The Captain of the Host 10. The kinsman's actions. Ruth 4:1-6, 10. 4. The challenge of Joshua. Joshua 11. The blessing of Ruth's marriage. 5:13 (last part), 14 (first part). Ruth 4:14, 21, 22. 5. The effect of the meeting on Joshua. 12. The operation of law and love. Joshua 5:14, second part. Ruth 4:14, 15. 6. The Lord's reassurance to Joshua. 13. The price of our redemption. Acts Joshua 5:15. 20:28. THE LESSON Introduction against idolatry, intermarriage with the heathen, materialism, apostasy, were now Joshua the warrior took the leadership in Joshua's mind, and other unknown perils of Israel at a time of great danger. Canaan awaited Israel. Joshua withdrew from the was a land of wicked, warlike nations, some Israelite armies for thought and prayer. of them skilled in the use of "chariots of "He saw a Man of lofty stature, clad in iron." Joshua 17:16. Moses' warnings warlike garments, with a drawn sword in ( 28 ) His hand. . . . It was the Son of God who God of Israel would go before His people, stood as an armed warrior before the leader he beheld an armed warrior, of lofty stature of Israel. It was the One who had con- and commanding presence, 'with his sword ducted the Hebrews through the wilder- drawn in his hand.' "—Patriarchs and ness, enshrouded in a pillar of cloud by day Prophets, page 487. and a pillar of fire by night. In order to impress the mind of Joshua that He was The Captain of the Host no less than Christ, the Exalted One, He said: 'Loose thy shoe from off thy foot.' "— 4. How did Joshua challenge the Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 159, 160. This re- person with the drawn sword? By markable encounter was a sign to Joshua to go forward in the assurance of God's pres- what name did the Lord reveal Him- ence. self to Joshua? Joshua 5:13 (last After Joshua's generation passed away part), 14 (first part). Compare Joshua came the period of the judges, and with it 6:2. many dark episodes in Israel's history. Then came the refreshing story of Ruth and Boaz, showing that God had a place for Gentiles NorE.—"As Commander of the army of in the plan of salvation. The book of Ruth the Lord I have now come." R.S.V. teaches many spiritual lessons, none greater "To Joshua's challenge, 'Art Thou for us, than that of the great kinsman Redeemer or for our adversaries?' the answer was who gave His life for our redemption. given, 'As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.' The same command given The Preparation for Conquest to Moses in Horeb, 'Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou 1. What command came to Joshua standest is holy,' revealed the true character after the death of Moses? Why was of the mysterious stranger. It was Christ, he chosen for leadership? Joshua 1:2; the Exalted One, who stood before the Deut. 34:9. leader of Israel."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 487, 488. 5. How did Joshua react when he 2. In what words was Joshua as- realized that he was in the divine sured of the divine presence in his Presence? Joshua 5:14, second part. arduous tasks? Joshua 1:5. NOTE.—"Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon NOTE.—"Joshua faced a great task with his face and worshiped, and heard the as- a people who had so often failed in the past. surance, 'I have given into thine hand Jeri- God here promises that He would not get cho, and the king thereof, and the mighty them into a situation and then leave them men of valor,' and he received instruction there. He would see them through to the for the capture of the city."—Patriarchs end. The same holds true for Christians and Prophets, page 488. (Matt. 28:20)."—S.D A. Bible Commen- tary, on Joshua 1:5. 6. What reassuring words, previ- ously spoken to Moses, were now ad- 3. What experience came to Joshua dressed to Joshua, as he set out on the near Jericho? Joshua 5:13, first part. conquest of Canaan? Joshua 5:15. NoTE.—"To reduce Jericho was seen by NoTE.—"To Moses there was given the Joshua to be the first step in the conquest sign of the burning bush, accompanied by of Canaan. But first of all he sought an the command to put off his shoes from off assurance of divine guidance, and it was his feet, because the place on which he granted him. Withdrawing from the en- stood was holy ground. The same com- campment to meditate and to pray that the mand was now given to Joshua as he [29] bowed prostrate in the presence of the The law of the kinsman provided for the Prince of the host of the Lord, who stood regaining of property sold for debt (Lev. before him with the drawn sword in His 25:25), and for preserving the name of the hand. This vision was symbolic of the mis- childless dead by the marriage of his sion of judgment upon the corrupt peoples brother to the widow (Deut. 25:5; Ruth of the land which Israel, under the leader- 3; 4). ship of Joshua, were now called upon to undertake."—G. Campbell Morgan, The The Kinsman Redeemer Graded Bible, vol. 2, p. 6. 10. In what legal manner did Boaz The Law of the Kinsman proceed to clear away the obstacles to his redemption of the property of 7. Relate the circumstances under Naomi, including the widow Ruth? which Ruth enters the Bible story. Ruth 4:1-6, 10. Ruth 1:1-5. NoTE.—"The keynote of the book of Ruth Nom.—From the stern loyalties of Josh- is The Kinsman Redeemer. In him we see ua's generation (Joshua 24:31), Israel de- Christ, who has purchased the church to be generated swiftly into apostasy. The book His bride. 'Thirty times in this short book of Judges gives evidence of this dark period. the word "kinsman" is found, or "re- The book of Ruth may be thought of as deemer," "near kinsman," "next of kin," a concluding section to the book of Judges, "kindred." . . . Our Lord Jesus had to be- and as an introduction to the books of come one with man in order to have the Samuel. Elimelech—"My God is King"— right to redeem. . . . No sinner can re- his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon deem himself, much less can he redeem his and Chilion appear to have been among brother (Ps. 49:7). He is therefore, as the God's faithful ones in an evil generation. God-man, our Boaz ("Ability") ; by that The Moabite women who married the sons kinship and strength or ability, He is able were evidently susceptible to the uplifting to save to the uttermost all that come unto influence of this God-fearing home, and one God by Him' (Pierson)."—A. M. Hodgkin, of them, Ruth, and her mother-in-law Christ in All the Scriptures, page 61. Naomi, became participants in a memorable illustration of the kinsman laws of Israel. Ten years after Elimelech and his family 11. In what way did the marriage went from Israel to Moab, the two lonely of Ruth to Boaz become a blessing to women returned to Israel. all concerned, and also to posterity? Ruth 4:14, 21, 22. 8. What deep conviction on Ruth's part was the reason for her noble place in the subsequent history of Elimelech's family and of Israel? Ruth Nom.—The birth of the child Obed ("ser- 1:16. vant;" that is, of God) brought Ruth into the royal line of the progenitors of David, who was in some respects a type of Christ. 9. Who entered the story and was With her new husband she is honored for used by God to turn Naomi's bitter- all time as an ancestor of Christ. Matt. 1:5. "Had the Jewish nation appreciated the ness to joy? By virtue of what fact did lesson of the book of Ruth—that God is this man enter the lives of Naomi and no respecter of persons—their attitude Ruth? Ruth 2:1; 3:12. toward the Gentiles would have been vastly different from what it was. They would have been looking for a Messiah whose mis- sion was to save all men from sin, whether NoTE.—The guiding hand of God brought Jew or Gentile, and not merely for a Jewish into this story a wealthy, kind, and honor- Messiah to save the Jewish nation from able man named Boaz. bondage to Rome. There is a lesson for us [ 30 I also in the book of Ruth. If we will but served when Boaz, before the elders, gave practice love and sympathy toward our the near relative of Naomi opportunity to fellow men, many of them will say to us as act as the kinsman redeemer, Ruth said to her mother-in-law, 'Thy peo- ple shall be my people, and thy God my 13. With what strong words did God.' "—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Paul exhort the elders of the church Ruth 4:17. at Ephesus with regard to the price 12. How is the operation of love of our redemption? Acts 20:28. and law seen in this book, and in the words of the women of Bethlehem to Naomi? Ruth 4:14, 15. Nom.—"Their responsibility was all the greater in that the flock which they were called upon to tend was no other than the congregation of God which He had pur- Nom.—The love of a daughter-in-law is chased for Himself . • . and the ransom- stated in verse 15, and it brought blessing price was nothing less than the life-blood of upon the household. His beloved Son."—F. F. Bruce, The Book The laws of Israel were scrupulously ob- of Acts, page 416.. Lesson 9, for February 29, 1964 Christ in the Psalms MEMORY VERSE: "These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." Luke 24:44. STUDY HELPS: "The Ministry of Healing," page 197; "The Desire of Ages," pages 741-752; "S. D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To observe the Messianic content of some of the psalms, which reveal cer- tain offices, sufferings, and ultimate triumph of Messiah. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ begin reading study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; Lesson Outline 4. Heaven's exhortation to honor the Son. Ps. 2:12. Introduction II. The Sufferings of Messiah I. The Sonship of King Messiah 5. The cry from the cross. Ps. 22:1; 1. Heathen rage against God and His Matt. 27 :46. Antinted. Ps. 2:2; Acts 4:25-27. 6. The assembly of the wicked. Ps. 2. Divine attestation of Sonship. Ps. 22:16-18; Matt. 27:31, 35. 2:7, 8; Acts 13:30-33. 7. The scorn and mockery. Ps. 22:7, 3. God's declaration of Kingship. Ps. 8, 15; Mark 15:29; Matt. 27:43; 2:6. John 19:28-30. 31 I 8. The ascription of praise. Ps. 22:22; 11. An eternal throne. Ps. 45:6; Heb. Heb. 2:11, 12. 1:6-8. IV. Some Favorite Figures of Our III. Messiah as Priest-King Lord 9. At God's right hand. Ps. 110:1; 12. The Good Shepherd. Ps. 23:1; Matt. 22 :42-45. John 10:11. 10. A Priest forever. Ps. 110:4; Heb. 13. The Light of the world. John 8:12; 5:6. Ps. 27:1. THE LESSON Introduction of the Lord's Anointed."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 632. The title of this lesson is justified by "The Jews themselves admit that the Christ's own words to the disciples gathered earliest interpretation of this psalm was together in Jerusalem after His resurrec- Messianic, and that the 'anointed' is 'King tion, as they ate the broiled fish and honey- Messiah.' "—J. J. S. Perowne, The Book of comb: "All things must be fulfilled, which Psalms, 1888 ed., p. 15. were written . . . in the psalms, concern- "The priests did all they could to keep ing Me." Luke 24:44. Christ's body where it had been laid. He The word "psalms," as used by Christ was sealed as securely in His tomb as if in Luke 24:44, refers to the third of the He were to remain there through all time." three divisions of the Hebrew Old Testa- —The Desire of Ages, page 778. ment, commonly called "The Writings." This division included Ruth, First and Sec- 2. What relationship of Christ to ond Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, God is mentioned in the same psalm? Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of What unique event served to rein- Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel. The book of Psalms appears first in this sec- force this relationship? Ps. 2:7, 8; tion of the Hebrew Bible, and thus gave its Acts 13:30-33. name to the entire section. David, poet-king and Sweet Singer of Israel, stands at the head of the writers of NorE.—In Psalm 2:7 the Son refers to this book. Some seventy-three psalms are the Father's decree of Sonship. In Acts 13: ascribed to him, and he may have com- 33 Paul applies Psalm 2:7 to Christ's resur- posed some of the fifty anonymous psalms. rection. Elsewhere he says that Jesus was The quotations from and references in the "declared to be the Son of God with power, New Testament to the Psalms are numer- according to the Spirit of holiness, by the ous; some have estimated as high as three resurrection from the dead." Rom. 1:4. hundred. These religious poems and songs have entered into the life of every Chris- 3. What other title of the Son is tian nation. They profoundly influenced the Jewish nation, and helped to keep the referred to in this psalm? Ps. 2:6. Messianic hope alive. Compare Matt. 21:5. The Sonship of King Messiah 1. In what words does the psalmist NOTE.—Here is what has been called "God's own answer to them that oppose picture the wicked in rebellion Him. I (the pronoun is emphatic in the against "the Lord, and against His Hebrew), the King of heaven and earth, Anointed"? Who is God's Anointed? have set my own King, my Son, and my Ps. 2:2; Acts 4:25-27. vicegerent, upon the throne. . . "On Zion, . . . the seat of dominion, the center from which His law goes forth, etc., NOTE.—"The first of the Messiah psalms, . . . there is a kind of anticipative hint of Ps. 2, has been appropriately called a Song the great truth which is first distinctly [ 32 ] taught in 110th Psalm, that the Anointed He would deliver Him." Verse 8. See King should also be the Anointed Priest."— Matthew 27:43 and note the addition J. J. S. Perowne, The Book of Psalms, of "for He said, I am the Son of God." page 17. (c) "My tongue cleaveth to My jaws." 4. Whom are men exhorted to rev- Verse 15. See John 19:28-30. erence? Ps. 2:12. NOTE.—"In their mockery of the Sav- NoTE.—"Kiss the Son. That is, do rev- iour, the men who professed to be the ex- erence to the Messiah, whom Jehovah has pounders of prophecy were repeating the declared to be His Son."—S.D.A. Bible very words which Inspiration had foretold Commentary, on Ps. 2:12. they would utter upon this occasion. . . . But although spoken in mockery, these The Sufferings of Messiah words led men to search the Scriptures as they had never done before. Wise men 5. Which words from one of the heard, searched, pondered, and prayed. Psalms did. Jesus utter on the cross? There were those who never rested until, by Ps. 22:1; Matt. 27:46. comparing scripture with scripture, they saw the meaning of Christ's mission. Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. NOTE.-"Thp spotless Son of God took Into the hearts of many who beheld the upon Himself the burden of sin. He who crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ's had been one with God, felt in His soul words, the light of truth was shining."—The the awful separation that sin makes be- Desire of Ages, page 749. tween God and man. This wrung from His lips the anguished cry, 'My God, My God, 8. How does the New Testament why hast Thou forsaken Me?'"—Steps to apply the words of thanksgiving in Christ, page 13. Psalm 22:22 to the victorious results of Christ's crucifixion and resurrec- 6. How was the psalmist's picture tion? Ps. 22:22; Heb. 2:11, 12. of an innocent sufferer fulfilled at the crucifixion? Ps. 22:16-18; Matt. 27: 31, 35. Messiah as Priest-King 9. What great truth concerning the NoTE.—"In the sufferings of Christ upon Messiah was cited from the Psalms by the cross prophecy was fulfilled. . . . The prophecy concerning His garments was car- Christ to the Jewish leaders? Ps. ried out without counsel or interference 110:1; Matt. 22:42-45. from the friends or the enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was NoTE.—This psalm is quoted also in Mark given. Christ heard the men's contention 12:35-37; Acts 2:34. as they parted the garments among them. "According to Jesus' statement the con- His tunic was woven throughout without versation occurred between God the Fa- seam, and they said, 'Let us not rend it, but ther and God the Son. Christ is seated in cast lots for it, whose it shall be.'"—The the place of highest honor in the universe, Desire of Ages, page 746. the right hand of His Father (see Eph. 1:20-23; cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28)."—S.D.A. Bi- 7. Trace in the New Testament the ble Commentary, on Ps. 110:1. fulfillment of the following statements in Psalm 22: (a) "They . . . laugh 10. What does the psalmist say Me to scorn." Verse 7. See Mark 15: specifically regarding the priesthood 29. (b) "He trusted on the Lord that of Christ? Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5:6. [ 38 NoTE.—"A priest for ever. The strongest Some Favorite Figures of Our Lord possible language is employed to show that Christ is an eternal Priest. He is so by 12. By what Old Testament figure virtue of a promise of God confirmed by did Jesus represent His love for man- an oath (see Heb. 7:21). This settles the kind? Ps. 23:1; John 10:11. decree beyond all question. "Order of Melchizedek. In Christ the priesthood and the kingship are united as they were in Melchizedek, king of Salem, NOTE.—"Christ applied these prophecies priest of God (see Gen. 14:18; Heb. 5:6, [Ps. 23:1; Ezek. 34:23, 16, 25, 28] to Him- 10; 6:20; 7:1-3, 11, 15, 17, 24, 28)."— self, and He showed the contrast between S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Ps. 110:4. His own character and that of the leaders in Israel. The Pharisees had just driven one from the fold, because he dared to bear 11. How are certain words of the witness to the power of Christ. They had psalmist used to prove the divine Son- cut off a soul whom the True Shepherd was ship and Kingship of Christ? Ps. 45: drawing to Himself. In this they had 6; Heb. 1:6-8. shown themselves ignorant of the work committed to them, and unworthy of their trust as shepherds of the flock. Jesus now set before them the contrast between them NOTE.—"Here [Heb. 1:8] the Father ad- and the Good Shepherd, and He pointed to dresses the Son reverently, calling Him God. Himself as the real keeper of the Lord's This may be considered the climax in the flock."—The Desire of Ages, page 477. argument on the position and dignity of Christ. There can be no higher testimony 13. What figure of speech, applied to the deity of Christ than this apostrophe by Jesus Himself, is used of Deity in of the Father to the Son."—S.D.A. Bible the Psalms? John 8:12; Ps. 27:1. Com- Commentary, on Heb. 1:8. pare Ps. 36:9. Lesson 10, for March 7, 1964 The Messiah in the Prophecies of Isaiah MEMORY VERSE: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isaiah 61:1. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 578, 579; "Prophets and Kings," pages 689-697, 729-733; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To present the salient points of Messianic prophecy in the writings of "the gospel prophet," and to observe their specific fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ helps. 0 Tuesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; begin [ 34 ] Lesson Outline III. The Servant of God 7. A prophetic designation of Messiah. Introduction Isa. 42:1; Matt. 12:18. 8. A designation implying Deity. Isa. I. The Immanuel Passages 49:5-7. 1. The first Immanuel passage. Isa. IV. The Suffering Saviour 7:13-17. 2. The New Testament confirmation. 9. A notable incident. Acts 8:26-35. Matt. 1:18-23 ; Luke 1:27-31. 10. The sufferings of Christ. Isa. 53:2-5, 3. The second Immanuel passage. Isa. 7, 8. 9:1-7. 11. A picture in paradoxes. Isa. 53: 4. The third Immanuel passage. Isa. 9-11; Acts 2:23; Matt. 27:57-60. 11:1-5. V. The Gracious Work of the Saviour II. The Messianic Age 12. The work of the Messiah. Isa. 61:1; 5. Physical and spiritual changes. Isa. Luke 4 : 18-21. 35:1-7. 13. The judgment and God's grace. 6. A transformed people. Isa. 35:8. Isa. 61:1, 2. THE LESSON Introduction NoTE.-"Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious Isaiah, of the royal line of Judah, has creation, will be honored above all other been called "the evangelical prophet." His worlds in the universe of God. Here, where name means "the Lord will save," and the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; through ali the triumph and the tragedy, where the King of glory lived and suffered through the thunder of God's judgments in and died,-here, when He shall make all war and peace, through sorrow and joy, things new, the tabernacle of God shall be there shines in Isaiah's pages the glory of with men, 'and He will dwell with them, the coming Deliverer-the "Hope of Israel," and they shall be His people, and God Him- "the Desire of all nations." self shall be with them, and be their God.' And through endless ages as the redeemed The Immanuel Passages walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift,-Im- manuel, 'God with us.' "-The Desire of 1. In a time of peril at the hands Ages, page 26. of neighboring kings, what sign of deliverance did God promise Ahaz? 3. What is the second Immanuel Isa. 7:13-17. Compare Isa. 8:8, 10. passage? What seven outstanding facts concerning the Messiah and His work are mentioned here? Isa. 9:1-7. NoTE.-Matthew, by inspiration, applies the promise of Isaiah 7:14 to Christ. See Matt. 1:22, 23. NoTE.-Isaiah 8 closes with darkness and Immanuel. The word Immanuel appears desolation in Galilee as a result of the here for the first time. It means "God with Assyrian invasion, but the darkness gives us," and is one of the sign names such as way to light as the Immanuel hope is ful- "Wonderful," "Counselor," which indicate filled in chapter 9. the nature or work of the Messiah. People in darkness are to see "a great light." Compare John 1:4-9. The nation 2. How do both Matthew and Luke was to rejoice in the Messiah-"Thou hast confirm the virgin birth of Jesus? multiplied the nation, thou hast increased Matt. 1:18-23; Luke 1:27-31. its joy." Isa. 9:3, R.S.V. Christ said He 35 came to break the yoke of bondage. See new world created by the Messiah? Luke 4:18, 19. Jesus was a Child born of How do men in this world find the Mary and a Son given by the Holy Ghost. holy way to God? Isa. 35:8. The government of the universe and of all earthly nations is yet to become complete and eternal in Christ's hands. See Dan. 2:44, 45; Matt. 25:31. NoTE.—"An highway, . . . The way of holiness." The material and spiritual pros- 4. What facts are stated in Isaiah's perity of a loyal Israel would have at- third passage relating to the Messiah? tracted men to God's people, and these prophecies might have been fulfilled in this Isa. 11:1-5. world. But disloyalty left no "way of holiness" by which men were drawn to God, and only through men redeemed in Christ's NOTE.—Mary, the mother of Jesus, in righteousness and in the new world can thinking of Simeon's prophecy, recalled these prophecies find complete fulfillment. Isaiah's words, "There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a The Servant of God Branch shall grow out of his roots," but she did not at once understand them. See 7. What designation used several The Desire of Ages, page 56. times by Isaiah was Matthew led to A clear picture of the Messiah is etched apply to Jesus in His ministry for in the words of this text. Isa. 11:1-5. With fallen man? Isa. 42:1; Matt. 12:18. these verses compare Daniel 2:43, 44 and Compare Isa. 49:6; 53:11. Revelation 19:11-21. In Isaiah 11:6-9 we have a new-earth picture where rapacity and destruction are eradicated and replaced by peace and holiness. 8. In what words does the prophet further describe the work of the Mes- The Messianic Age siah? Isa. 49:5-7. Compare Luke 2:32. 5. How does Isaiah portray the physical and spiritual condition of NOTE.—"In the later centuries of Israel's the new earth and of God's redeemed history prior to the first advent it was generally understood that the coming of people? Isa. 35:1-7. the Messiah was referred to in the prophecy, `It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, NoTE.—The wilderness through which and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will ancient Israel toiled, the hard world through also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, which modern Israel journeys to the that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the heavenly Canaan, are to become a field of end of the earth.'"—Prophets and Kings, flowers. Groaning and toiling are to give pages 688, 689. place to rejoicing. "When the ransomed of the Lord shall The Suffering Saviour have been safely gathered into the heavenly Canaan, forever delivered from the bond- 9. In what notable New Testament age of the curse, under which 'the whole incident is the prophecy of Isaiah 53 creation groaneth and travaileth in pain applied to the Messiah? Acts 8:26-35. together until now' (Romans 8:22), they will rejoice with joy unspeakable and full Compare Matt. 8:17; John 12:38. of glory. Christ's great work of atonement for men will then have been completed, and their sins will have been forever blotted NoTE.—"Who hath believed? Who would out."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 542. have believed the account of the humilia- tion and exaltation of Messiah, the Lord's 6. What expressions denote the Servant (see on ch. 52:7, 13-15) ! The story character of the inhabitants of the of the Saviour's selfless love and His vicari- E 36 ] ous sacrifice—the theme of chs. 52:13 to NoTE.—Among other comparisons, the 53:12—is the most amazing message, the following should be noted: greatest 'good tidings' (see on ch. 52:7), of (1) "He made His grave with the wicked, time and eternity."—S.D.A. Bible Commen- and with the rich in His death." See Matt. tary, on Isa. 53:1. 27:57-60. (2) "There was no deceit in His mouth" (R.S.V.). See 1 Peter 2:22. (3) "It 10. What is said of the Messiah's pleased the Lord to bruise Him." See Rom. physical appearance? How are His 8:32. (4) "He shall see His seed." See John sufferings described, and why did He 1:12. (5) "He shall prolong His days" de- suffer? Isa. 53:2-5, 7, 8. Compare spite His death on the cross. See Heb. 7:16, 1 Peter 3:18. R.S.V.; Rev. 1:18. (6) "The will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand" (R.S.V.). See Matt. 26:42; John 17:4. (7) "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be NOTE.—"For more than a thousand years satisfied." See Heb. 12:2. the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour's coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, The Gracious Work of the Saviour in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His 12. What work would the Spirit of coming they knew Him not. The Beloved God empower Christ to do? What of heaven was to them 'as a root out of a application did Jesus make of this dry ground;' He had 'no form nor come- prophecy? Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18-21. liness;' and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. 'He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.' Isa. 53:2; John 1:11."—The Desire of Ages, NOTE.—"The sixty-first chapter of Isaiah page 27. testifies that Christ was to do the very work "Wounded for our transgression." "Christ He did."—The Desire of Ages, page 458. was treated as we deserve, that we might be "The Lord shall arise upon thee, and treated as He deserves. He was condemned His glory shall be seen upon thee.' [Isaiah for our sins, in which He had no share, that 60:2.] Christ, the outshining of the Father's we might be justified by His righteousness, glory, came to the world as its light. He in which we had no share. He suffered the came to represent God to men, and of Him death which was ours, that we might re- it is written that He was anointed 'with the ceive the life which was His. 'With His Holy Ghost and with power,' and 'went stripes we are healed.' "—Ibid., p. 25. about doing good.' "—Prophets and Kings, page 718. 11. What other details of this prophecy were recognized as fulfilled 13. How did Isaiah refer to the in the experience of the Suffering work and saving grace and the judg- One? Isa. 53:9-11. Compare Acts 2: ment of God? Isa. 61:1, 2. Compare 23; Matt. 27:57-60. Luke 4:19. Lesson 11, for March 14, 1964 Christ in Daniel and Some of the Minor Prophets MEMORY VERSE: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Mal. 4:5, 6. STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 499, 500, 503-513; "The Great Con- troversy," page 425 (1950 subscription ed., pp. 418-420), and chapter 28. 37 AIM: To present the unfolding of the Messianic hope in Daniel and certain of the minor prophets and to emphasize the fact that, just as John called the people to repentance before the first coming of Christ, there will be a great work of revival and reformation before the second advent. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Questions 8-10 ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Wednesday: Questions 11-13• begin Lesson Outline Introduction I. The Coming Kingdom of Christ of man. Dan. 7:9, 10, 13. 7. The two phases of judgment. 1. History in outline. Dan. 2:31-35. Luke 19:12-15. 2. Empires rise and fall. Dan. 2:34, 43, 44. IV. The Plan of Salvation Vindicated 3. Unending dominion. Dan. 2:44; 8. A time prediction. Dan. 8:13, 14, 27. 2 Tim. 4:1. 9. Reckoning the time. Dan. 9:24, 25. II. "The . . . Fourth Is Like the Son of 10. A cleansing and its meaning. Dan. God" 8:14; Heb. 8:1, 2. 4. The fire that did not destroy. Dan. V. Events Connected With the Coming 3:23-25, first part. of the Lord 5. The form of the fourth. Dan. 11. Things that might have been. 3:25, last part. Zech. 14:1-4. III. An Awesome Judgment Scene 12. Revival in power. Mal. 4:5, 6, first part. 6. The Ancient of Days and the Son 13. Reform and judgment. Mal. 4:2, 6. THE LESSON Introduction The Coming Kingdom of Christ Daniel and the twelve minor prophets 1. By what symbol did God present make their contribution to the increasingly to Nebuchadnezzar the course of clear portrayal of Messiah throughout the world history from his day to the Old Testament, but in this lesson we can deal only with parts of Daniel, Zechariah, end of time? Dan. 2:31-35. and Malachi. Daniel was "greatly beloved" of God. See Dan. 10:11; The Great Controversy, NorE.—The succession of empires is thus page 470. depicted: (1) According to Daniel 2:38, the Zechariah, doubtless born during Baby- dominion of Babylon had come to the king lonian captivity, encouraged the harrassed by God's grant. (See verses 37, 38; Jer. temple builders and pictured a glorious 27:5-7.) (2) In Daniel 2 :39 (compare chap- future. A century later Malachi spoke of ter 8:20) we read that the Medo-Persian a messenger of God preparing men for the Empire was to succeed the Chaldean; (3) great day of the Lord. in Daniel 2:39 (compare chapter 8:21), [ 38 ] that the Persians were to give way to the NOTE.—"How did that heathen king know Grecians; (4) and in Daniel 2:40, and 9:26, what the Son of God was like? The He- that the fourth empire is evidently Rome. brew captives . . . had in life and char- acter represented before him the truth. . . . 2. What was to occur in the days of They had told of Christ, the Redeemer to the divided world after the fourth come; and in the form of the fourth in the kingdom passed away? Dan. 2:34, midst of the fire the king recognized the Son 43, 44. of God."—Prophets and Kings, page 509. An Awesome Judgment Scene NoTE.—This passing of empires marks the progress of history toward the establish- 6. What scene was shown to Daniel ment of the kingdom of Christ. In this in his vision of the Ancient of Days sense Christ's kingdom is the goal of history, and He is therefore visible to the eye of and the Son of man? Dan. 7:9, 10, 13. faith. See Prophets and Kings, pages 499, 500. 3. When is the "kingdom which NOTE.—"Thus was presented to the shall never be destroyed" to be es- prophet's vision the great and solemn day tablished? Whose kingdom is it? Dan. when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of 2:44; 2 Tim. 4:1. all the earth, and to every man should be rendered 'according to his works.' The An- cient of Days is God the Father. Says the NOTE.—The Bible plainly declares that psalmist: 'Before the mountains were the kingdom of God was still future at the brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed time of our Lord's last Passover. Matt. the earth and the world, even from ever- 26:29. Christ did not set up the kingdom lasting to everlasting, Thou art God.' Psalm before His ascension. Acts 1:6. We read 90:2. It is He, the source of all being, and further that "flesh and blood cannot in- the fountain of all law, that is to preside herit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor. 15:50. It in the judgment."—The Great Controversy, is a matter of promise to the apostles, and page 479. to all those who love God. James 2:5. It is promised in the future to the little flock. 7. How is the receiving of the Luke 12:32. eternal kingdom by Christ represented in the parable of the nobleman? Luke "The . . . Fourth Is Like the 19:12-15. Son of God" 4. What did the astonished Nebu- chadnezzar see when he looked into NOTE.—"Christ had received His king- the fiery furnace where he had cast dom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The sub- the three young Hebrews? Dan. 3: jects of the kingdom were made up. The 23-25, first part. marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given NOTE.—"Four men loose, walking in the to Jesus and the heirs of salvation."—Early midst of the fire, and they have no hurt." Writings, page 280. This was a dramatic fulfillment of God's promise to the Hebrews: "When thou walk- est through the fire, thou shalt not be The Plan of Salvation burned." Isa. 43:2. • Vindicated 5. To whom did Nebuchadnezzar 8. What extended time prophecy liken the fourth figure in the furnace? concerning the sanctuary was not un- Dan. 3:25, last part. derstood by Daniel? Dan. 8:13, 14, 27. [ 39] Nom.—"The cleansing of the heavenly Nom.—Many statements in Zechariah 14 sanctuary comprehends the entire work of clearly refer to God's plan for Israel to en- final judgment, beginning with the investi- lighten the earth in preparation for the gative phase and ending with the executive Messiah's kingdom. How all of this would phase, which results in the permanent eradi- have been fulfilled we do not know. But at cation of sin from the universe. the close of the thousand years "the Lord "A significant feature of the final judg- my God shall come, and all the saints with ment is the vindication of God's character Thee." "And His feet shall stand in that before all the intelligences of the universe." day upon the Mount of Olives, which is be- —S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Dan. 8:14. fore Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount Compare Rev. 15:3; 16:5, 7. of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof, . . . and there shall be a very great valley." 9. From what significant event is "And the Lord shall be King over all the the 2,300-day prophecy to be dated? earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, Dan. 9:24, 25. and His name one." Zech. 14:5, 4, 9. 12. Who is to appear "before the coming of the great and dreadful day 10. How is the cleansing of the of the Lord"? What work of revival heavenly sanctuary in 1844 to be un- will be accomplished? Mal. 4:5, 6, derstood? Who is its central figure? first part. Dan. 8:14; Heb. 8:1, 2. Nom.—This prophecy led to a Jewish ex- pectancy of Elijah in person, as when they Nom.—"As the typical cleansing of the asked John the Baptist, "Art thou Elias?" earthly was accomplished by the removal John 1:21. The angel's words to Zacharias of the sins by which it had been polluted, apply this prophecy to John: "Many of the so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord to be accomplished by the removal, or blot- their God. And he shall go before Him in ting out, of the sins which are there re- the spirit and power of Elias." Luke 1: corded. But before this can be accom- 16, 17. plished, there must be an examination of the "Today, in the spirit and power of Elias books of record to determine who, through and of John the Baptist, messengers of repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are God's appointment are calling the atten- entitled to the benefits of His atonement. tion of a judgment-bound world to the The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore in- solemn events soon to take place in connec- volves a work of investigation—a work of tion with the closing hours of probation and judgment. . . . the appearance of Christ Jesus as King of "While the investigative judgment is go- kings and Lord of lords."—Prophets and ing forward in heaven, while the sins of Kings, page 716. penitent believers are being removed from 13. How does Malachi, in his clos- the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, ing verses, contrast the fate of the among God's people upon earth. This work wicked and the destiny of the righ- is more clearly presented in the messages teous? Mal. 4:2, 6. of Revelation 14."—The Great Controversy, pages 421-425. NoTE.—"Smite the earth with a curse." Events Connected With the "The OT closes with this solemn warning. Coming of the Lord Those who do not truly repent must be numbered with the wicked and suffer their 11. How does Zechariah set forth fate (Mal. 4:1). Nevertheless, Malachi pre- sents a message of hope, for the same God events to be fulfilled preparatory to who destroys the guilty brings everlasting the establishment of the Messianic `healing' (v. 2) to the repentant."—S.D.A. kingdom? Zech. 14:1-4. Bible Commentary, on Mal. 4:6. [ 40 Lesson 12, for March 21, 1964 The Victorious Christ in the Book of Revelation MEMORY VERSE: "He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords." Rev. 19:16. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 739, 740, 832; "Testimonies," vol. 9, pp. 267-269; "The Great Controversy," pages 333, 334, 426, 427, 641-644, (1950 subscription ed., pp. 327, 328, 420-422, 632-635); "Early Writings," pages 285-288; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To discover Christ as the central figure in the last book of the Bible, where He is presented as the Victor in the agelong conflict between good and evil. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ begin reading study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 6, 7. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Wednesday: Questions 9-13; Lesson Outline 7. Reactions of the unprepared. Rev. Introduction 6:14-17. I. The Second Coming of Christ IV. The Return in Glory 1. Apparent to all. Rev. 1:7, first part. 2. Lamented by many. Rev. 1:7, 8. The Reaper. Rev. 14:14. second part. 9. The harvest. Rev. 14:15, 16. 10. The two groups. Rev. 14:16-20. II. The Worship of the Lamb V. The King of Kings 3. "Who is worthy?" Rev. 5:1-4. 4. "Behold, the Lion." Rev. 5:5-7. 11. The marriage of the Lamb. Rev. 5. "Worthy is the Lamb." Rev. 5:9-13. 19:7, 8. 12. The Rider on the white horse. Rev. III. The Imminent Return 19:11. 6. Events under the sixth seal. Rev. 13. The conquering King. Rev. 6:12, 13. 19:13-16. THE LESSON Introduction of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will' The Greek noun rendered "apocalypse" (Ed 173)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. means a revelation, a disclosure, an unveil- 7, p. 724. ing. "Here more completely than elsewhere in Holy Writ the curtain that separates the The Second Coming of Christ invisible from the visible is drawn aside in order to reveal, 'behind, above, and through 1. What important announcement all the play and counterplay of human in- is made early in the book of Revela- terests and power and passions, the agencies tion? Rev. 1:7, first part. [41 ] NoTE.—"The second coming of Christ is Apocalypse always sums up His whole sav- the goal toward which all else moves for- ing work."—Hans Lilje, The Last Book of ward. Significantly, he uses the present the Bible, pages 114, 115. tense, 'He cometh,' thereby stressing the certainty of the event, perhaps also with a 5. What song was sung by the el- sense of its imminence."—S.D.A. Bible Com- ders who fell down to worship the mentary, on Rev. 1:7. Lamb? By an innumerable throng of angels? By every created being? Rev. 2. How is the lament of the lost 5:9-13. expressed in this connection? What lesson should men learn from this lament? Rev. 1:7, second part. Com- NorE.—"As the nations of the saved look upon their Redeemer and behold the pare Jer. 8:20; Zech. 12:10. eternal glory of the Father shining in His countenance; as they behold His throne, which is from everlasting to everlasting, NOTE.—"I do not wonder that worldlings and know that His kingdom is to have no and half-Christians have no love for this end, they break forth in rapturous song: doctrine, or that they hate to hear about `Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was Christ's speedy coming. It is the death knell slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His of their gaieties and pleasures—the turning own most precious blood !' "—The Great of their confidence to consternation—the Controversy, pages 651, 652. conversion of their songs to shrieks of hor- ror and despair. There is a day coming, The Imminent Return when 'the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of man shall be 6. What events transpire under the made low.'"—J. A. Seiss, The Apocalypse, opening of the sixth seal? Rev. 6: ninth ed., vol. 1, pp. 57, 58. 12, 13. The Worship of the Lamb NOTE.—The great earthquake of Lisbon, 3. What question was asked con- November 1, 1755, and the darkening of the cerning the scroll in the right hand sun and of the moon, May 19, 1780, are also foretold in Joel 2:31. (See The Great of "Him that sat on the throne"? Controversy, page 308.) The falling of the What effect did the lack of an an- stars in 1833 was the last of these signs. swer have on John? Rev. 5:1-4. Compare Christ's words in Matthew 24:29. "Christ had bidden His people watch for the signs of His advent, and rejoice as they NOTE.—" 'His blood be on us, and on our should behold the tokens of their coming children.' Matt. 27:24, 25. Thus the Jewish King. 'When these things begin to come to leaders made their choice. Their decision pass,' He said, 'then look up, and lift up was registered in the book which John saw your heads; for your redemption draweth in the hand of Him that sat upon the nigh.'"—The Great Controversy, page 308. throne, the book which no man could 7. How will the great men of earth open."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 294. react to the physical upheavals which 4. In answer to his sorrow, to what attend the second advent? Rev. 6: dramatic scene was John directed? 14-17. Rev. 5:5-7. NOTE.—"Wrath." Men who knew and re- jected Jesus on earth as the meek and NOTE.—"The imposing names which the lowly One, realize that they will meet Him Old Testament gave to the Messiah—the now as the King of kings, and Judge of all Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of men. Terror will reign over the whole earth, David (Gen. 49; Isa. 11)—are fulfilled in while the foundations of life are crumbling Christ. He has conquered. . . . Jesus Christ in this catastrophic scene. is absolute victor; for in this one word the "We stand between the 13th and 14th 142 ] verses of this chapter. We wait for the NoTE.—Verses 16 and 17, dealing with the heavens to depart as a scroll when it is rolled gathering of the righteous, is represented by together. These are times of unparalleled the wheat in the parable of Matthew 13: solemnity and importance, for we do not 25-30. Verses 18 to 20 refer to the wicked know how near we may be to the fulfill- under the figure of clusters of fully ripe ment of these things."—Uriah Smith, Daniel grapes. These are the tares of the above- and the Revelation (revised ed., p. 449. mentioned parable. Compare Heb. 12:25-27; Rev. 16:17. The King of Kings The Return in Glory 11. Under what figure is Christ's 8. For what epochal event does the acceptance of His kingdom portrayed? third angel's message prepare the Rev. 19:7, 8. Compare Matthew 22: world? Rev. 14:14. 1-14. NOTE.—"Soon appeared the great white NOTE.—"The marriage of the Lamb." "I cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. saw that while Jesus was in the most holy When it first appeared in the distance, this place he would be married to the New cloud looked very small. The angel said Jerusalem; and after His work should be that it was the sign of the Son of man. As accomplished in the holiest, He would de- it drew nearer the earth, we could behold scend to the earth in kingly power and take the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus to Himself the precious ones who had as He rode forth to conquer. A retinue of patiently waited His return."—Early Writ- holy angels, with bright, glittering crowns ings, page 251. upon their heads, escorted Him on His way. No language can describe the glory of the 12. By what name is the Lord Jesus scene. The living cloud of majesty and un- Christ called as the Rider on the white surpassed glory came still nearer, and we horse? Rev. 19:11. could clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns, but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. Upon His vesture and thigh was a NOTE.—"Faithful and True." "Several de- name written, King of kings, and Lord of tails in the first verses of this vision are lords."—Early Writings, pages 286, 287. influenced by the Old Testament. Thus the name of Christ as 'Faithful and True' 9. What great work is done among (verse 11) ; he assumes the Hebrew name the nations by our Lord when He Emeth (faithfulness) and Amen. The first comes in the clouds of glory? Rev. name is one of the most beautiful titles ap- 14:15, 16. plied to God in the Old Testament. The rabbis called it the 'Seal of God,' because this word, consisting of three letters, com- NOTE.—" 'He that sat on the cloud,' says prised the first, the middle, and the last the prophecy, 'thrust in His sickle on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus Christ earth; and the earth was reaped.' By this is the beginning and the end of the ways language we are carried past the second of God, or—as the Apocalypse expresses it advent, with its accompanying scenes of elsewhere—Alpha and Omega."—Hans Lilje, destruction to the wicked and salvation to The Last Book of the Bible, page 244. the righteous. Beyond these scenes we must therefore look for the application of the 13. What supreme title appears on following verses."—Daniel and the Revela- the vesture of our Lord as He rides tion, revised ed., p. 678. forth with the avenging armies of 10. What two phases of the world's heaven? Rev. 19:13-16. harvest are brought to view in the actions of the Son of man and the two angels who come out of the heavenly NoTE.—King of kings. "When Christ shall temple? Rev. 14:16-20. come to the earth again, not as a prisoner ( 43 3 surrounded by a rabble will men see Him. sand, and thousands of thousands of angels, They will see Him then as heaven's King. the beautiful and triumphant sons of God, Christ will come in His own glory, in the possessing surpassing loveliness and glory, glory of His Father, and the glory of the will escort Him on His way."—The Desire holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thou- of Ages, page 739. Lesson 13, for March 28, 1964 We Have Found the Messiah MEMORY VERSE: "He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." John 1:41. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 476-484; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To gather up some of the remaining specific prophecies identifying Messiah, and to lead to acceptance of Jesus as our personal Redeemer. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7, 8. ❑ Lesson Outline 6. Resurrection and redemption. Job 19:25, 26; Ps. 17:15; John 11:25. Introduction III. The Crucifixion of Christ in I. Christ the Central Theme of the Prophecy Scriptures 7. Betrayed for the price of a slave. 1. The source of information. John Matt. 26:15; 27:9; Zech. 11:12, 13. 5:39, 40. 8. Treated as a criminal. Isa. 53:7; 2. The birthplace of the coming Ruler. 50:6; 53:5; Ps. 22:7, 8; 69:21. Micah 5:2. IV. Post-Crucifixion Events 3. The new covenant. Heb. 8:1, 2, 6-10. 9. The ascension. Ps. 2:6, 7; 68:18; 110:1, 4. II. Some Titles and Works of the 10. The return of the King. Ezek. Messiah 21:27. 4. Three offices in one Person. Deut. V. "Lord and Christ" 18:15; Ps. 110:4; Zech. 9:9. 5. Miraculous works. Isa. 42:7; Luke 11. Accredited by God. Acts 2:22, 36. 4:18. 12. Accepted by men. John 1:41. THE LESSON Introduction Peter met the Roman centurion, Cornelius, and in brief terms traced the leading facts Perhaps no exact count of the Old Testa- of the life, work, and death of Christ, he ment references to the Messiah can be made, added, 'To Him give all the prophets wit- because they are direct and indirect, obvi- ness.' The apostle Peter was right. There ous and obscure, according to the believer's are four hundred and fifty-six references in perception. A well-known Christian of Jew- the Old Testament to the Messiah and Mes- ish background says: "When the apostle sianic times."—Aaron J. Kligerman, Mes- 44 1 sianic Prophecy in the Old Testament, page NOTE.—Through our faith in His sacrifice 140. on the cross and ministry in the true taber- nacle, Christ writes His laws on human Christ the Central Theme of the hearts. The Gentiles were included in this Scriptures covenant work of the Messiah. Sanctified people in the Old Testament experienced the 1. What fact stated by Jesus reveals new covenant. Isa. 49:6-9. the necessity of searching the Scrip- "Though this covenant was made with tures? John 5:39, 40. Adam and renewed to Abraham, it could not be ratified until the death of Christ. It had existed by the promise of God since the NoTE.—"You search the Scriptures, be- first intimation of redemption had been cause you think that in them you have given; it had been accepted by faith; yet eternal life; and it is they that bear wit- when ratified by Christ, it is called a new ness to Me; yet you refuse to come to Me covenant."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages that you may have life." R.S.V. 370, 371. "It was Christ that spoke to His people through the prophets. The apostle Peter, Some Titles and Works of the writing to the Christian church, says that Messiah the prophets 'prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or 4. What three high offices in Israel what manner of time the Spirit of Christ were united in Jesus? Deut. 18:15; which was in them did signify, when it Ps. 110:4; Zech. 9:9. Compare John testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ 6:14; Heb. 5:6; Matt. 21:5. and the glory that should follow.' 1 Peter 1:10, 11. It is the voice of Christ that speaks to us through the Old Testament."— NOTE.—"In Messianic prophecy the term Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 366, 367. [Christ] came to be applied specifically to 2. In what words did the Scriptures the Messiah, who, as Prophet (Deut 18:15), foretell the birthplace of the Messiah? Priest (Zec 6:11-14), and King (Is 9:6, 7), was the One ordained to be the Redeemer Micah 5:2. of the world."—S.D.A. Bible Dictionary, page 192. NoTE.—"Although founded by a descend- 5. What prophecy indicates the ant of the heroic Caleb (1 Chron. 2:50, 51), work of the Messiah? Isa. 42:7; Luke and in the times of the judges for seven years 4:18. Compare John 9:39. the seat of Ibzan the judge (Judges 12: 8-10), in the centuries before David Beth- lehem Ephratah (House of Bread, the fruit- ful) enters the history of Israel only with NoTE.—"Every miracle that Christ per- a very inglorious reputation, connected in- formed was a sign of His divinity. He was deed with death and mourning (Gen. 35: doing the very work that had been fore- 19, 20), idolatry (Judges 17:7ff.), immoral- told of the Messiah. . . . The greatest sig- ity, fratricidal strife (Judges 19 to 21), and nificance of His miracles is seen in the fact famine (Ruth 1:1). But it was from this that they were for the blessing of human- very city that God, who always conde- ity. The highest evidence that He came scends to the lowly, chose for Himself the from God is that His life revealed the char- ancestor of the Messiah; and thus Bethle- acter of God. He did the works and spoke hem Ephratah, as David's city, became the the words of God. Such a life is the great- place in which 'Christ the Lord' should be est of all miracles."—The Desire of Ages, born (Mic. 5:2; Luke 2:11) ."—Erich Sauer, pages 406, 407. Dawn of World Redemption, page 159. 6. How did the various Old Testa- 3. How is the new covenant men- ment writers express faith in the re- tioned in Jeremiah 31:31-33 related to demption of body and soul through Christ's heavenly ministry? Heb. 8:1, a resurrection from the dead? Job 2, 6-10. 19:25, 26; Ps. 17:15; John 11:25. 45 1 NOTE.-"My redeemer. . . . This text NorE.—Psalm 2 is shown by Acts 3:30-33 [Job 19:25] represents one of the OT reve- to be a Messianic prophecy. (See lesson 9.) lations of God as man's redeemer, a pro- Paul in Ephesians 4:8-10 applies Psalm found truth that was fully revealed to men 68:18 to Christ's ascension "far above all in the person and mission of Jesus Christ. heavens." Psalm 110 is a great Messianic "The latter day. . . . The wording of vs. psalm which presents Christ as eternal 25 and 26 indicates that the divine vindica- Priest and King. This can be realized only tion would take place when God would through the resurrection, "when He [God] `stand . . . upon the earth' and when Job raised Him from the dead, and set Him would 'see God.' This is an unmistakable at His own right hand in the heavenly glimpse of the resurrection."—S.D.A. Bible places, far above all principality, and power, Commentary, on Job 19:25. and might, and dominion." Eph. 1:20, 21. The Crucifixion of Christ in 10. What did the prophet Ezekiel Prophecy say would be Israel's experience until the coming of the rightful King to 7. For what price was our Lord be- claim the kingdom? Ezek. 21:27. trayed? Matt. 26:15; 27:9; Zech. 11: 12, 13. NOTE.—"Not until Christ Himself should set up His kingdom was Judah again to be NoTE.—Zechariah 11 is a warning to permitted to have a king. 'I will overturn, Israel not to turn against God's leadership overturn, overturn, it,' was the divine edict and forsake His covenant. "Give me my concerning the throne of the house of price," says Zechariah, speaking for the David; 'and it shall be no more, until He Shepherd of Israel. The niggardly price come whose right it is; and I will give it weighed out is thirty shekels. Christians Him.' "—Prophets and Kings, page 451. have always connected this prophecy with the betrayal price paid to Judas. "Lord and Christ" "For thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave—he sold the Lord of glory to 11. How did Peter show that Jesus ignominy and death. .. . The love of mam- of Nazareth was the Messiah? Acts mon overbalanced his love for Christ"— The Desire of Ages, page 716. 2:22, 36. 8. How were certain predictions NoTE.—"Some of these pilgrims [in Jeru- fulfilled in the trial of Jesus? Isa. salem at festivals] were men of fervent 53:7 (compare Matt. 26:63); Isa. 50:6; piety and earnest students of the prophecies. 53:5; Ps. 22:7, 8 (compare Matt. 26: They were looking and longing for the 67; 27:26); Ps. 69:21 (compare John advent of the promised Messiah, the hope 19:28, 29). of Israel. . . . Faithfully and wisely they [the apostles] labored, testifying of the things they had seen and heard, and appeal- NoTE.—When the direct prophecies com- ing to 'a more sure word of prophecy' (2 prising the Messianic picture are studied in Peter 1:19), in an effort to persuade 'the the light of their fulfillment, the devout house of Israel . . . that God hath made student can often see relevance in other Old that same Jesus, whom' the Jews 'crucified, Testament statements that may not in both Lord and Christ.' "—The Acts of the themselves be directly Messianic in nature. Apostles, page 165. Events at first not understood take on new significance to him who has recognized the 12. What conclusion did John and Christ on the cross as the Messiah. Andrew come to after only brief con- tact with Jesus? John 1:41. Post-Crucifixion Events 9. How does the psalmist refer to NoTE.—"If John and Andrew had pos- the ascension and priesthood of sessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests Christ? Ps. 2:6, 7; 68:18; 110:1, 4. and rulers, they would not have been found [ 46 ] as learners at the feet of Jesus. They would voice of the heavenly Teacher. To them the have come to Him as critics, to judge His words of Jesus were full of freshness and words. Many thus close the door to the truth and beauty. A divine illumination most precious opportunities. But not so was shed upon the teaching of the Old did these first disciples. They had responded Testament Scriptures. The many-sided to the Holy Spirit's call in the preaching of themes of truth stood out in new light."— John the Baptist. Now they recognized the The Desire of Ages, page 139. THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING March 28, 1964 SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION The fleet of medical mission launches on the rivers of South America has become an established feature of missionary work in that great land. Thousands of people along the Amazon and its tributaries hail the coming of the mission launch as their only hope of receiving help for their many physical afflictions. It is also their only hope for hearing the gospel, for the launch workers preach and teach as well as heal. A part of the overflow this quarter will be used to help equip these mission launches better, so that they may do an even greater work than in the past. The rest of the overflow will be used to establish a boarding academy in the North Brazil Union, eighteen miles from the city of Belem at the mouth of the Amazon River, where a few years ago overflow funds helped to establish a mission hospital. Won't you give a generous offering on March 28 so that there may be a good overflow for these two worthy projects? Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1964 Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the second quarter of 1964 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is, "Selected Lessons From the Psalms." The title of the first lesson is "Introduction to the Psalms." The memory verse is Psalm 95:1, 2. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Luke 24:44. to Psalms 3; 18; 30; 34; 51; 52; 54. Ques. 2. Meaning of the word Psalm: "A Ques. 8. A form of poetry. song to be sung to musical accompani- Ques. 9. Various types of psalms: ment." Nature: Psalms 8; 19; 29; 104. Ques. 3. Superscriptions to Psalms 3 ; Historical: Psalms 46; 68; 79; 106; 81; 90. 107. Ques 4. 1 Sam. 16:15-23. Messianic: Psalms 2 ; 22 ; 69 ; 72 ; 110. Ques. 5. 1 Chron. 23:5. Ques. 10. Ps. 28:1, 2, 6, 7; 34:3-7. Ques. 6. 2 Sam. 23:1. Ques. 11. Luke 20:42; Acts 1:16, 20. Ques. 7. Circumstances under which Ques. 12. Mark 12:36 ; Acts 1:16 ; psalms were written. Superscriptions 4:24, 25. 47 I SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION'•S UNION MISSION POPULATION "CHURCHES CM MEM. SS. MEM. ATLANTIC OCEAN AUSTRAL U.C. 3 064,399 174 24,099 PROJECTS: EAST BRAZIL U.C. 31,860,000 123 21,455 INCA U.M. 1 ,510,866 124 31,486 I. To Establish a Boarding Academy for. NO. BRAZIL U.N. 9,881,012 33 6,697 the Youth of North BroxiL SO. BRAZIL U.C. 19,087,337 168 44,379 2. To Better Equip Our Medical Launches, DIVISION TOTALS 111,403,614 622 128,116 151,845 and Improve our Medical Work in the / North Brasil Union. i i00[115 COLOMBIA k..., VENEZUELA ... 103A VISTA % .-y, ,_ ' . Lc. ,..a.-• .•••• LU Elr0 IV" --•-- 4 ER. 0 AMA PA ACA, [MT `.TER. OF RIO BRANCO MACAPA.g4;) EQUATOR 10 NEGRO 1111V;Agr,7:71...,Th 11.10. MAMIO No. Bral ON mum / (Gerard A axon Mission) Lalae, Ann!lon Mission) LUZEIRO V 241Mia - 0 LUIS • juo SOLIM AMAZONAS lAmareal L ZEIROV) PARA RIO TOCANTINS r ERESINA MARANHXO TER. OF ACRE •• pq •••• • RIO BRANCO • • TER. OF RONDONI BOLIVIA