SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON SABBATH , ILIA f Rtif No,, 280; SECON 14 t k t. ‘4110.'"VIN. THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY "The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on mind and character."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 132. "There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."— Steps to Christ, page 9o. 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. Nes Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. The Creator of the Universe 2. God's Guidebook 3. God Created the Heaven and the Earth 4. Days One to Five of Creation Week 5. The Sixth Day of Creation Week 6. The Memorial of Creation 7. The Biblical Portrayal of Origins 8. The Creator-Sustainer; His Servants 9. The Origin of False Scientific Theories 10. Results of Man's Sin, in the Natural World 11. The Antediluvian World 12. The Flood 13. Aftereffects of the Flood Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 280, April-June, 1965. 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 94041. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1965, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG GENERAL INTRODUCTION "As regards this earth, Scripture declares "Many teach that matter possesses vital the work of creation to have been com- power, . . . and that the operations of pleted. 'The works were finished from the nature are conducted in harmony with fixed foundation of the world.' Heb. 4:3. But laws, with which God Himself cannot in- the power of God is still exercised in up- terfere. This is false science, and is not holding the objects of His creation. . . . sustained by the Word of God. Nature Every breath, every pulsation of the heart, is the servant of her Creator. God does is an evidence of the care of Him in whom not annul His laws, or work contrary to we live and move and have our being. them; but He is continually using them as "Not by its own inherent energy does His instruments. the earth produce its bounties, and year "God's handiwork in nature is not. God by year continue its motion around the sun. Himself in nature. . . . While nature is an An unseen hand guides the planets in their expression of God's thought, it is not na- circuit of the heavens. ture but the God of nature that is to be "The God of heaven is constantly at exalted. . . . work. It is by His power that vegetation "The hand that sustains the worlds in is caused to flourish, that every leaf ap- space, the hand that holds in their orderly pears and every flower blooms. Every drop arrangement and tireless activity all things of rain or flake of snow, every spire of throughout the universe of God, is the grass, every leaf and flower and shrub, hand that was nailed to the cross for us." testifies of God. . . . —The Faith I Live By, page 28. Lesson 1, for April 3, 1965 The Creator of the Universe MEMORY VERSE: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:17-19. STUDY HELPS: "Evangelism," pages 613-617; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-43; "Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 246-251. AIM: To help the student gain a fuller appreciation of the nature and character of the Creator. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ begin reading study helps. Monday: Questions 4-8. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. [3 1 Lesson Outline: 8. His unchangeableness. Mal. 3:6; James 1:17. Introduction III. The Unity and Trinity of God I. Origin of All Material Things 9. Only one true God. Deut. 6:4; Isa. 1. Creation of all material things. 44:6. John 1:1-3; Heb. 11:3. 10. Three Persons in the Deity. Matt. 28:19, 20; 2 Cor. 13:14. II. The Nature of God 11. The Father-Son relationship. John 2. His eternity. Ps. 90:1, 2; Isa. 40:28. 1:1-3; 17:5. 3. His omnipresence. Ps. 139 : 7-12 ; 12. God present by the Holy Spirit. Jer. 23:23, 24. John 16:7, 13. 4. His omniscience. Col. 2:2, 3; Isa. 40:28. IV. God's Paternal Interest in Man S. His omnipotence. Jer. 32:17; Matt. 13. His knowledge of man. Ps. 139: 19:26. 1-18, 23, 24. 6. His self-existence. Ex. 3:13-15. 14. His love for man. 1 John 4:8; Eph. 7. His infiniteness. Ps. 8:3, 4; Eccl. 3:17-19. 8:17. THE LESSON Introduction The Nature of God "God reveals to us as much of His wis- dom as it is best for us to comprehend. 2. What does the Bible tell us of He reveals what we need to understand of the eternity of God's existence? Ps. His eternal nature, His ability to accom- 90:1, 2; Isa. 40:28. plish what He wills (omnipotence), His per- fect knowledge (omniscience), His all- pervading presence (omnipresence), and His perfect character. He has made plain NOTE.-"In the Word, God is spoken of His relationship to man by setting forth His as 'the everlasting God' This name em- plan of life. He reveals His interest in this braces past, present, and future. God is world in His way of dealing with His crea- from everlasting to everlasting. He is the tion-including what is in store for the Eternal One."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 270. future. It has been left with us individually to determine how we will use the means 3. What does the Bible say about God has provided for us to discover Him God's presence? Ps. 139:7-12; Jer. and His will for. us. The fullest, clearest, 23:23, 24. and most specific revelation of God is the Bible. However, there are several other methods of revelation which make large contributions to our understanding."-T. H. 4. What is said of the Creator's Jemison, Christian Beliefs, pages 3, 4. wisdom and knowledge? Col. 2:2, 3; These other methods of revelation are Isa. 40:28. through nature, through human relation- ships such as the love that exists between human beings, through Jesus Christ, through divine providence, through per- sonal experience, and through the Holy 5. What does the Bible reveal re- Spirit. garding the power of God? Jer. 32: 17; Matt. 19:26. Origin of All Material Things 1. How did all material things come into being? John 1:1-3; Heb. 6. What divine title implies that 11:3. God is self-existing? Ex. 3:13-15. [4] NOTE.—"I am that I am. . . . In Hebrew Nom—"There are three living Persons as in English, this name is a form of the of the heavenly Trio; in the name of these verb 'to be,' and implies that its possessor three great Powers—the Father, the Son, is the eternal, self-existing One (see John and the Holy Spirit—those who receive 8:58; DA 469). Its all-embracing univer- Christ by living faith are baptized, and sality precluded any comparison of the God these Powers will cooperate with the obedi- of the Israelites to the deities of Egypt and ent subjects of heaven in their efforts to other nations. It was designed to provide live the new life in Christ."—Evangelism, Moses and his people with strong consola- page 615. tion in their affliction and powerful sup- port for their confidence in the realization 11. How far back into eternity has of His purpose to deliver them."—S.D.A. Christ, the "Word," been one with Bible Commentary, on Ex. 3:14. the Father? John 1:1-3; 17:5. 7. How is the greatness of God con- trasted with the finite limitations of man? Ps. 8:3, 4; Ecd. 8:17. NOTE.—"From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was `the image of God,' the image of His greatness and majesty, 'the outshin- NOTE.—"A wise man. Man is privileged ing of His glory.'"—The Desire of Ages, to study God's created works, and His page 19. revealed Word; but he must beware of be- ing `wise in his own conceit' (Prov. 26:5) "Christ was God essentially, and in the and of thinking himself able to comprehend highest sense. He was with God from all the depths of divinity (see Job 11:7)."— eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore." S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Eccl. 8:17. —Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, April 5, 1906. 8. How is God's unchangeableness Before the entrance of sin among the described? Mal. 3:6; James 1:17. angels, "Christ the Word, the Only-Begot- ten of God, was one with the eternal Father Compare Heb. 13:8. —one in nature, in character, and in pur- pose—the only Being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ the Father Nora.—"Man may change his relation to wrought in the creation of all heavenly God by complying with the conditions upon beings."—The Great Controversy, page 493. which he may be brought into the divine "From all eternity Christ was united with favor, or he may, by his own action, place the Father, and when He took upon, Him- himself outside the favoring condition; but self human nature, He was still one with the Lord is the same 'yesterday, and today, God."—Ellen G. White, The Signs of the and forever.' . . . With Him [God] there Times, August 2, 1905. `is no variableness, neither shadow of turn- ing.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 630. 12. How is God ever present with His people on earth? John 16:7, 13. The Unity and Trinity of God Compare Gen. 1:2. 9. How emphatic are the Scriptures about there being but one true God? Deut. 6:4; Isa. 44:6. Nora.—"The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. 'The Lord's throne is in heaven' (Psalm 11:4) ; yet by His Spirit He is everywhere present. He has an inti- 10. Which three Persons are named mate knowledge of, and a personal interest together as members of the Deity? in, all the works of His hand."—Education, Matt. 28:19, 20; 2 Cor. 13:14. page 132. (5 1 God's Paternal Interest in Man NOTE.-"All the paternal love which has come down from generation to generation 13. How completely is God ac- through the channel of human hearts, all quainted with our lives? Ps. 139:1- the springs of tenderness which have 18, 23, 24. opened in the souls of men, are but as a tiny rill to the boundless ocean when com- pared with the infinite, exhaustless love of God. Tongue cannot utter it; pen cannot NorE.—"Our God has heaven and earth portray it. You may meditate upon it at His command, and He knows just what every day of your life; you may search we need. We can see only a little way be- the Scriptures diligently in order to under- fore us; 'but all things are naked and stand it; you may summon every power opened unto the eyes of Him with whom and capability that God has given you, in we have to do.' Hebrews 4:13. Above the the endeavor to comprehend the love and distractions of the earth He sits en- compassion of the heavenly Father; and throned; all things are open to His divine yet there is an infinity beyond. You may survey; and from His great and calm eter- study that love for ages; yet you can never nity He orders that which His providence fully comprehend the length and the sees best."—Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 272, breadth, the depth and the height, of the 273. love of God in giving His Son to die for the world. Eternity itself can never fully 14. Which of the attributes of God reveal it."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 740. is frequently emphasized? 1 John 4:8; Eph. 3:17-19. Lesson 2, for April 10, 1965 God's Guidebook MEMORY VERSE: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages v-xii; "Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 15-23, or "S.D.A. Bible Commentary," vol. 7, pp. 944-946; "Fundamentals of Christian Education," pages 307-309. AIM: To give an appreciation of the Bible as God's Inspired Word. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13; Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ begin reading study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. E Lesson Outline: 3. Its human agents. Heb. 1:1, 2; 2:3. 4. Role of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. Introduction 2:12, 13; 2 Peter 1:21. I. Authorship and Writing of the Bible II. Old Testament Claims to Divine Inspiration 1. The source of Scripture. 2 Tim. 3:16. 5. Three divisions of the Old Testa- 2. Its divine Agent. 2 Peter 1:21. ment. Luke 24:44. f6l 6. Writers delivered God's messages. 9. Peter's appeal to the Old Testa- Jer. 37:1, 2 ; Ezek. 3:17; Hosea 1:1. ment. 2 Peter 3:2, 15, 16. 7. Writers recognize writings of other 10. Paul a spokesman for God. 1 Cor. prophets. Joshua 1:7, 8; Neh. 2:13; 14:37. 8:1-3; Dan. 9:1, 2, 11, 13; Mal. IV. Christ Confirmed the Inspiration 4:4. of the Old Testament III. New Testament Writers Dependent 11. Christ accepted the Old Testament on Earlier Scriptures as true. Matt. 5:17, 18; 'Luke 16:31; John 5:39. 8. New Testament writers accept the 12. Acceptance of Christ requires belief authority of the Old Testament. in Old Testament. John 5:46, 47. John 19:36; Acts 1:16; Eph. 2:20; 13. Value of Inspired Word to the be- 2 Tim. 3:15-17. liever. Ps. 119:105. THE LESSON Introduction authorize men to attempt to differentiate between that which they suppose to be "During the first twenty-five hundred divinely inspired and that which they as- years of human history, there was no writ- sume to be merely a product of human in- ten revelation. Those who had been genuity."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on taught of God, communicated their knowl- 2 Tim. 3:16. edge to others, and it was handed down "Every part of the Bible is given by in- from father to son, through successive gen- spiration of God and is profitable."—Coun- erations. The preparation of the Written sets to Parents, Teachers, and Students, Word began in the time of Moses. Inspired page 462. revelations were then embodied in an in- "The Bible should ever have been made spired book. This work continued during the great, grand book of study, which has the long period of sixteen hundred years— come down to us from heaven, and is the from Moses, the historian of creation and word of life."—Fundamentals of Christian the law, to John, the recorder of the most Education, page 384. sublime truths of the gospel."—The Great Controversy, page v. 2. By whom were the prophets "There should be a settled faith in the moved to deliver God's messages to divinity of God's Holy Word. The Bible men? 2 Peter 1:21. is not to be tested by men's ideas of science, but science is to be brought to the test of this unerring standard. When the Bible makes statements of facts in nature, science NOTE.—"We point you, dear brethren, to may be compared with the Written Word, the Bible. Inspired of God, written by and a correct understanding of both will holy men, it points out with great clear- always prove them to be in harmony. One ness and precision the duties of both old does not contradict the other."—Ellen G. and young. It elevates the mind, softens White, Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884. the heart, and imparts gladness and holy joy to the spirit. The Bible presents a Authorship and Writing of the perfect standard of character; it is an infal- Bible lible guide under all circumstances, even to the end of the journey of life. Take it 1. Whence came the Holy Scrip- as the man of your counsel, the rule of tures? 2 Tim. 3:16. your daily life."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 264. 3. Who were the human agents NoTE.—"All scripture. Although Paul through whom the Bible came to here refers specifically to the OT, his state- men? Heb. 1:1, 2; 2:3. Compare 2 ment is also true of the NT. God does not Peter 1:21. [7l NOTE.—"The Bible points to God as its have seen are my own, unless they be author; yet it was written by human those spoken to me by an angel, which hands; and in the varied style of its dif- I always enclose in marks of quotation."— ferent books it presents the characteristics Review and Herald, Oct. 8, 1867; quoted of the several writers. The truths revealed in Messenger to the Remnant, page 13. are all 'given by inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16) ; yet they are expressed in the words of men. The Infinite One by His Old Testament Claims to Divine Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds Inspiration and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, symbols and figures; 5. In His interview on the way to and those to whom the truth was thus re- Emmaus, what sections of the Old vealed have themselves embodied the Testament did Jesus recognize as con- thought in human language. taining prophecies concerning Him- "The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His self? Luke 24:44. own hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the lan- guage of men, presents a union of the di- NoTE.—The Jews considered that the vine and the human. Such a union existed Old Testament was made up of "the law" in the nature of Christ, who was the Son (the five books of Moses commonly called of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true the Pentateuch), "the prophets," and "the of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that 'the psalms," or writings. Word was made flesh, and dwelt among 6. What claim did Old Testament us.' John 1:14."—The Great Controversy, pages v, vi. writers make for what they wrote? "The Scriptures were given to men, not Jer. 37:1, 2; Ezek. 3:17; Hosea 1:1. in a continuous chain of unbroken utter- ances, but piece by piece through succes- sive generations, as God in His providence saw a fitting opportunity to impress man 7. How did writers of the Old at sundry times and divers places. Men Testament show their acceptance of wrote as they were moved upon by the the writings of other prophets? Holy Ghost. . . . Joshua 1:7, 8; Neh. 8:1-3; Dan. 9:1, 2, "The Bible is written by inspired men, 11, 13; Mal. 4:4. but it is not God's mode of thought and expression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Men will often say such an expression is not like God. But New Testament Writers Dependent God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writ- on Earlier Scriptures ers of the Bible were God's penmen, not His pen."—Selected Messages, b. 1, pp. 8. How did New Testament writers 19-21. look upon the Old Testament? John 19:36; Acts 1:16; Eph. 2:20; 2 Tim. 4. What part did the Holy Spirit 3:15-17. take in the declaration of God's re- vealed will through the prophets? 1 Cor. 2:12, 13; 2 Peter 1:21. NoTE.—New Testament writers quote the Old Testament hundreds of times, al- ways in full confidence that it was, indeed, NOTE.—Of her own experience, Ellen G. God's revealed and inspired Word. White wrote: "Although I am as depen- dent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing 9. What was Peter's witness con- my views as I am in receiving them, yet cerning the Old Testament? 2 Peter the words I employ in describing what I 3:2, 15, 16. {8] the prophets, neither will they be per- suaded, though one rose from the dead.' "The appreciation of the Bi- Luke 16:31."—The Desire of Ages, page ble grows with its study."— 799. Christ's Object Lessons, page 13. What do the assertions of the 132. Bible become to the one who accepts their divine origin? Ps. 119:105. 10. To what source does Paul at- tribute his messages and those of his colleagues? 1 Cor. 2:13; 14:37. NoTE.—"Before the entrance of sin, Adam and Eve in Eden were surrounded with' a clear and beautiful light, the light of God. This light illuminated everything which they approached. There was noth- Christ Confirmed the Inspiration ing to obscure their perception of the of the Old Testament character or the works of God. But when they yielded to the tempter, the light de- 11. What was Christ's attitude parted from them. In losing the garments toward the inspiration of the Old of holiness, they lost the light that had Testament writings? Matt. 5:17, 18; illuminated nature. No longer could they Luke 16:31; John 5:39. read it aright. They could not discern the character of God in His works. So today man cannot of himself read aright the teaching of nature. Unless guided by divine wisdom, he exalts nature and the laws of 12. How important is the Old nature above nature's God. This is why Testament in man's acceptance of mere human ideas in regard to science so Christ as the Redeemer? John 5: often contradict the teaching of God's 46, 47. Word. But for those who receive the light of the life of Christ, nature is again illumi- nated. In the light shining from the cross, NoTE.—"In teaching these disciples, Je- we can rightly interpret nature's teaching." sus showed the importance of the Old —The Ministry of Healing, pages 461, 462. Testament as a witness to His mission. "The Word of God is to stand as the Many professed Christians now discard the highest educating Book in our world, and Old Testament, claiming, that it is no longer is to be treated with reverential awe. It is of any use. But such is not Christ's teach- our Guidebook; we shall receive from it ing. So highly did He value it that at one the truth."—Fundamentals of Christian time He said, 'If they hear not Moses and Education, page 384. Lesson 3, for April 17, 1965 God Created the Heaven and the Earth MEMORY VERSE: "By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear." Heb. 11:3, R.S.V. STUDY HELPS: "S.D.A. Bible Commentary," on Gen. 1:1. Also in the same source, vol. 1, p. 218, "Additional Note on Chapter 1." AIM: To locate the origin of our earth in relation to the fall of Lucifer. _ 9 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7, 8. ❑ Lesson Outline: 6. God not dependent on preexisting matter. Heb. 11:3. Introduction III. Lucifer's Fall and the Creation of I. How Our Earth Came Into Being the Earth 1. Origin of our earth. Gen. 1:1; Ex. 7. Time of Lucifer's fall and the crea- 20:11. tion of man. 2. All things carefully planned by 8. Other beings before man. Job God. Jer. 10:12. 38:4-7. 3. Laying earth's foundations. Ps. IV. A New Creation 102:25; Heb. 1:10. 9. New heavens and earth. Isa. 65:17; II. The Creative Process 2 Peter 3:13. 10. A new heart and spirit. Ezek. 4. The earth and the Sabbath. Gen. 36:26; 11:19; 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 2:2, 3; Ex. 20:11. 12:2. 5. "By the word of the Lord." Ps. 11. His preeminence in all things. Col. 33:6, 9. 1:16-18. THE LESSON Introduction through a continuance of millions of years. According to this idea, these organic The story of creation found in Genesis 1 changes in plants and animals took place is simple, direct, and shorn of all extrane- in harmony with uniform or established ous detail. It is true history, not myth, principles of growth and development, the fable, or legend. Here God is identified as laws of nature operating without interrup- the Originator of all things. But certain tion as they had for centuries and millen- students of earth science, rejecting the lit- niums, almost always on the upward scale eral Genesis account of the creation of our and progressively. But, as the theory says, world, developed the idea known today as immense periods of time were needed to theistic evolution, a speculative theory reach the present level of development in which assumes that God created this world man, beast, and plant. through the evolutionary process. They Now, if the doctrines of uniformitarian- tried to harmonize the Bible account of ism and organic evolution were true, much creation with their theory by proposing more time would be necessary than the that a great stretch of time elapsed between Bible allows for the period from creation the action of Genesis 1, verses 1 and 2, and week to our day. As a matter of fact, how- that of verse 3. What follows, they averred, ever, both are mere speculative theories and was a highly figurative account of how this lack valid scientific confirmation. earth and all living things upon it evolved If a group of modern observers had vis- by a uniform process of changes or de- ited Eden late Friday afternoon of crea- velopments over a long period of time. tion week and examined Adam and Eve, The doctrine of organic evolution thus they would have concluded that all lines came to birth; that is, the teaching that all of physiological evidence indicated that plants and animals have developed from our first parents were probably about one or a few simple blobs of protoplasm twenty-five years old. From the point of [ 10 thought of God. . . . Upon every page of the great volume of His created works "As an educating power, the may still be traced His handwriting."— Bible is without a rival. In Education, pages 16, 17. the Word of God the mind 3. By what expression is the bring- finds subject for the deepest ing of our earth into existence de- thought, the loftiest aspira- scribed? Ps. 102:25; Heb. 1:10. tion."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 596. The Creative Process view of natural science their conclusion 4. In point of time, how is the Sab- would have been completely valid, but bath related to the creation of the they would have been mistaken—because Adam's age was only apparent. earth? Gets. 2:2, 3; Ex. 20:11., How Our Earth Came Into Being NOTE.—"At the creation, when the foun- 1. What was the origin of our dations of the earth were laid, the sons of earth? Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11. God looked with admiration upon the work of the Creator, and all the heavenly host shouted for joy. It was then that the foun- dation of the Sabbath was laid."—Early NOTE.—The omnipotent God who existed Writings, page. 217. before our earth (Ps. 90:2), brought our "The Sabbath institution, which origi- earth into being by an act of special crea- nated in Eden, is as old as the world itself." tion. The very first verse of Genesis set- —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 336. tles the question of its origin. "Genesis 1:1 affirms that God is before 5. How does the psalmist describe all else and that He is the one and only the creative process? Ps. 33:6, 9. cause of all else. This verse is the foun- dation of all right thinking in regard to the material world. . . . "No declaration could be more appropri- ate as an introduction to Holy Writ. At the 6. In the creation of this world, outset the reader is introduced to an Omnip- upon what was God not dependent? otent Being, possessed of personality, will, Heb. 11:3. and purpose, who, existing before all else and thus dependent on nought else, exer- cised His divine will and 'created the heaven and the earth.' "—S.D.A. Bible NOTE.—"The work of creation can never Commentary, on Genesis 1:1. be explained by science. . . . "The theory that God did not create mat- 2. In contrast to the popular doc- ter when He brought the world into exis- trine that our earth came into being tence is without foundation. In the forma- by chance, more or less as the result tion of our world, God was not indebted to preexisting matter. On the contrary, all of a cosmic accident, what do the things, material or spiritual, stood up before Scriptures declare concerning its ori- the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were gin? Jer. 10:12. created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, are not only the work of His hand; they came into existence by the NOTE.—"All created things, in their orig- breath of His mouth."—Testimonies, vol. inal perfection, were an expression of the 8, pp. 258, 259. 1 11 Lucifer's Fall and the Creation NOTE.—"God's government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all of the Earth the worlds that He had created; and Luci- fer had concluded that if he could carry 7. How were the casting out of the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, Lucifer and the creation of man re- be could carry also all the worlds. . . . lated in point of time? "It was therefore necessary to demon- strate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God's government is just, His law perfect. . . . The inhabitants of heaven and of the worlds, being unpre- Answer: "The Son of God and true, pared to comprehend the nature or con- loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sequences of sin, could not then have seen sympathizers were expelled from heaven. the justice of God in the destruction of . . . The Father consulted His Son in re- Satan."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages gard to at once carrying out Their purpose 41, 42. to make man to inhabit the earth. . . . The Father and Son carried out Their purpose, A New Creation which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in Their own image." 9. What will God eventually do for —The Story of Redemption, pages 19, 20 our world? Isa. 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13. NOTE.—"The Son of God had wrought the Father's will in the creation of all the host of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. NOTE.—"The fire that consumes the Christ was still to exercise divine power, in wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the creation of the earth and its inhabi- the curse is swept away."—The Great Con- tants."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 36. troversy, page 674. "Especially was His Son to work in union with Himself [the Father] in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the 10. What does the Creator of earth."—The Spirit of Prophecy (1870), heaven and earth wish to do for us vol. 1, p. 18. individually? Ezek. 36:26; 11:19; 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 12:2. 8. What other created beings were already in existence when the founda- tions of our earth were laid? Job 38:4-7. 11. What place does the Creator desire to have in our lives? Col. 1: 16-18. Lesson 4, for April 24, 1965 Days One to Five of Creation Week MEMORY VERSE: "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul. 0 Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty." Ps. 104:1. STUDY HELPS: "Education," pages 128-134; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To gain an understanding of the Lord's activities during the first five days of creation week. [ 12 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: III. The Third Day 7. Gathering of the waters; appear- Introduction ance of dry land. Gen. 1:9, 10. 8. Appearance of vegetation. Gen. I. The First Day 1:11, 12. 9. Entire earth under vegetation. 1. Work accomplished on first day. Gen. 1:29. Gen. 1:1-5. 2. How the earth is supported in IV. The Fourth Day space. Job 26:7. 10. Sun, moon, and stars. Gen. 3. Light in God's presence. Ps. 27:1; 1:14-18. 104:1, 2; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. V. The Fifth Day 4. Divisions of each twenty-four-hour day. Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31. 11. Water animals and flying forms. 5. Length of the days. Ex. 20:8-11. Gen. 1:20-22; 2:19. VI. Quality of the Finished Work II. The Second Day 12. Excellence of creation. Gen. 6. Creation of firmament. Gen. 1:6-8. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.-"The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that holds in "The Bible is the most instructive and their orderly arrangement and tireless ac- comprehensive history that has ever been tivity all things throughout the universe of given to the world. Its sacred pages con- God, is the hand that was nailed to the tain the only authentic account of the crea- cross for us."-Education, page 132. tion. Here we behold the power that `stretched forth the heavens, and laid the 3. With whom do Bible writers foundations of the earth.' "-Fundamentals commonly associate light? Ps. 27:1; of Christian Education, page 84. 104:1, 2; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. Compare 2 Cor. 4:6. The First Day 1. What work was accomplished on the first day of creation week? NOTE.-"In the manifestation of God to Gen. 1:1-5. His people, light had ever been a symbol of His presence. At the creative word in the beginning, light had shone out of darkness."-The Desire of Ages, page 464. We are not told the source of light on the 2. Upon what support does the first day of creation week, except that God earth rest? Job 26:7. provided it. With the appearance of this [13 7 light the succession of night and day be- The Third Day gan. 4. Name the divisions of the day 7. What was the first act of the third day? Gen. 1:9, 10. in the order of their occurrence. Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31. NOTE.—"As the earth came forth from NOTE.—The Hebrew people began the the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly day with sunset and ended it with the beautiful. Its surface was diversified with following sunset. See Lev. 23:32 and Deut. mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed 16:6. with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the "When the Lord declares that He made hills and mountains were not abrupt and the world in six days and rested on the rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and seventh day, He means the day of twenty- frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, four hours."—Testimonies to Ministers, ragged edges of earth's rocky framework page 136. were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth 5. How long were the days of crea- of verdure."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 44. tion week? Ex. 20:8-11. Compare Gen. 1:31 to 2:3. 8. What else was done on the third day? Gen. 1:11, 12. NoTE.—Elsewhere in the Old Testament numbers used with "day," as adjectives— "first day," "fourth day," "seventh day," NoTE.—No process of organic evolution etc.—denote a twenty-four-hour solar day. is here described. At the Creator's com- See, for instance, Gen. 22:4; Ex. 16:5; 40:2, mand, all kinds of plants from lowly car- 17; Num. 29:23, 26; Joshua 6:14. There is peting forms to lofty trees appeared mi- no reason for concluding that the seven raculously from the earth. Reproductive days of creation week were different. If mechanisms were established within the each "day" of creation week was actually plants, giving rise to new generations of the a long geological age, a strange imbalance same basic kinds, or types, as their parents. in nature would have persisted for great Because of this law of creation, thousands periods of time. How, for instance, would of years later we still see original basic the great number of plants that depend types of plants, as illustrated by roses, upon birds and animals for pollination— gladiolus, potatoes, coconut palms, oaks, created on the third "day"—have propa- and others. gated themselves until the latter were cre- ated, two or three ages later? Nor can the 9. How extensive was the earth's idea be reconciled with the fact that Adam vegetation? Gen. 1:29. died at an age of 930 years. The simple, clear, straightforward account of Genesis 1 requires a day of twenty-four hours. "Of each successive day of creation, the Sacred Record declares that it consisted of NoTE.—"The sharp, ragged edges of the evening and the morning, like all other earth's rocky framework were buried be- days that have followed."—Patriarchs and neath the fruitful soil, which everywhere Prophets, page 112. produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps or bar- ren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate The Second Day flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more ma- 6. Describe the work of the second jestic than any that now exist."—Patriarchs day. Gen. 1:6-8. and Prophets, page 44. [14 ] The Fourth Day Hebrew of Genesis 1:20 reads literally, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of liv- 10. Summarize the work of the ing souls, and let birds fly above the fourth day of creation week. Gen. ground." 1:14-18. Quality of the Finished Work NOTE.—The "stars" of verse 16 are pos- 12. How is the quality of the work sibly the planets of our solar system. of each of the first five days described? There have been good Bible students who Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21. have held that the sun and moon were first brought into existence on the fourth day, and there have been other equally good Bible students who have held that on this day they were set apart for signs and sea- sons and days and years. NOTE.—In the creation of our earth, as in every other project He has undertaken, all God's works are excellent, perfect, and The Fifth Day adequate for the purpose for which they were made. 11. Upon what day did the first "The beautiful things of nature reveal forms of animal life appear, and to His character and His power as Creator. what habitats were they adapted? They are His gift to the race, to show His Gen. 1:20-22; 2:19. power, and to show that He is a God of love. But no one is authorized to say that God Himself in person is in flower or leaf or tree. These things are God's handiwork, NoTE.—According to Genesis 2:19, flying revealing His love for mankind."—Life forms were made "out of the ground." The Sketches, page 94. Lesson 5, for May 1, 1965 The Sixth Day of Creation Week MEMORY VERSE: "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Gen. 2:7. STUDY HELPS: "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 44- 51 AIM: To study the origin of land animals and man. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; be- Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ gin reading study helps. Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. [ 15 ] Lesson Outline: III. Man's Nature Introduction 6. In the image of God. Gen. 1:27. 7. Man's relationship to God. Luke I. Organisms of the Dry Land 3:38. 8. Possibility of death for Adam. Gen. 1. Appearance of land animals. Gen. 2:17. 1:24, 25. 9. Man a soul. Gen. 2:7. 2. No "spontaneous generation." Gen. 1:31 to 2:3; Ex. 20:11; Heb. 4:3. IV. Man's Relationship to God 3. "After his kind." Gen. 1:11, 12, 21, 10. Adam placed under law. Gen. 24, 25. 2:16, 17. 11. A little lower than angels. Gen. 1:27, 28; Ps. 8:5, 6. II. Creation of Adam and Eve V. Man's Diet and Stewardship 4. Steps in the creation of man. Gen. 2:7. 12. Man's original diet. Gen. 1:29. 5. Eve's origin. Gen. 2:18-24. 13. Man's stewardship. Gen. 1:28. THE LESSON Introduction the sixth day. Actually, of course, spon- taneous generation of life, in the sense that "The great Jehovah had laid the foun- the earth unaided produced living things, dations of the earth; He had dressed the did not occur even during creation week. whole world in the garb of beauty and had filled it with things useful to man; He had 3. How many times in Genesis 1 created all the wonders of the land and of do the expressions "after his kind," or the sea. In six days the great work of creation had been accomplished."-Patri- "after their kind" appear? Gen. 1:11, archs and Prophets, page 47. 12, 21, 24, 25. Organisms of the Dry Land 1. What was the first work of the Noiill-The expression "after his kind" sixth day? Gen. 1:24, 25. is especially significant in our day, when the doctrine of evolution is so widely taught and accepted. According to evolu- tion, life began in one or more very simple 2. On what day of creation week forms which gradually produced forms more and more complex (that is, unlike did the production of living forms themselves) until after many millions of from nonliving matter end? Gen. 1: years the hundreds of thousands of modern 31 to 2:3; Ex. 20:11; Heb. 4:3. species were produced. This would mean that man is a descendant of beasts. In sharp contrast with this developmental concept are the assertions of Genesis. The NoTE.-During the Dark Ages a theory record is that God created all the basic known as spontaneous generation was gen- types of plants and animals, and man, on erally accepted, even by highly educated days three, five, and six. At its first ap- people. According to this erroneous theory, pearance each basic type had the distinctive the earth was still obeying the command of characteristics of its kind. The limitation the Creator to bring forth plants and ani- "after his kind" established a natural law, mals. See Gen. 1:11, 24. The Bible makes an insurmountable barrier between the clear, however, that the appearance of liv- basic types, both in extent of variation and ing forms from nonliving matter ended with in ability to cross reproductively. [16] Creation of Adam and Eve record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions. God created man in His own image. Here is no 4. Name the steps followed in the mystery. There is no ground for the sup- creation of man. Gen. 2:7. Compare position that man was evolved by slow Gen. 1:26, 27. degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Cre- ator to the level of man's narrow, earthly 5. Describe Eve's origin. Gen. 2: conceptions."—Pa Ware hs and Prophets, 18-24. Compare Gen. 1:27. pages 44, 45. 8. What clue does the creation ac- count contain regarding man's orig- Man's Nature inal nature with respect to mortality and immortality? Gen. 2:17. Com- 6. What is said of man's resem- pare 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. blance to his Creator? Gen. 1:27. NOTE .—M ortal means "subject to death," NoTE.—"When Adam came from the "destined to die;" immortal means "exempt Creator's hand, he bore, in his physical, from liability to die," "imperishable." As mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to Genesis 2:17 makes evident, man had what his Maker."—Education, page 15. we might call conditional immortality. It Man was the only created earthly being was possible for him to live on forever on endowed with reason and the power of condition of obedience, or to die, as he choice. God planted within him an incli- himself might choose. Neither everlasting nation, or tendency, toward good—a dis- life nor death was inevitable. position to do right. 9. Is it correct to say that man has 7. Because of his unique creation a soul, or that he is a soul? Gen. 2:7. in God's image, what was Adam's relationship to God? Luke 3:38. NoTE.—"We as Adventists believe that, in general, the Scriptures teach that the NoTE.—The Bible makes clear that Adam soul of man represents the whole man, was not blood-related to the animals. Man and not a particular part independent of is the child of God by a special act of the other component parts of man's nature; creation. Even the most noble beast has no and further, that the soul cannot exist apart future hope after death. Through Christ's from the body, for man is a unit."—Ques- righteousness fallen man is again eligible tions on Doctrine, page 515. to become a member of the household of God. Every human being has the privilege Man's Relationship to God of being twice the son of God, first by crea- tion and then by redemption. See Gen. 1:27; Luke 3:38; Rom. 8:1-3, 14-17. 10. Under what special restriction "After the earth with its teeming animal were Adam and Eve placed? Gen. 2: and vegetable life had been called into 16, 17. existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beauti- ful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given NoTE.—The single limitation specified in dominion over all that his eye could be- Genesis 2:16, 17 is sufficient to reveal that, hold. . . . Here is clearly set forth the ori- from the very beginning, Adam was placed gin of the human race; and the divine under certain regulating principles, or laws. [17] "God placed man under law, as an indis- NOTE.—"In order to know what are the pensable condition of his very existence. best foods, we must study God's original He was a subject of the divine government, plan for man's diet. He who created man and there can be no government without and who understands his needs appointed law."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 49. Adam his food. 'Behold,' He said, 'I have "Adam and Eve, at their creation, had a given you every herb yielding seed, . . . knowledge of the law of God. It was and every tree, in which is the fruit of a printed on their hearts, and they understood tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for its claims upon them."—Ellen G. White food.' . . . Upon leaving Eden to gain his Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. livelihood by tilling the earth under the 1, p. 1104. curse of sin, man received permission to eat also 'the herb of the field.' . . . Grains, 11. What was man's original posi- fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the tion on earth and in the universe? diet chosen for us by our Creator."—The Gen. 1:27, 28; Ps. 8:5, 6. Ministry of Healing, pages 295, 296. 13. What responsibility does man bear in relation to the lower orders NoTE.—"Human beings were a new and of creation? Gen. 1:28. distinct order."—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Feb. 11, 1902, p. 81. "While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear rule over the NoTE.—"He was placed, as God's repre- earth. Unlimited control was given them sentative, over the lower orders of being. over every living thing."—Patriarchs and They cannot understand or acknowledge Prophets, page 50. "Satan's dominion was the sovereignty of God, yet they were made that wrested from Adam, but Adam was capable of loving and serving man."—Patri- the vicegerent of the Creator. His was not archs and Prophets, page 45. an independent rule. The earth is God's, "He who will abuse animals because he and He has committed all things to His has them in his power is both a coward and Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. a tyrant. A disposition to cause pain, When Adam betrayed his sovereignty into whether to our fellowmen or to the brute Satan's hands, Christ still remained the creation, is satanic. Many do not realize rightful King."—The Desire of Ages, page that their cruelty will ever be known, be- 129. cause the poor dumb animals cannot reveal it. But could the eyes of these men be Man's Diet and Stewardship opened, as were those of Balaam, they would see an angel of God standing as a witness, to testify against them in the 12. What diet was originally given courts above. A record goes up to heaven, to man? Gen. 1:29. and a day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who abuse God's creatures."—Ibid., page 443. Lesson 6, for May 8, 1965 The Memorial of Creation MEMORY VERSE: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:8-11. [ 18 ] STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 29. AIM: A better appreciation of the origin and significance of the Sabbath. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; be- Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ gin reading study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: III. Scope of Sabbath Memorial Introduction 8. Memorializes the creation of this earth. Ex. 20:11. I. Origin of the Sabbath IV. The Sabbath Command Identifies 1. All creation very good. Gen. 1:31. the True God 2. The Creator rests. Gen. 2:2. 3. Sabbath blessed and sanctified. Gen. 9. Identifies God as the Creator. Ex. 2:2, 3. 20:8-11. 4. Reason for the blessing and sancti- 10. The Sabbath for all men. Mark fication. Gen. 2:3. 2:27. II. Identity and Length of the Sabbath V. Significance and Duration of Sab- bath Observance 5. Sabbath and seventh day the same. Ex. 20:11. 11. Sign identifying worshipers of true 6. A memorial of creation. Ex. 20:11; God. Ezek. 20:12, 20. 31:17. 12. To be observed in the new earth 7. First Sabbath and our Saturday. throughout eternity. Isa. 66:22, 23. THE LESSON Introduction as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship " 'The importance of the Sabbath as a Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as memorial of creation is that it keeps ever its sign and memorial."-The Great Con- present the true reason why worship is due troversy, pages 437, 438. to God'-because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. 'The Sabbath there- Origin of the Sabbath fore lies at the very foundation of divine worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other 1. What is said of God's created institution does this. The true ground of works at the close of the sixth day? divine worship, not of that on the seventh Gen. 1:31. day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be for- gotten.' . . . It was to keep this truth ever 2. Contrast the Creator's use of the before the minds of men, that God in- seventh day with His use of the first stituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long six days. Gen. 2:2. 19 ] NorE.—The Creator had worked on the Identity and Length of the days which we now call Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fri- Sabbath day. But on the seventh day, our Saturday, He "rested," literally "ceased" from His 5. How does the fourth command labors (Gen. 2:2), because His work was of the Decalogue link the seventh day complete and perfect. By purposefully re- and the Sabbath together? Ex. 20:11. fraining from creative work on the seventh day, He distinguished that day as effectively as His labor on the preceding days had dis- tinguished them. 6. Of what is the Sabbath a sign, 3. How was the seventh day differ- or memorial? Ex. 20:11; 31:17. entiated from the preceding days of creation week? When was this done? Gen. 2:2, 3. NOTE.—"The six creation days, accord- ing to the words of the text, were earthly NorE.—"After resting upon the seventh days of ordinary duration. In the absence day, God sanctified it, or set it apart, as a of any clear light to the contrary, we must day of rest for man. . . . understand the seventh in the same way; "In Eden, God set up the memorial of and that all the more, because in every His work of creation, in placing His bless- passage in which it is mentioned as the ing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath foundation of the earthly Sabbath, it is was committed to Adam, the father and regarded as an ordinary day."—S.D.A. Bible representative of the whole human family. Commentary, Gen. 2:2. Its observance was to be an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who 7. Is our Saturday the same day of should dwell upon the earth, that God was the week that God blessed and sancti- their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; fied at the close of creation? that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 47, 48. The blessing and setting apart of the seventh day may have occurred at a vesper Answer: Under the article "Week" service at set of sun as the day closed. We (page 1140) in the Seventh-day Adventist read in Genesis 2:3, "God blessed . . . and Bible Dictionary, is a clear portrayal of the sanctified . . . because that in it he had fact that the weekly cycle has remained un- rested." changed from creation down to the pres- ent. There is not the slightest doubt that 4. What reason is given for the our modern Saturday is the same day upon blessing and sanctification of the which the Creator rested, and which He seventh day of the week? Gen. 2:3. blessed for all time. NOTE.—"Like the Sabbath, the week originated at creation, and it has been preserved and brought down to us through NOTE.—"As in sanctifying an individual, Bible history. God Himself measured off so also to sanctify a day means to declare the first week as a sample for successive it holy and to set it apart for a sacred pur- weeks to the close of time. Like every pose. The implication, borne out by later other, it consisted of seven literal days. Six evidence, is that the blessing and sanctify- days were employed in the work of crea- ing pertained not alone to that single day, tion; upon the seventh, God rested, and but that each recurring seventh day would He then blessed this day and set it apart be similarly distinctive."—T. H. Jemison, as a day of rest for man."—Patriarchs and Christian Beliefs, page 279. Prophets, page 111. 20 Scope of Sabbath Memorial NOTE.—"Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of -the fourth commandment. This 8. For what portion of the universe is what distinguishes them from the dis- was the Sabbath instituted as a me- loyal, who have accepted a man-made in- morial? Ex. 20:11. stitution in the place of the true Sabbath. The observance of God's rest day is the mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. NoTE.—"When the morning stars sang Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 970. together, and all the sons of God shouted "Had the Sabbath been universally kept, for joy, the Sabbath was given to the man's thoughts and affections would have world, that man might ever remember that been led to the Creator as the object of in six days God created the world."—Testi- reverence and worship, and there would monies, vol. 8, p. 197. never have been an idolator, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a The Sabbath Command Identifies sign of loyalty to the true God, 'Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the True God the fountains of waters.' It follows that the message which commands men to worship 9. In what words does the fourth God and keep His commandments will commandment identify the true God, especially call upon them to keep the fourth and thus distinguish Him from all commandment."—The Great Controversy, false gods? Ex. 20:8-11. page 438. "The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re- creates the soul in His own likeness. To 10. For whom was the Sabbath those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is made? Mark 2:27. the sign of sanctification. . . . The Sab- bath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. Nom—"The Sabbath was not for Israel 350. merely, but for the world. It had been made known to man in Eden, and, like 12. What did Isaiah say of the the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is observance of the Sabbath in the new of imperishable obligation."—The Desire earth? Isa. 66:22, 23. of Ages, page 283. "There is nothing in the Sabbath that restricts it to any particular class of peo- ple. It was given for all mankind. It is to NOTE.—"The Sabbath was instituted in be employed, not in indolence, but in the Eden before the Fall, and was observed by contemplation of the works of God. This Adam and Eve, and all the heavenly host. men are to do that they may 'know that God rested on the seventh day, and blessed I am the Lord that sanctify them.'"— and hallowed it. I saw that the Sabbath Testimonies to Ministers, pages 136, 137. never will be done away; but that the redeemed saints, and all the angelic host, Significance and Duration of will observe it in honor of the great Crea- tor to all eternity."—Early Writings, page Sabbath Observance 217. "When Eden shall bloom on earth again, 11. Of what is the observance of God's holy rest day will be honored by all the seventh-day Sabbath a sign? Ezek. beneath the sun."—The Desire of Ages, 20:12, 20. page 283. [ 21] Lesson 7, for May 15, 1965 The Biblical Portrayal of Origins MEMORY VERSE: "Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteous- ness and true holiness." Eph. 4:24. STUDY HELP: "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To observe how Christ and many of the Bible writers confirmed the Genesis story of creation. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Question 12; begin Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ reading study helps. Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: Introduction IV. Paul Affirms the Creation Account I. Bible References to Creation 6. On the origin of light. 2 Cor. 4:6. 1. In thirty books of the Bible. 7. On the origin of kinds. 1 Cor. 15:38, 39. II. The Psalmist and the Wise Man 8. On the origin of man. Acts 17:26; 1 Cor. 15:45. 2. Instantaneous origin at creation. 9. On the significance of man's crea- Ps. 33:6-9. tion in God's image. Eph. 4:24; 3. Man created on a level far above Col. 3:10. beasts. Ps. 8:5-8. 10. On the order of origin of man and 4. Man and animals formed from woman. 1 Tim. 2:13, 14; 1 Cor. dust. Eccl. 3:19, 20; Gen. 1:26, 27; 11:8, 9. 7:13-15, 21, 22. 11. On a completed creation. Heb. 4:3, 4. III. Christ Accepted the Genesis Account V. The Love of God Versus Evolution 5. Man was created, not evolved. 12. Evolution incompatible with God's Matt. 19:4-6. nature. 1 John 4:8, 16. THE LESSON Introduction moment by the continuous application of His power. Most of these theistic evolu- Contrary to common opinion, those who tionists are to be found in the popular believe in the evolutionary theory are by churches. no means all atheists or agnostics. A large Most modern scientists do not accept the proportion of them profess to be theists, literal Genesis record in the formulation of who say they accept the Bible and believe their theories. Scientists exert an uncanny there is a God who created all things, a power over the minds of some men, who God who sustains our universe moment by almost worship their opinions. Because [ 22 ] certain scientists believe living things have NOTE.—"The sophistry in regard to the arisen by evolution, that is, by gradual world's being created in an indefinite period development from simple to complex and of time is one of Satan's falsehoods. God specialized, the man on the street and speaks to the human family in language popular theologians also accept the doc- they can comprehend. He does not leave trine of evolution. They reject the simple, the matter so indefinite that human beings straightforward account of Genesis 1 and can handle it according to their theories. 2 as a literal account, and describe it as When the Lord declares that He made the mythical, allegorical, or poetic—anything world in six days and rested on the seventh but factual and historical. The Scriptures day, He means the day of twenty-four themselves, on the other hand, treat the hours, which He has marked off by the Genesis account of a special creation as rising and setting of the sun."—Testimo- strictly historical. nies to Ministers, pages 135, 136. "Inferences erroneously drawn from facts "The assumption that the events of the observed in nature have, however, led to first week required thousands upon thou- supposed conflict between science and rev- sands of years, strikes directly at the foun- elation; and in the effort to restore har- dation of the fourth commandment. It mony, interpretations of Scripture have represents the Creator as commanding men been adopted that undermine and destroy to observe the week of literal days in the force of the Word of God. . . . In commemoration of vast, indefinite periods. order to account for His works, must we This is unlike His method of dealing with do violence to His Word?"—Education, His creatures. It makes indefinite and pages 128, 129. obscure that which He has made very plain. It is infidelity in its most insidious and hence most dangerous form; its real char- Bible References to Creation acter is so disguised that it is held and taught by many who profess to believe the 1. How widely do Bible writers Bible."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 111. refer to the origin of our earth? 3. What did the psalmist say about the origin of man? Ps. 8:5-8. Answer: Many books of the Bible refer to the creation of the earth. The following NOTE.—Evolutionists affirm that man at list is representative. The book of Genesis his first appearance as a man some 500,000 has two chapters in which such reference years ago was of bestial origin and only is made; Exodus, two; 1 Samuel, one; slightly more humanlike than apelike. For 2 Kings, one; 1 Chronicles, one; 2 Chroni- instance, the Java man (Pithecanthropus cles, one; Nehemiah, one; Job, five; erectus) has been called Adart. The Bible, Psalms, nineteen; Proverbs, one; Ecclesi- on the other hand, pictures man as created astes, two; Isaiah, seven; Jeremiah, six; from the dust a wholly new, distinct, and Amos, three; Jonah, one; Zechariah, one; elevated order of being. Malachi, one; Matthew, one; Mark, one; John, one; Acts, three; Romans, one; 1 4. What do men and beasts have in Corinthians, three; 2 Corinthians, one; common, and in what ways are they Ephesians, one ; Colossians, one ; 1 Timo- markedly different? Eccl. 3:19, 20; thy, two; Hebrews, five; 2 Peter, one; Gen. 1:26, 27; 7:13-15, 21, 22. Com- Revelation, three. In no instance do the pare Gen. 2:7. Bible writers even suggest a possibility of origin by evolution. The Psalmist and the Wise Man Nom—According to Genesis 2:7, 19, man and animals, instead of evolving from other creatures, were formed directly from 2. In what language did the psalm- the dust, and were depender t upon God for ist express faith in the doctrine of the breath of life. We are told that "the creation? Ps. 33:6-9. jewel of the mind" is "that which elevates [ 23 ] man above the beasts."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 127. "Every human being, created in the "Remember that Duty has a image of God, is endowed with a power twin sister, Love; these akin to that of the Creator—individuality, power to think and to do."—Education, united can accomplish almost page 17. everything, but separated, neither is capable of good." Christ Accepted the Genesis —Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 62. Account 5. What declaration of Christ con- firms the Genesis account of man's Genesis describes a separate creative act origin? Matt. 19:4-6. Compare Gen. for each basic type of plant and animal, 1:27; 2:24. so that each was made distinctly different from all others. 8. What did Paul declare concern- NOTE.—"What shall be said about the ing man's origin? Acts 17:26; 1 Cor. interpretative approach that teaches a doc- 15:45. trine of 'creation by evolution'? Our an- swer is that the system of hermeneutics [the science of interpretation] that en- deavors to accommodate Gen. 2 to evolu- tion attacks the integrity and infallibility 9. How does Paul account for of the entire Bible and sets the church man's development as a moral being? adrift upon a sea of doubt and uncertainty Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10. as to just what is God's divine revelation and what is merely folklore. The meta- phorical or symbolical interpretation also puts under a cloud the intelligence and re- liability of Christ, who quoted Gen. 1:27 and 2:24 as a reliable historical account of NoTE.—According to the doctrine of evo- the creation of man and woman."—Ray- lution, as man arose among the beasts he mond F. Surburg, Darwin, Evolution, and gradually acquired a knowledge of God Creation (edited by P. A. Zimmerman), and of what is right and wrong. In sharp contrast, according to the record of a spe- page 77. cial creation, man was in God's image at the time of his first appearance. Gen. 1:27. Paul Affirms the Creation Account "God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground 6. What was the apostle Paul's at- for the supposition that man was evolved titude toward the Genesis account of by slow degrees of development from the creation of light? 2 Cor. 4:6. Com- lower forms of animal or vegetable life. pare Gen. 1:2, 3. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of man's narrow, earthly conceptions. Men are so intent upon excluding God from the sovereignty of 7. What did Paul say concerning the universe that they degrade man and defraud him of the dignity of his origin." the origin of the various life forms? —Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 44, 45. 1 Cor. 15:38, 39. Compare Gen. 1:11, 12, 21, 24, 25. 10. What other details of the Gen- esis account of man's origin did , Paul accept? 1 Tim. 2:13, 14; 1 Cor. 11: NoTE.—According to the doctrine of evo- 8, 9. Compare Gen. 2:7, 18, 21, 22; lution all animals are blood-related, whereas 3:6. [ 24 ] 11. In what words did the writer beautiful earth had been fitted up, was of Hebrews express confidence in brought upon the stage of action. To him creation as a specific, completed act? was given dominion over all that his eye Heb. 4:3, 4. could behold. . . . [Gen. 1:26, 27 quoted.] Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for NOTE.—"As regards this earth, Scripture erroneous conclusions. God created man in declares the work of creation to have been His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man completed. 'The works were finished from was evolved by slow degrees of develop- the foundation of the world.' . . . But the ment from the lower forms of animal or power of God is still exercised in upholding vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the the objects of His creation."—Education, gfeat work of the Creator to the level of pages 130, 131. man's narrow, earthly conceptions."—Patri- archs and Prophets, pages 44, 45. The Love of God Versus Evolution The Bible makes it clear that God cre- ated a perfect world outfitted to make man 12. What quality in God's nature completely happy, one in which each plant appears to be incompatible with the and animal was specially created and fitted into its complex environmental niche. No process of evolution? 1 John 4:8, 16. animals died during this process. Through the warp of plant life in the marvelous web of life was woven the beautiful woof of animal life where all kinds existed harmoni- Nora.—"After the earth with its teeming ously. It was a peaceful creation produced animal and vegetable life had been called by a God of love, a creation in which the into existence, man, the crowning work of created forms neither hurt nor destroyed. the Creator, and the one for whom the "It was very good." Gen. 1:31. Lesson 8, for May 22, 1965 The Creator-Sustainer; His Servants MEMORY VERSE: "Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshipeth Thee." Neh. 9:6. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 259, 260; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 416-418; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 111-116; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: An understanding of the Bible principles at work in the manifestations of God's creative omniscience and omnipotence. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ begin reading study helps. Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 253 Lesson Outline: 7. In causing the animals to seek their food. Ps. 104:28. Introduction III. God's Continuous Providence in I. The Sustainer of the Universe Behalf of Man 1. Relation of the Creator to creation. 8. God's care for plants and animals Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3. an assurance to man. Matt. 6: 2. God's freedom in nature. Ps. 26-30; Luke 12:6, 7. 135:6, 7. 9. Living man a manifestation of the 3. God's use of natural processes. power of a personal God. Acts Ps. 119:89-91. 17:28. 10. God's minute knowledge of man's II. God's Providence in the Natural body. Matt. 10:29-31. World IV. God's Interest in the Whole Man 4. In the starry heavens. Isa. 40:26. 5. In the water cycle in nature. Ps. 11. Care for his spiritual needs. Ps. 147:8, 16; Jer. 10:13. 145:14; Matt. 11:28-30. 6. In supplying food for the animals. 12. Assurance that God will make good Ps. 104:20-27; 145:9, 15, 16. His promises. Jer. 31:35, 36. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.—"In dwelling upon the laws of matter and the laws of nature, many lose In the earlier centuries Christians were sight of, if they do not deny, the continual of the opinion that God originated and con- and direct agency of God. They convey trolled all the processes of the natural world the idea that nature acts independently of in a mysterious way which man could God, having in and of itself its own limits never discover or understand. Later, when and its own powers wherewith to work. In scientists discovered that natural processes their minds there is a marked distinction were governed by fixed laws, it seemed at between the natural and the supernatural. first to make God unnecessary. As a result, The natural is ascribed to ordinary causes, many scientists became atheists. The true unconnected with the power of God. . concept, however, is that God conducts His "This is false science; there is nothing in universe in harmony with laws which He the Word of God to sustain it. . . . It is Himself has ordained in nature and which not by an original power inherent in na- operate continually under His direct con- ture that year by year the earth yields its trol. bounties and continues its march around The Bible believer does well to study the sun. The hand of infinite power is God's Word with the understanding that perpetually at work guiding this planet. what are known today as laws of biology, It is God's power momentarily exercised chemistry, and physics are in truth regular that keeps it in position in its rotation."— ways that God has of manifesting His Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 259, 260. power in the natural world. In upholding His universe in accordance to laws which 2. What does the psalmist say He has Himself ordained, God employs the about the Lord's activities in nature? agency of the Holy Spirit and heavenly Ps. 135:6, 7. angels who operate in both the material and the spiritual realm. The Sustainer of the Universe NOTE.—"There is much talk about God in nature, as if the Lord were bound by 1. What is the Creator's relation to the laws of nature to be nature's servant. the universe? Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:17; Many theories would lead minds to sup- Heb. 1:3. pose that nature is a self-sustaining agency [26 ] apart from the Deity, having its own in- NOTE.—"The material world is under herent power with which to work. In this God's control. The laws of nature are men do not know what they are talking obeyed by nature. Everything speaks and about. Do they suppose that nature has a acts the will of the Creator. Cloud and self-existing power without the continual sunshine, dew and rain, wind and storm, agency of Jehovah? The Lord does not all are under the supervision of God, and work through His laws to supersede the yield implicit obedience to His command. laws of nature. He does His work through It is in obedience to the law of God that the laws and properties of His instruments, the spire of grain bursts through the and nature obeys a 'Thus saith the Lord.'" ground, 'first the blade, then the ear, after —Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 186. that the full corn in the ear.' Mark 4:28. These the Lord develops in their proper 3. How does the psalmist describe season because they do not resist His work- the objects and processes of nature? ing. And can it be that man, made in Ps. 119:89-91. the image of God, endowed with reason and speech, shall alone be unappreciative of His gifts and disobedient to His will? Shall rational beings alone cause confusion in our world?"—Christ's Object Lessons, NOTE.—"Many teach that matter pos- pages 81, 82. sesses vital power—that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left 6. Upon what source does all ani- to act through its own inherent energy; and mal life depend for food? Ps. 104: that the operations of nature are conducted 20-27; 145:9, 15, 16. in harmony with fixed laws, with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science, and is not sustained by the Word of God. Nature is the servant of her Cre- 7. In order to be fed, what must ator. God does not annul His laws or work contrary to them, but He is con- the animal do? Ps. 104:28. tinually using them as His instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a pres- ence, an active energy, that works in and through her laws. There is in nature the God's Continuous Providence in continual working of the Father and the Behalf of Man Son. Christ says, 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' John 5:17."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 114. 8. What assurance does God's care for the plant and animal creation bring to our hearts? Matt. 6:26-30; God's Providence in the Natural Luke 12:6, 7. World 4. What do the Scriptures say about the origin and operation of the 9. Do our bodies function because heavenly bodies? Isa. 40:26. of impersonal forces set in operation in the past, or because a personal God cares for us moment by moment? Acts 17:28. NOTE.—The atheist assumes the heavenly bodies arose by chance without benefit of a Creator, and operate by purely naturalNoTE.—"The mechanism of the human forces. body cannot be fully understood; it pre- sents mysteries that baffle the most in- 5. How is moisture provided for telligent. It is not as the result of a the use of plants and animals? Ps. mechanism, which, once set in motion, con- 147:8, 16; Jer. 10:13. tinues its work, that the pulse beats and [ 27 ] breath follows breath. In God we live and 12. To what did God point as a move and have our being. Every breath, guarantee of the surety and perma- every throb of the heart, is a continual nence of His everlasting covenant evidence of the power of an ever-present with Israel? Jer. 31:35, 36. God."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 260. 10. What statement reveals how minutely God knows our physical be- NoTE.—The permanence and dependabil- ing? Matt. 10:29-31. ity of the natural processes as manifesta- tions of God's keeping power are a guaran- tee of the surety and permanence of His everlasting covenant with spiritual Israel God's Interest in the Whole Man to do them good. Because God sustains moment by moment the marvelous com- plexity of our natural world, we may rest 11. As Creator-Sustainer, what be- assured that He likewise will be faithful sides our physical being does God sus- in fulfilling His promises to those who tain? Ps. 145:14; Matt. 11:28-30. serve Him. Lesson 9, for May 29, 1965 The Origin of False Scientific Theories MEMORY VERSE: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 33-43, 52-62; "S.D.A. Bible Com- mentary." AIM: An understanding of the origin of sin, first in heaven, then on earth. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Read study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Read further from study Monday: Questions 6-8. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: Introduction 4. Lucifer's sympathizers. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:4, 7. I. Lucifer Becomes Satan 5. Results of rebellion. Rev. 12:8, 9. 1. Lucifer before his fall. Ezek. 28:11-13, 15. II. A Test of Loyalty 2. Lucifer's exalted position. Ezek. 6. Man's original relationship to God. 28:14. Ps. 8:4-8. 3. Lucifer's ambitious plans. Isa. 14: 7. Man's loyalty tested. Gen. 2:16, 17. 12-14; Ezek. 28:15, 17. 8. The forbidden fruit. Gen. 3:6. ( 28 ] III. False Interpretation of Observed theory. Gen. 3:10, 16-19, 23, 24; Facts Rom. 5:12. 11. A warning against Satan's sophistry. 9. Satan's deceptive theory about the 2 'Cor. 11:3. fruit. Gen. 3:6. 12. Protection against Satan's sophis- 10. The results of accepting a false try. Ps. 119:11, 165. THE LESSON Introduction and fully committed himself to the great controversy against his Maker. Thus it was "We are dependent on the Bible for a that Lucifer, 'the light bearer,' the sharer knowledge of the early history of our of God's glory, the attendant of His throne, world, of the creation of man, and of his by transgression became Satan, 'the adver- fall. Remove the Word of God, and what sary' of God and holy beings and the can we expect than to be left to fables and destroyer of those whom Heaven had com- conjectures, and to that enfeebling of the mitted to his guidance and guardianship." intellect which is the sure result of enter- —Ibid., p. 40. taining error. We need the authentic his- tory of the origin of the earth, of the fall 3. What ambitious plan took shape of the covering cherub, and of the introduc- in Lucifer's heart? Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. tion of sin into our world. Without the 28:15, 17. Bible, we should be bewildered by false theories. The mind would be subjected to the tyranny of superstition and falsehood. But having in our possession an authentic NOTE.—"In all the counsels of God, history of the beginning of our world, we Christ was a participant, while Lucifer was need not hamper ourselves with human con- not permitted thus to enter into the divine jectures and unreliable theories."—Medical purposes. 'Why,' questioned this mighty Ministry, page 89. angel, 'should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He thus honored above Lucifer?'" Lucifer Becomes Satan —The Great Controversy, page 495. "And I saw that when God said to His Son, Let Us make man in Our image, Satan 1. Under the figure of the king of was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be Tyre, what description is given of consulted concerning the formation of man. Lucifer before his fall? Ezek. 28:11- He was filled with envy, jealousy, and 13, 15. hatred. He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the high- est honors."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 17. 2. What exalted position did Luci- 4. Who were associated with Luci- fer hold in heaven? Ezek. 28:14. fer in rebellion? 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:4, 7. NOTE.—"There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted to His NOTE.—"Satan in his rebellion took a creatures. Sin originated with him who, third part of the angels. They turned from next to Christ, had been most honored of the Father and from His Son, and united God and was highest in power and glory with the instigator of rebellion."—Testi- among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, monies, vol. 3, p. 115. See also Ibid., vol. `son of the morning,' was first of the cover- 5, p. 291. ing cherubs, holy and undefiled."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 35. 5. What was the result of Lucifer's "He persistently defended his own course, rebellion? Rev. 12:8, 9. [ 29 ] NOTE.—"Was cast out. Satan and his 8. What is said concerning the angels were cast out of heaven in ages past fruit of the tree of knowledge? Gen. (2 Peter 2:4), prior to the creation of this 3:6. world (PP 36-42; cf. EW 145, 146; GC 498-500; 3SG 36-39; 1SP 17-33). Never- theless, it seems that until the cross he had access to heavenly beings, and to a limited NOTE.-"It [the fruit] was grateful to extent, possibly as 'prince of this world' the•taste, and, as she [Eve] ate, she seemed to feel a vivifying power, and imagined her- (John 12:31; Luke 4:6), but not as an in- self entering upon a higher state of exis- habitant of heaven, to the precincts of tence. Having herself transgressed, she be- heaven (DA 761; cf. SR 26, 27)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Rev. 12:9. came a tempter to her husband, 'and he did "When it was decided that he could no eat.' . . . longer remain in heaven, Infinite Wisdom "There was nothing poisonous in the did not destroy Satan. Since the service of fruit itself, and the sin was not merely in love can alone be acceptable to God, the yielding to appetite. It was distrust of allegiance of His creatures must rest upon God's goodness, disbelief of His word, and a conviction of His justice and benevolence. rejection of His authority, that made our The inhabitants of heaven and of other first parents transgressors, and that brought worlds, being unprepared to comprehend into the world a knowledge of evil."—Edu- the nature or consequences of sin, could not cation, page 25. then have seen the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan."—The False Interpretation of Observed Great Controversy, pages 498, 499. Facts 9. What was Eve's reaction to the A Test of Loyalty serpent's theory about the fruit of the forbidden tree? Gen. 3:6. 6. What was man's original re- lationship to God, to the angels, and to all creatures upon the earth? Ps. 8:4-8. NOTE .—Eve first "saw" that it was "good"—she believed that the fruit God had said was not desirable, was to be de- sired. She accepted Lucifer's deceptive 7. How was man's loyalty to his analysis, and rejected God's plain declara- Creator tested? Gen. 2:16, 17. tion that much more was involved than met the eye. Having taken this step, Eve was prepared to take the fruit, to eat it herself, and to persuade Adam to do like- Non..—"God placed man under law, as wise. an indispensable condition of his very exis- Many modern scientists who claim to be tence. He was a subject of the divine gov- Christians place their understanding of na- ernment, and there can be no government tural evidence above God's clear revelation. without law. God might have created man The Bible clearly and simply portrays the without the power to transgress His law; origin of living things by special creation, He might have withheld the hand of Adam but these men, wise above what is written, from touching the forbidden fruit; but in place their own interpretation of the evi- that case man would have been, not a free dence above God's plain declarations. The moral agent, but a mere automaton."— book of nature is in perfect agreement with Patriarchs and Prophets, page 49. the Bible, but only when natural facts are Tape-recorded mission appeals for the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow projects are available for offering promotion in the Sabbath school. Two seven-minute stories for only $2. Order through your Book and Bible House. [301 correctly interpreted. It is fatal, as Eve 11. What warning did Paul give discovered, to disbelieve and disobey God's against Satan's sophistries? 2 Cor. clearly expressed word because natural 11:3- facts seem to indicate something else. 10. Enumerate some of the results of Adam and Eve's acceptance of Satan's theory about the forbidden 12. What is one of the Christian's fruit. Gen. 3:10, 16-19, 23, 24; Rom. protections against the sophistries of 5:12. Satan? Ps. 119:11, 165. Lesson 10, for June 5, 1965 Results of Man's Sin, in the Natural World MEMORY VERSE: "As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come." Prov. 26:2. STUDY HELPS: "Education," pages 26, 27; "The Desire of Ages," pages 470-475; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." AIM: To study the consequences in the natural world of the controversy between Christ and Satan. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 6-9. Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-13. ❑ Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Lesson Outline: Introduction I. A Curse Upon the Earth 1. A succession of curses upon the 7. Change in man-beast relationship. earth.. Gen. 3:17, 18; 4:11, 12; Gen. 9:2, 5; Prov. 12:10. 6:13.. 8. A change in man's original diet. 2. Degenerate state of nature not ac- Gen. 1:29; 3:18. cidental. Prov. 26:2. 9. A further change in man's diet. 3. Why Job's affliction. Job 1:6-12; Gen. 9:3-5. 2:1-7. IV. Origin of Degenerated Forms of II. The "God" of This World Nature 4. Satan's dominion over the earth. 10. Source of all life. Ps. 36:9. Eph. 2:2; Luke 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:4. 11. Origin of thorns, thistles, tares, and 5. Earth's true Owner; the eventual poisonous plants. Gen. 3:18. owners. Ps. 24:1; Dan. 4:17; 7:18. 12. Hard work a blessing in disguise. III. Changes in Man-Beast Relation- Gen. 3:19. ships Because of the Fall V. A Shield From the Destroyer 6. Original man-beast relationship. Isa. 11:6-9; 65:25. 13. Man's protection. Ps. 34:7.. I 31] THE LESSON Introduction come and destroy his power, the earth would erelong be depopulated."—Testi- "Mighty issues for the world were at monies, vol. 1, p. 304. stake in the conflict between the Prince of light and the leader of the kingdom of 2. What does Solomon say about darkness. After tempting man to sin, Satan the origin of curses? Prov. 26:2. claimed the earth as his, and styled him- self the prince of this world. Having con- formed to his own nature the father and mother of our race, he thought to establish NOTE.—"Like a sparrow in its flitting, here his empire. He declared that men bad like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is chosen him as their sovereign. Through his causeless does not alight." Prov. 26:2, control of men he held dominion over the R.S.V. world. Christ had come to disprove Satan's Review the texts listed for question 1; claim. As the Son of man, Christ would why were these curses pronounced upon the stand loyal to God. Thus it would be earth? shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his 3. What was the source of Job's claim to the world was false. All who de- affliction? Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7. sired deliverance from his power would be set free. The dominion that Adam had lost through sin would be recovered."—The Desire of Ages, page 114. NorE.—From one point of view, God's blessing consists of protection from the evil A Curse Upon the Earth power of Satan. Contrariwise, His curse consists of a partial removal of His pro- 1. What has fallen upon the earth tecting care, with the result that Satan may, as a result of man's sin? Gen. 3:17, to that extent, afflict. 18; 4:11, 12; 6:13. "Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the labora- tories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God al- NOTE.—"A heavy, double curse, first in lows. When he was suffered to afflict Job, consequence of Adam's transgression, and how quickly flocks and herds, servants, second, because of the murder committed houses, children, were swept away, one by Cain, was resting upon the earth."— trouble succeeding another as in a mo- Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, pp. 61, 62. ment. It is God that shields His creatures "The entire surface of the earth was and hedges them in from the power of the changed at the Flood. A third dreadful destroyer. . . . Satan has control of all curse rested upon it in consequence of sin." whom God does not especially guard. He —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 107. will favor and prosper some in order to "The curse did not come all at once. It further his own designs, and he will bring was first felt at Adam's fall, and increased trouble upon others and lead• men to be- at the murder of Abel, and greatly increased lieve that it is God who is afflicting them." at the Flood. Since the Flood, as the hu- —The Great Controversy, page 589. man family have forgotten God, and have followed in a course of disobedience, and The "God" of This World have transgressed His commandments, the curse has rested heavier and heavier upon men and upon the beasts. The trees and 4. Who now exercises over the all vegetation also have felt the effects of earth the supremacy man formerly the curse."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, p. 122. possessed? Upon what basis does his "Satan's power upon the human family claim of sovereignty rest? Eph. 2:2; increases. If the Lord should not soon Luke 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:4. [ 32 ] 5. To whom does the earth truly remained loyal to God, all nature acknowl- belong? To whom, eventually, will edged his rule; but when he transgressed, it be restored? Ps. 24:1; Dan. 4:17; this dominion was forfeited. The spirit of 7:18. rebellion, to which he himself had given entrance, extended throughout the animal creation. Thus not only the life of man, but the nature of the beasts, the trees of the NOTE.—"Satan's dominion was that forest, the grass of the field, the very air he wrested from Adam, but Adam was the breathed, all told the sad lesson of the vicegerent of the Creator. His was not an knowledge of evil."—Education, pages independent rule. The earth is God's and 26, 27. He has committed all things to His Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. When 8. What was man's original diet? Adam betrayed his sovereignty into Satan's How was it changed after the Fall? hands, Christ still remained the rightful Gen. 1:29; 3:18. King. Thus the Lord had said to King Nebuchadnezzar, 'The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.' Dan. 4:17. Satan NOTE.—"The divine punishment provided can exercise his usurped authority only as also a partial change in diet. We evidently God permits."—The Desire of Ages, pages are to conclude that the quantity and qual- 129, 130. ity of grains and nuts and fruits originally given to man were, as a result of the curse, Changes in Man-Beast Relation- reduced to such an extent that man would be required to look to the herbs for a por- ships Because of the Fall tion of his daily food. This change may also have been due in part to the loss of 6. Judging from the picture of certain elements from the tree of life, to a Eden restored, what relationship orig- change in climate, and perhaps most of all inally existed between animals and to man's sentence to hard labor in the man? Isa. 11:6-9; 65:25. process of earning a livelihood."—S.D A. Bible Commentary, on Gen. 3:18. See note under lesson 5, question 12. NOTE.—"While they remained true to 9. Immediately after the Flood, God, Adam and his companion were to bear what additions were made to man's rule over the earth. Unlimited control was diet? Why? Gen. 9:3-5. given them over every living thing. The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around them or lay down together at their feet. The happy birds flitted about them with- NOTE.—"Before this time God had given out fear; and as their glad songs ascended man no permission to eat animal food; he to the praise of their Creator, Adam and intended that the race should subsist wholly Eve united with them in thanksgiving to upon the productions of the earth; but now the Father and the Son."—Patriarchs and that every green thing had been destroyed, Prophets, page 50. He allowed them to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that had been preserved in the 7. What general condition do we ark."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 107. find in the world of living things "After the Flood the people ate largely today? What relationship now exists of animal food. God saw that the ways between man and animals? Gen. 9:2, of man were corrupt, and that he was dis- 5; Prov. 12:10. Compare Rom. 8:22. posed to exalt himself proudly against his Creator, and to follow the inclinations of his own heart. And He permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to NoTE.—"Among the lower creatures shorten their sinful lives."—Spiritual Gifts, Adam had stood as king, and so long as he vol. 4, p. 121. [ 33 ] Origin of Degenerated Forms of with tares."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D A. Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1086. Nature 12. How only, after the Fall, would 10. What is the source of all life? man be able to exercise a measure of Ps. 36:9. control over nature? Gen. 3:19. Com- pare Eccl. 5:12. NOTE.—"The prince of evil, though pos- sessing all the wisdom and might of an NOTE.—"Those who are always busy, and angel fallen, has not power to create, or go cheerfully about the performance of to give life; this is the prerogative of God their dail8' tasks, are the most happy and alone."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 264. healthy. The rest and composure of night brings to their wearied frames unbroken 11. Whence came thorns and slumber. The Lord knew what was for thistles? Gen. 3:18. man's happiness when He gave him work to do. The sentence that man must toil for his bread, and the promise of future happi- ness and glory, came from the same throne. Both are blessings."—Testimonies, vol. 2, NoTE.—"The same God who guides the pp. 529, 530. planets works in the fruit orchard and in the vegetable garden. He never made a A Shield From the Destroyer thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan's work, the result of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious 13. What protection does man things; but it is through God's immediate have against the destroyer? Ps. 34:7. agency that every bud bursts into blossom." See also question 3. —Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 186. "Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord's great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. . . . NOTE.—"Faith in God's Word, prayer- All tares are sown by the evil one. Every fully studied and practically applied, will be noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his our shield from Satan's power and will ingenious methods of amalgamation [hy- bring us off conquerors through the blood bridization] he has corrupted the earth of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302. Lesson 11, for June 12, 1965 The Antediluvian World MEMORY VERSE: "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." Gen. 4:7. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 5, 6; "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary." AIM: To trace the conflict between good and evil in Adam's immediate descend- ants. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Question 12; begin Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ reading study helps. Monday: Questions 4-8. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. Tuesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. [ 34 3 Lesson Outline: 6. Cain's punishment. Gen. 4:11, 12. 7. Cain lived east of Eden. Gen. Introduction 4:16, 17. 8. Cain's wife. Gen. 5:4; 4:17. I. Source Information on Prehistoric Man III. Development of the Antediluvian 1. Genesis gives the only authentic Races history of prehistoric man's origin. 9. Seth fills Abel's place. Gen. 4:25. II. The Story of Cain 10. Development of a second race. Gen. 6:2. 2. Two sons; their occupations. Gen. 11. Civilization among the Cainites. 4:1, 2. Gen. 4:17, 19-22. 3. Abel's offering accepted; Cain's refused. Gen. 4:3-5. IV. The Man Who Walked With God 4. Cain refuses God's counsel. Gen. 4:7, 8. 12. Enoch's walk with God in the 5. Why Cain killed Abel. 1 John 3:12. world. Gen. 5:21-24. THE LESSON Introduction low by the Fall, this pseudoscience ignores his true degradation. In both respects the "Unfortunately, students of history and chapter before us, being strictly historical of anthropology too largely ignore . . . and entirely correct, serves to set the stu- [Genesis 4], which happens to be the only dent of the history of mankind right; and authentic record of . . . [man's] early de- at the same time it gives to all men a clear velopment. Having cast off the only reliable account as to how man progressed and how account of man's first deeds and achieve- sin grew."—H. C. Leupold, Exposition of ments, practically all writers of the present Genesis, pages 186, 187. then proceed to draw very largely upon their imagination, which happens to be cast Source Information on Prehistoric into the thought patterns of evolutionistic conceptions. . . . Actual archaeological evi- Man dence for earliest man is not available—and the result is a highly fantastic and entirely 1. Where do we find the only au- incorrect story of man's development from thentic written record of the begin- the caveman stage, as it is claimed, to the nings of human history? point where the first higher cultural achieve- ments are found and the historical period actually begins. At the same time the very reliable Biblical chronology of chapter five Answer: "The Bible is the most compre- is distorted and generous insertions of long hensive and the most instructive history periods of time are made, and so the value which men possess. It came fresh from of our chapter (4) is completely lost sight the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine of. For man not only did not start on the hand has preserved its purity through all low anthropoid or simian state that is us- the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far ually assumed, but as a human being he at distant past, where human research seeks once stood on the high intellectual and vainly to penetrate. In God's Word alone physical level that the preceding chapters we find an authentic account of creation. [Genesis 1 to 3] described. But, unfortu- Here we behold the power that laid the nately, the actual degradation that sin foundation of the earth and that stretched brought is not reckoned with. Whereas out the heavens. Here only can we find a man was not an inferior being on a lower history of our race, unsullied by human level, such writing of history degrades him prejudice or human pride."—Testimonies, without warrant. Whereas he was brought vol. 5, p. 25. 35 The Story of Cain with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished 2. What names did Adam and Eve feelings of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon give to their first two children? Upon the earth and upon the human race for reaching maturity, what honorable oc- Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run cupations did these young men in the same channel that led to Satan's fall choose? Gen. 4:1, 2. —indulging the desire for self-exaltation, and questioning the divine justice and au- thority."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 71. 3. What incident resulted in Cain's 6. How was Cain punished for tak- harboring a feeling of jealousy and ing his brother's life? Gen. 4:11, 12. hatred toward his brother? Gen. 4: 3-5. 7. Where did Cain spend the re- mainder of his life? Gen. 4:16, 17. NoTE.—"Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time. One class avail themselves of the appointed sacrifice for sin; the other venture to depend upon their own merits; NOTE.—"Cain went out. He felt neither theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of remorse nor repentance, but only the heavy divine mediation, and thus it is not able to burden of God's displeasure. He left the bring man into favor with God. It is only divine presence, probably never to return, through the merits of Jesus that our trans- and began his life as a wanderer in the land gressions can be pardoned. Those who feel of Nod, to the east of Eden. This ante- no need of the blood of Christ, who feel diluvian land, whose name means 'wander- that without divine grace they can by their ing,' flight,' or 'exile,' became the home of own works secure the approval of God, are the godless descendants of Cain."—S.D.A. making the same mistake as did Cain. If Bible Commentary, on Gen. 4:16. they do not accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation. There is no 8. Whom did Cain marry? Gen. other provision made whereby they can be 5:4; 4:17. released from the thralldom of sin."—Patri- archs and Prophets, pages 72, 73. 4. In what words did God counsel Cain against being angry? What was NOTE.—"Cain knew his wife. The sud- Cain's response? Gen. 4:7, 8. den mention of Cain's wife creates no prob- lem. Chapter 5:4 states that Adam 'begat sons and daughters' besides the three sons whose names are given. The earliest in- habitants of earth had no other choice than 5. Was Cain's murderous act pre- to marry their brothers and sisters in order meditated, or the result of a momen- to fulfill the divine command, 'Be fruitful tary flash of anger? Why did he kill and multiply.' "—S.D.A. Bible Commen- Abel? 1 John 3:12. Compare Gen. tary, on Gen. 4:17. 4:8. Development of the Antediluvian Races NoTE.—"Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. Abel 9. Who was given Adam and Eve had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw to be the heir of the spiritual birth- justice and mercy in the Creator's dealings right in the place of Abel? Gen. 4:25. [ 36 ] 10. By the time of the Flood, how Nom.—"Notwithstanding the wickedness many groups of men were there? Gen. of the antediluvian world, that age was not, as has often been supposed, an era of ig- 6:2. norance and barbarism. The people were granted the opportunity of reaching a high standard of moral and intellectual attain- NoTE.—"Cain lived only to harden his ment. They possessed great physical and heart, to encourage rebellion against the mental strength, and their advantages for divine authority, and to become the head acquiring both religious and scientific of a line of bold, abandoned sinners."— knowledge were unrivaled."—Patriarchs and Patriarchs and Prophets, page 78. Prophets, page 82. "The descendants of Seth had separated "There were many giants, men of great themselves from the wicked descendants of stature and strength, renowned for wisdom, Cain. They cherished the knowledge of skillful in devising the most cunning and God's will, while the ungodly race of Cain wonderful works; but their guilt in giving had no respect for God and His sacred loose rein to iniquity was in proportion to commandments."—The Spirit of Prophecy, their skill and mental ability."—Ibid., p. 90. vol. 1, p. 65. "For some time the two classes remained The Man Who Walked With God separate. The race of Cain, spreading from the place of their first settlement, dispersed over the plains and valleys where the chil- 12. Which antediluvian patriarch dren of Seth had dwelt; and the latter, stands out with particular luster as a in order to escape from their contaminat- model of right living? What sort of ing influence, withdrew to the mountains, life did he live? Gen. 5:21-24. and there made their home."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 81. "Those who honored and feared to offend God, at first felt the curse but lightly.; while those who turned from God and trampled NOTE.—"Enoch's walk with God was not upon His authority, felt the effects of the in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties curse more heavily, especially in stature of his daily life. He did not become a her- and nobleness of form. The descendants of mit, shutting himself entirely from the Seth were called the sons of God—the de- world; for he had a work to do for God in scendants of Cain, the sons of men."—Spiri- the world. In the family and in his inter- tual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 60. course with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, un- 11. When did invention and the wavering servant of the Lord. arts begin in human history? Gen. "His heart was in harmony with God's 4:17, 19-22. will."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 85. Lesson 12, for June 19, 1965 The Flood MEMORY VERSE: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 90-105; "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary." AIM: To study the great Noachian Deluge, its times, and its 'significance. [ 37 7 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13; Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ begin reading study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ helps. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 6. Animal population of the ark. Gen. 9:18; 6:18; 7:2, 3, 9. Introduction 7. Size of the ark. Gen. 6:15. The Deluge I. Time and Man Before the Flood 8. Source of the water. Gen. 7:11. 1. Time span from creation to the 9. Time required for Flood to crest; Flood. Gen. 5; 7:6. maintenance of top level. Gen. 7:4, 2. Intermarriage before the Flood. 12, 17, 24. Gen. 6:2. 10. Extent of the Flood. Gen. 7:19, 20. 3. 120 years of extended mercy. Gen. 6:3; 1 Peter 3:18-20. IV. Flood Survivors 4. Cause of the Flood. Gen. 6:5, 7, 11. Living forms which survived the 11-13. Flood. Gen. 7:20-23; 8:11. 12. Center of post-Flood distribution. II. Preparation and Loading of the Gen. 8:4. Ark V. A Warning to Modern Man 5. Noah follows God's instruction in preparing for the Flood. Gen. 13. God will again destroy unrepentant 6:13-16, 21, 22; Heb. 11:7. sinners. 2 Peter 3:3-7. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.-"The dark history of Cain and his descendants was an illustration of what "I have been shown that without Bible would have been the result of permitting history, geology can prove nothing. Relics the sinner to live on forever, to carry out found in the earth do give evidence of a his rebellion against God. The forbearance state of things differing in many respects of God only rendered the wicked moire from the present. But the time of their bold and defiant in their iniquity. Fifteen existence, and how long a period these centuries after the sentence pronounced things have been in the earth, are only upon Cain, the universe witnessed the frui- to be understood by Bible history. . . . In- tion of his influence and example, in the spiration, in giving us the history of the crime and pollution that flooded the earth." Flood, has explained wonderful mysteries, -Patriarchs and Prophets, page 78. that geology, independent of inspiration, We do not know exactly how much time never could."-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, pp. elapsed from creation to the death of Abel, 93, 94. but we do know that it was less than 130 years, because, after the death of Abel, Time and Man Before the Flood Seth was born when Adam was 130 years old. Gen. 4:25; 5:3. In this same chapter an estimate of the time from creation to 1. Approximately how much time the Flood can be made by adding the ages elapsed between creation week and of the ten patriarchs from Adam to Noah the Flood? Gen. 5; 7:6. when their named sons were born. "If the 38 record is complete, the anno mundi (A.m.) S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Gen. 6:3. [in the year of the world] scale of years "A hundred and twenty years before the shows that the Flood came in the 1656th Flood, the Lord by a holy angel declared year from creation, or A.M. 1656."—S.D.A. to Noah His purpose, and directed him to Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 185. build an ark. While building the ark he was to preach that God would bring a flood of 2. The intermarriage of what two water upon the earth to destroy the wicked. pre-Flood groups resulted in wicked- Those who would believe the message, and ness and evil so widespread as to make would prepare for that event by repentance and reformation, should find pardon and the destruction of the earth neces- be saved. Enoch had repeated to his chil- sary? Gen. 6:2. dren what God had shown him in regard to the Flood, and Methuselah and his sons, who lived to hear the preaching of Noah, assisted in building the ark."—Patriarchs NOTE.—"The sons of God. This phrase and Prophets, page 92. has been interpreted in various ways. An- cient Jewish commentators, the early church 4. Why did God destroy man and Fathers, and many modern expositors have beast in the Flood? Gen. 6:5-7, 11-13. thought these 'sons' to be angels, compar- ing them with the 'sons of God' of Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7. This view must be rejected, because punishment soon to be meted out Preparation and Loading of the was for the sins of human beings (see v. 3), and not of angels. Further, angels do not Ark marry (Matt. 22:30). The 'sons of God' were none other than the descendants of 5. How carefully did Noah follow Seth, and the 'daughters of men,' of the the instruction of God in the prepara- godless Cainites (PP 81)."—S.D.A. Bible tion of the ark? Gen. 6:13-16, 21, 22; Commentary, on Gen. 6:2. Heb. 11:7. During the last few centuries before the Flood there were two distinct groups of men on the earth. "The descendants of Seth had separated themselves from the wicked NorE.—"While Noah was giving his descendants of Cain. They cherished the warning message to the world, his works knowledge of God's will, while the ungodly testified of his sincerity. It was thus that race of Cain had no respect for God and his faith was perfected and made evident. His sacred commandments."—The Spirit He gave the world an example of believing of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 65. just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he began to con- 3. Although the sins of the ante- struct that immense boat on dry ground, diluvians justified man's immediate multitudes came from every direction to destruction, how long did God wait see the strange sight and to hear the ear- for them to repent? Who warned the nest, fervent words of the singular preacher. pre-Flood-world inhabitants of de- Every blow struck upon the ark was a wit- struction by a flood, if they did not ness to the people."—Patriarchs and Proph- repent? Gen. 6:3; 1 Peter 3:18-20. ets, page 95. 6. How many of each basic type, or Genesis "kind," of the dry-land forms, NOTE.—"His days. This divine predic- were preserved in the ark? How did tion cannot mean that man's life span Noah, get the animals into the ark? would henceforth be restricted to 120 years. Gen. 9:18; 6:18; 7:2, 3, 9. (Compare ages of men after the Flood.) They predict, rather, that God's patience would come to an end and probation close within the period of time here specified. NOTE.—"Suddenly a silence fell upon the In the meantime, divine mercy lingered."— mocking throng. Beasts of every descrip- 39 I tion, the fiercest as well as the most gentle, lous power preserved a few of the different were seen coming from mountain and for- kinds of trees and shrubs alive for future est and quietly making their way toward generations. Soon after the Flood trees the ark. A noise as of a rushing wind was and plants seemed to spring out of the heard, and lo, birds were flocking from all very rocks. In God's providence seeds were directions, their numbers darkening the scattered and driven into the crevices of heavens, and in perfect order they passed to the rocks and there securely hid for the the ark. Animals obeyed the command of future use of man."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, God, while men were disobedient. Guided pp. 76, 77. by holy angels, they 'went in two and two unto Noah into the ark,' and the clean 9. In how many days did the Flood beasts by sevens."—Patriarchs and Proph- reach its highest point? How long ets, pages 97, 98. did it remain at this level? Gen. 7:4, 12, 17, 24. 7. How large was the ark? Gen. 6:15. Nora.—In understanding the order of NoTE.—"Every species of animals which the fossils in the rocks, which in undis- God had created was preserved in the ark." turbed areas is quite generally from simple —Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 78. It seems and feeble below to complex and strong reasonable to assume that the word "spe- above, it is important to observe that the cies" is used here to refer to the Genesis Flood came over the land, not in one great "kind" or basic type. We need not concern overwhelming tidal wave which would bury ourselves about the size of the ark more all animals together, but as a gradual ris- than to accept the fact that it was suf- ing of the tempestuous water. This would ficiently large to hold representatives of all enable animals which had the power of the originally created basic land types plus vigorous locomotion to retreat for a shorter a great store of food. The great host of or longer time above the rising water level water types, including whales and pos- as long as higher ground was available, and sibly even seals and the like, had to shift could result in the very order of distribu- for themselves in the tempestuous flood- tion in the rocks that we find today. waters. 10. Was the Flood a local affair The Deluge confined to the Mesopotamian Valley, or a worldwide cataclysm? Gen. 7: 8. From what sources did the flood- 19, 20. waters come? Gen. 7:11. NOTE.—"A measure of the water is now NOTE.—"Water appeared to come from made by comparison with the only available the clouds in mighty cataracts. Rivers standard for such waters—the mountains. broke away from their boundaries, and They are said to have been 'covered.' overflowed the valleys. Jets of water burst Not a few merely but 'all the high moun- from the earth with indescribable force, tains under all the heavens.' One of these throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet expressions alone would almost necessitate into the air, and these, in falling, buried the impression that the author intends to themselves deep in the ground."—Patriarchs convey the idea of the absolute universality and Prophets, page 99. of the Flood, e.g., 'all the high mountains.' "The whole surface of the earth was Yet since 'all' is known to be used in a changed at the Flood. A third dreadful relative sense, the writer removes all pos- curse now rested upon it in consequence of sible ambiguity by adding the phrase 'under man's transgression. The beautiful trees and all the heavens.' A double 'all' (kol) cannot shrubbery bearing flowers were destroyed, allow for so relative a sense. It almost yet Noah preserved seed and took it with constitutes a Hebrew superlative. So we him in the ark, and God by His miracu- believe that the text disposes of the ques- [ 40 ] Lion of the universality of the Flood."— in the ark, and God by His miraculous H. C. Leupold, Exposition of Genesis, on power preserved a few of the different kinds Gen. 7:19, pages 301, 302. of trees and shrubs alive for future genera- If the Flood merely affected the Meso- tions."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, pp. 76, 77. potamian Valley, there would have been no need for Noah to spend 120 years and all 12. What spot on our earth's sur- his possessions in the preparation of a great face became the center from which all structure in which to float up and down human beings, land animals, and some the valley. Noah's family, and the ani- mals as well, could have escaped the waters land plants spread abroad over the comfortably by merely walking out of the earth again after the Flood? Gen. valley, and there would have been no need 8:4. at all for any provision for the birds. The whole account of the Flood really becomes absurd if the entire earth were not involved. With regard to the highest antediluvian NOTE.—"For a time the descendants of mountains being covered by water, we do Noah continued to dwell among the moun- well to be reminded that the mountains be- tains where the ark had rested. As their fore the Flood were probably much lower numbers increased, apostasy soon led to than our mountains today. Our present- division. Those who desired to forget their day mountains arose during the latter part Creator, and to cast off the restraint of of the Flood, or during the early post- His law, felt a constant annoyance from the diluvian centuries. If the surface of our teaching and example of their God-fearing earth were leveled today, about a mile and associates, and after a time they decided to a half of water would stand above it. separate from the worshipers of God. Ac- cordingly they journeyed to the plain of Shinar, on the banks of the river Euphrates. Flood Survivors They were attracted by the beauty of the situation and the fertility of the soil, and 11. Did any land animals, except upon this plain they determined to make those in the ark, survive the Flood? their home."—Patriarchs and Prophets, What happened to land plants? Gen. page 118. 7:20-23; 8:11. A Warning to Modern Man NoTE.—"The beautiful trees and shrub- 13. Of what should the destruc- bery bearing flowers were destroyed, yet tion of the world by a flood in Noah's Noah preserved seed and took it with him day warn man today? 2 Peter 3:3-7. Lesson 13, for June 26, 1965 Aftereffects of the Flood MEMORY VERSE: "And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation." Acts 17:26. Study Helps: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 8 and 10; "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To study the effects of the Flood, and the peopling of the earth. [ 41 1 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 1 1-1 4. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-8. ❑ Thursday: Read study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: 7. Progenitor of the Redeemer. Luke 3:36. Introduction 8. Japheth in the tents of Shem. Gen. 9:27. I. Effects of the Flood Ill. The Peopling of the Earth 1. Changes in the earth and its in- habitants. 9. Table of the nations. Gen. 10; Acts 17:26. II. Noah and His Sons 10. The Babel builders. Gen. 11:6-8. 2. Noah's thank offering; God blesses IV. Final Destruction and Restoration Noah and his family. Gen. 8:18-20; 9:1, 7. 11. Destruction of wicked described. 3. God's covenant with man. Gen. Rev. 20:7-10. 8:21, 22; 9:9-16. 12. Assurance that there will be no 4. Character of Noah's sons revealed. future rebellion. Nahum 1:9; Rev. Gen. 9:20-23. 21:4; 22:3., 5. The curse on Canaan. 13. The Lord's arsenal. Job 38:22, 23; Gen. 9:24, 25. Isa. 28:17. 6. The progenitors of the race. Gen. 14. Life in the new earth. Isa. 9:24-27; 10:1. 65:21-23. THE LESSON Introduction of natural causes. Others believed in a Supreme Being, and that it was He who "God had directed men to disperse had destroyed the antediluvian world; and throughout the earth, to replenish and sub- their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in re- due it; but these Babel builders determined bellion against Him. One object before to keep their community united in one them in the erection of the tower was to body, and to found a monarchy that should secure their own safety in case of another eventually embrace the whole earth. Thus deluge. By carrying the structure to a much their city would become the metropolis of greater height than was reached by the a universal empire; its glory would com- waters of the Flood, they thought to place mand the admiration and homage of the themselves beyond all possibility of danger. world and render the founders illustrious. And as they would be able to ascend to The magnificent tower, reaching to the the region of the clouds, they hoped to heavens, was intended to stand as a monu- ascertain the cause of the Flood. The whole ment of the power and wisdom of its undertaking was designed to exalt still fur- builders, perpetuating their fame to the ther the pride of its projectors and to turn latest generations. the minds of future generations away from "The dwellers on the plain of Shinar God and lead them into idolatry. disbelieved God's covenant that He would "When the tower had been partially not again bring a flood upon the earth. completed, a portion of it was occupied as Many of them denied the existence of God a dwelling place for the builders; other and attributed the Flood to the operation apartments, splendidly furnished and [ 42 surface of the earth. In many places hills and mountains had disappeared, leaving no "The mind will enlarge if it trace where they once stood; and plains is employed in tracing out had given place to mountain ranges."— the relation of the subjects Patriarchs and Prophets, page 108. (e) Gold, silver, and precious stones, of the Bible, comparing which before the Flood had beautified the scripture with scripture and surface of the earth, were now buried. "By spiritual things with spiri- the same means [wind-driven waves] the tual."—Steps to Christ, page silver and gold, the choice wood and pre- cious stones, . . . were concealed from the 90. sight and search of men, the violent action of the waters piling earth and rocks upon these treasures."—Ibid. adorned, were devoted to their idols. The (f) Confused types of animals which had people rejoiced in their success, and praised been produced by hybridization within the the gods of silver and gold, and set them- Genesis "kinds" were destroyed. selves against the Ruler of heaven and "Every species of animals which God had earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 119. created was preserved in the ark. The con- fused species which God did not create, which were the result of amalgamation Effects of the Flood [hybridization], were destroyed by the Flood."—The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 1. Name some changes in the earth p. 78. and its inhabitants, caused by the (g) "There were a class of very large Flood. animals which perished at the Flood. God knew that the strength of man would de- crease, and these mammoth animals could not be controlled by feeble man."—Spiritual Answer: (a) Before the Flood the earth Gifts, vol. 4, p. 121. was teeming with dry-land animals and "God is a lover of the beautiful; and in a considerable number of human beings. the world which He has fitted up for us After the Flood only the passengers and He has not only given us everything neces- living creatures preserved in the ark re- sary for our comfort, but He has filled mained alive. Gen. 7:21. the heavens and the earth with beauty. We (b) Before the Flood, apparently, the see His love and care in the rich fields of area of dry land was more extensive than autumn, and His smile in the glad sunshine. that of water. "When God had formed the His hand has made the castlelike rocks and earth, there were mountains, hills, and the towering mountains. The lofty trees plains, and interspersed among them were grow at His command; He has spread rivers and bodies of water. . . . The waters earth's green velvet carpet and dotted it were regularly dispersed."—Spiritual Gifts, with shrubs and flowers."—Counsels to vol. 3, p. 33. Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 185. Today more than 70 percent of our globe is covered with water. Noah and His Sons (c) After the Flood, swamps and deserts appeared. Before the Flood, "There were 2. What was Noah's first act upon no loathsome swamps or barren deserts."— leaving the ark? What blessing was Patriarchs and Prophets, page 44. bestowed upon his family? Gen. 8: (d) Large rock exposures were not seen 18-20; 9:1, 7. on the earth before the Flood. After the Flood, rocks were visible in many places. Before the Flood "the bare, high rocks were never seen, . . but lay beneath the surface, answering as bones to the earth." 3. What covenant did God estab- —Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 33. lish with mankind after the Deluge? After the Flood, "stones, ledges, and What was the token of that covenant? ragged rocks were now scattered upon the Gen. 8:21, 22; 9:9-16. f 431 NOTE.—"The rainbow spanning the heav- great races to spring from these fathers of ens with its arch of light is a token of 'the mankind."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page everlasting covenant between God and 117. every living creature.' . . • And the rain- bow encircling the throne on high is also 7. Through which of Noah's sons a token to God's children of His covenant did the Redeemer come? Luke 3:36. of peace."—Education, page 115. "This is the token. This covenant be- tween God and Noah brought to a con- clusion the events connected with the 8. What prophecy did Noah make greatest catastrophe this earth has ever ex- concerning Japheth? Gen. 9:27. perienced. The earth, once beautiful and perfect, offered a picture of utter desolation as far as the eye could reach. Man had re- ceived a lesson concerning the awful results NOTE.—"The reverence manifested by of sin. The unfallen worlds had seen the Shem and Japheth for their father, and fearful end to which man comes when he thus for the divine statutes, promised a follows the bidding of Satan."—S.D.A. Bible brighter future [than that of Ham] for Commentary, on Gen. 9:17. their descendants. Concerning these sons it 4. What incident in the life of was declared: 'Blessed be Jehovah, God of Noah after the Flood revealed the Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall depravity of one of his sons? Gen. dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan 9:20-23. shall be his servant.' The line of Shem was to be that of the chosen people, of God's covenant, of the promised Redeemer. Je- hovah was the God of Shem. From him 5. What was the result of this de- would descend Abraham, and the people praved act? Gen. 9:24, 25. of Israel, through whom Christ was to come. 'Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.' Psalm 144:15. And Japheth `shall dwell in the tents of Shem.' In the NOTE.—"The posterity of Canaan de- blessings of the gospel the descendants of scended to the most degrading forms of Japheth were especially to share."—Patri- heathenism. Though the prophetic curse archs and Prophets, pages 117, 118. had doomed them to slavery, the doom was "The meaning of the utterance may have withheld for centuries. God bore with their been twofold, inasmuch as Japheth's de- impiety and corruption until they passed scendants in the course of time took away the limits of divine forbearance. Then they many of the Shemite lands, and dwelt in were dispossessed, and became bondmen to them, and because the Japhethites were to the descendants of Shem and Japheth. participate in the saving blessings of the "The prophecy of Noah was no arbitrary Shemites. When the gospel was preached denunciation of wrath or declaration of in Greek, a Japhethic language, Shem's de- favor. It did not fix the character and scendant Israel, though subdued by Japhet- destiny of his sons. But it showed what hic Rome, became the spiritual conqueror would be the result of the course of life of the Japhethites and thus, figuratively, re- they had severally chosen and the char- ceived them into his tents. All who are acter they had developed."—Patriarchs and saved are a part of spiritual Israel and go Prophets, page 118. into the holy city through gates bearing the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Gal. 6. What service did Noah's three 3:29; Rev. 21:12)."—S.D.A. Bible Com- sons render in the peopling of the mentary, on Gen. 9:27. earth? Gen. 9:24-27; 10:1. The Peopling of the Earth NOTE.—"Noah, speaking by divine in- 9. In what way was the catalog of spiration, foretold the history of the three the nations in Genesis 10 a confirma- [ 44 ] Lion of the truth- stated by- the apostle law of liberty. A tested and proved crea- Paul at Mars' Hill? Genesis 10; Acts tion will never again be turned from al- 17:26. legiance to Him whose character has been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom."—The Great Con- troversy, page 504. NorE.—For a brief portrayal of the areas 13. What constitutes the Lord's of the earth peopled by the men and groups arsenal for destroying wicked men of people named in Genesis 10, see S.D.A. and their devices? Job 38:22, 23; Isa. Bible Commentary, on Genesis 10. 28:17. 10. What account is given of the dispersion of the races? Gen. 11:6-8. NOTE.—"The depths of the earth, are the Lord's arsenal, whence were drawn weap- ons to be employed in the destruction of the old world. Waters gushing from the Final Destruction and Restoration earth united with the waters from heaven to accomplish the work of desolation. Since 11. How is the final destruction of the Flood, fire as well as water has been the wicked described in the prophecies God's agent to destroy very wicked cities." of Revelation? Rev. 20:5 (first part), —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 109. 7-10. 14. How is life in the future, sin- less world described? Isa. 65:21-23.. NoTE.—"At the close of the thousand years the second resurrection will take place. Then the wicked will be raised from the NOTE.—"In the Bible the inheritance of dead and appear before God for the execu- the saved is called 'a country.' . . . There tion of 'the judgment written.' Thus the the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to revelator, after describing the resurrection fountains of living waters. The tree of life of the righteous, says: 'The rest of the yields its fruit every month, and the leaves dead lived not again until the thousand of the tree are for the service of the nations. years were finished.' Revelation 20:5. And There are ever-flowing streams, clear as Isaiah declares, concerning the wicked, crystal, and beside them waving trees cast `They shall be gathered together, as prison- their shadows upon the paths prepared for ers are gathered in the pit, and shall be the ransomed of the Lord. . . . On those shut up in the prison, and after many days peaceful plains, beside those living streams, shall they be visited.' Isaiah 24:22."—The God's people, so long pilgrims and wan- Great Controversy, page 661. derers, shall find a home."—The Great Con- troversy, page 675. 12. What assurance is given that there will be no future rebellion and consequent destruction in God's uni- verse? Nahum 1:9; Rev. 21:4; 22:3. "The Bible is unchained. It can be carried to every man's door, and its truths may be presented to every man's NoTE.—"Never will evil again be mani- conscience."—Counsels on fest. Says the Word of God: 'Affliction Sabbath School Work, page shall not rise up the second time.' . . . The law of God, which Satan has reproached as 84. the yoke of bondage, will be honored as the [ 45 I • HELPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY in the study of the Sabbath School Lessons H 511,0,10 THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING June 26, 1965 Central European Division The Central European Division is the great country of Germany, and is comprised of the East, South, and West German Unions. In this territory with a population of 74,605,800 people we have 833 churches and nearly 41,000 church members and 48,600 Sabbath school members. You can see that there are still many people in this land who need to be reached with the message of a soon-coming Saviour. Germany be- fore World War II was a very active home base for sending out mis- sionaries to many parts of the world field. The war with all of its aftermath restricted the missionary activities of the believers to their own homeland, but the missionary zeal still burns in their hearts, and despite the loss of homes and churches that our people suffered in the war, from 1946 to 1963 they were able to baptize 17,500 souls. Un- fortunately, they lost about 12,000 members by death during the same period. A great number of our believers still live under very restricted circumstances and are not able to contribute to the adVancement of the work as they would like to do. Therefore, it is the privilege of Sabbath school members around the world to contribute on June 26 toward a much-needed evangelistic center in the great city of Nurnberg. Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1965 Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the third quarter of 1965 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "Facing Last-Day Decep- tions." The title of the first lesson is "Promises to the Obedient." The memory verse is Isaiah 1:19. The study help is Steps to Christ, chapters, "Faith and Acceptance" and "The Test of Discipleship." The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. John 15:10. Ques. 8. Heb. 3:12, 13. Ques. 2. Phil. 2:8. Ques. 9. Gal. 5:6. Ques. 3. Gen. 12:1, 4. Ques. 10. Rom. 1:5. Ques. 4. Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13. Ques. 11. 1 Peter 1:22, 23. Ques. 5. Gen. 22:16-18. Ques. 12. Acts 6:7; Rom. 15:18. Ques. 6. Heb. 11:8, 17-19. Ques. 13. 2 Thess. 1:7-9. Ques. 7. James 2:21-24. Ques. 14. Isa. 1:19 ; Heb. 6:10-12. [ 471 CHURCH BUILDINGS IN DIVISION North See =burg p--0r,----- s------ . , (, I 1 Bronson ...I.'" :, ,2)..... Nothorloodt •,... •,,. cf-L4.,..1 rulionnovor \ toi 1 , , 1 WEST GERMAN UNION ‘. 0.. i EAST GERMAN_ UNION C........ C: 11•1 t••• • •Dunehlort uip.igy"."•••N• 7 •.....• •••••.. • Wort* E R tM A N ••• 14. Fonnkhirt 11; • *4 i1 A.". riAOUTH GERMAN UNION ( • Numbers A. ‘11..,% „....- ). ''‘.. Csechoslouakto .....,..i t....."- Prase* 1'',.. •.% • e,k • 1Stisttuort dr ••••••.: • 0:....../. .4. 1 1 • • / i• I I CENTRAL EUROPEAN DIVISION Gordo SS. usw• tNon Chinks klatben Members Eat Gerson 18,403,800 372 15,366 19,400 South Gunton 26,352.030 249 12,904 15,090 West German 29,850,000 212 12,366 14,194 Division Tot* 74.60%800 833 40,636 48,684