FACING LAST.DAY DECE IONS SENIOR DIVISION, No- Z81, THIRD QUARTER, 1965 roles \At. 4, THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY "The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on mind and character."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 132. "There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."— Steps to Christ, page 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. Nate Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. Promises to the Obedient 2. False Arguments for Disobedience 3. Assault on the Character of God 4. Man's Condition in Death 5. Spiritism a Snare 6. The Last Great Deception 7. Attacks on God's Law 8. Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath 9. The Sabbath--Great Test of Loyalty 10. Meeting Attacks on the Bible 11. Stewardship and the Final Crisis 12. Assaults Against the Ordinances 13. Satan's Last Stand Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 281, July-September, 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 FACING LAST-DAY DECEPTIONS GENERAL INTRODUCTION This quarter's lessons will engage the stu- ments on behalf of disobedience. Later dent in a realistic discussion of the general lessons deal with the enemy's attempts to subject of last-day deceptions. Our purpose warp men's minds and lead them to ignore will be to expose Satan's attempts through or reject vital truths essential to our re- the centuries to delude God's people into demption. believing that obedience to God is not im- "Messages of every order and kind have portant. Satan's attacks upon the church been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to have not diminished in these climactic days take the place of the truth which, point by when every wind of doctrine is blowing. point, has been sought out by prayerful The enemy is still trying to persuade the study, and testified to by the miracle-work- members of the church that some of its ing power of the Lord. Dut the waymarks doctrines are unimportant and that dis- which have made us what we are, are to be obedience to God's commands will be ex- preserved, and they will be preserved, as cused under certain circumstances. It is pos- God has signified through His Word and sible that the salvation of human souls will the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon depend upon a proper grasp and apprehen- us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to sion of these lessons. the fundamental principles that are based The first lessons consider the question of upon unquestionable authority."—Counsels the importance of obedience and false argu- to Writers and Editors, page 52. Lesson 1, for July 3, 1965 Promises to the Obedient MEMORY VERSE: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:19. STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," chapters, "Faith and Acceptance" and "The Test of Discipleship;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary." - AIM: To discover the relationship between God's promises and the life of obedi- ence. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ further from study helps. o Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin Wednesday: Questions 10-13. 0 reading study helps. Thursday: Question 14; finish Monday: Questions 3-6. reading study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Ca] Lesson Outline: III. Relation Between Faith and Obedience Introduction 7. Faith and obedience go together. I. Christ an Example of Obedience James 2:21-24. 8. Beware of an unbelieving heart. 1. Kept Father's commandments. Heb. 3:12, 13. John 15:10. 9. Faith that works by love. Gal. 5:6. 2. Obedient unto death. Phil. 2:8. IV. Obedience Necessary II. Abraham an Example of Obedience 10. Grace makes us obedient. Rom. 1:5. 3. Left home and country. Gen. 11. Obedience purifies the soul. 1 Peter 12:1, 4. 1:22, 23. 4. Willing to obey God at any cost. 12. Priests and Gentiles become obedi- Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13. ent. Acts 6:7; Rom. 15:18. 5. Received the promise of the seed. 13. Destruction for the disobedient. 2 Gen. 22:16-18. Thess. 1:7-9. 6. Faith made obedience possible. 14. Faithful and obedient inherit the Heb. 11:8, 17-19. land. Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6:10-12. THE LESSON Introduction 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan's delusions through the centuries Satan would represent the power of God as have been aimed at making belief and obe- insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was 'in dience seem unimportant and unnecessary. all points tempted like as we are.' Heb. 4:15. The aim of this lesson is to show that faith He endured every trial to which we are and obedience have always been associated subject. And He exercised in His own be- together in the plan of God. This will be half no power that is not freely offered to illustrated first in the life of Christ, and us. As man, He met temptation, and over- then in the life of Abraham. The lesson came in the strength given Him from God. will then show that faith and obedience . . . His life testifies that it is possible for go together in the gospel dispensation. us also to obey the law of God."-The De- sire of Ages, page 24. Christ an Example of Obedience 2. How full and complete was Christ's obedience? Phil. 2:8. Com- 1. What did Christ say of His obe- pare Heb. 5:8. dience to the Father's commandments? John 15:10. NOTE.-"Satan's rage was great as he saw that all the abuse inflicted upon the Saviour NOTE.-"Satan represents God's law of had not forced the least murmur from His love as a law of selfishness. He declares lips. Although He had taken upon Him, that it is impossible for us to obey its pre- the nature of man, He was sustained by a cepts. The fall of our first parents, with godlike fortitude, and departed in no par- all the woe that has resulted, he charges ticular from the will of His Father."-The upon the Creator, leading men to look upon Desire of Ages, page 735. God as the author of sin, and suffering, and death. Jesus was to unveil this deception. Abraham an Example of As one of us He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Him- Obedience self our nature, and passed through our experiences. 'In all things it behooved Him 3. How did Abraham obey a diffi- to be made like unto His brethren.' Heb. cult command from God? Gen. 12:1, 4. 4 NoTE.—"The Lord's call required Abram 6. What did Abraham possess that to make a complete break with the past. made such obedience possible? Heb. He not only had to leave the land of the 11:8, 17-19. two rivers, Mesopotamia, in which Ur as well as Haran was situated, but also had to give up family ties and even his father's house, never to return to those of his own blood and race. It was a severe test. Haran NOTE.—"There are many who fail to un- and Ur shared the same civilization and derstand the relation of faith and works. standards of living. All this would change They say, 'Only believe in Christ, and immediately when he should leave the land you are safe. You have nothing to do with of the two rivers and cross over to Syria keeping the law.' But genuine faith will be and Palestine. Instead of fertile grazing manifest in obedience."—Patriarchs and lands he would find a heavily wooded and Prophets, pages 153, 154. mountainous country. Instead of living among related and highly civilized Semitic tribes he would be sojourning among ra- Relation Between Faith and cially different Hamitic tribes of a materi- Obedience ally lower cultural level. "It certainly must not have been easy for 7. What did James say about Abra- Abram to sever all ties with his beloved ham's faith? James 2:21-24. homeland, a land in which he had spent all of his life and which was hallowed by many tender associations. A youth may leave his native land with little regret, but to a man 75 years of age such a decision NoTE.—"There is many a man in the is not easy."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, humble walks of life today whom the Lord on Gen. 12:1. might designate as He did Abraham: 'The friend of God.' Such men approve that 4. What severe test later came to which God approves, and condemn that this man of God, and what did it which He condemns. In their presence even the sinner feels a sense of awe, a restraint; prove? Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13. for God is with them, and they are living epistles, known and read of all men. There is a softened tenderness, a dignity, a divine propriety, in their deportment, which gives NoTE,—"At the appointed place they them power over the hearts of their fellow- [Abraham and Isaac] built the altar and men."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 615. laid the wood upon it. Then, with trem- bling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son 8. What warning and exhortation the divine message. It was with terror and was given to the Hebrew believers? amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but Heb. 3:12, 13. he offered no resistance. He could have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with the struggle of those three terrible days, could not have opposed the will of the 9. What is the only kind of faith vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained worthy of the name? Gal. 5:6. Com- from childhood to ready, trusting obedi- pare Rom. 16:26. ence, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded a willing submission." —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 152. NOTE.—"Some think they have a good 5. In expressing approval of Abra- degree of faith, when if they have any, it ham's dedication and obedience, what is dead, for it is not sustained by works. precious promise did God make? Gen. `Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being 22:16-18. alone.' Few have that genuine faith which works by love and purifies the soul. But it may, have heeded the counsel of the True all who are accounted worthy of everlasting Witness, and they will receive the latter life must obtain a moral fitness for the rain, and thus be fitted for translation."— same."—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 704, 705. Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 187. 12. In New Testament times, what Obedience Necessary examples are given of the obedience that followed conversion? Acts 6:7; 10. For what purpose have we been Rom. 15:18. given grace through Christ? Rom. 1:5. Compare 2 Cor. 10:5. 13. What is said of the final end of the disobedient? 2 Thess. 1:7-9. NOTE.—The purpose of divine grace is not to make it possible for us to break God's law with impunity, as some teach, but to enable us to obey it. 14. What is the final reward of 11. What spiritual experience ac- those in whose lives faith is combined companies wholehearted obedience to with obedience? Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6: the truth? 1 Peter 1:22, 23. 10-12. NoTE.--"Individuals are tested and Nora.—Faith and patience, willingness proved a length of time to see if they will and obedience ultimately inherit the prom- sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel ises. of the True Witness. If any will not be "Here are the promises, plain and definite, purified through obeying the truth, and rich and full; but they are all upon con- overcome their selfishness, their pride, and ditions. If you comply with the conditions, evil passions, the angels of God have the can you not trust the Lord to fulfill His charge: 'They are joined to their idols, let word? Let these blessed promises, set in the them alone,' and they pass on to their work, framework of faith, be placed in memory's leaving these with their sinful traits unsub- halls. Not one of them will fail. All that dued, to the control of evil angels. Those God hath spoken He will do. 'He is faithful who come up to every point, and stand that promised.'"—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. every test, and overcome, be the price what 630. Lesson 2, for July 10, 1965 False Arguments for Disobedience MEMORY VERSE: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 3, 4; "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To examine Satan's arguments for disobedience as they contrast with the unerring counsel of the True Witness. [ 61 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin Thursday: Questions 13, 14; finish reading study helps. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ Lesson Outline: 8. Uzzah's disregard of instruction. 2 Sam: 6:6, -7. Introduction IV. "Disobedience Is All Right if It I. "God Does Not Really Mean What Brings Greater Honor to God" He Says" 9. God's command regarding Amale- 1. "Thou shalt surely die." Gen. kites. 1 Sam. 15:2, 3. 2:16, 17. 10. Saul's disobedience and excuse. 2. Ye shall not surely die. Gen. 1. Sam. 15:9, 15. 3:4, 5. 11. Importance of unquestioning obedi- 3. Result of deception. Gen. 3:6, 7. ence. 1 Sam. 15:22. 4. Consequences of disobedience. Gen. 3:14-19; Rom. 5:12. V. "Obedience Is Not Always Possible" II. "A Substitute Is Just as Good" 12. Israelites thought it impossible to 5. Cain and Abel. Gen. 4:3-5. subdue Canaan. Num. 13:32, 33; 6. Consequence of Cain's disobedience. 14:2-4, 28-31. Gen. 4:8. VI. "Obey Men for Fear of Personal III. "Disobedience Will Actually Aid Harm" God" 13. Saul's excuse. 1 Sam. 15:24. 7. Instruction regarding holy things. 14. The Christian's guiding principle; Num. 4:15. Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:10. THE LESSON Introduction withhold from them? What would be the result of disobedience? Gen. 2: One basic delusion Satan has urged upon 16, 17. men for centuries is that obedience to God in all things is not really desirable or neces- sary. He has used many arguments to make his point sound conclusive, and many of NOTE.-"Our first parents, though created these are being repeated by men today. innocent and holy, were not placed beyond Every conscientious Christian who recog- the possibility of wrongdoing. God made nizes their origin is in a position to reject them free moral agents, capable of ap- them intelligently. The section headings of preciating the wisdom and benevolence of this lesson give some of the arguments that His character and the justice of. His require- have been used in favor of disobedience. ments, and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience. They were to enjoy "God Does Not Really Mean What communion with God and with holy angels; but before they could be rendered eternally He Says" secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the very beginning of man's existence a check 1. What rights did God give to our was placed upon the desire for self-indul- first parents in Eden, and what did He gence, the fatal passion that lay at the foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of for Cain's substitute? Gen. 4:3-5. knowledge, which stood near the tree of Compare Heb. 11:4. life in the midst of the garden, was to be a test of the obedience, faith, and love of our first parents. While permitted to eat freely of every other tree, they were forbidden to NorE.—"These brothers were tested, as taste of this, on pain of death. They were Adam had been tested before them, to also to be exposed to the temptations of prove whether they would believe and obey Satan; but if they endured the trial, they the word of God. They were acquainted would finally be placed beyond his power, with the provision made for the salvation to enjoy perpetual favor with God."—Pa- of man, and understood the system of offer- triarchs and Prophets, pages 48, 49. ings which God had ordained. They knew that in these offerings they were to express 2. What was Satan's first argument faith in the Saviour whom the offerings in favor of disobedience? Gen. 3:4, 5. typified, and at the same time to acknowl- edge their total dependence on Him for pardon; and they knew that by thus con- forming to the divine plan for their redemp- tion, they were giving proof of their obedi- Nora.—"If Satan's first question was in- ence to the will of God. Without the tended to arouse doubt, as indeed it was, the shedding of blood there could be no re- statement with which he followed it up had mission of sin; and they were to show their the deceptive appearance of an authoritative faith in the blood of Christ as the prom- declaration. But therein truth was most ised atonement by offering the firstlings of cleverly mixed with falsehood. This asser- the flock in sacrifice."—Patriarchs and tion contradicted God's explicit command Prophets, page 71. in the most emphatic manner of which He- brew is capable, and which may be ren- 6. What was the unhappy conse- dered, 'Ye will positively not die.' Satan quence of Cain's willful disobedi- challenged the truthfulness of God's word ence? Gen. 4:8. by an unconcealed lie, for which reason Christ was right in calling him the father of lies (John 8:44)."—S.D.A. Bible Com- mentary, on Gen. 3:4. NOTE.—"Cain hated and killed his brother, not for any wrong that Abel had 3. What did Eve do as the result of done, but 'because his own works were being deceived, and with what result? evil, and his brother's righteous.' 1 John Gen. 3:6, 7. 3:12. So in all ages the wicked have hated those who were better than them- selves. Abel's life of obedience and un- swerving faith was to Cain a perpetual re- NOTE.—"Eve really believed the words of proof. 'Everyone that doeth evil hateth the Satan, but her belief did not save her from light, neither cometh to the light, lest his the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the deeds should be reproved.' John 3:20. The words of God, and this was what led to her brighter the heavenly light that is reflected fall."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 55. from the character of God's faithful ser- vants, the more clearly the sins of the un- 4. What were the fearful conse- godly are revealed, and the more determined quences of disobedience? Gen. 3:14- will be their efforts to destroy those who disturb their peace."—Patriarchs and Proph- 19; Rom. 5:12. ets, page 74. "Disobedience Will Actually Aid God" "A Substitute Is Just as Good" 7. What instruction had God given 5. How did God acknowledge about moving the ark of the cove- Abel's offering and show disapproval nant? Num. 4:15. [ .8 I defiance of God and their debasing idolatry, the Lord, through Moses, had pronounced "Time is short, and our sentence upon them. By divine direction forces must be organized to the history of their cruelty toward Israel had been recorded, with the command, do a larger work."—Testi- `Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of monies, vol. 9, p. 27. Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.' Deuteronomy 25:19. For four hundred years the execution of this sentence had been deferred; but the Amalekites had NOTE.—"Through Moses the Lord had not turned from their sins. The Lord knew given special instruction concerning the that this wicked people would, if it were transportation of the ark. None but the possible, blot out His people and His wor- priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to ship from the earth. Now the time had touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered. come for the sentence, so long delayed, to The divine direction was, 'The sons of be executed."—Patriarchs and Prophets, Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall pages 627, 628. not touch any holy thing, lest they die.' Numbers 4:15."—Patriarchs and Prophets, 10. How did Saul and the people page 705. disobey this command, and with what 8. Despite this warning, what did explanation? 1 Sam. 15:9, 15. Uzzah presume to do, and with what result? 2 Sam. 6:6, 7. NoTE.—"Ambitious to heighten the honor of his triumphal return by the presence of a royal captive, Saul ventured to imitate NOTE.—"Upon Uzzah rested the greater the customs of the nations around him and guilt of presumption. Transgression of spared Agag, the fierce and warlike king of God's law had lessened his sense of its the Amalekites. The people reserved for sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon themselves the finest of the flocks, herds, him he had, in face of the divine prohibi- and beasts of burden, excusing their sin on tion, presumed to touch the symbol of the ground that the cattle were reserved to God's presence. God can accept no partial be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. It was obedience, no lax way of treating His com- their purpose, however, to use these merely mandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah as a substitute, to save their own cattle."— He designed to impress upon all Israel the Patriarchs and Prophets, page 629. importance of giving strict heed to His re- quirements. Thus the death of that one 11. In the divinely inspired rebuke man, by leading the people to repentance, which followed, what great principle might prevent the necessity of inflicting judgments upon thousands."—Patriarchs did Samuel enunciate? 1 Sam. 15:22. and Prophets, page 706. "Disobedience Is All Right if It NoTE.—"When, in direct violation of Brings Greater Honor to God" God's command, Saul proposed to present a sacrifice of that which God had devoted 9. What command did God give to destruction, open contempt was shown King Saul regarding the Amalekites? for the divine authority. The service would have been an insult to Heaven. Yet with 1 Sam. 15:2, 3. the sin of Saul and its result before us, how many are pursuing a similar course. While they refuse to believe and obey some re- quirement of the Lord, they persevere in NOTE.—"The Amalekites had been the offering up to God their formal services of first to make war upon Israel in the wilder- religion. There is no response of the Spirit ness; and for this sin, together with their of God to such service. No matter how 1 9] zealous men may be in their observance of this sentence would not have been pro- religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept nounced; but they mourned for the judg- them if they persist in willful violation of ment; their sorrow was not repentance, and one of His commands."—Patriarchs and could not secure a reversing of their sen- Prophets, page 634. tence."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 392. "Obedience Is Not Always "Obey Men for Fear of Personal Possible" Harm" 13. What excuse did Saul give for 12. What was the result of the evil his disobedience? 1 Sam. 15:24. report given by the ten spies? Num. 13:32, 33; 14:2-4, 28-31. Compare Heb. 3:18, 19. 14. To what extent does God expect His people to be faithful? Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:10. NoTE.—"The decree that Israel was not to enter Canaan for forty years was a bitter disappointment to Moses and Aaron, Caleb and Joshua; yet without a murmur they NoTE.—"It is better to die than to sin; accepted the divine decision. But those who better to want than to defraud; better to had been complaining of God's dealings hunger than to lie."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. with them, and declaring that they would 495. return to Egypt, wept and mourned greatly "Choose poverty, reproach, separation when the blessings which they had despised from friends, or any suffering rather than were taken from them. They had com- to defile the soul with sin. Death before plained at nothing, and now God gave them dishonor or the transgression of God's law cause to weep. Had they mourned for their should be the motto of every Christian."— sin when it was faithfully laid before them, Ibid., vol. 5, p. 147. Lesson 3, for July 17, 1965 Assault on the Character of God MEMORY VERSE: "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, 0 house of Israel?" Ezek. 33:11. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 33; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To examine Satan's attacks on God's character in which he attributes to God the cruelties of his own nature, and to study how to meet those attacks. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin Wednesday: Questions 10-13. reading study helps. ❑ Thursday: Finish study helps. Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read [ 10,1 Lesson Outline: 7. Wicked not now in hell. 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46. Introduction 8. Second death after the millennium. I. God's Character Rev. 20:5, 9, 14. 9. Reduced to ashes. Mal. 4:3 ; 2 Peter 1. Attributes of God. 1 John 4:8; Ex. 2:6. 34:5-7. 2. Good to all. Ps. 145:9; Matt. III. Satan's "Opposite Error" 5:44, 45. 3. Attitude toward wicked. Ezek. 10. Belief that God of love cannot de- 33:11. stroy anyone. II. Fate of the Wicked 11. God will not save the unrepentant. Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11. 4. The unrepentant will perish. Luke 12. God's "strange" act. Isa. 28:21. 13:3. 5. The final end of sinners. Rom. IV. God's Plan for the Obedient 6:23 ; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8. 6. Complete destruction to sinners. 13. God's promise to those who obey. Mal. 4:1. Rev. 22:14. THE LESSON Introduction a revengeful tyrant, declaring that He plunges into hell all those who do not please "It is beyond the power of the human Him, and causes them ever to feel His mind to estimate the evil which has been wrath; and that while they suffer unutter- wrought by the heresy of eternal torment. able anguish and writhe in the eternal The religion of the Bible, full of love and flames, their Creator looks down upon goodness, and abounding in compassion, is them with satisfaction."-The Great Con- darkened by superstition and clothed with troversy, page 534. terror. When we consider in what false colors Satan has painted the character of 2. How great is God's goodness, God, can we wonder that our merciful and how does He demonstrate it? Ps. Creator is feared, dreaded, and even hated? 145:9; Matt. 5:44, 45. The appalling views of God which have spread over the world from the teachings of the pulpit have made thousands, yes, mil- lions, of skeptics and infidels."-The Great NoTE.-"Satan is seeking to overcome Controversy, page 536. men today, as he overcame our first parents, by shaking their confidence in their Crea- tor and leading them to doubt the wisdom God's Character of His government and the justice of His laws. Satan and his emissaries represent 1. What are some of the attributes God as even worse than themselves, in or- der to justify their own malignity and re- ascribed to God? 1 John 4:8; Ex. bellion. The great deceiver endeavors to 34:5-7. shift his own horrible cruelty of character upon our heavenly Father, that he may cause himself to appear as one greatly wronged by his expulsion from heaven be- NoTE.-"After the Fall, Satan bade his cause he would not submit to so unjust a angels make a special effort to inculcate the governor. He presents before the world the belief in man's natural immortality; and liberty which they may enjoy under his having induced the people to receive this mild sway, in contrast with the bondage im- error, they were to lead them on to con- posed by the stern decrees of Jehovah. Thus clude that the sinner would live in eternal he succeeds in luring souls away from their misery. Now the prince of darkness, work- allegiance to God."-The Great Contro- ing through his agents, represents God as versy, pages 534, 535. 3. What is God's attitude toward mystery. They received it from Rome, as the ultimate punishment of the they received the false sabbath. True, it has wicked? Ezek. 33:11. been taught by great and good men; but the light on this subject had not come to them as it has come to us. They were responsible only for the light which shone NOTE.—"How repugnant to every emo- in their time; we are accountable for that tion of love and mercy, and even to our which shines in our day. If we turn from sense of justice, is the doctrine that the the testimony of God's Word, and accept wicked dead are tormented with fire and false doctrines because our fathers taught brimstone in an eternally burning hell; that them, we fall under the condemnation pro- for the sins of a brief earthly life they are nounced upon Babylon; we are drinking of to suffer torture as long as God shall live. the wine of her abomination."—The Great Yet this doctrine has been widely taught Controversy, page 536. and is still embodied in many of the creeds of Christendom. . . . 6. What do the Scriptures teach "Where, in the pages of God's Word, is about how completely the wicked will such teaching to be found? Will the re- be destroyed? Mal. 4:1. deemed in heaven be lost to all emotions of pity and compassion, and even to feelings of common humanity? Are these to be exchanged for the indifference of the stoic NoTE.—"Satan, the root of every sin, and or the cruelty of the savage? No, no; such all evil workers, who are his branches, shall is not the teaching of the Book of God. be utterly cut off. An end will be made of Those who present [such] views . . . may sin, with all the woe and ruin that have be learned and even honest men, but they resulted from it. Says the psalmist, 'Thou are deluded by the sophistry of Satan. He hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put leads them to misconstrue strong expres- out their name forever and ever. 0 thou sions of Scripture, giving to the language enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual the coloring of bitterness and malignity end.' Psalm 9:5, 6."—Patriarchs and Proph- which pertains to himself, but not to our ets, page 341. Creator. `As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; 7. When will the wicked suffer the but that the wicked turn from his way and fires of hell? 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Matt. live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; 25:31-34, 41, 46. for why will ye die?' Ezekiel 33: 11."—The Great Controversy, page 535. NOTE.—"And how utterly revolting is the The Fate of the Wicked belief that as soon as the breath leaves the body the soul of the impenitent is consigned 4. What will be the fate of those to the flames of hell! To what depths of who do not repent? Luke 13:3. anguish must those be plunged who see their friends passing to the grave unpre- pared, to enter upon an eternity of woe and sin! Many have been driven to insanity by 5. What will be the final result of this harrowing thought."—The Great Con- sin? Rom. 6:23; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8. troversy, page 545. 8. Describe the circumstances of the destruction of the wicked. Rev. 20: NoTE.—"The theory of eternal torment is 5, 9, 14. one of the false doctrines that constitute the wine of the abomination of Babylon, of which she makes all nations drink. Reve- lation 14:8; 17:2. That ministers of Christ NOTE.—"In mercy to the world, God blot- should have accepted this heresy and pro- ted out its wicked inhabitants in Noah's claimed it from the sacred desk is indeed a time. In mercy He destroyed the corrupt 12 dwellers in Sodom. Through the deceptive NOTE.—"God has given in His Word de- power of Satan the workers of iniquity ob- cisive evidence that He will punish the tain sympathy and admiration, and are thus transgressors of His law. Those who flatter constantly leading others to rebellion. It themselves that He is too merciful to exe- was so in Cain's and in Noah's day, and in cute justice upon the sinner, have only to the time of Abraham and Lot; it is so in look to the cross of Calvary. The death of our time. It is in mercy to the universe the spotless Son of God testifies that 'the that God will finally destroy the rejecters wages of sin is death,' that every violation of His grace."—The Great Controversy, of God's law must receive its just retribu- page 543. tion. Christ the sinless became sin for man. He bore the guilt of transgression, and the 9. To what will the fires of the last hiding of His Father's face, until His heart days reduce the wicked? Mal. 4:3; was broken and His life crushed out. All 2 Peter 2:6. this sacrifice was made that sinners might be redeemed. In no other way could man be freed from the penalty of sin. And every soul that refuses to become a partaker of Satan's "Opposite Error" the atonement provided at such a cost must bear in his own person the guilt and punish- 10. To what belief has Satan led ment of transgression."—The Great Contro- versy, pages 539, 540. many who are repelled by the popular teachings of eternal torment? God's Plan for the Obedient 13. What promise does God make ANSWER.—"A large class to whom the to all who obey Him? Rev. 22:14. doctrine of eternal torment is revolting are driven to the opposite error. They see that the Scriptures represent God as a being of love and compassion, and they cannot be- NOTE.—"Those who accept the teachings lieve that He will consign His creatures to of God's Word will not be wholly ignorant the fires of an eternally burning hell. But concerning the heavenly abode. And yet, holding that the soul is naturally immortal, `eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither they see no alternative but to conclude that have entered into the heart of man, the all mankind will finally be saved."—The things which God hath prepared for them Great Controversy, page 537. that love Him.' 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human 11. How can we meet the argument language is inadequate to describe the re- ward of the righteous. It will be known that God will not actually punish the only to those who behold it."—The Great unrepenant? Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11. Controversy, page 675. NoTE.—"Many regard the threatenings of the Bible as designed merely to frighten men "Give what you can now, into obedience, and not to be literally ful- and as you cooperate with filled. Thus the sinner can live in selfish Christ, your hand will open pleasure, disregarding the requirements of God, and yet expect to be finally received to impart still more. And into His favor. Such a doctrine, presuming God will refill your hand, upon God's mercy, but ignoring His justice, that the treasure of truth pleases the carnal heart and emboldens the may be taken to many souls. wicked in their iniquity."—The Great Con- troversy, page 537. He will give to you that you may give to others."—Our 12. What did Isaiah say of God's High Calling, page 199. act of destroying sin and sinners? Isa. 28:21. [ 13 ] Lesson 4, for July 24, 1965 Man's Condition in Death MEMORY VERSE: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 67; "Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 297, 298; b. 2, pp. 34, 250, 254, 256, 261; "Testimonies," vol. 4, p. 336; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To examine one of the major delusions of Satan in the light of the teachings of Scripture. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 6-9. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 reading study helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: 7. Excluded from the tree of life. Gen. 3:22-24. Introduction 8. Man is now mortal. 1 Tim. I. The Creation of Man 6:15, 16. 9. Eternal life now is conditional. 1. Steps in formation of man. Gen. 1 John 5:12. 2:7. 2. Men and animals have the same IV. The State of Man in Death "breath of life." Gen. 7:21, 22; Eccl. 3:19. 10. The dead are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:13. 3. The "spirit" returns to God. Eccl. 11. No part in earthly things. Ps. 146: 12:7. 4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10. II. The Devil's First Lie V. The Resurrection Hope 4. "Ye shall not surely die." Gen. 12. Christ's promise. John 5:28, 29; 3:3, 4. 11:25. 5. "Ye shall be as gods." Gen. 3:5. 13. No hope for the dead except for the III. Man a Mortal Being plan of a resurrection. 1 Cor. 15: 16-19. 6. Man's status when created. Heb. 14. The resurrection takes place at the 2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36. second advent. 1 Thess. 4:16-18. THE LESSON Introduction sleep of death she would know far more than she had ever known before and would The devil's first delusion centered around live forever, like God Himself. In varying whether or not a man who sinned would forms this delusion, "Ye shall not surely really die. Satan directly contradicted God die," spoken by the great deceiver, has been on this matter and made his own claims. the basis of every heathen religion and He assured Eve that instead of sleeping the apostate form of Christianity. [ 14]_ The Creation of Man ment, but never to denote an intelligent human entity capable of existence apart 1. What steps did God follow in from the physical human body. That which returns to God when a man dies, whether the creation of man? Gen. 2:7. Com- he be good or bad, is simply the life pare Job 33:4. principle that God imparts to both man and beast. The Devil's First Lie NoTE.—"When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in 4. Speaking through the serpent to all its arrangements, but it was without life. Eve, how did Satan directly contradict Then a personal, self-existing God breathed God? Gen. 3:3, 4. Compare chapter into that form the breath of life, and man 2:17. became a living, breathing, intelligent be- ing. All parts of the human organism were put in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the perceptions of the mind—all be- NOTE.-"By partaking of this tree, he gan their work, and all were placed under [the serpent] declared, they would attain law. Man became a living soul."—Testi- to a more exalted sphere of existence and monies, vol. 8, p. 264. enter a broader field of knowledge. He himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and as a result had acquired the power of 2. How do we know that this speech. And he insinuated that the Lord "breath of life" did not constitute jealously desired to withhold it from them, man's mind or intelligence? Gen. 7: lest they should be exalted to equality with 21, 22; Eccl. 3:19. Himself. It was because of its wonderful properties, imparting wisdom and power, that He had prohibited them from tast- ing or even touching it. The tempter in- timated that the divine warning was not NoTE.—"From the Source of all life the to be actually fulfilled; it was designed life-giving principle entered the lifeless body merely to intimidate them. . . . of Adam. The agency by which the spark "Such has been Satan's work from the of life was transferred to his body is said days of Adam to the present, and he has to be the 'breath' of God. . . . Imparted pursued it with great success. He tempts to man, the 'breath' is equivalent to his men to distrust God's love and to doubt life; it is life itself (Isa. 2:22). At death His wisdom."—Patriarchs and Prophets, there is `no breath [neshanzah, life] left in page 54. him' (1 Kings 17:17). This 'breath of life' in man differs in no way from the 'breath 5. What did Satan assure Eve of life' in animals, for all receive their life would be the result of disobedience to from God (Gen. 7:21, 22; Eccl. 3:19). It cannot therefore be the mind or intelli- God's command? Gen. 3:5. gence."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on Gen. 2:7. 3. What reversal of the process of NoTE.—"The same word translated in creation takes place at death? Eccl. the KJV tods,"elohim, is rendered 'God' 12:7. Compare Job 27:3. in vs. 1, 3, and 5. The translators of the KJV here followed the LXX [Septuagint] and the Vulgate. The correct rendering is, `Ye shall be as God.' This reveals most sharply the blasphemous nature of Satan's NoTE.—The Hebrew noun rendered into words (see Isa. 14:12-14) and the full English as "spirit" in Eccl. 12:7 is r4ach, gravity of his deception."—S.D.A. Bible a term employed 377 times in the Old Testa- Commentary, on Gen. 3:5. 115] Man a Mortal Being the life-giving fruit; hence there is not an immortal sinner."—Patriarchs and Proph- 6. What was man's status in the ets, page 60. original order of creation? How is 8. Who only has immortality now? this to be changed after the resurrec- What, then, is man's present condi- tion? Heb. 2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36. tion? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. Compare 1 Tim. 1:17. Nora.—Man is now a little lower than the angels, but after the resurrection will be NOTE.—"The Word of God nowhere equal to the angels. He will never be teaches that the soul of man is immortal. equal to God, as Satan claimed. Immortality is an attribute of God only."— "There are men today who express their Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 344. belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth; but those who 9. In what sense does the Christian believe the Scriptures cannot accept such now have eternal life? 1 John 5:12. doctrines. The doctrine that children will Compare Rom. 2:7. be born in the new earth is not a part of the 'sure word of prophecy.' 2 Peter 1:19. The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood. They should forever settle NOTE.—" 'In Him was life; and the life the question of marriages and births in the was the light of men.' John 1:4. It is not new earth. Neither those who shall be physical life that is here specified, but im- raised from the dead, nor those who shall be mortality, the life which is exclusively the translated without seeing death, will marry property of God. The Word, who was with or be given in marriage. They will be as God, and who was God, had this life. the angels of God, members of the royal Physical life is something which each in- family. dividual receives. It is not eternal or im- "I would say to those who hold views mortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it contrary to this plain declaration of Christ, again. Man has no control over his life. Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No is presumption to indulge in suppositions one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it and theories regarding matters that God down of Myself' (John 10:18), He said. has not made known to us in His Word. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, un- We need not enter into speculation re- derived. This life is not inherent in man. garding our future state."—Selected Mes- He can possess it only through Christ. He sages, b. 1, pp. 172, 173. cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as his per- 7. To prevent man from becoming sonal Saviour. 'This is life eternal, that an immortal sinner, what precaution they might know Thee the only true God, did God take? Gen. 3:22-24. and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.' John 17:3. This is the open fountain of life for the world."—Selected Messages, b. 1, pp. 296, 297. NOTE.—"It was Satan's plan that Adam and Eve should by disobedience incur God's The State of Man in Death displeasure; and then, if they failed to ob- tain forgiveness, he hoped that they would 10. How are the dead in Christ de- eat of the tree of life, and thus perpetuate scribed? 1 Thess. 4:13. Compare Job an existence of sin and misery. But after 14:12. man's fall, holy angels were immediately commissioned to guard the tree of life. Around these angels flashed beams of light having the appearance of a glittering sword. NOTE.—"Christ represents death as a None of the family of Adam were per- sleep to His believing children. Their life mitted to pass that barrier to partake of is hid with Christ in God, and until the [ 16 ] last trump shall sound those who die will 14. When will the resurrection of sleep in Him."—The Desire of Ages, page the righteous dead take place? 1 527. Thess. 4:16-18. 11. What do the dead have to do with the affairs of earthly life? Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10. Compare Job NorE.—"The voice that cried from the 14:21. cross, 'It is finished,' was heard among the dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers, and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus will it be when the voice of Christ shall be heard from heaven. That voice will pene- The Resurrection Hope trate the graves and unbar the tombs, and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour's resurrection- a few graves were 12. What wonderful promise did opened, but at His second coming all the the Saviour give concerning a future precious dead shall hear His voice, and shall life? John 5:28, 29; 11:25. come forth to glorious, immortal life. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church, and glorify it with Him, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, 13. What would be the fate of the not only in this world, but also in the dead were it not for the resurrection? World to come."—The Desire of Ages, page 1 Cor. 15:16-19. 787. Lesson 5, for July 31, 1965 Spiritism a Snare MEMORY VERSE: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 34; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To discover the intelligence behind all spiritistic manifestations, and how to escape his snares. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14. Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading Monday: Questions 5-7; begin study helps. reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. Lesson Outline: 2. God's attitude toward sorcerers. Introduction Jer. 27:9, 10. 3. Moses' counsel regarding necro- I. Spiritism in Ancient Israel mancers. Deut. 18:9-12. 1. God's warning against wizards. Lev. 4. The law in Israel against spirit 19:31. mediums. Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27. 17 1 II. The Power Behind Spiritism 9. The end of those deceived by "witchcraft." Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 5. Spirits of devils working miracles. 21:8. Rev. 16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15. 10. Modern signs and wonders. Rev. 6. Satan wars against last-day Chris- 13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. tians. Rev. 12:12. 7. Satan's angels support him. Mark IV. Testing the Spirits 5:9. 11. "Try the spirits." 1 John 4:1. 12. The standard. Isa. 8:20. III. Last-Day Delusions 13. Signs and wonders not a decisive test. Deut. 13:1-4. 8. A warning for God's people today. 14. Our attitude toward consulting 1 Tim. 4:1. with familiar spirits. Isa. 8:19, 20. THE LESSON Introduction parted heroes. Thus the religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead."— If the dead actually live on in a state of Patriarchs and Prophets, page 684. godlike wisdom and power, as Satan would have us believe, then the next logical step 2. What was God's attitude toward would be to believe that they can communi- the sorcerers and why? Jer. 27:9, 10. cate with us. Spiritists claim that the conversation be- tween Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden was the first spirit séance. The NorE.—A "sorcerer" was one who used serpent was indeed the medium, but the witchcraft or employed powers gained from voice and the intelligence were those of the assistance and control of evil spirits. Satan. 3. What was Moses' counsel to Spiritism in Ancient Israel Israel before their entrance into Canaan? Deut. 18:9-12. 1. What warning did God give an- cient Israel against trying to communi- cate with the dead? Lev. 19:31. NorE.—A "necromancer" was one who purported to communicate with the dead and who performed magic through their NoTE.—A "wizard" was a man reputed supposed powers. to have special knowledge concerning the unseen world gained by supposedly con- 4. What was the law in Israel con- sulting the dead. A "familiar spirit" was cerning spirit mediums? Ex. 22:18; the demon attendant of a particular spirit Lev. 20:27. medium. "Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and witchcraft were founded upon a belief in communion with the dead. Those who NorE.—"The work of dealing with famil- practiced the arts of necromancy claimed to iar spirits *as pronounced an abomination have intercourse with departed spirits, and to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden to obtain through them a knowledge of under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; future events. . . . 20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now "This same belief in communion with held in contempt. The claim that men can the dead formed, the cornerstone of heathen hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded idolatry. The gods of the heathen were as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritual- believed to be the deified spirits of de- ism, which numbers its converts by hun- [ 18 dreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which power and mercy of Christ, is given in the has made its way into scientific circles, Scripture account of the healing of the which has invaded churches, and has found demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched favor in legislative bodies, and even in the maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing, courts of kings—this mammoth deception foaming, raging, were filling the air with is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the their cries, doing violence to themselves, and witchcraft condemned and prohibited of endangering all who should approach them. old."—The Great Controversy, page 556. Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and distracted minds presented a spectacle well pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of The Power Behind Spiritism the demons controlling the sufferers de- clared: 'My name is Legion: for we are 5. What power is behind the spirit- many.' Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a istic deceptions of the last days? Rev. legion consisted of from three to five thou- 16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15. sand men. Satan's hosts also are marshaled in companies, and the single company to which these demons belonged numbered no less than a legion."—The Great Contro- NOTE.—"Satan has taken advantage of versy, page 514. these popular fables to hide himself. He comes to poor, deceived mortals through modern spiritualism, which places no Last-Day Delusions bounds to the carnally minded, and, if car- ried out, separates families, creates jealousy 8. What timely warning is given and hatred, and gives liberty to the most against spiritistic delusions? 1 Tim. degrading propensities. The world knows 4:1. Compare Matt. 24:24. but little as yet of the corrupting influence of spiritualism."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 343. 6. How is Satan said to war against God's people? Rev. 12:12. NOTE.—"Just before us is 'the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is NOTE.—"God alone can limit the power not firmly established upon the Word of of Satan. He [Satan] is going to and fro God will be deceived and overcome. Satan in the earth, and walking up and down in `works with all deceivableness of unrigh- it. He is not off his watch for a single teousness' to gain control of the children moment, through fear of losing an op- of men, and his deceptions will continually portunity to destroy souls. It is important increase. But he can gain his object only that God's people understand this, that as men voluntarily yield to his temptations. they may escape his snares. Satan is pre- Those who are earnestly seeking a knowl- paring his deceptions, that in his last cam- edge of the truth and are striving to purify paign against the people of God they may their souls through obedience, thus doing not understand that it is he."—Testimonies, what they can to prepare for the conflict, vol. 1, p. 341. will find, in the God of truth, a sure de- fense."—The Great Controversy, page 560. 7. How did the demons that pos- sessed the men of Gadara describe 9. What will be the end of those themselves? Mark 5:9. deceived by witchcraft? Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8. NorE.—"The fact that men have been possessed with demons, is clearly stated in the New Testament. . . . 10. In his last great deceptions, to "A striking example of their number, what signs and wonders will Satan re- power, and malignity, and also of the sort? Rev. 13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. [19 1 NOTE.—"Some will be tempted to receive and miracles in an endeavor to in- these wonders [of Satan] as from God. The fluence us away from God and His sick will be healed before us. Miracles will law? Deut. 13:1-4. be performed in our sight. Are we pre- pared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of NoTE.—"God's people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will God, and giving heed to fables, the minds counterfeit the miracles that will be of many are preparing to receive these ly- wrought. God's tried and tested people will ing wonders. We must all now seek to arm find their power in the sign spoken of in ourselves for the contest in which we must Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their soon engage. Faith in God's Word, prayer- fully studied and practically applied, will be stand on the living Word: 'It is written.' our shield from Satan's power and will This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely."—Testimonies, bring us off conquerors through the blood vol. 9, p. 16. of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302. 14. If a Christian is invited to con- Testing the Spirits sult with a spiritistic medium, what should he do? Isa. 8: 19, 20. 11. Rather than believe every su- pernatural manifestation to be from God, what are we admonished to do? 1 John 4:1. NOTE.—"There are few who have any just conception of the deceptive power of spiritualism and the danger of coming un- NOTE.—"Spirit. The apostle bids his hear- der its influence. Many tamper with it ers to be critical rather than credulous, and merely to gratify their curiosity. They not to accept every spiritual activity as have no real faith in it and would be filled coming from God. From this it would ap- with horror at the thought of yielding pear that they had come under the ministry themselves to the spirits' control. But they of men who claimed divine authority for venture upon the forbidden ground, and teachings that were really false. The the mighty destroyer exercises his power apostle, as a good pastor, warns his flock upon them against their will. Let them against specious deception."—S.D.A. Bible once be induced to submit their minds to Commentary, on 1 John 4:1. his direction, and he holds them captive. It is impossible, in their own strength, to 12. By what standard may we test break away from the bewitching, alluring the origin of every spirit? Isa. 8:20. spell. Nothing but the power of God, granted in answer to the earnest prayer of faith, can deliver these ensnared souls."— The Great Controversy, page 558. NOTE.—"The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that "The more we bring to God's it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By treasure-house, the more we their testimony every statement and every shall have to bring; for He miracle must be tested."—The Great Con- will open ways before us, troversy, page 593. increasing our substance."— Our High Calling, page 197. 13. What attitude should we take toward those who use signs, wonders, [ 20 ] Lesson 6, for August 7, 1965 The Last Great Deception MEMORY VERSE: "Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 622-634; "S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To present Scripture teaching on how to distinguish between the true and the false. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin Thursday: Finish reading reading study helps. ❑ study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 3-6. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 7-10. ❑ Lesson Outline: III. How to Recognize the Genuine 7. Christ's description of His second Introduction coming. Matt. 24:27. 8. "Every eye shall see Him." Rev. I. Satan's Last Fury 1:7; Matt. 24:30. 1. As time grows short Satan works 9. Resurrection of. Christ's persecutors. harder. Rev. 12:12. Dan. 12:2 ; Matt. 26:64. 2. Each must stand alone. Ezek. 10. Reaction of ungodly to the real 14:20. Christ. Rev. 6:15-17. 11. Resurrection accompanies true sec- ond advent. 1 Thess. 4:16. II. The Counterfeit "Second Advent" 12. The remnant will recognize the true 3. A warning against impostors. Matt. Christ. Isa. 25:9. 24:23-25. IV. Assurance and Counsel to the 4. Satan as an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14. Remnant 5. "Go not forth." Matt. 24:26. 13. Protection against the great de- 6. The world's reaction to miracles. lusion. Rev. 3:10, 11. Acts 8:9, 10. 14. Be prepared ! 1 Thess. 5:1-6. THE LESSON Introduction pletely overwhelming and convincing will be the signs and wonders he then performs The Scriptures foretell that just before that "if it were possible, they shall deceive the end of time the devil will make a the very elect." To prepare us against Sa- determined effort to deceive everyone, in- tan's masterpiece of deception Jesus left on cluding even the remnant, by counterfeit- record a pointed warning. See Matt. 24: ing the second advent of our Lord. So corn- 23-25. [211 Satan's Last Fury a hideous form, as he is sometimes repre- sented, but as an angel of light. He will 1. What is said of Satan's activity come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall down as the end approaches? Rev. 12:12. and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do?—Tell them that Christ has NoTE.—"Satan believes and trembles. He warned us against just such a foe, who is works. He knows his time is short, and he man's worst enemy, yet who claims to be has come down in great power to do his God; and that when Christ shall make His evil works according to his faith."—Testi- appearance, it will be with power and great monies, vol. 2, p. 161. glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and thousands of 2. In view of the approaching thousands; and that when He shall come, crisis, what warning does God give we shall know His voice."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. His people? Ezek. 14:20. 6, pp. 1105, 1106. 5. How are God's people to react to the report that Christ has returned? The Counterfeit "Second Advent" Matt. 24:26. 3. With what words did Christ warn against last-day impostors? Matt. 24:23-25. 6. How does the world usually re- act to the miracle-working power of Satan? Acts 8:9, 10. NoTE.—"Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heav- ens, in token of the power of miracle- working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in decep- NOTE.—"When God's presence was fi- tion, and urge them on to unite with Satan nally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, in his last struggle against the government priest and people knew it not. Though of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and under the control of Satan, and swayed by subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will the most horrible and malignant passions, arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and they still regarded themselves as the chosen claiming the title and worship which be- of God. The ministration in the temple con- long to the world's Redeemer. They will tinued; sacrifices were offered upon its pol- perform wonderful miracles of healing and luted altars, and daily the divine blessing will profess to have revelations from was invoked upon a people guilty of the heaven contradicting the testimony of the blood of God's dear Son and seeking to Scriptures."—The Great Controversy, page slay His ministers and apostles. So when 624. the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of 4. How does Satan, in person, at- the world has been forever fixed, the in- tempt to deceive the world? 2 Cor. habitants of the earth will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by 11:14. a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn ; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will in- spire them for the accomplishment of his NOTE.—"Satan came as an angel of light malignant designs, will bear the semblance in the wilderness of temptation to deceive of zeal for God."—The Great Controversy, Christ; and he does not come to man in page 615. [ 22 ] How to Recognize the Genuine 10. How will the wicked react to the real Christ when He appears? Rev. 7. What unmistakable description 6:15-17. of the second advent did Christ give? Matt. 24:27. NOTE.—"The derisive jests have ceased. Lying lips are hushed into silence. The 8. How many will see the Lord clash of arms, the tumult of battle, 'with when He appears? Rev. 1:7; Matt. confused noise, and garments rolled in 24:30. blood' (Isaiah 9:5), is stilled. Nought now is heard but the voice of prayer and the sound of weeping and lamentation. The cry bursts forth from lips so lately scoffing: `The great day of His wrath is come; and NOTE.—"Soon there appears in the east a who shall be able to stand?' The wicked small black cloud, about half the size of a pray to be buried beneath the rocks of the man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds mountains, rather than meet the face of the Saviour and which seems in the dis- Him whom they have despised and re- tance to be shrouded in darkness. The peo- jected."—The Great Controversy, page 642. ple of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, be- 11. What universal event, which coming lighter and more glorious, until it Satan cannot duplicate, is to accom- is a great white cloud, its base a glory like pany the coming of Jesus? 1 Thess. consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a 4:16. mighty conqueror. . . . No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade- quate to conceive its splendor."—The Great Controversy, pages 640, 641. NoTE.—"Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of 9. What special resurrection of cer- thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls tain righteous and certain wicked is forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon mentioned as occurring before the the graves of the righteous, then, raising coming of the Lord? Dan. 12:2; Matt. His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake, 26:46. Compare Rev. 1:7. awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and arise!' Throughout the length and breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the NOTE.—"Graves are opened, and 'many tread of the exceeding great army of every of them that sleep in the dust of the nation, kindred, tongue, and people. From earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, the prison house of death they come, and some to shame and everlasting con- clothed with immortal glory, crying: '0 tempt.' Daniel 12:2. All who have died in death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where the faith of the third angel's message come is thy victory ?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. And forth from the tomb glorified, to hear the living righteous and the risen saints God's covenant of peace with those who unite their voices in a long, glad shout of have kept His law. 'They also which victory."—The Great Controversy, page pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that 644. mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him 12. How will the righteous rem- in His glory and to see the honor placed nant express their joy when the Lord upon the loyal and obedient."—The Great appears in the clouds of heaven? Isa. Controversy, page 637. 25:9. [ 23 ] Assurance and Counsel to the Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon Remnant His Word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in 13. What aid will God give His such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the people as they pass through the per- Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent plexities that precede His coming? them from obtaining a preparation to stand Rev. 3:10, 11. in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their NOTE.—"Only those who have been dili- hearts may be overcharged with the cares gent students of the Scriptures and who of this life and the day of trial may come have received the love of the truth will be upon them as a thief."—The Great Con- shielded from the powerful delusion that troversy, pages 625, 626. takes the world captive. By the Bible testi- mony these will detect the deceiver in his 14. What preparation should God's disguise. To all the testing time will come. people make for the difficulties that By the sifting of temptation the genuine lie ahead? 1 Thess. 5:1-6. Lesson 7, for August 14, 1965 Attacks on God's Law MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isa. 42:21. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 36; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To seek strength for personal victory in the final conflict when the supreme test of obedience will be brought to bear upon all. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin Thursday: Finish reading reading study helps. ❑ study helps. Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ Lesson Outline: II. Christ's Defense of the Law Introduction 4. Prophecy regarding Christ and the I. Satan's Hatred of God's Law law. Isa. 42:21. 1. Lucifer created perfect. Ezek. 5. Christ's exaltation of the law. Matt. 28:15. 5:17-22, 27, 28. 2. His character since his fall. 1 John 6. Christ's testimony regarding His 3:8. life. John 15:10. 3. The devil cast out of heaven. Isa. 7. Attitude of James toward God's 14:12. law. James 1:25. [24 ] III. The Controversy in the Last Days 11. Attitude of God's people. Ps. 8. Satan wars especially against com- 119:110-112. mandment keepers. Rev. 12:17. 12. Time for the Lord to work. Ps. 9. Effects on earth of transgression of 119:126. God's law. Isa. 24:4-6. 13. Our prayer. Ps. 119:18. 10. Satan blames God's people for trouble. 1 Kings 18:17, 18. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.—"When it was announced that with all his sympathizers he must be ex- "From the very beginning of the great pelled from the abodes of bliss, then the controversy in heaven it has been Satan's rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt purpose to overthrow the law of God. It for the Creator's law. He reiterated his was to accomplish this that he entered upon claim that angels needed no control, but his rebellion against the Creator, and should be left to follow their own will, though he was cast out of heaven he has which would ever guide them right. He continued the same warfare upon the earth. denounced the divine statutes as a restric- To deceive men, and thus lead them to tion of their liberty and declared that it transgress God's law, is the object which was his purpose to secure the abolition of he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this law; that, freed from this restraint, the be accomplished by casting aside the law hosts of heaven might enter upon a more altogether, or by rejecting one of its pre- exalted, more glorious state of existence."— cepts, the result will be ultimately the The Great Controversy, page 499. same."—The Great Controversy, page 582. Christ's Defense of the Law Satan's Hatred of God' Law 4. What had Isaiah prophesied re- 1. What are we told about Lucifer's garding Christ's attitude toward God's original moral state? Ezek. 28:15. law? Isa. 42:21. 2. Of what has Satan been guilty NOTE.—"But it was not merely to ac- "from the beginning"? 1 John 3:8. complish the redemption of man that Christ Compare Ezek. 28:16. came to the earth to suffer and to die. He came to 'magnify the law' and to 'make it honorable.' Not alone that the inhabi- tants of this world might regard the law NOTE.—"Our only definition of sin is that as it should be regarded; but it was to given in the Word of God; it is 'the trans- demonstrate to all the worlds of the uni- gression of the law;' it is the outworking verse that God's law is unchangeable. ,• of a principle at war with the great law of Could its claims have been set aside, then love which is the foundation of the divine the Son of God need not have yielded up government."—The Great Controversy, His life to atone for its transgression. The page 493. death of Christ proves it immutable. And "To commit sin is to break God's law: the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled sin, in fact, is lawlessness." 1 John 3:4, The the Father and the Son, that sinners might New English Bible.* be redeemed, demonstrates to • all the uni- verse—what ,nothing less than this plan of atonement could have sufficed to do—that 3• What was done with Lucifer justice and mercy are the- foundation of after he ceased to abide "in the truth"? the law and government of God."—The Isa. 14:12. Compare Rev. 12:7-9. Great Controversy, page 503. [ 25 ] 5. How did Christ fulfill this 9. How are the effects of trans- prophecy? Matt. 5:17-22, 27, 28. Com- gression of God's law seen in the pare Luke 10:25, 26. earth itself? Isa. 24:4-6. Nora.—" 'Do not suppose that I have NoTE.—"The curse devoured. It is not come to abolish the Law and the prophets; God, but Satan, the instigator of sin, who I did not come to abolish, but to complete. is responsible for the curse that results from I tell you this: so long as heaven and earth it. Everywhere the forces of evil are at endure, not a letter, not a stroke, will dis- work and everywhere the handiwork of appear from the Law until all that must Satan is clearly seen (DA 636; GC 589). happen has happened.' " Matt. 5:17, 18, In disease and death, in earthquakes and The New English Bible.* storms, in fires and floods, the work of the evil one is manifest. Transgression of the laws of God has not brought peace and 6. What could Christ testify regard- prosperity, but trouble, pestilence, pain, ing His own obedience to God's law? and ultimately death."—S.D.A. Bible Com- John 15:10. mentary, on Isa. 24:6. 10. Whom did King Ahab blame for the famine in Israel? 1 Kings 18: 7. How did James regard God's 17, 18. law? James 1:25. NOTE.—"In every place and in a thou- NoTE.—"Let the human agent compare sand forms, Satan is exercising his power. his life with the life of Christ. . . . Let He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and him imitate the example of Him who lived famine and distress follow. He imparts to out the law of Jehovah, who said, 'I have the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish kept My Father's commandments.' Those by the pestilence. These visitations are to who follow Christ will be continually look- become more and more frequent and disas- ing into the perfect law of liberty, and trous. . . . through the grace given them by Christ, "And then the great deceiver will per- will fashion the character according to the suade men that those who serve God are divine requirements."—Sons and Daughters causing these evils. The class that have of God, page 137. provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's commandments is a The Controversy in the Last Days perpetual reproof to transgressors. . . . As the wrath of the people shall be excited by 8. Against whom will Satan con- false charges, they will pursue a course duct special warfare in the last days? toward God's ambassadors very similar to Rev. 12:17. that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah."—The Great Controversy, page 590. 11. What should be the attitude NoTE.—"The last great conflict between of God's people toward His law? Ps. truth and error is but the final struggle of 119:110-112. the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, be- NoTE.—"To the obedient child of God, tween the religion of the Bible and the the commandments are a delight religion of fable and tradition."—The Great "David saw the divine precepts thrown Controversy, page 582. aside, and obstinacy and rebellion increas- [ 26 ] ing. Was he swept away by the prevalence support."—The Great Controversy, page of apostasy? Did the scorn and contempt 595. cast upon the law lead him to cowardly 13. What should be the prayer of refrain from making an effort to vindicate the law? On the contrary his reverence for all God's faithful ones? Ps. 119:18. the law of Jehovah increased as he saw the disregard and contempt shown for it by others."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1152. NorE.—"One reason why many theo- logians have no clearer understanding of 12. What sin especially calls for God's Word is, they close their eyes to God's intervention? Ps. 119:126. truths which they do not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righ- NOTE.—"God will have a people upon the teousness. earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible "The Bible should never be studied with- only, as the standard of all doctrines and out prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can the basis of all reforms. The opinions of cause us to feel the importance of those learned men, the deductions of science, the things easy to be understood, or prevent creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, us from wresting truths difficult of compre- as numerous and discordant as are the hension."—The Great Controversy, pages churches which they represent, the voice of 599, 600. the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or *The New English Bible, © The Dele- against any point of religious faith. Before gates of the Oxford University Press and accepting any doctrine or precept, we should the Syndics of the Cambridge University demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its Press, 1961. Lesson 8, for August 21, 1965 Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath MEMORY VERSE: "Hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezek. 20:20. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 25; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To become aware of, and to guard against, Satan's devious measures to obscure the true Sabbath and substitute a counterfeit in its place. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading Monday: Questions 6-8. ❑ study helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ 27 Lesson Outline: III. Satan's Opposition to the Law 6. Tampering with God's command- Introduction ments. Matt. 15:3-8. 7. The working of the mystery of I. God's Regard for the Sabbath iniquity. 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7-9. 8. Daniel's prophecy of Satan at work. 1. The heart of God's law. Ex. 20: Dan. 7:25. 8-11. 2. A sign that the Lord is God. Ezek. IV. Importance of Sabbath Restoration 20:20. 9. Human substitutions lead to "vain Enduring Nature of the Law worship." Matt. 15:9. 10. A prophecy of Sabbath restoration. 3. Christ's attitude toward the law. Isa. 58:12-14. Matt. 5:17, 18; Mark 2:27-28. 11. We are the servants of the one we 4. No divine command broken with obey. Rom. 6:16. impunity. Matt. 5:19. 12. A call for decision. 1 Kings 18:21. 5. Apostolic teaching on the per- 13. The remnant keep the command- petuity of the law. James 2:10-12. ments of God. Rev. 14:12. THE LESSON Introduction work of His hands, and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly Satan well knew that "had the Sabbath commemorative, and given to all mankind. been universally kept, man's thoughts and There Was nothing in it shadowy or of affections would have been led to the Crea- restricted application to any people."- tor as the object of reverence and worship, Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. and there would never have been an idola- ter, an atheist, or an infidel."-The Great 2. Of what is the Sabbath declared Controversy, page 438. In the endeavor to to be a sign? Ezek. 20:20. secure his own ends in his warfare against God, it was inevitable that the Sabbath should become an object of Satan's special attack. NOTE.-"The Sabbath is ever the sign God's Regard for the Sabbath that distinguishes the obedient from the dis- obedient. With masterly power Satan has 1. Which commandment of the worked to make null and void the fourth Decalogue is a perpetual reminder of commandment, that the sign of God may be lost sight of. The Christian world have the true God as Creator of heaven and trodden underfoot the Sabbath of the Lord earth? Ex. 20:8-11. and observe a sabbath instituted by the enemy. But God has a people who are loyal to Him. His work is to be carried forward in right lines. The people who Nora.-"In Eden, God set up the me- bear His sign are to establish churches and morial of His work of creation, in placing institutions as memorials to Him. These His blessing upon the seventh day. The memorials, however humble in appearance, Sabbath was committed to Adam, the fa- will constantly bear witness against the ther and representative of the whole hu- false sabbath instituted by Satan, and in man family. Its observance was to be an favor of the Sabbath instituted by the act of grateful acknowledgment, on the Lord in Eden, when the morning stars part of all who should dwell upon the sang together and all the sons of God earth, that God was their Creator and their shouted for joy."-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. rightful Sovereign; that they were the 105. [ 28 ] Enduring Nature of the Law `whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend • in one point, he is guilty of all.' 3. How did Christ testify to the en- James 2:10. By consenting to break one during nature of the law? Matt. 5:17, precept, men are brought under Satan's 18; Mark 2:27, 28. power. By substituting human law. for God's law, Satan will seek to control the world. . . "The warfare against God's law, which NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel was begun in heaven, will be continued un- merely, but for the world. It had, been til the end of time. Every man will be made known to man in Eden, and, like tested. Obedience or disobedience is the the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is question to be decided by the whole world. of imperishable obligation. Of that law of All will be called to choose between the which the fourth commandment forms a law of God and the laws of men. Here the part, Christ declares, 'Till heaven and earth dividing line will be drawn. There will be pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise but two classes. Every character will be pass from the law.' So long as the heavens fully developed; and all will show whether and the earth endure, the Sabbath will con- they have chosen the side of loyalty or tinue as a sign of the Creator's power. And that of rebellion.- when Eden shall bloom on earth again, "Then the end will come. God 'will God's holy rest day will be honored by all vindicate His law and deliver His people. beneath the sun. 'From one Sabbath to Satan and all who have joined him in re- another' the inhabitants of the glorified bellion will be cut off,"—The Desire of new earth shall -go up 'to worship before Ages, page 763. Me, saith the Lord.' Matt. 5:18; Isa. 66:23." —The Desire of Ages, page 283. Satan's Opposition to the Law 4. What did Christ teach regarding , 6. How had the scribes and Phari- the seriousness of deliberately break- sees obscured the purpose of God's ing any command of the law? Matt. commandments? Matt. 15:3-8. 5:19. NoTE.—"To prepare the way for the work NoTE.—"The claim that Christ by His which he designed to accomplish, Satan death abolished His Father's law is with- had led the Jews, before the advent of out foundation. Had it been possible -for Christ, to load down the Sabbath with the the law to be changed or set aside, then most rigorous exactions, making its ob- Christ need not have died to save man servance a burden."—The Great Contro- from the penalty of sin. The death of versy, page 52. Christ, so far from abolishing the law, proves that it is immutable."—The Great 7. How did Paul describe an Controversy, page 466. earthly power through which Satan would work against God? 2 Thess. 5. Of what is one guilty who 2:3, 4, 7-9. breaks even one command of the law? James 2:10-12. NoTE.—The expression "that wicked" of verse 8 means " 'the [one] destitute of law,' NOTE.—"That the law which was spoken hence, 'the violator of the law,' the law- by God's own voice is faulty, that some less one,' or 'the wicked one.' The refer- specification has been set aside, is the claim ence is to the 'man of sin' (v. 3), or the which Satan now puts forward. It is the `mystery of iniquity' (v. 7). According last great deception that he will bring upon to one view 'the lawless one' is the papacy the world. He needs not to assail the (see on v. 4; cf. GC 356, 579). According whole law; if he can lead men to disregard to a second view, he is not only the papacy, one precept, his purpose is gained. For but more importantly, Satan himself, the [ 29 ] supreme Antichrist, as he impersonates NOTE.—"In the time of the end every Christ just before the last day (see on vs. divine institution is to be restored. The 4, 9)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, on 2 breach made in the law at the time the Thess. 2:8. Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God's remnant people, standing 8. What would the little horn before the world as reformers, are to show think to do regarding God's law? that the law of God is the foundation of Dan. 7:25. all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant re- minder of the power of God. In clear, dis- NorE.—Have any religious groups ac- tinct lines they are to present the necessity knowledged that there has been an attempt of obedience to all the precepts of the to change God's law? Decalogue. Constrained by the love of "We observe Sunday instead of Saturday Christ, they are to cooperate with Him in because the Catholic Church . . . trans- building up the waste places. They are to ferred the solemnity from Saturday to be repairers of the breach, restorers of Sunday."—Peter Geiermann, C.S.S.R., The paths to dwell in."—Prophets and Kings, Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, page 678. page 50. A noted Lutheran church historian, Au- 11. What determines which side a gustus Neander, writes: "The festival of Sunday, like all other man is on in the great controversy be- festivals, was always only a human ordi- tween Christ and Satan? Rom. 6:16. nance, and it was far from the intentions of Compare James 4:17. the apostles to establish a divine command in this respect, far from them, and from the early apostolic church, to transfer the laws of the Sabbath to Sunday."—The History of the Christian Religion and NOTE.—"But Christians of past genera- Church, page 186. ations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and there are now true Chris- Importance of Sabbath Restoration tians in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly 9. What did Jesus say about any believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of di- worship based upon the command- vine appointment. God accepts their sin- ments of men? Matt. 15:9. cerity of purpose and their integrity be- fore Him. But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obliga- tion of the true Sabbath, then whoever NoTa.—"There is cause for alarm in the shall transgress the command of God, to condition of the religious world today. obey a precept which has no higher author- God's mercy has been trifled with. The ity than that of Rome, will thereby honor multitudes make void the law of Jehovah, popery above God."—The Great Contro- `teaching for doctrines the commandments versy, page 449. of men.' Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in our land; not infidelity in its broadest sense—an open 12. What ancient call of God is of denial of the Bible—but an infidelity that special importance today? 1 Kings is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it 18:21. is undermining faith in the Bible as a reve- lation from God."—Patriarchs and Proph- ets, page 166. 10. How did God call for a reform 13. What two fundamental doc- in the matter of Sabbath observance? trines will God's people uphold? Rev. Isa. 58:12-14. 14:12. [30] Lesson 9, for August 28, 1965 The Sabbath-Great Test of Loyalty MEMORY VERSE: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Ps. 91:1. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," first half of chapter 39; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To seek to comprehend prophecies showing the enemy's final effort to force God's people to recognize a spurious sabbath. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin helps. reading study helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 6-9. Lesson Outline: III. God's People Persecuted Introduction 6. The saints suffer for their faith. Rev. 13:7,8, 16. I. The Sealing Work 7. The death decree. Rev. 13:15-17. 1. Strife held back until God's servants 8. A great time of trouble. Dan. 12:1. sealed. Rev. 7:1-3. 9. "Hated of all men." Matt. 10:16-22. 2. The 144,000 sealed. Rev. 7:4. 3. The 144,000 seen in heaven, without IV. God Vindicates His People fault. Rev. 14:1, 5. 10. Plagues poured out on wicked. II. God's People and Their Message Rev. 18:4, 8. 11. God protects His people. Ps. 4. The message to be given. Rev. 91:1, 5-8. 14:6-10. 12. God delivers His people. Jer. 30: 5. Those who accept the message. 7, 8, 10. Rev. 14:12. 13. The saints in heaven. Rev. 15:2. THE LESSON Introduction accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the "The Sabbath will be the great test of other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God."- loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. . . . While the observance of The Great Controversy, page 605. the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of al- The Sealing Work legiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in 1. What are certain angels of God obedience to God's law, is an evidence of represented as doing in the last days, loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by and for what reason? Rev. 7:1-3. [ 31 ] 2. What special group is repre- been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard sented as receiving God's seal? Rev. to this matter is yet understood, nor will 7:4. it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 17. NOTE.—"The Sabbath of the fourth com- 5. How are those who receive the mandment is the seal of the living God." —The Great Controversy, page 640. three angels' messages identified? Rev. "The seal of the living God will be 14:12. placed upon those only who bear a like- ness to Christ in character. "As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of God's People Persecuted the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ. 6. What indicates that God's com- "It is obedience to the principles of the mandment-keeping people all over commandments of God, .that molds the the world will suffer for their faith? character after the divine similitude."—The Rev. 13:7, 8, 16. Faith I Live By, page 287. "It is not His [God's] will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty- NOTE.—"As America, the land of religious font thousand? This those who are the liberty, shall unite with the papacy in elect of God will in a short time know forcing the conscience and compelling men without question."—Selected Messages, b. to honor the false sabbath, the people of 1, p. 174. every country on the globe will be led to follow her example."—Testimonies, vol. 6, 3. Where is this group later seen, p. 18. and what is said to be their spiritual "Foreign nations will follow the example condition? Rev. 14:1, 5. of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world."—Ibid., p. 395. God's People and Their Message 7. What extreme measures will be taken by the secular powers? Rev. 4. To prepare a people for God's 13:15-17. kingdom, what message is to be pro- claimed just before Jesus comes? Rev. 14:6-10. NOTE.—"As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout • Christendom, and religious and secular au- Nora.—A call to worship God as the thorities have combined to enforce the Creator would necessarily include mention observance of the Sunday, the persistent of the Sabbath, which is God's everlasting refusal of a small minority to yield to the memorial as the Creator. The words of popular demand will make them objects of Revelation 14:7, "Worship Him that made universal execration. . . . A decree will fi- heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the nally be issued against those who hallow the fountains of waters," are strikingly similar Sabbath of the fourth commandment, de- to those of the fourth commandment: "In nouncing them as deserving of the severest six days the Lord made heaven and earth, punishment and giving the people liberty, the sea, and all that in them is." Ex. 20:11. after a certain time, to put them to death. "The light we have received upon the Romanism in the Old World and apostate third angel's message is the true light. The Protestantism in the New will pursue a mark of the beast is exactly what it has similar course toward those who honor all [ 82 ] the divine precepts."—The Great Contro- to a white heat. Our work will soon be versy, pages 615, 616. closed up, and soon the time of trouble, "When Jesus leaves the most holy, His such as never was, will come upon us, of restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers which we have but little idea."—Testimo- and people. They are left to the control of nies, vol. 9, p. 241. evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh God Vindicates His People could be saved."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 204. 10. What will be poured out upon the unrepentant world symbolized by 8. In what words did Daniel fore- Babylon? Rev. 18:4, 8. tell this period of extreme difficulty? Dan. 12:1. 11. What will be the experience of God's people during the seven last NOTE.—"The restraint which has been plagues? Ps. 91:1, 5-8. upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked NOTE.—"The people of God will not be have passed the boundary of their proba- free from suffering; but while persecuted tion; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, and distressed, while they endure privation has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered and suffer for want of food they will not by divine grace, they have no protection be left to perish. That God who cared for from the wicked one. Satan will then Elijah will not pass by one of His self- plunge the inhabitants of the earth into sacrificing children. He who numbers the one great, final trouble. As the angels of hairs of their head will care for them, and God cease to hold in check the fierce winds in time of famine they shall be satisfied. of human passion, all the elements of strife While the wicked are dying from hunger will be let loose. The whole world will be and pestilence, angels will shield the righ- involved in ruin more terrible than that teous and supply their wants."—The Great which came upon Jerusalem of old."—The Controversy, page 629. Great Controversy, page 614. 12. What does God promise His 9. What counsel did Jesus give His people in the "time of Jacob's trou- disciples for the time when they ble"? Jer. 30:7, 8, 10. should encounter persecution? Matt. 10:16-22. 13. Who are pictured as being saved in God's eternal kingdom? Rev. NOTE.—"It is our work to speak the truth 15:2. in love and not to mix in with the truth the unsanctified elements of the natural heart and speak things that savor of the same spirit possessed by our enemies. All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands "Every day some portion of of those who can exercise it for injury. time should be appropriated Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to the study of the lessons." to publish one sentence, especially by way —Counsels on Sabbath _ of personalities, unless positively essential School Work, page 53. in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us and arouse their passions 1331 Lesson 10, for September 4, 1965 Meeting Attacks on the Bible MEMORY VERSE: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapters 32 and 37; "Steps to Christ," chapter "What to Do With Doubt;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To discover the reasons behind Satan's special hatred of the Bible and how we may meet the arguments he has used against it. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Question 14; read Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ further on study helps. 0 Monday: Questions 6-10. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 11-13; begin helps. reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 7. Science disproves the Bible. 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Peter 3:2-7. Introduction 8. Some of Bible is folklore. 2 Tim. 3:16, first part. I. Why Satan Hates God's Word 9. Impossible for unlettered to com- 1. It brings light. Ps. 119:130. prehend. Ps. 19:7, 11; 2 Tim. 3:15. 2. It makes men wise unto salvation 10. Its demands too narrow and and perfects character. 2 Tim. restricted. Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96. 3:15-17. III. Reasons Some Give for Rejecting 3. It gives a true picture of God's the Bible character. Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45. 4. It testifies of Jesus. John 5:39; 11. All doubts not settled. Mark 9:24. 1 John 3:8; John 8:44. 12. The majority can't be wrong. John 5. It sets forth the final victory. Rev. 7:48. 21:3, 4; 22:3. 13. A warning against error. 2 Peter 2:1. II. False Arguments Against the Bible IV. The Christian's Desire 6. Miracles are impossible. John 11:47; Acts 4:16. 14. Our prayer. Ps. 119:33, 34. THE LESSON Introduction than to destroy confidence in God and in His Word."-The Great Controversy, page In Satan's warfare against God he has 526. made the Bible a special object of his at- "The position that it is of no consequence tack. "There is nothing that he desires more what men believe is one of Satan's most [ 34 ] successful deceptions. He knows that the to the Creator; it is embodied in systems. truth, received in the love of it, sanctifies of religion and expressed in modes of wor- the soul of the receiver; therefore he is ship. Thus the minds of men are blinded, constantly seeking to substitute false and Satan secures them as his agents to theories, fables, another gospel."—Ibid., p. war against God."—The Great Controversy, 520. Perhaps at no other period in history page 569. has Satan been more successful than today in undermining faith in the Bible as God's 4. Of whom does the Bible testify? Word. What does it declare concerning Sa- tan? John 5:39; 1 John 3:8; John 8:44. Why Satan Hates God's Word 1. What does Bible truth do that is especially obnoxious to the prince 5. How does the Bible set forth the of darkness? Ps. 119:130. final victory over sin and the evil one? Rev. 21:3, 4; 22:3. NoTE.—"The study of the Bible will en- noble every thought, feeling, and aspi- ration as no other study can. It gives sta- False Arguments Against the Bible bility of purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanc- 6. Contrary to the claim that mir- tifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study acles are impossible, what were Jesus' of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of enemies forced to admit? John 11:47; the student in direct contact with the in- Acts 4:16. finite mind, would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect, as well as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted from the ablest training that human philos- NOTE.—"Men of science claim that there ophy affords. 'The entrance of Thy words,' can be no real answer to prayer; that this says the psalmist, `giveth light; it giveth would be a violation of law, a miracle, and understanding.' Psalm 119:130."—The Great that miracles have no existence. The uni- Controversy, page 94. verse, say they, is governed by fixed laws, and God Himself does nothing contrary 2. What information does the. Bi- to these laws. Thus they represent God as ble provide, of which Satan would bound by His own laws—as if the operation deprive us? 2 Tim. 3:15-17. of divine laws could exclude divine free- dom. Such teaching is opposed to the testi- mony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles wrought by Christ and His apostles? The 3. Contrary to the picture of God's same compassionate Saviour lives today, character •presented to the world by and He is as willing to listen to the prayer Satan, what does Scripture teach? of faith as when He walked visibly among Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45. men. The natural cooperates with the supernatural."—The Great Controversy, page 525. NOTE.—"It is Satan's constant effort to 7. What warning is given relative misrepresent the character of God, the na- to the teachings of a science that is ture of sin, and the real issues at stake in opposed to the Bible? 1 Tim. 6:20; the great controversy. His sophistry lessens 2 Peter 3:2-7. the obligation of the divine law and gives men license to sin. At the same time he causes them to cherish false conceptions of God so that they regard Him with fear NoTE.—"Human knowledge of both ma- and hate rather than with love. The cruelty terial and spiritual things is partial and inherent in his own character is attributed imperfect; therefore many are unable to [351 harmonize their views of science with Scrip- This logic was adopted by the Roman ture statements. Many accept mere theories Church. For hundreds of years the circu- and speculations as scientific facts, and they lation of the Bible was prohibited. The think that God's Word is to be tested by the people were forbidden to read it or to have teachings of 'science falsely so called.' it in their houses, and unprincipled priests 1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His and prelates interpreted its teachings to sus- works are beyond their comprehension; and tain their pretensions. Thus the pope came because they cannot explain these by na- to be almost universally acknowledged as tural laws, Bible history is regarded as un- the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed reliable. Those who doubt the reliability of with authority over church and state. the records of the Old and New Testa- "The detector of error having been re- ments too often go a step further and moved, Satan worked according to his will." doubt the existence of God and attribute —The Great Controversy, page 51. infinite power to nature. Having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about 10. What is said regarding the upon the rocks of infidelity."—The Great breadth of Bible teaching and coun- Controversy, page 522. sel? Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96. 8. How much of Scripture is in- spired? 2 Tim. 3:16, first part. NOTE.—"Those who are unwilling to ac- cept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables NOTE.—"And when men, compassed with that will quiet the conscience. The less human infirmities, affected in a greater or spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the less degree by surrounding influences, and doctrines presented, the greater the favor having hereditary and cultivated tendencies with which they are received. These persons which are far from making them wise or degrade the intellectual powers to serve heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the their carnal desires. Too wise in their Word of God, and to pass judgment upon own conceit to search the Scriptures with what is divine and what is human, they are contrition of soul and earnest prayer for working without the counsel of God. The divine guidance, they have no shield from Lord will not prosper such a work. The delusion. Satan is ready to supply the effect will be disastrous, both upon the heart's desire, and he palms off his decep- one engaged in it and upon those who ac- tions in the place of truth."—The Great cept it as a work from God. Skepticism Controversy, page 523. has been aroused in many minds by the theories presented as to the nature of in- spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow, Reasons Some Give for Rejecting shortsighted views, feel themselves compe- the Bible tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This passage is needful, and that passage is not 11. When troubled by doubts, what needful, and is not inspired.' "—Testimonies, should we pray? Mark 9:24. vol. 5, p. 709 9. What will a reading of the Scrip- tures do for "the simple"? Ps. 19:7, NOTE.—"There is but one course for those 11; 2 Tim. 3:15. to pursue who honestly desire to be freed from doubts. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which they do not understand, let them give heed to the light NOTE.—"In order for Satan to maintain which already shines upon them, and they his sway over men, and establish the au- will receive greater light. Let them do thority of the papal usurper, he must keep every duty which has been made plain to them in ignorance of the Scriptures. The their understanding, and they will be en- Bible would exalt God and place finite men abled to understand and perform those of in their true position; therefore its sacred which they are now in doubt."—The Great truths must be concealed and suppressed. Controversy, page 528. 36 "In almost every case where persons be- cept doctrines which outrage his sense of come unsettled in regard to the inspiration justice, mercy, benevolence; and since these of the Word of God, it is on account of are represented as the teaching of the Bible, their unsanctified lives, which that Word he refuses to receive it as the Word of God. condemns. . . . Difficulties and doubts which "And this is the object which Satan perplex the vicious heart will be cleared seeks to accomplish."—The Great Con- away before the one practicing the pure troversy, pages 525, 526. principles of truth."—Testimonies, vol. 1, "When men arise, claiming to have a mes- p. 440. sage from God, but instead of warring against principalities and powers, and the 12. In an attempt to persuade oth- rulers of the darkness of this world, they ers to join the majority, what mis- form a hollow square, and turn the weapons leading question did some raise in of warfare against the church militant, be Christ's day? John 7:48. afraid of them. They do not bear the divine credentials. God has not given them any such burden of labor. They would tear down that which God would restore 13. What warning is given against by the Laodicean message. He wounds only that He may heal, not cause to. perish. false teachings? 2 Peter 2:1. Compare The Lord lays upon no man a message that Acts 20:29, 30. will discourage and dishearten the church. He reproves, He rebukes, He chastens; but it is only that He may restore and approve at last."—Testimonies to Ministers, pages Nora.—"Innumerable are the erroneous 22, 23. doctrines and fanciful ideas that are obtain- ing among the churches of Christendom... . The Christian's Desire "The errors of popular theology have driven many a soul to skepticism who might otherwise have been a believer in the 14. What should be the prayer of Scriptures. It is impossible for him to ac- the true Christian? Ps. 119:33, 34. Lesson 11, for September 11, 1965 Stewardship and the Final Crisis MEMORY VERSE: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 50; "Counsels on Stewardship," section II; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary;" "Testimo- nies," vol. 5, pp. 152, 154, 155. AIM: To study God's plan for the support of His work in the earth, to gain a greater appreciation of the blessings accompanying faithful tithing and generous giving. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Begin reading Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ study helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6-10. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 E87] Lesson Outline: II. Tithing-God's Antidote to Covetousness Introduction 6. Instituted early. Lev. 27:30. 7. Strongly supported by Christ. Matt. 23:23. I. Warning Against Covetousness 8. God's promised blessings. Mal. 1. "Beware of covetousness." Luke 3:10, 11. 12:15. 9. Stealing from God. Mal. 3:8, 9. 2. The foolish rich man. Luke 10. Support of the ministry. Num. 12:16-21. 18:21. 3. Our treasure to be in heaven. Luke III. The Importance of Liberality 12:33, 34. 4. Unhappy result of the love of 11. Offerings to be brought. Ps. 96:8. money. 1 Tim. 6:9, 10. 12. Relation of liberality to spirituality. 5. Admonition to the rich. 1 Tim. Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25. 6:17-19. 13. Attitude of the giver. 2 Cor. 9:7. THE LESSON Introduction fidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the ones "Satan is pleased to have you increase that keep back the blessing of the God of your farms and invest your means in Israel and bring weakness upon His peo- worldly enterprises, for by so doing you not ple."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 496, only hinder the cause from advancing, but 497. by anxiety and overwork lessen your pros- pect for eternal life."-Testimonies, vol. 5, 2. What lesson did Jesus teach in p. 152. His parable of the foolish rich man? Luke 12:16-21. Warning Against Covetousness 1. Against what sin did Christ especially warn His followers? Luke NoTE.-"I saw that it was impossible to 12:15. have the affections and interests engrossed in worldly cares, to be increasing earthly possessions, and yet be in a waiting, watch- ing position, as our Saviour has com- NOTE.-"We are as directly forbidden to manded. Said the angel: 'They can secure indulge covetousness as was Achan to ap- but one world. In order to acquire the propriate the spoils of Jericho. God has heavenly treasure, they must sacrifice the declared it to be idolatry. . . . And yet, earthly. They cannot have both worlds.' " notwithstanding all these warnings, cove- -Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 193. tousness abounds.. . "This evil exists not in the world alone, 3. How are treasures laid up in but in the church. How common even heaven? Luke 12:33, 34. here to find selfishness, avarice, overreach- ing, neglect of charities, and robbery of God 'in tithes and offerings.' Among church members 'in good and regular stand- 4. What is the result of setting ing,' there are, alas! many Achans. Many one's heart on riches? 1 Tim. 6:9, 10. a man comes statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord, while among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the things that God has cursed.. . • NOTE .-"When the love of the world "The influence most to be feared by the takes possession of the heart and becomes church is not that of open opposers, in- a ruling passion, there is no room left for [88 ] adoration to God; for the higher powers 7. How did Jesus give support to of the mind submit to the slavery of mam- the principle of tithing? Matt. 23:23. mon, and cannot retain thoughts of God and of heaven. The mind loses its remem- brance of God and is narrowed and dwarfed to the accumulation of money."—Testi- NoTE.—"I have been shown that many monies, vol. 3, p. 385. of our people are robbing the Lord in tithes and in offerings, and as the result 5. What admonition is given to the His work is greatly hindered. The curse of rich? 1 Tim. 6:17-19. God will rest upon those who are living upon God's bounties and yet close their hearts and do nothing or next to nothing to advance His cause. Brethren and sisters, NOTE.—"Paul shows what risks men will how can the beneficent Father continue to. run to become rich. But many are deter- make you His stewards, furnishing you with mined to be rich; this is their study, and in means to use for Him, when you grasp it their zeal eternal considerations are over- all, selfishly claiming that it is yours!"— looked. They are blinded by Satan and Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 151. make themselves believe that it is for good purposes they desire this gain; they strain 8. What is promised to the faith- their consciences, deceive themselves, and ful tithepayer? Mal. 3:10, 11. are constantly coveting riches. Such have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. They have sacrificed their noble, elevated principles, NOTE.—"The contributions required of given up their faith for riches, and, if not the Hebrews for religious and charitable disappointed in their object, they are dis- purposes amounted to fully one fourth of appointed in the happiness which they sup- their income. So heavy a tax upon the posed riches would bring. They are en- resources of the people might be expected tangled, perplexed with care; they have to reduce them to poverty; but, on the made themselves slaves to their avarice and contrary, the faithful observance of these compelled their families to the same slav- regulations was one of the conditions of ery, and the advantages they reap are 'many their prosperity."—Patriarchs and Proph- sorrows.' "—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 541, ets, page 527. 542. 9. Of what is a man guilty who Tithing—God's Antidote to withholds his tithes and offerings? Mal. 3:8, 9. Covetousness 6. What plan did God institute as an antidote against satanic selfishness? NoTE.—"He who embezzles his Lord's Lev. 27:30. goods not only loses the talent lent him of God, but loses eternal life."—Testimo- nies, vol. 3, p. 387. "With these words of light and truth be- NOTE.—"The special system of tithing fore them, how dare men neglect so plain was founded upon a principle which is as a duty? How dare they disobey God when enduring as the law of God. This system obedience to His requirements means His of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else blessing in both temporal and spiritual God would not have given it them. So also things, and disobedience means the curse will it be a blessing to those who carry it of God? Satan is the destroyer. God can- out to end of time. Our heavenly Father not bless those who refuse to be faithful did not originate the plan of systematic stewards. All He can do is to permit benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be Satan to accomplish his destroying work.- a great blessing to man. He saw that this We see calamities of every kind ,and in system of beneficence was just what man every degree coming upon the earth, and needed."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 404, 405. why? The Lord's restraining power is not [ 39 ] exercised. The world has disregarded the NOTE.—"The payment of the tithe was Word of God. They live as though there but a part of God's plan for the support of were no God."—Ibid., vol. 6, pp. 388, 389. His service. Numerous gifts and offerings were divinely specified. Under the Jewish 10. What is God's plan for the system the people were taught to cherish use of the tithe? Num. 18:21. Com- a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the pare 1 Cor. 9:13, 14. cause of God and in supplying the wants of the needy."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 336, 337. NOTE.—"It is not God's purpose that 12. What relationship is there be- Christians, whose privileges far exceed those tween spiritual well-being and liberal of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely giving? Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25. than they gave. 'Unto whomsoever much is given,' the Saviour declared, 'of him shall be much required.' Luke 12:48. The liberal- ity required of the Hebrews was largely to NOTE.—"The spiritual health and pros- benefit their own nation; today the work perity of the church is dependent in a great of God extends over all the earth. In the degree upon her systematic benevolence. hands of His followers, Christ has placed It is like the lifeblood which must flow the treasures of the gospel, and upon them through the whole being, vitalizing every He has laid the responsibility of giving the member of the body. It increases love for glad tidings of salvation to the world. the souls of our fellowmen; for by self- Surely our obligations are much greater denial and self-sacrifice we are brought than were those of ancient Israel."—The into a closer relation to Christ, who for Acts of the Apostles, pages 337, 338. our sakes became poor. The more we in- vest in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts The Importance of Liberality will they be brought."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 405. 11. Besides the tithe, what else is the believer to bring to God? Ps. 13. In what spirit are offerings to 96:8. be presented to God? 2 Cor. 9:7. Lesson 12, for September 18, 1965 Assaults Against the Ordinances MEMORY VERSE: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Cor. 11:26. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," chapters 71, 72; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To understand better Satan's assaults on the memorials of Christ's death and resurrection, and how to meet them. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ read from study helps. Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin helps. reading study helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. [ 40 ] Lesson Outline: 7. Ordinance of humility a permanent part of the Communion service. Introduction John 13:13-17. 8. Bread and wine symbolize body and I. Remembering Christ's Death and blood of Jesus. 1 Cor. 11:23-25. Resurrection 1. The cross, assurance of Satan's de- III. God's Plan for Christian Baptism feat. Heb. 2 : 14. 2. Counsel to remember Christ's 9. Baptism for all desiring salvation. death, burial, and resurrection. Acts 2:38. 1 Cor. 15:2-4. 10. Immersion practiced by the early 3. The Communion service. 1 Cor. church. Acts 8:38, 39. 11:26. 11. Spiritual experience to accompany 4. Baptism. Col. 2:12. baptism. Rom. 6:3, 4. II. God's Plan for the Communion Service IV. Conclusion 5. Christ washed disciples' feet. John 12. False practices obscure the meaning 13:3-5. of these memorials. 6. Spiritual significance of this act. 13. Believers admonished to seek the John 13:6-10. things of heaven. Col. 3:1. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.-"Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it de- "He who beholds the Saviour's matchless pends our every hope. From it shines the love will be elevated in thought, purified in light of the Saviour's love, and when at heart, transformed in character. He will the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to go forth to be a light to the world, to the One who died to save him, he may re- reflect in some degree this mysterious love. joice with fullness of joy, for his sins are The more we contemplate the cross of pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the he has reached the highest place to which language of the apostle when he said, 'God man can attain."-The Acts of the Apostles, forbid that I should glory, save in the pages 209, 210. cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto 3. What memorial helps us to re- the world.' Gal. 6:14."-The Desire of member Christ's death? 1 Cor. 11:26. Ages, page 661. Since Satan knows the power of Calvary on the human family, it Compare Matt. 26:26-28. is obvious that he will do all in his power to destroy the memorials of the Saviour's death and resurrection-baptism and the Communion service. 4. Through what Christian ordi- nance are we made partakers with Remembering Christ's Death and Christ in His death and resurrection? Resurrection Col. 2:12. 1. What event gives assurance of Satan's final destruction? Heb. 2:14. Compare Rev. 20:10. NOTE.-"The vows which we take upon ourselves in baptism embrace much. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we are buried in the likeness of 2. What events are those who desire Christ's death and raised in the likeness of salvation admonished always to keep His resurrection, and we are to live a new in mind? 1 Cor. 15:2-4. life. Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ. Henceforth the believer is to NOTE.—"As we receive the bread and bear in mind that he is dedicated to God, wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and to Christ, and to the Holy Spirit."—Testi- spilled blood, we in imagination join in the monies, vol. 6, p. 98. scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden God's Plan for the Communion consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the Service struggle by which our reconciliation with 5. What did Jesus do preceding the God was obtained. Christ is set forth cruci- first Communion service? John 13: fied among us."—The Desire of Ages, page 661. 3-5. God's Plan for Christian Baptism 6. With what words did Jesus in- 9. What is God's plan for each in- dicate to Peter the importance of this dividual who accepts salvation? Acts preparatory experience? John 13: 2:38. 6-10. NorE.—"These words mean more than NorE.—"No matter how faultless may bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking have been your lives, as sinners you have of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the steps to take. You are required to repent, lower. He who came from the bath was believe, and be baptized. Christ was wholly clean, but the sandaled feet soon became righteous; yet He, the Saviour of the dusty, and again needed to be washed. So world, gave man an example by Himself Peter and his brethren had been washed in taking the steps which He requires the the great fountain opened for sin and un- sinner to take to become a child of God, cleanness. Christ acknowledged them as an heir of heaven. His. But temptation had led them into evil, "If Christ, the spotless and pure Re- and they still needed His cleansing grace. deemer of man, condescended to take the When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to steps necessary for the sinner to take in wash the dust from their feet, He desired conversion, why should any, with the light by that very act to wash the alienation, of truth shining upon their pathway, hesi- jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This tate to submit their hearts to God, and in was of far more consequence than the wash- humility confess that they are sinners, and ing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they show their faith in the atonement of Christ then had, not one of them was prepared by words and actions, identifying them- for communion with Christ. Until brought selves with those who profess to be His into a state of humility and love, they were followers?"—Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 40, 41. not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their 10. What mode of baptism was hearts must be cleansed."—The Desire of practiced by the early church? Acts Ages, page 646. 8:38, 39. 7. What indicates that the ordi- nance of humility is to be a part of the Communion service? John 13: NorE.—Only in baptism by immersion do 13-17. both minister and candidate go down to- gether into the water. The Greek word for "baptize" means literally "to immerse," "to cover over with fluid." 8. What do the unleavened bread and the unfermented wine of the Lord's supper symbolize? 1 Cor. 11: 11. What experience is to follow 23-25. a Christian's baptism? Rom. 6:3, 4. [42 7 NOTE.—"Satan does not want anyone to kling and pouring, the use of fermented see the necessity of an entire surrender to wine, neglect of the ordinance of humility, God. When the soul fails to make this sur- and the practice of giving the wine to the render, sin is not forsaken; the appetites clergy only. and passions are striving for the mastery; Noza.—"The ordinances of baptism and temptations confuse the conscience, so that the Lord's Supper are two monumental true conversion does not take place. If all pillars, one without and one within the had a sense of the conflict which each soul church. Upon these ordinances Christ has must wage with satanic agencies that are inscribed the name of the true God."—Tes- seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive, there timonies, vol. 6, p. 91. would be much more diligent labor for those who are young in the faith. 13. What are baptized believers "These souls, left to themselves, are often admonished to seek? Col. 3:1. tempted and do not discern the evil of the temptation. Let them feel that it is their privilege to solicit counsel. Let them seek the society of those who can help them. Through association with those who love NOTE.—"You must experience a death to and fear God they will receive strength."— self, and must live unto God. . . . Self is Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 92, 93. not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfish- ness, avarice, covetousness, love of the Conclusion world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil sur- misings, must all be subdued and sacrificed 12. How has Satan attempted to forever. When Christ shall appear, it will destroy the meaning of these memori- not be to correct these evils and then give als? a moral fitness for His coming. This prep- aration must all be made before He comes. It should be a subject of thought, of study, and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to ANSWER: By introducing a variety of be saved? What shall be our conduct that un-Biblical practices in various Christian we may show ourselves approved unto churches; such as infant baptism, sprin- God?"—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 705. Lesson 13, for September 25, 1965 Satan's Last Stand MEMORY VERSE: "What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9.. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 30; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary." AIM: To seek to understand the true character of Satan, and how to avoid falling prey to his sophistries. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Begin reading study Sunday: Questions 1-5. 0 helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6-8. 0 Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Questions 9-13. 0 helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ [ 43 ] Lesson Outline: 7. Enmity between Christians and un- believers. Gen. 3:15, second part. Introduction 8. Satan's attempts to blind mankind. 2 Cor. 4:4. I. Satan's Attempts to Conceal His True Character III. The Annihilation of Evil 1. As a beautiful serpent. Gen. 3:1. 9. The cross assures Satan's destruc- 2. As an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14. tion. Heb. 2:14. 3. His true character. Rev. 12:12; 10. He will be reduced to ashes. 1 Peter 5:8. Ezek. 28:16-19; Rev. 20:10; 21:4 4. Pretending he does not exist. (last part), 27. 5. Pictures himself as a hideous crea- 11. Sin will never rise again. Nahum ture. 1:9. II. Satan's Attempts to Blind Mankind 12. Redeemed praise God for victory. Rev. 7:9, 10. 6. Enmity between Satan and the 13. The invitation to come and escape church. Gen. 3:15, first part. the annihilation. Rev. 22:17. THE LESSON Introduction of burnished gold. Resting in the rich- laden branches of the forbidden tree and "Had Satan revealed himself in his real regaling itself with the delicious fruit, it character, he would have been repulsed at was an object to arrest the attention and once, for Adam and Eve had been warned delight the eye of the beholder. Thus in against this dangerous foe; but he worked the garden of peace lurked the destroyer, in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he watching for his prey."—Patriarchs and might more effectually accomplish his ob- Prophets, page 53. ject. . . . Had Eve refrained from entering into argument with the tempter, she would have been safe; but she ventured to parley 2. In what disguise will Satan pre- with him and fell a victim to his wiles. It sent himself in the last days? 2 Cor. is thus that many are still overcome. They 11:14. doubt and argue concerning the require- ments of God; and instead of obeying the divine commands, they accept human theories, which but disguise the devices of NOTE have been shown that we must Satan."—The Great Controversy, pages be guarded on every side and perseveringly 531, 532. resist the insinuations and devices of Satan. He has transformed himself into an angel Satan's Attempts to Conceal His of light and is deceiving thousands and True Character leading them captive. The advantage he takes of the science of the human mind, is 1. In what disguise did Satan first tremendous. Here, serpentlike, he im- present himself to mankind? Gen. 3:1. perceptibly creeps in to corrupt the work of God. The miracles and works of Christ he would make appear as the result of hu- man skill and power. If he should make an NoTE.—"In order to accomplish his work open, bold attack upon Christianity, it unperceived, Satan chose to employ as his would bring the Christian in distress and medium the serpent—a disguise well agony to the feet of his Redeemer, and his adapted for his purpose of deception. The strong and mighty Deliverer would put the serpent was then one of the wisest and bold adversary to flight. He therefore most beautiful creatures on the earth. It transforms himself into an angel of light had wings, and while flying through the and works upon the mind to allure from air presented an appearance of dazzling the only safe and right path."—Testimo- brightness, having the color and brilliancy nies, vol. 1, p. 290. 44 . 3. What is Satan's true character? NOTE.—"The better to disguise his real Rev. 12:12; 1 Peter 5:8. character and purposes, he has caused him- self to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludi- NoTE.—"Satan is Christ's personal en- crous or loathsome object, misshapen, half emy. He is the originator and leader of animal and half human. He is pleased to every species of rebellion in heaven and hear his name used in sport and mockery earth. His rage increases; we do not real- by those who think themselves intelligent ize his power. If our eyes could be opened and well informed. to discern the fallen angels at work with "It is because he has masked himself with those who feel at ease and consider them- consummate skill that the question is so selves safe, we would not feel so secure. widely asked: 'Does such a being really Evil angels are upon our track every mo- exist?' It is an evidence of his success that ment. We expect a readiness on the part theories giving the lie to the plainest testi- of bad men to act as Satan suggests; but mony of the Scriptures are so generally re- while our minds are unguarded against his ceived in the religious world."—The Great invisible agents, they assume new ground Controversy, pages 516, 517. and work marvels and miracles in our sight. Are we prepared to resist them by Satan's Attempts to Blind Mankind the Word of God, the only weapon we can use successfully ?"—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 302. 6. What promise did God make to man after his fall? Gen. 3:15, first 4. What novel idea has Satan in- part. troduced to deceive the unwary? NOTE.—"God declares: will put en- ANSWER: The idea that he does not exist. mity.' This enmity is not naturally enter- NOTE.—"None are in greater danger from tained. When man transgressed the divine the influence of evil spirits than those who, law, his nature became evil, and he was in notwithstanding the direct and ample harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. testimony of the Scriptures, deny the exis- There exists naturally no enmity between tence and agency of the devil and his angels. sinful man and the originator of sin. Both So long as we are ignorant of their wiles, became evil through apostasy. The apos- they have almost inconceivable advantage; tate is never at rest, except as he obtains many give heed to their suggestions while sympathy and support by inducing others they suppose themselves to be following the to follow his example. For this reason fallen dictates of their own wisdom. This is why, angels and wicked men unite in desperate as we approach the close of time, when companionship. Had not God specially in- Satan is to work with greatest power to terposed, Satan and man would have en- deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere tered into an alliance against Heaven ; and the belief that he does not exist. It is his instead of cherishing enmity against Satan, policy to conceal himself and his manner the whole human family would have been of working."—The Great Controversy, page united in opposition to God."—The Great 516. Controversy, page 505. 5. How has Satan caused himself 7. In addition to Satan and the to be pictured to lead people to reject woman, who else were to experience the idea of his existence? this enmity? Gen. 3:15, second part. ANSWER: As a ridiculous creature, half NOTE.—"But the purity and holiness of animal, half human, complete with pitch- Christ called forth against Him the hatred fork, a being which could not be taken of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and seriously by any thoughtful person. sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof [ to a proud, sensual people. It was this that 11. What comforting assurance is evoked enmity against the Son of God. given to God's afflicted people? Na- Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. hum 1:9. All the energies of apostasy conspired against the Champion of truth. "The same enmity is manifested toward Christ's followers as was manifested toward their Master. Whoever sees the repulsive NOTE.—"The whole universe will have character of sin, and in strength from become witnesses to the nature and results above resists temptation, will assuredly of sin. And its utter extermination, which arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects. in the beginning would have brought fear Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and to angels and dishonor to God, will now reproach and persecution of its advocates, vindicate His love and establish His honor will exist as long as sin and sinners remain. before the universe of beings who delight The followers of Christ and the servants of to do His will, and in whose heart is His Satan cannot harmonize."—The Great Con- law. Never will evil again be manifest."— troversy, pages 506, 507. The Great Controversy, page 504. 8. What has Satan done to prevent 12. With what joyous hymn will man's acceptance of the gospel? 2 the redeemed in heaven praise God? Cor. 4:4. Rev. 7:9, 10. "Satan is constantly drawing the peo- ple from saving light to custom and fash- NoTE.—"The redeemed raise a song of ion, irrespective of physical, mental, and praise that echoes and reechoes through the moral health. The great enemy knows that vaults of heaven: 'Salvation to our God if appetite and passion predominate, health which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the of body and strength of intellect are sacri- Lamb.' . . . And angel and seraph unite ficed upon the altar of self-gratification, their voices in adoration. As the redeemed and man is brought to speedy ruin."—Mes- have beheld the power and malignity of sages to Young People, page 237. Satan, they have seen, as never before, that no power but that of Christ could have made them conquerors. In all that shining The Annihilation of Evil throng there are none to ascribe salvation to themselves, as if they had •prevailed by 9. What assurance is given that their own power and goodness. Nothing is Satan will ultimately be destroyed? said of what they have done or suffered; Heb. 2:14. but the burden of every song, the keynote of every anthem, is: Salvation to our God, and unto the Lamb."—The Great Contro- versy, page 665. 10. How is Satan's destruction pic- 13. What invitation does Christ ex- tured in the Bible? Ezek. 28:16-19; tend to every living soul? Rev. 22:17. Rev. 20:10; 21:4 (last part), 27. Nora.—"The wicked are filled with the same hatred of God that inspires Satan; but they see that their case is hopeless, that they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their "The Lord designs that the means rage is kindled against Satan and those who entrusted to us shall be used in have been his agents in deception, and with building up His kingdom."—"Coun- the fury of demons they turn upon them." —The Great Controversy, page 672. sels on Stewardship," page 35. [ 46 ] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING September 25, 1965 SOUTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION The Southern European Division is made up of fifty-seven countries , and islands, including the Vatican State, with territory on three con- tinents. Think of the tremendous task of covering such a vast territory and of the great variety of languages in which the work must be con- ducted. In this total population of 310,168,036, we have 1,567 Adventist churches, with a membership of 114,419, but with a Sabbath school membership of 161,803, as of June 3o, 1964. One of the greatest needs for carrying on the work in this inter- national field is the need for trained workers. The French Adventist Seminary at Collonges, France, has been filling this need for a number of years. Our increasing membership means an increasing enrollment at the seminary, and that is the reason this senior college has been named to be the recipient of a part of the overflow from the Thirteenth Sab- bath Offering on September 25, for the purpose of building a new girls' dormitory. The rest of the overflow will go to build a new mission station near Abong Mbang, South Cameroun, Africa, one of the mis- sion fields of the Southern European Division. Lessons for the Fourth Quarter of 1965 Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the fourth quarter of 1965 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Church in the Christian Era." The title of the first lesson is "What Is the Church?" The memory verse is Ephesians 1:22, 23. The study helps are The Desire of Ages, pages 412-414; Testi- monies to Ministers, pages 15-23; The Acts of the Apostles, pages 595, 596. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. 1 Cor. 11:18; 14:4, 28, 35. Ques. 8. Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18. Ques. 2. 1 Cor. 1:2. Ques. 9. 2 Cor. 6:17,.18; John 1:12. Ques. 3. Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12; Rom. Ques. 10. 1 John 4:7, 10, 11. 12:4, 5. Ques. 11. Eph. 2:21. Ques. 4. Eph. 2:18, 19. Ques. 12. Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11. Ques. 5. Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24. Ques. 13. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16. Ques. 6. Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:7. Ques. 14. Eph. 2:22. Ques. 7. Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6. I 47 I SOUTHERN EUROPEAN BELGIUM DIVISION LUXEMBOURG CZECHOSLOVAKIA FRANCE GIRLS' Dammam' FRENCH ADVENTIST SEMINARY SWITZERLAND V YUGOSLAVIA PORTUGAL CORSICA SARDINIA ATLANTIC OCEAN MEDITERRANEAN SEA MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA pm 11 0.11. ANGOLA U. M. 1.904949 63 13,791 31,943 ...,. c,..., AUSTRIAN U. C 7067,432 40 2,052 3,009 EINGARIAN MISSION 7.169000 71 2.766 2,900 CDFCHOSLOVAILMN U. C 14000.0E0 50 LW 1.925 EQUAT. MIKAN U. u. 6.641.493 40 4779 25.946 , E•6, 2IANCO.9ELGMN U. C 53030000 IN 5523 3.44.3 GREED MISSION 9934,600 5 201 214 HUNGARIAN U. C 10110.0E0 153 5.913 DIM Nos. • ( INDIAN OCEAN U. M. 7206000 103 5,525 9.563 • D4194 ISRAEL MISSION 14250.000 3 50 SS ITALIAN U. M. 50,463962 5/ 50E6 3.229 MOZAAMIQUE MISSION 6,335000 17 9027 113. CHAD NORTH AFRICAN U. M. 26914,0E0 II 421 191 PORTUGUESE U. M. 10,710000 34 2,335 3,122 RUMANIAN U. C 11,403000 SII 3450 51,743 SENEGAL MISSION 13.137000 2 17 70. SPANISH CHURCH 30.379503 21 1239 2.202 SWISS U. C 56600:0 59 3536 UN CAMEROON YUGOSLAVIAN U. C. 19500403 132 9342 9,450 — — — DIVISION TOTALS 310,169036 1569 114,942 161,151 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 9.41331014 STATION MTN CAMEROUN RIO MUNI CONGO GABON ATLANTIC OCEAN