YBREAK SERIES 0 Chnuurcn ffil arnia aid Lai [1E wr_cac_ About 100 children attended this Vacation Bible School in New Zealand. The objective of the Vacation Bible School is to bring the gospel boys and girls in a way that is both attractive and instruction Furthermore, it is to awaken an interest in the parents toward ti plan of salvation. "Parents who can be reached in no other way a frequently reached through their children."—Counsels on Sa, bath School Work, p. 114. Order the following supplies from your Sabbath Scho Evangelism Center or ABC: o Teachers Guides "The soul of a little child that b o Activity books lieves in Christ is as precious o Manuals His sight as are the o VBS handbooks angels about His o Crafts throne."—Testimo- nies, vol. 4, p. 591. o Posters o Banners, balloons, etc. THE vadiqujiimad awed 800 Thomson Rood Singapore Dear Sabbath School Members Around The World: A wonderful bond of fellowship and strength comes by being members of the Sabbath School. Through this heaven-ordained institution, a weekly view of the world church membership, busily engaged in sharing the good news of salvation in Christ, is acquired. Sabbath School provides a grand opportunity to support the world church program through personal gifts of love. Your Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering designated for the Far Eastern Division this quarter, will strengthen three specific areas of tremendous need. Mt. Klabat Girls' Dormitory - Mt. Klabat College is located in a magnificent tropical setting in the eastern part of Indonesia, near the city of Manado. Students there receive a thorough Adventist education, which includes work experience. Many key church leaders, both lay and ministerial, have been trained at this school. However, dormitory space is at a premium. A new girls' dormitory is desperately needed to replace the present,very inadequate, temporary housing facility. Central Philippine Union College - With two colleges in the Philippines filled to overflowing, a third college is urgently needed. A beautiful location has already been selected and land has been purchased. It is planned that this school will be in full operation soon after the special projects offering is received. Students have been refused entrance into the colleges because of lack of space. This new school provides an answer. Philippine Barrio Chapels - In a country where the church membership is growing very rapidly, there is an immediate need for additional churches and chapels. A new national highway has been built from the northern part of the Philippines to the south. It is planned that along this highway a new Seventh-day Adventist Church will be erected in most of the small towns and village barrios. The members are anxious to assist with the buildings but they need the help of our church members around the world to provide these church homes. Thank you for asking the Lord to bless this building program. Could you personally visit the projects you have supported in the past from your generous Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings, I know you would rejoice to see the results. Please join with me, June 27, in taking advantage of another great opportunity to give for the glorious advancement of God's ever-expanding church. cerely, &fed ( Don. F. Gilbert Treasurer FAR EASTERN DIVISION 1—A.L. 2-81 THERE IS A COMPLETE INDEX to the periodical articles written by Ellen G. White. The SUBJECT INDEX TO THE ELLEN G. WHITE PERIODICAL ARTICLES will be of real value to the serious student, to libraries, and reference centers. In her lifetime Ellen G. White wrote some 4,600 articles, which appeared in such church journals as the Review, Signs of the Times, Youth's Instructor, Health Reformer, and others. Of these, 75 to 80 percent have not been reproduced in currently available E. G. White books. With the SUBJECT. INDEX TO THE ELLEN G. WHITE PERIODICAL ARTICLES it is possible to have access to reference material that previously was available only in the White Estate vaults and the several Ellen G. White SDA Research Centers. Cloth 1,072 pages US$19.75 Order from your local Adventist Book Center. Please include sales tax as applicable and allow 10 percent or a minimum charge of 85 cents for mail- ing. REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSO- CIATION, 6856 Eastern Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. 6; :-.\ SERIES DAYBREAK (::;11: Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 344/April-June, 1981 Conen[-s 1. The Church Fallen and Redeemed 2. Then Jesus Came 3. Coming Again 4. Why Coming Again? 5. Enemies of the Church 6. Hope of the Race 7. Life for Death 8. One Thousand Years—Of What? 9. Divine Justice—With Love 10. The New Creation 11. Eternal Life for the Church 12. The Church's Spiritual Resources 13. Life's Real Meaning The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which serve as consulting editors. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012 Lesson Author: E. E. Cleveland Editor: Gordon M. Hyde Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore Circulation Manager: Art Mazat Art and Design: Pacific Press Cover by John Steel, © 1973 PPPA Adult Sabbath School Lesson (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.40; single copy, 60 cents. One year sub- scription to countries outside U.S.A., $3.20; single copy, 80 cents. All prices at U.S.A. exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses. Copyright © 1981 by Pacific Press Publishing Association So often we fail because Vve try to solve our problems in our own way. When we trust in God and study His Word daily, we can be confident of victory over the perplexities of this world and have a home in the life to come. THE CHURCH HOME AT LAST Introduction The establishment and triumph of the church—when she will be "home at last'—is linked directly with the coming of Christ in history and is foretold in prophecy. In history Christ established the church to be His mouthpiece to the world both in Old and New Testament times. Originally Christ would visit Eden to communicate with the human family. Sin put an end to this face-to-face communication between God and man. In the intervening years. the law and the prophets became God's medium of expression. Nearly 4000 years passed as the world inched closer to the first coming of Jesus. Angels would make the glad announcement. God in Christ would once more com- mune with man face-to-face. This would neither abolish the law nor negate the prophets. They would continue as instruments of instruction, but would yield to the glory of the law's Author and the prophets' Mentor. Men would for 33 brief years be brought face-to-face with the substance of the messages of the law and prophets. The latter were and are in a sense substitute teachers. They are but a pale reflection of the real. Jesus Christ is the key to both history and prophecy. Compared to Him, the law and the prophets were but satellites about the sun. When Christ ascended on high, the Holy Spirit assumed the primary teaching function for the church and the world (John 16:13). The church is His medium of personal communication. The church may involve herself in many things, but she can best serve her Master when she is preaching the gospel. It is the carrying out of this divine commission that brings the church under fire. Satan hates the gospel, by whose knowledge men are saved. The church is the one institution that stands between Satan and his complete takeover of this planet. His plan therefore calls for its destruction. The pages of history are red with the blood of Christian martyrs. Christians were used as flaming torches at the fun games of the Circus Maximus. But the "blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.- The sword did not succeed. But Satan would subvert what he could not execute. He entered church councils, perverted church doctrines, and'in many instances produced a love of ease and lack of fervor. Demons love nothing better than to mute the voice of Christian witness. If God can't be heard, He can more easily be misrepresented. Men must be told of the love of God. They must be taught the Bible way of life. Christians must understand why God must destroy sinners. The church must carry to a hopeless world a message of hope. The gospel is essential to the enrichment of life here and hereafter. Men must know this now, for the end is near. The devil knew 1900 years ago that he had but a "short time." He is working day and night to abort the church's mission by confusing her priorities and watering down her message. But in all of this he is doomed to failure. The power of God will anoint the church. She will arise as a giant, stirring from slumber; and she will finish her God-given task. The world will be made aware of the love of God. The prophecies will be fulfilled. The gates of hell will not prevail! 7 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday March 29 Part 1 How does God early reveal His deep interest in man's wel- MEETING fare, an interest supremely manifested in the incarnation? MAN'S NEED "The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18). "God made from the man a woman, to be a companion and helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and bless him, he in his turn to be her strong helper. All who enter into matrimonial relations with a holy purpose—the husband to obtain the pure affections of a woman's heart, the wife to soften and improve her husband's character and give it completeness —fulfill God's purpose for them."—The Adventist Home, p. 99. In anticipation of man's greater need, what agreement to send Jesus was made before the Creation? Note the implica- tion in Revelation 13:8. "God and Christ knew from the beginning, of the apostasy of Satan and of the fall of Adam through the deceptive power of the apostate."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 250. "Before the foundations of the world were laid, Christ, the Only Begotten of God, pledged Himself to become the Re- deemer of the human race, should Adam sin. Adam fell, and He who was partaker of the Father's glory before the world was, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down from His high authority to become a Babe in Bethlehem, that by passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He might redeem fallen human beings."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 226. When he was created, did man have any inherent or built-in liabilities? Gen. 1:31; Ps. 8:4, 5. "This sinless pair wore no artificial garments. They were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. While they lived in obedience to God, this circle of light enshrouded them. Although everything God had made was in the perfection of beauty, and there seemed nothing wanting upon the earth which God had created to make Adam and Eve happy, yet he manifested his great love to them by planting a garden especially for them."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 34. THINK IT THROUGH Can God's precious provisions for man's needs, before and after his sin, lead me to trust Him for my special needs? FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, p. 253; Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 545; vol. 4, p. 264; Testimonies to Ministers, p. 97; Education, p. 28. 10 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Monday March 30 Part 2 With what power was man invested that especially reveals FREEDOM the wisdom and love of God? OF CHOICE "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve ... ; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). In what way did the rich young ruler illustrate later the tragic misuse of this great gift of God to man? Luke 18:18-24. "Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve.' Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion."—The Desire of Ages, p. 520. How did man abuse this God-given power? Gen. 3:6. "Adam regretted that Eve had left his side, but now the deed was done. He must be separated from her whose society he had loved so well. How could he have it thus. His love for Eve was strong. And in utter discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit and quickly ate it, and like Eve felt not immediately its ill effects. Adam disobeyed and fell."—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 42. There was no reason for mankind to sin against God. There is none today. Sin was and is contrary to reason. It is a deviation, an abnormality. To explain it is to justify it. This much is sure: by a free exercise of his will, Adam elected to disregard the will of God and thus plunged the human family into misery and woe. There was nothing in Adam's nature or the Edenic environment to induce man to sin. The first misuse of the power of choice was entered upon gradually, little step by little step. "Eve's curiosity was aroused. Instead of fleeing from the spot, she listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it might be that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium. It was Satan that spoke, not the serpent. Eve was beguiled, flattered, infatuated. Had she met a commanding personage, possessing a form like the angels and resembling them, she would have been upon her guard.... But she entered into a controversy with the serpent."—The Story of Redemption, p. 33. THINK IT THROUGH In how many experiences of life do I, like Eve, attempt to argue with my conscience rather than to accept that the Holy Spirit may be trying to impress me with God's will? FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "Not Judging, But Doing," p. 142; Testimonies, vol. 4, p.498; My Life Today, p.110. 11 2-A. L. 2-81 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday March 31 Part 3 What were the basic, crucial consequences of man's first THE BURDEN disobedience to God? OF DISOBEDIENCE "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12). "Through man's disobedience, death entered the world. Adam ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the fruit of which he had been forbidden to touch. His transgression opened the floodgates of woe upon our race."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 988. What is the way of escape from the fate that awaits all who sin? Rom. 6:23. (Compare Rom. 8:1; 10:1-6.) "By this law, which governs angels, which demands purity in the most secret thoughts, desires, and dispositions, and which shall 'stand fast for ever' (Ps. 111:8), all the world is to be judged in the rapidly approaching day of God. Transgressors may flat- ter themselves that the Most High does not know, that the Almighty does not consider; He will not always bear with them. Soon they will receive the reward of their doings, the death that is the wages of sin; while the righteous nation, that have kept the law, will be ushered through the pearly gates of the celestial city, and will be crowned with immortal life and joy in the presence of God and the Lamb."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 220. The human heart recoils at the thought of judgment, con- demnation, punishment. Some would strip the gospel of this aspect of God's character. They cannot understand how a lov- ing God could destroy sinners in a lake of fire. They cannot understand the nature of sin. Sin is by its very nature divisive. It separates man from God. If it continued to exist, might it not ultimately unseat divine authority. Jehovah will allow neither. Sin must be blotted from this planet. Anything that separates God from man is a violation of His love. This He cannot allow. "Christ must be Lord of all if He is to be Lord at all." Hellfire is prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). It will involve people only as they choose to be sinners. THINK IT THROUGH Have I come to the place in my Christian experience where I would rather die than sin? (See Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 53; Messages to Young People, p. 74.) FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 61; Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 365; vol. 4, p. 293; The Sanctified Life, p. 67; Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 234. 12 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday April 1 Part 4 For what supreme purpose was Jesus born into our world? SAVIOUR FROM SIN "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). "Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righ- teousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. 'With His stripes we are healed.' Isaiah 53:5."—Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 208, 209. What would His life and death accomplish? Heb. 10:12. (Compare Rom. 5:9, 10.) "This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little babe, inscribed in the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother, was the hope of fallen humanity."—The Desire of Ages, p. 52. The coming of Christ to this world was to accomplish many purposes. Can you add to the following? 1. He was to reveal the true character of God, distorted by Satan's warpings of truth. 2. He was to live without yielding to temptation, though tempted as we are. 3. He was to suffer the "second death," as though an unre- deemed sinner. 4. He was to rise from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and the devil. 5. He earned the right to become our mediating High Priest. Man needs to know his possibilities and limitations. Christ came to demonstrate in the flesh that Adam need never have sinned. In Him there was no sinful propensity, yet He "was in all points tempted like as we are" (Heb. 4:15). Christ succeeded where Adam failed, and He did it for Adam and for us! THINK IT THROUGH Have I accepted fully and personally Christ's atonement for my sins? FURTHER STUDY Counsels on Health, p. 222; Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 121; vol. 8, p. 202; The Desire of Ages, p. 52; Christ's Object Lessons, "The Pearl," p. 116. 13 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday April 2 Part 5 How was Satan affected by the death of Christ on the cross? BRUISING THE SERPENT'S "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and HEAD between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Gen. 3:15). "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:31, 32). What evidence does Paul record that Christ rose from the dead? 1 Cor. 15:5-8. "Why, Paul reasoned, should it seem incredible that Christ should rise from the dead? Once it had thus seemed to him, but how could he disbelieve that which he himself had seen and heard? At the gate of Damascus he had verily looked upon the crucified and risen Christ, the same who had walked the streets of Jerusalem, died on Calvary, broken the bands of death, and ascended to heaven. As verily as had Cephas, James, John, or any others of the disciples, he had seen and talked with Him. The Voice had bidden him proclaim the gospel of a risen Saviour, and how could he disobey?"—The Acts of the Apos- tles, pp. 436, 437. It is interesting to note how the resurrection affected Christ's enemies and His friends. Satan's last hope of containing Christ was that He remain sealed in the tomb. The resurrection filled demons with dread. By it Satan knew that his doom was sealed. The priests lived in constant dread of meeting Christ on the street. "Nevermore would peaceful sleep come to their pillows."—The Desire of Ages, p. 785. But for His disciples the resurrection was their own rebirth. They had seen Him crucified. They had fled for their own lives. When finally they believed the news of His resurrection when it reached them, and Jesus and the Holy Spirit ministered to them, evangelistic fires were rekindled and the disciples were never the same again. Serving the Living God makes all of the difference in the world. Without the resurrection of Jesus the "good news" would be incomplete and ineffective. We might be making pilgrimages to the tomb of Christ, but we could have no hope of eternal life; for the devil would have held our Lord in his prison house of death. We would have no heavenly Intercessor and no hope of a return- ing Lord to complete the eradication of sin from the universe. THINK IT THROUGH Is the true meaning of Christ's resurrection from the dead and all that it implies as real to me as it was to the twelve disciples? FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, p. 208; The Desire of Ages, p. 818; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 320, 436. 14 The Church Fallen and Redeemed LESSON 1 ❑ Friday April 3 Part 6 How long and for what purpose did Christ linger here on THE earth after His resurrection? ASCENDING LORD "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." "When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight" (Acts 1:3, 9). After He rose from the grave, Christ ascended on high and received His Father's blessing. He then returned to the earth and was seen of men for 40 days in spite of man's treatment of Him. It would seem that man's malice and disloyalty would have checked any desire on His part to associate with man. But love is different. Christ was not turned off by rejection. For 40 days He lingered near the familiar haunts, almost as if He were reluctant to depart. But the important work for man awaiting Him in the heavenly temple called for Him to leave. By what process of the mind could you measure the impact of Christ's promised return on the disciples—before and after the cross? What is the impact on us? John 14:1-3. Psalm 115:16 says, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men." In the New Jerusalem is the throne of God. The earth was created as man's habitation. When Christ left the earth, He said, "I go to prepare a place for you." The true meaning of this promise is this: "I go to establish your right to be where I am." This world is scheduled for destruction by fire. The saints will need to leave this world for a place of safety. The New Jerusalem is that place of safety. The mediatorial work of Christ secures access for the saints to the Holy City. Having completed this vital work of grace, Christ will return to the earth, as He says, "and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Lovers cannot long remain apart. Christ will come for His beloved. When He leaves the most holy place of the sanctuary in heaven, urgent prepa- rations will be made for His return. The time for these events is near at hand. Now is the hour of preparation for the saints. Now is the day of salvation. THINK IT THROUGH Am I ready, right now, if my name is presently being consid- ered in heaven's investigative Judgment? (See 2 Cor. 6:2 and The Great Controversy, pp. 421, 422.) FURTHER STUDY Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 535; The Desire of Ages, pp. 790, 829. 15 ar .6. LESSON 2 April 5-11 20 Then Jesus C me "The sceptre shall not depart from This was no passion play. This was Judah, nor a lawgiver from between the real thing. Christ—God with feet, until Shiloh come; and unto us—put His throne on the line. He him shall the gathering of the people could have lost it. He could have be" (Gen. 49:10). failed. To our limited understanding, He could at least have been barred Jehovah was under no obligation, from the throne room of God legal or otherwise, to save guilty forever! humans. Had He chosen to blot out This fact alone makes His first ad- the first guilty pair, justice would vent meaningful to man. It gives have been content. But to do this evidence of His love. So for 33 years would have violated something basic God would tabernacle with man as a in God's character. His nature, His man. He would fight temptation with character is love, and this alone the same weapons that are available spared man. To have cleared the to us. He would demonstrate in His guilty without providing a substitute life that God's law can be obeyed by would have undercut the validity of born-again man. And by His death law. From our viewpoint, we can He would certify that His law cannot now say, To save humans, God, the be changed. He would meet the Creator, must become a human, ac- enemy in the wilderness and three cept all human guilt, and demon- times turn him back. He would chal- strate that the will of God may be lenge Satan at Gergesa and put him perfectly done in human flesh under to flight in a herd of swine. He conditions most extreme. For his would die as a criminal but rise as a part, the man must accept by faith King, and some 2000 years after His the sacrifice of Christ for his sins ascension men would exclaim in and freely submit to the disciplines ecstasy, "Blessed is he that cometh of the divine law of love as evidence in the name of the Lord" (Luke of his salvation. 13:35). In a special sense, mankind was made in the image of God. He is DAILY HIGHLIGHTS unique in his creation among all 1. The Promised One other created beings. God would (Isa. 9:6) not take lightly the loss of an entire 2. No Room class of created beings. That He (Luke 2:7) would sacrifice Himself for one sin- 3. Peace to Men ner provides an estimate of His love. (Luke 2:9, 13, 14) In this act of God's love He was 4. Saved to Save threatened with a loss that could (Matt. 2:16) have been eternal. The risk was real. 5. His Blood Avails (Gal. 2:20) 6. Newness of Life (Rom. 6:3, 4) ANDERSON, ARTIST, © 1963 PPPA Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday April 5 Part 1 What are some of the Old Testament predictions of the first THE advent besides the following? PROMISED ONE "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlast- ing Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). (See also Gen. 49:10; Isa. 53:3-5.) "To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. 'Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.' God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the 'Son of man' who shares the throne of the universe. It is the 'Son of man' whose name shall be called, 'Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.' Isa. 9:6."—The Desire of Ages, p. 25. In bringing the Promised One into the human famly, what puzzling message did the Lord send with an angel to Mary? Luke 1:35. "Christ brought men and women power to overcome. He came to this world in human form, to live a man amongst men. He assumed the liabilities of human nature, to be proved and tried. In His humanity He was a partaker of the divine nature. In His incarnation He gained in a new sense the title of the Son of God."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 226, 227. When Joseph decided to be kind to Mary in her embarrass- ing condition, how did Heaven step in to help? Matt. 1:19, 20. Joseph was puzzled by Mary's pregnancy. He decided that his planned marriage was all a mistake. Out of consideration for Mary he would put her away privately. He did not then understand the high honor that was his. He had been chosen to oversee the birth and early training of the Son of God. The angel warned him not to put her away. To his everlasting credit, he obeyed the Lord. THINK IT THROUGH Am I like Joseph, always immediately obedient to the will of the Lord as revealed to me through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even when I cannot understand all the reasons for it? (See Heb. 4:7, last part.) FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 114, 115, 1113, 1126, 1127. 18 Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Monday April 6 Part 2 What reception did Joseph and Mary get at the inn? NO ROOM "There was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). "With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indif- ference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth.... The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah."—The Desire of Ages, p. 44. All hotels at Bethlehem were crowded when Joseph and Mary sought lodging. They were turned away. Had the innkeepers known the true identity of the Babe that Mary carried, would they not have made room? All Israel looked forward to the birth of the Messiah. The honor of having housed the Deliverer in one's hotel at His birth would be significant as a fact of history and an aid to business. Perhaps there was a divine hand in it all. Being born in a manger, Christ consented to the lowest of earthly environ- ments. No man can now claim that the Master does not under- stand poverty and humble circumstances. He is not out of touch with any level of human need. He has experienced it all and is therefore able to understand and anticipate every need. Under what circumstances was Jesus born? Luke 2:7, first part. "Born amidst surroundings the rudest, sharing a peasant's home, a peasant's fare, a craftsman's occupation, living a life of obscurity, identifying Himself with the world's unknown toilers,—amidst these conditions and surround ings,—Jesus followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His times, with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His education was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences of life—God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart."—Education, p. 77. THINK IT THROUGH Is it possible that I today, like the innkeepers approached by Joseph, can be blinded by a lack of spiritual discernment as to the true identity of the One who is knocking at the door of my heart? FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 63; Education, p. 77; Selected Mes- sages, bk. 1, p. 223. 19 Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday April 7 Part 3 While shepherds tended their flocks, what startling scene PEACE broke upon their visions? TO MEN "Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:9, 13, 14). "At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humilia- tion. . . . "The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 47, 48. Under what circumstances were the wise men of the East alerted? Matt. 2:2. "The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. . . . That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them.... The prophecy of Balaam had declared, 'There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.' Num. 24:17. Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven- sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince."—The Desire of Ages, p. 60. The importance which Heaven attached to this grand event is evidenced by the angel band that was its forerunner. The Word was being made flesh to dwell among us. God identified Himself with mankind by becoming mankind's kin. And throughout end- less ages, Christ will carry His human body as a badge of His victory. The scars of His crucifixion will be visible eternally. A great and effectual door is thus opened to us. THINK IT THROUGH Christ's first advent found ancient Israel unprepared for His coming. Will His second advent find us, Laodicean Israel, equally unprepared for His return? FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 48, 49; Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 226, 227; The Great Controversy, pp. 313, 314. 20 Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday April 8 Part 4 Whom do you hold accountable for Herod's cruel reaction? SAVED TO SAVE "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men" (Matt. 2:16). "This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king harmless to them."—The Desire of Ages, p. 65. How does the first advent affect our salvation? Heb. 10:10- 12; Rom. 5:15. "This glorious Being loved the poor sinner and took upon Himself the form of a servant, that He might suffer and die in man's behalf. Jesus might have remained at His Father's right hand, wearing His kingly crown and royal robes. But He chose to exchange all the riches, honor, and glory of heaven for the poverty of humanity, and His station of high command for the horrors of Gethsemane and the humiliation and agony of Cal- vary. He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, that by His baptism of suffering and blood He might purify and redeem a guilty world. 'Lo, I come,' was the joyful assent, 'to do Thy will, 0 My God.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 121. Why did Christ's own disciples misunderstand His mission? Matt. 20:21-23. Groaning under the yoke of Rome, the disciples shared with all Jews the hope of a temporal kingdom and a Messiah who would come and depose the Roman master. Israel would then come into her own. James and John wished to be partners in this glory. Christ sought to open their eyes to the true nature of His kingdom. "Are ye able to drink the cup?" He asked. "We are able," they answered (Matt. 20:22). Had He answered their mother's petition and their own, there at the crucifixion James would have hung on one cross and John on the other instead of the two thieves. But their request was not wholly unanswered. James was beheaded and John suffered longest of all the disci- ples for the name of the Lord. It was difficult for them—until after the resurrection—to understand that Christ's coming would deliver the world from satanic bondage. THINK IT THROUGH To what extent does Hebrews 2:3 actuate my day-to-day living? FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 31-38. 21 Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday April 9 Part 5 What did the life of Christ demonstrate as to our potential? HIS BLOOD AVAILS "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). "Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and of the fallen world that ample provision has been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their Creator."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 227. Christ did not take advantage of His divine nature in resisting evil. He fought temptation with the same spiritual weapons that are available to us. He thus demonstrated that sin may be over- come. With this example we are moved to believe, attempt, and persevere! The Holy Spirit, who wrought in Him the purposes of God, will grant us strength for weakness, hope for despair, shelter in the time of storm, ever pointing us to the unfailing adequacy of the merits of Jesus Christ. What did His death provide? 1 John 1:9. The believers who lived before the cross were given the sacri- ficial system to remind them that Messiah would come. Those who lived after the cross partake of the Lord's Supper as a reminder that Messiah has come. For those who lived before the cross and after, the remedy was the same—namely, faith. Both the ordinances and the sacrificial system were given to educate and strengthen our faith. For it is still true as ever that "the just shall live by faith." In this Christ demonstrated to us that in Him we experience a perfection otherwise alien to our nature and state. When we by faith embrace Christ as Lord and Saviour, He confers on us the absolute perfection that is His. And this while we are yet imper- fect. Our new "wholeness" is the fruitage of faith in Christ. There occurs in further consequence a healing of the attitude which produces disciplined behavior. "Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred cere- mony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 107. THINK IT THROUGH How can I demonstrate that I have been "crucified with Christ"? FURTHER STUDY Medical Ministry, p. 203; Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 317; The De- sire of Ages, pp. 390, 391. 22 Then Jesus Came LESSON 2 ❑ Friday April 10 Part 6 What measure of strength and victory is available to us NEWNESS through Christ's death? OF LIFE "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3, 4). Dare we, in this life, be assured of life in the hereafter? 1 Cor. 15:19; Heb. 11:13, 16. "So those who had been raised [in conjunction with Christ's resurrection] were to be presented to the universe as a pledge of the resurrection of all who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church, and glorify it with Christ, as His bride, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the heavenly courts, the world above. The victory of the sleeping saints will be glori- ous on the morning of the resurrection. Satan's triumph will end, while Christ will triumph in glory and honor. The Life-giver will crown with immortality all who come forth from the grave."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 305, 306. Christians die differently from other people, for their view of death is brightened with hope of life in the hereafter. For this same reason they live differently. Death is not the end of life for saint or sinner. Each must face his own hereafter. And that hereafter has some influence on his behavior here. For the Christian, this life is a practice "run" as men and women prepare to live with angels. This expectation is a source of joy here and an enrichment of the present experience. We sacrifice nothing vital to life here as we long for a better world than this. Life can be rather hectic here, and the burden is made lighter by the hope of a better world to come. How limited was the Old Testament era in its understanding of the hope of the "blood of the lamb"? 2 Cor. 3:13-15. "As Moses saw the day of Christ, and the new and living way of salvation that was to be opened through His blood, he was captivated and entranced."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1110. THINK IT THROUGH How does my life impress others as to where my treasure really is? (See Matt. 6:21). FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194; vol. 4, pp. 40, 41. 23 LESSON 3 April 12-18 30 Conlin "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon grow ... as a root out of a dry me; .. . he hath sent me to bind up ground" (Isa. 53:2), He would not the brokenhearted, ... to proclaim the be handsome. Perhaps it was true acceptable year of the Lord" (Isa. then that "the eye sees what the 61:1, 2). heart wishes." Jewish resentment of oppression and their ambition to govern colored their judgment and confused their principles of interpre- God's ancient people looked anx- tation, leading to a case of mistaken iously for the coming of the Mes- identity. siah. When under the heel of enemy Had the innkeeper at Bethlehem domination, Israel lived in hope of known who the Babe was, he would the Deliverer. Mothers whispered have made room at the inn. How the promise of His first coming to true is this Negro spiritual: their children, thus this hope was "Their eyes were blind, they kept alive by succeeding genera- couldn't see. .. tions. The thought energized them Didn't know who You was." for each day's task. Imposters took Doubt cherished leads to cyni- advantage of this national expecta- cism. Thus by the time the real evi- tion and often led insurrections and dence was in that Christ was indeed abortive coups. This led to growing the Messiah, pride of heart led to frustration as the years passed. This tragedy of behavior, so that priests procession of false messiahs un- and people committed acts of blas- doubtedly led to some of the skepti- phemy which forfeited the good cism that met Christ at His incarna- hand of their God upon them and tion. brought suffering on their children The Jews had come to anticipate and their childrens' children. To the the coming of an earthly monarch true believer today, the promise of with all of the trappings of earthly Christ's second coming brings hope! glory. They confused the kingdom of This will be our study for this week's glory promises with those pertaining lesson. to the kingdom of grace. They would be supreme among the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS people of earth. Pomp and privilege 1. "The Lord Cometh" would be theirs. Gone forever from (Isa. 26:21) Israel's borders would be the heel of 2. "Shall So Come" the conqueror. The law would issue (Acts 1:11) from an earthly Jerusalem, and her 3. "A Place for You" soldiers would marshal the nations. (John 14:1-3) This basically was the Hebrew con- 4. "Every Eye Shall See Him" cept of the coming Messiah when (Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:30) Jesus came. 5. "Wars and Rumors" In reading the prophets, the Jews (Matt. 24:6, 7) saw only the many predictions of 6. "Buy of Me" glory. Isaiah had said, "He shall (Rev. 3:18) Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday April 12 Part 1 How did the Old Testament prophets describe the second "THE LORD coming of the Lord? COMETH" "Behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain" (isa. 26:21). (See also Ps. 50:3-5.) The Lord's "place" is the heaven of heavens. (See Ps. 115:16.) He ascended there some 1900 years ago. One might say that Christ had come "out of his place" to provide for man a way of escape from the prison house of sin. For 33 years He lived in what was for Him a foreign atmosphere. Sin was and is repulsive to His nature. Because of His deep love for man He endured it all, even the death on the cross, that we through His sacrifice might be saved. Words cannot capture the degree of pain, the depth of humiliation, or the agony of a broken heart; but all this He endured just for us. Having completed His sacrifice for us, He was caught up to God. Isaiah says that He will once again come "out of his place." This time to execute judgment on the wicked and reward the righteous. Mankind's rebellion against his Maker cannot go unpunished. It is but a part of a larger conspiracy against the government of God led by Satan himself. Why was the second coming predicted so far ahead of its fulfillment? See Rom. 15:4. Mankind cannot live without hope. He may exist, but not truly live. Hope brings light to the eye, spring to the step, and a song to the heart. Said one, "The birds sing sweetly in the bosom of him who hopes." The physician's balm works best on patients whose desire to live is strongest. Hope feeds that desire. The promise of the coming of Christ inspires hope. The human experiment with sin has long ago turned sour. Our problems become more acute with every passing hour. The things that plague this sinful planet multiply. The coming of the Lord is the one light at the end of the tunnel of human probation. The promise of His coming appears early in Scripture so that people of bygone centuries might have hope. They must know that "Shiloh" will come again and that unto Him will the gather- ing of the people be. THINK IT THROUGH Does the "blessed hope" mean more to me each day as I draw nearer to the end? FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 628; Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 238, 339; Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 445; Fundamentals of Christian Edu- cation, p. 394. 26 Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Monday April 13 Part 2 With what words did angels announce to the apostles the "SHALL SO specific promise of Christ's return? COME" "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). "Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the disciples gathered about Him. . . . With hands outstretched in blessing, and as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from among them, drawn heavenward by a power stronger than any earthly attraction. As He passed upward, the awestricken disciples looked with straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him from their sight; and the words came back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' At the same time there floated down to them the sweetest and most joyous music from the angel choir."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 830, 831. Angels announced the first coming of Christ as a Babe in Bethlehem. Music accompanied the ascension. It is appropriate that angels will announce the second coming of the Lord amid the "sweetest and most joyous music." Our Lord's return will be for the saints a cause of great rejoicing, for it will come at a time of dire peril and persecution. His followers will then desire His coming with a desperation that defies description. The tame "longing" of this Laodicean era will be replaced with a passion that aches. Then only will the Lord return. What predicted actions of the Lord clearly indicate angel participation in the second coming? Matt. 25:31. "When the divine Presence was manifested upon Sinai, the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire in the sight of all Israel. But when Christ shall come in glory with His holy angels the whole earth shall be ablaze with the terrible light of His presence. . . . 'The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.' 2 Thes- salonians 1:7, 8."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 339, 340. THINK IT THROUGH Is it more important to me that I will be living when Christ comes or that I will be ready when He comes? FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 832; The Great Controversy, p. 301. 27 3-A.L. 2-81 Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday April 14 Part 3 How tightly did Christ tie the assurance of His return to the "A PLACE reality of His departure? FOR YOU" "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3). "In that day, as in the time of Jerusalem's destruction, God's people will be delivered, everyone that shall be found written among the living. Isaiah 4:3. Christ has declared that He will come the second time to gather His faithful ones to Himself: 'Then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.' Matthew 24:30, 31."—The Great Controversy, p. 37. Through the revelation of John, what element of urgency does Christ add to the promise of His return? Rev. 22:7,12, 20. "Behold, I come quickly," the Master said. He has not chosen to reveal the day or the hour, but it is near at hand. Of course, we realize that Christians of every generation were taught to expect the Lord's return in their own time. But there are special evidences that this is the last generation. Has not nuclear capacity increased to the point that man may now destroy himself? Has the pollution of nature passed the point of no return? Is human society corrupting itself to a point of self-destruction? Is not this the end of "the age of man"? "You must be wrestlers for the crown of life. Strive, for the grasp of Satan is upon you; and if you do not wrench yourselves from him, you will be palsied and ruined. The foe is on the right hand, and on the left, before you, and behind you; and you must trample him under your feet. Strive, for there is a crown to be won. Strive, for if you win not the crown, you lose everything in this life and in the future life. Strive, but let it be in the strength of your risen Saviour."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 137. THINK IT THROUGH If I am making spiritual preparation for Christ's return during "the time of the end," does it automatically follow that I will be prepared at the end of time? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 34; Gospel Workers, p. 259; Christ's Object Lessons, "Shall Not God Avenge His Own?" p. 179. 28 Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday April 15 Part 4 Will Christ come so that everyone will know it, or will it be a "EVERY EYE secret rapture as many claim? SHALL SEE HIM" "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" (Rev. 1:7). "Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt. 24:30). "Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. . . . Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. Not now a 'Man of Sorrows,' to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead. . . . With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way."—The Great Controversy, p. 640. The inhabitants of the earth turn pale at the awesome sight. The saints will, for the first time, see Him face-to-face. The sheer force of the cataclysmic presence of thousands of angels will be earthshaking in itself. But the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, awakening the righteous dead. This is not secret rapture. This is a center-stage event. The inhabitants of the whole earth are aware of it. The wicked "mourn." The saved rejoice. By an act of visible, overwhelming power, Christ comes to take away His church. What signs in the heavens indicate the nearness of Christ's coming and also occur in connection with the advent itself? Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:12, 13. "December 16, 1848, the Lord gave me a view of the shaking of the powers of the heavens. I saw that when the Lord said 'heaven,' in giving the signs recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, He meant heaven, and when He said 'earth' He meant earth. The powers of heaven are the sun, moon, and stars. They rule in the heavens. The powers of earth are those that rule on the earth. The powers of heaven will be shaken at the voice of God. Then the sun, moon, and stars will be moved out of their places. They will not pass away, but be shaken by the voice of God."—Early Writings, p. 41. THINK IT THROUGH Read Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 630, 631; Gospel Workers, p. 41; The Great Controversy, p. 641. 29 Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday April 16 Part 5 What will be the human condition as the coming of Jesus "WARS AND nears? RUMORS" "Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and king- dom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pesti- lences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matt. 24:6, 7). "Probationary Time Running Out.—Already kingdom is ris- ing against kingdom. There is not now a determined engage- ment. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshall their forces for the last great battle. How carefully we should improve the little remaining period of our probation!"— Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 968. How close does the Bible come to describing today's soci- ety? Could this be coincidence only? 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Religious formalism denies the power of God. How does John symbolize this noncommitment? Rev. 3:15, 17. "The true Christian will love to wait and watch for the teach- ings of God and the leadings of His Spirit. But with many, religion is merely a form. Vital godliness is lacking. Many dare to say, I will do this, or that, or I will not do this; and the fear of offending God is scarcely thought of. Those thus described, I saw, could not enter heaven as they are. They may flatter them- selves that they will be saved, but God has no pleasure in them. Their lives do not please Him. Their prayers are an offense to Him. "Christ now calls them: 'Be zealous and repent.' He kindly and faithfully admonishes them to buy gold, white raiment, and eyesalve. They can choose either to be zealous, and partake largely of salvation, or be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord as disgusting, and be thrust from Him. God will not bear always. He is of tender pity, yet His Spirit will be grieved away for the last time. Mercy's sweet voice will be no more heard. Its last pre- cious notes will have died away, and those described will be left to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings."— Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 152, 153. THINK IT THROUGH Is my desire not to grieve the Holy Spirit based alone on my desire to be saved or on my desire not to "crucify ... the Son of God afresh"? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 502; The Great Controversy, p. 444; Child Guidance, p. 152. 30 Coming Again LESSON 3 ❑ Friday April 17 Part 6 How may the lukewarmness of soul of the Laodiceans be "BUY OF ME" overcome? "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" (Rev. 3:18). Nothing short of personal response to God's pleadings can shake the Laodicean lethargy that now grips the saints. "Buy of me gold." This speaks of a priceless personal experience with Christ that improves with testing. "White raiment" is the charac- ter of Christ with which we are to be clothed. "Eyesalve" is the wisdom of the Holy Spirit which deepens spiritual insight. "Buy of me" and "anoint thine eyes" are action phrases. Inspired by the Spirit, we must take those initiatives that will invoke the power of God in our behalf. Christ-motivated action is one of man's most effective forms of prayer. ' What wise counsel from Amos can challenge those living in the last days? Amos 4:12. "In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John [the Baptist] is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord.... Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God's word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 332. What timely advice concerning last-day needs of the church does Jesus give? Luke 21:34, 36. "The word of God has been neglected. In that are the warn- ings to God's people which point out their dangers. But they have had so many cares and perplexities that they hardly allow themselves time to pray. There has been a mere empty form without the power. Jesus prayed, and, oh, how earnest were His prayers! And yet He was the beloved Son of God! "If Jesus manifested so much earnestness, so much energy and agony, how much more need for those whom He has called to be heirs of salvation."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 151. THINK IT THROUGH Is there a difference between living in and being a part of the Laodicean era and being a Laodicean? FURTHER STUDY Gospel Workers, p. 419; Prophets and Kings, p. 188; Tes- timonies, vol. 2, p. 36; vol. 4, p. 37. 31 ~' ~r LESSON 4 April 19-25 4. Why Corning A aiin? "1 go to prepare a place for you. an eternal beachhead in the uni- And if I go and prepare a place for verse. Ultimately, creation can only you, I will come again, and receive know security when the sin question you unto myself; that where I am, is settled. For God to remain God there ye may be also" (John 14:2, 3). anywhere, He must be God everywhere. There can be no peace- The love of God ensures the re- ful coexistence with evil. Detente turn of Christ to this earth. The between Christ and Satan is impos- Bridegroom will not leave His sible. There is no peaceful solution. church bride waiting at the altar. The Unlike human statesmen and gen- Creator cannot be forever separated erals, God has an infinite love for from his crowning creation. The those who regard Him as their present state of earth's inhabitants enemy. He also sees how every fact must yield to a new world order. and incident is related to every other The original state of man and nature one, in the past, present, or future. will be restored. The promise of His He is patiently working out the sin coming embraces all of this. With problem in a manner that will be John we might well pray, "Even so, seen to be wholly in harmony with come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20). His character. Sin cannot be permitted either, as Christ is now dealing with the sin problem in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. This work will soon be finished. He will then confront sin on its home grounds. Heaven will release its unmixed fury on the heads of the unsaved. The rebellion will be stamped out. Sin must be eradicated. Christ must come! DAILY HIGHLIGHTS 1. "And Receive You" (John 14:3; 2 Peter 3:10) 2. "Distress of Nations" (Luke 21:25, 26) 3. The Defiled Earth (Isa. 24:5, 6) 4. "God Is judge" (Ps. 50:3-6) 5. "That Wicked" Destroyed (2 Thess. 2:8) 6. Song of Moses and the Lamb (Rev. 15:3) RENNINGS, ARTIST, © 1948 PPPA Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday April 19 Part 1 Why must Jesus come again? "AND RECEIVE "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and YOU" receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10). When Jesus shall come, the visible church will be in extreme peril. The prophecies of Revelation 13 indicate that the saints will someday face deliberate extermination. Only Christ's "thief in the night" return will prevent this. When the future of the faithful seems hopeless, Christ will pierce the skies. When hopelessness like midnight darkens the horizon, Christ will deliver His people. He will allow them to drink the cup of bitter- ness till thoroughly purged. His image or character being per- fectly reflected in His people, He will honor their faith by receiv- ing them unto Himself. How will the coming again of the Lord affect the destiny of all nations? Compare the nations represented in Nebuchadnez- zar's dream with those on earth today. Dan. 2:44. "A Dual Representation.—The image revealed to Nebuchad- nezzar, while representing the deterioration of the kingdoms of the earth in power and glory, also fitly represents the deteriora- tion of religion and morality among the people of these king- doms. As nations forget God, in like proportion they become weak morally. "Babylon passed away because in her prosperity she forgot God, and ascribed the glory of her prosperity to human achievement. "The Medo-Persian kingdom was visited by the wrath of heaven because in this kingdom God's law was trampled under foot. The fear of the Lord found no place in the hearts of the people. The prevailing influences in Med o-Persia were wicked- ness, blasphemy, and corruption. "The kingdoms that followed were even more base and cor- rupt. They deteriorated because they cast off their allegiance to God. As they forgot Him, they sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral value."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1168. THINK IT THROUGH Does the realization of Christ's soon coming actuate the way I live from day to day? Is it uppermost in my living and thinking? (See Luke 12:40.) FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 34, 35. 34 Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Monday April 20 Part 2 What solution to sin's harvest is there, other than the return "DISTRESS of Christ to establish His kingdom here? OF NATIONS" "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). "Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord's household 'their portion of meat in due season.' Luke 12:42. They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ's servants now give the special warning for their generation."—The Desire of Ages, p. 634. Is the secular world really aware that Christ will return? Luke 21:35. "The day is at hand when the destiny of every soul will be fixed forever. This day of the Lord hastens on apace. The false watchmen are raising the cry, 'All is well'; but the day of God is rapidly approaching. Its footsteps are so muffled that it does not arouse the world from the deathlike slumber into which it has fallen. While the watchmen cry, 'Peace and safety,' sudden destruction cometh upon them,' and they shall not escape'; 'for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.' It overtakes the pleasure-lover and the sinful man as a thief in the night. When all is apparently secure, and men retire to contented rest, then the prowling, stealthy, midnight thief steals upon his prey. When it is too late to prevent the evil, it is discovered that some door or window was not secured. 'Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.' "—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 335, 336. THINK IT THROUGH What have I done today to witness to others of my faith that Christ will soon return? (See Christian Service, p. 168.) FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 260; Early Writings, p. 71; Tes- timonies, vol. 9, p. 25. 35 Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday April 21 Part 3 What description of the effects of sin upon the earth does THE DEFILED Isaiah give that has further application to our own time? EARTH "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordi- nance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left" (Isa. 24:5, 6). "The earth also is defiled. God is holy. He gave His law to keep men pure and the world undefiled. By rejecting that law, men defile both themselves and the world in which they live. The contagion of sin has infected the very ground beneath our feet, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe (see Gen. 3:17; Num. 35:33; Ps. 107:34). With every passing year the earth becomes more and more corrupt. If God were not to intervene, the time would come when the defilement of sin would so debase the human race as to make life itself utterly impossible (see Gen. 6:5, 11, 12; DA 36, 37)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 197. Is Heaven restless for the final act in the drama? Rev. 7:1-3. "With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love."—The Desire of Ages, p. 297. What do we see in the world about us to indicate that the experiment with sin is well-nigh over? "We see calamities of every kind and in every degree coming upon the earth, and why? The Lord's restraining power is not exercised. The world has disregarded the word of God. They live as though there were no God. Like the inhabitants of the Noachic world, they refuse to have any thought of God. Wick- edness prevails to an alarming extent, and the earth is ripe for the harvest."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 389. THINK IT THROUGH Read Jeremiah 8:20. Will I be so spiritually prepared that I will have no need to utter this in the final day? God grant that I will. FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pp. 36, 44; The Great Controversy, pp. 627, 628. 36 Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday April 22 Part 4 What last-day application of Psalm 50 provides another "GOD IS reason why Christ must return? JUDGE" "Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sac- rifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself" (Ps. 50:3-6). "Shall come. That is, to judgment, in a primary sense to expostulate with the inhabitants of earth, as the body of the psalm indicates. In a unique sense the words are also a predic- tion of the judgment at the end of the world (see Matt. 25:31; Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1 . . .). "Shall not keep silence. God will make a pronouncement on man's conduct. "A fire. The imagery may be drawn from God's manifestation on Mt. Sinai (see Ex. 19:16, 18). "Gather. At the second coming of Christ the angels will be charged with the task of gathering the redeemed (see Matt. 24:31). "My saints. Heb. chasidim. . . . 'Amid the tempest of divine judgment, the children of God will have no cause for fear' (PP 341). "Sacrifice. Heb. zebach, an offering of a slaughtered animal (Gen. 31:54; 46:1; Lev. 3:1; etc.). The ancient Sinaitic covenant was ratified by the sacrifice of oxen and the sprinkling of blood (Ex. 24:5-8; cf. Gen. 15:9-18). The new covenant was ratified by the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:18-23; PP 371). At the coming of Christ the saints who will be gathered are those who have accepted the covenant sealed by the sacrifice of Christ. . . . "His righteousness. This text will receive an ultimate, unique fulfillment at the time of Christ's second coming, when 'there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. .. . That holy law, God's righteousness, ... is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment' (GC 639)."— S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3, pp. 752, 753. What will Christ do:to rescue His people? Revelation 16. THINK IT THROUGH Is my relationship with Christ so close that in the time of trouble I can be hidden, as it were, from the onslaughts of Satan? (See Ps. 27:5.) FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 443, 635; Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 355. 37 Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday April 23 Part 5 How will Christ finally deal with His enemies? "THAT WICKED" "Then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall DESTROYED consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" (2 Thess. 2:8). "That Wicked. Gr. ho anomos, literally, 'the [one] destitute of law,' hence, 'the violator of the law,' the lawless one,' or 'the wicked one.' The reference is to the 'man of sin' (v. 3), or the 'mystery of iniquity' (v. 7). According to one view 'the lawless one' is the papacy.... According to a second view, he is not only the papacy, but more importantly, Satan himself, the supreme Antichrist, as he impersonates Christ just before the last day.... "Revealed. Gr. apokaluptd. . . . Applied to the papacy this would refer to its assumption of power following the decline of the Roman Empire. The reference could also be to the time yet future when the papal power will be revived ... , and to the time when following this brief period of revival the true nature of the system will be unveiled, or exposed."—S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary, vol. 7, p. 273. Commandment keepers have long smarted over the apparent prosperity of the wicked. David deals with this question in Psalm 37. In the Revelation the souls under the altar cry out, "How long, 0 Lord?" Rev. 6:10. Followers of God in all ages have lived for the day when right will triumph and wrong will be forever dethroned. The second coming of Christ will provide this satis- faction. God has revealed this to us in advance so that we faint not in the hour of extreme peril. How will the wicked react to the final judgments of God? Rev. 6:16, 17; 16:21. "With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God's covenant and long to be shielded from its overpower- ing brightness."—The Great Controversy, pp. 635, 636. THINK IT THROUGH What will be the difference in the way the wicked will react and the way the righteous will react upon Christ's return? FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 37, 637-640. 38 Why Coming Again? LESSON 4 ❑ Friday April 24 Part 6 After her final deliverance, what praise will the church con- SONG OF fer upon her Saviour? MOSES AND THE LAMB "They sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Rev. 15:3). "There is a day just about to burst upon us when God's mysteries will be seen, and all His ways vindicated; when jus- tice, mercy, and love will be the attributes of His throne. When the earthly warfare is accomplished, and the saints are all gathered home, our first theme will be the song of Moses, the servant of God. The second theme will be the song of the Lamb, the song of grace and redemption. This song will be louder, loftier, and in sublimer strains, echoing and re-echoing through the heavenly courts. Thus the song of God's providence is sung, connecting the varying dispensations; for all is now seen without a veil between the legal, the prophetical, and the gos- pel. The church history upon the earth and the church re- deemed in heaven all center around the cross of Calvary. This is the theme, this is the song,—Christ all and in all,—in anthems of praise resounding through heaven from thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand and an innumberable company of the redeemed host. All unite in this song of Moses and of the Lamb. It is a new song, for it was never before sung in heaven."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 433. May we be sure that after God's judgments are visited, the sin experience will not be repeated? Nahum 1:9. "The whole universe will have become witnesses to the na- ture and results of sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginning would have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God, will now vindicate His love and establish His honor before the universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law. Never will evil again be manifest.... The law of. God, which Satan has reproached as the yoke of bondage, will be honored as the law of liberty. A tested and proved creation will never again be turned from allegiance to Him whose charac- ter has been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom."—The Great Controversy, p. 504. THINK IT THROUGH We have heard much of D day near the end of World War II. We look forward now to the greatest D day—"Deliverance Day"—at Christ's second coming! (See Prophets and Kings, p. 538; Sons and Daughters of God, p. 216.) FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 601; S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1132. 39 LESSON 5 April 26 to May 2 5. Enemies f t e Church ". . . Then out of the sea I saw a decree of an absolute monarch, had beast rising. It had ten horns and a decision to make. Would he yield seven heads. On its horns were ten to the 30-day injunction of the Per- diadems, and on each head a blas- sian king or stand firm for principle phemous name" (Rev. 13:1 NEB). and face a den of hungry, angry lions? He took his chances on the Christ spoke of "the gates of hell" side of the kingdom of God and as an enemy that would not prevail prevailed. against the church. This phrase en- Even in the best and most demo- compasses the sum total of the cratic countries, forces often con- enemies who would war against the spire to make it hard for the Chris- people of God. The people of God tian. One's freedom to observe the have literally had to bleed their way Sabbath may be threatened by the through 6000 years of human his- demands of one's employer. Often tory. But they have survived. The hard choices must be made. One's blood of martyrs is indeed the seed marriage partner often becomes the of the church, and Christ is now medium of pressures against his known wherever people walk the faith. Again cruel choices may be earth. Suffering is the price the necessitated. Christian must pay for the sin ex- Evil forces will harrass the church perience. It tempers the character as long as it is on the earth, but they for the glories of the world to come. need not prevail over the Christian With God on her side, the church individually or the church collec- will triumph. tively. Christ, the King of heaven, Christianity is a spiritual system will soon assert His authority in the requiring the first allegiance and earth. Until then we are safe only in best service of its adherents. It suf- the center of His will. fers least in lands where the human form of government is least au- DAILY HIGHLIGHTS thoritarian. Christians living under 1. The Leopardlike Beast authoritarian forms of government in (Rev. 13:1, 2) any age have been forced to make 2. Changing Times and Laws tragic choices. (Dan. 7:25) To the three Hebrew worthies 3. Years, Months, and Days confronted by Nebuchadnezzar's (Dan. 7:25) commands, decision did not come 4. Like a Lamb—As a Dragon easily. They risked death by fire (Rev. 13:11-14) rather than yield God's claims on 5. Miracle-working Spirits of Devils their consciences. The gates of hell (Rev. 16:14) did not prevail. 6. Help in Trouble Daniel, confronted by the signed (Ps. 46:1, 2) N. WILKINSON, ARTIST; © WIDE WORLD Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday April 26 Part 1 What indication might the early Christian church have had THE in John's revelation that trouble for the church lurked just LEOPARD- ahead? LIKE BEAST "I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority" (Rev. 13:1, 2, NIV). In the series of worldly powers represented in Revelation 13, the total span of the Christian era is covered by the dragon (verse 2), the leopardlike beast (verse 1), and the lamblike beast (verse 11). It is worthy of note that the leopardlike beast receives his power from the dragon as its power rises, and from the lamblike power as its power wanes. The beast's restoration, aided by the lamblike power is such that all the world wonders after the beast and is urged to bow to his authority on pain of hunger and death itself (verses 15-18). If the early church had no clear picture of what was coming in these persecuting powers, it knew that the dragon power had nothing but hostility toward those who, through the grace of Christ, were obedient to the commandments of God. (See Rev. 13:17.) They were already acquainted with the power of the dragon. What further identifying marks of the beast power are pro- vided, with ominous foreboding for the true church? Rev. 13:5, 6. "The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the coming of Christ in his day. 'That day shall not come,' he says, 'except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.' 2 Thessalonians 2:3.... Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian dispensation down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time that the message of Christ's second coming is to be proclaimed."—The Great Controversy, p. 356. In the last days a false revival will sweep the land. At the same time the people of God will experience latter-rain power. How- ever, the two may be readily distinguished. The false revival will emphasize natural immortality and Sunday sacredness. The true revival will teach the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. None need be deluded now or ever. The Scriptures prayerfully searched and humbly obeyed are now and ever will be a safeguard against error. THINK IT THROUGH Read and ponder 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 439-449. 42 Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Monday April 27 Part 2 How did the papacy (the beast of Revelation 13 and the little CHANGING horn of Daniel 7) seek to pervert doctrine? TIMES AND LAWS "He shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25). "The man of sin has instituted a false sabbath, and the pro- fessed Christian world has adopted this child of the papacy, refusing to obey God. Thus Satan leads men and women in a direction opposite to the city of refuge; and by the multitudes who follow him, it is demonstrated that Adam and Eve are not the only ones who have accepted the words of the wily foe. "The enemy of all good has turned the signpost round, so that it points to the path of disobedience as the path of happiness. He has insulted Jehovah by refusing to obey a 'Thus saith the Lord.' He has thought to change times and laws."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1172. In its use of state power, how fully was the beast able to intimidate the true church? Rev. 13:11-17 (also 12:11). Today believers are advised: "Those who would overcome must put to the tax every power of their being. They must agonize on their knees before God for divine power.... Christ, by His own example, made it evident that man may stand in integrity. Men may have a power to resist evil—a power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master; a power that will place them where they may overcome as Christ overcame. Di- vinity and humanity may be combined in them."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1082. The Christian church may have had much clearer understand- ing of the passing of prophetic milestones than we might ex- pect. There is some evidence, for example, that the church prayed for the continuation in power of the pagan dragon of Rome, preferring its reality to the feared power of the beast (also the little horn, man of sin, antichrist) of papal Rome yet to come. (See L. E. Froom, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers [Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1950], vol. 1, p. 19.) THINK IT THROUGH What will be the difference, if any, between the persecution of the early church and the persecution that is yet to come during the time of trouble? FURTHER STUDY Evangelism, pp. 225, 355; Early Writings, pp. 33, 114. 43 4-k L. 2-81 Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday April 28 Part 3 How long did the papacy continue as a persecuting power? YEARS, MONTHS, "They shall be given into his hand until a time and times and AND DAYS the dividing of time [31/ 2 times)" (Dan. 7:25). Nebuchadnezzar was banished from his throne for seven years. The Bible calls this seven times (Dan. 4:32). The Septua- gint (Greek version of the Old Testament) offers a prophetic time key of one "time" to equal one year. Our text specifies three and one half times as the period of papal persecutions. This is three and one half prophetic years. This same prophetic period, covering or matching parallel events, is variously described as three and one half times, 42 months, or 1260 days. Although a prophetic year happens to be an approximation of the Jewish calendar month and year, we have a more specific internal key to the prophetic time clock that gives 30 days to the month, 12 months to the year or "time." Forty-two months, 1260 days, three and one half times (or years) in these time prophecies regarding the enemies of the church are one and the same period. On the prophetic principle of a day standing for a year, and with the clusters of historical events marking the rise and seeming end of the papacy, the period of 1260 years from A.D. 538 to 1798 is recognized by historicist interpreters as the period of papal supremacy. What new force will arise to do in the New World what the papacy did in the old? How will this force support the papacy throughout the world? Rev. 13:11. "What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question.... A European journal in 1850 spoke of the United States as a wonderful empire, which was 'emerging,' and 'amid the silence of the earth daily adding to its power and pride.'— The Dublin Nation. Edward Everett, in an oration on the Pilgrim founders of this nation, said: 'Did they look for a retired spot, inoffensive for its obscurity, and safe in its remoteness, where the little church of Leyden might enjoy the freedom of con- science? Behold the mighty regions over which, in peaceful conquest, . . . they have borne the banners of the cross!'— Speech delivered at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Dec. 22, 1824, page 11."—The Great Controversy, pp. 440, 441. THINK IT THROUGH In what three ways can I be spiritually prepared for what- ever is in store for me—even persecution—before Christ's return? (See 1 Thess. 5:17; John 5:39 and 2 Tim. 2:15; Mark 5:19.) FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 380; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 450, 451. 44 Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday April 29 Part 4 With what diligence will the image of the beast pursue papal LIKE A policy? LAMB—AS A DRAGON "I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders ... , and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth ; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast" (Rev. 13:11-14). Who can contemplate the triumphal visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States and other countries in 1979 without think- ing again of the words of John and of the modern inspired commentary on those words? "When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. . . . "The beast with two horns 'causeth [commands] all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.' ... The third angel's warning is: 'If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.' The beast' mentioned ... is ... the papacy. The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas."—The Great Controversy, p.445. Can these persecuting powers prevail against the saints? Rev. 14:1, 4. "In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. . . . The prophet of Patmos beholds 'them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3."—The Great Controversy, p. 450. THINK IT THROUGH Why is the beast power, which is also a persecuting power, allowed to afflict God's people? FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 117, 206; The Story of Redemp- tion, pp. 381, 382. 45 Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday April 30 Part 5 There are those who feel that the time for the arising of the MIRACLE- persecuting powers described by Daniel, Paul, and John, and WORKING identified more specifically by Ellen White, has passed. It is said SPIRITS that they might have come (or were widely expected) in her early OF DEVILS days—but no more. Such things could not happen in today's world. Let all contemplate the present-day prominence of the pa- pacy, the tense national and world conditions, calling for ex- treme measures "to save the world." Look at the Jesus move- ments, the rise of the evangelicals, the charismatic movement, the ecumenical efforts, and the popularity of the occult. When spiritualism adds its deceptive force to the Protestant apostasy, will this complete the trinity of deception? "They are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14). "The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism will exert its influence against those who choose to obey God rather than men. Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. They will lament the great wickedness in the world and second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sun- day. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony."—The Great Controversy, pp. 590, 591. (Emphasis supplied.) How effective will these combined powers be? Rev. 13:16; 14:18-20; 16:14-16. Satanism, Protestantism, and Catholicism will be strangely united in the very end time. By sheer physical force they will seek to compel the conscience. Many will yield to their blan- dishments. They have not made Christ their dependency and truth their anchor. The true Trinity—God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit—are more than a match for the dragon, the beast, and false prophet. THINK IT THROUGH How is spiritualism making not only insidious but even overt overtures to cause the remnant to be ensnared? FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, p. 604; Prophets and Kings, p. 189; Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 575. 46 Enemies of the Church LESSON 5 ❑ Friday May 1 Part 6 How can the saints withstand these world-controlling HELP IN powers of evil? TROUBLE "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be re- moved, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Ps. 46:1, 2). "Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict."—The Great Controversy, pp. 593, 594. (Emphasis supplied.) What will be the end of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet? Rev. 20:10. Only Two Ways There are two guides for trav'lers, only two guides: One's the Good Shepherd e'en thro' the death tides; The other,—the serpent, beguiling with sin Whose beauty external hides poison within, Hides poison within, death poison within. There are two homes for travAers, only two homes: One's that fair city where evil ne'er comes; The other,—sins' wages, eternal and dread, The fate of the lost ones, the doom of the dead, The doom of the dead, the sorrowful dead. —F. E. Belden, Christ in Song, no. 11. THINK IT THROUGH Read prayerfully and meditate upon the promise of divine protection contained in Psalms 46 and 91. FURTHER STUDY Evangelism, p. 306; Early Writings, p. 105; Gospel Workers, pp. 254, 255. 47 c.! .4 • ,0.1 LESSON 6 May 3-9 6. Hope of the Race "I say also unto thee, That thou art to carry me home." To the enslaved, Peter, and upon this rock I will build Jesus was a "wheel-in-a-wheel, way my church; and the gates of hell shall in the middle of the air." This hope not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). of ultimate deliverance fired their faith and enabled them to endure the rigors of servitude. Physicians find it difficult to treat We have placed our faith in many effectively patients who have no will things as solutions to mankind's ills. to live. World leaders view the com- Science, politics, philosophy, and plex nature of international prob- various forms of humanism have had lems with perplexity. Hope wanes their day. None have offered us that man will ever find solutions to hope in the moment of test. Only his many problems. But the Chris- the Creator can redeem. Only the tian can look beyond the disturbing Maker can be our Saviour. Without present to a hopeful hereafter. He the divine Christ of Peter's inspired marches to the beat of a different testimonial, the gates of hell will drummer. He discerns in the flow of surely prevail against the church and human affairs a movement toward the world. climax. He is motivated with Job by Since the sin of Adam, humanity the knowledge that his "redeemer has been trapped in the prison liveth, and that he shall stand at the house of time. Christ alone can set latter day upon the earth" (Job us free to enter once again the eter- 19:25). Like the sun shining at nity that was ever His. Mankind has noonday, this fact illuminates all been in steady retrogression since else. the sin of Adam. Christ is the one During the long night of American last ray of hope of man before the slavery, a story made the rounds of final plunge to destruction. the slave quarters that one Moses had visited Egypt and brought free- DAILY HIGHLIGHTS dom to the Hebrew slaves. Hope 1. The Lamb on Zion stirred faintly in the bosoms of the (Rev. 14:1) benighted that perhaps some mod- 2. Gospel of the Kingdom ern Moses would do the same for (Matt. 24:14) them. Their songs reflect that they 3. The Woman and Her Seed pinned their hope on the coming of (Rev. 12:14, 17) Christ. Let us consider a few exam- 4. War With Saints ples: "Keep inching along, keep (Rev. 12:16) inching along, Master Jesus is com- 5. "My Jewels" ing by and by." "I looked over Jor- (Mal. 3:17) dan and what did I see? A band of 6. "This Is Our God" angels coming after me, coming for (Isa. 25:9) ALAN COLLINS, SCULPTOR Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday May 3 Part 1 What promise have we that the church will triumph at last? THE LAMB ON ZION "I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads" (Rev. 14:1). (See also Rev. 7:1-17; 14:13-16; 22:3, 4, 18-20.) The exact identity of the 144,000 is unknown. God has not chosen to reveal all concerning them. There is, however, enough said about them to inspire confidence. And if we are saved, we shall know beyond doubt just who they are. "While John was shown the last great struggles of the church with earthly powers, he was also permitted to behold the final victory and deliverance of the faithful. He saw the church brought into deadly conflict with the beast and his image, and the worship of that beast enforced on pain of death. But looking beyond the smoke and din of the battle, he beheld a company upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having, instead of the mark of the beast, the 'Father's name written in their foreheads.' And again he saw 'them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 752, 753. For what selfless purpose was the church put on the earth? Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19, 20. "A moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of heaven is to be used in doing the work assigned us by the Lord for those who are perishing in igno- rance... . "God's people should make mighty intercession to Him for help now. And they must put their whole energies into the effort to proclaim the truth during the respite that has been granted.... "Every day we have been associating with men and women who are judgment bound. Each day may have been the dividing line for some soul. Each day someone may have made the decision which will determine his future destiny."— Evangelism, p. 704. THINK IT THROUGH Does it diminish my desire to be among the 144,000, even though the exact composition of this group is not yet clearly revealed? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 11, 12; The Desire of Ages, pp. 820, 821. 50 Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Monday May 4 Part 2 When the gospel's task is finished, what long-awaited event GOSPEL OF will happen? THE KINGDOM "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14). "Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take posses- sion of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 111 Who can escape the chastisement of the following words? "Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preach- ing to a sleeping people!"—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 337. How indeed may we profess with our lips to love the Lord Jesus—and live only for ourselves. With literature to be distrib- uted, Bible studies to be given, and with healing, publishing and teaching ministries to be fulfilled, there is a work for every pair of hands to do. Inertia cannot be explained in times like these. Thousands of the saints are sleepwalking in the very shadow of the eternal world. As individuals we cannot now wait to be told what must be done. It is our privilege to "work the works" while it is day. What other human endeavor can rival the spreading of the gospel in determining the destiny of the race? Mark 16:16. The work of the church is to complete the work begun by the Lord. "Just as we trace the pathway of a stream of water by the line of living green it produces, so Christ could be seen in the deeds of mercy that marked His pathway at every step. Wher- ever He went, health sprang up and happiness followed wher- ever He passed. The blind and deaf rejoiced in His presence. His words to the ignorant opened to them a fountain of life. He dispensed His blessings abundantly and continuously. They were the garnered treasures of eternity, given in Christ, the Lord's rich gift to man."—Counsels on Health, p. 499. THINK IT THROUGH Does the hope of Christ's soon coming burn as fervently in my heart as when I first embraced the third angel's message? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 111; Colporteur Ministry, p. 17; Counsels to Teachers, p. 324. 51 Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday May 5 Part 3 Who is the principle enemy of the church, and how did he THE WOMAN work both in the Dark Ages and on through to our own time? AND HER SEED "To the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the command- ments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 12:14, 17). "The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan has been manifested against the church of Christ; . . . as the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. He comes down 'having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.' Revelation 12:12.... All the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God's people in the final conflict."—The Great Controversy, pp. ix, x. What method will the dragon use to frustrate the efforts of the believers? Rev. 12:13. Demons are real! They are fallen angels who have nothing to do but to afflict and torment men. They were ejected from heaven with Satan himself. They are confined to this earth. They will perish here. They are doing their best to get every human being possible to share their miserable fate. "Satan has great advantages. He possessed the wonderful intellectual power of an angel, of which few form any just idea. Satan was conscious of his power, or he would not have en- gaged in a conflict with the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Satan closely watches events, and when he finds one who has a specially strong spirit of opposi- tion to the truth of God he will even reveal to him unfulfilled events, that he may more firmly secure himself a seat in his heart. He who did not hesitate to brave a conflict with Him who holds creation as in His hand, has malignity to persecute and deceive. He holds mortals in his snare at the present time. During his experience of nearly six thousand years he has lost none of his skill and shrewdness. All this time he has been a close observer of all that concerns our race."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 171, 172. THINK IT THROUGH "We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun."—Steps to Christ, pp. 99, 100. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 54, 55, 306; The Ministry of Heal- 52 ing, p. 96. Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday May 6 Part 4 How did God move to protect His people through the Dark WAR WITH Ages? SAINTS "The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth" (Rev. 12:16). "Persecution [as the long period of papal oppression began] opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus says the prophet: 'The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.' Revelation 12:6."—The Great Controversy, pp. 54, 55. How does John describe the return of persecution to the remnant church? Rev. 13:7; 12:17. "God's word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men.... All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution."—The Great Controversy, p. 581. How severe will this persecution of the remnant be? Rev. 14:13. "The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, per- suade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected."—The Great Controversy, p. 592. THINK IT THROUGH Will I be as satisfied to be laid to rest before the time of trouble as I would be to be alive to witness Christ's return? FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 712; Prophets and Kings, pp. 472, 473, 605, 606. 53 Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday May 7 Part 5 How strong is the Lord's assurance that He will again de- "MY liver His sealed people? JEWELS" "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him" (Mal. 3:17). "The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest His mighty power and turn their captivity. 'They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.' Malachi 3:17. If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, [after probation's close] it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God."—The Great Controversy, p. 634. At this point the future of the saints seems hopeless. The darkness that engulfed our Saviour in Gethsemane surrounds them. Evil men and demons seek to overthrow their faith. The outlook is dim, lighted only by the promises of the Scriptures. At the midnight hour of their torturous experience, the Saviour will reveal His power. During the time of trouble the blessed hope alone will light their days. The bankruptcy of all things earthly will now be clearly seen by all who desire the Lord's return. By what dramatic act will God intervene for His people? Rev. 16:15; 22:12. "In the time of trial before us God's pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience. Christ will say to His faithful ones: 'Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.' Isaiah 26:20. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror to the transgressor of God's law is light and mercy and deliverane to those who have kept His commandments."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 404. THINK IT THROUGH The gathering of the faithful of all ages! Does this thought overwhelm you with a longing desire to be in that number? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 598; Early Writings, p. 70; The Ministry of Healing, p. 488. 54 Hope of the Race LESSON 6 ❑ Friday May 8 Part 6 How will the church be rewarded for clinging by faith to the "THIS IS Lord when His face was not revealed to them? OUR GOD" "It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation" (Isa. 25:9). "From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Mil- lions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest of criminals. But the day is near when 'God is judge Himself.' (Ps. 50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke of His people shall He take away.' Isa. 25:8. White robes will be given to every one of them. (Rev. 6:11.) And 'they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.' Isa. 62:12."— Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 179, 180. We have waited for him.—The saints do not succumb to the impatience of the scoffers. Their service and allegiance are based on something deeper than "time of arrival." Their union with Christ is based on faith, love, and respect. The quality of that faith, the depth of love, and the height of their respect will determine their ability to endure. And you may be sure that the saints described in the preceding quotation built up these vir- tues sufficiently to power them through the end. Prayer, Bible study, and Christian service strengthen the soul fiber— rendering the Christian shock resistant. We can and must now hasten the buildup of these inner resources so that when the storm breaks we will be safe. How complete will be the triumph of the saints? Rev. 21:4. "There [the eternal city] the redeemed greet those who led them to the Saviour, and all unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 602. THINK IT THROUGH Am I now worthy to sing with the redeemed, "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb"? FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 300, 644, 650. 55 LESSON 7 May 10-16 7 Life for Death "The last enemy that shall be de- second coming of Christ. It is a vital stroyed is death" (1 Cor. 15:26). part of the good news of the gospel. All that we lost through the sin of Adam will be restored by our com- ing Lord. His coming will signal the On the cross Jesus cried, "It is end of all human administration. The finished." Before Him was the tomb, erosion of the environment will be the resurrection, the ascension, His arrested and reversed. Now we are priestly ministry, the second coming, prisoners of time, but we will learn the millennium, the executive judg- by experience what we now accept ment, and the new creation. It is by faith, namely, the joy of living obvious therefore that the sacrificial eternally. His coming will signal the atonement for the sin of the race end of all shortages of those things was "finished." There would thereaf- essential to life and the restoration ter remain no more sacrifice for sin. of bounties beyond imagination. (See Heb. 10:26.) But in A.D. 31 the There will occur a restoration of the world had not seen the last of Him. sinless environment, replacing the "I will come again," He said. But sin-spoiled atmosphere of the here what will His coming mean to His and now. Worship of the Creator followers, His enemies, and to this will be the continual and joyous planet itself? The author found this function of the creature. In immor- study fascinating. He thinks you will tal, sin-free bodies the redeemed too. will live their lives in harmony with For, you see, changes are in store Heaven's laws. The sons,of Adam for the human family that stagger will have a second chance because the imagination. The immediate fu- the second Adam has atoned for us ture offers little to hope for in terms all. He will return to complete for of human betterment. The prophet's His church the saving work that He pen has faithfully traced a painful began at Bethlehem. picture. "Darkness shall cover the The last great enemy—death—and earth, and gross darkness the all his cohorts will be destroyed! people" (Isa. 60:2). "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and DAILY HIGHLIGHTS Worse" (2 Tim. 3:13). "Nation shall 1. The Last Enemy rise against nation, and kingdom (1 Cor. 15:54, 55) against kingdom: and great earth- 2. No Fear in the Valley quakes shall be in divers places, and (Ps. 23:4) famines, and pestilences; and fearful 3. Endless Kingdom sights and great signs shall there be (Dan. 2:44) from heaven" (Luke 21:10, 11). 4. Like Him These gloomy pictures of the re- (1 John 3:2) sults of our transgression could oc- 5. Pure As He Is Pure cupy this entire lesson, but there is (1 John 3:3) better news beyond! One persistent 6. Right to the Tree of Life ray of hope pierces the gloom—the (Rev. 22:14) JOHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1971 PPPA Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday May 10 Part 1 Death is an enemy to the righteous. How will the second THE LAST coming handle it? ENEMY "When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:54, 55). (See also John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.) "The Life-giver will call up His purchased possession in the first resurrection, and until that triumphant hour, when the last trump shall sound and the vast army shall come forth to eternal victory, every sleeping saint will be kept in safety and will be guarded as a precious jewel, who is known to God by name. By the power of the Saviour that dwelt in them while living and because they were partakers of the divine nature, they are brought forth from the dead."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1143. When will the wicked dead arise "unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:29)? Rev. 20:5. "At the close of the one thousand years, Jesus, with the angels and all the saints, leaves the Holy City, and while He is descending to the earth with them, the wicked dead are raised, and then the very men that 'pierced Him,' being raised, will see Him afar off in all His glory, the angels and saints with Him, and will wail because of Him. They will see the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into His side. The prints of the nails and the spear will then be His glory. It is at the close of the one thousand years that Jesus stands upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount parts asunder and becomes a mighty plain. Those who flee at that time are the wicked, who have just been raised. Then the Holy City comes down and settles on the plain. Satan then imbues the wicked with his spirit. He flatters them that the army in the city is small, and that his army is large, and that they can overcome the saints and take the city."—Early Writings, p. 53. THINK IT THROUGH Ponder the everlasting difference in being on the inside of the Holy City looking out, rather than being on the outside of the city looking in! FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, p. 239; Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 271-273. 58 Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Monday May // Part 2 What attitude toward death characterizes the Christian? NO FEAR IN THE VALLEY "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Ps. 23:4). "Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning—what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly co-operation in every work of humanity!"—Education, p. 305 (Emphasis supplied.) Some Christians view death as the gate to endless life. This view was borrowed from the Egyptians by Plato. Christians adopted from his writings the doctrine of natural immortality. According to the Bible no part of a human can live on after death. Death is an interruption of life, not a continuation thereof. For the redeemed, therefore, the second coming of Christ assumes fresh significance. (See John 5:28, 29.) How do the wicked regard the prospect of death? Matt. 8:12. The answer to this question depends on the view of God, life, and death that each individual has adopted. Death is really an enemy to both saint and sinner. But hope of life in the hereafter is there to cushion the impact on the Christian. No such bless- ing truly sustains the sinner. In death he faces only the darkness of the abyss. One needs only to read the dying words of Voltaire and Lord Byron to measure the pain of a Christless death. Having lived by the elixir of surface satisfactions, the sinner must content himself with a sunless death. "The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, Await alike, th' inevitable hour:— The paths of glory lead but to the grave." —Thomas Gray, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." THINK IT THROUGH Ponder 1 Corinthians 15:26, 51-55. Death will be a thing of the past! FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 274; The Desire of Ages, p. 336. 59 Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday May 12 Part 3 How will the coming of Christ affect the human administra- ENDLESS tion of the nations represented in Nebuchadnezzar's dream? KINGDOM "In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" (Dan. 2:44). When God created the world, He made mankind its steward, His vicegerent, subject only to His own direction. When we sinned, a new system of government evolved, with human ad- ministration of national affairs. Even ancient Israel chose to go this way. And so history provides the record of the human experiment in self-government. We have the names of tyrants and benevolent rulers who have brought sorrow and joy to the lives of millions. Historically however, sorrows far outweigh the joys. But the coming of Christ will change all of this. "The kingdom shall not be left to other people." Christ will resume His rightful place as Ruler of the planet. When will this dramatic change be implemented? Eze. 21:27. The administration of justice and the overall leadership of men and nations have suffered since the fall of Adam. While ruling over the basic flow of events, God has permitted men and demons to hold sway subject only to His control. But no more. Christ's return to the earth will change all this. He will once again rule this planet, this time unchallenged. "Affliction shall not rise up the second time" (Nahum 1:9). "From the rise and fall of nations as made plain in the pages of Holy Writ, they need to learn how worthless is mere outward and worldly glory. Babylon, with all its power and its magnificence, the like of which our world has never since beheld,—power and magnificence which to the people of that day seemed so stable and enduring,—how completely has it passed away! As 'the flower of the grass' it has perished. So perishes all that has not God for its foundation. Only that which is bound up with His purpose and expresses His character can endure. His principles are the only steadfast things our world knows."—Education, p. 183. THINK IT THROUGH Will my faith endure the test while my salvation is being worked out with fear and trembling? FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 910; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 208, 524; Prophets and Kings, p. 536. 60 Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday May 13 Part 4 What change will be made in our mortal nature at the sec- LIKE HIM ond coming? "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). (See also 1 Cor. 15:51-55.) "The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and came forth clothed with glorious immortality, crying, 'Victory, victory, over death and the grave! 0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?' Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twin- kling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part."—Early Writings, p. 287. What dramatic reversal of experience will the saints ulti- mately know? Mal. 4:3. Perhaps the supreme tragedy in this reversal is that those who once knew the Lord were enticed away by the evil one. "This class threw themselves into a current of temptation and kept where the enemy led them successfully, and he has so easily controlled their minds and corrupted their entire experience that in all probability they will be unable to recover themselves out of his snare and obtain a healthful exprience. "The fires of the day of God will consume the stubble and chaff, and there will be nothing left of any who continue in the ungodly course which they have so long loved. This class have a disrelish for the society of those whom God is truly with."— Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 554. THINK IT THROUGH What undesirable traits in my character do I need to discard in order to "lay aside every weight"? Or is it a matter of opening the heart door to the heavenly Merchantman? (See Rev. 3:20, 21.) FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, p. 110; Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 33; Tes- timonies, vol. 1, p. 36. 61 Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday May14 Part 5 How does the "blessed hope" inspire the believer toward PURE AS purity of life? HE IS PURE "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). Not that the believer ever expects to feel pure enough to be worthy of the kingdom, apart from the merits of Jesus, but hope of life in the hereafter improves the quality of life here. By beholding we become like that which claims our attention. To feed on the ashes of earth's depressing scene is to wither and die when living really counts. Spirituality is fed from above. Through prayer and the study of the Word we breathe the sweet atmosphere of heaven. To pursue the hereafter is to enrich our sojourn here! While the Prince of Wales was on a visit to the Midlands, he went into a certain workingman's home. Next day the working man told his mate sadly, "We never expected him. The house was untidy, and I hadn't washed. We shall never forgive our- selves. If we had known that he was coming, we should have been ready for him." Unfortunately, this sad lament will fall from the lips of countless thousands who face One greater than the Prince of Wales—the coming of the King of kings! Eternal fellowship with Christ is the Christian's goal. Will he ever achieve it? Rev. 14:4; 7:4, 9. Who is the present strength of the believer? Isa. 40:31. "Christ is saying to you today: 'I am with you, co-operating with your faithful, trusting efforts, and giving you precious vic- tories. I will strengthen you as you sanctify yourselves to My service. I will give you success in your efforts to arouse souls dead in trespasses and sins.' "Unswerving faith and unselfish love will overcome the dif- ficulties that arise in the path of duty to hinder aggressive warfare. As those inspired by this faith go forward in the work of saving souls, they will run and not be weary, will walk and not faint."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 243. Many obese persons spend their lives worrying about their weight. The bad news that the scales bring daily keeps them in a state of depression. Their time could be better spent on a weight-reduction program. Concentrating less on the scales and more on consistent weight-reducing measures would ac- complish more. To those who have eyes that see and ears that hear, this illustration speaks volumes. THINK IT THROUGH Do I desire eternal life because I fear eternal death, or because I love Christ so dearly that I want to live in His presence eternally? FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Faith and Acceptance," p. 53. 62 Life for Death LESSON 7 ❑ Friday May 15 Part 6 What conditions must be met by those expecting to enter RIGHT TO the city? THE TREE OF LIFE "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14). Sometimes, in this text, the blessing is spoken to those "who wash their robes," (NEB, RSV). Either way, it points to the heart of salvation. He who remembers that His robe is clean only because it has been washed in the precious blood of the Lamb is going to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Jesus. He pleads that in his own life might be seen wholehearted obedi- ence to the commandments of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. The harmony of grace and righteousness that has always existed in the heart of God will be reflected in the heart of the redeemed believers. Will the church someday enjoy the Holy City? Heb. 11:16. "Only a few days more to be as pilgrims and strangers in this world, seeking for a better country, even an heavenly. Our home is in heaven. Then stay your soul in confidence upon God. Roll all your burdens upon Him. "Oh, how many times has your heart been touched with the beauty of the Saviour's countenance, charmed with the loveli- ness of His character, and subdued with the thought of His suffering. Now He wants you to lean your whole weight upon Him. I will give a chapter to comfort you at all times. 'And in that day thou shalt say, 0 Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfort- edst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation' (Isa. 12:1-3)."—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 232. THINK IT THROUGH Do I keep the commandments from a sense of fear or be- cause I love the Commandment-giver, who also is my Re- deemer? (See John 14:15.) FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 625; Child Guidance, p. 354; Counsels to Teachers, p. 280. 63 LESSON 8 May 17-23 One Thousand Years-Of What? "I saw an angel come down from nium as a time of holy action, essen- heaven, having the key of the bottom- tial to the eternal joy of the saints, less pit and a great chain in his hand. and as a time of embarrassment and And he laid hold on the dragon, that desperation for Lucifer and his old serpent, which is the Devil, and hosts. Those who reach the Holy Satan, and bound him a thousand City must know why many of their years" (Rev. 20:1, 2). loved ones are not there. Thus "the saints shall judge the world" (1 Cor. The millennium is 1000 years—an 6:2). One thousand years in the at- interval between the second coming mosphere of heaven is a fitting of Christ and the ultimate destruc- counterpart to the 6000 years of the tion of the wicked. The sin experi- sin experience. ment has run its course. Demons For the devil the millennium is a and selfish men have rendered the special source of embarrassment. earth unfit for human habitation. Imprisoned here with his evil con- The second coming of Christ will federates, he is at least free to pon- mercifully cut short this work of der his loss. His human victims are death, or no flesh could be saved. all dead. The righteous during the This fascinating study of the millen- millennium are in heaven. The fallen nium describes (1) the occupation of angels with their leader are alone to the saints, (2) the fate of the wicked, quarrel and fight among themselves and (3) the activities of Lucifer and for 1000 years. Satan stands exposed his angels during this period. for what he really is, a deceiver and The millennium is one of the most a treasonable usurper. Satan may misunderstood of all Bible doctrines. once have aspired to improve on It is one on which the Adventist God's creative power, but in one view is almost unique, not only be- thousand years he cannot improve cause of our understanding of the on the desolation of the earth. (See nature of man, but also because of Early Writings, p. 145; Spiritual Gifts, our view of the limited role of vol. 3, p. 36.) natural Israel in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Some teach that it is DAILY HIGHLIGHTS a period of time when the gospel 1. Everlasting Destruction will go to and convert the Jewish na- (2 Thess. 1:6-10, NIV) tion. It is associated with the reign 2. Kings and Priests of antichrist. Yet others picture it as (Rev. 20:4, 6) the culmination of man's political 3. Jealous "Creator" evolution, 1000 years of peace as the (Isa. 14:12-14) reward for man's upward strivings. 4. The Bride Adorned For yet others, the millennium has (Rev. 21:2) no clear meaning in their system of 5. "Camp of the Saints" interpretation. Biblically speaking, (Rev. 20:5, 9, 10) none of the above is true. 6. "Neither Root nor Branch" This lesson pictures the millen- (Mal. 4:1) OHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1967 PPPA One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday May 17 Part 1 At the second coming of Christ what will happen to the EVERLASTING wicked? DESTRUCTION "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our tes- timony to you" (2 Thess. 1:6-10, NIV). "At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants."— The Great Controversy, p. 657. The wicked have slighted 6000 years of grace dispensed at infinite cost. They have caused the persecution of preachers, prophets, and messengers of God. And finally the greatest price of all was paid in the death of the only-begotten Son of God. So that in a real sense they deserve their fate. God has, beyond all this, surrounded us with those support systems that sustain life. And, though scarred by 6000 years of abuse, this planet has retained much in nature that would gladden the eye and rejoice the heart. The sinner literally has to blind himself to the mercies of God in order to put himself in the path of God's wrath. He has to hurdle obstacle after obstacle, each a reminder of the Mas- ter's love, to reach the fiery judgments of Jehovah. How is the ultimate triumph of the redeemed over death portrayed by the apostle Paul? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. The glory of the translation of the saints succeeds the mid- night of persecution and sorrow. All affection for this world will be ironed out of us by God's permitted affliction. Indeed, that is the purpose of it. The fires of affliction will burn fiercest just before the dawn of the second coming. We will be brought to long for Him as "the hart panteth after the water brooks" (Ps. 42:1). THINK IT THROUGH In the parable, the wheat and the tares were to grow to- gether until the harvest. Is there anything still in or about my life that will cause me to be among the tares rather than the wheat at Christ's appearing? (See Matt. 13:30, 40.) FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "To Meet the Bridegroom," p. 421; Early Writings, p. 179. 66 One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Monday May 18 Part 2 What will the righteous do in heaven? KINGS AND PRIESTS "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them." "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrec- tion: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4, 6). (Compare with 1 Cor. 6:2, 3.) "After the saints are changed to immortality and caught up together with Jesus, after they receive their harps, their robes, and their crowns, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment. The books are opened—the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints; and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and according to that men are judged. The saints, in unison with Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. . . . This, I saw, was the work of the saints with Jesus through the one thousand years in the Holy City before it descends to the earth."—Early Writings, pp. 52, 53. How long will they remain there? Rev. 20:2, 6. "The saints will rest in the Holy City and reign as kings and priests one thousand years; then Jesus will descend with the saints upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount will part asun- der and become a mighty plain for the Paradise of God to rest upon. The rest of the earth will not be cleansed until the end of the one thousand years, when the wicked dead are raised, and gather up around the city."—Early Writings, pp. 51, 52. At this same time, what will be the condition of the earth? Jer. 4:23-26. For 1000 years the earth will lie desolate. This time period is bound by the second coming of Christ at the beginning and the descent of the New Jerusalem at the end. During this time the saints are in heaven, and the wicked are dead on the earth. Contrary to popular thought, there will be no preaching to or conversion of the Jewish nation at this time. All conversions will take place before the millennium. For when the millennium begins, destinies will have been fixed. THINK IT THROUGH What have I done today to ensure that my destiny will be fixed for eternal life and not for everlasting destruction, when the books in heaven are closed? (See 1 Tim. 5:24.) FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pp. 52, 53; Education, pp. 180, 181; Tes- timonies, vol. 9, pp. 14, 15. 67 One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday May 19 Part 3 Under the symbol of the king of Babylon, what ambition is JEALOUS attributed to Lucifer, son of the morning? "CREATOR" "How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning! ... For thou hast said in thine heart, ... I will be like the most High" (Isa. 14:12-14). If Lucifer aspired to be like the Most High, he would undoubt- edly covet creative power. The creation of this world and of man could have coincided in some measure with Lucifer's rebellion in heaven. "Especially was His [God's] Son to work in union with Himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out His will and His purposes but would do nothing of Himself alone. The Father's will would be fulfilled in Him. "Lucifer was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ."—The Story of Redemption, pp. 13, 14. With 1000 years to prove his credentials as a creator, how does Lucifer (Satan) perform? The original sin was related to the desire of Lucifer to be consulted in the creation of mankind and the earth. Instead, however, Christ was invited into council with the Father in the planning of this creative act. Lucifer's heart was filled with jealous but carefully controlled rage, and he went about in- sinuating against the government of God with such effective- ness that many of the angels in heaven accepted his story. Now Lucifer was the highest of all created beings, but the fact that he was created indicated that he did not have creative power. (See Eze. 28:15.) He rebelled against his limitations and was cast out into the earth. During the millennium he could have 1000 years to demon- strate any creative power. But, alas, at the end of the 1000 years he will not, in all of this time, have created a single living flower. His credibility, in this and all respects, will have been destroyed. He must divert the attention of his angel followers away from himself. The arrival of the City of God at the end of the 1000 years provides him with this opportunity. He inspires a sense- less attack against the saints in the City. Fire comes down from God out of heaven and destroys all the wicked—angels and people. THINK IT THROUGH Whatever is left of the world's coveted oil will add to the fires for destroying the wicked and cleansing the earth. (See Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 87 and The Great Controversy, p. 672.) FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264; Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 697; The Desire of Ages, p. 516. 68 One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday May 20 Part 4 What unparalleled event will signal the close of the millen- THE BRIDE nium? ADORNED "I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her hus- band" (Rev. 21:2). (See also Rev. 20:9; 21:10.) "After the judgment of the wicked dead had been finished, at the end of the one thousand years, Jesus left the city, and the saints and a train of the angelic host followed Him. Jesus de- scended upon a great mountain, which as soon as His feet touched it, parted asunder and became a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great and beautiful city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We cried out, 'The city! the great city! it is coming down from God out of heaven!' And it came down in all its splendor and dazzling glory and settled in the mighty plain which Jesus had prepared for it."—Early Writings, p. 291. What possible clue does the Bible present as to where the Holy City will rest? Zech. 14:4, 9. Whereas the prophecy of Zechariah 14 might have had an earlier fulfillment at Christ's first advent, had Israel been faithful to God, it now remains for the New Jerusalem to occupy the plain yet to be formed in the midst of the Mount of Olives. "Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. These were to be inhabited by the saints. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone all about their heads, and they were continually shouting and offering praises to God."—Early Writings, p. 18. THINK IT THROUGH Read Revelation 21 and 22. If this does not inspire the heart to desire eternal life, what will? "Oh, what a beautiful city!" FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "To Meet the Bridegroom," p. 414; The Great Controversy, pp. 426, 427; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 591, 592; Early Writings, p. 41. 69 One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday May 21 Part 5 At the close of the millennium, what events turn the Holy "CAMP City into the "camp of the saints" for a time? OF THE SAINTS" "The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished." "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and com- passed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Rev. 20:5, 9, 10). "At the first resurrection all come forth in immortal bloom, but at the second, the marks of the curse are visible upon all. All come up as they went down into their graves. Those who lived before the Flood, come forth with their giantlike stature, more than twice as tall as men now living upon the earth, and well proportioned. The generations after the Flood were less in sta- ture.... ". . Although the whole earth, with the exception of that portion where the city rests, will be wrapped in a sea of liquid fire, yet the city is preserved as was the ark, by a miracle of Almighty power. It stands unharmed amid the devouring elements."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary, vol. 7, p. 986. Describe the final judgment. Rev. 20:13. A merciful God will not destroy until the nature of sin is fully revealed. Men and angels, fallen and unfallen, will get a final lesson before the great white throne. From that time, iniquity will no longer be a mystery. Sin will stand revealed for what it really is—rebellion against the Creator. Opposition without rea- son, rebellion without cause, high treason against the govern- ment of God—this is sin. The reasonableness of hell will at that time be nondebatable. Saint and sinner, human and celestial, will understand the necessity of the final solution. "As soon as,the books of record are opened, and the eye of Jesus looks upon the wicked, they are conscious of every sin which they have ever committed. They see just where their feet diverged from the path of purity and holiness, just how far pride and rebellion have carried them in the violation of the law of God."—The Great Controversy, p. 666. THINK IT THROUGH What is consequent upon having or not having our names entered in the Lamb's book of life? (See Rev. 20:15.) FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 628; Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 235. 70 One Thousand Years-Of What? LESSON 8 ❑ Friday May 22 Part 6 What is the fate of wicked men who failed to accept Christ's "NEITHER salvation? ROOT NOR BRANCH" "Behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch" (Mal. 4:1). Here in detail is the consequence of not believing the gospel, as Christ explained the matter to Nicodemus (John 3:16-18). "Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. 'The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing.' Isaiah 14:7.... "While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11."—The Great Controversy, p. 673. What produces the "utter end" of devils, death, and hell? Rev. 20:10, 14, 15. " 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.' Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of-the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. "One reminder alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the Cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His glory: 'He had bright beams coming out of His side: and there was the hiding of His power.' Habakkuk 3:4, margin. That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God—there is the Saviour's glory, there 'the hiding of His power.' "—The Great Controversy, p. 674. THINK IT THROUGH How shall I stand in that great day? FURTHER STUDY Counsels to Teachers, p. 55; Education, p. 301-309. 71 4,1 LESSON 9 May 24-29 90 Divfme Justice-- With Love "The Lord is not slack concerning The justice of God must never be his promise, as some men count slack- studied without the truth of 2 Peter ness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, 3:9, which assures us that God is not willing that any should perish, but "not willing that any should perish, that all should come to repentance" but that all should come to repen- (2 Peter 3:9). tance." An offended God will be vindi- During the Middle Ages theolo- cated. His violated law must be satis- gians invented the doctrine of fied. Without enforcement power, everburning embers" as the ulti- God would forfeit the respect of the mate fate of the wicked. This twisted universe. Hence, the "fire and version of divine justice has made brimstone" of Revelation 20. It is the more skeptics, atheists, and infidels natural consequence of unrequited than any other Bible-related teach- love. God is not a stern-visaged des- It is to Satan's advantage thus to pot sitting in the heavens, anxious to misrepresent the character of God. punish; rather, He is a loving Father Only divine love could have toler- who has striven 6000 years to deliver ated sin in an orderly universe. We us. But when spurned, He is still a must therefore view the eradication "consuming fire." of evil as essential to the good of all For those who cannot sacrifice creation. In love, the God of heaven their idols for the sake of living in will put an end to it all. the presence of Jesus, heaven would Messengers of mercy brought re- be a place of perpetual torture. It peated appeals to their own genera- would have to deprive them of free- tion that man should worship and dom. It is in mercy, therefore, that obey the true God. But most of justice exacts the toll of every unfor- them were rather roughly treated. given sin. Heaven must be truly Noah was ridiculed; Jeremiah was heaven to every permanent resident. consigned to a pit; James, John the Baptist, and Paul were all beheaded; DAILY HIGHLIGHTS Peter was crucified; and the apostle 1. Where Mercy Meets Justice John was exiled. God even sent His (John 3:16) Son Jesus with His appeal of love 2. The Long-suffering God and mercy. Alas, He was crucified. (2 Peter 3:9) Would you not agree that God has 3. Give Account of Yourself done all that divine love could con- (Rom. 14:12) ceive to save man? Jesus was God's 4. Your Adversary the Devil only-begotten Son! God the Father (1 Peter 5:8) risked losing Him to save mankind. 5. Destroyed "in Hell" This is love, deep and mysterious. If (Matt. 10:28) He loses His Son, we too are lost. 6. "Prisoners of Hope" So in a real sense Jehovah risked all! (Zech. 9:12) IOHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1961 PPPA Divine Justice—With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday May 24 Part 1 What principle of mercy forever undergirds the judgments WHERE of Jehovah? MERCY MEETS "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, JUSTICE that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). (Compare Matt. 23:37-39; Hosea 11:7, 8.) "Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He cast one lingering look upon the temple and then upon His hearers. In a voice choked by deep anguish of heart and bitter tears He exclaimed, '0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem!' [Matt. 23:37 quoted] ... This is the separation struggle. In the lamentation of Christ the very heart of God is pouring itself forth."—The Desire of Ages, p. 620. "0 that we might comprehend more fully the infinite price that has been paid for our redemption! Paul declares, 'Ye are bought with a price' (1 Cor. 6:20); and it is true; for the price paid is nothing less than the life of the only-begotten Son of God. Let us all consider this. We may refuse the invitations that Christ sends to us; we may neglect His offer of pardon and peace; but still it remains a fact that every one of us has been bought with a price, even with the precious blood of the Son of God. There- fore, 'Consider him' (Heb. 12:3)."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 100. Despite the vivid language of some Bible passages, how does God feel about the punishment of the wicked? Eze. 18:32. "Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, 'Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compas- sionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me have been squandered, I will arise, and go to my Father, and say, "I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants." ' The parable tells you how the wanderer will be received: 'When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.' Luke 15:18-21."—Steps to Christ, pp. 53, 54. THINK IT THROUGH In the light of the precious promise of 1 John 1:9, why will so many souls for whom Christ died be lost? FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 631-634. 74 Divine Justice-With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Monday May 25 Part 2 How does the apostle Peter characterize the divine at- THE LONG- titude toward sinners? SUFFERING GOD "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repen- tance" (2 Peter 3:9). "I hope and pray that you may walk in all lowliness of mind, that you may be a blessing to one another. 'Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.' The bridal lamps must be kept trimmed and burning. Our Lord delays because of His long-suffering to usward, 'not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' But when we, with all the redeemed, shall stand upon the sea of glass, with harps of gold and crowns of glory, and before us the immensity of eternity, then we shall see how short was the waiting period of probation. 'Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching.' "—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 485. What is in the nature of sin that decrees its own destruction? James 1:15; Rom. 6:23. By nature, sin is anti-God. It is contrary to the nature of God. It is a cancer in the universe that must be cut out. If left alone, it would both contaminate and destroy. Left to natural results, sin would have destroyed itself and its victims long ago. But God intervened in mercy in order to rescue all who would accept His gift of salvation. However, God's mercy has limits. Justice still demands the eradication of sin. The cost to heaven and earth is high. God will put an end to sin, sinners, and sin's wages. And when He does, the on-looking universe will declare Him just. "By this law, which governs angels, which demands purity in the most secret thoughts, desires, and dispositions, and which shall 'stand fast for ever' (Ps. 111:8), all the world is to be judged in the rapidly approaching day of God. Transgressors may flat- ter themselves that the Most High does not know, that the Almighty does not consider; He will not always bear with them. Soon they will receive the reward of their doings, the death that is the wages of sin; while the righteous nations, that have kept the law, will be ushered through the pearly gates of the celestial city, and will be crowned with immortal life and joy in the presence of God and the Lamb."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 220. THINK IT THROUGH If sin and Satan were allowed to exist forever, what effect would this have on unfallen worlds? FURTHER STUDY Testimonies to Ministers, p. 394. 75 Divine Justice-With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday May 26 Part 3 Since we live in a moral universe, what does this require of GIVE us in terms of justice? ACCOUNT OF YOURSELF "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). (Compare Eccl. 12:13, 14.) "In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. 'Every one of us shall give ac- count of himself to God.' No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.' Rom. 14:12, 5. In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, . no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 550, 551. What ultimately is at stake in this controversy between Christ and Satan? Isa. 44:6, 7; Eze. 28:6, 7. The claims to Deity are brought close to us in the claims of the God-Man, Jesus Christ. His contemporaries recognized the weight of His claims in a measure when they accused Him of blasphemy. His claims were confirmed in His rising from the dead. "Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again."—The Desire of Ages, p. 785. The allegiance of mankind and angels was at stake in the challenge to the character and law of God. If the law and its claims were left unsatisfied, the issue of sin would forever re- main unsettled. And the longer this was undecided, the longer the spreading rebellion was multiplied. In taking our place be- fore God, Christ bore in His own body the curse of the law for us. This places us on vantage ground. Such love draws us to God. Angels touch their harps in rapture at the divine impulse. Who wouldn't serve a God like this? THINK IT THROUGH Ponder the awful outcome for the human beings on this planet had not Christ died for them. Then for reassurance read or recite John 3:16. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 117, 523. 76 Divine Justice—With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday May 27 Part 4 What is Satan's immediate objective in pressing the rebel- YOUR lion against the government of God? ADVERSARY THE DEVIL "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). (Compare Rev. 12:12.) Like the proverbial dog in a manger, Lucifer does not really want heaven; but he does not want us to have it either. He seeks to wound Christ by wounding the church. "Satan . . . [after Christ's ascension] counseled with his angels, and with bitter hatred against God's government told them that while he retained his power and authority upon earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the followers of Jesus. . . . He related to his angels that Jesus had given His disciples power to rebuke them and cast them out, and to heal those whom they should afflict. Then Satan's angels went forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus."— Early Writings, pp. 191, 192. What is God's final answer, in His overall plan, to the rebels against His government? Isa. 66:15, 16. It.must be remembered that man chooses his own destiny. He may despise the salvation so freely offered and literally cast himself into hell. The restraints of heaven have been deliber- ately cast aside, and the transgressor has chosen his own hard way. There is no joy in heaven over the death of the wicked. Christ is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. "The feet of the wicked will never desecrate the earth made new. Fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour them—burn them up root and branch. Satan is the root, and his children are the branches. The same fire that will devour the wicked will purify the earth."—Early Writings, pp. 51, 52. THINK IT THROUGH Why will so many be lost in spite of the fact that Christ died to save sinners? How can I know I have been covered and cleansed by the blood of Jesus? (Study John 15:1-14 and The Desire of Ages, pp. 674-677. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 40, 41; Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 172, 173; Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 986, 987. 77 Divine Justice-With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday May 28 Part 5 As indicated in the introduction to this week's lesson, no DESTROYED other teaching within the Christian church has made more "IN HELL" enemies for God than the teaching of an eternally burning hell. No other teaching has made it harder to accept that divine justice is with love. In spite of some Bible texts that would seem to support a continuing punishing of the impenitent, there are clear statements of the total destruction of the wicked. The gift of God to the wicked is not eternal life—neither "in hell" nor anywhere else! What is one of the clearest statements of the concept given above? "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). (Compare also Rev. 20:13-15; Mal. 4:1.) "Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth's surface seems one molten mass—a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men—' the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.' Isaiah 34:8."—The Great Controversy, pp. 672, 673. To complete the picture of events at the close of the millen- nium, we note the preservation of the "camp of the saints" and the cleansing of the earth: "While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11."—The Great Controversy, p. 673. According to Peter, what kind of power will God release in "the day of the Lord"? 2 Peter 3:10, 11. THINK IT THROUGH Read Proverbs 1:26 and Psalm 2:4. How should we har- monize these two texts with the thought in Ezekiel 33:11? FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, p. 151; The Great Controversy, p. 504; Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 138. 78 Divine Justice-With Love LESSON 9 ❑ Friday May 29 Part 6 There are a number of reasons why God has not closed the "PRISONERS account of the human race already, why time lingers. One of the OF HOPE" chief of these is His great yearning for the souls of men—as when Christ wept over His rejection by Jerusalem. What earnest appeal from the heart of love is conveyed through Zechariah? "Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee" (Zech. 9:12). "We are to reveal to the universe, to the world fallen and to the worlds unfallen, that there is forgiveness with God, that through the love of God we may be reconciled to God. Man repents, becomes contrite in heart, believes in Christ as His atoning sacrifice, and realizes that God is reconciled to him. "We should cherish gratitude of heart all the days of our life because the Lord has put on record these words: 'For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.' The reconciliation of God to man, and man to God, is sure when certain conditions are met."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 370. Under the personification of "wisdom," how does the wise man point out the reasons for the eternal loss of many in spite of God's loving appeals? Prov. 1:23-27. "If the sinner still refuses to heed the voice of mercy which calls after him with tender, pitying love, his soul will be left in darkness. If he neglects the opportunity presented him, and goes on in his evil course, the wrath of God will, in an unex- pected moment, break forth upon him. 'He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.' ... The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It lies at the foundation of a proper education. Those who, having a favorable opportunity, have failed to learn this first great lesson, are not only disqualified for service in the cause of God, but are a positive injury to the community in which they live."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 208. THINK IT THROUGH Since it is unnecessary that anyone be lost, why put off any longer being assured that we are Christ's? FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, p. 378; Messages to Young People, p. 334. 79 ~`1 LESSON 10 May 31 to June 6 Ita The New Creation "Behold, I create new heavens and a a view of the New Jerusalem that is new earth: and the former shall not be marvelous in its vivid portrayal. Ellen remembered, nor come into mind" White was given a view of other (Isa. 65:17). worlds and was pained by the thought that she must longer inhabit this one. At the end of the millennium a Paradise lost will yet be Paradise new day dawns for this planet. Gone regained. All that was lost through forever are the familiar signs of ero- Adam's fall will be reclaimed sion, the deep crevices and jagged through Christ's triumph. The hor- hilltops. Extremes of hot and cold rors of the sin experiment are tinted we know no more. Vast desert by one silver lining. Mankind, stretches know again the verdant triumphant at last, will now achieve bloom of grass and flower. The ani- a relationship with God heretofore mals are tame, and sinless men and impossible. Through Jesus Christ women walk paradise again without and His incarnation, we may in a fear. Gone forever are rental hous- real sense claim kinship with the ing, funeral trains, asphalt jungles, Godhead as would have been possi- and food shortages. Mankind lays ble in no other way. This thought "down his sword and shield, down alone should weaken the power of by the riverside—to study war no sin in our lives and fire us to press more." This is a vision of the future on to reach the mark of the high that should inspire the present. Be- calling as it is in Jesus. cause of the hereafter, we may live Mankind, born in sin, has been so better lives here. conditioned by familiarity with the earth's environment that it appears DAILY HIGHLIGHTS normal to him. There are still on this 1. Everlasting Destruction earth garden spots of variety and (2 Thess. 1:8, 9; 2 Peter 3:10) beauty that charm the senses. Hav- 2. Order and Harmony ing known none other than this (Isa. 65:25) earthly clime, we have little realiza- 3. Everything's Right! tion of what this world once was or (Isa. 65:23) once again will be. A few prophets 4. Pools on Parched Ground have in vision seen other realms, (Isa. 35:7, 8) still unfallen, and relayed scenes that 5. Study War No More strain earthly language. The apostle (Isa. 2:4) Paul was caught up to the "third 6. Kings and Queens heaven." The apostle John was given (Rev. 22:5) 'ROVONSHA, ARTIST, © 1953 PPPA The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday May 31 Part 1 In preparation for the new creation, what steps does the EVERLASTING Lord take to cleanse the earth of every trace of sin (and DESTRUCTION sinners)? "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thess. 1:8, 9). "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10). "The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They 'shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts.' Malachi 4:1. Some are de- stroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished 'according to their deeds.' The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit.... After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan the root, his followers the branches. The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah."—The Great Controversy, p. 673. What act of creation will Christ then perform? Isa. 65:17. "All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tire- less flight to worlds afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the chil- dren of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understand- ing gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed."—The Great Controversy, pp. 677, 678. THINK IT THROUGH Can we ever comprehend in its fullness what it will mean to "mount up with wings as eagles"? (Isa. 40:31). FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 278, 725, 726. 82 The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Monday June 1 Part 2 How will the animal world relate to mankind in the new ORDER AND earth? HARMONY "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord" (Isa. 65:25). Early in her experience, Ellen White saw in vision what had been forseen by Isaiah the prophet: "Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after."—Early Writ- ings, p. 18. Will there be rental housing units in the new earth? Isa. 65:21, 22. "In the earth made new the redeemed will engage in the occupations and pleasures that brought happiness to Adam and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life will be lived, the life in garden and field."—The Adventist Home, p. 549. Thousands live in substandard housing. Falling plaster, creaking staircases, rat holes, faulty plumbing, and filth on filth is the daily lot of the urban poor. Absentee landlords who flout city housing codes are the rule, not the exception. In fact, seven to ten occupants in a single room is not unusual in some ghetto areas. Thousands grow up whose values are alien to the na- tional consensus. In some great cities of the earth millions are born, live, and die upon the streets. No place is home. The high crime rate in the cities is no mystery to the social worker. Behind the facade of prosperity in some sections there are the areas of internal rot that make life for millions a matter of day-to-day survival. To all these the promise of a new world where all will partake of the horn of plenty must have a strong appeal. Hope is fed by the promise of better days ahead. But even this, the glory of the world to come, is pale when compared with the prospect of eternal fellowship with our Maker and Redeemer. THINK IT THROUGH There will be, we are told, no lazy or idle among the re- deemed in the new earth, according to Isaiah 65:21-23. Since earth is the preparation place as it were, how can I possibly entertain idleness in my daily life here and now? FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 303, 304; Prophets and Kings, p. 731. 83 The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday June 2 Part 3 How does the prophet Isaiah indicate the end of all our EVERY- troubles once heaven becomes our home? THING'S RIGHT! "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their off- spring with them" (Isa. 65:23). "The Bible does not acknowledge a believer who is idle, however high his profession may be. There will be employment in heaven. The redeemed state is not one of idle repose. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God, but it is a rest found in loving service."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1164. What is the apostle John's parallel assessment of the new creation? Rev. 21:4. "There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the righteous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and bro- ken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 286. What promise for the handicapped that found only a mea- sure of fulfillment at Christ's first advent is assured to us at the second? Isa. 35:5, 6. "The earth promised to the meek will not be like this, dark- ened with the shadow of death and the curse. 'We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.' 2 Peter 3:13. . . . "There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no one who shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains, no mourning, no death, no partings, no broken hearts; but Jesus is there, peace is there."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 17. THINK IT THROUGH What a joy it will be to see loved ones and friends, some of whom have suffered severe affliction and endured many handicaps in this life, able to walk, run, and even fly, with no pain or encumbrance of any kind, "changed in a moment." FURTHER STUDY Early Writings, pp. 288, 289; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 477; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 313, 314. 84 The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday June 3 Part 4 Large areas of this earth are desert. How will it be in the new POOLS ON earth, in Eden restored? PARCHED GROUND "The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an high- way shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein" (Isa. 35:7, 8). In the simpler language of her earliest testimonies, Ellen White painted a similar picture of the earth made new: "I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out: 'They will never fade.' Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green, and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 68. The Lord intends for His children to be interested in and eager for the beauties and glories of the better world, else He would not have given us as much colorful language in describing its realities. Yet we must ever recognize that human language cannot do justice to the realities of heaven and the new earth. We borrow words from Paul, who wrote primarily of the glories of God's saving grace when he declared: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Cor. 2:9). Not only is the present world marred by the corroding, cor- rupting forces of sin, but our capacity to appreciate the glory that remains is limited by our close contact with sin. So no matter who dreams of that better land, reality will infinitely exceed his dreams. What basic change will occur in the human attitude? Isa. 35:10. "Our Saviour claims all there is of us; He asks our first and holiest thoughts, our purest and most intense affection. If we are indeed partakers of the divine nature, His praise will be continually in our hearts and upon our lips. Our only safety is to surrender our all to Him and to be constantly growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth."—The Sanctified Life, p. 95. THINK IT THROUGH No sacrifice is too great to make; no sin is too sweet to cherish; no time is any better than now to prepare to meet our God. FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 730-733. 85 The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday June 4 Part 5 War has plagued the human family since the advent of sin. STUDY WAR In Isaiah's prophecies of an Israel open to her Messiah, what NO MORE promises of perpetual peace remain to be fulfilled by "the church" of all ages in the Promised Land? "He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isa. 2:4). Heaven will provide a homecoming that is beyond imagina- tion. So many surprises of God's providence will then be made known. Souls redeemed will greet those who, perhaps all- unknown now, were the instruments of God for their salvation. Tumult and strife are gone forever. Eternal peace reigns. Men and angels will, in genuine ecstasy, unite voices and instru- ments in harmonies of praise to the Redeemer. "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain"! Who will be the permanent Ruler of the new order? Dan. 2:44; Rev. 11:15. "About His coming cluster the glories of that 'restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.' Acts 3:21. Then the long- continued rule of evil shall be broken; 'the kingdoms of this world' will become 'the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.' Revelation 11:15. 'The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.' The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.' He shall be 'for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His people.' Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5. "It is then that the peaceful and long-desired kingdom of the Messiah shall be established under the whole heaven. 'The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.' 'The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.' Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land Beulah.' As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.' Isaiah 51:3; 35:2; 62:4, 5, margin."—The Great Controversy, pp. 301, 302. THINK IT THROUGH Of all the glories of heaven, none will be so glorious to behold as my Saviour's face! FURTHER STUDY Isa. 65:17-25 in various modern translations. 86 The New Creation LESSON 10 ❑ Friday June 5 Part 6 "There shall be no night there; and they need no candle, KINGS AND neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and QUEENS they shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 22:5). (Compare 20:6.) In the words of the Scriptures and of Ellen White, the royal status of the redeemed is persistently affirmed. Who can begin to comprehend the privileges of sharing the throne and gov- ernment of heaven? " 'These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.' Revelation 14:4. The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the shepherd."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 591. How does Ellen White picture the triumphant church? "Now the decisions of earth are reversed. 'The rebuke of His people shall he take away.' Isaiah 25:8. 'They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.' He hath appointed `to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' Isaiah 62:12; 61:3. They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and op- pressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm. branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem swells through the vaults of heaven: 'Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.' And all the inhabitants of heaven respond in the ascription: 'Amen: Bless- ing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.' Revela- tion 7:10, 12."—The Great Controversy, pp. 650, 651. THINK IT THROUGH What have I done today to deepen my assurance that when God's true church triumphs, I will triumph with it? FURTHER STUDY The Story of Redemption, p. 432; The Acts of the Apostles, p. 591. 87 , LESSON 11 June 7-13 IR. EternalIE Life for the Church "This is the record, that God hath with Him. Thus, when Adam and Eve given to us eternal life, and this life is sinned, the taint of decay appeared in his Son. He that hath the Son hath on all of nature. life; and he that hath not the Son of The desire to live forever has God hath not life" (1 John 5:11, 12). nevertheless persisted. Pagan philosophies invented the concept of an immortal soul to ease the pain The supreme passion of man is to of dying. In some cultures, when a live forever. Pagan philosophies king died, his servants were slain, have imputed to human beings an ostensibly to meet his needs in the immortal nature, an immortal soul. other world. Some second-century The writers of the Scriptures take a Christians borrowed this concept dim view of this doctrine. They are from Plato, and since then it has fas- consistent in their view that man by tened itself like a leech on the faith sin forfeited his initial prospect of of millions. living forever. Now he has a state of The Bible teaches that the quality mortality in this life while he awaits and assurance of eternal life may be the gift of God—immortality—in the enjoyed here by the church—the first resurrection or in translation. body of Jesus Christ. But the immor- Death is an enemy, a foreign ele- tal state must await the resurrection ment in the government of God. or translation at the second advent. Our hearts must never be satisfied Death is the price of sin. Human until it is banished forever from the philosophy cannot reason this away. universe. By accepting Christ, we may receive The idea that humans should live by faith now the life that is eternal. forever is not new. It is a divine After the resurrection it will be ours principle that pervaded Eden until by nature. the sin of Adam and Eve. Death is foreign to the nature of God. "In DAILY HIGHLIGHTS him was life; and the life was the 1. A Tree of Life light of men" (John 1:4). It was, (Gen. 2:9) therefore, not in God's plan for us 2. Life Compromised to die. But sin changed all this. We, (Gen. 3:13, 17) by sin, voluntarily separated our- 3. Deception and Death selves from God. We must now ex- (Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6) perience the full separation of 4. Death and Victory death. Death is the natural end of (1 Cor. 15:51-54) sin, for it is the ultimate degree of 5. Immortality Bestowed separation. Sin is by nature schis- (1 Tim. 6:15, 16) matic. It is impossible to rebel 6. Eternal Life, Eternal Joy against God and also be in harmony (John 16:33; 15:11, 12) NNINGS, ARTIST, © 1948 PPPA Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday June 7 Part 1 What provision did God make in the garden for the perpetu- A TREE ation of life? OF LIFE "Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:9). "The tree of life is a representation of the preserving care of Christ for His children. As Adam and Eve ate of this tree, they acknowledged their dependence upon God. The tree of life possessed the power to perpetuate life, and as long as they ate of it, they could not die. The lives of the antediluvians were protracted because of the life-giving power of this tree, which was transmitted to them from Adam and Eve."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 988. On what condition would the race forfeit immortality? Gen. 2:17. "Christ never planted the seeds of death in the system. Satan planted these seeds when he tempted Adam to eat of the tree of knowledge which meant disobedience to God."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1082. Death is the sure result of sin. God made us, under conditions, to live forever. He built into nature all of the support systems. This was true of human beings. Had we remained true to God, we could have received immortality. But the intruder entered and succeeded all too well in alienating us from our Maker. New words entered the human vocabulary. Death, graveyard, sickness, and pain became household words. But more seri- ously they mirror the human experience, trapped in the sin experiment. The residual effects of our parents' eating the fruit of the tree of life are obviously running thin. Six thousand years of attrition have literally "done us in." By prayer, the study of the Bible, and Christian service we may replenish our spiritual resources; but our bodies are locked into a descending scale until the resur- rection morning, when "this corruptible" puts on incorruption and "this mortal" puts on immortality. THINK IT THROUGH Through the first Adam, sin came into the world. Through the second Adam, sin is eradicated from the universe. (See 1 Cor. 15:45, 47.) FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 988; The Story of Redemp- tion, pp. 21, 24. 90 Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Monday June 8 Part 2 By what related acts did the first pair stray from the divine LIFE plan for their lives? COMPROMISED "The Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." "Unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hear- kened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life" (Gen. 3:13, 17). Satan convinced Eve that God had withheld something good. If the fruit of the tree was good for food, why should she not have some? Eve was led to distrust God. This is fatal to anyone. Intellectual distrust led to emotional imbalance. Eve had lost her protection against deception. The act that would plunge the world into misery was thus assured. Adam, however, made a clear choice between life and death. He chose death, and it has been passed on to all of his descen- dants. "She [Eve] then plucked for herself of the fruit and ate, and imagined she felt the quickening power of a new and elevated existence as the result of the exhilarating influence of the for- bidden fruit. She was in a strange and unnatural excitement as she sought her husband with her hands filled with the forbidden fruit. She related to him the wise discourse of the serpent and wished to conduct him at once to the tree of knowledge. She told him she had eaten of the fruit, and instead of her feeling any sense of death, she realized a pleasing, exhilarating influence. As soon as Eve had disobeyed she became a powerful medium through which to occasion the fall of her husband."—The Story of Redemption, pp. 35, 36. What precautions did God take to prevent the race from becoming immortal sinners? Gen. 3:22-24. "Angels were commissioned to immediately guard the way of the tree of life. It was Satan's studied plan that Adam and Eve should disobey God, receive His frown, and then partake of the tree of life, that they might perpetuate a life of sin. But holy angels were sent to debar their way to the tree of life. Around these angels flashed beams of light on every side, which had the appearance of glittering swords."—The Story of Redemption, p. 41. THINK IT THROUGH In the light of the first sin, do I find it easy to forget or hard to believe, that God always knows what is best for me, however severe the trial or the test? FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 366; Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 357. 91 Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday June 9 Part 3 Because of sin, death has become a part of our experience. DECEPTION What happens to us in death? AND DEATH "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish" (Ps. 146:4). "The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the mem- ory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun" (Eccl. 9:5, 6). In the final conflict of the remnant church with the forces of darkness, the entire issue of the nature of the human family will be for some as traumatic as the issue of the Sabbath day. "Upon the fundamental error of natural immortality rests the doctrine of consciousness in death—a doctrine, like eternal torment, opposed to the teachings of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason, and to our feelings of humanity. According to the popu- lar belief, the redeemed in heaven are acquainted with all that takes place on the earth and especially with the lives of the friends whom they have left behind. But how could it be a source of happiness to the dead to know the troubles of the living, to witness the sins committed by their own loved ones, and to see them enduring all the sorrows, disappointments, and anguish of life? How much of heaven's bliss would be enjoyed by those who were hovering over their friends on earth?"—The Great Controversy, p. 545. What ringing declaration by Christ permits the dying to look forward to life after death? John 5:28, 29. "Christ declared to His hearers that if there were no resurrec- tion of the dead, the Scriptures which they professed to believe would be of no avail.... God counts the things that are not as though they were. He sees the end from the beginning, and beholds the result of His work as though it were now ac- complished. The precious dead, from Adam down to the last saint who dies, will hear the voice of the Son of God, and will come forth from the grave to immortal life. God will be their God, and they shall be His people. There will be a close and tender relationship between God and the risen saints. This condition, which is anticipated in His purpose, He beholds as if it were already existing. The dead live unto Him."—The Desire of Ages, p. 606. THINK IT THROUGH What a thrill we will experience when we see our guardian angel in the resurrection. (See Education, p. 305.) FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 550, 551. 92 Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday June 10 Part 4 What change of nature may the redeemed church expect at DEATH AND Christ's return? VICTORY "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor. 15:51-54). The most persistent problem of life—the problem of death— will have its answer in the resurrection and translation of the saints. "Jesus is coming, but not as at His first advent, a babe in Bethlehem; not as He rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised god with a loud voice and cried, 'Hosanna'; but in the glory of the Father and with all the retinue of holy angels to escort Him on His way to earth.... Then only those who are holy, those who have followed fully the meek Pattern, will with rap- turous joy exclaim as they behold Him, `Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.' And they will be changed 'in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.' "—Early Writings, p. 110. What solution does the universal search for human longev- ity find in this after-life? Luke 20:35, 36; John 11:26. "The last thing they [the redeemed] acknowledged was the pangs of death. When they awake the pain is all gone.. . "Here they stand, and the finishing touch of immortality is put upon them, and they go up to meet their Lord in the air. The gates of the city of God swing back upon their hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. There are the columns of angels on either side, and the ransomed of God walk in through the cherubims and seraphims. Christ bids them wel- come and puts upon them His benediction. 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' What is that joy? He sees of the travail of His soul, and is satisfied."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commen- tary, vol. 6, p. 1093. THINK IT THROUGH What will it take to be ready to be "caught up" when Jesus comes? FURTHER STUDY S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1093; Early Writings, pp. 35, 225. 93 Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday June 11 Part 5 Who alone has immortality now by nature and by right? IMMORTALITY BESTOWED "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can ap- proach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen" (1 Tim. 6:15, 16). In demonstration of the truth that only God now has immortal- ity, Christ made a challenging claim when He was here on earth as man: " 'I am the resurrection and the life.' This language can be used only by the Deity. All created things live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of the Son of God. However able and talented, however large their capabilities, they are replenished with life from the Source of all life. Only He who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light and life, could say, 'I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it again.' All the human beings in our world take their life from Him. He is the spring, the fountain of life."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1113. May we in this life partake of the quality of eternal life while we wait for the reality in the life to come? 1 John 5:11, 12. In conversion, we now must claim by faith what Adam had potentially by nature—life eternal upon meeting the conditions. In the resurrection we will receive by nature what we now claim by faith. In the resurrection this corruptible will put on incorrup- tion, and this mortal shall put on immortality. Amen! The attractiveness of living forever depends upon the charac- ter each person develops. The seasoned sinner loses any desire to live forever. Sin has its pleasure but it is transitory. The indulgence of sinful pleasure soon sours. Those who find joy in the prospect of life eternal are those who find Christ here! The enrichment of the human experience here whets the appetite for more of the same in the hereafter. Only the righteous would want to live forever. Death is merciful to the sinner. THINK IT THROUGH My character here determines what I shall be when I shall see Him as He is! Oh, solemn thought! FURTHER STUDY Evangelism, p. 247; The Great Controversy, p. 533; Funda- mentals of Christian Education, p. 379. 94 Eternal Life For the Church LESSON 11 ❑ Friday June 12 Part 6 To possess Christ is to enjoy life to the fullest, now and ETERNAL eternally. What evidence do we have that this is so? LIFE, ETERNAL "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might JOY have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 16:33; 15:11, 12). "In His parting conversation with His disciples on the night before the crucifixion the Saviour made no reference to the suffering that He had endured and must yet endure. He did not speak of the humiliation that was before Him, but sought to bring to their minds that which would strengthen their faith, leading them to look forward to the joys that await the overcomer."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 23. (Emphasis supplied.) What special privilege will be accorded those who victori- ously survive the final tribulation? Rev. 14:3, 4. With all the redeemed, the 144,000 share the unending joy of the earth made new. "There [in the City of God], immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of crea- tive power, the mysteries of redeeming love. . . . There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspira- tions reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body."—The Great Controversy, p. 677. Is life in eternity likely to be exciting and challenging? "Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension."—S.D.A. Bible Com- mentary, vol. 7, p. 990. THINK IT THROUGH Eternal life—mine for the grasping! (See 1 Tim. 6:12, 19.) Amen. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 88, 89. 95 J, ec' LESSON 12 June 14-20 1120 The Church's Spfultual I'Nesources "Seek ye the Lord while he may be adequate. But there is nothing au- found, call ye upon him while he is tomatic about their dispensation. near: let the wicked forsake his way, Our Lord has admonished us, "Ask, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and it shall be given you; seek, and and let him return unto the Lord, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be he will have mercy upon him; and to opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). This our God, for he will abundantly par- requires an exercise of the will. don" (Isa. 55:6, 7). Under the tree in Eden, God did not move arbitrarily to restrain Eve As we move toward the difficult from yielding to temptation. She fas- days before the church will be home tened her attention on the serpent at last, we find that we have not and came under his mesmeric influ- been left to face the enemy alone. ence. Finally, she was believing There are at our disposal ample pro- things that she should have doubted visions for successful spiritual com- and doubting things that she should bat. Angels of God that excel in have believed. In this state of mental strength are commissioned to pro- confusion she sinned against God, tect our lives and lighten our bur- and Adam followed her deliberately. dens. There are, however, some in- Surrounded by angels of God who itiatives that rest with us. As Adam longed to rescue them but were took the initiative, when he partook helpless before the human will, Eve of the forbidden fruit, so we have and Adam went the way all flesh has decisions to make in God's recovery followed. Prayer, a study of the plan. These can be neglected only at Word of God, and sincere repen- the peril of our souls. The tapping of tance are basic essentials in our our spiritual resources is of the first search for spiritual excellence. priority. In our study we are now consider- It is the studied purpose of Satan ing Heaven's spiritual provisions for to provide distractions to divert our preparing the church and keeping attention from our primary needs. the church for the triumphal return He has a mixed bag of persons, of Christ when she will be home at places, things, and situations that last—in Eden restored, "Paradise Re- have worked well for him through gained." the centuries. The list of great and good men who have succumbed to DAILY HIGHLIGHTS his wiles is endless. Patriarchs and 1. "I Am With You" prophets have not been immune to (Matt. 28:20) his blandishments. This has in turn 2. "Make You Clean" discouraged many from attempting (Isa. 1:16) the good life. 3. "Every Word" There is nothing mysterious, how- (Matt. 4:4) ever, about our spiritual failures. In- 4. "Not Forsaking" variably they occur when we fail to (Heb. 10:25; 1 John 1:7) take advantage of our spiritual re- 5. Angels in Charge sources. The promises of God are (Ps. 91:11, 12) backed up by the total resources of 6. He Will Perform It heaven, and they are more than (Phil. 1:6) STEEL, ARTIST, © 1969 PPPA The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday June 14 Part 1 What assurance did Christ express to His disciples that He "I AM would never forsake them or us? WITH YOU" "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:20). When we wonder how this promise of Christ's was fulfilled to faithful John the Baptist, we might want to consider the follow- ing words of encouragement: "Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concern- ing Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, I am with you all the days, even unto the end.' Matt. 28:20, R.V., margin."—The Desire of Ages, p. 224. Is Christ's promise to be with His disciples true even when they are under direst persecution? Isa. 43:2. "As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the closing period of earth's history the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will com- fort and sustain."—Prophets and Kings, p. 513. The knowledge that Christ is with us when all else turns against us is comforting indeed. A little boy accompanied his father on a long journey. On their return trip, night fell. His father lighted a lantern as they entered the dark forest. Soon the night obscured the father's form as he led the way, carrying the lantern. "Father, I don't see you: I'm scared," shouted the little boy. "Can you see the light, Son?" the father asked. "Yes, Daddy,7 came the answer. "But I can't see you." "No matter," answered the father, "just follow the light." The light of God's Word never shone more brightly than today. We do not always understand the fiery trials or heavy seas through which we pass. But we may know that He is with us, whether or not we feel His presence; for to follow the light is to follow Him. THINK IT THROUGH The promises of God's Word will never fail, even as God Himself will never fail us. (See God's pledge to Joshua in Joshua 1:5.) FURTHER STUDY Read John 15 as rendered in a modern version. 98 The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Monday June 15 Part 2 In a parallel to the call made by Isaiah to God's ancient "MAKE YOU people, what urgent preparation should God's modern mes- CLEAN" sengers urge every Christian to undertake in readiness for Christ's soon return? "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your do- ings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil" (Isa. 1:16). "Oh, how many will be found unready when the Master shall come to reckon with His servants! . . . Self-righteousness will then be of no avail. Only those can stand the test who shall be found having on the righteousness of Christ, who are imbued with His spirit, and walk even as He walked, in purity of heart and life. The conversation must be holy, and then the words will be seasoned with grace."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 317, 318. Describe the part to be played by prayer in this preparation for the advent. Matt. 26:41. "'Watch and pray,' is an injunction often repeated in the Scriptures. In the lives of those who obey this injunction there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom they are brought in contact. Those who are sour and cross in disposition will become sweet and gentle; those who are proud will become meek and lowly."—Counsels to Teachers, p. 293. Faced by the rejection of unbelieving persecutors, how will the triumphant saints be fortified in their times of test? Isa. 26:3. "Let all who are afflicted or unjustly used, cry to God. Turn away from those whose hearts are as steel, and make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart's desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. . . . Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 174. THINK IT THROUGH I must develop a strong prayer life now so that in the final crisis I will be able to lay hold of divine strength in order to endure to the end. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 219, 393; Steps to Christ, "Con- fession," pp. 40, 41. 99 The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday June 16 Part 3 How basic is the part played by the Word of God in the "EVERY development of spiritual life? WORD" "He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). The promises of Christ and His instruction were not limited in application to those who first heard them. "With the conse- crated worker for God, in whatever place he may be, the Holy Spirit abides. The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also to us. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 51. (Emphasis supplied.) What must be the Christian's attitude toward the words of God as he stands for Christ and truth in the last days? 2 Tim. 2:15. "We must cherish carefully the words of our God lest we be contaminated by the deceptive workings of those who have left the faith. We are to resist their spirit and influence with the same weapon our Master used when assailed by the prince of darkness—'It is written.' We should learn to use the Word of God skilfully. The exhortation is, 'Study to show thyself ap- proved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' There must be diligent work and earnest prayer and faith to meet the winding error of false teachers and seducers; for 'in the last days perilous times shall come.' "—Evangelism, pp. 625, 626. God has revealed Himself to man in many ways. Intuitively man senses that there is a God. Nature in her order and beauty adds evidence. And then there is, of course, the supreme revela- tion of God in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is His living succes- sor. But visible to the eye is the Book—in fact 66 books— authored by 40 Spirit-filled men as God's unerring guide to the better world. It has been vilified, neglected, and rejected by some; studied, believed, respected, and obeyed by others. Blessed are the latter, for they shall indeed inherit the world to come. THINK IT THROUGH In the physical realm, it is a fact that in many circumstances, one seeking to help another finds that he has in the process prolonged his own life. In a spiritual sense, this is likewise true. In helping to save others through the merits of Jesus— "ye are complete in him" (Col. 2:10)—we are in an attitude to maintain a saving relationship to Christ and His righteous- ness which alone makes possible the salvation of our own souls. FURTHER STUDY Child Guidance, pp. 510, 511, 538, 539. 100 The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday June 17 Part 4 In what sense is Christian fellowship and church attendance "NOT where possible a strength to the believer in the time of the FORSAKING" end? "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25). "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow- ship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). In moments of discouragement members sometimes stop attending church. These fail to recognize that the church is a hospital for sinners, not an honor society for saints. The most needy souls should never miss an opportunity to fellowship and worship. When under extreme pressures, we most need the encouragement of fellow travelers on the King's highway. Jesus Christ established the church. It is His body (1 Cor. 12:12-27). We are members of His body. We are not in this world alone. As church members, we share our joys and sorrows. While we need our God, we also need each other. In a time of prevailing apostasy and daring challenges to the Majesty of heaven, what special recognition was given to those who supported each other in loyalty to Jehovah? Mal. 3:16. "[Mal. 3:16,17 quoted.] It will pay ... to improve the privileges within our reach, and, even at some sacrifice, to assemble with those who fear God and speak for Him; for He is represented as hearkening to those testimonies, while angels write them in a book. God will remember those who have met together and thought upon His name, and He will spare them from the great conflagration. They will be as precious jewels in His sight, but His wrath will fall on the shelterless head of the sinner. It is not a vain thing to serve God. There is a priceless reward for those who devote their life to His service."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 107. "In chs. 3:16-18 and 4:2 [of Malachi] God acknowledges the faithful few in Israel who remain loyal to Him and assures them of His unfailing love. At the same time (ch. 4:1, 3) He warns the wicked of their fate on the day of final judgment. The message of Malachi closes with the assurance that prior to the great day of the Lord a messenger will appear to assist Him in the work of preparing the 'jewels' for His crown and preserving them through the day of judgment (ohs. 4:4-6, 2; 3:17)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1123. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 654; vol. 6, pp. 32, 33; vol. 7, p. 190. 101 The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday June 18 Part 5 What promises of angel ministry given to the psalmist will ANGELS have supreme testing during the times of trouble before Jesus IN CHARGE comes? "He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Ps. 91:11,12). (Note the whole psalm.) "The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method of defense.... But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people."—The Great Controversy, p. 517. In the Mount of Olives discourse, what instruction did Jesus give those who would be interrogated by authorities because of their loyalty to Him? Mark 13:11. "Every soul who believes present truth will be brought where he will be required to give a reason of the hope that is in him.... The universe is looking upon the controversy that is going on upon the earth. At an infinite cost, God has provided for every man an opportunity to know that which will make him wise unto salvation. How eagerly do angels look to see who will avail himself of this opportunity"-Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 415, 416. In our times of test, in what way does the Holy Spirit support the ministry of angels? John 14:26. Beyond concern for power to endure physical hardship and punishment, the persecuted follower of Jesus needs the assur- ance of being given Christlike words to speak. THINK IT THROUGH During the time of trouble when we will be hailed before civil and political authorities to answer for our faith, what only can the Holy Spirit bring to my mind of the promises and truths of God's Word? FURTHER STUDY Contemplate the present application of the counsel of Jesus to His apostles as recorded in Matthew 10:16-42. 102 The Church's Spiritual Resources LESSON 12 ❑ Friday June 19 Part 6 What assurance have we been given as to how long God's HE WILL mercy and redeeming power will overshadow the faithful? PERFORM IT "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6). One of the simplest statements of the divine plan to save sinners has long been in the hands of God's people: "There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. ... Said the beloved John, 'These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' 1 John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, 'The Father Himself loveth you.' John 16:27.... If you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ."— Steps to Christ, p. 64. (Emphasis supplied.) In "the day of the Lord," what words of welcome to the kingdom of glory await the saints? Matt. 25:34. "Come in his glory. At His first advent Jesus veiled His divine glory and lived as a man among men.... The kingdom He then established was the kingdom of His grace.... However, He will come again, 'in his glory,' to inaugurate His eternal kingdom (Dan. 7:14, 27; Rev. 11:15 . . .). Jesus' second advent is the theme of Matt. 24 and 25. . . . "Throne of his glory. Or, 'His glorious throne.' Christ was seated upon the throne of the universe prior to His incarnation (DA 22, 23). Upon His ascension He was once more enthroned (AA 38), as Priest and King (Zech. 6:13; AA 39), and shared His Father's throne (DA 832; Rev. 3:21). At the completion of the work of investigative judgment, begun in 1844 . . . , Jesus will receive 'His kingdom' (GC 426, 613, 614; EW 55, 280). The final coronation and enthronement of Christ as King of the universe takes place at the close of the millennium, before all men— those who are subjects of His glorious kingdom and those who have refused allegiance to Him."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 511, 512. THINK IT THROUGH Oh, the inexpressible joy that will be ours as redeemed saints, to sweep through the gates of the New Jerusalem, having been washed in the blood of the Lamb! FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 131; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 279; Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 340, 341. 103 0 LESSON 13 June 21-27 113. Lffe's Real Meaniing "In whom we have redemption sense, but of divine intelligence and through his blood, even the forgive- power giving expression to new and ness of sins" (Col. 1:14). different forms of life. Thus, the de- cision to make us. What if we should sin against our Maker? Jesus Millions walk the earth with no Himself would assume our guilt and clear view of the meaning of life. carry our sorrows. The Creator They have no sense of origin or des- would become our Substitute before tiny and therefore no understanding the justice of God. He would risk all of the present. While no man can to reclaim us, and all of this He did. penetrate the inscrutable infinity of On lonely Golgotha's slope He bore divine wisdom, there is enough in our hell that we might share His the divine record to provide some heaven. And thus, by the shedding insights into the character and ac- of His blood, He opened a door of tions of God. We do have some hope for all. "Rejoice, 0 heavens: light on such concerns as (1) why be astonished, 0 earth," for the God permitted sin, (2) why He per- Lord has done this thing. Think you mits it to continue, (3) the ultimate for one moment that He could turn good that must come of it all. This His back on this, Heaven's costliest final study of the quarter examines investment? He promises, "I will some of this light in the hope that come again and receive you unto rebirth, revival,- and reformation may myself. The crucifixion justifies cre- be the sure result. ation, and the second coming vali- We understand so little of our dates them both. own place in a moral universe. Just So for the believer life has mean- the plan of salvation itself will claim ing, origin, purpose, fulfillment, our attention and tax our minds rewards—not for selfish purposes— throughout eternity. Yet some ques- to be shared always with others. tions now haunt our thoughts about this mysterious transaction. That DAILY HIGHLIGHTS God's love could lead Him to create 1. "It Was Very Good" man—knowing that he would (Gen. 1:31) rebel—puts our minds to the 2. A Witnessing Church stretch. The fact remains that the (Matt. 24:14) great God who knows all went 3. Power for Witnessing ahead with His creation. This minia- (Acts 1:8) ture replica of Himself called 4. Everybody Say "Come" man—male and female—was the (Rev. 22:17) product of God's own character. 5. He That Endureth Creation was, in essence, God shar- (John 6:66-68) ing Himself with His environment. 6. Building the Brethren And this not in the pantheistic (Matt. 12:20) STEEL, ARTIST, © 1971 PPPA Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday June 21 Part 1 What biblical evidence have we that the world was created "IT WAS free from sin? VERY GOOD" "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Gen. 1:31). Of our first parents, it is commented that: "It was not the will of God that this sinless pair should have any knowledge of evil. He had freely given them the good but withheld the evil. Eve thought the words of the serpent wise, and she received the broad assertion, 'Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil'—making God a liar. Satan boldly insinuated that God had deceived them to keep them from being exalted in knowledge equal with Himself. God said: If ye eat ye shall surely die. The serpent said, If ye eat, 'ye shall not surely die.' "—The Story of Redemption, p. 34. Why has God permitted sin's continuance these many cen- turies? 2 Peter 3:9. One of the greatest of life's meanings is that God has an answer for the sin problem for those earnestly choosing to receive it. "We are living in an age when all should especially give heed to the injunction of the Saviour: 'Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.' Let everyone bear in mind that he should be true and loyal to God, believing the truth, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Saviour's invitation is: 'Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.' The Lord is willing to help us, to strengthen and bless us; but we must pass through the refining process until all the impurities in our character are burned away. Every member of the church will be subjected to the furnace, not to consume, but to purify."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 485. Should God move now to punish sinners, He would find so many of His children unprepared. He must be seen, then, as delaying judgment for the sake of the saints and the salvation of sinners, rather than because He is tolerant of sin. He is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). And so mercy has lingered and lingers still. THINK IT THROUGH How much of an answer can we find to the question of why God seemingly permitted sin to enter this particular planet only? FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 16, 17, 128-130; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 113; Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 427. 106 Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Monday June 22 Part 2 For what basic purpose did God place the church on the A earth, and how well is it being realized? WITNESSING CHURCH "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14). Every convert should be a convert-maker. Ministry is not the exclusive privilege of the clergy. This state of things took place after the first century of the church. Jesus commissioned all men to bear His message. The possessor of truth becomes debtor to the world. We cannot know what we know and keep it to ourselves. We cannot. We must not. We will not. Surely life could have no more realistic purpose or meaning than that which inspiration has here portrayed: "God and the angels are watching. God desires His people to show by their lives the advantage of Christianity over worldli- ness, to show that they are working on a high, holy plane. He longs to see them showing that the truth they have received has made them children of the heavenly King. He longs to make them channels through which He can pour His boundless love and mercy. "Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of the Saviour shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim His own. It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten, the coming of our Lord. Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel! Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come."—Counsels to Teachers, p. 324. What charge did Christ give His followers? Mark 16:15. "My brother, my sister, what are you doing for Christ? Are you seeking to be a blessing to others? Are your lips uttering words of kindness, sympathy, and love? Are you putting forth earnest efforts to win others to the Saviour?"—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 39. THINK IT THROUGH What has my witnessing done today to help others to be ready for the impending second advent? (Ponder again Matthew 24:14.) FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 32; Prophets and Kings, p. 313. 107 Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday June 23 Part 3 What power provided for the apostolic preaching of the POWER FOR gospel is still awaiting our demand today? WITNESSING "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). In a world marked by divisions, tensions, and seemingly overwhelming problems in international affairs, the promise of the Spirit's universal ministry brings courage to the believer. "The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer's love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through the long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives, have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love."— The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49. From the prophecies concerning God's "servant," what may we gather regarding the extent of Christ's work of grace? Isa. 42:4. Although the apostles of Christ were to begin their witness in Jerusalem, reaping the harvest of His preaching, that was only the beginning of their work. "But the work was not to stop here. It was to be extended to the earth's remotest bounds. To His disciples Christ said, You have been witnesses of My life of self-sacrifice in behalf of the world. You have witnessed My labors for Israel. . . . You have seen that all who come to Me, confessing their sins, I freely receive. Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out. All who will, may be reconciled to God, and receive everlasting life. To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church."—The Desire of Ages, p. 821. THINK IT THROUGH When and where shall I bear my witness to Christ's love today? FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 17, 27-29. 108 Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday June 24 Part 4 Who cannot find some way of extending the divine invitation EVERYBODY that crowns the life with purpose and meaning? SAY "COME" "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). "Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for Christ in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where he lives. All who are consecrated to God are channels of light. God makes them instruments of righteousness to com- municate to others the light of truth."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 632. As we go out or reach out with our varied witnessing methods, what sort of reception may we expect? Luke 8:5-8. Not many of us will have the success of Jonah at Nineveh. Heartache often accompanies the work of the gospel worker. Atheists, agnostics, and infidels will often sit in our pews. Add to this the members who show little appreciation for the gospel of the kingdom. There are, on the other hand, the eager, the hun- gry, and the desperate, who welcome truth like a cool breeze on a summer day. "The world's Redeemer had many hearers, but few followers. Noah preached one hundred and twenty years to the people before the Flood, and yet there were few who appreciated this precious, probationary time. Save Noah and his family, not one was numbered with the believers and entered into the ark. Of all the inhabitants of the earth, only eight souls received the mes- sage; but the message condemned the world. The light was given in order.that they might believe; their rejection of the light proved their ruin. Our message to the world will be a savor of life unto life to all who accept it, and of condemnation to all who reject it."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 36. As there is in the natural world a limit to what the human agent can do to cause seed to grow and be fruitful, so in the spiritual realm the human efforts to sow the seeds of gospel truth have certain limitations. The farmer or gardener digs and rakes and plants; he may even feed and water the seed. But God im- planted, and He controls the spark of life dormant in the seed. It is His sun that shines to stimulate germination. Only God can "give the increase" to our witnessing. THINK IT THROUGH How can we more fully appreciate and take dedicated ad- vantage of our remaining probationary time? (See Rom. 13:11.) FURTHER STUDY Christian Service, pp. 67-70. 109 Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday June 25 Part 5 How old is the problem of unfaithfulness in the church? HE THAT ENDURETH "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:66-68). " 'No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me, draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.' What is the drawing?—'It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.' There are men who hear, but who do not learn the lesson as diligent students. They have a form of godliness, but are not believers. They know not the truth by practice. They receive not the engrafted word."— Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 460. The Word of God tests the validity of a Christian experience. Some cannot bear the straight testimony. Yet others have re- ceived only a surface conversion. Many of these fall away. How- ever, the church must go on making disciples. Apostasy must not dampen our evangelistic ardor. Many fell away and walked no more with Jesus. We can expect no more. "He that shall endure unto the end .. . shall be saved" (Mark 13:13). What inspired encouragement have we concerning many who fall away from the church? "When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front. . . . "... The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord."— Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 401. Should we not, in the light of the above statement, pursue with all diligence the privilege of prayer and Bible study for the stability of our souls? There is no substitute for this. This alone breeds faith, without which it is impossible to please God. These initiatives are immediately imperative. THINK IT THROUGH What degree of concern should I have that I will never look back and fall away? (See Luke 9:62; 2 Tim. 1:12.) FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 147; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 211-213. 110 Life's Real Meaning LESSON 13 ❑ Friday June 26 Part 6 Perhaps the church best demonstrates the real meaning of BUILDING life when she reflects most fully the spirit predicted of her THE Master. BRETHREN "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory" (Matt. 12:20). "In all our associations it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sa- credly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that day by day weaken courage, confidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels. "There are multitudes struggling with poverty, compelled to labor hard for small wages, and able to secure but the barest necessities of life. Toil and deprivation, with no hope of better things, make their burden very heavy. When pain and sickness are added, the burden is almost insuppurtable. Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to turn for relief. Sympathize with them in their trials, their heartaches, and disappointments. This will open the way for you to help them."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 158. A parallel aspect of life's real meaning is seen in the unity of all believers. John 17:11. "Only as they were united with Christ could the disciples hope to have the accompanying power of the Holy Spirit and the co-operation of angels of heaven. With the help of these divine agencies they would present before the world a united front and would be victorious in the conflict they were compelled to wage unceasingly against the powers of darkness. As they should continue to labor unitedly, heavenly messengers would go be- fore them, opening the way; hearts would be prepared for the reception of truth, and many would be won to Christ."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 90, 91. THINK IT THROUGH Truth and God's church will triumph. Although it takit all, I must triumph with them! Life has real meaning now. It will have through eternity. Home at last, brethren! Home at last! FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 292, 293; vol. 8, p. 183; Early Writings, pp. 266-277. 111 Vocr 3rd Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the third quarter of 1981 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is THIS WE BELIEVE. First Lesson GOD THE REVELATOR Memory Text, Heb. 1:1, 2 1. In His Creation (Rom. 1:19, 20) 2. In the Heavens (Ps. 19:1) 3. In His Word-I (2 Tim. 3:16) 4. In His Word-II (2 Pet. 1:20, 21) 5. In His Son (John 1:18) 6. Our Response (Heb. 4:12) Second Lesson EVERLASTING FATHER Memory Text, Deut. 33:27 1. The Eternal (Ps. 90:2) 2. The Creator (Isa. 40:28) 3. Royal Lord (Ps. 95:3) 4. The Holy One (Isa. 6:3) 5. Loving Father (Ex. 34:6) 6. Our Saviour (John 3:16) Lessons in 3raille. The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. 11 ane The plot Matt §milli illy 5chooll ILemen52 ,41 If you would like the large print, easy-to-read quarterly for your personal use, simply fill out this form and give to your local church lay activities secretary with your remittance. Order subscriptions for large print Adult Sabbath School Lessons at $6.00 per year in U.S.A. ($7.40 in countries requiring extra postage). Name Street City State Zip These prices subject to change without notice. CimUmalt 2cloll PaelltUDGID CH OtLTff ETD WEE gil annw off the kalllowyfinng Rkftooloimanry gnotinErimalle e_rogt. 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Destined to be a best seller, this book contains the latest research on the book of Daniel. Recognizing that Roman Catholic attitudes and evangelical Protestant emphases have changed in the past century, the author speaks sympathetically to these various adjustments of thought and feeling. Available now at your local Adventist Book Center. Prices subject to change without notice. Brought to you by Pacific Press al Church 6. S. Unions Popolotion Churches Msrnbors fillombors Control Philippinos 12,030,253 409 63,5041 75.256 East hulonosia 11,009,379 334 36,041 46,750 Nfpan 115,690,000 92 9,700 9040 Korea 37,029,000 322 42,743 41,219 T. North Phi:1901ms 30,191,497 749 79,324 55,051 a_SaPP9,0 South China Island 73,247,5113 40 9,235 7,911 South Philippines 9,907,634 452 94,247 97,571 Siouthosst Psis 117,107,259 132 21,65$ 25,950 W00* Indonesia 125,943,542 347 37,277 43,404 GuoindAkronasis II.lisakm 200.000 I 1,264 1,077 Division Totals 451,956,302 2,974 402,057 405,975 Figure.as of fourth quarter 1979 / GolOkyo s gokohams OKINAWA Naha f 1. 400.0 siro± ., NG KONG Wen r, a.01. .0 Barrio (Village) Chapels GUAM • ea New Central • ,• Philippines Ban • , A- e. Union College .4.6 PALAU • wq. Buildings ••• Penang. • 114., T•aitt SAGAN Mt. Klabat OVeden College Lumpur Ki '1 4 S 9 s Girls' Dormitory SARAWAK °SINGAPORE • Kuch.0 • KALIMANTAN TA/MATRA Pals.k. wit 0136Aarla 8.^ d..0.411 JAVA E