SDARM Quarterly Q1 2010 by Brian Marks

Sabbath Bible Lessons (USPS 005-118), Vol. 86, No. 1, January –March, 2010. Published quarterly by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference, Sabbath School Department. Copyright © 2009, printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019–5048, U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at Roanoke, Virginia 24022–9993.

Contents 5 10 15 20 25 31 36 41 46 52

The Final Commission

“Then Shall the Sanctuary be Cleansed”—Part 1

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“Then Shall the Sanctuary be Cleansed”—Part 2

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62 67

Strength to Obey Faith in the Gospel God Was Manifested in the Flesh

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“Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” Going to Judgment The Blotting Out of Sins The Cleansing of the Sanctuary The Heavenly Ministry Misrepresented

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Escape Confusion The Fall of Babylon

Sabbath Bible Lessons, a daily study program, is based solely on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy without additional comments. The quotations are as brief as possible to provide concise, direct thoughts. Brackets [ ] are supplied in some cases to ensure clarity, proper context, and smooth readability. Further study in the source materials is strongly recommended. Illustrations: Good Salt on front cover; MapResources on pp. 4, 51, 72; PhotoDisc on back cover.

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Foreword Most Christians are aware that the word “gospel” means “good news.” Much of Christendom acknowledges that it is certainly “good news” that Jesus Christ came to earth as a babe, lived as a man, died on the cross for our sins, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to heaven to intercede for His people. Yet what should we understand by “the everlasting gospel”? This concept involves greater depth of meaning. From what does Jesus actually save us? How far-reaching is the plan of redemption, and what does salvation actually encompass? “John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospel message just before Christ’s second coming. He beholds an angel flying ‘in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:6, 7). “In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement of Christ’s second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ’s second coming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essential part of the gospel message. “The Bible declares that in the last days men will be absorbed in worldly pursuits, in pleasure and money-getting. . . . “So the message of Christ’s soon coming is designed to arouse men from their absorption in worldly things. It is intended to awaken them to a sense of eternal realities, that they may give heed to the invitation to the Lord’s table.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 227, 228. “The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 106. This is a powerful message. When received in its fullness, it transforms our priorities in life, energizes our will into service, and equips us to rightly reflect and warmly radiate the beauty and spirit of Jesus Christ. “Could the intense interest which the angels have for man be put into voice that would be heard by the human agent, what appeals would be heard in burning words to communicate to others that which heaven had communicated to them.”—My Life Today, p. 304. That the Lord may inspire us to obtain the rich blessings He intends for us through the study of these lessons is the earnest prayer of the The General Conference Sabbath School Department Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

SABBATH, JANUARY 2, 2010

First Sabbath Offering A chapel in Madrid, Spain The apostle Paul writes in Romans 15:24, 28: “Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you. . . . When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.” Spain is one of “the Catholic lands of Europe” where, according to E.G. White, “God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law” (Prophets and Kings, pp. 188, 189). The Reform Movement began its work in Spain when a small group of believers was organized in the city of Barcelona. These resolute pioneers requested a registration with the government, and it was granted in February 1972, under the name of Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement Church. In the very beginning of the work there, progress had been slow, but during the last decade, many believer from other parts of the world came to Spain in search of better opportunities, and they brought with them their most cherished treasure to share with the people of this land, “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Since then, the work has both grown and spread to major population centers within the country, including Madrid. To provide a needed place of worship for the hundreds of believer concentrated around Madrid, the capital, we made a difficult and delicate decision to purchase a property. The two-story building has a total of 468 square meters, including a chapel with enough capacity to seat 200 persons. Because we are mostly immigrants and short on resources, we are therefore extending our appeal to the brethren, sisters, and friends from around the world to help us with a generous First Sabbath Offering when it is collected on January 2, 2010. “For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). We thank you beforehand, and may God bless you abundantly. Your brethren and sisters in Spain 4

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 1

Sabbath, January 2, 2010

The Final Commission “I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).

Suggested Reading: Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 112–119.

Sunday

December 27

1. A TERRIBLE WARNING a.

What is the Bible’s most portentous warning ever addressed to mortals? Revelation 14:9–11.

“The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel’s message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God’s judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 449, 450. b. Why do we need to study such warnings? Can’t we find better Bible topics to study? Romans 15:4.

“If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We have no time to lose; God calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give an account. . . . Let Daniel speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 118. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—A chapel in Madrid, Spain

“The salvation of sinners requires earnest, personal labor. We are to bear to them the word of life, not to wait for them to come to us. Oh, that I could speak words to men and women that would arouse them to diligent action!”—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 117.

Monday

December 28

2. DANIEL AND THE REVELATION a.

In these last days of earth’s history, why is it important to study together the books of Daniel and Revelation? Daniel 12:4; Revelation 1:19; 22:10.

“In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revelation.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585. b. Why is the true understanding of Revelation 14:6–12 of vital importance today?

“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.’ I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform.”—Early Writings, pp. 258, 259. “We talk about the first angel’s message and the second angel’s message, and we think we have some understanding of the third angel’s message. But as long as we are content with a limited knowledge, we shall be disqualified to obtain clearer views of truth. He who holds forth the word of life must take time to study the Bible and to search his own heart. Neglecting this, he will not know how to minister to needy souls. The diligent, humble student, seeking by earnest prayer and study for the truth as it is in Jesus, will most assuredly be rewarded.”—Gospel Workers, p. 251. c.

Revelation 14:6, 7 speaks of a message that is given by “another angel.” Why do we refer to this message as being given by the “first angel”? Revelation 14:9 (compare Revelation 8:13).

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

December 29

3. THE GOSPEL COMMISSION What is the first of the three angels of Revelation 14 preaching? Revelation 14:6, 7.

“[Revelation 14:6, 7 quoted.] The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel’s flight ‘in the midst of heaven,’ the ‘loud voice’ with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all ‘that dwell on the earth’—‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people’—give evidence of the rapidity and worldwide extent of the movement.”— The Great Controversy, p. 355.

“The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ (Genesis 3:15). Here was the first promise of a Saviour who would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 106.

b. To whom is given the commission to preach the gospel? Mark 16:14–16.

“Service to God includes personal ministry. By personal effort we are to cooperate with Him for the saving of the world. Christ’s commission, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,’ is spoken to every one of His followers. (Mark 16:15.) All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. Their hearts will throb in unison with the heart of Christ. The same longing for souls that He has felt will be manifest in them. Not all can fill the same place in the work, but there is a place and a work for all.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 300, 301. “The Saviour’s commission to the disciples includes all believers to the end of time. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be coworkers with Christ.”— Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 466. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—A chapel in Madrid, Spain

Wednesday

December 30

4. THE WORK OF THE ANGELS a.

In what way do holy angels participate in earthly activities? Hebrews 1:13, 14.

“Christ longs to work mightily by His Spirit for the conviction and conversion of sinners. But, according to His divine plan, the work must be performed through the instrumentality of His church; and her members have so far departed from Him that He cannot accomplish His will through them. He chooses to work by means, yet the means employed must be in harmony with His character.”— Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 189.

“As His representatives among men, God does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took humanity that He might reach humanity. A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to the world. And to men and women has been committed the sacred trust of making known ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’ (Ephesians 3:8). “In His wisdom the Lord brings those who are seeking for truth into touch with fellow beings who know the truth. It is the plan of Heaven that those who have received light shall impart it to those in darkness. Humanity, drawing its efficiency from the great Source of wisdom, is made the instrumentality, the working agency, through which the gospel exercises its transforming power on mind and heart.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 134. b. Give examples of the ministry of angels on behalf of human beings. Acts 10:1–4.

“[As we draw nearer to the end of time,] Satanic agencies in human form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose the building up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly angels in human guise will be on the field of action. The two opposing parties will continue to exist till the closing up of the last great chapter in this world’s history. Satanic agencies are in every city. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. The true, stanch believers will pray more and more, and will talk less of matters of little consequence. More and more decided testimonies will come from their lips to encourage the weak and the needy.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 383. 8

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

December 31

5. REPRESENTING A PEOPLE a.

After Saul and Cornelius had been called by the Lord, what work had to be done for them and by whom? Acts 9:5–12; 10:5, 6, 19–24.

“The marvelous light that illumined the darkness of Saul was the work of the Lord; but there was also a work that was to be done for him by the disciples. Christ had performed the work of revelation and conviction; and now the penitent was in a condition to learn from those whom God had ordained to teach His truth.”—The Acts of b. Since God uses people to preach the gospel to this world, whom do these angels of Revelation 14 represent? Isaiah 52:7, 8.

“Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 978, 979.

“We are to be as faithful stewards, not only of our means, but of the grace given unto us, that many souls may be brought under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. The purposes and ends to be attained by consecrated missionaries are very comprehensive. The field for missionary operation is not limited by caste or nationality. The field is the world, and the light of truth is to go to all the dark places of the earth in a much shorter time than many think possible.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 209.

Friday

January 1

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. Why do we need to study the prophecies depicting our days? b. Before the announcement of the judgment, what does the first angel proclaim with a loud voice? c. How involved are literal angels in earthly things? d. Those who are called to follow the Lord—who is to instruct them in the truth? e. What do the three angels of Revelation 14 represent on earth, and what is our responsibility? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—A chapel in Madrid, Spain

the Apostles, p. 121.

Lesson 2

Sabbath, January 9, 2010

Strength to Obey “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

“As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333.

Suggested Reading: Steps to Christ, pp. 23–36.

Sunday

January 3

1. THE RESULT OF THE FINAL GOSPEL MESSAGE a.

What character quality is developed by those who accept the three messages of Revelation 14? Revelation 14:12.

“In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God.”—The Great Controversy, p. 437.

“[Revelation 14:12 quoted.] Since those who keep God’s commandments are thus placed in contrast with those that worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keeping of God’s law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast.”—Ibid., pp. 445, 446. b. What command of Jesus is fulfilled in this verse (Revelation 14:12)? Matthew 5:48.

“The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of God’s mind, God’s will.”—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 276. “The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 495. 10

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

January 4

2. CHARACTER PERFECTION a.

Why is it that the gospel makes such an important part of the three angels’ messages’ foundation? Romans 1:16.

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 532. “Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’ (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our ‘Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48).”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 311, 312. b. How can we reach character perfection through the gospel? Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:2.

“Oh, how much need . . . of communion with God! What need of divine grace to direct every step and show us how to perfect Christian characters! “Christians will have new scenes and new trials to pass through where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We have greater need to learn of the divine Teacher now than at any other period of our lives. And the more experience we gain, the nearer we draw toward the pure light of heaven.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 542. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Tuesday

January 5

3. THE TRUTH a.

The very first piece of the gospel armor in Ephesians 6:10–18 is truth. How do we come to the truth? John 8:32–36; 2 Timothy 3:15–17.

“You need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to aid you to search into the truth with reverence and awe, bringing your mind to the task with intense desire, that will not be quenched until you see wondrous things out of the law. Dig deep into the mine of truth, and be not satisfied until you have a more perfect comprehension as to what constitutes the strength of the law of God. You need to search and search, and to weep and fast and pray, in order that you may have revealed unto you such a view of the law of God that you will be fitted to go forth and watch for souls as they that must give an account.”—The Signs of the Times, October 2, 1893.

b. What question did Pontius Pilate ask, and what would Christ have likely answered had Pilate just waited long enough to hear it? John 18:38; 14:6.

“Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred with a great longing to know what it really was, and how he could obtain it. ‘What is truth?’ he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 727. “Christ is the complete system of truth. He says, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6). All true believers center in Christ, their character is irradiated by Christ; all meet in Christ, and circulate about Christ. Truth comes from Heaven to purify and cleanse the human agent from every moral defilement. It leads to benevolent action, to kind, tender, thoughtful love toward the needy, the distressed, the suffering. This is practical obedience to the words of Christ.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 198, 199. “Because [the Holy Spirit] comes, not to praise men, or to build up their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come, many turn away from it. They are not willing to exchange their own righteousness (which is unrighteousness) for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated truth.”—The Signs of the Times, September 27, 1899. 12

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

January 6

4. RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH a.

Besides confessing our sins in order to receive complete forgiveness and cleansing, what else is necessary? Romans 1:17; Galatians 5:6; Hebrews 10:38.

“The word of God must be interwoven with the living character of those who believe it. The only vital faith is that faith which receives and assimilates the truth till it is a part of the being and the motive power of the life and action. . . . The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must assimilate the word of God. They must be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ and reflect the divine attributes.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 576. b. If we want to have this victorious experience, to whose guidance must we submit in our daily life? John 14:26; 16:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14.

“Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. ‘He will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.”—The Acts of Apostles, p. 52, 53.

How does the Bible summarize Christ’s mission to the world? Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; Hebrews 7:25.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man’s necessity. He ‘took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses,’ that He might minister to every need of humanity (Matthew 8:17). The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.”— The Ministry of Healing, p. 17. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Thursday

January 7

5. TOTAL SALVATION FROM SIN a.

How does Christ bring complete restoration to us? 1 John 1:9; 2 Peter 1:10, 11.

“Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort [those who are living on the earth in these last days] must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14. “When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing. ‘Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years’ (Malachi 3:4). Then the church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a ‘glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing’ (Ephesians 5:27). Then she will look ‘forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ (Song of Solomon 6:10).”—The Great Controversy, p. 425. “As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely. . . . “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 68, 69.

Friday

January 8

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. b. c. d. e.

What is the result of the proclamation of the three angels’ messages? The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Explain. In what sense does the knowledge of the truth make us free? How do belief in the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit go together? What will happen when the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in us?

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 3

Sabbath, January 16, 2010

Faith in the Gospel “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

“Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons.”—The Great Controversy, p. 600. Suggested Reading: Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 95–102.

Sunday

January 10

1. THE POWER OF GOD a.

Why is it so hard for some people to live like Christians? How can the gospel help them to surmount this difficulty? Romans 6:3–7; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24.

“Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after we are dead. But many are longing for the leeks and onions of Egypt. They have a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as possible and yet go to heaven. Such climb up some other way. They do not enter through the strait gate and narrow way.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 131. “When we surrender ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. The conscience can be freed from condemnation. Through faith in His blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 32. b. Other than the true gospel, what importance did Paul bestow on anything else? 1 Corinthians 9:16; Galatians 3:1; Philippians 3:8.

“Every unconverted man is fascinated, bewildered, by the bewitching power of the great deceiver. . . . Every person who cherishes a known error, in faith or practice, is under the power of sorcery, and is practicing sorcery upon others. Satan employs him to mislead other souls.”—The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1882. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Monday

January 11

2. LIVING FAITH a.

How can we take hold of the gospel so that it can be the power of God unto salvation in our life? Ephesians 6:10, 11, 18.

“When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie—to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that nothing may entice us to choose another master; for we are always free to do this. But let us keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe.”—Steps to Christ, p. 72. “Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless condition; nothing can be done for him; but through divine grace, supernatural power is imparted to the man, and works in mind and heart and character. It is through the impartation of the grace of Christ that sin is discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven from the soul temple.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 366. b. How can we know what true, living faith really is? Ephesians 5:14; Hebrews 12:2.

“By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?’ (Romans 7:24, margin). Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, ‘Wilt thou be made whole’ (John 5:6)? He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is ‘dead in trespasses’ (Ephesians 2:1). He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 203. 16

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

January 12

3. THE CENTURION AT CAPERNAUM a.

What urgent request did a Roman centurion make to Jesus while He was passing through Capernaum? Matthew 8:5, 6.

“The centurion’s servant had been stricken with palsy, and lay at the point of death. Among the Romans the servants were slaves, bought and sold in the market places, and treated with abuse and cruelty; but the centurion was tenderly attached to his servant, and greatly desired his recovery. He believed that Jesus could heal him. He had not seen the Saviour, but the reports he heard had inspired him with faith. Notwithstanding the formalism of the Jews, this Roman was convinced that their religion was superior to his own. Already he had broken through the barriers of national prejudice and hatred that separated the conquerors from the conquered people. He had manifested respect for the service of God, and had shown kindness to the Jews as His worshipers. In the teaching of Christ, as it had been reported to him, he found that which met the need of the soul. All that was spiritual within him responded to the Saviour’s words. But he felt unworthy to come into the presence of Jesus, and he appealed to the Jewish elders to make request for the healing of his servant.”— The Desire of Ages, p. 315.

b. What hope did, and still does, Christ’s response bring? Matthew 8:7.

“[The Lord] wants us to come to Him in our feebleness, with faith, knowing that He turns His compassionate eye upon us.”—The Review and Herald, April 1, 1880.

How did this man of worldly authority reply, showing that he understood Jesus more deeply than did the professed people of God? Matthew 8:8, 9.

“[When he approached the Saviour, the centurion said] As I represent the power of Rome, and my soldiers recognize my authority as supreme, so dost Thou represent the power of the Infinite God, and all created things obey Thy word. Thou canst command the disease to depart, and it shall obey Thee. Thou canst summon Thy heavenly messengers, and they shall impart healing virtue. Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 316. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Wednesday

January 13

4. HUMILITY AND FAITH a.

What did Jesus recognize in the attitude of the centurion, thereby bringing about the desired result? Matthew 8:10–13.

“The centurion said of himself, ‘I am not worthy.’ His heart had been touched by the grace of Christ. He saw his own unworthiness; yet he feared not to ask help. He trusted not to his own goodness; his argument was his great need. His faith took hold upon Christ in His true character. He did not believe in Him merely as a worker of miracles, but as the friend and Saviour of mankind. . . . “ ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy [our Saviour] saved us’ (Titus 3:5). When Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive blessing from God, tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; but the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition that makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say,—‘In my hand no price I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.’”—The Desire of Ages, p. 317. b. How does this experience show that we must truthfully believe the Word of God in order to be saved? Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 16:30, 31.

“We are not saved as a sect; no denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved individually as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And ‘by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8). We may have our names recorded on the books of the most spiritual of the churches, and yet we may not belong to Christ, and our names may not be written on the Lamb’s book of life. Christ said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’ (John 14:6). If we could reach heaven through our own merits and efforts, then Christ need not have come to the world, to endure suffering, reproach, and shame, to be subjected to humiliation, mockery, insult, and death. He made an infinite sacrifice, because it was the only way whereby man could be saved. Those who believe in Christ will reveal it in their life and character. By beholding Christ they will be changed into His image, and Christ will be represented to the world by His followers.”—The Review and Herald, February 10, 1891. 18

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

January 14

5. BELIEF PLUS TRUST a.

How does the experience of the centurion show that it is not enough just to believe—but rather that faith also includes trust? James 2:19, 20; 1 Timothy 4:10.

“No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 389. b. What must we do daily in order to obtain this vivifying faith? Isaiah 45:22; 1 Timothy 6:11, 12.

“The Word of God offers spiritual liberty and enlightenment to those who study it earnestly. Those who accept the promises of God, and act on them with living faith, will have the light of heaven in their lives. They will drink of the fountain of life, and lead others to the waters that have refreshed their own souls. We must have that faith in God that takes Him at His word.”—The Review and Herald, September 22, 1910.

“By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 391.

Friday

January 15

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. b. c. d.

What is meant by the statement: “It is easy living after we are dead”? Describe true living faith. What led the Roman centurion to develop true faith in Jesus? In view of what the centurion experienced, describe the real meaning of faith. e. What does true faith include that makes it so powerful? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Lesson 4

Sabbath, January 23, 2010

God Was Manifested in the Flesh “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

“The apostle [John] would call our attention from ourselves to the Author of our salvation. He presents before us His two natures, divine and human.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1126.

Suggested Reading: The Desire of Ages, pp. 43–49, 632–634.

Sunday

January 17

1. GOSPEL POWER a.

What kind of people will Jesus acknowledge upon His return? Revelation 14:12; Ephesians 5:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

“God who reads the hearts of everyone will bring to light hidden things of darkness where they are often least suspected, that stumbling blocks which have hindered the progress of truth may be removed, and God have a clean and holy people to declare His statutes and judgments.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 333. “Before giving us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father will try us, to see if we can live without dishonoring Him.”— Selected Messages, bk. 3, pp. 426, 427.

b. How do men and women become the people of God (“my people”)? John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 17.

“[John 1:12 quoted.] By this power we may overcome our evil tendencies and so modify our imperfect dispositions that the will of God may be fulfilled in us.”—The Upward Look, p. 141. 20

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

January 18

2. THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL a.

Although the patriarchs had known the gospel to some degree, when was it revealed most clearly? Galatians 3:8; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 1:26, 27.

b. What does Paul say about “the mystery of the gospel”? Romans 9:26, 27; 11:25; 16:25, 26; Ephesians 3:3–6.

“The Father Himself suffered with the Son; for ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself’ (2 Corinthians 5:19). Man, with his human, finite judgment, cannot safely question the wisdom of God. Hence it is unbecoming for him to criticize the plan of salvation. Before the theme of redemption, let man lay his wisdom in the dust, and accept the plans of Him whose wisdom is infinite.”—The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.

When will the clearest and most complete presentation of the gospel be given to the world? Revelation 14:6, 7; 18:1.

“The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19. “The proclamation of the gospel is the only means in which God can employ human beings as His instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women, and children proclaim the gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to see His statutes, and will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent His law. The animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers to be of one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His commandments—preparing here below for translation.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 984. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Tuesday

January 19

3. THE ETERNAL CREATOR a.

What role did Jesus have in the creation of this world? John 1:1–4.

“If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity. God over all, blessed forevermore. “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God.”—Lift Him Up, p. 16. b. What is written about the preexistence of Jesus? Micah 5:2; John 17:5.

“Christ is the preexistent, self-existent Son of God. . . . In speaking of His preexistence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God.”—Evangelism, p. 615. “[Christ] was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. . . . He is the eternal, self-existent Son.”—Ibid. “Christ, who created the world and all things that are therein, is the life and light of every living thing.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 182. c.

What should be our response when we consider the great condescension of Christ, our Creator, in our behalf? Ephesians 3:8–12; Romans 5:8–11.

“Christ created human beings, and then, by a life of suffering and humiliation, and a death of agony and shame, He redeemed them from sin. O sinner, the Saviour endured all this for you. He died that you might be led to see the sinfulness of sin, and by coming to Him have eternal life.”—The Review and Herald, February 12, 1901. “Everything beautiful and useful in our world we owe to the mercy of Christ.”—Ibid., October 16, 1883. 22

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

January 20

4. A HUMAN MANIFESTATION OF GOD a.

Describe the greatest miracle to occur in history. John 1:14; Philippians 2:6–8.

“The Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1130.

“Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature.”—Lift Him Up, p. 74. “Jesus was the Commander of heaven, one equal with God, and yet He condescended to lay aside His kingly crown, His royal robe, and clothed His divinity with humanity. The incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery. . . . In all respects the Son of God was to wear the same features as did other human beings. He was not to have such beauty of person as would make Him singular among men. He was to manifest no wonderful charms by which to attract attention to Himself.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, pp. 1130, 1131.

b. What motivated God to send His Son to save this world? John 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:10.

“The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour’s life and death and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings—all are enlisted in behalf of man’s redemption.”—Steps to Christ, p. 21. “God could not express greater love than He has expressed in giving the Son of His bosom to this world. This gift was given to man to convince him that God had left nothing undone that he could do, that there is nothing held in reserve, but that all heaven has been poured out in one vast gift. The present and eternal happiness of man consists in receiving God’s love, and in keeping God’s commandments.”—Lift Him Up, p. 232. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Thursday

January 21

5. THE INCARNATION a.

What does the Bible say about the Godhead of Jesus when He became man? Matthew 1:23; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20.

“Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years. . . . “Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed. “If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was—God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 663, 664. b. How does the incarnation lend power to the gospel? Colossians 1:27, 28; 2:6–10; Hebrews 2:9–11.

“[The Saviour] came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.”—Ibid., p. 664.

Friday

January 22

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. b. c. d. e. 24

What mystery was held in secret from the beginning of the world? What did God give to the world when He sent His Son? For what purpose were Divinity and humanity combined in Jesus? How can we, as individuals, be benefitted by the gift of God? Describe those who will be prepared to meet Jesus at His coming. Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 5

Sabbath, January 30, 2010

“Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” “[To His saints] God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Suggested Reading: The Desire of Ages, pp. 439, 674–678.

Sunday

January 24

1. CHRIST IN YOU a.

What miracle, wrought by the gospel, is called a mystery? Mark 4:3, 8, 11; John 1:12, 13; 3:3–8; 2:20.

“Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the miracle of miracles.”— The Acts of the Apostles, p. 476.

b. What experience must we obtain in order to have the power of God manifested in our own life? 2 Corinthians 5:17; 13:4.

“When those who profess to serve God follow Christ’s example, practicing the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to move the world.”— Ibid., p. 340. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

“When the sinner has a view of the matchless charms of Jesus, sin no longer looks attractive to him.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 76.

Monday

January 25

2. RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE TRUTH a.

For what must we spiritually wrestle and pray? 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 2:5, 6.

“Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 679. b. What warning did Christ give God’s professed people in His day? What did they fail to see in their search of the Scriptures? Mark 12:24.

“The Sadducees had flattered themselves that they of all men adhered most strictly to the Scriptures. But Jesus showed that they had not known their true meaning. That knowledge must be brought home to the heart by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Their ignorance of the Scriptures and the power of God He declared to be the cause of their confusion of faith and darkness of mind. They were seeking to bring the mysteries of God within the compass of their finite reasoning. Christ called upon them to open their minds to those sacred truths that would broaden and strengthen the understanding.”—Ibid., pp. 605, 606. “The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.”—Ibid., p. 309. 26

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

January 26

3. BEARING THE CROSS a.

What must we do in order to be identified as followers of Christ? Mark 8:34; 10:21.

“[Christians] must be pure in heart and correct in manners. In no case should they be satisfied with an empty profession. . . . To be a Christian is to be Christlike.”—The Sanctified Life, p. 79.

“The scenes of Calvary call for the deepest emotion. Upon this subject you will be excusable if you manifest enthusiasm. That Christ, so excellent, so innocent, should suffer such a painful death, bearing the weight of the sins of the world, our thoughts and imaginations can never fully comprehend. The length, the breadth, the height, the depth, of such amazing love we cannot fathom. The contemplation of the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love should fill the mind, touch and melt the soul, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole character.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 213. “I say to the followers of Christ, Look to Calvary, and blush for shame at your self-important ideas. All this humiliation of the Majesty of heaven was for guilty, condemned man. He went lower and lower in His humiliation, until there were no lower depths that He could reach, in order to lift man up from his moral defilement. All this was for you who are striving for the supremacy—striving for human praise, for human exaltation; you who are afraid you will not receive all that deference, that respect from human minds, that you think is your due. Is this Christlike?”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1128.

“It is our privilege also to glory in the cross, our privilege to give ourselves wholly to Him who gave Himself for us. Then, with the light that streams from Calvary shining in our faces, we may go forth to reveal this light to those in darkness.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 210. “To Paul the cross was the one object of supreme interest. . . . He knew by personal experience that when a sinner once beholds the love of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christ is all and in all.”—Ibid., p. 245. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

b. How should we consider this cross in contrast to the way the common worldling considers the cross? 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24; Galatians 6:14.

Wednesday

January 27

4. A VISIBLE CHANGE a.

When we accept this gospel, what change is to be seen in us? Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:21–28.

“A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a relation of utter dependence to be entered into by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness—sin in all its forms—must be overcome, if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without detaching themselves from these cherished idols.”—Messages to Young People, p. 118. “God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 308. b. How is this radical change of mind described? Ezekiel 36:26; 1 Corinthians 2:16.

“As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 163. “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 668. 28

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

January 28

5. THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US What evidence will show whether or not we have received the mind of Christ? Romans 12:10, 14–16; Philippians 2:2–5; John 13:34, 35.

“When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 439, 440. “By conversion and transformation, men are to receive the mind of Christ. Everyone is to stand before God with an individual faith, an individual experience, knowing for himself that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 35. b. What can we do in our own power? John 15:5. What is the only power that can make a radical change? John 6:63; Galatians 5:22–25; 2 Peter 1:2–4.

“It is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with Christ and to have a rich experience in the things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good works”—The Sanctified Life, p. 83.

Friday

January 29

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. What possibilities are before one who truly has Christ living in the heart? b. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? c. How does the Christian obtain genuine victory? d. As we contemplate the sacrifice on Calvary, what sacrifices does it lead us to accept? e. What kind of fruit is the result of truly experiencing a new birth? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

SABBATH, FEBRUARY 6, 2010

First Sabbath Offering for the Welfare Department A world in crisis. An economy in distress. A planet groaning under the weight of sin. War, earthquakes, floods, natural disasters. Wherever we turn we see the needs for assistance. From the poorest nations to the poor living in the wealthiest of nations, the calls for help are coming constantly. For over a decade the World Disaster Relief Fund has been working to bring relief to those impacted by calamities beyond their control. And each February we have appealed to you for support to this welfare ministry for the worthy poor. “How often our hearts sink, and faith fails us, as we see how great is the need, and how small the means in our hands. Like Andrew looking upon the five barley loaves and the two little fishes, we exclaim, ‘What are they among so many’ (John 6:9)? Often we hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, ‘Give ye them to eat’ (Mark 6:37). His command is a promise, and behind it is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea” (The Desire of Ages, p. 369). In 2008 and 2009 the World Disaster Relief Fund was used to rebuild schools and churches destroyed by earthquakes and flooding. It was used to bring food and shelter assistance to orphans and widows living in war zones. It was used to purchase food for brethren in drought-scorched lands. The weekly e-newsletter of the Welfare Department has been giving regular reports of the welfare work that is being done around the globe. Can we count on you to continue this assistance to the worthy poor? “Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause. I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask, Are you weary of receiving from God's beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 150. May the Lord give us a helping spirit when the First Sabbath Offering is collected in behalf of the worthy poor in our midst. David Zic, GC Welfare Department Secretary 30

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 6

Sabbath, February 6, 2010

Going to Judgment “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, pp. 479–491.

Sunday

January 31

1. THE PRESENT TRUTH a.

What is our safeguard against the influence of false teachers? 2 Timothy 3:16.

“The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. . . . The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures.”— Ibid., p. 593.

b. What portions of Scripture are especially important for our time? 2 Peter 1:12, 13.

“There was a present truth—a truth at that time of special importance—in the days of Christ, of Paul, of Luther; there is a present truth for the church today.”—The Signs of the Times, June 21, 1883. “Precious souls are starving, and dying for want of the present, sealing truth, the meat in due season.”—The Present Truth, September 1, 1849. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

“Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth.”—The Great Controversy, p. 488.

Monday

February 1

2. LOOKING UNTO JESUS a.

In order to obtain perfection, what must we be doing constantly? 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:2.

“By acquaintance and association with Christ we may become like Him, the one faultless Example.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 222, 223. “It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholds Christ is so like His that one looking at him sees Christ’s own character shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we are changed day by day from our own ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character. Thus we grow up into Christ, and unconsciously reflect His image.”—In Heavenly Places, p. 337. b. Where and how are we to behold Jesus constantly? John 5:39; Hebrews 1:2, 3; 3:1.

“No man, woman, or youth can attain to Christian perfection and neglect the study of the Word of God. By carefully and closely searching His Word we shall obey the injunction of Christ, ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me’ (John 5:39). This search enables the student to observe closely the divine Model, for they testify of Christ. The Pattern must be inspected often and closely in order to imitate it. As one becomes acquainted with the history of the Redeemer, he discovers in himself defects of character; his unlikeness to Christ is so great that he sees he cannot be a follower without a very great change in his life. Still he studies, with a desire to be like his great Exemplar; he catches the looks, the spirit, of his beloved Master; by beholding he becomes changed. ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:2).’” —Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 17. “Look to Calvary, and as you behold Christ offering up His precious life for you, that you may have an opportunity to form a character for eternal life, ask yourself the question, How shall I occupy the time given me of God at an infinite cost?”—The Review and Herald, October 27, 1896. 32

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

February 2

3. FACING OUR RECORD What and whom will each individual, without exception, face one day? Hebrews 9:27; Romans 14:12.

“Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleasure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest, prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened.”—The Great Controversy, p. 488. b. Since each of us will face the judgment, of what do we need to be aware, and how should we live in view of that awesome hour? Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; 11:9.

“We should not be prevailed upon to take anything into the mouth that will bring the body into an unhealthy condition, no matter how much we like it. Why?—Because we are God’s property. You have a crown to win, a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun. Then for Christ’s sake, I ask you, Will you have the light shine before you in clear and distinct rays, and then turn away from it and say, ‘I love this, and I love that’?”—Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 328. “There is altogether too much careless talking, censuring, faultfinding, in families that profess to love and serve God. The unkind words, the irreverence and disrespect, found in many families make angels weep. What a record is made upon the books of heaven of unkind looks and words that bite and sting like an adder. And this is not the record of one day in the year merely, but of day after day. Oh that these families would consider that angels of God are taking a daguerreotype [photograph] of the character just as accurately as the artist takes the likeness of the human features; and that it is from this that we are to be judged!”—The Review and Herald, February 2, 1886. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

Wednesday

February 3

4. JUDGED BY THE LAW a.

What is the standard of the judgment? James 2:12.

“The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one with Christ. ‘The truth shall make you free’ (John 8:32); and Christ is the truth. Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to one’s self—to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is ‘the law of liberty’ (James 2:12).”—The Desire of Ages, p. 466. b. Which law is this law of liberty? Will even New Testament Christians be judged by this law? James 2:11 (Exodus 20:13, 14); 2 Corinthians 5:10.

“By the first angel, men are called upon to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him’ and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God. ‘This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.’ ‘He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination’ (1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9).”—The Great Controversy, p. 436. c.

Since our life will be brought into judgment (Romans 14:10), to what question should we give top priority? John 8:31, 32; 14:15; 15:7, 14.

“We are not to allow our attention to be diverted from the proclamation of the message given us. For years I have been instructed that we are not to give our attention to non-essential questions. We are not bidden to enter into discussion regarding unimportant subjects. Our work is to lead minds to the great principles of the law of God. “The only question asked in the judgment will be, ‘Are they obedient to My commandments?’ The petty strife and contention over questions of no importance is an education which our people do not need.”—West Indian Messenger, July 1, 1912. 34

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

February 4

5. SPOTLESS ROBES What warning demands our constant attention? Jeremiah 17:9; 1 Corinthians 10:12; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:6–9.

“Many are deceived concerning the condition of their hearts. They do not realize that the natural heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. They wrap themselves about with their own righteousness, and are satisfied in reaching their own human standard of character; but how fatally they fail when they do not reach the divine standard, and of themselves they cannot meet the requirements of God. “We may measure ourselves by ourselves, we may compare ourselves among ourselves, we may say we do as well as this one or that one, but the question to which the judgment will call for an answer is, Do we meet the claims of high heaven? Do we reach the divine standard? Are our hearts in harmony with the God of heaven?”— Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 320, 321.

b. What can we claim with assurance after we have won the final victory? Matthew 24:13. Give an example. 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.

“Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil.”—The Great Controversy, p. 425. “When the conflict of life is ended, when the armor is laid off at the feet of Jesus, when the saints of God are glorified, then and then only will it be safe to claim that we are saved and sinless.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 356.

Friday

February 5

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. b. c. d. e.

What portions of Scripture are especially designed for our time? How can we look to Jesus who is not present in person with us? In light of the approaching judgment, how should we live? Which law is the basis on which our characters will be judged? Explain Matthew 24:13.

Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—World Disaster Relief Fund

Lesson 7

Sabbath, February 13, 2010

The Blotting Out of Sins “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25).

“It is while men are still dwelling upon the earth that the work of investigative judgment takes place in the courts of heaven. The lives of all His professed followers pass in review before God. All are examined according to the record of the books of heaven, and according to his deeds the destiny of each is forever fixed.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310. Suggested Readings: Early Writings, pp. 54–56; Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 384–387.

Sunday

February 7

1. THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT a.

What prophecy records the beginning of the investigative judgment in the presence of the Ancient of Days? Daniel 7:9, 10; Psalm 11:4.

“The great day of the execution of God’s judgment seemed to have come. Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a large throne, upon which was seated a person of majestic appearance. Several books were before Him, and upon the covers of each was written in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire: ‘Ledger of Heaven.’ One of these books, containing the names of those who claim to believe the truth, was then opened.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 384. b. Who comes to be the Advocate in this judgment? Daniel 7:13; Malachi 3:1; 1 John 2:1.

“The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event.”—The Great Controversy, p. 426. 36

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

February 8

2. THE SYMBOLIC MARRIAGE a.

What parable further shows that a judgment must take place before Christ’s second coming, and why? Matthew 22:1–14; Revelation 11:18.

“By the king’s examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment. The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book of life.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310. “Previous to the wedding [of Matthew 22] the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. . . . This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.”—The Great Controversy, p. 428. b. After the judgment of Daniel 7:10, what will Christ receive? Daniel 7:14.

“In the parable [of Matthew 25] it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. . . . And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths concerning the sanctuary in heaven and the Saviour’s change in ministration], following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom—all these are represented as going in to the marriage.”—Ibid., pp. 427, 428. c.

Is the coming of Christ before or after the symbolic wedding and the receiving of the kingdom? Luke 12:35, 36; 19:12.

“The proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut’ (Matthew 25:10). They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to ‘wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding’ (Luke 12:36).”—Ibid., p. 427. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Tuesday

February 9

3. JUDGMENT BEFORE THE SECOND COMING a.

When Christ returns to the earth, what does He bring with Him that shows that a judgment must have taken place before? Revelation 22:12.

“Not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples. Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, ‘to give every man according as his work shall be’ (Revelation 22:12). Before His coming, then, the character of every man’s work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ’s followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310. b. With whom does this judgment begin? 1 Peter 4:17.

“When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in the one short sentence, ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut,’ we are carried down through the Saviour’s final ministration, to the time when the great work for man’s salvation shall be completed.”—The Great Controversy, p. 428. c.

What was opened in heaven for the judgment? Revelation 11:19; Hebrews 9:3, 4.

“The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,’ this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement.”—Ibid., p. 433. 38

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

February 10

4. THE MOST HOLY PLACE a.

How does the Old Testament shed light on the heavenly sanctuary depicted in the New Testament? Exodus 25:8, 9, 40; Hebrews 8:1–5.

“I was also shown a sanctuary upon the earth containing two apartments. It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it was a figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary was like that in the first apartment of the heavenly. The veil was lifted, and I looked into the holy of holies and saw that the furniture was the same as in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The priest ministered in both apartments of the earthly. He went daily into the first apartment, but entered the most holy only once a year, to cleanse it from the sins which had been conveyed there. I saw that Jesus ministered in both apartments of the heavenly sanctuary. The priests entered into the earthly with the blood of an animal as an offering for sin. Christ entered into the heavenly sanctuary by the offering of His own blood. The earthly priests were removed by death; therefore they could not continue long; but Jesus was a priest forever. Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the merits of a Saviour to come. And in the wisdom of God the particulars of this work were given us that we might, by looking to them, understand the work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.”—Early Writings, pp. 252, 253. b. What Old Testament admonition reveals the solemnity of the atonement hour? Leviticus 16:17.

“In the service of the earthly sanctuary, which, as we have seen, is a figure of the service in the heavenly, when the high priest on the Day of Atonement entered the most holy place, the ministration in the first apartment ceased. . . . When Christ entered the holy of holies to perform the closing work of the atonement, He ceased His ministration in the first apartment. But when the ministration in the first apartment ended, the ministration in the second apartment began. When in the typical service the high priest left the holy on the Day of Atonement, he went in before God to present the blood of the sin offering in behalf of all Israel who truly repented of their sins. So Christ had only completed one part of His work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work, and He still pleaded His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 428, 429. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Thursday

February 11

5. JUDGED BY THE LAW a.

What is the evident relationship between Daniel 7:9, 10 and Revelation 11:19; 20:12 (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14)?

“The law of God in the sanctuary in heaven is the great original, of which the precepts inscribed upon the tables of stone and recorded by Moses in the Pentateuch were an unerring transcript. . . . The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character, must forever endure, ‘as a faithful witness in heaven’ (Psalm 89:37). Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed.”—The Great Controversy, p. 434. b. Describe the solemnity of the judgment scene. Hebrews 4:13; 10:31.

“As the Holy One upon the throne slowly turned the leaves of the ledger, and His eyes rested for a moment upon individuals, His glance seemed to burn into their very souls, and at the same moment every word and action of their lives passed before their minds as clearly as though traced before their vision in letters of fire. . . . Every eye is riveted upon the face of the One upon the throne; and as His solemn, searching eye sweeps over that company, there is a quaking of heart; for they are self-condemned without one word being uttered.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 385. “We should be most grateful that now in probationary time through the infinite mercy of God we are permitted to sow the seed for our future harvest. We should carefully consider what the harvest will be.”—Welfare Ministry, pp. 316, 317.

Friday

February 12

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. Who is judged during the pre-advent judgment? b. What is one reason for this judgment before Christ’s second coming? c. What parable clearly explains the work of judgment prior to the giving out the rewards? d. What is taught by the opening of the most holy place in heaven? e. What scriptures do we need to study in order to gain a clearer understanding of the judgment? 40

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 8

Sabbath, February 20, 2010

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these” (Hebrews 9:23).

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 355.

Suggested Reading: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 343–358.

Sunday

February 14

1. THE YEARLY SERVICE a.

In the earthly tabernacle service, when did the investigation and blotting out of the confessed sins of God’s people occur? Leviticus 16:29, 30.

b. When and how often did the high priest enter the second apartment of the sanctuary? Leviticus 16:15–17, 24, 34; Hebrews 9:6, 7.

“No mortal eye but that of the high priest was to look upon the inner apartment of the sanctuary. Only once a year could the priest enter there, and that after the most careful and solemn preparation. With trembling he went in before God, and the people in reverent silence awaited his return, their hearts uplifted in earnest prayer for the divine blessing. Before the mercy seat the high priest made the atonement for Israel; and in the cloud of glory, God met with him. His stay here beyond the accustomed time filled them with fear, lest because of their sins or his own he had been slain by the glory of the Lord.”—Ibid., p. 352. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Monday

February 15

2. SINS BLOTTED OUT a.

What was the high priest to do after making the final yearly atonement? Leviticus 16:20–22. What will happen at the end of the antitypical Day of Atonement?

“Since Satan is the originator of sin, the direct instigator of all the sins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands that Satan shall suffer the final punishment. Christ’s work for the redemption of men and the purification of the universe from sin will be closed by the removal of sin from the heavenly sanctuary and the placing of these sins upon Satan, who will bear the final penalty. So in the typical service, the yearly round of ministration closed with the purification of the sanctuary, and the confessing of the sins on the head of the scapegoat.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 358. b. In reference to the sins of the people, what was the main difference between the daily service and the yearly service? Leviticus 4:20; 16:30. What does the yearly atonement symbolize, and how should it affect our attitude toward God’s Word?

“In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day the great truths relative to Christ’s death and ministration, and once each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of the universe from sin and sinners.”—Ibid. “In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works’ (Revelation 20:12). Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary.”—Ibid., pp. 357, 358. “The word of God is the only fixed, changeless thing that the world knows. . . . It not only causes men to discern what is truth, but it unmasks the soul, and presents men to themselves as perishing sinners, and calls upon them to repent and to be converted, that their sins may be blotted out, and stand no longer against them.”—The Bible Echo, May 28, 1894. 42

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

February 16

3. A HEAVENLY MINISTRY a.

Could Jesus enter the heavenly sanctuary while the earthly (the figure of the heavenly) was still operating? Hebrews 9:8, 9.

“When Jesus at His ascension entered by His own blood into the heavenly sanctuary to shed upon His disciples the blessings of His mediation, the Jews were left in total darkness to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. The ministration of types and shadows had ceased. That door by which men had formerly found access to God was no longer open. The Jews had refused to seek Him in the only way whereby He could then be found, through the ministration in the sanctuary in heaven. Therefore they found no communion with God. To them the door was shut. They had no knowledge of Christ as the true sacrifice and the only mediator before God; hence they could not receive the benefits of His mediation.”—The Great Controversy, p. 430.

b. What are the differences between the earthly and the heavenly sanctuaries that make the one in heaven of greater value? Hebrews 9:11, 12, 22, 23.

“After His ascension, our Saviour was to begin His work as our High Priest. Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us’ (Hebrews 9:24). As Christ’s ministration was to consist of two great divisions, each occupying a period of time and having a distinctive place in the heavenly sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two divisions, the daily and the yearly service, and to each a department of the tabernacle was devoted.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357. “Now is the time for us to make sure work for eternity. Christ is pleading in our behalf. Shall we offer ourselves as a free, acceptable sacrifice? Shall we cover up our sins, or shall we confess them, that we may find mercy and grace to help in every time of need? While Christ is pleading in our behalf, shall we not put away and loathe the sins that caused the Son of God such great suffering and death? While Jesus is showing compassion for us, shall we not have compassion for ourselves? Shall we not pour out our souls in repentance and contrition, and receive the promise of a new heart?”—The General Conference Bulletin, October 1, 1899. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Wednesday

February 17

4. TIME FOR THE CLEANSING a.

When would Jesus, our High Priest, remove our sins from the heavenly sanctuary? Daniel 8:14. According to the apostle Peter, when should the blotting out of sins take place? Acts 3:19–21.

“The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus’ (Acts 3:19, 20).”—The Great Controversy (1888), p. 611.

b. How can you prove that the investigative judgment begins before Christ’s second coming, and that the first angel’s message must begin just prior to the opening of the investigative judgment? Revelation 14:6, 7, 14, 15.

“The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ’ (Acts 3:19, 20). When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be.”—The Great Controversy, p. 485. “As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance.”—Ibid., p. 483. 44

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

February 18

5. NO TIME FOR DELAY a.

On what condition will our sins be blotted out in the judgment? Acts 3:19.

“The Lord reads every secret of the heart. He knows all things. You may now close the book of your remembrance, in order to escape confessing your sins; but when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, you cannot close them. The recording angel has testified that which is true. All that you have tried to conceal and forget is registered, and will be read to you when it is too late for wrongs to be righted. Then you will be overwhelmed with despair. O, it is a terrible thing that so many are trifling with eternal interests, closing the heart against any course of action which shall involve confession!”— The Review and Herald, December, 16, 1890.

b. What warning must we urgently consider in light of the first angel’s message? Hebrews 3:7, 8; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Ezekiel 18:24.

“In the typical service, when the high priest entered the most holy place, all Israel were required to gather about the sanctuary and in the most solemn manner humble their souls before God, that they might receive the pardon of their sins and not be cut off from the congregation. How much more essential in this antitypical Day of Atonement that we understand the work of our High Priest and know what duties are required of us.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 430, 431.

Friday

February 19

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. When we consider the yearly service in the Hebrew religious system, which day was held as the most important? b. Describe the atonement and its results. c. Why is the heavenly sanctuary service of greater value than the earthly? d. How does the first angel’s message announce the time for the beginning of the investigative judgment? e. What must we do in order to have our sins blotted out before the close of probation? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Lesson 9

Sabbath, February 27, 2010

The Heavenly Ministry Misrepresented “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

“Jesus alone could give security to God; for He was equal to God. He alone could be a mediator between God and man; for He possessed divinity and humanity.”—The Review and Herald, April 3, 1894. Suggested Reading: The Desire of Ages, pp. 435–439.

Sunday

February 21

1. TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS a.

Name one method by which God reveals His will to men and women. Numbers 12:6.

“Dreams from the Lord are classed in the word of God with visions and are as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as visions. Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have them and the circumstances under which they are given, contain their own proofs of their genuineness.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 569, 570. b. What warnings are given against false prophets, and what protective measures must the church adopt today? Deuteronomy 13:1–4; Romans 16:17; 1 John 4:1.

“The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested.”—The Great Controversy, p. vii. “The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.”—Ibid., p. 593. 46

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

February 22

2. THE RAM AND THE GOAT a.

What does the great ram in Daniel 8 symbolize, and how was that prophecy fulfilled? Daniel 8:3, 4, 20; Esther 1:1, 3.

“Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted to occupy its place on the earth, that it might be seen whether it would fulfill the purpose of ‘the Watcher and the Holy One.’ Prophecy has traced the rise and fall of the world’s great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with nations of less power, history repeated itself. Each had its period of test, each failed, its glory faded, its power departed, and its place was occupied by another.”—Education, pp. 176, 177. c.

What should we consider about the reasons why men such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar fell from power? Ecclesiastes 10:17; Luke 14:11.

“Alexander found it much easier to subdue kingdoms than to rule his own spirit. After conquering nations, this so-called great man fell through the indulgence of appetite—a victim of intemperance.”— Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 29.

“The man or woman who preserves the balance of the mind when tempted to indulge passion stands higher in the sight of God and heavenly angels than the most renowned general that ever led an army to battle and to victory. Said a celebrated emperor when on his dying bed, ‘Among all my conquests there is but one which affords me any consolation now, and that is the conquest I have gained over my own turbulent temper.’ Alexander and Caesar found it easier to subdue a world than to subdue themselves. After conquering nation after nation, they fell—one of them ‘the victim of intemperance, the other of mad ambition.’”—Child Guidance, pp. 95, 96. “God calls upon you to yield pride and stubbornness, and to let His peace rule in your hearts. A meek and quiet spirit must be cherished. Carry Christ’s meekness with you in all your labors.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 348. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—“Maranatha,” the elementary school in Ecuador

b. What does the “very great” goat symbolize, and how was that fulfilled? Daniel 8:5–8, 21, 22.

Tuesday

February 23

3. THE MIGHTY LITTLE HORN a.

What does the mighty little horn represent, and how was that fulfilled? Daniel 7:8; 8:9–12; Revelation 13:1–3.

“This prophecy [of Revelation 13:1–10], which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.”—The Great Controversy, p. 439. “The crown removed from Israel passed successively to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God says, ‘It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him’ (Ezekiel 21:27).”—Education, p. 179. b. How are the expressions “great,” “very great,” and “exceeding great” used in a comparison between three political powers? Daniel 8:4, 8, 9.

Through Bible symbols, to what is Daniel 8:10 referring? Revelation 1:13, 16, 20; 2:1.

“[Revelation 2:1 quoted.] These words are spoken to the teachers in the church—those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with God’s ministers, who are to reveal the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. . . . If they will look to Him as He looked to the Father they will be enabled to do His work.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 586, 587. “[When John the Revelator was given a vision of his Lord,] how changed is the Saviour’s appearance! He is no longer ‘a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief’ (Isaiah 53:3). He bears no marks of His humiliation. His eyes are like a flame of fire; His feet like fine brass, as it glows in a furnace. The tones of His voice are like the musical sound of many waters. His countenance shines like the sun in its meridian glory. In His hand are seven stars, representing the ministers of the churches. Out of His mouth issues a sharp, two-edged sword, an emblem of the power of His word.”—The Sanctified Life, pp. 77, 78. 48

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

February 24

4. ROME IN TWO PHASES Who is the Prince of the host, and how did the little horn magnify itself against Him? Daniel 8:11, 25; Revelation 19:16; 17:14.

“The line of prophecy in which these symbols are found begins with Revelation 12, with the dragon that sought to destroy Christ at His birth. The dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he it was that moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the chief agent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people during the first centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire, in which paganism was the prevailing religion. Thus while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.”—The Great Controversy, p. 438. “Jesus loves His children, even if they err. They belong to Jesus and we are to treat them as the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ. Any unreasonable course pursued toward them is written in the books as against Jesus Christ.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 195. b. What ministry did Jesus enter upon when He took His place in the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 3:1; 8:1, 2; 9:24.

“Jesus is our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor.”—Lift Him Up, p. 319.

After the fall of imperial Rome, how did the papacy transfer the intercessory ministration of the heavenly sanctuary to its own institutions on earth? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Why is this change unacceptable? John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5.

“In His intercession as our Advocate Christ needs no man’s virtue, no man’s intercession. Christ is the only sin bearer, the only sin-offering. Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who has entered once for all into the most Holy Place.”—Ibid., p. 319. “Priests and rulers have no right to interpose between Christ and the souls for whom He has died, as though invested with the Saviour’s attributes, and able to pardon transgression and sin. They themselves are sinners. They are only human.”—The Faith I Live By, p. 105. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—“Maranatha,” the elementary school in Ecuador

Thursday

February 25

5. THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY CLEANSED a.

How does Daniel’s prophecy foretell that the daily ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary would be hidden and marred? Daniel 8:11, 12.

“I saw in relation to the ‘daily’ (Daniel 8:12) that the word ‘sacrifice’ was supplied by man's wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the judgment hour cry.”—Early Writings, pp. 74, 75. b. How long would this apostasy be allowed to continue overshadowing Christ’s atoning ministration in heaven? Daniel 8:13, 14.

“As our Mediator, Christ works incessantly. Whether men receive or reject Him, He works earnestly for them. He grants them life and light, striving by His Spirit to win them from Satan’s service. And while the Saviour works, Satan also works, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, and with unflagging energy. But victory will never be his.”—The Review and Herald, March 12, 1901. c.

What can we understand when we know the beginning and the end of the 2300 days? Isaiah 43:25; Revelation 14:6, 7.

Friday

February 26

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. How can we identify the prophets that have a genuine message from God? b. Describe the meaning of the ram and the goat. c. Explain the differences between “great,” “very great,” and “exceeding great” in reference to this prophecy. d. What earthly power has sought to counterfeit the work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary? e. What event should we be able to see by faith at the termination of the 2300 days? 50

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

SABBATH, MARCH 6, 2010

First Sabbath Offering “Maranatha,” the elementary school in Ecuador We are privileged to address our great church family around the world with a humble and urgent request for “Maranatha.” Maranatha is the name of our elementary school that has been under construction for a long time in Ecuador. This project which began strictly by faith and also with the help of our Sabbath school members in the past, continues to be a faith project. There were moments of anguish, but the Lord has been merciful to us and has allowed that this important institution be kept alive and growing. It is obvious, however, that more funds are needed. We are instructing boys and girls in the ways of the Lord so that the three angels’ messages can reach the parents and the community around us. We are preparing very young missionaries for the Lord. Please help us keep this powerful beam of the “present truth” in Ecuador. Despite our best efforts, this unfinished building gives an unpleasant appearance to the whole property; it keeps away new students from registering and is a problem for those who are already registered. Besides, as new technologies advance rapidly in the world, it is imperative that our school adds to its curriculum computer classes as well as foreign languages. Special equipment and materials are needed, but most of all, we need to complete the exterior of the building project, giving it a finished look to attract new students to the institution. The land measures 7,172 square meters and no space is wasted; all the buildings on the premises are functional and adapted to various purposes where we also hold conferences and spiritual gatherings. This cuts the cost for the believers coming to the various spiritual meetings and is a great help to the poorer ones needing a place to lodge. The First Sabbath Offering we are kindly requesting from our brethren and sisters around the world will help us complete the building project that has begun with such great sacrifice. Your brethren and sisters of the Ecuadorian Field Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Lesson 10

Sabbath, March 6, 2010

“Then Shall the Sanctuary Be Cleansed”—Part 1 “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14).

“The cross of Christ must be studied. It must rivet the attention and hold the affections. The blood which there was shed for sins will purify and cleanse mind and heart from every species of selfishness.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 378. Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, pp. 551–556.

Sunday

February 28

1. FAST AND PRAY a.

What was Daniel studying in the first year of King Darius? Daniel 9:2; Jeremiah 29:10.

“Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain—so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in books ‘the number of the years’ (Daniel 9:2).”—Prophets and Kings, p. 554. b. Under what conditions was Daniel trying to understand the writings of God’s appointed messengers? Daniel 2:17–19; 9:3; 10:1, 2. How must we study the Scriptures if we expect the Holy Spirit to enlighten our mind?

“When you search the Scriptures with an earnest desire to learn the truth, God will breathe His Spirit into your heart and impress your mind with the light of His word. The Bible is its own interpreter, one passage explaining another. By comparing scriptures referring to the same subjects, you will see beauty and harmony of which you have never dreamed.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 499. 52

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

March 1

2. TWENTY-THREE HUNDRED DAYS Whom did God send to enlighten Daniel with an explanation of the vision (Daniel 8:14)? Why? Daniel 8:16–18, 26, 27.

“Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Daniel heard ‘one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision?’ (Daniel 8:13). The answer that was given, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (verse 14), filled him with perplexity. Earnestly he sought for the meaning of the vision. He could not understand the relation sustained by the seventy years’ captivity, as foretold through Jeremiah, to the twenty-three hundred years that in vision he heard the heavenly visitant declare should elapse before the cleansing of God’s sanctuary. The angel Gabriel gave him a partial interpretation; yet when the prophet heard the words, ‘The vision . . . shall be for many days,’ he fainted away (verses 26, 27 quoted).”— Prophets and Kings, p. 554.

b. How did Gabriel state that he had come for the purpose of completing the unfinished explanation of the vision (Daniel 8:14)? Daniel 9:22, 23.

“The angel [Gabriel] had been sent to Daniel for the express purpose of explaining to him the point which he had failed to understand in the vision of the eighth chapter, the statement relative to time—‘unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (Daniel 8:14).”—The Great Controversy, p. 326. “As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (Daniel 8:14).”—Evangelism, pp. 222, 223. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—“Maranatha,” the elementary school in Ecuador

Tuesday

March 2

3. THE DAY-FOR-A-YEAR PRINCIPLE a.

How do we understand a prophetic day? Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:33, 34.

“A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 698. b. How did Gabriel explain the first portion of the 2300 days? Daniel 9:24–27.

“After bidding Daniel ‘understand the matter, and consider the vision,’ the very first words of the angel are: ‘Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City.’ The word here translated ‘determined’ literally signifies ‘cut off.’ Seventy weeks, representing 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could be found, then the starting point for the great period of the 2300 days would be ascertained.”—The Great Controversy, p. 326. c.

How was the phrase “make an end of sins” or “sin offerings,” as the original implies, fulfilled? Hebrews 9:24–26.

“Said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].’ For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease’ (Daniel 9:27). In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 699. 54

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

March 3

4. EXPLANATION OF TERMS How was reconciliation made for iniquity? 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20.

“Jesus paid an infinite price to redeem the world, and the race was given into His hands; they became His property. He sacrificed His honor, His riches, and His glorious home in the royal courts and became the son of Joseph and Mary. Joseph was one of the humblest of day laborers. Jesus also worked; he lived a life of hardship and toil. When His ministry commenced, after His baptism, He endured an agonizing fast of nearly six weeks. It was not merely the gnawing pangs of hunger which made His sufferings inexpressibly severe, but it was the guilt of the sins of the world which pressed so heavily upon Him. He who knew no sin was made sin for us. With this terrible weight of guilt upon Him because of our sins He withstood the fearful test upon appetite, and upon love of the world and of honor, and pride of display which leads to presumption. Christ endured these three great leading temptations and overcame in behalf of man, working out for him a righteous character, because He knew man could not do this of himself. He knew that upon these three points Satan was to assail the race. He had overcome Adam, and he designed to carry forward his work till he completed the ruin of man. Christ entered the field in man’s behalf to conquer Satan for him because He saw that man could not overcome on his own account. Christ prepared the way for the ransom of man by His own life of suffering, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, and by His humiliation and final death. He brought help to man that he might, by following Christ’s example, overcome on his own account, as Christ has overcome for him.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 372. “Think of Christ’s humiliation. He took upon Himself fallen, suffering human nature, degraded and defiled by sin. He took our sorrows, bearing our grief and shame. He endured all the temptations wherewith man is beset. He united humanity with divinity: a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh. He united Himself with the temple. ‘The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14), because by so doing He could associate with the sinful, sorrowing sons and daughters of Adam.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1147.

b. Before the beginning of the ministry in the earthly sanctuary, the tabernacle had to be anointed (Exodus 40:9). What did Jesus need to do before the beginning of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary? Daniel 9:24; Hebrews 8:1–5; 9:8, 11, 12.

Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—“Maranatha,” the elementary school in Ecuador

Thursday

March 4

5. EXPLANATION OF TERMS (continued) a.

How has God’s righteousness been revealed under the new covenant? Isaiah 56:1; Romans 3:21–24.

b. How is everlasting righteousness assured? Nahum 1:9.

“The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature 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.”—The Great Controversy, p. 504.

“Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. . . . By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.”— Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 311, 312.

Friday

March 5

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. What sacrifices should we be willing to make in order to understand the important prophecies for our time? b. How do we know that the prophecies of Daniel 9 are clearly connected to Daniel 8—especially in the explanation given of verse 14? c. When studying prophecies, what principle do we needed to understand in dealing with time? d. Explain some of the things that needed to be fulfilled during the seventy-week period. e. What needed to take place before Jesus could begin His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary? 56

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 11

Sabbath, March 13, 2010

“Then Shall the Sanctuary be Cleansed”—Part 2 “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times” (Daniel 9:25).

“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357.

Suggested Reading: Prophets and Kings, pp. 607–617.

Sunday

March 7

1. THE SEVENTY WEEKS a.

With what event does the prophecy of the seventy weeks begin? Daniel 9:25.

b. Explain why the decrees of Cyrus and Darius did not fulfill all the conditions of this prophecy? Ezra 1:1–4; 6:1–12.

Why is the decree of Artaxerxes taken as the starting point in the fulfillment of this prophecy? Ezra 6:14; 7:11–26.

“In its completest form [the decree] was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 B.C.”—The Great Controversy, p. 326. “The decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus for the restoring and building of Jerusalem, the third issued since the close of the seventy years’ captivity, is remarkable for its expressions regarding the God of heaven, for its recognition of the attainments of Ezra, and for the liberality of the grants made to the remnant people of God.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 610. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Monday

March 8

2. THE MESSIAH REVEALED a.

When did the Messiah reveal Himself—showing that the last of the seventy prophetic weeks had begun? John 1:29, 41; Matthew 3:16, 17; Acts 10:38.

“‘From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks’—namely, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. . . . At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word ‘Messiah’ signifies ‘the Anointed One.’ In the autumn of A.D. 27 Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit. The apostle Peter testifies that ‘God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power’ (Acts 10:38). And the Saviour Himself declared: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor’ (Luke 4:18). After His baptism He went into Galilee, ‘preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled’ (Mark 1:14, 15).”—The Great Controversy, p. 327. b. How did Jesus use this prophecy (Daniel 9:25) to announce His ministry? Mark 1:14, 15.

“Christ Himself had sent [the disciples] forth with the message: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel’ (Mark 1:15). That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by the angel to extend to ‘the Messiah the Prince,’ and with high hopes and joyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth. “They preached the message which Christ had committed to them, though they themselves misapprehended its meaning. While their announcement was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did not see, in the next verse of the same chapter, that Messiah was to be cut off. From their very birth their hearts had been set upon the anticipated glory of an earthly empire, and this blinded their understanding alike to the specifications of the prophecy and to the words of Christ.”— Ibid., p. 345. 58

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

March 9

3. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY a.

With what was Jesus concerned throughout His ministry, and what took place exactly at the appointed time? John 7:6–8; 19:16–18, 28–30.

“The time of the first advent and of some of the chief events clustering about the Saviour’s lifework was made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. ‘Seventy weeks,’ said the angel, ‘are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy’ (Daniel 9:24).”—Prophets and Kings, p. 698.

“Christ had come at the exact time and in the manner foretold by prophecy. The testimony of Scripture had been fulfilled in every detail of His ministry.”—The Great Controversy, p. 346. b. Since the first portion (the 490 prophetic days) ended in A.D. 34 when should the rest of the 2300 days terminate?

“Thus the death of Christ—the very event which the disciples had looked upon as the final destruction of their hope —was that which made it forever sure. While it had brought them a cruel disappointment, it was the climax of proof that their belief had been correct. The event that had filled them with mourning and despair was that which opened the door of hope to every child of Adam, and in which centered the future life and eternal happiness of all God’s faithful ones in all the ages.”—Ibid., p. 348. “Thus far every specification of the prophecies is strikingly fulfilled, and the beginning of the seventy weeks is fixed beyond question at 457 B.C., and their expiration in A.D. 34. From this data there is no difficulty in finding the termination of the 2300 days. The seventy weeks— 490 days—having been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 days remaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844. At the expiration of this great prophetic period, upon the testimony of the angel of God, ‘the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ Thus the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary— which was almost universally believed to take place at the second advent—was definitely pointed out.”—Ibid., p. 328. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Wednesday

March 10

4. THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT: A PART OF THE GOSPEL a.

What is the purpose of the message about the 2300 days and the investigative judgment as part of the eternal gospel to be presented to the world? Revelation 14:6, 7.

“That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him,’ ‘and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.’ The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God.”—The Great Controversy, p. 436. b. Does Revelation 14:6, 7 imply that it is possible to identify the time for the beginning of the judgment? If the right time cannot be identified, then how could such a message be given?

“The [first angel’s] message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement [proclaiming Christ’s soon return] is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the ‘everlasting gospel;’ and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment.”—Ibid., pp. 355, 356.

How does even the last book of the Bible repeat the conditions of admittance into the kingdom? Revelation 21:27; 22:14, 15.

“If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in the cross, their faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits of His shed blood, and they would be cleansed and saved from sin. There are many who will be lost, because they depend on legal religion, or mere repentance for sin. But repentance for sin alone cannot work the salvation of any soul. Man cannot be saved by his own works. Without Christ it is impossible for him to render perfect obedience to the law of God; and heaven can never be gained by an imperfect obedience; for this would place all heaven in jeopardy, and make possible a second rebellion.”—The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889. 60

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

March 11

5. RIGHTFUL ENTRANCE a.

What is the only way one can have the right to enter the New Jerusalem? Ephesians 5:27; Isaiah 43:25.

b. What should we do in light of the seriousness of the times in which we live? Mark 13:33; Revelation 3:3; 22:11.

“The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon— it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. . . . “When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. . . . “The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. . . . Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world. While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence: ‘Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting’ (Daniel 5:27).”—The Great Controversy, pp. 490, 491.

Friday

March 12

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. Why does the year 457 B.C. mark the beginning of the seventy weeks? b. How did Jesus show that the beginning of His ministry marked the beginning of the seventieth week? c. How do the events of the seventieth week relate to the rest of the 2300 days? d. What type of character do we need to form in order to have the right to enter the gates of the New Jerusalem? e. As we are commissioned to warn the entire world, what message must form a part of the gospel in these last days? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Lesson 12

Sabbath, March 20, 2010

Escape Confusion “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

“It is the duty of every child of God to inquire: ‘Wherein am I separate from the world?’ Let us suffer a little inconvenience, and be on the safe side.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 278. Suggested Reading: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 117–124.

Sunday

March 14

1. INTOLERABLE WICKEDNESS a.

When wickedness increased to such a degree that God could not tolerate it any longer, what did He send upon this wicked world? Genesis 6:5, 6. What should we learn from this?

“To the long-lived, antediluvian race, only a step from paradise, God gave rich gifts, and they possessed a strength of body and mind of which men now have but a faint idea; but they used His bounties, and the strength and skill He gave them, for selfish purposes, to minister to unlawful appetites, and to gratify pride . . . until God could bear with their wickedness no longer, and they were swept away by the flood.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 421, 422. b. After the Flood, the human race multiplied. What inevitably happens so that God’s faithful few preserve the purity of the truth? Genesis 10:1–10.

“For a time the descendants of Noah continued to dwell among the mountains where the ark had rested. As their numbers increased, apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to forget their Creator and to cast off the restraint of His law felt a constant annoyance from the teaching and example of their God-fearing associates, and after a time they decided to separate from the worshipers of God.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 118. 62

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Monday

March 15

2. THE TOWER OF BABEL a.

How did Nimrod, a mighty one against the Lord, seek to make a name for himself? Genesis 10:9, 10. What command did he totally disregard? Genesis 11:1–9; 1:28; 9:1.

“God had directed men to disperse throughout the earth, to replenish and subdue it; but these Babel builders determined to keep their community united in one body, and to found a monarchy that should eventually embrace the whole earth. Thus their city would become the metropolis of a universal empire; its glory would command the admiration and homage of the world and render the founders illustrious.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119. b. In sharp contrast to those who, like Nimrod, are seeking to make a name for themselves even today, how does Inspiration depict those who seek to establish God’s name in the earth? Deuteronomy 28:9, 10.

“The truth should be everything to us. Let those who want to make a name with the world go with the world. The great conflict is right at hand in which all will take sides. In it the whole Christian world will be involved. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by the principles of the Word of God. Self must be sanctified by the principles of the righteousness, the mercy, and the love of God. “At every point of uncertainty, pray, and earnestly inquire, ‘Is this the way of the Lord?’ With your Bibles before you, consult with God as to what He would have you do. Holy principles are revealed in the Word of God. The source of all true wisdom is found in the cross of Calvary. “Everywhere we see increasing evidence that the message we have from God is to be the last message of warning to the churches of the world.”—The Upward Look, p. 171. “The Lord does not want us to erect large buildings. He wants converted men with converted hearts more than anything else. I urge you to go to the places that have been neglected, and give the message of warning to the people. The Lord is coming soon, and many are unready, unready. Here is territory all around you, where thorough work should be done to interest souls in the truth for this time. Some can take our books and learn what it means to go to the highways and hedges with the message of truth. Use the gift that you have; impart the light you have received.”—Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, p. 311. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Tuesday

March 16

3. A MONUMENT TO DISREGARD GOD’S WORD a.

How did the tower of Babel demonstrate that its builders had no faith in the Word of God, and how is history being repeated in these last days? Genesis 9:8–17; 2 Peter 3:3–7, 10–13.

“The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved God’s covenant that He would not again bring a flood upon the earth. Many of them denied the existence of God and attributed the Flood to the operation of natural causes. Others believed in a Supreme Being, and that it was He who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in rebellion against Him. One object before them in the erection of the tower was to secure their own safety in case of another deluge. By carrying the structure to a much greater height than was reached by the waters of the Flood, they thought to place themselves beyond all possibility of danger. And as they would be able to ascend to the region of the clouds, they hoped to ascertain the cause of the Flood. The whole undertaking was designed to exalt still further the pride of its projectors and to turn the minds of future generations away from God and lead them into idolatry.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119. b. What command of God is often disregarded by modern “Babel builders”? Matthew 5:14–16; Mark 16:15.

“Outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption. The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth. It is the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with God. Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 566, 567. “Work is to be carried forward in many lines. New territory is to be annexed. But no Jerusalem centers are to be made. If such centers are made, there will be a scattering of the people out of them, by the Lord God of heaven. “The work of God is to be carried on without outward display. In establishing institutions, we are never to compete with the institutions of the world in size or splendor. We are to enter into no confederacy with those who do not love or fear God.”—The Review and Herald, July 16, 1914. 64

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Wednesday

March 17

4. CONFUSION a.

How does the word “Babel” as well as the aftermath at the tower show what is the sure result of disbelieving the Word of God? Genesis 11:9 (margin).

“Angels were sent to bring to naught the purpose of the builders. The tower had reached a lofty height, and it was impossible for the workmen at the top to communicate directly with those at the base. . . . The language was confounded, so that material was called for which was not needed, and the directions delivered were often the reverse of those that had been given. Confusion and dismay followed. All work came to a standstill. . . . Their confederacy ended in strife and bloodshed. Lightnings from heaven, as an evidence of God’s displeasure, broke off the upper portion of the tower and cast it to the ground. Men were made to feel that there is a God who ruleth in the heavens.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 119, 120. b. Why does God often regard the wisdom of man as “confusion”? 1 Corinthians 1:25–29. How are all works of evil to be considered? James 3:13–16.

“There are tower builders in our time. Infidels construct their theories from the supposed deductions of sciences, and reject the revealed word of God. They presume to pass sentence upon God’s moral government; they despise His law and boast of the sufficiency of human reason. Then, ‘because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil’ (Ecclesiastes 8:11). “In the professedly Christian world many turn away from the plain teachings of the Bible and build up a creed from human speculations and pleasing fables, and they point to their tower as a way to climb up to heaven. Men hang with admiration upon the lips of eloquence while it teaches that the transgressor shall not die, that salvation may be secured without obedience to the law of God. If the professed followers of Christ would accept God’s standard, it would bring them into unity; but so long as human wisdom is exalted above His Holy Word, there will be divisions and dissension. The existing confusion of conflicting creeds and sects is fitly represented by the term ‘Babylon,’ which prophecy (Revelation 14:8; 18:2) applies to the world-loving churches of the last days.”—Ibid., pp. 123, 124. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

Thursday

March 18

5. COME OUT OF CONFUSION a.

Since people rise no higher than their highest aim, what happens when a person worships his or her own creation? Psalm 115:4–8; Isaiah 41:28, 29.

“Man will rise no higher than his conceptions of truth, purity, and holiness. If the mind is never exalted above the level of humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite wisdom and love, the man will be constantly sinking lower and lower. The worshipers of false gods clothed their deities with human attributes and passions, and thus their standard of character was degraded to the likeness of sinful humanity. They were defiled in consequence.”— Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 91.

b. How are God’s people warned to have no part with Babylon? 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Revelation 14:8; 18:4.

“Christ’s followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate, and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and daughters of the Most High, members of the royal family. But if the conditions are not complied with on their part, they will not, cannot, realize the fulfillment of the promise. A profession of Christianity is nothing in the sight of God; but true, humble, willing obedience to His requirements designates the children of His adoption, the recipients of His grace, the partakers of His great salvation.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 441.

Friday

March 19

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. Why is separation always the lot of God’s faithful people? b. What is known about Nimrod? c. What warnings should we heed from the builders of the tower of Babel? d. What is the meaning of “Babylon,” and how is this applied to human wisdom? e. What relationship will God’s true people have with Babylon and all that it represents? 66

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Lesson 13

Sabbath, March 27, 2010

The Fall of Babylon “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

“Let not those who have the truth as it is in Jesus give sanction, even by their silence, to the work of the mystery of iniquity. Let them never cease to sound the note of alarm.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 369. Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, pp. 289–298. March 21

1. A CHASTE VIRGIN a.

How does Christ represent the relationship between Himself and His church on earth? Jeremiah 31:31, 32; 3:14; Ephesians 5:23–27.

“In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities pointed forward to the rejoicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the Father’s house, and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 151. b. How is a pure church symbolized? 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 12:1.

“[An] obligation, too often lightly regarded—one that to the youth awakened to the claims of Christ needs to be made plain—is the obligation of church relationship. “Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church.”—Education, p. 268. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—Honduras

Sunday

Monday

March 22

2. UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE a.

How is an impure church symbolized, and what is represented by her sitting on a beast? Revelation 17:1–6.

“When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of ‘heresy.’ . . . “Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience. . . . “It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy—the beast. Said Paul: ‘There’ shall ‘come a falling away, . . . and that man of sin be revealed’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3). So apostasy in the church will prepare the way for the image to the beast.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 443, 444.

b. What makes this woman and her daughters impure? Revelation 17:1, 2; Ezekiel 16:44.

“The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.”—Ibid., p. 297. “The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, ‘a cage of every unclean and hateful bird’ (Revelation 18:2). . . . “Through association with the world our institutions will become unsubstantial, unreliable; because these worldly elements, introduced and placed in positions of trust, are looked up to as teachers to be respected in their educating, directing, and official position, and they are sure to be worked upon by the spirit and power of darkness; so that the demarcation becomes not distinguished between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 265, 266. 68

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Tuesday

March 23

3. WORLDLINESS AND FALSE DOCTRINE What is the wine of fornication that the apostate church uses to make the kings of this earth drunk? James 4:4; 2 Peter 2:1, 2.

“It is our individual duty to walk humbly with God. We are not to seek any strange, new message. We are not to think that the chosen ones of God who are trying to walk in the light compose Babylon. The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, ‘For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 18:3). It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and satanic heresies which exalt the false sabbath, and lead men to trample underfoot God’s memorial.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 61, 62. b. How is Babylon (apostate Christianity), through its false doctrines, casting a spell upon the nations? 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Revelation 18:3, 23.

“To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might claim the preeminence; for in this world his followers are largely in the majority.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 143. “Every unconverted man is fascinated, bewildered, by the bewitching power of the great deceiver. Paul wrote to the Galatians, ‘Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth’ (Galatian 3:1)? Every person who cherishes a known error, in faith or practice, is under the power of sorcery, and is practicing sorcery upon others. Satan employs him to mislead other souls.”—The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1882. Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—Honduras

Wednesday

March 24

4. POPULARLY DISASTROUS a.

What terrible evil does the apostate mother church do (so much so that the prophet is caused to marvel)? When did this mother of harlots have its beginning? Revelation 17:15, 6; 18:24; Daniel 7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12; 1 John 4:3.

“The forty and two months are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time’ (Daniel 7:25), three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7— the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity’ (Revelation 13:10).”—The Great Controversy, p. 439.

b. What contrast is evident between God’s true people and Babylon (apostate Christianity)? Luke 12:32; 2 Timothy 3:12.

“Let the education and training of the members of our churches be such that the children and youth among us shall understand there are to be no concessions to this power, the man of sin. Teach them that although the time will come when we can wage the war only at the risk of property and liberty, yet the conflict must be met, in the spirit and meekness of Christ; the truth is to be maintained and advocated as it is in Jesus. Wealth, honor, comfort, home—everything else—is to be a secondary consideration. The truth must not be hid, it must not be denied or disguised, but fully avowed, and boldly proclaimed.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 369, 370. “The apostle Paul declares that ‘all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’ (2 Timothy 3:12). Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world’s standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled.”—The Great Controversy, p. 48. 70

Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

Thursday

March 25

5. THE FALL OF BABYLON AFTER THE FIRST MESSAGE As the first angel’s message started to sound just before the investigative judgment in 1844, to what fall of Babylon must the second angel’s message be referring? Revelation 17:5; 14:8.

“Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Romish Church, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. . . . In what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith.”—The Great Controversy (1888), pp. 382, 383. b. What warning should we heed in these last days? 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12.

“God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12–18. They are to take their stand on the living word: ‘It is written.’”—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 16.

Friday

March 26

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS a. What symbol depicts God’s pure church in this evil world? b. What actions of a professed church make her a harlot? c. What effect does a compromise of pure doctrines for the sake of popularity have upon the church as well as on the world at large? d. What is the distinction between Babylon and the people of God? e. Since Rome had been in a fallen state for centuries before the proclamation of the first angel’s message, what fall of Babylon is depicted in the second angel’s message? Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 86, No. 1

First Sabbath Offering—Honduras