SDARM Quarterly Q1 2010

Printed in the United States of America

Sabbath Bible Lessons, a daily studyprogram, is based solely on the Bible andSpirit of Prophecy without additional com-ments. The quotations are as brief as possi-ble to provide concise, direct thoughts.Brackets [ ] are supplied in some cases toensure clarity, proper context, and smoothreadability. Further study in the sourcematerials is strongly recommended.

Illustrations: Good Salt on front cover; Map-Resources on pp. 4, 51, 72; PhotoDisc on back cover.

Sabbath Bible Lessons (USPS005-118), Vol. 86, No. 1, January–March, 2010. Published quarter-ly by the Seventh Day AdventistReformMovement General Con-ference, Sabbath School Depart-ment. Copyright © 2009, print-ed and distributed by Refor-mation Herald Publishing Asso-ciation, 5240 Hollins Road,Roanoke, Virginia 24019–5048,U.S.A. Periodical postage paid atRoanoke, Virginia 24022–9993.

� U.S.A. AND CANADA

Contact: Telephone 1-540-366-9400 * Fax 1-540-366-2814 *Website: www.sdarm.org * E-mail: [email protected]

Annual subscriptions in U.S.A.and Canada: U.S. $14.95. Othercountries (airmail) $20.00. Singlecopies $4.50. Please send sub-scription requests and payments(in U.S. currency only) to theaddress below. Prices subject tochange without notice.

POSTMASTER, please send ad-dress changes to: Sabbath BibleLessons, P.O. Box 7240, Roa-noke, VA 24019-0240.

..............................

� AUSTRALIA

Contact: Telephone 61-2-9627-7553 * Fax 61-2-9627-7554 *Website: www.sdarm.org.au * E-mail: [email protected]

Annual subscriptions inAustralia: AU $20.50 (individ-ual copies $6.00). Other coun-tries, economy air $26.00. Pleasesend subscription requests andpayments (in Australian curren-cy) to the address below. Pricessubject to change without no-tice.

POSTMASTER, please send ad-dress changes to: Sabbath BibleLessons, P.O. Box 132, River-stone NSW 2765, Australia.

5

10

15

20

25

31

36

41

46

52

57

62

67

The Final Commission

Strength to Obey

Faith in the Gospel

God Was Manifested in the Flesh

“Christ in You, the Hope of Glory”

Going to Judgment

The Blotting Out of Sins

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

The Heavenly Ministry Misrepresented

“Then Shall the Sanctuary beCleansed”—Part 1

“Then Shall the Sanctuary beCleansed”—Part 2

Escape Confusion

The Fall of Babylon

Contents

ForewordMost Christians are aware that the word “gospel” means “good

news.” Much of Christendom acknowledges that it is certainly “goodnews” that Jesus Christ came to earth as a babe, lived as a man, diedon the cross for our sins, resurrected from the dead, and ascended toheaven to intercede for His people.

Yet what should we understand by “the everlasting gospel”? Thisconcept involves greater depth of meaning. From what does Jesusactually save us? How far-reaching is the plan of redemption, andwhat does salvation actually encompass?

“John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospelmessage just before Christ’s second coming. He beholds an angel flying‘in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach untothem that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, andtongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give gloryto Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:6, 7).

“In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its con-nected messages, is followed by the coming of the Son of man in theclouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announce-ment of Christ’s second coming as at hand. And this proclamation iscalled the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ’s secondcoming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essen-tial part of the gospel message.

“The Bible declares that in the last days men will be absorbed inworldly pursuits, in pleasure and money-getting. . . .

“So the message of Christ’s soon coming is designed to arousemen from their absorption in worldly things. It is intended to awak-en them to a sense of eternal realities, that they may give heed to theinvitation to the Lord’s table.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 227, 228.

“The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims thelaw of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of thelaw, whereby their characters are formed after the divine simili-tude.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 106.

This is a powerful message. When received in its fullness, it trans-forms our priorities in life, energizes our will into service, and equipsus to rightly reflect and warmly radiate the beauty and spirit of JesusChrist.

“Could the intense interest which the angels have for man be putinto voice that would be heard by the human agent, what appealswould be heard in burning words to communicate to others thatwhich heaven had communicated to them.”—My Life Today, p. 304.

That the Lord may inspire us to obtain the rich blessings He intendsfor 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 3

4 Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2010

SABBATH, JANUARY 2, 2010

First SabbathOffering

A chapel in Madrid, Spain

The apostle Paul writes inRomans 15:24, 28: “WhensoeverI take my journey into Spain, I willcome to you. . . . When therefore Ihave performed this, and have sealedto them this fruit, I will come by youinto Spain.”

Spain is one of “the Catholic lands of Europe” where, accordingto E.G. White, “God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones thatwill yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to anapostate 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 smallgroup of believers was organized in the city of Barcelona. These res-olute pioneers requested a registration with the government, and itwas granted in February 1972, under the name of Seventh DayAdventist Reform Movement Church. In the very beginning of thework there, progress had been slow, but during the last decade,many believer from other parts of the world came to Spain in searchof better opportunities, and they brought with them their mostcherished treasure to share with the people of this land, “the faithwhich was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

Since then, the work has both grown and spread to major popula-tion centers within the country, including Madrid. To provide a need-ed place of worship for the hundreds of believer concentrated aroundMadrid, the capital, we made a difficult and delicate decision to pur-chase a property. The two-story building has a total of 468 squaremeters, including a chapel with enough capacity to seat 200 persons.

Because we are mostly immigrants and short on resources, weare therefore extending our appeal to the brethren, sisters, andfriends from around the world to help us with a generous FirstSabbath Offering when it is collected on January 2, 2010. “For allthings come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1Chronicles 29:14).

We thank you beforehand, and may God bless you abundantly.

Your brethren and sisters in Spain



Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 2, 2010

The Final Commission“I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the ever-

lasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and toevery nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation14:6).

“The salvation of sinners requires earnest, personal labor. We areto 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 arousethem to diligent action!”—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 117.

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 tomortals? Revelation 14:9–11.

“The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is con-tained in the third angel’s message. That must be a terrible sin whichcalls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not tobe left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warningagainst this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation ofGod’s judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, andhave opportunity to escape them.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 449, 450.

b. Why do we need to study such warnings? Can’t we find betterBible topics to study? Romans 15:4.

“If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of theevents portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wroughtin our churches, and many more would believe the message. We haveno time to lose; God calls upon us to watch for souls as they thatmust 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.

FirstSabbathOffering—

AchapelinMadrid,Spain

Monday December 28

2. DANIEL AND THE REVELATION

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

“In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Hereis the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; theother a revelation.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585.

b. Why is the true understanding of Revelation 14:6–12 of vitalimportance today?

“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving nocountenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of thebody. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown threesteps—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accom-panying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin ofthese messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vitalimportance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in whichthey are received.’ I was again brought down through these messages,and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experi-ence. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe con-flict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed themupon a solid, immovable platform.”—Early Writings, pp. 258, 259.

“We talk about the first angel’s message and the second angel’smessage, and we think we have some understanding of the thirdangel’s message. But as long as we are content with a limited knowl-edge, we shall be disqualified to obtain clearer views of truth. He whoholds forth the word of life must take time to study the Bible and tosearch his own heart. Neglecting this, he will not know how to min-ister to needy souls. The diligent, humble student, seeking by earnestprayer and study for the truth as it is in Jesus, will most assuredly berewarded.”—Gospel Workers, p. 251.

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


Tuesday December 29

3. THE GOSPEL COMMISSION

a. 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 bethe herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, andthe power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleasedto represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished bythe message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And theangel’s flight ‘in the midst of heaven,’ the ‘loud voice’ with which thewarning is uttered, and its promulgation to all ‘that dwell on theearth’—‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people’—giveevidence of the rapidity and worldwide extent of the movement.”—The Great Controversy, p. 355.

“The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst ofheaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared inEden when God said to the serpent, ‘I will put enmity between theeand the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruisethy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ (Genesis 3:15). Here was thefirst promise of a Saviour who would stand on the field of battle tocontest 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? Mark16:14–16.

“Service to God includes personal ministry. By personal effort weare to cooperate with Him for the saving of the world. Christ’s com-mission, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to everycreature,’ is spoken to every one of His followers. (Mark 16:15.) Allwho are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for thesalvation of their fellow men. Their hearts will throb in unison withthe heart of Christ. The same longing for souls that He has felt will bemanifest in them. Not all can fill the same place in the work, butthere is a place and a work for all.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 300, 301.

“The Saviour’s commission to the disciples includes all believersto the end of time. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has comeare put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ areordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this workthe church was established, and all who take upon themselves itssacred vows are thereby pledged to be coworkers with Christ.”—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 466.





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 convictionand conversion of sinners. But, according to His divine plan, thework must be performed through the instrumentality of His church;and her members have so far departed from Him that He cannotaccomplish His will through them. He chooses to work by means, yetthe means employed must be in harmony with His character.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 189.

“As His representatives among men, God does not choose angelswho have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions withthose they seek to save. Christ took humanity that He might reachhumanity. A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation tothe world. And to men and women has been committed the sacredtrust of making known ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’ (Ephesians3:8).

“In His wisdom the Lord brings those who are seeking for truthinto touch with fellow beings who know the truth. It is the plan ofHeaven that those who have received light shall impart it to those indarkness. Humanity, drawing its efficiency from the great Source ofwisdom, is made the instrumentality, the working agency, throughwhich the gospel exercises its transforming power on mind andheart.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 134.

b. Give examples of the ministry of angels on behalf of humanbeings. Acts 10:1–4.

“[As we draw nearer to the end of time,] Satanic agencies inhuman form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose thebuilding up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly angels in humanguise will be on the field of action. The two opposing parties will con-tinue to exist till the closing up of the last great chapter in this world’shistory. Satanic agencies are in every city. We cannot afford to be offour guard for one moment. The true, stanch believers will pray moreand more, and will talk less of matters of little consequence. Moreand more decided testimonies will come from their lips to encouragethe weak and the needy.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 383.

Thursday December 31

5. REPRESENTING A PEOPLE

a. After Saul and Cornelius had been called by the Lord, what workhad 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 thework of the Lord; but there was also a work that was to be done forhim by the disciples. Christ had performed the work of revelationand conviction; and now the penitent was in a condition to learnfrom those whom God had ordained to teach His truth.”—The Acts ofthe Apostles, p. 121.

b. Since God uses people to preach the gospel to this world, whomdo these angels of Revelation 14 represent? Isaiah 52:7, 8.

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

“We are to be as faithful stewards, not only of our means, but ofthe grace given unto us, that many souls may be brought under theblood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. The purposes and ends tobe attained by consecrated missionaries are very comprehensive. Thefield 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 darkplaces of the earth in a much shorter time than many think possi-ble.”—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?






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, andalso to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

“As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomesomnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accom-plished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.”—Christ’s ObjectLessons, 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 thethree 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 three-fold message, are keeping the commandments of God.”—The GreatControversy, p. 437.

“[Revelation 14:12 quoted.] Since those who keep God’s com-mandments are thus placed in contrast with those that worship thebeast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keepingof God’s law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, willmake the distinction between the worshipers of God and the wor-shipers of the beast.”—Ibid., pp. 445, 446.

b. What command of Jesus is fulfilled in this verse (Revelation14:12)? Matthew 5:48.

“The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge no standard butthe perfection of God’s mind, God’s will.”—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 276.

“The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can beknown by experience.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 495.

Monday January 4

2. CHARACTER PERFECTION

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

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of beinglike Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himselfman is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’sword declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of theworking of divine grace as he bows in submission to the disciplineand restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience canbe made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, whichfills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of theChristian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he isto pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He hasnot the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to theLord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contri-tion 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 verythreshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reach-ing the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us wherewe are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking Hisnature might overcome. Made ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’(Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays holdupon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. Hebids 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 heav-en 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 ofdivine grace to direct every step and show us how to perfect Christiancharacters!

“Christians will have new scenes and new trials to pass throughwhere past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We have greaterneed to learn of the divine Teacher now than at any other period of ourlives. And the more experience we gain, the nearer we draw toward thepure light of heaven.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 542.


Tuesday January 5

3. THE TRUTH

a. The very first piece of the gospel armor in Ephesians 6:10–18 istruth. How do we come to the truth? John 8:32–36; 2 Timothy3:15–17.

“You need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to aid you to searchinto the truth with reverence and awe, bringing your mind to the taskwith intense desire, that will not be quenched until you see wondrousthings out of the law. Dig deep into the mine of truth, and be not sat-isfied until you have a more perfect comprehension as to what con-stitutes 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 revealedunto you such a view of the law of God that you will be fitted to goforth and watch for souls as they that must give an account.”—TheSigns of the Times, October 2, 1893.

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

“Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. Heeagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirredwith a great longing to know what it really was, and how he couldobtain it. ‘What is truth?’ he inquired. But he did not wait for ananswer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of thehour.”—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 circulateabout Christ. Truth comes from Heaven to purify and cleanse thehuman agent from every moral defilement. It leads to benevolentaction, to kind, tender, thoughtful love toward the needy, the dis-tressed, the suffering. This is practical obedience to the words ofChrist.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 198, 199.

“Because [the Holy Spirit] comes, not to praise men, or to buildup their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, of right-eousness, and of judgment to come, many turn away from it. Theyare not willing to exchange their own righteousness (which isunrighteousness) for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure,unadulterated truth.”—The Signs of the Times, September 27, 1899.


Wednesday January 6

4. RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

a. Besides confessing our sins in order to receive complete forgive-ness and cleansing, what else is necessary? Romans 1:17; Gala-tians 5:6; Hebrews 10:38.

“The word of God must be interwoven with the living characterof those who believe it. The only vital faith is that faith whichreceives and assimilates the truth till it is a part of the being and themotive power of the life and action. . . . The followers of Christ mustbe partakers of His experience. They must assimilate the word of God.They must be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ andreflect the divine attributes.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 576.

b. If we want to have this victorious experience, to whose guidancemust we submit in our daily life? John 14:26; 16:13; 2 Thessa-lonians 2:13, 14.

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

c. 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 ser-vant of man’s necessity. He ‘took our infirmities, and bare our sick-nesses,’ that He might minister to every need of humanity (Matthew8:17). The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came toremove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; Hecame to give them health and peace and perfection of character.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 17.


Thursday January 7

5. TOTAL SALVATION FROM SIN

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

“Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort [thosewho are living on the earth in these last days] must be conquerors inthe battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going for-ward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are beingremoved from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purifica-tion, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. Thiswork is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.

“When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers ofChrist will be ready for His appearing. ‘Then shall the offering ofJudah 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 ourLord 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 asthe sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ (Song of Solomon6:10).”—The Great Controversy, p. 425.

“As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love andlabor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of theSpirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your con-victions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you willreflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely. . . .

“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced inHis people, then He will come to claim them as His own.”—Christ’sObject Lessons, pp. 68, 69.

Friday January 8


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

duced in us?




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 ofprayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readilyremember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scriptureweapons.”—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 canthe 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 pro-fessed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after we aredead. But many are longing for the leeks and onions of Egypt. Theyhave a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as possibleand yet go to heaven. Such climb up some other way. They do notenter 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 freedfrom condemnation. Through faith in His blood, all may be madeperfect in Christ Jesus.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 32.

b. Other than the true gospel, what importance did Paul bestow onanything else? 1 Corinthians 9:16; Galatians 3:1; Philippians 3:8.

“Every unconverted man is fascinated, bewildered, by thebewitching power of the great deceiver. . . . Every person who cher-ishes a known error, in faith or practice, is under the power of sorcery,and is practicing sorcery upon others. Satan employs him to misleadother souls.”—The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1882.

Monday January 11

2. LIVING FAITH

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

“When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound human-ity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any powersave the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allure-ments to induce us to break this tie—to choose to separate ourselvesfrom Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, thatnothing may entice us to choose another master; for we are alwaysfree to do this. But let us keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, and He willpreserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe.”—Steps to Christ, p. 72.

“Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless condi-tion; nothing can be done for him; but through divine grace, super-natural power is imparted to the man, and works in mind and heartand character. It is through the impartation of the grace of Christ thatsin is discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven from the soultemple.”—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 arepalsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life thanwas the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who real-ize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which willbring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtainit. In despair they cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliverme from this body of death?’ (Romans 7:24, margin). Let thesedesponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over thepurchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity,‘Wilt thou be made whole’ (John 5:6)? He bids you arise in health andpeace. 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 toserve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength.Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which throughlong indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs todeliver. 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 weaknessand misfortune and the chains of sin.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 203.


Tuesday January 12

3. THE CENTURION AT CAPERNAUM

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

“The centurion’s servant had been stricken with palsy, and lay atthe point of death. Among the Romans the servants were slaves,bought and sold in the market places, and treated with abuse and cru-elty; but the centurion was tenderly attached to his servant, andgreatly desired his recovery. He believed that Jesus could heal him. Hehad not seen the Saviour, but the reports he heard had inspired himwith faith. Notwithstanding the formalism of the Jews, this Romanwas convinced that their religion was superior to his own. Already hehad broken through the barriers of national prejudice and hatred thatseparated the conquerors from the conquered people. He had mani-fested respect for the service of God, and had shown kindness to theJews as His worshipers. In the teaching of Christ, as it had beenreported to him, he found that which met the need of the soul. Allthat was spiritual within him responded to the Saviour’s words. Buthe felt unworthy to come into the presence of Jesus, and he appealedto 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? Matthew8:7.

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

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

“[When he approached the Saviour, the centurion said] As I rep-resent the power of Rome, and my soldiers recognize my authority assupreme, so dost Thou represent the power of the Infinite God, andall created things obey Thy word. Thou canst command the diseaseto depart, and it shall obey Thee. Thou canst summon Thy heavenlymessengers, and they shall impart healing virtue. Speak but the word,and my servant shall be healed.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 316.


Wednesday January 13

4. HUMILITY AND FAITH

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

“The centurion said of himself, ‘I am not worthy.’ His heart hadbeen touched by the grace of Christ. He saw his own unworthiness; yethe feared not to ask help. He trusted not to his own goodness; his argu-ment was his great need. His faith took hold upon Christ in His truecharacter. He did not believe in Himmerely as a worker of miracles, butas the friend and Saviour of mankind. . . .

“ ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord-ing to His mercy [our Saviour] saved us’ (Titus 3:5). When Satan tellsyou that you are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive blessing fromGod, tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners. Wehave nothing to recommend us to God; but the plea that we mayurge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition that makes Hisredeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, wemay look to the cross of Calvary and say,—‘In my hand no price Ibring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.’”—The Desire of Ages, p. 317.

b. How does this experience show that we must truthfully believe theWord 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 anyvirtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved individually asbelievers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And ‘by grace are ye saved throughfaith; 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 spiritualof the churches, and yet we may not belong to Christ, and our namesmay not be written on the Lamb’s book of life. Christ said, ‘I am theway, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but byme’ (John 14:6). If we could reach heaven through our own meritsand efforts, then Christ need not have come to the world, to enduresuffering, reproach, and shame, to be subjected to humiliation, mock-ery, insult, and death. He made an infinite sacrifice, because it wasthe only way whereby man could be saved. Those who believe inChrist will reveal it in their life and character. By beholding Christthey will be changed into His image, and Christ will be representedto the world by His followers.”—The Review and Herald, February 10, 1891.


Thursday January 14

5. BELIEF PLUS TRUST

a. How does the experience of the centurion show that it is notenough 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 bedelivered 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 uponwhich justification can be obtained, and faith includes not onlybelief 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 tothose who study it earnestly. Those who accept the promises of God,and act on them with living faith, will have the light of heaven intheir lives. They will drink of the fountain of life, and lead others tothe waters that have refreshed their own souls. We must have that faithin 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 bestrengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to Hishungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personalSaviour. 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 lifein Christ Jesus.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 391.

Friday January 15


a. What is meant by the statement: “It is easy living after we are dead”?b. Describe true living faith.c. What led the Roman centurion to develop true faith in Jesus?d. In view of what the centurion experienced, describe the real meaning

of faith.e. What does true faith include that makes it so powerful?




God Was Manifestedin the Flesh

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheldhis glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of graceand truth” (John 1:14).

“The apostle [John] would call our attention from ourselves to theAuthor of our salvation. He presents before us His two natures, divineand 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 hiddenthings of darkness where they are often least suspected, that stum-bling blocks which have hindered the progress of truth may beremoved, and God have a clean and holy people to declare Hisstatutes and judgments.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 333.

“Before giving us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenlyFather 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 peo-ple”)? John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 17.

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

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”? Romans9:26, 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, withhis human, finite judgment, cannot safely question the wisdom ofGod. Hence it is unbecoming for him to criticize the plan of salva-tion. Before the theme of redemption, let man lay his wisdom in thedust, and accept the plans of Him whose wisdom is infinite.”—TheSigns of the Times, December 30, 1889.

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

“The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judg-ments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watch-men to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probationuntil the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of Godis to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true, sacredcharacter, that the people may be brought to decide for or against thetruth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message ofChrist’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to theother to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, whichcloses the work of the third angel.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.

“The proclamation of the gospel is the only means in which Godcan employ human beings as His instrumentalities for the salvationof souls. As men, women, and children proclaim the gospel, the Lordwill open the eyes of the blind to see His statutes, and will write uponthe hearts of the truly penitent His law. The animating Spirit of God,working through human agencies, leads the believers to be of onemind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His command-ments—preparing here below for translation.”—The SDA BibleCommentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 984.


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 wordsspoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left indoubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He waswith God from all eternity. God over all, blessed forevermore.

“The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eter-nity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassingglory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelli-gences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him asHis right. This was no robbery of God.”—Lift Him Up, p. 16.

b. What is written about the preexistence of Jesus? Micah 5:2; John17:5.

“Christ is the preexistent, self-existent Son of God. . . . In speak-ing of His preexistence, Christ carries the mind back through datelessages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not inclose fellowship with the eternal God.”—Evangelism, p. 615.

“[Christ] was equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. . . . He isthe eternal, self-existent Son.”—Ibid.

“Christ, who created the world and all things that are therein, isthe life and light of every living thing.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 182.

c. What should be our response when we consider the great conde-scension 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 andhumiliation, and a death of agony and shame, He redeemed themfrom sin. O sinner, the Saviour endured all this for you. He died thatyou might be led to see the sinfulness of sin, and by coming to Himhave eternal life.”—The Review and Herald, February 12, 1901.

“Everything beautiful and useful in our world we owe to the mercyof Christ.”—Ibid., October 16, 1883.



4. A HUMAN MANIFESTATION OF GOD

a. Describe the greatest miracle to occur in history. John 1:14; Philip-pians 2:6–8.

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

“Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did verilytake it. He did in reality possess human nature.”—Lift Him Up, p. 74.

“Jesus was the Commander of heaven, one equal with God, andyet He condescended to lay aside His kingly crown, His royal robe,and clothed His divinity with humanity. The incarnation of Christ inhuman flesh is a mystery. . . . In all respects the Son of God was towear the same features as did other human beings. He was not tohave such beauty of person as would make Him singular among men.He was to manifest no wonderful charms by which to attract atten-tion 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? John3:16, 17; 1 John 4:10.

“The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a lovestronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us allheaven in one gift. The Saviour’s life and death and intercession, theministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father workingabove and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings—allare enlisted in behalf of man’s redemption.”—Steps to Christ, p. 21.

“God could not express greater love than He has expressed in giv-ing the Son of His bosom to this world. This gift was given to man toconvince him that God had left nothing undone that he could do,that there is nothing held in reserve, but that all heaven has beenpoured out in one vast gift. The present and eternal happiness of manconsists in receiving God’s love, and in keeping God’s command-ments.”—Lift Him Up, p. 232.


Thursday January 21

5. THE INCARNATION

a. What does the Bible say about the Godhead of Jesus when Hebecame 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. ThoughHe had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still Hisown. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and thisrepresentation the disciples had been privileged to behold for overthree years. . . .

“Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Fatherhad been revealed.

“If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Fatherand the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they sawChrist’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seek-ing to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experiencethey might receive if they truly realized what He was—God in humanflesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, andbe anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassion-ate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptationthat was soon to beat upon them.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 663, 664.

b. How does the incarnation lend power to the gospel? Colossians1:27, 28; 2:6–10; Hebrews 2:9–11.

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

Friday January 22


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




“Christ in You,the Hope of Glory”

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

“When the sinner has a view of the matchless charms of Jesus, sinno longer looks attractive to him.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 76.

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? Mark4:3, 8, 11; John 1:12, 13; 3:3–8; 2:20.

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

“As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomesomnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accom-plished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.”—Christ’s ObjectLessons, p. 333.

b. What experience must we obtain in order to have the power ofGod 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 actbears witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor asthemselves, then will the church have power to move the world.”—Ibid., p. 340.


WorldDisasterReliefFund


Monday January 25

2. RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE TRUTH

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

“Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers thanthey could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that analmighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knewthat truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, wouldconquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained bannerwould wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life ofHis trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted vic-tories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the greathereafter.”—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? Mark12:24.

“The Sadducees had flattered themselves that they of all menadhered most strictly to the Scriptures. But Jesus showed that they hadnot known their true meaning. That knowledge must be brought hometo the heart by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Their ignorance ofthe Scriptures and the power of God He declared to be the cause of theirconfusion of faith and darkness of mind. They were seeking to bring themysteries of God within the compass of their finite reasoning. Christcalled upon them to open their minds to those sacred truths that wouldbroaden and strengthen the understanding.”—Ibid., pp. 605, 606.

“The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day wasthat a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In allhuman experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has beenproved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bringforth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termedtheological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth asmade manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdenedwith the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. ThePharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of theirpossession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not pre-serve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basesthypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of theworld, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord ofglory.”—Ibid., p. 309.

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 nocase should they be satisfied with an empty profession. . . . To be aChristian is to be Christlike.”—The Sanctified Life, p. 79.

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

“The scenes of Calvary call for the deepest emotion. Upon thissubject you will be excusable if you manifest enthusiasm. That Christ,so excellent, so innocent, should suffer such a painful death, bearingthe weight of the sins of the world, our thoughts and imaginationscan never fully comprehend. The length, the breadth, the height, thedepth, of such amazing love we cannot fathom. The contemplationof the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love should fill the mind, touchand melt the soul, refine and elevate the affections, and completelytransform the whole character.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 213.

“I say to the followers of Christ, Look to Calvary, and blush forshame at your self-important ideas. All this humiliation of theMajesty of heaven was for guilty, condemned man. He went lowerand lower in His humiliation, until there were no lower depths thatHe could reach, in order to lift man up from his moral defilement. Allthis was for you who are striving for the supremacy—striving forhuman praise, for human exaltation; you who are afraid you will notreceive all that deference, that respect from human minds, that youthink 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 giveourselves wholly to Him who gave Himself for us. Then, with thelight that streams from Calvary shining in our faces, we may go forthto 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. . . . Heknew by personal experience that when a sinner once beholds thelove of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to thedivine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christis all and in all.”—Ibid., p. 245.





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 otherunion must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price forour redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and lastand best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a rela-tion of utter dependence to be entered into by a proud being. All whoform this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ.They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own willto the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internalobstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as awork of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness—sin in allits forms—must be overcome, if we would enter into a union withChrist. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorablyhard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is, they try to attach them-selves to Christ without detaching themselves from these cherishedidols.”—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 principlesof righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God;when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above thepower of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that leadto sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of thelaw 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; 1Corinthians 2:16.

“As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches theuplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation.A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in ChristJesus.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 163.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work withChrist. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with ourthoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity toHis will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our ownimpulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delightin doing His service.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 668.


Thursday January 28

5. THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US

a. What evidence will show whether or not we have received themind of Christ? Romans 12:10, 14–16; Philippians 2:2–5; John13:34, 35.

“When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief,working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city tocity till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him inGethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying inagony—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 thatwe may do heart service for the Master.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 439, 440.

“By conversion and transformation, men are to receive the mindof Christ. Everyone is to stand before God with an individual faith,an individual experience, knowing for himself that Christ is formedwithin, the hope of glory.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 35.

b. What can we do in our own power? John 15:5. What is the onlypower that can make a radical change? John 6:63; Galatians5:22–25; 2 Peter 1:2–4.

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

Friday January 29


a. What possibilities are before one who truly has Christ living in theheart?

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, FEBRUARY 6, 2010


for the Welfare Department

A world in crisis. An economyin distress. A planet groaningunder the weight of sin. War, earth-quakes, floods, natural disasters.Wherever we turn we see the needs forassistance. From the poorest nations tothe poor living in the wealthiest of nations,the calls for help are coming constantly. For over a decade the WorldDisaster Relief Fund has been working to bring relief to those impact-ed by calamities beyond their control. And each February we haveappealed to you for support to this welfare ministry for the worthypoor. “How often our hearts sink, and faith fails us, as we see howgreat is the need, and how small the means in our hands. LikeAndrew looking upon the five barley loaves and the two little fishes,we exclaim, ‘What are they among so many’ (John 6:9)? Often wehesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to bespent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, ‘Give ye them to eat’ (Mark6:37). His command is a promise, and behind it is the same powerthat fed the multitude beside the sea” (The Desire of Ages, p. 369).

In 2008 and 2009 the World Disaster Relief Fund was used torebuild schools and churches destroyed by earthquakes and flood-ing. It was used to bring food and shelter assistance to orphans andwidows living in war zones. It was used to purchase food forbrethren in drought-scorched lands. The weekly e-newsletter of theWelfare Department has been giving regular reports of the welfarework that is being done around the globe. Can we count on you tocontinue this assistance to the worthy poor?

“Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause. I amweary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask, Are you weary of receiv-ing from God's beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless youwill you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion Heclaims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless oth-ers.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 150.

May the Lord give us a helping spirit when the First SabbathOffering is collected in behalf of the worthy poor in our midst.

David Zic, GC Welfare Department Secretary



Lesson 6 Sabbath, February 6, 2010

Going to Judgment“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judg-

ment” (Hebrews 9:27).

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

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? 2Timothy 3:16.

“The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safe-guard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive powerof spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to preventmen from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterancesreveal his deceptions. . . . The last great delusion is soon to openbefore us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight.So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impos-sible 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 impor-tance—in the days of Christ, of Paul, of Luther; there is a presenttruth for the church today.”—The Signs of the Times, June 21, 1883.

“Precious souls are starving, and dying for want of the present, seal-ing truth, the meat in due season.”—The Present Truth, September 1, 1849.



Monday February 1

2. LOOKING UNTO JESUS

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

“By acquaintance and association with Christ we may become likeHim, the one faultless Example.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 222, 223.

“It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He wouldsend into the world, that changes our character into the image ofChrist; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, theglory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholdsChrist is so like His that one looking at him sees Christ’s own charac-ter shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we arechanged day by day from our own ways and will into the ways and willof Christ, into the loveliness of His character. Thus we grow up intoChrist, 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 perfectionand neglect the study of the Word of God. By carefully and closelysearching His Word we shall obey the injunction of Christ, ‘Searchthe scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they arethey which testify of me’ (John 5:39). This search enables the studentto observe closely the divine Model, for they testify of Christ. ThePattern must be inspected often and closely in order to imitate it. Asone becomes acquainted with the history of the Redeemer, he dis-covers in himself defects of character; his unlikeness to Christ is sogreat that he sees he cannot be a follower without a very great changein 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 beholdinghe becomes changed. ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher ofour faith’ (Hebrews 12:2).’” —Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 17.

“Look to Calvary, and as you behold Christ offering up His preciouslife for you, that you may have an opportunity to form a character foreternal life, ask yourself the question, How shall I occupy the timegiven me of God at an infinite cost?”—The Review and Herald, October 27,1896.


Tuesday February 2

3. FACING OUR RECORD

a. What and whom will each individual, without exception, faceone day? Hebrews 9:27; Romans 14:12.

“Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediationshould permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holinessin the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleas-ure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest,prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary andthe investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the peo-ple of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position andwork of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible forthem to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupythe position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has asoul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Eachmust meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, thatevery mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgmentshall 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 beaware, 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 themouth that will bring the body into an unhealthy condition, no mat-ter how much we like it. Why?—Because we are God’s property. Youhave a crown to win, a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun. Then forChrist’s sake, I ask you, Will you have the light shine before you inclear and distinct rays, and then turn away from it and say, ‘I lovethis, and I love that’?”—Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 328.

“There is altogether too much careless talking, censuring, fault-finding, in families that profess to love and serve God. The unkindwords, the irreverence and disrespect, found in many families makeangels weep. What a record is made upon the books of heaven ofunkind looks and words that bite and sting like an adder. And this isnot the record of one day in the year merely, but of day after day. Ohthat these families would consider that angels of God are taking adaguerreotype [photograph] of the character just as accurately as theartist takes the likeness of the human features; and that it is from thisthat we are to be judged!”—The Review and Herald, February 2, 1886.




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 possibleis 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 enfee-bling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection toGod 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 lawof liberty’ (James 2:12).”—The Desire of Ages, p. 466.

b. Which law is this law of liberty? Will even New TestamentChristians 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 giveglory to Him’ and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens andthe earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wiseman: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the wholeduty of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Without obedience to His com-mandments no worship can be pleasing to God. ‘This is the love ofGod, that we keep His commandments.’ ‘He that turneth away his earfrom hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination’ (1 John5:3; Proverbs 28:9).”—The Great Controversy, p. 436.

c. Since our life will be brought into judgment (Romans 14:10), towhat 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 procla-mation of the message given us. For years I have been instructed thatwe are not to give our attention to non-essential questions. We arenot 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 obe-dient to My commandments?’ The petty strife and contention overquestions of no importance is an education which our people do notneed.”—West Indian Messenger, July 1, 1912.


Thursday February 4

5. SPOTLESS ROBES

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

“Many are deceived concerning the condition of their hearts. Theydo not realize that the natural heart is deceitful above all things, anddesperately wicked. They wrap themselves about with their own right-eousness, and are satisfied in reaching their own human standard ofcharacter; but how fatally they fail when they do not reach the divinestandard, and of themselves they cannot meet the requirements of God.

“We may measure ourselves by ourselves, we may compare our-selves among ourselves, we may say we do as well as this one or thatone, but the question to which the judgment will call for an answeris, Do we meet the claims of high heaven? Do we reach the divinestandard? 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 finalvictory? Matthew 24:13. Give an example. 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.

“Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession ofChrist shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight ofa holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, theircharacters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling.Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must beconquerors in the battle with evil.”—The Great Controversy, p. 425.

“When the conflict of life is ended, when the armor is laid off atthe feet of Jesus, when the saints of God are glorified, then and thenonly will it be safe to claim that we are saved and sinless.”—SelectedMessages, bk. 3, p. 356.

Friday February 5


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






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 ofinvestigative judgment takes place in the courts of heaven. The lives ofall His professed followers pass in review before God. All are examinedaccording to the record of the books of heaven, and according to hisdeeds 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 judg-ment 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 havecome. Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a largethrone, upon which was seated a person of majestic appearance.Several books were before Him, and upon the covers of each was writ-ten in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire: ‘Ledgerof Heaven.’ One of these books, containing the names of those whoclaim 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 presentedin Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretoldby Malachi, are descriptions of the same event.”—The Great Controversy,p. 426.

Monday February 8

2. THE SYMBOLIC MARRIAGE

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

“By the king’s examination of the guests at the feast is represent-ed a work of judgment. The guests at the gospel feast are those whoprofess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book oflife.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 310.

“Previous to the wedding [of Matthew 22] the king comes in to seethe guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotlessrobe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. .. . This work of examination of character, of determining who are pre-pared 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 theirvessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. . . . And all whothrough the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths con-cerning the sanctuary in heaven and the Saviour’s change in ministra-tion], following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to performthe last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom—allthese are represented as going in to the marriage.”—Ibid., pp. 427, 428.

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

“The proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ in thesummer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent ofthe Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to theearth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven,to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. ‘They that were readywent in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut’ (Matthew25:10). They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for ittakes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers ofChrist are to ‘wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wed-ding’ (Luke 12:36).”—Ibid., p. 427.


Tuesday February 9

3. JUDGMENT BEFORE THE SECOND COMING

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

“Not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples. Before thefinal reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share theinheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to thesecond 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 shallbe’ (Revelation 22:12). Before His coming, then, the character ofevery man’s work will have been determined, and to every one ofChrist’s followers the reward will have been apportioned according tohis 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 casesof those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ havebeen examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation willclose, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in the one short sen-tence, ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: andthe door was shut,’ we are carried down through the Saviour’s finalministration, to the time when the great work for man’s salvationshall 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 secondapartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly taber-nacle, which served ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenlythings,’ this apartment was opened only upon the great Day ofAtonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore theannouncement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and theark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holyplace of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to per-form the closing work of the atonement.”—Ibid., p. 433.



4. THE MOST HOLY PLACE

a. How does the Old Testament shed light on the heavenly sanctu-ary depicted in the New Testament? Exodus 25:8, 9, 40; Hebrews8:1–5.

“I was also shown a sanctuary upon the earth containing twoapartments. It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it wasa figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of theearthly 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 thatthe furniture was the same as in the most holy place of the heavenlysanctuary. The priest ministered in both apartments of the earthly. Hewent daily into the first apartment, but entered the most holy onlyonce a year, to cleanse it from the sins which had been conveyedthere. I saw that Jesus ministered in both apartments of the heavenlysanctuary. The priests entered into the earthly with the blood of ananimal as an offering for sin. Christ entered into the heavenly sanctu-ary by the offering of His own blood. The earthly priests were removedby death; therefore they could not continue long; but Jesus was apriest forever. Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to theearthly sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the meritsof a Saviour to come. And in the wisdom of God the particulars of thiswork were given us that we might, by looking to them, understand thework of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.”—Early Writings, pp. 252, 253.

b. What Old Testament admonition reveals the solemnity of theatonement hour? Leviticus 16:17.

“In the service of the earthly sanctuary, which, as we have seen, isa figure of the service in the heavenly, when the high priest on the Dayof Atonement entered the most holy place, the ministration in the firstapartment ceased. . . . When Christ entered the holy of holies to per-form the closing work of the atonement, He ceased His ministration inthe first apartment. But when the ministration in the first apartmentended, the ministration in the second apartment began. When in thetypical 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 behalfof all Israel who truly repented of their sins. So Christ had only com-pleted one part of His work as our intercessor, to enter upon anotherportion of the work, and He still pleaded His blood before the Father inbehalf of sinners.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 428, 429.


Thursday February 11

5. JUDGED BY THE LAW

a. What is the evident relationship between Daniel 7:9, 10 andRevelation 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 record-ed by Moses in the Pentateuch were an unerring transcript. . . . Thelaw of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His charac-ter, must forever endure, ‘as a faithful witness in heaven’ (Psalm89:37). Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle hasbeen 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 ofthe ledger, and His eyes rested for a moment upon individuals, Hisglance seemed to burn into their very souls, and at the same momentevery word and action of their lives passed before their minds asclearly as though traced before their vision in letters of fire. . . . Everyeye is riveted upon the face of the One upon the throne; and as Hissolemn, searching eye sweeps over that company, there is a quakingof heart; for they are self-condemned without one word beinguttered.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 385.

“We should be most grateful that now in probationary timethrough the infinite mercy of God we are permitted to sow the seedfor our future harvest. We should carefully consider what the harvestwill be.”—Welfare Ministry, pp. 316, 317.

Friday February 12


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 giv-

ing 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 under-

standing of the judgment?




The Cleansing of theSanctuary

“It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in theheavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things them-selves with better sacrifices than these” (Hebrews 9:23).

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest enteredthe most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work thereperformed completed the yearly round of ministration.”—Patriarchsand 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 andblotting out of the confessed sins of God’s people occur? Leviticus16:29, 30.

b. When and how often did the high priest enter the second apart-ment 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 theinner apartment of the sanctuary. Only once a year could the priestenter there, and that after the most careful and solemn preparation.With trembling he went in before God, and the people in reverentsilence awaited his return, their hearts uplifted in earnest prayer forthe divine blessing. Before the mercy seat the high priest made theatonement for Israel; and in the cloud of glory, God met with him.His stay here beyond the accustomed time filled them with fear, lestbecause of their sins or his own he had been slain by the glory of theLord.”—Ibid., p. 352.

Monday February 15

2. SINS BLOTTED OUT

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

“Since Satan is the originator of sin, the direct instigator of all thesins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands thatSatan shall suffer the final punishment. Christ’s work for the redemp-tion of men and the purification of the universe from sin will beclosed by the removal of sin from the heavenly sanctuary and theplacing of these sins upon Satan, who will bear the final penalty. Soin the typical service, the yearly round of ministration closed withthe purification of the sanctuary, and the confessing of the sins onthe head of the scapegoat.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 358.

b. In reference to the sins of the people, what was the main differ-ence between the daily service and the yearly service? Leviticus4:20; 16:30. What does the yearly atonement symbolize, and howshould it affect our attitude toward God’s Word?

“In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple thatafterward took its place, the people were taught each day the greattruths relative to Christ’s death and ministration, and once each yeartheir minds were carried forward to the closing events of the greatcontroversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of theuniverse from sin and sinners.”—Ibid.

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out ofthose things which were written in the books, according to theirworks’ (Revelation 20:12). Then by virtue of the atoning blood ofChrist, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the booksof heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from therecord of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting outof sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—thecleansing of the earthly sanctuary.”—Ibid., pp. 357, 358.

“The word of God is the only fixed, changeless thing that theworld knows. . . . It not only causes men to discern what is truth, butit unmasks the soul, and presents men to themselves as perishing sin-ners, and calls upon them to repent and to be converted, that theirsins may be blotted out, and stand no longer against them.”—The BibleEcho, May 28, 1894.


Tuesday February 16

3. A HEAVENLY MINISTRY

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

“When Jesus at His ascension entered by His own blood into theheavenly sanctuary to shed upon His disciples the blessings of Hismediation, the Jews were left in total darkness to continue their use-less sacrifices and offerings. The ministration of types and shadowshad ceased. That door by which men had formerly found access toGod was no longer open. The Jews had refused to seek Him in theonly way whereby He could then be found, through the ministrationin the sanctuary in heaven. Therefore they found no communionwith God. To them the door was shut. They had no knowledge ofChrist as the true sacrifice and the only mediator before God; hencethey could not receive the benefits of His mediation.”—The GreatControversy, p. 430.

b. What are the differences between the earthly and the heavenlysanctuaries 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 ourHigh Priest. Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy placesmade with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heavenitself, now to appear in the presence of God for us’ (Hebrews 9:24). AsChrist’s ministration was to consist of two great divisions, each occu-pying a period of time and having a distinctive place in the heaven-ly sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two divisions,the daily and the yearly service, and to each a department of the tab-ernacle was devoted.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357.

“Now is the time for us to make sure work for eternity. Christ ispleading in our behalf. Shall we offer ourselves as a free, acceptablesacrifice? Shall we cover up our sins, or shall we confess them, thatwe may find mercy and grace to help in every time of need? WhileChrist is pleading in our behalf, shall we not put away and loathe thesins that caused the Son of God such great suffering and death? WhileJesus is showing compassion for us, shall we not have compassion forourselves? Shall we not pour out our souls in repentance and contri-tion, and receive the promise of a new heart?”—The General ConferenceBulletin, October 1, 1899.



4. TIME FOR THE CLEANSING

a. When would Jesus, our High Priest, remove our sins from theheavenly 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 for-mer rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in thelatter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which theapostle Peter looked forward when he said: ‘Repent ye therefore, andbe converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the investigativeJudgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the pres-ence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus’ (Acts 3:19, 20).”—The GreatControversy (1888), p. 611.

b. How can you prove that the investigative judgment begins beforeChrist’s second coming, and that the first angel’s message mustbegin 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 ofsins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Sincethe dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it isimpossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after thejudgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostlePeter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘whenthe times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; andHe shall send Jesus Christ’ (Acts 3:19, 20). When the investigative judg-ment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to giveto every man as his work shall be.”—The Great Controversy, p. 485.

“As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives ofall who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginningwith those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents thecases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Everyname is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names areaccepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon thebooks of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will beblotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds willbe erased from the book of God’s remembrance.”—Ibid., p. 483.



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 escapeconfessing your sins; but when the judgment shall sit, and the booksshall be opened, you cannot close them. The recording angel has tes-tified that which is true. All that you have tried to conceal and forgetis registered, and will be read to you when it is too late for wrongs tobe righted. Then you will be overwhelmed with despair. O, it is a ter-rible thing that so many are trifling with eternal interests, closing theheart 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 firstangel’s message? Hebrews 3:7, 8; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Ezekiel 18:24.

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

Friday February 19


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 begin-

ning of the investigative judgment?e. What must we do in order to have our sins blotted out before the close

of probation?



The Heavenly MinistryMisrepresented

“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 pos-sessed 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 andwomen. Numbers 12:6.

“Dreams from the Lord are classed in the word of God withvisions and are as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as visions.Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have themand the circumstances under which they are given, contain their ownproofs of their genuineness.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 569, 570.

b. What warnings are given against false prophets, and what pro-tective measures must the church adopt today? Deuteronomy13:1–4; Romans 16:17; 1 John 4:1.

“The Spirit was not given—nor can it ever be bestowed—to super-sede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of Godis the standard by which all teaching and experience must be test-ed.”—The Great Controversy, p. vii.

“The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is toperform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the coun-terfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguishbetween them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony everystatement and every miracle must be tested.”—Ibid., p. 593.


Monday February 22

2. THE RAM AND THE GOAT

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

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

“Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has beenpermitted to occupy its place on the earth, that it might be seenwhether it would fulfill the purpose of ‘the Watcher and the HolyOne.’ Prophecy has traced the rise and fall of the world’s greatempires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each ofthese, as with nations of less power, history repeated itself. Each hadits period of test, each failed, its glory faded, its power departed, andits place was occupied by another.”—Education, pp. 176, 177.

c. What should we consider about the reasons why men such asAlexander the Great and Julius Caesar fell from power? Eccle-siastes 10:17; Luke 14:11.

“Alexander found it much easier to subdue kingdoms than to rulehis own spirit. After conquering nations, this so-called great man fellthrough 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 mindwhen tempted to indulge passion stands higher in the sight of Godand heavenly angels than the most renowned general that ever led anarmy to battle and to victory. Said a celebrated emperor when on hisdying bed, ‘Among all my conquests there is but one which affordsme any consolation now, and that is the conquest I have gained overmy own turbulent temper.’ Alexander and Caesar found it easier tosubdue a world than to subdue themselves. After conquering nationafter nation, they fell—one of them ‘the victim of intemperance, theother of mad ambition.’”—Child Guidance, pp. 95, 96.

“God calls upon you to yield pride and stubbornness, and to let Hispeace 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.



“Maranatha,”theelementaryschoolinEcuador

Tuesday February 23

3. THE MIGHTY LITTLE HORN

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

“This prophecy [of Revelation 13:1–10], which is nearly identicalwith the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionablypoints to the papacy.”—The Great Controversy, p. 439.

“The crown removed from Israel passed successively to the king-doms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God says, ‘It shallbe 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 “exceedinggreat” used in a comparison between three political powers?Daniel 8:4, 8, 9.

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

“[Revelation 2:1 quoted.] These words are spoken to the teachers inthe church—those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. Thesweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound upwith God’s ministers, who are to reveal the love of Christ. The stars ofheaven are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides anddirects their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fall-en stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands,and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. . . . If theywill look to Him as He looked to the Father they will be enabled to doHis work.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 586, 587.

“[When John the Revelator was given a vision of his Lord,] howchanged is the Saviour’s appearance! He is no longer ‘a man of sor-rows, and acquainted with grief’ (Isaiah 53:3). He bears no marks ofHis 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 musicalsound of many waters. His countenance shines like the sun in itsmeridian glory. In His hand are seven stars, representing the ministersof the churches. Out of His mouth issues a sharp, two-edged sword, anemblem of the power of His word.”—The Sanctified Life, pp. 77, 78.



4. ROME IN TWO PHASES

a. Who is the Prince of the host, and how did the little horn mag-nify itself against Him? Daniel 8:11, 25; Revelation 19:16; 17:14.

“The line of prophecy in which these symbols are found beginswith Revelation 12, with the dragon that sought to destroy Christ atHis birth. The dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he it wasthat moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the chiefagent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people during thefirst centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire, in whichpaganism was the prevailing religion. Thus while the dragon, prima-rily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of paganRome.”—The Great Controversy, p. 438.

“Jesus loves His children, even if they err. They belong to Jesusand we are to treat them as the purchase of the blood of Jesus Christ.Any unreasonable course pursued toward them is written in thebooks as against Jesus Christ.”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 195.

b. What ministry did Jesus enter upon when He took His place in theheavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 3:1; 8:1, 2; 9:24.

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

c. After the fall of imperial Rome, how did the papacy transfer theintercessory ministration of the heavenly sanctuary to its owninstitutions on earth? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Why is this changeunacceptable? 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-offer-ing. Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who hasentered once for all into the most Holy Place.”—Ibid., p. 319.

“Priests and rulers have no right to interpose between Christ andthe souls for whom He has died, as though invested with the Saviour’sattributes, and able to pardon transgression and sin. They themselvesare sinners. They are only human.”—The Faith I Live By, p. 105.





5. THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY CLEANSED

a. How does Daniel’s prophecy foretell that the daily ministration ofChrist 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 ‘sacri-fice’ 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 thejudgment hour cry.”—Early Writings, pp. 74, 75.

b. How long would this apostasy be allowed to continue overshad-owing Christ’s atoning ministration in heaven? Daniel 8:13, 14.

“As our Mediator, Christ works incessantly. Whether men receiveor reject Him, He works earnestly for them. He grants them life andlight, striving by His Spirit to win them from Satan’s service. Andwhile the Saviour works, Satan also works, with all deceivableness ofunrighteousness, and with unflagging energy. But victory will neverbe his.”—The Review and Herald, March 12, 1901.

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

Friday February 26


a. How can we identify the prophets that have a genuine message fromGod?

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?


SABBATH, MARCH 6, 2010


“Maranatha,” theelementary school in

Ecuador

We are privileged to address ourgreat church family around the worldwith a humble and urgent request for“Maranatha.”

Maranatha is the name of our elementary school that has beenunder construction for a long time in Ecuador. This project whichbegan strictly by faith and also with the help of our Sabbath schoolmembers in the past, continues to be a faith project. There weremoments of anguish, but the Lord has been merciful to us and hasallowed that this important institution be kept alive and growing. Itis obvious, however, that more funds are needed. We are instruct-ing boys and girls in the ways of the Lord so that the three angels’messages can reach the parents and the community around us. Weare preparing very young missionaries for the Lord. Please help uskeep this powerful beam of the “present truth” in Ecuador.

Despite our best efforts, this unfinished building gives an unpleas-ant appearance to the whole property; it keeps away new studentsfrom registering and is a problem for those who are already registered.Besides, as new technologies advance rapidly in the world, it is imper-ative that our school adds to its curriculum computer classes as well asforeign languages. Special equipment and materials are needed, butmost 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 var-ious purposes where we also hold conferences and spiritual gather-ings. This cuts the cost for the believers coming to the various spir-itual meetings and is a great help to the poorer ones needing a placeto lodge.

The First Sabbath Offering we are kindly requesting from ourbrethren and sisters around the world will help us complete thebuilding project that has begun with such great sacrifice.

Your brethren and sisters of the Ecuadorian Field


Lesson 10 Sabbath, March 6, 2010

“Then Shall the SanctuaryBe Cleansed”—Part 1

“Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanc-tuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14).

“The cross of Christ must be studied. It must rivet the attentionand hold the affections. The blood which there was shed for sins willpurify and cleanse mind and heart from every species of selfish-ness.”—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? Daniel9:2; Jeremiah 29:10.

“Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew theprophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain—so plain that heunderstood by these testimonies recorded in books ‘the number ofthe years’ (Daniel 9:2).”—Prophets and Kings, p. 554.

b. Under what conditions was Daniel trying to understand the writ-ings 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 toenlighten our mind?

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


Monday March 1

2. TWENTY-THREE HUNDRED DAYS

a. Whom did God send to enlighten Daniel with an explanation ofthe vision (Daniel 8:14)? Why? Daniel 8:16–18, 26, 27.

“Through another vision further light was thrown upon theevents of the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Danielheard ‘one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certainsaint which spake, How long shall be the vision?’ (Daniel 8:13). Theanswer that was given, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days;then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (verse 14), filled him with per-plexity. Earnestly he sought for the meaning of the vision. He couldnot understand the relation sustained by the seventy years’ captivity,as foretold through Jeremiah, to the twenty-three hundred years thatin vision he heard the heavenly visitant declare should elapse beforethe cleansing of God’s sanctuary. The angel Gabriel gave him a par-tial 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 com-pleting the unfinished explanation of the vision (Daniel 8:14)?Daniel 9:22, 23.

“The angel [Gabriel] had been sent to Daniel for the express pur-pose of explaining to him the point which he had failed to under-stand in the vision of the eighth chapter, the statement relative totime—‘unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall thesanctuary be cleansed’ (Daniel 8:14).”—The Great Controversy, p. 326.

“As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; weshould not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject ofthe sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John.This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, andgives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experi-ence. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that thesanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, butthat Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heav-enly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priest-ly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophetDaniel, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall thesanctuary be cleansed’ (Daniel 8:14).”—Evangelism, pp. 222, 223.




Tuesday March 2

3. THE DAY-FOR-A-YEAR PRINCIPLE

a. How do we understand a prophetic day? Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers14:33, 34.

“A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel4:6.”—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 thevision,’ the very first words of the angel are: ‘Seventy weeks are deter-mined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City.’ The word heretranslated ‘determined’ literally signifies ‘cut off.’ Seventy weeks, rep-resenting 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as spe-cially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, itmust be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; theseventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the twoperiods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by theangel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restoreand build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could befound, then the starting point for the great period of the 2300 dayswould be ascertained.”—The Great Controversy, p. 326.

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

“Said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many forone week [seven years].’ For seven years after the Saviour entered onHis ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; forthree and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apos-tles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and theoblation to cease’ (Daniel 9:27). In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, thetrue Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple wasrent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sac-rificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacri-fice and oblation to cease.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 699.


Wednesday March 3

4. EXPLANATION OF TERMS

a. How was reconciliation made for iniquity? 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20.

“Jesus paid an infinite price to redeem the world, and the race wasgiven into His hands; they became His property. He sacrificed Hishonor, His riches, and His glorious home in the royal courts andbecame the son of Joseph and Mary. Joseph was one of the humblest ofday laborers. Jesus also worked; he lived a life of hardship and toil.When His ministry commenced, after His baptism, He endured an ago-nizing fast of nearly six weeks. It was not merely the gnawing pangs ofhunger which made His sufferings inexpressibly severe, but it was theguilt of the sins of the world which pressed so heavily upon Him. Hewho knew no sin was made sin for us. With this terrible weight of guiltupon Him because of our sins He withstood the fearful test uponappetite, and upon love of the world and of honor, and pride of displaywhich leads to presumption. Christ endured these three great leadingtemptations and overcame in behalf of man, working out for him arighteous character, because He knewman could not do this of himself.He knew that upon these three points Satan was to assail the race. Hehad overcome Adam, and he designed to carry forward his work till hecompleted the ruin of man. Christ entered the field in man’s behalf toconquer Satan for him because He saw that man could not overcomeon his own account. Christ prepared the way for the ransom of man byHis own life of suffering, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, and by Hishumiliation and final death. He brought help to man that he might, byfollowing Christ’s example, overcome on his own account, as Christhas overcome for him.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 372.

“Think of Christ’s humiliation. He took upon Himself fallen, suf-fering human nature, degraded and defiled by sin. He took our sor-rows, bearing our grief and shame. He endured all the temptationswherewith man is beset. He united humanity with divinity: a divinespirit dwelt in a temple of flesh. He united Himself with the temple.‘The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14), becauseby so doing He could associate with the sinful, sorrowing sons anddaughters 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, thetabernacle had to be anointed (Exodus 40:9). What did Jesus needto do before the beginning of the ministration in the heavenlysanctuary? Daniel 9:24; Hebrews 8:1–5; 9:8, 11, 12.




Thursday March 4

5. EXPLANATION OF TERMS (continued)

a. How has God’s righteousness been revealed under the new cove-nant? 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 andresults of sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginningwould have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God, will now vin-dicate His love and establish His honor before the universe of beingswho delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law. Never will evilagain be manifest. . . . The law of God, which Satan has reproached asthe yoke of bondage, will be honored as the law of liberty.”—The GreatControversy, p. 504.

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

Friday March 5


a. What sacrifices should we be willing to make in order to understandthe important prophecies for our time?

b. How do we know that the prophecies of Daniel 9 are clearly con-nected to Daniel 8—especially in the explanation given of verse 14?

c. When studying prophecies, what principle do we needed to under-stand in dealing with time?

d. Explain some of the things that needed to be fulfilled during the sev-enty-week period.

e. What needed to take place before Jesus could begin His ministrationin the heavenly sanctuary?



“Then Shall the Sanctuarybe Cleansed”—Part 2

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth ofthe commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto theMessiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and twoweeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubloustimes” (Daniel 9:25).

“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinnerfrom the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it wouldstand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement”—Patriarchsand 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 allthe conditions of this prophecy? Ezra 1:1–4; 6:1–12.

c. Why is the decree of Artaxerxes taken as the starting point in thefulfillment 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 andbuilding of Jerusalem, the third issued since the close of the seventyyears’ captivity, is remarkable for its expressions regarding the God ofheaven, for its recognition of the attainments of Ezra, and for the lib-erality of the grants made to the remnant people of God.”—Prophetsand Kings, p. 610.


Monday March 8

2. THE MESSIAH REVEALED

a. When did the Messiah reveal Himself—showing that the last ofthe seventy prophetic weeks had begun? John 1:29, 41; Matthew3:16, 17; Acts 10:38.

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

b. How did Jesus use this prophecy (Daniel 9:25) to announce Hisministry? 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 theprophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by theangel to extend to ‘the Messiah the Prince,’ and with high hopes andjoyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishmentof Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth.

“They preached the message which Christ had committed tothem, though they themselves misapprehended its meaning. Whiletheir 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 anticipatedglory of an earthly empire, and this blinded their understanding aliketo the specifications of the prophecy and to the words of Christ.”—Ibid., p. 345.


Tuesday March 9

3. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

a. With what was Jesus concerned throughout His ministry, andwhat 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 clus-tering about the Saviour’s lifework was made known by the angelGabriel to Daniel. ‘Seventy weeks,’ said the angel, ‘are determinedupon 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 visionand prophecy, and to anoint the most holy’ (Daniel 9:24).”—Prophetsand Kings, p. 698.

“Christ had come at the exact time and in the manner foretold byprophecy. The testimony of Scripture had been fulfilled in everydetail of His ministry.”—The Great Controversy, p. 346.

b. Since the first portion (the 490 prophetic days) ended in A.D. 34when should the rest of the 2300 days terminate?

“Thus the death of Christ—the very event which the discipleshad looked upon as the final destruction of their hope —was thatwhich made it forever sure. While it had brought them a cruel disap-pointment, it was the climax of proof that their belief had been cor-rect. The event that had filled them with mourning and despair wasthat which opened the door of hope to every child of Adam, and inwhich centered the future life and eternal happiness of all God’sfaithful 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 457B.C., and their expiration in A.D. 34. From this data there is no difficul-ty in finding the termination of the 2300 days. The seventy weeks—490 days—having been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 daysremaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be ful-filled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2300days of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844. At the expiration of this greatprophetic period, upon the testimony of the angel of God, ‘the sanctu-ary shall be cleansed.’ Thus the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary—which was almost universally believed to take place at the secondadvent—was definitely pointed out.”—Ibid., p. 328.


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 theinvestigative judgment as part of the eternal gospel to be pre-sented to the world? Revelation 14:6, 7.

“That menmay be prepared to stand in the judgment, the messagecommands them to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him,’ ‘and worshipHim that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains ofwaters.’ The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in theword: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and thefaith of Jesus.’ In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessarythat 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 thetime for the beginning of the judgment? If the right time cannotbe identified, then how could such a message be given?

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

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

“If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in thecross, their faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits ofHis shed blood, and they would be cleansed and saved from sin. Thereare many who will be lost, because they depend on legal religion, ormere repentance for sin. But repentance for sin alone cannot work thesalvation of any soul. Man cannot be saved by his own works. WithoutChrist it is impossible for him to render perfect obedience to the lawof God; and heaven can never be gained by an imperfect obedience;for this would place all heaven in jeopardy, and make possible a sec-ond rebellion.”—The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.


Thursday March 11

5. RIGHTFUL ENTRANCE

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

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

“The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For manyyears 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 ourlives are to come up in review. . . .

“When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destinyof all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a shorttime before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. . . .

“The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earthin their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating anddrinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has beenpronounced in the sanctuary above. . . . Perilous is the condition ofthose who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions ofthe world. While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit ofgain, while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daugh-ter of fashion is arranging her adornments—it may be in that hourthe Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence: ‘Thou artweighed in the balances, and art found wanting’ (Daniel 5:27).”—TheGreat Controversy, pp. 490, 491.

Friday March 12


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?



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 Corinthians6:17).

“It is the duty of every child of God to inquire: ‘Wherein am I sep-arate from the world?’ Let us suffer a little inconvenience, and be onthe 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 nottolerate 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 mindof 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 min-ister to unlawful appetites, and to gratify pride . . . until God couldbear with their wickedness no longer, and they were swept away bythe flood.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 421, 422.

b. After the Flood, the human race multiplied. What inevitably hap-pens 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 amongthe mountains where the ark had rested. As their numbers increased,apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to forget theirCreator and to cast off the restraint of His law felt a constant annoy-ance from the teaching and example of their God-fearing associates,and after a time they decided to separate from the worshipers ofGod.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 118.


Monday March 15

2. THE TOWER OF BABEL

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

“God had directed men to disperse throughout the earth, toreplenish and subdue it; but these Babel builders determined to keeptheir community united in one body, and to found a monarchy thatshould eventually embrace the whole earth. Thus their city wouldbecome the metropolis of a universal empire; its glory would com-mand the admiration and homage of the world and render thefounders illustrious.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119.

b. In sharp contrast to those who, like Nimrod, are seeking to makea name for themselves even today, how does Inspiration depictthose who seek to establish God’s name in the earth? Deuteronomy28:9, 10.

“The truth should be everything to us. Let those who want tomake a name with the world go with the world. The great conflict isright at hand in which all will take sides. In it the whole Christianworld will be involved. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by theprinciples of the Word of God. Self must be sanctified by the princi-ples of the righteousness, the mercy, and the love of God.

“At every point of uncertainty, pray, and earnestly inquire, ‘Is thisthe way of the Lord?’ With your Bibles before you, consult with God asto what He would have you do. Holy principles are revealed in theWordof God. The source of all true wisdom is found in the cross of Calvary.

“Everywhere we see increasing evidence that the message we havefrom God is to be the last message of warning to the churches of theworld.”—The Upward Look, p. 171.

“The Lord does not want us to erect large buildings. He wants con-verted men with converted hearts more than anything else. I urge youto go to the places that have been neglected, and give the message ofwarning to the people. The Lord is coming soon, and many areunready, unready. Here is territory all around you, where thoroughwork should be done to interest souls in the truth for this time. Somecan take our books and learn what it means to go to the highways andhedges with the message of truth. Use the gift that you have; impartthe light you have received.”—Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, p. 311.


Tuesday March 16

3. A MONUMENT TO DISREGARD GOD’S WORD

a. How did the tower of Babel demonstrate that its builders had nofaith in the Word of God, and how is history being repeated inthese last days? Genesis 9:8–17; 2 Peter 3:3–7, 10–13.

“The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved God’s covenantthat He would not again bring a flood upon the earth. Many of themdenied the existence of God and attributed the Flood to the operationof natural causes. Others believed in a Supreme Being, and that it wasHe who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, likethat of Cain, rose up in rebellion against Him. One object before themin the erection of the tower was to secure their own safety in case ofanother deluge. By carrying the structure to a much greater height thanwas reached by the waters of the Flood, they thought to place them-selves beyond all possibility of danger. And as they would be able toascend to the region of the clouds, they hoped to ascertain the cause ofthe Flood. The whole undertaking was designed to exalt still further thepride of its projectors and to turn the minds of future generations awayfrom God and lead them into idolatry.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119.

b. What command of God is often disregarded by modern “Babelbuilders”? Matthew 5:14–16; Mark 16:15.

“Outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks thelongings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption. Thereligion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In thelight shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure andlovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth. It isthe beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value withGod. Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevatedthought.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 566, 567.

“Work is to be carried forward in many lines. New territory is tobe annexed. But no Jerusalem centers are to be made. If such centersare made, there will be a scattering of the people out of them, by theLord God of heaven.

“The work of God is to be carried on without outward display. Inestablishing institutions, we are never to compete with the institu-tions of the world in size or splendor. We are to enter into no con-federacy with those who do not love or fear God.”—The Review andHerald, July 16, 1914.


Wednesday March 17

4. CONFUSION

a. How does the word “Babel” as well as the aftermath at the towershow 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 theworkmen at the top to communicate directly with those at the base.. . . The language was confounded, so that material was called forwhich was not needed, and the directions delivered were often thereverse of those that had been given. Confusion and dismay fol-lowed. All work came to a standstill. . . . Their confederacy ended instrife and bloodshed. Lightnings from heaven, as an evidence ofGod’s displeasure, broke off the upper portion of the tower and castit to the ground. Men were made to feel that there is a God whoruleth 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 consid-ered? James 3:13–16.

“There are tower builders in our time. Infidels construct their the-ories from the supposed deductions of sciences, and reject therevealed word of God. They presume to pass sentence upon God’smoral government; they despise His law and boast of the sufficiencyof human reason. Then, ‘because sentence against an evil work is notexecuted speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully setin them to do evil’ (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

“In the professedly Christian world many turn away from theplain teachings of the Bible and build up a creed from human specu-lations and pleasing fables, and they point to their tower as a way toclimb up to heaven. Men hang with admiration upon the lips of elo-quence while it teaches that the transgressor shall not die, that salva-tion may be secured without obedience to the law of God. If the pro-fessed followers of Christ would accept God’s standard, it would bringthem into unity; but so long as human wisdom is exalted above HisHoly Word, there will be divisions and dissension. The existing con-fusion of conflicting creeds and sects is fitly represented by the term‘Babylon,’ which prophecy (Revelation 14:8; 18:2) applies to theworld-loving churches of the last days.”—Ibid., pp. 123, 124.


Thursday March 18

5. COME OUT OF CONFUSION

a. Since people rise no higher than their highest aim, what happenswhen 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 human-ity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite wisdom andlove, the man will be constantly sinking lower and lower. The wor-shipers of false gods clothed their deities with human attributes andpassions, and thus their standard of character was degraded to thelikeness 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? 1Corinthians 14:33; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Revelation 14:8; 18:4.

“Christ’s followers are required to come out from the world, andbe separate, and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise ofbeing the sons and daughters of the Most High, members of the royalfamily. But if the conditions are not complied with on their part, theywill not, cannot, realize the fulfillment of the promise. A professionof Christianity is nothing in the sight of God; but true, humble, will-ing obedience to His requirements designates the children of Hisadoption, the recipients of His grace, the partakers of His great salva-tion.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 441.

Friday March 19


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?



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 afriend 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 themnever cease to sound the note of alarm.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 369.

Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, pp. 289–298.

Sunday March 21

1. A CHASTE VIRGIN

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

“In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation isemployed to represent the tender and sacred union that existsbetween Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the gladness ofthe wedding festivities pointed forward to the rejoicing of that daywhen He shall bring home His bride to the Father’s house, and theredeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper ofthe Lamb.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 151.

b. How is a pure church symbolized? 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation12:1.

“[An] obligation, too often lightly regarded—one that to theyouth awakened to the claims of Christ needs to be made plain—isthe obligation of church relationship.

“Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and Hischurch—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head,and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involvesconnection with His church.”—Education, p. 268.



Honduras

Monday March 22

2. UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE

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

“When the early church became corrupted by departing from thesimplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, shelost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the con-sciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power.The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of thestate and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the pun-ishment of ‘heresy.’ . . .

“Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome byforming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similardesire to restrict liberty of conscience. . . .

“It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civilgovernment, and this prepared the way for the development of thepapacy—the beast. Said Paul: ‘There’ shall ‘come a falling away, . . . andthat man of sin be revealed’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3). So apostasy in thechurch will prepare the way for the image to the beast.”—The GreatControversy, pp. 443, 444.

b. What makes this woman and her daughters impure? Revelation17:1, 2; Ezekiel 16:44.

“The union of the church with the state, be the degree never soslight, 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 marriedto the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means thechurch will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, ‘acage of every unclean and hateful bird’ (Revelation 18:2). . . .

“Through association with the world our institutions will becomeunsubstantial, unreliable; because these worldly elements, introducedand placed in positions of trust, are looked up to as teachers to berespected in their educating, directing, and official position, and theyare sure to be worked upon by the spirit and power of darkness; sothat the demarcation becomes not distinguished between him thatserveth God and him that serveth Him not.”—Testimonies to Ministers,pp. 265, 266.


Tuesday March 23

3. WORLDLINESS AND FALSE DOCTRINE

a. What is the wine of fornication that the apostate church uses tomake 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 toseek any strange, new message. We are not to think that the chosenones of God who are trying to walk in the light compose Babylon. Thefallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been foster-ing poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is madeup of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, theeternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christprior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the firstday of the week above God’s holy and sanctified day. These and kin-dred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, andthus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, ‘For all nations have drunk ofthe wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 18:3). It is a wrathwhich is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidentsdrink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred withanger against those who will not come into harmony with the falseand satanic heresies which exalt the false sabbath, and lead men totrample 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 anincrease of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoic-ing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success,Satan might claim the preeminence; for in this world his followers arelargely in the majority.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 143.

“Every unconverted man is fascinated, bewildered, by thebewitching 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 orpractice, is under the power of sorcery, and is practicing sorcery uponothers. Satan employs him to mislead other souls.”—The Signs of theTimes, May 18, 1882.



Honduras

Wednesday March 24

4. POPULARLY DISASTROUS

a. What terrible evil does the apostate mother church do (so muchso that the prophet is caused to marvel)? When did this motherof harlots have its beginning? Revelation 17:15, 6; 18:24; Daniel7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12; 1 John 4:3.

“The forty and twomonths are the same as the ‘time and times andthe 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 oppressGod’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began withthe supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At thattime the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal powerreceived its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ‘He thatleadeth into captivity shall go into captivity’ (Revelation 13:10).”—TheGreat 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 churchesbe such that the children and youth among us shall understand thereare to be no concessions to this power, the man of sin. Teach themthat although the time will come when we can wage the war only atthe risk of property and liberty, yet the conflict must be met, in thespirit and meekness of Christ; the truth is to be maintained and advo-cated as it is in Jesus. Wealth, honor, comfort, home—everythingelse—is to be a secondary consideration. The truth must not be hid,it must not be denied or disguised, but fully avowed, and boldly pro-claimed.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 369, 370.

“The apostle Paul declares that ‘all that will live godly in ChristJesus shall suffer persecution’ (2 Timothy 3:12). Why is it, then, thatpersecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason isthat the church has conformed to the world’s standard and thereforeawakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day isnot of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith inthe days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit ofcompromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God areso indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness inthe church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world.Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, andthe spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecutionwill be rekindled.”—The Great Controversy, p. 48.


Thursday March 25

5. THE FALL OF BABYLON AFTER THE FIRST MESSAGE

a. As the first angel’s message started to sound just before the inves-tigative judgment in 1844, to what fall of Babylon must the sec-ond angel’s message be referring? Revelation 17:5; 14:8.

“Babylon is said to be ‘themother of harlots.’ By her daughtersmustbe symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, andfollow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God,in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message ofRevelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religiousbodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this mes-sage follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the lastdays; therefore it cannot refer to the Romish Church, for that churchhas been in a fallen condition for many centuries. . . . In what religiousbodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found?Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestantfaith.”—The Great Controversy (1888), pp. 382, 383.

b. What warning should we heed in these last days? 2 Thessalonians2:10–12.

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

Friday March 26


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 pop-

ularity 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 procla-

mation of the first angel’s message, what fall of Babylon is depictedin the second angel’s message?



Honduras

Documents

SDARM Quarterly Q1 2010