Bible Study Guides

December 25 – 31, 2022

Key Text

“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 674–678

Introduction

“The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was then given to the saints of the Most High, who were to possess it forever, even forever and ever.” Early Writings, 295

Sunday

1 HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM

1.a. What promise will be fulfilled after sin and sinners are blotted out? Isaiah 65:17; Daniel 7:18, 27

 Note: “God’s entire universe was clean, and the great controversy was forever ended. Wherever we looked, everything upon which the eye rested was beautiful and holy. And all the redeemed host, old and young, great and small, cast their glittering crowns at the feet of their Redeemer, and prostrated themselves in adoration before Him, and worshiped Him that liveth forever and ever. The beautiful new earth, with all its glory, was the eternal inheritance of the saints.” Early Writings, 295

1.b. What gives us the privilege of becoming heirs of the kingdom of glory? John 1:12; Galatians 4:4–7

 Note: “In the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, To me that loved myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory and honor, blessing and praise. … The whole gospel is comprised in learning of Christ, His meekness and lowliness.

“What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 456

Monday

2 PERFECT PEACE

2.a. What condition will exist among the animals in the new earth? Isaiah 11:6, 7, 9

 Note: “Man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful.” Education, 304

2.b. What kinds of dwelling places will the saints enjoy in the earth made new? Isaiah 32:18; Proverbs 1:33

 Note: “If we can meet Jesus in peace and be saved, forever saved, we shall be the happiest of beings! Oh, to be at home at last where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest! Heaven, sweet heaven! Oh, I shall appreciate heaven! I know that I must watch and keep my garments unspotted from the world or I shall never enter the abode of the blessed.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 343

“There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.” The Great Controversy, 675

“What we are in the heavenly home, when saved, eternally saved, will be the reflection of what we now are in character and holy service. Shall we not show our loyalty by keeping God’s commandments here, in this our place of probation?” In Heavenly Places, 298

“Let us consider most earnestly the blessed hereafter. Let our faith pierce through every cloud of darkness and behold Him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of paradise to all who receive and believe on Him. To them He gives power to become the sons and daughters of God. Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 286, 287

Tuesday

3 NO DISEASE, SUFFERING OR DEATH

3.a. What evils will no longer exist in the earth made new? Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24; 60:18

Note: “Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning.” The Great Controversy, 676

“This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time spent here is the Christian’s winter. Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian’s summer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 988

3.b. Will the redeemed remember the suffering that was their lot on this earth? Isaiah 65:17–19

 Note: “We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, ‘Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!’ and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven’s arches ring.” Early Writings, 17

3.c. Describe life in the earth made new. Isaiah 51:3; 65:21–25

 Note: “There [in heaven] we shall know even as also we are known. There the loves and sympathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages, the sacred fellowship that binds together ‘the whole family in heaven and earth’—all are among the experiences of the hereafter.

“There will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived.” Education, 306, 307

Wednesday

4 TRUE AND FAITHFUL WORDS

4.a. What admonition is given to us about the immutability of God’s words? Revelation 21:5, last part; 22:18, 19

 Note: “Those who, by their human construction, shall make the Scripture to utter that which Christ has never placed upon it, weaken its force, making the voice of God in instruction and warnings to testify falsehood, to avoid the inconvenience incurred by obedience to God’s requirements, have become signboards, pointing in the wrong direction, into false paths, which lead to transgression and death.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 387

“Many will make the words of the Revelation a spiritualistic mystery, robbing them of their solemn import. God declares that His judgments shall fall with increased dreadfulness upon anyone who shall try to change the solemn words written in this book—the Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The Review and Herald, August 2, 1906

“In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience.” Ye Shall Receive Power, 122

4.b. What warning is given to children and youth who desire to inherit the new earth? Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20

Note: “Children who dishonor and disobey their parents, and disregard their advice and instructions, can have no part in the earth made new. The purified new earth will be no place for the rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrateful, son or daughter. Unless such learn obedience and submission here, they will never learn it; the peace of the ransomed will not be marred by disobedient, unruly, unsubmissive children. No commandment breaker can inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 497, 498

“Children, do you desire eternal life? Then respect and honor your parents. Do not wound and grieve their hearts, and cause them to spend sleepless nights in anxiety and distress over your case. If you have sinned in not rendering love and obedience to them, begin now to redeem the past.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 22, 1893

Thursday

5 ALMOST HOME

5.a. What should be our attitude considering the nearness of our eternal redemption? James 4:8–11; Titus 2:11–13

 Note: “The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us be determined to do all in our power to impart light to those around us. We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the Lord Jesus ever before us. He is soon coming, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 253

“The closest relation exists between God and His people. … The servants of God are to be earnest, penitent, trustful, thankful. Their lives should be living epistles, known and read of all men. They should be continually looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Signs of the Times, January 27, 1890

5.b. What comfort do we find in God’s word as we approach the consummation of our hope? James 5:7, 8; Hebrews 10:36–39

 Note: “There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 287

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What is the reward of the faithful?

2    Describe the home of the saved.

3    What will happen to the many trials we now have?

4    What should our youth think about if they desire everlasting life and joy?

5    What will you do today with the offer of salvation?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

December 18 – 24, 2022

Key Text

“ ‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all that do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that will leave them neither root nor branch.’ ” Malachi 4:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 663–673

Introduction

“Satan, the root of every sin, and all evil workers, who are his branches, shall be utterly cut off. An end will be made of sin, with all the woe and ruin that have resulted from it.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 341

Sunday

1 AT THE COMING OF JESUS

1.a. Before the coming of Jesus, what will be the condition of the wicked? Malachi 3:14; 2 Timothy 3:1–4. 1 John 5:19

Note: “The cities around us are filled with wickedness, and after the message of warning has been given to them no more words of peace will be given.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 87

“The state of the world, with its abominations and crimes, in fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the wickedness that would prevail during the last days, is enough to lead true Christians to live lives of humility and prayer.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 338

1.b. What will happen to the wicked ones who will be alive at the time of Jesus’ coming? 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; 2:8

Note: “At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory.” The Great Controversy, 657

Monday

2 AT THE END OF THE MILLENIUM

2.a. What will take place after the one thousand years have expired? Isaiah 24:22; Revelation 20:5, first part

 Note: “Every eye in that vast multitude is turned to behold the glory of the Son of God. With one voice the wicked hosts exclaim: ‘Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!’ It is not love to Jesus that inspires this utterance. The force of truth urges the words from unwilling lips. As the wicked went into their graves, so they come forth with the same enmity to Christ and the same spirit of rebellion. They are to have no new probation in which to remedy the defects of their past lives. Nothing would be gained by this. A lifetime of transgression has not softened their hearts. A second probation, were it given them, would be occupied as was the first in evading the requirements of God and exciting rebellion against Him.” The Great Controversy, 662

2.b. How does the Bible describe the multitude of the resurrected wicked ones at the end of the millennium? Revelation 20:7, 8. Who are included in that vast multitude?

 Note: “In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed before the Flood; men of lofty stature and giant intellect, who, yielding to the control of fallen angels, devoted all their skill and knowledge to the exaltation of themselves; men whose wonderful works of art led the world to idolize their genius, but whose cruelty and evil inventions, defiling the earth and defacing the image of God, caused Him to blot them from the face of His creation. There are kings and generals who conquered nations, valiant men who never lost a battle, proud, ambitious warriors whose approach made kingdoms tremble. In death these experienced no change. As they come up from the grave, they resume the current of their thoughts just where it ceased. They are actuated by the same desire to conquer that ruled them when they fell.” The Great Controversy, 664

Tuesday

3 EXTERMINATION OF SIN

3.a. What did Jesus say about the eradication of sin? Matthew 15:13

 Note: “Every plant that Satan has planted—jealousy, anger, envy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, fretfulness, prejudice, vanity, covetousness, and selfishness—should be rooted up without delay. There is constant peril for the soul who nurtures these evil qualities, for they will bear a burden of evil fruit, whereby many will be defiled. These poisonous plants defile the soul and crowd out the precious flower of love.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 79

“The extermination of sin will vindicate God’s love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law.” The Desire of Ages, 764

3.b. After the second resurrection, what will Satan do in desperation as he deceives the innumerable multitude of wicked? Revelation 20:9, first part

 Note: “Satan prepares for a last mighty struggle for the supremacy. While deprived of his power and cut off from his work of deception, the prince of evil was miserable and dejected; but as the wicked dead are raised and he sees the vast multitudes upon his side, his hopes revive, and he determines not to yield the great controversy. He will marshal all the armies of the lost under his banner and through them endeavor to execute his plans. The wicked are Satan’s captives. In rejecting Christ they have accepted the rule of the rebel leader. They are ready to receive his suggestions and to do his bidding. Yet, true to his early cunning, he does not acknowledge himself to be Satan. He claims to be the prince who is the rightful owner of the world and whose inheritance has been unlawfully wrested from him. He represents himself to his deluded subjects as a redeemer, assuring them that his power has brought them forth from their graves and that he is about to rescue them from the most cruel tyranny. The presence of Christ having been removed, Satan works wonders to support his claims. He makes the weak strong and inspires all with his own spirit and energy. He proposes to lead them against the camp of the saints and to take possession of the City of God. With fiendish exultation he points to the unnumbered millions who have been raised from the dead and declares that as their leader he is well able to overthrow the city and regain his throne and his kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 664

Wednesday

4 THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH

4.a. What will even the wicked understand regarding the mission of Christ when He came into the world? 1 John 3:8, last part; Luke 13:35

 Note: “When the Judge of all the world demands, Why have ye done thus? what reason can he assign, what cause can he plead? Bear in mind every tongue is silent, every mouth that has been so ready to speak evil, so ready to accuse, so ready to utter words of recrimination and falsehood is stopped, and the whole world of rebellion stands speechless before God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh–day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1163

“With all the facts of the great controversy in view, the whole universe, both loyal and rebellious, with one accord declare: ‘Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.’ ” The Great Controversy, 671

4.b. What will happen to the wicked, the evil angels, and Satan? Psalms 11:6; Jude 1:6, 7; Revelation 20:9, last part, 14, 15

 Note: “Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth’s surface seems one molten mass—a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men’—the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.’ Isaiah 34:8.

“The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They ‘shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts.’ Malachi 4:1. Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished ‘according to their deeds.’ ‘The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan the root, his followers the branches.” The Great Controversy, 672, 673

Thursday

5 THE EARTH LIBERATED FROM SIN

5.a. What condition will exist after sin and sinners are destroyed? Psalm 104:35; Isaiah 14:7; 35:10; Zechariah 1:11

 Note: “Satan’s work of ruin is forever ended. … Now God’s creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations.” The Great Controversy, 673

“Christ … saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed.” The Ministry of Healing, 504

5.b. How will the redeemed express their gratitude to the Lord for the restoration of His original plan? Revelation 5:13; 19:1, 6, 7

Note: “When the redeemed stand in the presence of God, they will see how shortsighted were their conclusions as to what heaven records as success. As they review their efforts to achieve success they will see how foolish were their plans, how petty their supposed trials, how unreasonable their doubts. They will see how often they brought failure to their work by not taking God at His word. And one truth will stand out in clear lines: that position does not prepare a man for entrance into the heavenly courts. They will see, too, that the honor given to man is due to God alone, that to Him belongs all the glory. From the lips of the angelic choir and the redeemed host will peal forth the chorus.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 28

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How does this lesson confirm the old saying, “Crime does not pay”?

2    What reveals the fact that human character is unchanged after death?

3    With what deception does Satan incite the resurrected wicked to fight?

4    In what sense will the redeemed be further amazed by God’s glory?

5    Describe the joy that will be felt in the universe.

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

December 11 – 17, 2022

Key Text

“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” 1 Corinthians 15:12–14

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 644-662

Introduction

“The hope of the bereaved is in looking forward to the glorious day when the Life-giver shall break the fetters of the tomb, and the righteous dead shall arise and leave their prison house to be clothed with glorious immortal life.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 40

Sunday

1 RESURRECTIONS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1.a.        Name a few cases of resurrection in Old Testament times. 1 Kings 17:18–22; 2 Kings 4:32–36; 13:21

 Note: “Christ, the great Life-giver, restored her [the Shunammite’s] son to her. In like manner will His faithful ones be rewarded, when, at His coming, death loses its sting and the grave is robbed of the victory it has claimed. Then will He restore to His servants the children that have been taken from them by death.” Prophets and Kings, 239

1.b.        What does the resurrection of Moses symbolize for all believers? Matthew 17:1–3

Note: “Moses was present [at Christ’s transfiguration] to represent those who will be raised from the dead at the second appearing of Jesus.” Early Writings, 164

Monday

2 RESURRECTIONS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

2.a.        Relate some resurrections in the New Testament. Luke 7:11–15; 8:49–55; Acts 9:36–40; 20:9–12

 Note: “He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother’s sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help.” The Desire of Ages, 512

“Jesus approached the bedside [of Jairus’ daughter], and, taking the child’s hand in His own, He pronounced softly, in the familiar language of her home, the words, ‘Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.’

“Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The pulses of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a smile. The eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped her in their arms, and wept for joy.” Ibid., 343

“Directing that the weeping friends be sent from the room, he [Peter] kneeled down and prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and health. Turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.’ Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God saw fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and energy might still be a blessing to others, and also that by this manifestation of His power the cause of Christ might be strengthened.” The Acts of the Apostles, 132

2.b. The resurrection of Lazarus was the greatest miracle performed in Christ’s ministry on earth. Tell the sequence of events in this experience. John 11:14, 21, 32, 33–44

 Note: “There is a stir in the silent tomb, and he who was dead stands at the door of the sepulcher. His movements are impeded by the graveclothes in which he was laid away, and Christ says to the astonished spectators, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’ Again they are shown that the human worker is to cooperate with God. Humanity is to work for humanity. Lazarus is set free, and stands before the company, not as one emaciated from disease, and with feeble, tottering limbs, but as a man in the prime of life, and in the vigor of a noble manhood. His eyes beam with intelligence and with love for his Saviour. He casts himself in adoration at the feet of Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 536

Tuesday

3 A WONDERFUL PROMISE

3.a. What promise belongs to those who die in the Lord? Job 14:14; Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23

 Note: “The Sadducees were in opposition to the Pharisees regarding the resurrection of the dead. The former claimed that there would be no resurrection of the body. But Jesus tells them that one of the greatest works of His Father is raising up the dead, and even so the Son of God has power in Himself to raise from the dead. ‘Marvel not,’ said He, ‘at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.’ ” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 167

3.b. What is the greatest proof that there will be a resurrection of the dead? Luke 24:1–8; John 11:23–27

 Note: “[At Christ’s resurrection,] brave soldiers, who had never been afraid of human power, were now as captives taken without sword or spear. The face they looked upon was not the face of mortal warrior; it was the face of a heavenly messenger, sent to relieve the Son of God from the debt for which He had become responsible, and for which He had now made a full atonement. This heavenly visitant was the angel that on the plains of Bethlehem had proclaimed Christ’s birth. The earth trembled at his approach, and as he rolled away the stone from Christ’s grave, heaven seemed to come down to earth. The soldiers saw him removing the stone as he would a pebble, and heard him call, Son of God, Thy Father saith, Come forth. They saw Jesus come from the grave as a mighty conqueror, and heard Him proclaim, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life.’ The angel guards bowed low in adoration before the Redeemer as He came forth in majesty and glory, and welcomed Him with songs of praise.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 2, 1901

“In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. ‘He that hath the Son hath life.’ 1 John 5:12. The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life. ‘He that believeth in Me,’ said Jesus, ‘though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ Christ here looks forward to the time of His second coming. Then the righteous dead shall be raised incorruptible, and the living righteous shall be translated to heaven without seeing death.” The Desire of Ages, 530

Wednesday

4 THE PARTIAL RESURRECTION

4.a.        What did Daniel the prophet say would take place in the time of trouble? Daniel 12:1, 2

 Note: “There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law.” Early Writings, 285

“ ‘Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ Daniel 12:2 All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb. … ‘They also which pierced Him’ (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.” The Great Controversy, 637

4.b. How many classes of people will be living on earth after the partial resurrection? Matthew 25:31–33

Note: “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake.” Early Writings, 15

“A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God.” Ibid., 36, 37

“Through a rift in the clouds there beams a star whose brilliancy is increased fourfold in contrast with the darkness. It speaks hope and joy to the faithful, but severity and wrath to the transgressors of God’s law.” The Great Controversy, 638

“In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark.” Ibid., 450

Thursday

5 THE FINAL RESURRECTIONS

5.a.        When will the general, final resurrection of the righteous take place? 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:4–6

 Note: “Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then, raising His hands to heaven, He cries: ‘Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and arise!’ Throughout the length and breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. From the prison house of death they come, clothed with immortal glory, crying: ‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’ 1 Corinthians 15:55. And the living righteous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout of victory.” The Great Controversy, 644

5.b. When will the unrighteous be raised from the grave? Revelation 20:5, 7, 8, 12, 13

 Note: “After the judgment of the wicked dead had been finished, at the end of the one thousand years, Jesus left the city, and the saints and a train of the angelic host followed Him. …

“Then, in terrible, fearful majesty, Jesus called forth the wicked dead; and they came up with the same feeble, sickly bodies that went into the grave. What a spectacle! What a scene!” Early Writings, 291, 292

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How do Old Testament resurrections reveal the everlasting gospel?

2    Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die?

3    How did the Sadducees and the Pharisees differ in their beliefs concerning the resurrection of the dead?

4    Where is the partial resurrection recorded, and why is it so important?

5    Explain the difference between the first and second resurrection.

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

This We Believe (3)

November 27 – December 3, 2022

Key Text

“In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2, 3

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 638–652

Introduction

“Soon Christ is coming for His people to take them to the mansions He is preparing for them. But nothing that defiles can enter those mansions. Heaven is pure and holy, and those who pass through the gates of the city of God must here be clothed with inward and outward purity.” Counsels on Health, 103

Sunday

1 A WONDERFUL PROMISE

1.a.        What was the expectation of all patriarchs, prophets, and faithful believers of old? Job 19:25–27

 Note: “The doctrine of the second advent is the very keynote of the sacred Scriptures.” The Great Controversy, 299

1.b.        What did Jesus promise to His disciples, and for what did He pray to the heavenly Father? John 14:1–3; 17:24. How did the angels repeat the promise of Jesus? Acts 1:10, 11

 Note: “None who truly love Jesus will be sorry that He is coming again. And as they approach nearer to the coming of the Son of man, the true lovers of Jesus will look forward with joyous hope, and will seek to get all ready to behold Him whom their souls loveth, who died to redeem them.” Lift Him Up, 379

Monday

2 THE PURPOSE OF HIS COMING

2.a. Who will accompany Jesus at His coming and what will they be commanded to do? Matthew 24:31

 Note: “Christ is soon to come the second time. Of this we should often talk. It should be the uppermost thought in our minds. He is coming, with power and great glory, and every eye shall see Him.” The Upward Look, 311

“Christ will come in His own glory, in the glory of His Father, and the glory of the holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels, the beautiful and triumphant sons of God, possessing surpassing loveliness and glory, will escort Him on His way.” The Desire of Ages, 739

2.b. What is revealed in the Scriptures regarding those that died in the Lord? Isaiah 26:19. What event will take place when Jesus comes again? Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16

 Note: “Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then, raising His hands to heaven, He cries: ‘Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and arise!’ Throughout the length and breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. From the prison house of death they come, clothed with immortal glory, crying: ‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’ 1 Corinthians 15:55. And the living righteous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout of victory.” The Great Controversy, 644

“Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming and that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be given to a guilty world? Is our example what it should be? Do we, by our lives and holy conversation, show to those around us that we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who shall change these vile bodies and fashion them like unto His glorious body? I fear that we do not believe and realize these things as we should.” Early Writings, 111

Tuesday

3 THE MANNER OF HIS COMING

3.a. Who will see Jesus at His second coming? Matthew 24:30; Mark 14:60–62; Revelation 1:7

Note: “Solemn hour when the servants are reckoned with, and retribution is awarded to all! There is no second trial. Probation is forever ended. All unbelief in regard to the claims of God’s law here ceases; for it is by this standard that all are judged. Every eye then sees Him; and every soul then realizes what has proved his ruin. It is then seen and acknowledged that God’s law governs all created intelligences. There is none to question His authority.” The Review and Herald, January 12, 1886

“There are those who mocked Christ in His humiliation. With thrilling power come to their minds the Sufferer’s words, when, adjured by the high priest, He solemnly declared: ‘Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.’ Matthew 26:64. Now they behold Him in His glory, and they are yet to see Him sitting on the right hand of power.” The Great Controversy, 643

“Whether we be saved or lost, we shall sometime see the Saviour as He is, in all His glory, and shall understand His character. At His second coming, conviction will be brought to every heart. Those who have turned from Him to the trivial things of this earth, seeking selfish interests and worldly honor, will in the day of His coming acknowledge their mistake.” The Signs of the Times, January 28, 1903

3.b. To what was the coming of Jesus compared, and how should this affect us? Matthew 24:25–27; Mark 13:33–37

Note: “Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls.” The Desire of Ages, 634

Wednesday

4 AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

4.a. What will the inhabitants of the earth be doing and saying just before the coming of Jesus? Matthew 24:37–39; Luke 17:28–30; 2 Peter 3:3, 4

Note: “Men and women now carry their eating and drinking so far that it ends in gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite, inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah, and led to widespread corruption.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 146

“He [the Saviour] foretold the state of backsliding that would exist just prior to His second advent. There would be, as in the days of Noah, the activity and stir of worldly business and pleasure seeking—buying, selling, planting, building, marrying, and giving in marriage—with forgetfulness of God and the future life.” The Great Controversy, 309

“In Noah’s day the inhabitants of the old world laughed to scorn what they termed the superstitious fears and forebodings of the preacher of righteousness. He was denounced as a visionary character, a fanatic, an alarmist. … Men will reject the solemn message of warning in our day, as they did in Noah’s time. They will refer to those false teachers who have predicted the event and set the definite time, and will say that they have no more faith in our warning than in theirs. This is the attitude of the world today. Unbelief is widespread, and the preaching of Christ’s coming is mocked at and derided.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 308

4.b. In view of the urgency of time in which we are living, what warning should be heeded? Matthew 24:44; Luke 21:34–36

Note: “You are now to get ready for the time of trial. Now you are to know whether your feet are planted on the Eternal Rock. You must have an individual experience, and not depend upon others for your light. When you are brought to the test, how do you know that you will not be alone, with no earthly friend at your side? Will you then be able to realize that Christ is your support? Will you be able to recall the promise, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world?’ ” Maranatha, 255

Thursday

5 FOREVER WITH THE LORD

5.a. What comforting words did the apostle Paul send to the believers in Thessalonica? 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18. How is the coming of Jesus described in the Spirit of Prophecy?

Note: “Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man.” Early Writings, 15, 16

5.b. Describe the ascension of the saints. What will they receive? 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:50–57

 Note: “We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. … Jesus raised His mighty, glorious arm, laid hold of the pearly gate, swung it back on its glittering hinges, and said to us, ‘You have washed your robes in My blood, stood stiffly for My truth, enter in.’ ” Early Writings, 16, 17

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    If we genuinely love Jesus, what thought will we cherish above all?

2    Why is the second coming of Christ so significant?

3    In considering Christ’s return, what personal preparation do we need?

4    In what ways do we see the days of Noah being repeated today?

5    Why will all the saints be satisfied with their crowns?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.