Bible Study Guides

Our High Priest

by

October 6 – 12, 2024

Key Text

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 430–432

Introduction

“After His ascension, our Saviour began His work as our high priest.” Maranatha, 248

Sunday

1 VICTORY!

1.  When Christ accomplished His work on earth, what did He exclaim from the cross? John 19:30. What did these words signify? Ephesians 2:16–18; Revelation 12:10

Note: “All heaven triumphed in the Saviour’s victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.

“To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, ‘It is finished,’ had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory.

“Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion. …

“It was God’s purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed that these were superior to God’s principles. Time was given for the working of Satan’s principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe.

“Satan led men into sin, and the plan of redemption was put in operation. For four thousand years, Christ was working for man’s uplifting, and Satan for his ruin and degradation. And the heavenly universe beheld it all.” The Desire of Ages, 758, 759

Monday

2 RECONCILIATION IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH

2.a. What took place in heaven through Christ’s death on the cross? Colossians 1:20. What provision was made for reconciliation on earth? 2 Corinthians 5:18–21

Note: “Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken.” The Desire of Ages, 761

2.b. What decision was then confirmed about Satan? Hebrews 2:14. Why wasn’t he destroyed at that time?

Note: “[At Christ’s death on the cross,] Satan was not then destroyed. The angels did not even then understand all that was involved in the great controversy. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan’s existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve.” The Desire of Ages, 761

2.c. Why can the merciful and just King of the universe rightly offer hope to us but no longer to Satan? Revelation 12:9; 20:10

Note: “Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God’s glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God’s love. Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan’s sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God’s love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God.” The Desire of Ages, 761, 762

Tuesday

3 CHRIST AND THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD

3.a. What two principles actively operate together in the plan of redemption? Psalm 85:10

Note: “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been Satan’s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of God’s law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God’s plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. …

“Satan declared that mercy destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father’s law. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have died. But to abrogate the law would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world under Satan’s control. It was because the law was changeless, because man could be saved only through obedience to its precepts, that Jesus was lifted up on the cross.” The Desire of Ages, 762, 763

3.b. Explain Christ’s position in heaven. Hebrews 3:1

Note: “The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away; but the eyes of men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world. The earthly priesthood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the minister of the new covenant. …

“Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth.” The Desire of Ages, 166

3.c. How did Christ become our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek—by law or by oath? Hebrews 7:12–21, 28

3.d. When and how did Abraham and even the tribe of Levi pay tithes to Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:1, 2, 9, 10. How and through whom does our High Priest receive our tithes? Hebrews 7:8

Wednesday

4 BLESSED BY OUR HIGH PRIEST

 4.a. Under the old covenant, what compassion was expected of the high priest toward the people? Why? Hebrews 5:1, 2

 4.b. Under the new covenant, what attention, help, and love do we receive from our High Priest? Hebrews 2:14–18; Matthew 28:20

Note: “Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they [Christ’s followers] are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame. …

“In the language of One who has divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father’s arms. As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. …” The Desire of Ages, 679, 680

4.c. What assurance offers us comfort and stability in our daily life? Hebrews 13:6, 8

Note: “Jesus is always the same in His human tenderness combined with His divinity; always touched with the feeling of our infirmities, using His divine ministering attributes to do us good; always encouraging, guiding, leading us on step by step. He is unchangeable. What He is to us today, a faithful High Priest touched with the feeling of our infirmities, this He will be tomorrow, and tomorrow forever more. He is a Guide to lead, a Teacher to instruct, a Friend to counsel, a Donor to bestow His blessings upon His church in response to their faith.

“Said Jesus to His believing disciples, ‘Abide in Me.’ This means continual faith on the part of the believer. ‘Abide in Me.’ This means, listen to the instruction of Christ. We must do His will. Christ makes us at home with Him, and we enjoy the favors of His home, enjoy His peace. All human frictions, all ill-temper, all irritation cease in His home.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 422, 423

Thursday

5 WHILE THE DOOR OF PROBATION IS STILL OPEN …

 5.a. Ever since His ascension, what has been the main work of our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 7:24–26; 9:12

 Note: “Christ Jesus is represented as continually standing at the altar, momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is a minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. … Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed blood, as it had been a lamb slain.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 343, 344

5.b. Describe how effective are the merits of Christ’s blood while the door of probation is still open. Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:9

Note: “Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 344

“The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, nor another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.” Steps to Christ, 100

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          How was Christ’s exclamation, “It is finished,” interpreted by the angelic host?

2          Why was reconciliation in heaven needed, and when did it take place?

3          Explain how mercy and righteousness go together in God’s plan. Give examples.

4          While Jesus ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, how is He, at the same time, present with His earthly church?

5          Explain how Christ, while officiating on our behalf in the presence of the Father, is offering up His blood (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7) shed 2,000 years before.

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Lamb of God

by

The Sanctuary In the Christian Dispensation

September 29 – October 5, 2024

Key Text

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 136–143

Introduction

“The sacrificial lamb represents ‘the Lamb of God,’ in whom is our only hope of salvation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277

Sunday

1 “BEHOLD, THY KING COMETH”

1.a. What had Zechariah prophesied about Christ 500 years before His birth? Zechariah 9:9

1.b. Describe the fulfillment of this prophecy. Matthew 21:1–11; Luke 19:37, 38

Note: “No sooner was He [Christ] seated upon the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which He had never before permitted, and the disciples received this as proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing Him established on the throne.” The Desire of Ages, 570

“About the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. …

“Many Pharisees witnessed the scene, and, burning with envy and malice, sought to turn the current of popular feeling … They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful, and would not be permitted by the authorities. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.’ That scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing. It had been foretold by the prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God’s purpose. Had men failed to carry out His plan, He would have given a voice to the inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with acclamations of praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.’ ” Ibid., 572–575

Monday

2 CHRIST, THE PROMISED DELIVERER

2.a. What kind of deliverance did the Jews expect? Acts 1:6, last part

Note: “The multitude were convinced that the hour of their emancipation was at hand. In imagination, they saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem, and Israel once more an independent nation.” The Desire of Ages, 570

“Their dissatisfied hearts queried why, if Jesus could perform so many wondrous works as they had witnessed, could He not give health, strength, and riches to all His people, free them from their oppressors, and exalt them to power and honor?” Ibid., 385

2.b. Did Christ come to deliver Israel from bondage under the Romans or from slavery of sin? Isaiah 61:1; John 8:32–36

Note: “The period of Christ’s personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan’s power, and setting his captives free.” The Desire of Ages, 257

2.c. The veil was removed from our eyes (2 Corinthians 3:16, 17) when we grasped the truth (John 8:32), which bids us seek the right kind of deliverance. Does Christ set us free from obedience to the law or from disobedience, which is sin? Psalm 40:7, 8; Romans 8:6–13

Note: “Speaking of the law, Jesus said, ‘I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.’ He here used the word ‘fulfill’ in the same sense as when He declared to John the Baptist His purpose to ‘fulfill all righteousness’ (Matthew 3:15); that is, to fill up the measure of the law’s requirement, to give an example of perfect conformity to the will of God.

“His mission was to ‘magnify the law, and make it honorable.’ Isaiah 42:21. He was to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-reaching principles, and to make plain its eternal obligation.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 48, 49

2.d. How might we summarize the truth in Christ? Psalm 119:142; John 17:17

Tuesday

3 THE DISAPPOINTMENT

3.a. Instead of seeing Christ crowned king, what did the people see? Luke 19:45, 46. What did Christ want to teach by the cleansing of the temple? Malachi 3:3

Note: “The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin—from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 161

3.b. What prophecy did the Jews overlook in connection with the Passover lamb? Isaiah 53:2–7

Note: “The Jews had become familiar with the offering of blood, and had almost lost sight of the fact that it was sin which made necessary all this shedding of the blood of beasts. They did not discern that it prefigured the blood of God’s dear Son, which was to be shed for the life of the world, and that by the offering of sacrifices men were to be directed to a crucified Redeemer.” The Desire of Ages, 589, 590

3.c. Since the Jews misunderstood the prophecy about the promised deliverance (Isaiah 61:1), were they able to discern the meaning of the Passover lamb? What did they say as they could not see that the lamb represented Christ? John 6:52

Note: “The Jews were about to celebrate the Passover at Jerusalem, in commemoration of the night of Israel’s deliverance, when the destroying angel smote the homes of Egypt. In the paschal lamb, God desired them to behold the Lamb of God, and through the symbol receive Him who gave Himself for the life of the world. But the Jews had come to make the symbol all-important, while its significance was unnoticed. They discerned not the Lord’s body. The same truth that was symbolized in the paschal service was taught in the words of Christ. But it was still undiscerned.” The Desire of Ages, 388, 389

Wednesday

4 DISAPPOINTED HOPES, MENTAL CONFUSION

4.a. What did Christ mean when He said that we have life eternal by eating His flesh and drinking His blood? John 6:51

Note: “To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our sins, and that we are complete in Him. It is by beholding His love, by dwelling upon it, by drinking it in, that we are to become partakers of His nature. What food is to the body, Christ must be to the soul. Food cannot benefit us unless we eat it, unless it becomes a part of our being. So Christ is of no value to us if we do not know Him as a personal Saviour. A theoretical knowledge will do us no good. We must feed upon Him, receive Him into the heart, so that His life becomes our life. His love, His grace, must be assimilated.” The Desire of Ages, 389

4.b. How are we to avoid the pitfall of those who were offended by Christ’s reference to the bread of life? John 6:52–60

Note: “That which was plain to those who had true faith, became a stumbling block to those who lacked spiritual discernment. They [many of Christ’s disciples] were offended because He spoke words to them that the natural heart could not comprehend and receive, and they refused to walk any more with Jesus.

“Are there not among the believers some who love the world and whose affections are so absorbed in their relatives and friends who obey not the truth, that they are confused in mind, and through the temptations of Satan take their stand on his side, instead of on the Lord’s side? … [John 6:54, 55 quoted.] These were the words over which some of the disciples stumbled, but Jesus removed everything that might constitute a stumbling block, and said to them: ‘Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ It is the word of God abiding in the heart that will quicken the spiritual faculties.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 10, 1895

4.c. As Christ was standing before the judgment seat of Pilate, what shout was heard from the multitude? Matthew 27:22–25

 Thursday

5 HOPE FOR THE WORLD

5.a. Just before Christ was to die for the sins of the world, what ordinance did He institute, and what was it to commemorate? 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 1 Peter 3:18

Note: “He [Christ], the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. …

“The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. … The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 652, 653

5.b. What door was opened to the world by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary? Romans 11:11, 15; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10; 1 Peter 1:18–20

Note: “In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. ‘Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Philippians 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim.” The Desire of Ages, 25

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          How was the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 fulfilled?

2          Describe the mistaken idea the Jews had about the expected Messiah.

3          Explain what led them to shout, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

4          What is the symbolic meaning of Christ’s body and blood?

5          What ordinance commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and what deliverance does the Lord’s Supper commemorate?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Christ in His Sanctuary

by

September 22 – 28, 2024

Key Text

“We have such a High Priest, … a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” Hebrews 8:1, 2

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 50–60, 479–491

Introduction

“Christ has made one sufficient sacrifice, and has become the only Mediator and sole Priest between God and man. Let every man stand out of the way, and occupy his own place as wearing Christ’s yoke.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 184

Sunday

1 CHRIST, A MINISTER OF THE SANCTUARY

1.a. In Old Testament times, what was the purpose of the daily atonement? Leviticus 4:13, 20, 26, 31, 35. Although the sins of the people were forgiven in the daily atonement, what was the purpose of the yearly atonement? Leviticus 16:16, 30, 33

 

Note: “Under the Mosaic system the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the great Day of Atonement, occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month (Leviticus 16:29–34), when the high priest, having made an atonement for all Israel, and thus removed their sins from the sanctuary, came forth and blessed the people.” The Great Controversy, 400

1.b. When the sins accumulated in the sanctuary were removed and put on the head of the live goat (who was sent away “unto a land not inhabited” “by the hand of a fit man” Leviticus 16:21, 22), what did this man have to do before entering the camp? Leviticus 16:26

 

1.c. When could the people know for sure that they were cleansed—exonerated from the sins they had confessed and that had been forgiven in the daily atonement? Leviticus 16:29, 30, 33, 34

 

Monday

2 THE THRONE OF GRACE—WHERE?

2.a. What was done in the earthly sanctuary to “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5)? Therefore, where do we have a High Priest, and what is He doing for us? Hebrews 9:11, 12; 1 John 2:1, 2

 

2.b. Where is the throne of grace to which we are invited to come with our prayers? Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 8:3

 

2.c. When our sins are confessed and forgiven in answer to our daily prayers (1 John 1:9; Matthew 6:12), are they blotted out immediately? If not, where do they go and for what purpose? 1 Timothy 5:24

 

Note: “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, confessed in penitence, and forsaken, and they go beforehand to judgment. Pardon is written over against the names of these men. But other men’s sins follow after, and are not put away by repentance and confession, and these sins will stand registered against them in the books of heaven.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 916

“Be ready and anxious to confess your faults and forsake them, that your mistakes and sins may go beforehand to judgment and be blotted out.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 331

2.d. Concerning our duty to eradicate sin in the church, what warning should we always bear in mind? Matthew 13:27–30

 

Note: “God has precious ones in His church; there are also men and women who are as tares among the wheat. But the Lord does not give you or anyone else the office of saying who are tares and who are wheat. We may see and condemn the faults of others, while we have greater faults which we have never realized, but which are distinctly seen by others.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 333, 334

Tuesday

3 OUR ONLY MEDIATOR

3.a. What was taught to God’s people from the beginning of the world? Hebrews 9:22 last part; John 1:29; Revelation 13:8

 

Note: “There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.

“These lessons were taught to the chosen people of God thousands of years ago, and repeated in various symbols and figures, that the work of truth might be riveted in every heart, that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The great lesson embodied in the sacrifice of every bleeding victim, impressed in every ceremony, inculcated by God Himself, was that through the blood of Christ alone is forgiveness of sins.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

3.b. Who is our only Mediator and Saviour, and how did He obtain our redemption? John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:12

 

3.c. Since access to Him has been opened in the sanctuary, what are we advised to do? Hebrews 10:19–22. Where are God’s people worshiping by faith in the time of the end—and what do they see? Revelation 11:1, 19

 

3.d. What else do they see by faith? Daniel 7:9, 10. What do they understand? Revelation 14:7; Acts 3:19

 

Note: “The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.’ Acts 3:19, 20. When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be.” The Great Controversy, 485

Wednesday

4 IN THE END OF THE WORLD

4.a. When the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary is understood, what deception clearly stands out? Daniel 8:13

 

Note: “The so-called intercession of the saints is the greatest falsehood that can be invented. Priests and rulers have no right to interpose between Christ and the souls for whom He has died, as though invested with the Saviour’s attributes, and able to pardon transgression and sin.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

“The church’s claim to the right to pardon leads the Romanist to feel at liberty to sin; and the ordinance of confession, without which her pardon is not granted, tends also to give license to evil.” The Great Controversy, 567

4.b. How can we become “complete” in Christ? Colossians 2:10; 4:12

 

Note: “Through His [Christ’s] sacrifice, human beings may reach the high ideal set before them, and hear at last the words, ‘Ye are complete in Him,’ not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness that He wrought out for you.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 907

4.c. How does Paul refer to the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary at “the end of the world,” just before Christ’s return? Hebrews 9:23–28

 

Note: “In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, ‘without sin unto salvation’ (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away ‘unto a land not inhabited’ (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked.” The Great Controversy, 485, 486

Thursday

5 VICTORY STILL POSSIBLE!

5.a. In view of the shortness of time remaining for our sins to be blotted out, what should be our most urgent priority? 2 Corinthians 4:5–7; 6:2; Philippians 2:5

 

Note: “Satan triumphs when he hears the professed follower of Christ offering excuses for his defects of character. Sin unrepented of, unconfessed, can never be blotted from the books of God’s record. Through faithful, thorough confession of sin, the heart is cleansed from its moral impurity. There must be a forsaking of the sins the Lord has reproved before the soul can stand acquitted before God. …

“It is Satan’s work to tempt; it is man’s work to resist, and, in the name and strength of Jesus, to say, ‘It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.’ ” The Signs of the Times, December 13, 1899

“Life, with its marvelous privileges and opportunities, will soon be ended. The time for improvement in character will be past. Unless our sins are now repented of, and blotted out by the blood of the Lamb, they will stand in the ledger of heaven to confront us in the coming day. Then let us earnestly examine ourselves in the light of God’s word, seeking to discover every defect of character, that we may wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The Review and Herald, April 21, 1910

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          Explain the difference between the daily and the yearly atonements.

2          What way was opened before us by the death of Christ? For what purpose, and how, do we enter the heavenly sanctuary?

3          After our sins have been confessed and pardoned, day by day, where do they go before they can be blotted out?

4          On the basis of Hebrews 9:23–28, explain the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary in the time of the end, before Christ’s return.

5          What opportunity, which is still available to us, will soon pass away?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The First Part of Daniel’s Vision Explained

by

September 15 – 21, 2024

The First Part of Daniel’s Vision Explained

Key Text

“I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.” Daniel 9:23, last part

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 324–328

Introduction

“There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2,300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time.” The Great Controversy, 325

Sunday

1 DANIEL TRIES TO UNDERSTAND THE VISION

1.a. What happened to Daniel before the angel Gabriel could finish explaining the 2,300 prophetic days in connection with the little horn causing desolation and treading the sanctuary underfoot? Daniel 8:25–27

 

1.b. After the departure of Gabriel, what was Daniel’s great concern? What answer was he trying to find in the prophetic writings of Jeremiah? What was the burden of his prayers? Daniel 9:2, 17–19

 

1.c. What was Daniel’s attitude in approaching the Almighty with his supplication? Daniel 9:3–11

 

Note: “Come now, while mercy lingers; come with confession, come with contrition of soul, and God will abundantly pardon. …

“Wait in deep humiliation before God. From this hour resolve to be the Lord’s, doing your whole duty, trusting implicitly in the great atonement. Do this and you will have nothing to fear.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 353

Monday

2 GABRIEL RETURNS TO EXPLAIN THE VISION

2.a. How did God respond to Daniel’s prayer of contrition? Daniel 9:20, 21

 

2.b. Since Gabriel explained only part of the vision (Daniel 8:11–14, 25, 26), for what purpose did he return? Daniel 9:22, 23

 

Note: “The angel had been sent to Daniel for the express purpose of explaining to him the point which he had failed to understand in the vision of the eighth chapter, the statement relative to time—‘unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ ”
The Great Controversy, 326

2.c. How did Gabriel explain the first part of the 2,300 prophetic days? Daniel 9:24

 

Note: “After bidding Daniel ‘understand the matter, and consider the vision,’ the very first words of the angel are: ‘Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City.’ The word here translated ‘determined’ literally signifies ‘cut off.’ Seventy weeks, representing 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the 2,300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2,300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could be found, then the starting point for the great period of the 2,300 days would be ascertained.

“In the seventh chapter of Ezra the decree is found. Verses 12–26. In its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 B.C. But in Ezra 6:14, the house of the Lord at Jerusalem is said to have been built ‘according to the commandment [‘decree,’ margin] of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.’ These three kings, in originating, reaffirming, and completing the decree, brought it to the perfection required by the prophecy to mark the beginning of the 2,300 years. Taking 457 B.C., the time when the decree was completed, as the date of the commandment, every specification of the prophecy concerning the seventy weeks was seen to have been fulfilled.” The Great Controversy 326, 327

Tuesday

3 KEY PROPHECIES FULFILLED

3.a. How did God’s messenger divide the seventy prophetic years in the vision given to Daniel? Daniel 9:25

 

Note: “The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date [69 prophetic weeks or], 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. … At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word ‘Messiah’ signifies ‘the Anointed One.’ In the autumn of A.D. 27, Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit. The apostle Peter testifies that ‘God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.’ Acts 10:38.” The Great Controversy, 327

 

3.b. How did the angel explain the last prophetic week of the 490 years allotted to the Jewish people? Daniel 9:27, first part

 

Note: “ ‘And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.’ The ‘week’ here brought to view is the last one of the seventy; it is the last seven years of the period allotted especially to the Jews. During this time, extending from A.D. 27 to A.D. 34, Christ, at first in person and afterward by His disciples, extended the gospel invitation especially to the Jews. As the apostles went forth with the good tidings of the kingdom, the Saviour’s direction was: ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Matthew 10:5, 6.” The Great Controversy, 327

 

3.c. What happened in the middle of the last prophetic week? Daniel 9:27, middle part

 

Note: “ ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ In A.D. 31, three and a half years after His baptism, our Lord was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings which for four thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. Type had met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease.” The Great Controversy, 327, 328

Wednesday

4 THE SEVENTY WEEKS CONCLUDED

4.a. What happened at the end of the last prophetic week? Acts 7:59, 60; 8:1–5; 13:46, 47; 22:21

 

Note: “The seventy weeks, or 490 years, especially allotted to the Jews, ended, as we have seen, in A.D. 34. At that time, through the action of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the nation sealed its rejection of the gospel by the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the followers of Christ. Then the message of salvation, no longer restricted to the chosen people, was given to the world.” The Great Controversy, 328

4.b. After the seventy prophetic weeks of years ended in A.D. 34, what happened to the city of Jerusalem and to the temple? Daniel 9:26, 27; Matthew 24:1, 2, 15, 16

 

Note: “Both the city and the temple were razed to their foundations, and the ground upon which the holy house had stood was ‘plowed like a field.’ Jeremiah 26:18. In the siege and the slaughter that followed, more than a million of the people perished; the survivors were carried away as captives, sold as slaves, dragged to Rome to grace the conqueror’s triumph, thrown to wild beasts in the amphitheaters, or scattered as homeless wanderers throughout the earth.” The Great Controversy, 35

4.c. What responsibility did the Jews of Jesus’ day take upon themselves by shouting, “His blood be on us and on our children?” Matthew 27:25

 

Note: “Looking upon the smitten Lamb of God, the Jews had cried, ‘His blood be on us, and on our children.’ That awful cry ascended to the throne of God. That sentence, pronounced upon themselves, was written in heaven. That prayer was heard. The blood of the Son of God was upon their children and their children’s children, a perpetual curse.

“Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem. Terribly has it been manifested in the condition of the Jewish nation.” The Desire of Ages, 739

Thursday

5 EARNEST SEEKERS REWARDED

5.a. What did the angel of the Lord say about the 2,300 days? Daniel 8:26. How did the Advent pioneers find the end of the 2,300 prophetic days in 1844? What lesson can we gain from this experience? Deuteronomy 4:29; 29:29; John 7:17

 

Note: “Thus far every specification of the prophecies is strikingly fulfilled, and the beginning of the seventy weeks is fixed beyond question at 457 B.C., and their expiration in A.D. 34. From this data there is no difficulty in finding the termination of the 2,300 days. The seventy weeks—490 days—having been cut off from the 2,300, there were 1810 days remaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844. At the expiration of this great prophetic period, upon the testimony of the angel of God, ‘the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ ” The Great Controversy, 328

“He [Christ] will make plain His word to all who seek Him in sincerity of heart. Those who study the word of God with hearts open to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, will not remain in darkness as to the meaning of the word. ‘If any man willeth to do His will,’ Christ said, ‘he shall know of the teaching whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself.’ John 7:17, R.V. All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 36

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          What was Daniel’s concern about the vision referred to in Daniel 8:11–14, 25, 26? Where did he try to find the explanation of this vision?

2          Summarize the significance of Daniel’s prayer.

3          What explanation did Gabriel, God’s messenger, give about the first part of the 2,300 prophetic days?

4          What was the fate of Jerusalem and the temple shortly after the end of the seventy prophetic weeks?

5          Why can we be encouraged by the way the Advent pioneers found that the 2,300 prophetic days of Daniel 8:14 ended in 1844?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Vision of the Prophet Daniel

by

September 8 – 14, 2024

Key Text

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 551–555

Introduction

“The light that Daniel received from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw … are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon come to pass.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 112, 113

Sunday

1 ANCIENT EMPIRES IN PROPHECY

1.a. What principle does the Sovereign of the universe utilize in the history of the nations? Ezekiel 21:26–28; Daniel 2:21; 4:35

 

Note: “Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted to occupy its place on the earth, that the fact might be determined whether it would fulfill the purposes of the Watcher and the Holy One.” Prophets and Kings, 535

1.b. What do we learn from the accuracy with which the prophecies of nations have been fulfilled? Isaiah 46:9, 10

 

Note: “The history of nations speaks to us today. To every nation and to every individual God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes. …

“All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.” Prophets and Kings, 536

Monday

2 FOUR KINGDOMS IN SEQUENCE

2.a. What did Daniel behold in prophetic vision in the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign? Daniel 8:3, 4. How did the angel Gabriel explain the meaning of the ram with two horns? Verse 20

 

2.b. What explanation did the angel give about the rough goat that overpowered the ram? Daniel 8:5–7, 21, 22

 

2.c.      After Alexander the Great’s four generals divided the Greek city-states he had established, how was the next world power depicted? Daniel 8:8; 7:7

 

2.d.      Of what heinous crime was this cruel empire guilty? Acts 4:26, 27

 

Note: “The chief agent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people during the first centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire, in which paganism was the prevailing religion. Thus while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.” The Great Controversy, 438

2.e. What realization can bring us comfort even amidst the wickedness prevailing in this dark world? Daniel 2:20–22; Acts 15:18

 

Note: “Prophecy has traced the rise and progress of the world’s great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with the nations of less power, history has repeated itself. Each has had its period of test; each has failed, its glory faded, its power departed.

“While nations have rejected God’s principles, and in this rejection have wrought their own ruin, yet a divine, overruling purpose has manifestly been at work throughout the ages.” Prophets and Kings, 535

Tuesday

3 THE RISE OF THE LITTLE HORN

3.a. What was noticeable about one of the ten horns in Daniel’s vision, and what does this signify? Daniel 8:9–11, 24, 25; 7:8

 

Note: “Says Daniel, of the little horn, the papacy: ‘He shall think to change times and the law.’ Daniel 7:25, R.V. And Paul styled the same power the ‘man of sin,’ who was to exalt himself above God.” The Great Controversy, 446

3.b. What does the word of prophecy say, in the New Testament, about the little horn when it is already developed into a religious/political power? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4; Revelation 13:2–8

 

3.c. By what other names is this power mentioned in the New Testament? When and how will this power eventually come to an end? Daniel 7:11, 26; Revelation 17:5, 16; 18:7, 16, 18, 20

 

3.d. As the prophet was listening to the conversation between the two angels, what question impressed his mind—and what answer did he hear? Daniel 8:12–14

 

3.e. In Daniel 8, the truth, the sanctuary, and the host of the Prince would be trodden under foot by the little horn until the end of the 2300 prophetic days (or 2,300 literal years). In Daniel 7, the same religious/political power would prevail until the judgment. Daniel 7:19–22. Therefore, what great event in the plan of God must coincide with the end of the 2,300 hundred years?

 

Note: “Both the prophecy of Daniel 8:14, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,’ and the first angel’s message, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come,’ pointed to Christ’s ministration in the most holy place, to the investigative judgment.” The Great Controversy, 424

3.f. After what events, and after what period of time, does the Bible set the beginning of the investigative judgment? Daniel 7:25, 26; Revelation 11:2, 3, 18, 19

Wednesday

4 “THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION”

4.a. What warning did Jesus give the early disciples about “the abomination of desolation” spoken of in the vision given to Daniel? Matthew 24:15–20

 

Note: “When the idolatrous standards of the Romans should be set up in the holy ground, which extended some furlongs outside the city walls, then the followers of Christ were to find safety in flight. When the warning sign should be seen, those who would escape must make no delay. Throughout the land of Judea, as well as in Jerusalem itself, the signal for flight must be immediately obeyed. He who chanced to be upon the housetop must not go down into his house, even to save his most valued treasures. Those who were working in the fields or vineyards must not take time to return for the outer garment laid aside while they should be toiling in the heat of the day. They must not hesitate a moment, lest they be involved in the general destruction.” The Great Controversy, 26

4.b. In what sense does this warning about “the abomination of desolation” have a second application today? Compare Daniel 8:13; 9:26, 27; 11:31; 12:11

 

Note: “The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation [the United States] in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains.

“For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God’s planning, but the planning of a power that we should in no wise acknowledge. …

“Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children. …

“Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able.” Maranatha, 180

Thursday

5 THE URGENCY OF THE HOUR

5.a. As we see the fulfillment of prophecy unfolding before our very eyes, what words of encouragement should we take to heart? Ecclesiastes 7:8; Jude 1:21

 

Note: “The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages and what may be expected in the time to come. …

“The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.” Prophets and Kings, 536, 537

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          In the vision of the prophet Daniel, what kingdom was represented by the ram with two horns?

2          In ancient history, who was the rough he-goat that overpowered the ram? Who were the four horns that came up after the goat’s large horn was broken?

3          Who was symbolized by the “little horn” that took root in the territory of one of the four horns (Macedonia)?

4          What did Jesus prophesy about the two-fold prophecy of “the abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel?

5          After the religious/political power represented by the little horn loses its supremacy, for what work would the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary be opened?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Annual Assemblies: the Day of Atonement

by

Light For Today From the Sanctuary Service

September 1 – 7, 2024

Key Text

“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement.” Leviticus 23:27, first part

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 417–422

Introduction

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the [high] priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 355

Sunday

1 THE FEASTS OF TRUMPETS AND OF TABERNACLES

1.a. What feast heralded the coming of the Day of Atonement? Leviticus 23:24, 25; Numbers 29:1

 

1.b. What feast was held after the Day of Atonement and after the harvest was reaped? Leviticus 23:34–36, 40–43; Deuteronomy 16:13–15

 

Note: “We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by the sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. … We are all children of one Father, dependent upon one another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are upon us. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of our nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren and affords us happiness in our efforts to bless others.

“The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative but typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but, as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth His reapers to gather the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat into His garner.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 541

Monday

2 A NECESSARY DISTINCTION: SINS PARDONED VS. SINS BLOTTED OUT

2.a. What was accomplished through the daily atonement? Exodus 29:39; Leviticus 4:13–20

 

Note: “In the sin offerings presented during the year, a substitute had been accepted in the sinner’s stead; but the blood of the victim had not made full atonement for the sin. It had only provided a means by which the sin was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of blood, the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed the guilt of his transgression, and expressed his faith in Him who was to take away the sin of the world; but he was not entirely released from the condemnation of the law.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 355, 356

“The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary.” The Great Controversy, 418

2.b. How do we know that pardon and blotting out of sins are two different things? Ezekiel 18:24; Matthew 18:32–35

 

Note: “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357

“Our true position, and the only one in which there is any safety, is that of repentance and confession of sins before God. Feeling that we are sinners, we shall have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is able to pardon transgression and impute unto us righteousness. When the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, then the sins of the repentant soul, who received the grace of Christ and has overcome through the blood of the Lamb will be removed from the records of heaven and will be placed upon Satan, the scapegoat, the originator of sin, and be remembered no more against him forever. The sins of the overcomers will be blotted out of the books of record, but their names will be retained on the book of life.” The Signs of the Times, May 16, 1895

Tuesday

3 THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

3.a. When did the Day of Atonement for removing the sins from the sanctuary occur? Leviticus 23:27

 

3.b. Although the sins of the people were forgiven in the daily atonement, their sins still existed—accumulated in the sanctuary. What ceremony was performed, once a year, to put their past sins, symbolically, out of existence? Leviticus 16:16, 30

 

3.c. On the Day of Atonement, what ritual was practiced with the two goats that were brought to the high priest for the removal of sin from the people and from the sanctuary? Leviticus 16:7–10

 

3.d. What did the high priest have to do before making atonement for the people? Leviticus 16:11

 

3.e.      What was the procedure with the goat of the sin offering? Leviticus 16:15–19. Whom did that goat represent? John 19:13–15; 1 Corinthians 15:3

 

Note: “The goat upon which fell the lot for the Lord was to be slain as a sin offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. The blood was also to be sprinkled upon the altar of incense that was before the veil.” The Great Controversy, 419

3.f.       As soon as the sanctuary had been purified from the “uncleanness of the children of Israel,” what did the high priest do with the sins that had just been removed? Leviticus 16:20–22

 

Wednesday

4 THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY

4.a. To what forthcoming experience did the blowing of the trumpets, ten days in advance (Numbers 29:1), call the attention of the people? What were all expected to do on the Day of Atonement? Leviticus 16:29, 30; 23:27, 32

 

4.b. What would happen to those who would not afflict their souls on that great day? Leviticus 23:29, 30.
What will happen to those who willfully sin after having received the knowledge of the truth? Hebrews 10:26–31

 

Note: “To sin, wherever found, ‘our God is a consuming fire.’ Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them.” The Desire of Ages, 107

4.c. What did the ancient Day of Atonement symbolize? Proverbs 16:6; Hebrews 9:11–14, 25–28

 

Note: “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted.

“As in the final atonement the sins of the truly penitent are to be blotted from the records of heaven, no more to be remembered or come into mind, so in the type they were borne away into the wilderness, forever separated from the congregation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357, 358

Thursday

5 LIFE OR DEATH IN THE BALANCE

5.a. What parallel can be seen between the scapegoat of Leviticus 16:21, and Satan as described in Revelation 20:1–3?

 

Note: “Since Satan is the originator of sin, the direct instigator of all the sins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands that Satan shall suffer the final punishment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 358

 

5.b. What warning can help us escape the destruction of sin and sinners? Proverbs 16:3; Acts 3:19. Give examples of false repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Samuel 15:24; Matthew 27:3, 4

 

Note: “God has erected the barriers of testimonies as a wall about you to guard you from falling under the specious wiles of the enemy, but you break all these down and press over everything to follow your inclination. Your sorrow for your sins is like that of those who anciently rent their garments to express their grief but did not afflict their souls. You have not a correct sense of what sin is. The aggravating character of unchastity of thought and actions you have not sensed. Your mind is carnal, and that almost continually. If you really were sorry for your sins, if you really had a true sense of your wrongs, you would exercise that repentance that needeth not to be repented of.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 169

5.c. In whom only is there hope for us? Romans 5:6–11

 

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          What was the meaning of the Day of Atonement that occurred once a year? When did it take place?

2          What was the difference between the daily and yearly atonements?

3          What is the difference between pardon and blotting out of sin?

4          What was the symbolic meaning of the two goats brought to the sanctuary?

5          Explain the parallel between the fate of the scapegoat and of Satan.

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Annual Assemblies: Pentecost

by

August 25 – 31, 2024

Key Text

“Then you shall keep the feast of weeks unto the Lord your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand.” Deuteronomy 16:10, first part

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 37–43

Introduction

“Fifty days from the offering of first fruits came the Pentecost, called also the feast of harvest and the feast of weeks.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 540

Sunday

1 THE SECOND ANNUAL FEAST

1.a. By what other names was the Pentecostal festival known? Exodus 23:16, first part; Exodus 34:22, first part

1.b. When did that one-day festival take place? Leviticus 23:15, 16, 21. For what purpose were the yearly feasts appointed?

Note: “Yearly feasts were appointed, at which all the men of the nation were to assemble before the Lord, bringing to Him their offerings of gratitude and the first fruits of His bounties. The object of all these regulations was stated: they proceeded from no exercise of mere arbitrary sovereignty; all were given for the good of Israel. The Lord said, ‘Ye shall be holy men unto Me’—worthy to be acknowledged by a holy God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 311

1.c. What was the meaning of the two loaves presented before the Lord? What else was offered besides the two loaves? Leviticus 23:17–20

Monday

2 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CEREMONY

2.a. What counterpart do the two loaves presented at Pentecost have under the New Dispensation? John 6:48, 63; John 14:16, John 14:18

Note: “It was Christ Himself who had led the Hebrews through the wilderness, and had daily fed them with the bread from heaven. That food was a type of the real bread from heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 386

“As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another’s mind. We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know ‘what saith the Lord.’ ” Ibid., 390

2.b.  How do we become partakers of the divine nature?  John 14:17; 1 John 3:24; 2 Peter 1:4

Note: “By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the divine similitude. This is what it means to live ‘by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ This is eating the Bread that comes down from heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 391

2.c.  When the harvest was reaped, what provision in behalf of the poor had to be considered? Leviticus 23:22

Tuesday

3 SYMBOLISM FULFILLED

3.a. What did the early disciples do during the ten-day period from Christ’s ascension to the day of Pentecost? Acts 1:12–14

Note: “The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to … speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. …

“These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.” The Acts of the Apostles, 37

3.b.  What happened fifty days after Christ’s resurrection? Acts 2:1–4

Note: “The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church.” The Acts of the Apostles, 38

3.c. What was the immediate result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in fullness? Acts 2:5–8

Note: “Every known tongue was represented by those assembled [in Jerusalem]. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was a strong evidence to the world that their commission bore the signet of heaven. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in their native tongue or in a foreign language.” The Acts of the Apostles, 39, 40

3.d. How did Peter explain the unusual event? Acts 2:14–18

Wednesday

4 A TREMENDOUS HARVEST

4.a. Describe the inspiring scene which took place at Pentecost. Acts 2:38–41

Note: “The scene [at Pentecost] is one full of interest. Behold the people coming from all directions to hear the disciples witness to the truth as it is in Jesus. They press in, crowding the temple. Priests and rulers are there, the dark scowl of malignity still on their faces, their hearts still filled with abiding hatred against Christ, their hands uncleansed from the blood shed when they crucified the world’s Redeemer. They had thought to find the apostles cowed with fear under the strong hand of oppression and murder, but they find them lifted above all fear and filled with the Spirit, proclaiming with power the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. They hear them declaring with boldness that the One so recently humiliated, derided, smitten by cruel hands, and crucified, is the Prince of life, now exalted to the right hand of God.

“Some of those who listened to the apostles had taken an active part in the condemnation and death of Christ. Their voices had mingled with the rabble in calling for His crucifixion. …

“Now they heard the disciples declaring that it was the Son of God who had been crucified. Priests and rulers trembled. Conviction and anguish seized the people. ‘They were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Among those who listened to the disciples were devout Jews, who were sincere in their belief. The power that accompanied the words of the speaker convinced them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.” The Acts of the Apostles, 42, 43

4.b.  What is needed for this glorious history to be repeated? Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1

Note: “When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.” Christian Service, 253

Thursday

5 PREREQUISITES TO POWER

5.a. What characterizes those blessed to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit under the latter rain? 1 Corinthians 1:8

Note: “None could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action … . Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence.” Early Writings, 71

5.b. In order to be endowed with the Holy Spirit in fullness, what type of relationship must we have among church members, and what must be our main priority? Acts 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4; and 1 Corinthians 1:9-10

Note: “Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: ‘The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.’ Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

“The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.

“So it may be now. Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 20, 21

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What was the second annual feast among the Jews?

2     What is the New Testament counterpart of the two loaves of bread?

3     How was the Pentecostal feast fulfilled after Christ’s resurrection?

4     How did Peter explain the descent of the Holy Spirit at that time?

5     How and when will the Pentecostal experience be repeated?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Annual Assemblies: Passover

by

August 18 – 24, 2024

Key Text

“On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover.” Leviticus 23:5

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 537–542

Introduction

“There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. … Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. … The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April.” The Desire of Ages, 75, 76

Sunday

1 THE FIRST ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

1.a. What was celebrated on the 14th day of Abib, corresponding to the end of March and the beginning of April? Exodus 12:5–7, 11; Leviticus 23:5

1.b. To what events, past and future, did the Passover point? Exodus 12:14, 17; 13:3- 4; John 19:14-15. Explain the spiritual meaning. 1 Corinthians 5:7, last part

Note: “On the fourteenth day of the month, at even, the Passover was celebrated.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb represents ‘the Lamb of God,’ in whom is our only hope of salvation.” Ibid., 277

“The lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs, as pointing back to the bitterness of the bondage in Egypt. So when we feed upon Christ, it should be with contrition of heart, because of our sins.” Ibid., 278

Monday

2 A SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE

2.a. In what sense has Christ become our Passover? John 6:51–58, 63

Note: “The lamb was to be prepared whole, not a bone of it being broken; so not a bone was to be broken of the Lamb of God, who was to die for us. John 19:36. Thus was also represented the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice.

“The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. … Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, ‘The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277, 278

2.b. What followed the Passover celebration? Exodus 12:15–18; Leviticus 23:6

Note: “The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The use of unleavened bread also was significant. It was expressly enjoined in the law of the Passover, and as strictly observed by the Jews in their practice, that no leaven should be found in their houses during the feast. In like manner the leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nourishment from Christ.” Ibid., 278

2.c. In what sense does God want us to be a new unleavened lump? 1 Corinthians 5:7, first part; 1 John 5:18; Jude 24

Tuesday

3 FREE FROM LEAVEN/DELIVERED FROM SIN

3.a. What was symbolized by the fact that, for seven days, the Jews were not to eat anything fermented, and that all leaven was to be removed from their homes? Exodus 12:19, 20

Note: “The use of unleavened bread also was significant. … The leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nourishment from Christ.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 278

“The unleavened bread … represented the Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 77

3.b.  Give examples from the New Testament where leaven is considered a symbol of sin. Matthew 16:6, 12; and 1 Corinthians 5:8 and Galatians 5:9; 

Note: “The Jews had been accustomed since the days of Moses to put away leaven from their houses at the Passover season, and they had thus been taught to regard it as a type of sin.” The Desire of Ages, 408

3.c.  How did Christ update the Passover feast by bringing a New Testament counterpart? Matthew 26:18–20, 26–29

Note: “As He [Christ] ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

“The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of this ordinance, the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 652, 653

3.d. Why, then, is the Old Testament Passover no longer to be observed? Hebrews 9:28; 10:8–10

Note: “Our great High Priest has made the only sacrifice that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people.” Lift Him Up, 319

Wednesday

4 THE LORD’S SUPPER

4.a To what events, past and future, does the Lord’s Supper point? 1 Corinthians 11:26

Note: “When the Saviour yielded up His life on Calvary, the significance of the Passover ceased, and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was instituted as a memorial of the same event of which the Passover had been a type.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how ‘He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord’s return.” The Desire of Ages, 659

“Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance [of the Lord’s Supper] is to be celebrated.” Ibid., 653

4.b. Why did the Lord add the foot washing ordinance which was to precede the Lord’s Supper? John 13:12–14, 34, 35

Note: “This ordinance [of foot washing] does not speak so largely to man’s intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. If His disciples had not needed this, it would not have been left for them as Christ’s last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper. It was Christ’s desire to leave to His disciples an ordinance that would do for them the very thing they needed—that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah. Eating of the body, and drinking of the blood, of Christ, not merely at the sacramental service, but daily partaking of the bread of life to satisfy the soul’s hunger, would be in receiving His word and doing His will.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898

Thursday

5 THE FIRST FRUITS

5.a. Describe the ceremony performed on the second day of the Passover festival. Leviticus 23:10, 11

Note: “The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread. On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year’s harvest, a sheaf of barley, was presented before the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 77

5.b.        What was symbolized by the sheaf of barley (the first fruits of the harvest) waved before the Lord? 1 Corinthians 15:20,23; 

Note: “Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 785, 786

5.c. Who else are represented by the sheaf of the first fruits? Matthew 27:52-53; James 1:18; Revelation 14:4

Note: “Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead.” The Desire of Ages, 786

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What is the double meaning of the Passover?

2     What does the unleavened bread represent?

3     What is the symbolic meaning that anything fermented was to be eliminated from the Israelite homes during the Passover celebration?

4     What is the counterpart of the Passover in the New Testament?

5      What was symbolized by the sheaf of barley waved before the Lord on the second day of the Passover feast?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Temple, an Object Lesson

by

August 11 – 17, 2024

Key Text

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God.” 1 Chronicles 22:19, first part

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 46–50

Introduction

“The long-cherished plan of David to erect a temple to the Lord was wisely carried out by Solomon.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1905

Sunday

1 KING DAVID’S NOBLE DESIRE

1.a. While King David was contemplating his magnificent palace, what thought became foremost in his plans? 2 Samuel 7:2

1.b.        What message did God send to King David? 1 Chronicles 22:8–10; 1 Chronicles 28:5, 6. In what sense was David given the privilege of contributing to the building of the temple?

Note: “David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 753

Monday

2 WISE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING

2.a. What place was chosen for the building of the temple? 2 Chronicles 3:1  (compare Genesis 22:2); Isaiah 8:18; Isaiah 28:16

Note: “The spot on which the temple was built had long been regarded as a consecrated place. It was here that Abraham, the father of the faithful, had revealed his willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Jehovah. Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of blessing, which included the glorious Messianic promise to the human race of deliverance through the sacrifice of the Son of the Most High. See Genesis 22:9, 16–18. Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay the avenging sword of the destroying angel, God had answered him by fire from heaven. See 1 Chronicles 21. And now once more the worshipers of Jehovah were here to meet their God and renew their vows of allegiance to Him.” Prophets and Kings, 37

2.b.  What help did King Solomon receive from Hiram king of Tyre? 1 Kings 5:1–9

2.c. Approximately how many men were involved in building the temple? 1 Kings 5:15, 16. How long did it take to complete the work? 1 Kings 6:1, 38

2.d.  How and where were the stones prepared for the building? 1 Kings 6:7. What lesson should we learn from the fact that the house of God was built with the utmost reverence?

Note: “Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 252

Tuesday

3 A LESSON IN REVERENCE

3.a. Summarize and discuss Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. 2 Chronicles 6:21-23 . What is unique about the God of heaven?

Note: “The prayer offered by Solomon at the dedication of the temple breathed sentiments of loftiest piety blended with deepest humility. …

“He [Solomon] told them [the people] that the God of heaven is not like the gods of the heathen, who are confined to temples built for them, but that the true God would meet with His people by His Spirit when they should assemble at the house dedicated to His worship. The Lord visits His people in their homes, or wherever they may be, and cheers them by special revelations of His goodness. And in every place God’s children have the privilege of worshiping their heavenly Father.” The Review and Herald, November 30, 1905

3.b.  What happened when Solomon ended his prayer? 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 

Note: “It is impossible to describe the beauty and splendor of this sanctuary. …

“While the courts of the temple resounded with praise, the cloud of God’s glory took possession of the house, as it had formerly filled the wilderness-tabernacle.” The Review and Herald, November 9, 1905

3.c. How are we to show reverence in the presence of God? Habakkuk 2:20 (compare Genesis 28:16-17; Matthew 18:20). What examples should we take into deep consideration? Exodus 3:4-5; Joshua 5:13–15

Note: “The house of God is often desecrated, and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath-believers’ children. In some cases they are even allowed to run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in the very meetings where the saints should worship God in the beauty of holiness. And the place that should be holy, and where a holy stillness should reign, and where there should be perfect order, neatness, and humility, is made to be a perfect Babylon, ‘confusion.’ This is enough to bring God’s displeasure and shut His presence from our assemblies.” Child Guidance, 540

Wednesday

4 CHRIST IN THE SANCTUARY

4.a. Who is represented by the cornerstone of the sanctuary building? Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42

Note: “When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoyance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. Should they make an unwise choice for this important place, the safety of the entire building would be endangered. They must find a stone capable of resisting the influence of the sun, of frost, and of tempest. Several stones had at different times been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces. Others could not bear the test of the sudden atmospheric changes. But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to the air, to sun and storm, without revealing the slightest crack. The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit.” The Desire of Ages, 597, 598

4.b.  The world longs for peace and safety (1Thessalonians 5:3) . Where, only, can peace and safety be found? John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13-14

Note: “In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it ‘a sure foundation.’ The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a ‘tried stone.’ Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. … In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security.” The Desire of Ages, 598, 599

Thursday

5 BUILDING THE TEMPLE OF CHARACTER

5.a. Since the temple was to symbolize God’s church on earth, and since we are called to take part in the work of edifying His house, with what materials should we build? 1 Corinthians 3:12 ; Ephesians 2:20–22

Note: “He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious stones—material that will stand the test of God’s purifying fires. In our character building Christ is our example.” Child Guidance, 166

5.b.  Where can we see God’s ways in the plan of salvation? Psalm 77:13. Why does the Spirit of Prophecy emphasize the importance of studying the sanctuary service?

Note: “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God.” The Great Controversy, 488

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What was one of King David’s most ardent desires? Why didn’t the Lord allow him to carry out his building plan?

2     What was the name of the mountain selected for the temple in Jerusalem, and for what reason was that place chosen for the building?

3     How did the builders show great reverence in their work? What are other Bible examples of reverence?

4     Summarize Solomon’s dedicatory prayer.

5     Specify the materials with which we, as builders, should help build the house of God, the church.

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Forbearance with Honest Doubters

by

August 4 – 10, 2024

Key Text

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 101–104

Introduction

“God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes and grieve His Spirit; but when we repent and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 350

Sunday

1 THE MORAL CONDITION OF HUMAN NATURE

1.a. Into whose hands did Adam betray the government of this world? Luke 4:5-6; John 16:11; 1 John 5:18-19. Whose spirit controls those who live in sin? Ephesians 2:1–3

Note: “We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not cooperate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart and will make it his abiding place.” The Desire of Ages, 324

1.b. With what thought do willful sinners deceive themselves? Malachi 3:14-15; Ecclesiastes 8:11

Note: “Satan does not enter with his array of temptations at once. He disguises these temptations with a semblance of good. He mingles with amusements and folly some little improvements, and deceived souls make it an excuse that great good is to be derived by engaging in them. This is only the deceptive part. It is Satan’s hellish arts masked. Beguiled souls take one step, then are prepared for the next.” Messages to Young People, 83

Monday

2 A COMMON TEMPTATION

2.a. How was the psalmist tempted when he saw the temporal prosperity of the wicked? Psalm 73:2–13. What struggle takes place in the mind of everyone who looks away (or is tempted to turn away) from God?

Note: “There are times when, under adversity and sorrow, the servants of God become discouraged and despondent. They brood over their circumstances, and, contrasting their condition with the prosperity of those who have no thought or care for eternal things, they feel aggrieved. They manifest a spirit of reproach and murmur and repine at their lot. They seem to consider that God is under special obligation to bless them and prosper their undertakings, and therefore, as they are placed in situations of trial, they grow rebellious and look with envy on the wicked who flourish in their iniquity. They seem to regard the condition of the transgressor as preferable to their own. These bitter thoughts are suggested to the mind by the deceiver of mankind. It is his delight to stir up rebellion in the breasts of the children of God. He knows it causes them weakness and is a source of dishonor to their God. He desires us to think that it is a vain thing to serve God, and that those who are unmindful of the claims of heaven are more favored than those who strive to obey the commandments of God.

“The psalmist David had this experience. When he looked upon the flourishing condition of the wicked he was envious of their success. … ‘Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued.’ ” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

2.b.  When, where, and how did the king see the final end of those who fear God contrasted with those who fear Him not? Psalm 73:16-17

Note: “When he [David] went into the sanctuary and communed with the Lord, he no longer desired the portion of the wicked; for then he understood their end. He saw that their way led to destruction at last, and their pleasure was but for a season. Envy had no more a place in his heart. His rebellious spirit bowed in humble submission to his God.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

2.c. In the sanctuary service, how did he contemplate the end of the wicked? Psalms 73:18-19,27; Psalms 75:8; Psalms 76:12. How did he also see the merciful hand of God extended to repentant sinners? Psalm 77:7–9,15

Tuesday

3 THE PSALMIST’S CONFESSION

3.a. What confession did David make after his eyes were opened? Psalm 73:21–26,28

Note: “He [David] saw that the guidance of the Lord was of infinitely more value than all the temporal prosperity of the world; for the way of the Lord kept the feet in the paths of righteousness that lead to eternal glory.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

3.b.  After the psalmist’s repentance and confession, what appeal came forth from his heart in the sanctuary? Psalm 74:3-4,7–10

3.c. What must we realize in order to escape the common temptation to envy the temporal prosperity of ungodly people? Psalm 77:1–3

Note: “Yielding to temptation begins in permitting the mind to waver, to be inconstant in your trust in God. If we do not choose to give ourselves fully to God then we are in darkness. When we make any reserve we are leaving open a door through which Satan can enter to lead us astray by his temptations. He knows that if he can obscure our vision, so that the eye of faith cannot see God, there will be no barrier against sin.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 92

“The warfare between good and evil has not grown less fierce than it was in the days of the Saviour. The path to heaven is no smoother now than it was then. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our spiritual progress must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed if it causes us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom and to receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child? Are we willing to part with our self-righteousness? Are we willing to sacrifice the approbation of men? The prize of eternal life is of infinite value. Are we willing to welcome the Holy Spirit’s aid, and cooperate with it, putting forth efforts and making sacrifices proportionate to the value of the object to be obtained?” Messages to Young People, 56

“Against every evildoer God’s law utters condemnation. He may disregard that voice, he may seek to drown its warning, but in vain. It follows him. It makes itself heard. It destroys his peace. … A quenchless fire, it consumes at last soul and body.” Education, 144, 145

Wednesday

4 THE PREDOMINANT CONCERN

4.a. After returning to God with repentance and confession, what was the psalmist’s main concern? Psalms 74:18–23; Psalms 79:1. What reveals the loving nature of God’s justice in behalf of His children?

Note: “God cannot be excluded from any transaction in which the rights of His children are concerned. Over every one that is serving Him in sincerity, His hand is spread as a buckler. None can wound the humblest disciple of Jesus without smiting that hand which holds the sword of justice.” The Signs of the Times, December 20, 1883

4.b.  By looking to the sanctuary (in Psalms 76:2 and Psalms 77:13), how did the psalmist plead for mercy and help—and why ought we to echo these sentiments? Psalms 79:8–10; Psalms 80:1, 3

Note: “When I think how strong we might be if we would take hold of the strength of the Mighty One, and then see how weak we are because we do not claim the promises of God, my soul cries out in anguish, ‘Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach;’ ‘wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?’

“There are among us many who profess the truth but who refuse to be crucified with Christ. The Author of our salvation labored and suffered for us. His whole life was one long scene of toil and privation. He could have done as many of His professed followers choose to do; He could have passed His days on earth in ease and plenty, and appropriated to Himself all the pleasures and enjoyments of this life. But He sought not His own comfort or gratification; He lived to do good, to save others from shame, suffering, and ruin.” The Signs of the Times, September 27, 1883

“We want to be sure that we are the children of light; that we are following in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Example. The cross lies in our pathway, but shall we not take it up and bear it for His sake who bore the cross for us? All who are seeking to serve God will have trials; but shall we say, What does it profit to come out from the world and be separate? …

“There must be a coming up, lest Satan divert the mind from the contemplation of the spiritual and eternal, to the earthly and temporal. God is willing to give you grace and strength for every time of need, if you seek for it with a sincere heart.” Ibid., February 3, 1888

Thursday

5 THE ONLY HOPE FOR FALLEN HUMANITY

5.a. Why should we share the concern of the psalmist who was perplexed by doubt? Psalm 119:53, 126; Ecclesiastes 12:14

Note: “For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187, 188

5.b. What should we do when we send our petitions to the One who is looking down from His throne in the sanctuary as described in Psalm 102:1-20? Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 12:25. What happens when we harden our hearts against the influence of the Holy Spirit?

Note: “Every time you refuse to listen to the message of mercy, you strengthen yourself in unbelief. Every time you fail to open the door of your heart to Christ, you become more and more unwilling to listen to the voice of Him that speaketh.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 237

5.c. What lesson should we learn from the apostle Paul’s struggling against evil? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What are the only two possibilities between which every person must choose his or her destiny?

2     What thoughts almost led the psalmist into perdition?

3     When and where did he wake up to his error? What confession did he make?

4     What was the psalmist’s main concern after his repentance? Why should we share his concern?

5     How did the apostle Paul describe his struggle against sin? What is the only hope for fallen humanity?

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