A Copy of the Heavenly Sanctuary

May 19 – 25, 2024

Key Text

“And let them [the children of Israel] make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8

Study Help: The Story of Redemption, 151–157

Introduction

“He [God] presented before Moses a miniature model of the heavenly sanctuary and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount.” The Signs of the Times, June 24, 1880

Sunday

1 THE EARTHLY TABERNACLE

1.a. God delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 12:51). Then He organized them (Exodus 18:21–26). After that He gave them His law (Exodus 20:3–17). What was the next important event that took place in Israel? Exodus 25:8

1.b.      What building plan did the Lord present to Moses? Exodus 25:9, 40; Hebrews 8:5

Note: “The holy places made with hands were to be ‘figures of the true,’ ‘patterns of things in the heavens’ (Hebrews 9:24, 23)—a miniature representation of the heavenly temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf. God presented before Moses in the mount a view of the heavenly sanctuary and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 343

1.c. Where, on earth, did God promise to meet with the children of Israel? Exodus 29:42–46

Note: “God commanded Moses for Israel, ‘Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them,’ and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people.” My Life Today, 290

Monday

2 GOD’S HABITATION

2.a. Where, in heaven, is God’s throne? Isaiah 6:1; Psalm 11:4

2.b.      Where, in heaven, does Christ share the Father’s throne? Hebrews 8:1, 2

2.c. Why is it especially significant that Christ stands in the courts of heaven as our Advocate? Hebrews 4:14–16

Note: “Through all their weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of His [God’s] presence was with them [Israel]. So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of our human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His divine character and life. ‘The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14, R.V., margin.

“Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour’s life on earth, we see ‘God with us.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 23, 24

2.d.      What additional description unveils more about the glorious scene of God’s throne? Revelation 4:4; 7:13–15; 8:3

2.e. In view of the awesome celestial picture presented, what should be our continual aim? Revelation 3:21; Colossians 3:1, 2

Note: “How much better it is to seek those things which are above, than to seek the things of this world and to form our characters after a worldly similitude!” Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, 228

“The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right—the office of Supreme Judge.” The Review and Herald, January 1, 1889

Tuesday

3 THE CENTER OF THE WORK OF REDEMPTION

3.a. Where is the center of the work of Christ in our behalf? Hebrews 9:11, 12. Why is a knowledge of the sanctuary service a must? Psalm 77:13

Note: “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.” The Great Controversy, 488, 489

3.b.      When did the Holy Spirit make manifest the way into the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 9:8; 6:18–20

Note: “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. If Christ entered “into heaven itself” to minister in the true tabernacle not in the “figures of the true” (Hebrews 9:2, 24), how can we have access to Him? Hebrews 4:14–16

Note: “In the Father’s acceptance of Christ in man’s behalf, we are assured that through the merits of His Son, we may find access to God. We may be accepted in the Beloved. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to God, may have a home in the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him.” The Bible Echo, February 1, 1893

Wednesday

4 EXACTNESS AND PERFECTION

4.a. What lesson can we learn from the fact that, in the building of the earthly tabernacle, God insisted, again and again, that everything be done “after their pattern”? Exodus 25:9, 40; Acts 7:44

Note: “In all our work, even in mechanical lines, God desires that the perfection of His character shall appear. The exactness, skill, tact, wisdom, and perfection which He required in the building of the earthly tabernacle, He desires to have brought into everything that shall be done in His service. Every transaction entered into by His servants is to be as pure and as precious in His sight as were the gold and frankincense and myrrh which in sincere, uncorrupted faith the wise men from the East brought to the infant Saviour.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 142, 143

4.b.      How does this lesson apply to the candidates for a place in the kingdom of glory? Matthew 5:48; Colossians 1:28; 4:12

Note: “Paul describes the work of God’s ambassadors as that by which every man shall be presented perfect in Christ Jesus. Those who embrace the truth of heavenly origin should be refined, ennobled, sanctified through it. It will require much painstaking effort to reach God’s standard of true manhood. The irregular stones hewed from the quarry must be chiseled, their rough sides must be polished. This is an age famous for surface work, for easy methods, for boasted holiness aside from the standard of character that God has erected. All short routes, all cutoff tracks, all teaching which fails to exalt the law of God as the standard of religious character, is spurious. Perfection of character is a lifelong work, unattainable by those who are not willing to strive for it in God’s appointed way, by slow and toilsome steps. We cannot afford to make any mistake in this matter, but we want day by day to be growing up into Christ, our living Head.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 500

“Every day that you live, you can be perfecting the blessed attributes fully revealed in the character of Christ; and when you do this, you will bring light, love, peace, and joy into your homes.” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1890

Thursday

5 MATERIALS PROVIDED

5.a. The Lord could have miraculously provided all the materials needed for the building of the sanctuary. Why did He require the people to bring only freewill offerings? Exodus 25:1–8

Note: “Great and expensive preparations were necessary. Precious and costly materials must be collected. But the Lord accepted only the freewill offerings. Devotion to the work of God and sacrifice from the heart were first required in preparing a place for God.” The Story of Redemption, 152

“God will accept only willing service.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 977

5.b.      As architects of our own character, how careful should we be in choosing the spiritual materials with which to build? 1 Corinthians 3:10–15

Note: “In our character building, we must build on Christ. He is the sure foundation—a foundation which can never be moved. The tempest of temptation and trial cannot move the building which is riveted to the Eternal Rock.

“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.” Child Guidance, 166

“The word of God warns us to take heed how we build, to see that our building is founded upon the Eternal Rock.” Ibid., 164

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why did God entrust Moses with setting up a copy of the heavenly sanctuary in the midst of Israel?

2    Where in heaven do the Father and Son have their throne?

3    How can Christ, while ministering in the heavenly sanctuary, be present with His people here on earth?

4    What is symbolized by the exactness and perfection that God demanded in the building of the sanctuary?

5    What does the careful selection of materials for the tabernacle typify?

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

God’s Kingdom on Earth

May 12 – 18, 2024

Key Text

“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:6

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 303–314

Introduction

“Through the chosen nation, God had purposed to bring blessing to all mankind.” Prophets and Kings, 17

Sunday

1 GOD CHOOSES A PEOPLE

1.a. In the song of deliverance composed by Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea, what did he say about God’s plan to establish a kingdom on earth? Exodus 15:17, 18. What plan did the Lord have for the children of Abraham? Exodus 19:5, 6

1.b.      What promise did that plan include? Exodus 29:45

1.c. Although God is not a respecter of persons (2 Chronicles 19:7; Acts 10:34), why did He choose the people of Israel? Deuteronomy 9:3–5; 10:15. Why does He choose us today as well? 1 Corinthians 4:9, last part

Note: “God had chosen Israel. He had called them to preserve among men the knowledge of His law and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to the Saviour. He desired them to be as wells of salvation to the world. What Abraham was in the land of his sojourn, what Joseph was in Egypt, and Daniel in the courts of Babylon, the Hebrew people were to be among the nations. They were to reveal God to men.” The Desire of Ages, 27

“By our words and our works we reveal to the world, to angels, and to men whether we believe in Christ as a personal Saviour.” The Youth’s Instructor, April 26, 1900

Monday

2 GOD DEFINES HIS PURPOSE

2.a. What aim did God set before Israel? Deuteronomy 4:5–8. What was to be accomplished through them? Deuteronomy 28:12; Isaiah 2:2, 3

Note: “God had designed that His people should be the light of the world. From them was to shine forth the glory of His law as revealed in the life practice. For the carrying out of this design, He had caused the chosen nation to occupy a strategic position among the nations of earth.

“In the days of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel extended from Hamath on the north to Egypt on the south, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Euphrates. Through this territory ran many natural highways of the world’s commerce, and caravans from distant lands were constantly passing to and fro. Thus there was given to Solomon and his people opportunity to reveal to men of all nations the character of the King of kings, and to teach them to reverence and obey Him. To all the world this knowledge was to be given. Through the teaching of the sacrificial offerings, Christ was to be uplifted before the nations, that all who would might live.” Prophets and Kings, 70, 71

2.b.      What did the Lord remind His people, repeatedly, to take into serious consideration? Deuteronomy 7:6–9; 28:15, 16, 33

2.c. What warning was given to the Jews when the kingdom was about to be taken from them? Matthew 8:11, 12. Why did they finally lose the kingdom? Matthew 21:43; Mark 12:6–9

Note: “The Jewish leaders thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Saviour turned from them to entrust to others the privileges they had abused and the work they had slighted. God’s glory must be revealed, His word established. Christ’s kingdom must be set up in the world.” The Acts of the Apostles, 16

Tuesday

3 GOD’S PLAN FOR US TODAY

3.a. Describe God’s plan for those under the new covenant. Luke 12:32; 17:21

Note: “Day by day men are revealing whether the kingdom of God is within them. If Christ rules in their hearts, they are gaining strength of principle, power, ability to stand as faithful sentinels, true reformers; for there can be no reform unless there is thorough cooperation with Jesus Christ.

“Through the grace of Christ men are to use their God-given faculties to reform themselves. By this self-denying action, which the Lord of heaven looks upon with approval, they gain victories over their wrong hereditary and cultivated tendencies. Then like Daniel they make impressions upon other hearts that will never be effaced. The influence will be carried to all parts of the world. …

“Christianity … is not a creed. It is the word of Him who liveth and abideth forever. It is a living, animating principle that takes possession of mind, heart, motives, and the entire man.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 113, 114

3.b.      What victory does the Lord want to accomplish in and through His chosen ones? Matthew 5:14, 16; Philippians 2:15

Note: “Men are taking sides, according to their choice. These that are feeding on the word of God will show this by their practice; they are on the Lord’s side, seeking by precept and example to reform the world. …

“The question for us to consider is, Have we the attributes of Christ? Excuses are valueless. All circumstances, all appetites and passions, are to be servants to the God-fearing man, not rulers over him. The Christian is not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habits or tendencies. He is to rule the animal passions, rather than to be held in the bondage of habit. We are not to be the servants of circumstances, but to control circumstances, by an inwrought principle learned of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. The solemn position in which we stand today toward the world, the solemn responsibilities and duties enjoined upon us by our Lord, are not to be ignored until our will and our circumstances are adjusted. The principle of self-denial and self-sacrifice, as revealed in the example of Christ, of John the Baptist, of Daniel and the three worthies, is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits, through all circumstances and surroundings.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 113, 114

Wednesday

4 TWO CLASSES OF PEOPLE

4.a. Today, as we approach the borders of heavenly Canaan, what warnings must we heed? Luke 21:34–36; Romans 13:11, 12

Note: “Those who receive Christ by faith as their personal Saviour cannot be in harmony with the world. There are two distinct classes: One is loyal to God, keeping His commandments, while the other talks and acts like the world.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 139

4.b.      What scene applies with special force today? Luke 17:26–30; Acts 2:40

Note: “Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. …

“Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying, and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation’s hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy be forever shut.” The Desire of Ages, 636

4.c. Describe the two classes of people in this world. 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5. What are the children of light doing? Luke 11:28. What makes many churchgoers children of darkness? Matthew 24:48–51

Note: “All society is ranging into two great classes, the obedient and the disobedient. Among which class shall we be found?” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 949

“Men are taking sides, according to their choice. These that are feeding on the word of God will show this by their practice; they are on the Lord’s side, seeking by precept and example to reform the world. All that have refused to be taught of God hold the traditions of men. They at last pass over on the side of the enemy, against God, and are written, Antichrist. The people of God, who understand our position in this world’s history, are, with ears open and hearts softened and subdued, pressing together in unity, one with Jesus Christ.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 113

Thursday

5 ETERNITY BEFORE US

5.a. Since every person, sooner or later, must make his or her choice in view of eternity extending before us all, what is written in 1 John 2:17?

Note: “Many who profess to be looking for the appearing of our Lord are anxious, burdened seekers for worldly gain. They are blind to their eternal interest. They labor for that which satisfieth not; they spend their money for that which is not bread. They strive to content themselves with the treasures they have laid up upon the earth, which must perish, and they neglect the preparation for eternity, which should be the first and only real work of their lives.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 600

“Make your decision for eternity.” Ibid., 495

5.b.      Because we must make provisions for eternity, what admonition should we bear in mind? 1 Peter 5:6–10

Note: “Where is security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. … There are those who are waiting and watching and working for our Lord’s appearing. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to shun and a heaven to win.” The Desire of Ages, 636

“Which will we choose—liberty in Christ, or bondage and tyranny in the service of Satan? Why should we reject the invitation of mercy, refuse the proffers of divine love? If we choose to live with Christ through the ceaseless ages of eternity, why not choose Him now as our most loved and trusted friend, our best and wisest counsellor?” The Bible Echo, June 25, 1894

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why did God choose Israel?

2    Why was the kingdom taken from the Jewish nation and given to others?

3    What is God’s purpose for His people with reference to the world?

4    Explain the difference between true Christians and nominal Christians.

5    Why will many professed Christians be deceived and lose Heaven?

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

Deliverance From Egypt

May 5 – 11, 2024

Key Text

“So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.” Exodus 12:14

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 273–280

Introduction

“The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year … the history should be repeated.” The Desire of the Ages, 652

Sunday

1 THE PASSOVER INSTITUTED

1.a. What was the last message given to Pharaoh, the rebellious monarch, before the departure of Israel from Egypt? What was the imminent sentence? Exodus 11:4–8

1.b.      Before the execution of this sentence, what directions did God give the Israelites concerning their departure? Summarize Exodus 12:1–28

Note: “The Lord through Moses gave direction to the children of Israel concerning their departure from Egypt, and especially for their preservation from the coming judgment. Each family, alone or in connection with others, was to slay a lamb or a kid ‘without blemish,’ and with a bunch of hyssop sprinkle its blood on ‘the two side posts and on the upper doorpost’ of the house, that the destroying angel, coming at midnight, might not enter that dwelling. …

“In commemoration of this great deliverance, a feast was to be observed yearly by the people of Israel in all future generations. … As they should keep the feast in future years, they were to repeat to their children the story of this great deliverance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 274

“The first of these festivals, the Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, occurred in Abib, the first month of the Jewish year, corresponding to the last of March and the beginning of April. …

“The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread.” Ibid., 537, 539

Monday

2 THE TOKEN OF BLOOD

2.a. What was the meaning of the blood that was to be placed on the houses of the Israelites? Exodus 12:7, 13, 23

Note: “Before obtaining freedom, the bondmen must show their faith in the great deliverance about to be accomplished. The token of blood must be placed upon their houses, and they must separate themselves and their families from the Egyptians, and gather within their own dwellings. Had the Israelites disregarded in any particular the directions given them, had they neglected to separate their children from the Egyptians, had they slain the lamb, but failed to strike the doorpost with blood, or had any gone out of their houses, they would not have been secure. They might have honestly believed that they had done all that was necessary, but their sincerity would not have saved them. All who failed to heed the Lord’s directions would lose their firstborn by the hand of the destroyer. …

“The sign of blood—the sign of a Saviour’s protection—was on their doors, and the destroyer entered not.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 278, 279

2.b.      What mark of protection do we need—and how only can we obtain it? Ezekiel 9:4; Revelation 7:1–3; 14:1

Note: “What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord’s adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment and are obedient and faithful to all God’s commands.” Maranatha, 243

“The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord’s memorial of creation.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 117

“Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God. Those who are planning sin and acting it will be passed by. Only those who, in their attitude before God, are filling the position of those who are repenting and confessing their sins in the great antitypical day of atonement, will be recognized and marked as worthy of God’s protection.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445

Tuesday

3 THE BITTER HERBS AND THE UNLEAVENED BREAD

3.a. With what were the Israelites instructed to eat the Passover lamb? Exodus 12:8. What was the meaning of the bitter herbs?

Note: “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.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 278

3.b.      Living in this last generation, what might the bitter herbs cause God’s people to consider? Hebrews 2:18; Revelation 1:9

Note: “It is through one who is a ‘brother, and companion in tribulation’ that Christ reveals to His people the fearful conflicts which they must meet before His second coming. Before the scenes of their bitter struggle are opened to them, they are reminded that their brethren also have drunk of the cup and been baptized with the baptism. He who sustained these early witnesses to the truth will not forsake His people in the final conflict.” The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893

3.c. What did the unleavened bread symbolize? What does this mean for us today? Exodus 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8

Note: “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. …

“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.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 278

Wednesday

4 A COMMEMORATIVE AND TYPICAL ORDINANCE

4.a. Who was not permitted to eat the Passover lamb? Exodus 12:43, 45. What requirement did a stranger have to meet before he or she was allowed to take part in the ordinance? Exodus 12:44, 48

Note: “Christ made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom.” God’s Amazing Grace, 143

4.b.      What ordinance takes the place of the Passover feast under the new covenant? Luke 22:14–20. What requirement is necessary in order to partake of it?

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 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.” Ibid., 277

4.c. How does God view the attempt of some professed Christians today to continue the ancient Hebrew rites? Galatians 4:9–11. What was added to the New Testament version of the Passover service, and why? John 13:1–17

Note: “In this ordinance [of humility], Christ discharged His disciples from the cares and burdens of the ancient Jewish obligations in rites and ceremonies. These no longer possessed any virtue; for type was meeting antitype in Himself, the authority and foundation of all Jewish ordinances that pointed to Him as the great and only efficacious offering for the sins of the world. …

“This ordinance does not speak so largely to man’s intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. … 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.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898

Thursday

5 THE FIRSTBORN

5.a. What was the symbolical meaning of the dedication of the firstborn? Numbers 3:13

Note: “The dedication of the firstborn had its origin in the earliest times. God had promised to give the Firstborn of heaven to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of the firstborn son. He was to be devoted to the priesthood, as a representative of Christ among men.

“In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the dedication of the firstborn was again commanded.” The Desire of Ages, 51

“The firstborn of both man and beast were to be the Lord’s, to be bought back only by a ransom, in acknowledgment that when the firstborn in Egypt perished, that of Israel, though graciously preserved, had been justly exposed to the same doom but for the atoning sacrifice.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 274

“The law for the presentation of the firstborn was made particularly significant. While it was a memorial of the Lord’s wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be wrought out by the only begotten Son of God. As the blood sprinkled on the doorposts had saved the firstborn of Israel, so the blood of Christ has power to save the world.” The Desire of Ages, 51

5.b.      In what sense is Christ the Firstborn? Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What was the Passover feast, and when was it held?

2    When the Lord was about to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, how were they required to show their faith in the expected miracle?

3    What was symbolized by the unleavened bread and by the bitter herbs?

4    What event did the Passover commemorate as it pointed to the past? What event did it typify as it pointed to the future?

5    What did the presentation of the firstborn commemorate, and what did it prefigure?

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

The Atonement in Symbols

The Plan of Redemption and The Sanctuary Service

April 28 – May 4, 2024

Key Text

“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
Hebrews 9:22

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 71–74

Introduction

“As his [Adam’s] transgression had brought death and wretchedness, life and immortality would be brought to light through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.” The Story of Redemption, 48

Sunday

1 SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS

1.a. What service did God institute in order to keep the death of Christ ever before humanity? Genesis 4:4. What was its symbolical meaning?

Note: “The sacrificial offerings were ordained by God to be to man a perpetual reminder and a penitential acknowledgment of his sin and a confession of his faith in the promised Redeemer.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 68

1.b.      How was Satan able to pervert, in the mind of Cain, the understanding of the plan of salvation? Genesis 4:3–7

Note: “Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings. His gift expressed no penitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour. He chose the course of self-dependence. He would come in his own merits. He would not bring the lamb, and mingle its blood with his offering, but would present his fruits, the products of his labor. He presented his offering as a favor done to God, through which he expected to secure the divine approval. Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only a partial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, was left out.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 72

Monday

2 A FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE

2.a. What was the difference between Cain and Abel regarding the atonement? Hebrews 11:4. Explain the disagreement between the two brothers.

Note: “Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.

“Cain had the same opportunity of learning and accepting these truths as had Abel. He was not the victim of an arbitrary purpose. One brother was not elected to be accepted of God, and the other to be rejected. Abel chose faith and obedience; Cain, unbelief and rebellion. Here the whole matter rested.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 72

2.b.      What was the consequence of Cain’s unbelief? Genesis 4:8–12

Note: “Instead of acknowledging his sin, Cain continued to complain of the injustice of God and to cherish jealousy and hatred of Abel. He angrily reproached his brother and attempted to draw him into controversy concerning God’s dealings with them. In meekness, yet fearlessly and firmly, Abel defended the justice and goodness of God. He pointed out Cain’s error and tried to convince him that the wrong was in himself. He pointed to the compassion of God in sparing the life of their parents when He might have punished them with instant death and urged that God loved them, or He would not have given His Son, innocent and holy, to suffer the penalty which they had incurred. All this caused Cain’s anger to burn the hotter. Reason and conscience told him that Abel was in the right; but he was enraged that one who had been wont to heed his counsel should now presume to disagree with him, and that he could gain no sympathy in his rebellion. In the fury of his passion, he slew his brother.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 74

Tuesday

3 TWO CLASSES OF WORSHIPERS

3.a. Describe the two classes of worshipers that have existed from the beginning of the world. Give a more detailed description of the class represented by Cain. Ezekiel 33:31; Luke 18:9–14

Note: “Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time. One class avail themselves of the appointed sacrifice for sin; the other venture to depend upon their own merits; theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of divine mediation, and thus it is not able to bring man into favor with God. It is only through the merits of Jesus that our transgressions can be pardoned. Those who feel no need of the blood of Christ, who feel that without divine grace they can by their own works secure the approval of God, are making the same mistake as did Cain. If they do not accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation. There is no other provision made whereby they can be released from the thralldom of sin.

“The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain includes by far the greater portion of the world; for nearly every false religion has been based on the same principle—that man can depend upon his own efforts for salvation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 72, 73

3.b.      How does history show the difference between the two classes in the light of two conflicting principles—love and tolerance vs. hatred and persecution? 1 John 3:11, 12, 15, 16. What warning should we heed in light of this?

Note: “Jesus bears with the perversity of the children of men and pities them in their wrong course. If He felt as some who claim to be His followers feel, He would be filled with continual disgust and hatred as He looks upon those who are abusing His mercy, despising His grace, refusing to obey His commandments, and trampling upon His authority. He has bought them soul and body, and though they give their allegiance to Satan, His bitterest enemy, He loves them still.

“No one can hate his brother, or even his enemy, without placing himself under condemnation. We ever receive from the hand of our Maker and Judge a reward in harmony with the nature of our conduct toward Him and His creatures.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 13, 1898

Wednesday

4 WORSHIP IN PATRIARCHAL TIMES

4.a. What system of worship was conducted, among the people of God, in the days of the patriarchs? Give an example. Genesis 8:20

Note: “By the act of sacrifice the sinner acknowledged his guilt and manifested his faith, looking forward to the great and perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, which the offering of beasts prefigured. Without the atonement of the Son of God there could be no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man.” The Story of Redemption, 51

4.b.      What is written of Abraham’s devotion to God and of his influence among his neighbors? Genesis 12:7, 8.
What can we learn from the anxiety that he felt for the impenitent inhabitants of Sodom? Genesis 18:23–32

Note: “Abraham, ‘the friend of God,’ set us a worthy example. His was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his altar, calling all within his encampment to the morning and evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar remained. In following years, there were those among the roving Canaanites who received instruction from Abraham; and whenever one of these came to that altar, he knew who had been there before him; and when he had pitched his tent, he repaired the altar, and there worshiped the living God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 128

“Himself a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner’s behalf. Such a spirit all who approach God should possess. Yet Abraham manifested the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. He came close to the heavenly Messenger, and fervently urged his petition. …

“Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham’s prayer. While he loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner. All around us are souls going down to ruin as hopeless, as terrible, as that which befell Sodom. Every day the probation of some is closing.” Ibid., 139, 140

Thursday

5 RIGHT AND WRONG IDEAS ABOUT WORSHIP

5.a. How was Satan able to deceive many with the thought that the blood of bulls and goats was actually sufficient to take away their sins? Isaiah 1:11

5.b.      What does God say about any religion that degenerates into a round of formalities? Isaiah 1:15; Proverbs 28:9

Note: “If Satan sees that the Lord is blessing His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work with his masterly power to bring in fanaticism on the one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 19

5.c. What is God’s real requirement? Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 1:16–18; 55:6, 7

Note: “That which is called praying morning and evening, according to custom, is not always fervent and effectual. It is with many a sleepy, dull, and heartless repetition of words, and does not reach the ear of the Lord. God does not need or require your ceremonial compliments, but He will respect the broken heart, the confession of sins, the contrition of the soul. The cry of the humble, broken heart He will not despise. …

“We must have such love for Jesus that we will consider it a privilege to suffer and even die for His sake. We may tell the Lord all our trials, tell Him all our weaknesses, tell Him all our dependence upon His might and His power. This is true prayer. If ever there was a time when the Spirit of grace and supplication was needed to be poured out upon us, God Himself inditing our prayers, it is now.” In Heavenly Places, 87

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why were sacrificial offerings required as soon as sin entered the world?

2    What was the main difference between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings?

3    Explain how Cain and Abel represent two classes of worshipers.

4    How was the hope of salvation kept alive in the time of the patriarchs?

5    What are some important aspects in the practice of true religion?

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

Recipe – Roasted Vegetable Dip/Spread

Ready for Hot? Here It Comes.

The jalapeño, one of the most favored varieties of warm peppers, has been used for centuries as a key ingredient to flavor a spectrum of culinary delights. It is a member of the nightshade family Solanaceae, and closely related to paprika, bell peppers, and cayenne peppers. The name “jalapeño” is derived from the Spanish word Xalapa, a provincial capital in the city of Veracruz, Mexico, where early settlers cultivated the crop. Later, it was introduced to the rest of the world through Spanish explorers, and today, these hot peppers are widely grown across the globe.

Jalapeños are commonly consumed when green, but occasionally, they are allowed to completely ripen until turning red, yellow, or orange. These small, fiery peppers provide more than a zest of flavor to chili, tacos, pizza, hummus, salads, breads, and many more delicacies. They also are teeming with health benefits.

Low in calories, the jalapeño abounds with nutrients including vitamins A, C, and B6, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Sources: netmeds.com/health-library/post/jalapeno-health-benefits-nutrition-recipes-and-side-effects; Top 5 Health Benefits of Jalapeño

Top five Benefits of Jalapeños
Contains capsicum, which is effective in killing over 40 types of cancer without harming normal cells.
Regulates blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart attack.
Prevents strep throat through its strong antibacterial activities.
Aids in weight loss.
Soothes migraine headaches and provides incredible pain relief.

Recipe – Roasted Vegetable Dip/Spread

Ingredients

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, roughly chopped

1 large eggplant, peeled, cut into chunks

1 medium tomato, chopped, or 14 cherry tomatoes

7-8 cloves garlic, peel intact

1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded, chopped

1 ¼ tsp. sea salt, divided

3 Tbs. avocado oil, or less

3 Tbs. tahini

1 Tbs. lemon juice, or to taste

½ tsp. ground cumin

¼ cup parsley, finely chopped

Process

Place all vegetables into a bowl. Add 1 tsp. salt and oil; mix well. Transfer to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375-400°F for about 40 minutes or until vegetables are roasted. Remove from oven and let cool. Remove garlic peel and transfer all to a food processor. Add tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and ¼ tsp. salt; process to preferred consistency. Spoon into a bowl, add parsley and mix. Chill for 1-2 hours. Serve as a delicious dip with carrot and celery sticks, and pita bread, or use as a sandwich spread.

Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Hebrews 2:14–18

We want to learn the answers to three questions found in these scriptures.

  1. Who are the children?
  2. What did Jesus mean when He said we would not have eternal life unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood?
  3. What enabled Jesus to experience suffering while being tempted?

Who are the Children?

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of One, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Verses 9–11

Human beings who have the same father are called brothers. Paul is very specific that those Jesus has sanctified and given His character are the children of His Father, adopted into the family of God. He calls them His brethren because He and they now have the same Father. That is why Paul describes them as being “all of One.”

However, there is a restriction regarding those whom Jesus calls His brothers. Just before He went into the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for those whom His Father had given Him saying, “I pray for them. I pray not for the world but for them whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” John 17:9. Not for the world, but for those whom God had given to Him—two completely different groups of people. If you miss that point or misunderstand this vital truth, then you will fall prey to Satan’s constant efforts to misrepresent the character of God. (See The Great Controversy, 568.) You also will not understand the true nature of sin nor the real issues of the great controversy. Paul assures us that Jesus tasted death for every man, but only those He has sanctified—reproduced in them His own character—will He call His brethren, and bring to glory.

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Verse 14. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Verse 17

“The truths of the Bible, received, will uplift the mind from its earthliness and debasement. If the word of God were appreciated as it should be, both young and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 319. This is the result of sanctification. But what is this rectitude that Mrs. White speaks of?

“Rectitude of mind is the disposition to act in conformity to any known standard of right, truth, or justice. Rectitude of conduct is the actual conformity to such a standard.” Webster’s Dictionary 1828. Inward rectitude is the disposition or natural tendency to do what is right.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, 668. This rectitude is a hatred for sin. Thus if I do not understand what sin is, and if it is not hateful to me, then I am not sanctified.

The very essence of the gospel is forgiveness of sin, but it also involves restoration. “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. … By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple.” Ibid., 391

“The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence.” The Great Controversy, 555

By beholding Jesus, studying His life, and relying solely upon Him, “the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 395

“Christ became a man that He might mediate between man and God. He clothed His divinity with humanity, He associated with the human race, that with His human arm He might encircle humanity, and with His divine arm grasp the throne of Divinity. And this humiliation on His part was that He might restore to man the original mind, the image of God … .” The Signs of the Times, October 14, 1897

Let us consider for a moment this love that would condescend to leave glory and come to this world as one of us. “Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. … The excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God.” Gospel Workers (1892), 311, 312

Christ prayed for those whom His Father had given Him. He gave them His word and promised them His Holy Spirit. Why? Because

  1. it would destroy the natural, carnal nature;
  2. it would impart strength and inward rectitude (the disposition of the mind);
  3. it would reproduce the image, the character of God in His disciples by imparting to the heart the divine similitude;
  4. it would implant divine love in the heart, the principle that empowers the sinner to overcome sin;
  5. it would impart new life, spiritual life in Christ. “God is love, and love is light.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 258

Genuine sanctification is, “nothing less than a daily dying to self, and daily conformity to the will of God.” The Signs of the Times, September 12, 1878

Paul was in constant conflict with self. He said, “I die daily.” His own will and desires conflicted with duty and the will of God every day (Romans 7:18), but instead of following his own inclinations, he strove to do the will of God (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).

“The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience. …

“The will is … the power of decision, or choice.

“Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. … Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil.” Child Guidance, 209

“The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man—the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. …

“Your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure, but to the utter ruin and misery of man.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 685

We must understand just how hopelessly helpless we are to make any decided change in our hearts, but God has guaranteed us the power of choice. And when we choose to give our wills to Christ, He will then perform an act of restoration.

“Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence …, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose.” Steps to Christ, 47

But we must be cautious for many Christians have been snared in a terrible trap. “Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose.” Ibid., 47, 48

“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.” The Faith I Live By, 87

We are sanctified through the truth and by the Holy Spirit. “The law of God is ‘holy, and just, and good,’ a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. … The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.” The Great Controversy, 469

“The only correct standard of sanctification is the law of God.” The Review and Herald, December 1, 1895

Our thoughts and feelings combined make up our moral character (Testimonies, Vol. 5, 310). So we have to ask ourselves, “Are my mind, my thoughts, my feelings, my words, my actions all in harmony with the law of God?” If not, don’t be discouraged. We can be sanctified if we surrender our wills to Him who has promised to sanctify us.

“God sent His Son into the world … to make known in His life and character the attributes of the Father, that men might bear the image of the invisible God. He was the embodiment of the law of God … .” The Signs of the Times, November 15, 1899

“We have only one perfect photograph of God, and this is Jesus Christ.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 906

God’s law is the standard of sanctification; not just the law of God as it was written in tables of stone, but the law of God as exemplified in the humanity of Christ.

There is no such thing as instant sanctification. Justification may happen in an instant, but “There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctification. True sanctification is a daily work. … Continuing as long as life shall last.” The Faith I Live By, 116

“True sanctification is progressive. … [improving] every privilege and opportunity to gain more knowledge of the life and character of Christ.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 1, 1886

“But this work cannot go on in the heart while the light on any part of the truth is rejected or neglected.” The Review and Herald, June 17, 1890

“The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 223

Sadly, seeking for sanctification is not a popular subject because if religion requires too much, people today, even those who call themselves Christians, want a smooth and easy path to heaven. The formation of a noble character requires surrender, diligent and persevering effort, and is a lifelong struggle against self. We will never be sanctified if Satan is allowed to reign in our lives. “God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them.” Ibid.

“The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God and being clothed with humility, possessing that love that is pure, peaceable, and easy to be entreated, full of gentleness and good fruits, is not an easy attainment. And yet it is his privilege and his duty to be a perfect overcomer here. The soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in knowledge and true holiness.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 106, 107

If I believe in Jesus, deny Satan’s influence in my life, if I daily die to self (1 Corinthians 15:31) and abide in Him, growing in grace, and progressing in sanctification, then Jesus will implant in my heart the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is then that He can and will call me His brother for He sees what the finished product will be.

“Christ is coming to establish His kingdom in the earth. Let our tongues be sanctified, and used to glorify Him. As a people we need to be reconverted, and our lives sanctified to declare the truth as it is in Jesus.” The New York Indicator (1900), June 12, 1907

Christ is coming to establish His kingdom—His robe of righteousness implanted in the hearts of all His children, making them spotless and unblemished. “When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne that self-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. The work of sanctification is carried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after Christ is created in righteousness and true holiness.” The Review and Herald, September 11, 1900

Thus the new man becomes the seed of Abraham.

What did Jesus mean when He said that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood?

“In giving us the privilege of studying His word, the Lord has set before us a rich banquet. Many are the benefits derived from feasting on His word, which is represented by Him as His flesh and blood, His spirit and life. By partaking of this word, our spiritual strength is increased; we grow in grace and in a knowledge of the truth.” Child Guidance, 505, 506

When Jesus said a person must eat His flesh and drink His blood or he would lose out on eternal life, He had a specific message in mind. The term flesh and blood, especially in the New Testament, has both a spiritual and a literal physical meaning.

“All believers who pass through a natural death, have, through eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, eternal life in them, which is the life of Jesus Christ. In dying, Jesus has made it impossible for those who believe on Him to die eternally. …” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 926

“For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:19. Jesus sanctified Himself that we might be sanctified. He partook of the same flesh and blood we have. He learned from His parents just as we do.

“The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother’s knee. …

“Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God’s word. …

“From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth.

“Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 70

Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

“Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God.” The Acts of the Apostles, 51. The crucifixion of self, of the old man, is the entire surrender of the will to God.

“It is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.” Ibid.

“Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 556

“Holiness is constant agreement with God.” In Heavenly Places, 33

If God and I do not agree, who do you think should change their mind? (W. D. Frazee)

How was Jesus able to experience suffering while being tempted?

“He [Jesus] began life, passed through its experiences, and ended its record, with a sanctified human will.” The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1894

You and I are not born with a sanctified human will, and it is necessary for us to daily die to self so that our will can be sanctified. When Jesus became a man, He voluntarily laid aside the outward manifestation of His divinity and condescended to take the humiliating form of deteriorated, mortal humanity. This was just the beginning of a far greater dying to self than you and I will ever be required to undergo.

“The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God. This is to be our study. Christ was a real man; He gave proof of His humility in becoming a man. Yet He was God in the flesh.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 244

“Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin.” The Desire of Ages, 49

“He was not only made flesh, but He was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. His divine attributes were withheld from relieving His soul anguish or His bodily pains.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1124. In this humiliating, external condition, He still possessed the omnipotent powers of His divinity; He was still God.

When Satan said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3), He could have commanded it, and instantly the stones would have become bread. But He had agreed with His Father that He would not use the powers of His divinity for His own benefit; He would come and live in this world only as a man. These statements reveal that Christ was born in the likeness or physical form of sinful flesh, but He was still God. This was Jesus’ greatest temptation, not using His divine power to outwardly prove who He was. You and I will never experience this, and we cannot understand it.

“It was a difficult task for the Prince of Life to carry out the plan which He had undertaken for the salvation of man, in clothing His divinity with humanity. He had received honor in the heavenly courts, and was familiar with absolute power. It was as difficult for Him to keep the level of humanity as it is for men to rise above the low level of their depraved natures, and be partakers of the divine nature.” The Review and Herald, April 1, 1875

Read that again, “It was as difficult for Him to keep the level of humanity as it is for us with our depraved natures to be partakers of the divine nature.” It was as difficult for Him to be like us, as it is for us to be like Him.

Man can only resist temptation when his humanity is united with divinity. That is the example that Christ gave us. His humanity was united with divinity. It is only when, by faith, we unite our humanity with the divine nature of Christ that we are able to resist the efforts of the enemy of man to lead us astray.

“Christ was put to the closest test, requiring the strength of all his faculties to resist the inclination when in danger, to use His power to deliver Himself from peril and triumph over the power of the prince of darkness.” Ibid.

Jesus fought this temptation constantly His whole life; He suffered with temptations to a degree that man cannot comprehend so that you and I could be saved. His greatest tests were in the wilderness of temptation and in Gethsemane.

In Gethsemane, Jesus could have stood up, wiped the blood from His brow and left man to his own devices and ultimate death. Again and again, Satan attempted to cause Him to walk away from the plan of redemption and let man suffer his own fate.

On the cross, they jeered, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” And Jesus could have done that. But had He come down, you and I would have been lost.

He could have used His divine power at any time and instantly triumphed over the devil. But every day of His life He died to that inclination. Jesus is our example in sanctification.

His sanctified will was unperverted by selfishness, unlike the natural, selfish nature that we possess. Every day, partaking of the physical flesh and blood of man, growing in stature and intelligence, He also constantly grew in spiritual grace and the knowledge of the truth. As we surrender our will to Him, consume His spiritual flesh and blood, and receive His righteousness, we become partakers of His righteous and holy nature, and become, by adoption, His brethren, sons and daughters of God.

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Health – Wonderful Water

A continuous supply of water is needed for all living things. Man can live up to six weeks without food, but only several days without water. In fact, approximately 70% of our body weight is from water. Water is needed by every cell in the body, in every chemical interchange, in each activity carried on by the cells in the body, and is critical for optimum health. There has been so much said about the importance of water that it seems that more should not have to be said. Nevertheless, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

A common generalization is that we need to drink at least 6-8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day. A better indication of need is obtained by dividing your weight by 2 to yield the number of ounces of water you should drink daily. However, thirst is not an accurate indicator of need. We require at least 1/3 more water than our thirst indicates. It is an emergency feature designed to prevent us from becoming severely dehydrated. So by the time we feel thirsty we are already at least two or more glasses low on water. Also, the thirst signal shuts off before you have had the amount you really need.

Developing a habit of drinking water by establishing a daily routine can help us to keep the body sufficiently hydrated. For example: two glasses upon rising in the morning, two glasses throughout the rest of the morning and two to four glasses throughout the afternoon and early evening. You should avoid drinking 30 minutes before a meal and for 1-2 hours after a meal. Drinking just before, during, or right after a meal dilutes the digestive juices and slows and interferes with digestion.

Scanty and highly-colored urine is evidence that the tissues are in need of water. Urine should be clear and almost colorless. Dryness of the skin often testifies to the same need.

Water is critical for every organ in every system of the body

Brain and nervous system—A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, brain fog, and fatigue. Water is also critical not only in the manufacture of our “brain chemicals” but also in the movement of these chemicals and in the movement of messages between nerve cells within the brain and body. A 20% loss of body water usually means death, although that figure is smaller for infants, toddlers, and the elderly.

Respiratory system—Adequate water is very important in the movement of air in and out of the lungs and for the removal of dust and pollens. Adequate water helps the tiny lung sacs remain open and helps lubricate the entire breathing surface.

Waste removal organs—The skin, liver, kidney, colon, and lungs all require adequate water to properly remove the wastes and toxins from our body. Without water to aid these waste-removal organs, the body would become a cesspool and death would result.

Cardiovascular system—This entire system is dependent on adequate water. Water is involved in making blood cells, transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and for the transport of wastes to the organs of removal for detoxification of the body. It is vital in the proper functioning of each cell that makes up the muscles and tissues necessary for the pumping and transport of all things necessary for life.

Digestive system—Water is needed to make saliva which helps to properly break down the food we chew. It is critical in the manufacture and transport of all of the enzymes that help digest food in the stomach and intestines.

Musculoskeletal—Water is crucial in the movement, repair, manufacture of new cells, and detoxification of our muscles and bones. It aids in strong coordinated functioning of this system and is critical in the lubrication of our joints. Without adequate water, muscles feel weak and fatigued and joints ache with movement.

Endocrine System—The human body can function well and smoothly with its endocrine system making the hormones that control body functions. These hormones are responsible for growth and development, utilization of glucose for energy, healthy weight, good metabolism of food, sexual development, pregnancy and sexual functioning, and for mood and proper sleep. Without water these hormones can’t be made and transported properly.

Chronic dehydration exacerbates, or is a contributing factor in, many serious diseases and annoying discomforts. This includes, but is not limited to, kidney stones, asthma, renal dysfunction, endocrine system and adrenal fatigue, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, digestive difficulties, gall stones, migraines, constipation, and joint and lower back pain.

Not only is water necessary internally, but it can also play a vital role when used externally. Therapeutic use of hot or cold water, steam, and ice has been known for centuries to effectively aid the health of the body. Showering and bathing remove the toxins from our skin. Without this, they would just be reabsorbed into the body, creating added stress on the organs and even causing illness. Water can also be used externally for many other things.

Hot and cold can be alternated to improve circulation and our ability to fight infection.

A hot foot bath can relieve many headaches.

It can be used to help relieve inflammation and infection at a specific point of injury or illness.

The congestion and discomfort from sinus infections and colds can be eased or relieved by hot and cold compresses to the problem areas.

It is effective in bringing down an elevated fever.

It can stimulate you and wake you up first thing in the morning.

It can calm you when anxious.

Water is without a doubt necessary for our health, even our very life. Is it any wonder that Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37

Sources: Plain Talk about Drinking Water-Answers to 101 Important Questions about the Water You Drink by Dr. James M. Symons; Don’t Drink the Water, by Lono Kahuna Kupua A’; Intuitive Eating, Humbart “Smokey” Santillo, N.D., Ph.D.; Herbal Home Health Care, Dr. John R. Christopher; Healthy Healing, Linda G. Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Nature – The Eyes Have It

Have you ever really considered how the eye works?

According to the National Eye Institute, light passes through the cornea and is bent to help the eye focus. Some of this light then enters through the pupil. The iris controls how much of the light is let in, and that light passes through the lens. The lens works together with the cornea to focus light correctly on the retina. And finally, when the light hits the retina, photoreceptors turn it into electrical signals. These signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain, and the brain turns the signals into an image. And all this happens instantaneously and continuously. Whew! Did you get all that? Source: nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/how-eyes-work

Of course, in nature, we find all kinds of eyes, each of which works in ways specific to the creature they dwell in. Let’s look at a few examples.

The eyes of a prairie dog are positioned on the side of its head. This appears to provide it with the ability to focus in a wide arc. The lenses of their eyes are also tinted amber, like having built-in sunglasses.

Good eyesight is essential for a bird’s safe flight. Birds have the largest eyes relative to their size, but have limited movement in the bony eye sockets. Eyes located on the sides of the head have a wide field of view while the eyes located on the front of the head provide binocular vision. Birds of prey have high-density receptors to maximize visual acuity. The placement of their eyes gives them good binocular vision enabling accurate judgment of distances. Nocturnal birds have tubular eyes, with less color detectors, but high-density rod cells that function better in poor light.

Birds’ eyes are protected by two eyelids, and a third transparent, movable membrane. The eyelids are not used for blinking. The third membrane (nictitating membrane) lubricates the eye as it passes side to side across it, much like a windshield wiper. This membrane also covers the eye in many aquatic birds when they are under water. When sleeping, the lower eyelid rises to cover the eye in most birds, but the horned owl is an exception. Its upper eyelid closes down to meet the lower eyelid.

Hippopotamus eyes, along with the ears and nostrils, are placed high on the roof of their skulls so they can submerge and still see above water, but when they swim underwater, nictitating membranes cover the eyes.

Most spiders can have eight, though some have six, eyes, each a single lens above the retina rather than multiple units like the fly or other insects. The specific arrangement and structure of the eyes is one of the features used to identify and classify the different species and genus. Most spiders’ eyes detect little more than brightness and motion, playing a pretty minor role in spider behavior. Species such as jumping spiders or wolf spiders have more developed eyes and can even perceive color.

But Did You Know? Cave spiders have no eyes at all.

One of the defining features of the common house fly is its compound eyes. Their eyes can often be so large that they take almost all the space on their head. These compound eyes comprise an array of tiny sensors—ommatidia—around 3,500 of them. The ommatidia are many tiny lenses all bunched together in a globular shape to form the eye. The large, round shape gives the fly almost a 360-degree view of its surroundings. It contains a corneal lens to focus light and pigments that sense color. The fly eye has the ability to process images at a speed more than six times faster than the human eye. That probably explains why they get away so often when we try to swat them. However, their ability to focus as clearly as the human eye has been sacrificed in order to have such big eyes. They also have excellent peripheral vision, few blind spots, and a better range of focus. And flies can actually see in slow motion. This ability has inspired scientists and engineers to develop cameras that mimic the eye of the fly in the creation of surveillance systems that can act just like the proverbial fly on the wall.

Human eyes, when working together, have a field of view approximately 200 degrees wide and 135 degrees tall, and when they work together correctly, they give you depth perception and 3D vision, as well as color vision.

Sight and vision, terms often used interchangeably, are not necessarily the same thing. Sight is what the eyes do and vision is the process that starts with sight and ends with the brain’s interpretation of what the eyes have seen in a way that it can use and understand. The human eye is one of the most important organs in the body.

The Bible talks about the eyes, too.

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.” Proverbs 4:25

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalm 19:8

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?” Psalm 121:1

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 21:4, first part

Yes, we need only to look at the eye, in whatever creature we see, to be assured of the truth in David’s declaration, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

Sources: desertusa.com/animals/prairie-dogs; Wikipedia.org/Bird_vision; Wikipedia.org/Hippopotamus; Wikipedia.org/Spider_vision; grunge.com/801094/this-is-what-the-compound-eye-of-a-fly-actually-sees; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21823-eyes; informationparlour.com/article-health-eye-defects-and-corrections-humans#

He Knew, and Still

Christ knew that the time had come for Him to depart out of the world, and go to His Father. And having loved His own that were in the world, He loved them unto the end. He was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of His betrayal. He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew the ingratitude and cruelty of those He had come to save. He knew how great the sacrifice that He must make, and for how many it would be in vain. Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. But He looked upon the twelve, who had been with Him as His own, and who, after His shame and sorrow and painful usage were over, would be left to struggle in the world. His thoughts of what He Himself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples. He did not think of Himself. His care for them was uppermost in His mind.” The Desire of Ages, 643

  • He knew
  • He would be betrayed
  • He would be deserted
  • He would be humiliated and shamed
  • He would be treated with ingratitude and cruelty
  • He would be rejected
  • The Pharisees and Sadducees were plotting His death
  • The sacrifice He was making would, for some, be in vain
  • He must bear the weight of the grief of ages alone
  • The terrible effects of transgressing God’s law
  • He would be separated from His Father
  • The time had come that Satan’s power over the world should be contested

“The Son of God, heaven’s glorious Commander, was touched with pity for the fallen race. His heart was moved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost world rose up before Him. But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the universe, there was but One who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law, and bring him again into harmony with heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and the Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.

“By His death, Christ would ransom many, and would destroy him who had the power of death.” The Signs of the Times, November 4, 1908

Thank You, Jesus. You knew the personal cost and still You died to be our Saviour, rose from the grave to give us hope, and returned to heaven to be our Mediator.

Story – The Wrong Way

Lisa could hardly wait. It seemed like school would never end. The last day before summer vacation always seemed like such a long day, but at last it was over, and as she hurried home from school her eyes were sparkling with excitement.

Summer vacation always meant a trip to the cottage for Lisa and her family, and this year would be no exception. Mother had been working hard all week washing, ironing, and packing for her large family, and tomorrow they would leave on the long drive to their cottage by the lake.

Lisa’s father and mother loved the Lord Jesus, and they often told their children of the love of God in sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to shed His blood for their sins. They also frequently showed their love for Jesus by the kind things they did for others.

This year they had thoughtfully invited Aunt Ellen to go along with them to their cottage. Aunt Ellen had a married daughter who lived near their cottage, and they knew she would enjoy a visit with her daughter. So although Lisa’s family was large, they decided they could make room for one more in their van.

Very early the next morning the van loaded with the family plus Aunt Ellen started out on the long drive. At first everyone was excited, but as hour after hour went by, the children and their parents became drowsy in the warm van. It was then that Aunt Ellen saw a way she could be helpful.

“Let me drive for a while,” she suggested, “while you get some sleep. Then when you’ve had a nap you can drive again.”

They pulled the van over to the side of the road and changed drivers, and soon they were on their way again. Aunt Ellen was a good driver, so it wasn’t long before Lisa’s parents were sound asleep.

Aunt Ellen smiled as she drove along. She was looking forward to seeing her daughter and son-in-law, and she was thankful to have the chance to help out a bit by driving.

Suddenly she frowned. The road signs showed that she would have to make a decision in a mile or two as to which highway she should take, and she just wasn’t sure which was the right road. She glanced at Lisa’s parents; they were both sound asleep. She’d rather not waken them. So she chose what she thought was the right road, and kept on driving.

God tells us in His word, the Bible, that “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. He also tells us in John 14:6, “Jesus saith … I am the way.” The way to what? The way to heaven. Aunt Ellen needed to know the way to the cottage, but even more importantly, we need to know the way to heaven.

Aunt Ellen kept on driving, glancing anxiously at the highway signs and hoping they were on the right road. On and on she went.

Finally Lisa’s daddy yawned, stretched and said, “Thanks, Ellen. That sleep felt good. Now I’m ready to drive again. By the way, just where are we?”

“I’m not sure,” she replied. “I think we’re on the right road, but I’m not positive.”

A quick check of the road map showed that not only were they on the wrong road, but they had gone miles and miles in the wrong direction. Now they would have to spend more hours getting back to the right road, and it would be late evening before they would reach the cottage. Poor Aunt Ellen. She had tried to be helpful, but she had delayed everyone by taking the wrong road.

Boys and girls, are you sure you are on the right road to heaven? Maybe you’ve been given the wrong directions. Have you been told to “Be good,” or “Do good,” or “Go to church” to get to heaven? Those roads will never lead you to heaven.

Perhaps you think you know the right way and are trying with no map and no guide to get to heaven on your own. If so, you will only end up like Lisa’s family—on the wrong road.

The Bible, tells us there is only one way to heaven, and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He said “I am the way,” and His death on the cross and His blood shed there make the way to heaven open to all of us who will accept Him. Will you accept Him and ask forgiveness for your sins today? Then you will know for sure that you are on your way to heaven.

WholesomeWords.org from Messages of God’s Love published by Bible Truth Publishers.