April 2-8, 2000
MEMORY VERSE: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19.
STUDY HELP: The Great Controversy, 299–316.
INTRODUCTION: “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. 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. Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour’s prophecy of the events to precede His coming.” Prophets and Kings, 536.
“Enoch Also, The Seventh From Adam, Prophesied”
Who was the first prophet to speak of the Second Coming of Christ? Jude 14.
NOTE: “Enoch was the first prophet among mankind. He foretold by prophecy the Second Coming of Christ to our world, and his work at that time. His life was a specimen of Christian consistency. Holy lips alone should speak forth the words of God in denunciation and judgments. His prophecy is not found in the writings of the Old Testament. We may never find any books which relate to the works of Enoch, but Jude, a prophet of God, mentions the work of Enoch.” Manuscript 43, 1900.
How did Job show his understanding of the closing events of this earth’s history? Job 19:25–27.
NOTE: “The doctrine of the Second Advent is the very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures. The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers. The patriarch Job in the night of his affliction exclaimed with unshaken trust: ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: . . . in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.’” The Faith I Live By, 348.
“Our God Shall Come”
How does the Psalmist describe the Second Coming of Christ? Psalm 50:3–6.
NOTE: See The Great Controversy, 300.
What insights does Isaiah give to the Second Coming of Christ? Isaiah 25:8–10, 66:15–16.
NOTE: See Prophets and Kings, 727–728.
How does Zephaniah describe the Day of the Lord, so far as the wicked are concerned? Zephaniah 1:14–15.
NOTE: See Prophets and Kings, 389.
What contrasting picture does the prophet give of the Day of the Lord for God’s people? Zephaniah 3:17.
NOTE: “All heaven appreciates the struggles of those who are fighting for the crown of everlasting life, that they may be partakers with Christ in the city of God, the very streets of which are pure gold, ‘as it were transparent glass.’ God wants you there, Christ wants you there, the heavenly host wants you there. The angels are willing to stand in the outer circle, and let those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus stand in the inner circle. Do you realize your value in the sight of God?” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 114. (See also Testimonies, vol. 6, 63.)
“The Lord Himself Shall Descend”
How does Paul describe the Second Coming of Christ? Titus 2:13.
NOTE: “We are pilgrims and strangers who are waiting, hoping, and praying for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. If we believe this and bring it into our practical life, what vigorous action would this faith and hope inspire; what fervent love one for another; what careful holy living for the glory of God; and in our respect for the recompense of the reward, what distinct lines of demarcation would be evidenced between us and the world.” Manuscript 39, 1893.
How does Paul picture the fate of the unrighteous? 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8.
NOTE: See Patriarchs and Prophets, 339.
“The Dead in Christ Shall Rise”
What comfort does Paul give to those who mourn the death of loved ones? 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18.
NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 258.
How does Paul describe the transformation that will take place when Christ returns? Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:51–54.
NOTE: “Those who believe the important truths that we profess, should act out their faith. There is too much seeking after amusements and things to take the attention in this world; the mind is left to run too much upon dress, and the tongue is engaged too often in light and trifling conversation, which gives the lie to our profession, for our conversation is not in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour.” Early Writings, 111.
“Be Patient Therefore”
What counsel does James give to those awaiting the Second Coming of Christ? James 5:7–8.
NOTE: “It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness….Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. ‘Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.’” Christian Experience and Teachings, 236.
What consolation does Peter reveal for those whose faith is being tested? 1 Peter 1:7.
NOTE: “The apostle’s words were written for the instruction of believers in every age, and they have a special significance for those who live at the time when ‘the end of all things is at hand.’” His exhortations and warnings, and his words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul who would maintain his faith ‘steadfast unto the end.’ Hebrews 3:14.” Acts of the Apostles, 518.