The Book of Revelation
December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Key Text
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7
Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 722–733; The Acts of the Apostles, 25–28
Introduction
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 133
Sunday
1 IN THE BEGINNING
1.a. After creating man, how did God communicate with him? Genesis 1:28, first part; 3:9 In what special sense can this kindle hope in our hearts? Matthew 5:8
Note: “The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during the time He apportions them in this world. And they will also see Him face to face in the future, immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden. ‘Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.’ 1 Corinthians 13:12.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 27
1.b. What privilege was extended to Moses? Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:6–8; Deuteronomy 34:10
Note: “It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man’s Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come to our world in human flesh; and some of them talked with Christ and heavenly angels face to face.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 366
Monday
2 DURING THE OLD DISPENSATION
2.a. What were the prophets called in old times, and why? 1 Samuel 9:9; Numbers 12:6; 24:16. Describe the important scene they beheld. Numbers 24:17
Note: “To Christ ‘give all the prophets witness.’ Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.” The Desire of Ages, 211, 212
2.b. What are some of the various deeds performed by God’s prophets, and how are we all to benefit from their work? Hosea 12:13; Amos 3:7; 2 Chronicles 20:20
Note: “This is a time when every soul needs to cling earnestly to God. Those whom the Lord is leading to do His last work in the earth are to stand as Micah and Zephaniah and Zechariah stood in their day, to call to repentance and good works. The writings of these prophets contain warnings and instruction applicable to this time, and should receive our careful study. They should teach us to shun every phase of evil that made such warnings essential to the people of the past. Let every soul arouse and make diligent examination of self, that everything that would separate the people of God from righteousness may be put away. …
“I would say to all our people, Place yourselves in the light, that you may reflect light, and that souls may be led to see the great and soul-saving truths of the word of God. Every believer in Christ should be a laborer together with Him in drawing souls from sin to righteousness. We are to keep in view the life that measures with the life of God. We are to watch for opportunities to bring the truths of the word before those who do not see and understand. Christ is not now with us in person, but through the agency of the Holy Spirit, He is present to impart His power and grace and great salvation.” The Review and Herald, September 16, 1909
Tuesday
3 PROPHETS AFTER OLD TESTAMENT TIMES
3.a. What shows that the prophetic gift continued in New Testament times? Acts 11:27, 28; 13:1; 21:8–11
Note: “During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the sacred canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God.” Lift Him Up, 118
3.b. What are two identifying marks of the true church during the time of the end? Revelation 12:17; 19:10; Malachi 4:5, 6; Joel 2:28, 29
Note: “ ‘And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ This prophecy points out clearly that the remnant church will acknowledge God in His law and will have the prophetic gift. Obedience to the law of God, and the spirit of prophecy has always distinguished the true people of God, and the test is usually given on present manifestations.
“In Jeremiah’s day the people had no question about the message of Moses, Elijah, or Elisha, but they did question and put aside the message sent of God to Jeremiah until its force and power was wasted and there was no remedy but for God to carry them away into captivity. …
“As the third angel’s message arose in the world, which is to reveal the law of God to the church in its fullness and power, the prophetic gift was also immediately restored. This gift has acted a very prominent part in the development and carrying forward of this message.” Loma Linda Messages, 33
Wednesday
4 THE GIFT OF PROPHECY WITHDRAWN
4.a. Why was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which includes the gift of prophecy, withdrawn from the Christian church for a time? Revelation 11:6; Psalm 74:9
Note: “When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of ‘heresy.’ In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.” The Great Controversy, 443
4.b. What conditions can be expected when the gift of prophecy is either not present or not appreciated in the church? Acts 7:51–53; 7:35–39
Note: “The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the world, and those who have had great light and opportunities and have not improved them, will be the first to be left. They have grieved away the Spirit of God. The present activity of Satan in working upon hearts, and upon churches and nations should startle every student of prophecy. The end is near.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 154
“[The] … reasoning will be heard today from worldly-wise men, from the unfaithful watchmen in the pulpits, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming, all things remain as they were from the beginning. You have no need to be alarmed, there is to be a thousand years of temporal millennium before Christ will come. All the world will be converted. Peace, peace; you should pay no regard to these fanatics, who are only alarmists.’ The world generally will despise prophecy and abuse those who speak to them the words of God, rebuking their sins and calling them to repentance.” The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1878
“I know your danger. If you lose confidence in the testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth. I have been fearful that many would take a questioning, doubting position, and in my distress for your souls I would warn you. How many will heed the warning?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 98
Thursday
5 THE PROPHETIC GIFT RESTORED
5.a. Why should we earnestly heed the counsel given by the apostle Peter regarding prophecy? 2 Peter 1:19–21; 3:1–7
Note: “The laws of nature cannot prevent the fulfillment of God’s word. The law is never greater than the Lawgiver, nor are the things created greater than the Creator. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man. As men are warned of impending judgment, thousands will say, it cannot be. They will despise the truth, make light of prophecy, and deride the teacher of righteousness. One will turn aside to his farm, another to his merchandise, and care for none of these things.” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1887
“Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 136
5.b. In view of the nearness of the end of time, what are we admonished to do? 1 Thessalonians 5:20; Revelation 22:7
Note: “The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message.” Evangelism, 195
Friday
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1 How can we be sure to retain the gift of prophecy?
2 What acts were performed by the Old Testament prophets?
3 How were prophets used in the early Christian church?
4 Why was the gift of prophecy withdrawn?
5 What deserves our special attention in these last days?
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