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Must I Be Crucified?

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Natural Tendency – Man’s inherited natural tendency to and desire for doing wrong; a condition that is forever who we are without Divine intervention and transformation.

Cultivated Tendency – Man’s nurtured, cultivated tendency to wrongdoing, the sin committed that, with repetition, soon becomes habit and precious to us.

Tempted by our natural, sinful nature to sin and enticed to sin by the devil and influenced by the world around us, we must understand our natural, sinful nature because it has everything to do with our eternal destiny.

Paul wrote this interesting statement, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Anatomy of a Crucifixion

One of the most horrible forms of death ever invented by the devil was crucifixion; not actually death, it is a living death. A person can live, hanging on a cross, for days.

The apostle James was crucified, but while on the cross, he preached for two or three days before he died to the people who came to see him die. So, a cross did not mean death right away. Unable to do anything because the person is nailed to it, a crucifixion does not injure any of the vital organs of the body. The heart will still beat. The brain continues to function, as do the liver and kidneys. The nails are strategically placed so that when they are driven into the flesh, major arteries are missed, so there is minimal blood loss. And by pushing up against the cross, your lungs will still inhale and exhale air. Soon enough, however, the legs of the person being crucified are almost always broken so that he can no longer push up, and eventually he would die from a slow, agonizing asphyxiation. This was the fate of the two thieves who died with Christ.

Paul says, I am crucified with Christ so I am no longer alive, it is Christ who lives in me. The consequence of this relationship—my death and His life—is that my natural, sinful self must die, and, by faith in Jesus Christ, I am given the ability to live His life of righteousness in place of my life of selfishness and sinfulness.

Anatomy of Dying and yet Living

Paul’s main point in Galatians 2:20 is that he has died. He no longer lives the life he once lived, driven by his natural, sinful nature. That life was gone, and in its place, Paul accepted Christ as the Ruler of his heart. Paul knew that he could not continue to live as he had been living. His life had to be changed, and this Paul could not do alone.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus was mocked. The people jeered, “Come down and save Yourself. He says He can save us, but He can’t even save Himself.” Little did they know that what they meant as a taunt, Christ could have done. They didn’t believe in Him, that was obvious. They had rejected Him and the gift of salvation He offered by dying on the cross. He could have summoned the entire heavenly host, who waited for just such a moment, to take Him back to heaven, leaving mankind to fend for itself and eventually to destroy itself. This world, all of us living in it, are safe today with the opportunity of salvation still available because Jesus wouldn’t come down from the cross.

Jesus had to die to pay the penalty demanded by sin (Romans 6:23), but it is equally important to understand that He lived His life to show us the only true example of victory in living a righteous life.

Anatomy of Trouble

We, however, want to be in charge, and that, my friend, is when the trouble starts.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, John Harvey Kellogg was a leading Adventist physician. The world’s most famous people of the time came to the Battle Creek Sanitarium to be healed from their diseases by Dr. Kellogg; and what he did was marvelous. He became renowned throughout the world for His work. Sadly, however, it was this worldly fame that caused him to spiritually lose his way.

In 1887, Mrs. White wrote to him, “The Christian’s life is a strangely-mingled scene of sorrows and joys, disappointments and hopes, fears and confidence. There will be much dissatisfaction with self, as he views his own heart so deeply stirred, surged with passion that it seems to bear all before it and then follows remorse and sorrow and repentance followed by peace and deep hidden joys, because he knows as his faith grasps the promises that are revealed in God’s word that he has the forgiving love of a longsuffering Saviour. And that Saviour he seeks to bring into his life, weave into his character.

“It is these revealings, these discoveries of God’s goodness that makes the soul humble and leads it to cry out in gratitude, I live, yet not I, for Christ liveth in me, we have reason to be comforted. Severe outward trials may press around the soul where Jesus lives. Let us turn to Him, for the consolations He has promised for us in His word.

“The nether springs of hope and comfort may appear to fail us, but the upper springs which feed the river of God are full of supply and can never be dried up. God would have you [Kellogg] look away from the cause of your afflictions [mainly coming from leading ministers and leaders in the church] to Him who is the owner of soul, body, and spirit. He is the lover of the soul. He knows the value of the soul. He is the true vine, and we are the branches. We shall have no spiritual nourishment only as we draw it from Jesus who is the true life of the soul.” Battle Creek Letters, 8, 9

There were significant differences between Adventism and Dr. Kellogg’s personal theological beliefs, and these differences caused issues between him and the Adventist church. His book The Living Temple was sharply criticized by Mrs. White because of his pantheistic ideas as stated in the book. By 1907, conflicts between Dr. Kellogg, A. G. Daniells, and others in the church, led to Dr. Kellogg being disfellowshipped, and resulted in a schism in the church. Dr. Kellogg retained control of the Battle Creek Sanitarium and the American Medical Missionary College, while continuing to promote Adventist health ideas at those institutions. (wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Harvey_Kellogg)

The Anatomy of Repetition

Passion comes. Desire is strong. So easily swayed by the desire within to sin and enticed from without by the excitement of the world to sin. But then, recrimination: Why did I do that? Why did I say that? Why did I think that? Why did that happen? I didn’t mean it. Lord, I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I won’t do it again. But even sorrow and repentance mean little if there is no transformation in the life—sin, confess, repent, repeat.

How do we reach the point where we stop this continual up and down experience? How do we submit to the transformation wrought by love?

Jesus said, “ ‘When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So, shall it also be with this wicked generation.” ’ ” Matthew 12:43–45

Jesus is talking in these texts about the man who listened to the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus. He is touched by what he heard and influenced to determinedly remove from his life the evil spirit that had long controlled him. He praised God for His love and grace, and sought to follow Him only, allowing the Holy Spirit to control his life.

As long as the man praises God and surrenders himself to the Holy Spirit, the evil spirit stays away. But one day, the evil spirit came back to check on the man. He finds that he no longer praises God. The Holy Spirit is gone. This man had not entered into a covenant relationship with God even though he has had a lot of religious influence in his life. Sadly, the evil spirit finds the house is empty, and so he comes back, but not alone. The text says that he came back with seven evil spirit friends. Together, they all move in with the man, making the man worse now that he was before.

“We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.” The Desire of Ages, 324

Who Can Help?

There are two supernatural powers seeking for control of the world and all who live in it. As we approach the end of time, this spiritual battle becomes fiercer and more bitter. Spiritual war, for the souls and bodies of men and women is taking place all over the world. This spiritual war is between Christ and Satan—the heavenly host and the host of darkness, the servants of Christ and the servants of Satan. Unless we are connected with divinity, the devil will be in control of us. Moment by moment we must be fully surrendered to Christ or we will be overcome, at the mercy of the enemy and doing his bidding in the end. We are not able to deal with our own fallen, sinful nature alone. We must have divine help.

“All have the same sinful nature. All are liable to make mistakes. No one is perfect. The Lord Jesus died for the erring, that they might be forgiven. It is not our work to condemn … but to save.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 334, 335

“The work of repairing souls broken down through errors, through manifest sin, is the most difficult we can do. Some pet sin has been cultivated which has taken the lines of control, one bad habit has not been vigorously fought and conquered, and oh, how hard [it is] to efface the bruises that soul has sustained.” The Upward Look, 162

Here are represented those who are spiritually sick, having been overtaken by some type of sinful habit that has control of their mind.

“As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.’ ” Romans 3:10, 11

Everyone wants to help someone in need, but they interpret experiences with a filter made up of their own background, training, and life experiences. One of the biggest problems in helping the sick is that few understand the spiritual component of the problems we face. Jesus, the Spirit of Prophecy, the apostles all teach that if some pet sin has taken control of a person’s life, they can never be free unless they are set free by divine power.

A psychologist wants to shape the mind to understand why a man has a sinful habit and what exercises can be used to gain control over it.

A nutritionist wants to plan a diet that will make him healthier in order to fight the habit.

A physical therapist wants to use therapy to make him stronger in the fight against the habit.

A surgeon wants to operate and remove the sinful habit.

An internist wants to use medicine to destroy the habit.

But if we are truly to overcome our sinful nature and besetting sins, there is only One to whom we must turn.

“To the careless, the indifferent, the unconcerned, those standing on the precipice of ruin, Christ says: Open the door of your heart; give Me entrance, and I will make you a child of God. I will transform your weak, sinful nature into the divine image, giving it beauty and perfection.” That I May Know Him, 106

“Our lifework now should be to prepare for eternity. We know not how soon our lifework here may close, and how essential that our low, sinful nature should be overcome, and we conform to the image of Christ.” This Day With God, 117

Is There Any Way Out?

The law of God cannot help us, because we are unable to keep it in our sinful nature. So, is there any way out? Yes, there is. Our low, sinful nature must be overcome. Revelation 2, 3, and 21 repeatedly show us the necessity of overcoming.

Jesus says if we will let Him into our lives, He will change our hearts and minds, transform our sinful nature. “The sinful nature is to be kept under the control of the Spirit of God.” General Conference Daily Bulletin, February 6, 1893

I am stuck. I cannot control my sinful nature. I cannot control my own tongue or my own thoughts. I cannot control my affections, passions, or desires, and the Bible is very clear that it is impossible for me alone to control them. I cannot keep the law of God in my sinful nature except if I am under the control of the Holy Spirit.

“ ‘Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.’ ” John 15:4, 5

“When He [God] gave Jesus to our world, He included all heaven in that one gift. He did not leave us to retain our defects and deformities of character, or to serve Him as best we could in the corruption of our sinful nature. He has made provision that we may be complete in His Son, not having our own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ.” The Review and Herald, March 18, 1902

“He takes away the destructive tendencies of the sinful nature and brings the human agency into His service.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 208

Just Quit or Struggle

There are people in this world who have tremendous willpower when it comes to making changes in their life. A smoker might decide that this is his last cigarette and he will never smoke again. And he is successful. Or the person who decides they just weigh too much and want to lose weight and live a healthy life. They make a diet plan, follow it each day, sticking to it until the desired weight loss has been achieved.

However, another smoker may awaken every day for the rest of his life fighting against that deep desire for just one cigarette, or an obese individual will struggle each day to stay committed to the effort of losing weight and keeping it off. For these individuals, they fight against a besetting sin, the one they just cannot overcome alone.

“God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength [because we cannot win]. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart.” The Ministry of Healing, 176, 177

“The converting power of God can transform inherited and cultivated tendencies; for the religion of Jesus is uplifting.” The Review and Herald, April 13, 1897

The Deplorable Effects of the Original Apostasy

Because of the garment of light, Adam and Eve were enabled to read the message of God in every plant, flower, and leaf. They could understand the wisdom of God in everything in nature. But when they ate the forbidden fruit, that garment of light was removed and they were no longer able to interpret or understand God’s wisdom. Where they had loved and respected one another, they now began to reproach each other. The sacred unity that had existed between Adam and Eve was destroyed.

“The experience of Adam is a constant warning and reproof to us. We are not to turn aside from the word of God under any circumstances; but the Lord compels obedience from no one. He gives the human agent all the help that he requires to be an overcomer, but leaves him free to place himself, with his inherited and cultivated tendencies, under the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit, or to follow his own imaginations which are only evil, and that continually.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, 198

“One of the deplorable effects of the original apostasy was the loss of man’s power to govern his own heart.” Ibid., Vol. 8, 208. Our promises are like ropes of sand (Steps to Christ). A rope of sand doesn’t hold anything. Your promises are like ropes of sand and you find that you can’t control your thoughts, your passions, your affections; you can’t control anything. A person just feels helpless. Inspiration says that was one of the most awful things that happened at the original apostasy. We lost the ability to control our own heart.

God gives us the free will to choose to place our whole being under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit or to follow our own imaginations. Without a connection with God, it is absolutely certain that we will sin.

“Many are inquiring, ‘How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?’ You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. 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 in your own sincerity, 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 to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus, your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

“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 to be Christians.

“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.” Steps to Christ, 47, 48

Few Agree

Paul wrote about our inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil many times (Romans 6, 7, and 9; Galatians 6).

Theologians (Adventists and other churches alike) disagree, argue, debate, and write conflicting articles about mankind’s dilemma regarding his inherited, sinful nature and the sinful traits he cultivates throughout his life. The conclusion? We cannot control ourselves and keep the law of God. The answer? To be under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Still Waiting

Strife and contention throughout Adventism are signs that, as Paul writes, happen when we are still carnal, in the flesh, not walking in the Spirit. We must come to a place where we plead with the Spirit to show us the sins we must overcome, helping us to recognize that we cannot overcome them alone. Our prayer must be one of surrender, asking the Holy Spirit to intervene in our lives.

We talk about probation closing soon, about the time of trouble, about Sunday laws, about Jesus’ coming. We are waiting for the latter rain, but we cannot expect the latter rain to fall until we have received the early rain, and we will not receive the early rain until we are fully surrendered to God and the Holy Spirit holds control of our lives.

We cannot read the heart, but we can look at the fruit. We are in a desperate situation. The early rain has not fallen on those who are still at variance and in contention. We must crucify self and accept Christ living within us.

“The Holy Spirit is to do its work upon mind and character, exerting an influence upon thoughts and actions. If received, cultivated, and appreciated, it will always be reformatory, refining, elevating, and ennobling. He who always aims for entire conformity to God’s will, who does not follow his own natural inclinations, will allow the Holy Spirit to improve and mold and fashion his character upon a plan and model different from his own inherited and cultivated tendencies, changing him to another man.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 23

We have inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil that we cannot change and we cannot with this nature keep the law of God. We cannot keep the law of God unless we are crucified with Christ, and the Holy Spirit comes into our minds and makes us into a different person, transforming our nature. That’s what the early rain of the Holy Spirit is about, the character change that happens in a person when they accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

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

 

He Who Is Not with Me

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“No one but Christ is given us as an example. He is our true Pattern, and each should strive to excel in imitating Him. … We are decided, wholehearted Christians, or none at all. Says Christ: ‘I would thou wert cold or hot.’ ” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 126

“The Lord will have the whole man, or none at all. His favor cannot be purchased with gifts of money. He calls for the gift of the whole heart.” The Upward Look, 73

Christ laid aside His scepter with which He had ruled the universe, He laid aside His royal robe and crown of glory and came to this sin-darkened earth and hid His divinity behind humanity, the likeness of sinful flesh and became poor that we might be made rich with the riches that only He could impart. Having lived a perfect life, He gave up even this.

“To human eyes Christ was only a man, yet He was a perfect man. In His humanity, He was the impersonation of the divine character. God embodied His own attributes in His Son—His power, His wisdom, His goodness, His purity, His truthfulness, His spirituality, and His benevolence. In Him, though human, all perfection of character, all divine excellence, dwelt.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 16, 1897

“Christ’s perfect humanity is the same that man may have through connection with Christ. … He had not taken on Him even the nature of the angels, but humanity, perfectly identical with our own nature, except without the taint of sin. A human body, a human mind, with all the peculiar properties, He was bone, brain, and muscle. A man of our flesh, He was compassed with the weakness of humanity. … He breathed the very air man must breathe. He trod our earth as man. He had reason, conscience, memory, will, and affections of the human soul which was united with His divine nature.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 181, 182

Think this through. After He has made so great a sacrifice to save you and me, can we claim to be His disciples without embarrassment if we have not surrendered our will to Him, acknowledging Him as the only Lord of our lives?

“Why do call Me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Give Glory to Him

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February 22 – 28, 2026

Key Text

“That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 327–330; Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 38–44

Introduction

“By implanting in [the] hearts [of Christ’s followers] the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers. Thus, they are to glorify God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 414

Sunday

1 CALLED TO GLORIFY GOD

1.a. How do we glorify God? Psalm 50:2, 3

 

Note: “There are many who claim that Jesus has cleansed them from the leprosy of sin. But how few continue to offer a tribute of praise, ascribing glory to God! The great gift that God has bestowed upon the world in His only-begotten Son calls for as hearty a response of love and gratitude as that which fell from the lips of the Samaritan who returned to give God glory. When our human friends bestow upon us gifts and favors, we feel an inclination to manifest gratitude and to return gifts and favors to them. But how indifferent and careless, how unappreciative, are the hearts of men of the love of God! How little men seem to think of the blessings that are showered upon them by our kind heavenly Father!” The Signs of the Times, July 2, 1896

1.b. How can we glorify the name of God? Revelation 15:4; Matthew 5:16; John 15:5–8

 

Note: “To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 979

Monday

2 GOD’S GLORY REVEALED

2.a. What should we learn from the way God revealed His glory to Moses? Exodus 33:18–22; 34:6–8

 

Note: “False views of God, and hence of Christ, are largely entertained today. Well may we offer the prayer of Moses, ‘Shew me Thy glory.’ What did the Lord answer?—‘I will make all My goodness pass before thee.’ God might have answered Moses: ‘Why do you ask this question? Have I not revealed to you My glory in the deliverance of My people from Egyptian bondage? Did I not deliver you by the right arm of My power, and lead you dry shod through the midst of the Red Sea? Did I not reveal My glory in giving you bread from heaven? Did I not bring you water out of the flinty rock? Have you not looked upon My glory in the pillar of fire by night, and the cloud by day?’ Moses might have answered that all this only kindled his desire for greater manifestations of God’s power. The Lord granted the prayer of Moses, and He desires to answer us in the same way. We need to have our perceptions quickened, our hearts enlarged, that we may comprehend His glory—His goodness, His forgiveness, His forbearance, His inexpressible love.” The Signs of the Times, October 17, 1892

“The perfection of God’s goodness, His image, His excellency and glory had been revealed to him [Moses]. He saw the suffering, self-denial and self-sacrifice of Him who was one with the Father, to save fallen man. It had been revealed to Moses that the glory enshrouded in the pillar of cloud was the Son of the infinite God, whom the sacrificial offerings typified. In answer to his most earnest pleadings, ‘Show me thy way,’ the future had been opened before him when the type would meet antitype in the death of Christ. He saw mercy and justice blended in harmony and love expressed without a parallel.” Ibid., June 17, 1880

2.b. Following the example of Moses, how can we catch glimpses of the glory of God? 2 Corinthians 4:6

 

Note: “Moses was hid in the cleft of the rock when the glory of the Lord was revealed to him; and it is when we are hid in Christ that we behold the love of God.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 26

“It is sin that darkens our minds and dims our perceptions. As sin is purged from our hearts, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, illuminating His word and reflected from the face of nature, more and more fully will declare Him ‘merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.’

“In His light shall we see light, until mind and heart and soul are transformed into the image of His holiness.” Sons and Daughters of God, 339

Tuesday

3 TRUTH ALLIED TO GOD’S GLORY

3.a. What summarizes that which we are to learn from Christ’s life on earth? John 1:14

 

Note: “The burning bush in which Christ appeared to Moses revealed God. The symbol chosen for the representation of the Deity was a lowly shrub that seemingly had no attractions. This enshrined the Infinite. The all-merciful God shrouded His glory in a most humble type, that Moses could look upon it and live. So, in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, God communicated with Israel, revealing to men His will, and imparting to them His grace. God’s glory was subdued and His majesty veiled, that the weak vision of finite men might behold it. So Christ was to come in ‘the body of our humiliation’ (Philippians 3:21, R. V.), ‘in the likeness of men.’ In the eyes of the world He possessed no beauty that they should desire Him; yet He was the incarnate God, the light of heaven and earth. His glory was veiled, His greatness and majesty were hidden, that He might draw near to sorrowful, tempted men.” The Desire of Ages, 23

“The glory of God is His character. … This character was revealed in the life of Christ. That He might by His own example condemn sin in the flesh, He took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh. Constantly He beheld the character of God; constantly He revealed this character to the world. Christ desires His followers to reveal in their lives this same character.”
That I May Know Him, 131

3.b. Since the truth and the glory of God go together, under what condition, only, can we glorify God? John 8:31, 32; 16:13, first part

 

Note: “The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light.” The Great Controversy, 597

Wednesday

4 A DAILY TRANSFORMATION

4.a What transformation do we experience by beholding Christ continually? 2 Corinthians 3:18

 

Note: “By beholding Christ, by talking of Him, by beholding the loveliness of His character, we become changed. Changed from glory to glory. And what is glory? Character—and he becomes changed from character to character. Thus, we see that there is a work of purification that goes on by beholding Jesus.” Sons and Daughters of God, 337

4.b. What is the revelation of the glory of God to the world? Habakkuk 2:14

 

Note: “When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour. …

“The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity will bring heaven so near to man that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 420

Thursday

5 OUR DUTY BEFORE THE WORLD

5.a. What is our present responsibility, and why? Isaiah 60:1, 2

 

Note: “It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415

5.b. What harvest of souls will then be brought in? John 10:16

 

Note: “Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands or the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.” Prophets and Kings, 188, 189

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. In what sense is God’s glory eclipsed today, and how are we to reveal it?
  2. What can we learn from the result of Moses’ request to see God’s glory?
  3. How did Christ glorify God—and how are we to glorify Christ?
  4. What will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells?
  5. How will the world be enlightened by God’s glory?

Copyright 1997, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Fear God

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February 15 – 21, 2026

Key Text

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Study Help: Early Writings, 56–58; Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 182, 183

Introduction

“You can never enter heaven unless you enjoy the communion of God here below, for this is our fitting-up place for heaven. God should be the object of the soul’s highest reverence, love, and fear.” In Heavenly Places, 161

Sunday

1 APPROACHING OUR MAKER

1.a. What should we realize about God, and how is it to affect our attitude in approaching Him? Psalms 31:19; 89:6, 7

 

Note: “Instead of coming in contrition before God, men come without reverence in the family circle and in the congregation of the people. How many come to the season of prayer full of self-importance, and their prayers sound more as if they thought they must give the Lord information than as if they expected to receive something from His hand. They do not approach God as humble suppliants, realizing that they are dependent upon Him for life and health, for food and clothing, and for every temporal and spiritual blessing.” The Review and Herald, May 28, 1895

1.b. What should we understand about the fear of God? Proverbs 9:10

 

Note: “How few realize how solemn a thing it is to approach the throne of God. Angels bow before that throne with veiled faces, yet men who are stained by sin rush heedlessly into the divine presence. Let us remember that the holy angels approach the throne of God in reverence and holy fear.” The Review and Herald, May 28, 1895

“The Lord would have His people trust in Him and abide in His love, but that does not mean that we shall have no fear or misgivings. Some seem to think that if a man has a wholesome fear of the judgments of God, it is a proof that he is destitute of faith; but this is not so.

“A proper fear of God in believing His threatenings works the peaceable fruits of righteousness by causing the trembling soul to flee to Jesus. Many ought to have this spirit today and turn to the Lord with humble contrition, for the Lord has not given so many terrible threatenings, pronounced so severe judgments in His word, simply to have them recorded, but He means what He says.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1100

Monday

2 GODLY FEAR

2.a. Why are we given special admonition to fear God in these last days? 2 Timothy 3:1–5

 

Note: “The great danger of this age and one which brings much unhappiness to individuals and families is an intense and increasing worldliness. The love and fear of God, reverence for His name, and thoughts of heavenly things, are banished through busy, anxious seeking for the things of the world. God has made His claims known, but men pay no heed to them. Religious principle becomes extinct in the family.” The Review and Herald, February 24, 1885

“Christ’s followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should approach their Maker—with humility and awe through faith in a divine Mediator.” Prophets and Kings, 48

2.b. Describe the type of godly fear which the Lord would have us develop. Philippians 2:12, 13

 

Note: “With the peace and joy of those who thus serve God, there is always seen a godly fear, ‘lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.’ This sanctified fear is entirely proper. It is not a servile, cowardly fear; it is a dread to do anything that Christ will not approve. This fear regulates the Christian experience. Those who feel it sanctify the Lord in their hearts. They regard God with a reverence and love that leads to self-abasement. But their fear is very different from the terror of a slave, who lives in expectation of the lash. This genuine fear leads to firm reliance on God.” The Signs of the Times, September 22, 1898

Tuesday

3 UNGODLY FEAR

3.a. If we do not cultivate godly fear, what type of fear will we eventually experience? Daniel 5:1–6

 

Note: “Hushed was the boisterous mirth, while men and women, seized with nameless terror, watched the hand slowly tracing the mysterious characters. Before them passed, as in panoramic view, the deeds of their evil lives; they seemed to be arraigned before the judgment bar of the eternal God, whose power they had just defied. Where but a few moments before had been hilarity and blasphemous witticism, were pallid faces and cries of fear. When God makes men fear, they cannot hide the intensity of their terror.

“Belshazzar was the most terrified of them all. … [He] had impiously lifted himself up against the God of heaven and had trusted in his own might, not supposing that any would dare say, ‘Why doest thou thus?’ but now he realized that he must render an account of the stewardship entrusted him, and that for his wasted opportunities and his defiant attitude he could offer no excuse.” Prophets and Kings, 524–527

3.b. The destruction of Jerusalem is a symbol of what? Luke 21:25, 26; Matthew 24:3

 

Note: “The Saviour’s prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow. In the fate of the chosen city we may behold the doom of a world that has rejected God’s mercy and trampled upon His law. … The records of the past—the long procession of tumults, conflicts, and revolutions, the ‘battle of the warrior … with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood’ (Isaiah 9:5)—what are these, in contrast with the terrors of that day when the restraining Spirit of God shall be wholly withdrawn from the wicked, no longer to hold in check the outburst of human passion and satanic wrath! The world will then behold, as never before, the results of Satan’s rule.” The Great Controversy, 36, 37

Wednesday

4 PREPARING FOR FUTURE PROTECTION

4.a. What is the experience of those who fear the Lord and how does the Lord respond? Malachi 3:16, 17

 

Note: “Do not gratify the enemy by dwelling upon the dark side of your experience; trust Jesus more fully for help to resist temptation. If we thought and talked more of Jesus and less of ourselves, we should have much more of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace, faith, and courage, and shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we come to meeting, that others will be refreshed by our clear, strong testimony for God. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power which works for the salvation of souls.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1183

4.b. What does God say brings peace? Isaiah 48:18. Where will we find refuge? Isaiah 26:20, 21; 33:16

 

Note: “The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them or in the field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us.” Early Writings, 56

“The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish.” The Great Controversy, 629

“ ‘Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.’ What are the chambers in which they are to hide?—They are the protection of Christ and holy angels. The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth; and they will be tried singly, not in groups. Everyone must stand the test for himself.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1143

Thursday

5 OUR ONLY HOPE

5. Where can our hope be confidently placed in any circumstance, and what assurances are given to those who do put their entire trust in the Lord? Psalm 46:1, 2; 91:1–10

 

Note: “Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children.” Steps to Christ, 100

“In the ninety-first psalm is a most wonderful description of the coming of the Lord to bring the wickedness of the wicked to an end, and to give to those who have chosen Him as their Redeemer the assurance of His love and protecting care. …”

“In the time when God’s judgments are falling without mercy, oh, how enviable to the wicked will be the position of those who abide ‘in the secret place of the Most High’—the pavilion in which the Lord hides all who have loved Him and have obeyed His commandments!” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 3, 1150

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. What characteristic is essential for us to develop and why?
  2. How can we best describe “godly fear”?
  3. What causes “ungodly fear” and how can it be avoided?
  4. What are the special chambers in which God’s people can hide?
  5. How will the faithful be comforted in the time of God’s destructive judgments?

Copyright 1997, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Everlasting Gospel

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February 8 – 14, 2026

Key Text

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 263, 264, 379; Selected Messages, Book 2, 104–106

Introduction

“The gospel is the revelation of God’s love to men and means everything that is essential to the happiness and well-being of humanity.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 186

Sunday

1 ONLY ONE TRUE GOSPEL

1. Ever since the fall of man, there has been only one true gospel. What does it teach? John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16, 17

 

Note: “Not alone at the Saviour’s advent, but through all the ages after the Fall and the promise of redemption, ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.’ 2 Corinthians 5:19. Christ was the foundation and center of the sacrificial system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age. Since the sin of our first parents there has been no direct communication between God and man. … All the communion between heaven and the fallen race has been through Christ.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 366

“As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. Christ knew that He would have to suffer, yet He became man’s Substitute. As soon as Adam sinned, the Son of God presented Himself as surety for the human race, with just as much power to avert the doom pronounced upon the guilty as when He died upon the cross of Calvary.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, 1084

Monday

2 THE FIRST HUMAN FAMILY

2.a. How did Christ present the gospel to our first parents? Genesis 3:15

 

Note: “Although gloom and darkness hung like the pall of death over the future, yet in the promise of the Redeemer, the Star of hope lighted up the dark future. The gospel was first preached to Adam by Christ.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, 1084

“It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above.” The Great Controversy, 506

2.b. What was the basis of Abel’s trust for salvation? Hebrews 11:4

 

Note: “The power of Christ, the crucified Saviour, to give eternal life should be presented to the people. We should show them that the Old Testament is as verily the gospel in types and shadows as the New Testament is in its unfolding power. The New Testament does not present a new religion; the Old Testament does not present a religion to be superseded by the New. The New Testament is only the advancement and unfolding of the Old. Abel was a believer in Christ, and was as verily saved by His power as was Peter or Paul.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 392

Tuesday

3 THE FAITH OF THE PATRIARCHS

3.a. Why do we say that Enoch and Noah were Christians? Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:24; 6:9

 

 

Note: “That God who walked with Enoch was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was the light of the world then just as He is now. Those who lived then were not without teachers to instruct them in the path of life; for Noah and Enoch were Christians.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 392

3.b. What should we realize about the Lord that revealed Himself to Abraham, Jacob, and Moses? Genesis 22:15–18; 32:30; Hebrews 11:24–26

 

Note: “Christ was as much man’s Redeemer in the beginning of the world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to our world, the gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. Abraham in Canaan and Lot in Sodom bore the message, and from generation to generation, faithful messengers proclaimed the Coming One.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 126

“There is no such contrast as is often claimed to exist between the Old and the New Testament, the law of God and the gospel of Christ, the requirements of the Jewish and those of the Christian dispensation. Every soul saved in the former dispensation was saved by Christ as verily as we are saved by Him today. Patriarchs and prophets were Christians. The gospel promise was given to the first pair in Eden, when they had by transgression separated themselves from God. The gospel was preached to Abraham. The Hebrews all drank of that spiritual Rock, which was Christ.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1061

Wednesday

4 THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO ISRAEL

4.a. What was the purpose of the sacrificial system entrusted to the people of Israel? Hebrews 10:1; 8:3–5; Colossians 2:17; John 5:39, 46

 

Note: “It was Christ who instituted the Jewish economy and the sacrificial service.” Gospel Workers, 118

“The types and shadows of the sacrificial service, with the prophecies, gave the Israelites a veiled, indistinct view of the mercy and grace to be brought to the world by the revelation of Christ. To Moses was unfolded the significance of the types and shadows pointing to Christ. He saw to the end of that which was to be done away when at the death of Christ type met antitype. He saw that only through Christ can man keep the moral law.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1096

“The Christian church … who profess the utmost faith in Christ, in despising the Jewish system virtually deny Christ, who was the originator of the entire Jewish economy.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 232

4.b. What should we learn from the fact that the people of Israel failed to understand the gospel? Hebrews 3:14–19; 4:1, 2

 

Note: “The unbelief and murmurings of the children of Israel illustrate the people of God now upon the earth. Many look back to them and marvel at their unbelief and continual murmurings after the Lord had done so much for them in giving them repeated evidences of His love and care for them. They think that they should not have proved thus ungrateful. But some who thus think murmur and repine at things of less consequence. They do not know themselves. God frequently proves them and tries their faith in small things, and they do not endure the trial any better than did ancient Israel.

“Many have their present wants supplied, yet they will not trust the Lord for the future. They manifest unbelief and sink into despondency and gloom at anticipated want. Some are in continual trouble lest they shall come to want and their children suffer. When difficulties arise, or when they are brought into strait places—when their faith and love to God is tested, they shrink from the trial and murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them. Their love does not prove pure and perfect to bear all things. The faith of the people of the God of Heaven should be strong, active, and enduring—the substance of things hoped for. Then the language of such will be, Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name; for He hath dealt bountifully with me. Self-denial is considered by some to be real suffering. Depraved appetites are indulged. And a restraint upon the unhealthy appetite would lead even many professed Christians to now start back, as though actual starvation would be the consequence of a plain diet. And, like the children of Israel, they would prefer slavery, diseased bodies, and even death, rather than to be deprived of the flesh-pots. Bread and water is all that is promised to the remnant in the time of trouble.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, 251, 252

Thursday

5 THE CLOSING WORK OF THE GOSPEL

5.a. What are the vital points in the proclamation of the everlasting gospel by the first angel of Revelation 14? Revelation 14:6, 7

 

Note: “That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to ‘fear God and give glory to Him’ ‘and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.’ The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus’ (verse 12). In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment.” The Great Controversy (1888), 436

5.b. Why does this angel fly in the midst of heaven, and what happens when the everlasting gospel has been proclaimed all over the world? Matthew 24:14

 

Note: “The angel’s flight ‘in the midst of heaven,’ the ‘loud voice’ with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all ‘that dwell on the earth’—‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people’—give evidence of the rapidity and worldwide extent of the movement.” The Great Controversy, 355

“By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten our Lord’s return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12, margin. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory.” The Desire of Ages, 633, 634

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. What common link binds our faith to that of the patriarchs?
  2. How is the experience of Genesis 3:15 to continue in our lives?
  3. Give examples of how the patriarchs showed faith in Christ.
  4. In what areas may we tend to be guilty of unbelief?
  5. Why should we hasten to share this message with others?

Copyright 1997, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The First Angel of Revelation 14

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First Angel’s Message

February 1 – 7, 2026

Key Text

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people … .” Revelation 14:6

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 355–374; The Story of Redemption, 356–363

Introduction

“A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ’s soon coming is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel’s message of Revelation 14.” The Great Controversy, 355

Sunday

1 FAITHFUL REMNANT

1.a. What shows that there were faithful souls even in the time of Sardis (1798–1833)? Revelation 3:4. What qualified them to carry on the work of God?

 

Note: “ ‘Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.’ Because of their faith, this honor is bestowed on them. In this life they did not boast nor lift up their souls unto vanity. With intensity of desire, with a pure, holy faith, they grasped the promise of eternal riches. Their one desire was to be like Christ. Ever they kept the standard of righteousness uplifted. To them is given an eternal weight of glory, because on the earth they walked with God, keeping themselves unspotted from the world, revealing to their fellow beings the righteousness of Christ.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 960

“Let each church member feel that he himself must be right with God, that he must be sanctified through the truth. Then he can represent Christian character to others and can set an example of unselfishness. If each will do this, the church will increase in spirituality and in favor with God.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 481

1.b. “As forerunners of the threefold message, how were the faithful from Sardis comforted during the time of Philadelphia (1833–1844)? Revelation 3:8, 10. If faithful, how can we be likewise comforted?

 

Note: “Faith is the spiritual hand that touches infinity.

“The simple prayers indited by the Holy Spirit will ascend through the gates ajar, the open door which Christ has declared: I have opened, and no man can shut. These prayers, mingled with the incense of the perfection of Christ, will ascend as fragrance to the Father, and answers will come.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 467

“Jesus says: ‘Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ Revelation 3:8. Light is shining from that door, and it is our privilege to receive it if we will. Let us direct our eyes within that open door and try to receive all that Christ is willing to bestow.

“Each one will have a close struggle to overcome sin in his own heart. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work; because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus and put on the robe of His righteousness. Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.” Ibid., Vol. 9, 182, 183

Monday

2 THE PRESENT TRUTH

2.a. Explain the reason for the sending of the three angels’ messages. Revelation 14:6–13

 

Note: “To prepare a people to stand in the day of God, a great work of reform was to be accomplished. God saw that many of His professed people were not building for eternity, and in His mercy, He was about to send a message of warning to arouse them from their stupor and lead them to make ready for the coming of the Lord.

“This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap ‘the harvest of the earth.’ ” The Great Controversy, 311

2.b. What does God call the specific message given to each generation? 2 Peter 1:12

 

Note: “As we have followed down the chain of prophecy, revealed truth for our time has been clearly seen and explained. We are accountable for the privileges that we enjoy and for the light that shines upon our pathway. Those who lived in past generations were accountable for the light which was permitted to shine upon them. Their minds were exercised in regard to different points of Scripture which tested them. But they did not understand the truths which we do. They were not responsible for the light which they did not have. They had the Bible, as we have; but the time for the unfolding of special truth in relation to the closing scenes of this earth’s history is during the last generations that shall live upon the earth.

“Special truths have been adapted to the conditions of the generations as they have existed. The present truth, which is a test to the people of this generation, was not a test to the people of generations far back.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 692, 693

Tuesday

3 MORE LIGHT WAS TO COME

3.a. In proclaiming the soon coming of Christ, what message did the early Adventists help to sound? Revelation 14:7

 

Note: “Like John, the forerunner of Jesus, those who preached this solemn message felt compelled to lay the ax at the root of the tree and call upon men to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Their testimony was calculated to arouse and powerfully affect the churches and manifest their real character. And as the solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come was sounded, many who were united with the churches received the healing message; they saw their backslidings, and with bitter tears of repentance and deep agony of soul, humbled themselves before God. And as the Spirit of God rested upon them, they helped to sound the cry, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.’ ” Early Writings, 233

“Miller and his associates preached the message based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7, and failed to see that there were still other messages brought to view in Revelation 14, which were also to be given before the advent of the Lord.” The Great Controversy, 353

3.b. When Christ did not appear as expected in 1844, what occupied the minds of the faithful few? Proverbs 4:18; Habakkuk 2:1

 

Note: “After the great disappointment there were few who set themselves to seek the Word with all their heart. But some souls would not settle down in discouragement and deny that the Lord had led them. To these the truth was opened point by point and entwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. The searchers after truth felt that the identification of Christ with their nature and interest was complete. Truth was made to shine forth, beautiful in its simplicity, dignified with a power and invested with an assurance unknown before the disappointment.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 109, 110

Wednesday

4 THE DISAPPOINTMENT EXPLAINED

4.a. What did the disciples of Christ still expect after the resurrection? Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7. What did the early Adventists learn after their disappointment? Revelation 10:8–11

 

Note: “As the disciples were mistaken in regard to the kingdom to be set up at the end of the seventy weeks, so Adventists were mistaken in regard to the event to take place at the expiration of the 2300 days. In both cases there was an acceptance of, or rather an adherence to, popular errors that blinded the mind to the truth. Both classes fulfilled the will of God in delivering the message which He desired to be given, and both, through their own misapprehension of their message, suffered disappointment.” The Great Controversy, 353

4.b. How was the connection between Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7 finally understood by some of the successors of William Miller after the disappointment of October 1844? Hebrews 8:1, 2

 

Note: “Those who followed in the advancing light of the prophetic word saw that instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, into the presence of God, to perform the closing work of atonement, preparatory to His coming.” The Story of Redemption, 378

Thursday

5 A WORK OF JUDGMENT

5.a. Describe the investigative judgment which began in 1844. Daniel 7:9–14, 22, 26. How does this event affect us? Acts 3:19

 

Note: “ ‘And, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.’ Daniel 7:13, 14. The coming of Christ here described is not His second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom, which will be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take place at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts of His ministration in behalf of man—to perform the work of investigative judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits.” The Great Controversy, 479, 480

“At the time appointed for the judgment—the close of the 2300 days in 1844—began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins. All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are to be judged ‘out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ ” Ibid., 486

5.b. What event will take place when the work of the investigative judgment is completed? Revelation 14:14–16. Compare Matthew 13:39.

 

Note: “The second coming of the Son of man is to be the wonderful theme kept before the people. … We are pilgrims and strangers who are waiting, hoping, and praying for the 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.” Evangelism, 220

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. What can we learn from the remnant of Sardis?
  2. What are we to understand by the term “present truth”?
  3. What characteristics were shown by those who proclaimed the first angel’s message?
  4. Name one common error committed by the early disciples, the early Adventists, and perhaps by many today.
  5. How should the first angel’s message affect our daily lives?

Copyright 1997, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Holiday Carob Cranberry Peppermint Bark

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Cranberries

When you think of cranberries, your first thought may be of Thanksgiving. Every year 20 percent of the more than 400 million pounds of cranberries Americans use are consumed during the week of Thanksgiving. However, there are many surprising health benefits beyond enjoying them just one or two times a year.

Since the early 20th century, cranberry consumption has been recommended as a way to promote urinary tract health. A 1994 study by Harvard Medical School found that cranberry consumption made it more difficult for certain harmful bacteria to linger on the lining of the bladder. For women especially, research has shown a reduction in urinary tract infections (UTIs) when consuming dried cranberries every day. By 1998, another study conducted by Rutgers University had identified proanthocyanidins as the key component of cranberry that was making it more difficult for E. coli to attach to the urinary tract.

Because these proanthocyanidins can decrease bacteria in the urinary tract, there is some research indicating that cranberries may have a similar impact on the bacteria in your mouth. While more research will be necessary, if true, it could make a case for cranberries helping to decrease cavities.

Dried cranberries are a great source of fiber and hold a similar sugar content as other dried fruits.

Only five percent of cranberries are eaten as fresh fruit, with the remaining 95 percent processed into juices, jams, sauces, and other products. It takes about 4,400 berries to make a gallon of juice.

The majority of cranberries are generally available from September to December. Freezing allows accessibility throughout the year. All forms of cranberries are easy to incorporate into the diet such as in salads, yogurt, sandwiches, sauces, casseroles, and desserts.

https://integracareclinics.com/health-benefits-of-cranberry-why-you-should-eat-them-all-year/https://www.cranberryinstitute.org/about-cranberries

Recipe – Holiday Carob Cranberry Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

2 cups carob chips

1 cup creamy almond butter, or cashew butter

¾ cup dried cranberries, or cherries, chopped

¾ cup sliced almonds

1-1 ½ tsp. peppermint flavoring

¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut, or coconut flakes, for topping

Process

Melt carob chips and nut butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in fruit, almonds, and peppermint flavoring. Spread unto parchment paper-lined baking sheet or casserole dish. Top with coconut shreds or flakes. Refrigerate or freeze for 20 minutes. Break into pieces. Store in a container in the freezer.

Does the Bible Prove the Investigative Judgment?

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A Free Seventh-day Adventist:

  • Believes that the second coming of Christ is imminent.
  • Keeps the seventh-day Sabbath of the fourth commandment, just as God wrote it, and is, therefore, a Seventh-day Adventist.
  • Is not a member of a conference church, but is a member of a Seventh-day Adventist church that is part of a Free Seventh-day Adventist church organization.
  • Will soon be called upon to preach, without notes, the investigative judgment in the courts, halls of government, before kings and magistrates all around the world.

For decades, the Seventh-day Adventist church has been losing the majority of its young people. While not a new phenomenon, this was not true when my father was a young man. Nearly 150 years ago, Mrs. White told us that the time would come when the majority of the church would forsake God’s people, so we shouldn’t be surprised to see this migration away from Adventism.

One of the main reasons given by the young people and even older people for leaving the Seventh-day Adventist church is that they no longer believe that Ellen White had the gift of prophecy, and, therefore, do not trust her writings.

A second reason is that people do not believe in the doctrine of the investigative judgment. Mrs. White wrote extensively about the doctrine of the investigative judgment, so if you don’t believe in the investigate judgment, then you would have to believe Mrs. White is a false prophet because she wrote that the investigative judgment is a Biblical doctrine. They make the sweeping conclusion that the doctrine of the investigative judgment cannot be proven from the Bible alone.

I have been a minister in God’s service for more than 60 years, and have preached a number of sermons on the investigative judgment from the Bible alone. It is a preposterous assertion and totally untrue to believe that the doctrine cannot be proven by the Bible alone.

Let’s Look at Their Proof

One text is cited as the super argument that absolutely proves you cannot prove the investigative judgment from the Bible. Found in the book of John, let’s see what John the Beloved wrote.

“ ‘Most assuredly [that’s absolutely for sure], I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.’ ” John 5:24

John recorded Jesus’ words, and many people today will respond, “See. Jesus said if I hear His words and believe in Him, then I go straight to everlasting life. I am a Christian; there is no judgment for me.”

Three Phases

In the courts of this world, judgment is administered in three phases.

  • Investigation and Trial – The police gather evidence against you, and then, in cooperation with the district attorney’s office, and based on the evidence, you are charged with the crime. There are two positions to a trial, the prosecution and the defense. It is the prosecution’s responsibility to argue the evidence against you either to a judge or a jury. The defense’s responsibility is to attempt to show that you are innocent by creating reasonable doubt, or offering evidence that that can clear you or show that someone else could be responsible for the crime. If the defense is successful in creating sufficient reasonable doubt or to prove that you did not commit the crime, and the judge or jury finds you innocent of all charges, then you are free to walk away. But, if the defense fails in its attempts to lead the judge or jury away from you, you will be found guilty.
  • Sentencing – Having been found guilty, you will be ordered to appear in court on a specific day, and the judge will hand down your sentence—according to sentencing guidelines established in the laws of the city, county, state, or federal court in which the case was prosecuted. Every jurisdiction has its own regulations.
  • Execution of Sentence – Once you have been sentenced, depending on the crime, you may receive the proverbial slap on the wrist, a fine and/or a short period of incarceration, or you may receive life in prison or even the death penalty.

In God’s Judgment

Those who are found guilty of breaking God’s law are sentenced to receive the death penalty. “For the wages of [penalty for] sin is death.” Romans 6:23, first part

The Bible is clear: the penalty for breaking God’s law is death.

This means that we are all born under the penalty of death. We are born sinners, lost from the moment of our birth. Some say, we were not sinners until we have reached several years of age. But the Bible says “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

We are all under the death sentence. Can you and I pay our sentences? Yes, we can. We can die and never wake up. Mrs. White writes that when Adam and Eve sinned, the angels mourned. The plan of salvation hadn’t yet been explained to them, so they knew that every descendant of Adam and Eve would have to die.

But Jesus told the hosts of heaven about the plan of salvation; how He would pay the price for what Adam and Eve had done, making a way for them and all their descendants to be saved from the penalty for sin. Jesus made the law, so He was above the law. He would not let His children pay the price, and so He came to this world.

Jesus said, “If you believe in Me, you will not come into condemnation.” In other words, you and I, if we believe in Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, we will never reach the sentencing nor the execution phases of judgment because in the investigative judgment, Jesus pleads our case before the Father, offering His life, His blood for our sinfulness, covering us with His robe of righteousness.

John 5:24 does not teach that there is no judgment. It just teaches that if you believe in Jesus as your personal Saviour, surrendering to Him, you will not face judgment nor receive condemnation. The price for your sins has already been paid, and in the investigative judgment you will be acquitted.

Let’s Be Clear

If you do not accept Jesus as your personal Saviour, you are lost. You will go to judgment, you will receive your sentence, and you will die forever. The apostle Peter said, “There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

The Bible talks about the judgment from Genesis to Revelation. The concept of judgment is one of the major subjects of the Bible, but it is an unpopular subject. As a sinner, I do not want to be held accountable for what I’ve done. I want a religion that says Jesus paid it all, so I don’t need to worry about anything. However, that’s not Bible religion. The fact that Jesus came to pay the price for my sins so that I wouldn’t have to does not mean that there will be no investigation of my life and character; only that if I believe in Jesus and I put my trust in Him, I will be acquitted.

God is Not on Trial

Neither God, the angels, nor the people in unfallen worlds are on trial. They have never broken God’s laws. Because the people of this world are the only ones who have broken God’s law, we are on trial.

In the book The White Truth written by John J. Robinson, published in 1981, it says, “Two unsophisticated men were sightseeing abroad. When in Paris they decided to visit the Louve. As they viewed the famed art treasures, they were not impressed with the value of the priceless oil paintings. Standing before an especially noted masterpiece, one said to the other, ‘Imagine that being worth a million dollars. I don’t see what is so special about it. You’d certainly never catch me paying a fortune for it.’ The guard, overhearing the conversation, quietly stepped up to the man, touched him on the elbow and said, ‘I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I would like to say, sir, that these paintings are not on trial, but those who come to see them are.’ ” Do you get the point?

“So with God’s prophets. Daniel was not on trial in the lion’s den. Babylon/Medo Persia was. Jeremiah was not on trial in the pit. Zedekiah was. Paul, standing with chains before Agripa, was not on trial. The king was. Jesus, that greatest of prophets and King of kings standing accused before the praetorian, was not on trial. Pilot and his accusers were.” Ibid.

We need to get it straight in our thinking—who is on trial and who is not.

The word Daniel means “God is my judge.” In Daniel 2, we see that there will be four universal world kingdoms. Verses 41–44 tell us that the fourth kingdom will be divided.

“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

When God sets up His kingdom, earthly kingdoms will be gone. God’s kingdom will last forever.

To Be a Citizen

Sinners cannot be citizens of the future kingdom of glory unless they first become a citizen of the kingdom of grace now. The kingdom of grace did not exist until Adam and Eve sinned, but it was established on the very day they disobeyed God (Genesis 3:15). The kingdom of grace is a temporary kingdom and exists here in this world alone. Its purpose is to deal with the sin problem and make a way of escape here and now. When the investigative judgment is completed, there will be no further need for forgiveness of sin and the kingdom of grace will no longer be needed. The kingdom of glory will take its place here on earth, just as it has been established in heaven and in the unfallen worlds for millennia. In the kingdom of glory everyone there will be keeping God’s law all the time.

In the Kingdom of Glory

While we do not know the exact date, and are told that we are not to speculate or endeavor to determine the date, we actually know the exact time when the kingdom of grace ends and the kingdom of glory begins.

“During that time [see Daniel 11], Michael shall stand up.” Daniel 12:1, literal translation.

Right now, we are living during the reign of the antichrist, but soon Jesus will stand up and begin His reign. What happens when Jesus stands up? The investigative judgment is finished, and we see Jesus take His rightful place as King of the universe in His kingdom of glory (Revelation 22:11, 12). At the beginning of His kingdom, there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time (Matthew 24:21). And during that time God’s people will be delivered, every one whose name is written in the book of life (Revelation 21:27).

Beasts, Heads, and Horns

In Daniel 7, the prophet dreams of four beasts. These four beasts have seven heads and ten horns. Daniel first sees a lion, then a bear, followed by a leopard with four heads and two sets of wings. Lastly, he sees a terrible beast, like nothing he has ever before seen in nature. This beast has ten horns. As Daniel observed the ten horns, he saw a small horn, an 11th horn, rising up among the ten that uprooted three of the ten horns.

“I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:8. The margin says, “mouth speaking great things.” Daniel became upset when he saw this.

“I was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.” Verse 15

Saints are Holy People

People in the Roman Catholic church and many Protestant churches are terribly confused by who a saint is. I have been privileged for most of my life to study and read biblical languages. In Greek, a saint is defined as a “holy person.” Paul says, “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” Romans 7:12. By this description of the law then, the people who obey God’s law, who live their lives in harmony with it, are “holy, just, and good” people—saints. Now, let’s go back to Daniel’s dream.

“ ‘I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them.’ ” Daniel 7:21

Who is this little horn making war against? The saints. Who are the saints? Those who keep the commandments of God. But this little horn power didn’t just make war, he overcame the people of God—for a time. What breaks the power of the little horn? The Ancient of Days comes.

God, the Ancient of Days, will decide our cases.

“The judgement was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Verse 22, last part

“ ‘The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings.

“ ‘He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.

“ ‘But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.

“ ‘Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ ” Verses 24–27

There Will be a Judgment

How can it be missed? Daniel 7 is clear that there is to be a judgment. As we further study this chapter’s prophecy, we know that this judgment will begin sometime after 1798. It tells us who will be judged innocent, and therefore, will be acquitted. It also tells us who will be condemned in this judgment.

“ ‘I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.’ ” Verses 9, 10

God’s will concerning the rebellious subjects He has in this world is going to be fulfilled. When God passes the final verdict, where are you going to be?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24

May we know how serious and how solemn life really is, that we are under the death sentence unless we choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour so that He may remove our sins.

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

Cold Water

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In the early 1800s, Vincent Priessnitz, while watching his grazing flock, noticed a wounded doe, injured by hunters, wade into the calm backflow waters of a mountain brook. The following gives us a history of how his curiosity changed his life.

“He wondered as the doe limped away and disappeared in the forest. That night he decided there must be a reason for a wounded animal to seek water to lave [wash, bathe] its wounds. Perhaps instinct was stronger than reason. He would return the next day. He did.

“Sure enough the doe returned to the eddying water at about the same time. It stood silently, without a move, and then after a while limped to the bank and disappeared in the deep foliage of the forest once more. For two weeks, Priessnitz returned daily to his vantage point and watched the wounded doe return and bathe its injured leg in the brook. Each day the deer walked better and finally scampered out of the water on the last day to return no more.

“Before his very eyes he had seen a badly injured deer healed with cool sparkling brook water. Priessnitz never forgot that experience.

“Some years later Priessnitz was injured severely hauling cord wood. Night stole upon him, as did a heavy snow storm. His team bolted through a gulch. The load slipped and his ribs were crushed.

“But while he lay there he had time to reflect on what to do. A doctor was out of the question on a night like that. No help was forthcoming. Somehow, he managed to get home.

“No, he could not soak his injured ribs in water as the deer had done with its leg. He conceived the idea of wrapping the injured ribs with pieces of his torn shirt soaked in cold water. This relieved him. He continued to apply cold wet wrappings, and, in due course, his ribs were free from pain and healed.

“The news of his accomplishment spread. When a neighbor became injured he called for the young man who healed with water. Requests for aid became more frequent and further from home, and his experience grew apace.

“He gave the matter of his discovery, which had meant so much to himself and others much thought. He tried various applications with varying degrees of success. Empirically, by trial and error, he evolved a method or system of cold-water treatment that brought help to thousands.

“He opened a modest place where people could stay. In a matter of months, it became the haven of the sick. His fame spread to every corner of the globe. He treated prince and pauper alike. The medical big wigs of the day protested and closed his doors. To his patients, called to the center of the square, he said, ‘be undismayed. If they will not let me use water we shall find a cure in air.’

“He was persecuted and prosecuted. By trickery and scheming the medical fraternity sought to discredit him. The people who had been healed were evidence against any wrong doing he was accused of. The final gesture was the claim that the water was drugged. The State found he used only pure mountain water.

“To end all persecution the State decreed that no one should ever molest him, that he be permitted to heal the sick as he had been doing.

“Grafenberg became a shrine for the ill. People traveled to it from all over the world. Some of the best records we have came from the pen of Americans who crossed the ocean to take the ‘cure.’

“In 1842, twelve hundred patients from all over the world visited and were cared for at his institution at Grafenberg. During the years 1849, 1850, and 1851, the number of patients rose to as high as fourteen hundred, and came from as many as thirty different countries, such was his fame. …

“Priessnitz’s work was absorbed by other systems which followed as the Kneipp and Bilz system and so on, until we find at the turn of the twentieth century an American Hydro-therapy fostered by the genius of the late John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek Sanitarium fame. …” The Cold Water Cure, pg i, ii, by Vincent Priessnitz, 1843.  Reprinted by Kessinger Publishing’s Rare Reprints.

There are instances in the Spirit of Prophecy where water treatments were used.

“I am generally up hours before any other member of my family. On rising I build my fire, take a bath in cold water before the fire, and then, after my praying season, take my pen in hand and, from two o’clock until seven, write many pages. We have family prayers just before breakfast, which is at half past seven. I generally retire at seven o’clock in the evening.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 14, 259

“If you feel that you must eat at night, take a drink of cold water, and in the morning, you will feel much better for not having eaten.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 177

“Do not sit in a meeting with cold feet. If the feet are cold, wash them in cold water, and then dry them thoroughly. You will find that the blood will thus be called from the head to the limbs.” Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, 142

Amazing what a little water can do. Praise God for all of His blessings!

Reprinted from the August 2017 LandMarks

A Story About Nothing

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This story is about nothing — nothing at all. That’s what you brought into the world with you when you were born. Just nothing. Zero.

There was a man in Italy who added a great deal of money to his first zero, and he became a rich man with a lot of zeros after the number one. He had an expensive car and much more. He also had in his car a little New Testament which he had stuffed out of sight in his glove compartment, because he didn’t know what to do with it.

Think of that! The eternal word of God, showing the way to everlasting joy with the answer to all the sins and sorrows of life and death, and he didn’t know what to do with it! He knew how to handle money and how to make more. He knew how to get a beautiful house and how to meet important people, but he didn’t know God’s simple way of salvation. How poor can a rich man be?

Then came the car accident. The ambulance was called, and there was nothing he could do but wait. His injuries were not severe, but he knew very well that he could have been killed. His hand reached for the ownership papers of his car, and his fingers came up with that little New Testament. For the first time, he opened it and read that verse about “nothing.”

“We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

“I felt as if I had been struck by lightning!” he said later. He realized that if he had been killed, all his possessions would be reduced to the original zero. Nothing would be left for eternity. Not a single penny of all his riches would be his the moment after his death.

But after death there is something that would still be his. His sins! These you cannot get rid of after death. They must be gotten rid of before death or they will stand against you in the last judgment. Will you please, at this moment, picture this awful truth—standing before God in your sins!

However, the awful debt of my sins has been paid by the One who loves me and died for me on Calvary. His blood cleanses and redeems me from all sin as I accept His gift of eternal life. When I choose salvation, as I live for Him I accept that I am His child.

“As many as received Him, to them He gave His power to become the sons [and daughters] of God to them that believe in His name.” John 1:12

The rich man in the car accident began to read the Bible earnestly, and he soon accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and shortly afterwards was baptized. Will you also receive this loving Saviour as your own? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

Messages of God’s Love, by Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL  60101