Archives: Articles

May 18 – 24, 2025

Key Text

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Study Help: Selected Messages, Book 1, 121–128

Introduction

“Every day is a battle and a march. On every side we are beset by invisible foes, and we either conquer through the grace given us by God or we are conquered.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 453

Sunday

1 INVISIBLE FORCES

1. How does Peter describe the war being waged against God’s children? 1Peter 5:8, 9

Note: “The prince of evil contests every inch of ground over which God’s people advance in their journey toward the heavenly city. In all the history of the church no reformation has been carried forward without encountering serious obstacles. Thus it was in Paul’s day. Wherever the apostle raised up a church, there were some who professed to receive the faith, but who brought in heresies, that, if received, would eventually crowd out the love of the truth. Luther also suffered great perplexity and distress from the course of fanatical persons who claimed that God had spoken directly through them, and who therefore set their own ideas and opinions above the testimony of the Scriptures. Many who were lacking in faith and experience, but who had considerable self-sufficiency, and who loved to hear and tell some new thing, were beguiled by the pretensions of the new teachers, and they joined the agents of Satan in their work of tearing down what God had moved Luther to build up. And the Wesleys, and others who blessed the world by their influence and their faith, encountered at every step the wiles of Satan in pushing overzealous, unbalanced, and unsanctified ones into fanaticism of every grade.” The Great Controversy, 396

Monday

2 THE PLOT TO DISTRACT US

2.a. How does the Bible verify our individual need of the righteousness of Christ, and why is this so important? Ezekiel 14:20 

Note: “Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth.

“Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to pleasure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest, prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. … How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened.” The Great Controversy, 488

2.b.      Where should our focus be? 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Philippians 2:5

Note: “You should control your thoughts. This will not be an easy task; you cannot accomplish it without close and even severe effort. Yet God requires this of you. … You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul. The power of grace alone can accomplish this most desirable work.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 561

“If Satan can draw the mind away to some unimportant issue, and cause the people to divide on some minor point, so that their hearts are barricaded against light and truth, he exults in malicious triumph.” Evangelism, 154

Tuesday

3 A DIFFERENT TYPE OF DRUNKENNESS

3. Name some of the enemy’s favorite ploys against us. Mark 4:19

Note: “I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ’s second appearing and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. ‘But,’ he said, ‘the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. As they appoint meetings in different places, we are in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd every attraction around them, and they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to heaven. When any shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging disposition, that it may be sparingly.’

“I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. … He leads some in one way and some in another, always taking advantage of evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan takes his stand by their side, and with all his power seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting sins. The grace of God and the light of truth may melt away their covetous, selfish feelings for a little, but if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in when they are not under a saving influence and withers every noble, generous principle.” Early Writings, 266, 267

Wednesday

4 KEYS TO VICTORY

4.a. Who is the only person who can enable us to be successful against the enemy’s tactics? Zechariah 4:6

Note: “There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon God’s people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from the assemblies of His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 124

4.b.      How long does this spiritual battle last? Matthew 24:12, 13

Note: “We are never to rest in a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying, ‘I am saved.’ When this idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayers, for earnest endeavor to press onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. Then, with the utmost propriety, we may give glory to God and to the Lamb for eternal deliverance.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 314

“When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. …

“The Captain of our salvation will strengthen His people for the conflict in which they must engage.” Sons and Daughters of God, 201

Thursday

5 EQUIPPING OURSELVES

5.a What is man’s responsibility regarding Jesus’ teachings? Luke 6:40–42, 46–49

Note: “We are living in the great antitypical day of atonement. We must individually seek God. This is a personal work. … Let everyone confess, not his brother’s sin, but his own sin.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 218

“Every step heavenward must be a step of humility.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 139

5.b.      What are the weapons and protectors of spiritual warfare for believers? Ephesians 6:10–17

Note: “In these days of peril, we should be exceedingly careful not to reject the rays of light which Heaven in mercy sends us, for it is by these that we are to discern the devices of the enemy. We need light from heaven every hour, that we may distinguish between the sacred and the common, the eternal and the temporal. If left to ourselves, we shall blunder at every step; we shall incline to the world, we shall shun self-denial, and see no necessity for constant watchfulness and prayer, and we shall be taken captive by Satan at his will. …

“All whose names shall at last be found written in the Lamb’s book of life will fight manfully the battles of the Lord. They will labor most earnestly to discern and put away temptations and every evil thing. They will feel that the eye of God is upon them and that the strictest fidelity is required. As faithful sentinels they will keep the passage barred, that Satan may not pass them disguised as an angel of light to work his work of death in their midst.” My Life Today, 321

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Name some of the obstacles to overcome in sharing present truth today.

2    How can we avoid being distracted by our archenemy?

3    What is one reason why many may be facing financial struggles?

4    Explain some secrets to success in the spiritual battle of today.

5    How does our spiritual armor help us to be overcomers through Christ?

Copyright 2019, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

May 11 – 17, 2025

Key Text

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Revelation 20:12

Study Help: Testimonies, Vol. 4, 384–387

Introduction

“Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a large throne, upon which was seated a person of majestic appearance. Several books were before Him, and upon the covers of each was written in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire: ‘Ledger of Heaven.’ ” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 384

Sunday

1 JUDGED BY WRITTEN RECORDS

1. How does the first angel of Revelation announce the judgment, and what occurs in heaven at the time of judgment? Revelation 14:6, 7; Daniel 7:9, 10

Note: “Day by day the record of your words, your actions, and your influence is being made in the books of heaven.” That I May Know Him, 234

“God knows every thought, every purpose, every plan, every motive. The books of heaven record the sins that would have been committed had there been opportunity. God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing. … God has a perfect photograph of every man’s character, and this photograph He compares with His law. He reveals to man the defects that mar his life, and calls upon him to repent and turn from sin.” The Signs of the Times, July 31, 1901

“Let us individually consider what is the record made in the books of heaven concerning our life and character, and our attitude toward God. … Let us examine our past life and see if we have given evidence of our love for Jesus by seeking to be like Him, and by working, as He worked, to save those for whom He died.” Lift Him Up, 325

Monday

2 THOSE UNITED TO CHRIST ARE INCLUDED

2.a. What causes the believer to rejoice? Luke 10:20, last part

Note: “When we become children of God, our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and they remain there until the time of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individual will be called, and his record examined.” In Heavenly Places, 360

“The black man’s name is written in the book of life beside the white man’s. All are one in Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 342

“Your name may be kept so pure that it cannot justly be connected with anything dishonest or unrighteous, but will be respected by all the good and pure, and it may be written in the Lamb’s book of life, to be immortalized among the holy angels.” God’s Amazing Grace, 111

2.b.      Why is it vital to be truly led by the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:14

Note: “The Spirit of God, with its vivifying power, must be in every human agent, that every spiritual muscle and sinew may be in exercise. Without the Holy Spirit, without the breath of God, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life. Many who are without spiritual life have their names on the church records, but they are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. They may be joined to the church, but they are not united to the Lord. They may be diligent in the performance of a certain set of duties, and may be regarded as living men; but many are among those who have ‘a name that thou livest, and art dead.’ ” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1166

“We are not saved as a sect; no denominational name has any virtue to bring us into favor with God. We are saved individually as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And ‘by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.’ We may have our names recorded on the books of the most spiritual of the churches, and yet we may not belong to Christ, and our names may not be written on the Lamb’s book of life.” The Review and Herald, February 10, 1891

“Let church members bear in mind that the fact that their names are registered on the church books will not save them. They must show themselves approved of God, workmen that need not be ashamed. Day by day they are to build their characters in accordance with Christ’s directions. They are to abide in Him, constantly exercising faith in Him.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 48

Tuesday

3 PRECISE RECORDS

3.a. While our names may have been registered in the Lamb’s book of life, what else is being noted? Proverbs 15:3

Note: “All your acts, however secret you may think they have been, are open to your heavenly Father. Nothing is hidden, nothing covered. All your acts and the motives which prompt them are open to His sight. He has full knowledge of all your words and thoughts.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 82

“Remember, your character is being daguerreotyped [photographed] by the great Master Artist in the record books of heaven, as minutely as the face is reproduced upon the polished plate of the artist. What do the books of heaven say in your case? Are you conforming your character to the Pattern, Jesus Christ? Are you washing your robes of character and making them white in the blood of the Lamb?” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 62

“If we would be overcomers, we must search our hearts to be sure that we are not cherishing anything that is offensive to God. If we are, we cannot wear the white raiment that is here promised. If we would stand before God in the white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints, we must now do the work of overcoming.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 138

3.b. What was measured by the reed like a measuring rod? Revelation 11:1

Note: “The grand judgment is taking place, and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshipers thereof. Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. …

“When we are doing our work remember there is One that is watching the spirit in which we are doing it. Shall we not bring the Saviour into our everyday lives, into our secular work and domestic duties? Then in the name of God we want to leave behind everything that is not necessary, all gossiping or unprofitable visiting, and present ourselves as servants of the living God.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 972

Wednesday

4 BLOTTING OUT

4.a. Although our names may have been entered into the book of life, what is still possible? Psalm 69:28. What is God’s desire for us? Philippians 2:14, 15

Note: “Time is fast hastening on, and every work will soon be brought into judgment, and either our sins or our names will be blotted out of the Book of Life.” Sons and Daughters of God, 49

“You cannot consent to profess the truth and not live it; you have ever admired a life consistent with profession. I was shown a book in which was written your name with many others. Against your name was a black blot. You were looking upon this and saying: ‘It can never be effaced.’ Jesus held His wounded hand above it and said: ‘My blood alone can efface it. If thou wilt from henceforth choose the path of humble obedience, and rely solely upon the merits of My blood to cover thy past transgressions, I will blot out thy transgressions, and cover thy sins. But if you choose the path of transgressors you must reap the transgressor’s reward. The wages of sin is death.’

“I saw evil angels surrounding you seeking to divert your mind from Christ, causing you to look upon God as a God of justice and to lose sight of the love, compassion, and mercy of a crucified Saviour who will save to the uttermost all that come unto Him. Said the angel: ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ ” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 543, 544

“If we would be true lights in the world, we must manifest the loving, compassionate spirit of Christ. To love as Christ loved means that we must practice self-control. It means that we must show unselfishness at all times and in all places.” My Life Today, 80

4.b.      What privilege do we have as Christians, and what responsibility goes along with this privilege? 1 John 3:1–3

Note: “Well may you ask, ‘Is my name written there?’ It is registered in that book of life if you have a character that is pure and holy like the character of Christ. Faith in the truth alone will not save us. We must be like Christ if we shall one day see Him as He is.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 134

Thursday

5 PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER

5.a. What is in the book of remembrance? Malachi 3:16; Nehemiah 13:14

Note: “In the book of God’s remembrance, every deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded.” The Great Controversy, 481

5.b.      In summary, what should we ever keep in mind? Revelation 3:5; Matthew 10:32

Note: “In order to confess Christ, we must have Him to confess. No one can truly confess Christ unless the mind and spirit of Christ are in him. … It is possible with our lips to confess Christ yet in our works deny Him. The fruits of the Spirit manifested in the life are a confession of Him. If we have forsaken all for Christ, our lives will be humble, our conversation heavenly, our conduct blameless. The powerful, purifying influence of truth in the soul, and the character of Christ exemplified in the life, are a confession of Him.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 303, 304

“Whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life? Only the names of those who have loved God with all the powers of their being, and their neighbors as themselves.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 138

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How do we know that the evidence in the Judgment is just and true?

2    How does our accountability to God go way beyond church membership?

3    Why and how are we being measured right now?

4    Compare what is blotted out in those who will be lost vs. those saved.

5    What should be our main concern on a daily basis?

Copyright 2019, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

May 4 – 10, 2025

Key Text

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” 1 Peter 4:7

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 479–491

Introduction

“We cannot be off guard for a moment. …

“We are in the great day of atonement, and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time in the heavenly sanctuary should be our constant study.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 520

Sunday

1 A SOLEMN MOMENT

1. How did the Israelites spend the time while the high priest officiated in the most holy place? Leviticus 16:29, 30

Note: “To lift that veil [at the entrance to the most holy place], and intrude unbidden into the sacred mystery of the most holy place, was death. For above the mercy seat dwelt the glory of the Holiest—glory upon which no man might look and live. On the one day of the year appointed for ministry in the most holy place, the high priest with trembling entered God’s presence, while clouds of incense veiled the glory from his sight. Throughout the courts of the temple every sound was hushed. No priests ministered at the altars. The host of worshipers, bowed in silent awe, offered their petitions for God’s mercy.” The Ministry of Healing, 437, 438

“The high priest always entered it with trembling, while the people waited his return with solemn silence. Their earnest desires were to God for His blessing. Before the mercy seat, God conversed with the high priest. If he remained an unusual time in the most holy, the people were often terrified, fearing that because of their sins, or some sin of the priest, the glory of the Lord had slain him.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, 274, 275

“Let the church commence the work of purification before God by repentance, humiliation, deep heart searching, for we are in the antitypical day of atonement—solemn hour fraught with eternal results.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 378

Monday

2 AN ILLUSTRATION FOR US

2.a. How does the solemnity of the yearly atonement service represent the present work of our High Priest in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary? 1 Corinthians 10:11; Zephaniah 2:1–3

Note: “We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” The Great Controversy, 489, 490

2.b.  What admonitions of the Saviour especially apply today? Mark 13:33; Revelation 3:3

Note: “Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. …

“When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. …

“The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 490, 491

Tuesday

3 TAKING HEED

3.a. What truth must be deeply impressed in the mind of every Christian? 1 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Peter 4:7

Note: “Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves. They lose sight of their own weakness and their constant need of divine strength. … Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 155

“Well would it be for us each to hold up the mirror, God’s royal law, and see in it the reflection of His own character. Let us be careful not to neglect the danger signals and the warnings given in His word. Unless heed is given to these warnings, and defects of character are overcome, these defects will overcome those who possess them, and they will fall into error, apostasy, and open sin. The mind that is not elevated to the highest standard will in time lose its power to retain that which it had once gained.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 537

“By conforming entirely to the will of God, we shall be placed upon vantage ground, and shall see the necessity of decided separation from the customs and practices of the world. We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world’s standard; but we are to make the line of demarcation decidedly apparent.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 289

3.b.  What request in Jesus’ prayer to His Father reveals His plan for each one of us? John 17:17

Note: “If you sit down with the ease-loving ones, with the words on your lips, ‘I am saved,’ and disregard the commandments of God, you will be eternally lost. There is truth in Jesus that is terrible to the ease-loving, do-nothing ones. There is truth in Jesus that is full of soothing joy to the obedient. It is the joy of the Holy Ghost. Be persuaded, then, to open the mind and heart, that you may see every ray of light shining from the throne of God.

“This is no time to be indifferent and careless and pleasure-loving. Christ is coming with power and great glory. Are you ready? Are you putting away your sins? Are you becoming sanctified through the truth in answer to the prayer of Christ?” Selected Messages, Book 1, 318

Wednesday

4 ESCAPING THE SYNDROME

4.a. As He ministers in the most holy place, what attitude does Jesus identify as sadly typical in this last era of church history? Revelation 3:14–16 

Note: “Messengers have been sent with warnings, reproofs, and entreaties. God’s servants have wept and prayed over the lukewarm state of the church. Some may arouse, but only to fall back into unconsciousness of their sin and peril. Passion, worldliness, malice, envy pride, strife for supremacy, make our churches weak and powerless. Some of Christ’s ambassadors are carrying a heavy burden on their souls, because their message is treated by so many as an idle tale. The eye of Jesus, looking down the ages, was fixed upon our time when He said, ‘If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace!’ It is still thy day, O church of God, whom He has made the depositary of His law. But this day of trust and probation is fast drawing to a close. The sun is fast westering. Can it be that it will set, and thou not know the things that belong unto thy peace? Must the irrevocable sentence be passed, ‘But now they are hid from thine eyes’? I tell you there is need to be alarmed.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886

4.b.      What earnest plea does the Lord make to each of us? Revelation 3:17–21

Note: “It is time to seek God earnestly, saying with Jacob, ‘I will not let thee go except thou bless me.’ It will be of no avail to make a spasmodic effort, only to fall back into spiritual lethargy and lukewarmness. The past, with the slighted mercies, the admonitions unheeded, the earthly passions uncorrected, the privileges unimproved, the soul temple filled with desecrated shrines—all is recorded in the books of heaven. But most solemn moments are still before you. Because of past neglect, the efforts you make must be the more earnest.

“The Saviour speaks to His people, ‘Be zealous and repent.’ It is not ministers whom you have slighted; it is not the warnings of men that you have rejected; it is not my delegated prophets that you have refused to hear, but your Redeemer, your only hope. If ye are destroyed, it is yourselves alone that are responsible.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886

Thursday

5 BOWING BEFORE THE LORD

5. What is the condition of the worldly churches in the last days? 2 Timothy 3:1–5, first part; James 4:10

Note: “Will our churches humble themselves before the Lord in this day of atonement? Will they put away the sins which defile their garments of character, and separate them from God? The present is our day of visitation. Look not to a future, more convenient season, when the cross to be lifted will be less heavy, when the inclinations of the carnal heart will be subdued with less effort. ‘Today,’ saith the Spirit of God, ‘if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart.’ Today go about the work, else you may be one day too late. The impression that you have now may not be as strong tomorrow. Satan’s snare may close about you. The candlestick may be moved out of its place, and you left in darkness. ‘See that you refuse not him that speaketh.’ Says the true Witness, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God, or through His delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world’s care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity beyond. The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with blessings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit your selfishness to triumph?” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why did the nation worry if the high priest delayed in the most holy place?

2    Why does the present day of atonement call for solemnity on our part?

3    Despite this reality, what is the attitude of most professed Christians?

4    How are we to be delivered from the problem of Laodicea?

5    In what ways has Jesus been knocking at the door of my heart?

Copyright 2019, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Prayer

April 27 – May 3, 2025

Key Text

“For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” Leviticus 16:30

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 352–354, 409–422

Introduction

“We are living in the great Day of Atonement, and it is now time that everyone should repent before God, confess his sins, and by living faith rest upon the merit of a crucified and living Saviour.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 224, 225

Sunday

1 A FINAL MINISTRATION

1. What essential truth about the sanctuary did the Millerites later realize they had overlooked? Leviticus 16:29–31; Hebrews 8:1, 2; 9:24

Note: “The Scriptures were carefully searched with prayer and earnest thought, and after a period of suspense, light poured in upon our darkness; doubt and uncertainty were swept away.

“Instead of the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 referring to the purifying of the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement, and the preparing of the people to abide the day of His coming.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 58

“In the typical system, which was a shadow of the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ, the cleansing of the sanctuary was the last service performed by the high priest in the yearly round of ministration. It was the closing work of the atonement—a removal or putting away of sin from Israel. It prefigured the closing work in the ministration of our High Priest in heaven, in the removal or blotting out of the sins of His people, which are registered in the heavenly records. This service involves a work of investigation, a work of judgment; and it immediately precedes the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; for when He comes, every case has been decided.” The Great Controversy, 352

Monday

2 A SOLEMN TIME

2.a. Ever since the 2300 days ended in 1844, where has our High Priest, Jesus Christ, been ministering? Hebrews 9:1–3; Revelation 3:7; 11:19; 4:1; Daniel 7:8–10

Note: “The time for the commandments of God to shine out with all their importance, and for God’s people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in 1844. Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where He now stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches.

“I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Revelation 3:7, 8); and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God’s people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question.” Early Writings, 42

2.b.      What must we realize at this point in history? 1 Timothy 5:24

Note: “We are in the great day of atonement, when our sins are, by confession and repentance, to go beforehand to judgment. God does not now accept a tame, spiritless testimony from His ministers. Such a testimony would not be present truth. The message for this time must be meat in due season to feed the church of God. But Satan has been seeking gradually to rob this message of its power, that the people may not be prepared to stand in the day of the Lord.

“In 1844, our great High Priest entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to begin the work of the investigative judgment. The cases of the righteous dead have been passing in review before God. When that work shall be completed, judgment is to be pronounced upon the living. How precious, how important are these solemn moments!” Selected Messages, Book 1, 124, 125

Tuesday

3 INVESTIGATION, CASE BY CASE

3.a. What shows that the Judgment concerns each of us personally? Ecclesiastes 11:9; Matthew 12:36; Daniel 7:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 5:10

Note: “Each of us has a case pending in the court of heaven. We are individually to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. In the typical service, when the work of atonement was performed by the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary, the people were required to afflict their souls before God, and confess their sins, that they might be atoned for and blotted out. Will any less be required of us in this antitypical day of atonement, when Christ in the sanctuary above is pleading in behalf of His people, and the final, irrevocable decision is to be pronounced upon every case?” Selected Messages, Book 1, 125

3.b.      What should this cause us to consider? Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14

Note: “What is our condition in this fearful and solemn time? Alas, what pride is prevailing in the church, what hypocrisy, what deception, what love of dress, frivolity, and amusement, what desire for the supremacy! All these sins have clouded the mind, so that eternal things have not been discerned. Shall we not search the Scriptures, that we may know where we are in this world’s history? Shall we not become intelligent in regard to the work that is being accomplished for us at this time, and the position that we as sinners should occupy while this work of atonement is going forward? If we have any regard for our souls’ salvation, we must make a decided change. We must seek the Lord with true penitence; we must with deep contrition of soul confess our sins, that they may be blotted out.

“We must no longer remain upon the enchanted ground. We are fast approaching the close of our probation. Let every soul inquire, How do I stand before God? We know not how soon our names may be taken into the lips of Christ, and our cases be finally decided. What, oh, what will these decisions be! Shall we be counted with the righteous, or shall we be numbered with the wicked?” Selected Messages, Book 1 125, 126

“Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests therein involved.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 314, 315

Wednesday

4 LOGICAL TIMING

4.a. Why is the Investigative Judgment necessary before Christ’s return? Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12

Note: “As anciently the sins of the people were by faith placed upon the sin offering and through its blood transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctuary, so in the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon Christ and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary. And as the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation—a work of judgment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem His people; for when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every man according to his works.” The Great Controversy, 421, 422

4.b.      With whom does the judgment begin? 1 Peter 4:17

Note: “In the typical service only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period.” The Great Controversy, 480

4.c. When and by whom will the wicked be judged? 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3

Note: “During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. … It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians 6:2. In union with Christ, they judge the wicked.” The Great Controversy, 660, 661

Thursday

5 CONFORMING TO THE STANDARD

5.a. What is God doing by His grace to ensure we pass the final judgment? Romans 8:28, 29; Ephesians 4:11–13

Note: “God’s object in bringing us to Himself is to conform us to the image of Christ.” The Review and Herald, January 21, 1896

“The true, humble, earnest Christian will be receiving the mold of a perfect character, and his heart will ever be conforming to the image of Christ. His life will flow out in channels of beneficence and love. Such will be established in God. The work which grace began, if combined with earnest effort to press close to Jesus, glory shall finish in the kingdom of God.” Ibid., June 3, 1880

5.b.      Why is God’s law essential in order to conform our character to the image of Jesus? Romans 7:7; 1 Timothy 1:8–10

Note: “A great work must be done for us all before we will have perfection of Christian character. The law of God is the standard of righteousness. This is the mirror into which we are to look to discern the defects of our character. When we look in a common mirror, it points out to us the defects upon our person, but it does not remove one stain; we must go and wash if we would become clean. So it is with the law of God. It is God’s great mirror, or moral detector of sin; but there is no saving quality in law; it has no power to pardon the transgressor. … Then what is the work before the sinner? It is to exercise repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. In His precious blood the stains of sin may all be washed away.” The Present Truth, November 3, 1885

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why was it important for the Millerites to persevere in their Bible study?

2    What was the significance of the “open and shut door” in Revelation 3?

3    Why is the Investigative Judgment such an important truth?

4    Why are the righteous and wicked judged at different times?

5    As the law reveals our defects of character, what should we do?

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