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“Come Unto Me”

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Matthew 11:28

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Here is a giving by Christ, and on our part an acceptance of the promise, a conscious finding, a sense of relief from all perplexing doubt. Simple enough, is it not?—Thus it appears. But the promise is large and far-reaching. It implies much. It means deliverance from constant, perplexing uncertainty. …

The reason there are so many in perplexity is because they take their case into their own finite hands, and manufacture yokes that are not pleasant for them to wear. They think they understand their needs, and they worry and plan and devise, while Christ stands inviting, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” The yokes of human manufacture gall the necks that wear them. Christ says, Try My yoke; it is easy: lift My burdens; for they are light.

If you have not found that rest offered to all who will learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart, would you not better yoke up with Christ without delay? Bear only His burdens. Do not load yourself with cares that weigh you down to the ground. Your troubles come because you are so anxious to manage matters yourself that you do not wear the yoke of Christ.

By some, the promise of God is grasped so eagerly that it becomes their own, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is their experience. Others suppose that they must wait until they become worthy. To these I would say, Never, never, will you become worthy. If this were possible, the Prince of heaven need not have come to our world. But by taking our human nature, He declared to the heavenly universe that He united humanity to divinity, in order that men and women might stand on vantage ground … .

God welcomes all who come to Him just as they are, not building themselves up in self-righteousness, not seeking to justify self, not claiming merits for what they call good actions, not priding themselves on their supposed knowledge. While you have been walking and working in meekness and lowliness of heart, a work has been done for you—a work that only God could do. It is God who works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. That good pleasure is to see you abiding in Christ, resting in His love. Let not anything rob your soul of peace, of restfulness, of the assurance that you are accepted just now. Claim every promise; all are yours if you will comply with the prescribed terms. Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of Christ’s ways, is the secret of perfect rest in His love.

… We must learn His meekness and lowliness before we experience the fulfillment of the promise, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” It is by learning the habits of Christ that self becomes transformed—by taking His yoke, and then submitting to learn.

Giving up the life to Christ means much more than many suppose. God calls for an entire surrender. We cannot receive the Holy Spirit until we break every yoke that binds us to our objectionable traits of character. These are the great hindrances to wearing Christ’s yoke and learning of Him. There is no one who has not much to learn. All must be trained by Christ. When we fall upon the living Rock, our wrong traits of character are taken away as hindrances to perfection of character. When self dies, Christ lives in the human agent. Acquaintance with Christ makes us long to abide in Him, and to have Him abide in us.

Christ desires all to become His students. He says, Yield yourselves to My training. I will not extinguish you, but will work out for you a character that will fit you to be raised from the lower grade to the higher school. Submit all things to Me. Let My life, My patience, My long-suffering, My meekness, My lowliness, be worked out in your character, as one who abides in Me. …

… Do not manufacture many things that you must do in order to find rest, assurance, confidence. Leave this work, which not even the wisest of the human family can do, and put your trust in One who has promised rest to your soul. Do just what He has told you to do, and be assured that God will do all that He has said He would do. The promise is, “Come unto Me, … and I will give you rest.” Have you come to Him, renouncing all your make-shifts, all your unbelief, all your self-righteousness? Come just as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. What is the “rest” promised?—It is the consciousness that God is true, that He never disappoints the one who comes to Him. His pardon is full and free, and His acceptance means rest to the soul, rest in His love. The Review and Herald, April 25, 1899

The Dream That Will Never Come True

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In 1965, because of an injury, I was taken to the emergency department of a local hospital and was subsequently admitted. My uncle was my attending physician.

At first, it did not appear that my situation was serious. However, a few days later, early in the morning, I asked my nurse to call my uncle immediately because I knew something was wrong, but she didn’t do it. Three hours later, my uncle arrived. When he saw me, he knew that he needed to call my parents and have them come to the hospital. My nurse had thought that I was just apprehensive and that she knew better than me whether something was really wrong. She decided there was no need to bother my uncle, but as a result of that delay, I almost lost my life.

I was rushed into surgery. Later, as I was regaining consciousness, I thought maybe this was the resurrection, and I was just about to get happy, but as I opened my eyes, the pain hit, and I knew right away it was not. I had survived the surgery, but I would remain in the hospital for many days.

I will never forget those days. It was summer, and my room was on the first floor. Through my window, I could look outside at the green shrubs and grass, and the beautiful Colorado sunshine that made everything warm and inviting. I wanted to go outside, but I couldn’t. As if being stuck within the four walls of my room wasn’t bad enough, I was also connected to so many electrical and mechanical gadgets that I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom by myself.

During those days, Curley Putman—a country/western singer from Nashville, Tennessee—wrote a song made popular by Tom Jones—a famous international singer/musician from Great Britain. It was a very emotional song, and I liked to listen to it. Maybe, because of my experience in the hospital, I could relate to it.

It is the story of a Spanish Roman Catholic man sentenced for execution. Lying on the bed in his prison cell on the last night before his execution, he falls asleep and begins to dream. The words of the song chronicle his dream.

 

The old hometown looks the same

As I step down from the train,

And there to meet me is my mama and papa.

 

Down the road, I look, and there runs Mary,

Hair of gold and lips like cherries.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Yes, they’ll all come to meet me,

Arms reaching, smiling sweetly.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

The old house is still standing

Though the paint is cracked and dry,

And there’s that old oak tree that I used to play on.

 

Down the lane, I walk with my sweet Mary,

Hair of gold and lips like cherries.

It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Then I awake and look around me

At four grey walls that surround me,

And I realize, yes, I was only dreaming.

 

For there’s a guard and there’s a sad, old padre.

On and on, we’ll walk at daybreak.

Again, I’ll touch the green, green grass of home.

 

Yes, they’ll all come to see me

In the shade of that old oak tree

As they lay me ’neath the green, green grass of home.

The Green, Green Grass of Home, Curley Putman, 1965

That song became one of the most beloved songs of the 20th century and is still considered a classic today. Its lyrics were the inspiration for this study. We will look at some very hard scriptures because the Bible talks a lot about the hope of eternal life in heaven and why, for the majority of the Christian world, it will be but a dream that will never come true.

“And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’

“And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open for us,” and He will answer and say to you, “I do not know you, where you are from,” then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” But He will say, “I tell you, I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. And indeed, there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” ’ ” Luke 13:22–30

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’

“And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’

“The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!  And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” Matthew 8:5–12

“ ‘To what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” But wisdom is justified by her children.

“Then He began to upbraid the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.’ ” Matthew 11:16–24

“Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish”? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.’ ” Luke 14:25–33

This is a parable about the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews are spiritually rich, while the Gentiles are spiritually poor.

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19–31

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

“In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise, the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:26–32

The message found in these scriptures is unmistakable. People from every corner of the world believe they are saved, but most will find they are lost. How can this be? In the Christian world, two classes of people dream of having eternal life, but one class will see their dream drift away.

So, let’s study these two classes so that we can be in the class that will see its dream come true.

A perfect Pharisee. A perfect Laodicean.

The word Laodicea means “the judging of the people.” This is the description of the church today during the judgment.

“These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’ ” Revelation 3:14–22. Laodicea says, “I am rich and increased with goods. I need nothing. Investigate for yourself, you won’t find any sin in me.”

In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees held this same belief about themselves. Jesus gave us a parable to demonstrate the difference between the proud and self-righteous who believe they need nothing and the humble sinner who recognizes that he needs salvation.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:11–14

Scary, isn’t it? To think of being so deceived regarding your true nature that you cannot see that, despite all your pride and self-conviction, you are bereft of the humility of spirit that will open your eyes to your actual condition and need. Those who are in and will remain in the Laodicean condition will not be part of the 144,000, nor will they have a place in eternity. The Pharisees believed, and Laodicea believes that sin is just a choice, and if sin is just a choice and they did not commit sin, then they are not sinners.

Paul describes his experience as a Pharisee, saying, “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Philippians 3:5, 6

“I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.” Romans 7:9. To his own eyes, Paul appeared to be perfect. But when he met Jesus on the Damascus road, when his eyes beheld His infinite purity, he instantly knew what he was: a sinner, rotten on the inside, and needing to be saved.

Christians, including Seventh-day Adventists, have been and continue to be taught that sin is just a choice. Jesus didn’t choose to sin, I’m not going to choose to sin, so He and I are the same. What nonsense.

The same, and yet, different

Every person born into this world is born in sin; Jesus Christ alone was the exception, having been born into this world without a single taint of sin. Jesus was not exactly the same as we are, and we must never think He was. Do not reduce Jesus just to the level of a man. He was a man, but He was not like every other man in one single point.

“Christ’s life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above others. Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He condescended to connect our fallen human nature with His divinity. …

“In humility Christ began His mighty work of lifting the fallen race from the degradation of sin, recovering them by His divine power, which He had linked with humanity.” Christ Triumphant, 232

“Though He had no taint of sin upon His character, yet He condescended to connect our fallen human nature with His divinity. By thus taking humanity, He honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, He showed what it might become, by accepting the ample provision He has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 453

“It was a difficult task for the Prince of Life to carry out the plan which He had undertaken for the salvation of man, in clothing His divinity with humanity. He had received honor in the heavenly courts and was familiar with absolute power. It was as difficult for Him to keep the level of humanity as for men to rise above the low level of their depraved natures and be partakers of the divine nature.” The Review and Herald, April 1, 1895. Amazing statement.

A faulty definition

The Pharisees had a faulty definition of sin, and because of this, they thought they were okay. This erroneous definition of sin makes people believe they are okay. The Pharisee said, “I’m not like other men.” The Laodicean says, “I have ned of nothing.” It is a fatal mindset.

Wrong comparison

The Pharisee did not compare his life with Jesus’ life, but with other men. Since he is better, in his estimation, than other men, he is satisfied with himself. Consequently, he learns to despise others because they are not as good as he believes he is.

Motivated by self-interest

The Pharisee’s worship is motivated by self-interest. He worships the Lord because of the benefits he thinks he will receive. People around the world choose the religion they will follow and the church they will attend based on what will benefit them most and is easiest to follow, requiring the least sacrifice.

Ceremony and outward display

The Pharisee’s religion was comprised entirely of form, ceremony, and outward religious observances—a religion dealing only with the outward life—without any heart work. He was very spiritual, at least to the human eye. He helped the poor, held church offices, paid his tithe, and often prayed so that he could be seen and praised by men as being very religious, but his religion involved only the outward. His religion was not from the heart. Jesus said that the Pharisee’s heart was rotten, like a tombstone that appears beautiful on the outside but inside is full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. On the outside, the Pharisee was zealous for God, but inside, he plotted to murder the Son of God.

Proud and self-sufficient

As a result, the Pharisee became proud and self-sufficient—the most spiritually-dangerous condition. What greater delusion can there be than believing you are saved but are actually lost?

The disobedient Christian

The second class of Christians for whom eternal life in heaven is just a dream that will never come true are not Pharisees or Laodiceans. This class does not boast that they are without sin. This Christian has one giant problem that will keep him out of heaven.

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” ’ ” Matthew 7:21–23

This verse speaks of the Christian on the day of judgment. He is certain that he is saved, so much so that he argues with the Lord, reminding Him of all the good works he has done in His name. But what does Jesus say? “I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.” This Christian has just one big problem—he is disobedient.

However, there is another category of Christian for whom the dream of eternity spent with Jesus will become a reality.

Humiliation, repentance, and transformation

This Christian

  • Knows he is sinful and polluted. He is not deceived by the Pharisaic delusion that sin is just a choice.
  • Because he knows he is sinful and polluted, is often overwhelmed with guilt. Therefore, he comes to God confessing that he is lost, knowing his only hope is found in the unmerited love of God. He comes to God in repentance and humiliation, knowing and confessing that he is hopelessly lost without Him.
  • Understands that the human heart of all humanity, except for Jesus Christ, is deceitful above all things and incurably wicked. He knows that unless he allows the Holy Spirit to open his eyes, he cannot see his own sinfulness. Once the Holy Spirit begins the work of transformation in him, he is immediately convicted of sin, and he no longer can say he is okay.
  • In beholding Christ’s purity and excellence he can see his weaknesses, defects, and poverty. He realizes that he is lost and hopelessly clad in the garments of self-righteousness like every other sinner. Self now appears to him as nothing but shame, and he cries out to the Lord.

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.

“It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward, it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore, there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

“The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. …

“Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.

“At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, ‘Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight.’ Ezekiel 36:31.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159, 160

This experience does not happen at baptism. Instead, as the power of Christ draws the sinner, he chooses to approach and look upon Christ on the cross, suspended between heaven and earth. In his mind and heart, he falls prostrate at the foot of the cross. It is then that a miracle happens. He is given a new heart and made a new creature, a true Christian, in Christ Jesus. God is the Justifier of man. When He looks upon him and finds nothing more to require, He will glorify him (Romans 8:30).

Jesus gave us the parable of the wedding feast to help us understand that salvation predestines everyone to be saved. Unfortunately, not every person will accept salvation, and their dream of living in heaven for all eternity will be nothing more than that—just a dream. But for those who accept God’s gift of salvation, heaven is waiting, her gates opened wide to receive all of God’s children home.

“ ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.

“ ‘Again, he sent out other servants, saying, “Tell those who are invited, ‘See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.’ ”

“ ‘But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.

“ ‘But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

“ ‘Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore, go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”

“ ‘So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“ ‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless.

“ ‘Then the king said to the servants, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” ’ ” Matthew 22:2–14

All are called, all are invited, but only those who accept salvation and surrender their lives to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, will be found wearing the wedding garment—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Only these are chosen.

It is this wedding garment that Jesus is referring to when He says to the Laodicean, “buy from Me … white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.” Revelation 3:18

Obedience opens the gates of heaven. Without it, man can never obtain the wedding garment. He cannot produce righteousness in or by himself, and he cannot receive it from Christ if he is disobedient to the law of God. Those who want to go to heaven must become obedient by the power of the Holy Spirit. The devil says that man cannot obey, and sadly many Christians believe him. It is true that we cannot do it alone, but God has promised each one who comes to Him in complete surrender of the will, will be given the grace and power to overcome.

“There is not one of us who will be placed in heaven with the mold of our own will.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 259

“You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are ‘willing to be made willing,’ God will accomplish the work for you … . ‘For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ ” The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1904

If any man doubts that he can overcome, he need only look in Revelation 2 verses 7, 11, 17, 26, and Revelation 3 verses 5, 12, and 21. Jesus says that we can and are to overcome. And Inspiration tells us that “All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333. Whatever God asks us to do, He provides the ability to do it.

“If we would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, the principles of righteousness would guide our lives, and self-seeking would find no place in our hearts. The desire to do our own will would be submerged in the desire to do the will of God.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 82

“Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159

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.

Without Excuse

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We are drawing near to the day of God. Eternal decisions must now be made. The Master stands at the door. This day is not an uncertain object in the dim and distant future; but it is, to him who reads aright the page of prophecy and history, a vivid reality, even now throwing the beams of its approaching glory and the light of its consuming fires upon a slumbering world. It comes not without a numerous array of precursors and heralds; yet it will come to many suddenly and unexpected. With what real and unfeigned surprise will multitudes awake to their condition, as the terrible realities of this coming day burst upon them! So different from what they expected. So contrary to all their plans. So fatal to all they had hoped for or believed. What astonishment, what amazement, what terror, will seize them! At once they find themselves in the unrelaxing grasp of eternity, its irrevocable decisions upon them, and they among the lost. And how many, in the agony of their despair, will put the question to their own souls, Why should I be found in this condition? And what would be their reply to such a question? Should the Judge of all meet them with the solemn inquiry why they had not made preparation for that day, what answer would they return? What excuse would they render?

Would they say, “Lord, this day of all days, this day which forever concludes all human history, this decisive day for all the human race, should have been clearly set forth in Thy holy word?” The answer would be, “It was thus set forth. From Genesis to Revelation, the word was full of it. That solemn moment which closes probation and brings its terrible retribution to the ungodly, and its glorious reward to the righteous, was everywhere kept in view, with warnings and exhortations to all the race to prepare for its solemn scenes. Bibles were in your hands, and you should have read them for yourselves.” Would they not thus stand speechless and condemned?

Would they say that signs should have been given of so momentous an event, some strange phenomena in nature to mark the approach of the end? The answer would be, “Such signs were given. The sun was darkened, the moon withdrew her shining, the stars fell from heaven, strange sights appeared above, and strange convulsions were felt below (Joel 2:31; 3:15). And ere probation closed, while yet you could have escaped the coming wrath, the land was full of Bibles containing these predictions, and full of histories recording their fulfillment. Did you care to trouble yourselves to compare the two?” And again, they would stand speechless and condemned.

Would they say that the state of the world, moral and political, which was to mark the last days, should have been clearly described? The answer would come. “It was so described. It was declared in the word of God that iniquity would abound, that evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse, that the nations would be angry, that there would be wars and rumors of wars, and that there would be distress of nations, with perplexity (Matthew 24). And in your own days, every paper groaned with a record of these things, and all the land was startled at the fearful spectacle which the world presented. Did you not see it, and wonder? And why did you not read its import aright?” Would they not again stand speechless and condemned?

Would they say that the history of nations, and the course of empires, in consecutive order, down to the end, should have been given, that the world might know when the last nations were on the stage of action, at the end of whose history the kingdom of God should be set up? Again, the answer would be, “Such information was given in the prophetic word. Beginning 600 years before Christ, step by step, kingdom by kingdom, event by event, the student of prophecy is brought down even to the closing scenes of trouble, the dashing of all the nations to pieces, and the standing up of Michael for the deliverance of His people. And you saw the last kingdoms of earth in a condition such that even human foresight scarcely failed to discern the very day of their dissolution (Daniel 2:31–45). Did you take the trouble to inquire what was to follow?” And once more, they would stand without answer and without excuse.

Further they would say that, “messengers divinely sent should have given warning of the approach of the great and dreadful day. That the proclamation should have been made through all the land when that day was near.” The answer would be again, “Such proclamation was made. The world heard; the honest, humble seekers after truth believed; and scoffers everywhere raised the inquiry, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ 2 Peter 3:2–5.”

Thus, their last excuse fails them, speechless and condemned, what more could they say?

And, reader, so far as the evidences of the near coming of Christ are concerned, they stand today just as set forth above. The declaration of God’s word, the signs in the natural world, the state of the nations, the moral condition of mankind, and the proclamation of the coming of the day of wrath, the last message of mercy, are all before us. The eyes of all the world are now watching for the final destruction of these powers at the termination of whose career the Bible places the opening of the day of God.

Some Features of Our Times

This is an age of brilliant pretensions, but sad realities. Its professions and practices, its facts and theories, present a climax of contradictions.

There never was so much of the form of godliness, and never so little of the power.

Never were there so many professors of religion, and never so little of religion itself.

Never so many assurances of peace, and never so extensive and urgent need for preparations for war.

Never so many tokens of coming danger and calamity, and never such a feeling of security, expressed and implied, on the part of the people.

There never was a time when the doctrine of the immediate opening of the temporal millennium was more universally cherished and talked of, and never a time when every feature of society—social, moral, and political—rendered such an idea more preposterous.

There never was a time when there was so much money in the world, and never a time when there was more widespread and distressing spiritual poverty.

There never was a time when there were so many remedies for every disease, real or imaginary, which profess to be sure cures, absolutely infallible, and never a time when there existed so much disease, sickness, suffering, and death.

There never was a time when there was so much boasting of progress and advancement on the part of the race, and never a time when they gave more palpable evidence of fast descending into the depths of sin and degradation.

And what does all this show? It shows that the pretensions on which men build themselves up are a sham, and their professions, hypocrisy. They are willing to deceive others, and to be deceived themselves. This is the time when the prophet tells us that evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). We see this work going on before us, which proves that we have reached the time to which the prophet’s words apply. There is nothing to which men will not put their hand for gain. With worthless remedies, which the venders know will not accomplish what they claim, the confidence of the afflicted is secured, and their means looted. Falsity and insincerity exist on every hand. “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14. Nor will this state of things improve till He whose right it is, the Prince of the house of David, takes the throne.

“The end of all things is at hand. Satan is availing himself of every means to thwart the purposes of God and to make the truth of God of none effect. While Satan is pouring in his darkness, angels of God are diligently at work forcing back the gross darkness, that there may be a place for the truth. If the ministers of God will move forward in humble faith, relying fully upon God to work with their efforts, they will not pray in vain. Angels are waiting, ready to help, longing to help with our efforts.

“The message of solemn warning must be given to all nations, tongues, and people. The message will convict and convert the hearers or condemn them. All will be left without excuse.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 5, 300

We rejoice that this event is at the door. Hasten, O King of kings, the glad day.

Uriah Smith was a Seventh-day Adventist author, minister, educator, and theologian, and the longest-serving (50 years) editor of The Review and Herald. He served as the first secretary of the General Conference and, later, as its treasurer. He co-founded Battle Creek College. As an author, he was best known for “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” He passed away in 1903 from a stroke while on his way to the Review office.

The Home of the Saved

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The Bible opens with a new heaven and a new earth, perfect from the Creator’s hand; with man sinless and having access to the tree of life in the midst of the Eden paradise, out of which flowed a river that spread its life-giving waters through the earth.

The Bible closes with a new heaven and a new earth; with man upright and sinless once again, having right to the tree of life growing in the midst of Eden; with the river of life flowing out from the garden of God, clear as crystal.

Between the two scenes spreads out the panorama of 6,000 years of conflict with sin. It is a story of the fall of man, of the loss of his Eden home, of the curse that marred the earth, of sin, sorrow, and death overspreading all.

The Restorer

But from the hour when the shadow of sin fell upon the earth, there has been a light shining in the darkness. Amid the ruin that sin had wrought, there appeared the great Restorer.

The inspired record gives a word picture of Jesus taking man’s place to win back the lost dominion:

“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“ ‘What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’

“For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not see all things put under him.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:5–11

Just where Adam fell and lost his dominion over the earth, we see Jesus, the second Adam, taking man’s place and winning back the lost inheritance. That is why the picture of the new earth and man’s sinless state depicted in the first two chapters of the Bible is repeated in the last two chapters with even greater fullness of glory. God’s original plan and purpose will be carried out, and this earth renewed will be the eternal home of sinless men and women, redeemed by grace.

Sin will be found not to have frustrated, but only to have delayed, the purpose of God. And what is 6,000 years in working out the divine plan? In our brief span, we may divide human history into ancient, medieval, and modern; but in heaven’s life a thousand years are but as “a watch in the night;” and these six watches are to heaven but as one night of grief and of loving ministry in rescuing the lost.

It has cost all that heaven had to give, but the infinite Gift was made, and all heaven has wrought at the work. Of the angels it is written, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

Bringing Back the Lost Dominion

Of all the worlds that shine in the heavens declaring the glory of God, this earth is the one that was lost. Its light went out in darkness. It wandered from the fold of God’s perfect creation.

Then the divine Shepherd came to find it and bring it back. And the angels that rejoiced when they saw this earth created—“when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy”—this earth redeemed from the curse, shining in the bright universe again with the perfection of the glory of God.

Christ not only redeems lost men, but He is to redeem this lost earth. “The Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

By sinning, man lost not only his righteousness and his life, but his dominion as well. Originally man had dominion “over all the earth” (Genesis 1:26). As the psalmist says, “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands.” Psalm 8:6. He was prince and ruler of the earth. But when he yielded to Satan’s temptation, he yielded up that dominion to the enemy, thus placing himself in the power of his foe. Satan thus became the “prince of this world,” exercising the dominion wrested from man.

But through Christ, this dominion is to be restored. The prophet of old said:

“And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” Micah 4:8

The Hope of the Promise

The promise of the gospel of salvation includes not only life eternal through faith, but of an eternal inheritance in the earth made new, the fulfilment of the Creator’s plan when He made this world to be man’s home. This was the star of hope that shone before Adam and Eve as they stepped forth from Eden into a dying world. It was to Abraham, “the promise that he would be the heir of the world.” Romans 4:13

It was not the promise of the world in its present state. For the Lord gave Abraham “no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on.” Acts 7:5. Abraham himself did not look for the promise to be fulfilled in this sinful earth, but in the earth made new, redeemed from sin. The scripture says of his hope:

“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:9, 10

It was in the new earth and the New Jerusalem that Abraham, the father of the faithful, expected to receive the eternal inheritance promised to him and to his seed. And there, all the faithful will find their inheritance.

“And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

The psalmist said, “But the meek shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37:11, first part. Christ repeated it: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

The New Earth and the New Jerusalem

Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord described the re-creation of this earth as the home of the saved:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” Isaiah 65:17–19

It is not of old Jerusalem that the prophet is speaking, but of the New Jerusalem, which John saw coming down, with the saints, from God out of heaven. He saw it descending upon the earth at the end of the millennium, and saw the wicked come forth from their graves to judgment. Then he saw the fires of the last day falling upon the lost, consuming sin and sinners, and purifying the earth itself from every trace of the curse. It is the day of which Peter wrote: “Because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:12, last part, 13

Out from the dissolved elements of the earth and the atmospheric heavens, the Creator’s power again calls forth a new heaven and a new earth, the old creation cleansed and renewed in the perfection of the original Eden paradise. It is coming; for John saw it in vision: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Revelation 21:1

He saw the city which had come down from heaven—those mansions that Christ has been preparing—the New Jerusalem, the holy capital of the eternal kingdom of the saints, where Christ’s own throne is set.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ ” Verses 3–5

It passes comprehension, but it is true. And the life of the saved in their eternal inheritance will be just as real as is life upon this present earth.

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. …

“ ‘The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 65:21, 25

The whole earth will be as the Eden paradise planted by God in the beginning. And from week to week and from month to month the saved will gather to worship before the glorious throne in the holy city.

“ ‘For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 66:22, 23

The Glories of the Saints’ Eternal Home

As the first two chapters of the Bible tell of earth’s original perfection, so the last two chapters constitute one psalm of ecstasy over the indescribable glories of the earth made new, with its city of light, the walls of jasper, the gates of pearl, the river of life flowing from the throne of the Lamb, clear as crystal, with the wide spreading tree of life on either side of the river. And supreme above all, Jesus Himself, “the King in His beauty,” without whom there would be no glory even in that city foursquare; “for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”

“Oh, heaven without my Saviour

Would be no heaven to me;

Dim were the walls of jasper,

Rayless the crystal sea!

 

“He gilds earth’s darkest valleys

With light and joy and peace;

Then what must be the radiance

Where sin and death shall cease?”

Next to the loveliness and grace of Christ our Saviour, the glories of this world to come have inspired the sweetest hymns of hope for longing hearts. How often has the spirit been lifted above earth’s trials as we have sung:

“O that home of the soul! in my visions and dreams

Its bright, jasper walls I can see

Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenes

Between the fair city and me.

 

“That unchangeable home is for you and for me,

Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;

The King of all kingdoms forever is He,

And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.

 

“O how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,

So free from all sorrow and pain,

With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,

To meet one another again!”

“But as it is written: eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Through the ages, the children of the promise have been journeying toward the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, and they have confessed themselves pilgrims and strangers in this present world. As they have followed the way of righteousness—oftentimes a thorny path—it has been with the shining city ever before their vision. As they have fallen in death, it has been with closing eyes fixed upon “that day” when Christ shall come to take His people to the New Jerusalem prepared above.

“The Lamb there in His beauty

Without a veil is seen.

It were a well-spent journey

Though seven deaths lay between.”

Now earth’s course is nearly run. It is but a little way to the holy city, where the water of life flows clear as crystal from the midst of the throne. The water of life is really there; for the Lord showed it to the prophet John in vision, that he might tell us that he saw it.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,” he says, “and He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal.” Revelation 21:2, first part; 22:1, first part

Christ invites every one to share the eternal inheritance, giving assurance of His power to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him. He is knocking at the door of every heart, asking admittance, in order that He may take away all sin, and prepare the soul for the heavenly home.

And the glories of the holy city invite us to come:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“He which testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Verse 21

William A. Spicer served the Seventh-day Adventist church from 1887 to 1930 as a minister, editor of The Present Truth in England and The Oriental Watchman in India, secretary and president of the General Conference, and worked for decades in mission development. He passed away October 17, 1952.

A True, Sincere Christian

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A man teaching a class on how to become a salesman stated that 85% of the decisions people make are based on emotion or feeling. A decision based on feeling led to Lucifer’s fall in heaven, and will, no doubt, result in millions of souls in this world being lost.

“His [Lucifer’s] disaffection was proved to be without cause, and he was made to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt. Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that ‘the Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works’ (Psalm 145:17); that the divine statutes are just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven. Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels. … He nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade him. It was too great a sacrifice for one who had been so highly honored to confess that he had been in error, that his imaginings were false, and to yield to the authority which he had been working to prove unjust.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 39

Feelings were the problem for Judas. “He saw his faults, but instead of correcting them revenged himself by picking flaws in others around him. … You can gain no spiritual strength by talking about the defects of those around you; but if you continue to do this, like Judas you will eventually separate yourselves from God and His work.” The Review and Herald, August 18, 1885

Making decisions based on feelings is one of the biggest problems in Christendom today.

“Look at men who are professedly converted under the excitement of feeling. They are not brought to face the great moral mirror, the law of God, which discovers to them the defects in their character. … They feel no binding claims of the law of God … they have not a sensitive conscience toward sin. They have not a fixed principle. … They are unsound at heart. … [T]hey will follow inclination [and] you will see that there is not firmness when it is really needed.

“Oh, how much to be admired is a true, sincere Christian! Such a one will be loyal to God and true to his Saviour, living a life of purity, cultivating habits of the strictest temperance, making the word of God his daily study, earnest and faithful to duty, not wearying in well-doing, growing up into full stature in Jesus Christ, his Head.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, 186

From Ascension to the Final Atonement

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April 20 – 26, 2025

Key Text

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 323–332, 352

Introduction

“The miracles of Jesus are a proof of His divinity; but the strongest proofs that He is the world’s Redeemer are found in the prophecies of the Old Testament compared with the history of the New.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3, 211

Sunday

1 FIRST FRUITS

1. What was symbolized by the sheaf of grain waved before the Lord at the beginning of the harvest (Leviticus 23:9–11)? Matthew 27:50–53; 1Corinthians 15:17–20

Note: “Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed. From the harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain, and it be gathered into sheaves. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead.” The Desire of Ages, 785, 786

“He [Christ] presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming.” Ibid., 834

Monday

2 PENTECOST

2.a. In Hebrew times, there was a celebration of the harvest 50 days after the offering of the wave sheaf. What harvest of souls was gathered at Pentecost (“fiftieth” in Greek)? Acts 2:1, 4, 7, 8, 41

Note: “The Jewish leaders had supposed that the work of Christ would end with His death; but, instead of this, they witnessed the marvelous scenes of the Day of Pentecost. They heard the disciples, endowed with a power and energy hitherto unknown, preaching Christ, their words confirmed by signs and wonders. In Jerusalem, the stronghold of Judaism, thousands openly declared their faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.

“The disciples were astonished and overjoyed at the greatness of the harvest of souls.” The Acts of the Apostles, 44

“What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost parts of the inhabited world. As the disciples proclaimed the message of redeeming grace, hearts yielded to the power of this message. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Backsliders were reconverted. Sinners united with believers in seeking the pearl of great price. Some who had been the bitterest opponents of the gospel became its champions. …

“They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought.

“So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the control of His Spirit.” Ibid., 48, 49

2.b.  How can the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost be an inspiration to us in our day? Acts 5:30–32

Note: “The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s love and of His saving grace.” The Acts of the Apostles, 49

Tuesday

3 THE BLOWING OF TRUMPETS

3. In the Hebrew system, trumpets introduced the solemn day of final atonement. How was the anti-typical day of atonement introduced? Leviticus 23:23–25; Matthew 24:32, 33

Note: “He [God] sent chosen messengers to make known the nearness of the final judgment.” The Great Controversy, 339

“In nearly every town, there were scores, in some, hundreds, converted as a result of his [William Miller’s] preaching. In many places Protestant churches of nearly all denominations were thrown open to him, and the invitations to labor usually came from the ministers of the several congregations. It was his invariable rule not to labor in any place to which he had not been invited, yet he soon found himself unable to comply with half the requests that poured in upon him. Many who did not accept his views as to the exact time of the second advent were convinced of the certainty and nearness of Christ’s coming and their need of preparation. In some of the large cities his work produced a marked impression. Liquor dealers abandoned the traffic and turned their shops into meeting rooms; gambling dens were broken up; infidels, deists, Universalists, and even the most abandoned profligates were reformed, some of whom had not entered a house of worship for years. Prayer meetings were established by the various denominations, in different quarters, at almost every hour, businessmen assembling at midday for prayer and praise. There was no extravagant excitement, but an almost universal solemnity on the minds of the people. His work, like that of the early Reformers, tended rather to convince the understanding and arouse the conscience than merely to excite the emotions.

“In 1833 Miller received a license to preach, from the Baptist Church, of which he was a member. A large number of the ministers of his denomination also approved his work, and it was with their formal sanction that he continued his labors.” Ibid., 331, 332

“Those who accepted the advent doctrine were roused to the necessity of repentance and humiliation before God. Many had long been halting between Christ and the world; now they felt that it was time to take a stand. ‘The things of eternity assumed to them an unwonted reality. Heaven was brought near, and they felt themselves guilty before God.’ … Christians were quickened to new spiritual life. They were made to feel that time was short, that what they had to do for their fellow men must be done quickly. Earth receded, eternity seemed to open before them, and the soul, with all that pertained to its immortal weal or woe, was felt to eclipse every temporal object.” Ibid., 340

Wednesday

4 A TIME AND A MESSAGE

4.a. What time period was fulfilled when Jesus began to preach? Mark 1:14, 15; Luke 4:21

Note: “The gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The ‘time’ which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel.” The Desire of Ages, 233

4.b.  What Bible prophecy verifies William Miller’s prophetic research? Daniel 9:24–27

Note: “The time of the first advent and of some of the chief events clustering about the Saviour’s lifework was made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. ‘Seventy weeks,’ said the angel, ‘are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.’ Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: ‘Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks’ (Daniel 9:25), sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus, went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. See Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed, ‘The time is fulfilled.’ Mark 1:15.

“Then, said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].’ For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. … The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.

“The one week—seven years—ended in A.D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel.” Prophets and Kings, 698, 699

Thursday

5 A SURE PROPHETIC BASIS

5. Although William Miller did not fully comprehend all the phases of Christ’s ministration, on what theme did he base his call to repentance? Daniel 8:14. What is the call for us today? 1Peter 1:15, 16

Note: “The seventy weeks—490 days—having been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 days remaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminate in 1844. At the expiration of this great prophetic period, upon the testimony of the angel of God, ‘the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ ” The Great Controversy, 328

“[William] Miller … adopted the generally received view that the earth is the sanctuary, and he believed that the cleansing of the sanctuary represented the purification of the earth by fire at the coming of the Lord. When, therefore, he found that the close of the 2300 days was definitely foretold, he concluded that this revealed the time of the second advent. His error resulted from accepting the popular view as to what constitutes the sanctuary.” Ibid., 352

“The great day was at hand, and in His [God’s] providence the people were brought to the test of a definite time, in order to reveal to them what was in their hearts. The message was designed for the testing and purification of the church. They were to be led to see whether their affections were set upon this world or upon Christ and heaven. They professed to love the Saviour; now they were to prove their love.” Ibid., 353

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How had the resurrection of Christ and those with Him been symbolized?

2    What evangelistic event revealed the most valuable harvest we can reap?

3    What characterized the meetings of William Miller?

4    Why is it vital for us to understand the Bible prophecies based on time?

5    What discovery was made as a result of William Miller’s research, and how was this a test of the church’s attitude?

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

Understanding the Symbols

by

April 13 – 19, 2025

Key Text

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Matthew 27:50, 51, first part

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 273–279, 352, 353

Introduction

“The rending of the veil of the temple showed that the Jewish sacrifices and ordinances would no longer be received. The great Sacrifice had been offered and had been accepted.” Early Writings, 259, 260

Sunday

1 DAILY CONSECRATION

1. Why was it necessary for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to replace the sacrificial offerings? Hebrews 10:9–14. How is the morning and evening sacrifice of ancient times relevant to us today? Acts 3:1

Note: “Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The types and shadows under which the Jews worshiped, all pointed forward to the world’s Redeemer.” The Signs of the Times, February 25, 1897

“The hours appointed for the morning and the evening sacrifice were regarded as sacred, and they came to be observed as the set time for worship throughout the Jewish nation. … In this custom Christians have an example for morning and evening prayer. While God condemns a mere round of ceremonies, without the spirit of worship, He looks with great pleasure upon those who love Him, bowing morning and evening to seek pardon for sins committed and to present their requests for needed blessings.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 353, 354

“If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Like the patriarchs of old, those who profess to love God should erect an altar to His worship wherever they pitch their tent. The father, as priest of the household, should offer the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and children unite in prayer and praise. In a home where God is thus honored, Jesus will love to tarry.” The Bible Echo, December 15, 1893

Monday

2 PURIFYING THE HEART

2.a. What is the significance of the Passover to us as Christians? 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 7:26, 27

Note: “The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb represents ‘the Lamb of God,’ in whom is our only hope of salvation. Says the apostle, ‘Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.’ 1 Corinthians 5:7. It was not enough that the paschal lamb be slain; its blood must be sprinkled upon the doorposts; so the merits of Christ’s blood must be applied to the soul. We must believe, not only that He died for the world, but that He died for us individually. We must appropriate to ourselves the virtue of the atoning sacrifice. …

“The lamb was to be prepared whole, not a bone of it being broken: so not a bone was to be broken of the Lamb of God, who was to die for us. John 19:36. Thus was also represented the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277

2.b.  What did the hyssop symbolize in the Passover? Psalms 51:2, 7

Note: “The hyssop used in sprinkling the blood was the symbol of purification, being thus employed in the cleansing of the leper and of those defiled by contact with the dead.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277

“We want something besides Sabbath religion. We need the living principle, and to daily feel individual responsibility. This is shunned by many, and the fruit is carelessness, indifference, a lack of watchfulness and spirituality. Where is the spirituality of the church? Where are men and women full of faith and the Holy Spirit? My prayer is: Purify Thy church, O God.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 99

“The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.” The Desire of Ages, 189

“The people of God must purify their souls through obedience to the truth, and be prepared to stand without fault before Him at His coming.” Evangelism, 695

Tuesday

3 A HOLY LIFE, A HOLY ORDINANCE

3.a. Explain how Christ’s sacrifice was symbolized in the Passover. Exodus 12:46; John 19:36

3.b. The Passover lamb was not only to be slain, but also eaten. How does the fact relate to Christ our Passover? Exodus 12:8; John 6:53, 54, 63

Note: “It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. … The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.

“The lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs, as pointing back to the bitterness of the bondage in Egypt. So when we feed upon Christ, it should be with contrition of heart, because of our sins.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277, 278

3.c. What specific ceremony replaced the Passover, and what additional ordinance was added to it? Mark 14:16, 22–25; John 13:1–5, 13–15

Note: “The act of Christ in washing the feet of His disciples was a sacred one; His motive in so doing was to bring about, through their remembrance of what Christ had done for them, a state of feeling where no exaltation of one above another should find place. This ordinance was to bring brother to an understanding of the feelings of his brother. …

“This ordinance does not speak so largely to man’s intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. If His disciples had not needed this, it would not have been left for them as Christ’s last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898

Wednesday

4 SET APART

4.a. When the Passover was originally established, what restriction had God placed on who was allowed to partake of it? Exodus 12:43–48

Note: “He [the Lord] required of Abraham and his seed, circumcision, which was a circle cut in the flesh, as a token that God had cut them out and separated them from all nations as His peculiar treasure. By this sign they solemnly pledged themselves that they would not intermarry with other nations; for by so doing they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law, and would become like the idolatrous nations around them.

“By the act of circumcision they solemnly agreed to fulfill on their part the conditions of the covenant made with Abraham, to be separate from all nations, and to be perfect. If the descendants of Abraham had kept separate from other nations, they would not have been seduced into idolatry. By keeping separate from other nations, a great temptation to engage in their sinful practices, and rebel against God, would be removed from them. They lost in a great measure their peculiar, holy character, by mingling with the nations around them.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, 262, 263

4.b.  As circumcision had been in the Old Testament, what New Testament ordinance is an emblem of separation from the world and consecration to God? Colossians 2:6, 10–12

Note: “Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. …

“Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate, … and touch not the unclean thing.’ And to them is fulfilled the promise: ‘I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.’ 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 91

Thursday

5 A SOLEMN SEPARATION FROM SIN

5.a. What provisions did Jesus make for the Passover? Who partook of this feast with Him? Mark 14:12–15

Note: “The Lord’s Supper was not to be observed only occasionally or yearly, but more frequently than the annual Passover. This solemn ordinance commemorates a far greater event than the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. That deliverance was typical of the great atonement which Christ made by the sacrifice of His own life for the final deliverance of His people.

“This ordinance is not to be exclusive, as many would make it. Each must participate in it publicly, and thus bear witness: I accept Christ as my personal Saviour. He gave His life for me, that I might be rescued from death.” The Faith I Live By, 302

“I was pointed back to the time that Jesus took His disciples away alone, into an upper room, and first washed their feet, and then gave them to eat of the broken bread, to represent His broken body, and juice of the vine to represent His spilled blood. I saw that all should move understandingly, and follow the example of Jesus in these things, and when attending to these ordinances, should be as separate from unbelievers as possible.” The Present Truth, November 1, 1850

5.b.      What did the unleavened bread symbolize? 1 Corinthians 5:6–8

Note: “At the time of the Passover the people were directed to remove all the leaven from their houses as they were to put away sin from their hearts.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 95, 96

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What reveals our daily need of atonement now as much as ever?

2    How does the hyssop in the Passover service have its parallel today?

3    Why is the ordinance of humility so important for us in these last days?

4    How is the ancient mingling with the uncircumcised repeated today?

5    From what and whom is the Lord’s Supper to be separate?

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

The Sacrifices and Solemn Feasts

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April 6 – 12, 2025

Key Text

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29, last part

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 537–542

Introduction

“God had chosen Israel. He had called them to preserve among men the knowledge of His law, and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to the Saviour. He desired them to be as wells of salvation to the world.” The Desire of Ages, 27

Sunday

1 THE LAMB OF GOD SYMBOLIZED

  1. In the plan God gave to the Hebrews, what had to be done every day in order to atone for sin? Exodus 29:38–41

Note: “The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt offering, the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar, and the special offerings for individual sins. …

“Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah, and their constant dependence upon the atoning blood of Christ. God expressly directed that every offering presented for the service of the sanctuary should be ‘without blemish.’ Exodus 12:5. The priests were to examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject every one in which a defect was discovered. Only an offering ‘without blemish’ could be a symbol of His perfect purity who was to offer Himself as ‘a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ 1 Peter 1:19.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 352, 353

“The great lesson embodied in the sacrifice of every bleeding victim, impressed in every ceremony … was that through the blood of Christ alone is forgiveness of sins.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

Monday

2 HOLY UNTO THE LORD

2.a. How is God’s seventh-day Sabbath distinct from the annual convocations that would symbolize His plan for deliverance from sin? Colossians 2:16, 17

2.b.      What miraculous experience distinguished the Hebrews from ancient Egypt, a rebellious nation that had defiantly rejected God? Exodus 12:3–13

Note: “Here was a work required of the children of Israel, which they must perform on their part, to prove them, and to show their faith by their works in the great deliverance God had been bringing about for them. In order to escape the great judgment of God which he was to bring upon the Egyptians, the token of blood must be seen upon their houses. And they were required to separate themselves and their children from the Egyptians, and gather them into their own houses; for if any of the Israelites were found in the houses of the Egyptians, they would fall by the hand of the destroying angel. … When the destroying angel went forth in the night to slay the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast, he passed over their houses, and not one of the Hebrews that had the token of blood upon their doorposts was slain.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, 200

2.c. How was this event to be memorialized? Exodus 12:14; Leviticus 23:5

Note: “On the fourteenth day of the month, at even, the Passover was celebrated, its solemn, impressive ceremonies commemorating the deliverance from bondage in Egypt, and pointing forward to the sacrifice that should deliver from the bondage of sin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

2.d.      What followed the Passover? Exodus 12:15–20; Leviticus 23:6–8

Tuesday

3 PROVIDER OF HARVEST—AND HOPE

3.a. What offering to the Lord acknowledged Him to be the divine Provider of every morsel of food? Exodus 23:19, first part; Leviticus 23:9–14

Note: “On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year’s harvest were presented before God. Barley was the earliest grain in Palestine, and at the opening of the feast it was beginning to ripen. A sheaf of this grain was waved by the priest before the altar of God, as an acknowledgment that all was His. Not until this ceremony had been performed was the harvest to be gathered.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

3.b.      What commemoration occurred on the fiftieth day? Leviticus 23:15–22

Note: “Fifty days from the offering of first fruits, came the Pentecost, called also the feast of harvest and the feast of weeks. As an expression of gratitude for the grain prepared as food, two loaves baked with leaven were presented before God. The Pentecost occupied but one day, which was devoted to religious service.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 540

3.c. Which feast, preceded by the solemn introductory Feast of Trumpets, brought hope to the people that their sins would be remembered no more? Leviticus 23:23–32

Note: “Only once a year could the high priest enter into the most holy place, after the most careful and solemn preparation. No mortal eye but that of the high priest could look upon the sacred grandeur of that apartment, because it was the especial dwelling place of God’s visible glory. 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. … 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. But when the sound of the tinkling of the bells upon his garments was heard, they were greatly relieved. He then came forth and blessed the people.” The Story of Redemption, 155, 156

Wednesday

4 THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

  1. What happened during the final feast of the Jewish year, and why was this a joyous occasion? Leviticus 23:33–36, 39–43

Note: “The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated to commemorate the time when the Hebrews dwelt in tents during their sojourn in the wilderness. While this great festival lasted, the people were required to leave their houses and live in booths made of green branches of pine or myrtle. These leafy structures were sometimes erected on the tops of the houses, and in the streets, but oftener outside the walls of the city, in the valleys and along the hillsides. Scattered about in every direction, these green camps presented a very picturesque appearance.

“The feast lasted one week, and during all that time the temple was a festal scene of great rejoicing. There was the pomp of the sacrificial ceremonies; and the sound of music, mingled with hosannas, made the place jubilant. At the first dawn of day, the priests sounded a long, shrill blast upon their silver trumpets; and the answering trumpets, and the glad shouts of the people from their booths, echoing over hill and valley, welcomed the festal day. Then the priest dipped from the flowing waters of the Kedron a flagon of water, and, lifting it on high, while the trumpets were sounding, he ascended the broad steps of the temple, keeping time with the music with slow and measured tread, chanting meanwhile: ‘Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem!’

“He bore the flagon to the altar which occupied a central position in the temple court. Here were two silver basins, with a priest standing at each one. The flagon of water was poured into one basin, and a flagon of wine into the other; and the contents of both flowed into a pipe which communicated with the Kedron, and was conducted to the Dead Sea. This display of the consecrated water represented the fountain that flowed from the rock to refresh the Hebrews in the wilderness. Then the jubilant strains rang forth:—

“ ‘The Lord Jehovah is my strength and song;’ ‘therefore with joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation!’ All the vast assembly joined in triumphant chorus with musical instruments and deep-toned trumpets, while competent choristers conducted the grand harmonious concert of praise.

“The festivities were carried on with an unparalleled splendor. At night the temple and its court blazed so with artificial light that the whole city was illuminated. The music, the waving of palm-branches, the glad hosannas, the great concourse of people, over which the light streamed from the hanging lamps, the dazzling array of the priests, and the majesty of the ceremonies, all combined to make a scene that deeply impressed all beholders.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 343–345

Thursday

5 SYMBOLIC OF SALVATION

  1. In considering the feasts of ancient Israel, what should we realize? Romans 15:4; John 1:29

Note: “It is impossible to enumerate the advantages the Lord prepared for the world in making the Jewish nation the repository of His rich treasures of knowledge. They were the subjects of His special favor. As a people who knew and worshiped the true God, they were to communicate the principles of His kingdom. They were instructed by the Lord. He withheld from them nothing favorable to the formation of characters which would make them fit representatives of His kingdom. Their feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, and the ceremonies attending these gatherings, were to proclaim the truths that God had entrusted to His people. At these gatherings the people were to show gladness and joy, expressing their thanksgiving for their privileges and the gracious treatment of their Lord. Thus they were to show to a world that knew not God that the Lord does not forsake those who trust in Him. With joyful voices they were to sing, ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God’ (Psalm 43:5).

“The history of the children of Israel is written for our admonition and instruction upon whom the ends of the world are come. Those who would stand firm in the faith in these last days, and finally gain an entrance into the heavenly Canaan, must listen to the words of warning spoken by Jesus Christ to the Israelites. These lessons were given to the church in the wilderness to be studied and heeded by God’s people throughout their generations forever.” The Upward Look, 232

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why did a lamb need to be offered up every morning and evening?

2    What protected the children of Israel on the night of the Passover?

3    Which ceremony was designed to acknowledge the Lord of the harvest?

4    Why was the Day of Atonement so important?

5    What was the general purpose of the feast days?

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

Our Need for Atonement

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Living in the Day of Atonement

March 30 – April 5, 2025

Key Text

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:11

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 23–35

Introduction

“Calvary stands as a memorial of the amazing sacrifice required to atone for the transgression of the divine law.” Steps to Christ, 33

Sunday

1 A PERFECT START

1.a. Describe the spiritual state that God originally bestowed upon Adam and Eve, the first members of the human race. Genesis 1:27, 31

Note: “There were no sin and no signs of decay in glorious Eden. Angels of God conversed freely and lovingly with the holy pair. The happy songsters caroled forth their free, joyous songs of praise to their Creator. The peaceful beasts in happy innocence played about Adam and Eve, obedient to their word. Adam was in the perfection of manhood, the noblest of the Creator’s work.

“Not a shadow interposed between them and their Creator. They knew God as their beneficent Father, and in all things their will was conformed to the will of God. And God’s character was reflected in the character of Adam.” The Adventist Home, 26, 27

1.b.      What greeted the eye of Adam and Eve in Eden? Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 19

Note: “To Adam and Eve in their Eden home nature was full of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. Wisdom spoke to the eye and was received into the heart; for they communed with God in His created works.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 18

Monday

2 PERFECTION TAINTED

2.a. What changed the delight of the Eden dwellers? Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:6

Note: “Adam and Eve persuaded themselves that in so small a matter as eating of the forbidden fruit there could not result such terrible consequences as God had declared. But this small matter was the transgression of God’s immutable and holy law, and it separated man from God.” Steps to Christ, 33

2.b. How has this problem affected our whole planet? Romans 8:22

Note: “It [the matter of eating the forbidden fruit] … opened the floodgates of death and untold woe upon our world. Age after age there has gone up from our earth a continual cry of mourning, and the whole creation groaneth and travaileth together in pain as a consequence of man’s disobedience. Heaven itself has felt the effects of his rebellion against God.” Steps to Christ, 33

2.c. What has been the tendency of our race ever since that seed of rebellion entered to corrupt the natural human heart? Romans 7:18–25

Note: “Let us not regard sin as a trivial thing.

“Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleading of God’s Holy Spirit.

“Many are quieting a troubled conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose; that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed. They think that after doing despite to the Spirit of grace, after casting their influence on the side of Satan, in a moment of terrible extremity they can change their course. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, of a lifetime, has so thoroughly molded the character that few then desire to receive the image of Jesus.” Steps to Christ 33, 34

Tuesday

3 THE SIN PROBLEM

3.a. How does Scripture explain the existing crisis within humanity and throughout our entire planet? 1 John 3:4; 1:8

Note: “There is no one, however earnestly he may be striving to do his best, who can say, ‘I have no sin.’ ” The Upward Look, 53

“Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance of sin; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is ‘the transgression of the law;’ it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government.” The Great Controversy, 492, 493

3.b.      What painful reality must every human being face? Romans 3:23; Isaiah 1:5, 6

Note: “The work of apostasy begins in some secret rebellion of the heart against the requirements of God’s law. Unholy desires, unlawful ambitions, are cherished and indulged, and unbelief and darkness separate the soul from God. If we do not overcome these evils they will overcome us.” God’s Amazing Grace, 333

3.c. How does God view the lack of justice caused by sin, and what is His solution? Isaiah 59:15, 16

Note: “In Eden, man fell from his high estate and through transgression became subject to death. It was seen in heaven that human beings were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. At infinite cost He devised a means of relief. … There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 25

Wednesday

4 ATONEMENT BY BLOOD

4.a. What plan had God devised in advance to rescue fallen humanity, and why was it necessary? Job 33:24; Genesis 3:17–21

Note: “The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption. In order fully to carry out this plan, it was decided that Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, should give Himself an offering for sin.” Counsels on Health, 222

“As Adam’s transgression had brought wretchedness and death, so the sacrifice of Christ would bring life and immortality.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 66, 67

4.b.      What system was given to symbolize the sacrifice of Christ? Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 17:11

Note: “The sacrificial offerings were ordained by God to be to man a perpetual reminder and a penitential acknowledgment of his sin and a confession of his faith in the promised Redeemer. They were intended to impress upon the fallen race the solemn truth that it was sin that caused death. To Adam, the offering of the first sacrifice was a most painful ceremony. His hand must be raised to take life, which only God could give. It was the first time he had ever witnessed death, and he knew that had he been obedient to God, there would have been no death of man or beast. As he slew the innocent victim, he trembled at the thought that his sin must shed the blood of the spotless Lamb of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 68

“Without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin; and they [the children of Adam] were to show their faith in the blood of Christ as the promised atonement by offering the firstlings of the flock in sacrifice.” Ibid., 71

“The blood of the Son of God was symbolized by the blood of the slain victim, and God would have clear and definite ideas preserved between the sacred and the common. Blood was sacred, inasmuch as through the shedding of the blood of the Son of God alone could there be atonement for sin.” God’s Amazing Grace, 55

Thursday

5 GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S PROVISION

  1. What should we realize about the atonement made in our behalf, and how should we respond to it? Hebrews 9:22; Romans 5:8–11

Note: “Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can make no atonement for ourselves, but by faith we can accept the atonement that has been made.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 321, 322

“As one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discerns the sinfulness of humanity. He sees that it is sin which scourged and crucified the Lord of glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual scene of ingratitude and rebellion. He has forsaken his best Friend and abused heaven’s most precious gift. He has crucified to himself the Son of God afresh and pierced anew that bleeding and stricken heart. He is separated from God by a gulf of sin that is broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness of heart. …

“God reveals to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. In true contrition we may come to the foot of the cross, and there leave our burdens.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 9, 10

“The salvation of human beings is a vast enterprise, that calls into action every attribute of the divine nature. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have pledged themselves to make God’s children more than conquerors through Him that loved them. The Lord is gracious and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish. He has provided power to enable us to be overcomers.” The Review and Herald, January 27, 1903

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Name some of the best features of the Eden lifestyle.

2    Why does God test our faithfulness and devotion in seemingly small ways?

3    Why is it wrong to blame God and others for the sins in our life?

4    Describe the depth of Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf.

5    How should I respond to the atonement made by Jesus on the cross?

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

Recipe – Garlicky Creamed Spinach

by

Spinach

Splendid Facts

There are three different types of spinach – savoy, flat-leaf, and semi-savoy.
It is comprised mostly of water. Raw spinach is 91% water, which is just 5% less than cucumbers.
100 grams of spinach contains 3.57 mg of iron. Iron helps create hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to body tissues.
It contains 15 different vitamins and minerals that are crucial for prime health.
Liquefying fresh spinach or chewing it into a cream is the absolute best way to consume spinach. This releases beta-carotene stored in the leaves, which enables the body to absorb its nutrients. Half a cup of spinach is one of the five servings of fruits and vegetables that one should eat daily.
Packed full of antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress, the spinach helps reduce the damage stress causes.
It helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and strong bones, eye health and cancer prevention. Because it is rich in heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate, and magnesium, it also helps to lower blood pressure levels.
It contains vitamin K1, which is essential for blood clotting. One leaf contains over half of a body’s daily needs. The amount of vitamin K in spinach could interfere with blood thinning medication if eaten in large amounts.
In medieval days, artists extracted the green pigment to use as ink or paint.
Even though they look nothing alike, spinach is a relative of beets.

Sources: thefactsite.com/spinach-facts; healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach#bottom-line; drfarrahmd.com/2020/03/spinach-and-blood-pressure

Recipe – Garlicky Creamed Spinach

Ingredients

Cream Sauce

1/2 cup raw cashews

1 cup water

1 tsp. white miso paste

1/2 Tbs. nutritional yeast

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. sea salt or to taste

Spinach

2 Tbs. vegan butter or olive oil

5 cloves or 3 Tbs. garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional

16-20 oz. baby spinach

Process

Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Add butter or olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to a large pot, and bring to low-medium heat. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the spinach, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Add the cream sauce and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the spinach is very tender, about 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with caramelized onions or shallots. Delicious served with mashed potatoes and nut loaf.