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Shall We Gather at the River

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In March of 1863, running short of soldiers, Congress, for the first time, passed a law that initiated proscribed service. In Lower Manhattan, violent disturbances—a war within a war—were carried out mainly by the Irish working-class community in opposition to the law. They confronted police, soldiers, and pro-war politicians. During these Draft Riots (just one of the titles this period of unrest is known by), homes of various abolitionists and free African-Americans were looted and destroyed, as were many public buildings, two Protestant churches, and an orphanage for African-American children which was burned to the ground. However, by the summer of 1864, the city had allied itself with the Union cause, and things settled down, though anxiety still ran high.

The Civil War was tearing the country apart. Lush fields were littered with the bodies of dead boys from both sides of the conflict their blood watering the grass with sorrow and loss. Families waited anxiously for news about their loved ones.

That summer was oppressively hot and humid. The fabrics used to make clothing during the Victorian Era were heavy. Air conditioning was still a thing of the future. Crowded city apartments were stifling. And just when the people thought it couldn’t get any worse—it did. Fever swept through the city, confining hundreds to their stifling hot apartments. Anxiety was high, and misery was relentless.

Robert Lowry was the pastor of the Hanson Place Baptist Church. His parishioners were not immune to this anxiety and suffering, and he wanted to find a way to raise their spirits despite the hardships that surrounded them.

After a long and exhausting day of visiting the sick and dying, Pastor Lowry meditated upon Revelation 22:1:

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Pastor Lowry found the promise in the verse: a reunion with loved ones, at last laying down our earthly burdens and joining in a melody of peace. He sat down at his organ, wrote the lyrics, and composed the tune with the reassuring chorus, “Yes, we’ll gather at the river … .”

Imagine that beautiful river flowing from God’s throne, the saints gathered on its shores, bowing in gratitude and praise to the Lamb, singing together of redemption and everlasting love, a love that would not let us go.

Sources: askherabouthymn.com/what-comforting-old-hymn-was-written-during-a-summer-of-misery-in-brooklyn; Wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_draft_riots

 

Shall we gather at the river

Where bright angel feet have trod,

With its crystal tide forever

Flowing by the throne of God?

 

On the margin of the river,

Washing up its silver spray,

We will walk and worship ever,

All the happy golden day.

 

Ere we reach the shining river,

Lay we every burden down;

Grace our spirits will deliver,

And provide a robe and crown.

 

Soon we’ll reach the shining river,

Soon our pilgrimage will cease,

Soon our happy hearts will quiver

With the melody of peace.

 

Yes, we’ll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

Nearer the End

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“The work is nearing its close. We are nearer the end
than when we first believed.”

Evangelism, 398

Mrs. White wrote this statement in 1909. It isn’t difficult to look around at current events and the feelings expressed by the population of the world to know that this statement is even more appropriate now than it was 115 years ago.

Those who diligently study the Scriptures can, with certainty, acknowledge that they are seeing prophecy fulfilled right before their eyes. Those of us who were taught that Jesus’ coming is very soon and have lived our entire lives believing that it could happen in our lifetime must surely feel that “it is near—even at the doors!” Matthew 24:33, last part

“There is a great work to be done, and we have only a little while in which to do it.” Evangelism, 398, 399

But the question we must all ask ourselves today, every day, is, Am I ready for Jesus to come?

“We are nearing the end of time, and we want now, not to meet the world’s tastes and practices, but to meet the mind of God; to see what saith the Scriptures, and then to walk according to the light which God has given us. …

“Many professed Christians are in a fair way to lose both worlds. To be half a Christian and half a worldly man makes you about one-hundredth part a Christian and all the rest worldly.

“The mind must be educated and disciplined to love purity. A love for spiritual things should be encouraged; yea, must be encouraged, if you would grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. … The will must be exercised in the right direction. I will be a whole-hearted Christian. I will know the length and breadth, the height and depth, of perfect love. … Ample provisions are made by Christ to satisfy the soul that hungers and thirsts for righteousness.” The Faith I Live By, 152

“We are to fix the eye of faith steadfastly upon Jesus. When the days come, as they surely will, in which the law of God is made void, the zeal of the true and loyal should rise with the emergency, and should be the more warm and decided, and their testimony should be the more positive and unflinching. But we are to do nothing in a defiant spirit, and we shall not, if our hearts are fully surrendered to God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 405

“The righteousness which God requires is internal as well as external. The heart must be purified, else Christ cannot be enthroned there. The life must be conformed to the will of God.

“External forms cannot take the place of inward piety. The Jewish teachers exalted themselves as righteous; they called all those who differed from them accursed, and closed the gates of heaven to them, declaring that those who had not learned in their schools, were not righteous. But with all their criticisms and exactions, with all their forms and ceremonies, they were an offense to God. They looked down upon and despised the very ones precious in the sight of the Lord. …

“Human devices, human plans, and human counsels will be without power. Only in Christ Jesus will the church near the period of Christ’s coming be able to stand. She is required of her Redeemer to advance in piety, to have increasing zeal, understanding better as she nears the end that her own ‘high calling’ is ‘of God in Christ Jesus.’

“There are glorious truths to come before the people of God. Privileges and duties which they do not even suspect to be in the Bible will be laid open before the followers of Christ. As they follow on in the path of humble obedience, doing God’s will, they will know more and more of the oracles of God, and be established in right doctrines.

“The baptism of the Holy Spirit will dispel human imaginings, will break down self-erected barriers, and will cause to cease the feeling that ‘I am holier than thou.’ There will be a humble spirit with all, more faith and love; self will not be exalted. … Christ’s spirit, Christ’s example, will be exemplified in His people. We shall follow more closely the ways and works of Jesus. … The love of Jesus will pervade our hearts.” That I May Know Him, 114

Our work in the final days of Earth’s history is to be a beacon of God’s love, the bearers of the good news that Jesus Christ has died to offer forgiveness and a new life to all who would surrender themselves to Him. But before we can bring this news to a dying world, we must be fit ourselves to bear it. Satan knows that he has but a short time to bring his own message—a deceptive message so mingled with truth that even some of God’s people—the very elect—could be, and sadly will be, deceived.

“As we near the end, temptations will be stronger and more seductive, but we need not yield to them, we need not open the door of the heart and invite Satan to enter. There is no power in earth or hell to compel [anyone] to sin and dishonor [their] holy faith … .

“I advise you to make a halt, to turn around and decide that it is best to be Christians in the full acceptation of the term. Submit your will to God, that you may choose the path of righteousness and truth. Let not your passions sway your reason, and iniquity triumph over truth.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 89, 90

“Many things intended to deceive us will come, bearing some of the marks of truth. Just as soon as these shall be set forth as the great power of God, Satan is all ready to weave in that which he has prepared to lead souls from the truth for this time.

“Some will accept and promulgate the error, and when the reproof comes that will place matters in the true light, those who have had little experience and who are ignorant of the oft-repeated workings of Satan, will cast away with the rubbish of error that which has been before them as truth. Thus the light and warnings which God gives for this time will be made of no effect.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 404

We must suit up for the conflict—put on the whole armor of God—call upon the Holy Spirit for the power to fight through the army of darkness bringing the light of glory to shine all around, even into the darkest corners.

“Day after day is passing into eternity, bringing us nearer to the close of probation. As never before we must pray for the Holy Spirit to be more abundantly bestowed upon us, and we must look for its sanctifying influence to come upon the workers, that those for whom they labor may know that they have been with Jesus and have learned of Him.

“We need spiritual eyesight, that we may see the designs of the enemy, and as faithful watchmen proclaim the danger. We need power from above, that we may understand, as far as the human mind can, the great themes of Christianity and their far-reaching principles. …

“We are living in the last days, when error of a most deceptive character is accepted and believed, while truth is discarded. … He calls upon us to work diligently in gathering up the jewels of truth, and placing them in the framework of the gospel. In all their divine beauty they are to shine forth in the moral darkness of the world.” Gospel Workers, 288, 289

“The third angel is represented as flying swiftly through the midst of heaven, proclaiming his message with a loud voice. This representation symbolizes the work of God’s agencies near the end of time. With joyful countenances and uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth as soldiers of the cross.

“They make it manifested that they have tasted the power of the world to come, that they are not standing on sliding sand, but on the solid Rock, that they cannot be easily moved away from the faith once delivered to the saints. They are strengthened by their Leader to cope with difficulty, and are messengers of righteousness, representing Christ and revealing the triumphs of His grace.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 137

Jesus came to this world as a man that He might make salvation free to all who would accept it. This He accomplished when He gave up His life on the cross. He is called the Pattern Man, bearing our human nature, yet still one with God. He lived a life meant to be the pattern for all who are willing to commit their lives to His service and leadership. Loving kindness, compassion, integrity, holiness, righteousness, honesty, purity, and sinlessness—all are represented in the character of Christ, the same character that we can develop when we follow in His footsteps.

But the men in Jesus’ day, hated him. There is a stark difference between Christ’s character and the character of sinful man. All who do not love and follow Him hate Him because of the purity and holiness of His character, traits of character they do not themselves possess.

“The difference between the character of Christ and the character of other men of His day was everywhere apparent; and because of this difference the world hated Him. It hated Him for His goodness and His strict integrity. And Christ declared that those who manifest the same attributes would be likewise hated. As we near the end of time this hatred for the followers of Christ will be more and more manifest.

“Christ took humanity and bore the hatred of the world that He might show men and women that they could live without sin, that their words, their actions, their spirit, might be sanctified to God. We can be perfect Christians if we will manifest this power in our lives. When the light of heaven rests upon us continually, we shall represent Christ. It was the righteousness revealed in His life that distinguished Him from the world and called forth its hatred.” The Upward Look, 303

Still, in spite of the hatred of the world, God sends His people out to bear the gospel of salvation to a world in desperate need of saving.

“Everywhere are seen wrecks of humanity, broken-down family altars, ruined homes. There is a strange abandonment of principle, the standard of morality is lowered, and the earth is fast becoming a Sodom. The practices which brought the judgment of God upon the antediluvian world, and which caused Sodom to be destroyed by fire, are fast increasing. We are nearing the end, when the earth is to be purified by fire.” Evangelism, 678

“But near the end of earth’s harvest a special bestowal of the spiritual grace is promised, to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of men. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that the Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest ‘in the time of the latter rain.’ In response, ‘The Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.’ …

“Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace will have power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power. Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul winning, they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meet for His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be … .” My Life Today, 60

“The work for these last days is a missionary work. Present truth, from the first to the last letter of its alphabet, means missionary effort. The work to be done calls for sacrifice at every step of advance. The workers are to come forth from trial, purified and refined, as gold tried in the fire.” The Review and Herald, November 18, 1902

Are we ready? God is calling us to surrender right now, to put away our sins when they are revealed to us. We are not to try a little today or a little tomorrow to give up sin. We are called to give up all of our sins today. Christ provides sufficient provision that anyone, all men and women, possessing a character like His, may be more than overcomers.

Judy Rebarchek is the managing editor of the LandMarks magazine. She may be contacted by email at judyrebarchek@stepstolife.org

Guards on the Wall

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I have often wondered how the prophecies of the book of Revelation concerning the establishment of a global political, economic, and religious system might be fulfilled. More specifically, I continue to ponder how the wall separating church and state will be demolished in the Western world. The destruction of this wall and this great separation is necessary for realizing all the components of the totalitarian system described in the book of Revelation. What must happen for this to come about? After all, we live in an era of secularism, humanism, human rights, and liberal democracy. It seems unthinkable.

The origins of the idea of the great separation

The idea of the separation of church and state is not accepted worldwide. There are countries where this idea is entirely foreign and hostile, as their political systems are based on the integration of state and religion into a single entity. But is this idea of separation self-evident for the Western world, something the West has always nurtured and acknowledged? The answer is no; separation was not always self-evident (although we have become so accustomed to it that we sometimes fail to see how unconventional it is).

The idea of separation took root in the 16th century within the radical branch of the Protestant Reformation known as Anabaptism. It was then formulated in the next century into concrete constitutional solutions proposed and implemented by figures such as William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. Penn, fascinated from a young age by Quaker doctrine, aimed to establish Pennsylvania as an official Quaker colony, respecting the fundamental Quaker principle of religious freedom. This principle was enshrined in the first constitutional document (Frame of Government) and applied to all who believed in one God. In this way, Penn was ahead of his time, a precursor of religious freedom in America, which only truly triumphed after the War of Independence in 1776.1 Pastor Roger Williams also wholly rejected the Puritan theocracy in Massachusetts, eventually founding the colony of Rhode Island. This colony was the first in modern times to completely separate church and state under the principle that the government cannot compel anyone to adhere to any particular religious beliefs or practices. Williams became a leading figure in the tradition of state neutrality concerning religion and political liberalism in America. He was also one of the few colonists who vocally protested against the extermination of Native Americans.2

The sphere of faith and state coercion

John Locke, the English political philosopher, developed the concept of the separation of church and state in his work titled A Letter Concerning Toleration, in which he presented the justification for the doctrine that the state should not interfere in religious life and should guarantee religious freedom. Locke argues that tolerance is the criterion of the “true church.” God did not grant people the right to compel others to accept their own religion. The realm of faith lies beyond the reach of state power, and the responsibility for seeking the best path to salvation should rest with the individual. The separation of religion from politics simultaneously presupposes the existence of religious freedom and freedom of conscience within the state. However, according to Locke, religious tolerance has its limits. It does not extend to those who claim privileges that exempt them from obeying state law, nor to those who are unwilling to tolerate others with different beliefs, nor to a church whose faith requires obedience to a foreign ruler, which includes not only Muslim communities but also, notably, the Roman Catholic Church.3

Tolerance

There can be no doubt that the idea of ​​religious freedom formulated by Penn, Williams, and Locke is one of the most important values ​​defining the identity of countries belonging to the circle of Western culture. For liberal thought, “… the starting point … was the fight for religious freedom, i.e., freedom of conscience, which logically led into the fight for complete freedom of thought and speech.”4 John Locke breaks with the traditional understanding of tolerance as disapproval of the tolerated behavior. In the traditional sense, tolerance was not a value or a virtue; it was an attitude adopted for social reasons. Tolerance involved patiently enduring behavior considered wrong in order to maintain social peace. We also read in A Letter Concerning Toleration that Locke departed from this understanding. He elevated tolerance to the status of a civic virtue, a foundation of modern society. For Locke, tolerance is a natural consequence of the Christian attitude of love for one’s neighbor. It is the result of separating the secular and spiritual spheres.5 Let us therefore summarize: the world before the idea of ​​separation of church and state was formulated and implemented by radical Protestant thinkers in the 17th century was a world in which the unity of religion and state was the foundation of the political system. Starting with the builders of the first civilizations, through the period of the Papacy in medieval Europe, until modern times, people have known no other political order except this union of church and state.

Polish experiment

In my view, an exceptionally interesting case is the history of the idea of tolerance in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which since 1569, was a federal state composed of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania—the former Poland. While in Western Europe during the 16th century people were killing each other in the name of God, a remarkable event occurred in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1573, the Polish parliament enacted a pioneering document in European history—the Warsaw Confederation, which was a document guaranteeing religious freedom in the Commonwealth. Poland thus became a safe haven for all those persecuted for their faith.6 Everything changed in Poland when the wars of the 17th century between Protestant Sweden, Orthodox Russia, and Muslim Turkey (the Ottoman Empire), as well as the Counter-Reformation led by the Jesuits, ended religious tolerance in Poland. The once-established religious freedom in a state is not something guaranteed and can unfortunately prove very fragile, as evidenced in Poland during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, Poland’s Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state; however, the Catholic Church has a significant influence on state politics, which in practice means that the constitutional separation of church and state is often questioned.

An idea materialized in reality

The practical realization of the idea of the separation of church and state began with the Constitution of the United States of America, specifically the First Amendment of 1791, which stipulated that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” From the provisions of the First Amendment, two clauses concerning religious freedom are derived: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The first emphasizes the neutral character of the state, thus necessitating the separation of church and state and the prohibition of establishing any religion as the official one. The second clause underscores the rights of all religious groups to freely practice their religion within the United States and prohibits the authorities from any interference in their doctrine or worship.7 According to Mark Noll, an American historian specializing in the history of Christianity in the United States, “From the perspective of European Christians, the American experiment in establishing the separation of church and state was doomed to failure, as nothing similar had been attempted in European history before.”8 However, it was indeed the United States that set the direction for other countries. In Europe, revolutionary France introduced legislation regulating the separation of church and state in 1795, and later other countries followed suit. Today, the principle of the “great separation” is the dominant solution in democratic states, essentially in most countries around the world—at least formally.

Sixteen words

As Clifford Goldstein once observed: “We may think that the Constitution clearly and specifically defines our religious freedoms. Not quite. The basis for these assurances for a nation of two hundred fifty million citizens with hundreds of different denominations is found in just sixteen English words: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ ”9

Religious diversity in the United States

The ideas of religious freedom and pluralism enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution have allowed the development of a society with extraordinary religious diversity. A 2008 analysis of the religious composition of U.S. citizens reveals the presence of adherents to virtually all religions in the world. The largest group is Christians, constituting 78.4% of the population, with Protestants comprising 51.3%.10 This study shows that American society remains predominantly shaped by Protestant tradition, which influences American political culture. The principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state are indeed owed to Protestant thought and Enlightenment ideals. If Protestants, who uphold the legacy of William Penn, Roger Williams, and John Locke, guard religious freedom in the U.S., the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution will be preserved. However, if Protestantism in the U.S. turns against the principles of religious freedom, embracing the legacy of Puritan theocracy, then religious freedoms will be trampled upon and constitutional guarantees nullified. In that case, the United States will speak with the dragon’s voice.

Fragile matter

The separation of church and state is the foundation of freedom and tolerance in every country where such freedom exists. The United States currently protects religious liberty and the separation of church and state. However, according to the prophecy of Revelation 13, she will lead the world into religious deception, creating the “image of the beast,” a global religious-economic-political system. It is regrettable that this country, where millions of people have found refuge from war and persecution, religious freedom, and prosperity, will become a country that will trample on religious and civil liberties and force obedience to religious commands. The U.S. will become a tyrant. The lamb will become a beast and speak with the dragon’s voice.

Does anyone in the U.S. speak the dragon’s language? Yes, there are Protestant and Catholic fundamentalists who believe in the idea of ​​a Christian America, who would replace Jefferson’s wall of separation of state and religion. Fundamentalists see the American state as politically and economically weak, with unjust laws and demoralized customs, for which fundamentalists blame the principles of secularism, rationalism, religious tolerance, liberal pluralism, and individualism. They are convinced that the changes will be achieved with the help of their elected political leaders who will make the legal, social, and moral changes they want.11 Ellen White warns of such a scenario: “When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.”12 The religious right in the U.S. persistently and consistently strives to realize the “image of the beast,” and one dreadful day, according to Bible prophecy, it will eventually succeed in its efforts.

A thin veil

What surrounds us—the entire structure of our political, social, and religious reality—seems remarkably stable, predictable, obvious, and routine. We can feel calm and secure. We enjoy religious freedom—freedom of conscience, speech, and the press. All these wonderful, hard-won freedoms and civil rights are part of our everyday life. We benefit from the prosperity and liberty of the Western world. We observe and experience this serene social and political reality as if we were strolling down the street in an American town, enjoying the sight of white houses, neatly trimmed green lawns, flowers in gardens, and the gentle breeze swaying the American flag at each home. Yet behind this sleepy, blissful everyday life lurks a shadow, a sinister darkness, a sense of dread and fear. We suspect that within the structure of this cheerful daily reality lies a crack, a glimpse of something else. Instinctively, we might sense a lurking, hostile, and terrifying alternative reality. The veil separating these two realities—one real, the other potential—seems incredibly delicate and fragile. Behind the orderly routine of our liberal democratic world lies a demonic darkness of political theology, the union of religion and state, religious despotism, and religious persecution.

The nature of the human mind

In his book Sacred and Profane: The Nature of Religion, Mircea Eliade, the Romanian religious historian, argues that the religious sphere is primordial compared to the secular world. According to Eliade, humans are inherently spiritual beings. Religion represents the most profound expression of the human mind. People are naturally open to the religious sphere, as the human mind is fundamentally oriented towards what is sacred and transcendent, which it can revere. Thus, from the dawn of history, humans have been religious beings and have remained so—often unconsciously—up to the present day.

Although many people in Europe and the Western world live in a desacralized and highly secularized world, stripped of religious feelings, they remain religious at a profound level of their minds because humans are intrinsically religious beings. This means that such individuals have a deeply rooted potential to reclaim a religious experience of life.13 If this is the case, then religious individuals who interpret their faith in a legalistic manner will be inclined to impose their religious truths on others. In legalistic religions, there is a significant potential for authoritarianism and despotism, especially towards other religious adherents and those who follow different religious doctrines. Furthermore, religious but sinful human nature often seeks to impose its will and authority upon others.

The illusion of stability

Political theology is the concept of viewing politics as a sphere of social life regulated by religion. Mark Lilla, an American philosopher, highlights that political theology represents a primordial form of human thought, serving for millennia as a deep well from which ideas and symbols were drawn to organize social life and inspire actions both good and evil. However, due to intellectual complacency, there has been a neglect in recognizing that political theology has not vanished and still possesses the ability to shape human thought and life. In the era of the “great separation,” which began roughly four hundred years ago, Western civilization represents an anomaly. What started as a thought experiment evolved into a practical experience within the societies from which we inherit our values. The experiment continues, yet, increasingly, people in the West forget why separation of church and state was initiated in the first place and what challenge it was originally meant to address. Meanwhile, that challenge has never ceased to exist. This mental fragility is disconcerting; hence, our world of liberal democracy and religious tolerance remains precarious. Concepts such as modernization, secularization, democratization, and others function as the fairy tales of our times. They provide people in the West with the illusion that they are safe. These concepts serve in our culture the same role that fairy tales do: they make the world comprehensible, reassure us of the irreversibility of ongoing processes, and absolve us from responsibility for maintaining the world in its current form.14

Conclusions and perspectives

If sinful human nature is essentially religious and if man’s eternal thinking about politics is political theology, then we can better understand how in a world where liberal democracy prevails and societies are very secularized, civil rights and religious freedoms are universally recognized—there will be the emergence of an oppressive religious-political-economic system. A dark night is coming for the world. A great crisis is coming, which will allow the demons of theocracy and religious persecution to once again take over human minds and entire societies. I wrote that the United States was the first to establish the constitutional separation of church and state, setting the course for other countries that followed. Unfortunately, in the times just before the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, “America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her example.”15 However, as long as the wall separating the church from the state stands, we have an obligation to guard it to the very end, praying to the Lord for grace and defending the principles of freedom in speech, acting against hostile forces seeking to introduce, through state-sanctioned and/or state-instigated violence, a new social order based on “religious” doctrines.

Endnotes:

  1. A. Noll, Protestantyzm, publishing house Łódz University 2017, p. 58
  2. Ibiden, p. 60
  3. Tomaszewska, Bóg i religia w filozofii Johna Locke’a, published 29 August 2022, https://teologiapolityczna.pl/anna-tomaszewska-bog-i-religia-w-filozofii-johna-lockea, accessibility: 15.07.2024
  4. Walicki, Nieporozumienia wokół liberalizmu, “Przegląd polityczny”, no. 109/110, Gdańsk 2011, p. 25
  5. Drelich, List o tolerancji o kilku ograniczeniach zasady tolerancji, http://liberte.pl/list-o-tolerancji-o-kilku-ograniczeniach-zasady-tolerancji, accessibility: 05.07.2012
  6. Szczepańska, Taka tolerancja religijna istniała tylko w Polsce. Dzieje konfederacji warszawskiej, published 28 January 2024, https://historia.dorzeczy.pl/nowozytnosc/543291/konfederacja-warszawska-taka-tolerancja-religijna-byla-tylko-w-polsce.html, accessibility: 17.07.2024
  7. Pomarański, Współczesny amerykański fundamentalizm protestancki, publishing house UMCS, pp. 73, 74
  8. A. Noll, Protestantyzm, publishing house Łódz University 2017, p. 70
  9. Goldstein, Dzień smoka, publishing house Znaki Czasu, Warszawa 1996, p. 63
  10. S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Affiliation, report Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2008/02/01/u-s-religious-landscape-survey-religious-affiliation/, accessibility: 18.07.2024
  11. Pomarański, Współczesny amerykański fundamentalizm protestancki, publishing house UMCS, pp. 14, 15
  12. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 445.1
  13. Eliade, Sacrum a profanum. O istocie sfery religijnej, publishing house Aletheia 2022, p. 221
  14. Lilla, Bezsilny Bóg – religia, polityka i nowoczesny Zachód, publishing house W.A.B. 2009, pp. 9-12
  15. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 18.2

Marcin Watras lives in Katowice, Poland. He is interested in the philosophy of religion and trends in society. He works for the European Union.

Sacrificing to Demons

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Sacrificing to the devil, knowingly or unknowingly, has been a recurring theme throughout history. One’s initial religious experiences often profoundly shape his understanding and actions. As described in various Bible passages, the challenges of God’s ancient people can shed light on our struggles today.

As Seventh-day Adventists, sacrificing to demons might seem archaic, but from the time of the ancient Israelites to modern-day times, the lure of worshiping false gods has persisted. The analogies drawn between past sacrificial rituals and contemporary behaviors are stark reminders of the dangers of spiritual complacency. So, how is it that Seventh-day Adventists continue to make sacrifices to the devil?

The following scriptures clearly show that the children of Israel worshiped false gods and sacrificed to demons:

“They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead. … They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on account of them; because they rebelled against His Spirit, so that he spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, but they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works; they served their idols, which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.” Psalm 106:28, 32–38

“ ‘They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.’ ” Leviticus 17:7

“ ‘Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice.’ ” Exodus 34:15

“ ‘They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!” ’ ” Exodus 32:8

Their idolatry led to ten of the tribes of Israel—the kingdom of or children of Israel, the northern kingdom—being taken into captivity. The two remaining tribes—Judah and Benjamin—made up the southern kingdom of Judah. When the separation occurred, Jeroboam was king over the children of Israel. Rehoboam was king over Judah and Benjamin. We read in 2 Chronicles 11 the things that Jeroboam and the children of Israel did that led to the breakup of Israel, and ultimately, their captivity.

“And from all their territories the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel took their stand with him [Rehoboam]. For the Levites left their common-lands and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them from serving as priests to the Lord. Then he [Jeroboam] appointed for himself priests for the high places, for the demons, and the calf idols which he had made.” Verses 13–15

The children of Israel thought they were worshiping an image. If you asked them, they would say, “We would never worship demons. See, this is just an image.” Just a hand-crafted calf? No, whether they recognized it or not, they were worshiping demons.

In Deuteronomy 31:16, the Lord tells Moses that after his death, the children of Israel would turn to idolatry and the worship of demons. Ezekiel predicted they would never entirely give up the idolatry they had followed in Egypt (Ezekiel 23:8). Paul gave this warning to the Jews, “Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20

It is easy to look back at the past and clearly see the detours and failures of the children of Israel, patting ourselves—Seventh-day Adventists—on the back, believing that we would never do as they did.  And yet, perhaps in ignorance, we are.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God. We can have the salvation of God in our families, but we must believe it, live it, and have a continual, abiding faith and trust in God. We must subdue a hasty temper and control our words, and in this we shall gain great victories. Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 310

While every word we say and every action we perform can be seen as a form of sacrifice to either divine or demonic forces, a hasty temper, unkind words spoken, and actions taken without thought or control can also be seen as a form of sacrifice to divine or demonic forces. One of our greatest challenges is being mindful of our speech. Do I speak jangling, unpleasant, impatient, fretful words? Then, I am presenting myself as a sacrifice to the devil and his satanic majesty. He accepts me into his kingdom and sneeringly tells the Lord of glory that I am not a child of God because I have proven it in the way I speak.

“And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God, for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.” Ibid.

People will forfeit eternal life because they are not aware of what and how they speak.

“The restraint which God’s word imposes upon us is for our own interest. It increases the happiness of our families and of all around us. It refines our taste, sanctifies our judgment, and brings peace of mind, and, in the end, everlasting life. Under this holy restraint, we shall increase in grace and humility, and it will become easy to speak right. The natural, passionate temper will be held in subjection. An indwelling Saviour will strengthen us every hour. Ministering angels will linger in our dwellings and with joy carry heavenward the tidings of our advance in the divine life, and the recording angel will make a cheerful, happy record.” Ibid.

Even personal reflections like those shared by early Adventist pioneers such as Ellen White can provoke deep introspection. The idea that our every word and action can be seen as a form of sacrifice to either divine or demonic forces challenges us to be more mindful of our speech and conduct.

The meticulous examination of various biblical references and supporting texts underscores the gravity of our words. Whether it be the caution against engaging in divisive gossip or the emphasis on speaking with grace and kindness, the overarching message is clear—our speech wields immense power, for good or ill.

The call to align our speech with the teachings of Christ, to emulate the angels in heaven, signifies a profound aspiration towards spiritual growth and refinement. It beckons us to strive for a higher standard of communication, one that reflects the values of love, grace, and empathy.

The journey towards ceasing to sacrifice to the devil is not an easy one. It requires introspection, prayer, and a conscious effort to align our words with the teachings of Christ. But the promise of divine assistance, the transformative power of grace, and the assurance of redemption offer hope and strength along this challenging path. May we all, through the grace of God, endeavor to speak words that uplift, heal, and bring glory to His name.

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

All That Is Hidden Will Be Revealed

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Today, because of increased technology, we can locate, apprehend, and prosecute criminals who, even 50 years ago, would have remained at large for years. DNA, fingerprint, gun databases, facial recognition software, and behavioral analysis, combined with the worldwide web, are used by law enforcement agencies around the globe to catch criminals guilty of any number of crimes. However, in spite of all this knowledge and technology, some of the greatest crimes, to this day, remain unsolved.

What is possibly the greatest crime in America during the 20th century was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This crime was committed in public, in broad daylight, with thousands of people watching—some lining the cavalcade route, others watching on television. The press took pictures and filmed the event; citizens lining the street took home movies and snapshots. Yet, still to this day, the truth regarding this assassination remains hidden. How does this happen?

In his book, JFK Conspiracy of Silence, Charles A. Crenshaw, M.D., one of the attending physicians on duty on November 22, 1963, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas when President Kennedy arrived in their emergency room, writes the following:

“ ‘I have nothing to add. Now, if you would excuse me.’ With that, I turned and threaded my way through the crowd of people toward the emergency room. At that moment, I entered the conspiracy of silence. I wasn’t asked or told to do so, nor was any overt pressure ever placed upon me. I was acting from an instinctive survival feeling … . To do otherwise would equal saying … ‘Oswald didn’t shoot him in the head because the President was shot from the front.’ None of us doctors were willing to do that. … I reasoned that anyone that would go so far as to eliminate the President of the United States would surely not hesitate to kill a doctor.” Conspiracy of Silence, 152–154

Whether this crime remains unsolved or has been solved and the details merely kept hidden from the public, a day is coming when everything hidden will be revealed.

So here is the question we must ask ourselves: “Is there anything I have hidden away that must be confessed?” If so, I must make it right before probation closes. Otherwise, it will be publically revealed when it is too late for me to be forgiven, and I will be doomed, lost forever.

Now is the time to make things right, friend. Don’t wait until it is too late.

A Lesson for Today

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November 24 – 30, 2024

Key Text

“I will clothe you with rich robes.” Zechariah 3:4

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 582–589

Introduction

“All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true.” Lift Him Up, 234

Sunday

1 A DISCOURAGING SITUATION

1.a. After the Babylonian captivity, what was the main source of discouragement to the little remnant of Israel who had returned to their homeland? Zechariah 1:12

Note: “The people [of Israel] were awakened to see their guilt, they humbled themselves before God, and returned to Him with true repentance. Then the Lord sent them messages of encouragement, declaring that He would deliver them from their captivity and restore them to His favor. It was this that Satan was determined to prevent. A remnant of Israel had already returned to their own land, and Satan was seeking to move upon the heathen nations, who were his agents, to utterly destroy them.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 468

1.b. As He saw their affliction, how did the Lord warn them through the prophet not to repeat the errors of their forefathers? Zechariah 1:4–6

Note: “The steady advancement made by the builders of the temple greatly discomfited and alarmed the hosts of evil. Satan determined to put forth still further effort to weaken and discourage God’s people by holding before them their imperfections of character. If those who had long suffered because of transgression could again be induced to disregard God’s commandments, they would be brought once more under the bondage of sin.” Prophets and Kings, 582

Monday

2 ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE LORD

2.a. How did the Lord comfort the little remnant with a prophetic message? Zechariah 2:10, 11. To what future event did the Lord refer? Isaiah 60:1–5; Revelation 21:24–26

2.b. Through what vision did the Lord encourage Zerubbabel, their leader? Zechariah 4:1–6, 9

2.c. How did the Lord seek to encourage Joshua the high priest and the people, giving them the spiritual assurance that they needed? Zechariah 3:1, 2

Note: “In vision, the prophet beholds ‘Joshua the high priest,’ ‘clothed with filthy garments’ (Zechariah 3:1, 3), standing before the Angel of the Lord, entreating God’s mercy in behalf of his afflicted people. As he pleads for the fulfillment of God’s promises, Satan stands up boldly to resist him. He points to the transgressions of Israel as a reason why they should not be restored to the favor of God. He claims them as his prey, and demands that they be given into his hands.” Prophets and Kings, 583

2.d. What was the only thing that Joshua the high priest could do in the presence of Satan’s accusations? What is our only hope since we are in a similar predicament? Proverbs 28:13

Note: “The high priest cannot defend himself or his people from Satan’s accusations. He does not claim that Israel is free from fault. In filthy garments, symbolizing the sins of the people, which he bears as their representative, he stands before the Angel, confessing their guilt, yet pointing to their repentance and humiliation, and relying upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Redeemer. In faith, he claims the promises of God.” Prophets and Kings, 583, 584

Tuesday

3 OUR GREAT NEED: A CHANGE OF RAIMENT

3.a. How did Joshua, the representative of the people, stand before the Angel (who was Christ)? Zechariah 3:3. How do we stand before the Lord in our own righteousness? Isaiah 64:6; Revelation 3:17

Note: “Today human beings stand before God with defiled garments. All their righteousness is ‘as filthy rags’ (Isaiah 64:6). Satan uses against them his masterly accusing power, pointing to their imperfections as evidence of their weakness. He points scornfully at the mistakes of those who claim to be doing God service. They have been deceived by him, and he begs for permission to destroy them.

“But they trust in Christ, and Christ will not forsake them.” This Day With God, 226

3.b. How did Joshua become qualified to minister before the Lord? Zechariah 3:4, 5. What must we do before we can be approved? Revelation 3:18, 19

Note: “As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command is given, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him;’ and to Joshua the Angel says, ‘Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.’ ‘So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.’ Zechariah 3:4, 5. His own sins and those of his people were pardoned. Israel was clothed with ‘change of raiment’—the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. The miter placed upon Joshua’s head was such as was worn by the priests, and bore the inscription, ‘Holiness to the Lord’ (Exodus 28:36), signifying that notwithstanding his former transgressions, he was now qualified to minister before God in His sanctuary.” Prophets and Kings, 584

3.c. After investing him with the dignity of the priesthood, what did Christ declare to Joshua? What are we to do? Zechariah 3:7

Note: “If obedient, [he, Joshua] should be honored as the judge, or ruler, over the temple and all its services; he should walk among attending angels, even in this life; and at last he should join the glorified throng around the throne of God.” Prophets and Kings, 585

Wednesday

4 A TRYING HOUR

4.a. How does Zechariah’s vision apply today? Revelation 12:10, last part

Note: “Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God’s people in the closing scenes of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will then be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects; he has gained control even of many professing Christians. But here is a little company who are resisting his supremacy. …

“Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, proscribed. They will be ‘betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends,’ even unto death. Luke 21:16. Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only defense will be prayer. As Joshua pleaded before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and unfaltering faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus, their Advocate.” Prophets and Kings, 587, 588

4.b. For what should we be pleading while the door of probation is still open? Psalm 51:1, 7, 10; Joel 2:16, 17 Only on what condition can our Advocate defend us?

Note: “While the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves up to be controlled by the satanic agencies. They have repented of their sins and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf. He who has been most abused by their ingratitude, who knows their sin and also their penitence, declares: ‘The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan. I gave My life for these souls. They are graven upon the palms of My hands. They may have imperfections of character; they may have failed in their endeavors; but they have repented, and I have forgiven and accepted them.’

“The assaults of Satan are strong, his delusions are subtle; but the Lord’s eye is upon His people. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but Jesus will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. Their earthliness will be removed, that through them the image of Christ may be perfectly revealed.” Prophets and Kings, 589

Thursday

5 INIQUITY REMOVED IN ONE DAY

5.a. How will the confessed sins of repentant Israel be removed “in one day” in the investigative judgment? Zechariah 3:9, last part; Acts 3:19

Note: “As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, ‘Take away the filthy garments.’ Zechariah 3:4.” Prophets and Kings, 591

5.b. What mark will be placed on God’s faithful servants after their sins have been blotted out, and how can we prepare for that hour? Ezekiel 9:4; 1 John 3:2, 3

Note: “It is now that our hearts should be pure and holy. We have no promise that we shall be transformed in character when Christ appears. If we would offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness, we should put away everything that is sinful in thought, in word, and in deed. …

“What we need is purity of heart; and God can give us this as a free gift of His grace. Many blame circumstances for their defective characters. They say, ‘I could do so much better if things were only different; but this one tries me, and that one vexes me, and that is the reason that I am not a better Christian.’ But this is a deception. There is grace with God to enable you to serve Him just where you are, and excuses of this order have no weight with Him. Do not charge your circumstances with your failure. The Lord knows where you are, and He would have you practice those things which make for godliness.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 9, 1896

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          Describe the work of Joshua, Zechariah, and Zerubbabel.

2          What encouragement did the Lord send to Zerubbabel and the people?

3          How did the Angel (who was Christ) put the accuser to silence?

4          How did God respond to Joshua’s confession and prayer?

5          The experience of Joshua and the Angel is an object lesson for us today. Explain.

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Investigative Judgment

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November 17 – 23, 2024

Key Text

“… And books were opened. … And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Revelation 20:12

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 479–482

Introduction

“Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation and closes with the living.” The Faith I Live By, 212

Sunday

1 THE TIME TO JUDGE THE DEAD

1.a. When is the appointed time for God to judge the saints that are in the tomb? Will they be judged while dead, or will it be after they have been raised to life? Revelation 11:18

1.b. When will the sleeping saints be “accounted worthy” to attain the resurrection of life? Acts 3:19, 20; Luke 20:35

Note: “The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out ‘when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.’ Acts 3:19, 20.” The Great Controversy, 485

1.c. At Christ’s return, would the righteous dead be called forth in the resurrection of life if they had not previously been accepted in the judgment? John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:14–16

Monday

2 THE TIMING OF KEY EVENTS

2.a. When will the living saints be “accounted worthy to escape” all the end-time snares and calamities—at Christ’s coming or before? Luke 21:36

Note: “When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in the one short sentence, ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut,’ we are carried down through the Saviour’s final ministration, to the time when the great work for man’s salvation shall be completed.” The Great Controversy, 428

2.b. What will Christ bring with Him when He comes? Isaiah 62:11; Revelation 22:12. When will He receive the kingdom—before the judgment or at the end of the judgment, when His work of mediation comes to a close? Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14, 18

Note: “[Those who follow] Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom—all these are represented as going in to the marriage.” The Great Controversy, 428

2.c. After the symbolic “wedding” (Luke 12:36)—after receiving the kingdom (Luke 19:12; Revelation 11:15)—Christ will come. Matthew 25:31, 34. When will the “wedding guests” stand before the Judge to be examined—after or before the symbolic “marriage”? Matthew 22:10–14

Note: “In the parable of Matthew 22, the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 428

Tuesday

3 THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE JUDGMENT MESSAGE

3.a. Since God has appointed a time to “judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31), what message did He promise to send to every nation, and people, and tongue when that time should arrive? Revelation 14:6, 7

Note: “… this message [of the first angel of Revelation 14] is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come.” The Great Controversy, 356

3.b. Does this solemn message place the investigative judgment after or before the coming of Christ? Revelation 14:7–14

Note: “The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.” The Great Controversy, 426

3.c. Whose cause does our Advocate (1 John 2:1, 2) plead, and whose cause does He not plead before the judgment seat of God? Matthew 10:32, 33

Note: “The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered.’ Hebrews 6:20. There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption.” The Great Controversy, 489

3.d. What will happen after the symbolic “wedding”? Luke 12:36, 37, 40

Wednesday

4 OUR MOST URGENT NEED

4.a. What is our most urgent need while the investigative judgment is going on? Isaiah 55:6, 7; 1 John 1:9

Note: “If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away.” The Great Controversy, 489

4.b. While Christ is pleading for us before the judgment seat, what does He expect from us? Mark 13:35–37; Hebrews 3:13, 14

Note: “We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance.” The Great Controversy, 489, 490

“Christ came that He might open to the comprehension of men and women the principles that underlie the great plan of redemption, that they might be led to cooperate with Him in His work of sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. But the want of fervor, the lack of self-denial, on the part of many who bear Christ’s name, hinder the doing of the very work for which His church on earth was organized. The selfishness and indifference manifested by professing Christians soothes the consciences of many who would be aroused from their unbelief, had they before them in the lives of professing Christians, a living witness to the power of the gospel to transform the character.” The Review and Herald, September 28, 1911

“Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are commanded to watch. ‘Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching.’ Luke 12:37. Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth.” The Desire of Ages, 634

Thursday

5 THOUGHTS FOR US TO PONDER

5.a. What illustrates how some will pass the test of the investigative judgment and others will not? Luke 17:34–36

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

5.b. How can we have hope in the day of judgment? Psalm 130:3–8

Note: “He who is to be our judge knows our works. He understands every temptation and trial, and I am glad of it. He knows the circumstances that surround every soul. He knows our weaknesses and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. ‘If any man sin,’ says John, ‘we have an advocate with the Father! Jesus Christ the righteous.’ Oh, how precious is the name of Jesus, and how precious every name that He confesses before the Father! When our gracious Redeemer says of the poor penitent, ‘He is mine; I have graven his name on the palms of My hands,’ the answer comes, ‘I will not blot his name from the book of life, but his sins shall be remembered against him no more.’ ” The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1885

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          Explain why Acts 3:19, 20 proves that the investigative judgment must be accomplished before the second coming of Christ.

2          If the living righteous are “accounted worthy to escape” the end-time “snares” to come upon the world, when must they be judged to be “accounted worthy” (Luke 21:36)—at Christ’s return or before it?

3          Why is it evident, also from Matthew 22:10–14, that the investigative judgment must take place before the return of Jesus in glory?

4          When does the first angel of Revelation 14 announce “the hour of His judgment is come”—at Christ’s coming or before it? Read Revelation 14:6, 7, 15, 16.

5          What is our most urgent need in preparing to face the investigative judgment?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

God Has Appointed a Day

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November 10 – 16, 2024

Key text

“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness … .” Acts 17:31

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 486–489

Introduction

“Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth.” Lift Him Up, 330

Sunday

1 DEATH AND JUDGMENT: TWO INESCAPABLE EVENTS

1.a. What does the Bible teach about the great day of judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27

Note: “When we become children of God, our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and they remain there until the time of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individual will be called, and his record examined by Him who declares, ‘I know thy works.’ If in that day it shall appear that all our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand against us. If the professed believer becomes self-confident, if in word or spirit he breaks the least precept of God’s holy law, he misrepresents Jesus, and in the judgment the awful words will be spoken, ‘Blot out his name from the book of life; he is a worker of iniquity.’ But the Father pities the self-distrustful, God-fearing soul, harassed though he may be with doubts and temptations. Jesus pleads for him, and confesses his name before the Father and His holy angels.” The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1885

1.b. Will anyone be able to escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:1–3; 14:12

Note: “Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” The Great Controversy, (1888), 490

Monday

2 THE GUILT OF THE WHOLE WORLD

2.a. Why must the entire world be judged? Romans 3:9, 10, 19, 20, 23; 5:16, 18, 20

2.b. Is there an exception for faithful Christians, or will they also be judged? Romans 14:10, 12; 2 Corinthians 5:10

2.c. What pitfall of the Jewish nation must we carefully avoid? Romans 11:13, 17–21

Note: “To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured. They are one with Him. But the Jews had separated themselves from God. … Their minds were darkened by transgression, and because in times past the Lord had shown them so great favor, they excused their sins. They flattered themselves that they were better than other men, and entitled to His blessings.

“These things ‘are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.’ 1 Corinthians 10:11. How often we misinterpret God’s blessings, and flatter ourselves that we are favored on account of some goodness in us! God cannot do for us that which He longs to do. His gifts are used to increase our self-satisfaction, and to harden our hearts in unbelief and sin.” The Desire of Ages, 106

“Every soul is accountable for the talents entrusted. As a church, as individuals, we are to stand upon the elevated, holy ground where the truth has placed us. We are to represent to the world in character and unity the accumulated light which shines upon us in these last days.” The Review and Herald, April 25, 1893

2.d. Who will be judged first—the righteous or the ungodly? 1 Peter 4:17, 18

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

Tuesday

3 OUR NAMES IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

3.a. Why should all true Christians rejoice? Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3

Note: “The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God.” The Great Controversy, 480

“While Jesus is pleading for the subjects of His grace, Satan accuses them before God as transgressors. The great deceiver has sought to lead them into skepticism, to cause them to lose confidence in God, to separate themselves from His love, and to break His law. Now he points to the record of their lives, to the defects of character, the unlikeness to Christ, which has dishonored their Redeemer, to all the sins that he has tempted them to commit, and because of these he claims them as his subjects.

“Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying: I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of My hands. ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.’ Psalm 51:17.” Ibid., 484

3.b. What assurance does Christ give to His faithful followers? Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10

Note: “All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life.” The Great Controversy, 483

3.c. What will be the fate of professed Christians who think they can be saved in their sins? Exodus 32:33; Ezekiel 18:24; Matthew 7:21–23

Note: “Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance.” The Great Controversy, 483

Wednesday

4 “RESERVED … UNTO THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT DAY”

4.a. What do we read about the specific time—at the end of the world—that God has appointed for the work of judgment? Acts 17:31; Revelation 11:18. Describe the solemnity of that hour. Matthew 7:13, 14

Note: “The righteous judgments of God will not spare the trifler. The people who have had great light will not be excused if they neglect to give, by a godly example, the light of truth to those with whom they associate.

“Not to unbelievers only, but to church members the words are spoken, ‘Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.’ With the light that has come to him, the believer has serious responsibilities placed upon him. He must not allow trifles to lead him to neglect the religion of Christ.

“It is dangerous for us to subordinate matters of eternal interest to the common affairs of life. …

“What can I say to you, my brethren and sisters, that will arouse you to the importance of the times in which we live, and lead you to a faithful examination of heart and life? Are your lives in harmony with the life of sacrifice that Christ lived on the earth? In giving His Son to the human race, the Father gave to His church a wonderful example of self-forgetting love.” The Review and Herald, September 28, 1911

4.b. Daniel chapter 7 confirms the teaching of the Bible that the judgment takes place, not at death, but at the end of the world. Summarize: Daniel 7:9, 10, 22, 26

4.c. What does Jude say about that time? Jude 6

4.d. How do we know that the patriarchs (Hebrews 11:13–16), the prophets (Daniel 12:13; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 11:39, 40), the apostles (John 14:1–3), and those that are dead in Christ are not in heaven? 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17

4.e. In what words does the Bible teach that the ungodly are not burning in a lake of fire? What must take place before they can meet the fate they have chosen? 2 Peter 2:9; John 5:28, 29, last part

Thursday

5 THE JUDGMENT SEAT IN ZION

5.a. Where is the judgment to take place at the end of the world? Psalm 9:7, 8

Note: “The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God, our lives are to come up in review.” The Great Controversy, 490

5.b. Where does God have His throne in heaven? Psalm 9:11; Isaiah 6:1; Revelation 7:15; 14:1, 2

5.c. Since we must know God in the interest of our salvation (John 17:3), what does this knowledge include? Psalms 9:16; 77:13. What event will take place after the judgment of God’s people? Hebrews 9:27, 28; Colossians 3:4

Note: “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill.” The Great Controversy, 488

“In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, ‘without sin unto salvation’ (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life.” Ibid., 485

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          What does the Bible say about the judgment day?

2          Will Christians be judged—and if so, when?

3          In what assurance should all Christians rejoice?

4          What do we know about the specific time of the judgment?

5          What will Christ do at the close of His mediatorial work in the sanctuary?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Everyone Is Accountable

by

November 3 – 9, 2024

Key Text

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 483–485

Introduction

“Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness.” Lift Him Up, 327

Sunday

1 ONLY TWO CLASSES OF PEOPLE

1.a. In light of the plan of redemption, specify the two classes of people in the world. Romans 2:6–10; 1 Peter 4:18

Note: “Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. … There are those who are watching and waiting and working for our Lord’s appearing; while the other party are rapidly falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. …

“There are but two parties.” Testimonies for Ministers and Gospel Workers, 364, 365

1.b. Since God sees all (Hebrews 4:13), and each individual is accountable for his or her actions before the divine tribunal (Psalm 62:12; Romans 14:12), where does the Almighty keep exact records of every human being? Jeremiah 2:22; 17:1

Note: “Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.

“The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives of men will be tested in the judgment.” The Great Controversy, 482

Monday

2 EXACT RECORDS

2.a. What is written about the book of life and the book of death? Psalm 90:8; Revelation 20:12

Note: “The books are opened—the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints; and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and according to that men are judged.” Early Writings, 52

2.b. What does the book of remembrance contain, and why is it important to us? Malachi 3:16; Psalm 56:8

Note: “ ‘A book of remembrance’ is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of ‘them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.’ [Malachi 3:16]. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered in heaven. Nehemiah refers to this when he says: ‘Remember me, O my God … and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God.’ [Nehemiah 13:14]. In the book of God’s remembrance, every deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded.” The Great Controversy, 481

“A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but speak often one to another. The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any special effort of their own. I saw that God has been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood of the Lamb.

“We should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered of the Lord who assemble to speak of His honor and glory and tell of His power; upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will be refreshed.” Early Writings, 114, 115

Tuesday

3 WARNING AGAINST A FALSE DOCTRINE

3.a. How can you prove that the doctrine “once saved, always saved” conflicts with the Bible? 2 Peter 1:10, 11; Matthew 24:13. After Christ has saved a person from the control of evil spirits, what may happen? Luke 11:24–26

Note: “Self-righteousness is a curse, a human embellishment, which Satan uses for his glory. Those who garnish the soul with self-praise and flattery prepare the way for the seven other spirits more wicked than the first. In their very reception of the truth, these souls deceive themselves. They are building upon a foundation of self-righteousness.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1093

3.b. After Paul had been saved from the control of Satan (2 Timothy 1:9), what danger did he keep in mind? 1 Corinthians 9:26, 27. How did he warn the Hebrew Christians against the “once saved always saved” doctrine? Hebrews 6:4–6

3.c. What hope, based on Christ’s promise, should be held by those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour? Romans 8:24, 25; Titus 3:7. What warning should we take from Peter’s fall?

Note: “Peter’s fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. Everyone should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 155

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

Wednesday

4 THE DANGER OF A LAX, CASUAL SPIRIT

4.a. What warnings are given to the Christian about the danger of going back into the worldly lifestyle? 2 Peter 2:20–22; Hebrews 10:26–31

Note: “Man’s great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self-sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength. Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. …

“Only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 315, 316

4.b. What admonitions should we take into serious consideration every day? 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 13:5, 6

Note: “As long as life shall last, there is need of guarding the affections and the passions with a firm purpose. There is inward corruption, there are outward temptations, and wherever the work of God shall be advanced, Satan plans so to arrange circumstances that temptation shall come with overpowering force upon the soul. Not one moment can we be secure only as we are relying upon God, the life hid with Christ in God.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, 1032

4.c. How can we avoid a lax attitude in worship? 1 Corinthians 14:40. What worship style does Ellen White describe that will take place shortly before the close of probation?

Note: “There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time. …

“The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.” Maranatha, 234

Thursday

5 OUR MAIN CONCERN

5.a. Why will many names be removed from the book of life in the investigative judgment? Exodus 32:33; Ezekiel 18:20, 24

Note: “The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. If any of these depart from Him, and by stubborn persistence in sin become finally hardened against the influences of His Holy Spirit, their names will in the judgment be blotted from the book of life, and they themselves will be devoted to destruction.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 326

5.b. As we wish to have a place in the kingdom of glory, what assurance should we have concerning our names? Revelation 3:5; 21:27

Note: “The names of all those who have once given themselves to God are written in the book of life, and their characters are now passing in review before Him. Angels of God are weighing moral worth. They are watching the development of character in those now living, to see if their names can be retained in the book of life. A probation is granted us in which to wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Who is doing this work? Who is separating from himself sin and selfishness?” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 960

“If we find no pleasure now in the contemplation of heavenly things; if we have no interest in seeking the knowledge of God, no delight in beholding the character of Christ; if holiness has no attractions for us—then we may be sure that our hope of heaven is vain. Perfect conformity to the will of God is the high aim to be constantly before the Christian.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 45

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          Define the two classes of people in light of the plan of redemption.

2          What do you know about the book of life and the book of death?

3          What scriptures disprove the “once-saved, always-saved” doctrine?

4          Explain Hebrews 10:26–31.

5          Explain Revelation 3:5.

 

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The New Covenant Sanctuary and Its Court

by

The Sanctuary In the Christian Dispensation

October 27 – November 2, 2024

Key Text

“The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.” Psalm 11:4

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 414–416

Introduction

“The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy.” The Story of Redemption, 377

Sunday

1 THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

1.a. The sanctuary in heaven—mentioned by Paul (Hebrews, chapters 8, 9, 10) and John (Revelation)—was spoken of by the prophets. By what names did they call it?

  • David in Psalm 11:4
  • Isaiah 6:1
  • Jeremiah 25:30
  • Habakkuk 2:20
  • Zechariah 2:13

1.b. When Aaron was anointed high priest, what did he have to do? Leviticus 8:12; 9:2, 7; Hebrews 5:1–3. What did Christ have to offer before starting to minister as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 7:26–28; 8:3

Note: “As in the typical service the high priest laid aside his pontifical robes and officiated in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest; so Christ laid aside His royal robes and garbed Himself with humanity and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim.” The Acts of the Apostles, 33

Monday

2 THE COURT

2.a. What comparison does Paul make between the sacrifices under the old covenant and the Great Sacrifice under the new covenant? Hebrews 13:11, 12

Note: “Our great High Priest completed the sacrificial offering of Himself when He suffered without the gate. Then a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 913

“Christ suffered without the gates of Jerusalem, for Calvary was outside the city walls. This was to show that He died, not for the Hebrews alone, but for all mankind.” Ibid., 934

2.b. Under the old covenant, where did the people stand at the hour of incense (Exodus 30:7, 8)? Luke 1:10. How important is the hour of incense for us today?

Note: “If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now; and yet in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family altar. I know of nothing that causes me so great sadness as a prayerless home. The children show the result of this neglect, for the fear of God is not before them. Parents should make a hedge about their children by prayer; they should pray with full faith that God will abide with them, and that holy angels will guard themselves and their children from Satan’s cruel power.

“There are homes where these principles are carried out—homes where God is worshiped and truest love reigns. From these homes, morning and evening, prayer ascends to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and blessings descend upon the suppliants like the evening dew.

“God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask in faith, and He will do just as He said He would. … And if Christian parents seek Him earnestly, He will fill their mouths with arguments, and for His name’s sake, will work mightily in their behalf in the conversion of their children.” The Home Missionary, June 1, 1889

2.c. Under the new covenant, what is our work in the “outer court” while awaiting the blessed promise? Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:35–38; 21:36

Tuesday

3 THE ALTAR

3.a. While we are in “the outer court,” what “living sacrifices” are we required to offer on the “altar”? Hebrews 13:10, 15, 16; Romans 12:1, 2

Note: “In the time of ancient Israel, every offering brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be ‘without blemish.’ So Christians are bidden to present their bodies, ‘a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.’ Romans 12:1. In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator.” The Great Controversy, 473

3.b. What did Jesus say about the necessity of cross-bearing? Matthew 16:24–26; Luke 9:23

Note: “Christ has given us no assurance that to attain to perfection of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle and a march, day by day. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. In order to share with Christ in His glory, we must share in His suffering. … He has overcome for us. Shall we, then, be timid and cowardly because of the trials that we meet as we advance?” Sons and Daughters of God, 198

3.c. What did our forefathers in the faith (millions of them) offer on the “altar” during the Inquisition? Revelation 6:9–11. In what sense is their blood crying for justice? Genesis 4:10; Habakkuk 2:11

Note: “In their secret councils, Satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their iniquitous decrees and writing the history of deeds too horrible to appear to human eyes. ‘Babylon the great’ was ‘drunken with the blood of the saints.’ The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried to God for vengeance upon that apostate power.” The Great Controversy, 59, 60

Wednesday

4 THE BLESSING

4.a. What did Aaron as high priest do at the end of the ceremony of his inauguration? Leviticus 9:23, 24

4.b. What did Christ do when He sat on the throne? How did He bless His people? Acts 1:8, 9; 2:1–4, 16, 17

Note: “When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.” The Acts of the Apostles, 38, 39

4.c. What promise did Jesus fulfill by sending the Comforter, the Holy Spirit? John 14:16–18; 16:7. Describe how this blessing comes to us. Acts 5:32

Note: “What is the Holy Spirit? It is the representative of Jesus Christ, it is our Advocate that stands by our side and places our petitions before the Father all fragrant with His merits. There He accepts the petition of the humblest saint. He doesn’t ask you how much money you have, or how heavy you are loaded with property, but the very humblest saint that brings his petition to God, and [his] thank offering is made fragrant with the riches of His grace, and the Father accepts it as your offering, and the blessing comes to you, grace for grace.” Reflecting Christ, 285

“This representative [the Comforter] is by our side wherever we may be—a watcher and a witness to all that is said and done—standing ready to protect us from the assaults of the enemy if we will but place ourselves under His protection. But we must act our part, and then God will act His part. When we are brought into trial and affliction for His sake, the Comforter will stand by our side, bringing to our remembrance the words and teachings of Christ.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 20, 1896

Thursday

5 THE NEEDED PREPARATION

5.a. What preparation was done by the disciples to receive the promised blessing? Acts 1:13, 14

Note: “The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God. …

“These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.” The Acts of the Apostles, 37

5.b. How will history be repeated concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit in fullness? Zechariah 10:1; Acts 3:19

Note: “Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 21

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1          By what names did the prophets call the heavenly sanctuary?

2          In ancient Israel, the people of Jerusalem were praying outside, in the outer court, at the time of offering incense. What should we be doing at this time?

3          What did Aaron do at the ceremony of his inauguration? What did Christ do when He ascended to heaven?

4          What did the disciples need to do before receiving the promised blessing?

5          When, and on what condition, will the promised blessing be poured out again?

Copyright 2011, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.