Reformation Herald Publishing

November 23 – 29, 2025

Key Text

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 653–661

Introduction

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place.” The Great Controversy, 660

Sunday

1 THE FIRST RESURRECTION

1.a. What event takes place to open the millennium at the second coming of Christ? Luke 14:14

 

1.b.      Who are those who lie in the graves and who, hearing the voice of the Son of man, shall take part in the first resurrection (the resurrection of life)? 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 16; Revelation 20:6. What misleading doctrine on this topic is taught by the popular churches?

 

Note: “ ‘There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning.’ 2 Peter 3:3, 4. Do we not hear these very words repeated, not merely by the openly ungodly, but by many who occupy the pulpits of our land? ‘There is no cause for alarm,’ they cry. ‘Before Christ shall come, all the world is to be converted, and righteousness is to reign for a thousand years. Peace, peace! all things continue as they were from the beginning. Let none be disturbed by the exciting message of these alarmists.’ But this doctrine of the millennium does not harmonize with the teachings of Christ and His apostles.” Patriarch and Prophets, 103

Monday

2 DESTRUCTION

2.a. At the coming of Christ, what will happen to the finally impenitent? Isaiah 66:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9

 

Note: “At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants.” The Great Controversy, 657

2.b.      What is the condition of the earth after the saints have departed? Isaiah 24:1, 3, first part

 

Note: “The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered over its surface, while vast caverns mark the spot where the mountains have been rent from their foundations. …

“The revelator foretells the banishment of Satan and the condition of chaos and desolation to which the earth is to be reduced, and he declares that this condition will exist for a thousand years. After presenting the scenes of the Lord’s second coming and the destruction of the wicked, the prophecy continues: ‘I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season’ (Revelation 20:1–3).

“That the expression ‘bottomless pit’ represents the earth in a state of confusion and darkness is evident from other scriptures. Concerning the condition of the earth ‘in the beginning,’ the Bible record says that it ‘was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep [bottomless pit as found in Revelation 20:1–3.]’ Genesis 1:2.

“Prophecy teaches that it will be brought back, partially at least, to this condition.” The Great Controversy, 657–659

Tuesday

3 THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

3.a. How does the prophet Jeremiah describe the condition of the earth (the “bottomless pit” of Revelation 20:3) during the millennium? Jeremiah 4:23–27

 

Note: “Here is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand years. Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he is bound: there are none remaining, upon whom he can exercise his power. He is wholly cut off from the work of deception and ruin which for so many centuries has been his sole delight.” The Great Controversy, 659

“Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan, and alone with his evil angels he remains to realize the effect of the curse which sin has brought.” Ibid., 660

3.b.      What is the cause for such utter destruction that is coming upon the face of the entire earth? Isaiah 13:9, 11, 13; 24:5, 6

 

Note: “For six thousand years, Satan’s work of rebellion has ‘made the earth to tremble.’ He had ‘made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof.’ And he ‘opened not the house of his prisoners.’ For six thousand years his prison house has received God’s people, and he would have held them captive forever; but Christ had broken his bonds and set the prisoners free.” The Great Controversy, 659

3.c. Who are the “few men” that will escape the coming destruction? Matthew 25:34–40; Philippians 3:20, 21

 

Note: “What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet those who have had a burden in their behalf! And those who have lived, not to please themselves, but to be a blessing to the unfortunate who have so few blessings—how their hearts will thrill with satisfaction!” My Life Today, 353

Wednesday

4 SATAN BOUND

4.a. How does the Bible state, in symbolic terms, the restriction to be put on Satan at the beginning of the millennium? Revelation 20:1, 2

 

Note: “When the work of atonement in the heavenly sanctuary has been completed, then in the presence of God and heavenly angels and the hosts of the redeemed the sins of God’s people will be placed upon Satan; he will be declared guilty of all the evil which he has caused them to commit. And as the scapegoat was sent away into a land not inhabited, so Satan will be banished to the desolate earth, an uninhabited and dreary wilderness.

“The revelator foretells the banishment of Satan and the condition of chaos and desolation to which the earth is to be reduced, and he declares that this condition will exist for a thousand years.” The Great Controversy, 658

“Limited alone to the earth, [Satan] will not have the privilege of ranging to other planets, to tempt and annoy those who have not fallen.” Early Writings, 290

4.b.      What will Satan be prevented from doing while confined by a chain of circumstances in his prison house, this earth? Revelation 20:3

 

Note: “For a thousand years, Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings are intense. Since his fall his life of unceasing activity has banished reflection; but he is now deprived of his power and left to contemplate the part which he has acted since first he rebelled against the government of heaven, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done and be punished for the sins that he has caused to be committed.” The Great Controversy, 660

4.c. At the end of the millennium, what will Satan immediately do once he is freed after the wicked are resurrected? Revelation 20:7, 8

 

Thursday

5 THE JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED

5.a. What will be the main occupation of the saints during the 1,000 years in heaven? Revelation 20:4, first part; Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3

 

Note: “During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. … It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians 6:2.

“In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body.” The Great Controversy, 660, 661

5.b.      Why do the wicked have to be judged? Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Romans 2:5, 6

 

Note: “The saints, in unison with Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. ‘Behold ye,’ said the angel, ‘the saints, in unison with Jesus, sit in judgment, and mete out to the wicked according to the deeds done in the body, and that which they must receive at the execution of the judgment is set off against their names.’ ” Early Writings, 52, 53

5.c. Would extra time granted to the ungodly nations eventually lead them to repentance? Isaiah 26:10

 

Note: “They [the self-righteous] have not served God here [on earth], therefore, they would not serve Him hereafter [in heaven].” Christ’s Object Lessons, 271

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What event marks the beginning of the thousand years?

2    What happens to this earth right after Christ’s second coming?

3    Who will be the only ones to inhabit the earth during the millennium?

4    What is the chain that will bind Satan to the desolated planet?

5    What will be the duty of the saints for 1,000 years?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

November 16 – 22, 2025

Key Text

“Then I looked, and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 624, 625, 636–646

Introduction

“The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people. Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 406

Sunday

1 EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM

1.a. What promise did Jesus leave His beloved disciples as they longed to remain continually in His presence? John 14:1–3; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28

 

Note: “The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers.” The Great Controversy, 302

1.b.      Will this coming be invisible, secret, or something that everyone will be able to see? Matthew 24:23–27; Acts 1:9–11; Revelation 1:7

 

Note: “Then [when Christ returns,] the whole world will know and understand. They will realize who and what they, poor, feeble, finite beings, have been warring against.” The Desire of Ages, 739, 740

1.c. Describe the terror that will take possession of the wicked when they see Christ coming in glory. Revelation 6:14–17

Monday

2 HOW WILL JESUS COME?

2.a. Describe the manner of Christ’s coming. Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38

 

Note: “He [Christ] the Lord of life and glory, would be seated at God’s right hand. He would be the judge of all the earth, and from His decision there could be no appeal. Then every secret thing would be set in the light of God’s countenance, and judgment be passed upon every man according to his deeds.” The Desire of Ages, 708

2.b.      What happened to the soldiers guarding the tomb of Christ when an angel appeared to them in his glory? Matthew 28:2–4

 

Note: “At sight of the angels and the glorified Saviour the Roman guard had fainted and become as dead men. When the heavenly train was hidden from their view, they arose to their feet, and as quickly as their trembling limbs could carry them, made their way to the gate of the garden. Staggering like drunken men, they hurried on to the city, telling those whom they met the wonderful news. They were making their way to Pilate, but their report had been carried to the Jewish authorities, and the chief priests and rulers sent for them to be brought first into their presence. A strange appearance those soldiers presented. Trembling with fear, their faces colorless, they bore testimony to the resurrection of Christ. The soldiers told all, just as they had seen it; they had not had time to think or speak anything but the truth. With painful utterance they said, It was the Son of God who was crucified; we have heard an angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory.” The Desire of Ages, 781

2.c. How will the nations react at the coming of Christ in glory? Matthew 24:27, 30; Isaiah 13:6–9

 

Tuesday

3 THE HARVEST

3.a. Describe the spiritual harvest that will be reaped at Christ’s second coming. Revelation 14:14–16; Matthew 24:31

 

Note: “Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory. He will come to honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain. When we look upon our dead, we may think of the morning when the trump of God shall sound, when ‘the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.’ 1 Corinthians 15:52. A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. A little longer, and He will present us ‘faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.’ Jude 24. Wherefore, when He gave the signs of His coming He said, ‘When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.’ ”The Desire of Ages, 632

 3.b.      How will the saints be rewarded at the coming of Christ? Matthew 16:27; 25:34; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; 1 John 3:2, 3

 

Note: “ ‘For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works’ (Matthew 16:27). The reward will not be according to his faith but according to his works, and the life will be eternal with Jesus.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 98

“Good works will be rewarded according to the motive that prompted them; that skill and intellect used in the service of God will prove a success, and will be rewarded according to the fidelity of the worker. Those who have had an eye single to the glory of God will have the richest reward. Selfishness, indolence, worldliness, pride, covetousness, and human ambition will appear in their true and hateful character, as the works of Satan; while every work done from love to Jesus, with a sincere desire to glorify Him, will appear as the height of human excellence and wisdom.” The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1884

Wednesday

4 THE RESURRECTION MORNING

4.a. At the coming of Christ, what will happen to the righteous dead and to the living righteous? Where will they meet Jesus? 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

 

Note: “Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then, raising His hands to heaven, He cries: ‘Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and arise!’ Throughout the length and breadth of the earth the dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. … And the living righteous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout of victory.

“All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God. He presents a marked contrast to the people of later generations; in this one respect is shown the great degeneracy of the race. But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth. In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature. Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but Christ came to restore that which had been lost. He will change our vile bodies and fashion them like unto His glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave. …

“The living righteous are changed ‘in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.’ At the voice of God, they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air. Angels ‘gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.’  Little children are borne by holy angels to their mothers’ arms. Friends long separated by death are united, nevermore to part, and with songs of gladness ascend together to the city of God.” The Great Controversy, 644, 645

4.b.      What protection do those who are resurrected at Christ’s coming receive? Revelation 20:6

 

Thursday

5 WATCH AND BE SOBER

5.a. What should be our main concern in view of the expectation of Christ’s coming? Mark 13:35–37; James 5:7–9

 

5.b.      Is Jesus going to come as a surprise to the waiting saints? 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6. When are we going to know the exact day and hour of Jesus’ coming? Revelation 16:17, 18

 

Note: “As God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upward, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. It was awfully solemn. And at the end of every sentence the saints shouted, ‘Glory! Alleluia!’ Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they shone with the glory, as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look on them for the glory. And when the never-ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God in keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image.” Early Writings, 34

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What is the most glorious event of all ages?

2    Describe the second coming of our Lord and Saviour.

3    Will the unconcerned multitudes, who are without God and without salvation, have a second chance at the coming of Christ or at any time thereafter?

4    Who is resurrected at the second coming?

5    How can we get ready for His second appearing?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

November 9 – 15, 2025

Key Text

“Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 613–623

Introduction

“Though God’s people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truth’s sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of. … If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then God’s holy name would be reproached.” The Great Controversy, 619

Sunday

1 SOWING AND REAPING

1.a. What was the cause of Jacob’s escape to Haran? Genesis 27:41–46

 

Note: “Let us never forget that the efforts we make in our own strength are utterly worthless.” The Signs of Times, October 29, 1902

 1.b.      How was the result of trying to obtain God’s promise by deception bitterly felt in Jacob’s life with Laban? Galatians 6:7, 8; Genesis 29:21–30; 31:4–7, 36–42

 

Note: “To gain the birthright that was his already by God’s promise, Jacob resorted to fraud, and he reaped the harvest in his brother’s hatred. Through twenty years of exile he was himself wronged and defrauded, and was at last forced to find safety in flight; and he reaped a second harvest, as the evils of his own character were seen to crop out in his sons—all but too true a picture of the retributions of human life.” Education, 147

Monday

2 LIVING BY THE WORD OF GOD

2.a. In spite of his act of deception, what experience gave Jacob the courage to remain faithful to God all through the difficult years with his father–in–law? Genesis 28:10–22. Whom does the ladder represent? John 1:51

 

Note: “The Lord knew the evil influences that would surround Jacob, and the perils to which he would be exposed. In mercy He opened up the future before the repentant fugitive, that he might understand the divine purpose with reference to himself, and be prepared to resist the temptations that would surely come to him when alone amid idolaters and scheming men. There would be ever before him the high standard at which he must aim; and the knowledge that through him the purpose of God was reaching its accomplishment, would constantly prompt him to faithfulness. …

“The world was not left in solitary hopelessness. The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had He not with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angels could have held no communion with fallen man. Christ connects man in his weakness and helplessness with the source of infinite power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 184

2.b.      Although God was constantly blessing him, why did Jacob leave the comforts of his new home and go back to meet an unknown fate by going to face his brother? Genesis 31:11–13; Hebrews 10:38

 

Note: “Jacob would have left his crafty kinsman long before but for the fear of encountering Esau. Now he felt that he was in danger from the sons of Laban, who, looking upon his wealth as their own, might endeavor to secure it by violence. He was in great perplexity and distress, not knowing which way to turn. But mindful of the gracious Bethel promise, he carried his case to God and sought direction from Him. In a dream his prayer was answered: ‘Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.’ ” Patriarchs and Prophets, 193

Tuesday

3 WRESTLING WITH GOD

3.a. What was the greatest obstacle before Jacob in his return to Canaan, and how did he meet the crisis? Genesis 32:3–12

 

Note: “As he [Jacob] drew nearer his journey’s end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled foreboding. After the flight of Jacob, Esau had regarded himself as the sole heir of their father’s possessions. The news of Jacob’s return would excite the fear that he was coming to claim the inheritance. Esau was now able to do his brother great injury, if so disposed, and he might be moved to violence against him, not only by the desire for revenge, but in order to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth which he had so long looked upon as his own.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 195

“In his [Jacob’s] terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. … He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaketh;’ but Jacob answered, ‘I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.’ Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.” Ibid., 197

3.b.      In that long night of wrestling, what was the secret of his victory and, as a result, his change of name? Genesis 32:24–30

 

Note: “The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God’s promises but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 197, 198

Wednesday

4 HOLDING ON TO GOD’S PROMISES

4.a. How will the episode called “Jacob’s trouble” be repeated with God’s remnant people in the last days? Jeremiah 30:5–7

 

Note: “Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24–30), represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.” The Great Controversy, 616

4.b.      What evidence shows that the remnant will endure the conflict? Jeremiah 30:10, 11; Revelation 14:1–3

 

Note: “They [the victorious remnant] sing ‘a new song’ before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb—a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience—an experience such as no other company have ever had.” The Great Controversy, 648, 649

Thursday

5 NO UNCONFESSED SINS

5.a. What physical phenomenon will be observed at the close of human probation? Joel 2:2

 

Note: “When He [Christ] leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor.” The Great Controversy, 614

5.b.      What will be the condition of God’s remnant when they need to live in the sight of a holy God without a Mediator? Isaiah 43:25

 

Note: “In the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance.” The Great Controversy, 620

5.c. What will actually cause the remnant to suffer anguish after the close of probation, that is during the time of trouble? What assurance do they ardently wish to obtain? Revelation 3:10

 

Note: “They [God’s people] fear that every sin has not been repented of. … If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then God’s holy name would be reproached.” The Great Controversy, 619

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How do sin’s consequences still linger even after repentance?

2    What safety measures did Jacob take before facing Esau?

3    What are we to learn from Jacob’s secret to victory?

4    Explain the real cause of anguish in the time of Jacob’s trouble.

5    How can we live in God’s sight without a Mediator?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

November 2 – 8, 2025

Key Text

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.” Revelation 15:1

Study Help: Early Writings, 36, 52–54, 64–67, 118–121

Introduction

“The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people.” The Great Controversy, 627, 628

Sunday

1 THE WRATH OF GOD

1.a. What warning does the third angel sound against those who receive the mark of the beast, and what is the fullness of the wrath of God? Revelation 14:9, 10; 15:1

 

1.b.  Can the seven last plagues be poured out while Jesus is ministering in the temple in heaven? Revelation 7:1–3; 8:3, 4. What will happen when He ceases His intercessory ministry? Revelation 8:5; 15:5–8

 

Note: “It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God.” Early Writings, 280

1.c. Who will receive the seal of protection against the seven last plagues? Psalms 27:2–5; 91:9, 10

 

Note: “Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445

Monday

2 THE FIRST THREE PLAGUES

2.a. What reasons are given for the first three plagues? Revelation 16:2–7

 

Note: “God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed.” The Great Controversy, 627

2.b.      What measures will be taken against the people of God? Revelation 13:15

 

Note: “These [seven last] plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.” Early Writings, 36, 37

“By condemning the people of God to death, [those who receive the mark of the beast] have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. In like manner Christ declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had been shed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit and were seeking to do the same work with these murderers of the prophets.” The Great Controversy, 628

2.c. How did Ellen White respond when shown the plagues in vision?

 

Note: “Terror seized me, and I fell upon my face before the angel and begged of him to cause the sight [of the plagues] to be removed, to hide it from me, for it was too dreadful. Then I realized, as never before, the importance of searching the word of God carefully, to know how to escape the plagues which that word declares shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. It was a great wonder for me that any could transgress the law of God and tread down His holy Sabbath, when such awful threatenings and denunciations were against them.” Early Writings, 65

Tuesday

3 THE FOURTH AND FIFTH PLAGUES

3.a. Describe the fourth and fifth plagues. Revelation 16:8–11

 

Note: “In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun ‘to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat.’ Verses 8, 9. The prophets thus describe the condition of the earth at this fearful time: ‘The land mourneth … because the harvest of the field is perished. … All the trees of the field are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.’ ‘The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate. … How do the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture. … The rivers of water are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.’ ‘The songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.’ Joel 1:10–12, 17–20; Amos 8:3.” The Great Controversy, 628

“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth.” Ibid, 635, 636

3.b. Describe the woe that will come upon those who have believed in the third angel’s message, yet have compromised with the prevailing apostasy in Christendom. Isaiah 8:22; Jeremiah 8:20; Matthew 7:22, 23

 

Note: “I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, ‘Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.’ I asked who this company were. The angel said, ‘These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.’ I heard them cry with a loud voice, ‘We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy.’ And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet—trodden the Sabbath underfoot—and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting.” Early Writings, 37

Wednesday

4 THE SIXTH PLAGUE

4.a. During the sixth plague, what will occur? Revelation 16:12

 

Note: “When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.

“The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. …

“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.” The Great Controversy, 635, 636

4.b.      What powers are involved in bringing the whole world together for the last battle? Revelation 16:13, 14

 

Note: “Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 982

4.c. How are the events under the sixth plague disclosed by God through the prophet Joel? Joel 3:2

 

Thursday

5 THE SEVENTH PLAGUE

5. What will happen under the seventh plague? Revelation 16:17–21. Why only can God’s faithful remnant have hope through all this accumulated turmoil? Isaiah 26:20, 21

 

Note: “It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: ‘It is done.’ Revelation 16:17.

“That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, ‘such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.’ Verses 17, 18. The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the great has come in remembrance before God, ‘to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.’ Great hailstones, every one ‘about the weight of a talent,’ are doing their work of destruction. Verses 19, 21.” The Great Controversy, 636, 637

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What triggers the beginning of the seven last plagues?

2    What opposition will the people of God have to suffer?

3    How will rebellion continue even during the plagues?

4    What powers unite to usher in the climax of the ages?

5    What is essential in order to be protected during the plagues?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Sealed for Eternity

October 26  – November 1, 2025

Key Text

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.” Revelation 18:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 603–612

Introduction

“The efforts made to retard the progress of truth will serve to extend it. … The people whom God has made the depositaries of His law are not to permit their light to be hidden. The truth must be proclaimed in the dark places of the earth.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 454

Sunday

1 THE GLORY OF THE TEMPLE

1.a. At the beginning of the reconstruction of Jerusalem when the foundation of the new temple was laid, there was, on the one hand, weeping and, on the other, shouts of joy. Why were there two opposite reactions? Ezra 3:10–12; Haggai 2:3

 

Note: “There were them … aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it must be so inferior to the former. … Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house should be greater than that of the former.” The Great Controversy, 23, 24

1.b.      How, or in what work, did the Jews hope to see, in the second temple, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Haggai 2:9? John 2:20

 

Note: “The disciples had been filled with awe and wonder at Christ’s prediction of the overthrow of the temple, and they desired to understand more fully the meaning of His words. Wealth, labor, and architectural skill had for more than forty years been freely expended to enhance its splendors.” The Great Controversy, 24

Monday

2 THE GLORY OF THE TEMPLE (CONTINUED)

2.a. To what did Haggai refer when speaking about the glory of the second temple? Haggai 2:7, 9 (compare Malachi 3:1). In what manner did the second temple supersede the glory of the first temple? In other words, whose presence filled the second temple with superior glory? John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 2:8

 

Note: “For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavored to show wherein the promise of God given by Haggai had been fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah’s glory, but with the living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily—who was God Himself manifest in the flesh. The ‘Desire of all nations’ had indeed come to His temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered Gift of heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour’s words fulfilled: ‘Your house is left unto you desolate’ (Matthew 23:38).” The Great Controversy, 24

2.b.      What did Jesus say about the surprising fate of the second temple? Matthew 24:1, 2; Luke 21:5, 6

 

Note: “The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and some of them of almost fabulous size. A portion of the wall had withstood the siege by Nebuchadnezzar’s army. In its perfect masonry it appeared like one solid stone dug entire from the quarry. How those mighty walls could be overthrown the disciples could not comprehend.

“As Christ’s attention was attracted to the magnificence of the temple, what must have been the unuttered thoughts of that Rejected One! The view before Him was indeed beautiful, but He said with sadness, I see it all. The buildings are indeed wonderful. You point to these walls as apparently indestructible; but listen to My words: The day will come when ‘there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down’ (Mark 13:2).” The Desire of Ages, 627

Tuesday

3 CHRIST IN YOU

3.a. How can human nature be briefly summarized? Romans 3:10–12, 23

 

3.b.      What is the glory of God that must shine through His servants? Exodus 33:18, 19; 34:5–7

 

Note: “The followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers. Thus, they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 414

3.c. What must happen in us if we want to reflect the glory of God? Colossians 1:27. How does God work in our life to prepare us for such an experience? 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:17

 

Note: “The closer our communion with God, and the clearer our knowledge of His requirements, the more fully shall we be conformed to the divine image, and the more readily do we become partakers of the divine nature.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 330

“Before giving us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father will try us, to see if we can live without dishonoring Him.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 426, 427

“Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character—compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry, we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. By rejecting it, we reject His instruction, and choose eternal separation from His presence.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 388, 389

Wednesday

4 THE EARTH LIGHTENED WITH GOD’S GLORY

4.a. What is the glory that will lighten the whole earth, and why is another angel needed to accomplish this work? Revelation 18:1

 

Note: “Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, ‘Behold your God.’ The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character, they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.

“The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415, 416

“There must be no toning down of the truth, no muffling of the message for this time. The third angel’s message must be strengthened and confirmed. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms but with boldness and power. … There has been too much beating about the bush in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. The message has not been given as clearly and distinctly as it should have been.” Evangelism, 230

“The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 19

4.b.      When did the light of Revelation 18:1 begin to shine?

 

Note: “The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 363. [Written in 1892 with reference to the 1888 Minneapolis conference.]

Thursday

5 “COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

5.a. What is the message of this other angel, and how does it compare with the second angel’s message? Revelation 18:2, 3; 14:8

 

Note: “The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message.” Early Writings, 277

“While Satan is working with his lying wonders, the time has come [that was] foretold in the Revelation, when the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory will proclaim the fall of Babylon and call upon God’s people to forsake her.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 406, 407

5.b.      In what manner is the message so severe? What is found in Babylon that demands such forceful action? Revelation 18:5–24

 

5.c. What must God’s people in other folds do in order to escape the coming plagues? Revelation 18:4; Isaiah 56:1–7; John 10:16

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    When the Bible speaks of the glory of God, what does it mean?

2    In what way did the second temple exceed the glory of the first?

3    How is it possible for a human being to reflect the glory of God?

4    Why is there a need for the fourth angel, and when did he begin his work?

5    What do people who are in the popular churches need to do in order to be spared?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.