Lynette Golia

Story – What Ruined Him

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A young man, who was in prison awaiting his trial for a serious crime, was asked what ruined him.

“Sir,” he replied with tears in his eyes, “it was my street education that ruined me! I had a good home education, but I would slip out of the house and go off with the boys in the street. In the street, I learned to lounge. In the street, I learned to swear. In the street, I learned to smoke. In the street, I learned to gamble, In the street, I learned to steal.”

So you see, my dear children, the street ruined that youth. It seemed pleasant to him, as it does to some of you, to spend his hours abroad with idle, boisterous lads. No doubt he thought his father and mother were too strict, too particular, and notional, when they wished him not to frequent the street; and, thinking so, he chose to have his own way even at the price of disobeying his parents. He did have his own way, but to what did it lead him? To destruction! I think he paid too high a price altogether for having his own way. If you agree, beware how you imitate him, beware how you cherish a love for the street, and street companions. Find your enjoyment at home, especially in the evening.

You may depend upon it, boys and girls, that to pass safely along the ways of life, you must be careful of your steps. It will not do for you to tread a path merely because flowers grow in it and you feel a desire to pluck them. The most flowery paths often lead to the most dangerous places. You must seek, therefore, for the right rather than for the pleasant way. Indeed, the right path is always the most pleasant in the end.

To find the right way, and thus to avoid the dangers of the wrong one, you need a guide for your feet. I have read somewhere, that, on a part of the seashore in England, there are steep cliffs rising abruptly from the beach. To keep smugglers from landing foreign goods on which duties have not been paid, a guard is stationed to watch, night and day. The men composing this guard have to ascend and descend the cliffs in the night. Their path is very narrow, and it runs close to the edge of the cliff. A single misstep would cause a man to fall over on to the beach, and to be dashed in pieces.

How do you suppose the men of that guard find their way up and down those cliffs at night in safety? If you were to examine their path, you would see a row of very white stones set in it all the way up from the beach. These stones can be seen in the darkest night. The men look for them and thus traverse the giddy path with safety.

Now, my dear children, God meant His Holy Book to be to you, on your life journey, what those white stones are to the men who guard that cliff in England. It tells you where to go and where not to go, what to do and what to avoid. If you wish, then, for safety, you must both study and obey the Bible. If you will not, why, like the young man in prison, you must find pain, shame, and death in your pathway.

Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle, Vol. 1, ©1877, 328–330.

There Can Be Only One Emperor

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The great controversy between Christ and Satan is nearing its end. Do you see it? If you don’t, it’s time to wake up and recognize that this world is drawing to a close. Behind the veil of what we can see, the prince of this fallen world is gathering his demonic forces for the final, dreadful conflict. This is not the time to sit on the couch with a warm cup of tea—it is a time for personal reformation and revival. It is also the time to proclaim the three angels’ messages, the everlasting gospel, and the coming judgment upon this world.

Two Beasts

The sea beast and the earth beast—two powers with Christian roots described in Revelation 13—are nearly prepared to play their final prophetic roles. Since Christ’s death upon the cross to redeem and restore lost mankind and His glorious victory over death and over Satan, from the dawn of the Christian era, from the moment when the devil lost the battle against Prince Michael in heaven and was cast down to the earth, Satan has turned all his fury against the followers of Jesus—the bride of Christ. When the dragon failed to destroy the early Church through the bloody terror of pagan Rome, he brought the sea beast onto the stage of history.

The Sea Beast

This is indeed a strange and mysterious creature—unlike any other. It is a hybrid with the appearance of a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a dragon. This is a clear reference to the prophetic vision of Daniel 7, where the great geopolitical powers of the world rose one after another to rule the earth. Beginning with the Babylonian Empire, then the Medo-Persian Empire, followed by the Greek Empire, until finally reaching the most tyrannical and bloodthirsty empire of all—the Rome of the Caesars—it is evident that the Beast is the successor of all four world powers.

The Beast’s ten horns and seven heads echo the dragon of Revelation 12 and the symbolic imagery of Daniel 7, where a little horn arises from the dragon’s head, representing a religio-political institution with characteristics of the antichrist. The dragon here symbolizes both the Roman Empire and Satan himself. The beast emerges from the sea—a symbol of the nations of the earth in biblical prophecy (Revelation 17:15)—from which it receives its support. It rises to power after the fall of the Roman Empire, building its influence upon the structures of the old imperial authority and forming a religio-political empire. The beast blasphemes God and places itself on equal footing with Him. It persecutes the followers of Christ and dominates the Christian world until it receives a deadly wound. Yet this is not the end of its power. Ultimately, the beast’s wound is healed, and it regains political strength, expanding its influence, authority, and prestige across the entire world.1

The Dragon Gave Him His Throne …

“Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.” Revelation 13:2. Yet above all, the Beast reflects the character of the dragon, concentrating within itself his strength, his power, and his throne. The conclusion is clear and inescapable: the dragon—Satan—passes his persecuting power to the successor of pagan Rome, to ecclesiastical Rome, the Rome of the popes.2 Everything points in this direction: Rome as the seat of the papacy; the Roman Curia, whose origins can be traced back to the Roman Senate; the very name “the Roman Church”; the Latin language, used in the liturgy until the Second Vatican Council (with the Tridentine Mass—celebrated entirely in Latin—now experiencing renewed popularity). Latin remains the official language of the so-called Holy See and is still employed in official documents. The Roman Church also inherited aspects of Roman law, including the use of torture in earlier centuries. The popes surrounded themselves with the splendor, scarlet, and purple of the Roman emperors. After Constantine the Great, they continued to use titles such as Pontifex Maximus and Vicarius Christi.

The totalitarian system of the Roman Empire—in which political and religious authority were united in the person of the emperor—was continued in the papal church-state structure of the Middle Ages. The papacy, however, has remained consistent in one respect: it continues to represent a close union of religion and politics, of authority and wealth.3 The beast, embodying all the predatory traits of the previous empires, is indeed terrifying. Yet when we consider that this beast also accumulates the power, authority, and dominion of the dragon himself, its frightening nature becomes almost beyond human comprehension.

For Christians who have lived in ignorance of the true character of papal Rome, opening the mind to the truth of God can be an extremely challenging experience, often triggering the mind’s resistance to change. Yet the word of God shines relentlessly in the darkness, guiding us beyond the horizon of history to meet the Lord of the church and of history, Jesus Christ, coming in the clouds of glory. The only question we must ask ourselves, the only one that truly matters is: Am I ready to meet the holy God?

Lucifer’s Strategy

Satan has always hidden his true identity, disguising himself as Christ and taking His place in order to more effectively oppose Him. This is exactly what the word antichrist, composed of two parts, means: anti and Christ. In Greek, the word anti has two meanings: “in place of” or “against.” This definition reveals Lucifer’s strategy. It is completely misguided and futile to search for the antichrist among nations, religions, or systems that are openly opposed to Christianity. The very etymology of the word antichrist decodes its identity as a Christian institution (Revelation 13:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). The antichrist, therefore, is an apostate church acting in the name of Jesus—like a wolf in sheep’s clothing—which is why Revelation portrays it as a beast seeking to appear as a lamb.4

In the history of this world, only one power fits all the biblical descriptions of the little horn, the great harlot, and the sea beast: papal Rome—the center of Catholicism. Identifying the power of the antichrist with an institution that considers itself the earthly successor and representative of Christ, and which includes devoted clergy and sincere believers, may surprise or even shock some. After all, the Roman Catholic Church engages in efforts for world peace, calls for solidarity with the poor and oppressed, participates in humanitarian initiatives, and actively promotes ecumenical dialogue. At first glance, these actions of the Roman Church seem to contradict the prophetic interpretations.5 However, Paul warned that the apostasy would come from within the church (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4). Satan’s genius lies in imitating God’s work in order to more effectively deceive believers: “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14, 156

The Prestige of the Papacy

What was the prestige of the papacy when Pope Pius VI was dethroned, arrested, and imprisoned by order of Napoleon in 1798?7  Today, such a scene is almost unimaginable. The event is so dramatic and yet so distant in history, who would remember it now except Bible history buffs, professors, teachers and preachers? After all, we live in a world where the pope is so highly respected that he seems to hold a near-divine status. However, the Bible foretold that the political power of the papacy would be restored. Today, the pope stands as an undisputed political, moral, and spiritual leader. Papal authority, popularity, influence, and prestige now have a global dimension. The international position of the pope is arguably even stronger today than it was in the Middle Ages when his political and religious power was largely confined to Europe. Who today dares to oppose the papacy? There is no force on earth that can.

The Era of the Papacy

Throughout the 19th century and much of the 20th, the papacy’s political position was too weak to play its prophetic role on the international stage. Interestingly, at the same time that the papacy lost political authority over the papal states, it gained unprecedented power within the Church itself. During the First Vatican Council (1869–1870), the dogma of papal infallibility was proclaimed, leading to a tremendous increase in the pope’s authority. In this way, the dictatorial power of the Roman popes was secured, and the pope became the absolute monarch of the Roman Catholic Church. The evolution of the primacy of the bishops of Rome reached its doctrinal culmination, and the history of the papacy entered a new era.8

A New Era of the Papacy

The tremendous popularity of modern popes began with the pontificate of Pope John Paul II—the Polish pope. His nationality was far from insignificant. The election of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła from Poland, then under the iron grip of the Soviet Union, later revealed a very specific purpose. The papacy aimed to dismantle communism in Central and Eastern Europe. The pope best suited for this role was one who, being Polish, had a deep understanding of the conditions and realities of the socialist system in his own country and in the countries of the Eastern Bloc. Yet in the struggles between capitalism and communism, between East and West, the role of the pope was not initially taken very seriously.9 The objective of the papacy was ultimately achieved. Communism was overthrown and effectively dismantled across Europe. The papacy accomplished this goal through cooperation with the United States.10 It was then that the world witnessed the global authority of Rome. Since that time, the influence of the Roman Catholic Church on international politics has continued to grow.

The American Pope

On October 16, 1978, the election of a Polish pope surprised the entire world, as it was the first time in 455 years that a non-Italian bishop had ascended to the papal throne. It was also surprising that the new pope came from a country that, at that time, belonged to the Soviet Bloc.11 The true historical significance of this election and its impact on the world order only became clear over time. The choice made by the papacy accelerated the prophetic dynamics of Revelation 13. An obstacle to the fulfillment of the eschatological prophetic scenario was removed: the geopolitical power of the communist system was dismantled and effectively buried through the cooperation of two allies—the papacy and the United States. On May 8, 2025, when a new religious and political leader of the Roman Catholic Church was elected—American Cardinal Robert Prevost—the world was again surprised. Why? Because he became the first pope in history to come from the United States. This is especially striking given that the U.S. has never been a predominantly Catholic country and remains largely Protestant, with deep Protestant traditions and roots. Is the election of an American pope surprising to us as Adventists? If we trust the prophetic scenario of Revelation 13, it shouldn’t be at all. The political decision of the papacy to elect an American pope represents, by definition, a powerful acceleration of the prophetic dynamics described in Revelation 13. Would the election of a Filipino pope have carried the same prophetic potential? Likely not. In the prophetic scenario, there was no stagnation—or even regression—but a decisive movement forward toward the fulfillment of prophecy. For this reason, the election of an American pope could be historically groundbreaking, capable of changing the existing world order. Whether it will have that effect remains to be seen.

The Goal of the Papacy

The nationality of Pope Leo XIV is not—and cannot be—insignificant. Political choices made by geopolitical powers are never matters of chance; they are always carefully considered and planned to achieve a specific political objective. In the case of the papacy, of course, we are speaking of a political-religious goal. What, then, could that goal be? It is obvious that the absolute monarchy of the Vatican stands in direct opposition to the core ideals of the United States of America—especially the principle of separation of church and state, which guarantees both religious and civil freedom. Thanks to the American Constitution, the U.S. remains a republic of liberty, a country of free people. In the papal system, a totalitarian system controlling every aspect of human life, there can be no freedom. Perhaps no greater contrast exists between political systems than that between the papacy and the United States—except, perhaps, for the totalitarian communist regimes of China and North Korea. Yet, Revelation 13 foretells that these two systems will unite their forces to restore the papacy to greatness, enabling the papal model of government to become the prevailing model across nations. For there can be only one emperor. This means that in the future, the papacy will not become a liberal, democratic republic with a constitution guaranteeing religious freedom—that is absurd. And the idea that the Roman Catholic Church would relinquish its political sovereignty, join the ranks of other churches, and reform itself in the direction of Protestantism is an even more cosmic absurdity.

Rome Does Not Change

The eternal attitude of the papacy toward religious freedom and civil liberties can be easily verified by studying the history of the papacy. A clear example is the stance of Pope Leo XIII. As the Catholic historian Peter de Rosa writes: “In successive encyclicals on religious freedom, he expressed himself using exclusively medieval terminology. The Church in every Catholic country has the right to a monopoly on religion. Therefore, the spread of false opinions must not be permitted. … Wherever possible, the state—at the service of the Church—must implement the truth in practice. He insisted that the proclamation of the true faith should form the basis of official policy in every country.”12 The papacy’s attitude toward American religious freedom is strikingly illustrated by the chilling remark of Cardinal James Gibbons when he criticized the Spanish Inquisition. Attempting to defend himself against accusations of heresy from the papacy, he observed that in a perfect world, the traditional teachings of the Church regarding the church–state relationship would apply. In an imperfect world, such as modern America, the Roman Church must, reluctantly, accept the existing status quo.13 In light of Cardinal Gibbons’ words, de Rosa reaches a chilling conclusion: if movements for religious freedom continued to grow in the United States, the pope—or his successors—would be compelled to impose a medieval regime on America, in direct violation of its Constitution.14

Then the Prophecy Will Be Fulfilled

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. … And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast.” Revelation 13:11, 12, 14

Remember this, dear reader: Rome does not change. Therefore, this can mean only one thing: America must change. And in fact, America is already changing. There is no doubt that the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV will aim to transform the United States into a state that dismantles and buries its Constitution. It is shocking and deeply sad that the papacy does not need to exert much effort to achieve this goal.

American citizens themselves—including united fundamentalist Protestants and Catholics, so-called Christian nationalists—are doing everything possible to help achieve this goal, with significant support from a largely pro-Catholic apparatus within the American government. Then a theocratic republic will emerge, in which church and state are united. The United States will become a model of papal theocracy. Religious laws will be enacted, including Sunday legislation enforcing Sunday observance. The Sabbath will become the center of religious conflict throughout Christianity. Religious persecution will begin against all who remain faithful to their conscience and their religious convictions, refusing to bow to the power of the “Christian state.” America will then pay homage to the papacy. The goal of the papacy will be achieved, and the papacy will triumph. At that time, the words of prophecy in Revelation 13 will be fulfilled. Whether this will occur during the pontificate of the current pope remains to be seen.

Jesus Is Coming

The prophetic perspective of Revelation 13 may fill us with apprehension and concern. Indeed, the final crisis is just before us. Yet the message of Christ does not end with this prophecy. Jesus has promised to come and take us back home. Let us trust our Saviour and focus our attention on Him. Let us use this time wisely. It is a time of preparation for the Bride to meet her Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Marcin Watras lives with his wife and two children in Katowice, Poland. He is interested in the philosophy of religion and trends in society.

Endnotes:

  1. Jonatan Dunkel, Apokalipsa, publishing house Orion plus 2001, pp. 31, 32
  2. Alejandro Medina-Villarreal, Ujawnione tajemnice, publishing house Znaki Czasu 2007, p. 196
  3. Jonatan Dunkel, Apokalipsa, publishing house Orion plus 2001, p. 42
  4. Ibiden, p. 29
  5. Jacques B. Doukhan, Kod Apokalipsy, publishing house Znaki Czasu 2007, p. 116
  6. Jonatan Dunkel, Apokalipsa, publishing house Orion plus 2001, p. 47
  7. J. Grodzicki, G. Kotarbińska, M. Miller, Kościół dogmatów i tradycji, publishing house Nowa Reformacja 2017 pp. 436, 437
  8. Ibid., p. 438
  9. Clifford Goldstein, Dzień smoka, publishing house “Znaki Czasu”, Warszawa 1996, p. 28
  10. Carl Bernstein, “The Holy Alliance: Ronald Reagan and John Paul II”, Time, February 24, 1992, https://time.com/archive/6719650/the-holy-alliance-ronald-reagan-and-john-paul-ii/, accessibility: 11.11.2025
  11. Polonijna Agencja Informacyjna, https://wspolnotapolska.org.pl/wiadomosci.php?id=7289, accessibility: 16.11.2025
  12. Peter de Rosa, Namiestnicy Chrystusa, Ciemna strona papiestwa, publishing house Total-Trade 1995, p. 140
  13. Ibid., p. 140
  14. Ibid., p. 142

Look and Live

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I have worn glasses since I was 11 years old. A few years ago, my eye doctor told me I was developing cataracts. He said we would keep an eye on them and remove them when they were bad enough. I didn’t know what bad enough meant. All I knew was it had become very difficult for me to drive at night. The headlights of the cars coming at me were just huge starbursts of light. My depth perception was off, so it seemed to me that they were in my lane, and this caused me to hug the curb. I also fell a few times, mainly because I didn’t see the last step.

Then in December 2025, I went for my annual eye appointment only to find that my regular eye doctor had retired and the eye group assigned me to a new doctor. The day I went in, he did what eye doctors do and told me again that I had cataracts that could be removed in a year or two. The same thing I’d been told every year for a long time. But then he said, “However, if you would like to have them removed now, I would be glad to recommend you to one of our eye surgeons.” No one had ever given me that option before; I had always been told to wait. So, I had the cataracts removed, first one eye and then the other, and new clear lenses inserted in their place.

Since I was far-sighted, I chose the standard lenses—artificial, intraocular lenses. The procedure, phacoemulsification, took about 15 minutes to perform. The surgeon made two tiny incisions in my eye and blasted the cataract with an ultrasonic probe. This allowed him to gently break up and remove the cloudy lenses (the cataracts) and insert the clear lenses. The lenses were positioned so that I would see 20/20 in the area of my eye (my middle vision) that I use most for working on the computer and playing the piano, although I would still have to wear glasses to see clearly near and far away.

Having pristine 20/20 vision made me think about how Jesus changes us and makes us all new. The Bible tells us to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2, first part

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if the eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22, 23

“Keep the conscience tender, that you may hear the faintest whisper of the voice that spoke as never man spoke. Let all who would wear the yoke of Christ show an inflexible purpose to do right because it is right. Keep the eye fixed on Jesus, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? …

“Do not imitate men. Study your Bibles, and imitate Christ.” Our High Calling, 341

“We will move steadfastly on, looking to Jesus, learning of Jesus, obtaining the love of Jesus, our hearts melted in tenderness toward each other.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 285

“But looking to Jesus you will find encouragement. May you have the blessing of the Lord every day. My dear sister, may the Lord bless and sustain you.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 265

“Our only safety is in continually looking to Jesus. By living faith, we must appropriate the precious promises; for every promise and command, necessary for our salvation, must become a part of us, that we may become one with Christ.” The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889

“There will be no taste for trifling conversation in those who are looking to Jesus for strength, depending upon His righteousness for salvation. By faith they accept Jesus as their personal Saviour, and become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Medical Ministry, 145

“Let us study the life and death of Christ. Let us do all in our power to work out the plan of God. What tongue can tell, what pen unfold the mighty results of looking to Jesus and living His life?” The Upward Look, 200

“Trust in God. Be careful not to give the enemy any advantage by your unguarded words. Keep looking to Jesus. He is your strength.” That I May Know Him, 185

“The greatness, the breadth, of the plan of salvation invests it with incomparable grandeur, but it can only be spiritually discerned, and it increases in greatness as we contemplate it. Looking to Jesus dying upon the cross, and knowing that it was our sin that placed the innocent Sufferer there, we are bowed down before Him in wonder and love.

“All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul temple and will be revealed to others as the bright shining of a lamp on a dark path.” Ibid., 205

“Keep looking to Jesus. He is your strength. By steadfastly beholding him, you will be changed into the same likeness.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 12, 1901

“No one need despond who commits his soul to Jesus. We have an all-powerful Saviour. Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, you can say, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ ” The Upward Look, 321

“The knowledge of Christ reveals the depths of sin and its offensive character, while by faith we see the cleansing stream, the blood of Christ which washes away every spot, every stain of sin. This salvation is not half appreciated. Salvation brought to us through the blood of Jesus is not estimated of priceless value. By faith this gift must be fully accepted as the great gift of God through Jesus Christ. The burden of our sins and of our sorrows was laid upon One who is merciful to pardon, mighty to save.

“Why cannot we trust that love which has been expressed to us in such infinite sacrifice that we might live?

“Look in faith to the cross. Look and live. This will be our study and song throughout eternity.” This Day With God, 176

“If you are conscious of your sins, do not devote all your powers to mourning over them, but look and live. Jesus is our only Saviour; and although millions who need to be healed will reject His offered mercy, not one who trusts in His merits will be left to perish. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we must not be discouraged; we must rely upon a crucified and risen Saviour. Poor, sin-sick, discouraged soul, look and live. Jesus has pledged His word; He will save all who come unto Him.” Counsels for the Church, 48

“Man is poisoned by sin; but a remedy has been provided for the fallen race in the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Every hope that we have of salvation out of Christ is a vain hope. We cannot dishonor our Saviour more than by doubting that He will save us. Whatever may have been our life of transgression, however deep may be the stain of our sin, there is One who is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. Jesus is the remedy for sin. We may have intellect, but human intelligence can devise no way of salvation; we may have earthly possessions, but that will not provide a ransom for the sin of our soul. Salvation is the gift of God through Christ, and the promise is, ‘Whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’

“It is not enough to have a nominal faith. We must have faith that will appropriate the life-giving power to our souls. We suffer great loss because we do not exercise simple, living faith in Christ. We should be able to say, ‘He is my Saviour; He died for me; I look to Him as my complete Saviour and live.’ We are to look to Christ day by day. We are to regard Him as our example in all things. This is faith. The true believer in Christ is represented by a branch connected with a living vine. The sap and nourishment of the vine extends through every vein and fiber of the branch, and thus the branch becomes knit with the life of the vine, and bears precious fruit. Every soul that abides in Christ will do the works of Christ. Those who love God will keep His commandments; for Christ has said, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments.’ Jesus made an infinite sacrifice in leaving His majesty, to come to a fallen world, that He might lift up sinful man; and everyone that is connected with Christ, as the branch is united with the vine, will manifest the spirit of his Redeemer.

“We honor our Lord and Master when we place implicit confidence in Him. If we distrust the message that He has sent us, we shall be in a position similar to that of the Israelites who were bitten by the fiery serpents, but who would not look and live. If we accept the message of love that has come to us in invitations, exhortation, and reproof, it will prove life and healing to our souls.

“We should not be satisfied with anything less than a close connection with Christ. Freedom and salvation are offered to us, and we should grasp the precious promises of God by living faith.” The Signs of the Times, March 10, 1890

“Look to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

“You cannot make yourself any better; Jesus can do all this. When the Israelites were bitten by the fiery poisonous serpents whose sting was certain death, the brazen serpent was lifted up on a pole, and Jesus, enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, bade Moses tell them, ‘Look and live.’ The same Jesus has bidden me tell you, Look and live. Do not climb the pole, but only look. I present Christ to you. Look and live. There is hope, comfort, and peace for you. There is even joy in the Holy Ghost for you. Now I bid you in the name of Jesus, Look and live. …

“Satan would have your soul; shall he have it? Say, No, never; it is Christ’s property. Satan says, ‘Curse God and die.’ Will you do it? He curses God for you, that you may repeat his wicked blasphemy. Will you do it? No, for Jesus has died; He has purchased your life. Your soul is His property, and He will take you by the hand; He will draw you away from perdition; He will make you, as John, His beloved disciple, to win the crown of eternal life. He bids you, through me, His humble servant, ‘Look and live.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 150, 151

“Let the eye be fixed on the Son of Righteousness. … see His tenderness, His pity, His large, broad love, and His great compassion.” Daughters of God, 147

“Our only hope is to look and live.” The Review and Herald, February 26, 1889

Hard Sayings

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“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.’ The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?’

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.’

“These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore, many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’ ” John 6:51–60

This exchange between Jesus and His disciples was the catalyst that caused many, even most, of Jesus’ disciples to abandon Him. John wrote, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more,” (verse 66); despite Christ’s explanation found in verse 63 that His words were the flesh and blood that His disciples were to feed on.

Even today, when confronted with the qualifications to be met in conservative Adventism for walking the narrow way, many professed disciples of Christ likewise go back to the broad road and walk with Him no more. Sadly, many are probably unaware that they have made such a choice—equally unlikely to be aware of or concerned about the consequences of their choice.

There is an interesting two-part article in The Review and Herald, April 12 and 19, 1870, in which Mrs. White addresses the reaction of many when confronted by hard sayings.

“Some professed followers of Christ may be inclined to say, as did the disciples at a certain time as they listened to the earnest truths which fell from the lips of the divine Teacher, ‘This is an hard saying, who can hear it?’ Many may think that the way is made too straight; when we talk of self-denial and sacrifice for Christ’s sake, they think we dwell too much on these points.”

It seems that most professed followers of Christ prefer to hear of the Christian’s reward and the glories of heaven, and not of the narrow road they must walk to reach those glories. We know that those who are faithful will inherit all things, but the great question with us should be, “Who may abide the day of His coming; and who shall stand when He appears?” Who shall be counted worthy to receive the exceeding great and precious reward that shall be given to all who overcome?

The answer to who will inherit all things is both simple, and a hard saying. We are told that if we would be sharers in the glory of Christ, we would first be partakers of His sufferings. Paul alluded to this in his second letter to Timothy, when he wrote, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Paul also tells us that without holiness, no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Without purity of life, achieved through the trials and sufferings of meeting life’s daily challenges, it is impossible for us to be polished into living stones and prepared to dwell with the saints and the holy, sinless angels in a pure and holy heaven.

John tells us that we must be pure, just as Jesus is pure (1 John 3:2, 3). We know from the counsel that has been so lovingly provided in the Spirit of Prophecy, no sin, no impurity of any kind can pass through the pearly gates of the golden city of God. So, the question for us to settle is, Will we turn from all sin and comply with the conditions God has given us so that we may become His sons and daughters? To become members of the royal family, He requires us to completely separate from the world. This is demonstrated in this hard saying: “Come out from among them and be separate.” 2 Corinthians 6:17. The context makes it clear that as believers we are to separate from unbelievers, even if that includes some degree of separation from our own family members.

If you are the only Adventist in your family, there is a similar hard saying, recorded in Matthew 10.

“ ‘Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to “set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,” and “a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.’ ” Verses 34–37

Both Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy make it clear that God must be first in the priorities of our lives.

“… [P]erhaps while one member of the family gives his heart to God, others do not. They are still under the control of the Saviour’s worst enemy, and they feel annoyed and angry that division has come into the household. He who has accepted Christ is no less dutiful than before; on the contrary, he is more kind, more faithful, more affectionate, because his nature is being purified, sanctified, and ennobled by the truth. But the Master of the Christian and the master of the unbeliever are in deadly conflict; and so, the contest goes on in many homes. While the Christians are pleading earnestly with God that their relatives and friends may be drawn to Christ, while their hearts are breaking with longing that their loved ones may share His joy and peace, the hearts of the unbelieving are bound as with fetters to Satan’s car, and they are asking, as did Pharaoh, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?’ ” The Bible Echo, March 19, 1894

Without a doubt, faithful Seventh-day Adventists believe that Christ is coming soon, and believing this, we feel compelled to plead with family and friends to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man. We do not want any—especially our own family members—to be among those who will call for rocks and mountains to fall on them. Instead, along with us, we want them to be among those who will enter in through the gates into the city, arrayed with palm leaves of victory and crowned with starry crowns. We are compelled to plead with them to abandon their unchristlike character traits and habits and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. It is perfection that is required, and nothing short of perfection will enable anyone to see the King and enjoy the glories of eternity.

Once we have overcome our sins and put away all traces of lawlessness, we are then, and only then, in the condition needed to receive the finishing touch of immortality. Many are waiting and expecting that a more favorable opportunity than the present will come when we can put away sin more easily than now, when it will not require such great humility and sacrifice, and we will not have to make the effort required to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Can it be that while we are waiting for a better, more convenient time, our probation may close and we be found dead in trespasses and sin?

Our grasp, our view, should be fastened upon the eternal. We must realize that we have available to us the strength that is mighty to cling to, which will be to us a stronghold and fortress in the day of trouble, affliction, and peril. But will that better time and that more favorable opportunity ever come to those who would say to the Spirit of God, as did Felix, Go Thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will call for Thee? Is the opportunity ever to come when we can leave sin any more easily than at the present moment? Is the time coming when we can take hold of the truth any more easily than now? Satan has come down with great power and is working with great activity to weave his net around unguarded souls and thereby take them captive in his snares to prevent them from being partakers of the glories that are to be revealed at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Are we willing that Satan should carry out his purposes? Many have yielded themselves willingly to his influence, and by their course of action tempt the devil to tempt them. It is for us to make every effort to turn from iniquity to the living God through the exercise of the free will bestowed upon us by a loving God.

As Christ continued this remarkable sermon, He clarified a bit later exactly where the emphasis must be placed in achieving the perfection that overcoming demands. “Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Perfection in our position is what the Son of God requires. “Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

The life Jesus speaks of here is that life which measures with the life of God, the life that is to be eternal, a life forevermore in the kingdom of glory, without sorrow, without pain, without sickness, without distress, and without death.

As Christ thus presents the possibility of eternal life to His followers, is it not of more consequence than the life of this world? Our attention should not be turned in the direction of anxiety or fear, or in dread of obeying hard sayings.

This perfection that Christ called for in the Sermon on the Mount must be reached, in spite of the hard sayings that lie between here and the achievement of that perfection.

We must pray always. There is no resting spot here; there is no period when we can relax our efforts, no period when we can safely cease striving, agonizing, to enter in at the strait gate.

The truths found in God’s word must be brought to bear upon us, and we must lay hold of them. If we do this, they will have a sanctifying influence upon our lives; they will polish us as living stones for the kingdom of glory, so that when our probation closes, we will see the King in His beauty and dwell in His presence forevermore.

The question now is, Are we willing to make the sacrifice? Are we willing to eat of the bread of life? Are we willing to “Come out from among them, and be … separate?”

Obeying the truth requires us to stand alone in our position to serve God, even when others around us are not willing to yield to the claims that Christ has upon them, even if they are our closest friends and dearest relatives.

We must have our mind’s eye fixed upon eternal realities, the immortal inheritance. It should be our purpose in life to honor and glorify upon the earth Him who died that we might receive the immortal inheritance and enjoy the realities of eternity.

We can only do so when we comply with the hard sayings that He, in His love for us, has given us. Then our reward is assured.

John R. Pearson is the office manager and Steps to Life board member. He can be reached by email at johnpearson@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.

Strange Voices

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Jesus said, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly.

“For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35

If you are a student of prophecy, you are aware that the signs of the times are screaming that we are at the very end of earth’s history. (See also Matthew 24, Luke 17 and 21; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Peter 3; Daniel 11, Revelation chapters 7–11, 13, 14, and 17.)

As Eve did, many people are listening to strange voices, and sooner or later they will believe error, following it instead of the truth. We must choose who we listen to.

“I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such gatherings is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with us when we go to listen to error, without being obliged to go; for unless He sends us to those meetings where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, He will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him and the power of his evil angels; and the light around us becomes contaminated with the darkness.” Early Writings, 125, 126

“The time of our educating will soon be over. We have no time to lose in walking through clouds of doubt and uncertainty because of uncertain voices. …

“Humble yourselves under the hand of God, warn all that they do not in stubbornness choose their own way … .

“The Lord would have us answer the prayer of Christ. Seek for unity and oneness. Seek for harmony, then we bear to the world a living testimony of the light of Jesus Christ.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1002–1004

The Wedding Garment

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March 22 – 28, 2026

Key Text

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.” Matthew 22:11

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 217–223; Christ’s Object Lessons, 307–319

Introduction

“In the parable of Matthew 22 … the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage.” The Great Controversy, 428

Sunday

1 A SYMBOLIC WEDDING

1.a. What does the marriage in the parable represent? Matthew 22:2

 

Note: “By the marriage is represented the union of humanity with divinity; the wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 307

“At an infinite cost to heaven, provision has been made for all, that they may receive grace and sanctification of the Spirit, and be numbered with the blood-washed throng.” The Review and Herald, March 28, 1899

1.b. What other lessons do we need to learn from this symbolic marriage? Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 11:15; 21:2

 

Note: “The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom.” The Great Controversy, 426

“God has made every provision whereby our thoughts may become purified, elevated, refined, and ennobled. He has not only promised to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but He has made an actual provision for the supply of grace that will lift our thoughts toward Him and enable us to appreciate His holiness. We may realize that we are Christ’s possession and that we are to manifest His character to the world. Prepared by heavenly grace, we become clothed with the righteousness of Christ in the wedding garment and are fitted to sit down at the marriage supper. We become one with Christ, partakers of the divine nature, purified, refined, elevated, and acknowledged to be the children of God—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 660

Monday

2 AN EXAMINATION BEFORE THE WEDDING

2.a. What must take place before the wedding, and how does this affect us? Matthew 22:11

 

Note: “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

“Read carefully and critically the parable of the wedding garment and make a personal application of the lessons it teaches. There are those who, having heard the truth, assent to it, yet are not transformed by it. The truth has not been received into the soul, and therefore it cannot carry forward its work of purification in the life. Their family, their neighbors, do not see in them the marked change which they have a right to expect. Those who make a profession of faith, and yet remain unchanged in habit and practice, are represented in the parable by the man who came to the feast without a wedding garment.” The Review and Herald, February 26, 1901

2.b. How does the righteousness of Christ become the righteousness of the saints? Revelation 3:18; 19:8

 

Note: “By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess. … It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310

“By His perfect obedience, He [Christ] has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.” Ibid., 312

“Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy. The eye of God is upon you. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from our Maker.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 220, 221

Tuesday

3 WHILE PROBATION LINGERS

3.a. What condition must we be reaching now, while Christ is still mediating in our behalf? John 14:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

Note: “Jesus did not allow the enemy to pull Him into the mire of unbelief, or crowd Him into the mire of despondency and despair. But many poor souls are feeble in moral power because they do not do the words of Christ.

“Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of one possessing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed on the angelic family. But Christ’s humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength,  He would bear all the temptations that Satan could bring against Him, and yet keep His soul untainted by sin. And this power to overcome He would give to every son and daughter of Adam who would accept by faith the righteous attributes of His character.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 927

“Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself, ‘The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Father’s commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

“It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ.” The Great Controversy, 623

3.b. While a work of purification is going on in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:23), what is to be taking place among the followers of Christ on earth? Malachi 3:2, 3

 

Note: “Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.” The Great Controversy, 425

Wednesday

4 A BLESSING OR A DISAPPOINTMENT

4.a. What blessing is offered to those whose sins will be blotted out? Zechariah 10:1; Acts 3:19, 20 [compare RSV].

 

Note: “The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out [in the Investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus.’ [Acts 3:19, 20.]” The Great Controversy (1888), 611

4.b. On the other hand, what disappointment comes to those who know the present truth, yet neglect the opportunity to obtain the needed preparation? Jeremiah 8:20

 

Note: “All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.” The Great Controversy, 620

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore, they could not receive the refreshing… .” Early Writings, 71

Thursday

5 READY TO MEET CHRIST

5.a. When the work of purification is completed, and the investigative judgment is over, for what event will Christ’s followers be prepared? 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:27

 

Note: “When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing. ‘Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.’ Malachi 3:4. Then the church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a ‘glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Ephesians 5:27.” The Great Controversy, 425

5.b. What contrast will be seen between those who are unready and those who are ready for Christ’s second advent? Revelation 6:14–17; Isaiah 25:9

 

Note: “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 69

“The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. Like peals of loudest thunder, His words roll through the earth. The Israel of God stand listening, with their eyes fixed upward. Their countenances are lighted up with His glory, and shine as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked cannot look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. …

“Before His presence ‘all faces are turned into paleness’; upon the rejecters of God’s mercy falls the terror of eternal despair. ‘The heart melteth, and the knees smite together, … and the faces of them all gather blackness.’ Jeremiah 30:6; Nahum 2:10. The righteous cry with trembling: ‘Who shall be able to stand?’ The angels’ song is hushed, and there is a period of awful silence. Then the voice of Jesus is heard, saying: ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ The faces of the righteous are lighted up, and joy fills every heart.” The Great Controversy, 640, 641

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. How only can we partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb?
  2. What is our responsibility before the supper takes place?
  3. How is the wedding garment obtained?
  4. Why is confession and forsaking of sin vital to our salvation?
  5. When will Christ return?

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

“The Hour of His Judgment Is Come”

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March 15 – 21, 2026

Key Text

“Fear God … for the hour of His judgment has come.” Revelation 14:7

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 486–491; Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 384–387

Introduction

“The announcement, ‘The hour of His judgment is come,’ points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men.” The Great Controversy, 435

Sunday

1 THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT

1.a. What evidence proves that there is an investigative judgment? Revelation 11:18; 22:11, 12

 

Note: “Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, ‘to give every man according as his work shall be.’ Revelation 22:12. Before His coming, then, the character of every man’s work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ’s followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310

1.b. Why is the investigative judgment necessary? Ezekiel 18:24. How only can we be accounted worthy? Matthew 24:13

 

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

Monday

2 PURITY NEEDED

2.a. What proves that the life and character of all must be judged before the coming of Christ? Matthew 16:27. What should this fact inspire in our hearts? Haggai 1:5

 

Note: “The grand judgment is taking place, and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshipers thereof. Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate. …

“Here is the work going on, measuring the temple and its worshipers to see who will stand in the last day. Those who stand fast shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When we are doing our work, remember there is One that is watching the spirit in which we are doing it. Shall we not bring the Saviour into our everyday lives, into our secular work and domestic duties? Then in the name of God we want to leave behind everything that is not necessary, all gossiping or unprofitable visiting, and present ourselves as servants of the living God.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 972

2.b. What is our responsibility in preparing to meet our Lord in peace? 1 John 3:2, 3

 

Note: “Many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“Their robes must be spotless; their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.” The Faith I Live By, 337

Tuesday

3 THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD

3.a. With whom does the judgment begin? 1 Peter 4:17. What else should we realize about this fact? Ezekiel 33:12, 13, 18

 

Note: “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

“Angels keep a faithful record of every man’s work, and as judgment passes upon the house of God, the sentence of each is recorded by his name, and the angel is commissioned to spare not the unfaithful servants, but to cut them down at the time of slaughter. And that which was committed to their trust is taken from them. Their earthly treasure is then swept away, and they have lost all. And the crowns they might have worn, had they been faithful, are put upon the heads of those saved by the faithful servants whose means was constantly in use for God. And everyone they have been the means of saving adds stars to their crown in glory and increases their eternal reward.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 198

3.b. As we do not know when the judgment will pass from the cases of the dead to the cases of the living, what warning of Christ should we take to heart, and why? Mark 13:33; Revelation 3:3

 

Note: “Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others, it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour’s admonition: ‘Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.’ Mark 13:33. ‘If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.’ Revelation 3:3.” The Great Controversy, 490

“There is no command for anyone to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has hidden in His secret councils.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 192

“You are each living your probationary time day by day, obtaining your experience as the days pass; but you can go over the ground only once. Then let every precious moment be employed as you will wish it had been when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened. Our Lord will judge us according to the opportunities and privileges that we have had.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 156

Wednesday

4 WHILE THE DOOR IS OPEN

4.a. By what standard are our characters and lives tested in the judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Romans 2:12; James 2:12

 

Note: “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

“The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God’s commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number who shall compose the family of heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 315

“Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment.” Ibid., 316

4.b. What is Christ doing in our behalf while the door of probation is still open? 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25. How only will we be benefited by our Saviour’s intercession? 2 Corinthians 13:5, 6

 

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.” The Great Controversy, 489

“All who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart.” Ibid., 490

Thursday

5 A WARNING AND A PROMISE

5.a. To what warning should we give serious consideration? Proverbs 28:13

 

Note: “Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: ‘They are joined to their idols, let them alone,’ and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 187

5.b. What promises should encourage those who are truly interested in their salvation? 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 12:9, first part; Revelation 3:5

 

Note: “None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, ‘Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.’ But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free.” The Ministry of Healing, 249

“Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.” The Great Controversy, 489

“Those who come up to every point and stand every test and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 187

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. What is the investigative judgment, and why is it needed?
  2. In what way should a knowledge of the investigative judgment affect our daily lives?
  3. Where does the investigative judgment begin—and why?
  4. What is our duty in seeking the benefits of Christ’s intercession?
  5. How does the judgment message offer hope as well as warning?

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

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

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March 8 – 14, 2026

Key Text

“And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ ” Daniel 8:14

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 409–422; Patriarchs and Prophets, 355–358

Introduction

“The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth.” The Great Controversy, 423

Sunday

1 THE PILLAR OF THE ADVENT FAITH

1.a. What scripture was the central pillar of the early Adventists’ faith, and how did they interpret it at first? Daniel 8:14

 

Note: “The scripture which above all others had been both the foundation and the central pillar of the advent faith was the declaration: ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’ Daniel 8:14. These had been familiar words to all believers in the Lord’s soon coming. By the lips of thousands was this prophecy repeated as the watchword of their faith. All felt that upon the events therein foretold depended their brightest expectations and most cherished hopes. These prophetic days had been shown to terminate in the autumn of 1844. In common with the rest of the Christian world, Adventists then held that the earth, or some portion of it, was the sanctuary. They understood that the cleansing of the sanctuary was the purification of the earth by the fires of the last great day, and that this would take place at the second advent. Hence the conclusion that Christ would return to the earth in 1844.” The Great Controversy, 409

1.b.        What did the Advent pioneers realize after the great disappointment of 1844? Hebrews 8:3–5; 9:1–5, 8

 

Note: “With earnest prayer they reviewed their position and studied the Scriptures to discover their mistake. As they could see no error in their reckoning of the prophetic periods, they were led to examine more closely the subject of the sanctuary.

“In their investigation they learned that there is no Scripture evidence sustaining the popular view that the earth is the sanctuary; but they found in the Bible a full explanation of the subject of the sanctuary, its nature, location, and services; the testimony of the sacred writers being so clear and ample as to place the matter beyond all question.” The Great Controversy, 411

“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.” Ibid., 414

Monday

2 THE NEW TESTAMENT SANCTUARY

2.a. How did the Scriptures further confirm to the Advent believers that the New Testament sanctuary is in heaven? Revelation 11:19; 4:2, 5; 8:3

 

Note: “Those who were studying the subject found indisputable proof of the existence of a sanctuary in heaven. Moses made the earthly sanctuary after a pattern which was shown him. Paul teaches that that pattern was the true sanctuary which is in heaven. And John testifies that he saw it in heaven.” The Great Controversy, 415

“And as the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is fulfilled in this dispensation, the sanctuary to which it refers must be the sanctuary of the new covenant.” Ibid., 417

2.b. What else must we understand about the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 9:22, 23; 12:24

 

Note: “The cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ. Paul states, as the reason why this cleansing must be performed with blood, that without shedding of blood is no remission. Remission, or putting away of sin, is the work to be accomplished.” The Great Controversy, 417, 418. [Author’s italics.]

Tuesday

3 IN THE EARTHLY SANCTUARY

3.a. Of what did the daily service consist? Numbers 28:1–6. How were sins transferred to the sanctuary? Leviticus 4:4–6, 14–17

 

Note: “The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt offering, the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar, and the special offerings for individual sins.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 352

“Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle and, placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. The animal was then slain. … The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary.” The Great Controversy, 418

3.b. What service was performed once a year, and for what purpose? Leviticus 16:8, 15–22

 

Note: “The sins of Israel being … transferred to the sanctuary, the holy places were defiled, and a special work became necessary for the removal of the sins. God commanded that an atonement be made for each of the sacred apartments, as for the altar, to ‘cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.’ Leviticus 16:19.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 355

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration. On the Day of Atonement, two kids of the goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast upon them, ‘one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.’ Leviticus 16:8. The goat upon which fell the lot for the Lord was to be slain as a sin offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. The blood was also to be sprinkled upon the altar of incense that was before the veil.” The Great Controversy, 419

Wednesday

4 IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

4.a. Where did Christ exercise His priestly ministry for eighteen centuries after His ascension? Hebrews 9:11, 12, 24

 

Note: “For eighteen centuries this work of ministration continued in the first apartment of the sanctuary. The blood of Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent believers, secured their pardon and acceptance with the Father, yet their sins still remained upon the books of record.” The Great Controversy, 421

“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type, the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357

4.b. As there was a work of atonement in the typical service, once a year, what work began in the antitypical service, at the end of the 2,300 prophetic days (or literal years)? Hebrews 9:7

 

Note: “As in the typical service there was a work of atonement at the close of the year, so before Christ’s work for the redemption of men is completed, there is a work of atonement for the removal of sin from the sanctuary. This is the service which began when the 2300 days ended. At that time, as foretold by Daniel the prophet, our High Priest entered the most holy, to perform the last division of His solemn work—to cleanse the sanctuary.” The Great Controversy, 421

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus, the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357, 358

Thursday

5 THE BLOTTING OUT OF SINS

5.a. How can our sins contaminate the heavenly sanctuary? What is recorded in heaven? Isaiah 65:6, 7; Revelation 20:12

 

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 Great Controversy, 482

“We must not only cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well. God has given us powers to be exercised in good works; and if these powers are not put to use, we shall certainly be set down as wicked and slothful servants.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 220

5.b. How is the heavenly sanctuary to be cleansed? Isaiah 43:25; Acts 3:19. Why is this so important for us to understand?

 

Note: “As the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation—a work of judgment.” The Great Controversy, 421, 422

“Many are deceiving themselves, for the principle of love does not dwell in their hearts. They may close eyes to their own errors and defects, but they cannot deceive God. There must be a reformation. The plowshare of truth must plow deep furrows in our proud hearts and tear up the sod of our unsanctified natures, that the Spirit and love of Jesus may be planted in our hearts. Time is fast hastening on, and every work will soon be brought into judgment, and either our sins or our names will be blotted out of the Book of Life.” Sons and Daughters of God, 49

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. Which texts of Scripture enable us to gain a correct understanding of Daniel 8:14?
  2. What do the apostles teach us about the heavenly sanctuary?
  3. Name some points from the earthly sanctuary service which help us understand the heavenly service.
  4. What work began at the close of the 2300 days’ prophecy?
  5. Why is it essential that our sins be blotted out?

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

Worship Him – Revelation 14

by

The First Angel of Revelation 14

March 1 – 7, 2026

Key Text

“Worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea and springs of waters.” Revelation 14:7, last part

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 409–418; Prophets and Kings, 183–189

Introduction

“In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator.” The Great Controversy, 437

Sunday

1 A CRISIS OVER TRUE WORSHIP

1.a. What distinct characteristic of God is the basis of true worship according to the first angel’s message? Revelation 14:7, last part. How does this message parallel the message of Elijah’s time? 1 Kings 18:21

 

Note: “History is being repeated. The world today has its Ahabs and its Jezebels. The present age is one of idolatry, as verily as was that in which Elijah lived. No outward shrine may be visible; there may be no image for the eye to rest upon; yet thousands are following after the gods of this world—after riches, fame, pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow the inclinations of the unregenerate heart. Multitudes have a wrong conception of God and His attributes and are as truly serving a false god as were the worshipers of Baal. Many even of those who claim to be Christians have allied themselves with influences that are unalterably opposed to God and His truth. Thus, they are led to turn away from the divine and to exalt the human.” Prophets and Kings, 177, 178

1.b.        How may the subtlety of popular philosophy seduce us away from the worship of the true God? 2 Timothy 4:3, 4

 

Note: “In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Lawgiver. It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God, Satan leads men to conceive of Him in a false character. With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as He is revealed in His Word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshipped by but few. Thousands deify nature while they deny the God of nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The god of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists—the god of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions—is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia.” The Great Controversy, 583

Monday

2 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT DAYS

2.a. Why did Christ face opposition in seeking to elevate true worship? John 3:19, 20; 8:44, 45, 47

Note: “Truth looked down from heaven and saw not the reflection of her image; for dense clouds of moral darkness and gloom enveloped the world, and the Lord Jesus alone was able to roll back the clouds; for He was the Light of the world. By His presence He could dissipate the gloomy shadow that Satan had cast between man and God. Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Through the accumulated misrepresentations of the enemy, many were so deceived that they worshiped a false god, clothed with the attributes of the satanic character.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 176, 177

2.b. How did the apostle Paul face the problem of false worship? Acts 24:14; 28:17. How was he accused by the Jews? Acts 18:13. And by the Romans? Acts 16:20, 21. And by the Greeks? Acts 19:26–28

 

Note: “Ephesus was a popular center for the worship of Diana. The fame of the magnificent temple of ‘Diana of the Ephesians’ extended throughout all Asia and the world. Its surpassing splendor made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation. The idol within the temple was declared by tradition to have fallen from the sky. Upon it were inscribed symbolic characters which were believed to possess great power. Books had been written by the Ephesians to explain the meaning and use of these symbols.

“Among those who gave close study to these costly books were many magicians who wielded a powerful influence over the minds of the superstitious worshipers of the image within the temple.” The Acts of the Apostles, 286

Tuesday

3 DIVINE TACT NEEDED

3.a. How tactful was Paul among the Athenians and the Corinthians? Acts 17:22–31; 18:4

 

Note: “When the apostle [Paul] took up his work in Corinth, he realized that he must introduce most carefully the great truths he wished to teach. He knew that among his hearers would be proud believers in human theories, and exponents of false systems of worship who were groping with blind eyes, hoping to find in the book of nature theories that would contradict the reality of the spiritual and immortal life as revealed in the Scriptures. He also knew that critics would endeavor to controvert the Christian interpretation of the revealed word, and that skeptics would treat the gospel of Christ with scoffing and derision.

“As he endeavored to lead souls to the foot of the cross, Paul did not venture to rebuke, directly, those who were licentious, or to show how heinous was their sin in the sight of a holy God. Rather he set before them the true object of life and tried to impress upon their minds the lessons of the divine Teacher, which, if received, would lift them from worldliness and sin to purity and righteousness. He dwelt especially upon practical godliness and the holiness to which those must attain who shall be accounted worthy of a place in God’s kingdom.” The Acts of the Apostles, 272

3.b. How careful should we be in our efforts to emphasize true worship? 1 Peter 3:15, 16

 

Note: “God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1184

“The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic. We need to have close communion with God, lest self rise up, as it did in Jehu, and we pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or as the still showers that revive the withering plants. Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. …

“God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference to what opponents say, but let the truth alone be advanced. The truth can cut to the quick.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 400

Wednesday

4 THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING CONFLICT

4.a. What are the fundamentals of true worship as proclaimed by the first angel? Psalm 100:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13

 

Note: “God’s claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is based upon the fact that He is the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 336

“By the first angel, men are called upon to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him’ and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: ‘Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.’ Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God.” The Great Controversy, 436

4.b. What are the fundamentals of all false worship, even among professed Christians? Isaiah 29:13, 14; Matthew 15:3, 9

 

Note: “In seeking to cast contempt upon the divine statutes, Satan has perverted the doctrines of the Bible, and errors have thus become incorporated into the faith of thousands who profess to believe the Scriptures. The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition.” The Great Controversy, 582

“No misfortune is so great as to become the worshiper of a false god. No man is in such miserable darkness as he who has lost his way to heaven.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 435

Thursday

5 THE CLIMAX OF THE CONFLICT

5.a. What test will soon be brought between true and false worship? Revelation 13:4, 8, 12, 15

 

Note: “We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. Satan is making desperate efforts to make himself god, to speak and act like God, to appear as one who has a right to control the consciences of men. He strives with all his power to place a human institution in the position of God’s holy rest day.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 980, 981

5.b.  What is soon to distinguish the worshipers of God from the worshipers of the beast? Exodus 31:16, 17; 1 John 5:2

 

Note: “The keeping of God’s law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast.” The Great Controversy, 445, 446

“Thus, the distinction is drawn between the loyal and the disloyal. Those who desire to have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Thus, they are distinguished from the disloyal, who have accepted a man-made institution in place of the true Sabbath. The observance of God’s rest day is a mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 981

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. How is false worship practiced today, even among professed believers?
  2. Name some obstacles encountered by the apostle Paul in his labors.
  3. What is essential for us to be able to witness successfully for Christ?
  4. By what points can we distinguish between true and false worship?
  5. How are the vast majority of people soon to promote false worship?

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

Recipe – Creamy Peach Bake

by

Peaches

  • The peach is a member of the rose family and is a close relative of the almond.
  • There are over 300 varieties of peaches in the US and over 2,000 varieties worldwide.
  • California produces about 50% of the peaches in the US, but Georgia is still famous for their peaches nationwide.
  • In Japan, white peaches are highly prized and often given as luxurious gifts, sometimes even costing upwards of $10 each for the most perfect specimens.
  • There are hundreds of varieties of peaches in existence today, but all peaches are categorized into two types: freestones and clingstones. The flesh of freestone peaches separates easily from the pit, which makes them ideal for eating fresh. In clingstone varieties, the flesh of the peach clings to the pit. These varieties are best for canning.
  • It is a common misconception that a peach/plum hybrid is the nectarine. A nectarine is actually just a variety of peach with smooth rather than fuzzy skin. In this case, fuzzy skin is a dominant trait; whereas the smooth skin of a nectarine is a recessive trait. Only one gene separates peaches and nectarines and this gene variant causes peaches to have a fuzzy skin and nectarines to have a smooth skin.
  • Peach fuzz is a survival tactic, providing protection from the elements. It stops water and moisture from reaching the delicate skin, preventing premature rot, and ensuring development of a fully mature seed. It also acts as an irritant to destructive insects, preventing them from eating the fruit.

Aside from jams, tarts, pies, cobblers, crisps, cereals, and smoothies, peaches also lend themselves to savory dishes such as salads, pizzas, and soups.

https://veritablevegetable.com/just-peachy-fun-facts-about-peaches/; https://fruitguys.com/blog/ten-tasty-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-peach/

Recipe – Creamy Peach Bake

Ingredients

16 oz. canned peaches (reserve juice), thinly sliced, or 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1½ cups rolled oats, uncooked

1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped

1 cup non-dairy vanilla milk

6 oz. firm silken tofu

1/8 tsp. cardamom

1/8 tsp. coriander

2 tsp. vanilla flavoring

1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

1/2 tsp. salt

Process

Oil an 8”x 8” casserole dish and set aside. Mix peaches, oats, and dates in a bowl. Transfer to prepared dish. Combine reserved peach juice with just enough milk to make 1½ cups of liquid and blend with all remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into the oat mixture. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. Allow to cool 10 minutes. Serve with additional non-dairy milk. (If using unsweetened non-dairy vanilla milk, add 2 Tbs. maple syrup if desired.)