church

Guards on the Wall

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

The origins of the idea of the great separation

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

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

The sphere of faith and state coercion

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

Tolerance

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

Polish experiment

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

An idea materialized in reality

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

Sixteen words

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

Religious diversity in the United States

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

Fragile matter

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

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

A thin veil

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

The nature of the human mind

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

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

The illusion of stability

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

Conclusions and perspectives

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

Endnotes:

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

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

Bible Study – The State of the Dead

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October 23 – 29, 2022

Key Text

“For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 531–562

Introduction

“Upon the fundamental error of natural immortality rests the doctrine of consciousness in death—a doctrine, like eternal torment, opposed to the teachings of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason, and to our feelings of humanity.” The Great Controversy, 545

Sunday

1 THE FIRST GREAT LIE

1.a. When God created man and commanded him to dress and keep the Garden of Eden, what specific instruction was given to him? Genesis 2:15–17

 

Note: “A compassionate God gave no severe test, no strong temptation that would tax human endurance beyond the power to resist. The fruit itself was harmless. If God had not forbidden Adam and Eve to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, their action in taking it would not have been sinful. Up to the moment of God’s prohibition, Adam might have eaten of the fruit of that tree without realizing any harm. But after God had said, Thou shalt not eat, the act became a crime of great magnitude. Adam had disobeyed God. In this was his sin. The very fact that Adam’s trial was small, made his sin exceeding great.” The Signs of the Times, January 23, 1879

1.b. What words were used by Satan, “the old serpent,” to defy God’s simple and explicit command? Genesis 3:4, 5

 

Note: “God said that sinners would die. Satan declares that they will not die.” The Bible Echo, February 1, 1897

Monday

2 THE DEAD KNOW NOT ANYTHING

2.a. Where do all living creatures go when they die? Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20; 9:10. What happens to the memory of the dead? Psalm 146:3, 4

 

Note: “Nowhere in the Sacred Scriptures is found the statement that the righteous go to their reward or the wicked to their punishment at death. The patriarchs and prophets have left no such assurance. Christ and His apostles have given no hint of it. The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately to heaven. They are represented as sleeping until the resurrection. In the very day when the silver cord is loosed and the golden bowl broken, man’s thoughts perish. They that go down to the grave are in silence.” The Great Controversy, 549, 550

2.b. What did God say would be man’s fate because of disobedience? Genesis 3:19. What did Solomon say about the mental condition of the dead? Ecclesiastes 9:5

 

Note: “God declared that as a penalty for his sin, man should return to the ground whence he was taken: ‘Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.’ Verse 19. The words of Satan, ‘Your eyes shall be opened,’ proved to be true in this sense only: After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God, their eyes were opened to discern their folly; they did know evil, and they tasted the bitter fruit of transgression.” The Great Controversy, 532

2.c. Why do many people disbelieve what God has said about the state of man at death? Isaiah 5:20, 21; 30:9, 10

 

Note: “The theory of the immortality of the soul was one of those false doctrines that Rome, borrowing from paganism, incorporated into the religion of Christendom. Martin Luther classed it with the ‘monstrous fables that form part of the Roman dunghill of decretals.’ Commenting on the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, that the dead know not anything, the reformer says: ‘Another place proving that the dead have no … feeling. There is, saith he, no duty, no science, no knowledge, no wisdom there. Solomon judgeth that the dead are asleep, and feel nothing at all. For the dead lie there, accounting neither days nor years, but when they are awaked, they shall seem to have slept scarce one minute.’ ” The Great Controversy, 549

Tuesday

3 DEATH REIGNED UNTIL MOSES

3.a. What happened to Moses because of his sin at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh? Deuteronomy 32:50, 51; 34:5, 6

 

Note: “Satan had exulted at his success in causing Moses to sin against God, and thus come under the dominion of death. The great adversary declared that the divine sentence—‘Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return’ (Genesis 3:19)—gave him possession of the dead. The power of the grave had never been broken, and all who were in the tomb he claimed as his captives, never to be released from his dark prison house.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 478

3.b. How long will the dominion of death keep those who have died since Adam in the grave? Romans 5:14. What happened to Moses after his death? Jude 1:9

 

Note: “The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately to heaven. They are represented as sleeping until the resurrection. In the very day when the silver cord is loosed and the golden bowl broken, man’s thoughts perish. They that go down to the grave are in silence.” The Faith I live By, 181

“Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing Him as unjust in permitting his prey [Moses] to be taken from him; but Christ did not rebuke His adversary, though it was through his temptation that the servant of God had fallen.” Early Writings, 164

“This act [of the resurrection of Moses] was a great victory over the powers of darkness. This display of power was an incontrovertible testimony to the supremacy of the Son of God. Satan had not expected that the body would be raised to life after death. He had concluded that the sentence, ‘Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return’ gave him undisputed possession of the bodies of the dead. Now he saw that he would be despoiled of his prey, that mortals would live again after death.” Christ Triumphant, 130

“In consequence of sin Moses had come under the power of Satan. In his own merits he was death’s lawful captive; but he was raised to immortal life, holding his title in the name of the Redeemer. Moses came forth from the tomb glorified, and ascended with his Deliverer to the City of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 479

Wednesday

4 RESURRECTION PROMISED

4.a. What does the Bible say about the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust? John 5:28, 29

 

Note: “In consequence of Adam’s sin, death passed upon the whole human race. All alike go down into the grave. And through the provisions of the plan of salvation, all are to be brought forth from their graves. ‘There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust;’ ‘for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.’ But a distinction is made between the two classes that are brought forth. ‘All that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.’ They who have been ‘accounted worthy’ of the resurrection of life, are ‘blessed and holy.’ ‘On such the second death hath no power.’ But those who have not, through repentance and faith, secured pardon, must receive the penalty of transgression.” The Great Controversy, 544

4.b. When will the general resurrection of the righteous take place? 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 20:4, 5, last part, 6.When will the wicked be raised? Revelation 20:5, first part

 

Note: “At His [Christ’s] coming the righteous dead will be raised, and the righteous living will be changed.

“Man in his present state is mortal, corruptible; but the kingdom of God will be incorruptible, enduring forever. Therefore man in his present state cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But when Jesus comes, He confers immortality upon His people; and then He calls them to inherit the kingdom of which they have hitherto been only heirs.” The Great Controversy, 322, 323

“At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to the earth. He is accompanied by the host of the redeemed and attended by a retinue of angels. As He descends in terrific majesty He bids the wicked dead arise to receive their doom. They come forth, a mighty host, numberless as the sands of the sea. What a contrast to those who were raised at the first resurrection! The righteous were clothed with immortal youth and beauty. The wicked bear the traces of disease and death.” Ibid., 662

Thursday

5 DEATH – A SLEEP

5.a. When Jesus received news that Lazarus was sick, He waited for a while. After that, what did He say to the disciples? John 11:11–14

 

Note: “Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him.” The Desire of Ages, 527

5.b. The Scriptures compare the state of those who die in the Lord to what? Acts 7:59, 60; 1 Corinthians 15:6, 16–18

  

Note: “They that go down to the grave are in silence. They know no more of anything that is done under the sun. Job 14:21. Blessed rest for the weary righteous! Time, be it long or short, is but a moment to them. They sleep; they are awakened by the trump of God to a glorious immortality.” The Great Controversy, 550

“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.” Ibid., 644

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What was the first lie told to Eve?

2    What is death?

3    In what sense is the resurrection of Moses an exception to the general rule?

4    Explain the differences between the first and second resurrections.

5    What lessons are demonstrated in the raising of Lazarus?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – Our Attitude Toward Secular Authorities

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October 16 – 22, 2022

Key Text

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authority. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1

Study Help: Testimonies, Vol. 6, 394–397; The Great Controversy, 603–612

Introduction

“David’s power had been given him by God, but to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that which was contrary to God’s law, it became sin to obey. ‘The powers that be are ordained of God’ (Romans 13:1), but we are not to obey them contrary to God’s law.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 719

Sunday

1 THE PURPOSE OF HAVING AUTHORITIES

1.a. What is the purpose of earthy authorities? Romans 13:3, 4. How far should we obey the laws of the land?

 

Note: “He who obeys the divine law will most truly respect and obey the laws of his country. He who fears God will honor the king in the exercise of all just and legitimate authority.” The Great Controversy, 278

1.b. We should always be the best law-abiding citizens. What are the good laws of the land that we should obey? Matthew 22:17–21; Romans 13:6, 7

 

Note: “The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws. Those who love God’s commandments will conform to every good law of the land. But if the requirements of the rulers are such as conflict with the laws of God, the only question to be settled is: Shall we obey God, or man?” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 361, 362

Monday

2 OBEY GOD’S LAW OR THE LAWS OF THE LAND?

2.a. From the experience of the early church, what important lesson can we learn through the words of Peter and John? Acts 4:15–20; Acts 5:29

 

Note: “It is our duty in every case to obey the laws of our land, unless they conflict with the higher law which God spoke with an audible voice from Sinai, and afterward engraved on stone with His own finger.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 361

“We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is not to be set aside for a ‘Thus saith the church’ or a ‘Thus saith the state.’ The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.

“We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are to go forward in Christ’s name, advocating the truths committed to us.” The Acts of the Apostles, 69

2.b. Which commandments of God’s law will we be required to transgress? Exodus 20:8–11, 13

 

Note: “God’s people, who are His peculiar treasure, cannot engage in this perplexing [American] war [between the states, which brought about the end of slavery], for it is opposed to every principle of their faith. In the army they cannot obey the truth and at the same time obey the requirements of their officers. There would be a continual violation of conscience.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 361

“As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration.” The Great Controversy, 615

Tuesday

3 GOOD LAWS

3.a. What is the purpose of the good laws of the land? 1 Peter 2:13, 14. What are differences between the law of God and laws of the land? Psalm 19:7, 8

 

Note: “Worldly men are governed by worldly principles. They can appreciate no other. Worldly policy and public opinion comprise the principle of action that governs them and leads them to practice the form of rightdoing. But God’s people cannot be governed by these motives. The words and commands of God, written in the soul, are spirit and life, and there is power in them to bring into subjection and enforce obedience. The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 361

“Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just, than are exhibited on the statute books wherein is recorded the instruction given to Moses for the children of Israel? Through all time these laws are to be perpetuated, that the character of God’s people may be formed after the divine similitude. The law is a wall of protection to those who are obedient to God’s precepts. From what other source can we gather such strength, or learn such noble science? What other book will teach men to love, fear, and obey God as does the Bible?” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 393, 394

3.b. What was given to Israel, as a nation, to be their guide and rule? Deuteronomy 4:5–8; Nehemiah 9:13

 

Note: “The Holy One of Israel has made known to us the statutes and laws which are to govern all human intelligences. These precepts, which have been pronounced ‘holy, and just, and good,’ are to form the standard of action in the home. There can be no departure from them without sin, for they are the foundation of the Christian religion.” Child Guidance, 506, 507

“He [God] designed that the principles revealed through His people should be the means of restoring the moral image of God in man.

“God’s law must be exalted, His authority maintained; and to the house of Israel was given this great and noble work. God separated them from the world, that He might commit to them a sacred trust. He made them the depositaries of His law, and He purposed through them to preserve among men the knowledge of Himself.” Prophets and Kings, 16

Wednesday

4 THE LAWS OF THE LAND AGAINST US

4.a. What argument was used by the enemies of God’s people for the purpose of exterminating them? How will this soon be repeated in our day? Esther 3:8, 9; Revelation 12:17

 

Note: “The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. … The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.

“The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath. …

“To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.” Prophets and Kings, 605, 606

“The world is against us, the popular churches are against us, the laws of the land will soon be against us. If there was ever a time when the people of God should press together, it is now.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 236

 4.b. What will be the culminating act of the powers of the earth against those who keep the commandments of God? Revelation 13:15–17

 

Note: “A decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.” The Great Controversy, 615, 616

Thursday

5 UNDER THE DEATH DECREE

5.a. What will be the conviction of those who persecute and try to kill God’s people? John 16:2; Matthew 24:9, 10

 

Note: “[John 16:2 quoted.] These words come sounding down along the line to our time. A deception is upon those who oppress their fellowmen because they do not believe the same form of doctrine that their oppressors believe.” The Review and Herald, April 19, 1898

“With what zeal will the workers of iniquity pursue their satanic purpose! They will put light for darkness, and darkness for light, until they will sincerely believe they are servants of God, and doing Him service by persecuting His children.” Ibid., May 8, 1888

5.b. What will the wicked try to do, and how will God intervene in favor of His people? Psalms 50:15; 91:3–7, 10

 

Note: “The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that ‘all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond’ (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death.” The Great Controversy, 604

“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. … And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.” Ibid., 640

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What obligation do we have toward secular authorities?

2    Describe the attitude of Peter and John when forbidden to preach the gospel of Christ.

3    Why does the Bible record statutes in addition to the moral law?

4    Why is it important that Christians understand the true Sabbath?

5    Describe the deliverance soon to be wrought for faithful Sabbathkeepers.

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – The Authority of the Church

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October 9 – 15, 2022

Key Text

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Study Help: Testimonies, Vol. 7, 260–264

Introduction

“On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ’s stead. … Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s word will be ratified in heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 263

Sunday

1 CONFERRED AUTHORITY

1.a. What steps are to be taken before a person receives church discipline? Matthew 18:15–18

 

 Note: “No church officer should advise, no committee should recommend, nor should any church vote, that the name of a wrongdoer shall be removed from the church books, until the instruction given by Christ has been faithfully followed. When this instruction has been followed, the church has cleared herself before God. The evil must then be made to appear as it is, and must be removed, that it may not become more and more widespread.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 262, 263

1.b. What authority does the church have regarding discipline? John 20:23; Matthew 18:18

 

Note: “To it [the church] the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 263

Monday

2 DISCIPLINE IS NEEDED

2.a. What is the tragic response of some as the Lord calls them to return to Him? Jeremiah 6:16; 13:10

 

Note: “Those whose deeds are evil, will not come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved and their real characters revealed. If they continue in the path of transgression, and sever themselves entirely from the Redeemer, stubbornness, and sullenness, and a spirit of revenge will take possession of them, and they will say to their own souls, Peace, peace, when there is every reason that they should be alarmed, for their steps are directed toward destruction.” The Signs of the Times, June 22, 1888

“By repentance and confession you can have pardon registered against your name; or you can resist the conviction of the Spirit of God. … But there stands the action, there stands the evil committed.” Sons and Daughters of God, 309

2.b. If the leaders keep silent and gloss over the wrongs of the members, what will be the result? Isaiah 56:10, 11; Philippians 3:2; Ezekiel 33:2–9; John 3:19, 20

 

Note: “Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, or who through indolence or lack of interest make no earnest effort to purify the family or the church of God, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority as if the acts had been our own.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 578

“He [God] would teach His people that disobedience and sin are exceedingly offensive to Him and are not to be lightly regarded. He shows us that when His people are found in sin they should at once take decided measures to put that sin from them, that His frown may not rest upon them all. But if the sins of the people are passed over by those in responsible positions, His frown will be upon them, and the people of God, as a body, will be held responsible for those sins. In His dealings with His people in the past the Lord shows the necessity of purifying the church from wrongs. One sinner may diffuse darkness that will exclude the light of God from the entire congregation.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 265

Tuesday

3 THE GUILTY MUST BE REPROVED

3.a. What is the duty and responsibility of those holding a position of trust in the church when they see members practicing sin? 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:13; 2:15

 

Note: “The divine rebuke is upon that false sympathy for the sinner which endeavors to excuse his sin. It is the effect of sin to deaden the moral perceptions, so that the wrongdoer does not realize the enormity of transgression, and without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit he remains in partial blindness to his sin. It is the duty of Christ’s servants to show these erring ones their peril.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 361

“To defy the words of the Lord, spoken through His chosen instruments, will only provoke His anger and eventually bring certain ruin upon the offender. Indignation often kindles in the heart of the sinner against the agent whom God chooses to deliver His reproofs.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 180

“Ministers should be faithful watchmen, seeing the evil and warning the people. Their dangers must be set before them continually and pressed home upon them.” Ibid., 515

3.b. What will be the fate of unfaithful leaders if they refuse to correct the evils committed by the members of the church? Ezekiel 3:17, 18; 33:6

 

Note: “The rebuke of God is upon every minister and every medical missionary leader who has been asleep on the walls of Zion, when as vigilant watchmen they should have warned the people of the Lord against the dangers threatening them.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 357

“The watchmen anciently placed on the walls of the cities occupied a most important position. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within the walls. When danger was apprehended, they were not to sleep day or night. Every few minutes they were required to call to one another, to see that all were awake and that no harm had come to any.” The Review and Herald, April 15, 1902

“I saw that it was time that the watchmen upon the walls of Zion understood the responsibility and sacredness of their mission. They should feel that a woe is upon them if they do not perform the work God has committed to them. If they become unfaithful, they are endangering the safety of the flock of God, endangering the cause of truth, and exposing it to the ridicule of our enemies. Oh, what a work is this! It will surely meet its reward.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 124, 125

Wednesday

4 CHASTISEMENT WITH LOVE

4.a. How does the Lord mold His erring people for the spiritual building? Revelation 3:19; Hebrew 12:6–11; 1 Peter 2:4, 5

 

Note: “The Lord estimates as of supreme importance the holiness of His people; and He permits reverses to come upon individuals, upon families, and upon churches, that His people may see their danger, and humble their hearts before Him in repentance. He chastens His children in the hope of saving their souls. Those who return to Him, He receives with tenderness and love. He speaks pardon to them and clothes them with the garments of Christ’s righteousness.” The Review and Herald, September 24, 1903

“When the heart is full of self-sufficiency and preoccupied with the superficial things of earth, the Lord Jesus rebukes and chastens in order that men may awake to a realization of their true condition.” The Signs of the Times, August 1, 1895

“Take with you those who are spiritually minded, and talk with the one in error in regard to the wrong. He may yield to the united appeals of his brethren. As he sees their agreement in the matter, his mind may be enlightened.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 262

4.b. When parents or ministers try to correct the erring ones, what should they always keep in mind? 2 Timothy 4:2; Colossians 3:12–14

 

Note: “Sin should be faithfully reproved, and right discipline promptly and firmly enforced. Yet harsh dealing will not help the wrongdoer to see his error or to reform. Let all needed reproof or correction be given in the spirit which actuated our Saviour. Let firmness and decision be blended with sympathy and love. By wise management, the wayward, stubborn youth may be transformed. Parents, to accomplish such work, you need Christlike patience and self-command. Do not irritate by a sharp word or an angry look. Be calm; and let your heart often ascend in prayer to God for grace and wisdom. Angels will come to your side, and help you to raise up a standard against the enemy.” The Review and Herald, June 13, 1882

“In every instance where discipline is necessary, the tenderness and patience that God manifests toward us, is to be revealed.” Ibid., July 12, 1906

Thursday

5 MAINTAINING CHURCH PURITY

5.a. What should be done to the stubborn ones who refuse to yield to correction and persist instead in sin? 1 Corinthians 5:11–13. How can we distinguish loyal from disloyal leaders? Revelation 2:2

 

Note: “Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 71

“Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 147

“If men close their eyes to the testimonies God has been pleased to give, and think it wisdom to walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, it will spoil the church. Such men are not qualified to become either ministers or presidents.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 327

5.b. How will God bless the church after all evils have been removed? Ephesians 5:27

 

Note: “There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation.” Messages to Young People, 133

“Whenever the church at any period have forsaken their sins, and believed and walked in the truth, they have been honored of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 484

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    In what ways do we often neglect to carry out Matthew 18:15–18?

2    What consequences result from a failure to correct evils in the church?

3    What aspects of true leadership do church officers often overlook?

4    Why is discipline a God-given mandate to Christ’s church on earth?

5    What is Satan’s greatest fear regarding the church, and why?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – The Organization of the Church

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October 2 – 8, 2022

Key Text

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 158–165

Introduction

“System and order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God’s people on the earth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 26

Sunday

1 THE CHURCH WAS ORGANIZED

1.a. What did Jesus do during the first part of His earthly ministry? Luke 6:12, 13

 

 

Note: “When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lord’s disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry.” The Desire of Ages, 296

1.b. What commission was given to the disciples—and to us? Matthew 28:18–20

 

 

Note: “To His disciples Christ said, … To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church.” The Desire of Ages, 821

“The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught. That which He had spoken, not only in person, but through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament, is here included. Human teaching is shut out. There is no place for tradition, for man’s theories and conclusions, or for church legislation. No laws ordained by ecclesiastical authority are included in the commission. None of these are Christ’s servants to teach. ‘The law and the prophets,’ with the record of His own words and deeds, are the treasure committed to the disciples to be given to the world.” Ibid., 826

Monday

2 CHURCH GOVERNMENT

2.a. Who has God appointed to facilitate church organization? 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11

 

 

Note: “Let none entertain the thought that we can dispense with organization. It has cost us much study and many prayers for wisdom, that we know God has answered, to erect this structure. It has been built up by His direction, through much sacrifice and conflict. Let none of our brethren be so deceived as to attempt to tear it down, for you will thus bring in a condition of things that you do not dream of. In the name of the Lord I declare to you that it is to stand, strengthened, established, and settled. …

“Angels work harmoniously. Perfect order characterizes all their movements. The more closely we imitate the harmony and order of the angelic host, the more successful will be the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf. If we see no necessity for harmonious action, and are disorderly, undisciplined, and disorganized in our course of action, angels, who are thoroughly organized and move in perfect order, cannot work for us successfully. They turn away in grief, for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction, and disorganization. All who desire the cooperation of the heavenly messengers must work in unison with them. Those who have the unction from on high will in all their efforts encourage order, discipline, and union of action, and then the angels of God can cooperate with them. But never, never will these heavenly messengers place their endorsement upon irregularity, disorganization, and disorder.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 27, 28

2.b. What would be the result if there were no order, system, and organization in the church? 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 4:14

 

Note: “O how Satan would rejoice if he could succeed in his efforts to get in among this [independent-minded] people, and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings, and to refute claims not endorsed by the word of God! We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of organization and order that has been built up by wise, careful labor. License must not be given to disorderly elements that desire to control the work at this time.” Gospel Workers, 487

Tuesday

3 EXAMPLES OF ORDER AND ORGANIZATION

3.a. Describe the experience of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Acts 9:1–6, 10–12

 

Note: “Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independently of His recognized followers on earth. But in the history of the conversion of Saul, important principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. He was brought directly into the presence of Christ. He was one whom Christ intended for a most important work, one who was to be a ‘chosen vessel’ unto Him; yet the Lord did not immediately impart to him the lessons of truth. He arrested his course and convicted him; but when asked by him, ‘What wilt thou have me to do?’ the Saviour placed him in connection with His church, and let them direct him what to do.

“Thus Jesus gave sanction to the authority of His organized church, and placed Saul in connection with His representatives on earth. All blessings flow from Christ, but He had now established a church as His representative on earth, and to it belonged the work of directing the repentant sinner in the way of life.

“Jesus is the friend of sinners; His heart is touched by their woe; He has all power, both in heaven and upon earth; but He respects the means that He has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men; He directs sinners to the church, which He has made a channel of light to the world.” The Review and Herald, March 23, 1911

3.b. Can someone belong to Christ while he or she repudiates the organized church, the body of Christ? Matthew 12:30

 

Note: “Everyone who seeks to do well in his own finite strength, will find his efforts a failure; but those who accept Christ by faith, will find him a personal Saviour. They will enlist in His army … .” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 292

“[I]ndependence of spirit is liable to lead the human agent to have too much confidence in himself and to trust in his own judgment rather than to respect the counsel and highly esteem the judgment of his brethren.” The Acts of the Apostles, 163

“The Lord loves His church. It is not to be disorganized or broken up into independent atoms. There is not the least consistency in this; there is not the least evidence that such a thing will be.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 68, 69

Wednesday

4 DISORDERLY ELEMENTS

4.a. What does the word of God say about persons whom the Lord does not call for the gospel ministry but who push themselves in? Jeremiah 23:21

 

Note: “Those men who are not called of God are generally the very ones that are the most confident that they are so called and that their labors are very important.” Early Writings, 98

“The church should feel their responsibility and should look carefully and attentively at the lives, qualifications, and general course of those who profess to be teachers. If unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them, and that the ‘woe’ is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the duty of the church to act and let it be known that these persons are not acknowledged as teachers by the church. …

“[I]n the apostles’ day the church was in danger of being deceived and imposed upon by false teachers. Therefore the brethren chose men who had given good evidence that they were capable of ruling well their own house and preserving order in their own families, and who could enlighten those who were in darkness. Inquiry was made of God concerning these, and then, according to the mind of the church and the Holy Ghost, they were set apart by the laying on of hands.” Ibid., 100, 101

4.b. What should the church do about those who act divisively independent from the church, the body of Christ? Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10

 

 

Note: “The spirit of pulling away from fellow laborers, the spirit of disorganization, is in the very air we breathe. By some, all efforts to establish order are regarded as dangerous—as a restriction of personal liberty, and hence to be feared as popery. These deceived souls regard it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. …

“Some have advanced the thought that, as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 257, 258

Thursday

5 THE PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION

5.a. Why is organization vital in the church? Ephesians 4:11–16

 

Note: “In order for the work to be carried forward with efficiency, the Lord sent forth His disciples two and two. God has a church, and these churches are organized on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Testimonies to Southern Africa, 7

“As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 26

5.b. What was Paul’s attitude about organization? 1 Corinthians 1:10–13; 14:33, 40

 

Note: “Notwithstanding the fact that Paul was personally taught by God, he had no strained ideas of individual responsibility. While looking to God for direct guidance, he was ever ready to recognize the authority vested in the body of believers united in church fellowship. He felt the need of counsel, and when matters of importance arose, he was glad to lay these before the church and to unite with his brethren in seeking God for wisdom to make right decisions.” The Acts of the Apostles, 200

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What characterizes the doctrinal standard of God’s true church?

2    What contrasts exist between God’s organizational plan and Satan’s ways?

3    What does Saul’s conversion experience teach us about organization?

4    What basic qualifications for ordination should be taken more seriously?

5    In what ways does organization bring blessings to the church?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – God’s Church Today

by

This We Believe (3)

September 25 – October 1, 2022

Key Text

“[B]ut if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

Study Help: Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 15–31

Introduction

“Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church.” Education, 268

Sunday

1 GOD’S MOST PRECIOUS OBJECT ON EARTH

1.a. How does God depict His church? Deuteronomy 32:9, 10; Zechariah 2:8

 

 

Note: “The church is to be the Lord’s light bearer to shine amid the moral darkness of a corrupt and sinful generation. There can be nothing in the world that is so dear to God as His church. Nothing is guarded by Him with such jealous care.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 208

“The church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard. … He comes personally by His Holy Spirit into the midst of His church.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 15

 

1.b. What did Jesus say of His church built upon the Rock? Matthew 16:18

 

 

Note: “The word Peter signifies a stone—a rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon which the church was founded. The gates of hell did prevail against him when he denied his Lord with cursing and swearing. The church was built upon One against whom the gates of hell could not prevail.” The Desire of Ages, 413

“The church … is built on faith in Christ, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18).” Sons and Daughters of God, 77

Monday

2 CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH—A CITY OF REFUGE

2.a. In the Old Testament, what provision was made to save a person who accidentally killed someone? Numbers 35:11–15

 

 

Note: “The cities of refuge appointed for God’s ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful Saviour who appointed those temporal cities of refuge has by the shedding of His own blood provided for the transgressors of God’s law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. No power can take out of His hands the souls that go to Him for pardon.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 516

“As the manslayer was in constant peril until within the city of refuge, so is the transgressor of God’s law exposed to divine wrath until he finds a hiding place in Christ.” The Signs of the Times, January 20, 1881

 

2.b. What are two purposes of the church in these last days? Acts 2:47; Ephesians 4:11–13; Mark 16:15

 

 

Note: “The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people. …

“During ages of spiritual darkness the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders.” The Acts of the Apostles, 11, 12

Tuesday

3 THE CHURCH IS THE FOLD

3.a. To what are the believers compared in the Bible? Psalm 100:3, 4; John 10:16. Where should those who are baptized in Christ be? 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13

 

 

Note: “The church is organized for service; and in a life of service to Christ, connection with the church is one of the first steps. Loyalty to Christ demands the faithful performance of church duties. This is an important part of one’s training; and in a church imbued with the Master’s life, it will lead directly to effort for the world without.” Education, 268, 269

“All who believe are to be gathered into one church.” The Desire of Ages, 821

“The Lord could carry forward His work without our cooperation. He is not dependent on us for our money, our time, or our labor. But the church is very precious in His sight. It is the case which contains His jewels, the fold which encloses His flock, and He longs to see it without spot or blemish or any such things. He yearns after it with unspeakable love.” In Heavenly Places, 324

 

3.b. What is stated in the word of God about the good shepherd and His sheep? Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:10, 11; John 10:11–15. How does the undershepherd function? Luke 15:4–6

 

 

Note: “Jesus is the good Shepherd. His followers are the sheep of His pasture. A shepherd is always with his flock to defend them, to keep them from the wolves, to hunt up the lost sheep and carry them back to the fold.” Lift Him Up, 215

“When the lost sheep was found, it was borne home with joy, and much rejoicing followed. This illustrates the blessed, joyful work of laboring for the erring. The church that engages successfully in this work is a happy church.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 22

“Many are starving for the bread of life, and there is no time for accusing the brethren; rather pray one for another that ye may be healed, and go forth to seek and to save the lost and wandering sheep. Find the erring, discouraged ones by careful, diligent search, and bring them back to the fold.” The Review and Herald, October 24, 1893

Wednesday

4 THE CHURCH IS A GARDEN

4.a. To what plants “planted in the house of God,” is the church compared? Psalms 1:3; 92:12, 13; Jeremiah 17:8

 

 

Note: “In all the Lord’s arrangements there is nothing more beautiful than His plan of giving to men and women a diversity of gifts. … Many have received but a limited religious and intellectual training, but God has a work for this class to do if they will labor in humility, trusting in Him.

“From the endless variety of plants and flowers, we may learn an important lesson. All blossoms are not the same in form or color. Some possess healing virtues. Some are always fragrant. There are professing Christians who think it their duty to make every Christian like themselves. This is man’s plan, not the plan of God. In the church of God there is room for characters as varied as are the flowers in a garden. In His spiritual garden there are many varieties of flowers.” Evangelism, 98, 99

“A garden demands constant labor. The weeds must be removed; new plants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid development must be pruned back. So the Lord works for His garden, so He tends His plants. He cannot take pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of the character of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God’s precious charge. Then how careful should we be not to manifest too much freedom in pulling up the plants that God has placed in His garden! Some plants are so feeble that they have hardly any life, and for these the Lord has a special care.” God’s Amazing Grace, 65

 

4.b. What does the Lord expect from those who are planted in His church? John 15:4, 5, 8, 16; Matthew 7:16–20

 

 

Note: “Just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies which have been biased in a wrong direction are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are changed, new principles of action supplied, and there is a new standard of character. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1080

Thursday

5 THE CHURCH IS A BODY

5.a. Why is the church compared to the human body? 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, 28; Ephesians 4:11, 12, 15, 16; Colossians 1:17, 18, 24

 

 

Note: “By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle [Paul] aptly illustrated the close and harmonious relationship that should exist among all members of the church of Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 317

 

5.b. Who is the head of the church? Colossians 1:18

 

 

Note: “Christ is the head of the church. The members of His body follow the directions of the Head, just as the members of the human body obey the impulses of the mind.” The Review and Herald, July 18, 1882

“The great heart of the work is at _____; and, as the human heart throws its living current of blood into all parts of the body, so does the management at this place, the headquarters of our church, affect the whole body of believers. If the physical heart is healthy, the blood that is sent from it through the system is also healthy; but if this fountain is impure, the whole organism becomes diseased by the poison of the vital fluid. So it is with us. If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 210

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Who is the Rock on which the church is built?

2    Why does God want His servants to become members of His body?

3    In what sense is the church compared to a sheepfold?

4    Describe the variety of gifts in the church.

5    How does the condition of the spiritual heart affect the whole body, the church?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Inspiration – God’s Love for the Church

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I testify to my brethren and sisters that the church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard. While He extends to all the world His invitation to come to Him and be saved, He commissions His angels to render divine help to every soul that cometh to Him in repentance and contrition, and He comes personally by His Holy Spirit into the midst of His church. “If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning.” “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Ministers and all the church, let this be our language, from hearts that respond to the great goodness and love of God to us as a people and to us individually, “Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and forever.” “Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant. For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.” Consider, my brethren and sisters, that the Lord has a people, a chosen people, His church, to be His own, His own fortress, which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted world; and He intended that no authority should be known in it, no laws be acknowledged by it, but His own.

Satan has a large confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of Satan because the members are the children of sin. The members of Satan’s church have been constantly working to cast off the divine law, and confuse the distinction between good and evil. Satan is working with great power in and through the children of disobedience, to exalt treason and apostasy as truth and loyalty. And at this time the power of his satanic inspiration is moving the living agencies to carry out the great rebellion against God that commenced in heaven.

At this time the church is to put on her beautiful garments,—“Christ our righteousness.” There are clear, decided distinctions to be restored and exemplified to the world in holding aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The beauty of holiness is to appear in its native luster in contrast with the deformity and darkness of the disloyal, those who have revolted from the law of God. Thus we acknowledge God, and recognize His law, the foundation of His government in heaven and throughout His earthly dominions. His authority should be kept distinct and plain before the world; and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in collision with the laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of God’s arrangements the world be allowed to influence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is defeated. However specious the pretext, if the church waver here, there is written against her in the books of heaven a betrayal of the most sacred trusts, and treachery to the kingdom of Christ. The church is firmly and decidedly to hold her principles before the whole heavenly universe and the kingdoms of the world; steadfast fidelity in maintaining the honor and sacredness of the law of God will attract the notice and admiration of even the world, and many will, by the good works which they shall behold, be led to glorify our Father in heaven. The loyal and true bear the credentials of heaven, not of earthly potentates. All men shall know who are the disciples of Christ, chosen and faithful, and shall know them when crowned and glorified as those who honored God and whom He has honored, bringing them into possession of an eternal weight of glory. …

The Lord has provided His church with capabilities and blessings, that they may present to the world an image of His own sufficiency, and that His church may be complete in Him, a continual representation of another, even the eternal world, of laws that are higher than earthly laws. His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude, and the angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven, that every stone may be hewed and squared by the divine measurement, and polished to shine as an emblem of heaven, radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The church is to be fed with manna from heaven, and to be kept under the sole guardianship of His grace. Clad in complete armor of light and righteousness, she enters upon her final conflict. The dross, the worthless material, will be consumed, and the influence of the truth testifies to the world of its sanctifying, ennobling character. …

The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God, seraphim and cherubim, the powers commissioned to cooperate with human agencies, look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven.

To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father’s love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only-begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory—Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory. “Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 206–209

Bible Study – God’s Storehouse: His Church

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November 21 – 27, 2021

Key Text

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 9–16.

Introduction

“The church of Christ is very precious in His sight. It is the case which contains His jewels, the fold which encloses His flock.” The Faith I Live By, 280.

Sunday

1 A FOLD FOR CHRIST’S FLOCK

1.a. Why does God have a church on earth? 1 Peter 2:5, 9.

 Note: “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places’ (Ephesians 3:10), the final and full display of the love of God.” The Acts of the Apostles, 9.

1.b. What characteristics are essential in God’s true church? Revelation 14:12; Ephesians 4:4–6.

Note: “We are to unify but not on a platform of error.” Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, 47.

Monday

2 A SAFE HAVEN

2.a. Since only the presence of Christ (John 15:4, 5) in our heart can make us one in the truth, what example of the early disciples should we never forget? Acts 1:13, 14; 2:46; 4:32.

 Note: “These [the twelve apostles] were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their tests, their grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment.” The Desire of Ages, 296.

2.b. What is the Christian’s responsibility regarding the church? 1 Timothy 3:15.

 Note: “Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church.

“The church is organized for service; and in a life of service to Christ, connection with the church is one of the first steps. Loyalty to Christ demands the faithful performance of church duties.” Education, 268, 269.

2.c. What privilege is extended to every member of God’s true church? 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Note: “Preaching is a small part of the work to be done for the salvation of souls. God’s Spirit convicts sinners of the truth, and He places them in the arms of the church. The ministers may do their part, but they can never perform the work that the church should do. God requires His church to nurse those who are young in faith and experience, to go to them, not for the purpose of gossiping with them, but to pray, to speak unto them words that are ‘like apples of gold in pictures of silver’ (Proverbs 25:11).” Evangelism, 352.

Tuesday

3 CALLED TO SERVE

3.a. What duty of the believers is often neglected? Psalm 60:4.

 Note: “In many of our organized churches the banner of truth is trailing in the dust because the members are not doing service to God but are serving their own pleasure. They work through the influences that surround the soul. By precept and example, in self-indulgence, in their worldly habits of dress, in their words and actions, they testify against the truth, against self-denial, against the meekness of Christ. They are cold spiritually, and far separated from Christ. If they followed in the footsteps of Christ, they would be partakers of His self-denial, of His self-sacrifice, that they might lift up and save the souls that are ready to perish.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 173.

3.b. What is the calling of every follower of Christ? 2 Timothy 2:1–4.

Note: “The church of Christ is organized for service. Its watchword is ministry. Its members are soldiers, to be trained for conflict under the Captain of their salvation. Christian ministers, physicians, teachers, have a broader work than many have recognized. They are not only to minister to the people, but to teach them to minister. They should not only give instruction in right principles, but educate their hearers to impart these principles. Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessing can be retained only as it is shared.” The Ministry of Healing, 148, 149.

3.c. What helps to unify the church? Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:1–3.

Note: “Never can the church reach the position that God desires it to reach until it is bound up in sympathy with its missionary workers. Never can the unity for which Christ prayed exist until spirituality is brought into missionary service, and until the church becomes an agency for the support of missions. The efforts of the missionaries will not accomplish what they should until the church members in the home field show, not only in word, but in deed, that they realize the obligation resting on them to give these missionaries their hearty support.” Counsels on Stewardship, 47, 48.

Wednesday

4 GROWING AND DEVELOPING

4.a. How does Inspiration depict the growth and development of the believer and of the church? Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:14–16; 1 Corinthians 3:9–13.

 Note: “God is testing every soul that claims to believe in Him. All are entrusted with talents. The Lord has given men His goods upon which to trade. He has made them His stewards, and has placed in their possession money, houses, and lands. All these are to be regarded as the Lord’s goods and used to advance His work, to build up His kingdom in the world. In trading with the Lord’s goods, we are to seek Him for wisdom, that we may not use His sacred trust to glorify ourselves or to indulge selfish impulses. The amount entrusted varies, but those who have the smallest gifts must not feel that because their talent of means is small, they can do nothing with it.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 245, 246.

“Our work was not sustained by large gifts or legacies; for we have few wealthy men among us. What is the secret of our prosperity? We have moved under the orders of the Captain of our salvation. God has blessed our united efforts. The truth has spread and flourished. Institutions have multiplied. The mustard seed has grown to a great tree. The system of organization has proved a grand success. Systematic benevolence was entered into according to the Bible plan. The body has been ‘compacted by that which every joint supplieth’ (Ephesians 4:16).” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 27.

4.b. What enables talents and funds to be utilized most efficiently among believers? 1 Corinthians 1:10; 14:40. On the other hand, what causes much to be lost among many Sabbath keepers?

 Note: “Oh, how Satan would rejoice to get in among this people and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings and to refute claims not endorsed by the word of God! We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of regulation and order. In this way license shall not be given to disorderly elements to control the work at this time. We are living in a time when order, system, and unity of action are most essential.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 228.

Thursday

5 OPTIMUM SERVICE AND CREDIBILITY

5.a. Describe the condition that must exist among Christ’s followers to ensure success in our missionary endeavors. John 10:16; 13:35; 17:18–23.

 Note: “As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 26.

“[Said the angel,] ‘The church must flee to God’s Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected.’ This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith.” Early Writings, 100.

“Jesus has prayed that His disciples all might be one. … It is through this unity that we are to convince the world of the mission of Christ and bear our divine credentials to the world.” The Review and Herald, March 11, 1890.

“If there have been difficulties brethren and sisters—if envy, malice, bitterness, evil surmisings, have existed, confess these sins, not in a general way, but go to your brethren and sisters personally. Be definite. If you have committed one wrong and they twenty, confess that one as though you were the chief offender. Take them by the hand, let your heart soften under the influence of the Spirit of God, and say, ‘Will you forgive me? I have not felt right toward you. I want to make right every wrong, that naught may stand registered against me in the books of heaven. I must have a clean record.’ Who, think you, would withstand such a movement as this?” Ibid., December 16, 1884.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How can we identify God’s true church?

2    Why is church membership important for the individual believer?

3    In what way may we be in danger of testifying against the truth?

4    Name some factors that will foster unity in the church.

5    How are we to bear our divine credentials to the world?

Copyright 2012, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Knowing the Truth is Not Enough

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Theology is the study of who God is. It’s very important for us to have correct teachings and correct theology. Second Timothy 3:5, 7 tell us there will be a people in the last days who “have a form of godliness but deny its power. And from such people turn away! … always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” First Timothy 2:4 says, “Who [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Solomon said in Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it.” When the angel spoke to Daniel in vision he said, “Now I’ve come to tell you the truth” (Daniel 11:2). It’s very important to know the truth and to have a correct theology, but we are going to see that having true theology is not enough.

If we really want to know the truth about any subject, we must follow the Bible rule found in Isaiah 28 which is precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Here God teaches us that as we study Scripture it should be done by looking at all the scriptures found regarding a subject. If there is confusion regarding a subject, it is essential that we must study all the statements found in Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy.

In 2 Peter 1, Peter tells us that the apostles preached the truth. He also tells us how he knew it was the truth: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain” (verses 16–18). He could say that we know what we are telling you is the truth because we saw it ourselves. We witnessed His majesty and heard the voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

But Peter also says there is evidence even more powerful than their personal witness. “We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophesy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (verses 19–21).

So Peter says that we told you the truth; we know it is the truth; we witnessed His majesty ourselves, but we have evidence even more powerful than what we witnessed on the mount of transfiguration. That evidence, more powerful and more certain, is the word of prophecy. Would that all people could comprehend the certainty of prophecy. Those today who have the truth, study and understand Bible prophecy, especially those relating to the last days.

The book of Daniel was the first inspired book given especially for the last days. Other prophets spoke for their own time, but their prophesies also applied to the end of time. It is good to study the prophesies as they were applied historically, but we especially need to study them as they apply to the last days. In addition to the inspired writings in the book of Daniel, the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation where he documented what he was shown regarding the very last days of earth’s history.

The truth involves judgment. Romans 2:2 says, “We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things [those things mentioned in Romans 1].” Verse 8: “To those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath.” Notice, the truth involves judgment. Romans 3:4: “Let God be true but every man a liar.” Revelation 19:11: “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.”

Over 20 years ago Pastor Ron Spear shared the following Spirit of Prophecy statement with me and I am still awed by it today: “We want to understand the time in which we live. We do not half understand it. We do not half take it in. My heart trembles in me when I think of what a foe we have to meet, and how poorly we are prepared to meet him. The trials of the children of Israel, and their attitude just before the first coming of Christ, have been presented before me again and again to illustrate the position of the people of God in their experience before the second coming of Christ—how the enemy sought every occasion to take control of the minds of the Jews, and today he is seeking to blind the minds of God’s servants, that they may not be able to discern the precious truth.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 406.

“We don’t understand” she says. We don’t know what’s going on. Consider this: When a person is deceived, do they know that they are deceived? No. If they knew, then they wouldn’t be deceived. “Satan’s snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid for the children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the land of Canaan. We are repeating the history of that people.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 160.

Why is it not enough to have the truth? We read in Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” These are people who have the truth, but who don’t live the truth. It is not enough to just know the truth.

This was the problem with the Jewish people in the time of Christ. Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 23:2: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.” Most people in Jesus’ time went to the synagogue where the Scriptures were read to them during the worship services.

During the middle ages, Christian churches might have scriptoriums. A person at the front of the room would read a verse to 30 or more people who would then write what they heard. In this way copies of the Bible were produced. However, with 30 different people in the room all writing what was being read, the possibility that someone might misspell a word or say “that” instead of “which” resulted in variations from one transcript to another. In fact, that is why there are approximately 200,000 variations of the New Testament today. The making of books before the printing press was laborious, time consuming, and very expensive, but you can depend on what you read in your Bible as being the truth.

But when Jesus was talking to the people in Matthew 23, information primarily was received by listening to what was said in the church. When Jesus said, “They sit in Moses’ seat,” He meant they were being taught the law and about the prophets. Notice what He says in verse 3, first part: “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do” because they’re telling you what Moses and the prophets said. “But do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (verse 3, last part). Did they have the truth? Yes, they possessed the truth, but their lives and their church were not in harmony with that truth.

The apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:2–4, “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste [pure] virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted.”

There is a great deception depicted in these texts. The person is preaching Jesus, but it is another Jesus. There is more than one Jesus being preached in the world today. There are millions of Christians praying every day asking the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit upon them, but if a person is living in sin and asks to receive the Holy Spirit they have placed themselves in a very dangerous position, because they could receive a spirit and could believe that they have been filled with the Holy Spirit, but it is the wrong spirit.

Jesus warned us that this would happen in the last days. We read in Matthew 7:21, 22: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders [that is, powerful works or miracles] in Your name?’ ” How were they able to prophesy, cast out demons and work miracles? Because they had a spirit that they believed was the Holy Spirit, but Jesus says to them, “Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness [iniquity]’ ” (verse 23)!

These people believe they have received the Holy Spirit and they prove it by doing these marvelous things, but it is the wrong spirit. When Jesus comes, He will say, “You are not loyal subjects of My kingdom. You have not kept the laws of My kingdom. I do not know you.” No matter how many times I repeat these verses in Matthew 7, my mind still cannot take it in. You really believe that you are filled with the Holy Spirit, but when Jesus comes and you say, “Lord, I know that I’m saved,” He says, “I do not know you.” Probation is closed. It’s too late to be saved. Think of the shock for these people, but according to Jesus, this will happen to many people.

Let’s consider the Jews as we continue to study the concept of it not being enough just to have true theology. The Jews thought of themselves as the only chosen of God and they had a few beliefs that supported this idea:

  1. Their church organization was inspired
  2. They idolized their church organization
  3. Their organizational policies were inspired
  4. Their church organization would never fall

The Jews considered their church organization to be inspired because the Sanhedrin was made up of 70 people and they believed this could be proven based on Numbers 11:16, 17. These scriptures say: “So the Lord said to Moses: ‘Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.’ ” Continuing in verses 24 and 25 the Bible says, “So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord, and he gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle. Then the Lord came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again.” Some manuscripts read, “They prophesied and did not cease.”

If the Spirit of God came down upon these 70 leaders in Israel, was it inspired? Yes, it was. Hundreds of years before Christ’s time, they had appointed 70 men to lead their nation and called them the Sanhedrin. This was done because the Lord said this was how His church was to be organized. So they believed their church organization was inspired. But it is not enough to just know the truth; it must be practiced.

Concerning this problem Stephen said, you “have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it” (Acts 7:53). Truth without practice is worthless. First Peter 1:22 says, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.” Ellen White quotes this text over and over throughout her writings.

Next, they made a god of their church organization. Their church organization was centered in the temple, and the temple became an idol more important to them than the God of the temple. One of the main reasons they sought to crucify Jesus had to do with His attitude toward the temple. In Mark 14:58 the false witness accused Jesus of saying, “ ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” They felt the same way about the apostle Paul and wanted to kill him, too. They said of him, “Crying out, ‘Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place [the temple]; and furthermore He also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place’ ” (Acts 21:28).

When you make a god of something, whatever it is, it has to be removed if you are going to be saved. Because they had made a god of their church organization, it would have to be destroyed. Matthew 23:38 says, “See! Your house is left to you desolate.” In The Adventist Apocalypse, Ellen White made the statement that all of Matthew 24 will have a fulfillment in the last days. Notice what it says in Matthew 24:1, 2: “Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’ ”

Third, because they believed their church organization was inspired and that the Sanhedrin was inspired, it was very logical for them to believe their policies also were divinely inspired. The Jews established many arbitrary policies and these policies were said to be divinely inspired. This, however, was very deceptive. While they could read right out of the Old Testament that the policy was inspired, they added words to inspiration, and the average person could not figure out where inspiration ended and the words of their arbitrary policies began.

The Desire of Ages, 398, tells us, “The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error. …

“In place of the authority of the so-called fathers of the church, God bids us accept the word of the eternal Father, the Lord of heaven and earth. Here alone is truth unmixed with error. … Let all who accept human authority, the customs of the church, or the traditions of the fathers, take heed to the warning conveyed in the words of Christ, ‘In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men’ (Matthew 15:9).”

Finally, believing their church organization and their policies were inspired and that they were the true church chosen by God, the Jews came to believe their church organization would never fall. Ellen White says in Christ’s Object Lessons, 294, “The Jewish people cherished the idea that they were the favorites of heaven, and that they were always to be exalted as the church of God. They were the children of Abraham, they declared, and so firm did the foundation of their prosperity seem to them that they defied earth and heaven to dispossess them[selves] of their rights. But by lives of unfaithfulness they were preparing for the condemnation of heaven and for separation from God.”

Today we have an identical problem. People are writing books that say, “Our church organization will never fall. I can prove it from Letter 55, 1886.” There’s a sentence in that Letter that says, “The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.”

The problem is that most people don’t read the entire letter. Let me share a couple of sentences from Letter 55 that you never hear ministers quote: “All the policy in the world cannot save us from a terrible sifting, and all the efforts made with high authorities will not lift from us the scourging of God, just because sin is cherished. If as a people [that is, as a church] we do not keep ourselves in the faith and not only advocate with pen and voice the commandments of God, but keep them every one, not violating a single precept knowingly, then weakness and ruin will come upon us.”

There are several problems with the prediction that church organization will never fall. The most important one is that few people have studied out the difference between the true church and the professed church. The true church has never fallen and will never fall. Not in the time of Enoch or Noah, Elijah or during the Babylonian captivity. Not during the days of John the Baptist, Nero, Diocletian, Constantine, Theodosius or Pope Innocent III or in the days of William Miller; yet the professed church was almost totally destroyed at each of these times in history.

Another problem has to do with the message to the church of Philadelphia. This message must be carefully studied because this is the only church of the seven churches of Revelation that is promised divine protection during the time of trouble (Revelation 3:10).

A third problem is that people don’t seem to realize that God doesn’t need the Seventh-day Adventist Church organization to finish His work. In fact, He doesn’t even need the Free Seventh-day Adventists, the Historic Adventists, the Reform Seventh-day Adventists or any other Adventist groups. For instance, Ellen White says in Notebook Leaflets vol. 1, 62, “If His people [that is, God’s people] will not follow in His way, the Lord will employ heathen princes to do His will.” God is able to finish His work just fine without any of us if He must. We must never feel that God has to use us; that is what the Jews thought. They believed that their church organization and policies were divinely inspired and that made them His true people who would go through to the end. Thus they expected all Christians to work with them and follow their policies. And because Jesus did not do that, they rejected and crucified Him. We must be careful in our day not to become like the Jews.

Remember what we read at the beginning. Ellen White said that God had shown her over and over that the attitude and problems that existed just before Jesus’ first coming would also exist just before the second coming. They rejected the Messiah because He was not in harmony with their church organization and policies. The word Jesus used in the New Testament to refer to what the Jews believed were divinely inspired policies was the word tradition. Ellen White calls them arbitrary rules. Another word is customs.

We all have customs that we follow: the time Sabbath School begins, the order for church service, how communion is conducted, how long the preacher can preach. We have so many customs that we’ve observed for so long that we don’t even consider them customs anymore.

The Jews said that because their church organization and policies were inspired, all Christians had to work with them and if they didn’t, they weren’t following the Lord. We see this same attitude in the Adventist Church today. Interestingly, around 1303 A.D. the Pope made a pronouncement that if you were going to be in the kingdom of heaven you needed to be connected with their church organization, otherwise you wouldn’t be in heaven. Many Adventists also believe that way.

Pastor Rafael Perez was in South America preaching, holding revival meetings. A Seventh-day Adventist lady came to him with tears rolling down her cheeks. When he asked her what was the matter, her reply was that she wanted to attend the revival meetings, but she had been told that if she did, she would be disfellowshipped. And if she was disfellowshipped, how could she go to the kingdom of heaven?

I have found people today who will not take part in any kind of evangelism or other soul-winning work unless it is connected to the church organization. Let me ask you, has God ordained self-supporting work or any work done by individuals if it is not connected to the church organization? It’s something to investigate: precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.

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

Question – Bind on Earth…

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Question:

What did Jesus mean by the terms “bind on earth” and “loose on earth”?

Answer:

“ ‘Verily I say unto you,’ Christ continued, ‘whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven’ (Matthew 18:18).

“This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ’s stead. It is God’s instrumenatality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s word will be ratified in heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 263.

“Peter declared, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (Matthew 16:16). He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation. …

“Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church’s faith, and Jesus now honored him as the representative of the whole body of believers. He said, ‘I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven’ (verse 19). …

“The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually. At a later time, repeating the words that were spoken to Peter, He applied them directly to the church. And the same in substance was spoken also to the twelve as representatives of the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any special authority to one of the disciples above the others, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest. They would have submitted to the wish of their Master, and honored the one whom He had chosen.” The Desire of Ages, 412–414.